Broken Palm
Broken: To break or hyperextend a limb
Palm: One-handed push
Attack
The Ideal attack requires that your opponent be directly in front of you. He steps forward with his left foot, as he pushes directly to your right shoulder with his left hand.
Defense Pattern
1. Left Step Back towards 6:00 into a Right Neutral Bow Stance and executing a Left Inward Parry to the inside of your opponent's left wrist while delivering a Right Inward Upward Heel Palm to the outside of your opponent's left elbow.
2. Pivot into Right Forward Bow Stance while frictionally pulling with a Right Outward Downward Crane Hand over the top of your opponent's left arm and delivering a Left Thrusting Outward Knife Hand to your opponent's throat.
3. Pivot into a Right Neutral Bow Stance as you deliver a Right Inward Downward Diagonal Hammer Fist to your opponent’s left mastoid. Simultaneously, execute a Left Positional Check.
4. Shuffle Forward as you continue the counterclockwise motion of your right arm and deliver a Right Inward Elbow to the left side of your opponent's jaw and a Left Inward Horizontal Heel Palm to the right side of your opponent's jaw.
5. Perform a Right Front Crossover and Cover Out toward 6:00.
Alternate Names
Though there are similarities between techniques named here the techniques taught in the different branches of the Kenpo family also have notable differences.
We know that each school presents information with a different style and signature that is uniquely associated with their staff and students. Always defer to the instructing staff at your school for guidance should there be any differences in the information being presented.
The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK):
Broken Palm
Ed Parker American Kenpo Systems (EPAKS)*:
Snapping Twig
Tracy Kenpo Systems:
Snapping Twig
American Kenpo Karate Association (AKKA Karate USA):
Snapping Twig
*The EPAKS system is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by the Parker Family.
Training Disclaimer
The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK) strongly recommends that all training be overseen by experienced and qualified instructors. Individuals choosing to train without the recommended oversight assume full liability for any and all injuries. In addition, those individuals engaging in training without the oversight of the American Institute of Kenpo’s (AIK’s) certified instructors will be doing so with the understanding and acknowledgment that they are waving subrogation and holding harmless the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK), it's members, and affiliates.