I am not good at remembering which martial arts everyone has studied in the past, however it has been my observation that in American Kenpo many of the initial blocking positions are based of a natural reaction or an intentional proactive action. I will be discussing things in relation to the natural reaction based off of the context you our conversation. For example if a looping punch is incoming and you see it at the last moment you would be likely to retreat away form the strike while throwing your hands up defensively to protect your head. That is the base reaction. the next step would be to encode more beneficial responses to that basic response. This would take the form of converting the defensive action of the front hand into an outward extended block and the back hand into a positional check which can be employed if necessary to stop follow up attacks. In the case of the X block or the “Fram” block you initial reaction might be to just put both hands up to shield your head, but if they are separated and the impact is to much it could easily collapse both arms. So then we learn to reinforce the block by putting both arms together to brace and support each other should a potential impact look to be to strong for one arm to support. This significantly increases the ability of the block to protect the head, though as you have noted it does create gaps in defense elsewhere. Then through training and experience we get better at determining (at a subconscious level) if we will need one arm or two to stop impact penetration. The concussion mind is too slow to react effectively in real time, thus when  stressful and/or dangerous situations presents themself the subconscious (which has hopefully been trained to react correctly) takes over. It sounds to me that your subconscious recognized the branch as a high level danger and chose to protect your head with both arms. Which was like a good response in the situation you described.

What you are describing is a “Frame”. When both arms are employed in that manner you can support much more incoming force. Trad off is that is does compromise your defense in other places. There is always a pro and a con to every action though. You will see this concept employed both in manipulation arts (Wrestling, Jujutsu, and MMA Grappling) to maintain distance with minimal energy exertion. In the striking arts, If the opponent is much larger (or a big tree branch) the additional arm provides potentially needed support if you are unable to use guiding force to avoid the incoming impact. Thats my quick overview, hope it is helpful.

I think the coin analogy is the best way to look at it. If we’re the coin, we have the potential to wage war on one side, but we also have the potential to cultivate peace on the other side. I believe that those who have the capability to wage war the best can also understand the true value of peace. I think this is part of the reason Mr. Parker wanted to teach Paxtial Arts to Martial Artists first. Life is full of contrasts. We can’t understand light without dark, and we wouldn’t have a drive to appreciate life while we have it if we didn’t die. I’m sure you can find many other examples. All things have a contrasting element. That’s how I see it at least.

I especialy like the historical informaiton and the thought process you have on this.

As far as devices I like , but that is because I do a lot of creative art, video editing, and webdesign. That combined with being in the  ecosystem for countless years makes choosing an apple device and no brain for me. In regards to being able to access stuff on the website, I believe I’ve set it up to where you can access it on any device that has a web browser and Internet connection. Doing my best to keep everything usable on mobile websites as well. So whether it’s your phone, a tablet or a computer, you should be able to access anything you need on the website. if you guys have issues accessing anything on any of the other devices, you have, let me know, and I’ll see what I can do to resolve it. I hope this helps, if you have any other questions, let me know.

Hi Mr. Robinson, You should have got a confermation and reminder email earler this week. I don't have my event tracking sheet with me right now, but here is the information on what to wear depending on what you signed up for. Winter Training Camp Seminars Attire If you are attending the seminar you are welcome to wear you uniform bottom and a comfortable T-Shirt or other appropriate workout attire. Please do not wear your rank belts. Awards Banquet Attire If you are attending the Awards Banquet we ask that you dress in Business casual attire. Note: If you plan on attending the Banquet you will need to register at least a week in advance. We submit our meal orders at that time, soe we are unable to add people beyond December 6th, 2024. I hope this information is helpful, Andrew Pilch

Depending on how early, if the UPS store directly to left of the school is open (8:00am), you can leave the envelope with them. There is not a mail slot on my front door, but if you can figure out how to slip it through you can do that as well.

I know some of you expressed intrest in attending the seminar in December. There is currently only 9 spots left for the Adult Seminar. Our anual seminars normaly sell out early to mid October. If you are intrested in attending please see the main post regarding how to sign up.

Great question! I just created a post with all the informaiton here: https://www.paxtialarts.com/forum/general-discussion/december-14-seminar

I am soooo glad. you guys are doing better.🎉

You said one of the few words that trigger PTSD in me... Kidney Stone... 😱 I hope you are doing ok. My the morphine be strong and do its job!

Glad to have you onboard Ian!

Thanks Tony!

I am glad you guys had the opportunity to spend some time together!