Horizontal Forehand Knifehand

This strike is like the forehand ridgehand I demonstrated a couple of days ago.

The main difference is that this strike uses the edge of the knifehand and originates from temple.

Without prejudice

Diagonal Overhand Forehand Knifehand

I find that the sort of strikes I have practiced all week do not work well in sparring but are great when applied as follow ups in self defense training.

This one goes right into the angle where the neck and shoulder meet kind of like its ridgehand cousin that I demonstrated on December 26 2010.

Without prejudice

Overhand Forehand Knifehand

I usually apply this strike against the bridge of the nose of my attacker.

There are a variety of ways to apply this powerful stroke but this one works best for me.

Without prejudice

Underhand Forehand Ridgehand

This ridgehand travels slightly angled upward.

Other than that, the strike is very similar to yesterdays’ technique.

As I said earlier, I am always careful to hold my arm properly so as not to hyper extend (and injure) my elbow).

Without prejudice

Horizontal Forehand Ridgehand

This strike is similar to the one I did yesterday.

The main difference is that this one travels in a flat horizontal arc (not an angled one).

Still, I make it a point to be careful not to hyper extend the elbow when working the bag.

Without prejudice

Overhand Forehand Ridgehand Swing

This week I’m practicing the so-called ‘Big Swings’ of Kisae Kempo.

I am always careful to hold my arm properly so as not to hyper extend (and injure) my elbow).

All of these make great follow up strikes against an attacker that is monetarily at arms length.

I usually block first or strike first and then I’ll go for a big swing.

Without prejudice

Shift Away Offset Kick with the Instep

When I shift away to kick, I shift my torso as one unit. I also make sure to turn my support foot to the outside.

The shift away kick must be light and quick yet firm and focused.

Without prejudice

Shift Forward Offset Kick with the Instep

When executing this technique, I go through a front crane to an ‘offset crane’ before kicking.

This is done to make the kick as indistinguishable from a front kick as possible.

Both the slide in kick and the shift forward kick are done at kicking range. Therefore I remember that if I am close enough to hit someone who is my height, they may be close to hit me.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with the Instep

This is similar to the front kick.

It has only a slightly different angle.

This angle makes it an excellent choice for a variety of targets that are not accessible to the front snap kick with the instep.

As I said earlier, the instep is comprised of many tiny bones and even with diligent practice, injuries may occur. I keep my foot tight and my kicks both low and light.

There are even schools that advocate only kicking with the bottom of the foot (all and heel, etc.). There is a lot of sense to that type of thinking too. I will explore that concept later.

Without prejudice

Shift Away Front Snap Kick with the Instep

This kick starts at punching range.

I shift all my weight to my back leg and kick.

This should not be used on a rusher.

It works as a fine follow up on someone who is standing and swinging (for instance).

Without prejudice

Shift Forward Front Snap Kick with the Instep

This is very similar to what I did yesterday.

Both are done from the same distance and both use the front snap kick.

The main difference is that today I am kicking with the rear leg.

All I have to do is twist my lead foot slightly toward the outside as I raise my rear leg to a kicking position (also known as ‘the front crane’).

I keep my core firm and my weight centered.

The shift forward kick is actually quicker than the slide in kick.

However, I have found that the slide in kick gives a surer sense of balance to me.

Without prejudice

Slide in Front Kick with Instep

I start this technique while I’m in range.

I keep my core firm and my weight on the balls of my feet.

I step in, raise my knee and snap the top of my foot through the bottom of the bag.

The whole action is light, crisp and smooth.

Speed and power are simply by products of focus and form.

Warning: The instep is comprised of many tiny bones and even with diligent practice, injuries may occur.

I keep my foot tight and my kicks both low and light.

Without prejudice

Hooking Fore Elbow to the Body

To me, this is similar to a hook punch but I have to be a bit closer to actually make it work.

Again, my striking arm is bent tight and held back against my body. My core is tight and wedged slightly out (like I’m taking a punch to the body).

It whips around in a short sharp arc to the side of my attacker’s body.

Without prejudice

Thrusting Fore Elbow to the Body

My striking arm actually rubs the side of my body on its way out to the target.

I make sure not to scrape my elbow point on the bag. To me, this is a penetrating thrust designed to cause serious damage to a dangerous attacker.

On the other hand, it is only effective when used close up and personal.

Without prejudice

Rising Fore Elbow to the Body

When I practice this against a bag I’m careful to aim through.

I don’t scrape the elbow point.

Instead I aim at a point about solar plexus height and I drive through.

I always to make sure my abdominal core is tight and slightly pushed out just before I make contact. This adds both power and speed to all of my strikes.

Without prejudice

Horizontal Hook Punch to the Body

A ‘horizontal’ hook, also known as a ‘true hook’ runs perpendicular to the uppercut punch to the body (as I showed a couple of days ago).

Again, I prefer to use a standing fist. Tight gut, short whip and good follow through make this strike a powerful infighting tool.

Without prejudice

Angled Hook Punch to the Body

This is similar to a true hook but the angle is shallower because my striking arm is closer to my body (hence the name ‘angled’ hook).

In both my angled hook and my true hook I prefer to use a standing fist. It is just easier for me to align my fist, wrist and forearm.

Without prejudice

Uppercut punch to the Body

This is literally a half punch. I’m half as far away as I would be for a full punch.

I extend my arm half as far out making this mostly a torso muscle driven punch.

On the other hand, the uppercut to the body is a devastating strike when it lands. A good uppercut sets up lots of opportunities for continued follow up counterattacks.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Angled Block with Counter Punch

This drill is kind of an exception to the rule of simultaneous doubles. I block across my body first. It is only after the block has crossed my body that my counter punch begins.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Crossdownward Block with Counter Punch

Today I’m practicing a basic defense against a straight left punch to the body.

I drop my left hand down on top of the incoming attack as I counter punch high to his face.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Mantis Block with Counter Punch

This time I have both hands held high.

The attack is a straight right punch to the body.

I drop my left down on his incoming right as I counter to his face.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Outside Palm Block with Counter Punch

This drill is practiced against a quick left jab.

Therefore my blocking arm must already be in position.

If I have to raise my arm up to ‘get ready to block’; I’ll be too late.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Inside Block with Counter Punch

This is similar to yesterdays drill.

Instead of a rising block I’m using an inside hooking block.

The idea is to draw out my attacker’s straight right punch to my face.

I hit both his attacking limb and his body at the same time.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Rising Block with Counter Punch

This week I’m practicing a stationary simultaneous block with counter punch.

The block is executed at the same time as the counter punch.

Without prejudice

High Punch and Same Limb Angled Block

I punch to the face only to have to defend the opposite side of my body against a looping punch to the ribs.

Without prejudice

High Punch and Same Limb Crossdownward Block

Again, I punch high but this time my attacker counters to my solar plexus. I block with a Crossdownward block.

Without prejudice

High Punch and Same Limb Mantis Block

Today I punch my opponent in the eye only to have them counter to my body. I defend with the same limb using a mantis block.

Without prejudice

Body Punch and Same Limb Outside Palm Block

In this drill I’m using blocks instead of parries of upper body avoidances.

This week it is all about striking the head or torso of my attacker and defending against their counter.

Today it’s about striking the body and guarding my face.

Without prejudice

Body Punch and Same Limb Inside Hooking Block

This is very similar to yesterday’s drill.

The main difference is that I’m using an inside hooking block to knock the attack to the side.

In both cases, my punch is low inviting an attack to my face. It doesn’t have to be done this way. I can punch high and block high.

Without prejudice

Body Punch and Same Limb Rising Block

The whole idea is to make the block (or strike to my attacker’s arm) as effective and easy to use as my punch to his body is.

Without prejudice

Angled Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

I am withdrawing straight back out of an attack only when I’m sure my attacker is down.

For those times when he is still standing, I will disengage at an angle.

Without prejudice

Crossdownward Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

Performing the most basic of defenses slowly until they are a reflex is a time consuming business. By adding follow-ups like the lunging fore elbow and a speedy withdrawal; I keep my interest up.

Enthusiasm in training is an absolute must. I would rather spend only five minutes doing this stuff with all my heart than two hours with a careless attitude.

Without prejudice

Mantis Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

I have usually practiced most of my techniques from a forward facing position. Defending against an attack from the side or rear is somewhat different.

Mostly, I prefer to face trouble. When that is not possible, there are always answers but I’ll cover them at another time. This week is about drills that come from the front while I’m in neutral.

Without prejudice

Outside Palm Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

Another thing that I found difficult was the draw. In theory, I’m giving my attacker an opening. I know he is going to punch and my defense is ready.

The reality is that my defenses worked in a bow but not in neutral. I had to relearn them from that stance in order to make them work.

Without prejudice

Inside Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

Nov 22 2010

Inside Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

Practicing blocks and strikes from neutral is not as easy as it looks. I find it easy to let my weight slide back onto my heels. Distance can be thrown off. The whole concept that neutral is a stance every bit as important as a horse or a bow took a long time to sink in. It took a lot of practice.

I’m still working on executing two man techniques out of it.

Without prejudice

Rising Block and Counter Punch from Neutral

This week I’m demonstrating defense drills done starting from neutral.

Neutral is where I’m standing with my feet parallel to one another about shoulder width apart.

I block and punch from neutral because I don’t have the time to get set up in any other stance.

I’ve also added both a follow-up lunging fore elbow and a speedy withdrawal.

Without prejudice

Same Side Angled Block and Counter Punch

This is very similar to yesterday’s defense drill.

The main difference is that the attacker is swinging the punch in on a bit of an angle.

The block must travel to the outside a bit in order to meet it.

Without prejudice

Same side Crossdownward Block and Counter Punch

This is one of those defenses that works well against either hand.

In this case I prefer to use it against my attackers lead arm.

Without prejudice

Same Side Mantis Block and Counter Punch

I could easily say ‘And Then’ counter. The point of doing this drill is to attack the attacking limb before I attack the head or torso.

There is a definite pause between the two moves.

Without prejudice

Same Side Outside Palm Block and Counter Punch

I use this when my blocking arm is already up.

Generally, I find it works best for me when I go left against left.

However, I can easily use it against either arm.

Without prejudice

Same Arm Inside Hooking Block and Counter Punch

This is against a straight punch to the face.

I simply knock the inside of the attacking punch off to the side before counter punching.

Without Prejudice

Same Arm Rising Block and Counter Punch

This week I’m demonstrating a variation on the exercises I was doing a couple of weeks ago.

They all fall under the heading of Block and counter. There is a definite one, two rhythm to this defence.

This drill is also based on the idea that the defender can see the attack coming and is both willing and able to handle it effectively.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Spin Kick Follow-up

This is very similar to the spin backfist follow-up. The distance is different but the hazard to the kicker remains.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Opposite Leg Kick

Not as fast as yesterday’s combination. It has the advantage of being more powerful.

There is a moment between the kicks when the kicker is vulnerable. Care should be taken that the one being kicked is not able to launch a counter attack at that moment.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Same Leg Follow-up

This is one of the fastest combinations there is. Just like doubling up on the jab (only with a kick).

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Spin Backfist Follow-up

This is a flashy technique that looks good.

Helps develop balance, rhythm, speed and the distance has to be adjusted too.

However, the kicker’s back is exposed (however briefly) and this makes this a more dangerous combination (to the kicker) than other combinations.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Opposite Side Punch

This is a slight variation on yesterday’s combination.

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick with Same Side Punch

This week I’m practising slide in offset kicks with same side punch follow ups. These are very similar to what I was doing with my front kick follow ups a few weeks ago.

The idea is to kick low and punch high. It’s based on the idea of the attacker staying put for the initial kick.

Without prejudice

Angled Block and Counter Punch

Come down on an angle against the shovel hook before counter punching.

A straight downward block won’t always protect against it.

Without prejudice

Crossdownward Palm Block and Counter Punch

Back Dated for Nov 4 2010

Crossdownward Palm Block and Counter Punch

I use this primarily against a straight left punch to the solar plexus.

It is pretty much the same as yesterday.

The only real difference is that the punch is done with the left hand.

Another major exception is the block is down instead of to the side.

Without prejudice

Mantis Block and Counter Punch

For the last three days of this week I’m defending my mid torso.
He is going after the area of my spleen, solar plexus or liver.

Today I block a hard right punch to my left torso.
I keep my hands high in this instant to draw his punch low.
Then I counter punch after.

Without prejudice

Outside Palm Block and Counter Punch

Again today’s defence combination drill is done against a punch to the face.

In this defence my blocking hand is both up and it is open.
The whole idea is that an attacker is snapping his (her) jab quickly.
I don’t have a lot of time here so having my hand up to begin with is vital.

I haven’t mentioned much about the concept of ‘drawing an attack’.
The most basic idea is that I give an identifiable attacker a target.
When they attempt to attack that target, I’m ready with a defence and counter punch.

It is vital that a counter punch follow the block.
The whole point of this drill is to make staying safe a reflex.
A counter punch is the obvious follow-up to the defence.
The counter punch is used to deter the attacker from punching repeatedly.

This is a drill.
This drill is designed to build confidence in combining a defence with a counter punch.
This drill is designed to build speed, power, rhythm...
All that good stuff I might need if push goes to shove.

But...

It would likely be applied differently against a hostile attacker.




Without prejudice

Inside Hooking Block and Counter Punch

This is very similar to what I was doing yesterday.
The main difference is that I’m blocking the attack off to the side.
This would work better if the attack were a bit lower on the face.

Some people call these blocks ‘slap’ blocks; that is as good a name as any.
The block should feel like nothing to the blocker.
It is the attacker who should feel the shock and pain of the block.

It took me a long time to learn to just flick out my arm.
To just slap an attacking fist to the side went against the grain.
And once I got the idea, it still requires constant practice.
I find blocking is a high maintenance activity.
Constant solo drills and constant two man drills are an absolute for me.

Without prejudice

Rising Block and Counter Punch

This week I’m going to be reviewing some very basic defenses.
They will be basic lead arm block and rear arm counter punch combinations.
Draw an attack, block the attack and counter punch after.

Today I’m defending against an overhand punch to the face.

In this drill:
I know the attacker is going to punch once.
I have pretty good idea where.
My arms are low to draw the attack.
I execute a stationary rising block against incoming attack.
And THEN I torque my hips into my counter punch (with my rear arm).

The timing in this drill is critical.
It has a basic one-two rhythm.
I literally perform this drill with a pause between block and counter.

This is absolutely different that moving while blocking.
It is also absolutely different than simultaneously blocking and countering.

Without prejudice

Rolling Punches

This is another drill from the old school.

Once again, I have added hip torque.

Those who practice other styles might notice I also use wider stances.

These are both matters of personal preference.

Without prejudice

Alternate High, Low, Centre Coordination Drill

Pretty much the same as yesterday except the fist is vertical.

Oh…And the targets have changed.

Without prejudice

High, Low Centre Thrust Coordination Drill

This is another good solid coordination drill.

It improves my ability to punch fast, hard and repeatedly.

I have added hip torque to these punches.

That was a matter of personal preference.

Going to different targets is just icing on the cake.

I regard this as a drill, not an application.

Without prejudice

Classic High Low Centre Block Coordination Drill

This is a good solid blocking drill.

It improves speed, coordination and an ability to guard different targets.

Tightening my core allows me to push harder.

When I was younger, this wasn’t such an issue…

Without prejudice

Outside Forearm Block Coordination Drill

This is very similar to the drill I did yesterday.

Only today, I’m using a forehand block instead of a backhand block.

Without prejudice

Inside Hooking block Coordination Drill

Oct 24 2010

Inside Hooking block Coordination Drill

This week I’m demonstrating stationary coordination drills.

Today I’m practising with an Inside Hooking Block.

I prefer to start slow and gradually work on increasing the speed.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by a spin back kick

This combination is effective when my attacker moves away from the initial kick.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by an opposite leg front kick

Alternating the legs for two front kicks can be a surprising move.

However, it is the switch that makes the difference.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by another front kick with the same leg.

This combination is an easy one to land if m opponent stands his ground.

It is a couple of light quick kicks in succession.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by a spinning backfist

This is nothing but a flashy technique. If used against a timid attacker, it will be fine.

Against a confident and aggressive opponent, I wouldn’t recommend it.

On the other hand, it is an interesting series of techniques to string together. The rhythm and flow are a bit of a challenge. Especially when done with another person.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by an opposite side punch

This is very similar to what I did yesterday.

However, I find this to be a bit slower.

I also find it to be a bit more dangerous as the use of opposite side limbs leaves me more vulnerable than if I were to use the same side for both punch and kick.

Without prejudice

Front kick followed by same side punch

This combination works when my opponent stays as I kick. I use my opponent’s reaction to my kick to land the jab.

I find the change in my target from lower abdomen to face an effective tactic.

I also use the change in rhythm from a kick to a punch to be a surprising move that often allows me to land the jab against a blocker or a slugger.

Without prejudice

A flurry of punches

I have to be careful when I punch because I have a tendency to drop my hands when working the heavy bag. Oddly enough I haven’t done this when sparring or during two man drills. Perhaps it’s the presence of another person that helps keep me sharp.

There are times when practicing a flurry of punches is an interesting activity. The first punch (the jab) is a quick move that doesn’t require any hip torque. It is the second and third punches that drive home with body torque power. It is this rhythm that I work on as much as anything.

Without prejudice

Jab Hook

The left jab followed by a short step in and a left hook is another effective combination that allows the puncher to use the jab effectively.

Now I have trained for a while and my fists are quite hard so I don’t use bag gloves as often as I once did. However, I do use them and I encourage my students to, as well.

Without prejudice

Jab Cross

Although I have blogged about heavy bag work for several days (and will for several more), I actually prefer Haslets (?) idea that heavy bag work should be done no more than ONCE a week. Otherwise I notice I have a tendency to slow down and push the bag instead of snapping my punches out crisply.

The lead jab followed by a rear cross punch is one of several basic combinations I like to practice when performing bag work. The jab performs several important functions like measuring distance, distracting the opponent, forcing him (or her) to react and the like.

All these things allow my read hand cross punch to land more effectively after the jab has done its work.

While I try to make the jab a powerful punch that damages an attacker all by itself, I also work on flowing smoothly from the quick jab into the more powerful cross. I find the smooth flow from one punch to the other is vital for the use of this combination.

Without prejudice

Doubling up on the Jab

One of the ways I practice my jab is to double up on it, literally, to throw two jabs in a row.

Sometimes the first is a real strike and sometimes it’s a fake. In either case the point is to make the other guy react to it.

There are many ways my opponent might react to the jab but they all have something in common; the other guy must react.

This also applies to taking the punch. Simply taking the punch (known as ‘eating it’), forces the other guy to take the time to ‘eat it’. This gives me the time necessary to land a harder shot.

There are many other combinations off of the jab but I find that doubling up on it a necessary basic tactic.

Without prejudice

Drilling the Jab with ‘Catch Me If You Can’

The exercise called ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is demonstrated at YouTube.

It has a lot of benefits but it is much harder to execute properly than it looks.

Both parties call out that they are ready. It is a case of speed, range and a lack of pre-movement.

Done correctly, the drill teaches the puncher to punch fast, hard, in range and without a wind up.


Without prejudice

The Jab and The Slide In Front Kick

I think it was John Lennon who said, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.”

That is accurate enough and in this case but I’ve dealt with the life part. It’s time to get back into the swing of things. To that end, I’m going to be posting a short journal every day from now on until Christmas Day when I’ll break for the holidays.

Today (at YouTube) I posted a very short demonstration of me executing a jab and a slide in front kick. I put a great deal of emphasis on these two techniques, especially when teaching beginners. Both techniques, when properly done, have real power. However, they are mostly used to set up other more powerful strikes. The jab and the slide in front kick have a way of making any opponent react defensively.

Someone once remarked, "A good left jab can be a boy's best friend."

A girl's too...

Without prejudice

Unpredictability

The importance of unpredictability cannot be underestimated. Unpredictability is the one thing that will let the practitioner know how good their reflexes are.


I once had a student who was so surprised at his sudden upsurge in his ability to block an unrehearsed series of attacks that he quipped, “I’m possessed!”


Prearranged drills and basics certainly have their place. They build confidence and abilities that I will be covering in detail over the coming months.


However, an active and unrehearsed sparring exercise has the ability to shine a harsh and very clear light on how well one performs under hostile pressure.


Therefore, free sparring has a vital place in a well balanced curriculum. I’d even go so far as to say it is a kind of measuring device that lets the practitioner keep their confidence up but not to an unrealistic level.


Without Prejudice

Daily Traing

I was online reading an article by Steve Pavlina where he describes self-discipline as, ‘the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of your emotional state.’

He goes into some depth on the subject and it’s an interesting article but the basis of it is stated here (taking action regardless of your emotional state).


I thought that was both so common sense and so interesting that I decided to repeat it here.


Daily training is as much about self-discipline as it is about inspiration. The simple tasks I complete during the course of my daily training improve my abilities in both the short term and over the long haul.


I have found that being inspired can be a hit or miss thing. Having the self-discipline to train whether I’m inspired or not builds a confidence in me that allows me to take greater advantage of those times when I feel inspired.

I have also found that upon those occasions that I have been forced to call upon my skills, a daily routine keeps them sharp.


Without prejudice

Prearranged Drills: The Importance of the Attacker

Prearranged Drills: The Importance of the Attacker

When I started training, I wanted to be the ‘Heroic Defender’ when practising prearranged drills. The concept that the attacker was a vital part of the proceedings eluded me for a long time.

What I finally came to understand was that a quick, powerful and intelligent attack in training will promote a similar response. The better the attack is, the better the defence will be.

On the other hand, an attack that has no passion, force or justification behind it promotes an equally lazy defence. As long as one trains to defend against third rate attackers, a sloppy defence may or may not work.

For myself, I prefer a more stringent approach. This means I train an attack as much as I train a defence. It means I need to know the timing and force necessary to make the attack work. I need to move slowly, at first and gradually build speed and power. As my attack improves, so should my defence.

I also need to know why someone would behave in such a reprehensible way. The usual reasons are greed, rage, drug addiction, a criminal mind set, insanity, mistaken identity, etc. However, what is most relevant is that a street attacker is utterly willing to inflict damage. Reasoning with such an individual is not usually possible. This leaves only conflict and/or evasion.

In Kisae Kempo (as in many other arts) the principle of justification plays a huge role. The principle is this (in a nut shell). A person will fight only as long and as hard as they personally feel they have the right and the ability to.

In terms of an attack, while I will not initiate an assault, I must be aware of how others could or would do so. I train my defences with this in mind. This part is more mental than physical. Being alert to danger gives one time to respond. Being confident that one can handle a dangerous situation shows in posture and body language.

Without prejudice

Prearranged Drills

Prearranged Drills

This essay is concerned with only one third of the overall training regimen of Kisae Kempo.


Prearrange may be defined as, ‘to plan in advance.’ Drills may be, ‘the constant repetition of a set pattern of movements.’


(For the purposes of this essay, I’m referring to two man stuff even though the principles apply to multi attacker drills, as well.)


In Kisae Kempo (and many other arts too), prearranged drills are those Martial Arts activities that allow the participants to start slowly, gently and gradually increase both power and speed (without damaging their partner). Both sides know what is to be done, when and where these things will occur, etc.


One phrase there bears repeating because it is often the most misunderstood. ‘Without damaging their partner’ means that the partner will be able to try again. It also means that there is neither hero nor villain in these drills. Both sides are of vital importance and both attacker and defender should be roles that can be taken on by either participant.

Prearranged drills eventually allow either participant to exert themselves with full power and speed, repeatedly. Done correctly, this series of drills builds ability and confidence.


At the same time that these drills are a safe method of applying skills there is also a paradox present. Prearranged drills should be challenging. There should be a feeling of danger and the realization that an incorrect movement may result in damage. Without this challenge, the drills are likely to become much less effective.

Without prejudice

Through Not To

When I was a beginner, all the punches and kicks I learned were to the other guy. Every once in a while someone would get hit but they were few and far between.


All the attacks and defences for beginners were based on that concept. They were to the point of contact not through to the point of finish.


Little by little I learned that a serious strike (or kick) goes through an opponent. The difference between the point of contact and the point of finish is about three inches.


That change in distance made all the difference. My concept of techniques and tactics changed dramatically. Suddenly I could land powerful strikes and my confidence rose proportionately.

p.s. I train in a no contact system these days. I save my full power for the heavy bag and focus mitts. When training two man stuff, I am always aware that a partner is much too precious to risk damaging.

We Won!

YAHOO!!!

14 Gold Medals

7 Silver Medals

5 Bronze Medals

To All Our Olympic Athletes, Coaches and Support Staff:

Well Done!

Three Categories and Kisae Kempo

Like most forms of Kempo/Kenpo, Kisae Kempo has three main categories.
These three categories are Basics, Prearranged Drills and Freesparring.

Basics are about developing confidence to strike, kicks, block and step.
They come in various forms such as individual techniques, sets of techniques, and forms.

Prearranged Drills may also be called ‘Self-Defense’ techniques. In Kisae they are trained to develop a willingness to defend oneself with full speed and power.

Freesparring is used to develop the ability to effectively adapt to the unpredictable and ever changing environment of unrehearsed personal conflict.

In some ways, freesparring may be thought of as a twisted game of tag that uses Basics done at half power and less than full speed. Full power and speed are reserved for Prearranged Drills.

Without prejudice

Superior Blocking

When I was a beginner in the martial arts; I blocking was both painful and ineffective. I just couldn't get the hang of it. The idea of having an airtight defence was pretty cool. The idea of being totally in control just escaped me.

After years of instruction and more years of practice, I realize something. I was trying way too hard.

Here is a video of two guys practising something called 'sticky hands'. This video shows an excellent example of the guy on the right having total control and confidence. It works for me.




Without prejudice

Training and Exercise

January 10 2010

Training and Exercise


I first trained in the martial arts for self defense. At that time my teachers believed that beginners shouldn’t be hit. Once a beginner had developed a certain skill, something called ‘light contact’ would be introduced. After a student had progressed passed a certain level, they would be hitting and allow themselves to be hit harder and harder.

The thinking was that hitting and being hit, being fit and being aggressive would develop a confident and competent fighter.


That was the theory…


What actually transpired was different.


When I started, there was almost no contact. My first exposure to Kempo was really cool. I can still see Mr. Leishman drill Ms. Berizan in the reverse roundhouse kick. The free sparring was exciting and the sessions very intense. I’d often leave the studio exhausted.

At that time, training and exercise were indistinguishable.

As time passed, I was sure I could defend myself and there was no question as to my fitness level. The level of contact progressed and I was willing to hit and even be hit.


It came as quite a shock when I got mugged. Suddenly, all my training was gone and I escaped from the situation more by luck than skill.

That shook me to my core that did. So I went back to the school and trained even harder.


After I had progressed even further, life happened and I changed provinces and thus, schools. The new school was very different. There, training in the skill of martial arts was different than being physically fit.

The teacher who ran things then was a big man. Not heavy but tall and filled out. He was friendly yet demanding. I tried hard to learn everything he had to offer. He had a profound influence on me. The concept that sparring and fighting were nearly indistinguishable came mostly from him.


I found I was dividing my time between fitness activities like running, resistance training and stretching and the Martial Arts.


My teachers changed as my training progressed and one day I found myself free sparring with this tiny little pot bellied fellow. I was at the top of my game. He was just coming off a four year hiatus.

He kicked my ass…No way to color that as anything other than an ass whupping.

So I started training with him. When he started back, he could not have cared less about the fitness level of his students. I was lucky enough to learn from him at that time.


As the years have passed, I found I had to go my own way. I realized that fighting and sparring are two different concepts. Fighting is a much more complex activity and can have a longer lasting negative impact. Fighting is also a much shorter activity. A fight can be over very quickly. Even the reasons a fight takes place are different from free sparring. Basically, the demands of fighting and the demands of free sparring are two different (yet similar) sets of demands.

Something else I learned. For me, the twin concepts of training and fitness do complement each other. They are, however, both different from each other too.


Without prejudice

Welcome

January 08 2009
Hello and Welcome to my blog.

My Nic

‘MrE2Me2’ literally means – Mystery to Me Too- as in, it’s a mystery to me too that I didn’t end up dead or incarcerated. My nic comes from the fact that I took terrible risks when I was younger and I was lucky enough to have survived them.

In real Time

I have trained in the Martial Arts since I was a child. I have trained in Kempo (in one form or another) since I was a young man.

My Art

Kisae means: ‘Keep It Simple and Effective’
Kempo means: Way or Law of the Fist


K.I.S.A.E. Kempo is a hybrid art. It is primarily a striking art. There are three primary categories that Kisae is comprised of. These would be basics, free sparring and prearranged two man drills.

Basics include punching, kicking, stepping and blocking; the building blocks of my art.

Free sparring includes several types of very light unrehearsed combative activity. There is the usual practice combat between two participants. I have also included Wing Chun sticky hand drills here as they are also unrehearsed.

Prearranged two man drills are just that. Both practitioners know what is going. They know when it is coming and where. This is also where resistance and full power may be applied in a safer and saner manner.

Each category has both technical and tactical knowledge.

It should be noted

I have nothing against grappling. In fact, if I have any say in the matter, I will not be touched, grabbed, throw or in any way grappled with. I believe that to be grabbed can be every bit as dangerous as hitting.

On the Net

This isn’t my first foray on the net. I used to have a ‘yahoo’ website’ until they shut down that part of their service. I do have a site a ‘YouTube’ and I’m an administrator at a forum called Moh Kempo Martial Arts, it’s mainly dedicated to practitioners and former practitioners of a form of Kempo called Moh.

MrE2Me2 at YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrE2Me2

MrE2Me2 at the forum called ‘Moh Kempo Martial Arts’
http://templekungforum.14.forumer.com/

Without prejudice