At Kensho our approach to learning martial arts is a bit different. Yes, in our Mixed Martial Arts curriculum, we train in a variety of martial arts which of course many people do these days, but rather than a smorgasbord where the student’s progress is haphazard at best, our approach is very focused and deliberate.
Why begin with boxing and kickboxing?
- If you want to learn to defend yourself, you need to learn to move! Footwork and body movement are a necessity. Kensho’s boxing and kickboxing curriculum will get you moving from day 1.
- If you want to learn to defend yourself, you need to be in shape! You’ll develop your flexibility and conditioning in a hurry and have a blast doing it.
- In an urban setting, most attacks begin with someone taking a swing at you (when there is no weapon involved). Knowing how to move out of the way and counter is the first step. if you can’t avoid getting hit with the first few punches, It probably won’t matter what other wazoo moves you may know!
Develop core skills that are useful right away.
Our boxing and kickboxing curriculums are comprehensive and unique; developed over many years of studying and applying different styles. This is the core of Kensho’s mixed martial arts curriculum. We have a methodical step by step process to help our students to develop the most important skills and physical conditioning quickly and efficiently because we’ve found over the years that these are the skills most likely to be useful to a student right away, should they find that they need to defend themselves.
This is where the fun begins! Students work together learning to develop their strength and power, but at the same time they develop a graceful flow of punches, kicks and footwork so that they can make it look easy. We do a lot of partner drills that help to learn to move in response to another person in a controlled way. Not only are these fun, but you’re developing your footwork, movement and your sense of distance and timing (without these attributes, no techniques can work!)
Master the basics.
After a few months of training, you’re going to have a real sense of accomplishment. THIS IS REALLY 
IMPORTANT! In order to progress to black belt level, you’ll need to start by getting really good at one or two things. There is a reason they are called martial ARTS. This process of learning for mastery is what it’s all about. Anyone can throw a punch or kick. Very few become black belts. Mastery makes it possible to add techniques as you progress and make it all look good.
Begin introducing advanced martial arts techniques.
Now that you have a good base to work from, we start adding JKD, Muay Thai, Savate, Judo/ Jiu Jitsu, Kali and Silat. Muay Thai, Savate and JKD Kickboxing really help to round out your striking skills across the different ranges. Now your punching and kicking skills begin to flow together with knees, elbows, joint locks, throws, etc.
Silat, Kali, Judo and Jiu Jitsu help you take this to the next level and master standing locks, throws / take downs and grappling techniques.
Kali and other Filipino Martial Arts are weapon based arts. A weapon is an extension of your body. Any object you pick up can be used as an improvised weapon if you know how to move and use it. Every weapon has unique properties, but body movement is what makes them all work.
Weapon training is a lot of fun. Students love it and it is the only way to gain experience with them that may save your life in an attack. If you are not capable of defending yourself with a weapon in your hand, it’s unlikely that you’d be able to defend yourself without a weapon.
In my fighting career and 35 years of martial arts training, I’ve been fortunate to have been exposed to an awesome variety of styles and teachers. I believe that in order to really understand a martial art, it’s important respect it’s roots and to become immersed in the philosophy and culture from which that particular style rose. For each individual, the whole idea is to hone in on the things that we find most useful. Each student is different. As instructors we strive to help each student to apply what is most useful for them.
Roger Luri
Head instructor – Kensho Martial Arts