Obi Tying

I find we spend a fair amount of time teaching students to tie their obi and hakama correctly. (And admittedly, I don't tie my hakama quite correctly myself). If you are going to practice in the traditional costume, it's worth understanding all the knots.

This is by far the clearest set of directions I've seen. It's all in Japanese, but the pictures are very good: http://kimonoo.net/kituke.html. FYI, hit the green button at the bottom of each page to see the next steps.

If you can stand butchered pidgin, here's Google's translation


We teach students the "mountain knot" (page 2; p1 transl; p2 transl.) This is relatively easy to tie, and has the advantage for jujutsu that it is flat and thus doesn't hurt when you fall on it. (Note, this is the 2nd obi knot pictured)

I myself prefer the"clamshell knot" (transl.), which is a little tighter of a knot and is still pretty flat if you tie it correctly. Note that the beginning steps are the same as for the mountain knot. (Note, this is the 1st obi knot pictured)

For tying hakama, we teach the "jumonji" (cross-shaped) knot (p2. p3. p4. p5.; trans 1 trans 2 trans 3 trans 4 trans 5) It's like a bowtie for your hara.


I've seen clearer instructions for hakama folding that these, but the kimono folding instuctions are pretty good

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Quote on knowledge

I find that a great part of the information I have
was acquired by looking up something
and finding something else on the way.

Franklin P. Adams (1881 - 1960)

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Martial Arts Ad – Yubiwaza (1968)

I just love some of the old classic style ads, and this one is just so amusing. “Yubiwaza,” what’s that?

The word “yubi” translates to the word “finger” and “waza” means “technique.” While the art I teach has numerous “yubiwaza” some of which will drop a large man, I would never even dream of making any claim similar to the ones listed above.
The funny thing about this ad is that this system is actually based on a jujutsu art called Sosiushi Ryu.

According to the 16th inheritor of Sosiushi Ryu, Master Manzo Shitama, a samurai named Masanori Fugatami Hannosuke, a master of Takenouchi-ryu, founded Sosiushi Ryu in 1650. Masanori Hannosuke then taught his martial art system to another samurai named Shitama Matahichi, whose family have been the inheritors of Sosuishi Ryu ever since.



The lady pictured in the ad is Yoshie Imananmi who was the wife of Mr. Nelson Fleming, a Sosuishi Ryu instructor in New Jersey.

It seems Mr. Fleming was talked into writing a book on jujutsu finger techniques, and what was suppose to be a 100 page book turned out to be the fourteen page pamphlet offered in the ad above.

Reportedly, Mr. Fleming stated he had no input on the advertisement of this product. However, I couldn’t find any information (even on the official Sosuishi Ryu website) stating that he ever denounced the preposterous claims of this advertisement, or was upset with the publisher for producing this publication instead of his intended work.

I’ve never seen this pamphlet, but I think it would be interesting. All I can say for now is that I hope my wife never gets a copy of it.

Click for Full Size

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E-mail from a Reader: Why No Names?

I’m not sure why I’m addressing this topic, but I received an e-mail asking me why I don’t mention names, when I discuss various topics, such as my article on “Martial Art Belts” (referring to the teacher with a 15 colored belt system), “Hall of Fames,” and those that questioned my martial arts validity on E-budo.com, (see entry titled “Koryu Purists”).

You know I never thought that was an issue. The basic answer is naming names is not necessary in those articles.

First of all, in the case of E-budo.com, and other sites like them that questioned and discussed the validity of my martial arts background, naming names would just make the article personal, and sound like I’m attacking particular individuals who expressed their opinions. Opinions they have a right to, but could have been expressed more graciously.

Besides, I didn’t spend much time on E-budo reading all the posts, and I definitely didn’t take the time to write down whom each person was, or what they said. Even when I finally did address their questions in their forum, I didn’t respond directly to any one individual.

To be honest I didn’t care who these individuals were since I have never met any of them face to face. However, Spencer, my student who responded on behalf of the school, did take the time to look up these individuals, and their backgrounds were interesting. Surprisingly few were Koryu stylists.

My article, “Koryu Purists” was written as a generalized response to their attack on my credibility. Not only for those that wrote on E-budo, but for those that read the thread (several 1000 from what I heard), and for those who share the same beliefs that if you are Koryu you must look down upon others you perceive are not. This is a sad snobbery disseminated by a few very well known Koryu practitioners.

That article was written in order to vent my feelings, and because I’m not the first, or the last person, these people will do this sort of thing to.

As for the teacher described in my article “Martial Art Belts,” he is a friend. Though we have debated his belt system numerous times, there is no need to mention his name. Not that he would care, but it’s his business what he does. It’s not my place to judge his business decisions, and naming him wouldn’t have changed the gist of what I was trying to say.

Besides, if readers look around they can find numerous other teachers just like him. He is but one example of a growing trend.

As for the “Hall Of Fame” article whose name should I use? The letter I quoted is interchangeable. Sure they may word things slightly differently, but except the prices, they all say basically the same thing.

Naming individuals in this case would just be asking for problems. I would clearly insult someone, or someone who knows someone.

Believe it or not there are many people who value these Hall of Fames, and think they have a lot of merit. The one I attended had over 60 inductees, all of which paid $200.00 plus for the honor. Tell some of those guys their award is meaningless and see what happens.

With all that said, the real answer to this question is this:
#1 – When I write I have no intention of disrespecting anyone, or starting a conflict with any individual or their supporters. That’s easier to accomplish by leaving their names out.
#2 – When the need arises I will name names. Sometimes that can’t be helped. However, I will never ever write something about anyone I wouldn’t say, or haven’t said to his or her face. That’s not my style, and I believe in treating others, as I want them to treat me.
#3 – Sometimes in order to tell a story one must generalize, and use a composite of many individuals as an example. In this case there would be no name to use.
#4 – My memory isn’t what it use to be, and sometimes try as hard as I might I just can’t remember names. To many hits to the head I guess.

So Joseph, (the name of the guy who posed the question)--see I used your name--I first of all want to thank you from reading the articles on my “blog,” Nice to see somebody other than my mother is.

Secondly, like I wrote you back, I would really be interested in what compelled you to ask me this question in the first place. I must have really hit a nerve with one of the three listed articles.

You’re not the head of the Galactic Martial Arts Federation by chance? If so, I meant no disrespect.

Lastly, relax Joseph. You take my opinions/rants way too seriously. In addition, you were wrong: I did address your concern on my “blog” after all. Well, sort of! The rest is best left for another time.

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Quote on Instruction

“In ancient times, there were no martial arts schools as we now know them. Instruction took place wherever and whenever a teacher decided to practice or to share his wisdom -- whether in an open field or deep within a fog-shrouded mountain. Some martial arts masters claimed that the only school was on the battlefield.”

KENSHO FURUYA, KODO: Ancient Ways

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Martial Art Hall Of Fames

It happens at least two to three times a year. I go to my mailbox and inside there is some official looking packet, from some martial arts association, informing me that I have been “nominated” for induction into their Hall Of Fame.

You can just imagine my surprise. Me nominated for such a prestigious award. Why, I’m so flattered. I never ever expected this to happen. It makes all those hard years of work all worth it. When and where do I have to go to pick up my award!

Wait, what’s that small print? It’s going to cost me $189.00 for this honor!? In addition I have to pay my own airfare to the event, and the hotel, and other travel expenses.

Excuse me, I thought this was award! I thought I was the 2006 Master Instructor of the year.

Okay, if you couldn’t tell I was being sarcastic. The truth is most of these so called Hall of Fames are meaningless. They are nothing more than a way to inflate egos, generate business, or line the pockets of those organizing these events.

Now I’m not saying it’s wrong to honor martial artists within ones organization, but the term, “Hall of Fame,” implies something more meaningful. Especially to the general public, who are used to such hall of fames dedicated to baseball, football, and basketball.

In other words claiming that such an event is a “Hall of Fame” is misleading: an overstatement of the actual merit of the event.

First of all, there is no physical “hall,” such as those that exist for the sports of football, basketball, and baseball.

Secondly, there is no national, fully accepted, governing body, which oversees the martial arts. Put ten martial artist who have never met before, and I bet they will have ten different opinions of who is worthy of such an honor, and who isn’t. Sure, given time they could find many worthy candidates, but no matter who they picked, there would be others who would question their choices.

Further more, I doubt they would select someone like me who runs a very tiny school, is basically unknown, and so far hasn’t contributed anything so amazing or outstanding to the martial arts world. (I’m not debasing myself; I’m just being realistic.)

Lastly, in order to validate a “Hall of Fame” those inducted have to have certain credentials. They must have done something above and beyond the abilities/norms of most of us who practice/teach the martial arts. They must be the best of the best.

For example: pioneers like Gichin Funakoshi, Jigoro Kano, and Morihei Ueshiba, instructors such as Wally Jay, Gogen Yamaguchi (The Cat), and Judo Gene LaBell, fighters like Joe Lewis, Benny the Jet Urquidez, and Super Foot Bill Wallace, and actors like Bruce Lee, Stephen Segal, and Jet Li.

All of these men set a certain standard, which many of us look up to, and try to emulate today. Many paved the way as well as aided in the popularity and propagation of the martial arts. These are contributions that are worthy of being honored.

Of course when one reads the letters that come with the nomination forms for most of these Hall of Fames, those with the above credentials are not their target audience.

A recent letter I received states:

“Most of you know of “Black Belt” magazines “Hall of Fame”; giving top honors to our famous types we all read about and see on the Big Screen. Many/most of us will never achieve this Honor! If you do…”hats off & congratulations”! However, the average Instructor(s) are our focus… and always have been & will continue to be our reason behind this project.

“Average” instructor! Since when do we honor people for being average? Since when does any organization place ordinary individuals in a “Hall of Fame?” Doesn’t the word ”fame” alone imply more than average.

Of course the above quoted letter goes own to justify these types of induction by stating the following:

“Many Instructors work multiple jobs, many Instructors work more hours in their schools than regular jobs, and many Instructors behind the scenes put countless hours at home and weekends planning projects for their schools. They have sacrificed normal lifestyles in exchange for their love of the people and new people coming into their schools. They have gone through major financial distress to keep their schools going; 2nd mortgages, some it cost marriages/relationships, because their love of the arts! Most people don’t understand what it takes to be an instructor, a father image, big brother, counselor, teacher, mentor, best friend, & more! People count on us (Instructors) to make their worlds easier not even realizing what it takes out of us! But WE LOVE IT!!

Some instructors have enjoyed a great living from their schools & some do it for the love and volunteer teaching time! None the less, we’ve given an continue to give.

So…why not have a Most Elegant Day for those who are well deserving of this day! Lights! Cameras! “HONOR”!!”

Based on these justifications, many of which I have definitely faced, almost every martial art instructor on the planet should be inducted. Then again the same could be said for a lot of other occupations, which also meet these qualification, yet clearly have no Hall of Fame.

What is worst is that these Hall of Fames don’t stop with instructors. Looking over the list of possible categories for induction I counted at least 60 categories, ranging from master instructor of the year, to most improved student. There was also one for most martial arts spirit, competitor of the year (female and male), humanitarian of the year, and student contributor, what ever that means.

As for me I my latest nomination was for “Black Belt Excellence.” I’m not even sure what that means, or what the qualifications for such a title would entail.

Since I don’t wear a black belt, and my school does not have a belt system, it really makes me wonder who nominated me. A question I always ask myself, since none of the forms I’ve read stat who that individual was. I wish they did, because I would love to ask them what they were thinking.

My biggest problems with these “Hall Of Fames” are the awards they hand out. My recent packet promised the following:
1. One huge plaque (three times the size of the previous ones)
2. 11x17 Diploma/scroll suitable for framing
3. Hall of Fame induction patch
4. Hall of Fame inducted members lapel pin
5. An official press release that can be sent to one’s local media (This group actually offers to “bombard” one’s local media with stories about one’s accomplishments and induction into their Hall of Fame.)

Sounds quite impressive, and if the media thing were true, that alone would be worth the $189.00 fee. After all, advertising the school is very expensive. However, where I’m located, San Francisco, CA, I doubt the local media would take an interest. We already have our share of martial art celebrities.

Of course, the certificates and awards that accompany these inductions make great wall decorations, and impress most students/potential students who aren’t savvy enough to question their value. After all, who wouldn’t want to be taught by someone who is a member of the Hall of Fame--especially someone who has been inducted on numerous occasions for a myriad of reasons.

One instructor I read about on the Internet has over thirty of these awards, all of which are posted on his website. I don’t know the guy, so I won’t comment about his qualifications, but if I were a novice looking for a school, and saw all his awards, I would most probably be impressed enough to sign up for classes, compared to a school where the instructor had none.





Like I said before, I have no problem honoring the “average” martial artist like myself. Just call it something else. Don’t make the award sound more prestigious than it is.

If the award is limited to people in a specific organization that’s fine, but label the award properly. Instead of stating that the person is “The 2006 Hall of Fame Master Instructor of the Year,” title the award in some manner such as, “The 2006 Galactic Martial Arts Federation Master Instructor of the Year.”

Who knows, depending on the organization, and the services rendered by the individual to them the award could actually be legit. Maybe! After all, an award like that is at least based on the organizations requirements and nothing else.

By the way if an organization such as the Galactic Martial Arts Federation exists I apologize for using you as an example. I wasn’t aware of your existence. But if you do exist, I’ve taught enough Power Ranger, Klingon and Jedi wannabes to qualify for the Galactic Martial Arts Instructor of the Year award. Thanks in advance.

(Note: Before people start sending me e-mails reminding me of the fact that I was inducted into the USMA Hall of Fame several years ago, let me state once again for the record that I always thought the “honor” was silly. It was an excuse to travel, and meet others who have spent a lifetime practicing and propagating the martial arts.

Yes, the certificate once hung on the wall, but I’ve always been the first to tell others what it was really worth, especially those that have asked what I did to win such an award. (Basically, I was honest and said I didn’t know.)

And before you think my opinion of these types of the awards has changed recently, you would be wrong. I have always felt this way.

However sometimes its just fun to involve yourself with some silliness. After all who doesn’t like dressing up and being the center of attention: if only for a few moments.)

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Iai Cartoon

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Quote on Wisdom

The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.

Solomon Ibn Gabriol

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The Wisdom of “Mr. Miyagi”

Title: The Karate Kid
Starring: Pat Morita, Ralph Macchio
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Date of Release:1984

Daniel: Hey - you ever get into fights when you were a kid?
Miyagi: Huh - plenty.
Daniel: Yeah, but it wasn't like the problem I have, right?
Miyagi: Why? Fighting fighting. Same same.
Daniel: Yeah, but you knew karate.
Miyagi: Someone always know more.
Daniel: You mean there were times when you were scared to fight?
Miyagi: Always scare. Miyagi hate fighting.
Daniel: Yeah, but you like karate.
Miyagi: So?
Daniel: So, karate's fighting. You train to fight.
Miyagi: That what you think?
Daniel: [pondering] No.
Miyagi: Then why train?
Daniel: [thinks] So I won't have to fight.
Miyagi: [laughs] Miyagi have hope for you.

This is one of the few movies my teacher and I went to see together at the movie theatre. Most of the other movies were Japanese films, some of which were my first introduction to “adult cinema.” “Realm of the Senses” still haunts me to this day.

Since my teacher’s English was limited, I’m not sure how much of the dialog he understood; but he did like the movie. That’s not to say he thought the movie was well done, he just found the premise pretty funny. Entertaining, but funny.

He also made it clear he didn’t like Daniel, and that if I had been like “Daniel-san” he never would have accepted me as a student. Being stubborn like me was one thing, but he found Daniel irritating and very whiny. I guess that was his way of complimenting me, and with the few positive comments he ever gave me; I’ll take what I can.

Of course my teacher was no Mr. Miyagi either. He never me made do, “wax on, wax off” or “paint the fence,” but he clearly wasn’t as nurturing as Mr. Miyagi. Not to me, or even his own family.

Though he disliked Daniel-san, he did like Mr. Miyagi. He said Mr. Miyagi reminded him of several people he had known in Japan, and he liked his philosophy-- especially the quote above.

No, it wasn’t the part about learning martial to avoid fighting, though that is a good philosophy, and one he agreed with. The part he liked was the idea that no matter how good you may be there is always someone who knows more.

My teacher said he could really relate to that statement, and that was something that was true in all facets of life. He also made it clear that I should never forget this sentiment as I progressed with my training.

So far I haven’t forgotten, though over the years I’ve often been reminded of that lesson the hard way.

My teacher told me many times that he was not a fighter, and as teenager avoided fights whenever possible. However, as a teen he had his share of free-for-alls, some of which he won, and some that he lost. Of course win, lose, or draw, he always learned something. Most of all, he learned that fights hurt, even if you walk away the winner.

Of course for my teacher nothing was worst than coming home after a fight, because win or lose, he would be punished, beaten, and forced to do “extra training.” This training was often harsher than normal, and intended to send the message that fighting in public would not be tolerated.

My teacher once told a story of his brother who, after getting into a fight, was beaten by his father. He was beaten so badly that he missed school the next day. If that wasn’t bad enough, a few days later, the “extra training” became so intense his brother was permanently injured: an injury that was debilitating enough that it affected him the rest of his life.

My teacher was also very strict with his son and I about getting into fights. It didn’t matter what the circumstances were. Short of defending our very lives, we were told never to fight, or we would suffer the “circumstances” when he saw us.

Unfortunately, there were a few times I discovered what those “circumstances” were. Trust me, no fight is worth the punishment an angry sensei can dish out.

I’ve always stated that I am not a fighter, and avoid conflict whenever possible. However, I’ve had my share of altercations, as a teenager, in competition, and professionally as a police officer.

Some I’ve won, some I’ve lost, and in some cases the “Calvary” came and helped subdue the bad guy before things got to out of hand. Just like my teacher, I’ve learned from all these altercations.

Of course I’ve learned that win lose or draw, there is pain involved in any fight, and that no matter how much it appears you may have the upper hand things can go bad instantly.

However, the main thing I have learned is that no matter how good I think I am, there is always somebody just a little better, a little quicker, and/or a little stronger than me--even among those individuals that have no martial art training.

The “Karate Kid” movie may have been silly, and unrealistic. Surely, there are parts of it that could have been left out, and were just part of the Hollywood formula. Fortunately, and why some find the movie so endearing, are the gems of wisdom within it. Clearly words to live by.

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The true meaning of “Black Belt”

I’ve already expressed my opinion on this point in a previous article, but I really like the way the author Hidetaka Nishiyama, expresses his opinion on the topic. Further more, I think his opinion carries more weight, as a he is a karate-ka, and a 9th Dan in Shotokan Karate, a martial system that utilizes a belt system.


THE TRUE MEANING OF "BLACK BELT" AS IT SHOULD BE.... AND AS IT IS
by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama

In English history a man of valor and dignity who excelled in the arts of combat and social amenities was rewarded with the title of Knighthood. A designation which let it be known to all that he was a man not only of honor, but also of great fighting ability. This was true in Japan where the same type of men were called Samurai. In neither country was the man nor his rank to be taken lightly. For the prowess and title of each commanded respect! At this time both of these countries consisted of feudal states in which men, like the knights and samurai, were a necessary product of the social conditions in which the lived. A situation which does not exist today. Yet the desire for a man to excel in a martial art, for discipline and self-defense, still exists.

Today a man strives initially in the martial arts to become a "Black Belt" in karate to learn to fight. But as his training progresses he should become aware of a stronger calling, the molding of himself into a better person, not only in fighting ability but also in dignity and honor. This has traditionally been the goal of the martial arts student. The black belt is an award or honor given to the modern knight or samurai who has sacrificed many hours in disciplining and honing his body and mind to achieve the epitome of physical and mental attainment. The black belt is the symbol of an expert. Originally, the ranking system was established to provide a series of levels by which students could measure their progress. The first black belt awarded for karateka is known as a "Sho-dan".

This means the student has mastered the basics of the art and is now ready for a more advanced form of training. The student who continues training will now receive "Dan" ranks or degrees of black belt as he progresses. This ranking system has worked very well in motivation the student, but it also has developed some problems.

First, there is a disparity of standards. A proper ranking system should remain universally constant; just as on a ruler one inch is always equal to one inch, so should the standard of rank be equal. However, it must be remembered that the ranking in the martial arts consists of testing human reaction and because of the individuality of each person it is difficult to declare a definite set of standards. Yet this is what must be done if the rank of black belt is to have meaning. Judo and Kendo have one international standard of testing which prevails through the world. This is due in part to both of them having their origin in Japan where the rules of rank grew with the art. But with karate there were many different schools with each having its own set of standards when it came to testing. So when karate was propagated internationally the various countries embraced each style and each set of standards. This made possible a situation in which unscrupulous individuals were able to set up their own organization in which they handed out black belts to many unqualified student s who in return decided to set up their own schools and hand out their black belts. Many of these same people also decided to promote themselves for financial gain. The end result is that many black belts are a disgrace to not only themselves but to the art of karate. Someone once commented that just as there are international money exchange counters to re-evaluate foreign money, there will have to be black belt re-evaluation centers also. To this another added, that if these ever came about, the exchange list would be as thick as a telephone book.

Since the public is not aware of the differences in ranking and the ability of a true black belt they are easily lured into clubs which will award a black belt to students after only a short period of training. This is not only dangerous to the student but degrades the quality of all karate. The public should be wary of those clubs which use the word black belt as a come on to cheat people out of their money. In a reputable club a black belt can be earned in three to five years of hard work and only under competent instruction.

It is for these reasons that karate should have a standard system of testing as soon as possible. It is also the responsibility for those of us in karate to educate the public as to the significance of the karate black belt. Likewise each karateka must realize that the black belt is not a gift, but a goal, a symbol of one’s great effort. In setting up a high quality ranking system, not only the student but karate in general will benefit. Thus instilling a greater sense of pride and achievement in the receiving of a black belt. The knights and samurai of old allowed nothing to tarnish their honor. Should the Sensei and black belts of today desire anything less?

Source: www.fightingarts.com


Hidetaka Nishiyama started his martial arts training in 1942 under the instruction of Gichin Funakoshi. He is considered to be a pioneer in the art of Japanese Karate, and in 2000 the Emperor of Japan designated him as a living national treasure. An award given to only a few individuals, which have shown a life long dedication to their craft and have endeavored to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage.

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Quote from Dave Barry

Karate is a form of martial arts in which people who have had years and years of training can, using only their hands and feet, make some of the worst movies in the history of the world.

Dave Barry

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The Difference Between Strength and Courage

I don’t know who wrote this, but it is so true.

The Difference Between Strength and Courage

It takes strength to be firm.
It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to stand guard.
It takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain.
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in.
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain.
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide feelings.
It takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to endure abuse.
It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone.
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love.
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive.
It takes courage to live.

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Book Review: Taiho-Jutsu and Secret Weapons of Jujutsu

Here are two books by the same author that I was very happy to add to my collection since they are very closely related to the martial arts I teach. Or, I should say, they cover the history and weaponry of many of the implements that were employed in the system of martial arts I was taught.

They are two of only a few books I’m aware of that cover these topics in English. Unlike many others these two focus more on the history and development of the various described weapons than on just usage.

Given the topic matter, I strongly recommend these two books to anyone interested in Taiho-Jutsu, the history of law enforcement during the age of the samurai, or weaponry such as the jutte (truncheon), tessen (iron fan), yawara (short wooden rod), hojo jutsu (tying arts), and more.

Secret Weapons of Jujutsu
By: Don Cunningham
ISBN: 0-97002808-0-7
Publisher: Budo Kai, Ltd.
Year: 2000
$22.00

“Secret Weapons of the Jujutsu is the first book to appear in English that offers a detailed introduction to exotic defensive weapons like the tessen and jutte as well as other hibuki, or 'concealed weapons.'"

This description, found on the inside cover of the book, is exactly why I purchased this book. After obtaining the book and reading it over twice, I was not disappointed. This book definitely lives up to its claim.

This book is not an in-depth look at any of the weapons described, but this book does offer some basic information. There is enough information to give some insight into to the various small arms described in the book, their history, and some actual techniques one can employ with them.

In Japan, there is a similar book to this text. To be honest, I was hoping that Mr. Cunningham’s book would have been more like its Japanese cousin. While this text is a good “introduction” on the topic, there are many more “secret weapons” he could have discussed--some of which are almost, if not totally, unknown in the west.

I don’t read Japanese so I couldn’t even start naming some of the odder-looking weapons pictured in the Japanese book on “secret weapons.” In addition I have never seen many of them demonstrated, and don’t even know if there are any teachers that still teach their usage.

Because I can’t read Japanese, and know this information is available, I was hoping Mr. Cunningham, who clearly has resources in Japan, would have mentioned at least some of these more unique and unfamiliar weapons.

In fact I would have preferred leaning more about those weapons than having techniques described, learning about various schools that teach unarmed martial arts, Tokugawa era police, and Japanese feudal social structure. Not to say this is not interesting, and informative, but they are not what the title proposes to cover.
While this book presents good basic material, and is worth reading, if one has to choose which of Mr. Cunningham’s texts to purchase I would suggest “Taiho-Jutsu.” The only reason for this opinion is that “Taiho-Jutsu” is more comprehensive, and covers almost the same information.

Taiho-Jutsu: Law and Order in the Age of the Samurai
By: Don Cunningham
ISBN: 0-8048-3336-5
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Year: 2004
$24.95

The part I really liked about this book, and its strong point, is the history regarding law enforcement in the age of the samurai. A topic rarely, if ever, written about in English texts.

In fact this book is the first text I found that really gives a thorough description of the various officers, machi-bugyo-sho (town magistrates) to the lowly hoyokiki (part-time police assistants), and their duties. Even given my background in a martial art that was most likely developed and propagated by a doshin, (officer), I didn’t realize how many different classes of police officer there had been.

The first sixty pages of this book cover topics such as defining social classes, kabukimono (street hooligans), Edo-period justice, penalties and punishments, and civil authority and policing.

While none of these topics are covered in depth, this book provides enough information to fully understand the topic, and gain some insight to the social and legal structure of Japan during this time period.

The rest of this book is divided into describing the various arresting implements used by the Japanese law enforcement (their history and design), and how these implements were used. Some of this is similar, if not identical, to the information listed in the previously reviewed book.

I liked the section on the various weapons utilized by Japan’s police force, and think the topic is covered quite well. There is just enough information presented. Mr. Cunningham has stuck to presenting only the details, which keeps each section concise.

The weakest part of the book, at least for me, is the section that shows how to use the jutte. While the material is presented well, and each diagram is explained sufficiently, I think having this section reduces the over all tone and quality of the book.

I think Mr. Cunningham should have saved that information for another book--a book intended just to teach the “how too.” After all, the initial part of this book is clearly meant to impart historical information, and that information is what is lacking in English texts.

In other words there are already texts that cover how to use the jutte in English, and the techniques described in Mr. Cunningham’s are nothing unique enough one can’t learn from another source--even a book that is not in translated into English. To be honest, most of the forms presented are fairly basic techniques.

Additionally, I think the jutte material in this book is essentially the same as Mr. Cunningham’s previous book. The big difference is that photos are used in book one, and illustrations are used in book two.

While I think how the jutte was used is important info, I would have preferred to see techniques for some of the other weapons presented in this book. I’m not sure how much exposure Mr. Cunningham has regarding the usage of the sodegarami (sleeve entangler), kusurigama (sickle with weighted chain), or yawara (short rod), but these weapons are less known, and seeing techniques related to them would have been more interesting.

Just like the historical information presented in the first part of the book, much of which is unknown in the west, few people have ever had the chance to witness demonstrations of the above listed weaponry in action. The jutte or the tessen, in comparison, are more widely practiced.

Overall I really like this book, and highly recommend to anyone interested in samurai history, samurai weaponry, or lesser know martial arts weaponry.

* * *

Mr. Don Cunningham has over thirty years of martial arts experience, studying both contemporary and ancient martial art systems. He holds advanced ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo. Besides the two books mentioned above, Mr. Cunningham has also written numerous articles for various martial art publications.

I have met Mr. Cunningham only once, when he attended the local San Francisco Token Kai (Sword Collectors’ convention), and on that day we had just a short conversation. Basically I just teased him a lot since he is always outbidding me on items listed on EBay.

However we did discuss his collection of jutte, and by the sound of things he must have an excellent collection.

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Cartoon

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Quotes

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, “This Is My Story,” 1937

“There will be a time when loud-mouthed, incompetent people seem to be getting the best of you. When that happens, you only have to be patient and wait for them to self-destruct. It never fails.”

Richard Rybolt

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Movie Review: The Last Samurai

Title: The Last Samurai
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg, Ray Godshall, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Masato Harada, Masahi Odate, John Koyama, Timothy Spall, Schichinosuke Nakamura, Togo Igawa, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Shun Sugata
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Date of Release: 2003
Running Time: 154 minutes

When I first heard they were making this movie I was very excited and couldn’t wait for it to be released at the theatre. Then I heard Tom Cruise was cast as the lead and my enthusiasm hit rock bottom. I swore to my family, friends, and students that I wouldn’t waste $9.50 to see this at the movie theatre. And I didn’t.

Even after many people told me the film was very good and that I would enjoy it, despite Tom Cruise, I still didn’t break down and go. Yes, I’m stubborn!

Well, even after all was said and done I did finally watch it on DVD. And you know what? Despite Tom Cruise, I did really like it. I thought the movie was very well done despite some major faults and historical inaccuracies.

Now, I’m not a Tom Cruise basher; he has done some good work over the years. I just couldn’t picture him cast for this part. There would have been so many actors more suited for this role. I do, however, have to admit I really enjoyed watching him get the crap beaten out of himself over and over again. (Funny how many people agree with that statement, even if they have other reasons to feel that way.)

While I enjoyed the movie, I felt many parts of it were too Hollywood, and either could have been left out, or changed.

For example, I would have liked to see more action and/or training sequences, instead of so much romance. After all, it’s really hard to believe that a woman could fall so in love with the man who had killed her husband. Wouldn’t the wife of a samurai seek revenge, especially against a barbarian? I mean at first that’s just what she wants to do.

In addition, how in the hell could have Tom Cruise’s character survived the final battle. Everyone else died, and he was shot numerous times with a large gauge caliber gun. They made sure to show that in graphic slow motion detail. It didn’t make sense.

Then at the very end of the movie he returns to the village where the “rebels” had their base. I would have thought, given the history of Japanese warfare, that such a village would have been burned to the ground. There would have been nothing to go back to, even if the Japanese would have let him return. After all, he was a rebel, a criminal. I would think if, and I mean if, they let him live he would have at least been deported.

Another issue I had with this movie is that technically the audience is made to route for the bad guys. At least they were the bad guys from a true historical perspective. After all, these men were rebels, trying to restore Japan’s old ways. They were anti-government and they killed people (innocents and politicians) to try and push their political agenda.

Those are some of the elements I didn’t like. Fortunately there were plenty of things I did like, which when all totaled makes the movie worth watching.

First of all, I liked the music and the cinematography. The costumes are also great, and I will always be jealous that Tom Cruise got to wear samurai armor before I did. I know that’s petty, but I’m still envious of Richard Chamberlain ever since he did “Shogun,” and wore all those beautiful hakama and kimonos.

Then there was the character played by Ken Watanabe. I really felt his character exemplified the true code of bushido. He was a real warrior, who knew in heart he was fighting a lost cause, but was willing to fight for what he thought was right.

In addition, I liked that his character wasn’t just portrayed as a cold-blooded warrior. He definitely had a sense of grace and refinement about him. He was educated, articulate, and poetic. A true samurai.

I also liked the fact that Tom Cruise’s character was just a man. A flawed man (a drunk) who wasn’t superior, mentally or physically, just because he was a westerner. He was also not a very good fighter, a trait. I truly appreciated since I would have been very upset if he had been depicted as some type of super-warrior who was unbeatable. In fact his lack of skill made the movie more believable.

I really liked that he was not good with a sword, which shows how the west had turned to the gun and abandoned sword work by this period in history. The training sequences where he learns to use the Japanese sword are some of the best moments in the movie. I really enjoyed watching him get battered.

Sort of reminded me of my training, and those days when my teacher would lose his patience and just whack me over and over. It was a quick way to learn a lesson since you only get hit so many times before you learn to either move out of the way, block, or die. This is a lesson Tom Cruise’s character clearly and quickly learns.

Then there is the parallel that was made between the struggle of the American Indians and the Japanese who were trying to hold onto their traditions and way of life. It made a lot of sense that tradition had so much meaning; meaning enough for these men to die for. They simply didn’t want the glory of their past forgotten, especially just to usher in foreign ways.

Naturally, I also liked the action sequences, and fully appreciated they were real and not some digitized special effects. The fight scenes displayed a lot of emotional power and technical finesse, without sacrificing any artistic appeal. They depicted true combat of the period, no holds barred.

Like I said I had mixed emotions when I first heard about this movie, but once I saw it any reservations I had were set aside. It’s not what I would call a great movie, but it is entertaining, thought provoking, and emotionally stirring. I don’t think anyone who watches this movie won’t feel a sense of loss when the rebels are mowed down by gunfire.

Anyone who knows the history of this story knows they’re going to die right from the start, but by the end of this movie you really wish they would win. You are truly drawn to these men, and their way of life. The life they want to preserve.

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Diet Idea – Orange Peel Juice

Once again I would like to state for the record that I’m not a doctor, an herbalist, or dietician. However, I’ve tried this recipe before and it did help lose some pounds. According to the student who gave me this idea it is also suppose to be a very good source of vitamins, and a drink that can lower cholesterol.

(One orange will meet about 20% of an adults daily folate needs, as well as being an excellent source of vitamin C. Oranges supply 80 fat-free calories packed with energizing carbohydrates that fuel energy levels. In addition, oranges contain Monoterpene and d-limonene, which comprises more than 90% of the oil in orange peel. These two items have been found to prevent some cancers. Recent tests on the anti-oxidant effectiveness of various commercial fruit put oranges at number five in effectiveness against damaging oxidative processes in cells.)

Basically this is an all-natural drink that you take three times a day. I’m not 100% sure why it works, but I believe it could be a result of the high concentration of pectin (a water-soluble fiber) found in oranges.

Pectin is known to suppress hunger for up to four hours after ingestion. In addition studies have shown that pectin also helps reduce cholesterol levels, and can help lower the risk of heart attacks.

While I don’t know if this is the only reason this recipe is so successful I’ve had several female students who swear by it. One eighteen year old lost 15 pounds in two months using this recipe, and she didn’t change her normal eating habits.

When I tried it, I lost ten lbs, in two months and I have to admit I ate a lot less than normal.

The nice thing about this recipe is that is very simple, requiring only two ingredients, and about half an hour of prep time.


Ingredients:
Approximately 2 – 4 pounds of oranges (I suggest juice oranges, but you can mix various types.) (I also strongly suggest organic oranges, as they are less likely to be coated with pesticides and other toxins.)
3 quarts of water

Instructions:
Wash all oranges thoroughly. Cut oranges in half. Remove pulp. (I suggest juicing them since you discard the pulp.)
Discard pulp (All you want to use is the peal and the white fluffy stuff attached to the peal.)
Place orange peals in pot and add water
Bring to boil
Boil for approximately ½ hour
Let cool

Dosage:
Drink three 8-ounce glasses pure day.
Can drink warm or cold.
The flavor is a little bitter so if you must, you can add one teaspoon of honey per 8 ounce glass for sweetness.

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Ulysses S. Grant – The Art of War

“The art of war is simple enough.
Find out where your enemy is.
Get at him as soon as you can.
Strike him as hard as you can,
and keep moving.”
Ulysses S. Grant

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On Associations and Organizations

On my web site I list several associations that I have, or once was a member of. Of the five or so listed, there are only two I have ever been really active with, and only one that I still have some lose affiliation with.

There is also a disclaimer about my membership in these organizations, which it seems several people have misunderstood, and made comments about.

First of all, I don’t believe I am superior to any of these organizations or any member associated with them. I think many of these groups have many talented members, many of which have something to offer towards my growth as a martial artist.

I’ll be the first to admit I still have a lot to learn, not only regarding techniques and transmission of technical information, but also the business end of teaching and running a school.

My disclaimer is based on the fact that I do not support many of the political agendas of these groups, and/or agree with many of their policies.--policies such as Hall of Fame awards or promoting people to higher ranks. I especially disagree with when they try and promote people like me in their own art, something they don’t have experience in or the authority to do.

I also have no desire to be put in a position where other groups or individuals think I’m part of their political positions or agendas, or assume I agree with the way they conduct themselves, professionally or privately.

While I believe many of these groups mean well when they start, I think many get lost along the way, and their organization turns out to be little more than a way to generate extra income for those in charge.

You know the type of organizations I’m talking about. Those are the organizations that offer you all sorts of things such guaranteeing that if you join, then your student body will increase, and that you will be promoted to higher and higher ranks. They will certify you, help you with your curriculum, and advertise in the local media for you. They will give you stickers for your window and papers to hang on your wall to help you legitimize your school and tell others how your school is superior to the others in your area.

The problem is they don’t follow through with any of these promises. The papers they issue are meaningless, even to most of the public who doesn’t even know better. They can’t generate students: people are either interested or they are not. And, at least in my area, to get mentioned in the local media requires some major event, or a lot of cash to place an ad.

Unfortunately, these promises are very appealing to someone starting out in the business of running a martial art school, and are extremely tempting--myself included. After all, who doesn’t want to run a successful school full of students?

I was a cop prior to having a martial arts school. I knew nothing about the business end of running a school. I looked to many sources for help, some which were clearly the wrong ones to choose. However, making wrong decisions and learning from them is part of life. Hindsight is 20/20.

I also have the disclaimer because many martial artists have very fragile egos, and base their opinion of you on the company you keep. If they don’t like somebody and feel they are a political foe, worthless, a scammer, or fraud obviously you must be also.

That’s a ridiculous assumption, but it happens.

For example I know a jujutsu instructor whop travels the world teaching. He is invited to Japan all the time to teach, and is highly respected there. He was also in line to inherit his system of jujutsu from his teacher when he died.

However, with all these credentials, if you mention his name and that you like the guy locally, people look at you funny, question your integrity, and brush you off.

Now, their opinion has nothing to do with his skills as a martial artist, or as a teacher, and these are the only reasons why I respect this guy. Their problem is that twenty plus years ago he had a relationship with another guy’s wife.

I didn’t know him them, I don’t know the woman, and for me this is a personal/moral issue that has no bearing on the jujutsu he does. Okay, he may have made a bad decision, one can even question his moral character, but I don’t train with him to build moral development.

I don’t go to him to learn how to make passes at other people’s wives either, so if I like this guy and want to train with him why should I be automatically condemned for his past conduct? I have skeletons in my closet too, but I always have and always will conduct my personal life according to my morals and beliefs and not anybody else’s.

Another comment that has been made regarding my affiliations with the listed organizations is that my disclaimer appears to suggest that these groups recruited me, rather than the fact I sought them out.

Sorry to disappoint people who make this assumption, but that is partially true. Some of these organizations contacted me before I knew they existed, and even offered me free membership. I don’t know why they did, since I’m barely known, and don’t seek such attention. In addition I’m clearly not worthy of such special treatment either, as I have no special gifts, or have done anything to promote the martial arts in any special manner.

While I could make assumptions as to why they contacted me (MONEY MONEY MONEY), all I can state for fact is why I decided to join some of these groups (as well as others), and why I have disassociated myself with some over the years.

Part of this issue is based on youth and being a little naïve about other martial artists and the martial arts industry. It is also a case of not doing enough homework and research prior to making a decision to join or not join an organization. However, one of the major reasons I did what I did--and my justification for my earlier mistakes--is that I once many years ago had a desire to belong to a larger martial arts community.

My training was basically limited to one teacher. I didn’t have any prior exposure to martial art organizations, other styles, or the petty bickering over ego and politics between many instructors. Having had limited exposure to other arts and martial art practitioners, I was interested in exploring what others were doing. I wasn’t interested in getting involved with all the other associated factors that seem to have come into play over the years.

Like I said, I’ll be the first to admit I made some wrong decisions. One example is when I allowed myself to be inducted into one of the many Hall of Fames that are out there. Yes, at the time I knew it was very silly, but I enjoyed the silliness. I enjoyed the weekend learning from numerous other inductees, the banquet, and how serious they made such a meaningless event. For me, it was a fun excuse to travel away from home for a few days.

Then again I never put much emphasis on the award itself. I knew I paid for it. Any real award has to be earned, and the dinner, ceremony, and award (trophy or certificate) in honor of such an award is normally free of charge--at least for the person receiving the honor.

So far I haven’t done anything to deserve such an award, nor do I feel I ever will.

Lastly, the point was brought up why I am not a member of any Japanese martial art associations. That’s a good one, with a simple answer--an answer that goes back to the entire question of legitimacy to my school, my teacher, and our lineage. Simply put I lack the necessary credentials to even apply to most organizations.

Things might be different if I could afford to travel to Japan, and spend a few months/years there demonstrating what I know. But I can’t.

Of course, even if I were a member of some of these organizations I would still be caught between a rock and a hard place.

Simply put, no matter what organization I would choose, even if it was considered by most to be the most prestigious of them all, there would still be those within the martial art community who would question my choice of affiliating myself with them.

In other words you can’t please everyone, so I choose to please myself and not care what others think.

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Samuraidvd.com

I have been collecting jidaigeki* films for several years now. They are a genre of film I thoroughly enjoy.

At first I started with the basics, “Seven Samurai,” Samurai Trilogy” “Hidden Fortress,” Yojimbo,” Baby cart Series, and several of the Zatoichi adventures. But as time went by, I started searching for some of the more unknown, harder to find films.

Recently I found a website that offers some of the difficult to obtain jidaigeki films. That site is called “samuraidvd.com.”

Looking over their site they offer at least 100 movies, ranging in price from the upper twenties to low forties. Titles such as:
They also offer the five-part Musahi movie, which is based more closely on the book written by Eiji Yoshikawa than the better-known Mifune version, as well as the complete Satan’s sword trilogy. Two movie sets I had had a hard time finding in the past.

Since I have only recently discovered this site, I have not had the chance to order anything yet, so I cannot comment on their customer service or the quality of their products. However, I look forward to making my first purchase really soon.

* “Jidaigeki is a genre of film and televeision or theater play in Japan. The name means period drama, and the period is usually the Edo period of Japanese history which was from 1600 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier — “Portrait of Hell,” for example, is set during the late Heian period. Jidaigeki show the lives of the samurai, farmers, craftsmen and merchants of this time. Jidaigeki films are sometimes referred to as chambara movies, a word meaning "sword fight". They have a set of dramatic conventions including the use of makeup, language, catchphrases, and plotlines.”
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Tiger Balm Recipe

Ingredients: 56-ounce batch

Menthol crystals - 9.6 oz.
Camphor blocks - 15.36 oz.
Bees wax - 9.6 oz.
Petroleum jelly - 1.92 oz.
Oil of clove - 3.8 oz.
Oil of cajuput - 3.8 oz.
Oil of cinnamon - 3.8 oz.
Ammonium Hydroxide - 1 oz. (optional)

Melt beeswax and petroleum jelly in a pot until completely liquefied.

Remove from heat, and quickly stir in camphor blocks (may help to chop or grate camphor prior). Add rest of ingredients, and stir until consistent, and camphor has melted completely.

Pour into permanent container, and let congeal.

The above recipe will make a nice tiger balm equivalent to the commercial white stuff. If ammonium hydroxide is added, it turns red, and adds a little more heat to it.

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Movie Review: Satan’s Sword Trilogy

Title: Part 1 – Daibosatsu Toge (Great Buddha Pass)
Part 2 – Ryujin no Maki (The Dragon God)
Part 3 – Kanketsu Hen (The Final Chapter)
Date: 1960’s
Staring: Ichikawa Raizo, Nakamura Tamao, and Hongo Kojiro
Directed by: Misumi Kenji

These three films tell the story of the vicious and psychotic swordsman Tsukue Ryunosuke, a man who is in possession of, and possessed by, an evil sword. It is based on the novel “Daibosatsu Toge” (“Great Buddha Pass”) one of Japan’s greatest novels.

The story within “Satan’s Sword” has been told numerous times, and anyone who has seen the movie “Sword of Doom” will instantly recognize this tale. However, where “Sword Of Doom” left viewers with a cliffhanger, this trilogy tells the complete story.

I was able to obtain the first two of these films at the same time, but it took me over three years to locate part three. That was quite frustrating since like part one, part two ended with another cliffhanger. (Part two ends with the two main characters appearing to fall over the side of a cliff while having a sword fight.) You can just imagine how I felt having no idea how things would turn out.

Sorry no spoilers here. Let’s just say there is a part three, and all the characters are back, a little more battered, yet still intent on finding their destiny.

The Satan’s Sword trilogy is a great movie experience, even though there are some flaws with the overall storyline. I’m assuming this is due to the fact that this story is very well known, and the producers and director must have thought anyone watching it would already know the story and sub plots. (This is not uncommon in Japanese cinema. It’s something that can greatly interfere with one’s Japanese cinema experience, if they don’t know the history, context, or mythology referred to in the film that makes a scene more relevant.)

Since I didn’t know the story prior to seeing the movie, there were times I felt the movie jumped around and wasn’t linear. However, once I viewed the trilogy a second time I was able to better understand all the plots and sub plots.

Clearly, knowing a little about this period in Japan’s history will also help, as a lot of the political intrigue contained within this movie is historically accurate, as are the people and places involved.

One review I read even stated that the main character is supposedly based on an actual individual named Fuda Ryuzaburo Takafumi, a swordsman of the Kogen-Itto-ryu.

Basically, the main plot of this trilogy is a story of revenge, or the hunt for revenge. The plot revolves around the unnecessary yet intentional killing of a samurai during a contest of skill. Hyoma the brother of the deceased hunts Ryunosuke, the killer, who is a psychopathic murderous swordsman.

Of course this search for revenge is set amongst the backdrop of civil war, the search for enlightenment, love, and jealousy.

Needless to say this movie trilogy is loaded with action and there are plenty of sword and spear fights. Most are very well done, and the lead actor, Ichikawa Raizo, displays some excellent skills.

The only thing I didn’t like was how the trilogy ended. I won’t give it away, but it was a let down. While it makes sense in the context of the movie, it most likely won’t be what one expects from a movie of his genre.

Like I said I really enjoyed this trilogy, and I recommend it.

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Ki Cartoon

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Kyudo Program at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

I've been practicing with this group for three years and have nothing but good things to say about the quality of instruction. If you are intersted in kyudo this is one of the best ways to get an introduction.


Intermediate: May 17 (evening) – May 21, 2006

Beginner: May 18 (evening) – May 21, 2006


The contemplative practice of Kyudo, when taken up with patience and attention to detail, is a dynamic way to focus the mind and open the heart. Kyudo demands that we let go of our goals and expectations and live fully in the moment.

The physical aspect of Kyudo is inseparable from its spiritual aspect. The form and movements provide a subtle mirror of the mind at the moment of the arrow’s release.

In this retreat, beginners will receive training in the basic form of Kyudo, called “The Seven Coordinations”. The training is open to all, regardless of age, strength or physical skill.

Intermediate students will receive instruction in the basics and in formal group shooting.

The retreat will take place at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center Genjo-ji, which is under the guidance of Jakusho Kwong-roshi. This provides a unique opportunity for Kyudo training within the container of Zen Practice.

Traditional hand-crafted yumi as well as all other necessary equipment will be provided.


About the Instructor:
Don Symanski is a longtime Zen practitioner and a warm, skillful teacher. He has studied with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX since 1980 and is currently the Head Instructor in the Heki-ryu Bisshu Chikurin-ha form of Kyudo.

Don learned traditional bow making with the Shibata Family in Kyoto.

Since 1991, he has made “yumi”, the Japanese bow, and taught Kyudo as a meditation path.

Cost: Intermediate: $300
Cost: Beginners: $225

Information / Registration:
(415) 681 1185 Lucy Halverson at kyudoka@juno.com
(707) 938 0103 Hans Brede at hgbrede@vom.com

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center: www.smzc.net
Heki-ryu Bisshu Chikurin-ha: www.zenko.org

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Words To Live By – Rev. David Carr

“Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours any brighter.
The joy in life comes not from surpassing another's gifts,
but in fully manifesting our own.”

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Belts …….What are they good for?

“The one who fully understands his own abilities and skills
realizes he has obtained these abilities and skill through his hard work and dedication,
and further more has the capacity to cherish what he has done
for himself and not for the sake of those that may judge him,
is a thousand times more enlightened
than a man who relies on a certificate of achievement,
or a worthless rag around his waist,
awarded to tell him what he has gained or accomplished in the eyes of others.”

Yachigusa, Hiroshi Sensei


I recorded that quote when I was about 16 years old. My teacher, who barely spoke comprehendible English, had to repeat it to me several times, but I think I captured the essence of what he was trying to convey.

This quote is one of the few things he said that I wrote down verbatim, though at the time I don’t believe it meant as much to me as it does now. Of course I now agree totally with this philosophy.

Maybe I’m old-old-school, but I think the colored belt system and many of their associated ranks were a disastrous innovation in the martial arts. Some systems, such as those that have numerous 15th degree black belts, clearly make me feel as if the once-prized “black belt” is basically a meaningless symbol.

Worst yet are schools that give 10 year olds, or younger, a black belt. I’m sorry I just think that is so wrong, for so many reasons. I simply don’t care how gifted you feel the youngster may happen to be.

I come from a system with no belts or ranks. Never had them. Never had a need for them. My teacher, his father, and their ancestors didn’t train to impress others, and if the need arose to show/prove their abilities I’m sure a belt around their waist or piece of paper on the wall wouldn’t have been enough to deter or settle the dispute.

The system I was taught was intended for warfare, and certificates, belts, ranks, and awards have little meaning on a battlefield.

Over the years I have been asked countless times how long it takes to get a “black belt” at my school. Sometimes I’m asked how much it will cost. My answer has always been it takes a few hours, and about $7.00.

No, I don’t offer an accelerated course, that’s simply how long it takes me to go to the store and buy one, and the actual amount of money it takes to cover my expenses.

To date no one has taken me up on my offer.

I’m sure that when Jigoro Kano, (Founder of Judo), and Gichin Funakoshi, (Father of Modern Karate), adopted a colored belt system they had the best of intentions. However, I’m also sure they would be appalled to see the current state of belt systems today. More importantly, I doubt it was ever their intentions that such a major significance would be placed on such a material object.

Now don’t get me wrong, I once used a belt ranking system in my school. Only for kids though, and only because they went to tournaments and tournament officials needed some way to place them in the proper divisions. (I teach kids very differently than adults.)

Even with a belt system in place, I never once promoted any teen to black belt, I never asked for test fees, and my testing schedule was only twice a year. To get promoted by me, meant you worked your butt off, had to maintain at least a “C” average in school, and helped out the school in various ways (help teach, come for cleaning days, demo team, etc). You could be 100% technically proficient during the test, but if you failed the other two requirements I would not promote you.

Because I had belts, I studied their “evolutionary history,” (or lack of history) and as much I would like to deny it, I was even once guilty of propagating several myths regarding them. However, I made sure never to emphasize the belt system for my students, or make it sound as if they had any historical merit. They are after all a modern innovation.

The story I love the most regarding the various colors of karate belts and how one became a “black belt” in the old days goes as follows:

The story starts off with a novice ,who of course wears a white belt.
Since, in the old days, many martial art practitioners trained outdoors, the belt would get soaked with sweat and soiled with dirt. The mixture of continuous dirt and sweat caused the belt to become discolored. Over time the belt would turn green, the color of mildew.
A few more years would pass, and the decaying mildew, combined with more dirt and sweat would cause the belt to turn brown.
More training, more time, more decaying mildew, sweat, and dirt would eventually turn the belt black.
But the story doesn’t end here.
Further training would cause the belt to fall apart, until one day it opened and the practitioner was once again a white belt. Not just a plain white belt, a double white belt. A true symbol to show the world he had mastered his art.

The above story is a very romantic notion, and I can see how it can captivate the imagination of many people. Most martial art legends and myths are designed to instill a “supernatural/spiritual association” to one’s training.

However, that story doesn’t cover why we now have yellow, orange, blue, purple, red, striped, and various mixed color belts today.

I trained for many years at the beach, covered in salt water and sand. While my obi (a white belt designed for Iaido training) did get dirty and ultimately rot away, it never went through any color phases, except dirty beige. Maybe a little red when I bled, but nothing else. I guess with that said when people ask me what belt I am; I should be obligated to say beige with crimson spots. I can just imagine the odd looks of confusion if I would actually do that.

Now please don’t think I’m naïve about why there are so many colored belts today, and why such an emphasis has been placed on obtaining them. I know exactly why, it’s great business. Not only is it a good motivational tool, but it is a great means for generating extra income.

I know one school in the city that has 17 belts (eight colored belts, seven striped colored belts, and two levels of brown belt). Each test is $40.00, and the instructor tests every two months. One student testing 17 times brings in an extra $680.00 into the school, on top of his monthly fee, and other associated training costs (uniforms, equipment, tournament fees, association fees, etc.).

And don’t forget the black belt test. That’s an additional $500.00. That’s a total of $1,180.00 per student who makes it to black belt level.

I figure that this instructor has about 40 to 60 students at any given time. If just twenty students test during each testing date, he makes an extra $800.00 every two months. That’s pretty good money for a few hours of work.

I guess if one can find students willing to pay such fees, then more power to them. I on the other hand can’t imagine why a black belt should ever cost $500.00: unless it comes framed in 14karat gold.

I know what you may be thinking at this point. I have something personal against this instructor. You would be wrong. I like the guy. I also think he has some excellent martial skills. I also realize he has a rent to pay and a family to provide for. I know he works very hard to be successful at what he does, and that the school is his only source of income.

I also realize he is not the only teacher out there that does such things.

The sad thing is he and others like him have sacrificed their arts in order to run a successful business. They have changed the curriculum they were taught, watered it down, and placed an emphasis on symbolism in order to meet their business needs. Instead of teaching as they were taught (for those who were taught older traditions in a traditional manner) they now follow plans set by financial planning companies such as EFC (Educational Funding Company).

Their schools have become a belt mills.

Unfortunately in the case of my friend these changes have had a direct impact on his students, and the art he says he propagating. Many of his old timers left him years ago, when they witnessed these changes, and the decline of emphasizing real work ethics.

Gone were the days when hard work and sweat were rewarded. Now promotions are based on a formula, and given to people just to keep them motivated. Now a student can earn a black belt in three years, instead of the ten it took most of the guys to earn one twenty years ago when he first started teaching.

While I know his students work as hard as their teacher expects them to, many of their technical abilities are really poor. There are upper level black belts there who can’t perform basics, or who don’t have any real grasp on the materials they are responsible to teach. They go through the motions, but there is nothing of merit behind any of their movements. It’s more performance art than martial art.

Sure some of them can break bricks, do cartwheels, and perform aerial highflying kicks that wow audiences, but they couldn’t fight or defend themselves against a little old lady. Unfortunately, for traditional martial artists, these practitioners pass these circus acts off as martial arts, since the public isn’t really martial art savvy enough to know the difference between what is real and what is fantasy.

What is even more unfortunate is the fact that, because these students can do these flashy techniques and have been awarded rank, they believe they possess real martial skill and get very insulted when one questions their abilities. Distressingly, many of these individuals have an inflated ego to go with their inflated rank.

Yes, it’s clear I’m anti-belt. Not because I think it was bad idea, it did once have a specific purpose, I just dislike the way belt systems are utilized in many school today.

There is an old African proverb that states:
“I pointed out the stars
And all you saw was the tip of my finger”

In a nutshell, this quote sums up my opinion on how the value of obtaining a black belt has diminished. So many martial art practitioners are looking at the tip of the finger, rather than the stars. They would rather have a symbol to stroke their ego and/or show their friends, than ever take the time to learn the true meaning of what the martial arts are all about.

The truth is that a black belt is nothing more than a symbol that you have some understanding of the basics and are now ready, maybe even worthy, to start learning.

However, belts or no belts, true mastery comes when one can acknowledges they don’t know everything, have the resolve to seek out that knowledge, and come to the realization that more than one life time would be required to master it all.

“There are people who, instead of listening to what is being said to them,
are already listening to what they are going to say themselves.”
Albert Guinon

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A deep thought of Jack Handey

"To me, Judo is like a ballet,
except there's no music,
no choreography,
and the dancers knock each other down."
-Jack Handey

Jack Handey is an American comedian and comic writer. He is famous for his Deep Thoughts, a large body of surrealistic one-liner jokes, as well as his "Fuzzy Memories" and "My Big Thick Novel" shorts.

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Seminar Announcement: Don Angier Yanagi-Ryu Aiki Bugei

DON ANGIER is the Soke (inheritor) of Yanagi Ryu Aiki Ju Jitsu of the Yoshida family of Kyushu by direct succession from Kenji Yoshida, son of Kotaro Yoshida. Yanagi Ryu Aiki Bugei is a complete samurai art encompassing all the skills that were necessary for the Yoshida clan in the execution of their duties as samurai.

Seminar Date – Sat. April 29 – Sun. April 30, 2006

Time - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

$45.00 one day
Whole weekend $75

Aikido of Diablo Valley
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 676-6763
www.advdojo.org

If you’ve never had the chance to train with Mr. Angier you should not miss this opportunity. His knowledge about the samurai arts is amazing, as are his technical abilities.

This seminar is definitely a must see for anyone who trains in any Koryu, Jujutsu, or Aikido system.

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How it All Started

Whenever people hear that I’ve been training in the martial arts for over thirty years one of the very first questions they have is how I got started. What motivated me?

While I wish I had some great story to tell them, my motivation wasn’t that interesting. I didn’t start taking martial arts to learn to defend myself, because I was bullied, or to find enlightenment. I also didn’t start doing martial arts because I was looking for a method of physical fitness; I was already busy playing basketball and soccer on my school’s team.

No, my motivation was based on two simple things; the first, dumb luck, and the second a James Bond movie titled, “You Only Live Twice.”

Title: You Only Live Twice
Date of Release: June 12, 1967 Odeon Leicester Square, London
Running Time: 116 Minutes
Starting: Sean Connery, Mie Hama, Akiko Wakabayashi, Donald Pleasence, Teru Shimada, Tetsuro Tamba, Desmond Llewelyn, and Bernard Lee
Producers: Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Budget: $9.5 million
Plot: SPECTRE hijacks American and Russian space capsules in a bid to start World War III for their clients, the Red Chinese.
* * *

To be honest, “You Only Live Twice,” not only started my desire to learn Japanese martial arts, it also started my fascination with Japan, Japanese culture, and Japanese history.

The movie, or I should say soundtrack, also had a profound influence on my outlook on life. In the soundtrack there is a passage that states:

“You only live twice,
Or so it seems.
One life for yourself,
And one for your dreams.”

Though I may not have fully understood what that meant when I was 10 years old, I have to some degree lived my life by that philosophy. I guess I’ve been fortunate since even with many setbacks in my life I have been able to fulfill and live many of the dreams and desires I’ve had.

Now I’ll admit, basing an entire life on a movie is a little extreme, and for the life of me I can’t even start to explain why this movie had such a profound impact on me. I’ve thought about that a lot, but there is just no answer. I guess I just have to settle on the belief that was just how things were meant to be. Maybe there is a thing called, “Fate.”

I mean, it wasn’t like I had any interest in Japan prior to seeing this movie. In fact all I really knew about Japan prior to the movie was that it was close to China, Tokyo was its capital, they were the enemy of the US in WW2, and that they had a funny writing system.

The fact is that prior to this movie I was much more interested in Greek/Roman mythology, walking other people’s dogs, bone collecting (I had whole skeletons of cats, dogs, turtles, etc.), Donald Duck/Uncle Scrooge comics, soccer, and stamp collecting. (Yes, basically I was a Nerdy Kid!)

Training in the martial arts wasn’t even a thought in my mind when I was ten. I’m sure if you asked anyone who knew me then they would have never pictured me doing martial arts at all.

So why did “You Only Live Twice” have such an effect on me? Watching the movie today, I’m not sure. But I’m no longer watching the movie with the eyes of a ten year old. Today I see how certain plot elements are plain silly, that the movie drags at certain parts, and that even the effects are not very well done. At least not done well compared to today’s visual effects, though I’m sure in 1967 they were considered cutting edge.

However, with all that said, there are the action sequences, and the martial arts. And don’t let me forget, there is also one very beautiful leading female, which I had a crush on for many, many years.

Mie Hama	Mie Hama, Sean Connery, and Akiko Wakabayashi

Some movie reviewers have claimed that the martial art sequences, especially the ninjas depicted in the film, were the first mainstream introduction of Japanese martial arts to the west. I won’t argue the merit of this statement, but I can honestly say it was my first introduction.

Prior to this movie all I had seen were a few Chinese kung fu films, none of which were worth mentioning, or made me any more interested in exploring martial art classes.

Watching this movie was the first time I saw sumo wrestlers, judo-ka, kendo, and the art that captured my imagination the most--kenjutsu.

I will never forget watching the swordsman in the movie. His moves were strong and decisive. He fought like a demon, yet there was something graceful and elegant in his movements. I knew in a moment that learning to use a sword in this manner was something I had to know.

Unfortunately, I was ten years old at the time and didn’t have the first clue where to look for someone who could teach me how to use a sword like that. Back in the 70’s there was no Internet, and the martial art listings in the phone book weren’t very extensive. Finding traditional Japanese martial arts in my area is still extremely hard today.

What’s even clearer is that I wouldn’t have even known what to look for. I knew it was Japanese, that it involved a sword, but that was all. Even if I had found a school that taught Japanese martial arts, I wouldn’t have known what the art was called; so I might have ended up taking something totally different.

For almost a year I mimicked the movements I had seen, with all the ardor I could muster. Fortunately, and by sheer dumb luck, a year later I did meet someone who could teach me such an art: the art of swordsmanship, and so much more.

It’s been 34 years since I first saw “You Only Live Twice,” but each time I watch it I still feel the thrill I experienced the first time. I still think Mie Hama is gorgeous. I still mimic the movements, though now, after all these years I’ve been taught to do them correctly.

While I may have started my training due to a movie, I stayed because I had a passion for it. It was something I guess I was meant to do.

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Quotes from Patrick Lafcadio Hearn on Judo/Jujutsu

Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (06/27/1850 – 09/27/1904) or Koizumi Yakumo, his name after gaining Japanese citizenship, was an author, best known for his books about Japan. He is especially well-known to the Japanese for his collections of Japanese legends and ghost stories.

In 1891, on his return from Europe, Jigoro Kano (the father of Judo) was appointed principal at Kumamoto College. During his tenure there Kano asked Lafcadio Hearn to join the faculty as a lecturer in English literature. It was during this time that Lafcadio Hearn began his study of judo.

“What Western brain could have elaborated this strange teaching, -never to oppose force by force, but only direct and utilize the power of attack; to overthrow the enemy solely through his own strength, -to vanquish him solely by his own efforts? Surely none! The Western mind appears to work in straight lines; the Oriental, in wonderful curves and circles. Yet how fine a symbolism of Intelligence as a means of foiling brute force! Much more than a science of defense in this jiujitsu: it is a philosophical system; it is an economical system; it is an ethical system, (indeed, I may say that a very large part of jiujutsu training is purely moral); and it is, above all, the expression of a racial genius as yet but faintly perceived by these Powers who dream of further aggrandizement in the East.”
Lafcadio Hearn, Out of the East, 1895

“I fear I cannot explain at all, I can only suggest. Everyone knows what a 'counter' in boxing means. I cannot use it for an exact simile, because the boxer who counters opposes his whole force to the impetus of the other, while a jujutsu expert does precisely the contrary. Still, there remains this resemblance between a counter in boxing and yielding in jujutsu, that the suffering is in both cases due to the uncontrollable forward impetus of the man who receives it. I may venture then to say that in jujutsu, there is a sort of counter for every twist, wrench, pull, push or bend, only the jujutsu expert does much more than yield to them. He aids them with a wicked slight that causes the assailant to pull out his own shoulder, to fracture his own arm or, in a desperate case, even to break his own neck or back.”

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Japanese Art: Guard Ladies

Click for full size

Title: The Ladies of Chiyoda Palace - Guard Ladies
Artist: Chikanobu Toyohara (1838-1912)

I don’t own this print, though I did bid on it when it came up for auction. It is another print in the series of “The Ladies of Chiyoda Palace.”

I bid on this print since these are the same ladies from my print (see previous), except now they are in action. I thought they would look really nice hanging next to each other.

Unlike the last print where they are practicing, this time they are busy guarding the retreat from the burning castle depicted in the rear of the print.

(Ota Dokan built Edo castle in 1457, in what is now referred to the Chiyoda ward of Tokoyo. Tokugawa Ieyasu established his Tokugawa Shogunate there, (circa 1590), and it became the military capital of Japan during the Edo Period. The Imperial Palace, Kokyo, stands on this site today.)

So far in my research of this print I have been unable to confirm whether or not this scene depicts a battle. It may or may not.

However, it is more likely that this scene depicts the great fire of 1657, Edo Taika, that destroyed much of the Yoshiwara red-light district, Asakusa (a temple town, that flourished during the Edo Period (1603-1868)), and Edo Castle. During that fire 100,000 people died.

I have found other prints that depict naginata-wielding women from Chiyoda Palace, in uniformed dress, being “rescued” by firemen. So far I haven’t found any info on a battle that took place there that required a “retreat.”

In either case, battle or fire, I really like the way this print was done, and it shows that these women were not just wives or women in the castle who picked up weapons left behind by the men. They are obviously uniformed, showing they were an organized, trained fighting unit.

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My Art Collection: The Ladies of Chiyoda Palace – Pole Sword Practice

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Title: The Ladies of Chiyoda Palace – Pole Sword Practice
Artist: Chikanobu Toyohara (1838-1912)
Date: 1896
Publisher: Fukuda Hatsujiro
Size: 27.8 x 14.0 inches

I bought this print very recently. While it is not what I normally collect, I really liked the subject matter and the fact these women are practicing the Naginata (halberds).

I also love their kimonos, some of which are embossed on the paper, which adds a lot of dimension and detail to the print.

I also like the fact this print depicts samurai women (court nobles) training in the martial arts. While it is not unusual to find prints of female samurai warriors, especially those that are considered legendary, finding women practicing with their weaponry is rare. At least, it is in my experience.

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Japanese Art – “Battle of the Lances”

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Battle of the Lances
Artist: Yoshitsuya Koko (1822-1866)
Date: 1847- 1850
Size: 29.5 by 14.6 inches

Description: The Shogun Yoritomo watches a simulated battle between soldiers equipped with short yari versus soldiers equipped with long yari. The soldiers with short yari, (on the left), are led by Noriyori, and Yoshitsune leads the soldiers with the long yari.

This mock battle is a training exercise conducted in preparation for the decisive battle at Ichinotani, which would crush the remaining Heike clan.

When I first saw this print I thought it depicted a scene where Oda Nobunga discusses the merit of using long spears instead of short spears in battle. However everything I can find regarding this print confirms the above listed description.

As a spearman I really like this print. I like the way it depicts foot soldiers, and spear strategy. It also shows how destructive a well-organized and drilled team of spearmen could be. I mean, there is just no way one could penetrate that wall of spear blades (if there were blades instead of protective padding on these polearms).

I hope one day I get the opportunity to add this print to my collection.

If anyone knows where I can find a copy please let me know. Thanks.

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My Nickel Jar

Have you ever started a joke, a joke that took on a life of its own? Well that is exactly what happened to me several years ago.

As any one who runs a martial arts school will tell you, we school owners spend a lot of time and effort trying to figure the best ways to attract new students. Ad space in newspapers can be expensive, and even an advertisement in the yellow pages doesn’t guarantee phone inquires.

In the eleven years I’ve had a school, a great deal of time, and trial and error has gone into the this aspect of the business. So far I’ve tried every idea I could think of, short of running a commercial on the local TV channels or radio stations--two ideas that will most likely never happen due to costs.

My frustration with advertising the school is not what media works best. All I can do is inform the public that the school exists. If there is an interest, then people will come. Unfortunately, people either want to learn martial arts or they don’t. It’s not an activity most people can be talked into.

Now don’t get me wrong, I get numerous phone and e-mail inquires every month. At least a dozen, which for a school my size and the limited advertisement we do, is pretty good.

I also make a lot of appointments for people to visit and try out a free class. That’s were the frustration starts.

I don’t understand why so many people make appointments and then don’t keep them. I wasn’t raised that way. If I say I’m going to do something I do it. If something prevents me from doing what I said I would, then I either make other arrangements or inform the interested parties I’m unable to do as I promised. I think that is simple common sense. Simple courtesy.

What is even more amazing to me are the callers who want to come as soon as possible, or tell me how they have been searching for a school like mine for years, and then don’t show up.

Why make such a fuss in the first place. Why bother making an appointment. Is it really that hard to pick up a phone and say they had second thoughts and wanted to cancel their appointment?

Now I don’t think these people are “evil,” and I’m sure many of them have very legitimate reasons for failing to keep the appointment they make. I just think it would be nice if they had a little more courtesy, and kept me informed.

Since I’ve never understood people who act in this manner, I once long ago made the statement that if I had a nickel for every person who didn’t show up for their appointment I would be rich.

To be honest I don’t have a nickel jar. However, each time a potential student fails to show up for an appointment I do put a dollar in my piggy bank. Yes, it’s true that I’ll never be able to retire on what’s in that piggy bank, but I think by the end of the year I should have enough money to buy something really nice for the school.

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The Devil’s Judo Tournament

One Day the Devil challenged the Lord to a Judo tournament. Smiling the Lord proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I have Kano, Mifune, Kotani, Kimura and all the greatest players up here".

"Yes", snickered the Devil, "but I have all the referees."

from http://www.judoinfo.com/

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Cartoon: Timing

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Home Remedies – Joint Pain

I’m not a doctor, an herbalist, or dietitian so I can’t say for sure if this remedy really works, or why it works. Or why it should even work!

All I know it that I have tried this formula several times and have had decent results. I’ve also had students who have tried it, and they have also had decent results.

To be honest I don’t use this remedy often, since I have a very hard time drinking it due to the smell of the apple cider vinegar. However, I always turn to this remedy when the bottoms of my feet really hurt due to being barefoot to long. Basically, I get these terrible cramps that make it very hard to walk, and aspirin and Advil don’t seem to help. For some reason this remedy does.

I have also used this remedy for knee pain and shoulder pain, two parts of my body that flare up all the time. In these cases, my results have been mixed, but it seems to do some good. Once again, I can’t say why.

Of course for best results one should consume this remedy daily, which may be why my results have been mixed.

In any case, nothing in this drink is harmful, unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon honey	2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar	8 ounces of warm water

Mix all ingredients together and drink.

Dosage is two glasses daily when in pain or discomfort, and one glass daily for routine health management.

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Sushi Etiquette

When I was training with my teacher, part of what I was taught related to Japanese history and culture. My teacher believed that a person should be well rounded with their interests. Although he took his martial arts seriously, he also took great pleasure in gardening and reading religious scriptures.

Another pleasure he enjoyed was food. He loved to eat. Though with hi 5-1, 100lb frame, I was always surprised how much he could consume. While he wasn’t what I would call a gourmet, or even open to trying a vast variety of foods, he did look forward to mealtimes.

Food, was the only gift my teacher would ever let me bring him without a fuss. He really enjoyed the days I brought him burritos, loved cookies, and I think he would have eaten every Gummy Bear in the city of San Francisco if given the chance.

Of course his main staple was Japanese cuisine (rice, vegetables, and noodles), and since I would often go to his house directly after school I was exposed to a lot of various Japanese foods. Some I enjoyed, and others I don’t want to ever see again.

I don’t know about other people’s tastes, but squid, egg, mayonnaise, and bean sprouts should never be fried together. And what was in that sauce, I can’t even start to guess. Yuck!

My teacher was the first person that introduced me to sushi; long before eating sushi was in vogue in the US. I think I was about 13 years old, and initially the concept of eating raw fish was really gross. However, once I opened my mind enough to try sushi I loved it.

Many people eat sushi, but few know its history or that there specific etiquette one should observe when eating it.


Brief History:

The term “Sushi” means vinegared rice, not raw fish. It was originally a process designed to preserve raw fish, and had little in common with sushi as we know it today.

In ancient times the raw fish was cleaned and then pressed between rice and salt by heavy stones. After a few weeks the stones were replaced with a light cover, and the mixture of rice, slat and fish was left to ferment. After several months the fermentation process would be over and the fish would be ready for consumption.

This process of preserving fish was most likely introduced to Japan from China, who had already begun using this method of food preparation by the 7th century.

Sushi in its current form is attributed to an Edo based chef named Yohei Hinaya during the 18th century.


Etiquette basics:

1 - Chopsticks are proper tools for eating sashimi (slices of raw fish), but it is perfectly acceptable to pick up and eat sushi with your fingers.
2 - Don’t rub your chopsticks together. That is considered rude. If rubbing wooden chopsticks is absolutely necessary, do it under the table where no one can see.
3 - If you use chopsticks to pick up a communal dish always use the back end. Never pass food to others with your chopsticks, pass the plate. If taking something from another person’s plate use the reverse end of your chopsticks. When chopsticks are not in use they should be placed under you plate.
4 - Never bite into a piece of sushi and then return the uneaten portion to your plate. Sushi in its original form was small, and each piece was eaten whole. If the piece is big cut it before attempting to eat it.
5 - Sushi should be dipped into the soy sauce fish side down. Don’t dip the rice. The rice will absorb to much sauce.
6 - Sushi should be placed in the mouth fish side to tongue side.
7 - The pickled ginger that accompanies most sushi orders should be eaten between bites of sushi to cleanse the palate. This can also be accomplished by drinking sips of Green Tea. Green Tea is actually better.
8 - Don’t mix wasabi in soy sauce. The proper thing to do is request more wasabi on each piece of sushi when making your initial order. (My mother breaks that rule all the time.)
9 - Mixing wasabi with soy sauce when eating sashimi is acceptable.

I know thinking about to many rules takes the fun out of just enjoying a good meal. So now that you know what is proper, just go out and have fun.

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Book Review: Works of Eiji Yoshikawa

Taiko
By Eiji Yoshikawa

Musashi
By Eiji Yoshikawa

The Heike Story
By Eiji Yoshikawa


Taiko -- An Epic Novel Of War And Glory In Feudal Japan
By Eiji Yoshikawa
Translated by:
ISBN# 4770026099
Publisher: Kodansha International (JPN) (December 2000)
$35.00


Taiko is wonderful book to read, even if one isn’t a big fan of Japanese history or culture. While based on historical people, places, and events, this story is fictionalized. As a result the story becomes a true epic tale.

Basically, this book tells the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three men who helped to unify Japan in the 16th century. The story starts with Hideyoshi as a child, and chronicles his rise to power. The story explains the various events that shaped the man whom would one day lead Japan, and the inner thoughts he must have had during his life.

Along the way the reader learns about military conquests, samurai honor, clan relationships, and the other men of his period that shaped Japan.

Of course no book covering this turbulent time in Japanese history would be complete with out numerous battles, political intrigue, and humorous anecdotes, an accomplishment that highlights the story telling mastery of Yoshikawa.

Characters are fully described, as are their motives. This is done in such a manner that not only can one fully understand who these men were, but one can actually empathize with their motives.

This book is extremely long, 944 pages. However, the story is captivating enough that once you start you most likely wont want to set it aside for long. There are some dry parts, but those are easily overlooked.

I highly recommend this book.





Musashi
By Eiji Yoshikawa
Translated by Charles S. Terry
ISBN# 4770019572
Publisher: Kodansha International (JPN); Reprint edition (May 1995)
$35.00

This is most likely Yoshikawa’s most famous epic. At least for western audiences, who though they may not have read the book, might be familiary with the movie (Samurai Trilogy starting T. Mifune) based upon it.

Written in the early part of the 20th century, this book tells the story about one of Japan’s most famous swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. While there is plenty of historical information in this book, this book is once again a fictionalized story. A story of Musashi’s life, from brutish child, to a man who searches for enlightenment.

Basically the book only covers the early years of Musashi’s life, up until his famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro (April 13 1612, on the remote island of Funajima). However, by covering these formative years the reader gains some insight into who Musashi was, and the events that shaped the man.

What is really great about the book is that this story is not about a man who fights with a sword. Yes, plenty of swordplay is present, but the main part of the book emphasizes Musashi’s inner struggle to perfect himself. This self-perfection is a Buddhist ideal that was cultivated by the Japanese warrior class in order to add a spiritual dimension to their profession of war and killing.

Unable to settle down, and lacking the desire to become a retainer, Musashi travels throughout Japan searching for the means to achieve this perfection. In the process he encounters friends, lovers, and countless enemies seeking to destroy him.

One very interesting element of this book are the other characters, which are intertwined with Musashi through his travels, and represent other aspects of mankind.

Musashi, a man of incredible physical strength, starts off brutish and arrogant. But he learns inner strength and transforms into a man who understands it okay to be weak sometimes. This is the realization that allows him to triumph over himself.

In contrast, Kojiro is depicted as a man who is ambitious, arrogant, and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. In their first encounter, long before their famous duel, Musashi defeats Kojiri. Unfortunately, Kojiro does not learn from the experience, and the experience of defeat consumes him.

Matahachi, Musashi’s childhood friend, is lazy, weak and an opportunist. He has a hard time making the right decisions, and is easily convinced to pursue the wrong course of action. However, his character is redeemed, and he finds strength from his weaknesses.

Osugi, Matahachi’s mother, is Musashi’s greatest enemy in this tale. She travels Japan searching for Musashi so that she can kill him. All because she feels he was responsible for Matahachi’s decline and fall. Her relentless chase and unwillingness to forgive Musashi even after she learns the truth is remarkable. She is clearly stubborn, opinionated, and willing to risk everything to complete her objective.

She is also the only character in the book that constantly thwarts Musashi; in one encounter she even injures him. More importantly, she causes Musashi to let down his guard on numerous occasions, where he can easily be attacked. Fortunately, she is never fully successful with her attempts.

Of course by showing Musashi’s vulnerable side, Musashi is humanized.

This book is 984 pages long. However, once you start reading be prepared not to stop. It is very well written, and worth your time.






The Heike Story: A Modern Translation of the Classic Tale of Love and War (Paperback)
By Eiji Yoshikawa
Illustrated by Kenkichi Sugimoto
Translated by Fuki Wooyenaka Uramatsu
ISBN# 0804833184
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (August 2002)
$35.00

The Heike is the story of the great Japanese civil war that took place in the latter half of the 12th century between the Taira (Heike) and the Minamoto (Genji). A war that ended with the Minamoto victory at Dan-no-Ura in 1185. This story became the subject of many compositions, the most famous being the Kakuichi version of 1371

Translations of Japanese classics are often hampered due to the archaic language used in the originals texts. This was not the case with Yoshikawa’s version. In this tale, Yoshikawa has achieved a balanced fusion of great storytelling while staying true to the original material. This is no small achievement, and is one of the main reasons I suggest reading this book, even if one is already familiar with other translations of this story.

Unfortunately, unlike the previously reviewed two stories, this book has come under a lot of criticism due to the way it was translated into English. However, I don’t think some of these complaints take away from the overall enjoyment of reading this book.

Yoshikawa’s version of the “Heike Story” remains true to the history of the conflict, while putting the story in novel form. As a result he flushes out the historical characters and brings them to life.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese history and culture, especially the Kamakura period.




Eiji Yoshikawa was born in 1892 in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo. He began his literary career at the age of twenty-two. During his thirties he worked as a journalist while continuing to write stories and novels, reaching a large and appreciative readership through having his work published, often serially, in newspapers and popular magazines. At the time of his death in 1962, he was one of Japan's best-known and best-loved novelists. He received the Cultural Medal, the highest award for a man of letters, and other cultural decorations, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
www.fictionbook.ru/en/author/iesikava_yeyidzi/

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Cartoon

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The Secret

A would-be disciple haunted Nasrudin, asking him question after question. The Mulla answered everything, and realized that the man was not completely satisfied: although he was in fact making progress.

Eventually the man said: 'Master, I need more explicit guidance.'

'What is the matter?'

"I have to keep on doing things; and although I progress, I want to move faster. Please tell me a secret, as I have heard you do with others.'

'I will tell you when you are ready for it.'

The man later returned to the same theme.

'Very well. You know that your need is to emulate me?'

'Yes.'

"Can you keep a secret?'

'I would never impart it to anyone.'

'Then observe that I can keep a secret as well as you can.'

--The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin, by Idres Shah

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Mastering Yourself

The story goes as follows:

A youth approaches a master of the marital arts hoping to become one of his students. While discussing his admission into the school, the student tells the teacher that his desire is to be one of the best martial artists the school has ever produced, and wants to know how long it will take him to achieve his goal.

The teacher responds by saying “at least ten years.”

The student then asks how long it would take if he studied twice as hard as every one else.

The teacher responds, “twenty years.”

Puzzled the student then asks what would happen if he practices night and day, and cuts his sleeping time in half?

The teacher responds, “thirty years.”

Totally perplexed the student finally asks the teacher why every time he offers to work harder and longer the teacher says it will take more time.

The old teacher smiles at the youth and says the answer is clear: when one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way.


I am often asked how long it will take for a student to achieve some level of effectiveness in the art I teach. My response has always been that I don’t know.

This is especially true when the question is asked over the phone and I have never met the person and have no first hand knowledge of their fitness level, physical coordination, ability to learn, or their work ethic.

Even after a student has been training with me for several months I’m hesitant to make such predications. The honest truth is I just don’t know.

No one can answer that question. Until it’s time to defend oneself in the real world, when the situation involves life or death, even the best tournament fighter has been untested. There are no rules and no referees in the real world. No one brings weapons to a UFC fight or other “reality based” martial arts contests.

If students are successful at protecting themselves during an altercation then some level of effectiveness has been achieved, even if they have only been studying for a month. Or they were simply very lucky. Maybe a little of both.

If they were unsuccessful, then I guess they have a ways to go. Though any fight relies on more than just skill, and even a world champion can have a bad day.

I know most of the techniques I teach have the potential to be effective if and when done correctly. I also know that requires skill, and in order to obtain this skill it takes patience and repetitious practice. Like I said in the previous essay, I also know not every technique is suited for everybody.

When taking time to discuss how long it takes to learn techniques and obtain a level of effectiveness in my art I have come up with a timetable. Though this time table is sort of an inside joke to my students I’ll share it.

No one technique I teach should take more than a minute to learn, and two to five minutes to learn to use effectively.

However, I’m talking biblical time. Yes, biblical time. Let’s assume that God created the heavens and earth in seven days as chronicled in biblical texts. Now if you understand that each twenty-four hour period for God equaled one thousand years, you’ll start to understand my timetable.


1 minute in biblical time equals roughly .695 months
2 minutes equals 1.39 years
5 minutes equals 3.47 years
10 minutes equals 6.95 years
30 minutes equals 20.8 years
1 hour equals 41.7 years
24 hours equal 1000 years

Like I said it’s sort of a joke, but it’s also very true. There are no short cuts to learning proper martial art techniques. Practice, practice, and more practice, day in and day out, repetition after repetition is what it takes.

So, if you ever have a few minutes and want to study at my school, please feel free to stop in. But at my age I can only promise you an hour of my time.


(Editor’s Note: “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” – 2 Peter 3:8 A handy conversion chart is available at www.yachigusaryu.com/yachitime.htm.)

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Mastering Techniques

"There are some things that can beat smartness and foresight? Awkwardness and stupidity can. The best swordsman in the world doesn't need to fear the second best swordsman in the world; no, the person for him to be afraid of is some ignorant antagonist who has never had a sword in his hand before; he doesn't do the thing he ought to do, and so the expert isn't prepared for him; he does the thing he ought not to do; and often it catches the expert out and ends him on the spot."
Mark Twain (A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Chapter XXXIV)

Training in the martial arts doesn’t mean anyone will ever learn to fight, or be successful at fighting. There are so many variables that take place in a life or death confrontation that it is impossible to prepare for them all.

There are other factors to consider also. The first being most people who attack others violently have nothing to lose, or use weaponry to intimidate and immobilize their victim.

Many times the confrontation is not one on one. The movies may make it look easy to fight multiple opponents, but in reality it’s not.

The bad guy also often has the element of surprise; but if you are being taught properly that advantage should be lessened. There are common sense things one can do to help eliminate that factor. Those common sense things should be part of every self-defense program.

There is also the issue that the victim normally has a life--work, payments that are due every month, and family responsibilities. So even if they are successful at defending themselves, any injury they may sustain, or legal ramifications that may develop as a result of the altercation could have drastic consequences on their quality of life. As stated before, the bad guy normally has nothing to lose. That’s a great psychological advantage for the bad guy.

Lastly, few people ever consider the fact that they will be a victim of violence. As a result they are not mentally prepared for such an altercation. Fighting, to protect one’s life, is not like sparring in the classroom. Sparring is a give and take, controlled activity. There are rules, and in the dojo no one is really trying to hurt anyone else. Yes, you may get bruised, and injuries occur, but it’s not life or death.

The same can be said about any technique practiced in the dojo. No matter how fast or hard a technique may be done, one still has to hold back. We don’t go for the kill; we don’t break each other’s bones. We can’t, or there wouldn’t be any one left to practice with.

No matter how “reality based” the art wants to say it is, there is still room for doubt as to its effectiveness. Or I should say, doubt as to each person’s ability to use what is within the art effectively. What works for me, may or may not work for anyone else. That is why there are so many techniques and variations of techniques in any given system.

However, with all that said, training in the martial arts--especially in a school that attempts to train its students in more that just the physical elements of a violent confrontation--will give the practitioner an advantage. Hopefully, it is an advantage they can utilize to their fullest potential.

From experience--experience that includes being shot at three times, attacked with a knife a few more times then that, and having the need to restrain numerous hostile criminals during my years as a police officer—I have seen that altercations are sometimes over before one realizes they have begun. You are attacked, you defend, and it is over. It is that quick. You are either successful, or you are not. You have no time to think, or even process what is going on. You react on instinct. Hopefully, your instinct is correct.

That leads me to the most important aspect of training. An aspect often overlooked in most schools. It is called realism. How you practice, how much attention you place on the minute aspects that makes techniques work, has a direct bearing on your effectiveness. Too many practitioners focus on their goals of acquiring rank (colored belts) rather then perfecting anything.

Some teachers claim to have been successful in over 400 street fights, and base their fighting system and the techniques within them on these credentials.

First of all, who in the world gets into that many fights? Is that someone you really want to learn from? Is that what true martial arts is about? Were these fights, really street fights, with no rules, and no one present who would end the fight before someone was severely injured or died?

I don’t think so.

Yes, traditional martial arts are military skills intended to kill an enemy during warfare. They are effective. However, we don’t use martial arts in the same manner as our ancestors. The average martial artist today is not a professional warrior. Today’s modern life-protection skills have changed. Today’s self-defense involves verbal avoidance and physical skills, as well as instilling the belief that running away from a hostile situation is normally the best course of action.

There are also legal concerns that need to be addressed. Legal concerns that can either justify one’s actions, make one appear as if they over reacted. They can turn a person from the “victim” into the guilty party.

In addition, many martial artists lack the physical abilities (strength, speed, stamina, mind-set, etc.) to actually fight, injure and/or kill another human in battle. Something the warriors of the past didn’t lack.

Warriors of the past were professional fighting men. Fighting was their livelihood, and they used their skills in a professional manner. They trained daily, kept fit, and lived in a period of time when perfecting their skills of hand to hand combat (armed or empty-handed) meant life or death. Fighting and learning the skills to fight was their only occupation.

Contrast this to the man who holds a 9 to 5 job, and trains for one hour two to three times a week. Whether training for self-defense, spiritual enlightenment, tournament fighting, physical fitness, or all of the above, there is no comparison to an actual warrior trained and ready for battle.

Though some martial art instructors in the modern world may involve themselves in numerous street fights to perfect their skills, the professional warriors of the past could not afford to hurt themself in a “street fight.” Injury could mean unemployment. Defeat or dishonorable victory could lead to vendettas that would last for generations. Worst yet, the loss of too many warriors in contests of skill could mean a lack of able-bodied soldiers to defend one’s clan or homeland.

In many instances the professional warrior had no right to place himself in such situations since his life was not his own to risk. Forget the Hollywood image of two samurai dueling on the street over some matter of honor. Masterless samurai maybe, but employed samurai almost never. These employed samurai would have had to answer to their superiors, who would not necessarily be supportive of their decision to fight for personal reasons.

This does not mean contests of skills did not take place in ancient times. They often did, especially for warriors who might be seeking employment. Most of these contests however, were controlled, and causing injury or death to ones opponent was not the intention.

We know these professional warriors had techniques that were effective. They developed and refined many of the forms we practice from real life trail and error, in a time and manner we cannot duplicate. If necessity is the mother of invention, then they had the necessity more than we do.

Even with thirty plus years of martial experience, and the knowledge that I have successfully defended myself during violent attacks in the past, I still wouldn’t claim I know how to fight, or have 100% complete faith in any technique I know. Further more, I hate fighting and avoid it like the plague. I do not even spar any more. I prefer using verbal self-defense.

And I can proudly say I have talked my way out of over more than 400 altercations.

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Does Anyone Know About This Artwork?

I came across this woodblock print while surfing the Internet. There was no description about who the artist was, when it was printed, or what the scene depicts.

I’m almost positive this print is Japanese. I also believe the dark skinned warriors depicted are supposed to be Korean. (There are other prints were Koreans are depicted in this manner.) However, I’m not sure.

What is really interesting about this print is weapon the dark skinned warrior in the center of image is wielding. This weapon definitely looks very similar to the Chinese pole-arm called a Wolf’s Teeth Club.

I’m hoping this site has a readership large enough one day that somebody will know more about this print and what is being depicted. I would really like to hear any information anyone might have.

I don’t think it’s the style of print I would ad to my collection, but I think it is interesting.

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Art Collection: The Battle of Lances

Since I was a teenager, and earned enough money to buy things on my
own I have collected Japanese Woodblock Prints.

When I was a cop, and 22 years old, I really took advantage of my
income and the fact I lived at home and didn't have any bills. I was
paid every two weeks, and once a month I bought a print.

I always bought what I liked, never concerned with resale value or who
the artist was. It was the print I was interested in, and as long as
it was original (or first publication) that's all that mattered.

That changed when I got married, and had kids. I could no longer buy
any artwork.

My oldest son is nineteen now, and after all these years I'm finally
able to buy prints again. Not like before, I'll never have so much
"play money," but every now and then.

Because my finances are limited today, I would rather buy one print I
think is outstanding than a few I semi-enjoy. I've also limited my
purchases to prints that depict Japanese polearms, or doshin (Japanese
police).

Below is one of my recent purchases:

Title: The Battle of Lances
Artist: Kuniteru Utagawa 1808-1876
Date: 1865
Seal: Toshidama
Publisher: Daikokuya Heikichi
Format: 3 Oban tate'e
Size: 28,65 x 14.0 inches
Story: "Taiheki; Shizukatake Taisen no Zu" Battle of the lances at
Shizukatake (1583) in Shiga prefecture which is chronicled in the
"Taiheiki.

I was first drawn to this print because the combatants are using yari
(spears). The fact that they are using yari on horseback made the
print even more interesting and desirable.

I also like the depiction of the life and death struggle on the lower
left side of the print. Two samurai locked in mortal combat, using
short swords: no telling who will win. That's left to the
imagination.

Also on the upper left panel is lancer in a classical defensive pose,
fending off numerous attackers. What is even more interesting is that
he using two yari at the same time. That would require some skill,
something he obviously has since he is stabbing one subject while
fending off others.

Overall I was very happy with this print and I can't wait to frame it,
and hang it in the school.

(I would really appreciate any further information on this print. If
you know who is depicted, or more of the story I would really
appreciate hearing from you.)

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Martial Arts Myths: Levitation

I love this myth, since there are so many people who claim they have
actually witnessed someone do it.

Levitation is a myth. A myth popularized by mystics who have conned
people by displaying acts of internal power, which supposedly give
them superhuman powers. These myths have further been propagated via
Hollywood, which has depicted many a martial arts master with this
ability.

The reason this is a myth is simple, and it's called: GRAVITY.
Everything on earth is affected by gravity, even plains and birds,
which seem to defy gravity when in the air. (Keep in mind birds,
plains, and other objects that become airborne are always in a state
of falling. Birds flap their wings or ride currents, and plains use
engines and wings to create and maintain lift.)

Without the aid of some sort of mechanical help, such as ropes and
wires levitation or floating in the air is impossible for humans.

Even as impressive a machine as the human body is, and how many
outstanding feats of strengths and agility we humans can push are
bodies to achieve, our bodies are not designed to be able to lift off
the ground and float in the air.

Never has, and unless evolution makes major changes on human anatomy,
never will.

PS -
Before I get notes from/about people who claim to levitate, such as
those profiled on the Discovery Channel: while they do lift off the
ground, they can't maintain any altitude, and don't float. Just like a
jump, they go up and come right down. That's hopping not levitation.

The leader of that group, who supposedly has the power to levitate and
float off the ground refused to be filmed.

I wonder why?

The few Indian gurus who were filmed for this special were all shown
to be frauds. While they appeared to float it was a trick, staged for
an audience that wanted to believe in their mystical powers, and as a
result could be conned.

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Great Deal

I came across this ad while surfing the Internet. What a great deal!

I wonder just how many people bought this program. I know I would love
to see a copy of it, just for the "Secret Nerve Center and Anatomy"
charts.

I also really wonder what kind of "practice dummy" you'd get for fifty cents.
One thing for sure, my dad was right, money did go a lot further in
the old days.

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Cartoons

www.junkertoons.com/toonMartial.htm

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Patience and Repetition

Warning: special training secret revealed!

Photo by Jim Bailey http://bailey.aros.net/nature/Scenery.htm

Let’s start this essay with a simple question:

You sit by the edge of a running river.
The water is roaring down smashing everything in its way. Nothing seems to stop the water, and it carries away anything that happens to fall into it.
As you watch the raging water, you notice that down river is a large rock protruding above the water line. This rock is right in the middle of the river, and as the water passes the water spills over it, and pounds against it.
Crash after crash, the water hits the rock with unyielding fury.

So which is stronger the water or the rock?
Which one would you rather be?

First of all, there is no 100% correct answer. However, which decision you make says a lot about the type of person you are.

Most people pick the rock since it causes the raging water to go over and around it. They figure that this object has the strength to move the water, and hold its place against the fury of the river. After all, all other objects are quickly swept away by the water.

Of course this answer is only correct if one examines the situation at a basic level, so lets examine an alternate answer.

Have you ever seen pictures of the Grand Canyon in Arizona? If so, you see what ranging water can do to rocks given the right amount of time. Yes, it takes years, even millenniums, but sooner or later the water will wear the rock away.

Chip by chip, sooner or later the rock with all its initial defiance will be worn away. Yes, the rock may be stronger at first, but by being unyielding, unable to move and flow with the energy of the raging water, the rock is defeated.

So is the water or the rock stronger?

Like I said initially, there is no 100% correct answer. However, since this story is intended to teach the ideal of patience and repetition, the stronger force is the water. Given time, patience and repetition (the water), will win over brute force (the rock).

While many other martial art principles can be expressed using this story (such as flowing around one’s opponent, engulfing one’s opponent, and/or wearing your opponent down before going for the kill) the lesson of patience and repetition is the most important.

Repetition, the act of doing something over and over is what martial arts training is all about. It’s the SECRET. There is no other.

Of course having the ability to do repetition after repetition requires a lot of patience, and that is why it’s said: Patience is a virtue.

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Book Review: "Japanese Spears" and "Japanese Polearms"

Japanese Polearms
by Roald M. Knutsen

Japanese Spears - Polearms And Their Use In Old Japan

by Roald & Patricia Knutsen

Before I was injured in the line of duty I had a very extensive martial arts book collection. I had over 300 books, covering almost every aspect and style of martial art history, theory, and training.

After being hurt, and laid up in bed for over a year I gave many of these books away. I didn’t think I would ever have a use for them again. Today I regret my foolishness, since many are out of print and I’ll never be able to acquire them again.

Today I’m up to about a 100 books. While that doesn’t sound like much of a collection in comparison to the old days, I am a lot more selective now regarding what I will put in my library. Quality over quantity is the goal now.

The unfortunate thing about martial art texts is that the bulk of them are not worth the paper they are printed on. Yes, one may gain a useful technique or two, and maybe if lucky some historical fact one didn’t know before. However, for the most part it’s the same information packaged and presented differently.

The following two books I’m going to review are on the topic of Sojutsu (The Japanese Art of the Spear). This is a topic of great interest to me, since my teacher considered himself to be a spearman more than a swordsman.

Though teaching the use of the spear isn’t foremost in what I teach today, I also have a certain passion for the weapon, and if I had to decide which weapon to go into battle with (guns excluded) I would always pick the spear first.

Japanese Polearms

by Roald M. Knutsen

The Holland Press, London 1963

Out of print - $150.00 - $500.00

I searched for this book for many many years. Basically, because it was one of the few books available on the topic of Japanese Polearms, especially written in a language other than Japanese. I had also heard wonderful comments about the book, and how informative it was.

Unfortunately this book is out of print, and every time I located a copy the cost was extremely high. Too high for my budget, or for me to justify acquiring it. Until about three years ago, when a student located one for me, at a semi-reasonable price.

When I purchased the book I had great expectations. I was really looking forward to its contents, and hoped that it would answer many questions I had about Japanese Polearm history, usage, and manufacture.

I wasn’t disappointed. While the production qualities of the book are not the greatest there is a lot of information. Mr. Knutsen does a good job covering history, manufacture, and various styles of polearms used throughout the centuries.

While none of the information is in depth, he covers a relatively unknown topic in a sufficient manner for the beginner to someone moderately knowledgeable on the topic. There are definitely some interesting bits and pieces.

The pictures, many of which feature items from his personal collection, are also a great feature of this book. I lost count how many variations of polearm blades he shows. There were some I had never seen, other than in drawings. (Such as the socketed yari (spear) with a hook and engraved saya (scabbard) on it, featured on page 192.)

There are also many photos and line drawings of the various pieces that make up a yari (spear) beside the blade. There are five pages dedicated just to hadome (guards) and another four pages dedicated to hirumaki (endcaps).

Another nice feature is the glossary of terms related to spears at the end of the book. I have found that very useful during my research.

The only thing this book does not cover is how to use Japanese polearms; however I don’t believe the author’s intention was to write a book on that topic.

Overall, I like this book a lot, and would recommend it to anyone who is willing to buy one. Although I do recommend you have a serious interest in the topic, since the cost may not justify a casual curiosity.

Japanese Spears – Poelarms And Their Use In Old Japan

By Roald & Patricia Knutsen

ISBN # 1-901903-56-7

Global Oriental, 2004

Approximately $50.00

This book is by the same author as the above reviewed book, and his wife. Like the previous book, this book also covers history, manufacture, furnishings, and terms.

In many ways it’s an update to Mr. Knutsen’s previous work, and the information within it, as well as the production quality are a lot better.

This book is also a lot more affordable.

One big difference between the two books is the amount of pictures. Unlike the previous book there are fewer photos, and many more line drawings. However, the photos are clearer, and the line drawings depict many more styles of yari. Some that are rather oddball, such as jumonji-hoko-yari and kata-kama-hoko yari and a yari I had never seen before called an ono-no-yari.

Another major difference is that this book also covers some actual techniques one can do with a yari and a naginata (halberd). While not very detailed, anyone who has trained with a yari or naginata may benefit from them.

If I had to choose between the two books I would select this one. I think the author really added a lot of information compared to the 1963 edition, and it would appear to me has a better grasp of the topic matter. Or, if nothing else has learned to transmit the information he knows in a clearer more precise manner.

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Comments on previous

Just to add my two cents while counting the time as the flaming kindles.

My single largest frustration in this enterprise has not been the skepticism and disbelief that many people have publicly expressed upon reading the history of Yachigusa-Ryu. That is all reasonable.

My frustration is in the rhetorical tricks applied under the assumption of superiority. The fraud vigilantes seem insist that any attempt to question their motives means you must be guilty. Anyone who has studied the McCarthyist Communist hunts will recognize that tactic of rhetorical inviolability.

It’s the old witch hunt: We’ll burn you at the stake: if you die that proves you were guilty. If you fight back, it also proves you are guilty because you know you’ll be saved if you are innocent.

Cest La Vie.

In the end the only defense against overwhelming shouting is to say your piece and hope that your detractors make bigger fools out of themselves than you do.



Well, maybe that's all a bit over the top rhetorically. I tried to reach out to people with an open heart, and the mean-spiritedness that a few folks returned hurt. Nobody likes being treated like a liar and a fool, so I suppose I'm still a touch bitter.

Thankfully, we have nothing to lose except pride. However, we do have a lot to gain by reaching out to people and trying to build community. And rather than seem like we are flaming the members of e-Budo universally, I should point out that there were a number of posters who did sincerely seek information and tried hard to keep the discussion pure. I would have been happy to keep a thread going with them, and will do so in another medium if they wish to talk to me further.

As always, feel free to send Gary or me an email (our addresses are listed above). We'll respond to comments and questions that are sincere and courteous. I'd like to keep up a dialogue with readers and seekers.

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Koryu Purists

“Though a cock may be brave in war
He strikes his claws in vain on a brazen falcon.
A cat is a lion in catching mice
But a mouse in combat with a lion.”
Sa’di (The Gulistan) 1258AD

“If a sufficient number of people wanted to stop war really did gather together, they would first begin by making war upon those who disagreed with them. And it is still more certain that they would make war on people who also want to stop wars but in another way.”
George Ivanovitch Gurdjiefff

“The strongest oak in the forest is not the one protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.”
Napolean Hill

Have you ever known that what you’re about to write or say is sooner or later going to come back and kick you in the butt? Well, this is one of those times. However, despite facing a potential backlash, endless debate, and a full out assault on my character--or lack of thereof--I think this is something that needs to be addressed. If for no other reason than my own peace of mind, since this issue has been irking me for a few months now, I feel compelled to write.

I have opened this essay with the quote from Sa’di because it reflects my opinion of people who choose to post their opinions and/or beliefs on message boards. People who apparently have nothing better to do than surf the Internet, and then make comments and assumptions about people they have never met in person, and most likely will never meet in person. People who make themselves feel superior by questioning others about their validity, or who throw the word “fraud” around like it can’t have future repercussions.



If I sound a little miffed, I am. These people, like the “cock” or the “cat”, rely on the fact that the Internet allows to interact anonymously. They will never come face to face with the “falcon” or the “lion.” They post things that they would never say in person to whomever they are writing about, since that would require a sense of decorum. They pose as experts without presenting their qualifications or expertise. They speak authoritatively, and treat those they are speaking about as if they were on trial.

Here in the US the presumption is someone is innocent until proven guilty: but not to these people. They unceasingly ask questions, yet fail to read the answers. Or should I say they fail to fully comprehend the answer that is given. Or worse yet, that they ignore what is written.

Then they become angered when one refuses to answer their allegations, although they seem to feel they have a right to be derogatory or obnoxious when demanding answers. Or they make snide comments. With a feeling of superiority, they truly believe others have the obligation to answer everything they ask, even if the question has been answered countless times.


Okay by now you’re wondering what all this angst is about. Well, a few months ago several members of an Internet site call E-budo.com found my web site and decided to attack the validity of my school’s history. Many called me an outright fraud.

Yes, the word fraud was used, which makes me wonder if these people understand what libel is. But I forget, their righteousness and quest for the truth afford them the right to speak to people in manner not even acceptable in a kindergarten classroom. Remember that was a period in life when we are all taught to treat others, as we want to be treated, and talk politely to others?

Then again, isn’t training in the martial arts suppose to instill the virtue of respect among it’s practitioners?


Now, I’m not defending the fact that the history of the school lacks validity. I’m also fully aware there were some things that were on the web site which were open for scrutiny, and could have been omitted or more clarified.

However, I’m not a fraud. The definition of fraud is:
fraud (frôd) n. 1. A deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain. 2. A piece of trickery; a trick. 3.a. One that defrauds; a cheat. b. One who assumes a false pose; an impostor.

What have I gained? I can’t think of one person who has entered my school in the eleven years I’ve had one, who came because of the history, or more importantly stayed because of the history. No one has ever left due to the history, or should I say lack of history of the school either.

Since I’ve started teaching I’ve also been the first person to question the history of my teacher, and tell others I had my doubts about certain things. Didn’t anyone ever consider the fact that these questions were asked, debated, and discussed long before I had a web site or E-budo discovered it?

I’m not an imposter. I don’t claim to be a master, a guru, or even that I am privy to some special secret technique(s) that makes my style better than others No Tengus taught me my fighting skills on a mountainside, and I haven’t spent any time sitting under a waterfall in deep meditation searching for enlightenment. Though I did spend many a freezing morning knee deep in the ocean, since the beach was one of my teachers’ favorite places to train his son and I.

Since I don’t--and have never claimed to--have mystical, divine, or superior martial skills, all I can be accused of is claiming the following: I’m Gary Moro, a retired police officer, father of two, and husband to my wife Shirly.

As for the martial arts, I know what I know, and teach the best I can. People who see the value of what I have to offer stay, others who don’t leave. Over the years I’ve sent many potential students away just because I knew they were looking for something else, and would be happier in another school. I’ve also kicked people out of my school just because they didn’t attend class often enough, even though they paid every month.

Furthermore, any one who knows me can affirm that I’ve always said I would rather teach one or two serious dedicated students, than a room full of people who were strictly hobbyists.

So I ask again: What have I gained? Show me, and those who read these posts, how this so called fraudulent endeavor of mine has profited me, especially if you’re going to have the gumption to make such an accusation in a public forum.

Besides being accused of being a fraud due to a lack of provable credentials, I can also see how some might have taken offense to certain things that were written on my web site, though there was never an intention to misrepresent what I teach, or claim affiliation to any other martial style. While their nitpicking on these types of issues was annoying, I can fully understand their concerns. Those concerns will also be addressed when the web page is updated.

While my students may feel that readdressing the issues discussed on E-budo.com “just dignifies their trolling,” and that I have already done enough to defend myself and lineage I guess I’m just too stubborn to let sleeping dogs lie.

Yes their advice is practical, and the right thing to do. A bigger forgiving man would do it. However, their conduct struck a nerve in me, and I just can’t close my mouth and pretend nothing happened.

So with that said lets discuss the main issues that were brought up, and I was scrutinized for. These issues were:
1 - The lack of historical validity
2 - The fact the term Koryu was used to describe the art
3 - That I call the school a “Ryu”

#1 - As far as the first concern, Spencer (one of my senior students) and I fully acknowledged and admitted there is a lack of provable facts regarding the history of the school right from the start. How much more clearly can that be stated?

My teacher, Yachigusa, Hiroshi, lived under an assumed name. Either out of necessity or delusion, he lived his life as if he were a fugitive from justice. He left no paper trail, and over the years I was with him only gave me tidbits of information regarding his past.

Whether what he told me was true or not is subjective. Yes, it is easy to dismiss what he said. If he could lie about his name he could be lying about anything. However, he had nothing to gain by doing so.

First of all, he had no initial desire to teach me at all. It took years to win his trust, and make him see I was serious about learning what he had to teach. Obviously, looking back, even though he decided to teach me techniques, I never won his trust completely enough to be privy to his real name or specific facts of his life. However, I’m sure Yachigusa Sensei never imagined I would one day open a school, nor that others would ever be interested in a man which considered himself so unworthy of such attention.

I’m also sure it always amazed him that some American was more interested and eager to be taught than his own children were. Simply put, I trained with my teacher by choice; his children had no decision in the matter.

Secondly, I never paid for classes, so there was never an issue of him profiting from my lessons. A strange fact when one considers that he had no discernable source of income, and lived in near poverty. Clearly, the potential to make some extra income teaching others like myself was there.

As far as I’m aware there was no one else teaching classical Japanese fighting arts in San Francisco at the time. Even today finding a teacher who teaches traditional Bujutsu in San Francisco is extremely hard.

Third, he never claimed to be a “samurai,” from a family of samurai, affiliated with any martial originations, trained or ranked in any other martial styles other than what his father and grandfather had taught him, or that he even had the capability to fully propagate what he had been taught.

All I can say for sure is that he did not teach me Karate or Judo, since after being exposed to both arts in college he was of the opinion that they had little martial value. He also didn’t care for Aikido; at the few demos we attended together all he could do was make comments about the performers lack of technical ability, and how the Aikido techniques presented were bastardized versions of older techniques. (Please note these were his opinions that I don’t necessarily share.)

Of course, in my thirty years of martial practice, I have also seen and trained in enough Karate, Judo and Aikido schools to know what I do is very different. The Aikido and Karate practitioners I know would be quick to concur.

Lastly, and most interestingly, is the fact his son didn’t know much more about Yachigusa Sensei’s past than I did. He was basically told the same information that I was, although he most likely understood things better than I did since he spoke Japanese.

If his daughter knew more than we did I can’t say. Since she was fifteen to twenty years older than me, and was busy with her own life and friends, we rarely if ever talked at length.


#2 – The “Koryu” issue. The major issue of them all, and the one that caused the most intense commentary.

I’ve never once described what I teach as Koryu. The man who designed my web page put that term there. He did so since he believed it was appropriate based on the fact he had grown up in Japan, and his knowledge of Japanese history and culture. I didn’t have him change it, since it really didn’t matter to me, and I didn’t think it was such a major issue.

To be honest until I went to a Diato Ryu seminar about ten years ago I had never heard the word, “Koryu,” before. Even after that it wasn’t until a few years ago I was informed what it meant or more importantly what it is supposed to signify.

Even now, with all the various definitions of the word on the Internet, I’m still not sure what the term fully means or what qualifications--besides the date of existence--make an art worthy of such a title.

I’m still unclear as to who makes the decision (governing body) if a school is Koryu or not or what criteria they use to make this determination. Lastly, and maybe most important of all by what authority, by whose authority, do they the right to make such decisions?

Given the current political atmosphere of martial arts, and the egos of many martial art instructors, I can see how some styles could be excluded simply due to personal/philosophical differences, political agendas, or similar to my case in recent years an unwillingness to be part of a lager political body.

No one on E-budo made any mention on these details, though I’m fully aware there are organizations throughout Japan that validate the authenticity of traditional martial ryu.

For now, based on my research I will use the following definitions to define the word “Koryu.” These definitions are:

“By "koryu" (literally, "old schools") we are referring to those Japanese combative arts which originated before the end of the feudal era in Japan, ca. 1867. In a broader sense, these are arts meant for use on the battlefield, which were practiced by and intended for the professional warrior class. They are distinguished from the more modern Japanese budo forms with which most of you are doubtless more familiar: judo, karate-do, kendo, aikido, and so on. These koryu are, in the strictest sense, true "martial arts." That is, they were the province of the military class. Commoners had no use for them and would have had very, very limited access to the traditions that taught them.”
Sighting the Grizzly
Understanding Abuses of Japan's Classical Martial Traditions
by Dave Lowry

“Koryu is a Japanese word that translates literally as "old school" or "old tradition". It refers to schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji Restoration, a political event that precipitated Japan's modernization. While arts post dating this event (gendai budo such as judo, kendo, iaido and aikido) are valued either as sports or arts for self-improvement, the koryu are the teachings of a feudal military culture. Koryu styles often contain both armed fighting with several different weapons and unarmed techniques.”
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Of course based on these definitions my teacher could have been teaching a Koryu system. His family existed prior to 1867. According to Yachigusa Sensei his family ancestry went back to the 1600’s, and they had been passing on a family martial art system from one generation to the next uninterrupted during all those years.

Just because they did not operate a “commercial” dojo, doesn’t make their art any less valid. It just makes it less known.

Additionally, my teacher’s grandfather was most likely a low ranking yoriki / doshin (police officer), based on everything I was told about him.

He would have had the necessity to know how to fight, and restrain other people. From all the stories I know about him, he sounded like a real ruffian, who didn’t hesitate to use his skills at the slightest provocation.

Yoriki and Doshin, as far as I can tell from my research were samurai.
“The constabulary consisted of two levels of officials, yoriki and doshin. The yoriki were essentially the officer class of police, with some bureaucratic duties as well, sort of like police detectives in the U.S. The doshin, who were directly under the yoriki, were constables. Both posts were filled, often father to son, by members of the very lowest stratum of the samurai class.”
IN THE GOOD (?) OLD DAYS
by Richard Cleaver

Further more per Don Cunningham:
“To handle day-to-day affairs and the general police duties of their office, the machi-bugyoh had assistant magistrates called yoriki. Although they were the Edo magistrate's primary subordinates, yoriki were also victims of a rather unique class prejudice. As samurai, their social rank was far above the townsmen in which they held daily contact.
On the other hand, they were shunned by their samurai contemporaries and discriminated against by their superiors because of their connections to death through the execution of criminals. Although the yoriki did not usually perform actual criminal executions, they were still barred from many things, such as entering the castle, for fear of possible contamination.
The yoriki developed their own individual style of dress, with neatly groomed hair and a uniform consisting of hakama (wide-leg skirt-like trousers), haori (overcoat), and daisho, the two swords which marked them as members of the samurai class. The yoriki were primarily section managers, responsible for directing the daily activities of their assistants, the doshin
Actual police patrol duties were performed by low-grade samurai called doshin. The doshin had their own distinctive uniform, wearing only one sword and tight-fitting trousers instead of the traditional hakama, even for ceremonial occasions. As the lowest ranking police officers, there were three groups of doshin, called sanmawari or the three patrols. Like uniformed police today, the jomawari-doshin and rinjimawari-doshin made no attempt to conceal their identities, patrolling the streets of Edo with their Jutte, the badge of their office, prominently displayed. The third group, the onmitsumawari-doshin, would often investigate criminal activities in disguises.”
Don Cunningham --- Ebudokai.com

If my teacher’s grandfather had been a yoriki/doshin is it possible that my teacher’s family may have been a victim of such prejudice? Maybe their status precluded them from consideration when it came time to select arts were to be listed as Koryu and others were not.

Of course given everything I know about my teacher’s family, especially his grandfather, I really believe that if some authoritative group of martial artists had come to “legitimize” the martial art system of his family he would have told them to get lost. He would have seen no need for this, and considered the matter closed.

My teacher’s grandfather was clearly not happy with the social, political, and cultural changes of his time period, and was very weary of authority figures in general. He instilled these values in my teacher, which led to my teacher’s eventual estrangement from his family.

Naturally these assertions leave room for further questions that can’t be answered, as well as the debate whether the Japanese had “family based martial art systems.”

It should also be noted that I also don’t, and never have claimed that any of these assertions are factual.

In the end, I could care less if the term Koryu is removed from my web page. It most likely will. Not because of the fuss, we were already discussing the issue, but because I don’t teach in a manner attributed to a true Koryu art, and I have a lot of respect for true Koryu systems.



#3 – My usage of the term “Ryu.”
“Ryu” defined is:
“The classical martial arts centered on the ryu or ryuha, a Japanese institution often glossed as "school" or "style" but which might better be thought of as a tradition, a reified or incorporated body of techniques, customs, behaviors, beliefs and teachings embodied in a group of people engaged in martial training.”
Meik Skoss “Classical Martial Arts &Ways: Who, What, When….?”

Is my school a Ryu? I think it is. My teacher learned from his father who was taught by his father, who was taught by his father. If this is true, and I believe it is, then there is a definite tradition of martial training present.

If nothing else Yachighusa Sensei past his tradition onto me, and I am now passing them on to others.

To be honest I think this point is extremely petty.

Well this entry is a lot longer than I anticipated. If you’re still reading, thanks for reading my rant.

In closing, I want to make it clear that not everyone on message boards, even E-budo.com are arrogant, self righteous individuals, out on a “witch hunt.” If Spencer is correct over 1,000 people read the posts. Less than 10% wrote something, and only a small percentage of those people were rude, argumentative, and/or obnoxious.

However, I’m not the first individual they have done this to, and in one case there is pending legal action against them. Whether they do this to me, or a 100 other people still doesn’t make it right or acceptable behavior.

My rant, or my anger towards these individuals is simple. In my opinion I’m harming no one. They would disagree. They have the right. However, they went about it the wrong way. Debates are fine, but baiting conversations, trying to invoke hostility, and accusing people of criminal behavior (fraud is a crime) is wrong, especially on an open forum where these things can be read by anyone.

I have no time for people who don’t have the common sense to be civil. I also have no respect for people like that.

Simply put, these people have never met me. They have no idea what I know, what I teach, or who I am. They read a web page. I’m more than a web page. Meet me in person, watch me teach, exchange ideas, methodologies, and then form an opinion.

Lastly, and this fascinated me, was that most of the “rude” people who posted have no affiliations with a Koryu system. Why do they care? What business is it of theirs? My students believe it’s a case of jealously and spite. A case of Koryu purism and superiority fostered by the likes of Dave Lowry.

My answer is that if Koryu means so much to them, they should pack their bags, and move to a city where a legitimate fully documented Koryu School exists. Then maybe they will spend more time training then sitting behind a computer posting messages.

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Movie Review: Samurai Saga

Since my next entry on this forum is going to be a long bitchy rant I thought I would keep this one simple and more fun.

While I’m no movie connoisseur I know what I like, what I find entertaining, and with the cost of movie tickets what types of movies I’m willing to pay to see. Even with these parameters I still find myself less and less impressed with what Hollywood has to offer. Sure there are some movies that are good for killing an hour or two, that I see because my wife and/or children are interested in, but I can’t remember the last time I left a theatre feeling like I truly got my monies worth. Then again, I can barely remember the last time I even went to the movies. Basically because I’m still working on a backlog of DVD’s of movies I’ve missed.


However, I recently did see a movie which exceeded my expectations, and that if I ever find on DVD will definitely be added to my collection.

That movie is titled “Aru Kengo No Shogai,” (Life Of An Expert Swordsman), or as it is better known in the West, “Samurai Saga.”

Filmed in 1959 and directed by Hiorshi Inagaki, Samurai Saga is basically the story of Cyrano De Bergerac with a Japanese twist.

Toshiro Mifune plays the lead, and his role is both humorous and emotionally touching. Especially when he dies in the arms of the woman he has always loved, but thought he could never have due to his physical deformity (big ugly nose). The use of light, the cherry blossoms falling, and his ghost evoke numerous feelings of loss and unfulfilled desires Mifune’s Cyrano has had to live with all his life.

While many might wonder how a French tale of a physically impaired warrior poet would translate, it translates extremely well. Of course some changes were made, but anyone who knows the tale of Cyrano would instantly recognize the characters, events, and key plot elements.

From the opening scene at the theatre where Mifune’s Cyrano character makes fun of his deformed nose while showing his mastery of fencing, to the classic scene of Cyrano in the bushes wooing the woman he loves on behalf of another suitor, the movie evokes emotions ranging from laughter to tears. The pace is excellent, and the use of colors, cinematography, and choreography only add to the overall experience.

Of course the movie also has plenty of swordplay, a battle scene (most likely its weakest moment since it looks like stock footage), intrigue, and suspense.

Clearly, this movie may not be one of Mifune’s masterpieces, but it is worth watching.

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On Masters and Apprentices

Master has become a poisoned title in the martial arts community (see previous post). Every teacher with too much ego wants to be known as "[[Great-] Grand -] Master Bob", while anybody with a sense of perspective now avoids the term as tainted. To wit, Gary always dismisses the term by insisting that he is not a master because he does not have slaves.

The funny thing is, the title "master" is highly appropriate for the martial arts if we think about what the term means--or once meant--in English. Indeed, fencing instructors in old Europe were called Masters. We should consider "master" as an analogy to the "master craftsman" of the old European guild system.

The metaphor of a medieval craft guild helps to show how martial arts are learned at their best. We start as apprentices, spending years learning from the practical example of our betters. Once we have absorbed what we can that way, we need to leave the master's workshop, broaden our horizons, and be our own teachers as practitioners: journeymen. After many more years, the rare practitioner who gains a deeper understanding of his art becomes a master and guides the next generation along.

Contrast this with the "academic" analogy that is our default metaphor in the U.S. Martial arts cannot be learned by attending lectures, reading books, or writing essays (and what am I, myself, doing here?). Your education must be practical. And, like an apprentice, you have more responsibilities than just paying dues. Yet, I think Americans really like to believe that learning a martial art is simply taking a class and passing a test. The numerous Professors contribute to this image. (Professor is a specific academic rank in this culture--one might as well appropriate a military metaphor and presume to be a Colonel or Rear Admiral.)

The majority of modern martial arts teachers are journeymen. This is not a bad thing, it's just something to be aware of. We no longer live in a world where melee combat is a way of life; the dedication and experience required to achieve mastery are rare. More teachers should be honest about--and even proud of--the fact that they are still students and have a long way to go towards perfecting themselves. Good journeymen/teachers teach the basics well to their students, learn from them, and bring them along on the Quixotic journey towards mastery.

Anyway, what do I know? I'm just an apprentice.

Or perhaps I'm Sancho Panza.

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On Masters and Students

From an interview with Yukiyoshi Takamura (originally appeared in Aikido Journal #117):

Everyone is looking for a master or guru in the West, but the word "master" is so overused today as to be meaningless, much like having a black belt today is meaningless. A genuine master is almost impossible to find because you won't quickly recognize him. He is much more than a teacher. Genuine teachers strive to be masters but only one in a hundred thousand finish the journey. There are only a handful of true masters on the whole planet. Funny how they all end up in the San Francisco yellow pages! All the time I tell people this truth. It is not amendable or conditional. Anyone who calls himself a master or allows his students to refer to him as "master" in his presence, isn't a master. Occasionally, he may be a well-meaning teacher who misunderstands the definition of the word, but most of the time he is an ego-driven narcissist seeking adoration. He will have very little to teach because there is so little room in his heart for his students. Instead of looking for a master, just look for a good teacher with a sense of humor, especially if he's driving a crummy old car. (Laughing while motioning towards his old Toyota.) My old friend and Sensei, Matsuhiro Namishiro used to say, "There must be lots of smiles along the way or the journey is not worth it." He was correct you know!



This paragraph resonates with me for many reasons--including the crack about San Francisco. I think he really captures the degree to which people often prefer a false master to a humble teacher.

Martial arts attract a lot of people who are looking for a "master" to provide something that is missing in their lives. Sometimes they are looking for a spiritual guru; sometimes they are looking for hierarchical clan to replace their family; sometimes they want to be part of something that is a little magical and larger than life. If your "leader" is special, that makes you feel a little bit more special just by being his student.

This is not to say that there are not genuine masters about. I know a few people--including a former student of Gary's--who have dropped everything and moved to a different city when the opportunity to learn from a true master appeared. There are a lot of people who uproot their lives to live in Japan and learn from masters there. However, almost all of these dedicated students have first studied for years with good-but-not-masterful teachers. And they have all sacrificed a lot--certainly more than I am willing to--in order to achieve their goals.


I have always felt that training is all about finding the teacher you will learn best from at a class you can regularly show up for. It's not about signing up with the school that has the best or the baddest art. It's not even about finding the most skilled and famous teacher in the area. It is certainly not about feeling special because of who you think your "master" is.

It's about the teacher who is passionate and is willing to invest himself in his students: one who has a temperament and teaching style that works for you. And it is about dedicating yourself to your training above and beyond just signing up and paying your dues.

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Something to think about…

“The Way is a specific and determinedly deliberate methodology. The ancient masters must be studied constantly without respite, even when the practitioner thinks he has grasped the knowledge.”
Miyamoto Musashi

“The way of the warrior is a Way of life and can never be considered as a hobby unless you are seeking only to impress others with your techniques.”
Miyamoto Musashi

“I think that the day Japanese martial ways become sports will be the day they die. Sports emphasize the fun of wining and losing and even physical education is only a secondary concern. They are totally devoid of character training. This is not what martial arts are about. If the river of Japanese martial arts should ever flow into the ocean of sporting activities, it is sure to become polluted by salt water before it has flowed even one hundred yards.”
Minoru Mochizuki
Yoseikan Dojo Shizuoka City
11/22/82

“Budo at its best is not a game, a sport, or even a method of self-defense, but a method for the development of human potential.”
John J. Donohue
“The Forge of the Spirit Structure, Motion, and Meaning in the Japanese Martial Tradition.” 1991

“Budo is concerned with an individual’s search for something, where bujutsu is concerned with the application of the art of the technique. Budo, is the way, where bujutsu refers to the technique. Through the practice of bujutsu, the way of budo can be followed. The literal translation of the word budo is “not to use spear” which means “not to fight” or “stop fighting.” The way of budo is not to be concerned with winning… winning, sport and the competitive spirit are not the way to understand budo. It is rare to come across a real artist who practices budo, I doubt if many really exist.
Gogen Yamaguchi

“If your mind is not projected into your hands even 10,000 techniques will be useless.”
Yamaoka Tesshu

“One finds life through conquering fear of death within one’s mind. Empty the mind of all forms of attachment, make a go-for-broke charge and conquer the opponent with one decisive slash.”
Togo Shigekata

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Dit Da Jow Formulas

The following recipes are for external use only. I make absolutely no claims to their usage. Some of my students swear by them, and others have had mixed results. If your body breaks out in a rash immediately flush with water and do not reapply.


Recipe #1---For Bruising and Arthritis

Ingredients –

Alcohol (Vodka, Brandy, Rice Wine, even Rubbing Alcohol) 1 pint per 4 ozs. of herbs

Equal portions of each:

Arnica Blossoms - (anti inflammatory)
Comfrey - (anti inflammatory) * hard to find
Blessed Thistle - (blood purifier)
Goldenseal Root - (antibiotic)
Ginger Root – (circulation/wound healing)
Myrrh - (antiseptic/wound healing) *Myrrh is a resin
Sarsaparilla Root - (blood purifier)
Which Hazel - (anti inflammatory)

Grind all herbs and mix together. Add alcohol and let sit for at least two weeks, shaking mixture every few days. Note use a glass container. After a month strain out herbs.


Recipe #2 ----All Purpose

Ingredients -

I bottle of strong rice wine
Artemesia -- 5 grams
Borneol -- 1 gram
Carthamus -- 5 grams
Catechu -- 8 grams
Cinnabar -- 5 grams
Cirsium -- 1 gram
Dragon’s Blood -- 30 grams
Mastic -- 5 grams
Musk -- 1 gram
Myrrh -- 5 grams
Pinella -- 5 grams

Take all herbs and grind them into a fine powder. Mix together and store in dark place. Do not use plastic container. Shake mix every other day. This recipe can be used right away, but gets better with age.


Recipe #3----Iron Palm Formula

Alcohol – 1 to 2 quarts

1 oz of each of the following ---

Breadstraw
Calendula (Marigold)
Camomile
Comfrey
Common Club Moss
Cowslip
Danelion
Shepherd’s Purse
Sting Nettle
St. John’s Wort
Wintergreen Oil
Horsetail
Mallow
Cow Parsnip
Fenugreek
Walnut
Yellow Dead Nettle

Grind into powder and mix all ingredients, Store in dark place, shaking mix once or twice a week. Wait at least a month to use, but the older it gets the better it works.


Recipe #4 ---Joint Pain

WARNING !!!!! Extremely hot, don’t get anywhere near the eyes. Apply with CAN BLISTER THE SKIN ice cube to water formula down. Use a little until you see if you will break out in rash. .

One container of Vaseline (or related product)
One container of Vicks (any brand will do)
1 to 3 ounces of Capsicum (ground Chile or Cayenne pepper)

Melt Vaseline and vapor rub in pot. When melted add peppers. Mix well. Pour into container and let it cool off. DO NOT USE IN MELTED FORM.

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In Memory Of

As I sat writing my last entry about why I teach I couldn't help but think about one very special student who died Dec. 24th 2005. His name was Michael Schneps, and though he was only a student for about six years, I definitely considered him to be a true friend, who touched my life on many levels.

Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer, and though the outlook was bleak he faced his illness with a positive unyielding spirit. Throughout his treatment, throughout the pain and uncertainty he looked to the future. He saw the positive, where others would have succumbed to their misfortune and drowned in self-pity. Even in the end, when he was placed in a hospice unable to talk, or move most of his body, he had a smile on his face and an aura of peace and serenity.

I'll never forget the look on his face, the peaceful calm he projected, especially when he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would die. I hope, when it comes my time to face such adversity, or I know my days are numbered, I face the storm with the same strength and courage as Michael.

I learned a lot from Michael, both during his life and how he faced death. However, I will remember him most of all as one of the few people who was there when I faced heartache and needed someone to hear me vent my feelings, and as someone who helped me see things would get better, and that I had to take an active role to see that they did.

I will also remember him for his wit and wisdom, his mischievous smile, and his ability to make perfectly timed snide comments that would make us all laugh.

As a student I will remember Michael as someone who really help guide me and support my effort to promote the school. He was responsible for the school's first web site, as well as helping me formulate a partial curriculum for the weapons portion of what I teach. He will also be remembered as the man who chipped my skull with a bokken (partially my own stupidity), for a Matrix style sword toss across the length of the school, and for sustaining the first and most bloody sword related injury in the history of the school--an injury that wasn't totally his fault, which could have been a lot worse, and that he fully recovered from.

I will also remember him training with his son, (also one of my students), and how proud he was of his son's accomplishments both in and out of the dojo.

I truly feel fortunate for the time I was able to share with Michael, and will always remember our conversations on subjects ranging from the philosophical to the absurd. Most of all I enjoyed his stories regarding his life growing up in Japan, and his career as a professional photographer. Michael was an intelligent, articulate, unassuming person who will truly be missed by all those that knew him. He lived a full rich life, a life that was cut way too short.

In Memory of Michael Schneps 1944 - 2005 May his positive and unyielding spirit be an inspiration to all.

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Why I Teach

Over the years many people have asked me why I teach, especially when they come to understand that in the ten years I've operated a school I have never once made a profit. In fact I've operated at a loss, a situation that has totally irked my accountant over the years. Basically, my accountant gives me the same IRS audit warning every year, as well as the lecture about having a hobby versus a business. However, whether my school is a glorified hobby or I'm just a poor businessman, I go on teaching year after year.

But Why!?

Unfortunately, the answer is not an easy one. Besides my stubbornness and clear lack of sense to give up there are several important reasons I continue on. Reasons I'm sure others can relate to, and for me are of a lot more importance than monetary gain.

The first reason I teach is a selfish one. It strokes my ego. Who would have thought I'd admit that one, especially in writing, but now it's been said. I may not be proud about this reason, but to some degree it is true. I like the fact I know something others don't, that others have faith in my abilities, and that people have a desire to learn what I'm willing to teach. It makes me feel that all my hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, as well as various injuries I suffered over the thirty plus years I spent learning what I know have more than just meaning to me. Clearly, until 1993 I had no thoughts of, or desires to operate a martial art school or teach others. I trained because I loved what I was doing.

Of course this leads me to the second reason I teach. I have a passion for the martial arts. While I hate fighting and sparring, always avoiding both like they were the plague, I love learning new techniques and the science that makes them work. It's the science behind techniques that fascinates me. Why things work, and the subtle changes one can make to make a technique work even better are what I love to discover and analyze.

Teaching has allowed me to explore the science within techniques more in depth. Not only so I can teach better, and clearly teaching leads to new discoveries all the time, but also so I can fully answer questions students may have. As my students improve, I have to improve, and my comprehension of how and why things work must also improve.

Naturally, as I age my body changes, and with youthful injuries finally coming back to haunt me my body doesn't move like it used to. I can no longer kick the rim of a basketball hoop, let alone kick above my belt. I've slowed down, become less limber, and become semi-lazy. Lazy, in the sense that if confronted with a hostile situation I want hostilities to end as quickly and efficiently as possible, with no fluff whatsoever. That means I rely on accuracy and effectiveness over brawn and speed. Knowing how things work, how one's opponents' body will react to strikes and lock, is paramount to me.

Teaching has allowed me the opportunity to examine and re-examine techniques, as well as giving me countless opportunities to discern, disassemble and reconstruct countless variations I was taught by my teacher, and other instructors since them.

The last and most important reason I teach is because of the students. Over the years I have met some wonderful people who have impacted my life. I run a small school, which affords me the opportunity to really get to know my students, many have become good friends. The honest truth is that if it wasn't for the school I wouldn't have much of a social life, and there have been numerous times that these friends have been the only reason I didn't stop teaching completely.

I started teaching in 1993. My first seven students were all teenage girls who after several years became like daughters to me. As much as tried to get rid of them during the first year, and I worked them to the point of collapse each day during the summer, their spirit and unyielding desire to learn set the foundation for my school.

Since then people have come and gone. Some have been serious, others humorous, and some just odd enough that I never quite figured out if that was their real personality or why they were there to begin with. I've dealt with the fighter, the doubter, the chauvinist, the perfectionist, and almost every other personality one can think of.

Some I truly miss now that they are gone, while others were a pain in the butt to deal with. Some were so notable stories regarding them are still shared, while others are best forgotten.

Good, bad, or in between I have learned from all of them. They have all helped shape the teacher that I am, how I teach, and in some cases my outlook on life (personal and political).

This is why I teach, what I gain from teaching. Why I continue on year after year no matter what my accountant says during tax time. Ego aside, passion aside, it's the people who have entered my life that make me want to teach. It's the fact they are willing to share their life, their interests (other than martial arts), and alternative thoughts and opinions I would otherwise never be exposed to.

As a teacher I may be in the role of teaching others, but I have learned more from my students than they will ever acquire from me. For this I am grateful and will continue doing what I'm doing, until I'm no longer physically/mentally capable of doing so.

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Gary

While I find it hard to believe that my students would be interested in listening to more of my rambling, as I’m often prone to do in class, I have been asked to keep a journal of my thoughts regarding the martial arts, teaching, and other points of interest. Or to clarify, things I would like to address in a format where every “Tom, Dick and Harry” with access to the Internet, can’t just slam me for my opinions, or make corrections without some degree of courtesy, or more importantly substantiated fact.

Since this journal is open to the public I think it is only fitting I tell a little about myself, so others know where the following essays, rants, sarcasm, and humor are coming from.

First of all, and foremost, I'll never win an award for political correctness, or sugar coating what I have to say. I’ll also never win an award for being concise, as I tend to be wordy.

Secondly, I suffer from the human frailty of being overly opinionated, and believing that because of the research I’ve put into something my opinion must be right. That does not mean others have to share my opinion, agree with them at all or in part, or that I am so closed minded that if proven wrong--with facts--I can’t admit I’m wrong and change my opinion.

Third, I tend to be very sarcastic with a warped sense of humor. Unfortunately when sarcasm is written or read incorrectly one can assume the writer is being disrespectful, vulgar, aggressive, or conceited. While I can clearly be guilty of all the above, both consciously and unconsciously, I ask any readers to this site to be open minded, and if in doubt to my true intentions to ask before making assumptions and presenting them to others as fact.

Lastly, I like to consider myself as a very open and honest person. Traits that have often times come back to kick me in the ass, since I’ll tell others what I believe, not necessarily what they want to hear. To make things worse I often tend to express myself in a manner that lacks a sense of tact or diplomacy. However, in my defense, I wont say or write something about anyone else that I wouldn’t say directly to his or her face, or make comments about others I have never met in person (something that has been done repeatedly to me). In addition if I don’t know something I don’t have the type of ego where I can’t admit my lack of knowledge.

I hope what I write in the future is of some interest to others, and if I accomplish nothing else I hope to open the door to exposing myself to new ideas, thoughts, debates, and information I hadn’t been exposed to or thought about exploring before.

Thank you for your interest in this site.

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Spencer

I just stumbled across this old photo from a demo we did two years ago. It amuses me.

To establish some background: I've been a student of Yachigusa-Ryu for five years. Currently I'm one of Gary's senior students and am the assistant instructor for weapon arts. I don't have a colored belt.

I also set up this blog, run the website, and try to figure out how to connect us with the right new students.

in additon, I practice kyudo (meditative Japanese archery) in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chikurin-ha style of Kanjuro Shibata XX. Previously, I studied Modern Wushu with Sifu John Chuck in Mountain View, CA for ~4 years and I wrestled (poorly) in high school.

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