Kenpo in Massachusetts

[Stuarto]

You know what the best part is?

It’s going to get even better. Honest.

I believe it, I have already enjoyed the journey immensely and I feel better and better every time I go in for a class.

 

[Stuarto]

Tonight was an interesting Kenpo class. It was the first time since joining this school that the sensei had us practicing rolling. This came rather naturally to me. I had practiced rolling quite a bit when I was still doing Aikido. The other students had some issue with rolling which led me to belief that it is not trained much in Kenpo. I guess it would make sense considering Kenpo is more of a striking art where Aikido is more throws and joint manipulation. I just found it interesting, but the sensei was quite impressed.

 

[Stuarto]

What an exciting class it was this morning. I showed up at the first class at 9 am and noticed that I was the only non-black belt in the dojo. My sensei had one of the black belts start warming me up, but I quickly realized that this was a smoke session. I was doing mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and pushups, over and over again! After I was already tired, the sensei had me going through everything I had learned up to this point (at least three times each) This included the self-defense techs, katas, forms, and pinans. Also, lots of rapid punching! For a good hour I went nonstop. Finally, at the end I was informed that I had been ready to be an orange belt since I became a yellow belt and was presented my orange belt. Had no idea this was coming but it made my day. It feels good to know that I am ahead of the game and already know quite a bit for purple. The journey has been wonderful, and I really love Kenpo and my school.

 

[Xue Sheng]

What an exciting class it was this morning. I showed up at the first class at 9 am and noticed that I was the only non-black belt in the dojo. My sensei had one of the black belts start warming me up, but I quickly realized that this was a smoke session. I was doing mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and pushups, over and over again! After I was already tired, the sensei had me going through everything I had learned up to this point (at least three times each) This included the self-defense techs, katas, forms, and pinans. Also, lots of rapid punching! For a good hour I went nonstop. Finally, at the end I was informed that I had been ready to be an orange belt since I became a yellow belt and was presented my orange belt. Had no idea this was coming but it made my day. It feels good to know that I am ahead of the game and already know quite a bit for purple. The journey has been wonderful, and I really love Kenpo and my school.

Congratulations

 

[Buka]

Go gettum, kid.

 

[_Simon_]

What an exciting class it was this morning. I showed up at the first class at 9 am and noticed that I was the only non-black belt in the dojo. My sensei had one of the black belts start warming me up, but I quickly realized that this was a smoke session. I was doing mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and pushups, over and over again! After I was already tired, the sensei had me going through everything I had learned up to this point (at least three times each) This included the self-defense techs, katas, forms, and pinans. Also, lots of rapid punching! For a good hour I went nonstop. Finally, at the end I was informed that I had been ready to be an orange belt since I became a yellow belt and was presented my orange belt. Had no idea this was coming but it made my day. It feels good to know that I am ahead of the game and already know quite a bit for purple. The journey has been wonderful, and I really love Kenpo and my school.

So, SO awesome brother, huge congratulations on a wonderful step in your journey!! So heart-warming to hear how much you're loving it too

 

[Wing Woo Gar]

What an exciting class it was this morning. I showed up at the first class at 9 am and noticed that I was the only non-black belt in the dojo. My sensei had one of the black belts start warming me up, but I quickly realized that this was a smoke session. I was doing mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and pushups, over and over again! After I was already tired, the sensei had me going through everything I had learned up to this point (at least three times each) This included the self-defense techs, katas, forms, and pinans. Also, lots of rapid punching! For a good hour I went nonstop. Finally, at the end I was informed that I had been ready to be an orange belt since I became a yellow belt and was presented my orange belt. Had no idea this was coming but it made my day. It feels good to know that I am ahead of the game and already know quite a bit for purple. The journey has been wonderful, and I really love Kenpo and my school.

Congrats!

 

[Stuarto]

So, SO awesome brother, huge congratulations on a wonderful step in your journey!! So heart-warming to hear how much you're loving it too

Thank you so much my brother! It was a very nice surprise. I actually like having a surprise test rather than one that I know about ahead of time

 

[Stuarto]

Congrats!

Thank you

 

[Stuarto]

Does anyone have any good recommendations for purchasing a wooden Bo? I would like to practice Cerio No Kon Sho at home

 

[isshinryuronin]

Considerations in choosing a bo:

Chinese forms (more circular and twirly) - thinner and lighter weight or Okinawan style kata (more linear and harder) - something more substantial.

For show - lightweight for speed. Engaging in bo-bo kumite or for conditioning - heavier (and stronger).

For fun - doesn't really matter. IMO, go cheap.

Cerio no kon sho is more of the Okinawan type of bo kata (unlike Parker's kenpo staff form which is more Chinese in nature).

Based on the above, check out MA suppliers on the web for one that fits your needs and budget.

I learned my style's longest and most difficult bo kata using a 4-foot plastic mop handle in my apartment. I sometimes practice my weapons kata (bo, sai and tonfa) without the weapon! I recommend this practice occasionally when one gets competent in their use.

 

[Stuarto]

Well my MA friends, after months of training regularly I am getting ready to take my purple belt test on Tuesday. I have seen my skills improve along with my leg strength, flexibility, and speed. Right now, my biggest challenge is maintaining a good stance when I do my forms. I feel all my self defense techs are in pretty good shape and are starting to become muscle memory. Wish me luck on the test. I am looking forward to progressing more on my journey in Kenpo and continuing to learn. Every training session I give my all and it has brought results. I will update you all on the outcome of the test!

 

[Xue Sheng]

Well my MA friends, after months of training regularly I am getting ready to take my purple belt test on Tuesday. I have seen my skills improve along with my leg strength, flexibility, and speed. Right now, my biggest challenge is maintaining a good stance when I do my forms. I feel all my self defense techs are in pretty good shape and are starting to become muscle memory. Wish me luck on the test. I am looking forward to progressing more on my journey in Kenpo and continuing to learn. Every training session I give my all and it has brought results. I will update you all on the outcome of the test!

Awesome, glad its going good and that you are still at it