IKKF Manual

Overview

IKKF (I Know Kung Fu) is a runtime skill synthesis protocol for AI agents. It provides a structured approach to task execution through seven explicit phases.

Unlike other frameworks that hide their reasoning, IKKF makes every step visible and verifiable. Each phase produces concrete output that can be reviewed, audited, and improved.

Key Principles

  • Explicit over implicit: Every step is stated, not assumed
  • Verifiable output: Each phase produces visible results
  • Memory-backed: Decisions and research are recorded
  • Chunked work: Tasks broken into 10-15 minute pieces

Installation

macOS & Linux

curl -fsSL https://ikkf.info/install.sh | sh

Windows

irm https://ikkf.info/install.ps1 | iex

Verify Installation

ikkf version
IKKF CLI v3.0.0

Commands

ikkf init

Initialize IKKF configuration. Creates the config file and task directory.

ikkf init [--force]

# Options:
# --force, -f Overwrite existing config

ikkf start

Start a new task with IKKF protocol. Launches the 7-phase process.

ikkf start "Task description" [--confidence 50] [--yes]

# Options:
# --confidence, -c Set confidence threshold (default: 50)
# --yes, -y Skip confirmation prompts

ikkf status

Check the status of the current task.

ikkf status

ikkf version

Display the current IKKF version.

ikkf version

The 7 Phases

Every IKKF task follows these seven phases in order. No skipping. No shortcuts.

1. Acknowledge

Confirm task understanding. State it back. Remove ambiguity.

2. Domain Detection

Identify the domain. Map required expertise. Load relevant skills.

3. Check Existing

Search memory. Find prior art. Check for existing solutions.

4. Research

Deep dive into best practices. 2026 standards. Trade-offs.

5. Decomposition

Break into 10-15 minute chunks. Clear deliverables. Map dependencies.

6. Synthesize

Plan implementation from research. Architecture decisions. Build order.

7. Execute & Persist

Build each chunk. Test. Commit. Record to memory. Deliver.

Configuration

IKKF stores its configuration in ~/.config/ikkf/config.yaml.

# IKKF Configuration
version: "3.0.0"
confidence_threshold: 50
chunk_size_minutes: 15
research_depth: normal
tasks_dir: ~/.config/ikkf/tasks
skills_dir: ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/generated

Configuration Options

  • confidence_threshold — When to trigger deep research (default: 50)
  • chunk_size_minutes — Target duration for task chunks (default: 15)
  • research_depth — quick, normal, or thorough
  • tasks_dir — Where task files are stored
  • skills_dir — Where generated skills are saved

Examples

Example 1: Building a Feature

$ ikkf start "Add user authentication with JWT"

# IKKF will guide you through:
# 1. Acknowledge: Confirm JWT auth requirements
# 2. Domain Detection: Backend/API development
# 3. Check Existing: Look for auth patterns in codebase
# 4. Research: JWT best practices, libraries
# 5. Decomposition: Break into chunks (setup, routes, middleware, tests)
# 6. Synthesize: Plan implementation order
# 7. Execute: Build, test, commit, document

Example 2: Research Task

$ ikkf start "Research vector databases for RAG implementation"

Example 3: Debugging

$ ikkf start "Fix memory leak in background worker"

Troubleshooting

Command not found

Ensure the IKKF binary is in your PATH. The install script adds this automatically, but you may need to restart your shell.

export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

Config not initializing

Check that your home directory is writable and that the config directory doesn't already exist (unless using --force).

Task not starting

Ensure you've run ikkf init first. IKKF needs a configuration before it can track tasks.