MMA vs Kenpo
by Zoran Sevic How many of you have seen a decent technique video that is critiqued by the so called MMA/BJJ experts out there. One common complaint when demoing a self defense technique is, “attackers do not stand still while you strike”. How about the, “if that would work, it would be done in the [...]
Are You Good Enought to be a Martial Artist?
by Mike Vassolo originally published in 1997 The question I’ve posed in the headline has little to do with whether or not you possess the requisite skills to defend yourself. It goes deeper than that, and it is, ultimately, more important. The real question is whether you have the moral and ethical sense to be [...]
Tools of the Trade
by Zoran Sevic Image by Jeff Ratcliff I have heard the analogy often used, from my fellow kenpo practitioners, that techniques, forms, drills, sparring and so on are nothing more than training tools. My question is, what are you building? A house, shed, another tool?? Common Misconception Considering all the various parts of a system [...]
What is a Good Black Belt
by Rich Hale The following was in answer to a letter addressed to Rich Hale. From someone who is about to test for black belt and was wondering what is a good black belt. The Reply Few things, in the martial arts, are more personally challenging than achieving rank. This is due, in part, to [...]
Don’t Fight, End It
I’ve been a Kenpo instructor for many years now and have worked as a bouncer and in security. I’ve had my fair share of “fights” and had a few hair raising experiences. As such, I try to bring what I have learned in the real world, into the class room. Because of this, from time [...]
Celebs
by Tom Saviano When the publishers of KICKBOXX first informed me of this issues theme, I thought “Celebs Will Be Easy” WRONG! It seems to me that we as a society have more celebrities than we need. A rock group has one hit and they become “Celebrities”, a martial arts student wins a tournament or [...]
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
by Zoran Sevic If you are in a situation where you can’t find a non violent solution, pull the trigger. Most self defense techniques start with a block or some sort of counter movement. A self offense technique will usually start with a strike. Here is my disclaimer, I am not advocating the next time [...]
Difference Between Sport and Self-Defense
by John McSweeney With all of the emphasis these days on the competitive aspects of the martial arts, it’s appropriate to bring a realistic perspective to the situation. In the Ultimate Fighting Championship and similar full-contact sporting events, wrestlers have consistently had the edge on boxers whenever they’ve been paired in competition. In self-defense, however, [...]
Strike Back Against Grappling
by Chuck Sudds When the “No Holds Barred” shows first came upon the scene several years ago, there was a sudden upsurge in the popularity of the grappling arts. I believe that grappling is good. I enjoy practicing it, and I enjoy teaching it. But, would it be my first response in a street fight? [...]
On Becoming a Black Belt
by Mike Vassolo Most students who diligently pursue a black belt eventually earn one. However, on occasion, I’ve noticed a puzzling phenomenon that’s difficult to explain. For some reason, there have been a handful of people who have worked hard for many years only to quit shortly before their black belt tests. I’ve never fully [...]
