Techniqes, in Mr. Parker's own words, give definition and meaning to the basic fundamentals. Although each technique sequence is different, it follows a logical and systematic pattern that can provide basic fundamentals in an attack.
Because each attack of the same type can be different and because each individual is physically different, the techniques should be viewed as a basic idea that can, and should, be tailored to both the situation at hand and the talents of the individual.
While practicing techniques, understanding how to dummy for a technique is 50% of understanding the technique. You need to know the basic moves, but you also need to know what you are doing to the attacker and what the most likely reactions are. Because techniques are just examples of motion, not knowing how a technique is designed to work implies you don't understand what the technique is doing and therefore don't understand motion.
Something to think about when running a technique, particularly for the spontaneous phase of Kenpo: If the attacker blocks or checks one of your strikes, view it as a deviation rather than an obstruction and flow into another move. This line of thinking helped me realize that you don't always have to bail out of your technique if the attacker stops a particular strike. (Thanks Scott)
Self Defense Categories
Techniques are grouped into the followings categories, listed in order of the
degree of difficulty in handling an attack of each type.
 Grabs & Tackles |
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| Pushes |
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| Punches |
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| Kicks |
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| Holds & Hugs |
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| Chokes & Locks |
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| Weapons |
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| Multiple Attacks |
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| Combinations of the Above |
Technique Alterations
| Prefix |
Begin the technique in a different way | |
| Suffix |
Add an extension to the end of the technique | |
| Insert |
Add a check or simultaneous strike without changing the timing | |
| Re-arrange |
Use the same pieces in a different order | |
| Alter |
Varying the weapon, target, or both | |
| Adjust |
Adjust the range (depth) and/or Angle of Execution (width and height) of a move. | |
| Regulate |
Modify the speed, power and/or intent of a move | |
| Delete |
Remove a beat, modifying the timing of the technique | |
| Add |
Add a whole new beat, modifying the timing of the technique |
In addition to the lists below, I have a list of techniques by category available and I'm beginning a list of Technique Families.
All the techniques in the Parker system are listed here, although not in the original order outlined in the Web of Knowledge in Ed Parker's book (Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, #5). This is the order my school teaches them. There are also many more extensions not mentioned here. I'm working on resolving that.
Following each move of each technique, I'm adding names of other techniques that you can easily flow into from that position. Sometimes it's the beginning of another technique, sometimes the middle or end. This is an easy way to see how the techniques blend together.
Intermediate Techniques
Advanced Techniques
Other Techniques
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