Do Kenpo Techniques Work? | ART OF ONE DOJO

Do Kenpo techniques work? In this excerpt from the "Learning Kenpo Karate" Live stream, we talk about how Kenpo Karate techniques should be broken down and learned for maximum effectiveness.
See the rest of the LiveStream here! • American Kenpo Karate ...
◼️𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧! ◼
(exclusive episodes, behind the scenes, seminars)
◽️ Patreon: / artofonedojo
◽️ KZbin Memberships: / @artofonedojo
Video Production by Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc.
www.F2BPro.com
#Kenpo
#Kenpokarate
#Kenpotechniques

[@sthelenskungfu]

I always make the analogy to language: basics are the letters, techniques are the words, forms are sample sentences, sparring is a conversation.

[@gldsmith61]

I heard Ed Parker say the same thing

[@sthelenskungfu]

@@johnwick9765 In the system I was taught, a basic involved one part of your body (your stance, your hand position, circling inward or outward with an arm, etc) and a technique combined several of these into one to five movements. So, for example, if I were to tell you to step forward into a bow stance with a hanging block with your left and and a reverse punch with your right hand, that's a one move technique that combines four basics: stepping forward, bow stance, hanging block, and reverse punch. Point of suggestion: YOU not understudying something does not make it stupid. Questions are not arguments. If you have questions about something, that's fine, but to say, "I don't understand it so it's stupid" is a very close minded, self-centered, and ignorant view of the world in general. I don't understand you, but I would not thereby conclude that you are stupid.

[@sthelenskungfu]

@@johnwick9765 I'm sorry that you're not up to thinking. I'd rather not get my brain rattled. Maybe you should have taken Kung Fu where we learn to defend ourselves so that we don't get brain damage. Yes, it requires thinking, but maybe before getting their brain rattled one is up to that.

[@sthelenskungfu]

@@johnwick9765 By that logic, why train at all? You're right, when you get into the fight, you're not thinking about this or that, which is why it needs to be thought out in advance. I've been in my fair share of fights. Unlike you, I don't feel the need to come online and put people down. In general, I prefer to lift people up. I've always seen it as a sure sign of cowardice when someone has to come online to find people to put down. If you had any courage to go with that feeling of superiority, you'd do it in person. I'm not the one that came here and started putting people down. That's on you.

[@gldsmith61]

@@johnwick9765 He does not know because he did not come up with that, he heard it some where and just said it because it made him sound smart.

[@blockmasterscott]

Kenpo techniques also work with the aspect that after a few years of practicing those techniques, your muscle memory is so ingrained that your hand speed increases by several magnitudes. Seriously, your hands get REALLY fast.

[@DonaldSchnell]

Re-grafting and extensions come together! Thank you for your channel! Very grateful!

[@additive8924]

I come from a kempo background ( different branch of the same family tree ). This video reminds me of how my instructor used to teach what he called oops techniques. When you got proficient enough with your basic techniques he would start to teach you what to do when things didn't go according to plan. Sometimes you start with one technique and finish with another. Sometimes you start with one technique and have to make it up as you went along. Same concept, different teaching method. I love this video, keep up the good work.

[@Shadowhawk827]

That's the ultimate idea of learning Kenpo Techniques. Eventually structured technique evolves into brutally effective freeform as you understand the body mechanics and targets behind each technique.

[@goyneser1]

Brilliantly Explained. Thank You 👑🤩🫡🔑🎧🫵🏾📚

[@fijiunlimited4503]

Awesome Kenpo breakdown and an awesome shirt as well!

[@warrenman1919]

Excellent explanation of theory of technique vs application of technique. Thank you for posting

[@howardbrooks5548]

Excellent video. Lego analogy is dead on.

[@danskarate997]

i was watching a video of sashca williams explaining kenpo and spontineity, i really admire the theory and academics of kenpo. so many martial arts just do the training but understand no mechanics of the mind.

[@kavika7313]

I'm not a Kenpo practitioner but from what I have researched it is an effective transition art into other techniques. I think it also has effective striking techniques.

[@mrmachine5632]

research harder

[@hancehinerman8099]

Love this video sir! Thank you for your explanations 🙇🏼‍♂️🥋🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@camiloiribarren1450]

Oh this is great to go over this because techniques are applied differently. I love this. Suggestion, an idea for your Chinese martial arts list: Bajiquan, the Chinese art of 8 points

[@caoimhghinomoran6965]

I've had multiple students attack me fairly hard and my training works

[@kohelet2446]

Perfectly explained!

[@ajshiro3957]

I've noticed with the self defenses we do, unintentionally, i've learned techniques we don't practice solo. Like choke holds and different grips.

[@jamesrafael6794]

Self defense is supposed to be between a learned defender and an untrained thug. Combat sports is usually an agreed duel between trained athletes with rules. Now thats a very big difference.

[@Shadowhawk827]

HONEST truth... It really depends upon the student and instructor. IF the technique is taught properly with the body targets and strike reactions explained, etc... as opposed to just slap fighting for fear of a lawsuit OR a school dumbing things down to keep students, then YES, Kenpo works well with enough practice.

[@familiepetersen531]

Hey Dan ! I really like your content. Loads of stuff lately. Everything spot on interesting. Kempo Jitsu greetings from Potsdam/Germany!

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Thank you! We have a lot more content on the way! :)

[@nytrodralyg1860]

I recently used the entirety of Five Swords as a boxing combination in kickboxing sparring. Outward Hammerfist - Straight - Uppercut - Outward Hammerfist - Inward Hammerfist. It worked really well and I hit really well especially with the final strike. I have definetly found different ways to adapt and apply kempo techniques in both striking and grappling sparring. So I did manage to do that, but I'd still wish that kempo itself had more actual techniques for facing trained fighters, not only street thugs, that can be directly applied into sparring with less needed modification.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Yes! This! You used the sequence as a blueprint to your own adaptation and application. THAT is what the techniques are supposed to be. I too, have used Five Swords in a very similar way you described, but it was against a round kick (or a spinning hook, I honestly forget).

[@nytrodralyg1860]

@@ArtofOneDojo Yesterday in Kickboxing I applied Thundering Hammers and a Freestyle Technique (Kick, Trap and Punch). I also used Thundering Hammers offensively by trapping the opponent's lead arm with a side parry and going in with a simultaneous punch to the body (instead of groin strike), then I connected with both hammerfists. Of course the last one went to the side of the head and not the back. I was really surprised. I managed to do it so many times!!! And I am not even a Kempoist, I just learned some moves from a friend and the internet! Love it!

[@214warzone]

if i thought Kenpo was useless, I wouldn't watch this channel :P . Savat also has Mirror images of certain combinations, even if your opponent keeps the same stance. For example, a lead kick to the groin becomes a lead kick to the knee when I switch my stance and the other guy doesn't..

[@thewannabemartialartist4613]

This was a good topic to cover. In my martial arts school we practice techniques in 2 ways. 1- demonstration to show that we can actually perform the techniques properly. 2- application to show that we understand how to utilize the techniques in a real manner. People see martial arts as choreograpged dances or whatever and assume that's how we actually fight, and although true for some schools there are others like my own that we are taught to adapt and flow with the situation. So self defense 1s block can be used along with self defense 10s strike or whatever the situation may call for

[@fijiunlimited4503]

🔥 shirt And good breakdown of how Kenpo becomes second-nature /fluid.

[@1683clifton]

I'd love to see a young parker "clone" if you will use it all. In the octogon.

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

Love the shirt!

[@jessicabrandt1478]

Love you shirt here. 👕

[@evilxmetalband6532]

I say yes in their most basic techniques. A few things seem silly like a middle knuckle rake.I love to watch the great technicians such as Jeff Speakman,Larry Tatum and Tim Bulot.I practice a more stripped down basic version created by Master Chuck Sullivan. I REALLY love this channel.i practice Kenpo but many other karate styles also.great job!!!

[@followingfist6]

@5:40 I think the problem with Kenpo is the idea phase too. I think I have a remedy for it. That is, the dummy or the opponent. The dummy/opponent must 1. respond correctly to being hit. Don't leave your arm out there because that's what fighters DO NOT DO. 2. The dummy/opponent should punch/kick/reach (shoot & takedown) as if they've been property trained to do so. These people are commonly known as MMA students. Since they do this often, then we should be adjusting Kenpo toward these types of movements. This will make demos more believable, more in real time! Sijo Steve Sanders (BKf) teaching says YOU must remember .....YOU are fighting another fighter! U see, old vid's of step through and punch (with front leg out there isn't always what it is) nor is it a good look today via training videos. That punch is is to be understood that it's either a jab, a cross (the leg is back), or a bent arm lapel grab. Trust me people, that stuff is oft times a surprise attack. Now, although they claim to be a mixed base (muy Thai, grappling and boxing) art, MMA training has shown us how street people respond to traditional arts. I tell people all the time, you'll find these same concepts in Kenpo, if you were really in Kenpo. You'll see the same universal movements in everybody's art, stand up or ground. The names are different by position and application and of their geographical language. That's it! When one starts to develop in MA, you'll see that we're all congruent to each other. All expressions are like scriptures, from a MOTHER BOOK. They all have a place, in time and according to what the individual mind has been trained to see, the person will speak a language accordingly. BUT, if the instructor and student aren't moving ON TIME, then how are we to defend Kenpo as not being a slap art? They've adapted. Why aren't we adapting? Many outside of a fighting science, have had more street fights than some of us have had in the dojo. IF Kenpo is supposed to be a street fighting art, then even our vanilla techniques should look "street - like". Go figure, if grapplers have a (go-to) list of street defense techniques because of "common" attacks and effectiveness. Then we should have that too. Keeping in mind that, the uncommon thing done by someone would most likely be done because of their athleticism. Notwithstanding your linear and your circle in accordance with distance, economy of motion is the seal to movement. This, you don't see much in MMA striking, (if I had a bone to pick with their teaching). I hope to posts vids on this context in the near future. Till next time, conquer your weakness within.

[@bw5020]

I find it weird that many people used to joke kenpo when kenpo dominated the 90s and even had some pretty high combat sport representation for a little while. They say you fight the way you train, but I feel like that is used more often to invalidate then actually pay attention to people adapting to the fight. It's as you said, some techniques are going to be more useful than others in a pressure test circumstance. People are going to do what makes sense for them in a situations that they are in. If it's being taught, chances are it works, or there is a place for it to fit as a solution to a hostile problem

[@BeldarTheBrave42]

There are so many self defense techniques in Kenpo. My branch has hundreds and many of them have variations. I believe that some of them are so good that they could definitely be used as they are. Others are more of a "moral of the story" type of deal. They impart some sort of defensive or body mechanics knowledge that might not be directly effective in every case. Contrast that with a simple but very clean technique, for example the one my branch calls Lever. It's a low level orange belt technique, but I think that it is absolutely usable.

[@clickityclack7217]

Awesome shirt 😀

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Haha, thanks! One of our viewers sent it to me. Thanks Samantha!!!

[@alejandrotorves6483]

Here in 🇻🇪 there is a problem that many kenpo dojos teach mostly point fighting, a problem that has years, so you have black belts that dont know anything about the techs, and even some of those who know them, dont teach them right, or just plain think that they are just "unrealistic" and teach them in a half-assed manner.

[@skeletonfilms3650]

Have you been to wonder valley kenpo camp its pretty interesting

[@denismorgan9742]

I have always thought kempo jui jitsui, aiki jui jitsui and kodakan jui jitsui should be as one and streamlined.

[@thedudeabides3058]

Yes!

[@complexblackness]

Why hasn't anyone from the Kenpo, Kajukenbo, TMA world done what the Gracies have? That is compile a list of the most used Techniques from their respective art, based on practitioners using them in self defense situations. GJJ has over 600 techniques, but the Gracie Academy teaches what the 36 most used ones? Every time I ask a Kajukenbo/Kenpo practitioner who say they've been in fights (Cop, Bouncer, Self defense), what techniques or parts of a technique they used. They can never give a straight answer (Except one so far). Either you used a technique or elements of it or not. I mean if you claim to have been in fights, you should know what you did in those fights. Even if its basic kicks, a parry, a throw, etc. I've used side kicks, a thai clinch, etc in the fights I've been in. It's really not that hard to remember. Makes me wonder about some of these Practitioners with high degree belts and GM titles.

[@PhilipAJones]

I think the thing with Kenpo is, people with different body types may use different techniques more often than others.

[@yeslad9149]

@@PhilipAJones same thing goes for literally any martial art or combat sport, for instance people with long legs will have it easier to put someone in a triangle choke while someone with shorter arms might be more effective with kimura grips in BJJ/MMA. And yet there are a bunch if long people with good armbars and short people with killer triangles. The difference is basically that the type of sparring in combat sports is MUUUUCH more effective than sparring in TMAs, when you can train a technique at 100% resistance and 100% intent to land it eventually you will make it work, but if all you do is theorize and punch the air, thats exactly what your techniques will become... mostly just a theory...

[@tjl4688]

Combatives graduate here; yes the white belt curriculum is the 36 most commonly used GJJ techniques (plus variations). The rest of the 600 moves (eg, the more sport-relevant stuff) is taught afterwards.

[@thedudeabides3058]

Kenpo is a great training system but then u have to break out of it...a lot of wasted motion with the big arm motions u always see

[@markwinslow1423]

I've had to use my kajukenbo in self defense a couple of times so the short answer is yes.

[@complexblackness]

Did you use any of the punch counters or grab arts?

[@markwinslow1423]

@@complexblackness practical application you don't use routines. You use techniques in reaction to the threat. Once attacked by a baseball bat. Jam/Block/counter.

[@markwinslow2449]

@@complexblackness I’ve used grab arts a few times although one it was actually one of my old wrestling techniques

[@CombatSelfDefense]

I think Kenpo techniques are beautiful and do contain a lot of - obviously - effective fighting principles. Where I think the problem lies is in overly deconstructing/analyzing movements as though they are variables in an equation. I.E "in technique #1, I do A-B-C-D, but if he does X, then I will sub out B for D and do A-D-C-B, so on and so forth" While this can be a fun exercise for its own sake, and valuable to the martial artist studying their craft, I don't think it's beneficial for the person who wants to learn to fight (for sport) or for self defense.

[@jedijudoka]

Agreed. Training that way instills patterns in reaction to a given attack instead of reacting spontaneously as needed. I feel it’s better to Showcase a technique to demonstrate the principles therein, and then begin applying it to light sparring right away.

[@MrRabiddogg]

It is beneficial if you think about it this way. All great war plans end after the first bullet is fired. In Kenpo, Parker's idea was to make the techniques as fluid as possible in case the technique in class isn't going to work properly as taught. As he said in the video. first we practice the ideal situation in the air to learn the technique. Then we practice the ideal situation with a live partner. Then, at least in the schools I have been in, the live partner is allowed to improvise so we are forced to improvise back. It's not full sparring, but close to it.

[@tom8181]

Yes they do. Some of my favorites are punching face with fist and kicking with feet in not nice places but always try to make peace

[@JerryNelson828]

Yes they work.

[@AyeJordan7]

How?😂

[@ArtofOneDojo]

You keep asking this, and I've answered it. We've talked about it extensive on the channel. I've used them in real life, plenty of my classmates too. My instructor worked as a bouncer and it worked well for him. If you know how to study Kenpo properly with an instructor that understands it's more than memorizing sequences, then there is value to be learned.

[@Scotty_Does_Know]

Speakman's 5.0 adapted some bjj and it blends well with offensive striking on the feet.

[@jedijudoka]

Eh, as a bjj blue belt, I advise against training grappling in that way. You’re better off training your Kenpo and bjj separately.

[@Scotty_Does_Know]

@@jedijudoka been meaning to Join Jeff Speakman's 5.0 because he personally teaches in my town, met him when I took my daughter there, great guy. From what I read about 5.0 its kinda of like yellow belt bjj skills, with enough to anticipate moves and sprawl to feet, first and foremost to utilize kenpo's standing attacks against practitioners that have some bjj training. For others that may engage you with no training, it teaches modified takedown and chokes that utilize aggressive non sport based ground attacks. Granted a bjj black belt would be better in tournament based bjj but 5.0 from what I understand is mostly extra knowledge about some bjj not expert technicians in that martial art. Def for what it is, seems like its pretty good.😁

[@assoverteakettle]

I think katas and forms are similar to drills in BJJ and boxing/kickboxing/muay Thai. They represent an ideal of how a technique should be executed. They also represent the techniques in the system sort of like a catalog. However, they are not meant to be replicated exactly in a real life situation. You can go to your kickboxing class and learn a complicated combo: jab, cross, switch kick, right elbow, clinch, right knee, left knee, roundhouse but is the purpose to memorize that sequence? Is there ever going to be an opportunity to apply those techniques in exact sequence and to use that exact complicated combo? No, that opportunity may never come up in a live spar or match. The real purpose of the combos is to learn how to throw the techniques properly and feel how one movement flows into the next (unloading your weight after the left hook to throw a right roundhouse) . Furthermore, it will rarely look as clean as when doing drills and padwork. How often do we see a textbook right hook in an MMA match? Rarely. How often do we see a wild swinging overhand haymaker right in MMA? Often. We practice and drill for the ideal, but settle for the practical and what works for the situation. I think that's the same case with 108 movement forms and katas in traditional martial arts. They are not meant to be replicated verbatim. They are an ideal and encompasses techniques of the system but it's not meant to be applied in its idealistic form in a real live situation against a resisting opponent. It's like blues music. The beginner learns how to read music and follow the notes and play chords with lots of musical scale exercises, but the master learns to improvise and make up the music on the fly based on the notes and chords he learned and memorized and may never follow the same sequence or play that same improv ever again.

[@thedudeabides3058]

I'd have to say you have to make a effort to put power in the strikes(digging energy) because the speed of kenpo tends to take away from that...then you have the slap artist situation...so for me that means the footwork has to be more compressed and explosive than what is taught. Kenpo wants explosive hands but with clunky footwork meaning the footwork doesn't seem as alive or dynamic as some Silat styles for example

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I have to disagree with this. Kenpo (done properly) does not sacrifice power for speed. The speed comes from utilizing point of origin and economy of motion, and compounding moves together to decrease the time and effort needed for strikes. But Kenpo strikes can be incredibly powerful. Anyone who's ever felt the hands of Jeff Speakman, Larry Tatum, Paul Mills, or Ed Parker himself, can attest to this.

[@jedijudoka]

In my experience, anything that is not practiced against an unwilling partner cannot be expected to work against a real assailant. Regardless of what it is. Also, I personally always thought the 3 phase system was inefficient. I think it would probably work better if a technique is shown in ideal phase at start of class, drill it a bit, then start applying it immediately to light live sparring, or right into the formulative phase. Address what if’s in real time.

[@mrmachine5632]

Kenpo is the only the techniques you can use in live sparring, NOTHING ELSE

[@BD90..]

I don't think they can be applied on untrained people either. I have tried to train with people who don't know the technique and you end up having to tell them how to attack you which is not realistic. Maybe...if you constantly train unexpected attacks and try to apply the techniques that way.....with the person not just stand still after one jab or hook then maybe we can train these things to work. But I have yet to come across a school doing this. My most hated Kenpo techniques are the Ram techniques.

[@alejandrotorves6483]

I am a purple belt, but I can tell you that when I train, I can tell someone to throw improvised punches at me and I use blocks and movements that I have learned from the techniques. The hand sword is one of the most constant motion that I use, checking the face mostly, besides the grabs and other stuff.

[@jedijudoka]

This was my experience. I got my black belt from a 2nd generation Ed Parker black belt. Had a friendly sparring match with a kickboxer and lost all my faith in kenpo. Not enough kenpo schools move past the first phase of a technique, or they focus too much on kata, or only point spar. Kenpo schools need to step it up. you need to practice against a near full force partner if you want to have any clue what it’s like against a real attacker. And if you can’t make it work there, knowing you’re under attack from your partner, how do you ever hope to handle a surprise attack from a real assailant.

[@frankcolwell3593]

Hey Dan how bout u do video on kuk sool won think it b interesting

[@tjl4688]

The moves themselves aren't useless, my problem is the structured mini-kata "techniques". Those are just an extra unnecessary step for students that prevents them from taking the individual moves and applying them reflexively.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

This video is an excerpt from a much longer live discussion, which goes into the topic much further. There is a link to that live stream in the video description :)

[@carlosdeleon7475]

I guess a Kenpo technique can work, then again maybe it won't. But, the concepts that the techniques teach will always work weather you are a kenpoist or boxer or weight lifter or construction worker. The concepts are physics, plain and simple. So as far as a Kenpo technique working it may or may not, but gravity, inertia, and all the stuff about every action has an opposite and equal reaction will remain true. And these are the things that are truly ment to be mastered in Kenpo. Kenpo also helps you learn how you naturally surcome to these forces. They give you a few tools to fill in the motion. And that is about it. The rest is in the taming and understanding of these physical elements. This is Kenpo techniques. Can a Kenpo technique work? When no to can defend, aye. Ain't that what mr miyagi said. A haymaker could knock someone out, unless....

[@carlosdeleon7475]

Grand Master Ed Parker taught my late instructor, Brad Whitlow. Mr Whitlow also had Filipino martial arts training along with Kung Fu law enforcement and a whole life of real world experience. Just in case y'all wonder where my 2 cents come from.

[@christopherspohn8071]

So, i have met jeff speakman and now i am old and getting fat started looking into Jeff's style of kenpo. I have a question the curriculum in kenpo karate, i get that technique is verried but assume system of kenpo regardless of style is same structure to education and practice. Style in my mind being when a person's name is used before or after name of system.

[@jamealjordon1376]

Being floored by a low kyu Kenpo-ist? Kenshi? Kenpo Karateka? Uhh, yeah. Yeah they work. Quite well in fact.

[@tagg1080]

Dan we have talked about this before, but I will reiterate... no other skill based sport uses the kenpo's method of extensive and not actually applicable scenarios... AND most schools don't even actually teach anything of substance, they just play slap-slap games and use big words. So even if their method was followed from basics to sparring, it has no real evidence it works (when we have plenty of styles that have working teaching models...) AND most schools don't even actually teach it. It is a failed experiment, and I struggle to understand why so many still cling to it.

[@Docinaplane]

If you study the history of Tracy's Kenpo, their sales system was revolutionary. At one point, Tracy's Kanpo had over 259 schools in the US. More than any other system. Their sales system was based on Arthur Murry's Dance studios and run by the same man for a while. If you were lucky, you studied at one of them that had a very good martial artist who was hired by Tracy's to run it like I was. My Tracy's instructor was trained to 3rd Dan (at a time when Sandan was a very high rank) by a man with a BB under Mas Oyama but switched to Kang Duk Won (West Coast, US) because he liked that better than Kyokushin. It doesn't get any more substantial than that. Today, well, things have changed and some systems have adapted, some have not.

[@tagg1080]

@@Docinaplane ... and none of them produced notable fighters... my point exactly... =)

[@Docinaplane]

@@tagg1080 Joe Lewis and Ray Klingenberg fought for Tracy's. Ray won many championships and Joe Lewis is arguably the best ever for his time. This is a different time.

[@tagg1080]

@@Docinaplane You just said they had the most schools in the entire US, and named 2 people that were good fighters... Joe Lewis didn't learn from tracy, tracy hired him to run is competition team. So out of "Tracy's Kanpo had over 259 schools in the US. More than any other system", and we get one fighter that is notable? Again, I remind the class that this 'revolutionary' method of teaching has never been proven effective.

[@Docinaplane]

@@tagg1080 What is your style and training? What's your definition of effective? Tracy's made a $hitload of money, lol

[@biggyles9550]

What kenpo do u do ed parker or trays

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I started in Tracy Kenpo for a couple of years and then we switched to Ed Parker Kenpo. I've done that the most but also did a few years of Jeff Speakman Kenpo 5.0.

[@biggyles9550]

@@ArtofOneDojo love you video you and your family have a merry Christmas and happy new year

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Thank you, you as well!!!

[@TheSuperGringo]

Most of the techniques we use in self-defense, wouldn't be allowed in sparring. Imagine if we allowed groin kicks and eye gouges in sparring.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Oh sure they can. Maybe not eyes, but we allow groin kicking when we spar. That's what cups are for. Most things CAN be done in sparring with the right safety precautions and control.

[@TheSuperGringo]

@@ArtofOneDojo A lot of schools don't, and I think they need to, if they're going to teach self-defense. I get the liability thing, but this ain't ballet.

[@KeepItFresh02]

I never got to use any kenpo. I have had all of my instructors tell stories of situations that happened to them, and they used kenpo moves/variations of techniques with much success. I did encounter a group of guys on top of this mountain in my city one night around 11pm. My car ran out of gas, I was trying to start it and the group came over to my car and I got out. One of them said "your car not starting? you run out of gas?" I said "yeah". The guy said "you know we could rob you". I had my car door still open, it may have even been the back door open and I remember saying with so much confidence, kinda cocky arrogance and said "you can try" as I glanced over to where I had my escrima sticks, in the backseat. I was fresh off a relationship breakup and the energy in me was absolutely sizzling. They woulda been dead for sure if they fucked with me.

[@thedudeabides3058]

That's when you que the I Got the Power song and go full Speakman on them...

[@CarlosPerez-em3wu]

See I have a question. If its all karate, like the Karate nerd so abruptly put it. Why cant their be a codified, unified, and universal teaching method. I mean, the martial arts are all about building a better version of yourself. Its about self improvement. If you want to learn karate in a dojo you have to show prove youve been doing 6 months of boxing, 6 months of muai thai, and are fit and in shape. You are getting there already in shape not to mention that you would already have a better understanding and are better able to cover some of the limitations in Karate.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Excellent question, and the hard answer is, humans aren't always a unified collective. Some people learn by listening, others by seeing, others by feeling. When you have the same general idea (combat/self defense) but originating from multiple parts of the world, with different environmental conditions, cultures, laws, competitions, politics...and even from different times...you're going to see a massive variation in the most basic threads. It's really hard to establish one way for everyone to do it. If it were that easy, we'd all be in agreement on religion, politics, and an assortment of hot issues.

[@CarlosPerez-em3wu]

@@ArtofOneDojo Makes sense. Different strokes for different fokes. Just imagine if we did though. I think in great part you can weed out all of these Mc Dojos and bs schools that give people a false sense of security. Which is worse then stealing their money. Another question. I am sure you are aware of the Karate Nerd Jesse Enkamp. He did a video wear he trained in muai thai for a week. And there was a something he said during the video that game a real pause about pursuing Karate. He said "Its quite something really, In one hour I have learned more practical fighting skills then average karate practitioner does in six months of training. Maybe it karate was trained in this manner it would be much more effective." I understand that thai boxing the way I put it can be best described as a hammer. And karate can be best described as a whip. Both are deadly but go about their business completely different. Has anybody really looked at doing essentially the inverse or replicating this method of training??? Or is just not possible because of the vast difference in the essence of the arts?? That I mentioned already. One being a hammer and the other being a whip. Because that bit right there really struck a core. And if alot of kids, and people who saw that who were interested saw that, it might give them pause like it did me. ???

[@davidwayne9982]

THAT is the WEAK POINT of ALL styles-- people get STUCK in the "has to be done this way" thought- and life doesn't work "that way" all the time. The practice is to get to the point that the proper move COMES without thought or without resistance- and most importantly- wihout interference of HABIT... and just WORK. THAT is when it becomes the REAL ART!!!

[@timhannahan1768]

Parries are extremely effective

[@jeffreywright2294]

Id say if done properly for a while they do

[@grigoreureche345]

Please make people understand the concept of "Mushin".A lot of us do not know that MA like Kempo ,Karate or Kung Fu ONLY work in this alterred mental state.If you do not know about this concept and try to apply it ,and you are an advanced TMA practitioner ,then you should really quit your MA and start training MMA .A lot of people acctually did this.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Already did :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nahKqjr8qXhKM And honestly this concept applies to all arts and life concepts, even to MMA.

[@JCLeSinge]

Reason "techniques" don't work in sparring is that you and your opponent are on guard. Simple as. Self defence techniques are (largely) for defending yourself when you're not on guard, for getting on guard against a surprise attack. Using them effectively against an opponent, you want to finish with them not on guard. If the technique ends with both people on guard, you screwed up, now you gotta fight the guy.

[@larrysilver782]

Yes they do work they're highly effective against mannequins

[@khabirnooristani9159]

With all due respect, Kenpo is nothing more than a bunch of techniques borrowed from other systems like Jujusu, Choy lay Fat, Karate, Hung gar and boxing. It is an idealistic system made by Mr. Parker, he could perform these techniques well and a few of his students. Whether it works, that is difficult to say because they are not tested against other styles. Only Kick boxing doesn't prove anything....It also depends on the practitioner of any system....Conclusion: It is an overrated art just like Wing Chun.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

This logic can apply to most arts. BJJ is nothing more than techniques borrowed from Judo. Boxing is nothing more than techniques borrowed from earlier bare knuckle systems. Judo is nothing more than techniques borrowed from Jujutsu. MMA is nothing more than techniques borrowed from everything else. Something being overrated is subjective and based on experience.

[@khabirnooristani9159]

@@ArtofOneDojoWITH ALL DUE RESPECT KENPO= AN IMITATION ART WITH HEAVY MARKETING IDEAS...

[@ArtofOneDojo]

@@khabirnooristani9159 With all due respect, Kenpo is a completely different curriculum and method of teaching than most systems. What is your personal experience with Kenpo? What techniques or forms do you specifically feel are imitations of other arts?

[@khabirnooristani9159]

@@ArtofOneDojo Why is it different if I may ask? The last part of your question is hard to answer for me sorry... :)

[@ArtofOneDojo]

@@khabirnooristani9159 How is it different? The main differences are the structure of the system. There are 3 different types of Katas, all with a specific idea they build on. The self defense technique sequences are different and unique to Kenpo, very few martial arts approach self defense in this way. The system is put together like one would learn a language. You learn you Vocabulary first (basic moves), then you learn your grammar (Principles and rules of motion in Kenpo), and you learn how they work together by using a sample sentence (A Kenpo self defense technique). The techniques are designed to teach very specific ideas, to learn how the basic and principles work together so that we can learn to be free form against a resisting opponent. Each technique has relationships to other technique, and every single move and concept we have in Kenpo, has an opposite and reverse somewhere else in the material. Very few martial arts systems do this. There are also specific sparring and fighting combinations that sadly aren't taught as much as they should be, but they teach the student how to use many of the self defense concepts and apply them in sparring. Again, there aren't very many arts that do this. Ed Parker took elements from the arts that he learned, refined them and then adjust them to work in a modern self defense situation. American Kenpo has a very unique approach to teaching, it has one of the largest curriculums of martial arts systems, and it has more strikes, kicks, maneuvers, and basics than most martial arts out there. It certainly isn't just a bunch of borrowed techniques. Now it's your turn, tell me why you think Kenpo just an imitation of other styles? I asked you what your experience was with it and what aspect you felt was copying something else. If that question is hard to answer then to be fair, maybe it's worth learning more about the system before judging it as overrated...correct?

[@ja-son439]

Ed Parker's American Kenpo.... no

[@ArtofOneDojo]

But also yes.

[@AyeJordan7]

Well I have a question.bc I see a lot of the kenpo techniques are unrealistic like somebody jus standing there,or this idea that when I hit somebody in the stomach there gonna Bend over and then I do this?I believe there are other realistic ways this can be done.bc a self defense move should be quick and easy,and simple…I’m not saying kenpo dosnt work…y’all hand speed is….just wow I wouldn’t wanna get near it😂😂but I think it’s better to have basic self defense moves and defend against attacks that actually happened.jus like u can look up nobody steps toward u when they throw a hook punch,and again your opponent is not gonna feeze up and stand there,I think it’s best to return to karates roots,and that’s jus get str8 to the point,u say the techniques can help with flowing and hand speed but still,all these can be done to with drills

[@ArtofOneDojo]

The thing is, what people perceive and "pre choreographed" moves are not meant to be memorized and cut and paste into a fight. Each technique is a lesson that is broken down to look at how basic concepts work together. By learning how basic Kenpo concepts work together, you can use them much better on the fly. So Kenpo IS composed of base moves and combos, but the "techniques" are teaching tools to show variables in different scenarios so that the student can understand how easily those base movements can be altered to fit a variety of different situations.

[@AyeJordan7]

@@ArtofOneDojo still there’s much more realistic ways this can be done…I believe the reason why kenpo practicners hold on to these unrealistic ideas is bc it’s part of there”tradition”that’s not good.a martial art is not suppose to hold onto a tradition especially if it’s damaging the art,u know u look at boxing from the 1800s and look at it now.martial arts is about evolution.self defense techniques should be done str8 to the point,plus these move kinda teach a false image on how the human body will react.like I said before these moves can be taught to in drills,not in self defense techniques.it’s Better to just get str8 to the point when it comes to teaching students.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

"these unrealistic ideas" -- that's again, only if the techniques are taken as literal cut and paste combinations, and that's not what they are. The REAL problem with Kenpo is the same thing as it's strength. Ed Parker truly was a prodigy when it came to analyzing the martial arts, and he constructed an incredibly intelligent and effective system. However...his mistake is that he expected students to look at it the same way he did, and to dig and seek out the information. Only a handful did that. Most people just memorized and passed it on, and memorized and passed it on so a lot of the meaning is lost in translation and people THINK these techniques are unrealistic. Everyone learns a different way, and Kenpo just offers a different method. If it works for someone, great, if not, then there are other ways. But to call it unrealistic just means to not know what it's teaching. The techniques are supposed to be teaching examples. Like if you were a law student learning law...your textbook would have sample case studies in there. But why bother with those case studies? What is the realistic chance as a lawyer you'd get the exact same type of case, with the same circumstances, same judge, same jury, and same location and details? Virtually none. So why study that case? Because you can learn how the LAW works in different scenarios and study the tactics that were used in combination with the circumstances. That's what Kenpo techniques are. They are case studies from a text book. We learn our basics as basic moves, and then study the techniques to explore different ways they can be deployed. The Self Defense sequences are and never were meant to be LITERAL combinations a person is supposed to memorize. There are clips of Ed Parker himself saying this. The sequences are meant to be broken down so that motion can be studied at a deeper level, and then the student can take those ideas an apply them to their basics when fighting. It's just a method of learning. Not everyone chooses to learn that way and that's fine, but it doesn't make it realistic.

[@AyeJordan7]

@@ArtofOneDojo oh I see….so to sum this all up kempo is just a different way of teaching….the techniques are NOT meant to be taken literally but rather there just examples of how the flow goes and there just there to give u basic ideas,then the student can later on create his on self defense techniques?

[@ArtofOneDojo]

@@AyeJordan7 Exactly. So we learn concepts and basics and then look at the techniques and analyze how they are used...or what the exceptions may be. So for example one of the "rules" is that we don't load a strike as a separate move, that would create more time to actually strike and it telegraphs. But, we can look at certain techniques and see that we can hide our loading strikes within other movements. Also, we have 154 traditionally "curriculum" techniques, but when you study them deeply, they're really only variations of about 5 techniques. So then the analysis becomes looking and the similarities and the differences. Sometimes one technique is simply another one, but it's upside down, or down in a reverse order, or the same motions but with different strikes. The sequences are SUPPOSED to be different ways to analyze movements, and then take those ideas and apply them into free flow. When we start to understand the relationship between them, the movements become very easy to start graphting together. Even Ed Parker said he didn't want us to become machines and mimic the motions. He wanted us to understand how the ideas connect so that if there's a situation we can take move 2 from Technique A and maybe combine it with move 3 from Technique 6, but in a spontaneous manner. The problem that Kenpo suffers from, is MOST schools didn't take this approach. Ed Parker hoped more people would spend the time to be more analytical like he was...but unfortunately human nature takes over and people just wanted to learn "stuff" and whatever they needed for their belt. Then they pass that on to their students and so on and information gets lost in translation. Too many Kenpo schools teach the techniques like they ARE fight combinations...and they just weren't designed that way. I am fortunate enough to be learning from some individuals who are scholars of the art, one who was very close to Mr. Parker's writings and spend 40 years studying how he wrote the system and the information has been very eye opening. But unfortuantely a lot of Kenpo schools are missing critical parts of the training.

[@jamiesmith1162]

I think Kempo Karate techniques are completely useless. Because most techniques are stepped through punches to order to do the technique. In a real street fight there are no step through punches. Oh yeah I'm going to tell a person to do a step through punch in a real street fight?😂 give me a freaking break.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

This is NOT at all how the Kenpo techniques are supposed to be used. They are NOT cut and paste fighting combos. Look up our video "Does Kenpo Suck" or "Does Kenpo Work" and you'll see a much more robust explanation of how the techniques are supposed to be used. But if someone looks at Kenpo and says "Those techniques would never work in a real fight", that's the first indication that tells me the person doesn't understand how Kenpo is taught and what those techniques are for.

[@timhannahan1768]

Yes and no

[@Gearrion]

Fighting is not modular where you can make up words like graphing and apply it as a skill set. Either it works or not; 9 out of 10 it does not. So the answer is; No!

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Fighting IS modular. You learn basics and then you have to assemble those basics on the fly based on your situation. For those who know how Kenpo techniques are truly learned, the understand it's not a matter of memorizing a sequence, but rather understanding what a sequence teaches. Then, it can very likely work.

[@Scott283]

How many Kempo fighters became MMA champions? 0. Because Kempo is as useful and effective as Wing Chun and Tai Chi.

[@oldnatty61]

You "flowed w/ it". That's where the answer lies. And it's not for the student to "realize". It's upon you the teacher to teach from day one. Especially if we're talking real self-defence street fighting. This is fucking stupid. You're doing everything backwards and setting people up to get real hurt or killed. One does not fight from someone else's pre-determined set of techniques. If you want to survive you fight from ebb and flow.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Ahhh, it's been a while since you've graced us with your saltiness! You're not supposed to fight from "someone else's pre-determined set of techniques". We're learning concepts and fighting aspects that we then use to from our own freeform style. I've been extremely clear about that in every video I've brought this up.

[@oldnatty61]

@@ArtofOneDojo Hmmm...I'm stupid then 'cuz it sure seems the focus in on techniques and what works here or there..

[@sonnygallo5662]

Wrong question. Kempo is the TRUTH. If you are WELL trained and versed in ANY martial art and you EXECUTE properly You're effective. A weapon like a baton does NOTHING. The person wielding the baton makes it effective or not. Kempo/Akk are HIGHLY effective when you use your science, physics, breathing, footwork and technique. Also I must disagree with you. Everyone I ever ridge handed or front kicked in the groin dropped their head and their height was cancelled. Edmund K Parker was a student of GM Chow. Chows fighting is legendary. His dad taught him 5 animal Hung gar and Mitosi taught him Shorei ryu Kempo aka Shorinji Kempo. Kempo has NEVER stopped evolving. They used to say I'm dancing when I was young I'd then invite them to come dance with me. The unarmed portion of Ninjutsu is Kempo and the Bubishi of Karate do and jutsu is KEMPO. I'm not going to mention the mma champions who are kempoist like Chuck Liddell and GSP. Incidentally if you ever saw a knee a punch a low leg kick a spinning backfist or kick etc guess what ? You witnessed Kempo jutsu being used in MMA. Sorry for being long winded but I must defend my mistress. Shes been loyal faithful and TRUE for 52 years and Korean Kempo aka Kwon bop is my mother system. Then I was blessed to study other forms of Kempo. Okinawan, Chinese, Nippon and Korean. Osu and respect sir. 🙏🏼🐉🐅

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I'm not clear on the part you're disagreeing with? Cancelling height strikes are very effective, but they are not 100% guaranteed. My instructor fought a guy once that was so hopped up on adrenaline (possibly other substances) that he didn't respond to the groin strike. Groin strikes are great, but they don't work 100% of the time. I agree with you about Kenpo and it's effectiveness.

[@tjl4688]

But if Kempo is truth, where are all the of the people losing to it?