Distance learning

[jdmills]

Due to my geographical location and family commitments, I find it somewhat unlikely that I will be able to travel several times a week for steady classes. Anyone have an opinion on distance learning? Is it a complete waste of time or does it have a proper use for situations such as mine? I studied Kenpo for a couple years under some very competent instructors so I am not a complete novice but it has been a long time (SGM Parker was still alive). Any suggestions? I sure don't want to buy a belt. Are there decent programs that turn out decent students if the student does his part? I'm in south west Florida and just a bit too far to head to Lee Wedlake's place on a steady basis.

 

[shane23ss]

I believe distance learning is like any other type of learning in that you get out of it what you put in. If you train hard and STUDY the material, then I believe it is feasable you could learn. You have some background in kenpo already. Sure makes a big difference. I don't know that I would be so quick to tell a brand new beginner to the martial arts to learn that way. Many here will tell you that it can't be done. For most, it probably can't be done. I would make sure who ever the instructor is you go with is wide open for communication. I would also travel to Mr Weblake's studio whenever possible to get some "real life" instruction. Just remember that what you are learning via distance, will probably differ slightly than what Mr Wedlake is teaching at his place. Just my opinion.

 

[Danjo]

Go here for input on this topic http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20580

 

[Danjo]

Here's another one same topic: http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10160

 

[shane23ss]

Yeah, this has been talked about a lot. But, what the hay.

 

[Mark Weiser]

I have tried several distance learning programs in Kenpo. I have found that Michael Acord's Kenpo Program is better for the fact of the daily support both via email, message board, phone calls. The Home Study students are great and we talk daily and give each other support and insights on our training experiences. Mike and Alex are available daily and often contact the students daily.

Here is his website

http://www.kenpokarate.info/

 

[Dark Kenpo Lord]

I have tried several distance learning programs in Kenpo. I have found that Michael Acord's Kenpo Program is better for the fact of the daily support both via email, message board, phone calls. The Home Study students are great and we talk daily and give each other support and insights on our training experiences. Mike and Alex are available daily and often contact the students daily.

Here is his website

http://www.kenpokarate.info/

Hmm, so do you study with this guy from the EKKS? Seems Brint Berry is getting rank from a dead guy, wearing the Parker Patch, and wouldn't know Kenpo if it bit him in ***?


http://www.easternkenpokaratesociety.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=7



This Michael Acord appears to have gotten rank from him, see link, are you endorsing the EKKS as well? From what I've been told, what Michael Acord did was find all the stuff on the net and put it in a binder All the info is out there, he just took the time to find it, print it, and sell it. If you can prove me wrong, please do. He has also put pictures of some prominent Kenpo people in his literature without their permission, and the fact he's not trained with any of them that I know of, would you please elaborate on this and again prove me wrong.


http://www.easternkenpokaratesociety.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=10


BTW, what training have you done outside of video training, from my understanding, that's all you've done? Weren't you recently boasting about Rob Broad's program last month?


DarK LorD

 

[Dark Kenpo Lord]

I have tried several distance learning programs in Kenpo. I have found that Michael Acord's Kenpo Program is better for the fact of the daily support both via email, message board, phone calls. The Home Study students are great and we talk daily and give each other support and insights on our training experiences. Mike and Alex are available daily and often contact the students daily.

Here is his website

http://www.kenpokarate.info/

Hey, you might find this one of interest Mark.

http://www.k-9selfdefense.com/brown.htm

 

[bdparsons]

I have tried several distance learning programs in Kenpo. I have found that Michael Acord's Kenpo Program is better for the fact of the daily support both via email, message board, phone calls. The Home Study students are great and we talk daily and give each other support and insights on our training experiences. Mike and Alex are available daily and often contact the students daily.

Here is his website

http://www.kenpokarate.info/

Under Accord's program the accountability for the material learned comes when? Unless I'm mistaken it appears that Accord sends the rank certificates along with the videos. Is this right?

Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute

 

[Seabrook]

Live instruction is always better than video instruction but if distance is a big concern, here's a couple of suggestions. First, be sure to get involved with a top notch program - there's way too many programs which will literally hand you a black belt if you pay the money up front (just check out ebay if you don't believe me).

If you are planning on a home study, give Larry Tatum a call...or check out his website at www.ltatum.com

In my opinion, he's got the best videos/dvd's on the market and trust me, I have seen and own a lot.

Second, it's best if you can find a training partner. Since EPAK is technique intensive, working the techniques in the air does not equate to doing them on a live partner.

If you are willing to work hard at it, you can still develop proper focus, intensity, accuracy, and timing. Good luck.

Jamie Seabrook
http://www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

 

[jdmills]

Thank you all. Yes, I've run accross the programs that send the certificates along with the instruction tapes and the programs that take the idea that i"t is not how long you studied but what you know" that it is not important to train at all and here's all the secrets and a black belt rank.

Since I have studied Kenpo (and met SGM Parker a few times at seminars) I do recognize Kenpo when I see it. I realize that distance learning is not an optimal way of instruction but I am trying to get back to Kenpo some way.

 

[Danjo]

Hey, you might find this one of interest Mark.

http://www.k-9selfdefense.com/brown.htm

Oh my Gawd Dark Kenpo Lord, that is too funny! I love the part where he says,

"In fighting skills, however, the lowliest Comanche warrior could wipe out an entire troop of "civilized" soldiers all on his lonesome."

I think I'll start calling myself a "Hyper-Skilled Fighter" also.

 

[The Kai]

How about the "the skills that leave a pile of warm beef at your feet"?

Todd

 

[pete]

I have tried several distance learning programs in Kenpo. I have found that Michael Acord's Kenpo Program is better for the fact of the daily support both via email, message board, phone calls. The Home Study students are great and we talk daily and give each other support and insights on our training experiences.

BTW, what training have you done outside of video training, from my understanding, that's all you've done? Weren't you recently boasting about Rob Broad's program last month?

re: James Ibrao
http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=284240&postcount=3

re: Trevor Haines
http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=255545&postcount=32

re: Al Farnsworth:
http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=265497&postcount=38


so mark, now that you've had a few months... what are your findings?

pete.

 

[Kembudo-Kai Kempoka]

Oh my god, Pete...that's one of the funniest constellations of ideas provided for context that I think I've ever seen. Freakin' awesome.

D.

 

[The Kai]

Seems to me quick way to get rank, then I'll do the work.

Excuse me while I step over this quivering pile of warm beef at my feet

 

[Mark Weiser]

Well now the troops have assembled and circled the wagon train LOL!

Since I live in a Town that has no Kenpo Schools. The only way even to get a glimpse of Kenpo is via video. Now I will try to address the questions.

James Ibrao system -- This not Kenpo but a form of Whu Shu or Kung fu.
Trevor Haines -- Has more or less dropped of the planet last I heard he moved to Tennesse and given leadership of his programs to one of his blackbelts in California.
Al character I never bought or studied his system.

Rob and I have talked about his program. He is learning how to make video tapes that are professional in quality. Every new project needs fine tuning. He also knows what is going on as well in other areas.


I just bought the videos from Acord's Studios and his Manual. I am in the process of veiwing them and noticed he is not on the videos but he uses another Instructor to teach Kenpo. I am not sure about Ranking of Acord. I can ask him when I speak with him next. I did not get the certs and I asked not to have them until I get the proper testing done. From what I was told the certs are sent without dates and the seal once you pass the test the seal is sent with the proper date.

I am in contact with several other Acord Students in my state and I am in the process of finding a way for us to train together once a month. I am also actively finding a training partner here in my home town as well.


Some people without benefit of a live Kenpo Instructor has only these choices. I have never said that Video Study was the best avenue of training however there are those whom are beyond the reach of a Kenpo Instructor.

1. Give up forget about it.
2. Move to a town or state with an Instructor
3. Travel large amount of miles and expense in addition to the study cost.
4. Find a Kenpo Instructor that is willing to travel to teach or move to your hometown.
5. Video Studies.

 

[Kembudo-Kai Kempoka]

I won't pick on ya; I admire the tenacity with which you approach the issue. My opinion has been made.

You gotta do the best you can with what you got, and it sounds like you are trying. I do like 2, 3, & 4, though.

Dave.

 

[shane23ss]

Live instruction is always better than video instruction but if distance is a big concern, here's a couple of suggestions. First, be sure to get involved with a top notch program - there's way too many programs which will literally hand you a black belt if you pay the money up front (just check out ebay if you don't believe me).

If you are planning on a home study, give Larry Tatum a call...or check out his website at www.ltatum.com

In my opinion, he's got the best videos/dvd's on the market and trust me, I have seen and own a lot.

Second, it's best if you can find a training partner. Since EPAK is technique intensive, working the techniques in the air does not equate to doing them on a live partner.

If you are willing to work hard at it, you can still develop proper focus, intensity, accuracy, and timing. Good luck.

Jamie Seabrook
http://www.seabrook.gotkenpo.com

I looked at Mr Tatum's website. I didn't really see where any test were mentioned. Do you have any further info on that?

 

[Mark Weiser]

I spoke with Acord's Assistant Instructor. He stated that in order to move past Orange Belt you need a training/testing partner. He would prefer two partners but one would do.