Lately, while viewing other forums, I've seen much discussion about techniques, how they are viewed by different people, why someone does a technique one way, while others do it this way, why people feel its necessary to go against the grain of what Mr. Parker taught, etc., etc.
To give an example: There is a discussion on KenpoTalk on the technique Delayed Sword. The discussion started to focus on a few things. 1) The nature of the attack: a punch or lapel grab and 2) who pins the hand and who does not. There was a mixed bag of results with some saying that the pin is essential and others saying that it is not, and why would you want to do it any other way, because this is the way Mr. Parker did it.
My question is: The art of Kenpo should be adapted to the person doing it, not the person to the art. What may work for one, may not work for the next, therefore, a change is needed. Mr. Parker taught many people and I'm sure that they all do certain techniques differently. Now, did they do these changes after he passed, or were they making changes for themselves while he was still alive?
Mr. Parker himself made changes from when he first learned the art, to better suit his needs and times, so why is it a problem if others make a change?
In closing, this thread is not intended to cause flames, to have people take shots at others, etc., but to have a good discussion on that often hated word "Change"
Mike
To give an example: There is a discussion on KenpoTalk on the technique Delayed Sword. The discussion started to focus on a few things. 1) The nature of the attack: a punch or lapel grab and 2) who pins the hand and who does not. There was a mixed bag of results with some saying that the pin is essential and others saying that it is not, and why would you want to do it any other way, because this is the way Mr. Parker did it.
My question is: The art of Kenpo should be adapted to the person doing it, not the person to the art. What may work for one, may not work for the next, therefore, a change is needed. Mr. Parker taught many people and I'm sure that they all do certain techniques differently. Now, did they do these changes after he passed, or were they making changes for themselves while he was still alive?
Mr. Parker himself made changes from when he first learned the art, to better suit his needs and times, so why is it a problem if others make a change?
In closing, this thread is not intended to cause flames, to have people take shots at others, etc., but to have a good discussion on that often hated word "Change"
Mike