The Difference between Cross training and Cross Ranking

 

As someone who has researched and trained across multiple martial arts, I’ve learned that cross training and cross ranking are fundamentally different and most importantly that one martial art doesn’t automatically transfer to another.

For me, cross training means stepping outside your core system to study additional arts, which builds versatility but doesn’t grant one rank in those new styles. For example, taking boxing lessons to improve my striking mechanics helps me become a more complete fighter, but it doesn’t make me a ranked boxer.

On the other hand, cross ranking, where someone receives an equivalent or honorary belt in a different martial art, doesn’t always reflect genuine skill or technical mastery. It's my believe that ranks should represent years of committed study and formal testing within each art’s unique standards, not a shortcut based on achievements elsewhere.

The techniques, biomechanics, and tactical demands of every martial art are specific to its context. Mastery in judo, for example, doesn’t mean I’ll automatically excel in karate or boxing because each system has its own rules, skills, and ranking process. Real proficiency and legitimacy come from earning my place within each distinct discipline—not by transferring titles or experience between arts. 

As someone deeply invested in researching and practicing multiple martial arts, I see a clear distinction between cross training and cross ranking and I’ve learned firsthand that expertise or rank in one art doesn’t automatically carry over to another. When I cross train, it’s about broadening my skills and understanding by studying techniques outside my main system, like picking up boxing fundamentals as a judoka. This builds versatility and helps me adapt to different situations, but it doesn’t give me a recognized rank in that secondary art.

Cross ranking, on the other hand, is when someone tries to use achievements or a belt from one style to claim an equivalent status in another, often without going through the formal challenges or curriculum that the new art demands. For me, that shortcut doesn’t feel legitimate; proficiency in martial arts is specific to each system’s techniques, tactics, rules, and ranking standards. 

Rank should reflect dedicated study and testing in the discipline itself, not just transferable athleticism or experience. That’s why I believe in truly earning my place within each distinct martial art I pursue.

KAJUKENBO: Multiple Punch Counters

The brutal reality of a street fight is that you are probably not going to be dealing with an attacker or a street fighter just throwing a single punch. You will be more than likely dealing with multiple punches or a grab and punch type situation. Even in a grab scenario your attacker will more than likely just raining punches down on you. Throwing multiple punches while holding on to you and pulling you into those punches. Also if they’ve done any formal training in boxing or MMA there may be a whole flurry of punches coming your way! 

Keep in mind Kajukenbo is for the street, I would argue that a lot of attacks or street fights aren't spontaneous in the sense that there is no thought put into the initial attack. Most have some sort of plan or tactic thought out in advance or it has been done multiple times already. Blocks, parries, covers, slips, pulls and other defensive head maneuvers and footwork maneuvers should be implemented into your combinations and counters. The best defense is a good offense, when you make your move your counter attack should be forward moving and aggressive with intent to knock out your adversary. 

Multiple Punch Counter 

1.) The attacker is in a right foot forward fighting stance and you are in a right foot forward fighting stance.  2.) The attacker throws a left roundhouse punch. Pivot on both feet clockwise and execute a right outward Hammer fist block at the same time your left hand moves to the right to cover the right side of your chin or head.  3.) The attacker immediately follows up with a straight right punch. Pivot counter clockwise on both feet as you execute a right inward hammer fist to the attacker's right bicep.

4.) From the exact point of contact of the downward hammer fist to the opponent’s right arm, pivot back clockwise on both feet and execute a right hammer fist to the opponent’s jaw or side of neck. Your left hand remains chambered at your right shoulder. 5.) Immediately pivot clockwise as if corkscrewing yourself into the ground and execute a left corkscrew punch to the side of the opponent’s jaw. Your right hand rechambers at your chin.  6.) Shown at a slightly different angle, your hips and shoulders torque back pivoting slightly back counter clockwise as you strike with a right shovel punch to the opponent’s body. You left hand rechambers at your right shoulder.  

7.) Push off the rear foot raising the heel off the ground as you strike the left side of the opponent’s neck with the outward boney area of the forearm. Your right hand chambers at your chin.

(Note: The strike in step number 7 is commonly referred to as “the hack” and it is delivered in a more linear fashion than an outward hand sword or sword hand. It is executed much like a rear hand straight punch in boxing hitting with the outer boney are of the forearm into soft tissue)

8.) Immediately, execute a right punch as your feet shift position. Your right foot shuffles back and pivots counter clockwise as the left foot moves forward toward the direction of the ten o’clock position. Follow through with the punch by turning your hand over.  9.) Pivot on both feet clockwise. Turning your left hip into the target and deliver a left shovel hook to the opponent’s body.

10.) Pivot on the right foot clock wise toward two o’clock and step the left foot toward eleven o’clock to the outside of the attacker’s right foot and deliver a left upper cut to the attacker’s chin.  11.) Pivot counter clockwise on both feet, bending at the knees and dropping the hips execute a right corkscrew punch to the attacker's chin or throat.  

KAJUKENBO: Defense against Stick

Highly adaptable and constantly evolving Kajukenbo incorporates some of the best empty hand techniques and principles with a strong focus that is based in realistic scenarios. Kajukenbo's strength lies in the fact that it was designed for street fighting.   

The main concern with a stick-like weapon are the stick's impact area and its range.  Maintaining your distance is key, someone armed with a stick has a reach advantage and can strike you at a greater range, and with greater impact. Timing is equally important, especially if the opponent is hyper-aggressive and quick in nature. You will need to close the gap between you and the attacker get inside the stick. When you are ready to move you need to explode forward, move fast, move explosively, and move without hesitation. You will only be as effective as your training…..so train, train, train.   

Defense against Stick 

1.) The attacker is standing in a right side forward fighting stance with stick chambered in right/rear hand. Defender is standing in a right forward lead.  2.) The attacker starts to swing the stick toward the head (a number one angle) with his right hand. The defender pushes off the rear foot and steps forward with the lead foot rushing forward to close the gap between you and the attacker.  3.) The left hand comes to block the incoming strike. Simultaneously bring the right elbow up striking or crashing into the front of the attacker’s right shoulder or chest.

4.) The defender pivots counter clockwise toward nine o’clock simultaneously bending at the knees and dropping his hips into a right downward hammer fist to the attacker’s right arm.  5.) Pivot clockwise on both feet toward eleven o’clock and execute a right hammer fist to the to the right side of the attacker’s jaw or side of neck.  6.) Pivot clockwise toward twelve o’clock on both feet and strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels. 

 7.) Pull the opponent into you with your left hand as you push off the right foot and step your left foot toward eleven o’clock. Bring your right knee up toward your chest and keep your axis forward, do not  8.) Reap your right leg back striking the back of the opponent’s right calf with the back of your right calf reaping the attacker’s right leg high to finish the takedown. 

Note: Follow up with some good old ground and pound (not pictured) be it foot or fist or both. Always stay alert to your surroundings. 

KAJUKENBO: BASIC SHOULDER THROW

Don't let the word basic fool you, there is nothing basic about this highly effective variation of the shoulder throw (Ippon Seoi nage). It is indeed an advanced fighting application of the technique and the most effective. Be it in competition or the street! 

Judo throws are athletic, explosive and dynamic in action and are adaptable, flexible and practical. How well one can control the movement of his own body and the movement of his opponent's body determines if his throw will be successful.  An important factor in controlling your opponent’s movement is how well you can maximize both your speed and power and are able to transfer it efficiently to your technical skills. Being able to utilize judo and its principles in a street encounter requires more attention to the technical aspects of throwing an aggressor not wearing a judo gi (uniform).

The Split step entry

The split step entry is the most effective of the three entries into judo as well as the most versatile if mastered. It allows one to be able to execute throws from any angle. Unlike the more traditional step and pivot type entries, the split step allows for the thrower to step extremely deep between to opponent’s feet and get under his hips making it extremely difficult to counter even if the opponent tries to move back and away from the throw.

Footwork

1.) Step forward with the right foot to the top of the triangle. 2.) Bring your left foot up next to your right foot. 3.) Step forward between the opponent’s feet with your right foot through the triangle and pivot on the left foot. The toes of both feet should be pointing in the direction of the top of the triangle as the lead foot touches the ground. 4.) The left foot moves back next to your right foot between the opponent’s feet. As the left foot moves back his feet should lift up off the ground.

Punch in your Grip Like a Boxer Throwing a Punch

The United States military has been doing judo sans the gi since WWI and there is probably no better method for the effective application of judo in an urban environment. The simplest and most direct way is to target the area at the pocket of the shoulder just above the arm pit. Elite Judo players often “punch in” their grips like a boxer throwing a punch, a jab or a cross. This tactic of striking that area as a means of off balancing coupled with the split step entry makes for a high percentage and more effective throwing technique. 

There is a strategy in judo. ”First grip. First attack. Finish.” Judo players often “punch in” their grips like a boxer throwing a punch, jab cross, uppercut etc. This concept blends in nicely with any striking combinations and can be interjected into your combination without any disruption of flow.

Ippon Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw) – Split Step Entry

1.) Both you and your opponent are standing a right foot forward lead fighting stance. 2.) Push off the left foot and step forward with the right foot. As if throwing a rear hand straight punch, strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels. 3.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. This should rock him to his front and off of his heels. Simultaneously step your left foot next to your right foot, your knees should be bent and your belt line should be lower than his belt line.

4.) Bring your right hand up under the opponent’s right armpit. Your right foot steps forward between the opponent’s feet pivot counter clockwise on your left foot and continue to pull with the left hand. As the right foot lands between deep between the opponent’s feet the toes of both feet should be pointing straight in the direction of the throw. Pinch the opponent’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. Rotate the palm of the right hand toward your head (this creates a tighter clamp on the opponent’s arm). 5.)  Step back with your left foot next to the opponent’s left foot (as you step back with the left foot between your opponent’s feet they should start to raise up off the mat). 6.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent. Continue to pull and twist your torso to the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee and drive the opponent to the ground.    

BARRON SHEPHERD SIXKILLER KAJUKENBO KSDI

The strength of Kajukenbo lies in how techniques from the different styles that made up Kajukenbo (Karate, Judo, Kenpo and Boxing) are combined. Taking the opponent out of the fight as quickly as possible by delivering techniques in combination, as BALLISTIC as possible, to cause as much damage possible, is the aim of Kajukenbo. The most effective of its techniques are ones that effectively dole out the principles of physics quickly and forcefully, coupled with a will to achieve the goal.

Punch Counter Against Double Jab

1.) Both Fighters are fighting out of right foot forward lead.  2.) The opponent throws a straight right lead punch (jab). Parry the punch with your right lead hand.  3.) The opponent doubles up on his jab and immediately throws another. Lean back slightly pivoting counter clockwise toward nine o'clock and rolling your right shoulder up to protect your chin. Your left stays up next to the left side of your chin and jaw. 

 4.) Immediately counter the opponent's second jab with a left cock screw punch as you pivot both feet clockwise to twelve o'clock. Your left foot raises off the heel as you deliver the punch. Your right hand chambers at the right side of your chin  5.) Pivot on the lead foot as you step your rear foot toward nine o'clock and execute a right upper cut to the chin of the opponent.  6.) Shuffle forward slightly by pushing off the left foot and stepping forward with the right foot. Strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a straight left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels.  

7.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. This should rock him to his front and off of his heels. As you pull step your left foot toward your right foot, your knees should be bent and your belt line should be lower than his belt line.  8.) Bring your right hand up under the opponent’s right armpit. Your right foot steps forward between the opponent’s feet pivot counter clockwise on your left foot and continue to pull with the left hand. As the right foot lands between deep between the opponent’s feet the toes of both feet should be pointing straight in the direction of the throw. Pinch the opponent’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. Rotate the palm of the right hand toward your head (this creates a tighter clamp on the opponent’s arm).   9.)  Step back with your left foot next to the opponent’s left foot (as you step back with the left foot between your opponent’s feet they should start to raise up off the mat).

10.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent.  11.) Continue to pull and twist your torso to the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee and drive the opponent to the ground.   

Immediately after the throw you can follow up with ground and pound see steps 13,14 and 15 in previous article.       

DYNAMIC KAJUKENBO BY BARRON SHEPHERD

  

 

COMING FEB/MARCH 2024

 FOREWORD

 TRAVELLING THE PATH

 Colonel G.H. Bristol USMC (retired) Creator and  Developer of the MCMAP , the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Art Program.

 Martial artist travel along a path. Some find the beginning of that path in a dojo and remain for a lifetime. Others have a shorter experience and move on to other endeavors. Some remain with one discipline for their entire length of the path. Others travel multiple paths and experiment with that of weapons, grappling, striking, and other aspects of the combative spectrum.

But a few exponents choose a different walk. They absorb multiple aspects of well-established disciplines and patiently – yet relentlessly – fuse them into their own unique personal fighting philosophy. Barron Shepherd is one of those martial artists. A lifetime journey of dedicated training, learning, absorbing, fusing, and teaching – and training again.

A man of considerable physical capability and capacity, a keen eye for technique, and a humble yet disciplined pursuit, he has walked a long winding road in JUDO and KAJUKENBO – first as a student and now as a teacher and advocate for both. Those who know him agree that he seeks to find the best within the training continuum and then pass it along to others for their benefit.

Talking with him regarding his latest book "Dynamic Kajukenbo", he is – as always – passionate, well-informed, and trains himself and others in what has become a lifetime of learning and DOING. As you read and see the in-depth technical and explosive application of a martial discipline that is at its core a FIGHTING art, you will better know the author.

I know him, so I will give you a thought as you begin to read. The author is a man who can execute – at a high and lethal level – every technique and application he describes. He is a lifelong learner and exponent. But more importantly, he is a man who – to those he knows and trains – would answer the call to those oppressed of the beginner who desires to learn. That combination is at the heart of a fighting man with a pure love of what he does.

Get to know Barron Shepherd in this book. I believe that you will find it informative, motivating, and strikes at the heart of what martial arts is all about. - SEMPER FIDELIS! GH Bristol

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The original concept of Kajukenbo was to build a fighting system that worked in the street. Kajukenbo was NOT the peaceful way, nor was it the way of de-escalation.  Kajukenbo’s mindset was and is one of approaching or attacking violence with greater overwhelming violence. Hit first, hit fast, hit hard and finish the guy! Kajukenbo was never about avoidance. Engagement and destruction were the strategy and tactics of Kajukenbo.

1.) Both you and the attacker are in a right foot forward fighting stance. Your knees bent and your rear foot is slightly raised off the ground.  2.) The attacker shuffles forward and executes a lead round house punch. Pivot on the right foot counter clockwise toward nine o’clock and strike the attacker’s right arm with the boney area of both of your forearms.  3.) From the point of contact, bend the knees and drop into right hammer fist and left forearm strike knocking the attacker’s arm downward. 

4.) Immediately turn clockwise toward twelve o’clock and execute a right hammer fist to the attacker’s jaw or neck. Your left hand chambers at your right shoulder  5.) Pivot on the rear foot clockwise toward ten o’clock and deliver a straight left punch to the attacker’s jaw. You right hand chambers at the right side of the head.   6.) Pivot counter clockwise toward nine o’clock and strike the left side of the attacker’s jaw with an left outward hand sword turning his head to this right. 

7.) Dropping the hips, deliver a right hammer fist to the left side of the attacker’s jaw. The right left hand rechambers at your right shoulder.  8.) Pivot clockwise toward twelve o’clock and strike the front of the attacker’s right shoulder with a hard left open hand check and grab his shirt at the area struck.  9.) Pull with the attacker toward you as you shift your right foot back slightly and push off it to move toward eleven o’clock.

10.) When you drive of the left foot step your right foot to eleven o’clock and to the outside of the attacker’s right foot  11.) Pulling with your left hand bring your right knee forward and up in between your left leg and the outside of your opponent’s right leg. Swing your right leg downward and back without letting your right foot touch the ground. The back of your calf should make contact with the back of your opponent’s calf. Continue your pull with your left hand bringing your left elbow to your left hip.  Continue with the sweep taking your opponent’s leg upward. Sweep his leg high. While sweeping your opponent’s leg drive his shoulder downward to the ground by continuing to pull your left elbow to your left hip.   12.)  The attacker lands on his left side and is turned away from you. Keeping control of his right arm, immediately place your right knee and shin against the attacker’s ribs and back. 

13.) Drop your hips pivoting counter clockwise on the ball of your right foot and deliver a right straight punch downward to the side of the attacker’s head. Your left hand chambers at your right shoulder.  14.) Twisting your hips back clockwise immediately follow up with a open hand check or a left outward edge of hand strike to the attackers jaw or side of head.  As your left hand checks or strikes your right hand chambers.  15.) Pivot again counter clockwise on the ball of your right foot and drop your hips downward as you deliver a straight punch to the attackers jaw, rechambering your left hand at your right shoulder.

KAJUKENBO (SIXKILLER FIGHTING METHOD) VS MULTIPLE PUNCHES

This combination against a right round house punch and a left round house punch attack features elements of Keysi, Kenpo, Boxing and Judo. If you can deal with a double or triple punch attack or punches in bunches then someone throwing a single punch shouldn't be a problem. 

This particular scenario is a cover and crash type scenario. Your opponent might have gotten the jump on you, surprised you and you just had enough time to throw up your hands and arms to cover and block his first punch. 

  1.) Both you and your opponent are in a right foot forward
fighting stance. 2.) Your opponent throws a right round house punch. Step
forward with your right foot and execute a double forearm cover. 3.) He follows
up with a left roundhouse punch. Execute a crash entry - Your right hand cups
the back of your head and your left hand grabs your right wrist forming a frame
to protect the right side of your head. Push off your rear foot and step
forward with the right foot into your opponent. Turn your hips and shoulders counter clockwise into the direction of the incoming punch. The object is you want to crash into the opponent's chest with your left elbow and his punching arm crashes into your right elbow.

  4.) Pivot slightly counter clockwise and execute a downward
diagonal hammer first to the opponents side of neck, jaw or nose. 5.
Immediately deliver a short range cork screw hook as you continue to pivot
counter clockwise. The toes of both feet should be pointing toward 7 o'clock.
6.) Push off  the left foot and step
deeper between the opponent's feet with your right foot dropping your hips
lower than the opponent's hips. Deliver a right back hammer fist to the
opponent's groin. Your left hand chambers at your right shoulder.

      7.) Strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a left heel
of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be
hard enough to disrupt his posture backward. With a short quick jerk with the
left hand, pull the opponent into you. This should rock him to his front and
off of his heels. Pivot on your feet counter – clockwise. The toes of both feet
should be pointing toward 6 o’clock. 8.) Step your left foot back next to your
right foot and between your opponent’s feet. Simultaneously pull the opponent
forward and bring your right arm up under his right arm. Pinch his right bicep
between your right bicep and forearm. As you step back with your left foot your
opponent’s feet should start coming off the ground. 9.) Straighten your legs
and bend at the waist popping your hips up and lifting him into the air (this
is an explosive movement). Keeping your grip on the opponent, bring your left
elbow downward, twisting your upper body toward your left hip to finish the
throw.