New Zealand Kenpo Karate Association

STUDENT

INTRODUCTORY

MANUAL

WELCOME

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Welcome to the New Zealand Kenpo Karate Association. We are pleased to have you as a member. The hardest step in any journey is often the first so congratulations on taking that first step and taking up the challenge of learning Kenpo Karate. Every Black Belt in our school started exactly as you have and therefore understands and acknowledges the commitment you have made to come and learn Kenpo Karate.

“A Black Belt is a White belt that never gave up”

This brief Introductory Manual has been designed to help new students (and parents of Junior students) ‘find their feet’. Initially it gives a brief overview of the way we operate. Topics covered include: history, your Instructors, uniforms, gradings, competitions, rules, how to tie a belt, etc. We recommend placing this manual inside a folder to be used as a reference. In time this folder will grow as each belt level has its own manual and these can be printed out and added to the folder, also for easy reference. These Manuals contain all the techniques, broken down into their basic moves and should help you if you ever forget a move. You will have access to the Yellow Belt Manual now, so you can print this off whenever you want. As a new student you also have access to the Online Videos on our website which depict the various techniques required for each belt level. With qualified instruction in class, the manuals and online video you will have all of the information and motivation you need to help you attain that next belt level. We wish you all the best in your pursuit of Kenpo Karate and remember:

TRAIN HARD TRAIN REGULARLY

TRAIN INTELLIGENTLY AND

MAKE NO EXCUSES For further information, or any points you would like more clarification on, please feel free to talk (in confidence) with any of our Instructors.

HISTORY Although Shaolin Kempo techniques date back many thousands of years, modern Kenpo Karate’s history (as it is taught today) begins in 1954, when the late Senior Grandmaster Edmund PARKER began teaching the art in the USA. Ed PARKER grew up in Hawaii and after a few years training in boxing and judo he began learning Kenpo from Master William CHOW in 1947. After 6 years Mr Parker received his black belt, then shifted to mainland USA to study at University and at the same time opened his first training hall in California.

He immediately noticed that the traditional art that he had been taught needed to be developed to deal with modern day street situations. He discarded all traditional methods that were not realistic for street fight or real life attacks, and added his own applications, concepts and theories that were unique to karate at that time. Today, Ed Parker is recognised as the Father of American Karate and his art is popular throughout the world. It is characterised by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession. These rapid-fire strikes serve two purposes: Firstly, they may overwhelm the attacker, and secondly, it teaches the practitioner that fast follow up strikes are needed in case the first are not successful. Senior Instructors: Grant MORRISON and Shane RONGONUI, originally began their training in the traditional art of Shaolin Kempo in the early eighties. This art, whilst traditional, incorporated some American Kenpo techniques in its syllabus. They both left Shaolin Kempo in the mid nineties in order to learn the full American Kenpo Karate system.

Shane Rongonui, Larry Tatum, Grant Morrison KENPO training in Pasadena, USA.

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They train with as many leading experts as they can, including: Huk Planas, Larry Tatum, Ed Parker Jnr, Graham Lelliott, Ed Downey Jnr, Kevin Mills and Jeff Speakman. NZKKA was established in 1997 and is one of NZ’s largest Kenpo schools.

PROGRAMMES TIGER (5yrs - 8yrs) Programme This programme is for the youngest of our members. The focus is on learning Kenpo basics while having fun. Tigers are encouraged to focus on perfecting their forms. Though strong discipline is a focus of the martial arts, this class allows a relaxed atmosphere so that enthusiasm for Kenpo is gained. Personal discipline then flows naturally. DRAGON (9yrs - 12yrs) / TEEN (13yrs - 17yrs) Programmes At these older age groups, a strong focus is placed on both forms & self defence. A higher level of discipline is expected, which in turn helps build students’ confidence and self worth. ADULT Programme (17yrs+) This programme caters for adults from all walks of life. The great thing about Kenpo is that it is not a “one size fits all” art. We cater the moves to fit the individual i.e. if you don’t have great flexibility we won’t be asking you to kick to the head, just alter the target to one you can reach. Along with learning self defence, you should find, over time, your fitness, strength, co-ordination & flexibility have also benefited. With this comes an improved outlook and confidence in who you are.

INSTRUCTORS NZKKA Instructors are top exponents of the Kenpo system. They are experienced and enthusiastic. Classes are conducted in a fun, controlled and well-organised manner.

Mr MORRISON started training in the eighties and has held a black belt since 1989.

Mr RONGONUI started training in the early eighties and received his black belt in 1986.

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© Copyright NZKKA Ltd. 2009

New Zealand kenpo karate association

yellow belt

SELF-DEFENCE TECHNIQUES

5. ATTACKING MACE

6. SWORD AND HAMMER

1. DELAYED SWORD

forms

2. ALTERNATING MACES

3. SWORD OF DESTRUCTION

4. DEFLECTING HAMMER

short form 1

blocking SET 1

Sets

Self Defence Section

Sets Section

Forms Section

Tick Boxes

As you move through the ranks you will obtain access to your next belt course manual (available to be printed off from our web-site). As a white belt you have access to print off the Yellow Belt manual. When you get your Yellow Belt you will be given access to the Orange Belt manual etc. Each Manual is normally comprised of three sections: Sets are a specific group of basics that are linked in flowing combinations. Forms (or Kata in Japanese) are generally considered as pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. However, in Kenpo, it is more appropriate to say that Forms show and teach us the rules and principles of Kenpo Motion. Self Defence techniques (normally: 6 for Juniors and 16-20 for Adults) are pre- arranged basics that are generally practiced with another student attacking.

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BELT COURSE MANUALS

MANUAL

ONLINE VIDEOS

Along with the Belt Course Manual, the Online Videos are a great tool that allow you to learn the techniques in class and then watch them online when you get home to ensure you have picked them up correctly. You already have access to the Yellow Belt Online Videos (www.kenpo-karate.co.nz) as these are part of the Starter pack you have purchased. Once a new belt is obtained you will get access to the online videos for the next belt level.

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Gradings are a guide for the student to gauge their current ability. They allow the student to quickly assess where he has been, where he is now and where he has yet to go. If passed, this results in the promotion to the next Tab or Belt level and the start of training towards another. Each belt is a significant achievement and an incentive to train for the next. Gradings are normally held at the end of each School Term. THE DATE: Eligible students will receive notification within 1-2 weeks of their Grading. WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Students who have completed, at Grading date, approximately 3-6 months of training within that Tab-Belt level respectively and/or have shown sufficient knowledge and ability on that Belt level, up to date tuition fees, good attendance and attitude. THE FORMAT: The Grading will normally last between 1-3 hours depending on the level/age being tested. Techniques learnt in class and outlined in the Belt Course Manual and Online Videos are tested. WHAT IS EXPECTED: Generally to PASS a TAB grading the student must demonstrate: JUNIORS: All basics, first 3 Self Defence techniques plus the Set(s). ADULTS: All basics, first 8-10 Self Defence techniques plus the Set(s). Generally to PASS a BELT grading the student must demonstrate: JUNIORS: All basics, all Self Defence techniques plus the Form. ADULTS: All basics, second 8-10 Self Defence techniques plus the Form

GRADINGS

Given the wise range of physical and mental abilities in the junior classes (ages 5 – 17yrs) we have split the junior syllabus into two streams. The ‘second’ stream only have to learn up to the original 1st Brown Belt syllabus (rather than through to 3rd Brown). This stream is designed for our younger students and also for some students who struggle to pick up the more complex Forms (for a variety of reasons). The time it takes for these students to learn up to 1st Brown should be about the same time older students learn up to 3rd Brown. It therefore gives everybody a chance to sit for black belt after at least 5-6yrs of training (rather than holding the young starters until they reach their Teenage years). The streams start out the same and then split after purple belt is reached when the Forms get noticeably longer and more complex. Students in the ‘shorter’ stream will be recognised from blue belt onwards by having a white stripe through the middle of their belt. They will go on the test for a Probationary Black Belt (a black belt with a white stripe). Once this is achieved, they learn the final 2 posters from the full syllabus and when old enough (around 13 years old at least) can sit for their full black belt.

THE JUNIOR SYLLABUS

Full Junior Syllabus

Probationary Junior Syllabus

The streams split after the purple poster. The old blue belt syllabus is split into two posters for the Probationary Stream. This gives these students up to a year to learn Long Form 2 without missing gradings as they only have to learn ½ of the form for blue belt (white stripe) and ½ for green belt (white stripe). The same thing happens at 1st Brown. Younger students will have at least a year to learn Long Form 3 and this is the final Form they have to learn before testing for Probationary Black Belt.

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OUR PATCH

Tiger Symbolises the raw physical power of the beginning student and the 5-8year old Junior students in our school. Dragon Symbolises the mental and spiritual side of the art and represents the highest levels attainable in Kenpo. The 8-12 year old Junior students in our school are also referred to as Dragons. Yin/Yang Represents the harmony of opposites i.e.. Hard/Soft, Light/Dark etc.. The harmonising of opposites can be experienced in all Kenpo techniques. Radiating Lines Represent the major angles used in Clockwork Pattern theory. A concept designed to teach 360 degrees Self Defence. Hands These are the ‘Warrior and the Scholar’ going forth. Held in the salutation position the hands represent the brotherhood of Kenpo, however the weapons are formed and always ready. Colours The colours represent the progression of the student throughout Kenpo and are represented in the belt ranking system. Flames The flames represent the art of Kenpo … beautiful to look at but deadly to touch. Circle The cyclic shape of the patch represents continuous learning throughout ones life regardless of level or skill. Also, all Kenpo moves come from the circle whether offensive or defensive. Fern Having trained overseas with other Kenpo schools it is important that we have a uniquely identifying symbol which represents, not only our school but our country of origin. None better than the fern. Axe The axe shape at the bottom represents the executioner - in the event a member brings the school or it’s members into disrepute he is cut off and expelled from the school.

Under Black Belt Patch

Black Belt Patch

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UNIFORM

or

or

On the Right side: (Juniors only) Tiger or Dragon Rocker: just below right arm Jacket seam Tiger or Dragon Patch: 2cm below Rocker

On the Left side: (All students) NZKKA Rocker: Just below left arm Jacket seam NZKKA Patch: On left lapel over heart

Uniforms come in various colours and cuts. Some follow traditional lines and others are more for decoration. NZKKA uniforms follow traditional Kenpo lines. Black pants with a White jacket for students below black belt. Junior black belts wear blue jackets and adult black belts wear black jackets. Instructors have the option to wear a mixture of colours. The wearing of a uniform has practical uses in self defence sets, where grabbing and pulling moves are common. Uniforms are not easily ripped and allow these type of techniques to be executed with a lot more realism. Below is a guide as to where to place NZKKA patches.

BELT

Traditionally, the Coloured Belt ranking system was introduced to reflect the proficiency of a student in the art that they practice. We look upon the ranking system as an ideal opportunity to allow students and instructors to set achievable goals on the journey to Black Belt and beyond. Belt tying: (See the video in Members Area under Resources) Find the center of your belt and place this on your abdomen Wrap each end right around your body to the back and then around to the front Left belt end over right end and loop left end under belt center, let end hang down to right End that is now on the left is circled under the overhanging right end creating a hole from above This end is then threaded through that hole and pulled towards the right as the right end is pulled towards the left making a knot in the center.

(NB - Watch for twists in your belt when tying. The belt knot should appear ‘diamond shaped’ )

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COMMON QUESTIONS

TIGER, DRAGON and TEEN QUESTIONS Q. I’ve just turned 9 am I a Dragon? A. Yes. Just turned 13? You’re a Teen! Q. At 9 years old do I go straight into the Dragon’s class, 13 into the Teens class? A. Not necessarily it will depend on a number of things such as; size, maturity, etc. Generally the higher the rank, the older you have to be to switch to the Dragon

class Q. So when do I go into the Dragon’s class, Teens class, Adult class? A. We will look at each student individually and determine the right time for you to change classes. Q. I‘m old enough to move up to the next class will I need a Dragon patch? A. Yes, regardless of what class you train in you will need to update your patch. Q. What age group do I compete in in this years competition(s)? A. This is important… at the time of the competition: Tigers are all those who are 8 years old or younger. Dragons will be all those who are 9 years old to 12 years old. Teens will be all those who are 13 years or older. GENERAL QUESTIONS Q. What do I do if I feel sick in class? A. When safe to do so, move to the side and inform an Instructor.

Q. What do I call the Instructor? A. Mr, Mrs or Ms ………..………… (if you know their last name). Teens may use

Instructors first names. Q. Do I ask to be graded or will the Instructor tell me? A. Traditionally it is disrespectful to ASK to be graded however if you know your stuff and can show it by the end of the term and your attendance and attitude has been good then the invite will come. Q. Do I have to wear my uniform? A. All students must have a full uniform to train in. Those under Black belt must have either a white t-shirt/top underneath their uniform (no hoodies or coloured shirts please). No shoes are allowed on the training mats.

COMPETITIONS In the 3rd Term each year we hold the New Zealand Kenpo Karate Championships. This is our ‘biggie’ and students from other Kenpo schools also come to compete. Participation is voluntary, though encouraged purely for the confidence that students develop from participating. If students or parents have any concerns please see an Instructor. FORMS, SETS and SELF DEFENCE This requires the contestant to demonstrate a Form, Set or Self Defence combination to the best of their ability against their peers. These are scored by a number of judges with the highest score denoting the winner. SYNCHRONISED FORMS This requires a team of 3 or 4 students performing the same form all trying to stay in time (without looking at each other!). This is a fun and popular event. SPARRING This essentially involves two contestants in ‘combat’ against each other, trying to score points to win the contest. Mouth guards are compulsory. You will also be wearing head gear, chest protectors and gloves. We spar in class regularly to practice techniques and to learn to deal with the fear of being hit. The odd accident can happen but overall sparring is very safe.

RULES

Be on time for training – don’t be late

If you are going to be away for a while, let your Instructor know

Respect all members of the school

Listen carefully and follow instructions

Move to the side if you feel sick or injured

No using Kenpo outside of class unless necessary and no bullying

Keep the studio clean and tidy and don’t touch anyone else's gear

Keep your nails and uniforms tidy and clean

No food or drink on the mats and definitely no chewing gum in the Studio

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WEB-SITE (www.kenpo-karate.co.nz) The web-site has been set up to provide insights into NZKKA, its Instructors, history of Kenpo, classes etc as well as provide a learning centre for students (the Members Only section). Please refer to the web-site regularly for current news, photos and Newsletters (generally an email will be sent notifying a new Newsletter is available).

Members Only section This area holds the belt manuals and videos of each move required for each belt. It is available for all current students. To enter this section, click on Members Only at the top of the web-site. 1. Enter your username (where it says email). Just enter your name, with a

full-stop between first and second name e.g. ronald.mcdonald (all lower case). 2. Your password is your first initial, full-stop, then surname i.e. r.mcdonald (all

lower case) Note that apostrophes , and spaces are not allowed but hyphens are

3. Click on the Adult Syllabus (for adults) or Junior Syllabus (for juniors).

4. Click on the karate person with the belt colour you want to look at.

5. Either click on the link to see the Manual which you should print off and add

to your folder, or click on a Form, Set or Self Defence on the left hand side.

6. Once the video appears enter the password “nzkka” (all lower case). The same password is used for all the videos.

Quick Reminder: Username: ronald.mcdonald Password: r.mcdonald Video Password: nzkka Remember to use your name! Unless you are Ronald McDonald!

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