Skerries American Kenpo

26/06/2021

Update on training in 2021:

Unfortunately, Skerries Kenpo isn't in a position to reopen public classes in September. We will keep this page updated, and let everyone know when this changes.

We continue to develop and create resources, and plan on having a greater online presence this year.

Stay safe, take care of yourself, and we look forward to seeing you on the floor in the not-so-distant future!

11/07/2020

As the restrictions are being loosened, I hope everyone is enjoying getting back to (responsible) social interactions!

Clubs and groups are slowly reopening, including martial arts and combat sports. Unfortunately it looks like Skerries Kenpo, only in the process of getting started again, is not going to be opening its doors this year. Firstly because both of the main instructors have had increased work commitments, even more than expected due to the pandemic. Secondly, because of the nature of my work I can't predict when it would be safe for me to begin training groups of people, and when I would have to stop for periods due to infection control. So for now teaching and training consistently is off the cards.

I wanted to thank everyone who came down to train, it felt great to get back in the suit. Stay safe, work out and take care of your families.
- Barry

26/03/2020

Social distancing means partner training is out for now, but doesn't mean you shouldn't be training!

Yellow belt drills on the heavy bag. See if you can name all the techniques you see.

Like Bob and I have been emphasising, you should always have a focus during every session. Here mine is on keeping it light and the moving off angle from the yellow footwork.

13/03/2020

Apologies for the late post. Skerries American Kenpo will be closed until further notice, due to the closure of the comminuty centre activities. If possible, we'll try to post training videos during this time. And don't forget that social distancing doesn't mean couch potato, so get out for a walk, run or workout. Just don't hi-five other joggers as you pass...

29/02/2020

You think Barry and I grill you guys in class. Here's the great man giving Dave George the once over during a black belt grading...

One of my very good friends and skilled kenpoist David George (D) answering some questions about conquering shield during my black belt test at our west los ...

21/02/2020

Training tonight is moving venue to room 1, ask in the community centre office when you arrive! Same time of 7-9pm

14/02/2020

Short Form 1 (right side)

The first form taught on the system, and the foundation of yellow belt. It embodies the major themes of the belt: Retreating while defending, and 4 primary directions (12, 3, 6, 9). It also emphasises the importance of establishing your base, and introduces the neutral bow stance.

Every time you practice your form, you should pick 1 thing to work on: Coordinating your upper and lower body. Hitting a strong stance. Executing your blocks correctly. Intensity. Tension. Speed.

Forms, like every other part of the syllabus, are tools. Useless if you don't use them correctly.

29/01/2020

Different training modalities, such as padwork, heavy bag, partner drilling, shadow boxing, forms and sparring, allow you to develop different aspects of your kenpo.

Padwork allows you to work on your power and range of your basics against a dynamic opponent. Also an excellent way to develop your conditioning for fighting. As your drills progress, they should incorporate offensive and defensive basics, and the application of self defense techniques against progressive resistance.

See on Friday at 7pm!

17/01/2020

Excellent training tonight, lots of fun drilling attacking mace. The reviewed concepts of controlling the opponent's dimensions, as well as understanding how to predict and hinder your opponent's attempts to re-establish his position.