Freestyle is a form of drill in American Kenpo where two or more practitioners "spar" within a set of rules under the logic of American Kenpo. Tournament freestyle declares vary specific targets and tools that can be utilized. Tournament freestyle is often established in rounds or based upon "rules of contact." Street freestyle does not have any rules regarding targets or tools. It's designed to allow each person experience the potential realities of a street fight within a safe environment. These are a few tips to consider when working a freestyle drill.

• Incorporate the use of body maneuvers into your defensive matrix. Slips, Rolls and Rides are important elements of your total defensive system. Many practitioners overemphasize the use of limbs to block an attack. A strong defense consists of at least three elements: (a) articulated foot maneuvers, (b) precise blocks with the limbs, and (c) sensitive body maneuvers. When applied together, they allow you to create a protective shell until the opportunity arises for your minor or major moves.
   
• Learn how to regulate speed and power when practicing your basics, self-defense techniques, freestyle techniques and combinations. Rather than having everything set at one setting (10 on the bike); learn how to vary the power, speed or both -- through your repetitions. A double-jab~hook sequence can have different effects depending on the changes in these qualities. When you get comfortable with regulating speed and power, start to also incorporate timing changes.
   
• If you need to be assertive on the firing line you will need to learn how to incorporate attitude and broken rhythm techniques. These methods are difficult to employ if they are not practiced so practice them diligently. Both require not only physical attributes or logical and psychological ones as well.