Introduction The material for purple belt includes thirty new self defense techniques as well as two new kata. One of the kata will be an extended version of Short #1. The other kata will include self defense techniques required for promotion. The self defense techniques for purple offer new options for familiar attacks as well as ways to deal with new scenarios. Also included are multiple opponent defenses as well as a pre-emptive technique. Techniques Required Series #1 Striking Mace Crossing Talon (ABC) Circling Elbows Locking Arms (AB) Windmill Guard (AB) Spiraling Wrist (AB) Crash of the Eagle II (A-I) Encircling Arms (ABCD) Rising Elbow Guarding the Wall Striking Mace: This move has one of the very few examples of a c-step (common in many Japanese systems) in Tracy Karate. Crossing Talon: This is a core move and should receive extra attention. The first small joint manipulation taught. Circling Elbows: Learning this move is essential for at least five of the techniques required for purple belt. Pay close attention to the step behind. It s crucial to success. Locking Arms (AB): Required for future kata. Spiraling Wrist: One of your first small joint manipulations. Crash of the Eagle: Required for kata later. Guarding the Wall: Great for learning simultaneous blocking and striking. Series #2 Eagle Pin Striking Fang (AB) Shackle Break (ABC) Drawbridge (AB) Full Nelson Kung Fu Cross Divided Swords (AB) Gift Opening Cowl (AB) Slicing Dragon Copyright and Tracy International, 2013
Eagle Pin: The first of your multiple opponent defenses Striking Fang: Great move as an introduction to flow. Shackle Break: Version C is taught for a future kata. Drawbridge: Your first move with a throw. The move has a funny history regarding the name. Full Nelson: One of if not THE best counter to the hold. Divided Swords: Often viewed as an option for a misapplied Crashing Elbows. Opening (the) Cowl: This is a core technique and is in several kata. In its practical form, this is a brawling move and can be quite effective. Slicing Dragon: Good laboratory move used to teach stance transition. This is a great move to practice repeatedly for just that reason. Series #3 Ascending to Heaven (ABC) Raising the Sword Arm Hook (AB) Crossing the Sun (ABC) Attack From the Temple (AB) Kneeling Prayer (AB) Dart Covering Talon (AB) Wing Break (AB) U-Punch (AB) Raising the Sword: Laboratory move; important part to avoid the counter back kick. Arm Hook: Laboratory move teaching a new block Crossing the Sun: Crossing talon against a weapon Attack from the Temple: One and two opponent aggressive defense Dart: A favorite Tracy technique of Sensei Durden. Covering Talon: The very first maneuver taught in the bathroom techniques series U-Punch: Great introduction to said attack Kata Required Long Form #1, Short Form #2 The first, Long Form #1, is basically an extended version of Short #1 with more practice for the basic blocks. The end of the kata introduces some advanced blocks used extensively in the intermediate and advanced belt levels. Long Form #1 IS long, but it s neither particularly complicated nor difficult to learn. For a student with excellent basics execution, this can also be a tournament winning kata at early belts. Copyright and Tracy International, 2013
Short #2 is the first kata to include required self defense techniques be performed. Overall the kata is easy to learn and relatively simple. The most common issue is dealing with the angled movements. This is more of an eye catching kata over Long #1 for students who flow particularly well, and competitors have used it to place in tournaments at appropriately early belt ranks. Basics Required Spinning Back Kick Heel Hook Side Thrust Kick Ridge Hand Cat Stance (transitional) Chicken Kick Stepping Side Kick Stepping Backfist Moving in the Fighting Stance Increasingly Competent Breakfalls Things to Practice Increase your repetitions for all basics. Even out our techniques i.e. if you have a great left wheel kick but a weak right wheel kick, work the right side till it is close to the left side. Become as balanced as possible. During your practices, pay more attention to your hands and feet. Are you making a good fist? Are your feet aligned? Is your hand tight? Other ideas include: 1. Work on fluidly moving in your fighting stance(s). Work both sides. 2. Improve your use of imaginary opponents. See in your mind what s happening. 3. Work techniques both before and after stretching. Become aware of what you can do cold and, more importantly, what you CAN T do cold. 4. Begin practicing explosion. Perform techniques at full speed from a relaxed and off-guard position. Have a friend signal when to go so you can fire at will. 5. Perform your self defense techniques both left and right side (where applicable). Pick a random move from a previous belt as a refresher. Make notes of any questions or difficulties you have to ask about in class. Copyright and Tracy International, 2013
6. Do something FUN! Practice an advanced technique or basic you learned in class. If you have problems, write down the problem and ask about it the next time in class. Copyright and Tracy International, 2013
Sensei s Notes Earning the purple belt, for many students, is one of the most enjoyable tasks for a Kenpo student. Many of the self defense moves are fun as well as effective. Not only do several of them build off of each other and moves you already know, but as you approach purple, you ll have developed the mental ability to learn more complex moves easier and easy moves faster. Many students also notice that going from right to left side defenses becomes more fluid. Most likely you will be sparring more and more which develops things like timing and distance manipulation. You ll also most likely have had a few hours of mat time learning ground work, throws, and breakfalls. Breakfalls are scary until a student becomes comfortable letting go and allowing the body to fall as safely as possible. It is not in our nature to let ourselves hit the ground without reaching with the hands even though that is possibly the worst thing we can do. Once understood and become proficient with, however, breakfalls are a great doorway to groundwork and throws. By this time most students have participated in at least one breaking class. Breaking offers both a boost in self-confidence as well as an exercise in explosion and focus. It is also a great physical display of your ability to hit hard. Proficient breakers quickly learn that the play hitting that used to be fun among friends may not be as welcome as it once was. Your play hits now don t feel as playful because your body is being trained to mechanically deliver power and damage. There s no play in the equation, anymore. Getting your purple belt is one of the first big mile markers. Purple is the first of the darker belts. You re no longer a beginner. Purple marks the intermediate stage, and you ll be expected to perform as such. Your place and your responsibilities in the class will change, and other students will more frequently ask you questions about moves and request demonstrations. These are great opportunities to help others as well as cement knowledge in your mind. It can also expose weaknesses in your memory which can be corrected once identified. Copyright and Tracy International, 2013