About the Author: Ryan Wheaton has been teaching American Kenpo since 1991 and is the chief instructor at Arrowhead Martial Arts Studio in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is an internationally certified 6th degree black belt and personal student of 10th degree black belt Paul Mills. Ryan sits on the Board of Directors for the American Kenpo Karate International (AKKI) and is also a regular seminar presenter at AKKI National & International events.
WELCOME TO MY MARTIAL ARTS BLOG! Keep up to date on all the latest news, tips and ideas from Arrowhead Martial Arts Studio by subscribing to my RSS feed or you can receive email updates right to your inbox. Thanks for visiting! -- Ryan Wheaton
I’m not sure what hurt worse… the kicks to the face… the ones to the back of the head… the axe kick to the sternum. Either way, it was painful to watch! I love the expressions in the crowd. Totally priceless.
This just in: March 2nd is the room reservation cut off date for the March 2008 Paul Mills Las Vegas Kenpo Camp. If you haven’t yet made your reservations, and are considering going, I encourage you do so now. You can always cancel later. If you don’t make your reservations by then, you won’t get a discount and the rooms will be released to the general public and will go fast.
March 27-29, 2008
Sam’s Town
5111 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89122
1 (800) 634-6371
HOTEL RATES:
Sun - Thurs = $49.99/night
Fri - Sat = $120.00/night
Don’t know what the Las Vegas AKKI Kenpo camp is all about? Get caught up to speed here!
What makes American Kenpo different from all other martial arts systems is the use of principles of motion. Think of principles of motion as ingredients to make the perfect recipe for performance.
Each of our techniques, forms, sets, freestyle, and drills are designed to help us understand, explore and internalize proper action through the use of principles.
As a student of the Art, I would encourage you to learn, incorporate, and apply these principles in everything you do. The difference between an average Kenpoist and a great one, often lies in their use and understanding of the principles of motion.
Here are some core principles you should unequivocally incorporate into your training, in no particular order:
1. Logic - If there were one principle to rule them all, this would be it.
2. Point of Origin - John Wayne could’ve used this one and refers to moving any natural weapon from wherever it originates rather than cocking it before deploying it. Helps to eliminate telegraphing your moves.
3. Economy of Motion - Make sure every move counts and is efficient.
4. Centerline - Learn how to minimize yours and maximize your opponents.
5. Margin for Error - Build this into everything you do both offensively and defensively.
6. Tea Kettle - Exhale at the proper moment for maximum effect.
7. Simplicity - If it’s too complex, you’ll never be able to pull it off.
8. Engagement - Have your mind, body, emotion, and spirit ready.
9. Anchoring - Get your butt under you and drop your elbows.
10. Black Dot Focus - Be aware of everything going on around you, not just in front of you.
11-20 I want to hear from you!
What other principles would you add to the list and why? Add your comment below by clicking the “Add Your Comment Here” link now and help me get to 20 core American Kenpo Principles!
