Well it seems obvious Jay Bell had a very bad experience and that is too bad. But my experience has been pretty positive and moved me light years ahead of where my previous, traditional training had me. To each his own I guess.
My main problem with Mr. Bell's opinion is that he seems to think their program is a scam to make money and that the program itself is a joke. I've been directly involved w/ a few different arts, as well as a couple of different kenpo disciplines and I learned quite a bit from the IKCA. And anyone who has ever been a part of the program knows that they don't just take your money and hand you a belt. You get quite a bit of feedback for your money. They wouldn't do nearly as much for the student if all they were chasing is the almighty buck. Also, they may not teach as much quantity of kenpo as you'd like, but what they teach is extremely similar to what is taught in American Kenpo. So if you think that American Kenpo is a joke, then maybe your argument is valid. But if you are a fan of American Kenpo, then you'll be learning a very comparable, albeit leaner, version of that art. I also don't really understand your problem with the orange belt material. I get the fact that you think it sucks, but why? What specifically did you think was ineffective about the first technique in the sequence? Or is it that you have a problem with the practice of techniques in general? Also, I'd like to know what legalities prevent you from discussing the IKCA in public. Could you maybe email me with some particulars?
As far Rob's question, the system actually has quite a bit of material, just not when compared to an American Kenpo or Tracy's school. The amount of basics, techniques and form(s) was much more than my former TKD or TSD schools. Well, maybe not when you consider the 15 variations for each type of kick, but still...most tradtional arts or hard style arts that I've seen don't have any katas that come close to the length that the Master Form has. The master form is longer than any of the American Kenpo empty hand forms, but I admit it is the only Long form in the system. The Orange belt form is a different take on short 1. It doesn't teach all that short 1 teaches, but teaches many similar themes, at least on a basic level.
I found that while I love what the IKCA taught (and still teaches) me, I have a thirst for more sophisticated material and therefore sought out American Kenpo instructors to help take me to where I want to go. I know Rob isn't really considering the program, due to his existing knowledge base and level of skill, but for me it was a great intro into kenpo and for many others it may be as well. And for those that have limited hours a day to train and decades to devote to learning basic self defense, it may be all they ever need.
