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The idea is to help your fellow Practitioners so that the Student becomes more skilled than the Master.
"No matter what art you are from, we are all brothers and sisters when we are students of the Arts" Kevin
Pence Sr.
How does one set out to name a form of martial art? First there is no new technique but only different variations
of ones already out there. Having said that, some would say realistically people do this sort of thing....
First they Master one established martial art system and be recognized as having done so by authorized teachers
of that system.
After mastering other systems try to re-evaluate everything that they learned through a particular lens.
Kano used physical efficiency and safety of practice as the lens for judging the ju jutsu he mastered to codify Judo. Although
Kano promoted judo whenever he could, he earned his living as an educator in the Japanese school system.
Usheuba of the art Aikido used a lens towards non-violent, minimally destructive methods of countering. The Gracie’s
used leverage methods requiring minimal strength to produce his family Ju-jitsu.
Find what it is that you think needs to be emphasized, how you're capable of doing this and then set out to see
if your lens works at making training better and distinct from what you learned from your master.
Then you need a proving
ground for what you are about to embark upon, as well as good people to help as would-be attackers, ones who have martial
skills in multi-art systems, military and police officers are also good ukes.
Then take what you've re-made and then present it to those who studied your previous styles and then to the world.
If you stand the test of challenge and, have a coherent set of reasons for why you've made the changes you have and added
what you have, you're well on your way towards effectively making a different art.
Or you can skip all this hard work
and long hours of writing and re writing your syllabus, buy a black belt belt from an online dealer, whip ten stripes of red
tape on it and, write up a load of diplomas and proclaim yourself grandmaster king of all you survey. Don't laugh its been
done
 
The "Biz" of owning a Martial Arts School
There are two kinds of schools....
The first, although there are dues, teaching martial
arts is not the instructor's "day job". The chief Inst. has other forms of employment, the instructor's regular
job somewhere else is what makes his house, health care, and car payments.
In these dojos, student dues are used to
pay the rent, utilities and some ad cost. In other instances, the instructor rents space from YMCA or a health/fitness
club, and student fees pay the for that space. But no matter how you say it, the instructor isn't making his living
from teaching the arts.
These kinds of schools tend to be described as " a
labor of love." The people involved do it because they love the arts, and teaching them. Such instructors are less likly
to be concerned with keeping the students happy with the a new rank, than making sure those students "are the best they
can be." so... in most case the quality tends to be better in these Academies.
The other kind of martial art dojo is what we refer
to as a "commercial school." The teacher is not
only making the school's rent and utilities, but his own expenses. Now the dojo has to produce enough profit to support
the instructor and his family morgage, insurance, food, car payments etc., And the only way to do this is to keep the enrollment
up.
Aside from the cash cows of contracts, there are many ways
such schools generate revenue. This ranges from, enrollment fees, required uniforms, specialized equipment "extra" workshops
that you must pay for, and fund raisers. There are often DVDs of the system, available through the school's supply store.
While smaller schools are often run by the sole
owner. Franchise dojo, ( a.k.a.. A.T.A. U.S.S.D. ect.) are schools that must pay fees to the franchising organization.
Organizational memberships, hosting the head instructor for seminars, etc. these are some of the countless ways that
money flows from "satellite schools" back to the central Org.. The requirement to keep the main association fed also
requires the student numbers be kept up in satellite. If a school shares the name with a larger organization, then it
is probably a franchise.
To the new student I say this; look around, go to
the schools ask questions... alot of questions. In the end it's the the relationship between student and teach that is most
important for learning the martial arts and not the "big biz".
Are you trainning or just going to class?
My own training has enriched every part of my life... from my work,
my to interpersonal relationships. In my opinion, this is the thing that makes a martial artist as opposed to someone
that practices martial arts. I hope that none of us ever need any of what
we study. Fighting is a nasty business, too often glorified. But the truth of the matter is that in today’s world
there is a need for the ability to protect ourselves.
The Arts do have a stigma about them. One conjures images of warriors
with bowed heads and blades, all living by a code of honor, of discipline, humility,and loyalty.
Respect the dojo and trian hard. That is all I ever ask. Our
dojo is it’s a lot more relaxed than most. I don’t care about anyone’s rank, because rank is not everything,
trust me.
I do care about students that get into the wrong school
. It makes all the arts get a bad name.
If you are
in a school where you feel the teacher is not teaching you .... don't stay just to say you have loyalty . If you are wondering
whether or not a particular school is legitimate one well... we live in an age where the Internet is an open door for us to
expose a fake. Don't wonder what if, find out for yourself!
Think. Save yourself
Clean, Lean, fighting machine!
I don't think cleaning the dojo is part of training. It is however, part of being
a productive member of the dojo. I spent many years helping to clean my Masters dojo before training and after.
Never once did I consider it beneath me or kissing butt. It was simply part of the package of being a good student - since I
did have an emotional commitment to the art and the dojo, I felt it was my duty.
If a new student walked in to the dojo I wanted them to see it at its best. In our dojo my best students participate
fully in the cleaning..(sweep, vacuum, wash, picking-up, building, whatever ) without ever being ask. I don't think I
have ever asked anyone to do something I wouldn't do that very moment myself.
I don't ever think that
having students clean a dojo is part of "martial" training for them. It is simply something else that they do and is
in their "job description" as students. I can imagine how some would use cleaning as a way of humbling students, but that
has never been my experience. I would hope that my students would naturally want to help. Again, I don't think it's part of
training, but it is part of being part of the club. Cleaning the dojo is so much like community service, you volunteer
your service as part of a collective whole, you are in for a greater good - e.g. no smelly dojo.
It's all about opportunities. If you see one take it! Some time you may hear me say to the Jr. Students; "We have a special guest coming
today, make sure the dojo looks nice." That's my way of saying you never know who will walk in the door, at anytime.
As martial artist must always
strive to apply themselves. The idea of cleaning the dojo is to be socially mindfull and to take care of the place where you
do most of your intensive training. It shows respect to the space where you learn and it teaches one to apply themselves even
in the most seemingly mundane of activities.
"I used to be a black belt"
Over the years I have tried to help many people from other arts, and some of those students haven't
always had the most noble of reasons for training with me.
Some have left their past teachers in the way any man should be relived of duty. For your rank to be honored in my dojo
I ask that the student wear no belt for a period of time as a small test to see if that is the only reason they are back in
the art. I give my art to those who are worthy because that is my way. If you come to this dojo and claim prior Dan Rank,
you must have a letter of introduction from your last or first Master or we will not be able to help you. You don't owe anything
to us... and we don't owe you anything including admission to our program. Your tuition just keeps the lights, heat, and phone
on. You will always owe a debt to your First Teacher or the one who gave you the birth of your first Dan ranking, because
you represent him or her, from then until the end of your time... Like it or not!
"So don't lie and don't
run, just live, love and have fun".... Train, train and then train some more".
kp Sensei
"Being the Uke"
Being the uke (ouh key) means just that . Being the dummy or
model for a thought, it is not a fight!
Feeling any given Tech. is always better than seeing it or doing it
to the air. Taking a hands-on approach might be the wisest move you can make in the dojo.
However, playing your way out of a lock or trap may sometimes
get you hurt. Be sure that the training partner knows what you are doing so that he or she does not jerk, twist, slip, or
fall on you or hurt himself in any way. Save the quick jerk and snap for the street.
Remember that in most cases you have had the first blow or two
to wound you.. could you still perform that same move with out the use of that leg, or that hand?
Be a thinker even when you are the "uke" just know your place
at that time is for the other person. Not just for you to feel the
postion you would be in, but for him to feel your postion. In this case as a uke "think it, but don't do it! ...... NO NIKE aka ("just do it")
Remember the saying about too many cooks and what they did to
the broth? Keep this all in mind if you get an urge to peek and stir, but always feel free to taste, when the broth is done.
This is to say know the Combo well before you begin to tweak and bend it or make it your own.
While I share my art with all of my students ....my art is mine
and yours is yours. You need to work so that the base of the tech. stays pure, but that you are comfortable with the
out come .
In deciding to lend a hand to someone in need, you actually
end up helping yourself by discovering a new path. In fact, rather than feeling put upon or exhausted by another's demands,
you find yourself rising to challenge. It helps you that you get to use the best of yourself in aiding this person.... your
diplomacy, tact, and thought all come in handy when trying to persuade the "powers that be" (gravity) to see things
another way!
K.P. Sr. Sensei
| LAST CHANCE! |
|
| TIME IS RUNNING OUT !!!! BLA, BLA ,BLA, |
Concepts NOT Con's
Which art is better is the question I get from non-martial
artist and martial artist alike. Is Karate, is it Ju Jitsu, Judo, Kali or maybe Hung gar? The real and only answer is, all
of them are the best when you take what you need from each art. This is not to say run out and train 6 Mo. in each art but,
rather to seek the knowledge that each art holds at its base. What are the arts under lying concepts? Its thoughts on
line of attack, its level on soft vs. hard, does the art work from the ground? These in my eyes, are the right questions.
This is what we should study as students of the arts!
The concepts of Form, Kata, & Ping-te's in The art of
San Chai Na Kempo; for example, are only important because it gives us a Great base to learn from. The techniques of
the "true Way" change constantly, every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should happen naturally. Do
not get caught up with the form and appearance of techniques.
In your training do not be in a hurry to get to black
belt or even the next deg. of black. It takes years to master just the basics. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing,
Leave all of this to the self proclaimed grandmasters of the Universe. You must continue to train daily with your friends,
students, Peers and Seniors and progress together in the Arts .
This is the secret of the "Way of a Warrior". Ready.........
Progress comes to those who train and train hard. Reliance
on secret techniques will get us nowhere. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow and then again on Monday and so on.
While the combo's and kata I teach everyday stay true to form, the amount that they are left to bend..... is limitless!
KNOW THIS
K. P. Sr. Sensei
3 P’s?
What are the Practice, Practice, and more Practice
The Martial arts demands intelligence but also, practice, practice, and then when your done more practice
is the base that makes it all work . The 3 P's eventually reveals some basic truths. The rewards are immense for those who
try hard, and have a patient respect for the arts.
Teachers can only lead the way down the path you are taking. When you are lucky enough to develop trust
in a good mentor , you can avoid many obstacles, dead ends and explore more avenues of the arts. I want my students to think
for themselves. The student that learns to think and analyze at length but also learns when to let go, to react when necessary
rather than decide, is the best of all.
A quality dojo is one in which everyone who is open to the instruction can participate beginner, intermediate,
or advanced level . There is so much to learn that many will be overwhelmed if they are looking for the quick fix of "make
me a black belt next week or I'll quit" I say to these folks "There's a school not so far away from here, I'll call the Master
for you". They do not have the most important aspect of being a real Student... a teacher that calls them a true student.
It is the most important title in the arts.
Be patient but also practice, practice, and then when your done, more practice. It ‘s that simple.
Grand (Masters) ideas!
Unfortunately hostility and childlike behavior are
some of the parts that go to making up the whole picture of the "Martial Arts Biz". Desire to be on the top of the mountain
is another. There are Lots of groups, clans, or styles.... each with its own spin on history and lineage and who really is
the "king of the hill."
This on going business of trash talking the old Masters
is bull! " I have nothing against
you personally, it is only business" .....IS DEEPER BULL ! Didn't Mom ever tell you if you don't have anything nice to say
then don't say anything at all ! What is past is past.
Putting that aside and getting together for memorable
events are whats important to the Martial Arts now. If there are bad business deals in the history of some of the clans, they
should learn from that and move on. Every time a master says something about another master (old or young) it sets
an awfully bad example for all students. We all look foolish.
Humility and not allowing
ego to get in the way of doing what is right is the Martial way....right ? . The martial arts is about bringing people
together , or should be.... Right?
If all the "Grandmasters"
of each one of the clans would get together and check their egos at the door, maybe we could have a sharing of ideas between
all. Just because there were issues in the past doesn't mean you can't get past those and move on for all to benefit.
Rank aside, each clan has its own"Head master"
and no one person will ever pull them back under one System , Org. or Federation.... who wants to anyway?! I still
believe it is possible to share knowledge across different systems .. I've seen it happen right here in New England.
None
the less it is still getting together and meeting with our martial Brothers and Sisters that is important now, because who
knows about tomorrowand what will happen!
We all look stupid when the masters bicker... It is hard to fly Even with two
eyes, so lets not pluck each others out over nothing! Please save the fights for the street!
Mr. Will I. Am
"Finally a White belt, after a lifetime of training"
 Kali
I am but one of many to discover a modern use for the
ancient arts of the Philippines. An art deemed so dangerous by the Spaniards they banned it for 400 plus years.
Kali, more commonly known as Arnis, and Escrima, the Filipino martial arts have a long history of secrecy.
The Filipino
arts are some of the best suited for real life self defense. Used by
Filipino warriors for centuries to defend themselves from foreign enemies, the warrior arts are a tradition of the culture.
Before Spain's rule over the Philippines, the Filipino people had been perfecting sword fighting. It was not until the
death of Portuguese explorer Magellan ( 1480 -1521 ) at the hands of the Filipino warrior that the world got its first glimpse
of this deadly art. As a result, the Spaniards banned the practice of the earliest form of the ancient art, from the
entire archipelago for four centries. But the art survived as Filipinos continued to practice Kali in secret. Today
in the USA we have had a real surge in new students of the arts of Kali, mostly because of its reputation in the use and defense
of the the blade. Blades short or long, Kali has the years of experiance to deal with the best of the other traditional
martial arts on the U.S. market today.
Get Sticky not Stuck
Traning in the stick arts is not always what it may seem , I think many
people are shocked to here that most Kali systems are meant for the use of the blade but, most use the baston to train w/
for safety purposes.
Both old and modern practitioners of the arts realized
that they will possibly face the Katana or today the machette, and thus we as they should have defenses specifically
designed to defend against these weapons.
The practitioner of old learned to use all the weapons that
he might have to face. So while we do learn how to use egded weapons in our
dojo it is also to learn how it may be used to hurt us. For to know the
weapon, is to also know it's weaknesses.
When ever possible we would like to take the weapon away from
the attacker . It could be said that you can never trust a man with a knife in his hand after he has tried to cut you
but, the truth is, it is easier to aviod the cut and do your work as a striker frist and then when possible disarm.
This is to say that we should not just expect to simply trap his blade hand and strip it away , it takes some distraction
frist and alot of training.....alot of training!
kp sensei
|
| Oido De Caburate with Sensei Pence |
 
M.A.R.I. & W.M.A.F. MEMBERS TRAVEL ABROAD
The Martial Arts Research Institute adventure in South East Asia began Friday the 7th of Oct. Jakarta, Indonesia /
Negros and Manila, Pillippines.
The group of Artist know as the M. A. R. I. Delegates included eight members from many different M.A. backgrounds.
The cultural and historical side of the trip alone was worth the long flights to the other side of the world but, not as exciting
as the training we received from some of the worlds most respected martial arts masters!
The more than two weeks of training was with ; Guru Drs. Edward Lebe in the art of Baringin Sakti. The art
of Oido De Caburate Arnis with Grandmaster Abraham Gubaton. Dekiti Tirsai Siradas Kali with Grand Tuhon "Jerson Nene" Tortal.
From the out-skirts of Jakarta in a Martial Arts University built and run by the Government to the Mountains
of Ma-ao the people treated us like Kings. All of this was done with Thanks to May & Mike Williams, who ran this trip
and are celebrating the 10th year of this adventure to S.E. Asia.
What made the Diffirence?
When I frist began my study with Shihan Alty I had no idea how much
I already knew and,how much I didn't know. Shihan gave me more than just new techniques , he showed me how to use
and teach what I had in a whole new way.This was one the the biggest reason my art evolved the why it did.
Within our art, one achieves the ability to create rather than
merely imitate. Contained within the techniques are the principles that I try to pass on. Once a student learns the
waza (techniques), he/she is able to develop their own Henka (variations) using combinations or unique applications
of techniques for an infinite number of self defense cases. This allows the student to create waza and applications
suited to his or her own needs, rather than memorizing the techniques I have taught them in the dojo.
Don't forget to breath in your Meditation
Begin by assuming a comfortable seated position. Keep the breathing relaxed
and follow a natural breathing rhythm. Close the eyes and calm the mind. Initially,
while maintaining a natural breathing rhythm, a relaxed body, and a calm mind, begin counting backwards slowly from a Starting
at 100.
Visualize each number clearly in the mind's eye and "speak" the number either silently or aloud.
Exactly what form the number will take when visualized will vary from person to person. It is best to keep it simple. While performing the reverse count, the mind will inevitably wander off on other thoughts and you may lose track of
the number sequence. Each time this happens, return to the last number visualized and resume the count. The
goal is to complete the reverse count without any breaks or loss in focus.
BLACK and WHITE.
Many students over the years have come to me
from other schools as black belt s and one of the frist question always is "Should I were my black belt"?
I suggest the idea of the white page, Nyuanshin, beginners
mind, beginning again, of white turning to black and black to white,making us come full circle.
An appropriate way to deal with the question is to
wear the belt degree from each discipline within the respective class. If there is more than one art in question then simply
change your belt when it is required. A more practical way is to wear a black belt without any stripes at all so it can
be worn in all of the practiced arts. Even when I go to a seminar or tourny I always wear an obi with nothing on it. Its one
of my fovorite feelings to be a white belt again.
| "Somebody may beat me, but |
|
| they are going to have to bleed to do it." |
 THE GIFT
Here's something I've been thinking about as it pertains to the impact and value of the art....so
I put it in writing for the site.
Steve Prefontaine was an Olympian distance runner in the
70's, the only man who ever held every American record between 2,000 and 10,000 meters. Jim Ryun was the American mile
record holder before Pre came along, and its said that his college roomate once observed that he was good enough to be the
next Jim Ryun. To this Pre replied, "Forget Jim Ryun, I'm going to be the first Steve Prefontaine."
This is espicially important in the martial arts because
no two martial artists can ever be the same. Kempo is a very personal art, and every martial artist has different insticnts
and tendencies. Kempo is diverse, involving many different types of techniques and animal movements. There's not
a technique or form that can be passed on exactly as it was learned from its master because it will have a small part of the
teacher embedded in it. Kempo is a style that allows you express yourself in your art, and this makes it useless for
you to try to be Nick Cerio, Kevin Pence, or anyone but yourself. That's not to say that you shouldn't strive for the
same expance of knowledge or work and study ethic as some of the most famous martial artists around, but you will never
be the same martial artist that they are because your art will always be YOURS. That is truly what makes kempo special.
One of my greatest mentors has a philosophy that reads, "Strive to
make the average runner good, the good runner great, and the great runner a champion." You must follow this path in
order to become a great martial artist because of the time and hard work that goes into it. A student should have long
term and short term goals, the long term goal always attaining black belt, and beyond that mastering the art. But you're
not going to go from white to purple, not green to black belt overnight in one big stride, and trying to do so will only lead
to frustration in dissappointment. You must pass through the ranks much in the way the runner passes from average
to champion, and appreciate each goal you attain. In doing so you will learn the most possible from your journey through
the ranks and put yourself in the best position to reach your long term goal.
It's also important to respect and appreciate those you study with because without
them you couldn't possibly be successful. A few years ago I ran into Sensei Kevin's brother Sensei Bryon at Wal-Mart,
and while I hadn't seen him in nearly a year and wasn't studying at the time we talked for nearly an hour about old times
and how things were going now, all this because of the relationship we formed in the dojo. I'll never forget that
he told me that the art would always be there for me when I was through with my other committments, and that is one of the
reasons I study today. This is so true of the arts and also of the people you meet while studying. Like the art,
they will always be there when you need them, and they have much to offer you.
So to be truly successful in the arts you must put forth the best of yourself,
be mindful of your goals, and apply in yourself the best of of what you find in others. And finally, be mindful of another
quote from the late, great Steve Prefonatine---"To Give Anything Less Than Your Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift."
by:
MATT WILLIAMS - SANDAN
Thank-you for thinking;
K. P. Sr. Sensei
|
| The Sugar cane sky in Negros, Phillippines |
A sensei "says"
A sensei is human, he understands, forgives others and himself. A sensei
can admit his own error and move on. A sensei is always impartial. A sensei is up to date,
and maintains his teaching skills with continued study. A sensei instills others confidence
in themselves. A sensei has the ability to lead and be able to communicate
effectively under pressure. A sensei is a role model for all, at all times,
even off the mat. A sensei does not act as if he’s better than anyone else. A
sensei must always concentrate on the positives in every student. A sensei is polite, courteous to all
people and is concerned about his students needs. A
sensei uses discretion and honors confidences with students. A sensei is grateful
for the students that train with him.
When your Sensei is gone, the measure of that sensei is... the students. Not all will reach the level but all should aspire to.
K. P. Sr. Sensei
SHHH!
Always use discretion when explaining to others (friends or family) about our school,
where techniques are concerned. this is but one of the rules of the dojo but maybe the easist to break
The art should only be trusted with persons of the best character and honor. Silence is
one things you can do that protects the society of your training partners and our traditions. Protecting it is part of your
duty as a student of the martial way . Silence is often can be your best line of defense if someone is trying to rope you
in to showing your art or pulling you in to a fight that you have no reason to be in. on your side of the conversation criticism
of other styles or practitioners will not be tolerated in or out of this dojo,therefore there is know reason for a conversation
to get out of hand about "my style is better than yours".
Kempo is unique in that it adapts to your build, personality and spirit.The old masters
showed their wisdom when they proclaimed that in a fight for your life, you should use what you know best and forget about
the "style". Every practitioner has different attributes that can make them effective.
If people widely known of your Martial practices, it becomes a give away of your element
of surprise, which is what could be the difference in surviving an attack, or a trip to the hospital, or calling 911 for him.
|
| Remember who's water you are surffing in! |
Distract, Disable, Disarm
aka "3-D"
Distract : Attempt to humanize yourself in the attacker's mind. Speak to them. Begging for
your life, telling them you have a family, none of this will dissuade a criminal from killing you, but talking to your attacker
may distract or lull them into a false sense of security. They should feel in control at all times until the mount their not
Disable: It is better to disable the your opponent than to maim , this should be in our minds.
That being said breaking the attacker's locked joints could happen thru his own struggle. Here is where the root of your training
lies in Self-Defense.
Disarm: Use leverage or induce pain to disarm the attacker. There are many drills in your
art to help you learn to feel disarm and make your attacker feed into them. Even those with combat training may not have real
world disarm skills. Practice until the moves are instinctive.
Understanding
the principles is the most important aspect of training. One must know and understand the reason for everything they do. In
reality, you will rarely perform a "perfect" technique. If you train yourself to have perfect technique while understanding
the reasoning and principles involved, you stand a much better chance of surviving an attack than if you train for poor or
sloppy form. Strength and power must always be controlled. Uncontrolled strength and power can harm you and the innocent.
This includes class...if you try to be fast and powerful without developing the basic mechanics, you could injure yourself
or your partner. Power must be concealed. Strategically, you never want a possible assailant to be aware that you know anything.
Be strong, but appear to be weak.
Training must begin slow. Even those who think they have sufficient training tend to
move too quickly and tend to think they already know . Too often, they get ahead of themselves and do not understand the principles.
As you continue training and get the mechanics down, then speed and power is increased.
Training begins by working on
the body movements and attacks in the simplistic "ideal world". Although "ground fighting" is a necessary combat skill, the
ground is the worst place you could ever be in any attack situation.The mat has been replaced by concrete, rocks, broken glass,
cars, and unseen weapons as well. The rules disappear and your dojo pals are replaced by His buddies. You stand a much better
chance of surviving if you claw their eyes,and sink a knee into their ribs then get back on your feet, rather than wrestling
for 5 minutes, trying to get him in a “tap out”. Stay on your feet and access as many vital targets as possible
with maximum speed. If you are on the ground, get to your feet a.s.a.p. . However, we do not live in an ideal world. As training
progresses, the variables are added in until it becomes fully realistic. As part of any complete combat system, you need to
have ground fighting skills.
Targets
must be applicable and not rely on pain as the focus. For many reasons, many people can withstand a tremendous amount of pain,
that will not affect them until the fight is over. The targets should cause disruption of the physical integrity of the body,
whether it hurts or not. Targets include joints, bones, muscle groups, organs, nerves and air & blood flow. All fundamentals
of movement, attack dynamics and application of force are based on our own physics. All body movements, targets and strikes
are also based on anatomy. Anatomy can explain targets, striking surfaces and points.
Stress psychology will help understand not only the mind of the attacker, but overcome, fear, confusion and do what
is needed.
Real
life Defense must be fast, and powerful. Defenses range from a simple “leave me alone back hand in the face”,
to the time when you may have to take someone's life in order to protect yours or love ones. May that day never come! Attackers range from the "drunk brother in law " to the "broken crowbar -wielding-maniac".
PST is not only about protecting yourself, but others who may be in trouble. How bad would ignoring someone who needs help
be? What if you knew you could help.
Just
because one trains in the arts, doesn't make one invulnerable. Remember, others are trained and capable fighters also. As a martial artist, one has to not only train
themselves physical, but their mentality & spiritual as well. One has to be trained on how to remain calm even is the
most stressful of times. This is a trait often overlooked (by teachers / artist alike ) and can stop many confrontations.
Not to mention many legal cases.
Alcohol
is one of the number one reasons why adults get in to fights. I am not saying don't ever have fun with your friends, Just
be smart and don't get roped it to something you will regret in the morning. Who wants to hear the knock on the door from
the local Police Dept. in the early a.m. hours?
As
a True martial artist, could have avoided whole thing, had one remained calm and composed and using our most powerful muscle,... our Brains.
"BE IN 3-D MODE"
   WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT,
DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime
has been completed. Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This
morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days.
It is now to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries
which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia,
and Poland are some of the countries listed there. The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's
nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to
those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much
pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world countries and watch
those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still
have at home.
On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and
we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to
terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with
France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the
many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will
be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands
of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of
the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are
likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not upsetting us for a change. Mexico is also on
List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank
and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security.
So start doing something with your oil. Oh, by the way, the United
States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now. We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling
for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who
opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens.
Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "you're right!"
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around
the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America.
It is time to eliminate homelessness in America.
To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you
and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn
to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you
are reading it in English, thank a soldier.
True Nature
The true nature
of what everything is, referred to in many traditions and cultures as an enlightenment experience.
The good one
finds in experiencing the truth is that it helps you live life more effectively, in closer contact with others, and in harmony
with the way things actually are. It facilitates your progress toward personal and spiritual goals, enhances any discipline
or work you may be involved in, improves your relationships, and empowers you as an individual.
Silent contemplation
is powerful and profoundly important part of this concept. The mind is the most powerful organ is our bodies and when we use
it, we may completely transform our approach to the arts. We may improved dramatically not only in our martial
arts ability but also our lifes.
What is the
truth..... Well that is a long story, but what I can say is this.... we have a short time on this earth and we
should use everyday as if it were our last, IT JUST MAY BE. Nature
is ... we
come and we go and we are gone.
W.I.A.
THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 30s 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.......
First, we survived being
born to mothers who smoked and / or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, and didn't get
tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention,
the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding
in the back of a pick-up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT
from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes,
bread and butter, and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home
in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day.
And we were O.K.
We would spend hours
building our go-carts out of scraps and then Ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into
the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations,
Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones,
no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........
WE HAD FRIENDS and
we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these
accidents. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not
put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever.
We rode bikes or walked
to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little league had tryouts
and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent
bailing us out, if we broke the law, was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
This generation has
produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation
and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success, and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
And YOU are one of
us! CONGRATULATIONS! Please pass this on to others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government
regulated our lives for our own good.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
Sent To Boston Karate . Net by
DEG
Kata
Whether a one student or an entire class
in unison does the performance, Katas are used to demonstrate the skill, knowledge and discipline of the student. Sometimes
referred to as "forms", Katas are a series of techniques put together to tell a story or re-enact a defense situation. They
were developed for use as a training tool and are a cornerstone of the learning process. Students learn movements
or sequence of multiple movements to perform Kata.There are thirteen for first deg. black belt. Many have hidden self-defense
techniques. There may be as few as ten steps, while others may contain hundreds. Try to wake up to your katas, its a
great way to get the day started .
The name Shotokan
Sensei Funakoshi As a young man he would often walk into the hills and
the pine forests surrounding his Okinawan home town of Shuri where as he says, "he would often listen to the sound of the
rustle of the pines when the wind blew". In his book 'Karate-do, My Way of Life" he says, "to me the murmur was a kind of
celestial music. As a result of his love for these forests he decided to adopt a "pen name" with which to sign all of his
calligraphy and poems. Master Funakoshi therefore got into the habit of signing all his works with the name "Shoto". In Japanese
"Sho" literally translates into "pine" and the word ""to" translates into "waving" hence, "Shoto" means "waving pines".
The word "kan" on the other hand means "hall or building", and so when
his students were asked where they went to study karate they would say, " to "Shoto's kan" or the "hall of the waving pines"
and so over time the name "Shotokan" became associated with Sensei Gichin Funakoshi and his particular style of karate.
Today the name Shotokan is recognized world wide and is the only style
for karate in Japan sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
WHAT IS KARA-TE ?
by N. M.
To the untrained observer, karate skills can seem
like magical superpowers. Using only her body, a 5-foot 5-inch tall, 120-pound karate master can take down a 6-foot, 200-pound
man in a matter of seconds. In strength and sheer bulk, the man has the upper hand by a considerable margin. But somehow,
the karate master prevails with a few elegant punches and kicks. Using the same set of skills, advanced karate students can
break thick bricks and boards with their bare hands and feet. How is all this possible?
In this article, we'll see how students accomplish
such amazing feats. It is impossible to sum up this ancient, transcendental discipline in a short article, but we can
get a handle on some of the underlying principles. Though its highly complex, the root of karate is fairly straight-forward:
By applying physical, mental and spiritual force intelligently and precisely, you can realize the maximum potential of your
strength. Karate is one of the most widely practiced
martial art forms in the world. Martial arts rely on acute physical coordination and mental focus. They were developed in
Asia (primarily India, China and Japan) over the course of several thousands of years. Modern karate developed out of martial arts forms practiced in Okinawa, an island that
is now part of Japan. For hundreds of years, Okinawan martial arts experts honed a variety of combat styles, in part due to
the political situation in the area. From time to time, the ruling authorities would ban peasants from possessing any weapons,
leaving them with only their own bodies and household items to protect themselves.
The word karate is Japanese for "open hand"
(kara means open and te means hand). Te signifies that your main weapon is your body. Instead of an arsenal
of swords or guns, the karateka cultivates a personal arsenal of punches, kicks and deflection techniques. Kara relates
to the psychology of karate. Karatekas are open to the world around them, making them better equipped to handle any attack. When
the ancient martial arts masters were developing their sophisticated fighting techniques, they experimented with fundamental
principles of physics. In any fight between two people, both fighters bring a certain amount of energy to the situation. The
total amount of potential energy depends on the fighters' size, muscle strength and physical health. The object of karate
is to use your body to channel this energy.
At its most basic, karate is a system for varying
the forces of a fight to your own advantage. There are several ways to do this. First of all, you concentrate
all of your strength into a relatively small area. If you open your hands wide and shove somebody, the force of your attack
spreads out across your palm and fingers. This dissipates the force of your attack over a fairly wide area; your opponent
feels a relatively blunt force. But if you hold all of your fingers tightly together and hit the person with only the side
of your hand, or with only your fingertips, that same amount of force is applied to a much smaller area. In that area, the
impact is much more intense.
In karate, there are a number of punching and
kicking stances, but most of them rely on this same basic idea. The point of impact is reduced to some small, usually bony
area of your hand or foot, and the force of your attack is focused on this point. Karatekas strengthen their hands and feet
so they can throw these punches and kicks without seriously hurting themselves. If a karateka continually punches incorrectly,
he may eventually develop arthritis. Karatekas maximize the force of the impact by putting their
whole body into the punch or kick. If you watch karatekas fight, you'll see that they often pivot their torso and shift their
weight from one leg to the other when they throw a punch. In this way, the energy of their moving body goes into each hit
along with the energy of the arm muscles. Karatekas also practice hitting with great speed, as this increases the force of
each blow. One of the most important elements in karate is following through on punches and kicks. When
you hit something, say a piece of board, your natural instinct is to slow down your swing just before impact; you hesitate
because you don't want to hurt your hand. Karatekas deprogram this hesitation instinct; they visualize pushing their fist
to some point past their target (the other side of the board, for example). To maximize the force of each movement, it's essential
that the karateka follows through. Before each attack, karatekas take a deep breath. As they release the punch or kick, they
let this breath out. This helps them focus on each movement. To protect against
attacks, karatekas take on particular fighting stances. Generally, karatekas stand with one leg in front of them and one leg
behind them. This effectively shields the front of the body from attack, and gives the karateka better balance. Karatekas
hold themselves with their center of gravity relatively low to the ground, so it is more difficult for an opponent to knock
them down.
In a karate competition, both karatekas concentrate
on guarding themselves against attack while waiting for an opening in their opponent's defenses. Often, a karateka can land
a successful hit immediately after deflecting the opponent's attack, as this is when the opponent is most vulnerable. A lot
of karate is based on paying attention to what's going on around you, so you can recognize an opportunity when it arises.
by.... " Nobody's Master " sent Via E-mail
What are The Martial Arts
By Michael Lowe-Shodan
The Martial Arts are known to many as a joke around, a funny
thing, no matter what the style. If someone were to say, that he was to have any knowlege of any art, he could be taunted
by people, who don't take it seriously. They may try to antagonize a person training in the arts, by waving fists, or calling
names. Saying they want to fight you, that they could take the trainee on, to prove that they are better than the person training.
They may say that The Arts are a fools idea of defense, and that braun will overcome all in the end.
The people who believe the arts are a joke are wrong. They
may think what they want, for nobody is stopping them, it is a free country after all. The Martial Arts are both a mental
and physical training for the person studying. The mental training would be to not attack back over verbal assaults, or waving
of fists, or insults to your style, or family or belief, or race.
The arts should train one to be that strong, that mentally
strong to say to ones self, they are words, not fists, they can not harm me in any way, if I choose not to listen.
In the case of most cruel insults, the Arts hopefully
have trained a person to walk away. To walk, rather than fight. The arts train phisyically so, if you were to ever need to
use your art, in the most dire of situations, when there would be no other escape, you could. But, you should never go to
the extremities of dealing with death. "Mame rather than kill" is a line from a famous saying, meaning, if all other ways
are gone to escape, and you have no choice to use your art to protect your family, friends, or self, you would not try to
sink to the level of your attacker. You would not go as low as to threaten another life. That is how I
look at things now, how I deal with them. I have only used my art once, but once is quite enough, let me tell you.
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was perhaps the greatest Martial-Artist ever. He
was born in San Francisco, California on Nov. 27th, 1940. A few months after his birth, Bruce and his family move back to
Hong Kong. Bruce starred many films as a child. His first starring role was actually when he was six years old! It was
a role in a film titled "Little Orphan Sam".
At the age of 12, Mr. Lee begins taking Martial instruction
from the legendary Sifu Yap-Man, a master of Wing-Chun gung-fu. During the next few years, when he was not practicing his
art, he could be found in the movie studios with his father. At the age of 18, due to the numerous streetfights he was involved
in, Bruce alone was forced to move back to his place of birth, San Francisco. Bruce arrives with $100 dollars,
given to him by his parents.
While attending the University of Washington, he majors in
Philosophy. It is here he meets his future wife, Linda. He lives with an old friend of his father's, while working at the
Ruby Chow Restaurant, in exchange for room and board.
Unable to finance his education, he begins giving Martial
Arts lessons to various students at the |
