Title: Constituents of Contact Manipulation: A Beginning
Author: Todd M. Durgan

Overview:
"Constituents of Contact Manipulation: The Beginning" is a martial arts book written by Todd M. Durgan, drawing on his extensive experience in the martial arts, particularly in Kenpo. The book explores various aspects of martial arts, providing insights, teachings, and a fresh perspective on techniques, principles, and concepts.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:
1. Insightful Exploration: Durgan shares his profound insights and knowledge gained from years of studying Kenpo, going beyond the surface-level understanding of martial arts techniques. The book aims to give readers a glimpse of what is possible through the author's perspective.

2. Comprehensive Coverage: The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a specific subject related to martial arts. These include chokes, levers, pressure points and nerves, locking principles, takedowns, and sequence rescripting. Durgan's goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these different facets, showing how they interconnect and influence each other.

3. Universal Pattern: Durgan introduces the concept of the Universal Pattern (UP), which encompasses the nine planes of Kenpo. He explores the UP's significance, its relationship to angles and planes, and its application in martial arts techniques. This framework serves as a foundation for understanding and integrating various aspects of Kenpo.

4. Practical Applications: The book goes beyond theory, offering practical applications and examples to help readers grasp the concepts being discussed. Durgan includes application photos, graphics, and specific Kenpo techniques to illustrate how principles like plane theory, leverage, locks, takedowns, chokes, and pressure points can be applied effectively.

5. Evolution of Kenpo: While grounded in Ed Parker's traditional concepts, Durgan infuses his own ideas and interpretations into the teachings. He emphasizes the importance of evolving and expanding the art beyond its founder, demonstrating how Kenpo can be relevant and applicable to practitioners of different martial arts styles.

6. Impact on Instruction: Durgan's book has influenced the way some instructors teach and practice Kenpo. The insights gained from the book have prompted changes in teaching methods, encouraging instructors to deepen their understanding and improve the quality of instruction they provide to their students.

Audience:
"Constituents of Contact Manipulation: A Beginning" primarily targets martial art practitioners, particularly those interested in Kenpo. However, the book also offers valuable insights applicable to practitioners from various martial arts disciplines, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Conclusion:
Todd M. Durgan's "Constituents of Contact Manipulation: A Beginning" is a comprehensive exploration of martial arts principles and techniques, with a focus on Kenpo. Drawing from his extensive experience, Durgan provides readers with valuable insights, practical applications, and a fresh perspective on various aspects of martial arts. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of different elements and encouraging the evolution of the art, Durgan's book serves as a resource for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and enhance their martial arts skills.

Seminars offered with Mr. Durgan