THESIS REQUIREMENTS
INTRODUCTION
As part of your examination for promotion in American Kenpo, you will be required, at different
levels of your progress, to compose and write a thesis and/or create a FORM of your own. Mr. Parker's concept of writing a thesis and creating a FORM is designed to help you develop individual creativity. In fulfilling this requirement, you will be required to think as well as analyze each and every effort you make. In completing this assignment, it is hoped that you will be motivated to become critical of yourself, and strive for perfection. Through self analyzation and your quest for perfection, you will inevitably function independently. Such independence will allow you to make quick decisions, remain steadfast and cool when in a crises -- all of which ultimately leads to positive and victorious results.
WRITTEN THESIS
You will be required to choose the subject matter for your written thesis. It can be on any subject related to the Martial Arts. On rare occasions, Mr. Parker or your instructor, will select a subject related to your skill, profession or hobby if he feels it will benefit all members of the Association. If a specific subject is selected, you will be notified in ample time so that you can complete your thesis prior to the deadline.
If you cannot decide upon a topic, or in the event that you have an array of topics which you would like to choose from, but are having difficulty making a decision, consult with your Instructor for his recommendation. His suggestions are important in any case.
Your educational background will be considered in evaluating your written thesis. Therefore, more will be expected of you if you have higher academic credentials. All students, however, will be required to follow the format outlined in the following paragraphs.
The following information should serve as a guide in the presentation of your required written thesis. It will be your responsibility to organize and develop your thesis in the foregoing manner. Suggestions are not given about writing, but only how to present your facts.
FORMAT
Your thesis shall consist of three main parts. The following must be adhered to:
1. PRELIMINARY PAGES
(a) TITLE PAGE (followed by a blank page). This page should include:
(1) The name of the studio along with its branch
name directly under it. (Both should be
centered at the top of the page.)
(2) The exact title of the thesis;
(3) The belt promotion it is for;
(4) The date;
(5) Your name as the author all suitably
capitalized, centered, and spaced upon the
page.
(b) PREFACE AND/OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Included in the preface (or forward) should by
your reasons for picking your topic, for making
the study, the background, scope, and purpose, an
acknowledgement to those who have aided
you in the process of your research. If you think you have nothing significant to say about your thesis, and wish to acknowledge the assistance you have received, you should entitle your remarks "Acknowledgements" instead of "Preface".
(c) TABLE OF CONTENTS
This is basically an outline setting forth the
major divisions of the thesis, the introduction,
the chapters, the glossary,the appendix, and the
bibliography, with their respective page numbers.
(d) LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
The list of illustrations should be placed on a
separate page. There should be a number, title,
and page number for each illustration.
2. THE TEXT shall consist of an:
(a) INTRODUCTION It should lead into the main
body of the paper.
b) THE MAIN BODY of the paper. This is the actual
meat of your thesis. Should the thesis be
lengthy, divisions, such as chapters or their
equivalent, should be used to divide the text.
Each chapter should have a title, and begin on
a new page.
3. REFERENCE MATERIAL SHOULD CONSIST OF:
(a) A BIBLIOGRAPHY The bibliography is a
listing of all of the sources used in the
writing of your thesis. Just those relevant
to the subject should be listed.
(b) A GLOSSARY The glossary should list all
specialized terminology utilized in your
thesis, in alphabetical order, with their
accompanying definitions.
(c) AN APPENDIX The appendix should contain
all supplementary information pertinent to
the formation of your thesis, but would be
inappropriate elsewhere. This might include
how a model was constructed, or the method
or means of acquiring certain information,
etc.
THESIS ABSTRACT
Each student testing for Third Degree Brown Belt
shall be required to present an abstract of the thesis they intend to write for First Degree Black Belt. This abstract is a brief one or two page statement about your proposed thesis and should include:
1. Verification of the approval of your
topic by your instructor. It is
important that your subject matter be a
worthy one, one
that is sufficient in depth, and one
that you are capable of completing.
2. A tentative title for your thesis.
3. One or two paragraphs highlighting the
proposed subject, and an explanation of
how you intend to cover your subject in
greater depth.
4. A paragraph explaining why you have
chosen this topic.
5. A list of your intended sources of
information.
Your Thesis Abstract must be presented to your
instructor at least two weeks prior to testing. This will allow time for him to approve its form and content and allow you time to make revisions. The final Abstract must be presented by your instructor to Organization Head prior to your test with sufficient time to read and approve it.
THE FINAL THESIS
Your final thesis for First Degree Black Belt should be concise, accurate, and to the point. Like all members of American Kenpo, your goal has been to learn Mr. Parker's system. Part of that educational process is to contribute knowledge, perspective, and insight to the overall development of our system. Although there is no minimum length required, your topic should be of sufficient depth to require several typewritten pages.
Each written thesis MUST BE COMPLETED and presented to your instructor at least two weeks prior to testing. This will allow time for him to approve its form and content, and allow you time to make revisions.
THESIS FORM
As part of your examination, you will be required, at different levels of your progress, to create a FORM of your own. When creating your Form, first reflect on the many different concepts, theories, and principles that you know, and how each of these ideas will affect your Form. Using the Clock Principle, imagine yourself in the center of a large clock that has been placed upon the ground (or, if you can, imagine a nine Dimensional Clock that encompasses you, your imaginary opponents, and your entire environment.) Perceive (using any of your senses) from which direction(s) an opponent(s) is coming. Respond with an appropriate technique sequence. Then ask yourself, "Where is the next opponent coming from, how is he attacking, and how shall I respond?" Continue this process until you have completed your thesis. Remember this is a THESIS FORM and not simply a collection of techniques. You should be able to describe the basic theme of your form and what it contains as well as what it teaches. As a guideline, your form should contain 20 technique sequences. You may choose to use weapons in your Form, but please have this approved by your instructor well in advance of your test date.
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