The heart of any movement is the stance, because your position and balance dictate your ability to execute a defensive block, hand strike or kick, plus your ability to evade hostile actions. The names used to describe the stances are indicative of their employment, and you can easily see the animals from which they were derived. Some are used to deliver forceful strikes; blocks and kicks- For instance, the Horse Stance can be used whether facing your opponent directly or from the side. The Cat Stance mimics the arch of an agile cat?s back when alarmed, and we’ve all seen how quickly a cat can strike from that position.

There are many factors that determine which is the best stance for you to use. There are inevitable trade-offs. For example, if you want a lightening ?quick strike, than it will not have as much power behind it as a slower, more forceful blow. But delivering a stronger blow requires more time, which gives your opponent more opportunity to react. Which do you use? The circumstances will decide that for you. This is why you will learn so many different Pinans, Katas, Shaolin Defensive Maneuvers and Kempo Techniques, and why proficiency with each is essential. As you practice your techniques with a partner, both offensively and defensively, you will begin to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each technique against an opponent. Then you can exploit them to your advantage.

Below are the stances you will master, both from left and the right sides. They are listed alphabetically, not in the order in which you will learn them.

• BOW & ARROW STANCE

The Bow & Arrow Stance is sometimes referred to as a “T” Stance, because your feet are placed with the leading foot as the stem of the letter and the back foot as the top of the letter.
When you assume a Bow & Arrow Stance, almost all of your body weight is on the back foot, and only the ball of the leading foot touches the ground. Because of the weight-back feature, the Bow & Arrow Stance enables quick kicks executed from the lead foot. These quick kicks will not have the same force behind them like a Roundhouse or Thrust Kick. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.

• CAT STANCE

The Cat Stance sacrifices power for speed. This is because only approximately fifteen percent of your body weight is placed on the leading foot, which makes it very easy to lift the foot and kick. Also, it is a good transitional stance and useful when springing forward into action.
When you assume the Cat Stance, both legs are bent and only the ball of the leading foot touches the ground: the heel remains elevated. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.

• CRANE STANCE

The Crane Stance improves balance. With all of your body weight planted on one leg, your vulnerability to a sweeping leg attack had increased; however, you are postured with improved groin, stomach and head protection.
When you assume the Crane Stance, start with both feet together. Raise the left knee until your thigh is parallel with the ground, while the right (standing) leg is slightly bent. Position your left forearm just in front of the left thigh with the hand opened on tensed. The right arm is positioned by placing your right hand (opened and tensed), just in front of your forehead shielding the eyes. Keep your back straight, head up, and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.

• FLAMINGO STANCE

The Flamingo Stance is considered a transitional stance used prior to and when recovering from mainly linear kicks. In other words, it is a stance that exists in most kicks, although in timing it will not be distinguished as a separate movement.
When you assume the Flamingo Stance, slightly bend the weight bearing leg as you raise the kicking left off the ground, with the knee pointing at your opponent. Keep your back straight, head up and face your opponent directly. Practice on both the right and left side.

As with any stance that places most or all of your weight on one leg, you are vulnerable to being hocked or swept. Pay attention and be alert!

• FRONT POSITION

• HALF-MOON STANCE

A Half-Moon Stance is a versatile stance used frequently in forms, Shaolin Defensive Maneuvers, and in sparring.
When you assume a Half-Moon Stance, your feet are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, but with one foot forward and one foot back. Your body weight is evenly distributed as you face your opponent. Hands may be at elbow position, or on guard, with your head up and your back straight. Just like boxing, strikes delivered quickly-jabs and pokes, for example. The rear hand or leg will have the entire body mass behind the strike or kick, but takes longer to deliver, thus enables your opponent to evade or retaliate.

• HORSE STANCE

The Horse Stance is mainly intended for practice and training. Since you are wide open and vulnerable, it is not advisable to use this stance in a real self-defense situation. However, you might use what many call a ?Side Horse Stance?- this is the basic horse Stance, only you turn your body so your side is facing your opponent. Naturally, you will need to turn your head to face your opponent.
When you assume a Horse Stance, your feet are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Your feet are pointed straight, knees are bent and slightly tuned outward, just like a person riding a horse. Hands many be at elbow position, or on guard, with your head up and back straight.

Underlying the Martial Arts of China, such as Shaolin Ch?uan Fa (Shaolin Fist Law), are a combination of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism (pronounced ?DOW-ism?) and Buddhism. Taoism is a philosophy of living and learning in harmony with the ?Way of Nature?, the Tao. The principles of Taoism include harmony, simplicity and natural action. Buddhism is a philosophy emphasizing the attainment of enlightenment through reason and meditation. The ideals of both Taoism and Buddhism provide the philosophical foundation upon which the mental and physical aspects of the Martial Arts are built.
In Taoism, the principles of harmony and balance, Yin and Yang, are reflected in the symbol of a circle divided into two teardrops-shaped halves, one black and one white, each containing a small circle of the opposing color. The Yin and Yang represent the principle of opposites found in all aspects of life and the universe-such as soft and hard, light and dark. In the Martial Arts, we seek to balance opposites are never static, but constantly yielding and overcoming. One never completely eliminates the other, as both are equal and both are necessary.
Simplicity is expressed in the Taoist concept of the ?uncarved block.? Here things, including people, in their original simplicity contain their own natural power. Taoism teaches us to utilize natural gifts to our advantage. In the Martial Arts, people are taught according to their personal attributes, such as size and strength. There is no perfect technique for everyone. One person may feel more comfortable with the balanced movements of the Crane, while another excels at the powerful techniques of the Tiger. Inner nature of instinct, directs the Martial Artist toward movements that work best for the individual. This is the principle of the ?uncarved block? that becomes sculpted according to each person?s needs.
One of the most characteristic aspects of Taoism is the principle of the natural action, Wu-Wei. It simply means to act with, not against, the forces of nature. Strictly aggressive, combative behavior leads to failure; Wu-Wei teaches us to work with nature. In the Martial Arts, this is exemplified by the principle that our movements depend on those of the opponent. We yield to force and then overcome with superior technique.
Taoism bas become an integral part of the Chinese Martial Arts. ?Harmony of the mind and body,? ?Simplicity of technique,? ?Yield and overcome?- principles such as these are emphasized in Martial Arts training. By applying them to techniques, we are successful at combat: by applying them to life, we achieve happiness. The Taoist view emphasizes that Marital Arts, like life, is a journey, not and end in itself. Understanding and practicing the ?Way of Nature? will allow one to achieve success in both.
Buddhism, particularly Ch?an Buddhism of China also known of Zen Buddhism in Japan, has also heavily influenced the evolution of the Martial Arts. Buddhism emphasizes the mind and its capacity, through reason and meditation, to attain enlightenment. Zen teaches that everyone can achieve enlightenment, final peace and knowledge, and that everyone possesses the means to this self-realization. Various methods have been developed to achieve this goal, such as the Koan, which is a story or problem, such as, ? what is the sound of one hand clapping?? At fist, Koans many seem irrational or paradoxical, but are ultimately intended to bring about spontaneous enlightenment. Buddhism has exercised profound influence on the Martial Arts, particularly with its emphasis on meditation. Calming the mind and developing breath control are common objective of Martial Arts meditation. Buddhism teaches us that meditation also can be the path to self-realization.
Taoist and Buddhist philosophies are inseparable parts of the Chinese Martial Arts tradition. The fighting arts grew out of these philosophical roots. Understanding their principles and concepts allows the Martial Artist to appreciate better and succeed at, both the art of combat and the art of living. Many books have been written on these subjects. Utilize them!

ŇA LIVING LEGENDÓ

United Studios of Self Defense is very proud of our distinctive and dynamic logo. Over the years, many people have asked what the logo represents. To accurately describe our logoŐs intricate meaning, the logo must be broken down into many components.

The core of the United Studios of Self Defense logo is the Bonsai Tree. The history of the Bonsai Tree dates as far back as 900 A.D., when Chinese and Japanese aristocrats cultivated the in their homes. Bonsai Trees did not become widespread in Japan until the late 1800Ős.

The philosophical basis of the Bonsai Tree lies in the traditional Oriental love and respect for nature. Indeed, the Bonsai Tree personifies manŐs fascination with nature and mankindŐs ability to adapt to nature. The main qualities the Bonsai Tree symbolizes are Wisdom, Adaptability, Strength, Character, Truth, and Longevity, attributes we at United Studios of Self Defense feel are the key characteristics to help our students lead successful more happy, healthy and successful lives.

It is said that the Bonsai Tree has Wisdom because of its patience perseverance, and use as a receptacle of more than 1,000 years of knowledge developed by past and present Bonsai masters. This is similar to the Shaolin Kempo forms and techniques you will learn at United Studios of Self Defense.

The Bonsai Tree has Adaptability because it can live under unusual and quite difficult conditions. The small container that holds the roots of the Bonsai Tree is a microcosm of the world where all the elements blend, just as we must blend with nature and co-exit with all Humankind to survive.

The Strength of the Bonsai Tree is centered in its roots, for with out roots, which the tree could not live. This parallels the basic techniques and stances that are the roots of all Martial Arts.

The Bonsai Tree is filled with Character. The BonsaiŐs exemplifies this powerful, enduring posture, and its novel and unique appearance.

The Truth of the Bonsai Tree is in its natural beauty and never ending quest to right itself and grow towards heaven.

The Bonsai TreeŐs Longevity speaks for itself, as some grow and prosper and grow for hundreds of years. This is a tribute to the Bonsai and its oneness with nature, a goal all of us should achieve through hard work and discipline.

The green foliage of the Bonsai Tree symbolizes Life, while the brown trunk and bark signifies Death. This is a representation of the universal symbol of all Martial Arts-Ying and Yang.

Its is no coincidence that the style we teach at United Studios of Self Defense is Shaolin Kempo, a Martial Arts system that we ca traced back to ChinaŐs Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of all Martial Arts. Shaolin literally means. ŇLittle Pine Tree ForestÓ, so named for the area surrounding the Temple on the Shao Shih Peak of Song Mountain in Henan Province.

Kosho-Ryu Kempo, the Japanese translation for Shaolin Kempo Arts, means ŇOld Pine Tree StyleÓ. The Bonsai Tree indeed has a lot of meaning for us at United Studios of Self Defense!

In the logo we see the glowing sun, whose rays are necessary for all life. Is the sun rising or setting? This is unimportant. It is important to understand that life runs in cycles-new beginnings (sunrises), endings (sunsets), and constant change. One must learn to accept these cycles and harmonize your life with the. The study and practice of the Martial Arts will help you achieve this harmony of mind , body, and spirit.

The characters to the right of the logo translate to the style and system of Martial Arts we teach-Shaolin Kempo ŇThe Law of the FistÓ. Over the past 2,00 years, Shaolin Kempo has been refined by a long time of Martial Arts Masters into the oldest, most comprehensive fighting art in existence.

Just as Sun and the Bonsai Tree represent the Old World, the logoŐs black and white line graphics depict the modern world. We at United Studios of Self Defense take a very traditional approach to the Martial Arts. However, it is our responsibility and duty to you, the student, to constantly upgrade our self-defense techniques for maximum effectiveness in a world filled with unique, and sometimes life threatening situations. It is a matter of applying the proper technique to the situation; what a Chinese rice farmer armed with a staff would have done to defend himself three hundred years ago has little application on todayŐs mean streets. At United Studios of Self Defense, we teach the most effective techniques available to deal with any situation that may arise.

Geometrically, the entire logo is composed of lines and circles. This is very indicative of the Shaolin Kempo fighting arts- to use the like to overcome the circle, and the circle to overcome the line. As you progress in your Martial Arts training, your instructor will show you the importance and proper execution of this powerful fighting concept.

Perhaps the most significant overall aspect of our logo is its enduring beauty and non-violent nature, principles that reflect the true meaning of the Martial Arts. On one hand, to use your Martial Arts training to avoid physical confrontation and walk away from trouble if you can; on the other hand, to be mentally and physically confident in your Martial Arts ability should violence threaten you, your loved ones, or the innocent and helpless.

Our logo at United Studios of Self Defense is very special to us. We hope it becomes special and meaningful to you. Wear the United Studios of Self Defense logo proudly on you uniform and your heart. As you have learned, the United Studios of Self Defense logo has a long and treasured history filled with meaning.

With your support our tree will continue to grow and sprout new branches as continue to open studios and promote the Martial Arts on a national and international level.

The basic foundation for a student of United Studios of Self Defense can be easily understood and broken down into the following elements: stances, kicks, hand strikes, blocks, footwork, gauging and timing. Your mastery and refinement of these “basic” elements will determine how well you will perform during rank testing, tournament competition, or a real life self defense situation, since ALL techniques and forms are simply a rhythmic and effective sequence of these basic elements.

Your display of mastery of each Pinan, Kata, Shaolin Defensive Maneuver and Kempo Technique will completely depend on your skill and understanding of the basics. It is like a carpenter who can?t use all of the tools in his trade with understanding and accuracy: Is his finished product likely to rival that of a proficient journeyman?

This Is where your instructor comes in. All instructors of United Studios of Self Defense teach the identical techniques handed down for generations from the Shaolin Monks. Your instructor will show you the correct way to perform each of the basic elements; you then must practice them correctly until they are mastered. Remember it?s not just practice the makes perfect- it is perfect practice that makes perfect.

Understand that it is impossible to learn the Martial Arts from a book alone. Your instructor will be your guide and mentor. They have been specially trained in the most modernized methods of passing this valuable and effective training to you. This manual is meant to serve as an enhancement and reinforcement to what you have already been taught.

The “basic” training and techniques will probably be difficult at first, as you many feel awkward and/ or not in the best physical condition to execute them properly. This is true with most every new student, so you are on right path. Proper practice is requires concentration and discipline, attributes that will serve you well in every aspect of your daily life. Your determination to succeed will be recognized and rewarded as you progress in rank and skill. Your self-confidence will also increase as you see the many benefits of this training. Training in the Martial Arts is a journey, not a prescribed destination. Work hard now and you will soon acknowledge and appreciate the multitude of benefits your commitments and disciplines have produced.

STANCES

• Bow & Arrow Stance
• Cat Stance
• Crane Stance
• Flamingo Stance
• Front Position
• Half-Moon Stance
• Horse Stance

HAND STRIKES

• Basic Fist
• Front Two-Knuckle Punch
• Back Two-Knuckle Punch
• Backfist
• Backhand
• Bear Paw
• Chicken Wrist
• Corkscrew Punch
• Crane’s Beak
• Cross Body
• Eagle’s Talon
• Elbow
• Fatal Finger
• Forearm Strike
• Hammer
• Immortal Man
• Jab
• Leopard’s Paw
• Palm Heel
• Phoenix Fist
• Poison Thumb
• Ridge Hand Shuto
• Rising Sun Punch
• Shuto
• Spear Hand
• Tiger’s Claw
• Tiger’s Mouth
• Trigger Finger
• Two-Finger Poke
• Tiger Rake
• Uppercut
• Upward Palm

BLOCKS

• Outward
• Inward
• Upward
• Downward
• Combination Blocks
• Other Blocks
• Eight Point Blocking System
• Eight Point Blocking System with Counterstrikes
• Ten Point Blocking System

KICKS

• Axe
• Back
• Crescent
• Front
• Hook
• Knee
• Roundhouse
• Side
• Smash
• Stepping Stool
• Wheel