The 16, 24, and 30 technique systems

[garridoe]

Can anyone explain to me the difference between the 16, 24, and 30 technique systems of American Kenpo and how they came about?

[administrator]

The AKLA teaches Ed Parker's curriculum of 24 techniques per belt. In all of his publication from the mid-70s until his death, Ed Parker always had 24 techniques per belt. Other variations of belt curriculum was after his death.
Motivations for these curriculum changes vary widely. Our motivation is to maintain the curriculum the Ed Parker had developed and what he stated that he had plans to do with the video tape series that he had begun just prior to his death.

Kevin Lamkin
Site Administrator

[warrior-scholar]

Many of the 16 technique systems add belts to include all of the techniques into their system, while keeping you at their school longer as well! I have seen some systems utilize most of the techniques in this manner, but the majority do not. In fact, some 16 schools include "optional" techniques per belt that are included in the 24 systems. Some of the 30 and even 32 systems tend to borrow techniques from other styles (Tracy's for instance-I have even seen some Shaolin Kempo techniques of the Villari school stuck in there). Just understand what you are getting yourself into and what you are not getting into. I think we make too much about the whole number game.

[garridoe]

The AKLA teaches Ed Parker's curriculum of 24 techniques per belt. In all of his publication from the mid-70s until his death, Ed Parker always had 24 techniques per belt. Other variations of belt curriculum was after his death.
Motivations for these curriculum changes vary widely. Our motivation is to maintain the curriculum the Ed Parker had developed and what he stated that he had plans to do with the video tape series that he had begun just prior to his death.

Kevin Lamkin
Site Administrator


Thanks for the clarification master Lamkin.

[garridoe]

Many of the 16 technique systems add belts to include all of the techniques into their system, while keeping you at their school longer as well! I have seen some systems utilize most of the techniques in this manner, but the majority do not. In fact, some 16 schools include "optional" techniques per belt that are included in the 24 systems. Some of the 30 and even 32 systems tend to borrow techniques from other styles (Tracy's and I have even seen some Shaolin Kempo techniques of the Villari school stuck in there). Just understand what you are getting yourself into and what you are not getting into. I think we make too much about the whole number game.


Thanks Warrior-Scholar for making this clearer.

[The Tabasco Kid]

Variable?

After a couple of months studying the AKLA Home Study Course material, I have become a true believer in the original 24 techniques per belt curriculum and have become more than a little leery of other styles that are descended from Mr. Parker's original curriculum.

In trying to answer workbook questions, I am really needing a partner but cannot find one in my area, so I am considering going back to the local Kenpo school. I called them up and asked a few questions that I didn't know to ask last time. I learned that they teach Rick Fowler's version of American Kenpo, which is a bit different from AKLA.

For example, here are the Yellow belt requirements 7 techniques and 1 set, Orange requires 10 techniques for Orange, plus 7 for Advanced Orange, and 2 sets, and Purple requires the same number as Orange.

Should I be concerned about picking up things taught by the Fowler line that do not show up in the AKLA curriculum or do I need to take a chill pill and just do it?

[administrator]

Should I be concerned about picking up things taught by the Fowler line that do not show up in the AKLA curriculum or do I need to take a chill pill and just do it?

Take all knowledge and sort out what is useful. Remember, you will be tested on our curriculum, should you submit your test to us.
Kevin Lamkin

[The Tabasco Kid]

Take all knowledge and sort out what is useful. Remember, you will be tested on our curriculum, should you submit your test to us.
Kevin Lamkin

And I will be submitting tests to AKLA. I just need the live contact to improve my skills.

[warrior-scholar]

It may make things more challenging to do it that way. On the other hand, you should come out stronger as you will have to analyze both systems at a deeper level.
Good Luck!