For the first technique in the American Kenpo system, let's start at the beginning and work up. In order to accomplish this, you need to start somewhere.

In order to know a self-defense, several variables are involved. First you need to how to perform the attack. Then you need to know how to execute the movements of the self-defense technique. Third, you need to understand the concepts and principles of each portion of the technique. And last, you need to hopefully know the name and theme of the technique.
 

Ideal phase of attack:
Front right lapel grab.

Name:
The technique derives its name from the sequence of movements. The kick provides a delay of the execution of the sword.

Theme:
The technique is designed to teach you how to create distance while blocking your attacker’s extended arm with your forward arm.
Since you are creating distance, you need to follow this action with a long range weapon (the kick). It also teaches proper gauging for the kick, which enables you to properly gauge the distance of the extended hand strike.

When considering the execution of a technique there are several variables we should always consider:

• How is our power obtained? Rotational torque, marriage of gravitaty, backup mass, or a combination of some or all of the above.
• What do we have to control on our attacker? Height, width and depth zones.
• What is the method of execution? Snapping, thrusting, clawing, etc.
• What is the angle of execution? Diagonal, horizontal, vertical, etc.
• Blocks, checks and covers.

First Move:

1. Point of origin
2. Depth of action
• Create distance between you and your attacker
3. Body momentum
• Rotational force
• Marriage of gravity
4. Stabilize
• Settle your stance
• Keep your knees flexible
5. Checking
• Left hand low- a positional check
6. Anchor
• Both elbows
7. Angle of execution - block
8. Method of execution - block
9. Economy of motion
10. Angle of disturbance
11. Angle of cancellation
12. Minimize targets

1. Depth of action
• Create distance between you and your attacker
2. Stabilize your base
3. Gauging leg
• Forward leg and foot
4. Check
• Left and right hand are positional checks
5. Proper body alignment

1. Point of Origin
2. Angle of execution - kick
3. Method of execution - kick
4. Angle of entry
5. Depth of penetration
6. Angle of incidence
7. Mid-point balance
8. Angle of efficiency

1. Depth of action
• Decrease the distance between you and your attacker
2. Body momentum
• Back-Up Mass (Forward Momentum)
• Rotational force
• Marriage of Gravity
3. Angle of execution - handsword
4. Method of execution - handsword
5. Anchor
• Both elbows
6. Borrowed force
7. Angle of incidence
8. Depth of penetration
9. Contouring
• Tracking
10. Angle of cancellation
11. Checking
• Left and right hand - a positional check
• Right knee - a pinning check against our attacker's right knee
12. Stabilize ourselves
• Settle into your stance
• Keep your knees flexible
13. Body fusion
14. Angle of efficiency

1. This technique teaches you that when you are moving away from your attacker to utilize the opposite hand of the foot that steps back (opposite hand/opposite foot). It also teaches those of us who are right handed to use the most coordinated hand in front.

2. This technique also teaches you that when you are moving into your attacker, utilize the same hand as the foot that is moving forward (like hand/like foot).

3. During the execution of the handsword strike, angle your strike so that you diagonally cut down to and through your attacker's neck to check height, width and depth zones.

So is Delayed Sword just a simple technique or a more complex technique? How about a complex technique which is simple if we understand the concepts and principles? The concepts and principles found within this technique are not unique to just this technique; these same concepts and principles, as well as others, are found in other techniques as well as in the forms and sets of Kenpo. If we learn the concepts and principles all we have to do when we learn something new is to learn the way it is being applied in that instance. Mr. Parker always said the secrets of Kenpo are the "basics". Are not these concepts and principles just a different kind of "basics", just like our blocks and stances?