Contents
Sword of Destruction – Kenpo Self-Defense Technique
- Attack Scenario: Front attack – Opponent throws a left roundhouse punch to the head.
The word “Destruction” symbolically represents an attack coming from the left side of the body. In this defense, the practitioner neutralizes a left punch (destruction punch) using a block and follows with a devastating hand sword strike (the sword) to the opponent’s neck.
Step-by-Step Execution

- Initial Defense: From a natural stance, step back with your left foot toward 6:00 into a right neutral bow (facing 12:00). Simultaneously execute a right extended outward block to the inner forearm of the opponent’s left punch. Your left hand checks at your solar plexus for added protection.
- Transition and Set-Up: Slide your right foot back into a cat stance to create distance and set up your counter.
- Counterattack with a Kick: Without delay, deliver a right front snap ball kick to your opponent’s groin. This strike should cause the opponent to bend forward, exposing their upper body.
- Hand sword Strike: Plant your right foot forward into a right neutral bow inside the opponent’s left leg. Employ the Marriage of Gravity as you deliver a right inward hands word strike to the left side of the neck. This action can cause severe damage and potentially drop the opponent to the ground.
- Final Check: Immediately snap your right hand back to the opponent’s left shoulder as a positional check.

Key Principles Demonstrated
Checking: Always maintain positional checks to protect yourself from secondary attacks.
Marriage of Gravity: Drop your weight during the hands word strike to maximize power.
Economy of Motion: The technique flows directly from defense to offense without wasted movement.
Recommendations for Practice
- Precision First: Focus on correct stances, timing, and hand positioning before adding speed.
- Partner Drills: Practice with a partner at slow speed to understand distance and angle.
- Power Development: Strengthen your handsword strike with striking drills against pads.
- Conditioning: Train groin kick mechanics with a focus on accuracy and proper chambering.
- Visualization: Imagine real scenarios to reinforce timing and reaction under pressure.
- Safety: Always control contact during partner practice—especially on groin and neck targets.
Conclusion
The Sword of Destruction exemplifies Kenpo’s philosophy of blending defense and offense into a single, seamless motion. By blocking, countering with a kick, and delivering a decisive handsword strike, the defender neutralizes the threat quickly and effectively. This technique teaches not only how to protect against a left roundhouse punch but also how to control angles, maintain checks, and apply finishing power. Mastery comes from repetition, precision, and controlled practice until the sequence becomes instinctive.
Kenpo Karate Techniques
- Kenpo Karate Self Defense Techniques
- Kenpo Karate Stances
- Kenpo Karate Strikes
- Kenpo Karate Blocks
- Kenpo Karate Punches
- Kenpo Karate Kicks
- Kenpo Karate Foot Maneuvers
- Kenpo Karate Parries
- Kenpo Karate Finger Techniques
- Kenpo Karate Sets
- Kenpo Karate Forms
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