Introduction

In his development of the American Kenpo forms, Mr. Parker chose very unique yet very specific methods to transition us from one place to another.  For example, Short Form #1 (stressing single hand defense) uses step-thrus in reverse to create distance between us and an assailant.  While in Short Form #2 (stressing single-hand defense and single-hand offense) we see different foot maneuvers which permit us to safely move towards an opponent.

 

This article will examine the V-Step 45' angle change, one of the many foot maneuvers contained in the Kenpo forms.  To set the stage for understanding this foot maneuver, let's first define some basic geometric patterns used to represent foot maneuvers in the Kenpo forms.

 

Geometric Patterns

American Parker Kenpo, as in many of the traditional martial arts forms, uses two major geometric patterns to represent the foot transitions in the Kenpo forms.  One of these patterns is the plus (+) pattern, which involves the 12:00 - 3:00 - 6:00 - 9:00 directions.  See drawing #1 below.

 

1. The Plus (+) Pattern

The second pattern used In the Kenpo forms is the "x" pattern, which involves the 1:30 - 4:30 - 7:30 - 10:30 directions.  See drawing #2 below.

2. The "X" Pattern

Using these patterns as our reference, we can define a 45' angle change as a transition from the plus (+) pattern of the forms to the "x" pattern, or from the "x" pattern to the plus (+) pattern.  For example, an angle change from 12:00 to 1:30 is a 45' angle change, and a transition from 1:30 to 3:00 is a 45' angle change.  In contrast, a transition from 12:00 to 9:00 is a change from the plus (+) pattern to the plus (+) pattern, and therefore is not a 45' angle change (see our article The L-Step (90') Angle Change In The Kenpo Forms for further discussion).

While there is more than one way to transition 45' in the Kenpo forms, The V-Step 45' angle change can clearly be differentiated by the literal letter "V" shape formed by initially moving one foot towards the other, and then moving it away as the maneuver is completed (see the drawings below).

An Example in The Kenpo Forms

Now let's look at an example from the Parker Kenpo forms.  The first V-Step 45' angle change in the forms is found in Short Form #2, and is demonstrated by a transition from the 12:00 - 6:00 line to the 4:30 - 10:30 line (see the drawings below).

1. RNB Facing 12:00

2. Lt. Rev. Cat Transition

3. LNB Facing 4:30

The First "V-Step" In Short Form #2

(1) This transition begins in a right neutral bow facing 12:00.  (2) Your left foot first slides towards your right foot into a 45' cat transition.  (3) Without hesitation your left foot moves away from your right foot into a left neutral bow facing 4:30.  The drawings above illustrate the letter "V" made by the motion of your left foot.  The V-Step angle change can easily be distinguished from the 90' L-Step angle change (The L-Step (90') Angle Change In The Kenpo Forms). 

For those of you truly interested in exploring the Parker forms, when you find all of the V-Step 45' angle changes in the forms and align them correctly you'll discover another Kenpo floor pattern (beyond the "V" shape).