The
16 Technique charts are organized by type of attack as reflected in Mr.
Parker's "Web of Knowledge" and follow a logical pattern. I give
credit to Brian Duffy for his development of the 16 technique charts, along
with input and approval from Mr. Parker. My teacher Tommy Burks,
Dennis Conatser, John Sepulveda and a host of others helped Mr. Duffy proof
& finalize his Adult and Children's charts. Mr. Duffy was a Regional
Director for the IKKA at the time of his proposed changes to the Belt Requirements.
Reference Mr. Duffy's home page for more information. Mr. Parker
was aware of and approved of the reorganization of these techniques into
this format, now utilized by many Associations and individual schools,
including my own and the United Kenpo Systems.
The
debate rages on whether this is a "watered down" version of Kenpo, and
not the Kenpo of Mr. Parker. I was there and know better. As
everyone who has studied the Art knows, Kenpo was ever evolving, especially
with Mr. Parker's input, advice and suggestions. These charts reflect
the evolution that happened while he was alive, but not disseminated to
all IKKA schools world wide prior to his leaving us.
I
personally believe that these charts allow a student to progress somewhat
faster and focus more on material appropriate for the belt level.
I learned from the 24 technique charts as used by the NCKKA (National Chinese
Kenpo Karate Association) and then by the IKKA. Similar techniques
done very differntly. I have seen some Associations with far fewer
techniques "Required" (the other techniques are "Optional") and Associations
who require more techniques per belt, as many as 30 - 32. The order
and quantity per belt is up to the Association or instructor.
What's
important is the system, the way of moving, and completness of your knowledge
of Mr. Parker's art. This cannot be lost and you be a true Kenpoist.
Taking longer to learn the system does not mean "watered down," just as
"more" does not mean "better." Learn everthing you can, expand your
boundries and enjoy the process. The Journey is what is important, not
the goal. OOS!
NOTE:
I did not write these techniques myself, although manuals are available
from my association, the UKS (United Kenpo Systems.) I formatted
them for my students as reference material only! You cannot learn
without the immediate feedback of a qualified Kenpo instructor. You may
learn the moves ... but not how to move. There is a vast difference
as most Kenpo students know. My association & my school revert
back to the original 24 Techniques as approved by Mr. Parker, for the "Black
Belt Extensions."
