Kenpo Distance Learning

[WhiteCrane]

I've been a student of the martial arts for over 25 yrs, and am deeply rooted in old school hard style Okinawan Kempo. I currently study BJJ to compliment my striking, but for a decade have been seriously interested in American Kenpo. However, there are no studios that teach the art near me. Does anyone have any suggestions as to quality distance learning American Kenpo organizations? I've looked around, and so many seem to have broken up or stopped being active. I'm interested in learning, and being part of a vibrant community. I don't want this art to erode or become simply regional, but I don't have any idea as to where I should pursue. My own Kempo is rooted in the Okinawan tradition, but I'm interested in studying under the American Kenpo lineage. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[flying crane]

I've been a student of the martial arts for over 25 yrs, and am deeply rooted in old school hard style Okinawan Kempo. I currently study BJJ to compliment my striking, but for a decade have been seriously interested in American Kenpo. However, there are no studios that teach the art near me. Does anyone have any suggestions as to quality distance learning American Kenpo organizations? I've looked around, and so many seem to have broken up or stopped being active. I'm interested in learning, and being part of a vibrant community. I don't want this art to erode or become simply regional, but I don't have any idea as to where I should pursue. My own Kempo is rooted in the Okinawan tradition, but I'm interested in studying under the American Kenpo lineage. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Stick with what you are doing. I cannot recommend the distance learning video thing.

if the distance learning means regularly traveling to visit a good teacher for the learning, and then using appropriate videos as supplemental material, that can work, if you are motivated to drive your own practice sessions.

If the training is initially, or mostly, or only, via video, even live-streaming, and visits with a teacher are rare or non-existent, then I suggest you don’t do it. It is just a poor way to learn something, and if your Okinawan kenpo training has been solid, then what you might glean from such a distance program is stuff you already know and don’t otherwise need.

there is a right way and a wrong way to go about learning this stuff. Don’t get suckered into the wrong way.

[Star Dragon]

As far as I know, Larry Tatum's organization is offering a study course that includes his series of videos and sending in video material of yourself, so you can get feedback from them.


Self-study may not work for everybody, but if you have the will to do it and stick with it, then i would say, sure, go for it!

[bdparsons]

There are solid, well-structured, and well-monitored distance learning programs with strict standards out there. However they take an above average level of self-discipline and self-motivation. Learning this way is not easy, but it is possible. Be careful when you choose.

Respects,

Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute

[jfarnsworth]

If you’re in Cincinnati and will I g to drive north, I’m an hr north of Columbus. Yes, that’s a distance but judging by your request, I’m going to be your closest.

[Doc]

Stealing my thunder again uh.

[jfarnsworth]

Stealing my thunder again uh.

lol, I’m not sure I can sir. Lol

[Doc]

There are solid, well-structured, and well-monitored distance learning programs with strict standards out there. However they take an above average level of self-discipline and self-motivation. Learning this way is not easy, but it is possible. Be careful when you choose.

Respects,

Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute

That's a HUGE amen. The truth is the average person will derive limited if any functional benefit from a distance learning program. You not only have to be above average, you have to be above average in experience in other arts as well. Under these guidelines I don't recommend distance learning in general, and specifically for the newbies that think they can forgo a real teacher and teach themselves through video. Bruce Lee started a mess and it continues to this day.

[Doc]

As far as I know, Larry Tatum's organization is offering a study course that includes his series of videos and sending in video material of yourself, so you can get feedback from them.


Self-study may not work for everybody, but if you have the will to do it and stick with it, then i would say, sure, go for it!

Yes he's mirroring the program started by Chuck Sullivan based on an Ed Parker Sr. idea he promoted in the late seventies before the internet. I myself have a distance learning program but it requires an intense once a year in-person training camp, and all the video "notes" for study are generated by the student at the camp. I have students and groups as far away from California as Japan, England, Thailand, and Ireland. Domestic students come from New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Washington, and even Northern California. They do very well, but then none of them are average at anything and all came to me as experienced martial artist with significant educational backgrounds. Same for my locals who are comprised of a significant number of medical professionals and law enforcement.

[flying crane]

That's a HUGE amen. The truth is the average person will derive limited if any functional benefit from a distance learning program. You not only have to be above average, you have to be above average in experience in other arts as well. Under these guidelines I don't recommend distance learning in general, and specifically for the newbies that think they can forgo a real teacher and teach themselves through video. Bruce Lee started a mess and it continues to this day.

Bolded portion: as I say, those who are most likely to benefit from such a program are those who need it the least. They already have that experience and that knowledge.

[Combatkenpo]

There are solid, well-structured, and well-monitored distance learning programs with strict standards out there. However they take an above average level of self-discipline and self-motivation. Learning this way is not easy, but it is possible. Be careful when you choose.

Respects,

Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute

Bill, what makes you such a authority on this matter?

haha.

[bdparsons]

Bill, what makes you such a authority on this matter?

haha.