From the Desk of Larry Tatum

After talking with Mr. Tatum there is Form 8,

It was the last form that Ed Parker created and taught to Mr. Tatum. In fact Ed Parker Jr. has a DVD where Mr. Parker is teaching Mr. Tatum the form. Mr. Tatum went on to teach the form to Ernie George who competed with it in the Internationals.

Subsequently the form has been passed on to other Kenpoists and has become a standard for the Encyclopedia of Knife fighting. What Mr. Parker arranged in the form was every conceivable angle the knife could be used on via the Universal Pattern...In the form there are seven points of isolation where new chapters begin in the angle changes, usage of the knife, and multi-dimensional application.

Note: The form also illustrates the potential problems with the knife being used back on the defender (the person executing the form). This is a reminder.

The form is there for anyone who is willing to delve into a side of the art that opens up another world of understanding in the art of Kenpo and how it passes from empty hand to a man made weapon.

Hope this helps.

Back to the mats,

Angela