How was Mr Parker supposed to categorize each technique? There was so many, it was difficult to know when and what technique to show to his students. Each individual technique defended against a certain attack such as a punch, a kick, a grab, a pull, etc. He needed a systematic way of teaching each technique so not to confuse his students. This is where the Web of Knowledge came into play.
Ed Parker explained the web of knowledge as - "The pattern of a web created, developed, designed, and used be Ed Parder to prioritize self-defense techniques accordeng to the degree of diffeculty in handling an attack. This postulate teaches you (1) identify, define, and classify the types of encounters you may find yourself in; (2) thoroughly scrutinize the verious methods in which weapons (natural or otherwise) can be employed; and (3) instinctively determine your choice of action to successfully combat the numerous types of encounters with which you my be confronted." (Ed Parker's Encyclopedia of Kenpo, pg. 135)
"The idea for the Web of Knowledge came to me twenty six years ago in Hawaii as I observed a spider constructing a web. As I watched the spider meticulously build this ingenious trap for his survival, I pondered the difficulties in learning the intricacies of the martial arts. Suddenly, I was struck with an idea. Could I not, from this perfect design, created by our Supreme Being, construct an intellectual trap; A trap that would aid in retaining Martial Arts knowledge? Surely, if one web could be constructed to ensnare victims, couldn't a similar one be devised to ensnare knowledge?" (Ed Parker's Encyclopedia of Kenpo, pg. 136)
When you're an advanced practitioner in Kenpo, your reaction to any given attack should be spontanious and unconcious. You shouldn't have to think about what you are going to do against a kick, punch, grab, choke, etc. This is a problem in the beginning stages of Kenpo. Since begginers don't have an established 'vocabulary of motion', they need a way to catagorize and practice what what technique to use for a given attack. Parker categorized each technique by the difficulty of its intended attack. The order goes as follows in Ed Parkers Encyclopedia of Kenpo, pp 136-137:
1. Grabs and Tackles - The beginning student should have a good chance against a grab, where the opponent does not instantly plan a punch. Without an immediate follow-up, a grab is basically inactive.
2. Pushes - Because of the forward momentum of pushes, they require more timing than grabs, but not as much as the required timing for a punch.
3. Punches - Still a greater degree of timing is required to defend against a punch, due to the faster speed and force of a punch.
4. Kicks - Not only do kicks require timing, but the have potentially greater power than punches - thus making them more dangerous.
5. Holds and Hugs - These in turn are more difficult because of the restriction of body movement and the limited number of available weapons and targets. There is a real danger of being taken to the ground.
6. Chokes and Locks - These are more dangerous than Holds and Hugs, ad they have a potential of causing broken limbs and even instant death.
7. Weapons - The timing and power associated with weapons easily rates them as being the most difficult to handle. Your opponent has a range advantage; with a high probability of serious injury or death.
8. Multiple Attacks - Defense against multiple attacks requires skill and strategy. Being attacked by more than one opponent increases the probability of serious injury or death, and therefore, should be viewed as being equivalent to a single attacker well versed in the use of a weapon.
In most Kenpo Schools the Techniques in each belt level are listed by what there intended attacks are. For example, at my Studio the Oranges Belt technique manual is listed as fallowed:
Techniques 1-3 are defenses against Wrist Grabs
Techniques 4-9 are defenses against Chokes
Techiques 10-16 are defenses against Punches and Kicks
Techniques 17-18 are defenses against Shoulder Grabs
Techniques 10-21 are defenses against Grabs and Tackles
Techniques 22 -25 are defenses against Hugs and Holds
The Web of Knowledge was Parker's means of catagorizing and simplifying the hundreds of different techniques one could use in combat against verious attacks. It's the same idea as having a dicitionary put in alphabetical order. Imagine trying to find a word in a dictionary that wasn't in alphabetical order. Much is the same for Kenpo. Imagine trying to teach or practice Techniques without any means of classifying them. As an Instuctor you'd be all over the place with your lesson and would confuse your students. As a student you'd get so confused and frustrated that you'd probably quit Karate :o)
This system of classifying techniques makes it easier on students and instructors and is an efficiant way of building your 'vocabulary of motion.'
The Web of Knowledge
