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Summary: The "Why" of Ed Parker's American Kenpo
Comment: This is the fifth and final volume in Ed Parker's technical series on "Infinite Insights into Kenpo". Parker described the first three books as the "How" of American Kenpo, the fourth volume as the "What", and this final book in the series as the "Why".
"Mental and Physical Applications" ties all of the principles from the preceeding four volumes together and shows how the materials may be taught as a single curriculum. Parker focuses on how to learn, and how to teach, explaining that the two processes generally accompany and enhance one another (the teacher Parker points out, is still learning while he teaches). Using the original model explained in the first volume of Forms, Self-Defence and Freestyle, Parker offers a complete treatment concerning principles and theories of American Kenpo.
Parker again stresses the importance of basics, physical and theoretical, and offers a comparison between basic rules for writing and those for efficient smart fighting. In making a comparison most of us can relate to, Parker gets the point across that fighting may be based upon sense and logic.
For the first time, kenpo forms are explained as basics in motion, and the first three forms are presented here as well. Short Form 1, Long Form 1, and Short Form 2. Parker explains the purpose and principles of forms, and stresses the importance of the teacher's ability to convey the meaning and application of the form to the student.
Parker introduces the Priorities of Self-Defense Study, tying together 12 important Priorities he has discussed in the preceeding four volumes of the series: Environment, Range, Position & Foot and Hand Positions, Stances, Maneuvers, Targets, Zone Theories, Natural weapons, Natural Defenses, Breathing, Tailoring, and Physical and Mental Conditioning.
From here we go to studying the nature of an attack, and Parker introduces a learning tool called the "Web of Knowledge". He explains how knowlege is listed on the "Web", and how it insures students are learning the appropriate number of techniques with variant responses and principles. Parker shows 11 webs which illustrate the knowledge from various teaching and technical groupings required for promotion to yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown 3, 2 & 1, and black 1, 2, & 3.
Parker also offers an analytical study of motion complete with illustrations, examples, and a helpful organizational chart. An important chapter on determining choice of action is includes, and an in-depth treatment of self defense techniques. Parker reminds us:
"Because kenpo is an eclectic fightnig science it accepts, adopts and applies other scientific disciplines to maximize its effectiveness. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and geometry are logically entwined to insure practicality" (101)
Again the techniques shown in this chapter are for the purpose of illustrating American Kenpo principles, not for actually teaching the technique. It is clear Parker is speaking to an audience who already knows or is learning these sequences or similar ones from other styles. Parker shows 10 techniques to convey his points, including "Lone Kimono", "Crossed Twigs", "Five Swords", "Entwined Maces", "Detour from Doom", "Dance of Darkness", "Grip of Death", "Obstructing the Storm", "Raining Lance", and "Capturing the Rod". Each technique is not only fully illustrated, but includes detailed noted on technique as well as theory and all of the principles which the properly executed technique use. In the next section, Parker offers the same detailed treatment of Freestyle (sparring, competition). Chapters include:
*Acknowledgements/Dedication/Black Belt Pledge/Abuot Pledge/Preface
1. Introduction
2. Importance of Basics
3. Basics in Motion (Short Form 1, Long Form 1, Short Form 2: what they contain and teach)
4. Priorities of Self Defense (Environment, Range, Position & Foot & Hand Position, Stances, Maneuvers, Targets, Zone Theories, Natural Weapons, Natural Defenses, Breathing, Tayloring, Physical and Mental Conditioning)
5. Nature of the Attack (Web of Knowledge, How to read the Web of Knowledge, Web of Knowledge for belt requirements)
6. An Analytical Study of Motion (org. chart)
7. Determining Your Choice of Action
8. Self Defense Techniques (Benefits and pointers, reinforcing ingerdients speed/power, selected techniques (10)
9. Freestyle (Sparrnig) (acceptance, Environment, Range Dimensional stages of action, Position, Positioned blocks, zone theories, reactionary postures and positions, maneuvers, foot/body/feinting, targets, postures & positions in relation to targets, contouring principles, complementary angle, angle of incidence, surface concentration, penetration, natural weapons: strikes, natural defenses: blocks, Mental and Physical Constituents: a review of contributing factors, freestyle techniques, explanation of freestyle techniques, notes on freestyle techniques)
10. Conclusion
Success
*Glossary of Terminology
A well-preseted series which progresses in a logical order. After reading and considering this series, I believe Parker accomplished what he set out to do. He presented his materials, principles and theories in a sensible down-to-earth way. You needn't be a student of American Kenpo to glean useful information from this series, although I wouldn't reccomend any serious student of Parker's American Kenpo (or derivatives) go without. I found this series of books useful in helping me adapt the way I consider attack and defense, even though my own style of preference is Okinawan Karate. Clearly this was the product of much serious thought and hard work. I'm proud that a fellow American martial artist could contribute something truely noteable and new to the world of martial arts.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Infinite Insights into Kenpo, Vol 5
Comment: This book is a must-have for Kenpo people to complete the Insights series. Ed Parker's re-arrangement of the Web of Knowledge is seen for the first time in book form. The first three beginner forms are illustrated as well.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Infinite Insights into Kenpo, Vol 5
Comment: This book is a must-have for Kenpo people to complete the Insights series. Ed Parker's re-arrangement of the Web of Knowledge is seen for the first time in book form. The first three beginner forms are illustrated as well.
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