Coordination Set 1

KenpoTech on September 9, 2010

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Coordination Set 1 is the second set required to attain your purple belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. It is designed to assist students with developing coordination with cross body that occur simultaneously.

The Set/Form

OPENING: Attention Stance, Bow, Drop into a meditating horse stance

  • Set 1
    1. Have your right foot drop back toward 6 o’clock into a left neutral bow, facing 12 o’clock, as you execute a left vertical outward block. While blocking have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up)
    2. From your left neutral bow execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a left forward bow as you execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your left forward bow, execute a right front snap ball kick toward 12 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your right foot toward 6 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 2
    1. Have your right foot step forward toward 12 o’clock into a right neutral bow, facing 12 o’clock, as you execute a right vertical outward block. While blocking have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your right neutral bow execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a right forward bow as you execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your right forward bow, execute a left front snap ball kick toward 12 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your left foot toward 6 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 3
    1. Cover (by having your right foot step toward 3 o’clock) into a left neutral bow, facing 9 o’clock, as you execute a left vertical outward block. While blocking have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your left neutral bow execute a left straight punch toward 9 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a left forward bow as you execute a right straight punch toward 9 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your left forward bow, execute a right front snap ball kick toward 9 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a left straight punch toward 9 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your right foot toward 3 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a right straight punch toward 9 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 4
    1. Have your right foot step forward toward 9 o’clock into a right neutral bow, facing 9 o’clock, as you execute a right vertical outward block. While blocking have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your right neutral bow execute a right straight punch toward 9 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a right forward bow as you execute a left straight punch toward 9 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your right forward bow, execute a left front snap ball kick toward 9 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a right straight punch toward 9 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your left foot toward 3 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a left straight punch toward 9 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 5
    1. Cover (by having your right foot step toward 12 o’clock) into a left neutral bow, facing 6 o’clock, as you execute a left vertical outward block. While blocking have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your left neutral bow execute a left straight punch toward 6 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a left forward bow as you execute a right straight punch toward 6 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your left forward bow, execute a right front snap ball kick toward 6 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a left straight punch toward 6 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your right foot toward 12 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a right straight punch toward 6 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 6
    1. Have your right foot step forward toward 6 o’clock into a right neutral bow, facing 6 o’clock, as you execute a right vertical outward block. While blocking have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your right neutral bow execute a right straight punch toward 6 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a right forward bow as you execute a left straight punch toward 6 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your right forward bow, execute a left front snap ball kick toward 6 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a right straight punch toward 6 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your left foot toward 12 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a left straight punch toward 6 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 7
    1. Cover (by having your right foot step toward 9 o’clock) into a left neutral bow, facing 3 o’clock, as you execute a left vertical outward block. While blocking have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your left neutral bow execute a left straight punch toward 3 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a left forward bow as you execute a right straight punch toward 3 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your left forward bow, execute a right front snap ball kick toward 3 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a left straight punch toward 3 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your right foot toward 9 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a right straight punch toward 3 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your left hand cock on your left hip (first clenched, palm up).
  • Set 8
    1. Have your right foot step toward 3 o’clock into a right neutral bow, facing 3 o’clock, as you execute a right vertical outward block. While blocking have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your right neutral bow execute a right straight punch toward 3 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a right forward bow as you execute a left straight punch toward 3 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your right forward bow, execute a left front snap ball kick toward 3 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a right straight punch toward 3 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your left hand cock on your left him (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your left foot toward 9 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a left straight punch toward 3 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 9
    1. Cover (by having your right foot step toward 6 o’clock) into a left neutral bow, facing 12 o’clock, as you execute a left vertical outward block. While blocking have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your left neutral bow execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a left forward bow as you execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock as solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your left forward bow, execute a right front snap ball kick toward 12 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your right foot toward 6 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
  • Set 10
    1. Have your right foot step forward toward 12 o’clock into a right neutral bow, facing 12 o’clock, as you execute a right vertical outward block. While blocking have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    2. From your right neutral bow execute a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at shoulder level.
    3. While in place, pivot into a right forward bow as you execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. Simultaneous with this punch have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    4. From your right forward bow, execute a left front snap ball kick toward 12 o’clock at knee level, simultaneous “with” a right straight punch toward 12 o’clock at lower rib level. While executing this punch-kick combination, have your left hand cock on your left hip (fist clenched, palm up).
    5. As you replant your left foot toward 6 o’clock to its Point of Origin, simultaneously execute a left straight punch toward 12 o’clock at solar plexus level. While punching, have your right hand cock on your right hip (fist clenched, palm up).

CLOSE: Bring your right foot to your left foot and out into a meditating horse stance, facing 12:00. Come to an attention stance. Bow.

Contains

  • Basic Blocks
    • Vertical Outward Block
    • Inward Block (transitional)
  • Basic Stances
    • Attention Stance
    • Training Horse
    • 45° Cat Stance (transitional)
    • Neutral Bow Stance
    • Forward Bow Stance
  • Foot Maneuvers
    • Step Through
    • Side Cover
  • Kicks
    • Front Snapping Ball Kick
  • Punches
    • Horizontal Thrust Punch

Teaches

  • How to synchronize moves while retreating and advancing.
  • How to create distance.
  • How to close distance.
  • How to attack the various Zones of Protection.
  • The utilization of minor and major moves.
  • The utilization of opposing forces as an offense.
  • How to change a defense into an offense.
  • How to apply torque while punching.
  • Simultaneous moves: opposite arm and leg.
  • Simultaneous moves: same arm and leg.
  • How to utilize defensive and offensive moves while retreating or advancing in a straight line.
  • The proper use of Center Mass and Mid-Point Balance.
  • Moves that are singular in motion but dual in purpose.
  • Four basic angle changes before repeating on the second side.
  • Defensive moves that can readily change into offensive moves.
  • Stance changes while punching.
  • 90° directional angle change.

Notes

  • When stepping forward and covering be sure to utilize the double factor in your blocks.
  • Practice segments of this set on a partner to study how you can simultaneously  attack the height, width and depth zones.
  • The set teaches you how to properly use torque when punching. Be sure to always use the counter torque of the hand that is cocking to the rear.
  • Practice the set in an environment that requires you to “switch” rather than stepping forward. When switching in this set, have your rear foot move to the front and then the front foot move to the rear.
  • Be conscious of your head level during the set.
  • Remember that this is a set for developing coordination. The key ingredient for developing coordination is “repetition”.
  • Study the use of Reverse Motion throughout the set.
  • Experiment with thrusting your kicks vs. snapping them.
  • This set is an excellent opportunity to discover how to properly execute a punch when pivoting from a neutral bow to a forward bow.
  • The action in this set may be compared to that of a whip. Investigate how a whip derives its power.
  • Strive to achieve good balance.
  • Deliver all blocks and strikes with sharp crisp precision.
  • Study the effective use of a cocked hand.
  • Discover practical purposes for the moves in this set.

Historical Notes:

  • Coordination Set 1 was designed because students were having issues with the downward block sections of Long Form 2.  If you look at this set you will notice it is pretty much the exact same sequence of moves except that the left downward block/left inverted inward back knuckle strike was changed to a left vertical outward block/left horizontal thrust punch.

Flight To Freedom (Purple #24)

KenpoTech on September 7, 2010

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Flight To Freedom is the 24th and final technique required to obtain your purple belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Flight to Freedom is a defense against a right arm hammerlock, 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 family groups Grappling division.

The main theme of this technique is simply that your opponent can block your counters. This is a very valuable concept and it is vital that you be aware that your opponent may very well be aware of your potential counter moves and may block any of them.  Specifically for this technique, Flight to Freedom serves as a backup technique to Locked Wing. As you attempt the initial strike of Locked Wing, the elbow strike, your opponent blocks this strike.  You then make use of counter manipulation as you take “flight” from your opponent. It is this flight that disturbs your opponent’s balance and allows you to rebound into action.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly behind you (6:00).  He is applying a hammerlock to your right arm with his right hand (palm up).  It is assumed that your opponent anticipates your elbow strike and is either checking your left shoulder or intercepts your elbow strike.

Defense

Flight to Freedom – defense for a right hammer lock.

  • Step 1
    • Step back with your left foot toward 5:00 into a transitional right neutral bow stance.
    • Counter grab your opponent’s hand with your right hand,
  • Step 2
    • Pivot counter clockwise into a left neutral bow stance facing 6:00
    • Attempt to deliver a left outward horizontal elbow strike to your opponent’s face.
  • Step 3
    • Turn clockwise and step toward 1:30 into a right reverse cat stance
    • Pull your opponent’s right arm forward and downward with your right hand.
  • Step 4
    • Deliver a right thrusting back heel kick to your opponent’s right ribcage.
  • Step 5
    • Plant your right foot toward 7:30
    • Pivot clockwise into a right neutral bow stance.
    • Twist your opponent’s right arm clockwise in a tight circle,
    • Left hand covers.
  • Step 6
    • Deliver a left front thrusting ball kick to your opponent’s left inner knee.
  • Step 7
    • Plant your left foot toward 10:30 in front of your right foot forming a right rear twist stance facing 4:30,
    • Deliver a left hammering heel palm strike to your opponent’s right elbow.
  • Step 8
    • Complete your left front crossover and cover out toward 10:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent’s right hand is palm down?
    • your opponent applies the hammerlock with his left hand?
    • your opponent’s right leg is forward?
    • your opponent’s left leg is forward?
    • your opponent’s left leg steps forward with yours?
    • your opponent’s left hand is grabbing your hair?
    • you are unable to step forward?

Notes

  • As you twist your opponent’s right arm, be sure that you do so using small circles.  Remember “the bigger the circle the bigger the mistake”.
  • When practicing, students often use big circles because they feel jammed.  Be sure to use your back kick to move your partner back in order to unjam yourself.
  • When practicing, develop spontaneity by having your partner attack and then responding with either Locked Wing or Flight to Freedom depending on whether or not your partner blocks your elbow.
  • While practicing, once you have your partner’s arm turned over investigate the possibilities of other joint locks. A perfect example is to flow into the lock applied in Spiraling Twig.
  • As mentioned above, being the last technique in Purple Belt, Flight to Freedom teaches a valuable lesson; your opponent may be aware of your moves and may block them.  This is the perfect time to review all techniques with a partner and experiment with blocking all of  the initial counters in the techniques to practice “Formulating”.  Your ability to formulate may be the determining factor in a street situation.

Additional Information

Name

In this technique after delivering a rear elbow strike technique you attempt to flee or take flight. This deception of flight is what leads you to freedom, thus the name Flight to Freedom.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Left Reverse Step Through
  • Transitional Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Outward Horizontal Elbow Strike
  • Left Forward Step Through
  • Right Reverse Cat Stance
  • Right Thrusting Back Kick
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Front Thrusting Ball Kick
  • Right Rear Twist Stance
  • Left Hammering Heel Palm Strike
  • Left Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Face (missed)
  • Right Wrist
  • Right Ribcage
  • Left Inner Knee
  • Right Elbow

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchor
  • Angle of Alignment
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Angle of Execution
  • Angle of No Return
  • Borrowed Force
  • Catapulting
  • Complimentary Angle
  • Continuity of Motion
  • Controlling Checks
  • Counter Manipulation
  • Leveraging
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Momentum
  • Opposing Forces
  • Positional Checks
  • Pivoting
  • Torque
  • With
  • Zones of Protection


Related Techniques

  • Locked Wing (O-17)
  • Cross of Destruction (P-23)
  • Crossed Twigs (B-15)
  • Gripping Talon (B-20)
  • Encounter With Danger (G-2)
  • Thrust Into Darkness (3Br-2)
  • Intellectual Departure

Historical Notes

  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicated…
    • stepping back into a modified right neutral bow stance (because you are on the ball of your left foot).
    • having your left foot step through to 2:00.
    • planting your right foot back into a right reverse cat stance after your rear kick.
    • planting your left foot toward 11:00 after the front snapping ball kick.
    • the angle of departure as 11:00.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

FLIGHT TO FREEDOM (hammer lock)

  1. With feet together and opponent locking your right arm,  step back and to your right to 5 o’clock with your left foot (on the ball of your left foot) into a modified right neutral bow as your right hand counter grabs your opponent’s right wrist using this stance as a transition only.
  2. Without any hesitation pivot your entire body counter clockwise into a left neutral bow (or horse stance depending on circumstance) as you attempt to deliver a left outward elbow strike to opponent’s face which is blocked.
  3. Immediately have your left foot step through to 2 o’clock (into a right reverse cat stance) as your right arm straightens and continues to grab opponent’s right wrist; pulling in so that the principle of opposing forces is employed.
  4. From your right reverse cat, deliver a right thrusting back heel kick, using mainly the bottom portion of the heel to opponents, right ribcage and plant your right foot more to the left   again into a right reverse cat stance. Immediately pivot your entire body clockwise (facing 7 o’clock) as you twist your opponent’s right arm clockwise with the assistance of your right hand.
  5. Follow-up with a left snapping ball kick to opponent’s left inner knee.
  6. Without planting your left foot, have it cross in front of your right foot (into a left front twist stance) to 11 o’clock while using your left heel of palm strike to break back of opponents right elbow, and cover out to 11 o’clock.

Cross of Destruction (Purple #23)

KenpoTech on September 6, 2010

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Cross of Destruction is the 23rd required technique to obtain your purple belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Cross of Destruction is a defense against two hand choke from behind, placing it in the Locks and Chokes category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Chokes Family Group in the Chokes and Locks category of the family groups Grappling division.

Cross of Destruction takes advantage of the fact that your opponent’s thumbs are unable to resist the weight of your body twisting against them when a proper fulcrum (your shoulders) is applied. In the first part of the technique your hands and neck/shoulders to twist and lock your opponent’s thumbs where in the latter part of the technique you will use your opponent’s arms to twist, lock and break his elbow joint. Through the course of the technique will will disturb balance, create temporary pain and inflict lasting damage.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly behind you (6:00). He applies a two hand choke with his arms fully extended.

With your attacker’s arms fully extended you are unable to properly perform Circling Wing. This technique serves to fill that gap, providing you with with an alternative option.

Defense

Cross of Destruction –  defense for a rear two-hand choke.

  • Step 1
    • Tuck your chin into your chest,
    • Grab your opponent’s wrists with both of your hands,
    • Step toward 9:00 with your left foot to form a horse stance.
  • Step 2
    • Slide your right foot back toward 7:30 into a left neutral bow stance facing 1:30.
    • Cross your opponent’s left arm over your head, crossing his left arm over his right.
    • Pull your right arm toward your right hip
  • Step 3
    • Deliver a right front thrusting ball kick to the inside of your opponent’s right knee cap.
  • Step 4
    • Plant your right foot forward toward 1:30 to form a right neutral bow stance.
    • Pull with your left arm and push with your right arm to twist the opponent’s arms breaking or dislocating his elbow(s).
  • Step 5
    • Right front crossover and cover toward 10:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent’s arms are bent?
    • your opponent’s elbows are anchored against your shoulders?
    • your opponent’s right leg is forward?
    • your opponent’s left leg is forward?
    • your opponent pulls his arms as you attempt to cross them?
    • you are unable to step to the left?
    • you have something in your hands?

Notes

  • Dropping into your horse stance just before grabbing your opponent’s wrists will allow more reach to grab them.
  • Anchoring your elbows after the grab will help break the thumb.
  • When practicing this technique have your partner alter his attack then act accordingly with either Twirling Wings, Circling Wing or Cross of Destruction.
  • Note the possibility of flipping your opponent at the end of the technique. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN PRACTICING THIS WITH A PARTNER.

Variations

Additional Information

Name

In Ed Parker’s American Kenpo the term ‘destruction‘ has something to do with the left side.  The term ‘cross‘, in this instance, indicates the position your opponent’s arms will be put in. In this technique you will cross your opponent’s arms and use this crossed position to dislocate or break your opponent’s left elbow, thus the name Cross of Destruction.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Left Side Step Through
  • Horse Stance
  • Right Reverse Step Through
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Front Snapping Ball Kick
  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Cover out

Targets

  • Wrists
  • Thumbs
  • Right Knee (inside)
  • Elbows

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Angle of Incidence
  • Body Momentum
  • Buckle
  • Contouring
  • Counter Manipulation
  • Fulcrum
  • Gravitational Check
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Opposing Forces
  • Pinning Check
  • Solidify Your Base


Related Techniques

  • Thrusting Salute (O-4)
  • Twirling Wings (P-1)
  • Flight to Freedom (P-24)
  • Fallen Cross (B-13)
  • Twist of Fate (B-16)
  • Gripping Talon (B-20)
  • Escape from Death (G-6)
  • Twirling Sacrifice (G-17)

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Cross of Destruction was Purple Belt technique #19.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates;
    • moving your right foot back towards 8:0o.
    • a crossover and cover out toward 10:00.

Historical Versions

CROSS OF DESTRUCTION (rear two-hand choke)

  1. With feet together and opponent choking you from the rear with both of his hands, step to your left (to 9 o’clock) into a horse stance as you grab both of opponent’s wrists with both of your hands.
  2. Move your right foot back to 8 o’clock (into a left neutral bow) as your left hand crosses your opponent’s left arm over his own right arm. At this point, your left arm pushes forward as your right pulls in and toward you.
  3. Deliver a right front slap ball kick to the inside of opponent’s right knee cap.
  4. As you plant your right foot forward, after the kick, toward 2 o’clock, pull in with your left arm as you push out with your right arm to cause opponent to break his left elbow with his own right arm. (Make sure that in the process your right hand executes the above mentioned action similar to a right vertical back knuckle thrust.
  5. Right front crossover and cover out to 10 o’clock.

Spiraling Twig (Purple #22)

KenpoTech on September 6, 2010

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Spiraling Twig is the 22nd required technique to obtain your purple belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Spiraling Twig is a defense for a rear bear hug with your arms free, placing it in the Hugs & Holds category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Bear Hugs Family Group in the Holds & Hugs of the family groups Grappling division.

This technique introduces you to the proper use of joint lock manipulations, in particular it places emphasis on the correct angle of execution on wrist locks, the use of small circles when twisting an opponent’s weapon, the amplification of twists through the proper use of contouring and body momentum and maintaining control over your opponent’s leverage points.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly behind you (6:00). He applies a bear hug around your waist with his right hand on top of his left. Your arms are free.  It is assumed that your opponent’s legs are too far apart to be able to cat around (c-step) them.

Defense

Spiraling Twig – defense for a rear bear hug, arms free.

  • Step 1
    • Step toward 3:00 with your right foot to form a horse stance,
    • deliver right and left inward middle knuckle strikes to the back of your opponent’s hands,
    • Drop your elbows to pin both of your opponent’s arms.
    • Grab your opponent’s right hand with both hands, making sure that your thumbs are on top (back of your opponent’s hand) and your fingers are inside his palm.
  • Step 2
    • Step toward 1:30 with your left foot to form a left neutral bow stance,
    • Start twisting your opponent’s wrist clockwise,
    • Pivot clockwise as you execute a right reverse step through into a left neutral bow stance, facing 7:30.
    • Continue twisting your opponent’s right wrist clockwise in a tight circle close to your body,
    • Apply the wrist lock.
  • Step 3
    • Pull the opponent’s right arm past your right hip.
    • Deliver a right front snapping ball kick to your opponent’s right ribs..
  • Step 4
    • Plant your right foot forward to form a right neutral bow stance facing 7:30,
    • Deliver a right underhand stiff-arm back knuckle to your opponent’s face
    • Your left hand checks your opponent’s right arm.
  • Step 5
    • Execute a right front crossover and cover out toward 1:30.

Considerations

  • What if….
    • your opponent’s arms are around your chest?
    • your opponent’s left hand is over his right hand?
    • your opponent lifts you off the ground?
    • your opponent drags you to the ground?
    • your opponent does not loosen his hands as you strike them?
    • your opponent steps with you as you step toward 1:30?
    • a second opponent throws a punch from the front?
    • you are unable to step toward 3:00?
    • you are unable to step forward?
    • your hands slip as you attempt to apply the wrist lock?

Notes

  • Practice being as accurate as possible with your middle knuckle strikes and time them with your horse stance to benefit from marriage of gravity.
  • Be sure to keep your opponent’s right hand close to your body to maintain control. When practicing take note of the best ways to control your opponent’s right arm as well as the possibility of turning him over.
  • While you have the wrist lock applied, be sure to keep your opponent’s hand above his shoulder.
  • When Planting forward with your right foot, try to check your opponent’s left knee.
  • Practice flowing into other locks from the wrist lock or attempted wrist lock. In the event that your opponent’s elbow bends during the technique, you will need to back it up with another type of lock.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo the term “Twig” is used to represent the arm. In this technique you spiral your opponent’s right arm into a wrist lock as you move out of your opponent’s bear hug. This spiraling action against the right arm (twig) gives us the name Spiraling Twig.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Side Step Through
  • Horse Stance
  • Dual Inward Middle Knuckle Strikes
  • Left Forward Step Through
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Reverse Step Through
  • Inward Wrist Lock
  • Right Front Snapping Ball Kick
  • Right Stiff Arm Lifting Back Knuckle Strike
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Back of the Hand (metacarpals, median nerve)
  • Forearms (brachialis muscle, radial nerve)
  • Right Wrist (Elbow and Shoulder included as well)
  • Right Rib Cage
  • Left Knee
  • Face

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchor
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Angles of Execution
  • Backup Mass
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Center of Mass
  • Clearing Check
  • Contouring
  • Hugging Pin
  • Jerking
  • Locking
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Pinning Check
  • Positional Check
  • Pivot
  • Point of Origin
  • Stabilize Your Base
  • Twirl


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Spiraling Twig was Purple Belt technique #23.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates all of your 1:30 angles as 2:00 and your 7:30 angle as 8:00.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates a 2:00 angle of departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

SPIRALING TWIG (rear bear hug — arms free)

  1. With feet together, Step to your right with your right foot (to 3 o’clock) into a horse as your right and left middle fingers strike to the back of opponent’s top hand or hands (depending on the type of grab) immediately dropping both elbows to pin opponent’s arms. Without hesitation follow-up by grabbing opponent’s right hand with your right and left hand with thumbs on top and fingers inside of opponent’s palm.
  2. Have your left foot step forward to 2 o’clock (while starting a counter clockwise wrist twist; with your right elbow still pinning) and pivot your right foot clockwise and back (into a left neutral bow facing 8 o’clock) as both of your hands continue to twist opponent’s right wrist clockwise.
  3. Deliver a right snapping ball kick to right ribs of opponent while guiding opponent’s right arm past your right hip and still maintaining wrist twist.
  4. As you plant your right foot forward (into a right neutral bow facing 8 o’clock) have your left hand check your opponent’s right elbow by pushing it down and out of the way past the right hip as you deliver a right underhand stiff arm back knuckle strike to opponent’s face or temple (depending upon how the head is positioned).
  5. Right front crossover and cover out to 2 o’clock.

Sleeper (Purple #21)

KenpoTech on September 4, 2010

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Sleeper is the 21st technique required to obtain your purple belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Sleeper is a defense against 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 in the Striking division.

Like Dance of Death and Thundering Hammers this technique is designed to teach you the value of initiating your moves from point of origin. Each of these family related techniques targets a different height zone. In this technique you will be introduced to pressure holds, particularly a type of sleeper hold, in order to subdue your opponent and then in the final part of this technique you learn the spiraling staircase concept of taking an opponent to the ground.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00) in a left fighting stance. As your opponent steps forward with his right foot, he delivers a right straight punch toward your face. It is assumed that you are unable to step backward.

Defense

Sleeper –  defense for a right straight punch.

  • Step1
    • Step forward with your left foot on a 45° angle toward 11:00 into a left neutral bow stance facing 12:00,
    • Deliver a left inward block to the outside of your opponent’s right arm,
    • Allow your right arm to hang naturally by your side.
  • Step 2
    • Pivot counterclockwise to form a left forward bow stance.
    • Deliver a right inward upward diagonal wrist strike to the left side of your opponent’s neck.
    • Your left hand is checking your opponent’s right arm.
  • Step 3
    • Slide your right foot behind your opponent’s right leg into a modified horse stance,
    • Your left hand grabs your right wrist from behind your opponent’s neck,
    • Press in and downward against your opponent’s neck.
    • Pivot toward 10:30 into a left forward bow stance,
  • Step 4
    • Slide your left foot back toward 4:30 forcing your opponent to the ground,
    • Deliver a right knee drop into your opponent’s right ribcage, putting yourself in a left close kneels stance,
    • Deliver a right vertical punch to your opponent’s face,
    • your left hand is pushing your opponent’s arm across his body to keep it in check.
  • Step 5
    • Shift your right foot toward 12:00
    • Execute a left front crossover as you rise up
    • cover out toward 10:30

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent throws a right hooking punch instead?
    • your opponent punches low?
    • your opponent pushes your right shoulder instead?
    • your opponent does not step through (left leg still forward)?
    • your opponent precedes his punch with a right kick?
    • your opponent is taller or shorter than you?
    • you deflect your opponent’s punch across his body preventing you from getting underneath your opponent’s arm?

Notes

  • Practice this technique mechanically to ensure that you are executing the movements properly. You should not have to muscle your opponent to the ground.
  • Be sure that you tightly hug your opponent to prevent him from gaining the leverage necessary to counter attack.
  • Be sure that your opponent has lost his balance before sliding your left foot backward prior to throwing him as you will lose your balance instead.
  • Keep your head close to your opponent’s in order to increase the pressure of the choke.
  • If you get your right shoulder into your opponent’s right armpit, then by simply raising up slightly you will cut off blood flow on both sides.

Additional Information

Name

The name of this technique comes from the application of pressure to your opponent’s carotid artery which cuts off the flow of blood to the brain causing your opponent to pass out or essentially puts them to sleep.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Left Front Step Through
  • Left Neutral Bow Stance
  • Left Inward Block
  • Left Forward Bow Stance
  • Right Inward Upward Diagonal Inner Wrist Strike
  • Modified Horse Stance
  • Left Close Kneel Stance
  • Right Knee Drop
  • Right Vertical Punch
  • Left Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Outside of the Right Arm
  • Left Side of the Neck
  • Back of the Right Knee
  • Right Rib Cage
  • Face

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchor
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Bracing Angle
  • Buckle
  • Cat Around
  • Contouring
  • Counter Balance
  • Direct Rotation
  • Hugging Checks
  • Leverage
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Pivot
  • Rotational Force
  • Sandwiching
  • Slipping
  • Stabilize your Base
  • Zone of Obscurity


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Sleeper was Purple Belt Technique #22.
  • the 1975 Accumulative Journal indicated;
    • pivoting into a forward bow stance facing 10:00.
    • sliding your right foot back toward 5:00 to force your opponent to the ground.
    • sliding your left foot toward 2:00 as you rise then execute a right front crossover and cover out toward 2:00.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

SLEEPER (front straight step through right punch)

  1. Standing naturally with feet together, step to your left on a 45° angle with your left foot (to 11 o’clock) into a left neutral bow as you strike with a left inward block to outside of opponent’s right arm (preferably at or above the elbow) and cock your right arm parallel to your right thigh (right arm is hanging naturally to the side).
  2. Pivot (in place) into a left forward bow as you deliver a right inward upward diagonal inner wrist strike to opponent’s left side of neck. Your left hand is checking opponent’s right arm (bracing angle check).
  3. Immediately step around and back of opponent’s right leg (cating around and back in the process) with your right leg (into a modified horse stance) and have your left hand grab your right wrist from back of opponent’s neck to apply pressure that would put your opponent to sleep.
  4. Pivot toward 10 o’clock into a left forward bow and immediately shift your left foot back to 5 o’clock while forcing your opponent to the ground as you follow-up with a right vertical punch to opponent’s face simultaneously with a right knee drop (left close kneel) to opponent’s right ribs. Your left hand is pushing down on your opponent’s right arm. At this point the head of your opponent should be facing between 5 and 6 o’clock.
  5. Raise up to a left neutral bow and slide your left foot to 2 o’clock (left reverse step through); right front crossover and cover out again toward 2 o’clock.