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