Application to Form Module 1
Knife-Hand Block and Front Push & Snap Kick - The Progressive Way to Train!
What is the KDCombat System?
Hello and welcome, I am Simon Staples, creator of the KDCombat System. With the benefit of 35 years' Shotokan Karate experience, I have devised a way in which I believe Shotokan Karate should be trained, taught and practised in order to adapt to any environment or real life situation.
KD stands for Kihaku Dojo. Kihaku means "Spirit and Soul", a word which inspired me to name my first karate dojo. Eventually, Kihaku Dojo evolved to become KDCombat because I wanted to put the soul, spirit and fight back into Shotokan.
I decided to share my knowledge of the art in order to
- Highlight the relevance and effectiveness of Shotokan techniques
- Show practical applications and moves
- Demonstrate that we can adapt and apply Shotokan to any environment, real-life situation or, maybe, against a different art.
The Strength of the KDCombat System is that it is not ruled by the belt-grading syllabus, neither is it a shortcut system. It is not governed by moves to learn or by ability - it is all about practicality and effectiveness.
Anyone who is thinking about starting, who is already training or teaching Shotokan, would be interested in the KDCombat System. Whether a beginner, club member, instructor or association head, my lessons will apply to all.
A lot of thought and preparation is put into every video in the KDCombat System and we will continue to plan, film and upload new content. I always knew I wanted to teach Shotokan in a certain way for the benefit and enhancement of my students.
The Modules are the backbone of the KDCombat System. They are suitable for all levels of karateka. Each lesson is a practical approach to Shotokan and aims to help the student understand the meaning behind each movement. Some lessons have a drill system built in.
In this Module:
Knife-hand Block (Shuto Uke)
Simon starts off by using the Knife-hand Block against a jab and backhand punch, focusing on the "double touch" - parry and push.
Simon then introduces the footwork, moving at an angle, to cut into your opponent's space.
Finally, Simon steps up the game when he “creates” time between two punches by cutting angles to an opponent.
Front Push and Snap Kicks
The kicks also feature in this module. Simon uses them as a range-finder or for keeping an opponent away. There is a free-flow drill at the end of the video.
- Build Confidence: From the first lesson you will acquire the skills to deal with threats outside the dojo.
- See Full Instruction and Demonstration: Each lesson has a feel of a one-to-one session.
- Have a Choice: Learn and train at your own pace and in your own time.
- See the Results: With each lesson you will see your martial arts skills change from form to function.
Are you ready?
Renew your passion and enthusiasm for Shotokan Karate. Develop skills that deal with reality. Your attitude to shotokan training will change.
The Progressive Way to Train!
Your Instructor
Simon Staples, the creator of the KDCombat System, has been practising Shotokan Karate since 1981 and holds the rank of 6th Dan. He had the privilege of training at the Hoitsugan and Honbu dojos in Japan with the elite of the Shotokan world.
Simon had a successful competitive career, winning kumite and kata events which earned him the title of Grand Champion for several years in succession. After retiring from competition, he concentrated on his own training and refined his teaching methods.
Simon’s martial arts qualifications and experience range from successful national and international competitions, tournament refereeing and the co-founding and organising of one of the largest European tournaments – the Shobu Ippon Competition – between 2006 and 2010. He also helped produce English and world champions.
Simon continues to self-train, develop his own martial arts and teach in his KDCombat dojo.
Reviews and Testimonials
"The KDCombat system of applying Shotokan Karate is uniquely refreshing. It has a perfect balance of technical instruction along with a no frills practicality that would work not just in a self defense situation but also in a fight situation.
Having trained with Simon for many years he has influenced my personal Karate and the way I teach for my Association. His methodology has attracted many senior martial artists from different disciplines and proved to be able to help a martial artist transition between arts.
Using Shotokan as his base Simon is never afraid to test the KDCombat system and regularly puts himself on the line in training. This system works and I would recommend this as a tool to enhance your own training as well as give you ideas on how to approach your teaching”
Darren Jumnoodoo (6th Dan), Chief Instructor, TKMA
"Having trained with numerous top instructors of many styles both in this country and abroad, I consider Simon as both one of the most talented martial artists, and most effective instructors, I have had the privilege to train with.
He teaches a pragmatic, effective version of Shotokan Karate blended with the best of other styles, most notably BJJ, in a manner that sets him apart from virtually every other instructor I have encountered.
To me personally, and to many of my peers, Simon has been an inspirational mentor showing how to make a transition in your Karate training at a senior level.
This video website is a wonderful resource showing a glimpse into Simons approach to Karate and after watching I'm sure, like myself and many others, you will be challenged, entertained and inspired in equal measure. This video resource is a must for all serious Karateka who are wishing to make a transition in their Karate from a basic “making shapes” level to effective pragmatic training"
Adam Cockfield (5th Dan), Instructor, Kings Cross Shotokan Karate Club, SSKI
“I’ve been training with Simon since I was 12 years old. He has been my trainer, mentor and friend for a long time now. He has taught me 99% of what I know about the karate world.
“I train with Simon every week. We do as much as we can - karate, stand-up striking, BJJ and wrestling – to make us well-rounded martial artists.
“I feel very privileged to be asked to help with the KDCombat System to show Simon’s skill, his decades of training and dedication to Shotokan. I hope we can show everyone what we can do.”
Josh Driver (3rd Dan), Student and Friend
After a long break from martial arts I went to a Shotokan class being instructed by Simon. As a relative beginner I was made to feel welcome, but at the same time, pushed hard to train at my own level.
Simons' way of teaching is inspiring and his depth of knowledge becomes apparent very quickly. The love passion and respect he shows towards Shotokan Karate is obvious.
The development and application skills Simon has worked on over the past 13 years, together with a hunger to remain current is what makes the KDCombat System work.
I train every week now and although in later years I just love it.
Having previewed many of the tutorials available on an ever increasing library I'm sure there is something here for all levels of ability.
I've been inspired and I hope you will be.
James Gardner, Student