Retreating Pendulum (Blue #11)

KenpoTech on January 14, 2011

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Retreating Pendulum is the 11th technique required to obtain your Blue Belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo.  Retreating Pendulum is a defense against a right thrusting rear kick from the front, placing it in the Kicks Category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Kicks Family Group in the Striking division.

In Retreating Pendulum you learn the tactical use of subliminal retreat where your depth of action is not as pronounced as when shuffling.  There is a finer margin for error but you will remain close enough to your opponent to give you greater spring when retaliating where you will employ the concept of bumping your opponent’s leverage points to unbalance him and hinder his ability to continue his attack. Special emphasis is placed upon relayed power through the use of a short circle of the right arm.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase you are in a right neutral bow and your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00).  He proceeds to deliver a right thrusting heel kick toward your body.   It is assumed that your opponent is also in a right neutral bow and delivers the kick with a left rear crossover.

This kick can be delivered one of several ways and come from either a left or right neutral bow stance.   It is therefore vital to learn to identify kicks as they approach you to react accordingly.

Defense

Retreating Pendulum –  defense for a right back kick.

  • Step 1
    • Slide your right foot back toward 6:00, executing a right rear crossover, to form a left front twist stance,
    • Deliver a right downward diagonal block to the outside of your opponent’s right leg,
    • Your left hand checks near your right shoulder.
  • Step 2
    • Deliver a right snapping knife edge kick to your opponent’s left inner knee.
  • Step 3
    • Plant your right foot toward 12:00, forming a right neutral bow stance,
    • Deliver a right inward overheard hammerfist strike to your opponent’s neck,
    • Your left hand should check near your right arm pit.
  • Step 4
    • Pivot into a right reverse bow stance,
    • Deliver a right rear scoop kick to your opponent’s groin.
  • Step 5
    • Plant your right foot back between your opponent’s legs, approximately toward 1:30,
    • Shift into a right reverse bow stance to buckle the inside of your opponent’s right leg.
  • Step 6
    • Execute a right front crossover
    • Cover out twice toward 7:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent  starts in a left neutral bow and steps through executing a right thrusting knife edge kick?
    • your opponent starts in a left neutral bow and executes a right spinning heel kick?
    • your opponent starts in a right neutral bow and shuffles with a right thrusting heel kick?
    • your opponent aims his kick toward your leg?
    • your opponent executes a left spinning rear kick after his right kick
    • your opponent executes a right punch after his right kick?
    • your opponent fakes a rear thrusting heel kick and then executes a right outward hooking heel kick?

Notes

  • In some schools a rear heel kick delivered via a left rear crossover is called a crossing rear kick.
  • Practice differentiating between a rear kicks, back kicks and angled side kicks.
  • Notice how distance is maintained by executing a right rear crossover while your opponent executes a left rear crossover.
  • Your right foot should immediately spring back into the knife edge kick after retreating toward 6:00
  • Be sure to take full advantage of gravitational marriage when delivering the hammerfist strike by timing the delivery with the planting of your right foot.
  • Your hammerfist strike should be the result of one continuous motion from your block, again being sure to emphasis fluidity of motion.
  • When delivering the scoop kick to your opponent’s groin, it is important that you properly gauge distance as you deliver the kick therefore you may have to drag your left foot toward your right foot to ensure proper distance.
  • Examine how this technique as well as its family related techniques, Deflecting Hammer and Hugging Pendulum make use of the Zones of Attack.

Variations

  • This is another one of those techniques where schools vary on the attack itself.  Officially the attack in the ideal phase is a right thrusting heel kick delivered from a left rear crossover in which both you and your opponent begin in a right neutral bow stance.  Some schools will have your opponent in a left neutral bow delivering the kick with a right step through and others outright change the kick to a knife edge kick.  It goes without saying that this technique works great for more than one kick delivered more than one way.  It is vital, however, to learn the technique as it was designed in order to gain the full education experience and understand this technique’s place in the system.
  • A strike may be inserted so that it occurs simultaneously with the buckle at the end.  Two variants that come to mind are a right rear elbow strike to the back of the head/neck and a  right downward rear heel palm strike usually to the spine.

Additional Information

Name

In American Kenpo, the term pendulum is used to refer to a downward block as it describes the manner in which your blocking arm deflects your opponent’s kick.  In this technique your blocking arm swings like a pendulum as your right leg is retreating from your opponent’s attacking leg. Thus we have the name Retreating Pendulum.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Right Rear Cross Step
  • Left Front Twist Stance
  • Right Downward Diagonal Block
  • Right Snapping Knife Edge Kick
  • Right Inward Overhead Hammerfist Strike
  • Right Reverse Bow Stance
  • Right Back Scoop Kick
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Outside of Right Leg
  • Inside of  The Left Knee
  • The Neck (5th Cervical Vertebrae)
  • Groin

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • 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
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Buckling
  • Bumping
  • Continuity of Motion
  • Counter Balance
  • Depth of Penetration
  • Detaining Check
  • Directional Harmony
  • Distance Matching
  • Gauging
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Obscure Zones
  • Orbiting
  • Pendulum
  • Positional Check
  • Relayed Power
  • Shortened Circle of Motion
  • Threading
  • Timing (1/4 Beat)
  • Top of Circle/Bottom of Circle
  • With


Related Techniques

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Retreating Pendulum was Blue Belt Technique #20
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal calls the initial strike a right outside downward block.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates an 8:00 angle of departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

RETREATING PENDULUM (front right rear kick)

  1. While in a right neutral bow, drop back with your right foot into a left font twist stance. Simultaneously deliver a right outside downward block to opponent’s kicking leg and check with your left hand by your right shoulder.
  2. Immediately deliver a right knife-edge kick to opponent’s left leg, to inner knee.
  3. Plant your right foot forward toward 12 o’clock and have your left hand check high (close to your right armpit).
  4. As your block circles counter clockwise and without losing any motion follow-up with a right overhead downward hammerfist to opponent’s neck as you plant your right foot toward 12 o’clock.
  5. Pivot to your left (into a right reverse bow) and deliver a right rear scoop kick to opponent’s groin (your right leg is between your opponent’s leg at this point).  You may have to drag your left foot toward your right foot to assure proper distance for your rear scoop kick.
  6. After planting your right foot back into a right reverse bow right front crossover and cover out twice toward 8 o’clock. (Use the right reverse bow to buckle your opponent’s left leg if and whenever possible.)

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.

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)

Hugging Pendulum (Blue #4)

KenpoTech on November 27, 2010

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Hugging Pendulum is the 4th required technique to obtain your Blue belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. Hugging Pendulum is a defense against a right Side Kick (Knife-Edge Kick) from the front, placing it in the Kicks category of the Web of Knowledge as well as the Kicks Family Group in the Striking division of Family Groups.

The initial action of Hugging Pendulum technique is identical to that of Deflecting Hammer; you create distance while employing an angle change and redirect your opponent’s kick.  While Deflecting Hammer also stresses the importance of foot maneuvers (shuffle out and then shuffle back in), Hugging Pendulum will expand your knowledge of defensive and offensive positioning as you learn to swiftly make adjustments due to depth factors (shuffle out and crossover back in).  In the final stage of the technique you learn to strike your opponent with the use of upper body rotation without the use of lower body rotation, you learn the benefits of body fusion; and the use of forward and reverse motion. All of which emphasize the need for speed of action.

The Technique

Attack

In the ideal phase your opponent is directly in front of you (12:00). Your opponent is in a left fighting stance (left neutral bow stance). He proceeds with a right step through knife-edge kick (side kick) to your lower torso.

The side kick is a very powerful kick and can cause serious injury. This kick does not always come from the ideal position, it can be delivered from the front leg (with or without a shuffle), from a rear crossover or from a spinning maneuver with each having their own advantages and disadvantages.  The power of the kick is transmitted as the leg extends therefore it is vital to focus on speed and accuracy when practicing this technique in order to avoid being in the range between the attacker’s knee and ankle.

Defense

Hugging Pendulum – defense for a right side kick.

  • Step 1
    • From a right neutral bow stance, shuffle back (push-drag) toward 7:30
    • Deliver a right outward diagonal downward block to the outside of your opponent’s right leg.
    • Your left hand covers high.
  • Step 2
    • Execute a left front crossover,
    • Cross your right hand (palm up) to your left hip,
    • Your left hand positionally checks high as you deliver a right knife-edge kick to the inside of your opponent’s left knee.
  • Step 3
    • Plant your right foot forward into right neutral bow stance.
    • Deliver a right outward horizontal back knuckle strike to your opponent’s right temple or mastoid.
    • Immediately follow with a right inward horizontal hooking heel palm claw to the left side of your opponent’s face.
  • Step 4
    • Execute a right front crossover
    • Cover out toward 7:30.

Considerations

  • What if…
    • your opponent executes a left knife-edge kick instead?
    • your opponent executes a shuffle kick from a right neutral bow?
    • your opponent executes a right spinning back kick from a left neutral bow?
    • your opponent follows his knife-edge kick with a left spinning back kick?
    • your opponent follows his knife-edge kick with a right punch?
    • your opponent thrusts a club towards you?

Notes

  • Study the effects of adjusting your angle of deviation and your angle of deflection on the initial move.
  • Be sure to keep your fist tightly closed when blocking the kick. If your fingers are loose or your hand is open you can break your fingers.
  • At this level your block should not only redirect the path of your opponent’s kick, and slightly turn your opponent but it should also inflict pain.  (“First deflection, then infliction of pain”.)
  • The front crossover allows you to advance toward the opponent without changing the side which faces your opponent, thus protecting your width zones and minimizing exposure.
  • Kicking your opponent’s left knee prevents him from delivering a spinning back kick toward you, using a knife edge kick prevents the need to pivot from your current position.
  • Synchronize the delivery of your outward back knuckle strike with the planting of your right foot to maximize power.
  • Group deflecting hammer and hugging pendulum , have partner attack with varitey of linear kicks, block with initial defense from either and then follow with sequences from either, grafting as needed so they blend with the attack. Pay attention to depth zones.
  • Compare Hugging Pendulum to Leaping Crane and note how they are related
  • Look for the relation that Hugging Pendulum has with Five Swords and Raining Claw.
  • Note the themes of Delayed Sword and Sword of Destruction then determine how that theme continues with Hugging Pendulum.

Variations

  • A common variation is to insert one of the two strikes below into the chambering of your right hand on your left hip depending on the position of your target;
    • a right inward horizontal heel palm claw strike to your opponent’s face.
      • your left hand would check your ribs
    • a right inward horizontal raking middle knuckle strike to your opponent’s lower right rib cage.
      • your left hand would still check high here.

Additional Information

Name

Hugging Pendulum derives its name from the matter in which the blocking arm is used when deflecting your opponent’s kick. Your blocking arm swings like a pendulum as it hugs (contours) your leg for strength and accuracy, thus the name Hugging Pendulum.

A variant on the origin of the name indicates that the swinging of your blocking arm (pendulum) imitates a hugging motion and it swings back up to your left hip.  It should also be noted that Hugging Pendulum uses various methods of applying hugging checks against your opponent’s leverage points.

Basics & Maneuvers

  • Right Neutral Bow Stance
  • Reverse Shuffle (Push-Drag)
  • Right Outward Downward Diagonal Hammering Block
  • Left Front Crossover
  • Right Knife-Edge Kick
  • Right Outward Horizontal Back Knuckle Strike
  • Right Inward Horizontal Hooking Heel Palm Claw
  • Right Front Crossover
  • Cover Out

Targets

  • Outside Right Leg
  • Inside Left Knee (Common Peroneal Nerve)
  • Mastoid or Temple
  • Left Side of the Face

Concepts & Principles

  • Anchoring
  • Angle of Cancellation
  • Angle of Deflection
  • Angle of Deviation
  • Angle of Disturbance
  • Angle of Entry
  • Angle of Execution
  • Angle of Incidence
  • Backup Mass

Concepts & Principles (Cont’d)

  • Body Fusion
  • Body Momentum
  • Borrowed Force
  • Buckle
  • Chamber
  • Complimentary Angle
  • Continuity of Motion
  • Contouring
  • Counter Balance
  • Depth of Penetration
  • Figure-Eight Pattern
  • Fitting
  • Frictional Pull
  • Grafting
  • Guidelining
  • Hugging Check
  • Jamming
  • Matching Counter
  • Marriage of Gravity
  • Minimize your targets
  • Obscure Zones
  • Orbital Switch
  • Positional Check
  • Reverse Motion
  • Rounding the Corners
  • Torque
  • With


Related Techniques

  • Deflecting Hammer (Y-4)
  • Leaping Crane (P-3)
  • Retreating Pendulum (B-11)
  • Gathering Clouds (B-21)
  • Rotating Destruction (3Br-4)
  • Glancing Lance (3Br-14)
  • Unwinding Pendulum (2Br-15)

Historical Notes

  • In the 1975 Accumulative Journal, Hugging Pendulum was Blue Belt Technique #14.
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicated the block should travel from 11:00 to 5:00
  • The 1975 Accumulative Journal indicates a 7:00 angle of departure.

Historical Versions

1975 Accumulative Journal

HUGGING PENDULUM (front right side kick)

  1. While in a fighting stance (right neutral bow), shuffle back slightly as you deliver a right hammering downward diagonal block (hooking your blocking arm so that it travels from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock) on the outside of opponent’s right kicking leg.
  2. Immediately do a left front crossover as your right hand cocks horizontally across your body (palm in) with your left hand in guarding position and deliver a right knife-edge kick to inside of opponent’s left knee.
  3. Follow-up with a right horizontal back knuckle strike to opponent’s mastoid or temple (as you plant your right foot forward) arching wide to the right and returning with a right inward horizontal hooking heel of palm claw to opponent’s face while maintaining bend in your right elbow.
  4. Right font crossover and cover out to 7 o’clock.