Twin Dragons Kenpo Karate

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICAN KENPO KARATE
Following are a few characteristics that make American Kenpo Karate unique among the other fighting arts.
American Kenpo is not limited to one fighting range. The traditional fighting arts fall within basically four different fighting ranges (Kicking, Punching, Trapping and Grappling). These ranges are briefly discussed below. Kicking Range. In this range you are outside the other three ranges. You are not close enough to punch, trap or grab, but you are close enough to kick. A very popular form of martial art in the U.S. (Tae Kwan Do) falls within this fighting range. Tae Kwan Do practitioners also use punches, traps and grabs, but they incorporate kicks about 80 percent of the time. Defend yourself inside of the Tae Kwan Doist kicking range. They will want to push you away because they are too uncomfortable in close. They like their space and much prefer the kicking range. Punching Range. In this range you are inside the kicking range and outside the punching and grabbing ranges. American Boxing falls within this range. Either stay outside the puncher or use traps and grabs to prevent them from striking you. Trapping Range. This is a very combative fighting range. In this range traps are used to get a punch or a grab in. Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do fall within this range. Bruce Lee popularized these styles in the U.S.. A Trapper is highly sensitive to hand and arm movements. Stay outside of the Trapper's range. Grappling Range. This range incorporates grabs, chokes and holds. Judo, Wrestling and Jujitsu fall within this range. The main goal of a Grappler is to make you submit. However joints could be dislocated, bones could be broken or death could occur by choking. A Grappler is most effective against a single opponent, because his total focus is on one person. When one on one, stay outside of the Grappler's range. American Kenpo does not fall distinctly within one of these four ranges. Although all forms of martial arts provide some value in terms of self defense, they are not very practical. There are no rules on the street. An attacker may use kicks, punches, chokes, clubs, knives, etc.. One must be able to defend oneself against all forms of attacks. There are basically 8 different types of attacks (Grabs and Tackles, Pushes, Punches, Kicks, Holds and Hugs, Chokes and Locks, Weapons, and Multiple Attacks). The American Kenpoist, over time, and by applying the universal concepts and principles taught within American Kenpo, is fully prepared to protect him or herself against these various attacks. American Kenpo fits within our current cultural environment. Traditional forms of martial arts were created many years ago, in a different culture, at a different time, in a different environment. Over the years, the meanings of the forms (katas) have been lost, the methods of training have become obsolete, and the application of the techniques have become impractical. Yet, many of these forms and techniques are still taught today. Although all martial arts have oriental roots, American Kenpo was created to fit within our current cultural environment. It is a logical, practical and highly structured form of martial art that systematically prepares the student for defense against attacks found in our current day and age. American Kenpo teaches universal concepts and principles of motion In the traditional fighting arts blocks, kicks, punches, stances, foot and body maneuvers are taught in a specific way without deviation. Students are not encouraged to question or modify their movements. The problem with this is, what works for the instructor, may not work for the student, because physical body structures and abilities are different. In American Kenpo, concepts and principles of motion are taught and can be applied to any situation. In addition, students are encouraged to evaluate and analyze their own and their opponents movements as well as their environment using logical and practical thinking. In this way the American Kenpoist can apply a defense that will work best for them. Concepts, principles and theories. In our opinion, this is what makes American Kenpo truly unique. While the other martial arts styles primarily teach technique, the American Kenpoist knows, that as one understands concepts, principles and theories, techniques become secondary.

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UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICAN KENPO KARATE