We are the only martial arts school to offer Kenpo Karate in Western Australia. This is somewhat in contrast to the vast number of Kenpo schools throughout Europe and the States. Therefore, in order to maintain our commitment to evolving this dynamic martial art, we must find a method other than training with other Kenpo schools to continue the improvement.

We achieve this by cross-training with other martial artists. The fundamental principles of Kenpo and its Laws of Motion can and have been applied to other martial arts. This also embraces the open-minded attitude that Kenpo encourages.

An example of continuing the evolution of Kenpo in our Western Australian school can be drawn from the art of stick-fighting. The continuous flowing hand motions required to perform a flurry of strikes with two sticks may be compared to the 'economy of motion' within Kenpo's rapid hand attacks. This allows the two arts to complement each other and intertwine. Many Kenpo techniques can be performed while armed with two sticks, whereas many striking patterns from the various arts of stick fighting can be adapted to the natural weapons of the body.

This cross-training element can also evolve Kenpo from within. In our advanced Kenpo class, many students are black belts in other arts. After gaining a good understanding of Kenpo's concepts, elements of previous arts can be tailored to Kenpo. A personal example of this is the powerful roundhouse kicks from my Muay Thai background. Instead of leg-numbing thigh kick where the deliverer returns out of striking range, I have developed this kick into part of a knee buckling advance which allows for balance disruption and unhindered hand strikes. It also retains the benefits of a good dead-leg.

Therefore, we do not view our isolation from other Kenpo practitioners as a hindrance to our art. This separation necessitates improvement to be drawn from other sources. An objective, rational and balanced view of the martial arts as a whole allows Kenpo in Western Australia to adapt to the circumstances of today.

As a final point I would like to add that if a Kenpo instructor from another school travels to Western Australia, we would like to extend an invitation to train with us and exchange ideas.

Slade Norris (morgadies@hotmail.com)

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Interview conducted by Slade Norris
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