alphamartial said:
Was this set originally taught as R and L sides only or were double blocks included from the beginning?
The "Star Block" and many of its variations has been around for quite some time (I have gone over this very material in many seminars and workshops thru the years). Mr. Parker always taught a variety of "variable expansion" interpretations to most all the material that I was shown (including basics, self defense/freestyle techniques, forms and sets ).
The "Star Block" was originally done starting with the right arm descending, then duplicated/mirrored by descending with the left.
During the Eighties, the set/s were formalized into the curriculum into now what is called the "Blocking Set # 1 & 2. The "Blocking Sets" now had formal beginning and ending salutations, along with a specific order of blocking.
Since
portions of the "Original Star Block" had now evolved formally into the "Blocking Sets", Mr. Parker knew that there were still many benefits (variable expansions) and values to the series for training purposes, as a drill, it was then viewed by Mr. Parker as "Star Block Exercises". Although he never "made" anyone require any of these drills (the same as he did with any of his other material as well), he encouraged everyone (that was interested) to expand and explore the possibilities possible. He would then remind me of the 6th Purple Belt Saying... "While there is a difference between the terms "opposite" and "reverse", both provide answers to thoroughly understanding the effects of motion.
Some of the variations of the "Star Block Exercise" ....
* Right arm descending....
* Right arm ascending.... (reverse)
* Left arm descending... (opposite)
* Left arm ascending.... (reverse)
* Both arms descending...
* Both arms ascending.... (reverse & mirroring)
* Right arm descending "with" Left Arm ascending....
* Left arm descending "with" Right Arm ascending.... (opposite)
* Right arm descending as the Left arm descends (one beat later) (trailing)
* Left arm descending as the Right arm descends (one beat later) (trailing)
* Same as the two above only with 2, 3, 4, & 5 beat trailing
* During the "trailing" models, as one arm reaches the last move in the
series, it "cycles" back and repeats the series as you continue with the
opposite arm.
* Stepping forward or reverse in neutral bows while performing "the
sequence" with the leading arm blocking
* Stepping forward or reverse in neutral bows while performing "the
sequence" with both arms blocking utilizing different combinations of
blocks
* Same as above only utilizing different
stances
* Same as above only adding different
strikes following the blocks
* Same as above only inserting different
kicks following the blocks
* others...
As you can see .... this is just the tip of the iceberg, the list goes on and on..... they make for some nice drills and discovery of our art, not to mention some really good coordination development.
It should be noted... that this "Process" :idea: is the
same (Tim O'Riley) for basics, self defense techniques, or freestyle skills development.:uhyeah:
Man was that Ed Parker guy a genius or what....... LOL
:boing2:
p.s. Nice job Josh of bringing to light the topic.
).
