The Kenpo App is a proposed mobile app that would provide revision materials for students of Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate. It would include interactive technique sheets, audio simulations of gradings, video tutorials, and quizzes to test knowledge. The app is meant for revision only, not teaching, and would require security measures to prevent non-practitioners from accessing full techniques. Feedback from potential users was generally positive and suggested additional features like audio tracks testing stances and combinations. Risks include non-practitioners hurting themselves without proper in-person instruction, the developer's lack of coding experience, and the possibility that an app cannot fully convey Kenpo instruction.
2. FIRST THINGS FIRST
I came up with a plan
for an Ed Parker Kenpo
app focused on
REVISION and not
TEACHING.
3. I CONFERRED WITH MY INSTRUCTOR
I conferred with my
instructor every step of
the way
This annoyed him
greatly
4.
5. SURVEY
RESULTS
Over 40% were Black Belt and Up
40% would pay up to 3 euro
Over 72% said they were interested
Audio grading's were suggested by
most people
Over 86% wanted History
6. ALISON COLLINS,
STUDENT
Age: 15
Children: No
Gender: F
Location: Trim
Belt: Orange
Goal: To become an adult black belt
Quote: “Kenpo you say? I’m in.”
7. A N T H O N Y C U M BA R D S,
I N S T RU C T O R , P R I S O N G UA R D
Age: 38
Children: Yes, 2, At Home
Gender: M
Location: Trim
Belt: 2nd Degree Black
Goal: To become an advocate like Bob White
Quote: “Always go back to your basics.”
8. HARRY GRAY,
BUILDING SITE MANAGER
Age: 47
Children: Yes, 2, Joint Custody
Gender: M
Location: Dublin
Belt: Purple
Goal: To become an international instructor
Quote: “It’s tough but it’s worth it.”
9. T I G G Y T OW E R S,
PA R T- T I M E R E S I D E N T I A L N U R S E
Age: 37
Children: none
Gender: F
Location: America
Belt: Green
Goal: To become a part-time instructor
Quote: “Kenpo has to be taught in person”
11. AC C E S S T O A L L I N F O R M AT I O N
N E E D E D T O P RO G R E S S
T H RO U G H T H E B E LT
S Y L L A BU S T O 1 S T D E G R E E
B L AC K
12. SECURITY OF EPKK
INFORMATION
Not having all of the techniques taught on
the app prevents non-EPKK practitioners
from LEARNING from this app thus
protecting the information
13. M E A N S T O C O N S C I O U S LY T E S T
K N OW N I N F O R M AT I O N
Multiple Choice Quiz
14. M E A N S T O U N C O N S C I O U S LY
T E S T K N OW N I N F O R M AT I O N
Audio tracks which
simulate grading’s
from Yellow right
through to First
Degree Black
15. INITIAL REQUIREMENTS
LIST
Simple Menu System
Interactive Technique Sheets
Audio simulated ‘gradings’
Video Tutorials
PDFs and Audio to help improve the basics of the Users
Kenpo via information and testing
A multiple choice quiz
History
Facebook Upload
16. FUNCTIONAL MODULES
Index
Users can navigate to any area of the app from this page
Quiz
Users can have a test of 20 questions based on anything from 40 to 200 questions based on
the belt they selected.
Facebook Upload
Link with an existing Facebook account using their API and upload their score.
Video
Download and embed a video into the app from a private YouTube video account as opposed
to having it directly on the app.
17. C R I T I C A L S U C C E S S FAC T O R S
That it is instantly recognized as ED PARKER’S KENPO KARATE
(Achieved via the Crest, Creed and name)
That people are aware that it is for REVISION and not for TEACHING
(Information provided in the description on the App Store)
That it offers more then the current apps out there.
(More on this later)
18. M I N I M U M V I A B L E P RO D U C T
1. Bright, Easy-to-Understand
User Interface
2. Syllabus showing everything
needed to progress to next belt
3. Video Tutorials
19. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
KENPO YELLOW BELT
3.99
PROS
Easy to understand Layout
Clear Syllabus
CONS
Very small window in which to view text
Takes up 428 MB on i-Phone
Only covers yellow syllabus
Covers everything on yellow syllabus so offers no
protection.
20. C O M P E T I T I V E A N A LY S I S P T 2
ED DOWNEY’S DYNAMIC KENPO DVD
30.00 per DVD
PROS
Each technique, form and set is clearly and legibly explained.
CONS
It is on a DVD so it is not portable, convenient or cheap.
Each technique is explained so it bypasses any security or need to
learn in a studio.
Is not available on the i-Phone
21. C O M P E T I T I V E A N A LY S I S P T. 3
FIGHTVIDEO KENPO
1.59
PROS
Very informative videos
CONS
Cannot access if offline.
Dull layout.
Awkward interface.
Only useful from Blue Belt up.
Downloads videos from Youtube only.
22. C O M P E T I T I V E A N A LY S I S P T. 4
REAL KENPO SYLLABUS
Free
PROS
Bright Layout
Clear Navigation
Simple to use Interface
CONS
Not Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate
No videos, audio or basics explanation
No means to test the User’s knowledge
24. It is a tool for
REVISION
and not for
TEACHING
25. IT HAS A BRIGHT
COLOURFUL AND SIMPLE -
TO-USE INTERFACE
“I’m 11 and I understand it.”
“You’d want to be stupid not to be able to understand it, it’s
pretty obvious.”
26. A L L OW S T H E U S E R T O T E S T
THEMSELVES BOTH CONSCIOUSLY AND
UNCONSCIOUSLY
“I'm minded of the audio tapes I made way
back when as an aid to practicing techniques.”
31. “YOU HAD ME AT KENPO ”
Name EMMA CALLIS
Occupation Student, Scoil Mhuire
Age 17
Belt Blue
Personal Works part-time in Super Valu
Has been doing Kenpo for 18 months
Details Has the syllabus printed out at home
Goal To achieve her 1st degree black and be a strong female ambassador
like Barbara White
Attitude/ Goal-Oriented, Focused, Strong Kicks
Skills
Feedback Loves it, loves the idea, likes the idea that the focus is on revision
and wants it as soon as possible. Would change nothing.
32. “PUNCH LIKE A GIRL, AS IN
P U N C H P RO P E R LY ”
Name ALISON ANDERSON-HILLEY
Occupation Student, Boyne Community
Age 15
Belt Brown with Black Stripe (child’s syllabus)
Personal Has 2 Brothers and a Father in Kenpo
Has been in Kenpo for 7 years
Details Goes to the Gym and does BJJ for Transition Year
Goal To become the first female Junior Black Belt for TKKA
Attitude/ Strong Fighter, Happy to Help
Skills
Feedback The App menus needs more colour as do the syllabuses.
33. “ L E A D B Y E X A M P L E , F O L L OW B Y
CHOICE”
Name DAVID HILLEY
Occupation CAD/IT Manager, Haughton and Young
Age 44
Belt 2nd Degree Brown
Personal Is Father to 3 Brown belts in TKKA
Had to take an extended hiatus due to surgery
Details Has entire Adult Syllabus on PDFs on his phone
Goal To achieve his 1st degree black and assist his Instructor in teaching
Attitude/ Patience, Perseverance, Leadership.
Slower to learn but results with a much higher standard
Skills
Feedback Likes the idea of having all of the syllabus information in one
convenient place instead of having to exit and restart his PDFs.
Should be external links about the history from the history page.
34. “ T H AT L O O K S C O O L , H OW D O I D O
T H AT ? ”
Name KATIE MAGUIRE
Occupation Student, Scoil Mhuire, Trim
Age 17
Belt Blue
Personal Is a key member of her school’s Camogie team,
Joined Kenpo with Emma 18 months ago
Details
Goal To achieve her black belt and have a strong level of self-defense
Attitude/ Eager to learn, natural ability in stances from Camogie.
Skills
Feedback Likes the idea, likes being able to revise on her own and having
everything she needs in one place.
35. “FOCUS ON YOUR STANCES”
Name GERRY SHANAHAN
Occupation Actor, Part-Time Instructor
Age 56
Belt 1st Degree Black
Personal Married to Helene Meade,
Recently achieved 1st Degree Black
Details Often abroad for extended amount of time due to career
Goal To help Matt become a full-time instructor
Attitude/ Patience, Perseverance, Respect
Skills
Feedback More audio tracks testing the user then just grading, more focus on
the basic. (I will get Gerry to record audio tracks testing the User on
stances and combinations)
36. “ B E P R E PA R E D T O W O R K F O R I T ”
Name JONATHON HILLEY
Occupation Student, Boyne Community
Age 18
Belt 2nd Degree Brown
Personal Ireland’s Official Karate Kid,
In Kenpo since the age of 8
Details Has won multiple competition and non-competition sparring
tournaments
Goal To achieve 1st Degree Black and make a living from Competition
fighting in the US
Attitude/ Strength, Fitness, Skill
Skills
Feedback Likes the app and thinks there should be more information about
competition dates and venues on it.
(currently out of scope)
37. “ S L OW T O L E A R N, S L OW T O
F O RG E T ”
Name MATT MOLLOY
Occupation Kenpo Instructor, Triatholon Runner, Advisor for the Irish Farmers
Association
Age 39
Belt 3rd Degree Black
Personal Teaches 12 classes a week
Teaches Kettle Bells
Details Accepts knowledge of other disciplines to strengthen his own
Goal To become a full-time instructor
Attitude/ Keen observer, Patient Teacher, Excellent Stamina
Skills
Feedback Thinks that everything to do with a certain belt should be accessible
from that belt only (This will be implemented in the next revision
of the app)
38. “ H A R D WO R K , BU T WO RT H I T ”
Name TAEGAN THOMAS
Occupation Student, Boyne Community
Age 16
Belt Blue
Personal Drummer in a band, piano classes with Helene Meade, goes to the
Gym with Alison Hilley, lives with her Mother and Brother both of
Details whom are in TKKA
Goal To achieve her 1st Degree Black and maintain learning the art whilst
touring with her band
Attitude/ Speed, Strength and slow, focused learning
Skills
Feedback Thinks that there should be focus on competitions and local clubs
dependent on location. (currently out of scope but may be added at
a later date)
39. “ T H AT ’ S O N A D I F F E R E N T B E LT T H E N M I N E BU T
I’LL STILL HELP YOU IF YOU LIKE”
Name TIERNAN HILLEY
Occupation Student, Kilbride National School
Age 11
Belt Brown with black stripe
Personal The youngest member of TKKA with a brown with black stripe
belt.
Details Has won awards at multiple Kenpo competition tournaments.
Is the youngest of the Brown Belt Hilley family in TKKA
Goal To earn his Junior black and his Adult 1st Degree Black and spar at
competitions as an adult.
Attitude/ Slow, patient learner who practices consistently and often.
Skills
Feedback Thinks that the children’s syllabus should be available in an app. If
not this app then another one, so even if the parent is not involved
with Kenpo they can help the child at home.
40. “CAN I HELP?”
Name HELENE MEADE
Occupation Piano Teacher, Licensed Natural Therapist, Red Cross Volunteer,
Director and Producer
Age -
Belt 1st Degree Black
Personal Has flown solo across Ireland, is part of the Irish Ladies Rifle
Shooting Team, took leave from Kenpo to support her
Details Husbadndand achieved her 1st Degree Black with him.
Goal To become a prominent example for females in and out of the
TKKA
Attitude/ Kindness, Patience, Perseverance and personal strength.
Skills
Feedback Likes the idea of the app and being able to use it off and online at
her own convenience. Would prefer less focus on the video tutorials
and more focus on the personal testing IE. Audio and quiz.
42. RISK 1
Non Ed Parker Kenpo Karate Practitioners
could use this and hurt themselves if they
practice the techniques without prior
knowledge and warming up.
43. ISSUE 1
I don’t have any coding experience outside of this
course but and all of the elements I need to make
this app, I am currently learning in Dynamic Web.
e.g. JavaScript, PHP, MySQL etc.
44. ISSUE 2
Some feedback was that Kenpo can
only be taught in person and an app
may not be able to convey what needs
to be conveyed in teaching the art.