Theme of the Week: History

Mo Duk Pai doesn’t exist in a vacuum.  We watch what other systems do and see if we can learn from them.  We train with other styles and see if what we are doing works.  We keep our center while adapting to the world around us.

Mo Duk Pai did not spring from a vacuum.  We are closely related to the art of Kajukenbo.  Kajukenbo is a style that incorporates many other style for the express purpose of creating students who are able to defend themselves in a self defense situation.  It’s a worthy goal that we share.

So how does any of this historical/philosophical stuff play out on the floor?  One salient feature of Kajukenbo is the simultaneous block/strike.  If a punch comes in, the student blocks and counter strikes at the same time, rather than blocking then striking, which would allow the opponent to recover.  For instance, if a right roundhouse punch comes in, the student could parry or cover with the left while throwing an uppercut with the right.

The idea isn’t unique.  Many arts attempt to avoid pure defense, trying to turn merely defensive opportunities into offensive ones.  Think counter punching in boxing or the Aikido idea of turning a push into a throw.  And while the idea isn’t unique, I think the illustration of the very distinct block and strike happening at the same time is a great way for students to think about turning defense into offense and if it helps them remember their martial roots, all the better.