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 - Elbows, Limb Destructions and Judo Throws....Oh My!

Limb destruction, Trap, Elbow strike to Split Entry Shoulder Throw

1.) The attacker is standing in a left foot forward lead and the defender is standing in a right foot forward lead.  2.) The attacker moves forward and throws a right rear hand straight punch. The defender parries the punch to the inside and toward the right as he pushes of the back foot and shuffles slightly toward 11 o’clock to the outside of the attacker’s punch.  3.) The defender simultaneously brings his right arm up and parries the punch with the outside of his forearm. His left is up at the chin and the right side of his head is covered with his bicep and
forearm.

4.) The defender immediately pivots toward one o’clock. Bending his knees and dropping his center of gravity he grabs the opponent’s right wrist with his right hand and strikes the back of the opponent’s right arm just above the elbow with a left upward elbow. (Steps 3 and 4 shown
opposite angle on next page).  5.) The defender checks/traps the opponent’s right arm with his left hand.  6.) Pivot on the back foot counter clockwise and drop step toward eleven o’clock with the right foot and deliver a roundhouse elbow. The elbow strikes the front of the opponent’s right shoulder at the area just above the armpit and turns the opponent’s upper body back toward the
defender.   

Steps 3.) and 4.) shown from opposite angle

3.) The defender simultaneously brings his right arm up and parries the punch with the outside of his forearm. His left is up at the chin and the right side of his head is covered with his bicep and forearm.  4.) The defender immediately pivots toward one o’clock. Bending his knees and dropping his center of gravity he grabs the opponent’s right wrist with his right hand and strikes the back of the opponent’s right arm just above the elbow with a left upward elbow. 

7.) Keeping your knees bent drop your center of gravity and immediately 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. 8.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. Simultaneously begin to pivot counter clockwise into a split entry throw on the left foot. As you begin the pivot bring your right knee up toward your chest. 9.) The right hand moves up under the opponent’s right armpit. The right foot drops back between the opponent’s feet and to the inside of his right foot. The toes of both feet should be pointing toward seven o’clock.

10.) Pinch the attacker’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. The defender Steps back with the left foot next to the opponent’s left foot.  11.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent.  12.) Continue to pull and twist your torso to
the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee to finish the throw.  

Explaining the Split Step Entry (Kodokan Judo)

Footwork entries into judo throws include the Split-Step entry and the Back-Step entry. Both allow you to step deeper in between your opponent’s feet allowing for maximum leverage. The Split entries can be utilized in different scenarios addressing different types of attacks from different angles. It will also allow you to make adjustments during the course of the execution of a throw if your opponent tries to step back or away from a throw either incidentally or purposefully. Of the three entries into throws the step pivot, the split step and the back step. The split step methods are the most effective they allow you to enter at different angles and allow for greater execution of force. 

Split Step Entry Shoulder Throw 

1.) As you step forward with the right foot to the top of the triangle punch in your grip with your left hand.  2.) Grab the gi and pull with your left hand at he same time 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. Your right arm moves under his right arm and pinches his arm between your bicep and forearm at his arm pit. The toes of both feet should be pointing in the direction of the top of the triangle.  4.) The left foot moves in between the opponent’s feet. The toes of your left foot should be in line with the base line of the triangle. As the left foot moves back his feet should lift up off the ground. To finish the throw twist your upper body bring your right elbow to your left hip. 

SPLIT ENTRY BACK HAMMER FIST TO SHOULDER THROW: SIXKILLER KAJUKENBO KENPO KARATE

 The Split Step Entry (Kodokan Judo)

Other entries into judo throws include the Split-Step entry and the Back-Step entry. Both allow you to step deeper in between your opponent’s feet allowing for maximum leverage. The Split entries can be utilized in different scenarios addressing different types of attacks from different angles. The split step entry is the most effective of Judo entries. If your opponent tries to step back or away from a throw either incidentally or purposefully the throw will till be successful. 

Split Step Entry Shoulder Throw 

1.) As you step forward with the right foot to the top of the triangle punch in your grip with your left hand.   2.) Grab the gi and pull with your left hand at he same time 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. Your right arm moves under his right arm and pinches his arm between your bicep and forearm at his arm pit. The toes of both feet should be pointing in the direction of the top of the triangle.  4.) The left foot moves in between the opponent’s feet. The toes of your left foot should be in line with the base line of the triangle. As the left foot moves back his feet should lift up off the ground. To finsh the throw twist your upper body bring your right elbow to your left hip. 

Split Entry Back Hammer Fist to Shoulder Throw

1.) The attacker is standing right side forward and has his hands up like a boxer. The defender is also right side forward in his fighting posture. Your knees are slightly bent and your left heel is raised slightly off the floor.   2.) The attacker throws a right roundhouse punch. Your left foot quickly shifts back and in line with the right foot as you pivot counter clockwise on the ball of the right foot (this pattern of movement moves you away from his incoming punch and sets ups a split entry shoulder throw). Simultaneously, and without any draw back execute a right inward thrusting hammer fist to the attacker’s punching arm. Your left hand stays up close to the left side of your chin.  3.) Step forward slightly with the left foot toward 12 o’clock and then step deeper between the opponent's feet with your right foot dropping your hips lower than the opponent's hips. As you step your lead foot in between the opponent’s feet, your right hand travels in a tight arc downward to deliver a right back hammer fist to the opponent's groin. Your left hand remains chambered at your right shoulder.

NOTE: Split entry footwork  

2a.                                               2b.                                                      3a.              

2a.) The left foot quickly shifts back and in line with the right foot as you pivot counter clockwise on the ball of the right foot (this pattern of movement moves you away from his incoming punch and sets ups a split entry shoulder throw) as your block makes contact.  2b.) To move in for the back Hammer fist your left foot steps up toward your right foot. 3.) Step forward past the base line of the triangle with your right foot. As your right foot lands with the toes pointing toward the apex of the triangle your back hammer fist makes contact.

7.) As the opponent begins to double over from the back hammer fist to the groin, the left hand
checks hard at the opponent’s right shoulder. Upon impact of the check grab his clothing with the left hand at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture backward. Pull the opponent into you with the left hand, pull the opponent into you as you pull. pivot. The toes of both feet should be pointing toward 6 o’clock.   5.) As you pull bring your right arm up under his right arm at his arm pit. Pinch his right arm  between your right bicep and forearm. Step your left foot back next to your right foot and between your opponent’s feet. 

NOTE: As you step back with your left foot your opponent’s feet should start coming off the ground.

6.) 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, continue the pull twisting your upper body bringing your left elbow to your left hip to finish the throw.

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.