Kenpo Karate Technique of the Month

Technique Of The Month

Crossing Talon

Attack: The opponent is standing in front of you, cross-grabbing your right wrist with his right hand. He may be optionally preparing to deliver a left punch towards your face.

Defense:

From a natural stance have your left hand pin the opponent's right hand to your right wrist as you step your left foot towards 1:30. Begin to settle into a left wide kneel stance as your left elbow/forearm flaps downward against the opponent's right elbow joint, forcing him to bend forward at the waist. With no hesitation, complete your left foot's transition into the left wide kneel stance as you shuffle into the opponent and execute a left outward elbow to the right side of his head.
Execute a left heel palm check against the right side of his head, and then slide your left arm across his back and down his centerline. Rise up into a left neutral bow as you chamber your left arm (fully extended) over the opponent's back. Drop back into the left wide kneel as you execute a left downward elbow strike to the center of his back (along his centerline).
Execute a left heel palm strike to his mastoid and follow this up with an immediate right knee kick towards his head. Plant your right foot back to its point-of-origin.

Notes & Questions:

What basic Kenpo principle are you following when you pin the opponent's right hand to your right wrist?
For what reason are you stepping your left foot into 1:30?
From the wide kneel stance, name one practical reason for shuffling while executing the elbow strike (beside the "shuffle with an elbow" rule).
What should you do if the opponent rises up as you chamber your left arm for the overhead elbow strike?
What is it about Crossing Talon that makes it such a prominent stand-out technique?

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