How to Use Snapping Twig in American Kenpo Karate

Maybe the most common form of karate taught in the United States today, kenpo karate takes it's influence from both Japanese and Chinese martial arts styles, including tai chi, kung fu and jiu jitsu. American kenpo karate teaches more than 700 self-defense moves as well as strikes and kicks, making the snapping twig just one of many techniques you can begin practicing today.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use the kenpo snapping twig technique as a method of self defense against a direct, one-handed push to the right side of your upper body.

2. Trap your opponent's arm as he is pressing into your chest or shoulder by lifting your left arm and holding his wrist. Hold his arm in place as you swing your right arm back, to gain momentum, and then forcefully punch forward with the heel of your hand, striking him in the elbow. Often this one simple action will be enough to stop your attacker quickly.

3. Continue holding your attacker's arm to your chest as you move your right hand up over her arm, pushing down against the elbow joint. Release your left hand and throw a chop to her throat, preventing a punch from her right hand.

4. Release your right arm, lifting your fist and striking downward into your attacker's nose. Bring your right arm back quickly and then step forward as you swing your elbow into the side of your attacker's face. At the same time, bring your left arm up with a hand sword, striking him with a chopping motion on the opposite side of the neck to complete the kenpo snapping twig technique.

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