   Like many martial arts systems, weaponry within the curriculum is an extension of the human hands. In Kenpo this premise remains a truism as well, but in addition to such, a weapon actually augments the concepts and principles which can be defined as Kenponic mechanics. This leads to a more evolved manipulation of the human body via supplementary weapons. Lets take a look at basic stick methodology as well as application.  When holding the stick one should never have an overly constricted grip. The hand and wrist should be firm but relaxed, with the majority of the strength and pressure focused in your last three fingers. The index finger guides the motion and flow of the stick. The stick can be utilized in many different ways, and here are just a few. Striking Blocking Joint Locking/Choking Takedowns/Strikedowns Controlling Weapon Retention/Disarming The distance between two combatants, relative to the length of your stick, is your interval. Spacial Engagement is that portion of space where contact can be initially engaged. Spacial engagement must be carefully calculated as any two body spheres lessen or increase their distance. In close quarter battle the measurement of 20 inches in interval (from your attacker's body and outward) can be extremely hazardous. Expediency and maneuverability can be little-to-none within the varying ranges of CQB. Therefore, depending upon the length of your stick you must strike within the proper spacial engagement. Judge the angle and your interval as your two body spheres alter their relationship to each other. If you do not, your attacker may engage you in striking, grappling, and or weapon disarmament. Targeting is a very important aspect in self-defense, and for obvious reasons. In stick fighting critical targeting is associated with bony targets (protuberances) and pressure/nerve centers for paralysis. Hand, wrist, elbow, forearm, clavicles, knees, shins and ankles are all bony targets which should be focused upon as you attack. But this doesn't mean that striking soft tissue targets are any less significant. If it is on the human body, then it can be considered a target. The Kenpo knife is probably the most dangerous tool within the curriculum, and for good reason. The knife takes on every aspect of Kenpo and magnifies it because of the lethality factor inherent within it's design. Lets see how Kenpo deals with the riddle of steel. |
When viewing different blade designs you can visualize how each variant takes advantage of Kenpo's concepts and principles. A double-edged blade utilizes reverse motion, returning motion, and organized retrograde quite well without prohibiting motion or unnecessary blade re-positioning. The obvious reason stems from the constant edge on the blade. Next, we have reverse gravitational marriage which is another important facet of weapons play. This concept augments the penetration value of a strike, allowing more of the blade to reach the internal structure by reversing the effects of gravity. Energetic Transmission and Absorption and Penetrative Contact play an important role in the relationship of steel and flesh. This entails the following; the transference of energy from the blade onto the desired target or targets, the appropriate energy needed to transfer to the target to have maximum effect, and the affects of the cutting action itself. Penetrative contact pertains to the depth of focus and the extension of power through and beyond the target. Absorption is the anatomical reactivity of your attacker, or more specifically, the exertion and subsequent transfer of energy which creates effects and consequences as a by-product. What did your cutting maneuver do to your attacker's body? Is it a deep wound or a surface wound? How is your attacker's body reacting to your action? How was the energy absorbed? This is an important area and must be calculated within your response. Lastly, Angular Versatility illustrates that the knife is effective from a number of different angles and any given proximity. Try to visualize an X block against an overhead knife strike (blade pointing down). As crazy as this sounds, some traditional Karate schools still execute this maneuver. Okay, now that the block is performed we can hook the blade down by turning the wrist toward your attacker. The blade's edge should make contact with the attacker's arms. Now pull your knife arm inward so that you anchor your elbow to your side. Your free hand, which should have been a positional check, can go to check one of the attacker's hands. Your forward leg, from point of origin, can execute a front snap kick to the attacker's groin. Notice that I have fragmented this maneuver down into components, but each individual action should be performed simultaneoulsy. You could say as an argument that you would not block so close to the wrist, but further down the forearm. In this case you still risk jarring the knife loose from the hand and sending it towards your face like a spear. My intention is not to tell you what is right or wrong, but only to purvey alternatives and variations for Kenpo weaponry. As you have heard before, Kenpo is like water. It may not be able to go completely through the wall, but sooner or later it will filter in through the cracks. This filtering in through the cracks refers to the flaws in one's defense. A Kenpoist will find a way in, and when it does, it's just a matter of time. back home 
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