Part II
LAW OF THE CRANE
INVOCATION
The Law of the Crane
Rokakute Kempo Underpinnings Derived from the Base Principles of Cunningham Sensei’s Father: An Interpretive Restructuring of Oral Teachings
Alaskan Kempo — Foundational Strategic Law
Alaskan Kempo is not a collection of techniques.
It is a system of governance over force, operating under environmental reality, moral jurisdiction, and structural law.
What entered Rokakute through Cunningham Sensei was not a “style.”
It was inheritance—a body of functional doctrine refined by wilderness necessity rather than cultural preservation. These principles were not curated for tradition. They were preserved because failure was punished by terrain, weather, and consequence.
At its core, Alaskan Kempo recognizes Five Strategic Authorities. These are not alternatives or preferences. They are contextual jurisdictions, invoked according to circumstance, law, and necessity.
The Five Kempo Strategies
1. Shinken — The Hallowed Fist
Shinken governs decisive resolution.
It is invoked when ambiguity has collapsed and lawful action is unavoidable. Movement is minimal, structure is correct, and outcome is final when required.
Shinken contains no excess and no hesitation.
It is not brutality.
It is clarity under pressure.
2. Himitsu — The Strategy of Escape and Lightning
Himitsu governs victory through non-engagement.
It prioritizes evasion, misdirection, disappearance, and positional denial. The threat is never allowed to complete itself.
When action is required, it is brief, surgical, and immediately dissolved back into absence. The highest form of survival is not being present when violence matures.
3. Gogyo — The Five Element Strategy
Gogyo governs adaptive response.
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Water — yielding, redirecting, erosion
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Fire — explosive disruption, rapid collapse
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Earth — rooting, absorption, stability
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Metal — cutting, severing, penetration
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Air — timing, void, invisibility, absence
These are not metaphors.
They are behavioral states selected according to terrain, threat profile, and jurisdictional constraint.
4. Heiho — The Strategy of the Peaceful Person
Heiho governs restraint through superiority.
It is the authority of one who can act, but does not unless required. Harmony is preserved without surrendering control.
Peace is not passivity.
It is dominance without display.
5. Kamite — The Divine Hand
Kamite governs integration.
At this level, technique dissolves. Structure, timing, intent, and morality align into singular action. Kamite is not mystical. It is the inevitable result of mastery.
The hand does not act.
It arrives.
Uchite Atemi-waza — The Striking Hand
Uchite governs angle saturation.
Any hand may strike if it:
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reaches the angle,
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preserves structure, and
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exposes kyusho.
Originating in Ti’gwa of old Siam, Uchite is not concerned with power. It is concerned with coverage. Every strike creates position. Every position reveals vulnerability.
Uchi, Uke, and Atemi exist as a single continuum.
Strike, receive, and impact are not separate actions.
Kyusho-jutsu is not anatomy.
It is jurisdiction over the nervous system.
Tuite Atemi-waza — The Taking Hand
Tuite governs control of outcome.
It denies all hostile courses of action through:
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seizing,
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unbalancing,
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entanglement,
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grounding, and
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submission.
Rooted in Tegumi, Chin Na, Shuai Jiao, and Japanese Jujutsu, Tuite is not grappling.
It is decision removal.
Locks, throws, chokes, and ground controls are not techniques.
They are closures.
The Development of Spirit (Ki)
Kiai — Harmonious Spirit Within
Unified release of breath, structure, and intent.
Aiki — Harmonious Spirit With Another
Arrival within another’s intent before it completes itself.
Not softness—perfect timing without collision.
Purification of heart is required. Without it, Alaskan Kempo collapses into empty violence. As the heart becomes pure, the practitioner becomes gentler—not weaker.
Yoki — Positive Spirit Without
Presence that alters environment without action.
Mushin — No Mind
Openness without distortion. Intent remains; interference dissolves.
Senshin — Undivided Mind
Singleness of purpose so complete that action becomes inevitable.
Jitsute — The Hands of Skill
Jitsute governs efficiency without waste.
Symmetry replaces sequence.
Defense and offense occupy the same space.
Key functional states include:
Renzokute, Meotode, Shitte, Hikite, Jute/Gote, Shinite/Katsute, Jiyute, Odorite, Aikite, Uchite/Tuite, Kamite, Heihote.
Each is a state of function, not a posture.
Toitsu — Unity
Advanced MPJ™ “Kempo Tactics” expression.
A block is a strike.
A strike is a throw.
A throw is a choke.
There are no transitions.
Only continuation.
Busan — Creative Emergence
Creativity arises when bunkai dissolves into function.
Correct structure permits spontaneous solution.
Nagare Komi — To Flow In
Combat obeys the same law as rivers and wind.
Resistance fractures structure.
Flow preserves it.
Kime — Focus and Interval
Ma, Ai, Maai, Choshi, Hyoshi, Ritsudo.
Timing resolves outcome before force is required.
Closing Law
Alaskan Kempo is not learned to fight.
It is learned to resolve without residue.
When technique disappears and only correct action remains,
the system has fulfilled its purpose.
Principles & Concepts of Alaskan Kempo
Kaku-Te (Crane Hand) & Ryu-Te (Dragon Hand)
In Alaskan Kempo, you must possess the hands of nature.
アラスカ拳法の原理と概念
NATURE'S ORDER ELEMENTS (Theories of applications from nature must permeate and exist within the framework of UNIVERSAL LAWS):
Water/Liquid/Solid/Gas
Geometry/Circle/Point
Physics/Non-Resistance
Physiology/Body
Psychology/Mind
WATER
水
Softness, adaptability, strength, patience, conformity - all ideas which are present in the warrior mind, and indeed in the mind of the Kempo practitioner when thinking of the theory of water. Water never struggles with any object that it encounters! It exhibits tremendous patience and adaptability in its engagement with any obstacle it faces during the natural flow. Rather than rising in direct conflict with an adversary, the Kempoka seeks to join with, or adapt to the threat and their motions, in order that the 'conflict' so commonly seen in many martial arts, is avoided. This is difficult to attain in battle that is why we must continually condition to this standard. Thus, this demonstrates a keen ability to adapt, it is important to realize water never changes itself. The Kempoka must learn to adapt in this same way.
If a stream comes upon a rock in its downhill flow, it merely goes around it. If this rock is too large for the water to go around, the water will be patient, collecting until it rises to a level, which allows it to flow over or around this obstruction. Similarly, as we "go with the flow" in the execution of our techniques, when we are pushed, we pull; when we are pulled, we push. Then like a wave of water we "crash in." In comparing a threats defenses to an obstacle, a rock for instance, it should be noted that although the water can simply flow over or around the obstruction, it also eventually permeates every pore and completely engulfs the obstacle. This type of counter-attacking 'mind-set' is practiced in Alaskan Kempo through the very nature of the techniques and combinations that we train with every day. The water and rock inevitably touch. The famed criminologist Edmond Locard, said, "Every contact leaves a trace."
Softness (Jute-crane hand) is another characteristic of water that relates to the understanding of Alaskan Kempo. We must accept the fact that softness has the capacity to win over hardness. It has been said that, "stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, while soft and yielding is the disciple of life." If you think of a Willow tree; during life, its branches are flexible and resilient; but after death, they become hard and brittle. When thinking of water, however, it may be made to break up, but invariably, it will join or come together again.
Water has no shape. If you put it into a box, it becomes square; put it in a circle, it becomes round; freeze it, it becomes solid. Although constantly adapting to its environment, water remains unchanged. As for water's forcefulness, one need only observe a high waterfall to be reminded of the force behind this very same soft and adaptable, yet forceful liquid.
An, Alaskan Kempo principle that concerns a maximum use of force at one time can be easily explained when compared to the flow of water out of something like a fire hose, for example. One person can easily remove the hose from a fire truck; in this instance, it is light and flexible. However, when it is connected to a hydrant and water is forced through it, this same hose becomes very heavy and rigid. It now demands multiple people to handle it due to the concentration of water at one point beyond the nozzle of the hose. Alaskan Kempo compares a person’s 'Ki' power to the water in a fire hose. You should be able to concentrate all of your power in one direction toward one point in time and place force maximum power.
CIRCLE - POINT CONTROL
サークル - ポイントコントロール
A circle represents the perfect geometric figure. Every person has his or her own circle that is their "private space." It is this circle that we seek to protect. A threat's attack should be met with a soft, crane-hand circular principles to deter. A circle can be big or very small and pin-pointed. We choose not to meet a threat's force with direct force. This is what helped Cunningham sensei against the Gote, hard hand crashing in power of Stuart sensei during hand-to-hand battle practice. Instead, we choose to lead this oncoming force in a circle (big or small), deflecting it, so as to minimize its effect.
Therefore, we end up redirecting a threat’s force against them. We should think of this circle as a form of precise resistance; always crane hand, and therefore difficult to hold or grasp. The Kempoka choose to deflect an attack in a circular effect, they gain an immediate advantage in several ways. First, injuries are lessened to the Kempoka when the attack is not met squarely. Second, the Kempoka sets up the threat for a powerful, nearly unavoidable, counter-attack. Third, the threats balance, the very thing he needs most, is displaced. Lastly, the threat body position is controlled so as to afford the Kempoka the option of a much more devastating, continuous, point-point circular combination of counter-attack force options.
NON-RESISTANCE AS IN ACCORD WITH
無抵抗
The learning of Alaskan Kempo is accomplished through the continuous generation of universal harmony between mind, body, spirit, and environment. Harmony is the most important element one should strive to achieve through their training. How often in your training do you feel that your mind has "learned" a new technique, only to find that your body is not embracing this new knowledge as rapidly as you desire? Each time we apply a technique, neural memories are made between the brain and the muscles, which control the primary and secondary movements of the technique. Every maneuver you learn in Alaskan Kempo has its own special neuro synaptic memory inside the brain. We practice what we are shown countless times so that our body and mind will eventually act as one unit in response to a threat force.
After Kempoka achieves harmony within themselves, the next requirement is to harmonize with the threat force. Having accomplished this, the Kempoka will find it quite easy to control the movements and energy of a threat. We seek to blend with the attack to compound the protection and exploit vulnerabilities in the threat. The words "non-resistance" are often substituted for harmony in defining the theory of unity. Before an attack can be directed in a circular manner, it must first be received or intercepted with an acceptable maneuver, thus allowing it to be "in accord" using the threat's oncoming force to fuel the protective motion.
Following this, the final task is blending the strategy of self, the threat, and the environment, with that of the tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Once the mind, body, and spirit are unified with the Earth and Universe, Ki has been assimilated. Then, the techniques will feel "natural." It is not enough to merely know the technique; this knowledge must become instinctive to violent conflict, or "second nature."
Physics, Geometry, Physiology, and Psychology
Physics
物理
The Kempoka must become the center of motion receiving a threat attack. A hurricane is a perfect example of this. Water/air spins around absorbing everything to its center and at the same time throwing everything out away from its center as long as its motion is continuous and keeping perfect balance between all motion within itself, moving from its center. Our tanden (center point of balance) is that center and in Alaskan Kempo, the Haragei Echo receives all and then funnels the attack away. If you want to destroy a hurricane, you must first get to its center to disrupt the flow within the chaos. All primary and secondary movements must be fluid like water. This means your Kempo must be adaptable. Ever flowing! Water in a river will pull a pebble with the current, go around a boulder, or carve a valley through a wall of rock. The act of dripping water can drill a hole in stone. A continuous and fluid motion in the right direction makes for a most destructive force. Also, moving in many directions at one time while maintaining a single movement and balance.
Geometry
幾何学
In Alaskan Kempo to unbalance the converging body so as to trap, clinch, throw or pin, manipulating human physiology causes it to happen without using an aggressive force or muscle strength. There is a huge difference between strength and power. A law of geometry that says in a circle, any angle formed using two points on the circle that are opposite each other (or form the diameter), if you draw lines from each of them to the same place anywhere on the circle, it will form 90 degree angles, and thus perpendicular lines. You must also take into consideration all the angles contained within a sphere. This is what made complete sense in studying Ed Parker's Universal Pattern. In other words, no matter how they attack there is an opposite and complimentary angle to defend with. The entire use of geometry in Alaskan Kempo is to deflect the attack, not to "block" it using brute force. Then, Stuart sensei's Dragon Hand is so useful when threat is completely vulnerable. The perfect complement to physics, keep center of gravity fixed and momentum ever flowing and redirecting the attackers "energy" with Cunningham sensei's Crane Hand as to create unbalance within any dimensional sphere of the Universal Pattern. Then the threat force will follow their forced direction of attack exposing angles of entry and anatomical targeting points (ATP) of vulnerability.
Physiology
生理学
There are many vulnerable spots on the human body called ATP. The locations of these vital spots usually coincide with that of the nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs. When these vital spots are stimulated (force), the result can be anything from severe pain, to impairment, to death.
Permanent or temporary damage of the internal organs is an immense concern. You can alter the function of the organ as well as the form, the later having deadly results! Points can be hit, pushed, or rubbed and from an angle that is personal to each point. Every ATP has its own way of accessibility. Some are complex points, which can be stimulated more than one way. Just because someone knows, where ATPs are does not mean they know how to use them. You may know where Alaska is but, to really know Alaska and all its roads, rivers, railways and so forth, you must study it in depth in Alaska. This knowledge is necessary for a successful protective protocol as well. Remember also that the joints are only designed to move within their "parameters of motion" as prescribed by the laws of human physiology. The ATPs release the joints so that they may be displaced or completely dislocated during the course of a technique. You do not need "brute force" to disassemble the joints or cause internal injury, rather just enough Crane or Dragon Hand applications.
Psychology
心理学
Alaskan Kempo is a way of physical and mental (psychological) coordination. Primary and secondary movement requires the coordination of both the mind, body, and spirit acting in unity. Consistent conditioning of all three within Earth's various environments is necessary to maintain this coordination. Repetition is the way to build reflex, neural memory for the body to act as well as pushing it deep within your subconscious.
Alaskan Kempo is an art of sophisticated motion, which means more than just a quick reaction. Our sophistication is achieved through simplicity of motion. Reaction means, "thought before action.” It is reflex, NOT reaction! You have no time to think when being attacked by a threat force. Remember, if they do not attack, they do not get hurt. Do not ever feel sorry for protecting your life.