kempo's

CLOCKWORK
PATTERN

BY GRAND MASTER
ROBERT GEMMELL

Kempo utilises a maze of circular patterns be they hand or foot,  the purpose of which is to guide the Kempoist through the endless Martial Arts fighting techniques. 
In comparison if we look at  the Japanese Karate training drills one can see that the three step Kihon Kumite is favoured. Another style that uses linear forms is Tae Kwon Do, with its   focus  on execution of kicking combinations.  Kempo footwork is based, like most Kung Fu styles on the 360   degree circular pattern.
Few styles rely more on the comparitively complex stepping sequence than that of  Kempoists.  The Clockwork Pattern does not stop at the feet, as once understood the clockwork pattern is then "stood up" to provide yet another visual tracking system.
The term clockwork pattern refers to the numerous sequences and structures of blocking or retaliation drills. Although prearranged at first, the Kempoist builds up the ability to call upon this "pattern" at will

EFFECTIVENESS QUESTIONED

It is no wonder that the situation has arisen over the past 20 years or so where the effectiveness of traditional Martmoves have been challenged.  Clearly much of this criticism is  born out of ignorance of the fullness of the technique in question.  X Block would be a good example.  Some modern thinkers  assess this technique with little knowledge of its advanced applications


STYLE COMPARISON

Highly skilled "fighters" develop themselves to a higher level of power with the help of their trainer.  The style used is often a combination of the fighter's natural ability and the strategy of the trainer.  If  style is utilised thenkey advantages may result. Only when style is used can one art be fairly and  objectivelycompared to another.ial Arts and theirExample : The Japanese favour the reverse punch. During the eighties ten out of ten ranked fighters favoured  Gyaku Zuki.
Kempo on the other hand will only use the reverse punch if the situation or opening presents itself. 


ALPHABET OF MOTION

A true Kempoist will be capable of multiple strikes, punches, and blocks, off of the most unusual positions and angles.  In Kempo the term "Alphabet of  Motion" refers to the huge array of options in the Kempo clockwork hands or foot positions. The late grandmaster Ed Parker said "some of  my students only become Karate students not Kempoists (even at Black Belt level)" This is as a result of Kempo principles  not being properly taught. This could be said of  other styles also.

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