Stanford Kenpo Karate Club / Frequently Asked Questions

This question can be answered in many different ways. We refer the questioner to the Martial Arts FAQ maintained on the web for the answer to this and other broad questions about Martial Arts. It is a fair representation of answers to many common questions about Martial Arts.

We also refer anyone new to the Martial Arts to the 'Newbie Guide' which may be found through the Martial Arts FAQ site. It is a very good guide to someone interested in beginning or searching for a Martial Art.

What is Self-Defense?

Self-Defense is generally recognized as a single aspect of martial arts, in that it focuses primarily on techniques for survival in a physical conflict. These techniques will include both physical and mental preparation for a conflict, and, usually, stress means by which to avoid the confrontation altogether. Self-defense classes often leave little time for sport or the spiritual aspect of the art.

At the SKKA Self-Defense for Women Seminar, taught annually or semi-annually (as demand requires), we stress three areas: 1) avoiding conflict by addressing your own mental preparation, 2) escaping conflict by drawing attention to the situation, running away from the situation and other means, and, 3)ending conflict by the use of quick, effective physical attacks.

What is Kenpo?

At the SKKA, the Kenpo style taught was developed primarily by Professor Rod Martin from the 1960's through today, though Professor Martin is no longer involved with the class on a regular basis. SKKA believes that its style of Kenpo is eclectic, incorporating movements, techniques and tools from various other martial arts. It has techniques from both hard and soft styles, and utilizes multiple strikes, joint locks, throws and other means. Because it is an eclectic style, and because most of the instructors at SKKA have experience in other fighting arts, the style is constantly evolving.

How is Kenpo different from other martial arts?

This FAQ is intended to address martial arts primarly for the Stanford Community. In that respect, we believe that it is important for students or potential students to get information about the various martial arts on campus and draw their own conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of each. Most of the campus martial arts can be found on the web through our links page

The main focus of SKKA teachings is rapid movement and strikes to very sensitive areas of the attacker's body, intending to imobilize or incapacitate an attacker with as little expense of energy as possible. We spend time teaching the basic physical components of the art as well as the mental aspects. Whether this is different from other martial arts classes at Stanford University is a matter of interpretation.

What martial arts are taught at Stanford?

You can find most martial arts taught at Stanford University on our links page. There are others that do not have a web presence. If you have particular questions, we will be happy to address them, if we can.

What is the Stanford Kenpo Karate Association?

The Kenpo club at Stanford was originally designed as a Student Club. Through the years, the name and format have changed -- from Club Sport, to Physical Education Class, and back to Student Club. The Club is presently organized through the Associated Students of Stanford University.

Who are the instructors for SKKA?

All of the instructors' biographical statements may be found on our club information page.

Is there class credit available for Stanford students?

Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, Stanford University no longer offers a physical education credit for any Martial Art taught on campus.

How much does it cost to participate?

The club dues for students are $50.00 per scholastic quarter, payable at the first week of instruction for each quarter. Make your checks payable to ASSU, Stanford Kenpo Karate Club.

In addition, we require students to wear a class uniform, called a gi. Students may purchase a uniform package from SKKA for $50.00. The package includes one gi (top and bottoms), one white belt, one mouthpiece and one class T-shirt.

What equipment will I need?

You are required to have a club uniform. In addition, male students are required to wear groin protection. All students are required to wear a mouthpiece while participating in sparring.

SKKA provides access to other equipment, such as sparring gear (gloves and foot protection), striking pads, heavy bags, etc. Some students elect to purchase their own sparring gear. That gear may be purchased through SKKA or through any other martial arts supply house.

Are there any requirements or prerequisites to participate?

There are no requirements or prerequisites to participate in the beginners' class. Martial arts experience is not required. However, as with any athletic activity, Kenpo can be physically taxing. Students who have particular questions about their capacity to engage in physical activity should check with a physician.

Students wishing to join the advanced class must have the permission of the head instructor, and should contact us in advance of the first class of the quarter.

How is the class organized?

Students in the class range from beginners, with no martial arts experience at all, to advanced students with several years of experience with the class or with other martial arts.

What will I learn as a beginner in the class?

Please read the description about the Kenpo Karate Style on our history page.

What are self-defense techniques?

Please read the description about the Kenpo Karate Style on our history page.

What is a kata?

Please read the description about the Kenpo Karate Style on our history page.

What is kumite?

Please read the description about the Kenpo Karate Style on our history page.

How quickly will I progress through the ranks at SKKA?

Your progress through the ranks will depend, to a great extent, on the frequency with which you attend class and the amount of practice you devote to learning the art. At SKKA, we believe that it should take between 10 to 15 weeks for a student to test for an orange belt, the first level of rank above white. Thereafter, testing is done only when a student is ready to put forth his or her best effort, shows a competence with the required material, and has demonstrated his or her capacity to one or more instructors who have recommended that the student test

What are ranks?

Students wear colored belts in class that denote their rank, or relative level of experience, with the Club. Each rank has a specific set of required material that a student must learn and be able to demonstrate with a great deal of competence. The specific rank requirements for orange belt through green belt can be found at on our belt requirements page.

How long will it take me to get a black belt?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the student. What are the student's priorities? How much time is the student willing to spend perfecting their art? How physically talented is the student? How mature is the student?

If the goal of the student is only to obtain a black belt, one can be had by purchasing one from any martial arts supply store for around 7-10 dollars. If the goal of the student is to first learn, then master this art the student must first commit himself to the art. Achievements and accolades will follow.

If I am larger/smaller than other people, will my size be an advantage/disadvantage?

The goal of martial arts in general is to give everyone, regardless of size, the ability to overcome an attacker. This is true whether the attacker is larger or smaller than the martial artist. Because the martial artist uses energy more efficiently than an untrained person, and because the martial artist is trained to use another person's balance and energy against him, a martial artist is generally at an advantage over an untrained person.

There are some maneuvers that are better performed by someone of large size, while others work better for someone with a lower center of gravity. Also, certain balance requirements are better achieved by some body types than others. All of these are considerations when determining how a person should react under various circumstances.

However, all that being said, it is usually better to be larger, stronger, more flexible and better conditioned than an opponent is.