Public Relations Ninjas

Breaking news:

Last ninja: 'Be able to kill your students'

"The teachings of Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi echo through my head as he entreats me to attack a blackbelted disciple with a practice sword. 'Always be able to kill your students,' he says."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/14434176.htm
http://p45.news.re2.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060426/ap_on_re_as/japan_the_last_ninja_lh1

I just love the headline. I also always wonder how one gets these kind of PR puff pieces. I guess the Bujinkan is large enough and well known enough to be able to attract attention. As such pieces go, it's pretty well written and doesn't distort too many facts.

It's also really interesting that they wrote up a description of the 5th dan test; it's my understanding that this test is a really big deal so I would have thought all the details would be more secret. "Twice the staff cracks on White's head before he slumps out of the way on his third try — enough to satisfy the master."

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Respecting Live Swords

I’ve been thinking a lot about live swords today…that is, sharp Japanese katana…razor sharp.

In the past, I've seen heard a number of arguments on training with live swords, also known as shinken. Generally, a small number of folks think live blades are important for training, while the majority of practitioners think that such a position is irresponsible and insane.

We use live swords in our school.

Generally, we use them for solo practice, especially iai (sword drawing) forms. We almost always use bokken (wooden swords) for drills with a partner. Although, on very rare occasions, we do use real swords for such drills among the more experienced students--in which case we all move very, very carefully.

And that is the key to the argument in favor of live blades: it forces you to be aware and to treat the weapon with respect. If you are training to fight with a sword, you need to practice with a sword, and know how it behaves and what it can do.

Put crudely--arrogantly--'if you play with toys you will learn to use them as toys.'

It has been said that where kendo is about improving yourself, kenjutsu is about killing. We students of kenjtsu are learning first to avoid death and second to kill. No matter how anachronistic the art, or how graceful we try to make it, in the end we need to be honest with ourselves. This is an art of life and death. In every moment of our practice, we must be serious and mindful.

We practice with live swords so that we will not be harmed by them--yet another paradox of the traditional martial arts.


From the other point of view, the argument against live swords is simple. It's dangerous. Stupidly dangerous. It is irresponsible to place students at risk, and there is enormous liability if they get hurt. Most Japanese sword arts do not let students anywhere near a live blade for many years, if at all.

Of course, kendo is almost defined by its safety equipment (bamboo swords and armor), so one would not expect them to use live blades. Indeed, they take the opposite approach of developing life-and-death mindfulness by being safe enough that kendoka can spar at full speed with full intention.

Most iaido practitioners use an unsharpened iaito instead of a live sword for safety reasons. Although, I often wonder (with pure speculation) if the switch in many styles away from shinken had less to do with safety than with post-WWII restrictions on swords and martial arts. Advanced practitioners will often use shinken, but only after years of practice.

Now, I’m not trying to claim that practicing with a dangerous weapon is superior to other types of training. It is easy to let juvenile machismo lead one down that path. Not everybody practices swords arts for the same reason, not everybody is the same kind of student.

I, for one, am a lifelong klutz.

One can mull all these arguments, but in the end, I practice with a real sword because my teacher tells me that is how I should practice and because that is how he learned. Sometimes it feels terrifying--the first time I swung a live naginata, fear and awareness coursed through me. Sometimes it feels like stupidity. Sometimes it just feels like everyday life. And that, perhaps, is the worst reaction.

In fact, on this particular day I'm not feeling very good about the way I train and the mindfulness behind it. I have stopped fearing my sword. I have become too comfortable in my practice. I have stopped respecting the fact that my sword is a tool of mortal peril.


Thus, yesterday, while practicing a quick-draw I had not tried in months, I stabbed myself in the hand.

The cut was deep--deep enough that I'm lucky no tendons were severed.

I was trying to remember the subtleties of the draw while not paying attention to performing them. I was supposed to stab the imaginary opponent behind me, but I didn't keep my left hand down, so it met the sword's tip at full speed.

In the end, it has all turned out okay. I've got a bunch of stitches and need to keep my hand on light duty for a week or two. All that will remain is an angry scar and embarrassing questions about how I got it.


But for today, I'm thinking hard about swords--what they mean to me and why I practice.

I'm know that next time I pick up my sword it will be with a sense of fear: not respect, but fear of the dog that bit me. Once the fear fades, I hope that a mature respect will return in its place. I hope that for the future I will stay focused and mindful. I hope that every time I pick up my sword, I will stare at the scar on my hand and remember--remember that martial arts is the struggle of life and death--and I'm my own enemy.

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Cardboard Tube Samurai

Penny Arcade is an online comic strip that normally sticks with jokes about video games, random vulgarity, or characters stabbing each other in the eye.

Every once in a while, however, they put "Gabe" in a period setting, give him a cardboard tube as a sword and have him kill evil henchmen. Today the "Cardboard Samurai" here.

Some past comics:

March 2003, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

July 2003

January 2004

July 2004, Part 2

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Martial Arts Ads - 1985

I always thought the whole point of being a ninja was the fact nobody knew you were a ninja. I mean, telling people you’re a ninja kind of takes away that element of surprise.

I do think it would be cool to learn the power of Invisibility though.

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How To Make A Shuriken

I thought this was kind of fun, though I wish the instructions were more readable. I, for one, have a hard time following illustrations. But I did manage to make one that didn’t fall apart right away.

PDF File

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My Japanese Art Collection: Doshin

A few months ago I purchased the below print from an E-bay auction. I bought it solely because the print depicts doshin (police officers), even though the seller had no information regarding who the artist was, when it was printed, or the story it relates to.

So far I know this much; there is no artist signature or publishers seal anywhere on the print, not even a watermark. It also appears that this print was part of a bound book, since there are holes along one side of it. The print also lacks a certain attention to detail, making me believe it is fairly modern piece of work.

Other than that I have not been able to find anything else. Hopefully, someone out there who sees this will be able to tell me more. Any help will be appreciated.

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Looking Back – Don Angier Seminar 1994

With the upcoming Yanagi Ryu seminar on April 29th/April 30th 2006, I find myself reminiscing about the first time I met Mr. Angier.

That day was April 16th 1994. It was a day that would change a lot of things for me, especially in regards to how I teach, and the direction I would take my school from that period on. You could say it was a turning point in my martial-arts career.

When my teacher left to return to Japan in 1989, he left a void. I no longer had a teacher, nor was I sure what to call what I had been doing for all those years. My teacher had no name, no style label, for what he taught.

All I knew was that it was Japanese, and that we used swords, spears, naginata, various other polearms, jutte, tessen, tanto, jo, and lots of empty-hand techniques that focused on vital point strikes and joint locking techniques. I also knew from his stories that this was not karate or aikido, two arts he had little respect for.

I also knew it was related to the Samurai, (low ranking samurai) though my teacher always downplayed that connection.

The problem for me was that in 1989 there were few if any Japanese-style martial arts being taught in the San Francisco Bay Area other than judo, aikido, kendo, and jujutsu. If there was an iaido school, I wasn’t aware of it. And although I heard rumors of a school that taught naginata, I could never find it. (Remember the Internet wasn’t what it is today in 1989.)

So there I was without a teacher or a clue what to look for. My search began.

For the next two years I investigated numerous schools throughout my area. I tried karate schools, aikido schools, kenpo schools, various styles of jujutsu, and a few Chinese systems.

I approached each with an open mind, but I knew what I was looking for, and didn’t want to settle for anything less. The longest I lasted in any of the schools was four months. Long enough to form a legitimate opinion whether the school was what I was looking for, and could meet my expectations.

To say that after a few years I became discouraged is in an understatement. Not just because I couldn’t find another teacher like my old one, but also because all these schools taught so differently. The training was nowhere near what I was used to.

In many schools no contact was ever made between students when doing techniques. In others all we did was sparring. Then there were schools where the uke would fall before you ever even did anything, and worse yet the uke couldn’t even attack realistically.

Then of course there were those styles (mainly the Chinese ones) where everything was so foreign to what I had done all my martial-arts life. They were interesting, and gave me a new perspective on how the body can be used, but they still weren’t what I was searching for.

Lastly, few if any (except the Chinese ones) did weaponry, besides the staff and various assorted Okinawan weaponry. Few, if any, had ever heard of, or knew how to use the jutte, yari or tessen. And don’t even get me started on what I thought of the sword work many of these schools passed off as traditional.

After searching for a school for several years my mind started to play tricks on me. No one taught the way my teacher had, nor did anyone teach the things he taught.

Sure, the aikido and jujutsu schools taught similar things. But there were still some major differences between the execution of the techniques, and the intention behind what they taught. Some were too sporty, others to spiritual. In many cases they just simply lacked realism.

There was the additional fact that in several of these schools my abilities were better than the instructors. I’m not saying these instructors didn’t have things to offer, or that my skills were superior, but it was clear I had more experience and many more hours of training than many of these guys who were now teaching me. That was very frustrating.

Yes, I know that when you start at a new school, you are suppose to start with an “empty cup” and a willingness to learn their way. But doing things you know are simply wrong, and you can prove are wrong within a few seconds is hard to do. It went against everything I had been trained to do. Keeping my mouth shut, and going with the flow, especially when something is wrong is not my strong point. Ask anyone who knows me.

Of course I tried to be a good boy, and do what I was told, but the more I relinquished my old ways the more I started to dislike the martial arts. There was even a point I almost stopped completely.

I’m very sad to say this, and I apologize to my teacher forever feeling this way, but I actually reached a point where I started to question what I had learned in the past. I started to think I had wasted my time, and what I learned wasn’t real. After all, everyone else did things so differently. How could they all be wrong?

Fortunately, these doubts were all about to change.

Now, I have no idea how I obtained the seminar flier for Don Angier’s seminar in Concord, California, and I can’t remember why I decided to attend it. At that point in my life I had never heard of Mr. Angier, or Yanagi Ryu.

I arrived on the morning of April 16th having no idea what to expect. All I knew was that Mr. Angier was the inheritor of a traditional Japanese system of martial arts, and that according to the flier his knowledge of the history, rituals, and secret teachings of traditional Japanese martial arts was “unparalleled in or out of Japan.”

Interesting enough billing to make me go, but I had still had reservations about whether anyone could live up to such hype. Of course I went in hoping for the best.

I’ll never forget my first impression of Mr. Angier as he greeted me coming out of the changing room. He was short, stocky, and walked with a limp. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, and looked less like a martial artists than just about anyone I had ever met, though I learned early in my life never to judge a book by its cover.

While outward appearances rarely have anything to do with skill, what I remember most was that Mr. Angier was also very friendly and unassuming--another trait that immediately separated him from many instructors I had met at seminars, or in schools with well known head instructors.

The truth was that while Mr. Angier was the guest instructor, and people had come to see him, he still made it a point to greet everyone, and in my case to learn a little about my background.

Like I said, I didn’t know Mr. Angier or his history, so I’m sure he must have found my story of how I got involved in the martial arts quite amusing. After all, there are several parallels to our stories. Of course he didn’t say anything at the time, and I wouldn’t discover these commonalities until years later.

Now I’m not saying that my teacher and Mr. Angier have the same abilities--technically or in their methodology of teaching--or even do the exact same style of martial art. That wouldn’t be true. However, watching Mr. Angier that day I couldn’t help but think of my teacher, and the fact I had finally found someone who did things that were so closely related.

After all these years of searching I had finally found someone who could put a name to what I had learned, and remove all doubts about what my teacher had taught me. What I learned from my teacher was real, and there were others practicing the same things. I wasn’t wrong and my teacher wasn’t wrong--we were just different than the other schools in my area.

It would be an understatement to say I learned a lot during the two days of training with Mr. I learned years' worth of information, some of which I’m still working on today. However, the techniques he taught were just the icing on the cake for me.

The real value to me was all the concepts, ideas, and scientific principles Mr. Angier shared so openly and freely. Many of which I knew already, but he managed to put into a different context. Or should I say, reminded me of things I hadn’t explored in a long time, or had taken for granted.

Another important thing Mr. Angier did for me that weekend was renewing my desire to further investigate my art. He reminded me to value what my teacher had taught, and put aside my self-imposed desire to find a new school and start over.

Basically, he instilled in me a belief that I should practice and explore what I had already been exposed to, as well as search for the intricacies within the techniques I already knew.

Lastly and most importantly of them all Mr. Angier instilled the ideal to “be true to my art and myself.” This is something I had clearly wandered away from trying to cater to so many other people, and their opinions.

My first seminar with Mr. Angier was a major steeping stone towards the direction I now take when practicing and teaching others. It had such an impact on me I’ve made it a point to train with Mr. Angier whenever he is in my area. I’ve also made it a point to encourage all of my students to attend.

I never go to Mr. Angier’s seminars to learn techniques, and with some of the techniques he teaches I have a strong belief he has no real intention of anyone actually learning them. I think his goal is deeper, and his true intentions are to get martial art practitioners to “think” differently about what they do, how they do it, and why things have to be done a certain way. I truly think his goal is to inspire those who attend to search for the science behind techniques, and why things work so they can grow as martial artists and reach a level thy didn’t think possible beforehand.

So if I don’t go to Don Angier seminars for the techniques, why do I go? I go to a Don Angier seminar to be reminded of my past training, and to have my objectives as a martial artists renewed and invigorated. I go there for the explanations on how techniques work, and the martial science he shares. I go there to explore things I never thought of before, or to have theories of mine confirmed or contradicted.

I even go there to be “yelled” at when Mr. Angier corrects me over and over again for not being relaxed enough, or for using too much power. And yes, he corrects me a lot.

Most importantly of all, I go there to educate myself, mentally and physically--mostly mentally--so I can be the best martial artist I can be. The best teacher I can be.

I may never have Mr. Angier’s skill, or possess his knowledge about samurai history and traditions, but each year he pushes me to better than the year before. For that, and for helping me see the value of what my teacher gave to me, I am forever grateful.

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Martial Art Stamp Collecting

Now here is a hobby I never even thought of. Not the stamp collecting part, I used to do that as a kid, but specifically collecting stamps related to the martial arts. What a neat way to combine two interests.

Like I said, this idea never crossed my mind until I came across several websites written by individuals engaged in this activity. Several of these sites, are very informative, and clearly set up to be a reference source for collectors. Not only do they list what’s available by category and/or country, many of these sites also have numerous scans of the stamps themselves.

After spending some time looking over these sites I was amazed how many stamps depicting martial arts are available.

Sure most of the martial art stamps are related to the art of Judo, because of its relation to the Olympics, but I was able to find stamps that depict almost every martial art out there.

There are also stamps that depict famous martial artists; Olympians, famous movie characters and actors.

My favorite of all though are the ones that depict Disney characters doing martial arts, many of which I actually have in my stamp collection. (Though I collected stamps of the world when I was young, I only collect stamps with Disney characters on them now.)

Of course of all the 100’s of martial arts stamps I was able to view on the Internet I do have a favorite. That stamp is:

While I don’t think I’ll take up this hobby, I may consider it one day when I get bored of Disney related stamps. In the mean time however I would like to obtain one of the Samurai Duck stamps if I can find one. So if you have one for trade/sale let me know. My Donald Duck memorabilia collection can’t be complete without it.

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From Bad To Worse

Yesterday I reviewed a book titled, “ Learn Martial Arts In Eight Weeks,” by Michael de Pasquale, Jr. Basically I ripped the book apart, because of the title, and the fact the way the text was written it truly appears the author felt the material presented could actually be learned from a book, and that it would only take eight weeks. At least there was no disclaimer to suggest otherwise.

Today I found something that is a lot worse, and even more disturbing. It is clearly the next evolution of the claims made by books such as the one above.

The below is a copy of the actual ad as found on the Internet: www.ashidakim.com/dojopress/catalogbk7.html. CAVEAT EMPTOR!

MUGEI-MUMEI no Jitsu
THE 21st Century Martial Art

ANYONE CAN BE A BLACK BELT
No contracts or expensive classes
INSTANT KUNG FU
No boring forms or impossible exercises
OVERCOME ANY ATTACKER
Without physical Contact
BREAK BRICKS WITH YOUR BARE HANDS
No practice required
KILL AND RESTORE TO LIFE
The Power of Life and Death
GO BEYOND MERE TECHNIQUE
And learn the nature of Warriorship
Arranged in the traditional manner of Self Instruction, those who read this book even once will possess the knowledge and therefore the power, equal to that of any Black Belt 1st Degree in any recognized system of martial arts known to man. That rank and the Official DOJO Certificate confirming it are conferred upon the purchase of this text. The actual level of skill of the individual is a matter of personal choice and practice.
It has been said that, "Mugei-Mumei no Jitsu is better than Kung Fu, badder than Karate, softer than Tai Chi, gentler than Judo, and deadlier than Dim Mak." But, it is not WE who have said this.
BLACK BELT CERTIFICATE and
FREE DOJO MEMBERSHIP ID CARD
included with purchase
5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover;
retail $ 19.95 USD
Pay With PayPal

Copyright © 1998 Dojo Press, Inc.
All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form. SM112476


Now before I get on my soap box and start ranting, let me state that I have never read this book, nor do I have any first hand information on the art of Mugei-Mumei no Jitsu. Though my understanding is that it is a martial art developed by the infamous Ashida Kim, need more be said?

However, this essay is not about the book, the style, or the reputation of Ashida Kim. It’s about the claims this ad makes, and the certification it offers.

If you’re interested in reading a review of this book by someone who actually has a copy, you can read Phil Elmore’s essay titled “Mugei Mumei no Jitsu A book Review,” at http://www.themartialist.com/pecom/mugei.htm. It’s pretty amusing.

In a nutshell his review is basically what I thought the material would be; an opinion I made based solely on the above ad.

First of all, I don’t think I need to make comments about the claims this ad makes in regards to being better than other styles. That’s marketing, and if you're foolish enough to believe that, too bad for you. You and this book were made for each other.

Secondly, as for the claims such as, “overcome any attacker without physical contact,” and “kill and restore to life, the power of life and death” I’m not even sure what in the hell these things mean.

How do you overcome an attacker without making physical contact? Does this mean you run away? Don’t tell me this book teaches some mystical “chi” enhanced powers where the practitioner can extend his energy through the air. Or maybe this book teaches some Jedi Knight mind skills; “Luke, use the force.”

Or maybe you don’t make physical contact because as you attempt to use any of the information within this book the attacker knocks you out, or kills you. At this point the attacker is so “overcome” by what just happed they run away.

As for the lines, “kill and restore life, the power of life and death,” my only comment is, did Dr. Frankenstein write this book. Don’t the dead normally stay dead, except in zombie movies? Does this book teach voodoo? Or does this book teach you to kill your attacker, and then so you don’t feel guilty and remorseful methods of bringing them back to life?

Honestly I have absolutely no idea what this line means. This claim alone should be a red flag for anyone considering buying this book.

Lastly, in regards to the claim that “one only needs to read this information once and then will posses the same power and knowledge as a first degree black belt,” that’s just absurd. (editor's note: That depends whom you buy the black belt from)

Maybe, just maybe, some small amount of knowledge a black belt acquires can be achieved, but I can’t imagine how one gains “power,” unless the author is referring to the old adage, “knowledge is power,” which I don’t think is the author’s intentions.

Of course except for making money selling this nonsense, I have no idea what his real intentions are.

Putting all the authors claims aside, my biggest problem with this ad, and others like this one, is that a “Black Belt” certificate is sent along with the book. This not only degrades the entire black belt system, but also undermines the ethics and respectability of all martial arts.

It is unscrupulous practices such as this that hurt all of us, who actually worked our butts off to obtain acknowledgement and certification in the martial art we choose to practice. It undermines the very credibility of all of us who teach, and try to make a living propagating the martial arts.

While a book like “Learn Martial Arts In Eight Weeks” is bad enough on its own, sending a certificate to validate proficiency backing up such a claim is a thousand times worse.

Fortunately, most people will have the common sense to see this ad for what it is, however there are plenty of people who will not.

And then there are those unscrupulous enough to profit further once they have this material in their possession. These are the types of individuals who will use the accompanying certificate to validate themselves as teachers and open a martial art school. That’s not only scary; it’s extremely dangerous to those who get fooled into studying at such a school, and there will be people who do.

The sad fact is most novice students don’t know one martial art from another, nor how to judge who is qualified to teach them. Most beginners make their decision where to study based mainly on location and the teacher’s credentials.

Unfortunately, while these beginners may exam the credentials hung on a wall, they have no real clue how to evaluate them, or any way of knowing if they have any merit. For the most part, people just accept things at face value.

Sure, some of these novices who train at less reputable schools may get a clue early on and leave, but there will be others who will study hard and, heaven forbid, further propagate what they have learned.

Deep down I know there is nothing that can be done to stop these sorts of advertisements, and that my ranting on a “blog” won’t change things. I’m also aware this is not the first of these types of ads ever offered. I’ve seen others, some of which were even worse, though this one definitely ranks in the top five.

(To date the “Gracie jujitsu” home study instructor’s course complete with certificate, license to teach, and window decal, holds that honor. It was advertised in Black Belt magazine several years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t remember which Gracie offered this product.)

Hopefully if enough people speak out about this topic the message will get out there. After all, as martial artists, especially those of us who teach, it is our obligation to safeguard our fellow martial artists and those that may one day join us on the path.


(Editor's note: I'd just like to point out the irony that similar arguments have been used by message board denizens saying that Yachigusa-Ryu's lack of credentials harms their arts. I'll presume you can understand the difference. It's a complex world out there.)

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Kendo Article

Korea - The Black Ships of Kendo
The Internationalisation of Kendo and the Olympic Problem
by Alexander Bennett, 1/23/2004

http://www.kendo-world.com/articles/web/korea/index.php


This is a long, but interesting article on kendo. It is nominally about the influence of Korean kumdo practitioners and their desire to get kendo in the Olympics. However, it is really more of a meditation on the nature and evolution of kendo—the struggle between art and sport.

I'm fascinated with the history of kendo, and the contradictions that it tries to keep at bay. It began as a training tool for traditional swordsmanship, which became popular in the pre-modern age as teachers feared their students were lacking in spirit. But this one-time tool has now become its own art; the degradation of Western fencing shows what can happen when sparring is separated from real swordplay. Kendo is right to fear becoming a sport. Fencing has lost something that kendo still has.

Yet, "correct kendo" is in many ways self-defeating. Evolution is inevitable and conservatives often grasp at an imagined past. If one holds too tightly to the soul of budo, will the body be lost?

Technique without spirit leaves one left constrained by the boundaries of one's training. Spirit without technique allows one to die beautifully.

"I have trained in dojo which concentrate entirely on ‘correct kendo’. Every strike is big, straight and powerful. These exponents are, for the most part, completely oblivious to finer techniques such as well-timed debana-kote as they roll through like bulldozers."
(from Part III of the article)

Balance in all things.

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Quote on Perfection

“They say that nobody is perfect.
Then they tell you practice makes perfect.
I wish they'd make up their minds.”
Winston Churchill

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Book Review: Learn the Martial Arts in Eight Weeks

Title: Learn the Martial Arts in Eight Weeks By: Michael de Pasquale Jr. Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc. ISBN: 0-671-47469-3 Date: 1983 Out of Print

From the back cover:
“It’s a tough world out there --- be prepared!
Fitness and self-defense are yours in just eight weeks when you follow this unique martial arts program. Michael de Pasquale, Jr., founder and Executive Director of the Federation of United Martial Artists, combines for the first time, judo, karate, and ju-jitsu into one quick eight-week training plan.
An ideal book for anyone who wants to feel safer, stronger, and better prepared to cope with increased street crime and recognizes the need for self-protection, it is also a perfect way to shape up and feel fit.”

When I see a title such as this one, and read the above, two things immediately come to mind.

The first thing is that I hope the book won’t be too expensive, since I know I’m going to want to add it to my martial arts book collection. After all, I love collecting books that make such claims, as well as many of the older texts written in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s by American martial art “pioneers.” In this case the book only cost $6.00, a bargain for a book that is out of print.

The second thing that immediately comes to mind--as I blurted out to the gentleman next to me who was also checking out the various new and used martial art books—is why have I wasted thirty plus years of my life learning the martial arts when I could have bought this book in the eighties and learned everything I needed to know in eight weeks?

For a moment, the man gave me a blank look. Then what I said registered. He smiled and we both broke out in laughter. The funniest thing was that this man had trained with the author’s father when he was a teenager, and personally knew Michael de Pasquale Jr. I guess this a small world after all.

Of course at that moment I was relieved that I hadn’t said anything more about what I really thought, but I get the impression he basically felt the same. He even stated something to the effect that if Michael de Pasquale Jr. could write such a book, why did he have to spend so many years at their school. Never passing an opportunity to be sarcastic, I retorted, because you didn’t buy the book.

After a few more minutes of banter about a few other silly titles we went our separate ways. I never even got the guys name.

Now that he is long gone, I’m free to express what I really think.

First of all, I have a real problem, and a true loathing for books like these because of the claims they make. I’m sorry to say this, but there are plenty of foolish people who would actually believe they can learn martial arts in eight weeks if they follow a program like this.

They actually believe they can learn martial arts from a book.

NO ONE, yes, I said NO ONE can learn martial arts from just reading a book, or for that matter from just watching a video. It’s not possible.

They can pretend to learn, but the only people they are fooling are themselves. Although I’m sure plenty of their friends will believe they’ve accomplished something. Such is life.

Learning martial arts requires first-hand training from a qualified instructor. There is just no other way a person can be exposed to the proper body mechanics, tactical information, or any of the other numerous intricacies that comprise the martial arts.

The most a book or a video can accomplish is to aid or augment one's knowledge--knowledge based on martial art techniques they already have some familiarity with.

Of course most books with titles like this have a disclaimer somewhere within the text that states nothing can substitute actual training with a qualified instructor. What really irked me about this particular text was it didn’t.

In fact the forward, written by Al Weiss, a 5th Dan in Combat Karate, states the following:
“It has been argued that one can’t become a skilled fighter by reading a book. I agree with that argument. But it isn’t necessary to be a skilled fighter to survive the average street confrontation. Confidence, awareness, and a few effective basic techniques, learned from a book and practiced until they become second nature, could help you subdue or discourage an assailant. Of course, the book has to be written by one who has the necessary knowledge, experience, and dedication – someone like Mike de Pasquale Jr.”

What?!!!!!!!!!

Okay, Mr. Weiss agrees one can’t become a skilled fighter from reading a book. We agree there.

He is also right about the fact you don’t have to be a skilled fighter to survive a confrontation on the street. Lots of little old ladies, elderly men, men, women, and children survive confrontations on the street daily.

Now I don’t know what “confrontation” he is referring to since that can mean anything from being verbally accosted, to robbery, to murder.

Common sense dictates one should just walk away from verbal confrontations, so this book and Mr. Weiss’s comments most likely don’t apply.

In most robberies people survive because they cooperate with the attacker and give them what they want; money, jewelry, keys to the car, etc. No possession is worth dying for. Short of saving your life, violence should be the last thing you resort to when you’re being robbed. That’s the standard “police spiel” on the matter, and I’m sticking to it.

In the case of assault, battery, rape, or other violent attack one must do what they feel is right, when and if the opportunity presents itself.

However, this book does not teach practical street related self-defense for those situations. There are no eye gouges, biting, pulling hair, nor even a suggestion you should scream for “help.”

No this book teaches basics blocks/strikes, kata (three of them), judo throws (14 of them) and some jujutsu kata mainly focusing on wrist techniques, arm bars, and basic karate/jujutsu style self-defense sequences.

There is also a section on defense against multiple opponents, which I won’t even comment on. Okay, one comment: learning to fight one person is hard enough, thinking you can take on a multiple number of attackers, especially if all you’ve ever studied is from a book, is ludicrous.

Lastly, Mr. Weiss clearly states techniques must be practice until they become second nature. I think everyone will agree it takes longer than eight weeks to accomplish this, unless all you do for eight weeks is practice only one thing. Clearly, this book depicts more than one technique.

This book is broken up into eight chapters, each chapter being what I assume the author is trying to tell the reader is a weeks worth of study.

The first chapter, called “Week 1,” covers exercises to develop the body and prepare it for learning the martial art techniques in the next chapters. So far so good.

Week two and three cover basic movements such as strikes, kicks, blocks, stances, and break-falls.

If this book is really intended to teach the reader how to deal with street style confrontations, as Mr. Weiss asserts, it is beyond my comprehension why break falls are covered. I guess it’s for those individuals who get knocked down.

In my opinion this section could have been used for many more important things.

Week 4 covers kata, and three kata are depicted. They are the basic karate style kata you would see practiced at any karate school. Nothing special.

The problem with this section is that while the kata are depicted well enough, there is no explanation at all as to what the movements are for. It basically just shows the reader a series of movements, and you’re left on your own to figure out what you’re doing. That makes this information basically useless.

In my opinion this is one of the weakest parts of the book.

Week 5 covers 14 judo throws, throws like ogoshi, osoto gari, tomoenage, uchimata, yoko wakari, taiotoshi, harai goshi, and uke otoshi.

Now I know for a fact, having done judo in collage, that this is more than a weeks worth of study. I also know for a fact this is information one cannot learn from a book.

While the pictures are clear, and the descriptions adequate, it is impossible to learn throwing techniques without someone demonstrating the various body shifts, drops, pulls/pushes, and other dynamics it takes to properly execute one.

Throwing techniques are definitely something that one has to observe others do first, and then attempt under a watchful eye. They are complex. In order to learn them, and have the possibility to actually execute them on a non-cooperative person, one must constantly practice them in front of a qualified instructor who can critiqued form, and make corrections.

Week 6 and 7 covers jujutsu kata, which is how the author titles the self-defense portion of the book. To me many of these forms look more like karate than jujutsu.

Techniques range from defenses for empty-hand attacks to those against an armed opponent, (knife and club).

The techniques themselves are basic, photographed well, and decently explained. For the most part I have nothing bad to say about them. They are what the author says they are, BASIC.

My only comment is that they are not the down and dirty techniques one needs to learn in order to defend one’s life. They are just too formal, to stylized, and lack realism--realism as it relates to realistic street combat.

The last chapter, Week 8, covers techniques against multiple attackers.

I’ve already stated my opinion in regards to the worthiness of this material, and how much success I think one would have if they ever attempted these techniques in the real world. All I can say is whoever attempts these techniques in a real life or death situation had better have good medical/life insurance.

My favorite of all the multiple defenses portrayed is the final three-man attack. In this sequence a single female takes on three men, one armed with a knife, and another one armed with a club. She looks like she is in a lot of trouble.

Of course, she is successful. But if you follow the sequential photos, they only attack her one at a time, not as a group. What’s worse is that she actually looks like she turns her back on one attacker, (the one with the knife), while focusing on another.



This sequence alone breaks so many rules of self-defense, in addition to depicting an unrealistic attack scenario. I wonder what the author was thinking.

If you think I’m ripping apart this book, you are right. Not because of its content, but because of how it was marketed. If this had been intended for a martial artist as a supplement to their training I may have even recommended it, but only for beginners.

However, I can’t recommend it as it is. The title is misleading, and the techniques are not the type one should use to defend themselves in a street fight.

I don’t know Michael de Pasquale Jr., nor have I ever met him, or seen the man in action. All I know about him is what I’ve read, and heard from others. From everything I’ve heard he is a nice guy, and a very talented martial artist, who truly believes in victim's rights (anti crime/drug work).

Given everything I’ve ever heard/read about Michael de Pasquale Jr., and his reputation I find it extremely hard to believe that he would have ever written a book like this.

Or more clearly stated would write a book with a title like this, and no disclaimer that a book is never a substitute for training at an actual martial art school.

Maybe there is a good reason this book is out of print.


Michael de Pasquale, Jr. is the son of Michael de Pasquale Sr., Grandmaster of the Yoshitsune Waza style of Ju-Jitsu. Michael de Pasquale Jr. began his of study of the martial arts when he was five years old, and presently holds the coveted rank of Ni Dai Soke (Heir to the rank of Grandmaster).
During his career in the martial arts Michael de Pasquale Jr. has accomplished numerous achievements such as:
- Named “Martial Arts Star of the Year” by Official Karate Magazine 1977.
- Creator of the largest martial arts Internet site: Martial Arts Worldwide Network (www.mawn.net).
- Developed his own self-defense style, De Pasquale Combat Ju-Jitsu.
- Publisher/Editor of “Karate International Magazine.”
- Founder of “Federation of United Martial Artists” (FUMA)- crusade against crime and drugs.
- President of the “International Federation of Ju Jitsuans” (I.F.O.J.J.).
- Completed and certified by the FBI Instructors’ program.

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Cartoon

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Quotes on Science

“Science is the systematic classification of experience.”
George Henry Lewes (1817-1878)

“Science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common sense rounded out and minutely articulated.”
George Santayana (1863-1952) “The Life of Reason”

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The Science Of Techniques - Part V: Principles and Analysis

In Part 4 of “The Science of Techniques I explained part of the process of dissecting a technique into its scientific parts. For that example I used the Gogli Tendon Reflex. However, understanding the Golgi tendon is just one example of the type of information my students are required to know. That I teach routinely. That I think all instructors, especially those with high black belt ranks or fancy titles should know. Unfortunately many don't, which is a problem with many martial arts styles practiced/propagated today.

Besides learning such anatomical information, all of my students are required to understand the underlying principles that make techniques work. To aid them we work off a list of principles, instead of a list of techniques. Unlike many schools where people learn blocks and strikes my students learn concepts such as angle of deflection and linear force. The movements may be similar, but the goal, the mindset I’m trying to instill, is very different.

So far I think there are about seventy of these principles listed, and while some may sound repetitive they are not. Of course, some are more important than others, and in some cases some of them haven’t even been fully examined. Their potential is still to be discovered.

Further more, though a specific technique may be used to illustrate a principle, one must be aware that there are always numerous other principles being applied at the same time, or in direct succession. No principle stands on its own, though some have a greater emphasis on the overall outcome.

Now please don’t think I believe these principles are unique to the style of martial arts I teach. They are not. Most styles use these principles to describe what they do, though they may be expressed differently, if they are ever verbally expressed at all.

The fact is, over the years I’ve substituted terminology as I’ve discovered better ways of describing these concepts. These changes are courtesy of many other instructors, who teach a variety of styles. Styles such as Kempo, Daito Ryu, Yanagi Ryu, Cabales Serrada Escrima, and Northern Shaolin Chuan to name a few.

Basically, I’ve taken archaic abstract terms and made them clearer for a 21st century audience. I did this for myself, as well as my students.

It’s not that I have any issues with the way some of these terms were described in the past, many are very artistic with profound metaphysical and spiritual meaning. However, these terms were based on the medical, scientific, and spiritual nomenclature of their time. Those times are past.

Changing terms is sort of a tradition though. After all, my teacher described many of these principles in a manner that suited him, in a context he was familiar with. I’ve just learned to do the same, in a context that’s comfortable for my students and me.



Japanese karate-ka have a term called "bunkai," which literally means analysis. They use this term when discussing kata (forms), or more specifically the examination of techniques within their various kata.

The study of the bunkai in any given form can be obvious or elusive depending on the technique in question, as well as the moves preceding and following it. I believe the terms such as toridai and himitsu apply here, since these terms refer to techniques not readily seen to the casual observer, or techniques which are hidden within techniques.

In addition what level a person has at comprhending bunkai is based on experience, as well as trail and error. It takes a lot of work and many years of research. Sometimes a lifetime.

While not every martial artist does karate-style kata, we all do techniques. A technique being nothing more than a prearranged series of offensive and defense movements, designed to simulate an authentic type of altercation. Which, by the way, happens to be the definition of kata.

Because we martial artists all do techniques we can all benefit from analyzing, and I mean serious in-depth analyzing, the meanings of the things we do.

Yes, you got it, we can all benefit from learning the science behind the techniques. The reason why things work. Then and only then can we call ourselves martial artists. Then and only then do we learn the diiference between what works in a classroom and what works in the real world.

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The Science Of Techniques - Part IV: The Golgi Tendon Organ

Since I have spent the last few parts of, “The Science of Techniques,” discussing how important it is to know the science which makes techniques work, I thought I would now give an example of what I’ve been discussing.

For this example I will try to make the following information as basic as possible, with as few medical terms as needed. Keep in mind this is just a basic breakdown of this particular technique.

The best basic example I can think of to illustrate how one dissects a technique into the scientific principles that make it work is the Golgi Tendon Reflex (aka Inverse Myotatic Reflex).

This is a very useful one to know, and one utilized by almost every martial art system in the world.


The Martial Technique:

For this example we will use a basic Aikido form called Ikkajo Osae Ichi. In this technique the defender applies downward pressure just above the elbow joint, and the attacker collapses to the ground.


In order to apply this technique correctly one must utilize The Golgi Tendon Reflex as well as other physiological techniques.


Anatomy of the Arm:

Your arm is basically comprised of bones, muscle, tendons, arteries and veins, and nerves.


Knowing the anatomy of the arm is important since your arm is designed to move only in certain directions. In addition knowing the anatomy of the arm allows a martial art practitioner to know where there are weaknesses in the anatomy, and the best ways to use them to their fullest advantage.

For example, as it applies to this technique, the elbow joint can bend inwards towards the body, but not in the opposite direction. Turning the arm so the wrist faces upward elongates the limb, and prevents the elbow from being able to articulate as easily as it normally can.


How your arm moves normally:

Muscles are attached to bone on opposite sides of a joint, such that one will cause extension of a limb, its opposite flexion. For a monosynaptic reflex to occur, the opposing muscle of the limb must simultaneously be relaxed. This is accomplished via a three-neuron relay, which inhibits the opposing muscles (the flexors) so that extension of the limb may occur.

The monosynaptic stretch reflex is the only spinal reflex known that involves only one synapse, (the junction across which a nerve impulse passes from an axon terminal to a neuron, a muscle cell, or a gland cell.)


The Golgi Organ:

The Golgi Tendon Organ (also called neurotendinous spindle) is a proprioceptive sensory receptor that is located at the insertion of skeletal muscle fibers into the tendons of skeletal muscle.

Their function is to act as sort of a monitoring device to keep track of tension within the muscle tissue. As a polysynaptic fiber, the golgis are deigned to inhibit the original contracting muscle and facilitate antagonistic muscles. Or in other words, it serves as a servomechanism, which uses feedback to correct a performance of a mechanism.

That’s a fancy way of saying that when the Golgi tendon feels too much tension it causes the limb to go limp, in order to prevent an injury such as ripped muscles, damaged tendons, or injured bones.

So, in the above martial technique, when too much pressure is applied to the arm, and tension reaches a certain level, the Golgi tendon “relaxes.” Since the arm bar is being held, the only way the body can “reflex” is by going down towards the ground, making the attacker fall downward.


Reflex Action:

I’m not going to get into the various types of reflex actions; that could fill a book. But it is important to understand the working process of the reflex actions utilized in this technique.

Step one in this process is the sensation of pain, or in this case a sensation of tension in the arm.

The Golgi Tendon senses a change in pressures and fires off signals to the spinal cord and brain. To keep things simple let's say your brain is the “conscience” thinking part of the equation, while the spinal cord is the “basic instinct” element.

Now from your body's perspective, your arm is about to be damaged and an immediate response is required. There is no time to “think.” Any counter-measure taken to prevent injury must be done as soon as possible. Do you pull, push, jump, fall, scream, etc to be effective?

In this case, the speedier of the two reactions comes from your spinal cord where the reaction is based on instinct. In this defense sequence, pressure is being applied downwards, so the body seeking the path of least resistance (as instinct dictates) moves further downwards away from the perceived attack.

There is no “conscious” thought used during this response, and the subject's brain hasn’t responded yet: neither to confirm his reaction nor to give him an alternate course of action.

In this example, the subject's response is solely based on a “perceived” threat. It is perceived because in actuality there is often not enough force being applied to actually injure the limb, especially in practice.

If the attacker could some how wait for a response from the brain, chances are that instead of falling downward, the attacker would launch a counter offensive. Clearly the technique would be neutralized, or much less effective.

This means the defender must fool the attacker’s body into believing more is happening than is actually happening, thus utilizing a natural physical response to gain an advantage. This natural response, when properly stimulated, cannot be prevented. It is unavoidable even if the attacker is aware of what is going to happen, such as in the case of practicing the technique over and over again in a classroom.

Of course in order to do this technique properly one must know how to “stretch” the Golgi Tendon, and stimulate it to the point of reaction. This takes practice.

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The Science Of Techniques - Part III: Depending on Knowledge

When I’m discussing martial techniques and their development, refinement, and propagation I’m talking about techniques that were used to wage war. Life protection skills, not techniques used for recreation, enlightenment or competitive sport.

Like the Samurai, the European Knight, and the Sumerian--as well as warriors such as the Spartans, the Aztec, the Sioux Indians, and the Zulu Warriors--I have no time to waste, or a desire to practice fluff.

I must know I can count on my techniques, and I must know how and why they work.

It’s like learning to fire a gun at the police academy. They don’t just hand you a gun and have you fire at a target. Before you make your first shot, they teach you how a gun works, the different calibers, how to examine and take them apart, how to aim, and more. After you learn how a gun works, and the theory on how to use it, then they let you shoot it. You learn the science of firearms.

For me, knowing how and why my martial art techniques work, affords me the mindset to have faith in them, complete faith. That’s important to me because I’m relying on them to safeguard my life. If I doubt they work I won’t use them, or might hesitate at a critical moment.

Sure, when I demonstrate a technique in class I try to display a certain aesthetic quality in what I do, but not at the expense of practicality. For me that’s the “art” part of “martial arts.” However, I would rather practice something like gouging an eye, a technique I can count on in the real world, then attempt to ever do a jump spin kick.

When placed in a situation where I have to use my skills, I must know that if I strike a particular target on the body there will be a specific reaction, which can lead to another predictable follow up target. I must know that if I grab a limb and torque a joint in a certain direction, the rest of the body will move in a predictable response. I must know cause and effect. Anything less can cost me my life.

There will be no time to think and process information during the altercation. I must react instinctively. I must rely on my training, so my training has to be based on realism. It has to be based on science, and I have to truly believe that the science is valid.

The time for determining this validity is during practice, and can only be done by thoroughly investigating each and every movement, dissecting the intricacies, and repeating the techniques over and over to see if the results are the same. That’s the scientific process for any experiment.

Martial art techniques, especially those limited to unarmed fighting methods, are nothing more than a composite of numerous sciences, sciences such as physiology, physics, anatomy, psychology, etc. Understand the science, and you understand why the technique works. Why the body reacts the way it does to various stimuli.

The human body is no more than a very evolved machine. It’s designed to move in certain ways, and not in others. It has its strengths, and its weaknesses: weaknesses that if known and used properly can be exploited to their full potential.

The body is also designed with built in safeguards, which if manipulated properly can make one’s opponent move involuntarily, greatly reducing the force it takes to be effective.

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The Science Of Techniques - Part II: Different but the Same

There is very little difference between real military based martial styles. The only difference really is the approach each style takes to transmitting their information and what their focus (weaponry, kicking, punching, grappling, etc.) is. For most authentic forms of military arts we all get to the same point of the training pyramid, we just get there from different directions.

Truth be known, the individual practitioner actually has more to do with the success of a fighting system, than the actual system. Sorry, I’m sure you didn’t want to hear that. However, I will concede the fact that some systems prepare people better than others.

For example, Musashi was a great swordsman, undefeated in over 60 duels. However none of his students ever achieved the fame he did, using only what he taught them. Musashi, the man, was a great fencer, and most likely developed some wonderful fighting techniques. However his techniques were suited to meet his needs, his physical prowess, and his mental outlook on the ways things had to be done in order to be successful. What he did worked for him, and not necessarily for anyone else, past or present.

In addition, Musashi did not fixate on only one method or style of fighting while developing his style of swordsmanship. He took advantage of learning from anyone he thought had something to offer him. He was willing to see what others were doing, examine if they had anything of value for him to assimilate, and maybe most importantly of all was willing to travel as far as it took to search this information out. He clearly researched his craft.

I think we call this "cross training" today, but it isn’t a modern innovation after all.

How martial artists train, how they seek out and comprehend information given to them or discovered on their own, their natural ability, and their resolve, are all factors that contribute to the success they will have within their particular martial form.

In other words, two people studying the same system, for the same amount of time, with the same amount of effort, might not both become equally good.

Further more, even if the style they practice is considered as the "ultimate" style, there is no guarantee either of these two individuals will be unbeatable. There is no certainty that either of them will be the "ultimate" warrior.

In a real fight, there are just too many variables to consider to truly believe any one person, any one style, can be the best. In a real fight, sometimes luck is more important than skill.

An interesting article I came across a couple of years ago was titled, "The Medieval Knight vs. The Feudal Japanese Warrior," written by J. Clements the director of ARMA (The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts) http://www.thearma.org/essays/knightvs.htm.

In this article Mr. Clements asks the question; what would happen if a European Knight fought a Japanese Samurai? It’s an interesting question that can surely be debated to death. Depending on ones stance--something normally based ones affiliation to a specific martial art the--answer is simple. If I practice Japanese arts, I say the Samurai would win. If I practice European martial arts (yes they had them), I think the Knight wins.

However, the answer is not so simple. Both the Knight and the Samurai were warriors. Both spent their lives training to fight. Both had battle experience.

If you placed 20 Knights on a battlefield and had them face 20 Samurai, I’m positive there would be casualties on both sides. One group might ultimately win the battle, but that does not mean they would ultimately win the war.

Mouri Shinsuke (left) attacks Imagawa Yoshimoto from the Tale of Heike. 12th century	15th Century fechtbuch “Gladiatora”
The armor and weaponry may be different, but in both these pictures a spear-wielding attacker is countered in basically the same manner. In both prints the spear is evaded and grabbed and the defender is about to counter strike.

Surely how the Knight and the Samurai trained for battle was determined by their needs, and based on their knowledge of warfare in their geographic location. Of course there were also technological differences, but that can be said for both sides. However, to say one group was better than the other is fatuous.

The honest truth is, there is a limited number of ways the body can be used as a weapon and we humans can injure/kill each other. Evidence supports the assertion that by the dawn of civilization most of the fighting skills we practice as martial artists today were already known. In fact, it is safe to state that all the fighting skills we practice today, (except for firearms and explosives) were already being utilized as far back as 5000BC by the soldiers of Sumer (an ancient civilization located around the Lower Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now modern day Iraq). This was a long time before Japan was Japan or the nations of Europe existed.

Of course methodologies varied from country to country, changed over the centuries, and adapted to the advent of new and better weaponry. However, the basics (roots)--the science--of hand-to-hand combat have remained the same.

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The Science Of Techniques - Part I

If you’re easily offended I suggest you skip this “blog” entry. This essay is only intended for those who can face facts, and can understand there are major differences between training in a martial art school and fighting for your life in the real world. Or maybe more relative to my topic, people who have an understanding of what it takes to go from techniques that work in a classroom to those applicable in the real world.

I don’t care how “realistically” you think you train, how hardcore you are, or how many competitions you have won. Until you’ve been in a life and death confrontation, you have no clue how well you can defend yourself. You have no idea whether you have the physical and/or psychological toughness to react, counter, and survive.

That goes triple for an armed attack.

I don’t mean this as an insult, and I’m no different than anyone else. I, however, have the guts to admit it. I also have the first hand experience to state that during a life and death confrontation your physical and mental outlook is extremely different than you can or will ever experience in training.

And now for the bombshell.

It is estimated that 80% of all martial art techniques one learns, in any school, any style, are ineffective. They just won’t work. Whether that’s due to the technique being too intricate, to Hollywood, or just plain bad science makes no difference. The fact is, all martial art practitioners spend a lot of our lives practicing things we will never use, nor should use.

What makes things even worse is the fact that what might work great for me, may not work great for you.

Now before you start writing me e-mails, or posting my opinion on the various martial art discussion sites along with your ridicule let me explain.

Calm down, sit back, and listen. Listen with an open mind.

The truth is that techniques are nothing but illustrations of scientific principles.
It’s the scientific principles the martial artist needs to learn. Should learn. However, for most martial arts practitioners they will never discover this, or explore it once they hear about it.

Most practitioners are satisfied being carbon copy clones of their instructors. Unfortunately, just mimicking one’s instructor does not make one a martial artist, nor does it really help one understand the underlying intricacies of a given fighting method.

The desire to study the intricacies within techniques is what differentiated the master of yesteryear, to most martial artists today. It was their desire to study the sciences within techniques that helped form the martial arts, refine the "martial arts, and create the techniques we practice. These scientific intricacies are the foundation, behind all techniques (the roots), and the explanations why thee fighting skills work so well, the genius of their creation.

The truth is if you only learn a technique then that’s all you have, a technique. Learn the principles that make the technique work and you can come up with numerous variations that may be more effective for you, or help you apply what you know more easily with better results.

Of course this means doing your homework, and making a major effort to delve beyond basic explanations. It also means forgoing esoteric and metaphysical beliefs, as well as historical biases.

Most of all it means learning to ask the tough question; “Why.” Of course asking why is meaningless if you are willing to settle for an answer that doesn’t make sense or fully explain what you’re doing.

No style, at least in regards to authentic military based fighting systems, is better than any other. THERE ARE NO SECRETS! The only secrets that exist are ones you haven’t been told yet, or you’re too lazy to research and discover on your own. The information is out there you just need to look for it.

There is also no truth to the claims about discovering new and improved methods of fighting such as the ones you read about in almost every issue of “Black Belt Magazine.” These discoveries may be “new” to the people who write the articles, but they are old news to many old timers.

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Cartoon on the Science of Techniques

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The Gym

“True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body;
the two are united.”
Alexander von Humboldt

Okay, so body and mind are united. I got it! Deep down I know that’s a fact, but even being fully aware that going to the gym is in my best interest, I still find it hard to motivate myself to go: especially in the last year or so.

It wasn’t always like that though. There was a time I loved going to he gym, and spent hours there each and every day. I may not have the body of a muscle builder to prove it, but I spent hours and hours working hard, trying my best to maintain a certain level of fitness, and of course fighting the never-ending battle of the bulge.

Believe it or not there was a time I could bench over 300 pounds, run mile after mile on the treadmill without effort, and had the demeanor where I would scoff at the petty stacks of weights attached to most muscle building machines. However those days are gone. Long gone.

I don’t know what happened, or exactly when my love affair with the gym started to dwindle, but methodically over time I’ve found it easier and easier to make excuses why I didn’t need to go rather than remembering and reinforcing the positive nurturing benefits I received from actually going.

Don’t misunderstand me, it’s not that I don’t ever go to the gym any more it’s just I don’t go as often as I should. Especially with my weight issue, my injuries, and the fact I have really high cholesterol levels. These are all factors which should clearly make working out an essential part of my life, especially if I want to continue living life with some degree of quality--or just continue living period.

In my defense, it’s not just a case of being lazy. Once I’m at the gym I work out with intensity. I don’t go there to socialize, or make friends, though I will admit I have stopped to watch some of the more attractive women as they workout.

It’s sort of a joke, but I found the best way to run on the treadmill was to always pick a treadmill closest to the cutest girl and pretend I was running with her. That not only served as a distraction from the mind numbing drudgery of running on a stationary machine, it also helped me maintain a certain pace. I always tend to run too fast on my own.

Of course now that I’m married I never look at other women (my wife reads this “blog”…), so those days are over, and I’ve had to learn to pace myself.

Okay you can all stop laughing now.


The first gym I ever went to was called “The Sports Palace,” a name that definitely conjures up a certain perception this place couldn’t live up to. It was clearly no palace.

The equipment, what there was of it, was antiquated, the place reeked of old sweat, and if they had a heater it was never turned on. It was clearly the type of place you see in a Hollywood movie; run-down, impoverished, and poorly lit. Don’t even get me started on the condition of the locker room or showers.

However, it was a place for the “serious” body builder. No frills, no thrills, just lots of free weights, and enough testosterone to fuel a high level of machismo.

Plus they had a super heavy bag I could punch to my hearts content.

For all its shortcomings the Sport Place was the kind of gym that saw its share of professionals. There were not only professional body builders, but off-season football players, and professional wrestlers.

As a kid I watched Saturday morning wrestling, and the first time I saw a group of these guys at the gym I was semi-star struck. Of course I was even more amazed that the likes of Pat Paterson and Ray Stevens were working out with their archenemies. Enemies they had vowed to beat to a pulp any time, anyplace just a few days ago.

And people say wrestling isn’t fake.

Another thing I learned from watching these wrestlers was they are tough, very big, and very strong. Anyone who says they are not athletes has no idea what they are talking about.

More importantly to me, especially at the time, was that besides their athletic prowess I endeavored to emulate, they were also some very nice guys. Though I was a kid (13) they treated me with respect. Even “The Baron,” who while being a notorious bad guy on TV and a character I always hated, never hesitated or became annoyed when I asked him for instruction on how to do a particular exercise.

The thing I appreciated the most about going to the Sports Palace, was the level of experience people had there. Since I was just starting out, their knowledge was invaluable, and because of these men I never picked up a lot of the bad habits I now see when I do go to the gym.

Unfortunately, the Sports Palace closed when I was about 15, and I only spent a couple of years there. In the end the Sports Palace just couldn’t compete with the likes of “Gold’s Gym” or “24 Hour Fitness.”

I don’t even remember the name of the next gym I tried. Like the Sports Palace it was tiny, poorly equipped, and poorly maintained. However, it was the best gym I’ve ever gone to.

Unlike most gyms where you have to pay extra for a personal trainer this gym offered the service for free. In fact you couldn’t work out there without seeing a trainer at least once a week. It also offered free massages once a month, though I was too young for that service.

I figure I saved thousands of dollars going to this place because of that one feature alone, and I know I benefited from having someone there to train me. This was especially so with the trainer I picked since he wouldn’t take no for an answer, and wouldn’t let me take any shortcuts.

Sometimes with is training, I felt as if I had joined the military. But it taught me that the body is capable of doing a lot more than it wants to and that in order to get results you have to push yourself beyond your limits, or what you perceive are your limits. (Sort of the same things you learn if you do martial arts.)

Another cool thing about this gym was that is was located next to the local F.B.I. building, and a lot of agents worked out there, as well as federal prosecutors and local government employees.

Sometimes I think people don’t realize that others can hear their conversations, because some of the things these F.B.I. guys discussed most likely wasn’t intended for the public to hear. Though for someone like me who wanted to be police officer it sounded oh so exciting.

I should note that I had wanted to be a police officer since I was five years old. However, after listening to these guys and their stories I did consider applying for a job with the F.B.I. for a long time. At least I did until I discovered that their job is actually 80% paper work. No thanks!

Like the Sports Palace, this gym was also forced to close due to competition. I wonder what ever happened to Yaroslav (my trainer).

Come to think of it, and looking back, it was funny how many of the personal trainers at this gym were of Russian decent. Could it have meant,….Nah! I’m sure it was just a coincidence.

The next gym I trained at was located on my college campus. Like the previous gyms, it wasn’t great,,but they had the basics.

By this point in time, I already had a few years of experience, and basically knew what I needed to do to meet my fitness objectives.

However, college would be the fist time in my life I actually trained for a competitive sport: judo.

It would also be a point in my life that that exercising would turn out to be very frustrating. Not because of the work involved, I enjoyed the exercise, but because of the lack of perceived results.

While this hard to explain in a few paragraphs I will try.

When I entered the Judo program I started with two other guys. One guy was a short Chinese guy named Ken. The other guy was a medium built Latin guy named Pablo. Then of course there was me a 190-pound lanky Caucasian.

When we started our training we were all given individual programs for cardio, calisthenics, and for the weight room. While some of the exercises were different, essentially the workouts were the same.

Now I know for a fact we all followed our workout programs. I also know we were all overachievers, and did even more exercise than required by the coaching staff. However, it was clear we didn’t experience the same results.

In the first year Ken gut huge, and started to look like the poster boy for a body building competition. His results were amazing: eight-pack abs, bulging biceps, and a massive chest. Even his legs grew in size, no easy feat considering how hard putting mass on legs is to accomplish.

And this was done without the aid or steroids, an all too common practice during that time, and definitely something we all had ample access to.

As for Pablo he also had outstanding results, though nowhere in compassion to Ken. Cleary Pablo had a six-pack, his pectorals had grown considerably, and he was in better physical shape. I think the term is “sculpted.”

Then there was me. Poor me. I didn’t have a six-pack, and the rest of me barely looked as if I had done any exercise at all during the year. Sure I was stronger, quicker, and had lots of stamina, but outwardly you couldn’t see any changes.

Trust me, I was scrutinized by the coaching staff, and almost labeled as a slacker. That label wouldn’t stick with since the coaches saw me train daily, and knew I was trying my best. The fact is, I normally pushed myself more than the others, just because I wasn’t getting the same results.

Now I know a lot of these results has to do with genetics, but it’s very disconcerting. It’s really enough to make one want to throw in the towel and give up. However that’s not my personality.

Needless to say I tried for years to get that stupid six-pack and “sculpted” look. I worked and I worked and I worked, but it never happened. Now after all these years I just don’t care.

Of course given my current state of physical fitness and workout regime, six-pack abs are not in my future.

After college, my gym days ended--not because I didn’t want to go, but because I started a career as a police officer. That meant the graveyard shift. A shift that left me in a constant state of fatigue. A shift I worked for almost 11 years straight.

Then came the kids, and so on and so on.

While I did find time to exercise during these years, it was nowhere near the level I once had done. As a result my body changed. Since I failed to maintain a certain standard of fitness I’m sure these changes were one of the reasons that led to my injury at work. And that injury that led to almost two years of total inactivity.

After two years of being inactive, I once again hit the gym with a passion. I had to for the sake of my own mental health and self-esteem. I was up to almost 300 pounds, divorced, and angry at the world. Angry at myself.

The gym was my only outlet. There I could workout the frustrations and uncertainty that was now my life. It was the place I could focus on something other than what was going on in the other aspects of my life, most of which I wasn’t happy with. It was the clam in the storm so to speak.

To be honest if it hadn’t been for the gym I don’t know where I would be at this point in my life.

Today I’m a member of “24 Fitness.” I joined this gym for two reasons; it was close to my house, and they have a lap pool. I also joined right after they built the place so I got a fantastic deal. Now, my sons, my wife, my mother, and I are all members, and I think we pay less in total, than a single person would pay if they joined today.

“24 Fitness” is not what I consider a “real” gym, but they have everything one needs to get the job done. Certainly, they have more equipment than any other gym I went to previously.--if one goes there to work out.

There are definitely enough people there who have different agendas. However, my gym isn’t as bad as some located in the East Bay, which are notorious for being “pick up clubs.”

Of course, I can’t remember the last time I ever saw a professional body builder at my gym, or a professional athlete, or even a wrestler. Not saying it couldn’t or hasn’t happened, I’ve just never seen it. My guess is that guess is that these guys go to Gold’s, which in my area has more of a reputation for the serious athlete.

Then again, when I’m there I now I mainly focus on what I’m doing. I may spend two hours working out, but none of that time is wasted. Who’s around me, what they’re talking about, or what they are or are not doing isn’t my business. I’m there for me. It’s my time.

As selfish as this may sound I truly dislike going to the gym with someone else. That’s because I always tend to end up being the coach, instead of doing my regular routine. Or I end up doing bits and pieces, which in my opinion, is just a waste of time for me.

Like I said, when I go to the gym it’s for me. It’s my time to focus on myself, to better myself. I like pushing myself, and I like the feeling of accomplishment I get when I’ve lifted a little more than the day before, ran just a bit longer or faster, or taken time off my mile swim.

I don’t exercise to put on muscle mass, (at least not any more), to pump my muscles up so I can flex them in the mirror, or to see a change on the weight scale. Those are not my goals.

When I go to the gym, it’s to move my body, in ways that energize me mentally and physically. I go there to strengthen joints that have been injured, abused and worn. I go there to increase my heart rate in order to improve my overall endurance. I go there so that I don’t feel as guilty about the food choices I make.

Going to the gym may be a pain, but dieting is pure Hell. After all, if God hadn’t meant for us to eat cheesecake he wouldn’t have created it.

So with all that said, why do I still have such a hard time motivating myself to go to the gym now-a-days.

I wish I knew.

Maybe part of the reason is that after all these years I’m just a little burned out, though like I said once I’m there I truly enjoy myself. I remember all the reasons why my time spent at the gym had meaning. How it healed me. How it still relaxes me.

Maybe its because my body no longer works like it used to, and I haven’t come to terms with the fact that I can no longer be as athletic as I was when I was twenty. I can no longer lift the stack, bench 300 pounds, or run without feeling the effort in my shins and knees. What once was fun is now work.

Maybe my outlook on my life is a lot better, and I don’t need the release the gym once afforded me. In other words I’m a lot less stressed than I used to be. I’ve learned to relax in other ways. Things I used to stress about are no longer an issue, or just a bad memory buried deep inside my psyche.

Maybe its just boredom.

Whatever the reason is, or reasons are, none of them are good ones.

In the future is there a chance I’ll return and renew my love affair with the gym? Surely the answer is yes. After all, I’ve slumped before and returned with a vengeance.

Will it be tomorrow, most likely not, though one never knows?

The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck! ~Author Unknown

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Quote of the Beach

To myself I am only a child playing on the beach,
while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.

Isaac Newton

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Training is a “Beach”

I’ve been told that some people would be interested in learning more about the way I was taught the martial arts, and my experiences over the years visiting other schools and trying other styles. For those people who share this interest, here goes one story.

I would say that over fifty percent of my training, especially in my teen years, was spent at the beach.

Now for those of you who do not live in the San Francisco Bay Area, this may sound lovely, but its not. Our beaches are cold, and the water is freezing. There are only a few days each year that people go there to actually sun themselves, and even fewer days when people actually frolic in the water--except for little kids and dogs, which the temperature of the freezing water never seems to bother.

Fishermen, dog walkers, diehard romantics, and joggers who are able to withstand the fog, heavy mist, and unceasing winds, as well as the surfers who wear protective wetsuits are mainly the people you will find populating our local beaches on any given day.

Of course if the freezing temperatures aren’t enough to keep one away, there are always the deadly undertows, and the occasional shark attack to consider.

Oh did I happen fail to mention the sewage pipe that empties into the ocean not more than a few hundred yards out from shore? Yes the stuff expelled is “treated,” but it’s a nasty thought, and one that’s hard to overcome, especially when that unidentified brownish sticky foam washes ashore.

Clearly our local beaches are not paradise, but for some reason my teacher had affection for them, and even in his eighties never missed his daily walk along the shore. For him, the beach was the place he could contemplate his life, as well as find the inner peace to meditate without distraction.

It was also the place he elected to use as a training ground, since he felt the sand was a safer place to take falls than the concrete in his garage. I thank him for this, since this one of the few “safety” precautions he actually took when training his son and I. After all, he didn’t seem to have any apprehensions about us swinging live blades (swords, spears, or knives) at each other.

Training at t