Questions on Requirements

[dstuart]

I've gone through the requirements for yellow, and I'm working on the moves with a partner to get them combat ready. I have a couple of questions on the requirements for yellow.

1) A thrusting inward block. I don't rememeber seeing that demonstrated in the videos. What is the technique?

2) What is the difference between a training horse stance and a fighting horse stance?

Thanks,

Dan Stuart

[tampakenpo]

I seem to remember a short explanation between hammering and thrusting inward blocks during the lesson on Delayed Sword. This was a long one, but lots of information was in there.

In short, I believe, a hammering block was coming from a "cocked" position where a thrusting block was coming from "point of origin"

Someone please correct me if I understood this wrong

Jeff

[JeffW]

I believe the main difference in the horse stances is in the head and hand positioning. For the training horse, both the body and head are facing 12 with your hands in cocked positions at your hips. Like you would be to start the blocking set for instance.

With the fighting horse, imagine an opponent at 3. Your body remains facing 12, but your head is now facing 3 and your right hand is in high guard and the left in low guard.

I'm a beginner myself, but I think I have this essentially correct.

[warrior-scholar]

Just to expand on earlier comments:
From the cocked position, the elbow swings or hammers into place to complete the block. The thrusting version ends in practically the same position, but (as already mentioned) does not come from a cocked position. It does not necessarily come from a hands down position. Try executing one from a fighting stance in which your hands are already up. The thrusting version does have speed on its side.
By the way, many of my students forget to cock a hammering block after they have learned the thrusting version. Make sure you practice BOTH according to the particular situation. If the technique calls for a hammering inward, then practice the hammering inward!

[Theban_Legion]

Additionally, you could consider the purposes for the methods of execution for said block.

A thrusting movement is delivered using linear motion; a hammering movement uses circular motion.

Direct point of orgin is the major concern of thrusting motion. This linear motion provides greater acess for rebound movements, in addition to many other things. For the newer student, the consideration of rebound is more than enough intellectual stimulation.

The circular/elliptical path of a hammering motion provides wonderful opportunities for filling dead space along that circular path during both execution and recovery. While rebound strikes are not uncommon after the execution of hammering motion, it is certainly preferable to 'continue the circle' or 'reverse the circle,' so to speak.

Whipping motion, well, that comes later...

Anyway, sounds like you're having fun. There is alot to enjoy, and there's alot of people here who will assist in clarifying concepts.

Good luck and good training!
Andrew

[dstuart]

Thanks Everyone!

I now remember seeing the thrusting inward block. Thanks for saving me time trying to find it.

I didn't see the fighting horse stance but maybe it was on and I was briefly interrupted by my wife.

I think the descriptions you all have given is enough to get me through. Thanks!

I have learned my lesson to look at the requirements before watching the video so I know what to look for.

Just as an FYI...my wife and I train in a martial art that is a combination of Kenpo, Hapkido and Escrima/arnis. I'd name it, but we are in the process of changing the name. It was formerly called Explosive Fist Hapkido, but it is really more Kenpo than Hapkido, so the name is a bit confusing for people, hence the name change. I've been training this style for years. It has a lot of Kenpo components, but it is also quite different in many respects.

These American Kenpo videos are quite informative and easy to learn from.

The one thing I've noticed is that American Kenpo has a lot of requirements at the lower belt levels. Whereas, what I currently study, the requirements are more top loaded toward the upper level belts. Lower belts tend to work a lot on basics until those are nailed.

Anyway thanks again!!!