Here is a good example of the type of evolution that American Kenpo has experienced throughout the entire system over the last 50 some odd years, now lets examine this particular exercise from origin to current day......
Originally, as many know (including myself), there was this unique drill which used a specific series of blocks executed from a training horse called the Star Block, sometimes referred to as the Star Blocking Set, and possibly other similar nomenclature.
The "Star Block" was a very useful and popular fun "set" or drill that was taught to better illustrate several different blocking concepts. It was executed from a stationary position (training horse stance) in the beginning then footwork was added later to explore the variables.
The basic blocking sequence was......
Upward Block
Inward Block
Extended Outward Block (note different from short form 1)
Downward Block
Back Elbow or "Hidden" or "re-cock" Block
Push Down Block
This was done all with one hand (first the right then the opposite hand (left) was used to do the same sequence note: the blocks move in a downward direction [descending]).
Other variations included:
* to do "both" hands at the same time together (descending).
* to do "both" hands at the same time together in reverse order
(ascending).
* to do "both" hands at the same time together (right hand
descending while the left hand is ascending), (and of course the
opposite).
This developed coordination and focused on the basic blocks of our system. It was used for years until Mr. Parker organized or reorganized (which was part of the "process of evolution") which was common place with all areas of Kenpo. At which time (late '70's & early '80's) he put a standardized all the salutations and formalized a short salutation for all of the "sets" (Stance, Blocking, Striking, Finger, Kicking, Coordination & a few weapon sets).
Thus the name now became Blocking Set # 1 and was now officially recorded written down and formalized.
Now the big question....... why today, do some still call it the "Star Block", know nothing of the salutation for the set or the specific order and or the difference of name?
Answer...... Those that learned the "Star Block" at some time early on and that now had either left Mr. Parker or saw him quite infrequently did NOT get the updates unless they specifically asked "what have you updated recently (since I last saw you or what new are you working on).
Often times, when individuals received lessons from Ed Parker he would ask you........ "what can I help you with"? More often than not....... the quest was always for the highest and latest forms and techniques or clarification of specific techniques. Many did not venture to ask about the Fundamental Structure of the System Basics because I think many figured they knew all the basics well. The results are obvious.
Ed Parker loved diggers since he had to dig and scratch for everything. He loved it when you "discovered" something. He would laugh and say...... "Heyyyyyy ... You took your smart pills today didn't 'cha"! Then he would elaborate on "YOUR NEW" (snicker) discovery. You would then get a lengthy examination and reference of what you found, while he let you know that he had already found that and he was elated that you found it as well. "Kenpo is now in your bones, you are startin' to see what I see"! Ahhhhhh good!
This same phenomenon is what transpired with all other areas of advancement in his art ~ (Forms, sets, techniques revisions and in some cases new numerical order {32 to 24 and 24 to 16} are just a few examples) whoever was around him at the time he was working on certain material were the ones who were in the front row to receive the newest material this also included all the seminars that he did the last 10 years of his life. I say newest but actually much was not really new but better defined and explained in some cases..... but updated none the less.
Well I've went on long enough but I hope you get a better picture, The "Star Block Drill" actually has several hundred permutations (Blocking Set # 1 has 1 basic way) that one can use as drills each working on something specific, but I won't go into all the variations of the Star Block Drill.
:asian:
