When Ed Parker brought his Kenpo Karate to the U.S. mainland, it's unlikely he could have imagined that it would grow into such a successful and robust system of martial arts. Like many other martial arts, the techniques a kenpo student learns as a white belt are basic, intended to teach how the basic components work as much as they are intended for direct application to a self-defense situation.
Technique Basics
The kenpo system of martial arts consists of sequential charts of self-defense combination. Each combination is taught as a prescribed response to an incoming attack. Although they are taught as an effective response, the purpose of each technique is to teach a student about body mechanics and physiology. A kenpoist using his martial art in an actual confrontation is unlikely to use a technique as taught, but rather use the concepts the techniques teach to formulate the best response for the situation.
Typical Defenses
As might be expected for a beginning-level belt, kenpo white belt techniques focus on protecting against basic attacks. Though different kenpo schools require different techniques, typical white belt defenses are against single punches, basic kicks and simple grabs. A beginning student simply isn't ready to defend against a punching combination, multiple opponents or weapons -- and the system reflects this.
Stepping Backward
Nearly all kenpo white belt techniques begin with stepping backward with one foot while blocking the attack with the hand that's left in the lead. Stepping backward creates a margin of safety -- even if your block misses, your body is safely back a foot or more. As a student advances, he will learn techniques that step sideways or toward the attacker -- defenses that are riskier, but place you in a more advantageous position.
Laying Groundwork
White belt kenpo techniques aren't intended to be studied in a vacuum. Rather, they serve as a foundation for more complex techniques to be learned later. In some cases, the advanced technique literally begins with, or incorporates, the white belt technique as a whole. In others the advanced technique will simply use a single strike, or combination of strikes, first taught as part of a white belt technique.
Sample Technique: Delayed Sword
Delayed sword is one of the most commonly taught white belt techniques in kenpo. It's a defense against a right punch from the front. To perform delayed sword, a kenpoist steps back with her left foot while blocking the punch with her right hand. She then kicks her attacker in the groin with the right foot, and chops at the neck with her right hand as the attacker doubles over.
References
- "Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Vol 1"; Ed Parker; 1982
- Dave Coffman; Kenpo Karate 3rd Degree Black Belt; Beaverton, Oregon
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