Tan Bulot – American Kenpo Karate – Blue Belt

A Blue Belt in Kenpo Karate signifies an intermediate level, where practitioners have become competent at the basics and are moving beyond embryonic movements.  The Blue Belt curriculum has 4 components: Self Defense Techniques, Forms, Sets, and Freestyling

What You’ll Learn In Blue Belt

1) Self Defense Techniques – There are 24 techniques in the BlueBelt Kenpo karate level developed by Sr. Grand Master Ed Parker.  At Blue Belt, the techniques require more take-down and body manipulation.

Check out technique, Shield & Mace, below

Below is a list of the techniques organized by category of attack.

Grabs & Tackles

• Begging Hands
• Raking Mace
• Crossed Twigs
• Gripping Talon
• Broken Ram

Pushes

• Thrusting Wedge
• Snaking Talon
• Twist of Fate

Punches

• Flashing Wings
• Shield and Mace
• Gathering Clouds
• Circling the Horizon

Kick

• Hugging Pendulum
• Retreating Pendulum

Hugs & Holds

• Repeated Devastation
• Tripping Arrow

Locks & Chokes

• Entangled Wing
• Fallen Cross
• Wings of Silk
• Destructive Twins

Weapons

• Defying the Storm
• Returning the Storm

2) Forms — Forms are also known as katas.  Long Form 1 is the kata required for Blue Belt in American Kenpo Karate.  The form introduces how to defend while retreating before following up with a strike.

Long Form 1 Teaches:

• Everything in Short Form 1
• The use of the double factor
• How to block while advancing and while being stationary
• How to increase and decrease distance while covering
• How to block and counter using different hands
• How to use transitional moves for power
• How to use transitional moves offensively and defensively, while retreating and advancing
• The Concept of body fusion
• The principle of contouring while punching
• Introduces 2 new blocks at the end of the kata

3) Coordination Set —This set teaches how double factors, lead hand punches, and reverse punches in combination with kicks.

Check out Mr. Juan Serrano demonstrating.

4) Freestyle Techniques— these techniques are commonly used for sparring.  At the Blue belt level, practitioners are expected to incorporate more offensive heel palms, kicks, and punches within the freestyle techniques.

A Blue Belt in Kenpo Karate means that the practitioner is serious and is on their way to learning the maneuvers and combinations needed for advanced training and study.

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