When I started back into martial arts this year, American Kenpo specifically. I did so because I needed some cross training that would keep my interest. I had started running in March at the depressing weight of 293 pounds. It was a slow and painful journey from 293 to my current weight of 255. What I found along this journey was not so much that I am a runner of decent potential. I started walking and running and now I can run 13 miles, evidenced by my half marathon finish a couple of weeks ago. But more than that, I have found my love of the martial arts again.
American Kenpo was supposed to be a filler to kill the boredom of running that I suspected would arise as I continued. The boredom never occurred in running and I found my training in American Kenpo to be wholly satisfying in many ways. I wish there were more kata and weapon sets, but the history of the art through the Mitose/ Chow and later Parker line favors short self defense techniques over kata. These techniques are practical and effective. Master Chow said, “Kenpo is for the streets.” Practical is at its core. I have to say I like it. American Kenpo is different from the Chinese Kenpo I studied for many years but it still has the soul that I am familiar with. I would prefer to have the ability to train with the Guan Dao (Sword staff), Iron fan and Chinese spear. But looking at what is there it is hard to be too critical. My training, with my excellent Sensei, has really helped me to grow not just as a martial artist but as a person.
My training keeps me coming back week after week. I learn more each time and this motivates me to learn more, to perfect what I learned previously, to work on my flow, speed, power and confidence. All of these also help me in my law practice. As my confidence and attention to detail grow in my Kenpo training I bring those attributes to other parts of my life. I am a better lawyer today than I was 6 months ago. That is better for my clients as well as for myself. I forgot what it meant to be a martial artist, or warrior if you prefer. I am beginning to remember. It seems odd to think that all this started because I thought my cross training might need a shakeup. Funny how life works. I was looking to fight boredom and instead I found myself all over again.
Filed under: American Kenpo, Conditioning, Cross training, Martial Arts, Running
