In the English language, words can be expanded in meaning and tense through the use of a prefix and suffix. The "root word" forms the base of the language construction with the prefix and suffix providing additional definition. Common prefixes include: pre, un, re, post, dis, and non. Suffixes include: ed, ing, s, ly, al, est, and er. One word, such as "define" will have many variations win considering just some of the possible suffix and prefix possibilities: Redefine, redefining, predefiner, nondefiningly, and postdefinal. This elementary concept from language is a useful analogy in approaching the stages of self-defense.

In combat, the "prefix" is everything that precedes your self-defense response. This includes environmental factors, your positioning, the range between you and your attacker, and the actual attack itself. The "root word" is your primary action that allows you to neutralize the attack and gain control over the conflict. The "suffix" is the follow up strikes and covering footwork used to insure your safe escape from the conflict. Thus, the "prefix" is the attack, the "root word" is the counter technique, and the "suffix" is the follow up and escape. In relation to the five animal concept, the "prefix" is the attacking animal. The "root word" is the controlling animal. The "suffix" is the concluding animal(s).

Prefix, root, suffix. (c) 2000 Trevor Haines

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The Three Attacking Animals | Multiple Attackers | My Philosophy of Kenpo | Prefix, Root, Suffix
Shaolin History of Five Animal Kenpo | The Student and the Teacher | Why Learn Five Animal Kenpo?