Category: American Kenpo

The Fear Appeal & Fear Factor

3/26/2018

There are a million reasons why people join Martial arts. The rationalization usually following the line of being bullied at school, rape statistics or they possibly have already been harmed. While these are perfectly good reasons to learn Martial Arts, as instructors we have to look at the deeper underlying cause.

FEAR

Fear is such a powerful motivator that for centuries we have manipulated it and used it for psychological marketing schemes.

This is referred to as Fear Appeal.

Fear Appeal describes a strategy in which one incites a fear to motivate people into purchasing products or supporting policies.

A women's gun training campaign ad demonstrating Fear Appeal.

Some of these fears, such as a violent attack are justifiable. According to the FBI, the overall violent crimes committed in 2016 rose at 4.1%. There were an estimated 17,250 murders committed, rising 8.6% from 2015. These statistics are enough to make anyone think twice before walking down any alley.

Some Dojos play on the fear of becoming one of those statistics. Making potential students not only believe that they will be attacked but are also incapable of defending themselves. This trend has become particularly popular with targeting women to the point that almost anywhere you go you will find some kind of “self-defense” seminar.

The truth of the matter is anyone is capable of defending themselves with the proper knowledge and application.

While Dojo’s might be trying to better their enrollment with this tactic; they could be actually sabotaging their own efforts. While fear can be an excellent motivator, it can also be a double edged sword and can become a deterrent.

There is a fine line where fear appeal morphs into the Fear Factor.

No not that Fear Factor...

Where Fear Appeal is based on motivating;
Fear factor is when a person’s state of mind prevents them from action. The fear of the unknown in a Dojo could cripple a potential student from ever crossing the Dojo threshold. We have all heard the countless stories of students who passed the Dojo countless times wanting to sign up, but never having the courage to actually enter and sign up.

If a student can curb their anxiety and sign up, they may still grapple with it.

Any little trigger could cause their acute stress response, also known as the fight or flight response. In other words, a student under too much duress can become literally
“deer in the headlights.”

A student motivated by fear appeal is more likely to channel their fight response in a high stress situation and possibly lash out. Where as a student grappling with the fear factor more than likely will channel their flight reflex in a distressing situation, causing the student to quit.

As instructors, it’s not our position to motivate students or manipulate them.

As instructors, it’s not our position to motivate students or manipulate them. However, with proper training and guidance, students can learn to recognize that they are slipping into that state of mind and how to control it. It requires instructors to not only recognize a student’s physical abilities but also their mental and emotional capabilities.

As Instructors, do we not contemplate our own physical, mental and emotional capabilities?

We all come up with theories of how we would respond in the event that someone attacked us, because we as human always contemplate the “what if”.

Every Martial Artist has theoretical moments of what their response would be in a high stress situation such as a physical attack. Will all of our training allow our muscle memory to kick in and defend us? Or would our adrenaline kick in and override our clear conscious thinking? Would our acute response kick in and which would it be? Fight or Flight?

The purpose of Martial Arts is not to rely on your acute stress response in a confrontation, but rather to suppress it and react with a clear mind.

In a confrontation, you can learn thousands of systems, methods and techniques to defend yourself, but it won’t mean anything if you panic.

Knowledge is powerful, but it is not dangerous until it is applied.

We need both the mind and the body to be the warrior. As Martial Artist, always remember our goal is not to be stuck in the fear factor but to transcend into the
"Wow Factor".

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The Martial Arts Plateau...

8/22/2017

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When I first got back on the mat after taking a long sabbatical I was powering through not only learning new material but re-learning old material.

I was taking privates and attending group classes to play catch up. I began to not only climb the ranks but also began teaching and running classes for my Sifu. It was riveting and exciting to chart my growth in almost every aspect of my life and it was all because of Martial Arts.

I received my blue belt...

I fought through my green belt...

I trudged through my 3rd brown only to breeze through my 2nd brown…

And then it hit me.
It hit me hard.
At some point in the study of my 1st brown and when I was so close to achieving black belt, the number one killer of Martial Arts careers hit me.

The Plateau Effect

Many of us have heard people use the phrase “you’ve hit a plateau.” This correlates to the Plateau effect. The Urban Dictionary describes the phrase as a reaching point where gradual progress is no longer possible and stagnation is likely, where advancement can only be achieved by a sudden, difficult and possibly risky leap up to the next level.

I found myself in a situation where when judging my own progress, there seemed to be little or none. Worse of all was this feeling of deficiency and even inadequacy. It was beginning to consume not only my training by my attitude of the dojo.
I began to dread going to the dojo whether it was to train or run class. Fearing the idea of having to talk to anyone because I just couldn’t muster the previous enthusiasm I once had. My dojo was once considered a home and it was now nothing more than work.

Terrifyingly enough there are many students as well as instructors that can suffer from the Plateau Effect.

I immediately contacted my friend Andrea Harkins. Mrs. Harkins is a 2nd Degree Black in Tang Soo Do, a 2nd Degree Black in Taekwondo and an active Tai Chi Student. Apart from her impressive Martial Arts resume, she is also a fellow writer and motivational speaker.

Mrs. Andrea Harkins a.k.a The Martial Arts Woman

Mrs. Harkins explained how her Martial arts and speaking work together,
“I use martial arts as the basis for all of my motivational talks, as well as what I share on Facebook and social media. I found that most people have an interest in martial arts and that even non-martial artists enjoy hearing how the martial art mindset works in real life.”

Andrea is so inspiring that she recently had a book published titled “The Martial Arts Woman”.

The book features over 25 female martial artists and their stories of overcoming obstacles in Martial arts.
She says,
“My overall mission has always been to make the world a better place through both positivity and martial arts. It is an empowering blend that you do not normally see.”

Andrea believes every student will reach a plateau at some time or another but there is never really a precise time it will strike and what can cause a plateau may vary amongst students and instructors. One day, you show up to class and think...

“I don’t want to be here.”

She explains,
“A plateau often happens in a belted system somewhere between the middle colored belts and black belt. The training gets more difficult. The student either does or does not want to put forth the effort. The plateau is created because they do not have the time, energy, or desire to push through.”

Whatever the cause or time frame the side effects are the same.

-Stop coming to class
-Do not give 100% effort in class
-Don’t ask questions or seem concerned
-Issues in personal life
-A change in demeanor
-Seeking training elsewhere
-Not practicing

Each student is an individual and can have different reactions to hitting a plateau. My Sifu constantly reminds us,
“that each person’s head is a different world.”

Mrs. Harkins with a few of her students.

Taking this into consideration, assisting a student with overcoming a plateau can vary.

Andrea stresses the importance of an instructor who knows and understands their students. She goes into detail with,
“It is important to understand your students individually and what motivates each one of them. Some are learning for defense, some for fitness, some because it is cool to learn! Ask students questions and become a part of their life. Know their names, their hobbies, and their family. A personal relationship helps them to stay committed.”

Having a personal relationship with a student can help an instructor to notice when something might be off. If you are training younger students then check in with their parents; parents can help alert instructors of a change in demeanor in the home.

Me and one of our student's (Mr. R) winning student of the month.

Andrea reminds instructors to smile and be genuine to help make the dojo or school a positive environment that’s full of energy.
“Give them praise when the do something well, and personal attention when they are not. Receiving a compliment for hard work goes a long way.

Being able to have an open dialog with your student is just as crucial.
Andrea suggests,
“When you notice a student in a slump, meet up with them in private and ask if there is anything with which you can help them. Let them know you have noticed a change and wanted to make sure that they know that whatever it is, martial arts can help them pull through and you will do everything you can to help them in that manner.”

Though many might associate the Plateau Effect with students, instructors can fall victim to something very similar...

The Law of Diminishing Returns

The law of diminishing returns is reaching a certain point where the profits/benefits gained in a goal are less than the amount of energy, time or money invested. The plateau effect might never hit during our training but once we achieve our goal the sudden questioning of why we did all this work could slap us in the face.

The difficult part of achieving our goal is learning to redefine our goal. Some might focus on continuing and perfecting their art, studying a new system or style or even transitioning from student to teacher. No matter what direction we choose to go Andrea reminds us,
“Plateaus and slumps in life are part of human nature. The important thing is that we push through and keep going.”

To overcome my own plateau, maybe I just needed to reignite the passion inside me? I found myself taking a step back and trying to remember why I loved Martial Arts so much? Luckily for me my Kenpo Family was standing by and ready to help. They reminded me why I fell in love with teaching Martial Arts and slowly but surely I was able to let the nay-saying fall by the wayside.

Grand Master Frank Trejo (10th Degree Black) taking the time to speak to our PeeWee/Junior class.

Although my plateau had the potential to possibly kill my Martial arts career...

It became an experience for the better. As an instructor and future Sifu I now understand and can relate to a student that has hit a plateau and I might have a better chance at understanding and redirecting their energy.

Maybe our hardest training isn’t climbing hills, but rather overcoming our own self doubts after we’ve climbed the hill and reached the plateau.

Perhaps that plateau is meant for us to discover or learn a new perspective?
Perhaps it’s to remind us why we are climbing those hills in the first place?
Perhaps those plateau’s are what separates the serious Martial Artist from the novice? Either way, we’ll never really know unless we keep trying and never surrender.

For more information on the Martial Arts Woman check out her website.

The Martial Arts Woman Website

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of "The Martial Arts Woman" it is available on Amazon.

Amazon: The Martial Arts Woman

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Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp... The Ultimate Family Reunion

4/18/2017

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My primary Martial Art system I study is American Kenpo.

Because of American Kenpo’s large following, many people ask who my instructor is or what lineage I am? A lineage in American Kenpo is no different than a style is in Kung Fu, a Heya to a Sumo wrestler, a team to a MMA fighter or in layman’s terms for a non-Martial Artist--your family.

My senior instructor is Senior Master of the Arts Huk Planas, a 10th Degree Black Belt.

Sifu Huk Planas (left) and Grand Master Ed Parker (right)

Sifu Planas began training in Kenpo in the late sixties with Steve Labounty and Tom Kelly. In 1969 Sifu Planas moved to Pasadena, CA and began to work for Grand Master Ed Parker. He was promoted through Grand Master Parker up to his 7th Degree Black belt in 1985. My instructor Senior Professor JR Diaz currently holds a 7th Degree Black belt under Sifu Planas. Through this association our group as well as myself, continue to study with Sifu Planas and his Parker/Planas Lineage.

My instructor (left) back when he was a brown belt with Sifu David Perez (center) and Sifu Planas (back right)

My friend and instructor Sifu Marty Zaninovich was a 1st Degree black belt in the early 80’s

When he attended a seminar by Mr. Parker,
“I was totally captured with his teachings……..After I attended, I asked (about joining the Parker Lineage), then was referred to contact Mr. Planas.”

Sifu Zaninovich or Sifu Z discussed the change with his good friend and fellow black belt, David Perez. They had their first lesson with Sifu Planas in a park in Sacramento, CA.
Sifu Z remembers,
“This was a very eye opening experience we’ll never forget. That lesson opened a whole new thought process that we were about to engage in. What an awesome journey that continues with something new to learn all the time!!!”

Sifu Z (right) and Sifu Planas (left)

Sifu Planas has 17 countries around the world that study under him.

Sifu Z is a 9th Degree Black belt under Sifu Planas and travels the world now. Sifu Z has had the privilege of traveling to and teaching in many of those same schools under Sifu Planas.

A common discussion with many students he says is,
“There has always been a lot of questions from many practitioners and Instructors in the US and Europe of what the people and talent is like from each perspective group?"

"My response is; they’re awesome and train very hard. No difference in either group.”

Regardless of Town, City, State or Country, the Planas requirements are the same without compromise. It was on a teaching trip to Sweden that Sifu Z and Ingmar Johansson a Swedish Kenpoist also under Sifu Planas and a 6th Degree Black began discussing this very topic.

Sifu Z (Far left) Sifu Planas (Center) Sifu Johansson (Far right)

They came up with the idea of having a International event in honor of Sifu Planas and his lineage.
Sifu Z explains,
“I called JR. Diaz that exact moment and asked if he would be willing to facilitate in gathering a team to help coordinate the event. He did on the spot; Jesa Harper (Kenpo Girl), Gino Martino and several others.”

After the Event Committee was formed, plans for the event were underway.

This event is anticipated to be one of the most exciting developments in the Parker/Planas Lineage for 2017.
Sifu Z explains,
“To this day we are fully entrenched with the preparation for the event; J.R. Diaz was and is so correct with his recommendations.”

The event is scheduled to take place at the Westgate Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Westgate has hosted international events and has earned a well deserved reputation for accommodating Martial Arts seminars.

Students attending can look forward to an atmosphere of sharing, learning, networking and participating in a historical event.

Sifu Z can’t stress the importance of these events enough,
“It brings unity and a tighter bond within our Parker/Planas group and collectively creates fluid boundaries for us all.”

Participants can not only look forward to staying at the Westgate Resort, but can attend a variety of classes by Parker/Planas Lineage instructors from around the world. There is also a banquet scheduled for all participants to dine and get to know each other.

Events like these remind me of family reunions.

Bonds are created and ones already established are strengthened, only to deepen our commitment and studies. Nonetheless, it will be a privilege to honor our patriarch who has held us all accountable to train and teach a higher level of Kenpo.

For those who have never attended such an event, I strongly encourage students to attend events like this. Remember, the past is the past and the future is always uncertain, but the present is called so because it is a gift. The time we have with our senior instructors is a gift that some have not have.

All information such as schedule, list of instructors, classes, prices and merchandise can be found on the Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp website.

Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp Website

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My weekend with Grandmaster Frank Trejo...

6/9/2016

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I have been struggling with ambivalent feelings about my position at the Dojo...

The confusion of being involved with the business aspect, helping teach students but being a green belt and not viewed as an instructor leaves me in between a rock and a hard spot. Our head instructor, JR Diaz (7th Degree Black Belt) has always said that a dojo is like a puzzle and every student is a piece that makes the puzzle whole. Perhaps the reason for my mixed emotions is because my piece to the puzzle is shifting.

Either way, I was feeling off and an upcoming seminar was just what I needed. Our Dojo had the honor of hosting three majorly iconic figures in our system: Grandmaster Huk Planas (10th Degree Black Belt), Sifu Marty Zaninovich (9th Degree Black Belt), and Grandmaster Frank Trejo (10th Degree Black Belt).

Grandmaster Trejo had to be picked up due to previous health issues from Diabetes; where his legs, left hand and part of his right hand had been amputated. He had insisted he was ready for some wheelchair Kenpo. My Sifu told me he didn’t have a ride for Grandmaster. Knowing my Sifu was stressing, I immediately volunteered for the task, taking the stress upon myself.

I had never met this man but knew he was a legend.

The entire 3 ½ hour drive to LA I fretted the what if’s. What if I insult this man? What if he was insulted a green belt and not a black belt was there to pick him up? 3 hours is a long time to come up with a lot of what ifs...

Worrying was clearly a waste of energy.

Grandmaster Trejo was warm, welcoming and excited to tell his old fight stories and different theories on Kenpo. He immediately told me, “When you’re out there and you’re trying to perfect your craft, you’re learning to fool the other guy. You’re a magician doing magic. Leave them asking, ‘How did he do that?’ It’s magic.”

He also told me about how he became involved in Kenpo and became an instructor...

“My mom saw an ad in the newspaper. It said ‘Wanted Karate Instructor: no experience needed. $700.00 a month. That was a lot of money back then and I was already into karate. I put my brother in first doing Shotokan. I was excited and I’d tell him show me what you learned so I could learn. When I started with Kenpo there was a bunch of us but there was only a couple of us that stook with it. They would try to make you quit. Huk Planas and Steve Herring were my first teachers. Steve Herring taught me but Huk Planas taught me how to be an instructor. I was teaching when I was just a yellow belt.”

I secretly loved hearing his stories of teaching as a lower ranked student.

When we got to the Dojo, so many students were elated to see him and it was an emotional reunion between him and Grandmaster Planas. In all the commotion of greetings and photos, I found an appreciation that I had been allowed so much time one on one with him.

For his class we pushed his wheel chair out onto the mat. He started with a few stories, opening with a few Rodney Dangerfield jokes he had practiced in the car with me. Watching him run a class in his condition was nothing short of remarkable. He grabbed a few students to help demonstrate the drill we would be working on. It was awesome watching him demonstrate accurately the drill despite his handicaps. He had students working on a sticky hands Huba exercise that had the students working on free movement and feeling where blocks and strikes should go, instead of being told were to insert them. The student’s enjoyed it and it was clear the class was a success.

When we were driving back to the hotel for Sifu Trejo to relax before Dinner...

He started apologizing for leaving early because some students where still visiting when we had left. I wasn’t worried about it. I was still chewing over what he had said about being a yellow belt and being an instructor. The Dojo dynamics were trying at times being a green belt and trying to be an instructor let alone doing it as a yellow belt.

When he asked what was wrong, I didn’t know how to tell him that I was feeling the edges of my puzzle piece shifting, wanting to be an instructor but that the Dojo was trying to force me to fit in my old gap. I tried explaining, “I’ve been struggling with where I belong in the Dojo. I help on the mat teaching but I am not viewed as an instructor because I’m out ranked by so many. I don’t know what to do.”

He nodded and told me another story,

“When I was 18 and I was an orange belt with Steve Herring a guy came into the Dojo one night high on PCP. We had a few students on the mat in different belts, some higher rank than me. He came in looking for Steve and ended up attacking me. Well I’m trying to fight him and it wasn’t working because he’s high on PCP. Well Steve came out and he starts fighting the guy. He picked Steve up over his head to throw him…”

“We had a pool stick we used as a club. I grabbed the pool stick and I’m hitting him in the ribs with the stick. When he wouldn’t drop him I started hitting him in the legs. He finally dropped my instructor and I remember him standing in the door. He salutes us and says ‘I’m coming back to kill you,’ and he takes off. Well we chase him outside and start fighting again, trying to hold him down till the police could get there and arrest him.”

I was horrified, “What about the other students? Did they help?”

He turned and looked at me with a stone cold face and said, “No and some of them out ranked me. They just stood and watched.”

He didn’t say anything for a little bit. I think he was giving the story a chance to sink in but I said, “I can’t wrap my head around that.”

He told me, “The rank doesn’t matter. I fought for instructor. I did it for my school. That’s what matters.”

I realized I had lost sight of why I do karate. It’s not about obtaining a black belt. A black belt is merely a status symbol that a student has met certain requirements. It’s the student behind the belt that matters. It’s the dedication to yourself, your instructor and your Dojo that counts.

When it was time for Grandmaster Trejo to go home he gifted me with a new gi with his patch and he told me the story and meaning of his patch.

“When Grandmaster Parker died,
I wanted to make a patch that was like the black armbands you wear when in mourning. So I made the Ghost patch and I only had 10 of them made for the 10 instructors he left behind. Well as time went on they each began to make their own patch and said this should be mine. I left it grey with no colors because when Grandmaster Parker died the color in Kenpo left.
It’s up to us to bring the color back.”

I know there’s no crying in Karate, but I cried a little.

There isn’t a truer statement. It falls on us to continue our systems and bring the life into them. Its up to us to remember that a yellow belt, purple belt or even a green belt is just as important as a black belt. That is why the patches are in color, because one day that yellow belt will be a black belt. We are all needed, because we are all one piece to the puzzle.