Vocabulary

Dark Dragon Kenpo

ANGLE

A specific degree of approach which one follows when delivering a weapon to a target. A specific viewpoint from which the defender or the attacker can be observed. The direction and degree needed in having the surfaces of the weapon and the target meet.
CLOCK PRINCIPLE: The method used to help a student visualize the direction in which they are to move. The general rule is that the student should consider themselves as being in the middle of a large clock facing 12:00, thus having 6:00 facing directly to their rear with 3:00 and 9:00 to their right and left respectively.
BACKUP MASS: The use of the body weight that is directly behind the action that is taking place.

BASICS: The simplified moves that comprise the fundamentals of Kenpo, i.e., stances, maneuvers, blocks, strikes, punches, kicks, finger techniques, parries, specialized moves, and methods.

BORROWED FORCE: An opponent's force which is used against him, which is accomplished by going with or against the opponent, allowing the opponent's force to enhance the effectiveness of the defender's action.

CHECK: To restrain, hinder, or prevent an opponent from taking an action.

CONTOURING: Utilizing the outline of your or your opponent's body or parts thereof, as a guide or homing device to accomplish strike, checks, parries, etc.

COVER: Repositioning your body into a protective pose while creating distance between you and your opponent.

DOUBLE FACTOR: Utilizing dual movements to defend yourself. The moves can incorporate any combination of blocks, parries and checks.

DOJO: Japanese term for school or training hall. Translates as the place of the "The Way".


DROP OR DROPPING: The rapid descent of your body while simultaneously delivering a strike. This greatly enhances and contributes to the Gravitational Marriage principle.

ECONOMY OF MOTION: Choosing the best available weapon for the best available angle to insure reaching the best available target in the least amount of time while obtaining the desired result.

GRAFTED TECHNIQUE: The blending of one technique, completed or not, into that of another without disrupting the continuation of your action. The transition occurs without disruption to the flow of either technique or series of techniques.

GRAVITATIONAL MARRIAGE: The uniting of mind, breath and strength while simultaneously dropping body weight along with the execution of your natural weapon (s). Timing all of these factors with the dropping of your body enhances the effect of the strike, block, parry, etc.