About the Author: It’s Time to Get Engaged!
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If you’re not engaged, you should be.
No, I’m not talking about buying a ring. I’m talking about getting engaged in your KENPO.
Most people refer to being engaged when talking about stances. Are you knees bent? Are they both pointed in the right direction? Are you on the balls of your feet? Is your weight divided correctly? Is your butt anchored? Etc.
While those are good questions to ask yourself, it shouldn’t stop there.
Engagement works on many levels, not just the physical. Are you mentally prepared to defend yourself? Are you emotionally in check and in control? Are you spiritually engaged?
When you practice, you’re trying to realistically prepare yourself for the street. However, many people don’t train fully engaged - they only engage themselves 1/4 or only 1/2 of the way. What if you’re faced with an attacker who is 75% engaged? Is 25% enough?
If you haven’t thought about this. I recommend your reconsider and seriously evaluate how you’re training.
What’s your take on this? Simply click on the “comments” link below and let me know what you think!
Yes. I agree. I try to apply each move while envisioning an actual attacker and go full out with each movement. My only pitfall has been trying to focus on too many things at once. As a newbie with previous experience, I have high expectations for myself and have been easily frustrated. Astutely, the instructors have told me to focus on one thing at a time and let the rest work its way back. This attitude of committment to each movement or stance, while focusing on one thing at a time, has made all the difference. What great and patient instructors you have! This is the place to learn American Kenpo in Salt Lake City.
Comment by scott — 1/3/2008 @
As usual our instructor is right. No surprise there. Cory and I have had many similar conversations. I think being fully engaged also means paying attention to what and who is around you at all times. So, lets work on being 100% engaged in our Kenpo while practicing and in daily life.
Comment by Joe — 1/4/2008 @
I DO BELIEVE THAN WHEN YOU FOCUS BOTH YOUR MIND AND YOUR BODY WITH THE SAME INTENSITY ON THE SAME THING, GREAT THINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED. KENPO IS DEFINITELY NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT, IT REQUIRES A LOT FROM YOU PHYSICALLY, AND MENTALLY. THE PAY OFF HOWEVER IS AMAZING. 2008 — THE YEAR OF ENGAGEMENT!
Comment by Cory — 1/4/2008 @
Thanks guys! Glad to know you like the info. Remember, it’s not just about visualization…it’s about moving with intent and intensity, as well as having faith and believing in yourself per Mr. Mills.
Comment by Ryan Wheaton — 1/8/2008 @