TST2703 said:
What makes it unique?
What are the essential characteristics?
What keeps you training?
What is your philosophy
What are your views on Self defence and martial arts?
1. Unique: American Kenpo is very scientific. This is not 'scientific' in the academic sense, but in general sense that we apply logic and pragmatism to it. It's a living body of knowledge in that when the seniors of our system find a better way to accomplish a given task with greater effect or greater efficiency... they change the system to accomodate that discovery and work it in so that it fits seemlessly as a homogenous part of the greater whole.
2. Economy of Motion & Continuity of Motion: I feel these are two of the most important 'principles' upon which our art stands.
SPEED: along with the two principles I sighted, the ability to achieve maximum effect with as little motion, as little time as possible.... blasting in sudden and rapid bursts of destructive action. This typifies Kenpo.
3. What keeps ME training?? LOVE of the art that I practice! I just plain love doing it, thinking about it, talking about it....DOING it. Also: The desire to be the best should I ever NEED to take action to protect my loved ones, myself or someone that just plain needs protection from aggressors. Also: The guys (and gals) that come to me for training. Their enthusiasm is something that keeps me going, that keeps me striving for a better understanding and a better ability in Kenpo. Also: The encouragement of my instructor, my peers, other seniors in the art, my family and my friends. Without the support group that I've got.........I don't know WHERE I'd be.
4. What is my Philosophy??
WOW.........Big open-ended question that.
Martial arts philosophy?
Train intelligently.
Train hard.
Train often.
Keep a keen eye on the 'details'.
THINK about what you do and why.
Live with honor.
No one has the right to hurt you, control you or make you afraid.... so don't let them.
Be responsible for yourself and your circumstances.
That's a quick sumation in truisms, but it skims the surface of my 'philosophy'.
5. MY views on Martial Arts and on Self Defense???
Hmmm.....
again, a VERY big open-ended question, but I'll give it a quick shot.
Martial arts: In a nutshell... make sure the style you chose is appropriate for your needs, your assets and your shortcomings. Make sure it fits YOU.
Investigate the style and the instructor(s) deeply. But once you make up your mind to train in whatever style/system: DO IT, and do so with all that you've got.......don't hold back.
WHAT martial art you chose is very important, but even more so is the person DOING the art. It's another martial arts truism that "It's not the art, but the artist"... it's simple, but it's true. Give it all that you've got and you'll end up with much more to give down the line.
Self Defense: RESPOND to aggression early, make intelligent decisions about your environment and your own demeanor so that you are less likely to NEED to take physical action: BUT: When the need for physical action occurs, do so at once with confidence and authority so that the moment can happen and be done. Remain aware....but get out. Don't be a "Fighter", be a survivor.... be safe.
again..........these things just skim the surface, but they are what I believe.
Your Brother
John
NOTE: I looked afterward and realized that this is in the Korean Martial arts section. I didn't mean to intrude w/my bit on Kenpo. Hope I'm not TOO out of place.
" and that everyone is right to some degree, but it is for them to decide not me to judge.
