Self-Defense is considered an art form of movement due to
the quick paced action of movement. It is similar to dance, gymnastics and other sports. In
self-defense, movements are practiced over and over until they are internalized
and memorized for faster paced reaction when needed. It is often
beneficial to practice in a class with others to get a feel for the speed and
pressures to use while practicing by oneself.
At times an opponent may be attacked through a choke or a
high grab to the chest. The Thrusting Wedge and the Wedge offer two different
moves for self-defense. The Thrusting Wedge works well when the grab is in
motion and isn’t settled yet. The Wedge works well when someone is attempting
to choke you or has already set their grab.
The movements entail two different hand positions. In the Thrusting
Wedge there is a heart shape between thumb and fore finger with palms
outward while in the Wedge there is the palm locking over the other palm. The
thrusting wedge hand positions affords outward momentum while the wedge hand
position reinforces the hand structure for a spear.
Thrusting Wedge (High
Two-Handed Grab):
-Opponent attempts high two-handed grab.
-Make wedge with hands and strike to eyes.
-With left hand grab opponent’s right wrist and pull arm
down.
-Strike opponent’s sternum and slide elbow up to chin.
-Use right hand to claw opponent’s face.
Wedge (Opponent has two
handed choke hold from the front):
-Place
your left hand with the palm down into your right hand as you step forward with
your right foot. (Both hands are near your stomach).
-Strike
both hands in the direction of the opponent’s forehead while using the forearms
to break the opponents choke hold.
-Retract
wedge to the stomach and then strike forward to opponent’s solar plexus.
-Recoil
Kenpo is for pure self-defense with no attacking moves.
