American Kenpo Forms and Sets

Forms and Sets

Short Form One

 

Short Form 1 
W. Martino


With the exception of the initial and final horse stance, all positions/moves in this Form should be done in the neutral bow stance. The feet should be pointed to one of the diagonal lines, and the feet direct the line of the 'cocked' arm. Maintain a constant height to stay down in the stances. All elbow returns can be looked at as rear elbow strikes. In regard to the blocks, solidify your base AS you solidify your block. Finally, all direction changes are accomplished with an inward block as well as the primary block.

Definition: Retreat with a front hand block, into and out of a neutral bow.

  • L-step backwards with your left foot into a right neutral bow, and do a right hammering inward block. Be sure to anchor your left foot before executing the block. Use the step-through to gain distance, and then rotation.
  • Step backwards with your right foot through a transitory right cat stance into a left neutral bow, and do a left thrusting inward block. Attain distance, then rotation.
  • Step forward with your right foot into a left neutral bow, and pivot so you are facing 9:00, while executing a left outward block. As the foot is in motion, do a right inward parry as the left hand cocks to the right shoulder to build travel for the left outward block. The right inward parry is considered a minor move.
  • Step backward through a transitory left cat stance with your left foot into a right neutral bow as you do a left inward block as a minor move, and execute a right outward block.
  • Move your right foot in a straight line (twice the length of your foot) to 6:00, pivot your body to the left into a left neutral bow, and execute a left rising block. The intent of this move is to reverse your direction. As the foot is in motion, do a right inward parry to allow travel for the left rising block. The right inward parry is considered a minor move.
  • Stepping back with your left foot through a transitory left cat stance into a right neutral bow as you do a left inward block as a minor move, and execute a right rising block.
  • Move your left foot diagonally to 3:00, pivot to face 6:00 in a right neutral bow, and do a right downward block to deflect a kick. As the foot is in motion, do a left inward downward parry (palm up) as the right hand cocks to the left shoulder to build travel for the right downward block
  • Stepping back with your right foot through a transitory right cat stance into a left neutral bow, execute a left downward block. As the foot is in motion, do a right inward downward parry (palm up) as the left hand cocks to the right shoulder to build travel for the left downward block. The right downward parry is considered a minor move.
  • Pivot 180 degrees (i.e., turn around) on your right foot and step into a horse stance with your left foot. Be sure not to 'give up' your stance early in anticipation of the move.