Hi guys,

I've wondered about this for a while and just wanted to get your thoughts. 

At the last steps for short form #2 where you rotate and do an inward block . . . later comes either an upward block or and extended outward block followed by a half fist punch.  So what is it: Outward Extended or Upward block??

I was taught years ago as an upward block but I have seen and heard the extended outward is acceptable.  Just wondering which one is actually the original or correct form.  I know it's a minor detail, but with time a small details can later become a huge problem.  Better fix it late than not at all.

Any ideas?

Thanks upfront for your thoughts!!

Full salute to all,

Luis

Luis Gines at June 29, 2010 at 2:20 PM

Hi guys,

I've wondered about this for a while and just wanted to get your thoughts. 

At the last steps for short form #2 where you rotate and do an inward block . . . later comes either an upward block or and extended outward block followed by a half fist punch.  So what is it: Outward Extended or Upward block??

I was taught years ago as an upward block but I have seen and heard the extended outward is acceptable.  Just wondering which one is actually the original or correct form.  I know it's a minor detail, but with time a small details can later become a huge problem.  Better fix it late than not at all.

Any ideas?

Thanks upfront for your thoughts!!

Full salute to all,

Luis

In response to your question of the last move in short two. It completely depends on the application you intend to use. Huk Planas once told me that the upward block was from the Tracy system and the outward block was from the Parker modification.

The extended outward block is the correct way that the move should be done. Another way to think about it is this. Most of your punching attacker's are going to throw right or left hooks, or right or left cross. With this in mind. Your employment of the inward block from the cat stance deflects his right punch, then the right ex. outward block against the left punch open the throat as the intended target.

Now if your concernede with what feels more natural, the upward block does, because it acts as more of a shield protacting your facial area.

Another thing that you really need to consider. When you are on the street or in a place where you end up in a confrontation that you cant avoid. The only person who is going to be there is YOU. Part of Kenpo is finding what works for you BEST, not what works as popular. I have some students that no matter how hard they try, certain moves will not work for them.

So I find out what does and modify it to fit their needs. Its fine to find out whats correct, but you must also find out what works for YOU.

Hope this helps

GM Paul britton 10th Dan PBKKA

Mr. Britton,

Thanks for your reply.  I totally agree with your thoughts and comments regarding to what feels or works for you.  Sometimes after I teach a technique to a student I give them alternatives or options and then they later ask me what would be best . . . my answer is to them, " Whatever comes out naturally to you."  For at a moment of confrotation, after years of practice, we tend to use the third stage of learning: " Spontaneous".

So I agree totally with your comments.

Regarding the form, I was taught using upward block and you are right it feels more comfortable and protective, but I do find the outward extended more practical and usefull.  Regarding Mr. Huk Planas comment about the differences with Tracy's and Parker's system, I did not know that.  Thanks for that piece of information.

IKKA forum has served it's purpose.

Much obliged for your sharing of knowledge sir!

Full salute,

Luis Gines

Luis, Mr Parker used to say with regards to the end of Short Form 2, when transitioning to 2:30  to complete the X pattern before pivoting act like you are backfisting yourself in the face then move out of your own way and that will be your minor block and the it is a modified extended outward/upward block then followed by the half -fist. Then repeat the  procees to 10:30 to complete the form..hope this helps.

Joe Whelan

IKKA President

Thanks for your assistance both Master Britton and Master Whelan.

As more questions arise I will post them here.

Thanks!