Curriculum
The curriculum of Monadnock Kempo Kara-te includes an eclectic blend of many philosophies and concepts suited for practical self-defense and health. The physical training consists of an equal combination of chi gong (energy work), kata (formal patterns of movement), bunkai (self-defense application), and targeting drills.
The practice and in-depth study of kata is the backbone of Ryukyu Kempo. There are several kata (sets of movements) that make up the curriculum, and each kata is organized by the level that it is taught. Students learn kata in an order based upon the complexity of the movements and application. The curriculum for Monadnock Kempo Kara-te is based upon the following kata, in the order which they are taught (up to black belt):
Taikyoku series 1-5
Seisan (Tomari lineage)
Seiuchin
Nai Han Chi Shodan
Chinto
Nai Han Chi Nidan
Hai Han Chi Shodan
Kusanku
Suansu
Other advanced kata that are introduced during the black belt ranks include:
Sanchin
Bassai (Tomari lineage)
Gojushiho
Niseishi
Practical applications that are extracted from the kata is a blend of effective striking and kicking techniques of Okinawan kara-te along with grappling and submission techniques of Small-Circle Jujitsu™. All techniques incorporate the study and use both of Kyusho Jitsu and Tui-te Jitsu.
In order to for the applications to be more effective in a realistic situation, the practitioner must be able to accurately execute the techniques with relaxed mobility. The curriculum also consists of several hand-to-hand drills that exercise the ability to target the pressure points in free motion.