Glossary of Terms

– V –

Variable Expansion – The ability to randomly select solutions or build upon precepts as a result of having a thorough knowledge of the principles and concepts of the Martial Arts.

Variation – Variance of moves in a set self defense sequence. Can be added at the end or during any moves. The variation move is attacked by the opponent the same way. This enables the martial artist to react to any sudden changes.

Vertical Outward – A type of block used for close range encounters that sends the attacking weapon out and away from you.

Viewpoint – As it relates to Kenpo entails having to view a confrontation from not only your point of view, but from your opponent’s as well as a bystander’s who might be a witness.

Vital Areas – The major weak points of the body. See target areas.

– W –

Waiters Palm – An end hand position, palm up, of a parry. This becomes the starting point of the retaliation/counter move. This has connotations to the waiter carrying a tray of food/drinks.

Wasted Motion – Moves which have no appreciable effect.

Weapon Kumite – The fighting of weapon against weapon. There are six scenarios only. Evade, weapon on weapon, weapon on limb, block, deflect, intent.

Weapons – Any object used that is not part of your anatomy. Weapons are an extension of your body.

Web of Knowledge – A spider web pattern that is used to give priority to self-defence techniques according to the degree of difficulty expended in handling an attack.

Weight Distribution – The apportionment of weight related to a particular stance. It may vary, fifty-fifty, sixty-forty, ninety-ten, etc.

What if Phase – The second analytical process of dissecting a technique. It takes in additional variables. Expected as well as unexpected actions from your opponent are projected and evaluated.

Wheel – A type of kick resembling and paralleling the path of a roundhouse kick.

Whipping – A particular method of execution that employs a snapping type of blow or strike, but with less force than a snap.

Width Cancellation – Turning attacker sideways to us. Removes two of their weapons (far arm & leg). We do this when we’re at an attacker’s side. Examples: Lone Kimono, Backbreaker.

Width Zones – This entails four vertical segments that can be protected or attacked.

Wing Chun – Meaning ‘Spring Chant’, Wing Chun focuses on striking, predominately down the centre line, and trapping [Chi Sao]. Weaponry is used , and the wooden dummy aids in conditioing.

Wings – Refers to the elbows as used in a technique.

With – A very useful word in the Kenpo vocabulary which is adhered to by the more adept. It involves dual movements and eliminates the word “and”. Employing this principle eliminates wasted motion and economizes on time.

White Dot Focus – Where one visualizes a white dot on a black background, which represents unawareness. The focus is on maximizing power, not protection.

Whole – As conveyed in Kenpo refers to the total experiences that makes up one’s life.

Words of Motion – Refers to a combination or sequence of moves created by one arm.

– Y –

Yin Yang – Yin Yang symbolises shadow and light. Chinese philosophy describes contrary forces, not opposing, that interelate with one another to form a whole. Yin transcends a soft passive nature, while Yang is hard and active. Yin is dark and represents the north slope, and Yang light and the south slope. Yin is female and Yang male. Yang is the white side with the black dot, and Yin is the black side with the white dot. Without one, the other is useless and would not survive. They both together bring harmony and equilibrium.

Yuwara – A hand held weapon to strike or press into pressure points. Yuwara techniques can be derived from sheathed knife motion. In modern day, the Yuwara has finger grips and can be attached to our car/house keys. [also Pasak]

– Z –

Zen – Buddhist form of meditation perpetuated by Tamo (Daruma).

Zone of Protection – Involves shielding three main zones on your body–height (or vertical), width (or horizontal) and depth.

Zone Theories – This entails visualizing imaginary boundaries or zones of height, width and depth superimposed on your or your opponent’s body.