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Taken from Grandmaster Ed Parkers 'Infinite Insights into Kenpo - Volume 4 - Mental and Phsyical Constituents

 

Focus is the concentration of mind, body, breath and strength culminating at the exact same instant whne blockingor striking a specific target. The following could be said about focus:

  1. while coordination is the synchronization of mind, body, breath and strenght, focus is concentration of the same force
  2. Through coordinated synchronisation and focused concentration power is generated
  3. the greater the concentration of focus the greater the power; and
  4. true focus involves concentration of the entire body and not just the point where the natural weapon and target meet

Note: Focus should not be so intense that defense is minimized or forgotten. All avenues of protection should be considered at all times during combat. What is the necessary ingredient during a focussed strike?. Total and complete combat awareness. With victory as your goal, never execute a focused strike without first being aware of your opponents intentional or unintentional moves, nor should you overlook possible environmental encumberances.

Whiles focusing, employ the 'Black dot focus' concept; that is visualize a black dot on a white background. Have the black dot represent a target and the white background awareness. This concept encourages you to strike your targetwhile you are completely aware of your entire surroundings. You are to anticipate the inevitable and be prepared. However do not let the reverse occur. Do not become soengrossed in anticipating the inevitable that it hampers your offensive effort.

Martial artists who focus on a target with no regard to self protection are advocates of the 'white dot focus' concept. All they see is the target. They become oblivous of their opponents movements and environmental encumberances. DO NOT follow this concept.

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