INTRODUCTION

As we stand at the beginning of the 21^st Century, mankind has made many great advancements, we have created computers which can perform millions of calculations a second, and machines which can perform intricate tasks, in the blink of an eye. But so far no human mind can even come close to contemplating the creation of a machine, which can even come close to the amazing machine/computer that is the human body. Our body is the most advanced machine/computer imaginable. We can perform complex tasks, remember obscure facts, imagine, create and depict fantastic images with words and paint on paper and canvas. Produce music and speech, which is comprehensible to other humans. We can perform the co-ordinated balancing and counter- balancing act, which is walking, or dancing. All these feats are succeeded without us even being conscious that we are achieving them. Yet while possessing such brilliant biological machines, we allow ourselves to become lazy and lethargic, We use electronic calculators to add two simple figures together, perhaps it being to difficult or time consuming to go to the trouble of using pen and paper. Our children no longer learn simple addition and multiplication tables because they are encouraged to use the same calculators. We drive everywhere, even to the local store, rather than walk the short distance, even our children are driven the half-mile or so to school rather than being encouraged to walk or cycle.

Our minds do not get the stimulation that we need, because now, that our time is so valuable, we cannot take the trouble to read about current affairs, instead we keep up with world news by way of 30 second sound bites from CNN, and our books come in video form, which we can fast forward to the next piece of action. Our games now come by way of computer and video consoles, and we can become expert in the complexities of football, positioning, team make-up, tactics, and all without ever standing on a pitch or even kicking a ball. Even our weight problems, which come of a direct consequence of all the above mentioned inactivity, are tried to be alleviated by way of pills, or magic potions, and our muscle toning is achieved by way of electronic impulses through pads which we can use while we watch TV, and eat pizza.

Some people even try to fool themselves that they are in fact very active. The leisurewear industry is in the middle of a boom. The streets are full of people wearing the latest track suits and trainers, composed of the most expensive and scientifically designed materials, 95% of which will never have to endure the " unpleasant" effects of sweat. But lets not fool ourselves, our bodies are still machines, biological machines they may be, but still machines, and putting it simply " Machines wear out ", and sometimes even break down completely. None of us need to be too much of an engineer to know that a little care and maintenance is all that is needed to keep a machine in good running order. For example, any of us who run a car will no doubt give it over to a mechanic to be serviced regularly. We get the breaks checked, the oil levels kept to optimum, we get it cleaned and polished, because it may possibly be three or four years old and we all know that as cars get older they need that little bit more care and attention to keep them running well!

Why then do we allow our own bodies to seize up like an uncared for car. In the following pages of this document I will try to show what can be done to try to maintain the body at normal working levels, and hopefully add a few years to the lifespan. I will also try to show how KENPO can be an option, for a person looking to bring some activity into their lives, and who perhaps think that martial arts would be too much activity for them to take up. I will try to show that KENPO, by way of its fluidity and its ability to be customised, to the personal requirements, and physical abilities, of the individual, can be the means to attaining a knowledge of self defence, but not just self defence against actual attackers, self defence against the ravages of time and neglect to our bodies. Perhaps KENPO can lead us on the road to mental and physical fitness, and perhaps achieving a better standard of life as we approach the downhill stretch of our existences.