Here at Dragon Storm there are 2 main differences that set us apart from the rest. 1 we teach a purely for self defense and not for sport Martial Art and 2 we have a more in depth system.
We teach American Kenpo in a fun family oriented way that is great for men, women, and kids. We also offer women’s self defense classes.
Although all Martial Art systems instill or at least should instill things like self control, respect for one’s self as well as others, integrity, confidence, self-esteem, honor, perseverance, courage, discipline, courtesy, motivation and humility, traits you will use in all aspects of life. With all systems you should also get exercise, increase cardio and flexibility and of course the more effort you put in the better the results.
Here at Dragon Storm our main focus is on self defense and that should be the main focus of every school. If self defense is not the very first thing that they list then they are telling you that self defense is not their primary objective and you should really think hard before you commit to that style.
Most styles or systems of martial arts, such as MMA, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung-Fu and Krav Maga have punches and kicks that you must learn. These are some of the basics that are taught from the beginning. Some of the styles like Akido, Judo and others are more into learning to fall, taking someone down and using joint locks then they are into the striking. I don’t mention all the strikes, kicks and stances while making the comparison to save time.
And although All Martial Art systems have various types of strikes a huge difference is found in the amount of different combinations and moves, known as techniques, that are taught in each style and some styles don’t really even have techniques but instead just have what is known as forms or Katas. Tae Kwon Do for example only has empty hand forms and weapons forms for each belt.
EXAMPLES: To reach your first belt in Song Ahm Tae Kwon Do, you learn a form consisting of 18 moves, (and unfortunately you are not told what the moves are for, or how to use them in a fight) and 2 one-steps, consisting of 10 moves. Total 28 moves.
To reach your first belt in American Kenpo Karate you must learn a form having 36 moves. You are shown what the moves are for and why we step the way we do to avoid an attack. You must also learn 12 self-defense techniques, all of which are thoroughly explained, with 49 moves. Lastly you must also learn a blocking set with 32 moves. For a total of 117 moves.
For your second belt in Tae Kwon Do you must learn a form, again unexplained, consisting of 23 moves and 2 one-steps made up of 12 moves. Total moves 35.
For your second belt in Kenpo you learn a form and are told why you do each of the 138 moves comprising it, 24 self-defense techniques with a total of 96 moves and a kicking set consisting of 42 moves, 16 kicks and 4 directional changes. Total moves 276.
Wing Chung has a total of 3 forms that the student must learn. It is my understanding that these forms are repeated several times and each time you must perform it at a higher level of proficiency for promotion, in other words you may do the same material for your first 3 belts not really learning anything new, then the 2nd form for your next 3 belts ect…. The first form Sil Lum Tao has 67 moves, Chum Kiu has 115 moves and the third form Biu Jee has 210 moves. 392 Total moves to reach your black belt.
Shotokan Karate has a 2 man drill, Gohon Kumite with a total of 18 moves and a form, Kihon Kata with 22 moves for your first belt. For your next belt you repeat all the basics and Gohon Kumite plus you have to preform the Heian Shodan Kata, form, consisting of 23 moves. So the only new thing you have to learn is Heian Shodan Kata.
So you can start to see the major differences in Kenpo and other styles of martial arts. This is why we do not test every 2 or 3 months as most other systems do, there is simply just to much to learn for most belts and we require that the student be proficient in all the material before earning their next rank, In addition, unlike most schools where once you learn something and test and move on you never have to do that material again, meaning that for most students you wind up loosing what you have learned, I require each student to perform all past material, to insure that they retain their knowledge and skills, when testing for their next belt.
This comparison is intended to help give anyone looking to join the Martial Arts a glimpse into just a few of the different systems that are out there. Each individual should do their own research into what each potential system has to offer, then make up their own mind as to which martial art discipline would be the best one for them to study.
This comparison is for informational purposes only. All info was obtained either from a website of a particular style, association or from first hand experience.