Sunday, June 5, 2011

Arroyo Kenpo

I've seen many artists working in the Arroyo Seco, but this is the first time I've seen martial artists.

When I came across Juan Serrano (that's him on the right) and his pupil Clayton practicing, um, judo? karate? tai chi?--I thought, why not? You're not going to find a more beautiful place to work.

It turns out they were practicing a mixture of things called the Casa de Kenpo Martial Arts System. The two demonstrated some of the moves Juan teaches in Glendale. You can check out Juan's youtube videos here.

What Juan and Clayton were working on alternated between fight moves and something like dance. Because nature alternates between peace and violence, the birdsong and dappled sunlight of the Arroyo seemed the perfect fit.

16 comments:

dive said...

Cool! An outdoor dojo. What an idyllic place to practice.

Petrea Burchard said...

I think so, too. We see runners there, and archers, so why not martial artists? It's a great place to work out.

Petrea Burchard said...

My fault. I posted late so the morning crowd missed it.

Bellis said...

It's important to know how to defend yourself against those aggressive trees. I watched the video link and know what to do. Two or three slaps to the front, then a quick kick to the backside.

PS Today's post wasn't up on my computer first thing this morning so it may have missed some of your eastern audience.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yeah, my fault, Bellis.

Petrea Burchard said...

Maybe Boz and I will go kick some trees in the Arroyo this afternoon.

Bellis said...

Do you think this was a recruiting drive? I mean, if you dress like that in the Arroyo, everyone's going to ask you what you're doing. I'm not sure they got much peace and quiet, but I bet they had a very sociable day.

Everyone's gone to the moon today.

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know about the moon. I'm not even sure it's my fault this didn't post earlier. Blogger's been odd today.

Recruiting drive, no. They were kind of isolated, just working.

Ms M said...

How interesting to come across this during a walk!

Petrea Burchard said...

Imagine how Boz felt!

Anonymous said...

L like this.

Petrea Burchard said...

Me to, Hiker. Thqanks.

Shell Sherree said...

Sometimes I get the urge to learn a kick-ass martial art. If I ever followed through on it {unlikely, but one never knows}, I'd want to learn it outdoors somewhere like this!

Susan Campisi said...

Bellis is a fast learner. She picked up on those impressive moves so quickly. Maybe she can teach them to Shell and me, out under the trees of course.

TheChieftess said...

I took Tai Chi on the beach a few times...

Petrea Burchard said...

I've heard of yoga on the beach, too. How about yoga in the Arroyo?