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.

Gathering of Eagles 2026 - schedule

 

The Tracy system turns 60

 

USSD Master Class Event 2026

(from ussd.com)

Train with the highest ranking black belts in our Kempo system.

We invite you to the Westin Resort in Anaheim to train with the highest ranking black belts in our Kempo system.

Soke Richard Black, and Soke Jack Turner, will lead this unprecedented two-day event for USSD Students and Families. They will be joined by a special guest instructor— a monk from the Shaolin Temple in China.

Soke Black and Soke Turner will be joined by by fellow instructors Master Deric Terrell, Master Jose Rodriguez, Master Gary Flickenger, and Master Terri Martin— each of whom will train our students on topics ranging from joint locks and controlling the fight, to take downs and the real-world application of our Kempo techniques.

For the enjoyment of our younger students, Master Zappen and Master Cordero will be teaching a Kids Seminar on Saturday, July 18th from 10:00am - 5:30pm.

This event is open to all USSD students and Families. There are many ways to participate.  

https://www.ussd.com/campaigns/2026/masters-class-2026

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USSD National Test Shatters Records

(from the United Studios of Self Defense Facebook page - Nov. 19, 2025)

HISTORY MADE! USSD National Test Shatters Records!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the successful completion of the largest National black belt test in United Studios of Self Defense history!

On November 15, 2025 over 200 dedicated Brown and Black Belt students (up to 2nd Degree Black Belt) across six major regions—Orange County, San Diego, Northern California, Washington, Utah, and Nevada—tested together in a truly unprecedented event.

This historic National Test was unified entirely through a digital platform, seamlessly connecting hundreds of students and all our USSD Masters. It was a massive demonstration of the dedication, perseverance, and unity that defines our organization.

The entire event was proudly led by our head instructors and 9th Degrees, Soke Richard Black and Soke Jack Turner. Their visionary leadership and commitment to excellence made this incredible digital feat possible.

This is a monumental achievement and a testament to the strength and resilience of the USSD community. 

To every participant, Master, and instructor involved: You are part of history!

Some nice training space at USSD's headquarters

 Looks like some ample training space at USSD's headquarters in Irvine CA.

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/

USSD 2024 tournament logos

 

United Studios of Self Defense always have pretty good logos for their tournaments.

USSD's Las Vegas 2024 tournament medal

 (from the USSD Facebook page)

An updated Tracy's logo

 

Gathering of Eagles logo

The logo for this year's Gathering of Eagles in Las Vegas, Nevada held July 26th.

USSD tournament logos

USSD seem to come up with some pretty good logos for their tournaments.

I think they make them into patches too so participants can put them on their gi's.

The Kenpo Trust

(from Mr. Joe Palanzo's Facebook page)

Ed Parker once said, “I am not going to show you my art. I am going to share it with you.”

Mr. Parker visited the studio I was training at in 1964. For several hours, he shared and demonstrated his Kenpo ideas. I was mesmerized…hooked! Almost instantly I knew what I wanted to do, and spent the next 50+ years teaching and spreading the art.

A few months ago, I faced some health issues and felt uncertain about what lay ahead. Russell and I organized a special event for my top students and Kenpo friends to form The Kenpo Trust. As a symbol of unity and our shared passion for the art, I presented everyone with a unique certificate accompanied by a significant gesture: my 8th-degree black belt. This belt, infused with my blood, sweat, and tears, holds deep personal significance because it is the first rank I achieved after the passing of Mr. Parker. I had Russell cut the belt into 25 sections to be mounted on each certificate. Through this small yet powerful act, we promote unity within the Kenpo community and share the art that binds us together.

Looking ahead, my hope for The Kenpo Trust is that it marks the start of a more significant initiative that aims to appreciate and recognize all Kenpo lineages. The Trust is a means to establish a lasting legacy that honors the past, embraces the present, and inspires the future.

Respectfully, 

Joe Palanzo

A fun idea from USSD - the 5 Animal Medal Series

The 5 Animal Medal Series is an exclusive set of medals that celebrates your dedication, perseverance, and achievements in martial arts. What makes this collection truly unique is that it comes in 5 separate pieces, each representing a different Shaolin animal: Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Leopard, and Crane – all renowned for their strength, wisdom, and agility.  This medal is in addition to any medals you receive at tournaments for placing 1st - 4th in your division.  Keep reading to learn more...

Here's how the 5 Animal Medal Series works:

Participation and Progression: The journey begins when you compete in a minimum of 4 events at any given tournament. Upon doing that, you will be eligible to receive your first piece of the 5 Animal Medal along with the center USSD bonsai tree that holds it all together.  Then for each tournament that you compete in a minimum of 4 events, you will receive another piece of the medal.

Symbol of Excellence: As you collect each piece, you'll not only build an impressive medal but also showcase your commitment and growth in martial arts.

Coveted Completion: When you have earned all five animal pieces, you will have completed the 5 Animal Medal Series, earning a highly coveted and prestigious award to demonstrate your accomplishments.

Unite the Animals: Once you possess all five pieces, you can combine them to create an extraordinary and unique medal representing your personal journey through the martial arts.

This series aims to inspire our students to push their limits and embrace the spirit of competition, fostering a sense of camaraderie among students in all of United Studios of Self Defense.

We believe this initiative will encourage you to set new goals, participate in various events, and showcase your skills. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or just starting out, the 5 Animal Medal Series is a fantastic way to motivate yourself and celebrate your progress.

USSD - Shaolin Summit

(from the USSD Facebook page)

Train with the warrior Shaolin Monks of China in an exclusive Orange County Summit workshop open only to USSD students.

For more than two decades, the Shaolin Temple and USSD have shared a time honored bond.  Our unique relationship affords us a rare and privileged opportunity for USSD students to train in an exclusive summit with the Shaolin Monks of Songshan, China. without having to leave the OC.   

 

The IKKA moving forward

(from the IKKA Facebook page, December 16th, 2022)

To the American Kenpo Karate community, martial artists and American Kenpo enthusiasts worldwide, we are proud to announce that we have made some exciting changes within the management and structure of the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA). An Executive Management committee has been created to ensure the IKKA can continue as a sustainable association and organization while remaining aligned with the wishes and vision of SGM Ed Parker, Sr.  

The IKKA Executive Management Committee will be tasked with all day-to-day business matters related to the IKKA including welcoming new members into the IKKA, caring for the needs of its members, and perpetuating Ed Parker Sr.’s American Kenpo Karate system. 

We have also created a panel of Curriculum Advisors that are available to work with IKKA members, teachers, club and school owners and offer guidance to those who wish to teach and perpetuate the American Kenpo curriculum to the next generation of eager martial artists. 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the IKKA or wish to renew your membership, please visit EPSIKKA.com and connect with us on our “Contact Us” page or email us directly at info@epsikka.com.   

We offer the warmest welcome to our new prospective members and look forward to a bright and exciting future for the IKKA. 

Bobby Lawrence, Executive Management Committee, Chair

USSD tournament posters

(from the USSD Instagram page)

Did you know that the VERY FIRST United Studios of Self Defense Tournament in California was held on June 17th, 1989? Check out this cool piece of USSD history, the very first USSD Tournament poster!

It's been over 33 years and the USSD Tournaments are still going strong. Swipe to see the contrast between our 1989 tournament poster and this year's tournament poster, pretty big difference! The posters may have stark differences throughout the years, but one thing remains the same: The United Studios of Self Defense Tournament has and always will be an exciting and fun event that brings like minded individuals and families together, develops confidence through competition, challenges competitor's minds and bodies, and builds a strong sense of community within the USSD family. We look forward to continuing this tradition at the 2nd Annual San Diego Tournament! 

Z Ultimate learning center website

 A good idea by Z-Ultimate, a learning center website where students can go and watch videos of their techniques and forms, as well as read a student workbook.

Get a JUMP START on your next belt!

The Learning Center is an exclusive “Members Only” website, devoted to helping students at all levels retain and strengthen their Z-Ultimate Martial Arts training material.

All of our online videos are performed by Senior Instructors of the Z-Ultimate Board of Masters.

You can use the website to view videos on how the techniques are performed and review each individual move that is broken down for you in our exclusive online Student Workbook.

Check it out TODAY at http://zultimatelearningcenter.com

International Kempo Federation competition posters (The IKF is perhaps a bigger organization than previously thought)

International Kempo Federation

 Seems to be a mostly European kenpo organization.

http://www.kempoikf.com/