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Progressive or Regressive
5 year(s) ago • 18410 views • 5 replies
TDBlack belt 9th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Now that we have some people on here let's talk turkey!
Are we really helping the progression of the arts? And since this is a Kenpo forum let's stick with Kenpo specifically. In the interest of keeping this an "organized" mess be sure to list two or three things either way as to why you think we are or aren't progressing. Not propagating but progressing as a System gaining new insights and understanding not just adding new curriculum to an already curriculum heavy system for the purpose of keeping people at bay or away from the next rank or gaining equal insight in the art. A quote from SGM Ed Parker in book 5 of the Infinite Insights " page 233 "I further hope that capitalizing on my discoveries will allow those who are interested more time to experiment and exploit other areas needing study." Now sadly, in my opinion he did not name any of these areas so people have (as it should be) taken it upon themselves to determine/inter prate them on their own. This is however typically also based on a persons need to fill their own "vision" of the arts and not necessarily always the "need" for or proper direction and insight for the system.
Ok, that ended up being longer than I had anticipated, but remember there are no wrong answers here just opinions and insight based on your experiences in the art.
Have fun!!!
Are we really helping the progression of the arts? And since this is a Kenpo forum let's stick with Kenpo specifically. In the interest of keeping this an "organized" mess be sure to list two or three things either way as to why you think we are or aren't progressing. Not propagating but progressing as a System gaining new insights and understanding not just adding new curriculum to an already curriculum heavy system for the purpose of keeping people at bay or away from the next rank or gaining equal insight in the art. A quote from SGM Ed Parker in book 5 of the Infinite Insights " page 233 "I further hope that capitalizing on my discoveries will allow those who are interested more time to experiment and exploit other areas needing study." Now sadly, in my opinion he did not name any of these areas so people have (as it should be) taken it upon themselves to determine/inter prate them on their own. This is however typically also based on a persons need to fill their own "vision" of the arts and not necessarily always the "need" for or proper direction and insight for the system.
Ok, that ended up being longer than I had anticipated, but remember there are no wrong answers here just opinions and insight based on your experiences in the art.
Have fun!!!
KDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hey Todd
Good topic, :) you wrote Are we really helping the progression of the arts What are your own thoughts about this :) ? If I understand your questions correct are you asking if we are standing still or are we moving forward in the Art
Good topic, :) you wrote Are we really helping the progression of the arts What are your own thoughts about this :) ? If I understand your questions correct are you asking if we are standing still or are we moving forward in the Art
MDBlack belt 6th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I wouldn't dare to assume I'm helping the progression of the art as a whole. I'm just hoping that the lessons and seminars I teach are helping the progression of the people in those classes as well as my own. And maybe my attempts to keep an open mind and look at Kenpo from a different perspective will sow a seed in those people that will eventually lead to progression of the art.
I actually think that that is the most we can do. A predetermined attempt to further the art as a whole will lead to such a diversion from the art as we know it, that it wouldn't attract the many people it would need to make a difference and would ultimately lead to further splintering of Kenpo instead of furthering it.
I actually think that that is the most we can do. A predetermined attempt to further the art as a whole will lead to such a diversion from the art as we know it, that it wouldn't attract the many people it would need to make a difference and would ultimately lead to further splintering of Kenpo instead of furthering it.
TDBlack belt 9th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hey Todd Good topic, :) you wrote Are we really helping the progression of the arts What are your own thoughts about this :) ? If I understand your questions correct are you asking if we are standing still or are we moving forward in the Art
I am really curious about peoples understanding and Idea about what progression of the system really is? How you read or understand that it/we are progressing or growing the system and not just making personal strides and improvements in understanding and application of the information we already have or have had for a time. We all move forward in the art as individuals, but what do we do or have we done to enact or elicit system wide growth and understanding? Hopefully this makes sense? And again, no wrong answer here.
KDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
The written part is not exactly my strongest side.
But for development to take place, you must first understand what we are dealing with to begin with, which in itself can be difficult. When looking at the Kenpo system I'm sure we do teach the same standart curriculum. And there is probably a reason for that. The question is do we need to add something new to move forward or cut something away. Or do we basically have it all, but we cant see it. Remember people change things they do not understand. So is a personal choice was you want to do with the Art
But for development to take place, you must first understand what we are dealing with to begin with, which in itself can be difficult. When looking at the Kenpo system I'm sure we do teach the same standart curriculum. And there is probably a reason for that. The question is do we need to add something new to move forward or cut something away. Or do we basically have it all, but we cant see it. Remember people change things they do not understand. So is a personal choice was you want to do with the Art
TDBlack belt 9th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I agree with Marcel, and Kim and would only add that while it is certainly always a personal journey and growth and that the curriculum is very full and robust. All to often people do think that merely adding or subtracting elements of the curriculum is progression. This is certainly true for that individual but is that change really moving the art as a whole forward or is this just personal growth? (Rhetorical question,) and for Marcel I agree that we are not really changing anything globally as the Founder SGM Parker did and continued to do along his journey. It is said that "necessity is the mother of invention" and this is true of the Martial arts as well but it is not often seen (beyond the death of the Founder) on a global scale. It is an interesting dichotomy that I have found in my journey to be one that many either do not acknowledge or understand. Not implying that I do fully understand it, but I think there is room for greater discussion and understanding.
And I thank you for participating in the discussion!
And I thank you for participating in the discussion!
