Ed Parker's high kneel

How many purposes does the high kneel have?

 

Depends on the context, and creativity/intelligence of the user. By itself, it's just a stance.

 

I've heard of close kneel, wide kneel, and one legged stance but never high kneel. Could some one describe?

 

Do you mean a "high wide kneel"?

 

Oxymoron alert! Oxymoron alert! LOL.

I am assuming the OP is referring to the Wide Kneel, which would be the 'higher' of the two (by knee to ground height). Wide kneel is a collapsed Neutral Bow. Uses are many, from avoiding strikes, to setting up other strikes, pinning/checking the opponent, etc.

 

i was wondering when someone would say that, LOL

 

42

 

now name them........lmao

great response!!

 

In all my years training I've always heard it referred to as a "high wide kneel" by Planas and those from his line. Basically it refers to "breaking your heel" I.e. raising the foot onto the ball in a "wide kneel fashion", allowing the person to shift their weight more easily. It goes to the old saying, "no good fighter fights flat footed". An example of this would be a boxer or any good tounament fighter or in this case, Kenpoist.

Concerning Wide Kneel Stances and proper height, Mr. Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo, Volume II, pg 76 (Wide Kneel Stance) "Your rear knee should be one hand span from the ground. This measuring method will aid you in finding your proper height."

The Close Kneel Stance on pg 79 states "Keep your knee one to two inches off of the ground"

:asian:

 

Mr. Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo, Volume II, pg 73.

"Three facts explain its use. First, the body drops in height thereby giving power to a downward strike (principle of Gravitational Marriage), avoids an attack, or reaches a low target. Second, as with most stance changes, there is usually a rotation of the hips and shoulders which can boost the force of a horizontal blow. The combination of change in height plus the rotation will increase the effectiveness of a strike moving diagonally downward. Third, the rear knee drops down and may, therefore, act as a weapon, as a check (pin), or a push to buckle an opponent's leg."

 

I have been in martial arts since 1966. Black belt in Tracy and Ed Parker. I have taught a form of American Kenpo for many years. The high kneel is one of the best weapons of American Kenpo.
High kneel uses:
1-For power, torquing.
2-For turning away and delivering a hammer fist to the groin
3- For buckling the leg and knee, from back and front
4-For turning your body to the side to evade a frontal punch
5- For power in downward strikes, sword to neck, etc.

There’s probably more, but that’s all I can think of.
Sifu

 

I am glad you finally answered this, I have been waiting with bated breath for 6 years.

 

I would recommend searching through posts made by Universal Kenpo Federation members or seeking an explanation from a qualified instructor as the high kneel is predominantly used in their curriculum. I have found that the high kneel does not closely resemble the high wide kneel in either form or function.

With Respect.

 

I like the high kneel because all you have to do is sink your lead knee and you are instantly passing the point of no return. Just near Tipperary if you consider how long it takes most people to bow.123