Self Defense Basics, Techniques & Forms

Kenpo Kung fu teaches an ample amount of basic movements. It is from these simple movements of simplicity that creates complex simplicity. These basics make endless possibilities to our imaginations. Basics are any blocks or parries to keep from getting hit from basic formed blocking to soft parrying to redirecting. Basics also consist of any kicks rather if it is a frontward, sideways or backward motion maybe with a spin, jump or crossover added to it. Striking is a Kenpoist's favorite because the hands are like tools used as a method of relativity. It could be a closed fist or open hand method. To explain various types of methods would take days of talk, but years of practice.

Our basics, techniques and special training are the “Martial” part of Martial Arts. The “Art” part of Martial Arts is forms. This is where our fluidity is developed. From here it helps aid those basic movements and hard hitting techniques.

Another word for forms that some people are familiar with is “Kata” which is Japanese. We know them as “Kuen” which is Chinese. These are the ones you see on T.V. that are really long and graceful. With continuous motion of the legs moving along with the arms, it makes for a great exercise routine if practiced properly and several times.

Techniques are the biggest part of kenpo training. It would take years for me to describe various methods so I will share with you a brief (not so brief) analysis.

Techniques are multiple patterned combinations that set timing, coordination, footing, and distance all to perspective rather if it is close range or long range fighting. They teach us how to move fluidly from blocking to striking to multiple blocking and multiple striking. It is also the “what if” game. You know, “what if they do this,” “what if they do that” type of scenario. They are patterned perfectly to follow this concept that you are always guarded, can flow into the next strike, block, takedown or lock and at the same time having a “what if” back up that flows into it.

There are over 135 core techniques in Kenpo Kung Fu. These core techniques consists of someone attacking you from all various angles with fist or feet, various knife attack angles, various club attack angles, and defending against being held at gun point from various angles. They also consist of being grabbed from various grabs imaginable (standing or on the ground) and multiple assailants too.

Techniques also teach us to be aware of the obstacles around you and your limited abilities. Let’s face it; we can’t walk around in our uniforms to school, work or out and about areas. Other than that it is against our Kwoon’s policy to wear our uniforms outside the training because it is unethical and can cause problems in public. With that stated, if you are wearing slacks, kicks are not likely and if you have a heavy coat that restricts movements in the arms you need to be aware of that as well about limited strikes.

Now these core techniques also stem at least 5 patterned principles that are inherited from them to cover that “what if” basis, creating 675 (135 x 5 = 675) techniques available for defense. Even from these you can make endless possibilities. Other than the 135 core techniques you also have over 500 special training techniques that are simple one move methods like chin na holds and ground holds that blend with our core techniques and freestyle fighting. Freestyle fighting is also essential in our training to show how the principles can be formed together when the use of a full technique isn’t necessary. Freestyle fighting also helps break that hesitation. There will be more on freestyle fighting through each of the self-defense methods.

*REMEMBER THESE METHODS ARE TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THE TRAINING IS LIKE AND A REFERENCE FOR STUDENTS AND NOT TO ACT AS A TRAINING TOOL.

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Click on the below methods for more information about their ways of self-defense.

Chin na |  Tai Chi | Ground Fighting |  Multiple Man Fighting | Takedowns  

Also see: Five Animals | Weapons

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