kenpo double stick & bo staff training

[ct111]

in the movie the perfect weapon jeff speakmen uses escrima sticks. are they used in kenpo?how about the bo staff? at what rank? and could anybody suggest good instructional kenpo videos for either thanks ct111

[Blindside]

Well to make it correct, the "escrima sticks" should be called "kenpo clubs" and yes it is a silly distinction. The clubs are taught as Form 7 and is dependent upon the curriculum of the school, but somewhere in the black belt ranks. My understanding is that many schools do not have this form. I heard that Mr. (Larry) Tatum has a video on this form, and I believe that Mr. Mohammad Tabatabai (I think I just butchered that name) does as well.

Staff Set is often taught an lower ranks, but that again is dependent upong the school (we teach it for blue). The kenpo staff set was developed by Mr. Parker and Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan sells a video covering the staff set over at the Karate Connection website. Google "ikca karate connection" to find the homepage.

Good luck,

Lamont

[Brother John]

In the American Kenpo Karate International Association (www.AKKI.com) we have an entire Club and Knife curriculum that is independant of the belt ranking system, comes in three different levels, is complete with forms, sets, drills and self defense techniques with each weapon....etc. It's very well rounded and moves just like the rest of our techniques move... fast, rapid and overwhelming.

Might give it a look.

Your Brother
John
PS: But alas, no 'Bo' or staff work.

[Seabrook]

When I was researching for my latest book, 'American Kenpo Mastery: A Guide for Students and Instructors', I found out the following about the origins of staff set: (this is a quote from my book)

The Staff Set gives an introduction to long-range weaponry and provides several aspects of three-dimensional staff fighting. The main purpose of the set is to show how the staff can be used as an extension of one’s own body. It is required for promotion to 2nd Degree Brown Belt 1. While most Kenpoists claim that Chuck Sullivan (currently a 10th Degree Black Belt and co-founder of the International Karate Connection Association) created the Staff Set, actually that is not true. The Staff Set came from a Chinese Kung Fu expert that taught Ed Parker. Once he had the movements memorized, Ed Parker then taught the Staff Set to Chuck Sullivan. Seeing a lot of repetitiveness, particularly with the spinning maneuvers, Sullivan streamlined the Staff Set and got the approval of the new version from Ed Parker.

Here's a little bit of information on Long Form 7 (again another quote):

Long Form 7 is a form done with two sticks, and the movements replicate self-defense techniques that are done empty-handed earlier on in the American Kenpo belt system. Stepping off the line of attack is a continuous theme throughout the form. It is the 4th Degree Black Belt form.
Long Form 7 was originally the double knife form, and not the double club form. When the double club form was added to the curriculum, the double knife form was bumped up to Long Form 8.


Hope that helps.

Jamie Seabrook
www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

[Seig]

There is also Club Set

[Seabrook]

True Michael but not a lot of EPAK instructors teach it.

Jamie Seabrook

www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

[parkerkarate]

True Michael but not a lot of EPAK instructors teach it.

Jamie Seabrook

www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

I know Mr. Joe Breidenstein teaches how to use the escrima sticks.

[Seabrook]

I know Mr. Joe Breidenstein teaches how to use the escrima sticks.

That is because he achieved a high-ranking black belt under Remy Presas in Modern Arnis. Do you know if he teaches the club set? They are two different things.

IMO - I am not fond of how the sticks are used in the club set. I much prefer the way they are employed in FMA.

Jamie Seabrook
www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

[parkerkarate]

That is because he achieved a high-ranking black belt under Remy Presas in Modern Arnis. Do you know if he teaches the club set? They are two different things.

IMO - I am not fond of how the sticks are used in the club set. I much prefer the way they are employed in FMA.

Jamie Seabrook
www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

I have never seen him do the club set, but I know Mr. Joe (Palanzo) knows it, he just won't teach it to me yet.

[Miyu]

Ive cross-trained in Modern Arnis and have found it complements Kenpo well.

I personally have found what little weapon work I have seen in Kenpo to be weak as best. It seems to be there only to give a brief familiarity, mostly in a form setting.

My two cents based on what Ive seen...but Ive talked with a few others who feel the same way, so I know Im not completely nuts ^_^*