Universals of Kenpo [Paperback]

Lee Bachman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

This book covers Kenpo qualities, physiology & kinesiology, psychology & practice, technique, weapons, and principles.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lee Bachman has practiced and studied Martial Arts for over twenty years. Mr. Bachman began teaching in 1977. He was awarded a first degree black belt under the guidance of Mark Miller. His studies at Akron University included the fields of psychology, sociology, and medicine.

The passing of Ed Parker in December, 1990 shocked and devastated the martial arts world. It was around this same time that Lee Bachman's article about his "Mentor" was published in Kung Fu Magazine.

Because of his current success with his ongoing seminars, Mr. Bachman is much sought after and dedicates most of his time to teaching and writing.

At present, Lee Bachman, a 7th Degree Black Belt, remains a fervent follower of the Kenpo Method. His ideas and observations on self-defense are found within this book, and will serve not only as an inspiration but a guide to all who choose the path of least resistance.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Bachman Publishing (January 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 096526727X
• ISBN-13: 978-0965267274
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,117,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good Kenpo Book, November 26, 2000

By 

jason bugg (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universals of Kenpo (Paperback)

I would have to say this is one of Mr. Bachman's best books. It took me a little longer to read because it's 150+ pgs long. It's a good mix of textual and graphic explanations of Kenpo concepts and principles. I really enjoyed several areas of discussion in this book. I thought the "qualities of an instructor" was very good. Mr. Bachman not only covers more advanced topics, he also takes the time to break down the basics of etiquette, including: bowing, tying your belt, class behavior, etc...It's a very good area to look at for newer martial artists. Under the section of Physiology and Kinesiology, he covers conditioning and has an area called "Muscle Facts". This lists the major muscle groups and what they are responsible for (i.e. their type of motion). Which I took to mean if I attack that muscle the right way then it can no longer do that job. There are also some basic stretching drills.

One of my favorite chapters is Psychology and Practice. He covers meditation, practice and practicing for control. The topic, "Practice: Patterns for Progress" is excellent. He breaks down practicing into imitating, internalizing, personalizing and visualizing. It's a great topic of discussion. He also suggests way to keep training interesting, the learning stages of Kenpo, mental progress (great discussion) and motivation.

He covers weapons concepts that are very interesting. Diagram of an attack with a weapon and the diagram of a weapon really eye opening. Also the fundamentals of control with a weapon was a good topic. Two topics in this chapter, Window of Opportunity and Keys to Accomplishment could be used for weapons or empty hands and represent a person that has taken time to study and develop a theory behind the actual process of being confronted and the way to successfully respond.

The other chapter that was also one of my favorites was the one on Principles. In this chapter Mr. Bachman takes about memorization, personal weapons: progression to conversion (making a simple strike sophisticated) and commitment. Two very good areas of discussion in this chapter are the scientific method of Kenpo and Selecting and Creating Opportunity.

His conclusion is a list of Kenpo sayings that he as come up with over the years and a story of one of his Black Belts. I would have to say that this is definitely one of Mr. Bachman's best books. It has something for everyone. From basic to advanced concepts, empty hands to weapons. In my review I only touched on the things that I found most interesting. There is actually a lot of good information that I didn't mention. So I would suggest this Kenpo book to any martial artist that is looking to advanced their studies. As Mr. Bachman says, "An intelligent person answers questions, the wise person asks them". I think Mr. Bachman shows in this book that he is both intelligent by freely sharing his information (I say freely because the cost is so resonable) and wise by asking you, the practicioner, if your willing to expand you thought process in the many different aspects of the martial arts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universals of Kenpo, January 27, 2000

By 

Wayne Fox (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universals of Kenpo (Paperback)

After reading this book, I learned many traditions as well as other benefits of the Art of Kenpo. I find this book a must to all serious Martial Artists. The topics are in detail form so anyone can understand.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lots of great theory and concepts, few techniques, June 11, 2005

By 

John A. Willis "One Literate Simian" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Universals of Kenpo (Paperback)

This is a great book for anyone at any level, but don't rely on it for techniques or for a real "hands on" how-to approach. Bachman obviously knows a lot about his subject, and has thought long and deeply about many aspects of the art (some I had never before considered). If you are looking for basic techniques, lots of pictures, kata forms, or any of the traditional instructional materials, look elsewhere. If you have the fundamentals down and are seeking a way to apply them, this is a "must".