06/13/2026
Part 4: My Thoughts on Training Kenpo Techniques
When we train, we always have a choice: we can train in the Attention State or the Intention State.
In the Attention State, we deliberately focus on refining a specific principle, concept, or combination.
This focused work is best done in cooperative or collaborative training environments, where your partner supports your skill development.
Example: Let’s say I’m refining the technique Five Swords and I want to improve my perceptual speed, one of the key types of speed in our system.
I know I’m right-eye dominant, so I naturally scan left-to-right and top-to-bottom.
In the Attention State, I consciously pay attention to where my dominant eye is focusing (usually my opponent’s right shoulder).
I adjust my positioning and movement so my dominant eye stays closest to the opponent and locked onto that key area.
This is a principle I’m working to internalize so deeply that I no longer have to think about it, I just do it.
Over time, this builds the ability to see the fight more clearly and recognize defensive opportunities faster.
As Skip Hancock teaches: The Dominant Eye will lead and the rest will follow.
Once I’ve done the focused work in the Attention State, I shift into the Intention State.
This is where I test myself in more competitive or combat-oriented training.
My single intention might be “see the fight better,” but I don’t consciously focus on the mechanics anymore. I simply get in and train to end the fight.
After the round, I step back and analyze:
• How well did I maintain perceptual speed and dominant-eye positioning?
• Did the skill show up naturally, or do I need to return to the Attention State to sharpen it further?
This process aligns directly with Skip Hancock’s teaching that Intention guides Attention.
It’s a smart, layered way to build real skill.
This is the power of intelligent training.
I could train in a primitive way and only chase raw physical speed.
I have fast-twitch fibers, so that comes relatively easy to me.
But real dominance comes from mastering all types of speed, such as perceptual speed, which comes from familiarity and deliberate practice.
That’s what allows me to neutralize someone who’s physically faster than I am.
I’m using perceptual speed and eye dominance as one example, but the same Attention → Intention process applies to countless principles in Kenpo.
So when you hear others criticize the way we train, have sympathy for them.
They simply don’t understand it.
Their approach is often primitive because they’ve never learned how to build skills this deliberately and intelligently.
Trust the process.
Never let someone who says “That’ll never work” discourage you.
Usually, it’s because they don’t know how to train effectively.
Stay compassionate.
Their abilities will always be limited until they learn to train smarter.
Keep forging ahead.
