The Universal Pattern

In Volume 4 of Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Mr. Parker provides historical and descriptive information about his Universal Pattern. It was his belief that proper interpretations of this design would permit Kenpoists to develop a better understanding of the lines and paths of motion that comprise efficient fighting. He also indicated that the black design represented the viewpoint of looking from "outside-in", while the white pattern represents the viewpoint of looking from the "inside-out." In our studio we use the standard black design to represent the student who, as Mr. Parker defined, is someone learning the "whats and hows". The white design represents the Instructor who, in addition to the "whats and hows", understands the "whys". This complete knowledge of the Kenpo system truly provides the Instructor with the viewpoint of looking at Kenpo from the inside out.

The Students' Pattern

The Instructors' Pattern

The following may help with your interpretations of this pattern.

The Vertical Line - The initial foot maneuver of the first four forms (Short #1, Long #1, Short #2, Long #2) moves us either forward or backward along this line.

The Horizontal Line - The third foot maneuver of the first four forms moves us either forward or backward along this line.
The Plus "+" - The plus design may be thought of as the reference foot pattern for Short and Long Form #1. In these 2 forms only the four walls are referenced, consistent with the plus pattern.
The "X" - The "x" design may be thought of as a partial reference foot pattern for Short and Long Form #2. In the "2s" the "x" pattern can represent the four corners of the room that are referenced by the position of your centerline. The full pattern reference design for the footwork of the "2s" may thought of as an "x" superimposed over a "+". This eight pointed design would represent the four walls and four corners referenced in the "2"s.
The Diamond - In the center of the Universal Pattern is a diamond shaped square. This diamond could represent the inward diagonal path created by an inward block. Certain techniques, such as Sleeper, may also lead to further insights into the diamond.
The Triangle - The diamond can be divided into several triangles, a pattern that can be used to reference both handwork and footwork. Sword Of Destruction and Leaping Crane might provide insights into the triangle.
The Circle - In Kenpo the circle is used in many different ways. From the large circle found in the double outward downward heel-palm claws of Finger Set to the double figure-8s used in the first move of the isolation technique in Short Form #3 (which many Kenpoists call Fatal Cross), versions of circular motion can be found throughout the Kenpo forms. Look for ovals, intersecting circles, and non-intersecting circles. In advanced Kenpo techniques the figure-8 is a frequently occurring pattern.

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