The Unabridged Library of Contemporary Kenpo

SAMPLE TECHNIQUE

Each Volume of this series describes the self defense techniques in the manner of the sample below. In addition, the each manual contains an extensive glossary with the definitions of each principle, concept, and theory utilized within each technique cross referenced to allow you to know where the definition was first introduced!

SPECIAL NOTE - These manuals contain the 24 techniques per belt as originally taught. Not the watered down versions on the market today. Also, each technique is written with the same detail as the sample below!

Delayed Sword

Delayed Sword - Defense against a right hand grab to your left shirt/lapel, from the front.

NAME - In Kenpo, we sometimes use synonyms or "nick-names" to represent a basic strike. These nick-names greatly aid in remembering the technique to movements by associating the technique title with the main elements of the technique. Sword is a synonym we use to refer to a handsword. In this technique, a handsword will be utilized to counter-strike a shirt grab; however, the handsword (sword) will be delayed from the first defensive action by a kick. Thus, the name Delayed Sword is a fitting title to convey the action to the practitioner.

THEME - In Delayed Sword, you will learn the value of retreating to increase the distance of the fighting gap between you and your opponent. Although you and your opponent will be out of striking range with your hands, your leg will be used to strike your opponent's groin. This action will bend him forward which teaches you how to control his height zone, cancel his weapons, borrow reach, as well as to introduce the concepts of marriage of gravity, anchoring and checking. This technique is also a base technique in a series of many family related techniques.

BASICS USED IN DELAYED SWORD

• Cocking Check

• Left Positional Block

• Left Reverse Step Through

• Modified Attention Stance

• Right 45 Degree Cat Stance

• Right Front Snapping Ball Kick

• Right Hammering Inward Block

• Right Inward Positioned Block

• Right Neutral Bow Stance

• Right Outward Downward Diagonal Hammering Handsword

METHOD

Attack -

While standing in a natural posture of readiness (modified attention stance), an aggressor initiates an unprovoked attack by stepping forward (with either foot) and grabbing you with his right hand to your shirt or left lapel. This type of attack is common in American street fighting. A shirt grab is used to intimidate or to give the opponent leverage and control for escalated attacks such as: holds, pushes, punches, etc.

Defense -

s1. Step back with your left foot (left reverse step through) to 6:00 into a right neutral bow stance facing 12:00.

s1. As your weight settles (solidify your base) into this stance, deliver a right hammering inward block to the opponent's right inner forearm.

s1. Have your left hand to anticipate action by positionally checking your right rib cage with the palm facing out, finger together.

NOTE: By stepping away from your opponent to 6:00, you will create distance (opening the fighting gap) and lengthen the amount of time that the opponent must use in order to strike you. this will give you greater perception in forecasting possible follow-ups, thus aiding your reaction time. Dropping your body weight will act as and anchor to stabilize your base. Your right arm will frictionally pull the opponent's right arm forward and to your left, which will shift the opponent's weight onto his right leg (angle of disturbance). This will cancel the opponent's right kicking leg as well as both of the opponent's arms because when the opponent's right arm is suddenly pulled forward, his left shoulder turns away from you, thus hindering his right as well as left arm strikes by canceling his width zone (angle of cancellation). Your right arm should remain in the position of an inward block to positionally check your upper height zone against possible renewed attacks. Striking the opponent's right radial nerve can cause temporary paralysis in his right arm and hand.

2. Draw your right foot back into a right 45 cat stance (transitional stance) to create balance compensation for your next move.

s3. Execute a right front snapping ball kick to your opponent's testicles or bladder.

s3. Right hand remains in an inward positioned block (cocking check) while the left hand remains in a positional check by your right rib cage.

NOTE: Your arms will most likely be out of contact penetration range to deliver an effective hand strike; however, your right foot will be within contact penetration range to deliver a front snapping ball kick to the opponent's groin. The opponent will react by bending forward from the waist, usually drawing the knees together, which will lower the opponent's height zone as his head drops within striking range of your right hand. Your right hand should remain in a positional cock (detaining cock) to hinder possible renewed strikes ( intentional or unintentional) by your opponent's right hand. This will also prepare you for your next move. The introduction of pain to the opponent will occupy his mind which will distract him from planning renewed attacks.

s4. Plant your right foot down to 11:00 in a right neutral bow stance. If possible, use this action to buckle your opponent's right inner knee.

s4. Execute a right outward downward diagonal handsword to the right side of the opponent's neck. (Brachial Plexus Origin) or just below the ear (Mandibular Angle).

s4. Left Hand postionally checks your lower height zones.

NOTE: Try to plant down on the inside of the opponent's knee to buckle his knee outward. This action will make the opponent stumble awkwardly with his head falling toward your right shoulder as his lower body shifts toward 9:00. Take advantage of the reaction of the opponent bending over (borrowed reach) as you strike the opponent below his ear. Time the dropping of your body weight with the snap of your handsword as you quickly exhale upon contact with the target (marriage of gravity). This strike will cause a stunning sensation that can temporarily paralyze the entire right side of the opponent's body. Unconsciousness is also possible if the handsword is delivered with enough speed and penetration.

s5. Snap your right hand back into an inward positional block (rebounding check) to check your upper height zone.

s5. Continue checking your lower height zone with your left hand.

SUMMARY OF THE ELEMENTS TAUGHT IN DELAYED SWORD

CONCEPTS/PRINCIPLES

VULNERABLE TARGETS

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

• Make sure that you have a well established base before kicking your opponent. A common mistake on Delayed Sword is to rock back onto your left leg and kick before establishing good balance.
• Don't knock the opponent's arm downward, this action could cause the opponent's arm to orbit back up to you a punch or a hand strike.
• The block should be a hammering inward block. Make sure your basics are well learned!
• Don't leave your left checking had relaxed against your abdomen. This positional check should act like a Force Field about your body.
• Avoid leaning forward from the waist when you strike with your handsword. To gain full effectiveness of marriage of gravity, you must keep your shoulders above and in-line with your hips. Your feet should be flat on the ground and not tiptoeing.

CONSIDER THESE POSSIBLE SITUATIONS

What if:

• Your opponent throws a punch at you instead of grabbing you?
• Your opponent throws a left punch at you while holding your shirt/lapel?
• Your opponent throws a left punch at you while pulling you toward him?
• Your opponent pushes your chest instead of grabbing your shirt/lapel?
• Your opponent grabs your shirt/lapel with both of his hands?

VULNERABLE TARGETS

This section gives the practitioner a general viewpoint of the target areas used in the technique as well as the effect of the strikes in varying degrees of force ranging from low, medium to high. This section is not intended as a detailed analysis of these striking areas, but as a means of acquainting the practitioner with the targets used in this technique. For a more detailed study of these and other targets please refer to The Unabridged Library of Kenpo, Kenpo Kineseology,Volume 13.

Target : BLADDER

Location: Below the navel, right above the groin region

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level - Excruciating pain, bending forward at the waist, temporary mental distraction.
• Medium Level - Rupturing of the bladder, temporary paralysis, possible death.
• High Level - Fracture of the pelvis, puncturing of the colon, death.

Target : Brachial Plexus Origin

Location: On the side of the neck, approximately six inches from origin

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level - Pain, stunning sensation, temporary mental distraction.
• Medium Level - Severe pain, temporary paralysis.
• High Level - Unconsciousness or death.

Target : Inside of Knee

Location: Portion of knee joint closest to the opposite leg

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level - Temporary hindrance from further action, pain.
• Medium Level - Sprain, temporary loss of the use of the leg.
• High Level - Dislocation of the knee joint, permanent loss of use of the leg.

Target : Mandibular Angle

Location: Below the ear, underneath the jaw

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level -Pain, temporary mental distraction.
• Medium Level - Headache, severe pain, temporary disability.
• High Level - Unconsciousness or possible death.

Target : Radial Nerve

Location: Inside of the lower forearm near the wrist.

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level - Pain, temporary paralysis of the hand.
• Medium Level - Temporary paralysis of the entire arm.
• High Level -Fracture of the radial bone.

Target : Testicles

Location: Between the legs in the groin region.

Effects of the strikes:

• Low Level -Severe pain, momentary paralysis, momentary mental distraction.
• Medium Level - Excruciating pain, fracture of the pelvis bone, collapse.
• High Level - Unconsciousness or possible death.

  ---

This sample should let you know what great detail is covered in each technique of American Kenpo.

Do you know all the details?

Expand you knowledge.

Order your set today!

Click here to order!

Return to the Library of American Kenpo

Return to Kenpo Catalogue

Copyright ©1997 by Lamkin Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced without permission. Send your comments to kevin@arnis.org