Belt & Techniques

KENPO TECHNIQUES & BELT PROGRESSION

The Chinese Kenpo Karate Association (CKKA) has clearly defined requirements for each belt level. Click on a belt to see the list of techniques required to achieve that rank. The requirements for each belt level are in the process of being revised to incorporate American Kenpo, Long Chi Quan, and Jiu Jitsu techniques, forms and sets.

BELT & TECHNIQUES

     

Kenpo, as structured by Grand Master (Sigo) Edmund Parker, classifies techniques into nine categories. These techniques are prioritized according to the degree of difficulty in handling an attack. There are eight types of attacks:

1. GRABS AND TACKLES

The beginning student should have a good chance against a grab, where the opponent does not instantly plan a punch. Without an immediate follow-up, a grab is basically inactive.

2. PUSHES

Because of the forward momentum of pushes, their counters require better timing than those for grabs, but not as much as the required timing for a punch.

Punches - Still a greater degree of timing is required to block this attack due to the faster speed and force of a punch.

3. PUNCHES

Still a greater degree of timing is required to defend against a punch, due to the faster speed and force of a punch.

4. KICKS

Not only do kicks require timing, but they have potentially greater power than punches -- thus making them more dangerous.

5. HOLDS AND HUGS

These in turn are more difficult because of the restriction of body movement and the limited number of available weapons and targets, as well as a real danger of being taken to the ground.

6. CHOKES AND LOCKS

These are more dangerous than Holds and Hugs as they have the potential for causing broken limbs and even instant death.

7. WEAPONS

The timing and power associated with weapons easily rates them as being the most difficult to handle. Your opponent has a range advantage with a high probability of serious injury or death.

8. MULTIPLE ATTACKS

Defense against multiple attacks require skill and strategy. Being attacked by more than one opponent increases the probability of serious injury or death and, therefore, should be viewed as being equivalent to a single attacker well versed in the use of a weapon.

COMBINATIONS OF THE ABOVE

Other combinations should also be considered, such as a grab with a punch, a choke with a knife pressed against you, being grabbed by one opponent and attacked by another with a weapon, etc.

The techniques above are listed in the order in which they are introduced to students. From: Parker, Ed. Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Volume 5 "Mental & Physical Applications", Los Angeles, CA: Delsby Publications, 1987