Captured Twigs is a kenpo karate defensive technique used to defend against a bear hug from behind. The attacker attacks from behind, bear hugging the defender and capturing his arms in the bear hug. The defender pins the attacker's hands in place by grabbing with his left hand.
Then the defender steps to 9 o'clock with his left leg and squats into a horse stance, bringing with him the attacker, who now has to bend to keep the bear hug in place. As you step into the horse stance, your right hand should be in a hammer fist and striking the attacker in the groin. This will obviously stun the attacker.
This stunning technique should make the attacker loose his grip on the bear hug. At this point the defender lets go and gets the attacker's right hand away with a palm block. Also in this instant the defender will step his right foot into the 5 o'clock position.
Next the defender strikes with an elbow strike to the attacker's chin. After that right hand checks the attacker's right arm while the left hand guards the face and the right leg goes to a cat stance. And finally the defenders does a right snapping knife-edge kick to the inside of the right knee. That is Captured Twigs.
Now if yo have to defend against this, the prime objective you have is to guard your nuts. You may take several shots to the balls if you are not careful and make sure your opponent is completely in front of you the whole time. When your opponent steps into the horse stance, quickly move behind him to avoid the groin shot.
At this point you will be bent over. Depending on your relationship with ground fighting, you may want to knock out his knees and pin him to the ground. If not, you may be able to strike him in the balls from behind.
Showing posts with label kenpo karate technique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kenpo karate technique. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Kenpo Karate: Short 1 Kata
Step right into a horse stance with hands in chamber position.
This kata demonstrates the four basic blocks, done twice, while moving your horsestance around.To further illustrate, each the kata is like this:
That should give you a demonstration of how to do the form. Please check out more videos from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/shodanx">Shodanx</a>
This kata demonstrates the four basic blocks, done twice, while moving your horsestance around.To further illustrate, each the kata is like this:
- Block two punches from the north with inward blocks. Turn your head and see the attack from your left and yell, "kiaa"
Please refer to the video for further instruction:- Block two punches from the west (left) with outward blocks. Turn your head and see the attack from over your left shoulder and yell, "kiaa"- Block two punches from the east (behind you) with upwards blocks. Then you turn your head and see the attack from the right and yell, "kiaa"
- Block two kicks from the south (your right) with your downwards blocks. Turn your head and see the finish, "kiaa"
- Return to start position and bow out.
That should give you a demonstration of how to do the form. Please check out more videos from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/shodanx">Shodanx</a>
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Kenpo Karate: Deflecting Hammer
Deflecting Hammer is technique number four in the list of techniques learned for American Kenpo Karate yellow belt test.
Deflecting Hammer is a kenpo karate technique that defends against a right front kick. The defender shuffles back diagonally, just enough to avoid the kick while also deflecting it with a right downward hammer. This keeps the attacker's momentum going forward, leading him to a possible right hand punch. The defender then left hand blocks the elbow and right elbow strike to the neck or face.
In this instance, it is hard to determine a proper counter. If you were in the position of using a front kick defend yourself against a kenpo karate attacker, they would use your forward momentum against you and use it for their ultimate elbow strike.
One defense comes to mind: instead of following up with a punch, plant your foot after the hammer deflection; you'll know what is coming anyway since you know this defense as well. Plant your right foot and immediately turn and do backside kick. This keeps your momentum going forward and will be a little surprise to your attacker who may not be ready for this type of follow up.
You may even try a turn and left outer swordstrike to the neck.
As always, give me you feed back below.
Deflecting Hammer is a kenpo karate technique that defends against a right front kick. The defender shuffles back diagonally, just enough to avoid the kick while also deflecting it with a right downward hammer. This keeps the attacker's momentum going forward, leading him to a possible right hand punch. The defender then left hand blocks the elbow and right elbow strike to the neck or face.
In this instance, it is hard to determine a proper counter. If you were in the position of using a front kick defend yourself against a kenpo karate attacker, they would use your forward momentum against you and use it for their ultimate elbow strike.
One defense comes to mind: instead of following up with a punch, plant your foot after the hammer deflection; you'll know what is coming anyway since you know this defense as well. Plant your right foot and immediately turn and do backside kick. This keeps your momentum going forward and will be a little surprise to your attacker who may not be ready for this type of follow up.
You may even try a turn and left outer swordstrike to the neck.
As always, give me you feed back below.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Kenpo Karate: Swords of Destruction
By now you've figured out that I am going through techniques in the yellow belt test for American Kenpo Karate. Sword of Destruction is very similar to Delayed Sword. In fact they are practically the same technique only in this case you are defending against a left hook punch instead of a right punch.
Left hook comes at your temple, your left foot steps to the 8:00 position while blocking with your right arm. You counter with a right front kick to the groin and then right swordstrike to the neck. Essentially Delayed Sword from the other side.
Now for a possible counter to this technique if it should be used against you. Your opponent is stepping inside after blocking your punch. You know he's going for your groin so you have a couple of options:
Left hook comes at your temple, your left foot steps to the 8:00 position while blocking with your right arm. You counter with a right front kick to the groin and then right swordstrike to the neck. Essentially Delayed Sword from the other side.
Now for a possible counter to this technique if it should be used against you. Your opponent is stepping inside after blocking your punch. You know he's going for your groin so you have a couple of options:
- You can use the similar counters from Delayed Sword.
- Step your left leg back to 5:00 position and right side kick into the chest followed by a left straight punch or any varying techniques that don't interrupt the flow of the side kick. This counter would also work in Delayed Sword.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Kenpo Karate: Alternating Maces
Alternating Maces is another technique in Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate. Like the previous post, it is required for yellow belt promotion, and I will try my best to come up with a suitable defense against it.
As I've said, a skilled kenpo karate student is very fast. Delayed Sword and Alternating Maces are two techniques taught at the beginner level, but like I said before, your basics are your bread and butter.
Alternating Maces is a technique that defends against a two armed push, the kind that may be used in a school fight or possibly a bar. The defender rotates the hips and right inner block and push down on the arms. Just a fluid motion of blocking and pushing down (I hate to use the term blocking here, because it isn't really a block, but it is close enough).
Because the attacker initiated with a push, chances are that his momentum will keep him going forward. The defender then punches (left handed) the solar plexus to stop the opponent. After this stop, the defender uses a back fist to the temple.
A couple of things come to mind. 1, as the attacker's arms are pushed downward, the attacker's motion is directed downward and forward. What a I give to those who are defending against another kenpo artist who does the common defense of Alternating Maces is a kamikaze attack: a forward roll.
Because your arms are going down anyway, direct your hands down to start the roll. More than likely your opponent will not see this coming. As you are rolling, your legs go up. If you can miraculously kick him in the face, kudos to you. However, if he is an amazing artist, he will be able to counter this with a jump back, so you must be able to land on your feet.
2, You know what is coming next after the pushing down of your arms: a punch. If you are able to redirect your velocity, you can avoid it. Swing your back leg (at the time of conflict) to the side of the other leg in order to go sideways and either inside his body or outside.
On the inside of the punch, their is a possible counter of your punch to his solar plexus. On the outside, you could punch into the arm pit or you could wrap your arm under his armpit and then around his neck and put him into a full nelson.
If anyone has any other ideas, comment below. I'd like to know.
As I've said, a skilled kenpo karate student is very fast. Delayed Sword and Alternating Maces are two techniques taught at the beginner level, but like I said before, your basics are your bread and butter.
Alternating Maces is a technique that defends against a two armed push, the kind that may be used in a school fight or possibly a bar. The defender rotates the hips and right inner block and push down on the arms. Just a fluid motion of blocking and pushing down (I hate to use the term blocking here, because it isn't really a block, but it is close enough).
Because the attacker initiated with a push, chances are that his momentum will keep him going forward. The defender then punches (left handed) the solar plexus to stop the opponent. After this stop, the defender uses a back fist to the temple.
A couple of things come to mind. 1, as the attacker's arms are pushed downward, the attacker's motion is directed downward and forward. What a I give to those who are defending against another kenpo artist who does the common defense of Alternating Maces is a kamikaze attack: a forward roll.
Because your arms are going down anyway, direct your hands down to start the roll. More than likely your opponent will not see this coming. As you are rolling, your legs go up. If you can miraculously kick him in the face, kudos to you. However, if he is an amazing artist, he will be able to counter this with a jump back, so you must be able to land on your feet.
2, You know what is coming next after the pushing down of your arms: a punch. If you are able to redirect your velocity, you can avoid it. Swing your back leg (at the time of conflict) to the side of the other leg in order to go sideways and either inside his body or outside.
On the inside of the punch, their is a possible counter of your punch to his solar plexus. On the outside, you could punch into the arm pit or you could wrap your arm under his armpit and then around his neck and put him into a full nelson.
If anyone has any other ideas, comment below. I'd like to know.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Karate Kenpo: Delayed Sword
I want to start a series on kenpo karate techniques and go over possible counters to them. Though a kenpo karate student may know how to do the technique, what would happen if another artist should happen to use it on them? I'd like to disect the technique, and find a counter.
As most of you know, Delayed Sword is a technique from Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate school required for a student to recieve their yellow belt. Though yellow is still a beginning belt, your earliest techniques are almost always a martial artist bread and butter. To begin, I'll describe the technique.
Delayed Sword is a technique that counters a right hand punch or grab. Regardless of initial technique, the technique counters the right hand of the opponent.
The attacker punches with the right hand. The defender blocks with a right inward block, knocking the punch away and then follows with a right outward downward diagonal handsword strike to the attacker's neck.
After that strike, the defender uses a right front scoop kick to the groin to finish off the technique, then planting the right foot into a left neutral bow stance.
Now because you know the technique, you should be able to defend against it, right? Well with all kenpo karate techniques, speed is invaluable. Your opponent will be quick if they are as used to the technique as you should be. However, I believe that if you are just as quick, you can catch your opponent unaware.
So you punch and your opponent initiates the Delayed Sword technique. You know what is coming and if your opponent is using this technique, he should be be fast. You have to be faster.
After he blocks your right hand punch and is about to move in with the sword strike, pivot on your left and step your right leg back. This way you should be facing your opponent's back or side.
From here, you may be able to do a roundhouse kick to your opponent's chest. However the reach may be too far. I would suggest instead using your left foot and attacking the right knee.
As you step back, your opponent may be off balance; your neck has moved and isn't as easy to hit correctly. This will confuse the novice kenpo artist, and, as this counter is new, may surprise the seasoned warrior.
Your opponent may be off balance from the swordstrike, making a knee kick similar to the final ax strike to a falling tree.
That is my counter. If you would like, please tell me any problems or other variations in the comments below.
As most of you know, Delayed Sword is a technique from Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate school required for a student to recieve their yellow belt. Though yellow is still a beginning belt, your earliest techniques are almost always a martial artist bread and butter. To begin, I'll describe the technique.
Delayed Sword is a technique that counters a right hand punch or grab. Regardless of initial technique, the technique counters the right hand of the opponent.
The attacker punches with the right hand. The defender blocks with a right inward block, knocking the punch away and then follows with a right outward downward diagonal handsword strike to the attacker's neck.
After that strike, the defender uses a right front scoop kick to the groin to finish off the technique, then planting the right foot into a left neutral bow stance.
Now because you know the technique, you should be able to defend against it, right? Well with all kenpo karate techniques, speed is invaluable. Your opponent will be quick if they are as used to the technique as you should be. However, I believe that if you are just as quick, you can catch your opponent unaware.
So you punch and your opponent initiates the Delayed Sword technique. You know what is coming and if your opponent is using this technique, he should be be fast. You have to be faster.
After he blocks your right hand punch and is about to move in with the sword strike, pivot on your left and step your right leg back. This way you should be facing your opponent's back or side.
From here, you may be able to do a roundhouse kick to your opponent's chest. However the reach may be too far. I would suggest instead using your left foot and attacking the right knee.
As you step back, your opponent may be off balance; your neck has moved and isn't as easy to hit correctly. This will confuse the novice kenpo artist, and, as this counter is new, may surprise the seasoned warrior.
Your opponent may be off balance from the swordstrike, making a knee kick similar to the final ax strike to a falling tree.
That is my counter. If you would like, please tell me any problems or other variations in the comments below.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Video Kenpo 1
I wanted to post some more videos from youtube for more kenpo karate fun. Feel free to check out the tuber's channels; I will include them in each post.
PowerKenpo
PowerKenpo
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Kenpo Karate: 10 Hand Strikes
Kenpo karate is an art that contains many techniques. These listed below are 10 hand strikes that a kenpo karate student would learn:
- Straight punch - stays palm up while in chamber position at the hip, but when fully extended, knuckles go up.
- Vertical punch - starts palm up, like the straight punch, but when released from the chamber position, the knuckles are vertical with the thumb up.
- Inward hand sword - palm up to shoulder and, using the blade of the hand (pinky side), strike the neck of the opponent, going inward.
- Outward hand sword - palm down, raising arm across the chest, strike the neck going outward.
- Palm heel - like a straight punch, strike using the palm in a thrust motion.
- Back knuckle - raising fist to opposite shoulder, strike using the back of the hand, preferably the knuckle.
- Finger thrust - open hand, fingers slightly spread, and jab.
- Finger poke - using index and middle finger together, strike withe a thrust. Typically to eyes or soft vulnerable areas.
- Inward slice - using index and middle finger, slice across the eyes from outside to in.
- Outward slice - using index and middle finger, slice across the eyes from inside to out.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Kenpo Karate: In Regards to Art
Every martial art is special... Does that sound as cheesy to you as it does to me? Regardless, every martial art, whether it be kenpo karate or kung fu, brings something good to the table. But what is also created when a martial artist begins to learn a way is an integration of personality and art.
Every martial artist is different. This goes primarily to body type. Usually big martial artists are strong and built to take a hit, whereas smaller martial artist are more agile and have to be more precise in their targets.
This is not a rule, however. At my school, my master loved jumping kicks. Being a big kid, I wasn't great at them, but as I grew up in the school, I became much more agile than I would had I not had to do all those jumping kicks.
Each master teaches skills to what they excel at, that is why so many schools are broken off and also why so many arts teach different techniques. This is not to say that kenpo karate and kung fu are the same but rehashed arts. Every art has it's home, but every master makes it their own and in turn teaches their pupils the techniques and skills they excel at as well as the skills they not excel at, giving more emphasis on their own style.
This is good because every artist is different. My school loved kicks, however I was more into punching and hand techniques. Therefore, hand techniques are a strong center in my art. I still know the kicks and can perform some of the more advanced techniques, however I preferred to keep my legs grounded at the time.
This was strictly because (and here I am, handing out my darkest secrets) I believed that kicking was like handing your foot to your opponent.This is erroneous in the fact the same can be said for a hand, but loosing your balance and falling to the ground could lead to loss--depending on your confidence in the grappling arts.
This comes to my next point: whatever art you study, it is important to remember that it is only a foundation art. Foundation art meaning it is the art that sets the ground for further study. Study all arts and learn the weaknesses and strengths. Continue until you are confident in your ability completely. That is the Way.
Every martial artist is different. This goes primarily to body type. Usually big martial artists are strong and built to take a hit, whereas smaller martial artist are more agile and have to be more precise in their targets.
This is not a rule, however. At my school, my master loved jumping kicks. Being a big kid, I wasn't great at them, but as I grew up in the school, I became much more agile than I would had I not had to do all those jumping kicks.
Each master teaches skills to what they excel at, that is why so many schools are broken off and also why so many arts teach different techniques. This is not to say that kenpo karate and kung fu are the same but rehashed arts. Every art has it's home, but every master makes it their own and in turn teaches their pupils the techniques and skills they excel at as well as the skills they not excel at, giving more emphasis on their own style.
This is good because every artist is different. My school loved kicks, however I was more into punching and hand techniques. Therefore, hand techniques are a strong center in my art. I still know the kicks and can perform some of the more advanced techniques, however I preferred to keep my legs grounded at the time.
This was strictly because (and here I am, handing out my darkest secrets) I believed that kicking was like handing your foot to your opponent.This is erroneous in the fact the same can be said for a hand, but loosing your balance and falling to the ground could lead to loss--depending on your confidence in the grappling arts.
This comes to my next point: whatever art you study, it is important to remember that it is only a foundation art. Foundation art meaning it is the art that sets the ground for further study. Study all arts and learn the weaknesses and strengths. Continue until you are confident in your ability completely. That is the Way.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Leaping Crane Technique
Hi everyone! Got another video from Expert Village called the Leaping Crane. Really good technique to defend against a punch. I'm having a little bit of writer's block so I was wondering if any of you had any ideas or posts you would like to see posted here? I'm all ears and more than willing to write what you want on this blog, as long as it is Kenpo Karate or MA related.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monday, January 9, 2012
American Kenpo Karate: Broken Gift
Once again another youtube post... I'm on the next chapter of The Five Rings so tomorrow should be a better post and I should also get myself more into the game and make better post this week. Instead, enjoy this technique from AmericanKenpoist: Broken Gift.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Five Swords Technique as well as things to come.
These videos from Expert Village are pretty good. Sorry about posting two videos instead of a real post; I'm reading a book I just bought (The Book of Five Rings) which I think will help me better understand my theories of the different mindsets that I posted earlier. I guess I should have mentioned that in the posts; if I didn't, I'm sorry. The five elements and the emotional and mental implications they had inspired me to write those first posts but I would like to read Miyamoto's actual text before I delve any further into the subject.
Thank you very much for reading and please take a look at the Five Swords Technique
Thank you very much for reading and please take a look at the Five Swords Technique
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Circling Wing Technique
Hey check out this technique. I figured I'd just give you the video because watching it is a little better than reading it.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Blocking Faster
When I was growing up in my school, I was known as an impenetrable force. My hands were quick; I was able to block 90% of my opponents attacks (now counter attacking, that was another story). My hands were my pride and joy, and I took my "ultimate" defense as a special niche that only I had mastered.
Getting there is rather simple. Most of us who have been martial artists for a while have already learned the basics, which are your blocks.
Now there are of course your upward blocks, inward blocks and outward blocks and it is very (extremely) useful to know and use these correctly. But if you want to be faster, your best bet is to just use your hands and arms.
Well duh! Right? What I mean is get used to rotating your arms. Rotate your arms like windmills. This is a good way to stretch them and get them used to the movements. Another favorite of mine is from Karate Kid: wax on, wax off.
With that technique, you want to perform with both hands going the same direction, forwards and backwards as well as countering one another. Caution, you will look ridiculous doing this.
Paint the fence, another good one from Karate Kid, simple pretend you arm brushing a fence in an up and down movement or side to side.
Honestly the best way for me to describe how to get faster blocks is by using your arm's full motion. That is including your hands. Swivel and bend to practice but also be practical. Your hands are very important and they can be damaged easily if you goof off too much during sparing.
Getting there is rather simple. Most of us who have been martial artists for a while have already learned the basics, which are your blocks.
Now there are of course your upward blocks, inward blocks and outward blocks and it is very (extremely) useful to know and use these correctly. But if you want to be faster, your best bet is to just use your hands and arms.
Well duh! Right? What I mean is get used to rotating your arms. Rotate your arms like windmills. This is a good way to stretch them and get them used to the movements. Another favorite of mine is from Karate Kid: wax on, wax off.
With that technique, you want to perform with both hands going the same direction, forwards and backwards as well as countering one another. Caution, you will look ridiculous doing this.
Paint the fence, another good one from Karate Kid, simple pretend you arm brushing a fence in an up and down movement or side to side.
Honestly the best way for me to describe how to get faster blocks is by using your arm's full motion. That is including your hands. Swivel and bend to practice but also be practical. Your hands are very important and they can be damaged easily if you goof off too much during sparing.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Kenpo Karate Technique: Snapping Twig
Snapping Twig is the name of a technique practiced in kenpo karate. It doesn't consist of just a simple strike; snapping twig is a series of movements that if done correctly (and in a dire situation) can break the assailant's arm as well as throw them to the ground unconscious.
Like all special techniques, snapping twig is a technique that only works on the defense. Your opponent first steps in with a punch or shove. Your reaction is to dodge and attack his attacking arm at the wrist and the elbow.
First you'll step back with your left leg, decreasing the damage from the initial attack. Grab his attacking wrist tightly and hold it against your body. Your right arm, then, comes up and strikes his elbow, hyper extending it or breaking it. As long as you are holding the arm correctly, your opponent should not be able to move out of the technique in time before the strike to the elbow.
After the strike to the elbow (if you haven't broken the arm (I'd advise against it, unless you really have to)), roll your right hand to the bend in elbow and pull down. By bending the elbow, your opponent is lowered. At this point your opponent will do one on two things: either attack back with his other arm or be stunned by your reaction.
If he attacks with the other arm, use your left hand, which was securing his wrist, to block the punch. If your opponent was stunned by the outcome of this confrontation, and hasn't reacted, snapping twig continues with a strike to the throat.
Step forward with your left leg while bringing your right hand to your opponents wrist. Your left hand comes up and strikes with the blade (pinkie side of hand) to the throat.
After the throat strike, strike your opponent at the left temple with a hammer fist and continue past his face to block any other attacks he may use from his right hand. While your right hand is down, strike his inner thigh. This will make him bend in the waist forward, setting you up to elbow him in the head with your right arm and slam his jaw with your left heel-palm.
Check out this video for a demo of snapping twig!
Like all special techniques, snapping twig is a technique that only works on the defense. Your opponent first steps in with a punch or shove. Your reaction is to dodge and attack his attacking arm at the wrist and the elbow.
First you'll step back with your left leg, decreasing the damage from the initial attack. Grab his attacking wrist tightly and hold it against your body. Your right arm, then, comes up and strikes his elbow, hyper extending it or breaking it. As long as you are holding the arm correctly, your opponent should not be able to move out of the technique in time before the strike to the elbow.
After the strike to the elbow (if you haven't broken the arm (I'd advise against it, unless you really have to)), roll your right hand to the bend in elbow and pull down. By bending the elbow, your opponent is lowered. At this point your opponent will do one on two things: either attack back with his other arm or be stunned by your reaction.
If he attacks with the other arm, use your left hand, which was securing his wrist, to block the punch. If your opponent was stunned by the outcome of this confrontation, and hasn't reacted, snapping twig continues with a strike to the throat.
Step forward with your left leg while bringing your right hand to your opponents wrist. Your left hand comes up and strikes with the blade (pinkie side of hand) to the throat.
After the throat strike, strike your opponent at the left temple with a hammer fist and continue past his face to block any other attacks he may use from his right hand. While your right hand is down, strike his inner thigh. This will make him bend in the waist forward, setting you up to elbow him in the head with your right arm and slam his jaw with your left heel-palm.
Check out this video for a demo of snapping twig!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)