In order to successfully discuss the subject of principles, one must first provide a definition. A formal definition of a principle would be:
1) a fundamental truth, proposition or building block that serves as a foundation of a system
2) a base contractual or conventional element of a system
While this is a good start in understanding what a principle is, it really doesn't provide any real world understanding of how it fits into American Kenpo.
To do that, let's try to start from the beginning. First, why do we need principles? And, what are they for?
At its simplest, one way to think about a principle is that it is basically an answer to a question. A question like:
How do I know if I'm in a good stance?
To answer this properly, one would have to start breaking down the answer to a stance's most fundamental elements to determine good from bad - based upon goals. Although, to be honest, almost everyone wouldn't do this. What they would do is start from an exemplar, calling out some basic physical characteristics, and following it as a guideline. In other words, take what they have learned and use it as an example. And, this would generally work. Why? Because the system is already in place. One only need to refer to it.
But, in our case, that would not be enough. In order to get to the principles of the question posed, one would have to seek out fundamental truths about the question, at the most basic levels. Then develop these truths into comprehensible ideas that could be conveyed to others. In other words, laying out the system.
For example: upon breaking down the posed question, one would determine the major goal(s) that the question asks and how to provide an answer that fits into their specific thoughts on the matter. In our case, for example, we could determine that one goal is to have stability. We could say that stability is the ultimate goal. This would then be a fundamental building block of our system. We could call it the Stability Principle.
And, from that starting point, one could ask why? Why stability? And, one quick answer would be, to help in establishing the maximum base for the generation of power; for both defensive and offensive maneuvers. This could then lead to the thought of the concept of body alignment. The proper positioning of the body for the purpose of generating power through stability. We could then determine that we have exposed another fundamental building block. And, we could call this principle the Alignment Principle.
Now we have two (2) principles: the Stability Principle and the Alignment Principle. And from these building blocks, we can develop our ways to explain these principles and also develop rules and concepts around how to properly follow and adhere to these principles. And, from these principles and the rules and concepts defined we could come to answers for the initial question. In short, we have developed one part of our system.
But upon examination of this example, one could quickly conclude that this whole situation was arbitrary. The situation was arbitrary. The conclusions were arbitrary. The names were arbitrary. Even the entire rationale was arbitrary. And, they would be correct. For example, one could ask follow-up questions:
Is stability enough? What about mobility? Shouldn't we have that? Should stability be compromised in any way for mobility? Or, should they both be in balance? Or, not emphasized at all? In truth, there is no correct answer here - there are only goals to achieve and decisions to make. Goals and decisions based upon needs and desires of the individual or group that is setting up the system. And, from these fundamental conclusions a system is formulated. And, that is why there are so many systems - competing goals, desires, ideas, conclusions, and the method one takes to achieve the resulting ends.
Another way to say this is that the developed system exposes certain qualities that are expressed by the system's goals and ideals. And in a perfect world, practitioners of that system are ones who gravitate towards one system or another based upon alignment with their personal goals and desires. In other words, they like what they see, feel, and understand about a specific system. And although this is somewhat true, one has to take into account societal pressures, marketing, and initial ignorance of the subject. But that is way beyond the scope of this discussion.
But what is within this discussion is the fact that specific individuals and groups, throughout time, developed methods with differing qualities and characteristics. Elements that can be quantified and broken down into fundamental building blocks that comprise that system. Even though the system itself may not have explicitly done so.
And, this is the key to understanding principles. They exist regardless of whether or not they are expressly isolated and/or named within a system. They are like the number system or math. They exist whether you know they do, or not. They just are. Another way to look at them is that they are discoveries, not inventions. And, we can expose them through the examination of adhered to goals and ideals - some of which may be other principles.
And for our purposes, further examination from different points of view will certainly result in potentially exposing more principles.
Again, using our example from above; we were able to expose, express, and name two (2) principles, based upon our initial goal. But those are not the only principles being expressed in that example. Through further examination we would be able to uncover many more principles. But that specific task is left up to the motivated reader to explore.
Another way to look at this general idea is that we can explicitly express specific principles and then use those principles to develop our system. Or, we can first develop our system toward goals and ideals, and then uncover the underlying principles of the resultant system. Either way, there are principles at play within the system. Explicitly exposed or not.
This was one of SGM Parker's dilemmas. He developed his system based upon a set of foundational principles. But, as he further examined the expression of these principles, the more principles about his expression he uncovered. Things that were previously not "part of the plan" were exposed as he looked further and further into the already developed system. This helped him not only further refine the system, but also develop new expressions of the principles.
This can easily be seen in Chapter 8 (Self-Defense Techniques) of the "Infinite Insights into Kenpo" series - Book #5. In this chapter, Mr. Parker highlights a large number of concepts that can be culled from specific self-defense techniques. Many of these concepts were never used, nor thought of, in the original development of the system. They were uncovered later through further examination, after the fact. And, although most of the concepts highlighted are not principles, some are. Thus, illustrating the underlying dilemma of further examination and discoveries.
It is at this point in the discussion that it must be stated that American Kenpo stands out. Although the above statements do present a dilemma to the individual; it does not pose a problem for the system. The newly expressed concepts and principles are not in conflict with the foundational principles. And, this makes American Kenpo (and many other arts) a soundly developed system.
The troubles arise when a "system" is created around opposing principles. Using our stance example from above: if one group develops their system around maximizing stability and another group develops a system around maximizing mobility, those systems can coexist independently. Each with their supporting rationale and expression. But, if another person or group (that probably isn't adequately familiar with the principles of either system) tries to merge these systems together to create their own "system" - this would not work out well. The resulting "system" would not really make any sense, nor stand up to objective scrutiny. In reality, one or the other of the guiding principles would have to be compromised in some way; thus, compromising the whole.
Put succinctly, the result is not a new system; it is just two systems hobbled together and called a new system. And even worse, with competing and conflicting goals. Just a lazy attempt at something new and unique. But fairly easily exposed as accomplishing neither.
This does not mean that one should not train in competing principle based systems. On the contrary, this is an avenue for growth and exploration. But the mistake comes in when one hastily ties together competing systematic goals to create their unique "system". When all they really did was expose their misguided understanding of the original systems and their associated principles.
What is difficult, is to provide a new system based around principles that are expressed in a new way. This is where American Kenpo shines. It is a relatively new martial art, expressing well developed principles, in a unique and distinctive manner. SGM Parker was an individual who explored existing systems and principles, and expressed them in a cohesive, effective, and truly original way.
SGM Parker took the guiding principles of Economy, Alignment, Power, and Effectiveness and expressed them into what we now know as American Kenpo. A system based upon sound and well thought-out and expressed principles. And, this is one of the main reasons American Kenpo is renowned as "the thinking man's art".
But, using the sentiment expressed above, the system does not require this saying to be a precursor to being proficient at the art. American Kenpo can be expressed effectively by just understanding a few basic principles, concepts and rules. The average individual can learn to demonstrate major qualities of the system in a relatively short period of time. All through proper instructive correction - without delving into the depths of the system. All without having to be fully exposed to the wealth of knowledge contained within it.
In contrast: to become a master of the art, one must go past this simple understanding; to take the time to develop an in-depth understanding of its underlying beauty and devastating effectiveness. This is where the appreciation of SGM Parker's genius becomes apparent. The principles, rules, theories, concepts, ideas; and their ultimate expression.
Note: for more information on this subject, refer to the book: "Learning to Think Like a Martial Arts Grand Master" - Part XI