Seishindo Kenpo
From Martial Arts Wiki
Seishindo Kenpo System
Also Known as:
Seishindo - 1979-1984
SeishinDo Karate - 1979-1984
Seishindo Kenpo - 1984 - present
Country of Origin: USA
Creator: Frank Landers
Lineage: Mitose/Chow
Notable Students: Frank Landers, Woody Strode, Erik Estrada, Lee Marvin, Dana MacKay, John Hackleman
Home Page: Seishindo Kenpo
Seishindo Kenpo, is an American martial art system of self protection. It is a sophisticated form of self defense, which utilizes the body’s natural weapons in combination, to thwart an attacker. Seishindo Kenpo also teaches, a modified Filipino art of Eskrima, moves being part of the structured course of learning the Seishindo Kenpo System. (Seishin: 精神 せいしん mind; soul; heart; spirit; intention), (Do: 道 どう The Way), (Kenpo 拳法 けんぽう Chinese art of self-defense, "Fist Law"). Seishindo Kenpo: "Way of the mind Law of the Fist".
Concepts - Principles - Ideas
The basic Concept of Seishindo Kenpo is to simplify Action, understand Environmental Awareness and to understand the core reason for each action.
Environmental Awareness is the understanding of the environment that surrounds us. Attack can come without warning; therefore you must be prepared by being alert to your surroundings. To press the importance of awareness, no matter how alert you are to your surroundings, attack can be imminent. Take the shooting of President Ronald Regan. Even with the most skilled trained security force in the country, whose job is to cover all possible Angles Of Attack, the President was shot by an attacker at very close range - about ten feet. This shows how important awareness is for survival. Impending dangers that surround each and every one of us today is a real fact of life.
Having lunch at McDonald's can end in tragedy, as some unsuspecting customers found out one evening in San Diego California when a gunman came in shooting (Read Story). At one time we felt safe at home, but even that has changed. No longer can we take our surroundings for granted. Awareness should be practiced at all times. Never get so comfortable that you let your guard down. This, however, does not mean that you must live in fear of consent attack, but as countries have found out, to be prepared is the best defense against attack.
Range is also very important to environmental awareness. Range is distance, which is your greatest ally. Creating distance between you and your attacker is very important, because if he can’t reach you he will not be able to hit you. Of course, this is true as long as he has no weapons. Draw an imaginary circle around you, with your opponent positioned directly in front of you, and standing at the apex of the circle. Put 1 1/2 leg length between you and your opponent. I call this the Red Zone. As long as your attacker is outside of this zone you have no need to advance. Never move towards your opponent, rather make him come to you, since this gives you time to plan your strategy of defense. With distance created, Positioning is the next important factor.
Positioning is to place yourself in a position of protection which limits the possibilities of attack from an unknown source. Proper body positioning is also important as it relates to a possible incoming attack. This involves different stances such as the Neutral Stance, Reverse Stance, Cat Stance, and Close Kneel Stance and proper hand positioning. These stances and hand positioning involve protection of the body in a way that minimizes access to your vital areas. However, remember not to plant yourself or become too solid in a stance. Remain loose and agile enabling a quick change from one position to another.
Putting Awareness, Range and Positioning together brings alertness into focus. If you are being attacked be aware of your surroundings. Use your peripheral vision to see if anyone else is around that could aid in your defense. Keep your attacker outside of your Red Zone until you are ready, and use the time to position yourself correctly, such as getting a wall behind you, if possible. Once you have surveyed the surroundings and managed to keep distance, position yourself in readiness for any attack that might come.
Another consideration comes in applying Common Sense. We realize that after taking a few lessons, many students feel overly confident about their abilities. However, it is wise to remember that just because you have a legal right to walk any street by day or night, it is not always the wisest choice. Pick and choose the times and places where you travel, to better insure your safety.
We are all physiologically different and what works for one may not work for another. Adaptability is very important to insure success of all students, regardless of their physical make up. Each student is given a set of movements to learn, along with a set of Concepts Principles and Ideas. Movements may appear to change but the underlying principles almost never change. Whether you execute a forward punch, or open the hand and strike with a heel-palm the principle of torque and how it is produced remains the same. Only the choice of weapon has changed. The changing of natural weapons is very important for adaptability, so one always chooses the best weapon to fit an intended area.
Fitting is a concept regarding the picking of the correct Natural Weapon to be placed into a target which will achieve maximum results. If you intend to strike the throat, you would not use a Hammer Fist, since an inward or outward Hand-Sword is best fitted for the side or front of the throat. In striking the chest you would not use a Heel Palm, since a punch is more adaptable. A Heel Palm is best fitted for striking the bridge of a nose. The heel of the hand can shape with the contour of the nose, thus applying greater force across the entire area. Although a Heel Palm to the chest would work, a punch would not only be more effective, but there is less likelihood of wrist injury. In striking the solar plexus, a punch is usually used. Although a punch is the best choice, inverting the middle knuckle forward results in maximum penetration. The solar plexus is attached at the end of both rib cages, thus a flat fist force distributes equally to the surrounding areas. Inverting the middle knuckle forward insures greater penetration of the punch.
Remember that by far one of the most important factors in Seishindo Kenpo training is the What If. After we have learned how action follows action based on a logical set of movements, we must remember that our opponent is going to pick their own action, and the more unskilled the opponent, the more unpredictable their choice of action will be. In my opinion in many cases, although an individual may be a highly skilled martial arts practitioner and may be able to skillfully handle another of equal skill, yet against an unskilled opponent find themselves in a confused state if they don't understand the core principle of the What If Factor. I witnessed this first hand one afternoon in 1976, while accompanying a fellow Black Belt who I had known for sometime. As we pulled into a parking lot, he remarked that the guy standing by the car was someone that had owed him some money, and that he was going to confront him. As he exited the truck he asked me to wait, and that he would be right back. As I watched the two of them begin to engage, I realized that my friend was not trained in Adaptability, as his opponent rushed him, tackling him to the ground, and since he was not skilled in Grappling his opponents was beginning to humiliate him.
In our training of Seishindo Kenpo we don't want to eliminate reflective thought, but to eliminate "Blocking" in both action, and thought. ~ by, Frank Landers
Seishindo Kenpo is about finding new Ideas to old ways. Redefine the core Principles and Ideas of action, to bring a better awareness to problems, and giving the student educated positions about the martial art system they train in.
Founder & Creator
The Seishindo Kenpo System under the direction of Frank Landers, the creator of the system, first began formulating a process in which to put a structured course of learning an effective martial arts system together towards the end of the 70's. First calling it Seishindo, SeishinDo Karate and then Seishindo Kenpo Karate and finely Seishindo Kenpo.
The Seishindo Kenpo Karate Association was sanctioned in 1981, with the release of the Seishindo Kenpo official Hand Book), detailing the rules and by-laws of the organization, as an accredited structured course of learning the martial arts.
The Seishindo Kenpo Association was established, and appointed an executive committee that would establish by-laws, and set academic standards, for advancement in each grade ranking. This would assure students are learning the most advance and educational method of self-defense possible.
Notable Students
Actors
Woody Strode
Erik Estrada
Lee Marvin
Entertainers
Martial Artist
Frank Landers
John Hackleman "The Pit"
History
Taken from the writings of Frank Landers, Seishindo Kenpo: (Landers, Frank(1984). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo,vol.1: Cerebral Awakening. Facta Publications0
As I look back on the past 43 years, I've seen big changes come about in the Martial Arts. With the new birth of martial arts in America, the arts would come into the hands of the American public. This led to a new dimension in the martial arts. American instructors implemented new concepts, principles & ideas into an outdated mode of thinking. This set off a chain reaction throughout the arts that pitted style against style, instructor against instructor. Sides were drawn, traditional and nontraditional, all in the quest to be king of the mountain. Schools opened at an incredible rate, with every newly promoted black belt encouraged to become an instructor and open a school. I saw many who would offer rank as a tool to persuade other instructors of various styles to convert over, as a way to increase school numbers. This new wave was not limited to the opening of new schools; martial arts tournaments were also affected. Martial art tournaments began popping up as quickly as schools. Tournaments can now be found on every Saturday and Sunday somewhere in California. I also know as a result of my constant travel crisscrossing the United States that this is not unique to California, it is virtually the same in every State. The real question that needs to be asked; does it really matter? What makes America great is that we are all entitled to make a living at what we like to do. No one person should feel they hold the corner on the market, everyone should be able to live the American dream. With time the strong will survive and the others will only fade into obscurity. It seems that Martial Arts is just coming into the 20th century, when the rest of the world is moving into the 21st century. There are many traditionalists who are trying to keep the old ways alive by criticizing those who are progressive in their teaching. They do so because they seem to feel that their art of defense has greater legitimacy because of its age. These instructors brag about how long their systems have existed, as if this is of great importance. Somehow, this out-dated thinking doesn't appeal to me. I feel that the only thing that should be important to instructors is that their students get the best possible instruction. Regardless of the system or style, the students must learn how to defend themselves. Many instructors past and present have lost sight of why they became instructors in the first place. They spend a great deal of time seeking approval by demonstrating their abilities to others, rather than looking deep inside themselves for the answers. - Frank Landers
Being a teacher of knowledge is by far the most important position one can have. It is knowledge that drives and improves ones techniques and ability, finding new ways for the future, and causes students to succeed in all their endeavors. ~ by, Frank Landers
American people are for the most part pragmatic. If this were not so, we would still be listening to the same old music, dressing as we did in the past, and driving Ford's good old Model-T. Americans look for improvements in everything they do, and are not content with old ways. We learn from tradition, but we don't let it control us. We seek answers to past mistakes, enabling us to improve the present, and realize greater potential and success in the future.
Traditional training teaches us to follow the ideas of past instructors, with no provision for implementing new ideas. Students are taught to follow the instructor without thinking, and never to question the wisdom of the past. Even to think about trying to improve upon your instructor's teaching is considered to be disrespectful, and usually meets with severe consequences. Americans, having a tradition of pragmatism, hold a different view about knowledge. We expect to improve upon teachings from the past, and each generation is expected to improve on the practices of the previous generation. It is expected that past knowledge will be used to help build and improve the future. Everything in American life is based on pragmatism, so why should Martial Arts be different? The 1970's brought in a new dimension with the birth of pragmatism in Martial Arts, both with American as well as Asian instructors. No longer were some (Ed Parker; Kenpo Karate, Bruce Lee; Jeet Kwon Do to name a few) going to accept the traditional way, without asking a fundamental question; why? It was these individuals that fostered the ideas that would lead me to the very path at which I travel today.
The path forward is always in the wisdom of others. ~ by, Frank Landers
I admired each person's individuality, and curiousness, to seek out new answers to old problems. Never settling, just solving. These warriors understood that Concepts, Principles and Ideas are the foundation of any martial arts system. To understand what you are doing is as important as being able to throw a kick or punch. No longer will we except myths, legend or hocus-pocus, just reality. A kick is a kick and a punch is a punch, what is important is the understanding of how each Natural Weapon functions in Motion. This will allow you to fit your Natural Weapon into the best Target for maximum results, with the least amount of effort. During this time period instructors that expressed a new view point were often meet with criticism. Yet despite the odds, they moved forward. I to would not settle for less and began working on the ideas that would eventually lead me to the creation of Seishindo Kenpo, the art which I teach. Seishindo Kenpo is not a Secret Martial Art, which alludes to hidden secrets and mysticism from the past, but an innovative, progressive system based on logic. It employs a balance of circular and linear moves, while utilizing power and speed. It has sophisticated Concepts, Principles and Ideas, based on logic, combined with a continuity of motion in its movements.
Adaptability is the key word in Seishindo Kenpo, allowing the system to be tailored to fit any person, of any weight, size or gender. Tall, as well as large individuals can be taught to move with grace and beauty. Short individuals can learn to deliver power they never thought possible. Children can execute movement with devastating results, and women can learn to defend themselves against a larger male opponent.
One example of this can be found watching Seishindo Kenpo student Woody Strode, a star of many motion pictures. Mr. Strode stood 6 feet 8 inches, but moved with unbelievable grace. He could kick over his head with ease, and his punches were executed with precise effectiveness. He used his Seishindo Kenpo training in several movies, including one called Jaguar Lives, which also starred Karate Champion Joe Lewis. Students of Seishindo Kenpo learn a set of concepts, principles and ideas and how to tailor these attributes to fit individual needs. This is quite unlike traditional teaching, which requires everyone to do movements in the same exact manner. While the system of Seishindo Kenpo is based on concepts, principles and ideas of movement which I have developed, in reality these principles, concepts and ideas are not new. They arise from my early training under the direction of such pioneers as Mr. Steve "Sanders" Muhammad, Sijo Adriano Emperado and Mr. Edmund K. Parker, who elevated concepts, principles and ideas to a new level. It was Mr. Parker that taught me the fundamental foundation of Kenpo; "TO THINK"; and that is Seishindo.
What is really new? If we look at the work of great painters, and how they painted, we see that all painters use the same type of tools to produce their expression of art. There are many shapes and styles of brushes, but a brush is still a brush, and a punch is still a punch. By employing these tools with different strokes or techniques, and applying Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movement, painters can express their feelings in unique ways. Just as painters produce different works of Art and their work becomes their signature or style, Seishindo Kenpo is my Master work of Art.
Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Pablo Picasso, at one time, was ridiculed by traditional painters for his progressive art work. Today, his work is revered, and his paintings are worth millions; the same paintings that were discarded by the masses as junk. Where would we be today if men like Pablo Picasso hadn't had the courage to replace traditional ways with new ideas?
Does a technique or form have to be 1000 years old to have value? Isn't it possible that American instructors could have the ability to create a system of Self-Defense that is as good, if not better, than that which has been handed down to us by our Asian counterparts? I think that it is time that non-Asian instructors get credit for their contributions to the Martial Arts. Some American instructors have been criticized by the Asian community, with words such as: "Those Americans are destroying our art." However, look at what the Japanese have been able to do with the automobile. They would like us to believe that they make the best cars on the market today! While it is not my intention to debate who makes the best cars, but I do wonder why Asian car builders give their cars (an American invention) Asian names. I believe that the reason they give cars Asian names is that they want the world to know who made the car which the customer is driving. I have no problem with that, but I also think that it is fair that if a non-Asian instructor creates a system of Martial Arts, and can justify its merits, the new system should be given as much respect as its Asian predecessors. Martial Arts to me represents survival. Its first objective is survival of the fittest. From its conception it was intended to replace weapons. Training was hard and often punishing. Broken bones and bruised bodies were part of the martial artist life. Competition somehow has down-played its true value of self-protection. I feel competition is a new life or branch of the martial arts, and has its own place in history.
In my early days of learning, I participated in many tournament competitions. One day I realized that my training was beginning to suffer, because I was spending too much time playing the game of tag. I had stopped focusing on the importance of continuing my training in a practical sense. There is nothing wrong with instructors training their students to be competitors. However, I feel that there is a real problem with the lack of standard competition rules, which is the first reason why I oppose this type of training exclusively. In my case, these problems were severe enough that I dropped from competitions. Also I feel that when too much time is spent on teaching a student the game of tag, practical applications will suffer. Still wanting to keep my hands involved in the competition world and looking at the problems facing tournaments, I felt that if changes were going to be made, it would be necessary for me to become a tournament promoter, and see if I could change things from the inside. As a promoter, I would now have to put up with instructors who make promises, and then fail to produce. And also the failure of instructors and promoters to agree on generating a set of rules that all tournament promoters would use. Lastly, I am appalled at the bad sportsmanship, and lack of respect shown by instructors as well as students for one-another. It's hard to blame the student who is simply following the examples of their instructor. It is evident that instructors in martial arts do not understand what they are doing to the art. In the final analysis, it is the followers of the art that are responsible for how outsiders view Martial Arts today. If necessary changes are going to come about, each person must take responsibility for their individual actions. Martial arts are about harmony, yet everywhere there is dissension and unrest. These days, I spend all of my time cultivating my art Seishindo Kenpo. I constantly return to basics, asking questions and seeking new answers. I am looking for ways in which to improve the art, as well as my teaching abilities, so that I will always be able to give my students the best possible instruction. - Frank Landers, 1985
Creed
The Seishindo Kenpo Creed was the first written material Frank Landers would author to be included in the Seishindo Kenpo Hand Book in 1981 as the "SeishinDo Karate Creed" and replacing "Karate" with "Kenpo" in 1984. The Creed is symbolic words that the student of Seishindo Kenpo follows, keeping them guided on a path of good. The word should not be taken literally, the Creed is meant to give the student a starting point in which to travel their new path. The knowledge that the new student is about to learn is a sophisticated form of Self-Defense. Students must respect the knowledge they posses, for with a single blow, the Seishindo Kenpoist can render an opponent lifeless. The Creed lays steps for the student to follow a good path of integrity, humility, self-restrain and always remaining humble, for you represent Seishindo Kenpo, the art in which you train.
The Seishindo Kenpo Creed:
To those of you about to battle with me, prepare to defend yourself!
I stand before you with my weapons, the art of empty hands!
I pledge my allegiance to God and Country, and the preservation of the Martial Arts!
I will protect myself and family, and defend my honor!
Never opposing force with force, but allowing force to defeat itself!
I will uphold the true spirit of Seishindo Kenpo, which is humility and self-restraint!
I will never display my knowledge in public, or misuse my skill!
For I have devoted my life to Seishindo Kenpo the skills of Empty Hands. ~ by, Frank Landers
(Note: When the Creed was first written, Landers was using the name, "Seishindo Karate" in the Creed. In 1984 "Karate" was dropped and replaced with "Kenpo", the Creed would reflect this change as "Seishindo Kenpo".)
Prayer
The student kneels on their right knee and with their left arm resting on the left leg, places their right hand in a fist and positioned on the floor, with the head bent downward, the Seishindo Kenpo Prayer is recited before each class begins.
Landers, sensitive to the religious philosophies of the World, was careful not to imply that any one religious point of view was practiced in the Seishindo Kenpo System. Each student is free to practice the religious doctrine they choose. Seishindo Kenpo has no religious point of view. It remains neutral and encompass only a sense of following values that set a good example for others to lead in their life.
The Seishindo Kenpo Prayer:
All mighty God who art in heaven, we kneel before you in humble praise of thee.
Bless our efforts in all that we seek, and accept our praise of our faith and love to thee.
Enlighten us and give us wisdom, guide us and let us see the way, protect us for we place our trust in thee.
Bless this great nation, for it was founded on Christian principles, where all men are created equal.
Let us stand proudly by her, so that we may preserve her integrity, and be proud to be an American.
Lord if we must, give us strength to kick the head of the serpent with thy heel, so as to protect the weak and the old.
Give us strength and understanding to forgive our attacker, for he knows not what he does.
Bless these exercises that we are about to practice, for the purpose of developing, our spirit mind and body, so that we may preserve, the natural balance and harmony, between good and evil.
Lord protect us from injury, and deliver us home safely to our loved ones.
We ask you to give us perseverance in out training, so that we may use this art of Seishindo Kenpo, as a means to enlighten, guide and keep us close to you, the one true God.
This is the truth of life, and to know the truth is to know ones self, and know to know ones self, is to know God, for God is within us, in the name of Jesus Christ are Lord. Amen, ~ by, Frank Landers
Coat of Arms/Crest
The Seishindo Kenpo Coat of Arms (Crest) is defined as:
The WORDS ~ Seishindo Kenpo: is the art of self-protection we practice to develop our physical and mental abilities. Its creation and development came with its birth in 1981 as a direct result of Frank Argelander's past training in the Martial Arts. Frank Argelander, who changed his name in 1979 to Frank Landers introduced a systematic order of importance to the material being instructed under his tutelage. Every fundamental movement Frank Argelander had learned was broken down into an systematic order of importance. The student was now learning only those tools needed for their respective belt rank. Students are taught to THINK and are allowed to express themselves, so as to find new ideas to old problems, advancing Seishindo Kenpo system into the future.
S.K.A ~ Seishindo Kenpo Association: was formed as a result of past students spreading out, and new schools coming into the S.K.A, and the need to stay actively connected. The S.K.A was formally sanctioned in 1981 with a book entitled (The Seishindo Kenpo Association Hand Book). The book would outline the rules and by-laws of the S.K.A. Techniques, Forms and all tools used were standardized for all belt ranks. Testing polices were put into place to assure student meet the highest level of excellence expected to achieve Black Belt level or higher. A board of Directors were appointed to oversee the policy for the Seishindo Kenpo Association.
The PAGODA ~ The temple, the foundation, the house which holds all together. It's believed that evil will remain at bay and not pass through, as the Dragon and the Tiger stand guard at the entrance of the temple of knowledge. Students of Seishindo Kenpo and all who remain under its roof, are kept safe from evil and remain pure in spirit, mind and body.
The CLOVER ~ Represents the roots that connect Seishindo Kenpo to the past, my love for the art of Kajukenbo. Further, it's a constant reminder of my respect and admiration to my instructor Sijo Adriano Emperado, a founding father of Kajukenbo.
The DRAGON ~ He is swift and powerful, smart and cunning, he is the mythical and unknown, the dark side of life's force (Yin). The dragon is representative, of the inner movements, rather than the external of life force. The Dragon is a creature of dark legends, that embrace old myths from many cultures. The Dragon is representative of the primal force that surrounds the universe.
The TIGER ~ Possesses physical and mortal strength in which his elusive and cunning body movements work in total harmony with each other. The Tiger strikes swiftly and effortlessly with great force as a guardian to the temple of Seishindo Kenpo, keeping the Dragon and it evil out of the Kingdom of Knowledge (Yang).
The WORLD ~ Represents the International Association of the Martial Arts. Further, if we look closely, it takes the shape of the double fish or a pair of mutually complementary and interdependent forces acting in harmony in the universe. The yin and yang are two parts of one whole. Strength, represented by the Tiger (Yang), face off with the Dragon (Yin) and embracing the world, keeping the universe in check. The student's mind is in unison with their body, thus developing internal strength. With this, the student is pure in spirit, mind and body, and ready to learn the art of Seishindo Kenpo.
The OUTSIDE CIRCLE ~ Is representative of life force itself, an endless cycle of change. Every beginning has no ending, and every ending has no beginning. Man is born as a infant, then evolves into manhood, and then matures into old age, only to pass on and return once again. Everything known to man is born, evolves, then dies and is then born again, a never ending cycle, or no beginning or end. This cycle is needed to sustain the evolution of life force. Seishindo Kenpo also is a part of this cycle of no end, the progressive learning evolves in a circle of knowledge, as do all moves whether defensive or offensive.
The COLORS Represent ~ the many achievements and the level of proficiency the student must past through in his path to enlightenment.
The WHITE background is significant of the many beginners who form the base of the system. This is the most important time, the student's formative years. But also, it can be a dangerous stage where the student can be impressed with physical performance, and relies too much on the unimportant.
The YELLOW, ORANGE, BLUE and GREEN represents the beginning stages of proficiency, this is the mechanical stage. The student at these levels of learning must proceed with caution, watching and asking questions so as to never assume they have all the answers.
The BROWN represents that transitional stage from beginner student to advance practitioner. At this point, a student must be careful not to fall prey to outside influences that will redirect their forward momentum. Instructors; students at this level are beginning to spread their wings. Give them some freedom to express themselves, but watch closely for outside distractions.
The BLACK represents the highest level of proficiency of the basics that makes up the Seishindo Kenpo system. This is the beginning stages of expertise, at this point the student is ready to move to a new and higher level of learning, striving for perfection and preparing for the day that he/she will bear the label of an expert.
The RED is that of an expert, the Senior Master of the Arts, who has reached the highest stages of expertise in their respective system of martial arts. The master knows that although he/she is highly skilled, there is always something new to ascertain under the tree of knowledge. The master knows that they must remain humble and reach out to the weakest of their students. Never instruct your students to do anything, that you are not willing to do yourself. Guide your students on a path, where they can reach their highest level of accomplishments.
Uniform "Gi"
The Gi, is a Japanese name for the uniform worn by those who do Karate and other forms of Martial Arts. Its origin comes from the Judo Gi which was made from an extremely heavy and strong fabric cross stitched in different patterns. The Judo Gi was made to minimize rips from the exhaustive grappling. The Karate Gi was made from a lighter fabric around 8oz, allowing the practitioner the ability to throw kicks and move more quickly. More advanced students tend to use a little heaver Gi made from 12 - 14 oz cotton canvas.
The uniform worn by the Seishindo Kenpo student during training class is the traditional black martial arts uniform (Gi) made of canvas, the top folds left over right with tie strings, along with the belt color designating their rank as sanctioned by the Seishindo Kenpo Association.
All advertising tags should be removed from the Gi top and belt, only if the tags are visible to others.
The uniform is NOT an advertising billboard. You represent the Seishindo Kenpo Association.
Students may also wear a black pair of sweats and a black tee shirt with no distinguishing marking other then the Seishindo Kenpo Association crest or school/club name.
The Black Formal Uniform (Gi) is required to be worn by all students and instructors for testing and any other outside events, tournaments, seminars etc. without exceptions.
Instructors: Students that don't have a Black Gi with a belt, will not be allowed to test.
Personal hygiene: Students must remember to treat their personal hygiene as part of their uniform.
1. Showers should be taken before coming to class.
2. Finger nails should be kept trimmed, as not to scratch other students.
3. Toe nails should be especially looked after, keep them well trimmed.
4. Those with long hair should tie it back, free from obstruction of view.
5. If you were glasses, please get a pair of sport goggles to wear over your prescription pair.
6. All male students must wear an athletic supporter and cup.
7. No shoes shall ever be permitted on the training floor.
Belt Ranking Grades
Grand Master
10th Degree Black - Senior Master of the Arts
9th Degree Black - Master of the Arts
8th Degree Black - Master Professor of the Arts
7th Degree Black - Senior Professor
6th Degree Black - Professor
5th Degree Black - Assistant Professor
4th Degree Black - Senior Head Instructor
3rd Degree Black - Head Instructor
2nd Degree Black - Assistant Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt - Junior Instructor
Brown Belt 3rd Degree
Brown Belt 2nd Degree
Brown Belt 1st Degree
Green Belt
Blue Belt
Orange Belt
Yellow Belt
White Belt
Seishindo Kenpo Basics
The Basics or the Fundamentals of the Seishindo Kenpo system are broken down into a systematic order of importance. In the early days of training, instructors would teach a class with no structural organization. Each class would be potluck, what ever the instructor felt like throwing together, classes were never consistent. Students of lower rank could be found practicing and stumbling with advance movements. Seishindo Kenpo's approach is, a student should be only taught the material for their grade level. A student should never be in a rush to advance forward. Each student is given a teaching booklet with only the requirements for their next grade advancement. Advanced students are only allowed to assist a lower rank student, with material from their grade level. At no time should a student be practicing advanced movements. Only when a student has learned the required material for advancement to the next grade level, their testing booklets are checked off by their instructor, and the required practice time has been put in, are they eligible to request advancement for the next scheduled testing.
Yellow Belt Requirements
In order of their importance
The Seishindo Kenpo Creed
Stances
Attention Stance - Horse Stance - Neutral Stance - Forward Stance - Reverse Stance - Cat Stance
Foot Maneuvers
Step Through Forward - Step Through Reverse - Forward Step-Up
Checking
Pinning Check - Positional Check
Blocks
Inward Block - Outward Block - Extended Outward Block - Upward Block - Downward Block - Pushdown Block
Parry's
Punches
Forward Thrust Punch - Forward Vertical Thrust Punch - Short Forward Vertical Thrust Punch - Forward Snap Punch - Forward Vertical Snap Punch
Strikes
Upward Horizontal Forearm Strike - Inward Handsword Strike - Outward Handsword Strike - Inward Horizontal Elbow Strike - Outward Horizontal Elbow Strike - Back Elbow Strike - Inward Overhead Elbow Strike - Outward Overhead Elbow Strike - Overhead Downward Heel Palm Strike - Straight Heel Palm Strike - Underhand Heel Palm Strike - Forward Horizontal Heel Palm Strike - Vertical Back Knuckle Thrust Strike - Vertical Back Knuckle Snap Strike - Inward Overhead Hammerfist Strike - Back Hammerfist Strike - Forward Thrusting Hammerfist Strike - Forward Thrusting Knee Strike.
Kicks
Forward Snap Kick - Side Snap Kick - Back Snap Kick - Forward Thrust Kick - Side Thrust Kick - Back Thrust Kick - Roundhouse Kick - Spinning Back Kick
Patterns or Sets
(5) Lock Control Manipulation Holds
(10) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques
1. Flight To Doom - Two Hand Push
2. Reversing The Sword - Left Hand Punch
3. Glancing Sword - Right Hand Punch
4. Delayed Departure - Left Rear Leg Front Thrust Kick
5. Grasping Claw - Right Flank Headlock
6. Storm Of Darkness - Right Overhead Club
7. Locking Ram - Attempt Waist Grab
8. Twin Aggression - Two Hand Lapel Grab
9. Rotating Wing - Right Direct Lapel Grab
10. Separating Twigs - Rear Bear Hug (Arms Pinned)
Orange Belt Requirements
In order of their importance
The Seishindo Kenpo Prayer
Stances
Front Twist Stance - Rear Twist Stance - Close Kneel stance - Wide Kneel Stance
Foot Maneuvers
Front Crossover - Crossover and Cover Out - Step Drag Forward - Step Drag Reverse - Drag Step Forward - Drag Step Reverse
Checking
Front Inside Leg Check - Front Outside Leg Check
Blocks
Inside Downward Block Palm Up - Inside Downward Block Palm Down - Inner Wrist Block - Outer Wrist Block
Parry's
Inside Downward Parry - Outside Downward Parry
Punches
Uppercut Punch - One-Knuckle Punch
Strikes
Underhand Reverse Hammerfist strike - Inside Downward Hammerfist Strike - Inward Downward Hammerfist Strike - Inward raking Back-Knuckle Strike - Inward Reverse Back-Knuckle Strike - Obscure Elbow Strike - Downward Horizontal Forearm Strike
Finger Techniques
Outward Claw - Straight Finger Thrust - Eye Hook
Kicks
Forward Stomp Kick - Front Leg Outside Crescent Kick - Front Leg Inside Crescent Kick - Rear Leg Inside Crescent Kick - Rear Leg Outside Crescent kick
Patterns or Sets
(5) Lock Control Manipulation Holds
(10) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques
1. Spear And Hammer - Right Hand Direct Push
2. Pushing Talon - Two Hand Push
3. Hammering The Storm - Right Roundhouse Club
4. Thunder Of Doom - Two Hand Lapel Grab (Pulling In)
5. Grasping Feathers - Right Front Hand Hair Grab
6. Circle Of Darkness - Right Hand Punch
7. Collapsing Branch - Right Flank Headlock
8. Smashing Wing - Left Hand Punch
9. Rotating Tiger - Left Hand Rear Belt Grab
10. Circling Devastation - Flank Left Hand Shoulder Grab
Blue Belt Requirements
In order of their importance
Stances
Forward Crossover Twist Stance - Cross Behind Twist Stance
Foot Maneuvers
Push Drag Forward - Push Drag Reverse
Blocks
Extended Outward Handsword Block
Parry's
Inward Outward Parry (Double) - Upward Overhead Parry - Two Hand Diagonal Pull Down Parry
Punches
Roundhouse Punch - Hook Punch - Downward Thrusting Punch
Strikes
Upward Elbow Strike - Inward Horizontal Heel Palm Strike - Forward Horizontal Forearm Strike - Back Horizontal Forearm Strike - Underhand Reverse Handsword Strike
Finger Techniques
Vertical Finger Thrust - Upward Finger Thrust - Forward Thumb Thrust - Forward Finger whip - Inward Finger Slice - Outward Finger Slice - Inward Overhead Finger Claw - Outward Overhead Finger Claw
Kicks
Forward Scoop Kick (Front Leg) - Forward Scoop Kick (Rear Leg) - Back Scoop Kick - Forward Chicken Kick - Side Chicken Kick - Inside Crescent Kick (Front Leg) - Outside Crescent Kick (Rear Leg) - Front Slicing Kick - Downward Vertical Roundhouse Kick
Sweeps
Front Leg Inside Sweep - Rear Leg Inside Sweep - Rear Leg Spinning Sweep
Patterns or Sets
Finger Set
Form Set #4
Weapons:
12 Basic Strikes (Single stick)
(5) Lock Control Manipulation Holds
(15) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques
1. Twist Of Fate - Front Right Cross Wrist Grab
2. Obscure Into Darkness - Front Head Lock
3. Squatting Branch - Rear Bearhug (Arms Free)
4. Circling Force - Right Front Or Rear Roundhouse
5. Fatal Prongs - Front Bear Hug (Arms Pinned)
6. Locking Wing - Right Rear Arm Lock
7. Escaping The Ram - Front Attempt Waist Grab
8. Cross Of Darkness - Right Rear Arm Lock Blocked
9. Fanning Talon - Left Uppercut Punch
10. Escape Of Death - Right Rear Arm Choke
11. Evading The Storm - Left Overhead Club
12. Circle Of Fate - Left Hand Direct Wrist Grab
13. Parting Twigs - Step Through Right Punch
14. Thrusting Panther - Side Thrust Kick (Rear Leg)
15. Twisting Wing - Step Through Left Punch
Green Belt Requirements
In order of their importance
Stances
Foot Maneuvers
Forward Hop - Reverse Hop - Side Hop
Punches
Downward Vertical Roundhouse Punch - Forward Thrusting Half-Fist Punch
Strikes
Downward Vertical Forearm Strike - Upward Vertical Forearm Strike - Outward Heel Palm Strike - Diagonal Heel Palm Strike - Downward Back Knuckle Strike
Finger Techniques
Side Finger Thrust - Back Finger Thrust (Over the Shoulder) - Underhand Finger Claw - Back Underhand Finger Claw - Underhand Finger Whip - Back Finger Whip
Kicks
Front Leg Hook Kick - Rear Leg Spinning Heel Kick - Rear Leg Spinning Crescent Kick - Rear Leg Spinning Heel & Hook Kick - Rear Leg Ax Kick - Jumping Forward Side Thrust Kick - Rear Cross Over Side Kick
Patterns or Sets
Parry Set
Form Set #5
Weapons:
Short Stick Set #1
(5) Short Stick Self-Defense Disarms (Single stick) Two Man Set
(5) Lock Control Manipulation Holds
(15) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques
1. Snaking Python - Front Left Then Right Punch
2. Gathering Bears - Left & Right Shoulder Grab By Two Opponents
3. Leaping Tiger - Right Forward Knife Thrust
4. Hammering Maces - Left & Right Wrist Grab By Two Men
5. Glancing Gift - Front Two Hand Grab To The Wrist
6. Repeating The Storm - Right Roundhouse Club (Returning)
7. Detour From Death - Right Bear Hug (Arms Free)
8. Fatal Encounter - Front Bear Hug (Arms Free)
9. Twirling Ascent - Full Nelson Lock
10. Broken Twig - Right Front Cross-Push
11. Parting Ram - Attempt Waist Grab
12. Securing The Storm - Right Side Overhead Club
13. Cross Twigs - Two Hand Rear Neck Choke
14. Menacing Thrust - Attempt Bear Hug Or Waist Grab
15. Thrusting Wing - Front Two Hand Neck Choke
Brown Belt Requirements
In order of their importance
Those students requesting advancement to Brown Belt level must remember that this is the time for refining of all the material learned and preparing for advancement to Black Belt. Great focus and concentration must be practiced if the student is to advance any further. Don't let the mere fact that there is Not a bunch of techniques and long forms. Learning more techniques and Forms is not what a student needs at this time. They need refinement of the all material learned thus far, and a educated understanding, of the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movements, that make up the Seishindo Kenpo system. This part of your training is the most critical, as it is only one step away from advancement to 1st Degree Black Belt, a coveted position reserved for the few. The understanding of Seishindo Kenpo and how motion functions through Theories, Concepts, Principles and Ideas, will make up a big part of whether the student's journey continues forward.
1st Degree Brown Belt
Form #6
(5) Grappling Techniques
(5) Lock Control Manipulation Holds
Create (5) Self-Defense Techniques, detailing their Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movement.
Write (1) paper on the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of Seishindo Kenpo.
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Short Stick Set #2
(5) Grappling Techniques
Write (2) papers on the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of Seishindo Kenpo.
3rd Degree Brown Belt
(5) Grappling Techniques
Create (5) Self-Defense Techniques, detailing their Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movement.
A understanding of the Seishindo Kenpo Encyclopedia of Knowledge.
Write (3) papers on the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of Seishindo Kenpo.
At this stage a student should be on their way to formulating words into completed sentences, and be allowed to break the traditional system structure as a learning process. The student is now at the stage where they must learn to Think for themselves, but stay close to their master, gaining strength through security. The Seishindo Kenpo system is the fundamental foundation of the student's learning process, and all further knowledge will branch from it, as the student traveles toward their path of enlightenment. Black Belt is around the corner with new experiences and elevated levels of enlightenment to come.
Note: Black Belt Levels
Please keep in mind that the requirement are only minimum, and there is many more moves such as Hidden Moves as well as treasured moves in each instructors pocket, of their individual own style, that may be shared with the right student. These are things that a student will learn in addition to the following.
Black Belt 1st Degree Requirements
Is the beginning mastery of all required Basics learned thus far, White Belt through 3rd Degree Brown Belt, executed at a level of standard, set by the Seishindo Kenpo Association.
A complete understanding of Seishindo Kenpo, Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movement as they relate to action.
Write a thesis on a subject matter about Seishindo Kenpo or any Kenpo related Concepts, Principles or Ideas.
Explain the concept of Zones, Zones of Protection, Environment Awareness, Quadrant Zone Theory, Rearrangement Concept, as you execute the movements on your opponent.
Creation and development of (10) original Self-Defense Techniques, explaining the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movement.
Creation of one's own original FORM SET, using the (10) original self-defense techniques you have created. The student must be able to break down the Bits of Action being applied to their Form and Techniques. In addition, explain Concepts, Principles and Ideas, attacker's positions, weapons being executed against you, and where they fit into the Clock Principle at all times.
Help Instruct in class, which will give the student a better sense of their own knowledge and communication skills.
Study Free Sparring fighting techniques.
(15) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques that are designed to make you think about the What If Concept. These techniques are what I call Reactionary Rearrangement.
(10) Lock control multiplication holds executed against an aggressive attacker moving towards you.
Develop a unique Self-Defense Attack Set made up of (3) imaginary attackers, using different natural or armed weapons, and attacking from different angles. Break down the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of all actions.
A big factor in determining a student's ability to advance forward in all belt ranks is their fighting ability.
Black Belt tests will always include Free Sparring with a more advance student. (My early days of training in the BKF always reminds me of how important it is for the student to practice their skill in a controlled environment under the watchful eye of the instructor).
Black Belt 2nd Degree Requirements
Study and be able to execute (10) ground fighting techniques that employs Lock Control Multiplication.
Study Pressure points, writing a paper on how it applies to the Seishindo Kenpo System and it's effectiveness in Self-Defense.
Applying the Rearrangement Concept taking (5) Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques and explain your choice of techniques, the cause and effect of Rearrangement and how to effectively transition into it with no loss of motion.
Explain the concept of Lock Control Multiplication.
Explain the concept of Quadrant Zone and how it apply to your choice of natural weapons.
(10) Lock control multiplication holds.
Develop a unique Two-Man Self-Defense Set.
A big factor in determining a student's ability to advance forward in all belt ranks is their fighting ability.
Black Belt 3rd Degree Requirements
Write a paper on:
1. Seishindo Kenpo, the art.
2. Explain the principle concept of, The Basics.
3. Explain the principle concept of, The Mechanic Of Motion
Take (25) of the Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques of your choice and rearrange them in a What If Situation, explaining the concept of What If.
Take (15) of the Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques of your choice and rearranging them, employing a attacker with a surprise hidden weapon.
A big factor in determining a students ability to advance forward in all belt ranks is their fighting ability.
Self-Defense Techniques
Benefits of a self-defense technique is the ability to practice moves with an opponent in a controlled atmosphere, where you are able to make mistakes with out great pain. In doing these techniques, we find that many theories come in to play such as speed, body alignment, angles, focus, power and many other principles that, with a correct understanding, give us a better chance of survival on the street. When executing a move to a target area, the Natral Weapon used must properly be positioned if we expect to get results from our efforts. Concepts of Zones theories of both your opponent and your self, are important so that we can have a clear understanding of where to place a Natural Weapon or fit it to a target area. Applying these approaches increases our understanding of the movements of Seishindo Kenpo, through analyzing the true meaning of what a technique is used for, and its cause and effect. Remember techniques are only Ideas, Not Rules, they can change at any given time to suit any situation, if you remember this when learning these techniques, you will have learned the most important concept of Seishindo Kenpo.
Yellow Belt Self-Defense Techniques
Flight To Doom - Two Hand Push
Reversing The Sword - Left Hand Punch
Glancing Sword - Right Hand Punch
Delayed Departure - Left Rear Leg Front Thrust kick
Grasping Claw - Right Flank Headlock
Storm Of Darkness - Right Overhead Club
Locking Ram - Attempt Waist Grab
Twin Aggression - Two Hand Lapel Grab
Rotating Wing - Right Direct Lapel Grab
Separating Twigs - Rear Bear Hug Arms Pinned)
Orange Belt Self-Defense Techniques
Spear And Hammer - Right Hand Direct Push
Pushing Talon - Two Hand Push
Hammering The Storm - Right Roundhouse Club
Thunder Of Doom - Two Hand Lapel Grab (Pulling In)
Grasping Feathers - Right Front Hand Hair Grab - Right Flank Headlock
Circle Of Darkness - Right Flank Headlock
Collapsing Branch - Right Flank Headlock
Smashing Wing - Left Hand Punch
Rotating Tiger - Left Hand Rear Belt Grab
Circling Devastation - Flank Left Hand Shoulder Grab
Blue Belt Self-Defense Techniques
Twist Of Fate - Front Right Cross Wrist Grab
Obscure Into Darkness - Front Head Lock
Squatting Branch - Rear Bear Hug (Arms Free)
Circling Force - Right Front Or Rear Roundhouse
Fatal Prongs - Front Bear Hug (Arms Pinned)
Locking Wing - Right Rear Arm Lock
Escaping The Ram - Front Attempt Waist Grab
Cross Of Darkness - Right Rear Arm Lock Blocked
Fanning Talon - Left Uppercut Punch
Escape Of Death - Right Rear Arm Choke
Evading The Storm - Left Overhead Club
Circle Of Fate - Left Hand Direct Wrist Grab
Parting Twigs - Step Through Right Punch
Thrusting Panther - Side Thrust Kick (Rear Leg)
Twisting Wing - Step Through Left Punch
Green Belt Self-Defense Techniques
Snaking Python - Front Left Then Right Punch
Gathering Bears - Left & Right Shoulder Grab By Two Opponents
Leaping Tiger - Right Forward Knife Thrust
Hammering Maces - Left & Right Wrist Grab By Opponents
Glancing Gift - Front Two Hand Grab To The Wrist
Repeating The Storm - Right Roundhouse Club (Returning)
Detour From Death - Right Bear Hug (Arms Free)
Fatal Encounter - Front Bear Hug (Arms Free)
Twirling Ascent - Full Nelson Lock
Broken Twig - Right Front Cross-Push
Parting Ram - Attempt Waist Grab
Securing The Storm - Right Side Overhead Club
Cross Twigs - Two Hand Rear Neck Choke
Menacing Thrust - Attempt Bear Hug Or Waist Grab
Thrusting Wing - Front Two Hand Neck Choke
Seishindo Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques are a combination of newly developed patterns as well as re-examined and re-modified old Kenpo and Kajukenbo techniques from several sources. I apply logic with simplistic action, to maximize effectiveness in the Bits of Action, to achieve Speed, Power and Economy Of Motion.
One of the problems I faced in his early teaching of Kenpo Karate The Ed Parker System, was teaching Ed's Self-Defense Techniques and Forms, and applying educated knowledge of the Mechanics Of Motion. Since Ed Parker had developed his techniques first, before deciding on the Concepts, Principles and Ideas he would later make synonymous with his Kenpo Karate system, many of the actual moves did not Fit into the Bits Of Action being applied to the technique. Many of the Self-Defense Techniques Ed Parker created looked flashy, but left you dangerously exposed, or were like Dance Of Death that made no sense at all except to impress the lay person at the local tournament. The Kajukenbo systems Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movements, under the direction of Sijo Emperado were to "Simplify your actions, Get to the point" as Sijo would share with Me. This approach was much more simplistic and direct, but fell short of developing and challenging the student's mind, with more complicated material.
Mr. Parker explained it away to me by simply saying "Techniques are not rules, only Ideas that can change at any time". This statement is true if we are simply talking about the technique itself, as a completed whole. But, if you have already made up a technique, have been teaching it's movements to others, then later develop the Concepts, Principles and Ideas to justify the techniques, I guess the only thing you can do in this case, and if you command the power to do so, is just explain it away and hope it goes away.
The self-defense technique you develop must be created with a systematic order or arrangement of each bit of action. Concepts, Principles and Ideas of movements should Fit the technique movements like a glove and be taught correctly from the beginning at first, then tell the student that the movements are only Ideas and can be changed at anytime to fit any situation.
As an example of the bits of action, if you go to - Flight To Doom - included with the basic moves that make up the self-defense technique are the many Bits of Action that define the system.
Forms - Patterns/Sets
Yellow Belt
Blocking Set #1
Kicking Set #1
Form Set #1
Orange Belt
Blocking Set #2
Kicking Set #2
Form Set #2 Form Set #3
Blue Belt
Finger Set
Form Set #4
Weapons: 12 Basic Strikes (Single stick)
Green Belt
Parry Set
Form Set #5
Weapons: Short Stick Set #1 (5) Short Stick Self-Defense Disarms (Single stick) Two Man Set
Outside Links
References
1. Seishin, Do, Kenpo: (Denshi Jisho — Japanese dictionary - http://jisho.org/, http://japanese-dict.com).
2. Kenpo, Fist Law, (Parker, ED. 1982 Ed Parkers Infinite Insights into Kenpo, Delsby Publications ISBN 0910293007).
3. Seishindo Kenpo: (Landers, Frank(1984). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo,vol.1: Cerebral Awakening. Facta Publications).
4. Seishindo Kenpo: (Landers, Frank(1985). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo,vol.2: Fundamental Awareness. Facta Publications).
5. Seishindo Kenpo System: (Landers, Frank(1985). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo,vol.3: Encyclopedia of Knowledge,a teachers guide. Facta Publications).
6. Seishindo Kenpo System: (Landers, Frank(1981). Frank Landers Seishindo Kenpo Association Hand Book Facta Publications).
7. Frank Landers, SeishinDo Karate: Who's Who in American Martial Arts (1985) Published by Dale Brooks
8. Frank Landers: Inside Kung Fu Publications - (1981) Kenpo for the streets
Pick a letter to display the names of terms available. Searches are in alphabetical order.
Dignitaries are listed by their First Name. If looking for James M. Mitose, select (J) for James.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z