Mr. Tatum on extensions to base techniques

(posted on Facebook by Mr. Tatum earlier this year)

An extension to a base technique serves different purposes.

Some extensions are just the reverse of the base technique, but move on to different planes of motion.

Some are the same pattern but using your legs as the weapons.

Some extensions take one of the master key geometric shapes from a base technique and place it within the extension to highlight its use on different planes and usage.

Some extensions keep the base technique without altering it, but move it to other planes by using different footwork to change the plane of your action.

Some extensions use the same basics of the base technique, but within a different pattern.

Some extensions depart from the base technique and consist of random elements of techniques within the system; this teaches that even the random can easily be connected to your base without giving the lesson of reverse, opposites, pattern change, or re-highlighting one or more patterns within a base technique.

The base techniques are like cells of concepts and principles of motion that can be randomly generated and cross-referenced to a new base, or what we call extensions, so the student can see the totality of how all the Art is related to itself and morphs into what is needed to continue your flow of action without hesitation.

You might say that the base techniques are like your conscious mind, while the extension is your subconscious mind, feeding you what you need beyond the conscious mind. Later, the two merge into a single, unified mind, or super consciousness.

Remember that each alteration of a base technique creates a new ideal phase of a technique through an extension.

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(some follow up information when Mr. Tatum was asked if the extensions are over-kill)

Not over kill but over skilled in terms of understanding how the base technique fits into the extensions and in the process giving one the three Dimensional use of the Art. There is no cap on learning in the system, it is an open-ended triangle of a progressive learning cycle that once learned in its totality, there is no beginning or end to it, it becomes self-fulfilling, so the student can pick and choose what is useful for them depending on the situation.

Kenpo does have an ethical code of behavior, but it is built into the system's first part. What can be viewed as an overkill is allowing the student to understand the ramifications of escalated use of force. But in terms of survival, he is taught to go beyond the line of basic defense and do whatever it takes when your life is on the line.

Kenpo clock

I saw this "kenpo clock" for sale on the internet the other day and thought that isn't a bad idea. However I could come up with a few better ideas for a kenpo clock than this one. 

How 'bout:

- Time to put the gi on

- Time to practice finger set

- Time to get to the dojo

- Time to check someone's height, width and depth

- Time to see if kenpo really works

- Time to watch "The Perfect Weapon" again

The roots of the Two Man Set

There is always a lot of discussion on the early days of Mr. Parker's kenpo and how the forms and sets came to be. It seems like the only thing anyone agrees on is that they can't agree on the exact history of the forms and sets. But as Dr. Ron Chapel has said before "people spend a lot of time arguing about the wrong thing when they should be working on their stances."

So without getting too deep down the rabbit hole about the origins of Two Man Set, here is a video of what could be the roots of what we know today as our Two Man Set.

(it looks like you have to click the link to watch it directly on YouTube)

Old Style Okinawan & Chinese Kempo:

Two Man Kata - Part A

MOH CHAU SEMETE - Attacking Hand

Two Man Kata Part B

MOH CHAU UKETE - Receiving Hand

Great photo of Mr. Parker

Maybe another photo cleaned up or restored using AI, not sure.

Great photo either way.

Links to Mr. Frank Trejo interviews

Frank Trejo interview #1

Frank Trejo interview #2 - part 1 of 3

Frank Trejo interview #2 - part 2 of 3

Frank Trejo interview #2 - part 3 of 3

Recent USSD 10th degree black belt promotions

(from the USSD Facebook page)

A Historic Moment for United Studios of Self Defense 

Some achievements are measured in years. Others are measured in lifetimes.

This weekend, Soke Jack Turner and Soke Richard Black were promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt (Judan) one of the rarest honors in martial arts.

For more than 35 years, they have walked this path together, carrying forward the legacy of their teacher, Senior Professor and Grandmaster Charles Mattera. His guidance shaped them into the leaders who have inspired generations throughout USSD.

Though different in personality, they have complemented one another like Yin and Yang one bringing calm and steady leadership, the other relentless passion and drive. Together, they have strengthened each other and everyone around them.

After successfully completing a rigorous multi day evaluation, they earned a rank that represents far more than technical mastery. Their greatest achievement is the countless students, instructors, and lives they have impacted.

This is more than a promotion it is the continuation of a legacy and a historic milestone for United Studios of Self Defense.

Congratulations, Grand Master Jack Turner and Grand Master Richard Black. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Dynamic Kenpo, Volume 1: Evolving Perspectives on the Art of Scientific Violence

(from Amazon)

by Jason Creel (Author)

Dynamic Kenpo, Volume 1: Evolving Perspectives on the Art of Scientific Violence

Kenpo was never meant to remain static; for decades, martial artists have focused on memorizing techniques, collecting belt ranks, and accumulating information. But information alone does not create skill—and it certainly does not prepare someone for the chaos of real violence.

Drawing on more than thirty years of training, teaching, research, and practical experience, Jason Creel explores the principles that transform Kenpo from a collection of techniques into a logical, adaptable system of self-preservation. Rather than presenting endless technique lists, this book examines the underlying concepts that allow practitioners to think, analyze, adapt, and continually refine their Kenpo into a living and functional Art.

Inside you'll explore topics including:

• Building the mindset and attitude necessary for effective self-preservation

• Developing speed, accuracy, power, timing, and intent

• Understanding body mechanics and functional movement

• Training methods that create transferable skill instead of rote memorization

• Decision-making under pressure and tactical problem solving

• Continuous refinement, critical thinking, and lifelong growth in the martial arts

• Practical drills and exercises to accelerate development

Whether you study American Kenpo, another striking art, or simply want to understand the principles behind effective martial training, Dynamic Kenpo, Volume 1 provides a framework for becoming a more capable, more thoughtful, and more adaptable martial artist.

This is not a book about collecting techniques; it is about learning how to think and grow.

(Link to Amazon)