What is American Kenpo Karate

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We would like to introduce you to Kenpo or Kempo karate. Give you some understanding of the wonderful health and other benefits of this great sport. And hopefully show you why we love it so much that you decide to go out there and try it out for youself.

 Kenpo or Kempo (?? Kenp?; lit. fist law) is written with the characters ? and ?. Kempo is a term used to refer to a wide variety of martial arts, and is sometimes used as a blanket term for martial arts in general, especially in East Asia. Kempo is a Japanese translation of the Chinese word "quánf?" (or ch'üan2 fa3), meaning "fist principles", "way of the fist", or "law of the fist form".

Kempo or Kenpo
The Kanji (??) can be transliterated into English as either "Kempo" or "Kenpo". The first character "Ken" means "fist", while the second one "po" means "law". However, a popular system for translating Japanese into English is the Hepburn romanization method for creating Romaji, where the "Ken" would become "Kem" when it precedes an "h" sound, and the "h" takes on a "p" sound. Thus, "Kenho" becomes "Kempo". The common reference to "Kenpo" comes from the book that James Mitose produced in 1953 entitled What is Self-Defense? Kenpo JiuJitsu as a textbook on martial arts and due to a spelling mistake by the printers who printed an N instead of M the spelling of kenpo came about. In English, it is correct to use either term, though their particular usages have become somewhat stylized. The term stayed with his students, and when William Chow and Edmund Parker went to create their own Kempo schools, they took the "Kenpo" name with them.

Both "Kempo" and "Kenpo" are acceptable forms of transliterating the Japanese name however, and regardless of how you spell it in English, the Japanese spelling with Kana and pronunciation will not change. An "n" sound coming before a "p" "b" or "h/f" sound and will be pronounced as an "m" because of the glotteral stop. This is a natural transformation, and a similar transformation can also be seen in the distinction between the different pronunciations of "thin" vs "think". When pronouncing "kenpo" vs "kempo" even an English speaker will not actually produce a truly different pronunciation as this transformation is a completely natural habit, and unconscious action to assimilate an nasal sounding "m". As a perfect example of this is taken from the English word "impure", which comes from the negation "in" and root "pure". Thus, the writing of an "n" as opposed to an "m" in this case is entirely aesthetic. The most authentic pronunciation is actually a blend of "n" and "m" together. The second mora begins as a slightly nasalized "n" with the tongue pressing against the roof of the mouth and the lips slightly apart. The mora ends as an "m"-like sound with the lips pressing together but the tongue remains on the roof of the mouth, unlike the conventional English pronunciation of "m".

Kempo in the West
In the West, Kempo is mostly known as a mixed style that combines a heritage in Chinese martial arts, especially Shaolin, with karate (and sometimes called "Kenpo Karate"), often mixed with elements of other Japanese arts like jujutsu and aikijujutsu. In Japan, Kempo can refer to a large number of different (and mostly unrelated) systems of martial arts, mostly stemming from families in the feudal period—the term Kempo being used as an abbreviation, since the names are long.

There is a faction of Kenpo from Okinawa that has no American influences. This system is known as "Okinawa Kenpo" or "Ry?ky? Hon Kenpo". Hon means "original" and refers to the kenpo from the old Kingdom of Okinawa taught by the Late Grandmaster Seikichi Odo. Master Odo (1926-2002) operated the Shudokan Dojo in Gushikawa, Okinawa. Some of his senior students such as Richard Gonzales, Dennis Branchaud and Larry Gradolf established the art in the U.S. during the 1970s and 80s and continue to teach this old system in its original form.

 The style is built upon the karate of Shigeru Nakamura, a fellow student of Gichen Funakoshi under Master Ankoh Itosu. It preserves the old kenpo from China with the addition of several kata taught to Odo by Seiki Toma, a student of Choto Kyan. There are influences from the indigenous Okinawan art of Ti and there is also a weapons component comprised of 11 different weapons. Odo's weapons art contains techniques from Shinpo Matayoshi, Seiko Kinjo, Shigeru Nakamura, and Seiki Toma.

Okinawa Kenpo is renowned for its unique sparring method called Bogu Kumite. Exponents spar with full contact using body armour that is similar to that worn by Kendo practitioners. The system is a blend of hard and soft (external and internal) arts and includes throws, heavy bag work, and makiwara practice. There is a strong emphasis on character development and maintaining a strict code of conduct.

Some practitioners follow that Kempo uses much of the same path as Chinese martial arts, but in order to shorten the amount of time to train a person, methods from Karate were used as the basis to quickly allow a person to learn the basics, and techniques. Whereas it often takes 10 to 20 years of continuous effort to master one form of kung fu, Kempo practitioners often can be black belted in around three to five years, depending on the instructor and system. Today the "style" of kempo/kenpo has become diverse. It has evolved into hybrid versions of jujitsu (kempo / kenpo Jujitsu).

 

Yellow Belt Self Defense Techniques

 

DELAYED SWORD

 

Defense against right lapel grab

 

Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Inward Block and checking low with your left hand.
Technique Flow
Five Swords
Unfurling Crane
Defying The Storm
Do a right Front Ball Kick to attackers groin.
Technique Flow
End of Defying The Storm
Circling Fans
Middle of Scraping Hooves Ext.
As you land from the kick (towards 11:00 in a right High Wide Kneel checking attackers right leg), do a right Outward Hand Sword to attackers neck. Keep your hand on attackers neck as positional check.
Technique Flow
End of Spiraling Twig
Defying The Storm
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Five Swords
Desperate Falcons
End of Entwined Maces
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

 

 

AGGRESSIVE TWINS 

 

Defense against two handed push

 

Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Inward Block to close attackers center line. Check low kick with left hand.
Technique Flow
Reversing Mace
Repeating Mace
Shield & Sword
Do a right Side Kick to attackers left knee to open their center line. The kick should be to top of knee going down to maximize the break.
Technique Flow
Hooking Wings
Begging Hands
Rear Ball Kick to chest, landing forward in a left Neutral Bow. Kick high on attacker to move them back so you can land forward.
Technique Flow
End of Hooking Wings
End of Begging Hands
Main Power Principle
Torque

 

 

SWORD OF DESTRUCTION

 

Defense against left hook
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a left Inward Parry with an eye slice (optional) and a right Outward Extended Block as your left hand circles down and checks low kick.
Technique Flow
Shielding Hammer
End of Clutching Feathers
Do a right Front Ball Kick to attackers groin.
Technique Flow
Hooking Wings
As you land from the kick (towards 11:00 in a High Wide Kneel checking attackers right leg) do an Inward Hand Sword to the left side of attackers neck. Bring your right hand back slightly to check attackers arm at the shoulder, keeping your elbow in tight.
Technique Flow
Spreading Branch
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Desperate Falcons
End of Entwined Maces
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

 

 

DEFLECTING HAMMER

 

Defense against a right front ball kick
Hands up in Passive Defensive position. Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Downward Block to deflect the kick past you and cock your right hand at your waist.
Technique Flow
Leaping Crane
Retreating Pendulum
Middle of Flashing Mace
Left hand checks (grab) attackers right arm against their body while doing a right Inward Elbow to their face (Push Drag if necessary).
Technique Flow
End of Circling Destruction
End of Backbreaker
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

 

 

GRASP OF DEATH 

 

Defense against a left flank headlock
Turn your head to the left to clear your windpipe as you grab attackers right arm with your right hand and pinch attackers hamstring (or grab groin) while stepping forward with your right leg towards 12:00. The pinch, done properly, should cause attacker to loosen their grip.
Technique Flow
Grip Of Death
Move your left foot past attackers right foot to 1:00 into a left High Wide Kneel as you pull attackers right arm away from your neck and drive your left forearm/elbow into attackers armpit, pushing with your left forearm and pulling with your right hand to move attacker across your body. Attacker is now bent over in front of you.
Technique Flow
Crossing Talons
Returning The Storm
Slide your left forearm down attackers arm to pin the arm down against your left thigh with your left forearm as you do a right inverted Vertical Thrust punch to attackers mastoid.
Technique Flow

 

Main Power Principle
Torque

 

 

CHECKING THE STORM 

 

Defense against a right roundhouse club strike
Push Drag back to 3:00 into a left Cat Stance while doing a right inward eye-slice across face (optional) into a right Inward Parry and left Outward Extended Block. Right hand circles down from parry to check low.
Technique Flow
Calming The Storm
Defying The Storm
Grab attackers wrist with your left hand (if possible) and pull their arm past your left hip while doing a left Front Ball Kick to attackers groin, landing in a left Front Twist stance, as your right fist comes to the left side of your chest.
Technique Flow
End of Circling Fans
End of Fatal Deviation
Triggered Salute
Five Swords
End of Spiraling Twig
Defying The Storm
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Do a right Side Kick to attackers right knee. As you land from the kick, pull with your left hand while doing a right Back Knuckle to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

 

 

GIFT OF DESTRUCTION

 

Defense against an unfriendly handshake.
While pulling towards you with your right hand (to get attacker off balance), do a left inward/upward Heel Palm to jam attackers elbow upward. At the same time, lift your left knee up then jump up and forward (leaning slightly left to avoid a head butt), driving your right knee into attackers groin or stomach.
Technique Flow
Entwined Maces
As you land forward in a right Neutral Bow, check attackers right arm with your left hand (simply roll your hand clockwise to move from under attackers arm to the top of attackers arm) as you do a right Inward Elbow to attackers face.
Technique Flow

 

Main Power Principle
Back-up mass

 

 

MACE OF AGGRESSION

 

Defense against a two handed lapel grab and pull
Pin attackers hands onto your chest with your left hand as your right foot steps to 11:00, stomping attackers right foot. At the same time, do a right raking Hammerfist (angled from 1:30 to 7:30) across attackers temple, nose and down onto their arms. This will draw attacker into you, so keep your back straight and your head upright.
Technique Flow
Spiraling Twig
Circling Wing
Right Inward Elbow to left side of attackers face.
Technique Flow

 

Release attackers hands as you Push Drag forward while doing a right Side Elbow to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Five Swords
End of Thrusting Wedge
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

 

 

ATTACKING MACE

 

Defense against a right straight punch
Step backwithyour left foot into a left Neutral Bow while doing a left Inward Block, closing attackers center line. Right hand checks at waist.
Technique Flow
Thundering Hammers
Flashing Wings
Flashing Mace
Open left hand as a check and move into a left Forward Bow while doing a right Horizontal Thrust punch to attackers ribs to open their center line.
Technique Flow
Protecting Fans
Slide your right hand down attackers arm, grabbing their wrist and pull attacker into you while doing a Rear Ball Kick to their groin.
Technique Flow

 

Land from the kick just in front of attackers right knee and do an Uppercut punch to ribs. Keep holding wrist of attackers punching arm.
Technique Flow
Crossing Talons
End of Grasp Of Death
Glancing Salute
End of Evading The Storm
Destructive Kneel
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

 

 

INTELLECTUAL DEPARTURE 

 

Defense against a right Front Ball Kick
Step back to 4:30 with your left foot as you turn backwards into a reverse Cat Stance while doing a right Inside Downward (palm down) block with right forearm on kick.
Technique Flow

 

Do a right Rear Kick to attackers groin before their kicking leg lands.
Technique Flow

 

As you land from the Rear Kick into a right Neutral Bow facing attacker, do a right Back Knuckle to attackers temple. This may or may not make contact, depending on how far you moved them with the kick.
Technique Flow

 

Right Slide-Up Side Kick to attackers chest, landing forward in a right Neutral Bow.
Technique Flow

 

Main Power Principle

Back-up Mass

 

Orange Belt Self Defense Techniques

LONE KIMONO

Defense against a left handed lapel grab (pushing out) readying for right punch
Step back with your left foot onto the ball of your foot while pinning attackers left hand against your chest and cocking your right hand at your waist.
Technique Flow
Clutching Feathers
As you torque into a right Neutral Bow, do a right Upward Block type of move under attackers left arm (above the elbow, aiming to attackers face) to hyperextend or break their elbow.
Technique Flow
Reversing Mace
If hook comes in, the elbow break turns into a block, parries arm under and to right, into end of Cross Of Destruction.
If cross comes in, the elbow break turns into an outward parry and into Crossing Talons or Shield & Mace.
Circle your right hand down, out and up, into an inward/downward Hammerfist onto attackers forearm (use Frictional Pull down and across your body to cancel attackers width and depth) as you release your left hand.
Technique Flow
Five Swords Ext.
finish with a right inverted Outward Hand Sword to attackers throat (hand sword is angled with elbow higher than hand to get the proper Angle of Incidence) and return to fighting position.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Torque

CROSSING TALONS

Defense against a right (cross) grab on your right wrist.
Pin attackers hand with your left hand and roll attackers arm away from you as you step to 1:30 wsith your left foot into a left Neutral Bow. Press down with your elbow while pulling up with your hands (think fulcrum here) to break attackers elbow. This will bend them over in front of you.
Technique Flow
Middle of Grasp Of Death
Hold attackers wrist against your body with your right hand as you slide into attacker (hip check) while doing a left Side Elbow to side of attackers head.
Technique Flow

Left hand claws up attackers face, tracks down their spine and (tightly) circles into an Overhead Elbow to attackers spine.
Technique Flow

Hold the back of attackers head with your left hand as you drive your right knee into their face.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

TWIRLING WINGS

Defense against a rear two handed shoulder grab
Step back to 4:30 with left leg into a transitionary Front Twist facing 10:30 and immediately unwind counter clockwise into attacker while doing a left upward Back Knuckle to attackers tricep that turns it into a left Outward Extended Block to move attackers arms to your left.
Technique Flow

Left hand grabs attackers upper left arm as you do a right Inward Elbow to their floating ribs.
Technique Flow
Shield & Sword
Crossing Talons (left side)
Gripping Talon
Tripping Arrow takedown (left side)
Left hand grab is replaced by your right hand which grabs and pushes attackers left arm as your left foot steps into attacker (into a Horse Stance to keep your center line closed) while you do a Inward Elbow to attackers solar plexus.
Technique Flow
Right knee to thigh and Crossing Talons left side.
Main Power Principle
Torque

SCRAPING HOOVES

Defense against a full nelson.
Slide your left foot out to the left and sink into a Horse Stance while striking attackers face with both fists over your head (elbows in tight).
Technique Flow

Pull your elbows down to your side to break attackers grip and pin their arms.
Technique Flow
Crashing Wings
Spiraling Twig
Slide right foot over to your left foot into a 90 degree right Cat Stance as you extend your arms down to your sides (keeping attackers arms pinned) and do a rear head butt.
Technique Flow

Do a right heel kick to attackers left shin (or inside of their left knee) followed by a right side kick to inside of attackers right knee, scraping down to break attackers right knee and stomp on their foot.
Technique Flow
Spiraling Twig (if side kick does not work)
Repeated Devastation
Thrust your right leg back to 7:30 to buckle the inside of attackers left leg. Step straight through to 1:30 hooking your right ankle on attackers right ankle and step through with a shoulder shove to attackers chest. This will buckle their right leg and knock them to the ground.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

STRIKING SERPENTS HEAD

Defense against a front bear hug - arms free
Step back to 7:30 with your right foot into a left Neutral Bow as your right hand checks at face level (to check a head butt) and do a left inward Back Knuckle to attackers mastoid.
Technique Flow

Pin attackers head by anchoring your left elbow or grab their hair and anchor your left elbow to draw their head back. Do a right Half Fist, palm down to attackers throat.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Torque

THRUSTING PRONGS

Defense against a front bear hug, arms pinned
Step back with your right foot into a left Forward Bow while jamming your thumbs into attackers groin to loosen their grasp.
Technique Flow

Track our left arm up attackers back and hook your hand onto their upper arm and shoulder, pulling in and down to lock out attackers right elbow as you do a right knee to their chest. Your right arm cocks back at our waist at the same time.
Technique Flow

Land forward into a right Neutral Bow checking attackers right leg with your right leg as you do a right Inward Elbow to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Shielding Hammer Extension
Glancing Salute Extension
Thrusting Salute Extension
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

SHIELDING HAMMER

Defense against a left hook (probably followed by a right punch).
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Outward Extended Block on attackers punching arm and checking low with your left hand.
Technique Flow
End of Snapping Twig
Do a right Inward Hammerfist across attackers temple/nose.
Technique Flow
If right cross comes in, continue your Hammerfist into a right inward block on the strike
Delayed Sword
Five Swords
Move your let hand check up to shoulder level and Push Drag into attacker doing a right Side Elbow to their solar plexus.
Technique Flow
Bow Of Compulsion
Twisted Twig
Circling Wing
Spreading Branch
Circles Of Protection (left side)
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

REVERSING MACE

Defense against a left step through punch from right-to-right.
Step back to 4:30 with your left leg into a right Neutral Bow while doing right Inward Block (don't actually move your arm, the turn will accomplish the block).
Technique Flow

Grab attackers left wrist with your left hand and pull attacker toward you with your left hand as you Push Drag into attacker (if necessary) while doing do a right Back Knuckle to their floating ribs.
Technique Flow
Circling Destruction
End of Wings Of Silk
Shield & Sword
Do a right Front Roundhouse Kick striking at attackers upper hamstring and driving down to the back of their knee.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Torque

BUCKLING BRANCH

Defense against a left Front Ball Kick
Step back with your right foot to 4:30 into a left Neutral Bow while doing a right Inside Downward (palm up) block and a left hammering Downward Block to redirect attackers kick.
Technique Flow
End of Circling Destruction
Step into Shield & Sword
Middle of Backbreaker
Do a right Front Scoop to attackers groin, landing in a right Front Twist stance.
Technique Flow
Leaping Crane left side
with your left hand checking at the back of attackers shoulders, do a left Step-Thru Side Kick to the back of attackers right knee and cover out before landing from the kick.
Technique Flow
End of Retreating Pendulum (left side)
End of Leaping Crane (left side)
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

CLUTCHING FEATHERS

Defense against a left hand hair grab.
Pin attackers left hand onto your head with your left hand as you step back onto the ball of your left root and cock your right hand cocks at your waist. Immediately torque into a right Neutral Bow as you do a right vertical Middle Knuckle strike to ribs under attackers armpit (nerve shot).
Technique Flow
Shield & Sword
From the strike, do a right Outward Vertical Block that turns into a Outward Extended Block (drawing attacker towards you). While turning into a right Forward Bow, do a left Heel Palm to attackers face.
Technique Flow
If right punch comes in, redirect Heel Palm to attackers shoulder and into Shielding Hammer.
Snapping Twig
Raking Mace
Main Power Principle
Torque

TRIGGERED SALUTE

Defense against a straight right push
Pin attackers right hand to your chest with your left hand while stepping forward (riding the force) to 11:00 into a right Neutral Bow (checking attackers right leg with your right leg) while doing a right Heel Palm to attackers chin.
Technique Flow
Calming The Storm
Five Swords
Crane attackers pushing hand down with your right hand to draw them toward you (cancelling their height) and continue down with your right hand to your waist.
Technique Flow
Twisted Twig
Circling Wing
Do a right Inward Elbow to attackers solar plexus allowing your arm to continue around the left side of your body (full extension) and Push Drag into a right Side Elbow to attackers ribs, allowing this strike to pass through into a right Back Knuckle to ribs, followed by an Uppercut to their chin.
Technique Flow
End of Twisted Twig
Change uppercut to a push on attackers right should and into the end of Calming The Storm
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

GLANCING SALUTE

Defense against a right cross push/punch.
Step to 9:00 with your left foot while doing a left Inward Block. Immediately as you turn ito a right Forward Bow snap your right arm up, pulling toward you on the inside of attackers wrist to hyperextend or break attackers elbow and cancel their width.
Technique Flow
Flashing Mace
Grab and push attackers right arm down with your left hand while moving (in place) into left Forward Bow facing 12:00 as you do a right Heel Palm to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Desperate Falcons
End of Circling Wing
End of Twisted Twig
Grab the back of attackers neck with your right hand and pull towards you and down while driving your right knee into attackers face/chest. As your right foot lands, make sure it's just in front of attackers right leg to check attackers knee.
Technique Flow
End of Crossed Twigs
Finish with a right Inward Elbow to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Middle of Five Swords
End of Circling Wing
End of Twisted Twig
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

THRUSTING SALUTE

Defense against a right straight kick
Step back to 4:30 with your right foot into left 45 degree Neutral Bow while doing a right inward (palm up) Hammerfist and a left downward hammering block to redirect attackers kick.
Technique Flow
Checking The Storm
Do a right modified Front Ball Kick that strikes with your shin to attackers groin before their leg lands from their kick. Left hand checks high against punch.
Technique Flow
Twisted Twig
Circling Wing
Bow Of Compulsion
End of Thrusting Wedge
As you land forward from the kick into a right Neutral Bow do a right Heel Palm to attackers face. Left hand checks at your midsection.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

OBSCURE WING

Defense against an in close rear grab on right shoulder
Pin attackers left hand onto your shoulder with your left hand as your right foot steps out into a Horse Stance and do a right Rear Elbow to attackers solar plexus.
Technique Flow

Back Hammerfist to groin, grab nuts.
Technique Flow

Obscure Upward Elbow to face.
Technique Flow

Push-down Heel Palm to groin.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
unknown

SPREADING BRANCH

Defense against a rear bear hug, arms pinned
Pin attackers arms with your left hand while stepping slightly to 9:00 with your left foot and immediately shoot your right leg back to 7:30 into a left Reverse Bow (to spread attackers left leg out) while doing a right Back Hammerfist to groin.
Technique Flow
End of Scraping Hooves
End of Desperate Falcons
Entwined Maces
Obscure Wing Extension
End of Glancing Salute Extension
do a right upward Back Knuckle to attackers face.
Technique Flow

Reach over your right shoulder with both hands, grab attackers head and pull their hear down into a right knee to their face.
Technique Flow

As you land from the knee into a right High Wide Kneel facing 1:30, do a right Overhead Elbow to attackers spine.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

REPEATING MACE

Defense against a left cross push
Move your left leg behind right leg to 4:30 into a left Front Twist stance while doing a left Outward Parry on attackers pushing hand (at the wrist) while raising your right to the right above your head (preparing for next strike).
Technique Flow

As you unwind from the twist counter clockwise, grab attackers left wrist with your left hand as you do a right inward Hammerfist to their left kidney (this strike passes through attacker).
Technique Flow

Pull attacker toward you with your left hand as you Push Drag into attacker (if necessary) and do a right Back Knuckle to their floating ribs.
Technique Flow

Do a right Front Roundhouse Kick striking at attackers upper hamstring and driving down to the back of their knee.
Technique Flow

Main Power Principle
unknown

 

Martial Artist Says Where The Attention Goes The Energy Flows
By Dr. Gary S. Goodman

A lot is written about "chi," or the energy that flows in us and through us, giving us life and power.

Masters at martial arts give demonstrations of chi, seeming to effortlessly deflect attackers in aikido, and making their opponents weaken and freeze in place, in kenpo karate.

Is chi real? Do you have to become a master to tap into its power?

Masters are great at understanding it, and channeling it at will, but they certainly don't have exclusive right to it. You've used chi thousands of times, without being aware of it.

For instance, I was at a meeting of a large group when I spotted a friend sitting thirty rows ahead of me. Instantly, after recognizing him, I focused on the back of his head.

Suddenly, he turned around, scanned the folks behind him, saw me, and smiled!

He knew someone was "flowing on him," as it's said in martial arts.

You can't see chi, directly, or measure it using conventional tools. But we have it, we feel it, and we can use it.

It's worth doing a few "field experiments" to demonstrate its power. Get some mirrored sunglasses, and go into a crowd. Focus on people, and then see if they look at you.

Can you make them turn around? Do they start scratching where you were looking? These are signs that it's working.

Remember this adage: Where the attention goes, the energy flows!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman

Can You Guess What Would Happen if You Learned Martial Arts Techniques?
By Randy Cole

Martial arts training teaches you to move from your center and connects your energy source. To increase power in martial arts training, you must increase both speed and strength. Self defense is one of the first purpose in martial arts training. Martial arts training is available these days via DVD and video, or by attending traveling workshops.

Study well under your instructor. Learn to teach by becoming an assistant instructor. Movies and video can be entertaining from Hollywood movies to Kung Fu fighting in China. Whatever your reason for studying martial arts, pick a school that offers a course of instruction for the system you like best. Martial arts instructors can teach you how to quickly overcome an opponent through direct martial arts training or through a series of martial arts videos that supplement the teaching you receive in the martial arts school.

Today martial arts training is more available than ever, and no matter where you live, who you are, or how old you are, it is possible to learn a variety of styles of martial arts, often within the same training facility or school. Excellent kinds of high-tech martial arts gear have been created to meet the demands of martial artists, both to increase efficiency and to decrease potential injury.

Going to a martial arts school is just like any other field of study - you will get out what you put in. Martial arts schools offer several different variations of styles and techniques. Martial arts instructors will demonstrate the techniques, explaining the principals behind them. Most martial arts schools provide lessons in a group setting or one-on-one.

Because the main, traditional, core systems of martial arts - such as judo, aikido, karate, or wrestling - all have their own distinct technical and philosophical characteristics, they have evolved through history with individual strengths and basic differences. Each system has its own style and approach, and within each of the fundamental martial arts styles, there are unique moves or methods created by teachers and passed down by students.

Best Martial Arts is the world's informative site. http://www.best-martial-arts-web.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Cole

Choosing Martial Arts
By Michael Russell

I began my personal study of the martial arts because I wanted to defend myself. I was also under the impression that defending myself demanded that someone else had to get beat up. However, I knew deep down in the pit of my stomach that I did not want to damage anyone that badly. Seriously, I was between a rock and a hard place. I felt trapped between my inherently peaceful way of life and my no-nonsense fighting style. I needed to find a way out of the never ending cycles of violence that fighting can set in motion. I needed to retrain my mind so that I would be able to recognize less harmful opportunities to end a fight. I did not want for my reactions to violence to be greater violence.

How could I defend my self with out seriously harming my attacker? How could I possibly maintain my peace in times of war when just being you is a reason to fight. And, of course, I was impressed with the effect of good ole' fashioned blow for blow action. Being in the dojo was like being in a really great movie. However, I was unhappy and discontented on the inside. On the one hand I was a skilled fighting artist confident and secure while, on the other, I was vexed over the damage that my art had the capacity to cause. I needed to find a fighting style that was just like my very own personality. I needed to be myself at all times so I started searching. That said, I began my study of Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu literally means "peaceful art". The philosophy of the Jiu Jitsu is to neutralize an opponent without harm. The art form involves chokes, throws, strikes and submissions. It's also notable to mention that most Jiu Jitsu philosophers assume that a fight will end up on the mat ninety percent of the time.

I learned much. However, the most valuable lesson that I learned was that it is possible for people to defend themselves without resorting to all out warfare tactics. There are many alternatives to violence and the execution of them during trying times is a skill that will be developed by few. As time went by, I found myself in Aikido classes, reading books and watching instruction DVDs on arts such as Tai Chi. I learned to control my breathing and to be more patient. My entire understanding of the way things operate in the world slowly began to change. I also learned that there are many strategic advantages to the peaceful fighter. I felt creative again. I had found the thing that I originally wanted from the martial arts. I found a way to defend myself without perpetuating violence.

Looking back at my introduction into martial arts I'd have to say that honesty with regard to my very own personality was essential to choosing my personal fighting style. I knew that if I was not content with what I was doing, I would not be dedicated to it for very long. Meanwhile, the field of martial arts is extremely broad. There are fighting styles that are very fierce and aggressive as well as fighting styles that go to extraordinary lengths not to harm the opponent. And while the philosophies of many martial arts may be similar, they can vary greatly in practical application.

Consequently, I would have to advise people that are considering learning a martial art to first take a good look into their own personality then, be honest with their finding, and lastly adapt a fighting style. Your fighting style should be an outward expression of your personal philosophies. Knowing how you personally feel about conflict is of the utmost importance. Regular practice will ensure that when you are tested, you will be able to maintain your position fluidly.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Martial ArtsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

American Kenpo Karate - More Than Just Martial Arts

 

 

To the many who belong to the American Kenpo Karate Association, martial arts are more than just a choice for self defense mechanisms.  They're a path to increased mental and physical strength and confidence that provides more than just brute force.

 

American Kenpo Karate was derived from ancient sources originating in the Chinese culture over 2,000 years ago.  It provides a rigid structure of charted and belted levels of achievement, but is flexible when it comes to adopting new and enhanced techniques or instruction from those who master the martial arts and discover something that would prove useful to other students.

 

The American Kenpo Karate techniques were developed from the myriad of Chinese dynasties that ruled the region, including the Shang, Han, Liang, Sung, Yuan, and Ming.  Taking certain disciplines from all of these cultures, the American version of Kenpo Karate was born and adopted into the world of martial arts.

 

Today, American Kenpo Karate is one of the most sought after self-defense techniques in existence for both children and adults.  Not only will you or your child emerge from your instructions with more discipline and confidence, but your coordination will improve, your body will feel stronger, and you'll be flexible in your movements.

 

For kids, the benefits extend to enhanced concentration, increased self esteem, and focus - as well as learning to respect elders and peers alike.  For adults, the chance to improve or optimize their health is often the most talked about benefit among participants in American Kenpo Karate classes.

 

You can find American Kenpo Karate schools all over the United States.  Kids and adults can enroll in classes for their age group or entire families can train in this martial art as a team, helping support one another and enjoying the time spent as a family unit. As you improve on your skills, you may want to challenge yourself and enter am American Kenpo Karate tournament in your area.