Universals of Kenpo         ISBN 0-9652672-7-X By Lee Bachman 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 talks 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 reasonable) and wise by asking you, the practitioner, if your willing to expand your thought process in the many different aspects of the martial arts.