Shield and Mace (Blue #10)

KenpoTech on January 12, 2011

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Shield And Mace is the 10th required technique to obtain your Blue Belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Shield And Mace is a defense against a right step through punch from the front, placing it in the Punches category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Punches Family Group of the Striking Division.

The theme of Shield and Mace begins with a double action from two points of origin, delivering a simultaneous block and strike.  You will block with your rear arm as you place emphasis on striking while moving up the circle to give greater depth of penetration.  Simultaneous offensive and defensive movements are used throughout the technique utilizing spirals and overlapping circles. You will also employ dual methods of body momentum in harmony with your dual movements.  The technique is designed to flow in a single continuous flow of action continually checking the opponent while delivering your strikes.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00) in a left fighting stance.  He then steps forward with his right foot as he thrusts a right straight punch toward your head.

Defense

Shield and Mace – defense for a right straight punch.

  • Step 1
    • Step forward with your left foot toward 11:00 into a left neutral bow stance,
    • Pivot clockwise into a horse stance,
    • Deliver a right vertical outward block to the outside of your opponent’s right arm,
    • Deliver a left horizontal thrust punch to your opponent’s right lower rib cage.
  • Step 2
    • Pivot counter clockwise into a left close kneel stance,
    • Deliver a right outward downward diagonal hammerfist strike to your opponent’s right kidney.
    • Your left hand checks your opponent’s right elbow.
  • Step 3
    • Rise up into a modified close kneel stance,
    • Circle your left hand clockwise pinning your opponent’s right arm against his body,
    • Circle your right hand counter clockwise to deliver a right looping inward horizontal heel palm claw to your opponent’s face and eyes.
  • Step 4
    • Drop into your left close kneel stance,
    • Continue to circle your right hand counter clockwise to deliver a right outward handsword strike to the back of your opponent’s right knee.
    • Your left hand circles clockwise to check your opponent’s elbow or shoulder.
  • Step 5
    • Deliver a right snapping knife edge kick to the back of your opponent’s left knee.
  • Step 6
    • Without planting your foot, execute a right front crossover
    • Cover out twice toward 7:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent’s left leg is forward?
    • your opponent snaps his right punch back?
    • your opponent throws a left step through punch?
    • your opponent’s attack is a right roundhouse punch?
    • your opponent delivers a right spinning back knuckle?
    • your opponent precedes his punch with a left roundhouse kick?
    • your opponent precedes his punch with a right kick?
    • you cannot move to the outside of your opponent’s right arm?
    • a second opponent is grabbing your right arm from behind?

Notes

  • Note the use of direct body rotation to enhance your outward block as opposed to the usual counter rotation.
  • The pin in step three should be an open ended triangle.
  • Practice this technique from both a left neutral bow stance and a right neutral bow stance. Each stance will require different footwork to begin the technique.
  • Never send your opponent’s weapons into orbit only to have them re-orbit back to you.  Note how this applies throughout the technique.
  • Study how the synchronized use of various types of body momentum increase the power of your action.

Variations

  • You can pivot into a left forward bow stance instead of a left close kneel stance while delivering the right downward diagonal hammerfist strike to the kidney.  You will then begin to pivot into the close kneels stance as you deliver the right heel palm claw to your opponent’s face and settle into  the left close kneel stance as you deliver the right  outward handsword strike to the back of your opponent’s right knee.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo the term shield is used to represent an outward block while the term mace is used to represent a closed fist.  The dual movement of your initial action; defense with a right outward block (shield) and offense with a left straight punch (mace) gives us the name Shield and Mace.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Left Front Step Through
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Horse Stance
  • Right Vertical Outward Block
  • Left Straight Punch
  • Left Close Kneel Stance
  • Right Hammerfist Strike
  • Right Inward Looping Horizontal Heel Palm Claw
  • Right Outward Handsword Strike
  • Right Knife Edge Kick
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Outside Right Arm
  • Right Rib Cage
  • Right Kidney
  • Face/Eyes
  • Back of Right Knee
  • Back of Left Knee

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Alignment
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Contact
  • Angle of Deflection
  • Angle of Departure
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Angle of Disturbance

Concepts & Principles (Con’t)

  • Angle of Entry
  • Angle of Execution
  • Angle of Incidence
  • Angle of No Return
  • Back Up Mass
  • Body Alignment
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Bracing Angle
  • Buckle
  • Checking
  • Complementary Angle
  • Continuity of Motion
  • Contouring
  • Control Distance
  • Counter Balance
  • Counter Rotation
  • Depth of Penetration
  • Direct Rotation
  • Follow Through
  • Minimize Your Targets
  • Obscure Zones
  • Outer Rim
  • Pivot
  • Point of Delivery
  • Point of Origin
  • Rounding the Corners
  • Slipping
  • Spiraling
  • With


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal lists Shield and Mace as Blue Belt Technique #8.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates 8:00 as the angle of departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

SHIELD AND MACE (front straight step through right punch)

  1. With feet together, move forward and to your left with your left foot (to 11 o’clock) into a left neutral bow as you immediately pivot to your right into a horse and deliver a right vertical outward block outside of opponent’s right arm while simultaneously delivering a left straight punch to opponent’s right ribcage.
  2. Pivot to your left and drop down into a left close kneel as you strike down with a right hammerfist (with your left hand guarding) to upper part of opponent’s right kidney driving the force down to the pelvic area.
  3. Circle your left hand clockwise, pinning opponent’s right arm down as your right hand circles counter clockwise striking opponent’s face and eyes with a right looping inward heel of palm claw.
  4. Circle your right hand counter clockwise and down even further, and strike back of opponent’s right knee with your right heel of palm to buckle his leg. (Have your left hand execute an overlapping check to same spot.)
  5. Follow-up with a right knife-edge kick to back of opponent’s left knee.
  6. While your right foot is still in the air right front crossover and cover out to 8 o’clock.

Snaking Talon (Blue #9)

KenpoTech on January 9, 2011

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Snaking Talon is the 9th required technique to obtain your Blue Belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Snaking Talon is a defense against a two hand push from the front, placing it in the Pushes Category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Pushes Family Group in the family groups Striking Division.

Snaking Talon uses a snaking movement to deflect and control an opponent’s attack thus introducing you to controlling your opponent’s height and width while following the path of a figure 8.  It is an example of the squeegee principle which allows room for error.  The same action that cancels your opponent’s height zone can be used to borrow force.  Another important theme introduced in Snaking Talon is the use of your environment as an offense where you will be introduced to using a crossover as a cocked weapon as well as the rear (reverse) chicken kick as a defensive weapon.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00) with his back is against a wall.  Your opponent then steps forward with his right foot and pushes towards your chest with both hands.

Defense

Snaking Talon – defense for a high two-hand push.

  • Step 1
    • Step back toward 6:00 with your left foot to form a right neutral bow stance facing 12:00,
    • Deliver a right inward downward diagonal parry to your opponent’s left arm.
    • Your left hand checks medium height.
    • Continue moving your right arm underneath and to the outside of your opponent’s right arm.
    • Deliver a right outward downward diagonal parry to the outside of your opponent’s left arm.
    • Left hand checks at your solar plexus.
  • Step 2
    • Continue your right hand’s flow of motion, grabbing your opponent’s right wrist with your right hand.
    • Slide your right foot back into a transitional right 45° cat stance.
    • Pull your opponent’s right arm down toward your right hip
    • Deliver a right front snapping ball kick to your opponent’s groin.
  • Step 3
    • Without planing your right foot, execute a right front crossover toward 7:30.
    • Swing the opponent’s right arm toward 9:00.
  • Step 4
    • Release your opponent’s right wrist.
    • Pivot counterclockwise to deliver a left spinning back heel kick to your opponent’s abdomen.
    • Hop onto your left leg while edging toward your opponent
    • Immediately follow with a right back kick (chicken kick fashion).
  • Step 5
    • Execute a right front cross over
    • Double cover out toward 7:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent’s left foot is forward?
    • your opponent throws a left-right punch combination?
    • your opponent throws a right-left punch combination?
    • your opponent attempts a two-hand choke?
    • your opponent grabs your lapels with both hands?
    • your right arm is injured?
    • you are standing on a slippery surface (ie. ice, mud)?
    • you cannot step backward?
    • your right hand slips off your opponent’s wrist?

Notes

  • The first move is meant to be a continuous motion of your right arm in a figure-eight pattern, breaking this move into step-by-step movements doesn’t do it justice.  It is vital that it be kept in mind that this technique, and this belt level for that matter teach fluidity of motion.
  • After parrying your opponent’s left arm, it is quite possible that your opponent’s momentum is still driving his right arm forward.  Be cautious as you are snaking your arm and delivering the outward handsword block to the outside of the right arm as you can easily catch yourself.  Naturally, timing and proper technique are the most critical factor here but the insertion of a minor left inward parry will assist you in clearing your opponent’s arm.
  • Be sure to use Geometric Paths when executing your figure eight pattern, do not overreach your blocking arm and be sure to keep your right elbow anchored.
  • After the front snapping ball kick, the 1975 Accumulative Journal has you step toward 7:00 with your right foot into a right front twist stance vs the modern stepping toward 7:30 with your right foot into a left rear twist stance. The difference is not really in the direction you are stepping but in the name of the stance.  Although the footwork is the same, the name of the stance determines the direction you are facing.  The 1975 version has you facing away from your opponent as you would be facing toward the direction of your  ‘right front‘ foot .  The updated version has you facing your opponent as you would face toward the same direction as your ‘left rear’ foot.
  • It is important to be thoughtful of looking over the left shoulder first (as you execute the left spinning back kick) and then look over the right shoulder as you deliver the right back kick.
  • It should be kept in mind that your attacker has his back to the wall.  After you deliver the left spinning back kick, your opponent hits the wall which would typically cause your opponent to bounce off the wall or begin to fall forward.  Either way the attacker is now moving in your direction and your response is to stop his forward progression with a right rear kick.  If your opponent is not coming towards you after your left kick, the right kick is pointless.
  • Study the relationship between Snaking Talon and Five Swords.
  • Study the relationship between Snaking Talon and Delayed Sword (as well as it’s predecessor, Retreating Warrior).
  • Determine what techniques Snaking Talon may be grafted to.

Variations

  • The first variation in this technique is in the attack itself.   Everyone has their opinion on the push, be it a driving two-hand push, a non-committed two-hand push, simply a forceful two hand shove.  The common theme however is the fact that it is a two-hand push.  Another factor about the attack that is often left out is the key fact that the technique as described places your attacker’s back to the wall.
  • An option for step 2 is to deliver a left inward heel palm strike to your opponent’s right elbow joint at the same time you  jerk their right arm toward your hip and deliver the front snapping ball kick to their groin.
  • Another option for step 2 is to insert a four-finger eye strike as you jerk your opponent’s right arm toward your hip and deliver the front snapping ball kick to their groin.
  • While rare, some schools actually teach you to plant forward after the right front snapping ball kick in order to gauge distance between you and your opponent.
    • Opinion:  I personally have not seen this variation in any official documentation or notes, but I have seen it.  While this sounds feasible written out it alters the original technique.  First it changes the attack, your attacker could no longer be against a wall, as he would need to go back after moving in to attack.  Next you would have to alter step two by removing the grab and jerking motion then changing the front snapping ball kick to a front thrusting ball kick. Only then could your opponent stumble back enough to provide enough distance to allow or require you land forward and deliver the left spinning rear kick.  Finally without the wall, your technique would end here as your opponent would not move forward after the left spinning rear kick to the solar plexus.  I believe that this variant is better suited as a what-if scenario. If anyone has any further insight into this variation, please share with me. It is quite possible that I am simply missing something.
  • Different schools will teach different directions to move when executing the right front crossover into a twist stance.  These directions range from 7:00 to 9:00. The actual direction to move is not set in stone but is situational.
  • Some schools will teach the chicken kick, some will teach a two kick combination.  Regarding the chicken kick this is also broken down into two schools of thought. Those that deliver the first kick as a minor kick (to gain momentum) and those who deliver it with force working off your opponent’s body to deliver the second.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo, the term talon is used to represent a wrist grab and the snaking is used to refer to an action that twists or entwines around various parts of your opponent.  Snaking specifically comes from the figure eight pattern of your right arm as it entwines through your opponent’s arms, ending in a wrist grab or talon.  Thus we have the name, Snaking Talon.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Left Reverse Step Through
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Inward Handsword Block
  • Right Extended Outward Handsword Block
  • Right Transitional 45° Cat Stance
  • Right Front Snapping Ball Kick
  • Right Front Crossover (again at end)
  • Left Rear Twist Stance
  • Left Spinning Back Heel Thrust Kick
  • Right Back Heel Kick
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Radial Nerve
  • Right Wrist
  • Groin
  • Solar Plexus

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Deflection
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Backup Mass
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Catch(ing)
  • Contouring
  • Controlling the Gap
  • Counter Balance
  • Environmental Impact
  • Figure Eight Pattern
  • Obscure Zones
  • Opposing Forces
  • Positional Checking
  • Sandwiching (Environmental)
  • Spinning
  • Squeegee
  • Transitory Moves


Related Techniques

  • Alternating Maces (Y-2)
  • Hooking Wings (P-15)
  • Destructive Twins (B-22)
  • Circling Fans (3rd Br-3)
  • Parting of the Snakes (3rd Br-19)
  • Entwined Maces (2nd Br-21)

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Snaking Talon was blue belt technique #18.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal
    • has you step toward 7:00 into a right front twist stance.
    • describes the double back kick as a ‘reverse chicken kick’.
    • indicated 6:00 as the angle of departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

SNAKING TALON (front two-hand push)

  1. With feet together, drop back with your left foot to 6 o’clock into a right neutral bow as your right hand loops a figure eight, first with a right inward handsword on the outside of opponent’s left hand and a right extended outward handsword on the outside of opponent’s right hand, grasping his right wrist with your right hand while fading back into a right front 45° cat stance.
  2. While your right hand pulls opponent toward you (to your right and down), deliver a right ball kick to opponent’s groin (kicking toward 12 o’clock).
  3. With your right kicking foot still in the air, have it right front crossover into a right front twist stance toward 7 o’clock.
  4. Immediately pivot counter clockwise and deliver a left reverse spinning back kick to opponent’s abdominal area toward 12 o’clock.
  5. With back facing your opponent, hop on to your left leg while edging toward opponent (gauge distance correctly) and deliver a right back kick (this is actually a reverse chicken kick) to any opening opponent may have preferably the face or chest.
  6. Right front crossover and cover out twice toward 6 o’clock.

Raking Mace (Blue #8)

KenpoTech on December 27, 2010

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Raking Mace is the 8th required technique to obtain your blue belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Raking Mace is a defense against a two hand lapel grab where the attacker pulls you toward them, placing it in the Grabs & Tackles category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Shoulder & Lapel Grab Family Group in the Grabs category of the Grappling division.

In Raking Mace you turn your opponent’s efforts to manipulate you into your own advantage by borrowing the force of your opponent’s pull to increase the force of your initial strike. You then use a series of close range strikes forcing your opponent to react in a predetermined manner to set up the next strike.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your attacker is directly in front of you (12:00). He proceeds to grab you at chest level (shirt or lapel) with both hands and pulls you toward him.

Defense

Raking Mace – defense for a two-hand lapel grab.

  • Step 1
    • Pin your opponent’s hands to your chest with your left hand
    • Step forward with your right foot toward 12:00 into a right neutral bow stance
    • Deliver a right snapping uppercut punch to your opponent’s solar plexus
  • Step 2
    • Circle your right hand counter clockwise
    • Deliver a right inward downward diagonal raking hammerfist strike to the bridge of your opponent’s nose.
    • Continue the motion striking down across your opponent’s forearms.
  • Step 3
    • Deliver a right outward handsword strike to your opponent’s throat.
  • Step 4
    • Deliver a right inward horizontal elbow strike to the left side of your opponent’s jaw.
    • Deliver a left inward heel palm strike to the right side of your opponent’s jaw.
  • Step 5
    • Execute a right front crossover
    • Cover out twice toward 7:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent has his right foot forward?
    • your opponent has his left foot forward?
    • your opponent is wearing a heavy coat?
    • your opponent pulls you forward and then attempts a front bear hug?
    • your opponent pulls you forward and then pushes you back?

Variations

  • The right uppercut punch is sometimes replaced with a right middle knuckle strike, as taught in Tracy’s Striking Asp.
  • Some schools will teach the handsword strike to the throat as a snapping strike following with the elbow in a circular fashion. This will generate more power for the elbow strike and allows for the clearing of your opponent’s arms in the event that they are still on you.
  • Some schools will teach the handsword strike so that it remains at your opponent’s throat thus delivering the elbow as a collapsing elbow strike. This conserves energy, time and minimizes motion, however it is important to be sure the the downward strike on your opponent’s forearms sufficiently cleared them or collapsed them to prevent your opponent from pushing you away.
  • A forward shuffle (push-drag) may be necessary if the distance between you and your opponent is increased after the handsword strike.

Notes

  • Comparing Raking Mace with Mace of Aggression is an excellent discussion point as these two techniques are very similar.  Some things to consider would be:
    • The differences between the technique
    • How Mace of Aggression influences the way some teach Raking Mace
    • The Situations where one may be advantageous over the other
    • The Origin of Mace of Aggression and its place in yellow belt.
  • Explore the method of pinning your attacker’s hands to your chest, particularly the leveraging of your opponent’s left wrist/hand in the process.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo the term mace refers to the fist. In this technique you deliver the mace across the bridge of your opponent’s nose in a raking manner which has your knuckles raking across your opponent’s face. This gives us the name Raking Mace.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Front Step Through
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Uppercut Punch
  • Right Inward Downward Diagonal Raking Back Knuckle Strike
  • Right Outward Handsword Strike
  • Right Inward Horizontal Elbow Strike
  • Left Inward Horizontal Heel Palm Strike
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Double Cover Out

Targets

  • Left Wrist
  • Solar Plexus
  • Bridge of Nose/Left Eye Socket
  • Forearms
  • Throat (Trachea)
  • Jaw

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Contact

Concepts & Principles (Cont’d)

  • Angle of Execution
  • Backup Mass
  • Body Alignment
  • Borrowed Force
  • Complimentary Angle
  • Contouring
  • Control Distance
  • Depth Penetration
  • Economy of Motion
  • Minor Major Concept
  • Obscure Zones
  • Opposing Forces
  • Parallel Forces
  • Pinning Check
  • Purposeful Compliance
  • Raking
  • Rebounding Check
  • Rounding the Corners
  • Sandwiching
  • Torque
  • Tracking
  • Trapping
  • Upper Case/Lower Case
  • With


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal Raking Mace was Blue Belt Technique #6.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal had you step toward 11:00 with your right foot on the initial move and indicated a 6:00 Angle of Departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

RAKING MACE (front two-hand lapel grab — pull in)

  1. With feet together and as your opponent pulls you in, have your right foot step forward and to your left to 11 o’clock (into a right neutral bow). Simultaneously strike with a right uppercut punch to opponent’s solar plexus as your left hand horizontally pins both of opponent’s hands down.
  2. Immediately have your right hand circle counter clockwise (while your left hand still guards) and have the knuckles of your right fist rake (from 1o’clock to 7 o’clock) down and across the bridge of opponent’s nose; continue the move and strike down (diagonally) on opponent’s forearm,
  3. Follow-up with a right outward chop to opponent’s throat.
  4. And a right inward horizontal elbow to the left jaw of your opponent as your left heel of palm simultaneously strikes to opponent’s right jaw to cause a sandwiching effect.
  5. Right front crossover and cover out to 6 o’clock.

Defying the Storm (Blue #7)

KenpoTech on December 10, 2010

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Defying The Storm is the 7th required technique to obtain your blue belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo.  Defying The Storm is a defense against a right roundhouse club attack from the front, placing it in the weapons category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Sticks Family Group in the Weapons category of the Striking division.

In Defying the Storm you move inside the effective striking range of your opponent’s club. While similar to the theme of Calming the Storm, emphasis is placed on immediate destruction of the attacking arm. A push-pull effect (opposing forces) is then used to check to your opponent’s height and width zones in order to prevent retaliation.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00) in a left fighting stance. Your opponent proceeds to step forward with his right foot while delivering a right inward roundhouse club strike toward your heard.  It is assumed that it isn’t viable to evade or retreat from the attack

Defense

Defying the Storm – defense for a right inward roundhouse club strike.

  • Step 1
    • Step toward 11:00 with your right foot to form a right neutral bow stance facing 11:00
    • As you plant your right foot, try to buckle the inside of your opponent’s right knee.
    • Deliver a left extended outward handsword strike to your opponent’s right wrist
    • Deliver a right inward handsword strike to your opponent’s right biceps.
  • Step 2
    • Grab your opponent’s right wrist with your left hand.
    • Grab the back of your opponent’s right elbow with your right.
    • Step back with your right foot towards 4:30 to form a left forward bow stance facing 10:30.
    • Push your opponent’s right wrist away while pulling and rolling your opponent’s right elbow down and toward you to snap your opponent’s right elbow.
  • Step 3
    • Deliver a right upward knee strike to your opponent’s sternum.
  • Step 4
    • Plant your right foot forward into a right neutral bow stance.
    • Deliver a right inward overhead elbow strike to your opponent’s upper spine.
    • Maintain control of your opponent’s right wrist.
  • Step 5
    • Execute a right front crossover and double cover out toward 7:30

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent does not step through?
    • your opponent aims for your torso or legs?
    • your opponent swings at you double handed (like a baseball bat)?
    • your opponent uses a knife, chain or staff instead of a club?
    • your opponent misses (or you evade) and follows up with a right outward swing?
    • your opponent swings with an inward downward diagonal path?
    • your opponent strikes with a left outward horizontal roundhouse club attack

Notes

  • Striking the Biceps and Radial nerve will cause your opponent’s arm to become numb and the club could go flying somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00. Be sure that you are inside your opponent’s right arm to avoid being hit by the club. It is also important to assume that your opponent will not lose the club and always be aware of the club’s position.
  • To achieve the proper effect on your opponent’s right arm, be sure to twist your opponent’s right wrist counter clockwise (or away from you) as you roll the elbow down and towards you.
  • During the push-pull effect, be sure to anchor your right elbow and utilize a rolling action on your opponent’s elbow.
  • Synchronize your right upward knee strike with the bending over of your opponent. This will take advantage of borrowed force maximizing the effect.

Variations

  • Some schools specifically define that you use a crane’s hook to grab your opponent’s right elbow while others find it more practical to use an open hand and get your fingers all the way around to maximize the rolling effect.  The key is to not separate your thumb from the rest of the hand, opening it up to be broken by a sudden movement of your opponent.
  • It was almost always taught, although rarely seen documented, that while executing your right front crossover you should deliver a right sweep kick to your opponent’s right foot (if in range) and grab your opponent’s club with your right hand (if he still has it).

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo the term storm is used to represent a club attack. In this technique you are defying the club attack (storm) by stepping directly into it and meeting it head on.  This act of defiance gives us the name Defying the Storm.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Front Step Through
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Extended Outward Handsword Strike
  • Right Inward Handsword Strike
  • Right Reverse Step Through
  • Left Forward Bow Stance
  • Right Upward Knee Strike
  • Right Overhead Downward Elbow Strike
  • Right Front Cross Over
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Inside Right Knee
  • Right Biceps
  • Right Elbow
  • Right Wrist
  • Solar Plexus
  • Sternum
  • Upper Spine

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Backup Mass
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Bracing Angle
  • Contact Manipulation
  • Counter Manipulation
  • Double Check
  • Hooking
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Opposing Forces
  • Parallel Forces
  • Push-Pull Effect
  • Reverse Backup Mass
  • Reverse Motion
  • Rolling Effect
  • Zone of Sanctuary


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Defying The Storm was blue belt technique #5
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates stepping back toward 5:00 with your right foot.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates a 6:00 Angle of Departure.
  • Some copies of the 1987 IKKA Studio Manuals have a mistake telling you to grab your opponent’s left wrist with your left hand.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

DEFYING THE STORM (front right roundhouse club)

  1. With feet together, step forward and to your left with your right foot to 11 o’clock (into a right neutral bow) as your opponent steps through with his right foot delivering a right roundhouse club attack.
  2. As your right foot steps through to 11 o’clock, have your right knee buckle on the inside of your opponent’s right knee while simultaneously striking his right wrist with your left extended outward chop and his right bicep with your right inward chop.
  3. Immediately step back with your right foot to 5 o’clock (into a left forward bow) as your left hand grabs (at opponent’s left wrist) and pushes out and away, simultaneously while your right hand grabs back of your opponent’s right elbow and pulls down and toward you to snap the joint. This is done while anchoring your right elbow past your right hip.
  4. Follow-up with a right knee kick to opponent’s sternum and as you plant your right foot forward (to 11 o’clock) into a right neutral bow, bury a right inward overhead downward elbow strike to opponent’s upper spine with your left hand still grabbing opponent’s right wrist, keeping it over to the left side.
  5. Cover out to 6 o’clock.
Five Swords (O-9)

Entangled Wing (Blue #6)

KenpoTech on December 3, 2010

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Entangled Wing is the 6th required technique to obtain your Blue Belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Entangled Wing is a defense against  a front arm lock, placing it in the Locks & Chokes category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Locks Family Group in the Chokes & Locks category of the Grappling division.

In Entangled Wing, you will apply sections of different techniques learned earlier to create a defense for a new type of attack.  Entangled Wing also reemphasizes the importance of how a quick reaction can turn a disadvantaged situation into an advantageous one.  A quick reaction with your right elbow strike not only relieves pressure but can also injure your opponent. On the other hand failure to act quickly could result in your wrist or elbow being broke or your being forced to the ground.   Emphasis is placed on contact manipulation to control and injure your opponent, pinning your opponent’s arm is predominantly for control and torque is used to generate power for your strikes.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your attacker is directly in front of you (12:00). Your opponent grabs your right wrist with his right hand and lifts your arm vertically as he places his left forearm inside your elbow joint and completes the lock by grabbing his right wrist with his left hand.

Note: This type of lock isn’t the easiest to describe in words. It is important that you work with an instructor to teach you how to appropriately apply this lock.

Defense

Entangled Wing – defense for a figure-four arm lock.

  • Step 1
    • Grab your opponent’s left wrist with your left hand.
    • Step forward with your right foot toward 10:30 into a right neutral bow stance.
    • Deliver a right upward elbow strike, to relieve pressure.
  • Step 2
    • Grab your opponent’s left wrist with your right hand,
    • Pivot counterclockwise into a left neutral bow stance.
    • Deliver a left rear elbow strike to your opponent’s left kidney or ribs.
    • Pulling down on your opponent’s right arm to break his right elbow over the back of your right shoulder.
  • Step 3
    • Pivot clockwise into a horse stance.
    • Deliver a right rear elbow strike to your opponent’s midsection or left ribcage
    • Your left hand checks your opponent’s left arm.
  • Step 4
    • Execute a right front crossover
    • Double cover out toward 6:00.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent forces you to your knees?
    • your opponent forces you onto your back?
    • you are falling backwards due to the lock?
    • you are unable to step forward?
    • your opponent steps behind your right foot with his right foot?
    • you opponent steps through with his right foot so that the lock is applied with his right hip up against your right hip?
    • your opponent grabs your right arm with his left hand before entangling his arms with yours?

Notes

  • It is far better to quickly counter your opponent’s initial grabbing action than to counter his lock.  Review the Web of Knowledge to see which techniques may be utilized at this point.
  • As your raise your elbow to relieve the pressure on your arm, keep in mind that this elbow strike can be and should be delivered to your opponent’s chin, if possible.
  • Compare the attack in Entangled Wing with the attack of Twisted Twig.  Note their similarities and differences.
  • Compare the Initial movements of Entangled Wing with that of Twisted Twig.
  • Compare the movements of Entangled Wing with Captured Leaves and note the similarities and differences between the two.
  • Compare this type of figure four arm lock to the type that is more commonly thought of where the outside of the attacker’s right elbow is placed against the outside of your right elbow as the attacker’s arm snakes around yours so that their right hand grabs your right wrist.  Note the differences in application of the locks, where pressure is created and consider your method of defense.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo, the term wing is used to represent the elbow. In this technique your opponent’s attack, a figure four arm lock from the front, is such that your opponent’s arms are entangled with your arms. Thus the name Entangled Wing.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Front Step Through
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Upward Elbow Strike
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Rear Elbow Strike
  • Fighting Horse Stance
  • Right Rear Elbow Strike
  • Right Front Cross Over
  • Cover out

Targets

  • Left Wrist
  • Chin
  • Left Kidney/Rib Cage
  • Left Elbow
  • Midsection (Solar Plexus)/Right Rib Cage

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Departure
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Backup Mass
  • Bracing Angle
  • Complimentary Angle
  • Contact Manipulation
  • Fulcruming
  • Jerking
  • Obscure Zones
  • Opposing Forces
  • Parallel Forces
  • Pinning Check
  • Positional Check
  • Reverse Motion
  • Torque
  • With


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Entangled Wing was Blue Belt Technique #4.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates stepping toward 10:00 on the initial step.
  • Both the 1975 Accumulative Journal and the 1987 IKKA Studio Manuals indicate that the left rear elbow strike should go to the opponent’s groin or ribs, depending on your opponent’s height.  Call me naive but I just don’t see the strike hitting the groin.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

ENTANGLED WING (front arm lock)

  1. With feet together and forced into a right neutral bow, step forward and to your left with your right foot (to 10 o’clock) as you raise your right arm up and overhead (similar to a right upward elbow strike).
  2. Pivot (in place) counter clockwise and dropping low (into a left neutral bow), deliver a left back elbow strike to opponent’s groin or ribs depending upon the height of your opponent as your right arm pulls opponent’s left elbow down and breaks opponent’s elbow across the back of your right shoulder.
  3. Immediately pivot (in place) clockwise (into a horse) and execute a right back elbow strike to opponent’s mid-section or right ribcage, depending upon the circumstance. Keep your left hand in a guard position, checking at your right shoulder.
  4. Right front crossover and cover out to 6 o’clock.

1987 IKKA Studio Manual

ENTANGLED WING (Front arm lock as instructed)

  1. With your opponent applying the lock with force, step forward with your right foot toward 10:30.  Raise your right arm up and overhead (similar to a right upward elbow strike) to relieve pressure, as your left hand pins and checks your opponent’s left hand.
  2. As you pivot counterclockwise, drop into a left neutral bow, while delivering a left back elbow strike to your opponent’s groin or ribs.  (Your target will depend upon the height of your opponent.)  Simultaneously have your right arm pull your opponent’s left arm down and toward you, positioning it at the elbow, and break it across the top of your right shoulder. (This should turn your opponent to his right.)
  3. Immediately pivot clockwise into a horse stance, as you execute a right outward elbow strike to your opponent’s midsection or left ribcage, and maintain your left hand as a positional check at your right shoulder. (Your opponent should bend forward at the waist.)
  4. Execute a right front crossover, and cover out twice toward 6 o’clock.