Kenpo Terms

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Mace - Refers to a punch as used in a technique

Major Moves - Strong and positive moves which cause immediate devastation.

Maneuvers - Ways you can move your feet, arms or body to initiate or avoid an attack i.e., to close or extend one's range.

Margin For Error - Means less chance a block will miss, i.e. more room on our block.

Martial Arts - Is the term that is generally used to describe the self-defense systems of the Orient, most of which are Chinese in origin.

Martial Artist - An individual who is an actual practitioner of the Martial Arts.

Master Key Move - A single move that can be used in more than one predicament with equal effect. For example, a rear heel kick, shin scrape, and instep stomp can be used for a full nelson, bear hug with the arms free or pinned, rear arm lock, etc. Or, an arm break can be applied to a cross wrist grab, a lapel grab, or hair grab--application of the arm break would remain constant, but the methods of controlling the wrist would vary.

Mathematical and Geometric Symbol Concepts - This concept can be paralleled with the clock principle and, therefore, each method can be used interchangeably thus providing similar results and benefits.

Mechanic of Motion - One who can dissect motion, inspect it, understand it, and reassemble it.

Mechanical Stage - Is that stage of learning where movements are clarified and defined thus, giving them meaning and purpose. Movements at this stage, however, are applied mechanically and a student is more equipped to verbalize answers than to physically utilize them.

Meditation - A brief period of mental relaxation used in Kenpo to eliminate outside distractions from the mind in order to fully concentrate on activities that are to be learned in class. Taking the time to do this helps to avoid unnecessary injury which might otherwise occur.

Mental Speed - Is the speed at which the mind selects appropriate movements to effectively deal with the perceived stimulus.

Method - Is the underlying move(s) in which a block or strike can be executed. There are only two basic methods with which to execute a move--linear (straight) and circular (curved). All others are variations of these two. This is another of the ingredients that make up the analytical study of motion.

Methods of Execution - The manner in which a move is executed to insure maximum results. Such moves can follow a direct, dipping, looping, hooking, or roundhouse path.

Minor/Major Concept - The concept that a minor move is subordinate and although not devastating, it can cause ample damage and/or delay to allow the execution of a major move to occur. Major moves are strong and positive moves which cause immediate devastation.

Minor Moves - Subordinate moves which, although not devastating, cause ample damage and delay to allow for the execution of a major strike, blow, etc.

Mumbling Motion - Movements that are not distinct in application. They can be compared with words that lack diction.

Muscular Systems - An assemblage of fiber cells that can contract or expand upon a signal from the nervous system to produce body movements.