KAJUKENBO UNITED

Student Training Manual

Table of Contents
Page Content
1 Welcome to the Kajukenbo Ohana!
2 Short History of Kajukenbo
3 Training Rules & Etiquette
5 Placement of Uniform Patches
6 How to Tie Your Belt
7 Belt Rankings, Advancement & Fees
8 Stretching & Flexibility
11 Movement & Angles of Attack
11 Ranges of Distance
12 Kicking Guidelines
13 Punching Guidelines
14 Forms Practice Guidelines
15 Sparring Rules
16 Sparring Guidelines

Welcome to the Kajukenbo Ohana!

Welcome to the Kajukenbo Ohana (“Family” in Hawaiian). You have joined a special group of
students and instructors who practice the Kajukenbo arts for a variety of personal reasons, such
as self-defense, exercise, health, weight loss, stress relief, and enjoyment! As a new student, your
main focus is to get acclimated with your training environment and begin to familiarize yourself
with the history and traditions of this unique self-defense system. Most importantly, relax and
have fun with your new and exciting activity!

As for equipment, the only things you will need at first is a uniform and the motivation to come
to class consistently (a couple of hours per week). Groin protection is required for all male
students. After a couple of months of training, you should consider getting a full set of safety
gear for sparring. You will need it to participate in many of the class activities. After six months
of training, you will also need a set of practice weapons to safely learn how to use and defend
against weapon-oriented attacks.

The instructors and students in the Kajukenbo United program look forward to helping you
achieve your personal goals as you travel on your martial arts journey with us!

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 Short History of Kajukenbo
During the 1940s in Hawaii's Palama Settlement, five martial arts masters, led by Adriano
Emperado (pictured below), joined together to share knowledge of their respective martial arts
and created a practical self-defense system called Kajukenbo. This eclectic system, as taught
within the Kajukenbo United program, is mainly derived from the following martial arts:

KA - Karate (Korean Karate aka Tang Soo Do) &

Kali/Escrima/Arnis (Filipino weapon arts)

JU - Judo & Jujitsu (Japanese and Brazilian grappling arts)

KEN - Kenpo (foundational art of Kajukenbo from the

James Mitose-William Chow lineage)

BO - Boxing (Chinese Kung Fu and Kickboxing)

Using Kenpo as the backbone of this new system, these five

martial artists (aka The Black Belt Society) combined the
best of what they knew from their respective styles to devise
techniques for practical, full range self-defense. Adriano
Emperado’s major contribution was the Kenpo style he had
learned from William “Thunderbolt” Chow as well as the Kali Escrima Arnis techniques taught
to him by his uncle. Peter Choo, who initially came up with the idea of cross training with the
other members of the Black Belt Society, brought Korean Karate (Tang Soo Do) into the mix.
Choo was also the most experienced boxer in the group and shared his knowledge of Kenpo Jiu-
Jitsu and Kodokan Judo. Both Joe Holck and Frank Ordonez had several years of training in
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo. George “Clarence” Chang contributed Chinese Boxing
(Si- Lum Pai Kung Fu) to the group’s cross training sessions. By the early 1950’s, the first
Kajukenbo school was established in the Palama Settlement in the island of Oahu where students
learned directly from Adriano Emperado. Soon after, the art had spread across Hawaii, into
mainland U.S., and eventually to other countries all over the world.

Given that Kajukenbo preceded the first UFC tournament by nearly 50 years, most practitioners
regard it as America's original MMA (mixed martial art). The primary difference between
Kajukenbo and today's MMA scene is that Kajukenbo was developed for personal protection, not
sport fighting. In fact, all of the techniques that will get you disqualified in a typical MMA match
are used extensively in this self-defense oriented art.

Since its inception, Kajukenbo has spread worldwide and currently consists of four official
branches: Kenpo Karate, Tum Pai, Ch’uan Fa, and Wun Hop Kuen Do. Practiced by tens of
thousands of students, Kajukenbo continues to evolve as a pragmatic self-defense system that
provides the trainee with the proper tools to effectively defend herself in nearly any situation!

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 Training Rules & Etiquette
Observance of martial customs, rules, and courtesies to others
is an important part of our training. Training etiquette develops
personal discipline, heightens awareness, contributes to a
better, more efficient learning environment, and promotes
safety and good health. We observe the following rules of
etiquette:
1. Bowing
a. Bowing is a mutual greeting like a handshake or a
salute – it is not subservience. Greet the instructor and
fellow students by bowing.
b. We bow before entering the training area to signify
readiness to train and when leaving the training area to signify the end of your workout.
c. The class and instructor bow to each other at the beginning and end of class – it’s the
equivalent of saying “thank you” for the instruction to which the instructor replies,
“You’re welcome.”
d. Bow to practice partners before and after each part of training to thank them for assisting
you.

2. Formation
a. Line up in the ready position with the senior student at right front and junior student at
left rear. If you lack a belt or uniform or are a guest of the school, then stand at left side
of the rear line. The student/s assigned as the Sergeant-at-Arms will post when the
command to line up is given.
b. The instructor will take a position in the front center of the class and give the beginning
and ending class commands.
c. If you’re a student, but not part of a class that is beginning or ending, assume the ready
stance and remain quiet until the opening/closing ceremonies are completed.

3. Safety & Cleanliness

a. All male students must wear groin protection during instruction – no exceptions!
b. Solid black undershirts, sports bras, etc. may be optionally worn under the uniform top.
c. Bare feet training or martial arts/wrestling shoes are both acceptable.
d. Keep your uniform clean and neat at all times.
e. Keep fingernails and toenails clipped and clean to prevent injury.
f. Secure long hair.
g. Remove and secure your watch and/or jewelry for safety reasons before training.
h. Store your gear neatly along the wall or in designated storage areas.
i. No horseplay or unsupervised sparring allowed.
j. Listen to the instructor and follow his/her instructions at all times.
k. Report injuries immediately to the instructor.
l. Use training equipment as directed by the instructor. Return it to its place of storage when
you are finished with it.
m. Full safety equipment (mouthpiece, groin protection for males, headgear, footgear,
gloves, and shin guards; chest protector is optional) will be worn when sparring unless
otherwise authorized by the instructor.
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4. Courtesy
a. Be quiet and attentive during the class.
b. Be on time for class. If late, report to the Sergeant-at-Arms before joining the class.
c. If you arrive early, then change, warm-up, and stretch without loud talking.
d. Once class begins, report to the instructor prior to departing the training area.
e. Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, and food are prohibited while
training.
f. Face away from the instructor when adjusting your uniform.

5. Discipline
a. Control your temper, language (no profanity), actions, gestures, and expressions at all
times.
b. Do not interrupt the instructor unless it’s an emergency.
c. Maintain good posture at all times and pay attention to the instructor.
d. When asked to kneel or sit by the instructor, kneel with your left knee on the floor and
keep you back straight. Sit properly with legs crossed and your back straight without
leaning on walls.
e. Move quickly and with purpose.

6. Sergeant-at-Arms Duties
a. One or more Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA) are selected by the instructor at the beginning of
each class to assist in running a smooth training session.
b. The SAA posts at the door entrance when students are called to line up.
c. At the start of class, the SAA will be ready stance and participate in the bow in
ceremony.
d. The SAA joins the class at the end of the line for exercises after the bow in ceremony.
e. The SAA keeps watch during class for visitors and immediately bows out to greet the
visitor so that the instructor can continue to teach the class.
f. The SAA will notify the instructor of visitor needs, training accidents and emergencies.
g. At the end of class, the SAA will post at the entrance door in ready stance and participate
in the bow out ceremony.
h. The SAA joins the class at the end of the line for hand shakes after the bow out
ceremony.
i. The SAA will assist the instructor with any maintenance during and after the class
session.

7. Responsibility
a. Your knowledge is for self-defense; use it accordingly, not excessively.
b. Know your limits and your partner’s limits. Cooperate with each other during practice to
avoid injury and adhere to all safety procedures.
c. Senior students set the example for others. They always assist less experienced students.
d. Obey and enforce these training rules. The penalty for failure to follow these rules is the
revocation of training.

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 Placement of Uniform Patches
The following patches are attached to your uniform patch to represent your martial arts program,
studio, and the country where Kajukenbo was originated:
Kajukenbo United program patch: center of the left chest area on your uniform top.
Reliance Martial Arts studio patch: right arm area at 1 inch below the shoulder seam.
USA Flag patch: left arm area at 1.5 inches below the shoulder seam.
Optional patches: if you join an association (e.g., KOA, WHKDIA, Sifu Society, KSDI), that
patch can be worn on the left shoulder in place of the USA flag upon approval by your instructor.

Iron on option: Set your hot iron to max heat/no steam. Lay
your uniform jacket upper sleeve/should area flat on the ironing
board. Place the sleeve patch 1 inch below the shoulder seam
and center the patch so that any lettering is aligned properly.
Place your hot iron directly on top of the patch face for 2 minutes
– do not move the iron back and forth or you will move the patch
out of place! Repeat this heat treatment if needed to secure the patch adhesive.

To attach your Kajukenbo United patch to your uniform,

first put on your uniform jacket and tie the side straps.
Center the Kajukenbo United patch on your left chest area,
making sure that the lettering is properly aligned. Hold the
patch in place with your fingers while removing the jacket
from your body and place it on the ironing board with the
patch face exposed. Iron the patch for at least 2 minutes to
allow the heat seal to firmly attach to the jacket and repeat
the heat treatment if needed.

Sew on option: Sewing on the patch is needed if the heat

seal backing on the patch does not stay attached to the
uniform. This tends to happen after a few laundry washings,
so you end up sewing on the patches anyway. If your patch is still attached to your uniform,
simply sew just inside the outer trim with thread to match the color of that area of the patch. If
you have attempted to iron on your patch, first center and align the patch in its correct location.
Either heat iron the patch by following the above directions or pin it securely with safety pins to
hold it in place while you sew the patch onto the uniform.

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 How to Tie Your Belt

To tie your belt, first secure your uniform jacket by tying the left inside strings before tying the
right outside strings. Stripes on your color belt are worn on the left side. Follow this diagram:

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 Belt Rankings, Advancement & Fees
Color Belt Ranks: While many Kajukenbo organizations use the same color belt ranking system
(white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, and black) as Kajukenbo United, it is
interesting to note that it is not the original ranking system put forth by Emperado and the Black
Belt Society in the 1940s. The original belt rank system did not have the yellow and orange belt
ranks, so students progressed from white belt to purple belt. In addition, some organizations have
three levels of brown belt that precede the black belt, such as Brown Belt (Level I), Advanced
Brown Belt (Level II), and Senior Brown Belt (Level III).

Faster rank promotions are attainable at the early stages of training than at the later stages (as
you get closer to the black belt). For example, it is typical for white belt students to learn the
yellow belt curriculum well enough to test within 3-4 months of starting the program. In contrast,
it make take brown belt students 6 months or so to retain and perfect everything they have
learned since starting the program as a white belt before they are ready to test for black belt. On
average, a student would test for black belt after 3 years of consistent training in this program.

Kajukenbo United Belt Rankings

White (learn history, traditions, and rules; focus on basic techniques)
Yellow (expand basic skill set; become familiar with training regimen)
Orange (focus on improving flow and coordination; learn combinations)
Purple (understand the ranges of fighting; learn self-defense variations)
Blue (develop advanced techniques; learn basics of weapons training)
Green (internalize escape-control-destroy principle; improve weapon skills)
Brown (seek perfection in all areas of the program; lead others in training)
Black (master of basics; red hash marks denote 1st through 4th degrees)

Junior Black Belts: Adult black belts are only awarded to trainees who are at least 16 years old.
Students who are under the age of 16 can test for a junior black belt. These belts are recognized
by a colored stripe through the center of the black belt to indicate years of training after reaching
student black belt status (e.g., the white striped black belt signifies a new junior black belt, the
yellow striped black belt denotes at least 1 year as a junior black belt, the orange striped black
belt denotes at least 2 years as a junior black belt, etc.).

Adult Black Belts: Black belt students who are at least 16 years of age are eligible for rank
promotion at the discretion of their instructor. Black belt degrees are awarded based on a
combination of the folowing achievements: years of active training, teaching experience and
most importantly, personal contributions to the arts. Black belt students continue to physically

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test for their next belt until they have reach 5th degree black belt. At that point, all subsequent
rank promotions are honorarily awarded without a physical test of skills.

While some schools of Kajukenbo have adopted their own black belt ranking structures, the
following chart illustrates the traditional Kajukenbo rank structure at the black belt levels from
1st degree to 10th degree with their respective titles:

Testing & Promotion Fees: Like most martial arts organizations, Kajukenbo United charges a
testing & promotion fee to students who are ready to advance to the next belt level. These fees
cover both the costs of promotion materials (belt, certificate, curriculum handouts, etc.) as well
as the administration of the belt test outside of normal class periods. Testing fees are payable to
the studio before your test date. If you are unable to complete your test or need to retake your test
at a later date, no additional test fee is required.

Below is the fee structure for belt testing & promotion:

$25 for each color belt testing & promotion (yellow belt to brown belt).
$50 for black belt testing & promotion (junior black belts and adult 1st degree to 4th degree).
$100 for master level black belt honorary promotions (5th degree and up).

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 Stretching & Flexibility
Flexibility is a joint's ability to move through a full range of motion. Flexibility training
(stretching) helps balance muscle groups that might be overused during exercise or physical
activity or as a result of bad posture. It's important to clearly understand the many benefits that
result from a good flexibility program.

Improved Physical Performance and Decreased Risk of Injury

First, a safe and effective flexibility training program increases physical performance. A flexible
joint has the ability to move through a greater range of motion and requires less energy to do so,
while greatly decreasing your risk of injury. Most professionals agree that stretching decreases
resistance in tissue structures; you are, therefore, less likely to become injured by exceeding
tissue extensibility (maximum range of tissues) during activity.

Reduced Muscle Soreness and Improved Posture

Recent studies show that slow, static stretching helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Static stretching involves a slow, gradual and controlled elongation of the muscle through the
full range of motion and held for 15-30 seconds in the furthest comfortable position (without
pain). Stretching also improves muscular balance and posture. Many people's soft-tissue
structures has adapted poorly to either the effects of gravity or poor postural habits. Stretching
can help realign soft tissue structures, thus reducing the effort it takes to achieve and maintain
good posture in the activities of daily living.

Reduced Risk of Low Back Pain

A key benefit not realized by many people is that stretching reduces the risk of low back pain.
Stretching promotes muscular relaxation. A muscle in constant contraction requires more energy
to accomplish activities. Flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, and other muscles
attaching to the pelvis reduces stress to the low back. Stretching causes muscular relaxation,
which encourages healthy nutrition directly to muscles; the resulting reduction in accumulated
toxins reduces the potential for muscle shortening or tightening and thus reduces fatigue.

Increased Blood and Nutrients to Tissues

Another great benefit is that stretching increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures.
Stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport.
This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance. Stretching also
increases joint synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more
nutrients to the joints' atricular cartilage. This allows a greater range of motion and reduces joint
degeneration.

Improved Muscle Coordination

Another little-known benefit is increased neuromuscular coordination. Studies show that nerve-
impulse velocity (the time it takes an impulse to travel to the brain and back) is improved with
stretching. This helps opposing muscle groups work in a more synergistic, coordinated fashion.
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Enhanced Enjoyment of Physical Activities

Flexibility training also means enhanced enjoyment, and a fitness program should be fun if you
want to stick with it. Not only does stretching decrease muscle soreness and increase
performance, it also helps relax both mind and body and brings a heightened sense of well-being
and personal gratification during exercise.

As you can see, flexibility training is one of the key components of a balanced fitness program
and should be a part of your exercise routine. Without flexibility training, you are missing an
important part of overall health. Flexibility training provides many important benefits that cannot
be achieved by any other exercise or activity.

Source: www.globalfitness.com.

A Dynamic Stretching Routine for Flexibility Training

1. Start in a comfortable side or front split position.

2. Tense your thighs for 5-10 seconds.
3. Relax and increase your stretch.
4. Tense your thighs for another 5-10 seconds.
5. Relax and increase your stretch.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you feel that you have reached your maximum stretch.
7. Hold this last stretch for at least 30 seconds.
8. Place your hands on the floor to safely get out of the stretch.
9. Allow your muscles at least one full day of rest between hard flexibility training sessions.

Source: Secrets of Stretching by Tom Kurz, 1990

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 Movement & Angles of Attack
The ability to move in different directions is critical
for good footwork. It allows you to gain the proper
distance from your opponent to avoid an attack and/or
to initiate your attack.

Picture yourself in the center of this diagram. Your

footwork will basically consist of:
- Linear movement (solid arrows)
- Angular movement (dashed arrows)
- Circular movement (outside border)
- No movement (remain in center)

If your opponent is in the center of the diagram, your

footwork consists of circular movements around your opponent and linear or angular movements
toward or away from the opponent.

Ranges of Distance

A B C D

A good understanding of distance is needed in order to execute the most appropriate techniques
for self-defense and sparring situations. By the time you reach black belt status, you will have
learned techniques for each range and should be able to easily transition form one range to
another. In the diagram above, the circles represent you and the square represents your opponent.
It must be noted that safe range, or the distance whereby you and your opponent cannot reach
each other, is not depicted in the diagram, but lies outside of kicking range. The four basic ranges
of empty hand fighting with your opponent will vary slightly due to differences in students’
reach and consist of:
A. Kicking Range: the furthest distance in which you are able to strike your opponent;
effective techniques include long-range kicks.
B. Punching Range: the distance in which you can fully extend your hand to touch your
opponent; effective techniques include long-range punches and short-range kicks.
C. Trapping Range: the distance in which you are inside of your opponent’s long-range
punches; effective techniques include short-range punches, trapping, and knee and elbow
strikes.
D. Grappling Range: the distance in which your body is up against your opponent’s, either
standing or on the ground; effective techniques include clinching, takedowns, and
groundwork.

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 Kicking Guidelines

1. Kicking techniques should exhibit a sense of powerful ease that is developed through practice
and exercise. You should be able to adjust the height of your kick, accurately strike the target
area, and blend kicking techniques with any movement.

2. Most kicks can be broken down into 4 parts: chamber the kick, extend the kick, re-chamber
the kick, and return to your stance.

3. Start with the basic kicking techniques to develop good habits before attempting advanced
kicking techniques. Remember that all advanced techniques come from their basic counterparts
and bad habits will hinder your abilities later on in your training.

4. Balance is extremely important in kicking techniques, since kicking generally involves your
ability to support your body weight on one leg and shifting your body weight during the
execution of the kick.

5. Kicking involves developing good technique first. Once you have the technique down cold,
you can then concentrate on improving your speed, power, and timing.

6. Kicks, like everything else in karate, are perfected through repetition. Practicing the
technique over and over again builds muscle memory, improves your coordination, and helps
you to execute the technique effortlessly with little mental processing.

7. When kicking, your supporting leg should be slightly bent.

8. When kicking, avoid bending too far back. Bending excessively to heighten your kick will
result in loss of power and you may actually “bounce off” of your intended target.

9. After executing the kick, avoid dropping your kicking foot without re-chambering it first.
The speed of re-chambering your kick should equal the speed of executing your kick.
Remember that your opponent can grab your kicking leg while it is extended.

10. Don’t forget about the importance of stretching regularly to improve your flexibility.
Strong, flexible muscles in your legs, hips, back and abdomen make kicking easier to perform.

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 Punching Guidelines

1. Punching techniques should exhibit a sense of powerful ease that is developed through
practice and exercise. You should be able to execute your punches with power, speed, and
accuracy, blend them with any movement.

2. Avoid telegraphing your punches by eliminating any excessive movement and punching
directly towards your target area.

3. Start with the basic punching techniques to develop good habits before attempting advanced
techniques, such as spinning back-fists. Remember that all advanced techniques come from their
basic counterparts and bad habits will hinder your abilities later on in your training.

4. Keep your balance by maintaining a solid base and avoid over-reaching with your punching
technique.
.
5. Punching involves developing good technique first, such as twisting your hips and turning
your hand while punching. Once you have the technique down cold, you can then concentrate on
improving your speed, power, and timing.

6. Punches, like everything else in karate, are perfected through repetition. Practicing the
technique over and over again builds muscle memory, improves your coordination, and helps
you to execute the technique effortlessly with little mental processing.

7. Remember to keep your wrist straight and arm slightly bent when your punch is fully
extended. A bent wrist may result in your fist buckling upon impact, while a straight arm may
result in hyperextension or an arm-bar of the elbow.

8. When punching with a fist, remember to roll your fingers under tightly and keep your thumb
tucked under to prevent jamming or breaking it.

9. Re-chamber your punch as quickly as you extended it. Remember that your opponent can
grab your punching arm while it is extended.

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 Forms Practice Guidelines

1. Good form consists of good, solid stances. In each stance, make sure that you have a straight
back, a level head, and a low, balanced base with proper weight distribution.

2. When in forward stance, square your shoulders, bend your front knee, and keep your rear
knee straight. Point your front foot forward. Most of your weight should rest on your front leg.

3. When in back stance, bend both knees and open your hips by pointing your rear foot out.
Point your front foot forward. Most of your weight should rest on your rear leg.

4. When in horse stance, bend both knees over your feet and point both feet forward. Your
weight should be distributed equally on both legs.

5. When changing direction, your head should turn in the new direction so that you see your
target before executing a block, strike, etc.

6. Most movements and strikes involve a twisting motion of your hips. This twisting motion
adds power by engaging your entire body into the technique.

7. Most blocks and strikes involve the movement of both arms, utilizing different principles,
such as the push-pull motions and high-low striking.

8. When blocking or striking at various levels/targets, follow with your eyes without tilting your
head unless the form specifies otherwise.

9. Some parts of a form are done slowly and with emphasis on your breathing. Other parts may
have multiple techniques that are done in rapid succession. Know your form well enough to
perform each part of it at the right speed and intensity.

10. To kiai properly, force the air quickly out of your chest. Keep in mind that the kiai is a
breathing technique, not just a yell from your throat.

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 Sparring Rules
Sparring is an important aspect of martial arts training. When conducted in a safe manner, it
promotes technical and motion control, teaches strategy and distance, heightens awareness and
gives students the opportunity to practice their techniques against a live partner. While you are
not expected to spar until you have learned the sparring rules, proper techniques, and self-
control, you will be sparring as part of your orange belt test (at approximately 6 to 8 months of
consistent training). We observe the following sparring rules:

Safety Equipment – all students are required to wear the following safety gear when
participating in sparring sessions: gloves, boots/shin guards, mouth guard, and groin cup (for
males). A chest protector is optional and headgear is required for head contact and weapons
sparring.

Control – all students should exhibit control at all times when sparring. Students should always
treat other students with courtesy and respect. Students who are sparring other students with less
experience should act as good training partners by not taking advantage of this situation and help
their fellow students improve their sparring abilities.

No Excessive Contact – Unless otherwise instructed, use medium controlled contact to the body
and light controlled contact to the head. No excessive contact is permitted. Those students who
disregard this rule will not be allowed to spar.

Illegal targets – The following areas are considered as illegal targets and should be avoided
during sparring: eyes, back of the head/neck, throat, spine, knees and elbows. When striking the
head area, avoid striking the areas that are not protected by the headgear.

Awareness – It is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings when sparring. Stay in

your designated sparring ring/area. Look at your target before striking, especially if you are
performing a spinning technique, and have enough control to react to a change in your
environment. Also listen for the instructor’s commands and obey these commands immediately.
The instructors are there for the safety of all of the students, including you.

Sparring Procedure

A sparring ring/area is illustrated with the instructor as the circle and

sparring participants as lines. A sparring session generally follows the
following protocol:
1. The instructor has two sparring students face each other.
2. The students are instructed to bow to the instructor and to each other.
3. The students are instructed to go into fighting stance (kiai).
4. The instructor begins and stops the sparring.
5. The match concludes with bowing to the sparring partner and to the
instructor.

Note: the instructor will inform you of additional sparring rules for each session, such as when
takedowns, groundwork, multiple opponents or sparring weapons are permitted.

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 Sparring Guidelines
Sparring Objective:
1. Identify your opponent’s advantage.
2. Eliminate his/her advantage.

8 Step Formula for effective sparring:

1. Get focused.
2. Have a good attitude.
3. Have a strong position.
4. Set your opponent up before firing your techniques.
5. Have speed, explosiveness, and deception within your initial attack.
6. Bridge the gap between you and your opponent by properly using steps 1-5.
7. Execute appropriate techniques at your moment of attack.
8. Clear and mentally regroup before initiating your next attack.

In order to have a strong position, you must be set to attack (or be at your set point).
A strong set point consists of 5 components:
1. proper distance
2. proper alignment (line of fire)
3. proper aim
4. proper balance
5. a clear state of mind

The best moment to attack your opponent is when they are in transition from one set point to the
next set point.

When utilizing footwork to penetrate your opponent’s defensive perimeter, you can change the
speed, direction or the essence of your movement/attack. When you clear your opponent’s
defensive perimeter, you are closing the door behind you by:
1. Using speed to get out of range before your opponent counter-attacks.
2. Clear in a different direction than the one used to penetrate.
3. Fake towards one direction and clear out at a different angle.
4. Use firepower (strikes) when clearing.
5. Check or bump your opponent prior to clearing.

To stop a fast attack:

1. Don’t let your opponent get set and fire first (beat your opponent to the draw).
2. Keep your opponent busy with your changes in movement and attacks.
3. Counter with effective strikes to make opponent hesitate to re-enter your space.
4. Take charge of the pace of the sparring match.

To stop a blitz or pressure attack:

1. Control the distance and have a counter attack planned.
2. Circle or use angular movement to make opponent reset constantly.
Source: Joe Lewis’ American Karate Systems

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