Kenpo: Breaking From a Full Nelson

The full-nelson is a difficult move to escape.  As both arms are locked in an upward position and the head is pushed down it can be difficult to move without a level of strain. Likewise, the lock makes it difficult to move at all unless your attacker desires to move you there.  Speed and strength are needed together to change the situation.

That doesn’t mean all is lost. Both moves engage the strength of the arms in quick motion to counter power the position. One tries to inflict pain on the foot and the other on the finger.  Both are an attempt to release the lock.  Once the lock is broken other things are possible. 

Full Nelson-A (Opponent has full nelson on both arms and head)

-Stamp on opponents right foot with your right foot.

-Raise your arms into the air.

-Bend both knees and drop down while crashing your arms in the downward direction to break hold.

-Grab opponent’s upper right hand with both hands (wrist lock with thumbs on top).

-Spin to the right to face opponent while holding wrist lock.

-Snap kick with your right leg and place back in position if another kick is needed. 

Cha-Na Full-Nelson (Opponent has full nelson on both arms and head)

-Tighten chest muscles to lock arms before full nelson lock (if possible).

-Lift right hand to grab fingers.

-Twist body to the right while swinging left leg to six o’clock to face opponent’s side.

-While twisting give right elbow to chin.

-Use left arm to push opponent’s head from your body.

http://youtu.be/1bBCY2q9AMU

Kenpo as a Self-Defense and Fitness Sport

Kenpo is a street technique and self-defense sport. It has a number of benefits that include self-defense, agility, speed, and fitness. A healthy lifestyle includes being well rounded in a number of areas. This includes intellectual activities, artistic creation, spiritual engagement, sports, social engagement, civic engagement, and general fitness. This helps in fostering well rounded ability and perspective. 

We sometimes think that such things are for the very young but we cannot stop there. What we teach the youth is also important throughout our lives and helps us find a balance. We know that many people have a hard time staying committed to workout routines. There is some stress for people who have to go to the gym and find that exercise is boring. By incorporating various sporting activities you can engage in cross training.

The background of the sport is beneficial to understand. Kenpo was popularized by Ed Parker from Hawaii in the 1960-70’s. He adjusted the system from more ancient methods that date back a few hundred years.  It is believed that a Chinese monk brought the style to a Japanese monastery around the 15^th century. From there it has been adjusted and changed for Americans.  Modern practice is street oriented. 

The system seeks to create the fewest moves possible for defense. It is designed not to waste energy or motion and allow one to flee a difficult situation while immobilizing the opponent. I have engaged in the sport for some time and have learned that personality mixed with training is important. This is a sport for pure self-defense and fitness and should not be engaged by those who seek to intimidate others. 

Even though the video does show the basic moves it is first beneficial to understand the fundamental stances, blocks, and movements. Knowing the basics helps one to build the proper sequences that lead to flawless execution. If the basics are off then the rest of the sequences are likely to be misaligned creating a level of weakness in practice. Once incorporated into a poor habit it can be difficult to change.

The very first earned belt you will receive will be the yellow belt. You can get a feel for the sport in the video.