Introduction: The Foundation of Kenpo Self-Defense

Ed Parker's 8 Self-Defense Considerations from Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Volume 1, Chapter 11 represent the cornerstone principles of effective self-protection in American Kenpo. These considerations weren't developed in a vacuum—they emerged from Grandmaster Parker's decades of practical experience and deep understanding of human conflict.

For Kenpo practitioners advancing toward Black Belt, these principles serve as both philosophical guideposts and practical tools. They bridge the gap between dojo training and real-world application, where confrontations don't follow predetermined patterns. The 8 Considerations help develop the situational awareness, adaptability, and decision-making skills that define a well-rounded martial artist.

Let's explore each consideration in depth, understanding not just what they are, but how they function as an integrated system for self-defense mastery.

1. Acceptance: Acknowledging Reality

Acceptance in Kenpo means recognizing the existence of potential dangers without being paralyzed by fear. It involves:

• Cultivating the mental readiness to act when necessary

• Developing the conviction to initiate defensive measures

• Building the willpower to complete your defensive actions

This consideration acknowledges that while we hope to avoid dangerous situations, we must be prepared to face them. Acceptance doesn't mean seeking conflict—it means being mentally prepared to protect yourself and others when necessary.

A Kenpo practitioner embodies acceptance by maintaining awareness, recognizing potential threats, and being psychologically ready to engage their training when required.

2. Environmental Awareness: Leveraging Your Surroundings

Your environment contains crucial information that can either enhance or impede your self-defense capabilities. Environmental awareness includes:

• Assessing physical conditions (weather, lighting, terrain)

• Noting spatial considerations (open areas, confined spaces, obstacles)

• Maintaining continuous awareness through periodic re-examination

Grandmaster Parker emphasized adaptability—allowing your environmental assessment to inform your tactical decisions. The skilled practitioner evaluates whether the environment provides advantages or challenges and adjusts their approach accordingly.

Environmental awareness transforms your surroundings from background scenery into strategic elements of your defense system.

3. Range: Managing Tactical Distance

Range represents the critical space between you and a potential threat. Effective range management means:

• Creating sufficient distance to avoid immediate danger

• Quickly assessing optimal distance for defense or counter

• Adjusting your distance to maintain tactical advantage

When you control range, you control the encounter. If an aggressor cannot physically reach you, their offensive capabilities are neutralized. Range management requires both spatial awareness and the footwork to maintain advantageous distance.

The skilled Kenpo practitioner uses range as both shield and weapon, constantly adjusting to maintain optimal positioning.

4. Position: Strategic Alignment

Position concerns the orientation of your body relative to a threat. Good positioning includes:

• Protecting vital targets by angling the body appropriately

• Identifying vulnerable areas on your opponent that have become exposed due to their positioning

• Maintaining a stance that enables both defense and offense

Your position determines which techniques are available to you and which vulnerabilities you expose. Proper body alignment protects your vital areas while creating openings for effective counters.

Position works in harmony with range—together, they create the foundation for effective self-defense by determining how and when techniques can be applied.

5. Maneuvers: Dynamic Movement

Maneuvers are the footwork patterns that adjust your range and position. Effective maneuvering includes:

• Closing or creating distance as needed

• Changing angles to avoid attacks and create openings

• Coordinating upper and lower body movements for maximum efficiency

Maneuvers include stepping, shuffling, pivoting, and other footwork that enables you to move strategically. Grandmaster Parker emphasized that these movements must be purposeful, allowing you to maintain balance while creating tactical advantages.

A proficient Kenpo practitioner uses maneuvers to control the encounter, never remaining stationary when movement would provide advantage.

6. Targets: Vulnerable Points

Targets represent the anatomical areas that can be either protected or attacked. Understanding targets involves:

• Identifying and guarding your own vulnerable areas

• Recognizing accessible targets on an opponent

• Selecting appropriate targets based on the situation

In Infinite Insights, Volume 3, Grandmaster Parker details the comprehensive target matrix. Knowledge of these targets allows you to make informed decisions about what to protect and what to target, depending on the circumstances.

The skilled practitioner protects their own vital targets while efficiently engaging those of an opponent when necessary.

7. Natural Weapons: Tools of the Body

Natural weapons are the parts of your body that can be effectively used for self-defense. Mastering natural weapons includes:

• Developing various striking surfaces (fists, palms, elbows, knees, etc.)

• Understanding the appropriate application for each weapon

• Conditioning these tools for effective use

Your body provides numerous natural weapons, each with specific applications. Through consistent practice, these natural weapons become precisely calibrated tools, capable of generating significant force with minimal effort.

The Kenpo practitioner develops their natural weapons through dedicated training, ensuring they're ready when needed.

8. Natural Defenses: Protective Mechanisms

Natural defenses are the anatomical structures that can intercept or redirect incoming attacks. Effective use of natural defenses involves:

• Utilizing arms, legs, and shoulders as blocking surfaces

• Employing both absorptive and deflective defensive movements

• Transitioning smoothly between defense and counter-offense

Many natural defenses can also function as weapons, demonstrating the principle of economy of motion. Through regular practice, defensive movements become reflexive rather than deliberate.

The accomplished Kenpo practitioner integrates their natural defenses seamlessly into their overall strategy, creating a comprehensive system of self-protection.

Conclusion: The Integrated System

Ed Parker's 8 Self-Defense Considerations form an interconnected system, with each element reinforcing the others. Collectively, they develop the instinctive responses and tactical thinking that define advanced Kenpo practice.

As you progress in your Kenpo journey, these considerations will increasingly inform your training, moving from conscious application to intuitive understanding. They represent not just fighting principles but a comprehensive approach to situational awareness and personal safety.

By thoroughly understanding and applying these considerations, you embody the essence of American Kenpo as a complete and practical self-defense system.

~ The data presented herein was compiled by AIK Black Belt Oleg Cohen in March 2025.