Yellow Belt Thrust Punches

I practice the basic thrust punch of Kisae a lot. It has real significance for me. It isn't my only weapon nor is it 'the best weapon I've got'.

None the less, it has real significance for me and I derive real satisfaction from its practice.

Without prejudice

Yellow Belt Primary Blocks

The primary 'slap ' blocks from Kisae are designed as part of draw. The whole point is to get my attacker to commit to a punch to my head or upper torso (solar plexus height or above).

After he punches, I hit his arm. This serves two purposes. I deflect his blow, thus saving me and I am now in a good place to strike him in the head or body before he can strike again.

Without prejudice

Yellow Belt Stances

Today I am demonstrating the most basic stances from Kisae. The forward bow, the front cat, the leading horse and the side cat.

I learned that, "stances were designed to amount to a fluid movement..."...Literally they were pauses in stepping.

I practice them with that thought in mind.

Without prejudice

Free Sparring 2

Sometimes, a bit of lighthearted play can allow new moves to be thrown into the mix. As long as trust and respect flow both ways, this is possible.

Without prejudice

Free sparring 1

In Kisae Kempo, there are two important things to keep in mind about free sparing.

Free sparing is not ‘fighting’; it is an exercise that teaches me the importance of unpredictability. Anything can (and usually does) happen.

The other thing that free sparing teaches me is that any bad habits that have crept into my training become readily apparent.

Without prejudice

'Sticky Hands 2'

‘Sticky hands’ teaches me distance appreciation, balance and focus. Anytime I lose any of these, the results are readily apparent.

Without prejudice

'Sticky Hands 1'

I find the practice of ‘sticky hands’ to be an excellent method of developing sensitivity at close range.

Without prejudice