Progressive Kicks of Kenpo

[Theban_Legion]

It is probably a good thing that kicking skills are required considering that my instructor taught that any kick above the groin was useless. I am definately lacking in kicking prowess, but I always thought that kicks should be limited to low target areas. Also, it was my opinion that kicks should not require finesse to execute; the real test of skill belonging to hand and footwork timing, and proper execution of principles.

Maybe this is merely a cop-out. Perhaps it is just a knee-jerk reaction to something different. Perhaps I don't have an adequate understanding of the skill required to perform these kicks. The legs are certainly the strongest of our appendages.

I have asked myself this question on several occasions, so I thought that it would be appropriate to ask you directly:

Mr. Lamkin, why did you choose to require these kicks as part of the AKLA requirements? How do these kicks relate to what Mr. Parker taught? (I am definately not an authority on what Mr. Parker taught)

[administrator]

Mr. Lamkin, why did you choose to require these kicks as part of the AKLA requirements? How do these kicks relate to what Mr. Parker taught?
Kicks are a very important part in the martial arts. Most kenpoists do not kick well. This is due mainly because of instructor inability to kick, passing on prejudice on to their students.

Kicks in combat should, in general, be directed from the mid-section and lower. In practice, you should kick as high as your body is able to gain range of motion, balance, strength, and many other qualities. If you can kick with great speed at head height on a heavy bag, with good power, balance, and recovery, then you kick will be much more greatly enhanced at the lower heights in combat (for testing purposes, we only require kicking at combat levels). Practicing kicks that are difficult to execute, makes the simpler kicks within their category much more solid, and easier to use in combat. For instance, after you have advanced to 3rd Brown and begin training a Jump Spinning Back Kick successfully, your straight thrusting back kick becomes extrememly solid. Consequently, I have seen many kenpoists at Black Belt levels, who had not trained well in kicking, that should consider abandoning kicks of any type.

I happen to be fortunate to have come from a school that had great kickers and instructors who encourage the growth of all facets of student development.

If you look at early photographs of Ed Parker, you will see him demonstrating kicks, such as the Flying Side Kick. Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Vol.3 lists dozens of kicks that most kenpoists refuse to practice. All movements are to be regarded as an 'alphabet of motion'. I want to be able to have an extensive martial arts vocabulary, therefore, I will not limit myself, not my students by not teaching all the possibilities of movement. The true martial artist will know how, when and why to execute a specific movement.

Finally, only for specific medical reasons, do I modify the requirements. With determination and effort, nearly everyone can kick well. If you follow our training methods, you will be able to enjoy a greater freedom of movement, and develop good kicking skills without developing injuries to your hips and knees that some martial artists develop from not properly warming up, stretching, pivoting, etc.

Kevin Lamkin
Administrator

[Theban_Legion]

Kicks are a very important part in the martial arts. Most kenpoists do not kick well. This is due mainly because of instructor inability to kick, passing on prejudice on to their students.Yes, I do recall my instructor, who certainly was skilled, speaking negatively about any kicks that did not show up in the curriculum as he taught it. I never bothered to go beyond what I was taught.

Kicks in combat should, in general, be directed from the mid-section and lower. In practice, you should kick as high as your body is able to gain range of motion, balance, strength, and many other qualities. If you can kick with great speed at head height on a heavy bag, with good power, balance, and recovery, then you kick will be much more greatly enhanced at the lower heights in combat (for testing purposes, we only require kicking at combat levels). Practicing kicks that are difficult to execute, makes the simpler kicks within their category much more solid, and easier to use in combat. For instance, after you have advanced to 3rd Brown and begin training a Jump Spinning Back Kick successfully, your straight thrusting back kick becomes extrememly solid.
Excellent information! Thank you.

Consequently, I have seen many kenpoists at Black Belt levels, who had not trained well in kicking, that should consider abandoning kicks of any type.:p Funniest statement I've heard all week! :D


If you look at early photographs of Ed Parker, you will see him demonstrating kicks, such as the Flying Side Kick. Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Vol.3 lists dozens of kicks that most kenpoists refuse to practice. All movements are to be regarded as an 'alphabet of motion'.
Yes, I have Vol I-V of Insights. Vol II and III (Physical Analyzation) each list some movements that were never taught to me, movements that I never saw anyone practice or execute in a technique. I recall something Mr. Parker wrote. It was something about never discarding any movement, even unuseful movements.

I want to be able to have an extensive martial arts vocabulary, therefore, I will not limit myself, not my students by not teaching all the possibilities of movement. The true martial artist will know how, when and why to execute a specific movement.

Finally, only for specific medical reasons, do I modify the requirements. With determination and effort, nearly everyone can kick well. If you follow our training methods, you will be able to enjoy a greater freedom of movement, and develop good kicking skills without developing injuries to your hips and knees that some martial artists develop from not properly warming up, stretching, pivoting, etc.
Outstanding answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my questions. I really do appreciate your responses.