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Learn the alphabet
"The progression
from basics to spontaneous fighting can be compared to the way in
which children learn to write. First they learn the alphabet which
they then use to form simple words. The words are then used to form
sentences and format he sentences to form paragraphs.
Similarly, Kenpo uses
an alphabet of motion. Children also learn that English uses two
forms of writing, print and script. When printing they use lines
and circles, but always stop one action before applying or starting
another. In terms of Kenpo, this would be the equivalent to the
embryonic stage discussed earlier.
"When using script
lines and circles are used to link one letter with the next and
round out corners. In Kenpo terms this will be the equivalent of
a basic block followed immediately by a counter, thus making one
action both offensive and defensive.
"When we have reached
the spontaneous stage, there is no such thing as offensive and defensive,
each move is both. Plus there is no such thing as passive action.
i.e. blocking.
Everything is positive
motion. The years of practice at the initial stages teach us mind
and body coordination and further teach power and speed over short
distances.
"We learn to strike
vital targets without even looking or thinking about it. In fact
if we slow down the foot and handwork in a real fight, we will notice
that it is not dissimilar to the foot and handwork that we have
been practicing over the years during the training in basics, forms,
sets and techniques. It is the continuous practice at the initial
stages which will eventually make us into spontaneous fighters.
"In practical terms
we can aid you progression from the initial stages to the spontaneous
stage by adapting basic techniques. Initially we can introduce the
'What If' scenario into the basic techniques. For instance what
if, after our attackers first punch is blocked, will he follow through
with: will it be a second punch or maybe a kick? We practice adapting
our response to cater for the way the basic technique is altered.
We then go one step further by grafting techniques. By blending
different techniques or adapting them during the course of an attack.
We learn to become masters of adaptability, capable of dealing with
any situation."
Athos continues: "However,
in order to become truly spontaneous, we need to have people coming
at us in a totally unexpected manner. Constantly practicing techniques
in a familiar controlled environment can easily lead to complacency
and a sense of false security, which then takes us to our next drill,
the 'semi-circle'. The student in this exercise stands at the center
of a semi-circle and is attacked at random by those on the circle.
The attack can take any form and must be realistic. The person at
the centre of the attack has no choice but to act spontaneously
in order to survive the onslaught. When the instructor is satisfied
with the student's performance in their reactive response. It is
then taken a step further and they are attacked by two people at
once this then forces the attacked student to use their knowledge
of Kenpo still further to deal with mass attacks.
Interesting
"It is a very interesting
scenario, each student acts and reacts differently under this pressure.
At this stage the natural weapons react almost completely instinctively
independent of the mind as if they had a brain of their own. This
feeling must, however, be overcome. Mental discipline is the key
here, that is the ingredient that can help and aid such feelings.
It is vital that the mind still acts as a safeguard in preventing
an action that we may well regret..."
Athos has recently released
a video entitled "Principles of American
Kenpo", it is a training video that will become invaluable
to students both at beginner level and advanced. The tape covers
such things as power, speed, distance, peripheral vision, the 'No
mind' state, and much much more. This is shortly to be followed
up with a video with the same title as this article, 'Bridging the
Gap'.
 In
the released video Principles of American
Kenpo Athos has added at the end of the tape as a kind of bonus
a short action movie entitled 'The Chase'.
Recently Athos appeared in a movie by
Red Moon Productions called 'Ashes to Ashes' in which he appeared
as a gangster. He also choreographed many of the fight scenes in
the movie using the techniques of Kenpo.
Athos feels that in his
efforts to bring Kenpo to the forefront of marital arts world he
is following in the footsteps of his American counterpart Jeff Speakman
by taking Kenpo to the movies. 'The Chase' which is Athos' own production,
is a kind of 'see what can be done' When you apply yourself and
your art in a positive mode.
Readers can judge for
themselves what they think. The video
costs £24.95 + £2.00 pp and can be ordered from Athos
via PO Box 25217 London M12 8ZA. Please make cheques payable to
'NKKA'. For further information Athos can be contacted on 0181 446
1172.
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