Curriculum Changes:

[Kenpo-Sloth]

Everything changes, but not always for the better.

I've had 3 curriculum changes since I started training.
1.) Started out in a variation of the (orange)
"Tracy" system, but left just prior to the school closing.

2.) Then went to an American Kenpo school,
similar to the 16 technique system. (blue)

3.) Then the AK school changed to a hybrid system of,
Epak, Tracy, Arnis and Bando. (brown)

Has something similar happened to any of you??

I love the changes and exposure to different material,
but at the same time my progression comes from adapting
different systems, which does have it's advantages,
(most notably "point of view")
rather than reinforcing and building in one structured system
(which also has it's advantages).

The new material is not a problem,
I practice all the time and try
to keep practicing the previous material as well.

It's all good, but which is better?
Adapting to Changes or Traditional Structure

[MARSHALLS KENPO]

Sir,

I have had curriculum changes in my study. I started with with the 16 tech system of Mr.Parker,then went to the 24 tech system. However they have always been within my root style. Mr. Parkers AK. I have studied many arts in my life time but they were different arts. There was no blending of styles.

The curriculum is designed to teach specific principles at specific times.
One must ask what the instructor wishes the student to be able to do a specific level. Thus one will understand the reason behind their curriculum.

I personally do not change Mr. Parkers curriculum, Im not willing to go down that road. However many do. If I wish to focus on Kenpo, I focus on Kenpo. If I wish to focus on Arnis, or any other art I focus on it. However I stay with a root style, and study the others to enhance my comprehensive knowledge.

Thanks

[MARSHALLS KENPO]

What have you learned from this?

[Rob Broad]

Many of us have gone through Curriculum changes. I have seen changes that really help a school, and all its students, I have also seen curriculum changes that drove away most of the students.

[Kenpo-Sloth]

I appreciate your response and
you've confirmed some of my
thoughts.
I fully trust my instructor and the
organization so I'll keep working hard
and adapting.

[John M. La Tourrette]

Many of us have gone through Curriculum changes. I have seen changes that really help a school, and all its students, I have also seen curriculum changes that drove away most of the students.

Yep.

I think all of us old timers have been there and done that from both sides of the equation.

I remember back in 1975 Mr. Parker told me I needed to change all my Waza to his Waza.

I refused.

And I refused politely and respectfully with a comment.

"Mr. Parker I cannot do that. If I do that then I will lose all my clientel. What I can do is add some of your Waza to our curriculum, so that my current clientel know who you are and what you teach."

He agreed.

And I added to the curriculum what I deemed necessary.

Some very good stuff came out of that talk.

Dr. John M. La Tourrette

[Kenpo-Sloth]

UPDATE:
Have recently changed schools and found a new home
with the EPAK 16-technique system!!

[profesormental]

Greetings, Doc LaTourrette.

About your talk on keeping your curriculum... why specifically would changing to the Parker curriculum drive your clientel away?

Which waza and material specifically did you deem necessary to add?

I think it is important to know the rationale of your decision from the business and learning standpoint.

Thank you.

Juan M. Mercado

[John M. La Tourrette]

Greetings, Doc LaTourrette.

About your talk on keeping your curriculum... why specifically would changing to the Parker curriculum drive your clientel away?

Which waza and material specifically did you deem necessary to add?

I think it is important to know the rationale of your decision from the business and learning standpoint.

Thank you.

Juan M. Mercado

Good questions.
Ask me on the Instructor's forum.
It might take 3 days to answer because I'm right in the middle of giving a 3 day intensive right now. I'll be back to my normal 40 hours a DAY schedule on Tuesday.
DOC

[profesormental]

Agreed. Have fun!

Juan

[John M. La Tourrette]

Agreed. Have fun!

Juan

Done!

Thank you Juan.

DOC