Yellow gi tops

 I think it is probably a good thing the "yellow gi tops" never caught on.

Grandmaster Nick Cerio's Kenpo - (old school kenpo)

Some old school kenpo with Grandmaster Cerio. 

First Grandmaster Cerio shows part of his physical workout, then he works on some hard hitting forms, then to finish the video we see Grandmaster Cerio working on a few techniques with a partner. 

One can only imagine the damage even one solid punch from GM Cerio would cause.

USSD launches new website

(from the USSD Facebook page)

Dear USSD Students, Friends, and Family,

United Studios of Self Defense is proud to announce the launch of our new corporate website, USSD.com. This marks an exciting milestone in our mission to unite and elevate our brand. Designed to empower local dojos and inspire current and future students, the website brings our "Stronger Together" philosophy to life. It reflects our commitment to growth, community, and excellence.

The new USSD website is built to grow and support existing dojos and motivate future students. It highlights the unique sense of community and belonging at every dojo. By showcasing our brand and values, this new website strengthens connections across the USSD network. This is more than a website—it’s a step forward for all of us.

We invite you to explore USSD.com and celebrate this exciting milestone. Share the news with your friends and family to help spread the word. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our art and dojo communities. Let’s grow, inspire, and stay "Stronger Together!"

https://www.ussd.com/

Why no "kiai" in kenpo forms?

(from a recent conversation on Facebook)

"Kiai" is a conceptually Japanese philosophy, whereas the Chinese philosophy is more about "correct breathing." As said, "the teapot versus kettle" analogy comes to mind in the Parker Lineage. Western boxers adhere closer to the Chinese Concept as well. Kiai is associated with Japanese Kata, not the Chinese Roots of Kenpo in the Parker Lineage. - Dr. Ron Chapél

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(Fighting Dynamics - Maximizing Power Through Internal Breathing - By Don Smith)

Internal breathing is like a tea kettle that is building up steam. As the pressure in the kettle increases, there will be a slow release of pressure though a small hole in the spout. There will always be near constant pressure within.

The lungs take on a similar function with internal breathing methods. There is a release of small bursts of air when delivering each strike.

With a rapid series of strikes, there will either be a release of several short bursts of air, or a release of a continuous stream of air out of the lungs. At the same time there will be air pressure maintained within the lungs, much like the tea kettle.

This turbo-charged type of breathing allows for incredible hand speed combinations that is unmatched by any other means.

The diaphragm and muscles in the body must tense properly to get the most benefit from internal breathing.

The best way to experience this is to exhale and form the mouth as to create a hiss. There should be muscle tension low in the diaphragm and abdomen. This obtains maximum compression of the oxygen in the lungs and controls the amount of air that leaves the body.

There are other specialized internal breathing techniques that can produce phenomenal results.

World breaking champion Shawn Jewell is an advocate of breathing to develop internal energy. He emphasizes the importance of the diaphragm in the progression of motion that develops this awesome force.

Unlike most other breathing methods, this type of breathing requires precise timing within a sequence of events.

As the nervous system fires muscles independently, these muscles contract in sequence to produce a wave of motion through the body.

The diaphragm must contract at the proper instant to continue this flow of motion. If there is a break in the sequence, a loss of energy will result. These precision breathing methods are useful in many aspects of martial arts training, including grappling and joint manipulation techniques.

For general practice I find it helpful to focus more on the exhale and let the timing of the inhale come naturally.

You can hyperventilate if your breathing becomes too erratic. Breathing must flow with the motion with intermittent bursts of energy when needed.

Exhale when delivering a strike or kick, and train yourself to exhale and tighten the muscles when receiving a blow. This prevents the air from being knocked out of you and prepares your body to absorb the impact.

Proper breathing can improve balance and mobility as well. Inhaling while in motion creates buoyancy for greater foot speed, while exhaling when settling your body weight into a strike aids in better force and fusion upon impact to a target.

Fusion is the moment when the joints of the body lock in position as to allow the entire weight of the body to be behind the strike. Ed Parker was a master at this. Those who have also been at the receiving end of one of Parker's strikes know what I mean.

Mr. Bryan Hawkins - a kenpo legend