Hi Friends, I just wanted to take the time to invite all of you to an awesome Kenpo Karate Camp being held in North Wales, Pennsylvania, April 11-13th, 2008. The camp price is only $125 if you pre-register by March 5th or $139 after that date!!!
Instructors:
Tony Cogliandro, Rainer Schulte, Sean Kelley, Jamie Seabrook, Vincent Anfuso, Lee Epperson, and Mark Schiffman.
Host: Michael C. Corsello 2nd Dan/PA State Rep. for The Chinese Karate Federation
Location: Corsello’s Kenpo Karate
1200 Welsh Road
North Wales, PA
19454 (215)
412-5579 or corsmike15@yahoo.com
Classes:
Friday: Jamie Seabrook/ Kids class $15.00 (CKF members $10.00) 5pm
Vincent Anfuso Intro to 12 points. Special class price $30.00 (CKF members $20.00)
7pm – 9pm
Saturday: 8:30 am Check in.
9:30 am Lee Epperson Kenpo / Jiu-Jitsu
11:00 am Sean Kelley Links and Parallels part 1.
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Mark Schiffman Techniques to takedowns and throws
3:00 pm Jamie Seabrook sparring to win class (bring your own equipment)
Sunday:
9:00 am Rainer Schulte Power vs. Speed
10:30 a.m. Sean Kelley Links and Parallels
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Vincent Anfuso Kenpo 12 points part 2.
3:00 Tony Cogliandro Simplifying Kenpo
Friday, February 1, 2008
Roundhouse Kicks to the Back of the Opponent’s Knee
Roundhouse Kicks to the Back of the Opponent’s Knee
In a real confrontation, a roundhouse kick to the back of the opponent’s knee can be devastating. One of the most important aspects of this kick is the incorporation of our entire body into the kick so that the focus in on driving that kick right through the back of the attacker’s knee. Also, our weapon for the kick need not be the instep of the foot only, but rather the instep of the foot right up the shin bone. This works contrary to much of what we see in Kenpo with the focus being on snapping the roundhouse kick out and back from the target, chambering the leg prior both prior to, as well as after the execution of the kick, and with emphasis placed on kicking specifically with the instep.
Since most people are right-handed, and for the most part, tend to fight with their left side forward, let’s assume that we are in a left neutral bow stance facing our opponent, who in turn also has his left leg forward. We first step into the action by dropping our height slightly, then by utilizing torque, we pivot our hips and shoulders into the roundhouse kick to the back of the opponent’s lead leg to generate maximum power. Also, similar to Reversing Mace and Repeating Mace (although in these techniques our right side is forward when executing the kicks), we should be kicking downward to drop the opponent.
As simple as this sounds, try the dynamics of this kick out slowly with a partner, but have a knack for detail, ensuring that your body mechanics are "sound". Once you are satisfied with your movement, execute the kicks full-out on a kicking shield.
In a real confrontation, a roundhouse kick to the back of the opponent’s knee can be devastating. One of the most important aspects of this kick is the incorporation of our entire body into the kick so that the focus in on driving that kick right through the back of the attacker’s knee. Also, our weapon for the kick need not be the instep of the foot only, but rather the instep of the foot right up the shin bone. This works contrary to much of what we see in Kenpo with the focus being on snapping the roundhouse kick out and back from the target, chambering the leg prior both prior to, as well as after the execution of the kick, and with emphasis placed on kicking specifically with the instep.
Since most people are right-handed, and for the most part, tend to fight with their left side forward, let’s assume that we are in a left neutral bow stance facing our opponent, who in turn also has his left leg forward. We first step into the action by dropping our height slightly, then by utilizing torque, we pivot our hips and shoulders into the roundhouse kick to the back of the opponent’s lead leg to generate maximum power. Also, similar to Reversing Mace and Repeating Mace (although in these techniques our right side is forward when executing the kicks), we should be kicking downward to drop the opponent.
As simple as this sounds, try the dynamics of this kick out slowly with a partner, but have a knack for detail, ensuring that your body mechanics are "sound". Once you are satisfied with your movement, execute the kicks full-out on a kicking shield.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Kenpo Karate Seminar Invitation
Hi Friends,
As the cost of bringing in some Kenpoists can be very expensive, and in some cases, not very realistic, throughout 2008 I would like to give more people the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skill in the system.
To do this, I will offer one kids seminar, one adult beginner-intermediate seminar, and one instructor seminar for no cost. The only thing I ask is that hotel and transportation for two be provided. My common seminar topics include, but are not limited to the following:
- Analytic Breakdown of Base Techniques
- Kenpo Extensions- Sets (1 & 2)
- Long Form 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Kenpo or traditional weaponry
- Sparring Strategies for Continuous and/or Point
-Fighting
For more information, please visit my website at:
www.jamieseabrook.com
or send me an email at:
jamieseabrook3@hotmail.com
God's Blessings for the New Year!
As the cost of bringing in some Kenpoists can be very expensive, and in some cases, not very realistic, throughout 2008 I would like to give more people the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skill in the system.
To do this, I will offer one kids seminar, one adult beginner-intermediate seminar, and one instructor seminar for no cost. The only thing I ask is that hotel and transportation for two be provided. My common seminar topics include, but are not limited to the following:
- Analytic Breakdown of Base Techniques
- Kenpo Extensions- Sets (1 & 2)
- Long Form 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Kenpo or traditional weaponry
- Sparring Strategies for Continuous and/or Point
-Fighting
For more information, please visit my website at:
www.jamieseabrook.com
or send me an email at:
jamieseabrook3@hotmail.com
God's Blessings for the New Year!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Sexual Intercourse and Athletic Performance
While many people hold their own views and opinions on this subject, I anticipate that most responses are based on mere opinions, gathered from personal experience or more likely superstition. Muhammad Ali, for example, was known to abstain from sex (or at least he said that he did) for several weeks before a big boxing fight believing that sexual intercourse zapped him of his energy and focus needed the day of the fight.
One argument for abstaining from sexual intercourse the night before an enduring athletic workout is that being sexually frustrated can lead to increased aggression. Evidence, however, suggests that sexual intercourse the night before an event does not alter physiological testing results, the latter of which was measured by strength and endurance of the palmar flexing muscles (1). Similarly, a randomized crossover study found that oxygen pulse, maximal aerobic power, and double product were not significantly affected by sexual intercourse 12 hours prior to the athletic performance (2). This should not come as a surprise given that the sexual intercourse only burns approximately 250 calories per hour, or a little over 4 calories per minute (3). So unless you are having sex that lasts for hours, the reality is that you are not burning a truckload of calories, contrary to what many people believe. Moreover, if you are having sex for hours on end, chances are your performance will be affected the next day - but by way of fatigue, and not the fact that you had sex the night before.
It is also possible that sexual activity the night before a major competition can be beneficial both psychologically and physiologically. If one has a tendency to be anxious, and thereby not be able to get a good night sleep the night before an event, sexual intercourse may help one relax, get a better night sleep, and therefore allow one to be more mentally and physically prepared the following day. It should also be noted that the linkage between sexual activity and athletic performance is not a clear one. For instance, other covariates such as diet and stress also factor into the equation with respect to athletic performance.
In short, little evidence exists that sexual intercourse the night before an event can produce negative outcomes in terms of one’s athletic performance the following day.
References
McGlone S, Shrier I. Does Sex the Night Before Competition Decrease Performance? Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 2000; 10(4):233-4.
Boone T, Gilmore S. Effects of sexual intercourse on maximal aerobic power, oxygen pulse, and double product in male sedentary subjects. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995; 35:214–217.
Mirkin G. Sex before competition. Report #6750. Mar. 10, 1996. http://drmirkin.com/archive/6750.html
One argument for abstaining from sexual intercourse the night before an enduring athletic workout is that being sexually frustrated can lead to increased aggression. Evidence, however, suggests that sexual intercourse the night before an event does not alter physiological testing results, the latter of which was measured by strength and endurance of the palmar flexing muscles (1). Similarly, a randomized crossover study found that oxygen pulse, maximal aerobic power, and double product were not significantly affected by sexual intercourse 12 hours prior to the athletic performance (2). This should not come as a surprise given that the sexual intercourse only burns approximately 250 calories per hour, or a little over 4 calories per minute (3). So unless you are having sex that lasts for hours, the reality is that you are not burning a truckload of calories, contrary to what many people believe. Moreover, if you are having sex for hours on end, chances are your performance will be affected the next day - but by way of fatigue, and not the fact that you had sex the night before.
It is also possible that sexual activity the night before a major competition can be beneficial both psychologically and physiologically. If one has a tendency to be anxious, and thereby not be able to get a good night sleep the night before an event, sexual intercourse may help one relax, get a better night sleep, and therefore allow one to be more mentally and physically prepared the following day. It should also be noted that the linkage between sexual activity and athletic performance is not a clear one. For instance, other covariates such as diet and stress also factor into the equation with respect to athletic performance.
In short, little evidence exists that sexual intercourse the night before an event can produce negative outcomes in terms of one’s athletic performance the following day.
References
McGlone S, Shrier I. Does Sex the Night Before Competition Decrease Performance? Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 2000; 10(4):233-4.
Boone T, Gilmore S. Effects of sexual intercourse on maximal aerobic power, oxygen pulse, and double product in male sedentary subjects. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995; 35:214–217.
Mirkin G. Sex before competition. Report #6750. Mar. 10, 1996. http://drmirkin.com/archive/6750.html
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
High-Ranking Black Belts That Don’t Spar
In American Kenpo Karate, as in other arts, there are many high-ranking black belts that simply do not spar. They are full of knowledge and skill, and can make their self-defense techniques look virtually flawless with minimal effort, but yet they are missing a critical component to their training - having someone stare straight back at them, while trying to hit them with whatever possible. They hold 7th degree black belts and higher, yet the last time they have slapped on the gear against a notable opponent was, say, 10-20 years ago.
Many people believe that continuous sparring is simply about two people trying to hurt each other, and because one has progressed to some supposed level of mastery, he/she is beyond that level of training due to age, knowledge, and skills acquired. I don’t buy it. The true warrior, in my eyes, is one that puts his whole body and heart into his training regime, of which sparring cannot be neglected. The higher the rank, the greater should be the level of one’s commitment.
While one must be in top physical shape to engage in full-contact sparring (particularly against good quality opponents), the reality is that continuous sparring is just as much a mental game as it is physical. Indeed, much of a fight is devoted to strategy, and learning how to adapt your fighting style to fit the situation, which is based in large part on how your opponent fights. Much of that “mental game” is lost when one’s training routine is based almost exclusively on demonstrating self-defense techniques on a partner for which the attack is already predetermined. Furthermore, in addition to the use of punching and kicking techniques, continuous fighting allows for use of takedowns, and possibly ground-fighting with submissions. Again, this sense of realism is lost when high-ranking black belts stick to just teaching, practicing forms, weaponry, or choreographed self-defense techniques.
While martial arts is clearly more than just learning how to fight, I don’t think black belts should lose sight of the fact that martial arts is, in turn, also a lot more than being able to pull off a victory in forms at a tournament, or being able to dazzle the audience with one’s speed while executing choreographed self-defense techniques.
Which gets back to the title of this blog. Why don’t most high-ranking black belts spar on a regular basis, let alone hardly ever?
Many people believe that continuous sparring is simply about two people trying to hurt each other, and because one has progressed to some supposed level of mastery, he/she is beyond that level of training due to age, knowledge, and skills acquired. I don’t buy it. The true warrior, in my eyes, is one that puts his whole body and heart into his training regime, of which sparring cannot be neglected. The higher the rank, the greater should be the level of one’s commitment.
While one must be in top physical shape to engage in full-contact sparring (particularly against good quality opponents), the reality is that continuous sparring is just as much a mental game as it is physical. Indeed, much of a fight is devoted to strategy, and learning how to adapt your fighting style to fit the situation, which is based in large part on how your opponent fights. Much of that “mental game” is lost when one’s training routine is based almost exclusively on demonstrating self-defense techniques on a partner for which the attack is already predetermined. Furthermore, in addition to the use of punching and kicking techniques, continuous fighting allows for use of takedowns, and possibly ground-fighting with submissions. Again, this sense of realism is lost when high-ranking black belts stick to just teaching, practicing forms, weaponry, or choreographed self-defense techniques.
While martial arts is clearly more than just learning how to fight, I don’t think black belts should lose sight of the fact that martial arts is, in turn, also a lot more than being able to pull off a victory in forms at a tournament, or being able to dazzle the audience with one’s speed while executing choreographed self-defense techniques.
Which gets back to the title of this blog. Why don’t most high-ranking black belts spar on a regular basis, let alone hardly ever?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Online Shopping Can Save and Make You Money
I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know about an amazing Money Saving Program that my wife has recently become part of.
The Program is called My Power Mall and it is a new way to Save money while you shop, earn huge rebates, and even make commission from the purchases your friends make. To learn more watch the five minute video presentation at www.Power2ChangeLives.com
Did you know that 97% of the people who try a home-based Business Opportunity fail to create the financial freedom they dream of? MLM and Affiliate programs to provide real income opportunities for the majority of people that try. Whether you’re part of the 97% or the 3% you’ll want to find out what MY POWER MALL has to offer.
The program is completely free to join and there are never any costs. All you do is do what you are already doing, except you get to make money doing it!
The Program is called My Power Mall and it is a new way to Save money while you shop, earn huge rebates, and even make commission from the purchases your friends make. To learn more watch the five minute video presentation at www.Power2ChangeLives.com
Did you know that 97% of the people who try a home-based Business Opportunity fail to create the financial freedom they dream of? MLM and Affiliate programs to provide real income opportunities for the majority of people that try. Whether you’re part of the 97% or the 3% you’ll want to find out what MY POWER MALL has to offer.
The program is completely free to join and there are never any costs. All you do is do what you are already doing, except you get to make money doing it!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Street Fighting or Personal Growth?
Someone asked an interesting question today. The person stated that given that we are more apt to obtain a lifestyle disease than we are to be violently attacked on the street, why is there so much emphasis on street self-defense and not much in the way of lifestyle modification?
I will answer that from my perspective, although I am confident that much of what I state can be applied generally. First, in my early days of training back in 1985, and probably continuing on through the lower ranks of black belt, I was fascinated with the street-fighting applications of movement contained in American Kenpo. I wanted to learn how to be a "fighting machine", and I was confident that through proper instruction in American Kenpo, I could get there.
As I continue to grow, mature, and develop in my Christian walk, as well as my relationship with my wife and two daughters, my perspectives on life have changed. That doesn’t mean I don’t love fighting full contact because I do it all of the time. It also doesn’t mean that I don’t love "working" what I believe are the most practical self-defense techniques known to man, which I believe are contained in American Kenpo. In fact, I love sparring and self-defense techniques more than I ever have. What it means, however, is that my character has changed. I don’t need Kenpo to prove to myself that I can fight; I need Kenpo for personal growth.
Through a stringent daily Kenpo Karate plan, I am exercising more than I ever have in my life, both in terms of frequency and duration. Doing so allows me to stay in the best shape that I possibly can, and gives me the mental focus to tackle all other areas of my life. It helps me grow spiritually in my relationship with Christ. It helps me focus my attention on my wife’s needs and desires in our marriage. It also helps me be a better father and "kid" with my two daughters.
Additionally, I also use Kenpo Karate as a tool to help others. Through Kenpo, I teach my students that with diligent practice, they too can achieve what they want in life by learning the acquired discipline, focus, and perseverance. I also teach them that association breed’s similarity, and thus the people that we choose to hang around are the same ones that we will most likely end up being like. So, for example, if we choose to hang around people that love bars, drinking, and smoking, the probability rises that we will have to fight given the location and atmosphere of these places. Conversely, if we hang around people who love to exercise, that say no to substance abuse, avoid bars and strip clubs, in most likelihood, we won’t ever be in a situation where we have to engage in a real fight.
Question: what are you taking martial arts for?
I will answer that from my perspective, although I am confident that much of what I state can be applied generally. First, in my early days of training back in 1985, and probably continuing on through the lower ranks of black belt, I was fascinated with the street-fighting applications of movement contained in American Kenpo. I wanted to learn how to be a "fighting machine", and I was confident that through proper instruction in American Kenpo, I could get there.
As I continue to grow, mature, and develop in my Christian walk, as well as my relationship with my wife and two daughters, my perspectives on life have changed. That doesn’t mean I don’t love fighting full contact because I do it all of the time. It also doesn’t mean that I don’t love "working" what I believe are the most practical self-defense techniques known to man, which I believe are contained in American Kenpo. In fact, I love sparring and self-defense techniques more than I ever have. What it means, however, is that my character has changed. I don’t need Kenpo to prove to myself that I can fight; I need Kenpo for personal growth.
Through a stringent daily Kenpo Karate plan, I am exercising more than I ever have in my life, both in terms of frequency and duration. Doing so allows me to stay in the best shape that I possibly can, and gives me the mental focus to tackle all other areas of my life. It helps me grow spiritually in my relationship with Christ. It helps me focus my attention on my wife’s needs and desires in our marriage. It also helps me be a better father and "kid" with my two daughters.
Additionally, I also use Kenpo Karate as a tool to help others. Through Kenpo, I teach my students that with diligent practice, they too can achieve what they want in life by learning the acquired discipline, focus, and perseverance. I also teach them that association breed’s similarity, and thus the people that we choose to hang around are the same ones that we will most likely end up being like. So, for example, if we choose to hang around people that love bars, drinking, and smoking, the probability rises that we will have to fight given the location and atmosphere of these places. Conversely, if we hang around people who love to exercise, that say no to substance abuse, avoid bars and strip clubs, in most likelihood, we won’t ever be in a situation where we have to engage in a real fight.
Question: what are you taking martial arts for?
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