FAQS and Worries
Who does Kenpo? - At Rathdown Kenpo club we have over 30 senior students, male and female, from as young as 16 to people in their forties!
What happens in a class? - First of all, all students line up according to rank, the highest grade students starting from the top right corner of the room working down in rows and columns to the beginners who take their place at the back of the room. This enables the beginner to copy the person in front of him and also no one is able to see any mistakes etc, it puts the student more at ease.
Usually a basic run through of all the basic blocks and punches is done to warm up the upper body, this is followed by a good leg workout involving all manner of basic kicks and foot maneuvers. Depending on how much effort you put into it, this can be very tiring, the higher coloured belt you are the more effort that is expected!.
Syllabus work is then done for the remainder of the class. This will involve practicing up to the stage you are at in your syllabus, also receiving any new material asking any questions and discussing any problems.
Sparring or freestyle generally takes place towards the end of the class. This is interesting to watch when you begin Kenpo as you will see how different it is to what we learn during the class.
Will I be hurt?, Is it dangerous? - Apart from the odd bump or bruise I have never seen any serious or even slight injury as result of punch or kick!. It is compulsory for both male and female students to wear protective groin guards as soon as possible for obvious reasons!. Padded foam gloves, shin pads, foot pads, helmets and gum shields are mandatory during freestyle or sparring. The aim of any martial arts student is to learn control and as a result broken arms etc are an extreme exception!
What should I wear? - Whatever you like!. Most people will initially wear normal sports gear or loose fitting clothes, however, if you have done a different style previously you can of course wear that uniform/gi with a white belt.
Black and White suits - When you first start Kenpo you will notice that some students wear white suits and some wear black. A black suit may be worn in class when you have earned the rank of brown belt, like the belt it represents standing and authority in the class. Many other Kenpo associations allow all students to wear black suits but in the IKKA you must earn the right to wear it, it is permissible to wear a black suit while competing in a competition.
Fitness - When you first come up, do not worry about keeping up with everyone in terms of fitness. Students are encouraged to only do as much as they feel comfortable with. The days of boot camp Martial arts classes are long gone, we pride ourselves on a sane and rational approach to teaching and creating an enjoyable atmosphere in the class.
The class isn't done in Japanese/Korean/Chinese? - Many traditional styles use their country of origins vocabulary during the class, counting in Japanese, Korean etc. Ed Parker, the founder of our style of martial art was born in Hawaii hence all the language used is English. Names of self defense techniques are broken down into codes/descriptive memory aids. For example, Wing meaning elbow, Sword for a chop, Mace for a fist etc. See the techniques section for a list of all techniques. A roundhouse kick is called simply that as are all other 'basics' you will learn.
What will I learn? - Firstly
you will learn all the basic strikes, blocks, kicks and foot maneuvers as prescribed
by the yellow belt syllabus. The self defense techniques will teach you to counter
attack someone who is for example punching, kicking, grabbing you from behind,
headlocks, grabbing your from the front. These are effective and most enjoyable
to learn. While the Self defense drills and forms play an important part in
the class we also provide time for sparring or competition freestyle, when you
have the basic capability to defend yourself and attack in a controlled manner
you may begin sparring. It is fun and enjoyable, improves fitness, speed and
gets you used to gauging distance, how to attack and how to defend.