Zen of Kenpo: No Forced Action

Zen is a unique philosophical element seen in the martial arts. It is an approach to providing information that allows for the answer to the question to grow (be expanded upon or more evolved) as the student's understanding of the problem  and the potential "variables" increases. One aspect of Zen that is found throughout the martial arts is the idea of action without action or perhaps more appropriately, no forced action.

If we are experienced individuals with intellect and wisdom, then it will be difficult for us to not take action. If we see a flower or a tree that is dying from lack of water, we water the flower or tree to renew its vigor -- we take action. Yet, if we see a flower or tree that is healthy and has plenty of water, we don't add more water as we can drown from the flower or tree - forced action.

Our goal as martial artists is to provide correct action -- actions that are not forced when we work with our surroundings. We sometimes call this interaction or harmony with our environment.

Lets look at this in a fighting level. In a confrontation, we don't just throw punches and kicks for the sake of punching and kicking (some of us might, but its not appropriate). Rather, we execute or techniques at a correct distance and timing that allows us to interact with our opponents action; working with the openings to his vital targets as presented. By taken action that works with rather than actions that work against, or force a specific result, we increase our chance of being successful.

The same rules that apply to fighting apply to our daily activities. Let's take one more simple example that occurs for many of us. We have a meeting at 8 AM which means we need to get up around 6 AM to make sure we shower, get dressed, eat some food and have enough time to get to the meeting in some semblance of looking awake. Now, what happens if we don't go to bed until 1 AM? Five (5) hours later we need to force ourselves awake rather than having the ability to wake up from enough sleep. Rather than think, "I am not a morning person", think, what I am doing that forces me to wake-up rather than just waking up.

Freestyle Tips

Freestyle is a form of drill in American Kenpo where two or more practitioners "spar" within a set of rules under the logic of American Kenpo. Tournament freestyle declares vary specific targets and tools that can be utilized. Tournament freestyle is often established in rounds or based upon "rules of contact." Street freestyle does not have any rules regarding targets or tools. It's designed to allow each person experience the potential realities of a street fight within a safe environment. These are a few tips to consider when working a freestyle drill.

• Incorporate the use of body maneuvers into your defensive matrix. Slips, Rolls and Rides are important elements of your total defensive system. Many practitioners overemphasize the use of limbs to block an attack. A strong defense consists of at least three elements: (a) articulated foot maneuvers, (b) precise blocks with the limbs, and (c) sensitive body maneuvers. When applied together, they allow you to create a protective shell until the opportunity arises for your minor or major moves.
• Learn how to regulate speed and power when practicing your basics, self-defense techniques, freestyle techniques and combinations. Rather than having everything set at one setting (10 on the bike); learn how to vary the power, speed or both -- through your repetitions. A double-jab~hook sequence can have different effects depending on the changes in these qualities. When you get comfortable with regulating speed and power, start to also incorporate timing changes.
• If you need to be assertive on the firing line you will need to learn how to incorporate attitude and broken rhythm techniques. These methods are difficult to employ if they are not practiced so practice them diligently. Both require not only physical attributes or logical and psychological ones as well.

Summertime Safety for Kids

Know your Numbers. Memorize your full address, phone number and your parent's work and cell phone numbers. Know when and how to dial 911.

Get Permission. Before you go anywhere, get your parent's permission first and then let them know which route you are taking.

Go with Friends. When you go places this summer, travel with friends when possible. You'll have a good time, and can look out for each other.

Never Talk to Strangers. Don't accept rides or gifts from them. If a stranger asks you a question, don't talk to them. Run away. Friendly strangers are still strangers.

Stay on Guard. Stand with confidence and be aware of your surroundings. If you see anyone doing something that makes you feel uneasy, tell your parents or a trusted adult.

Stay Safe on the Internet. People on the web may not be who they say they are. Never give out your name, address or any other personal information.

Don't Tell Anyone You're Home Alone. When you're by yourself, keep the doors locked. If someone calls on the phone, or comes to the door, don't let them know that you're home alone.

Kenpo Sayings

A leg that kicks can be hurt as easily as it hurts.

American Kenpo uses sayings to convey philosophical, combative and logical aspects of the art to the students. One of my favorite sayings, and perhaps one of the least known is "a leg that kicks can be hurt as easily as it hurts."

The leg can be used as a weapon to strike an opponent's vital targets. The leg includes the hip, knee, thigh, shin, and various parts of the foot. We can execute a kick in a variety of methods of execution (roundhouse, hooking, thrusting, snapping, etc.), hitting targets with a variety of natural weapons. For example, a thrusting roundhouse kick with the shin can be a devastating strike to our opponent's thigh, "cutting" him down in size. A well placed front snapping ball kick or instep kick to the groin has legendary effects. In this way, a leg that kicks can hurt our opponent.

Likewise though, the leg itself can be hurt. 

The leg itself is an excellent target with the shin and thigh being two effective targets. In Thai Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts, kicks to the leg are often seen as a favorite. In our personal safety courses we teach a technique called a shin insert in which a short kick with the front of the shoes is used to cause pain to the opponent's shin. Thus, the leg is also a target for another persons attack.

Yet, their is another way in which the leg can get hurt -- from repeated abuse. Our bodies are not made to take physical punishment in a fight and we must take care of ourselves when training or defending ourselves (for real). The Shin, while being an excellent striking tool is also used in a defensive nature. As the opponent's incoming attack comes in, the Shin acts as a striking block or a positional block, defending against low line attacks. This is often known as a shield or shin block. 

And it hurts!

What hurts more is the effect on the body after repeated use. I have known many Thai Fighters (who favor this fighting tool) who cannot compete or train anymore because of injuries to the legs. This includes severe crippling injuries as well as life-threatening. At one training camp I met a Thai Fighter who had blood clots in his legs from the constant abuse.

As the saying goes, "we only have one body" - as martial artists, we need to protect it. Always train safe! There is not need to hit tree limbs or pound your fists into gravel. You don't need to block kicks with your shins (ask me about our knee destructions though) or "condition" yourself for repeated abuse. As Skip would say, "Train hard. Train Regularly. Train intelligently!"

Apparently, as a master of the martial arts I do not fight in order to win or lose, I do not think of strength or weakness and I do not advance a step or retreat a step; the enemy does not see me. I do not see the enemy. When I penetrate a place in which heaven and earth have not yet separated; where Yin and Yang have not yet been created, I necessarily gain an effect rapidly.

Takuan Soho (1573-1645)

Takuan Soho is one of the most famous priests of Rinzai sect of Buddhism. He was well known in philosophical, spiritual as well as martial circles. The statement above is one of the many quotes he presented on the practice of the martial arts.

"Apparently, as a master of the martial arts" indicates the other people view the speaker as being accomplished in the battlefield arts.

"Not to fight in order to win or lose, not to think of strength of weakness" indicates that the aim is not to be concerned about winning or losing -- not to compete with others but to allow things to happen through your own personal expression.

"Not to advance a step or retreat a step" is indicative about the determined mind. Our victory is achieved by holding our ground. If we are not resolute in our principles and thoughts, it will be difficult for us to accomplish our goals.

"Me" used in this context refers to the self. The "self" or the "true self" is what we are, not what we perceive we are. 

"I do not see the enemy" does not mean we are blind to what is in front of us. It relates to our complete perception of everything around us. It is our ability to view things from more than one point of view (our own). In this, what is and what we perceive is are two different things.

"When I penetrate a place...gain an effect rapidly" is an interesting phrase. It tells us not to dwell in the past or try to perceive the future, but to allow ourselves to live in the present -- to look straight ahead. As the statement goes, the present is called the present because it is a gift to us.

 

Eight Easy Steps to Burglar Proof your Home this Summer

Self-defense is about thinking ahead. These are a few simple actions that you can undertake to help prevent break-ins during your summer vacation.

• Ask neighbors, friends or family to check on your home while you're away.
• Stop your mail and newspapers. If you forget, then ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers. Newspapers piled in the driveway (or outside your apartment door), and overflowing mailboxes are invitations to burglars. This will also help to prevent identity theft; since your neighbor will remove any band and credit card statements, which may be delivered to your mailbox.
• Ask a neighbor to put a filled garbage can in front of your house on collection day.
• Make arrangements for your lawn to be mowed. Schedule a teenager with a lawnmower or a lawn service to cut your lawn while your gone; or simply ask a friendly neighbor to mow you lawn and give your house a "somebody's home" look. Remember to prune trees or shrubs, which may offer cover for burglars to break into your home.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to accept all deliveries, such as packages, etc. Make sure all scheduled deliveries arrive before you leave. If not, then ask a neighbor or family member to remove any packages, shipments, boxes, etc. that may alert burglars of your absence.
• Set automatic timers on lights, televisions and radios. Not only set automatic timers for lights, televisions and radios, but also set them at different times, so your house appears to look and sound occupied. Be sure exterior lights have timers and motion sensors. Burglars hate this kind of lighting because it reveals their movements outside a house. Place shades and blinds in their normal positions, but adjust them, so no one is able to view the interior, and conclude no one is home.
• Do not leave any tell tale signs that you are away on vacation.   Notes left on mailboxes or doors for delivery are bad ideas. Restrict the list of those who know you are on vacation.
• Ensure that your home has that “lived-in” look.

According to the local police department and home security experts, the master bedroom is the first place burglars search, so remove any valuables, such as jewelry from your home before you leave. Place your valuables in a safety deposit box or ask someone you trust to hold them while you’re away. Notify local police of your departure and return schedule. Give a neighbor or family member your house key and ask him or her to check inside your house every two or three days. That person should also have your itinerary and contact information in case of an emergency. 

The goal is to use deceptive methods to convince anyone outside your home that you are there, even though you are actually on vacation. Burglars look for easy targets, so use these tips to deter burglars from breaking into your home this summer. You’ll enjoy your vacation much more because you’ve taken positive action to increase your peace of mind.

Bryan Zarnett

www.breakthrumartialarts.com