From the knowledge gained when practicing your basics and self-defense
techniques, commence employing Geometric Paths (Upper/Lower
Cases) when attacking and defending yourself during your freestyle
sessions. Carefully analyze this concept and make note of the benefits
that surface when modifying your freestyle techniques in terms of
Economy of Motion, timing, Bridging the Gaps, Dimensional Stages of
Action, etc.
Finally, apply this concept to your forms. In-depth study will
reveal greater answers to the Solid, Liquid, And Gaseous States of
Motion.
BASICS
BLOCKING - USE OF HANDS & FEET
Blocks are primarily defensive moves employing physical contact
to check, cushion, deflect, redirect, or stop an offensive move. On
other occasions they can be an anticipated defensive position, which
if correctly planned, can trigger, a BLOCK. A third method is to
initiate a BLOCK on an opponent who is motionless at the time of your
action. In this situation a BLOCK is built into your offense so that
your single action provides both a defense and an offense. A fourth
method involves body checks where pressure is placed on some part of
the opponent's anatomy to restrain or prevent him from taking action.
When executing a BLOCK, physical contact can occur: (1) when
force meets force, (2) when force goes with force (3) when force meets
a neutral force, (4) when a neutral force meets a neutral force.
Because of these methods of contact BLOCKS need to be defined. When
force meets force it is a STRIKING BLOCK. When force goes with force,
it is a PARRYING BLOCK. When force meets a neutral force there are two
possibilities. If you are motionless it is called a POSITIONAL BLOCK,
and if you initiate the action it is called a BLOCKING STRIKE. When a
neutral force meets a neutral force, it is referred to as a PINNING
BLOCK (or CHECK). The third and fourth methods are really both
subcategories of checking because they are employed in anticipation of
your opponent's moves.
BLOCKS may be distinguished by the methods used executing them,
and by the anatomical positioning necessary to anticipate your
opponent's execution methods. Remember that the method of execution is
the manner in which a defensive BLOCK (or offensive strike) is
executed to produce maximum results. It involves: (1) the type of
natural weapon used, (2) the force produced, (3) the timing, (4) the
target chosen, (5) the effect intended, and (6) the angle or path
followed.
Ed Parker Sr. MemoriesArchived with the permission of Ed Parker Jr.Ed Parker Sr. was the founder of the art known today as American Kenpo.
In these files, Ed Parker Jr. shares his fathers unpublished notes and other memories with us.
