June 2007 IKCA Technique of the Month- Chinese Longhand

[Celtic_Crippler]

It is my understanding that some systems have based their entire curriculum on the concepts of motion contained within this particular technique. It utilizes the motion of the "figure eight" or more precisely the pattern used to represent "infinity"


(symbol for infinity)

This technique is very flexible and versatile and can be adapted to suit different scenarios. The applications of this technique can be offensive or defensive. It could be used to defend a left punch, or a right punch. It could be used as an aggressive maneuver to get past the defenses of an opponent already in a fighting stance with their arms up in a defensive posture or against a threatening opponent with their finger wagging in your face as they tell you how they're about to layeth the smacketh down on your rudy-poo arse.

At any rate, I've come to really like it. I find it very fluid and easy to execute and it's versatility really appeals to me. The difficult thing for me is to actuall stop once I get going! LOL

For the purspose of "breaking the ice" lets take a look at it as if being used to get past an opponents defenses (raised arms).

1) Step forward into a left neutral-bow while executing a left downward diagonal fore-knuckle strike (left to right). The target for this strike can be either to take out the attacker’s front arm or to strike across the temple or perhaps the nose or both depending on range.

2) Pivot into a left lunge stance while circling the left hand up and around into a left downward diagonal back-knuckle strike (right to left) to the opponent's temple or again the nose. (Of course if the opponent's hands are holding their face from the first strike then this can be used to remove them to allow access to your desired targets.)

3) Immediately follow through with a right downward diagonal fore-knuckle strike to the opponent's face while executing a forward step-through

4) Using the building momentum, rotate counter-clockwise and execute a left spinning back knuckle to the attackers head (appropriate and available targets presenting themselves of course)

It is important to build momentum and utilize centripetal force to your advantage as you proceed through the technique.

The primary focus, as I understand it, in this technique is the use of the "infinity" motion to one's advantage. There are several applications. Can you think of any? Feel free to discuss!

[thesensei]

Momentum is key to this technique. I love it, and it's great for sparring. It's difficult to stop if done well--if the first strike is blocked, one of the following strikes will surely land!

[thesensei]

Well, I love this technique, and can't let this thread go unnoticed! So, on a spur-of-the-moment, I turned on my webcam in my tiny office, and whipped up a clip. It's not the best in the world, and in a very limited space, but at least you can see an idea of what CC is trying to describe! It's a unique technique, fun, and effective. I use it successfully sparring quite a bit.

Let's see if I can get the Youtube thing right...



Well, I can't seem to get it to work, so here's the link:
Chinese Longhand
Note: Can a mod fix the YouTube link for me?? Thanks!!

Salute!

[Celtic_Crippler]

Thanks. That just goes to show that Kenpo is perfect in tight places. LOL.

I need to get my camera out and post some footage. Amy's been on me for a long time to post something but I'm a little tech-tarded.

[Kenpo-Owl]

Sweet video!

It's really nice to know that I'm not the only nerd that does kenpo in a cube! (no offense to the guy in the video!).

Its really interesting when one of my co-workers walks around the corner to find me doing Raking Hammers or something in my cube...LOL!

[thesensei]

No offense taken - my wife calls me a nerd all the time...and on an online "geek test", I scored a 98 - I think they called me a demi-god of geekism or something...!
Yes, it is a very small area, almost bumped into the desk at the end of the tech.
I love the adaptability of this one. You can continue in a seemingly endless pattern, and it's easy to insert a kick or two. Another good thing with this one - when your opponent knows it's coming, and you've got him blocking the wide circular strikes, suddenly adjust and strike straight for the centerline. In other words, cut the circle in half!

Salute,

[IWishToLearn]

I do believe the last backfist is an overhead backfist.

[thesensei]

I do believe the last backfist is an overhead backfist.

You're right...my mistake!

[IWishToLearn]

You're in Dublin, CA? I'm in Salinas.

[Kenpo-Owl]

Question...if this technique basically ends with a spinning backfist, why would the backfist be a downward strike, instead of a sideways motion captitalizing on your motion? And what's the target of that backfist since it is a downward strike?

[bdparsons]

Executing an overhead backfist lessens the likeliehood of it getting blocked. Horizontal backfists are easier to block (so make sure the logical blocking arm is neutralized). The nature of the technique will have the opponent's arms down low. It is also not uncommon and helpful to lead the backfist with a straight elbow to the rear. This will insure to opponent will be at least semi-vertical for the backfist. Targets will depend on angle of the head, but I prefer the bridge of the nose or the temple.

Respects,
Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute

[thesensei]

You're in Dublin, CA? I'm in Salinas.

Ahh, not very far away. I normally watch the Salinas news channel (KSBW) for the 11:00 news (no cable, only an antenna). Yes, I'm in Dublin, work in Pleasanton, but don't get down south very often! Maybe we'll have to try to get together sometime.