As the week progresses we get a bit closer to the annual celebration we call Christmas. Since there are many who celebrate in different ways I tend to just wish every one a happy holiday since regardless of beliefs those who reside here in the America's tend to take that time as a holiday I felt it generic enough to express happiness and joy for the season while, hopefully, not offending anyone.
I will be at work till this Friday which means I will be in the Bloggersphere but after Friday until the morning of the second of January "2013" I will be on holiday with my wife, three cats and poodle dog. Have a great holiday everyone if I don't hear from you; I wish us all the best for 2013!!!!
Belief or How I Should Have Address the CFA Article
When I first read the article I almost assumed that it was true. One reason is I believed one of the sources to be accurate and factual. I also assumed that because it came out in a periodical that I respected as a good source on traditional/classical martial arts it must be accurate in its content. These are all because I "believed" certain things only to find out that my beliefs and assumptions, although good, were in this case not accurate.
I was thrilled to see an article on the system/branch of karate I love to practice and train at. I was thrilled that one of the supposed sources was someone I respected and admired for the efforts this person has and is going to for the art of Isshinryu and out of respect for Tatsuo-san. But once again those beliefs, as they often do, influenced my mind into initially accepting something that was not true.
Belief is a very strong part of human nature. It is belief that drives us, protects us and helps us to survive and evolve. When a belief becomes something written in stone then we have the danger of stagnation, misunderstandings and conflict. This is especially true when one fails to make adjustments to a belief as time passes, evolution progresses and environment, etc. require we change. This has happened in today's Isshinryu.
One such belief has become so ingrained in one individual that it has resulted in lies, misunderstandings and misconceptions that are hurtful and wrong not to forget inaccurate and incorrect. This one individual has allowed their own beliefs and other such mundane issues as power and control to reduce their maturity to a level of a monkey driven child who does not know any better and cause actions and accusations toward others that is uncalled for and unnecessary and hurtful to the evolution and growth of Isshinryu.
We encounter many things in life that will challenge our beliefs. When challenged our nature is instinctually to resist and refute even when it is necessary, correct, accurate and validated but that is simply to urge us to question critically the new information in an unbiased way so we can perceive and possibly accept it making for new and improved beliefs.
Shamefully this is not happening in the case of the CFA Isshinryu article in the recent issue. This is shameful and a shame that it caused such a uproar among our brethren in Isshinryu. It is a shame and disappointment that we have failed as karate-ka, Isshinryu'ist and simple human beings to allow it to frustrate, infuriate and push us into childish and immature actions that are hurtful and out and out mean spirited.
I am shamed I allowed myself to get drawn into the bitter battle that is not needed, not necessary and absolutely the most unproductive things possible. It does more to harm both persons and Isshinryu than promote solidarity and symbiosis in the light of camaraderie and social cohesion of all practitioners.
In lieu of a brotherhood of Isshinryu practitioners we are simply dividing and concurring an idea, a belief and a system inspired by a true luminary named Tatsuo Shimabuku Sensei. At this particular moment in time I believe that Tatsuo-san is rolling over in pain and anguish at our actions and deeds today.
I am truly disappointed we all have failed to overcome the dogma of one belief when belief is a living thing that must grow and prosper as the human body grows and prospers as it ages. It is a sad, sad day that we have stooped to back biting childish behaviors and all I can say is "stop it," "grow up," and "let us all get along as karate-ka and simple human beings!"
Speaking Up - Correction
It has come to my attention that I made an egregious error in my posting of information in the previous "Speaking Up I & II posts here." I misquoted and posted without permission. This is unforgivable and I have no excuses.
In a nutshell I can only say that Andy Sloane has spent his efforts working on behalf of Isshinryu with the highest of honor and dedication. He is a solid, outstanding and dedicated Isshinryu practitioner who has received the type of attention that can only come from those who have missed the entire way of karate and missed being honorable men and women. He does not deserve the attacks he has endured since the article in CFA came out.
He had nothing to do with the content as it was published and is trying diligently with honor and honesty to make sure folks know that this is on CFA and the editors entirely and completely.
Nuff said, my sincerest apologies to Andy Sloane. I admire and respect his work and efforts and ask for his forgiveness in my transgression.
As to Advincula, it is just bad, bad, bad.
As to Sensei Chester Moyle, I also must submit my deepest apologies for the mistake I made and for the resulting effects it had. I do hope that he will also allow for my incorrect and egregious error.
Domo arigato gozaimashita!
Intai [引退]
The characters/ideograms mean "retire." The first character means, "pull; tug; jerk; admit; install; quote; refer to," the second character means, "retreat; withdraw; retire; resign; repel; expel; reject."
Taishoku-sha [退職者]
The characters/ideograms mean "retired person; retiree." The first character means, "retreat; withdraw; retire; resign; repel; expel; reject," the second character means, "post; employment; work," the third character means, "someone; person."
There comes a time for everything. We are all subject to nature's intent - birth, life and death. The cycles are there and unavoidable so the best way is to seek the time best to retire, to leave a service and contemplate life.
I have had a good run on the Internet. I have experienced a good run in active martial arts specifically the striking art of Isshinryu. As I study I find that I have been passed by and that is ok with me. I am turing fifty-nine and no longer desire to get out there and mix it up. It is time to allow others to reach for the stars and those stars are a far greater path than I followed.
My path was great for the time in which I experienced it. I am not finding that to remain steadfast in these new times I have to achieve goals that are not my desire, the physical ones necessary to speak with authority. Academia is not enough, the martial arts requires a balance with academia and physical applications.
In order to maintain an honorable and responsible level requires greater engagement in the systems. To write or speak with the authority and validation necessary to mentor, lead or guide others in the martial arts one must get out there and do it daily - not a sport, not for fun, not as a social system but out there experiencing and learning and leading.
I still strive for personal excellence in my practice of Isshinryu but it is now very limited in a traditional form. I still use it to attain a level of self-perfection but to lead others requires more and I find that I don't wish to go there where younger more experienced folks are traveling. I wish to provide more choices but am unable or not wanting to take the extra steps and effort to reach that high.
My time has come and I want to bow out gracefully unlike some who become an embarrassment. I love to write but need to leave it at the simplest level of philosophical such as I have attempted with my rendition of meaning behind the ken-po goku-i. If a question were to be provided I would give my theory and opinions but .....
This blog site is now considered retired. I leave it intact and available in case the information remains relevant to those seeking knowledge. My hopes are that it provided one person inspiration and allowed the person to gain knowledge and a modicum of open-minded thinking. I hope it made a difference in their practice, their training and their martial art but most of all it allowed for change and growth in all facets of life.
Those who took time to read, thank you. Those who took time to let me know, I am grateful. Those who actually allowed the world to see they read my efforts, most appreciative - my sincerest thanks. To all those out there who inspired me with their posts and comments and books - your value to me is immeasurable, thanks.
Domo arigato gozaimashita!
What is the karate creed and is it a good one for self-defense?
First, the karate creed was fist written or referenced by Sensei Ed Parker of Kenpo or Kempo fame. Ed Parker is the uncle of Ward H. Adams (now Parker since a name change some years ago) who served as a Marine in the late sixties through the seventies and early eighties. I can not say with any authority that this creed was the creation of Mr. Parker but I first heard it attributed to him over a decade or so ago. I simply give him credit for being a pioneer who used the phrase or presented the phrase first. Here is one interpretation or quote of this creed:
"I come to you with only Karate - empty hands, I have no weapons; but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons – 'Karate, my empty hands'." - Ed Parker, Grandmaster American Kenpo Karate.
Once, a while ago, I assumed incorrectly that this creed was an intricate part of the Okinawan karate heritage but found out that this was not and did not originate with Okinawans. I also was led to believe that it was indicative of specifically the Isshinryu system, which is also incorrect. It can be attributed to the Kenpo/Kempo systems headed by Mr. Ed Parker.
Analysis of the Creed:
"I come to you with only Karate - empty hands, ..."
Hmm, for a karate practitioner this means we would assume karate is to be used for self-defense situations. This is not obvious but some assumption I would make if I used this in my self-defense karate practice, etc. It would indicate to me that I have this as a means of protection and that I would, an assumption, have this available if the need were to arise, i.e. the quote that continues. In reality today I would not want just karate as it has been view and perceived to be exclusively an empty hand system for defense/protection but a part of a whole for defense which is far greater in scope than the mere empty handed applications one could learn in karate-goshin-do.
If one were actually learning and practicing a more traditional and historically supported system, style or branch that is karate then it would encompass far more than kicking and punching, etc.
"... I have no weapons; but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor; ..."
The first part makes no sense to me in this, my personal interpretation, since having the use and expertise in karate means you have a weapon. It seems to me a bit convoluted to be referencing weapons as those things used to extend weaponry beyond the human body for it is this human body and all it encompasses as to weaponry that makes it karate, i.e. striking, kicking, grappling, vital points, joint manipulation, etc.
As to being forced, I agree that to use any means of self-protection outside of avoidance and deescalation means you are going to utilize your weaponry but when it is used in such a narrow way according to defending principles or honor it speaks to me of ego, pride and the influences of the monkey which is not exactly directed by morality, legalities and economic influences, etc. which in and of themselves are inadequate as well.
We can not apply a set of principles unless those principles are directed by legal, medical and moral understandings that are dictated by the individual and the society in which they live and operate including that institutes cultural and belief systems. It just isn't this simple.
Honor is also driven by both internal and external influences and who is to say whether that honor system is adequate to require application of karate-goshin-do and in a simplistic way does that honor provide for the how and how far we take it to meet and remain within legal, ethical and medical, etc. constraints, guidance and processes.
"... should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, ..."
Life or death also must be explained since it may or may not include the individual but possible others and those questions are dependent on many factors both legal and moral as well. If they are applicable then do we actually learn, know, understand and apply them correctly? Is it possible that without additional guidance that this creed actually provides for incorrect impressions as to applying karate in defense/protection of self, others or some principle, etc.?
As to right or wrong, whose interpretations and whose legal, moral and medical interpretations where each depending on the expertise, etc. will differ? Right or wrong is very subjective on its own without additional clarification and validation then we have to think "whose?" When it comes to the actual application of karate who will say whether it was adequate, not enough or too much?
"... then here are my weapons – 'Karate, my empty hands'."
Again, maybe I am being a bit over analyzing things but I often think now about the individual and how they may perceive things, i.e. their perceptions, their expectations, their personal influence authoritative training in life as well as other more direct disciplines to include karate. If this quote and creed were used in a self-defense/protective model then it should be coupled with a good deal of other prerequisites before being used as a "creed."
"Creed" tends to promote a certain feeling of authoritative direction to follow. Creed, the word itself, symbolizes to many a religious belief, faith. It is a word that says this content is a set of beliefs or aims to guide you in the application of karate, or actions taken with the use of karate where certain specifications drive it and may not cover all the possibilities that have far reaching and possible detrimental effects on you life and those other lives associated with the individual.
Since it alludes symbolically of a religious connection some may interpret this as something driven and required by their own cultural religious beliefs if not qualified and modified to fit the model in which presented, i.e. karate as a self-defense system.
Something to consider and meditate/contemplate on ..... ?
Everyone
Anyone and everyone who finds or may find my posts anything other than my attempts to learn or they may have infringed on someone or something please comment and tell me what post and why. I will do my best to correct, I want this blog to be informative, entertaining and as accurate as possible with all gratitude and recognition due those who inspire me to write about a wonder and favorite subject for me - martial arts.
How many self-defense techniques are too much for practicality?
Hmmm, not sure I am the one to answer this question. I am sure of my personal feelings toward it tho and that is I prefer to keep them simple, few and as practicable as possible as related to violence as I see it in the street. Street violence for me is a good part monkey dance tribal oriented model but I also want something that will be there if I encounter a predatory violent attack.
I tend to feel that one, depending on how and how much they train, should keep it all simple and oriented toward natural body movements and natural instinctually driven responses, i.e. if you learn a technique you want it to be something that mimics somewhat the instinctual responses you might have in a survival mode.
I feel we tend to think that having a tool box chocked full of techniques is the only way to truly be ready for self-defense. I am not totally convinced this is practicable. There are arguments for both sides but I feel that the brain in a crunch under the adrenaline chemical flood tends to go simple and too many choices will not produce a good blended response in the moment when needed the most.
I agree it is interesting and fun to learn as much as you can but I do feel, personally, that what you learn for quantity must be tempered with adequate focus and attention on what you mind needs encoded when the stuff hits the fan. It can be done, I believe that many of the professionals out there have done this and done it well but where it tends to fall through the cracks is for those of us who rely on sporadic training and a mind-set that falsely believes that what we do in the training hall is enough. This is especially true of the persons who attend a few classes and assume it will work without any additional ongoing training and continuous practice.
The amount or quantity of SD techniques will be an answer only an individual can make for themselves. Don't listen to what I feel is adequate or excessive simply because that is what is adequate or excessive for me personally. Only you can say for yourself and you can only discover this through practice, practice, practice and training, training, training. You have to discover what works for you and what does not - for you, not me or others who will like me have a definite opinion :-)
This is why I would recommend strongly those who take self-defense attend seminars by those professionals who live this life daily and have accumulated the experience that says, it worked/works for them and then use that to gauge what works for you, they will help with that in the seminars, etc. i.e. Rory Miller, Marc MacYoung and many others.
Why do karate training facilities use the terminology, i.e. Japanese terms, and why do they wear the uniform and belts, i.e. obi and karate-gi?
Good question. For me I can say that it is a symbol of the hereditary connections to the ancient martial arts of Okinawa. It is a symbol of the times in which I first began practice even tho the karate-gi is a relatively recent addition to karate-do. It is symbolic of the essence and nature of the cultural beliefs that radically affected the systems practiced today.
As to the terms, this is a definite model and method to learn more about the cultural influences of Japan and Okinawa with a historical influence from the Chinese, Korean and Indian teachings that led, carried and passed on concepts, etc. to both Japan and Okinawa. It is a means of communications that is diverse and different as light is to day when comparing to western communications. The characters/ideograms are fluid and infer greater meanings allowing them to be used in different context and as influenced by groups, etc.
As one continues to research the cultural heritage of martial arts they can find, as I did, the strong connections and therefore strong influences on the Okinawan/Japanese social structures that led to martial arts and ways in the dojo as influenced by the cultural beliefs of every day life.
It is also a teaching tool for those who do the work and research to find the underlying meanings that are possible from using such a communications method. The creation of these characters/ideograms also provide us a means to pursue an art form for it was this art form that was born from the early practices in writing, etc.
In another view it is the "cool factor" for western training especially in the recent past sportive model. Today the current feelings are relinquishing the connections by not requiring or teaching the karate-gi and obi. It is becoming passé to acknowledge, wear or require the martial art uniform and belt. It is also being transitioned into a more commercialized western concept and symbol.
As to the characters/ideograms in the west they are again a "cool factor" so a training facility can publish and advertise that they teach a traditional system of martial arts but this too is falling by the wayside due to modern influences resulting from the acceptance of things like MMA, UFC, and other like sport models.
Very vey actually research the meaning of the words and especially the characters/ideograms and simply accept what is given in any dojo or training hall from any black belt instructor. It also allows for the cool factor in advertisements, etc. if one desires to go the extra distance to find them.
In closing the uniform, terms and characters/ideograms are merely a learning tool for teaching the martial arts and must be taken seriously by researching and finding clarity but in reality teaching the English terminology is still going to teach a front snap kick with the ball of the foot, i.e. "Ashi no bōru o motte furontosunappukikku or 足のボールを持ってフロントスナップキック."
Yelling in the Dojo, is it necessary? Is it productive? Is it damaging?
Yelling is not productive and it does not promote anything more than resentment especially when the person on the receiving in either does not know or does not understand why. Just because someone is not learning in a manner the sensei perceives is adequate to that individual does not mean it needs the disruption and negative emanations of yelling.
Command presence along with proper body language that includes specifically facial language, tone and intonation of words and voice tend to say a lot more than yelling.
Command presence can be achieved by deeds, actions and example. If you lack any of these then you tend to drop into the easiest form of disruptive and ineffective communications, yelling.
I know this because even today at fifty-nine years young when confronted by something that touches on certain emotional issues in my life I tend to lean toward frustration that sometimes leads to yelling - not good.
Yelling in the Marines is used in the first phase of boot camp but not as a teaching tool but rather as a means to disorient, confuse and create a model of indecision so they can take training to a model that one acts without thought and acts quickly but I stress that often after only a short time the yelling is lessened for more productive teaching methods and the use of command presence to achieve obedience, etc. to orders and certain processes that are all life and death oriented.
I have command presence that I learned from the Marines. I have a strong voice that when the timber and tone take a certain note along with facial expressions and body language convey meaning that is meant to teach quickly.
Now, as to the dojo, there is no need for any of this. There are no time limits on budo. There are not time constraints on either the dojo as a group or on individuals as budo is meant to be learned over time and at the pace and ability levels of each individual. The modern dojo with its emphasis on students, classes and lesson plans with time and requirements set in stone tend to lean toward larger groups that have limited time to learn or they lose money, etc.
In a traditionally formed dojo environment that is closer to the cultural systems of martial arts tend to have no such restrictions or requirements. Then the individual learns at their own pace and the teachings are adjusted accordingly.
Yelling in the military as I might add is caught up in the time constraint, i.e. make a Marine combat ready in as short a time as nine weeks - a huge responsibility and a very small window that must be met to achieve war readiness. This model came about from WWII and Korea and Viet Nam, etc. but in peace time it was adjusted to thirteen weeks which is still, for some, a short turn-a-round.
I digress, in today's modern training facilities yelling is not necessary and a throw back to the military influences of folks who brought martial systems to our country in the late fifties and early sixties. It is not necessary even for shugyo.
In testing, if used, shugyo can and is achieved in daily training and can be achieved in a short intense test environment without debasing and denigrating an human being with yelling and screaming no matter how you justify it by saying it puts the kind of pressure needed for a shugyo type environment.
Can I learn martial arts from video's?
Yes .... No .... it depends. If you have no history in marital arts or any discipline for that matter you cannot adequately learn from a video no matter how well produced. If you use them in conjunction with a qualified sensei then you can learn from them. If you have attained a certain master while still gleaming guidance from a more experienced and qualified person you can learn from them.
I watch video's on Youtube, are they really considered a valid reference when discussing/practicing Martial Arts?
In a nutshell, no. Video's are often rehearsed and of course staged to get an acceptable and usable final production. They are a tool to assist in training and practicing martial arts or any other discipline.
If I were asked to watch a video and then give my opinion on that persons ability in martial arts I would have to say, no way but I could give an opinion as to the overall production of the film much like I would a movie.
Also,
Recently I have read posting where the poster considers it necessary to prove oneself in production of youtube video's, etc. It came up when a comment refuted something posted and the poster shot back that unless you have video's from youtube, etc. along with other like materials your point was not considered valid, correct or even truthful.
Since when did producing video's become a serious validation or discredit of one's ability in marital arts or just about anything? I have seen a variety of video's on my system of practice that look really good but in essence are empty of any real meaning. Does this pretty and aesthetic form of production indicate proficiency in martial arts or is it just a production that looks really cool, good and pretty?
Aesthetics do not make the martial arts even in sport. Often the most proficient martial artists have ordinary kata and often are not pretty. When a technique is pretty it is often because it violates all the fundamental principles of martial systems that make it effective - often, not exclusively.
I have seen some of the worst marital artist produce some pretty good kata DVD's and I have seen some ordinary video's from guys who I would not want to fight in sport, monkey dance and especially in the street.
If I present a comment and am asked for sources such as would be found in almost any analysis I would then present a bibliography which includes references to experience and conversations/seminars/practice with others who had or have the experience, background and knowledge to be an expert in the field but video's? Not a chance because even ordinarily video's are often staged and rehearsed.
Think about it, do you accept any video as proof that something is valid, it works and is good martial arts? Remember there is always "the rest of the story" behind those final scenes in the clip.
If I were asked to watch a video and then give my opinion on that persons ability in martial arts I would have to say, no way but I could give an opinion as to the overall production of the film much like I would a movie.
Also,
Recently I have read posting where the poster considers it necessary to prove oneself in production of youtube video's, etc. It came up when a comment refuted something posted and the poster shot back that unless you have video's from youtube, etc. along with other like materials your point was not considered valid, correct or even truthful.
Since when did producing video's become a serious validation or discredit of one's ability in marital arts or just about anything? I have seen a variety of video's on my system of practice that look really good but in essence are empty of any real meaning. Does this pretty and aesthetic form of production indicate proficiency in martial arts or is it just a production that looks really cool, good and pretty?
Aesthetics do not make the martial arts even in sport. Often the most proficient martial artists have ordinary kata and often are not pretty. When a technique is pretty it is often because it violates all the fundamental principles of martial systems that make it effective - often, not exclusively.
I have seen some of the worst marital artist produce some pretty good kata DVD's and I have seen some ordinary video's from guys who I would not want to fight in sport, monkey dance and especially in the street.
If I present a comment and am asked for sources such as would be found in almost any analysis I would then present a bibliography which includes references to experience and conversations/seminars/practice with others who had or have the experience, background and knowledge to be an expert in the field but video's? Not a chance because even ordinarily video's are often staged and rehearsed.
Think about it, do you accept any video as proof that something is valid, it works and is good martial arts? Remember there is always "the rest of the story" behind those final scenes in the clip.
How can one truly earn a variety of black belts in a variety of different systems?
Easy, really, first master one system. In that one system you would have mastered all the fundamental principles of martial systems which translate over and into all systems. What this means is if you spend the time, effort and diligence into one fundamental foundational system then you would easily gain expertise in other systems.
Like kata, if you master one kata in its entirety, completeness and proficiency then all others are a matter of finding the uniqueness of that systems essence. It requires the base foundation and the ability to keep track of each adequately and effectively.
Then the question arises, "Can you use all of them for self-defense?" It depends on how the knowledge is encoded for the particular strategy, i.e. if for self-defense then it is best to limit the systems you learn or at least pare them down to the simplistic form necessary to work in the streets. It must be remembered that the more the brain or mind has to sift through to get to the appropriate technique, tactic and strategy the more time it will take.
Like kata, if you master one kata in its entirety, completeness and proficiency then all others are a matter of finding the uniqueness of that systems essence. It requires the base foundation and the ability to keep track of each adequately and effectively.
Then the question arises, "Can you use all of them for self-defense?" It depends on how the knowledge is encoded for the particular strategy, i.e. if for self-defense then it is best to limit the systems you learn or at least pare them down to the simplistic form necessary to work in the streets. It must be remembered that the more the brain or mind has to sift through to get to the appropriate technique, tactic and strategy the more time it will take.
Are kata really all that complicated?
Depends on your perception. If your Asian it would seem culturally speaking the simplicity of them is the truism in practice but if your western then complicated is the norm. Culturally speaking simplicity, harmony and stoicism is the hallmark of the marital artists and therefore their practices even in martial arts.
Culturally speaking complexity, complexity and convolution is the hallmark of the martial artists in the west and is also how westerners appear to live their lives.
Kata are not all that complicated. There is depth and breadth to the study and practice of kata but that applies to all aspects of martial systems be they Asian or Western or European. How one culture looks to the training and practice depends a lot on their culture, their beliefs and their perceptions, etc.
In reality my perception is that human beings can either make things simple or make them complicated. All of it unique to the individual. So, take it to where you want.
The only caveat I have here is if you want it to be your blueprint to self-defense tactics then keep it as simple as you can but if your there to feed the ego, the monkey, or fill yourself with pride and be the envy of all who bow down to you then go ahead and make it as complex as you want.
When asked and when demonstrating the kata I practice most always look for something complicated and make assumptions that if it ain't then it ain't gook karate kata - just my perception.
Culturally speaking complexity, complexity and convolution is the hallmark of the martial artists in the west and is also how westerners appear to live their lives.
Kata are not all that complicated. There is depth and breadth to the study and practice of kata but that applies to all aspects of martial systems be they Asian or Western or European. How one culture looks to the training and practice depends a lot on their culture, their beliefs and their perceptions, etc.
In reality my perception is that human beings can either make things simple or make them complicated. All of it unique to the individual. So, take it to where you want.
The only caveat I have here is if you want it to be your blueprint to self-defense tactics then keep it as simple as you can but if your there to feed the ego, the monkey, or fill yourself with pride and be the envy of all who bow down to you then go ahead and make it as complex as you want.
When asked and when demonstrating the kata I practice most always look for something complicated and make assumptions that if it ain't then it ain't gook karate kata - just my perception.
Can You Teach w/o Experience In IT?
The quote is from the article or post I recommend everyone read
especially if they teach self-defense. I personally have to agree with
one concept Mr. MacYoung states in that even with all his experience,
etc. he still finds it insufficient knowledge. I suspect this is why he
and others like him not only work as professionals in this kind of stuff
but they go out and experience from other experienced folks to continue
to build on their knowledge and experience.
As a self-defense training professional I ask you to read the post/article and then question what it is you do, say and believe - enlightening and informative to say the least.
"Can you teach self-defense if you haven't "been there?" by Marc MacYoung.
As a self-defense training professional I ask you to read the post/article and then question what it is you do, say and believe - enlightening and informative to say the least.
"Can you teach self-defense if you haven't "been there?" by Marc MacYoung.
Saying "No" to Sensei, is it proper or even allowed?
First, the unspoken legends of Asian Sensei silently conveying the entire system is based on a cultural belief system that outside those circles does not exist. Westerners are the absolute opposite of this model so communications is critical to adequately pass along martial arts teachings.
The Japanese/Asian cultures are of such rigid cultural form that often each person can intuitively perceive what is expected of them while westerners rely heavily on various forms of communications, i.e. words, body language to include facial expressions and tone or intonation in the melody of the spoken words.
In one instance a practitioner of a koryu system in Japan was told by his Sensei when he was given permission to teach the system, "you are not Japanese, when you return to the west, teach as is proper to westerners." Westerners or Americans rely heavily on verbal type communications. In my view it is a matter of combining holistically teachings by sense, i.e. the sense of sight; the sense of sound and the sense of touch.
So, as to the question asked ..... in our country even if the system taught is classic/traditional one should be allowed to communicate or question the Sensei and it is imperative the Sensei have the ability to communicate effectively the system in its entirety. Anything less is "bullshit." When you spend the time, effort and due diligence in a training hall it is required and expected that the training hall and its service providers give back in kind.
A good sensei must have the confidence and ability to communicate effectively as well as lead by example. If they don't then a student, practitioner or karate-ka, as the situation dictates, should say "no" when appropriate and with appropriate respect but then again if that is not possible - don't walk away, run. Take that time to find someone who is willing to actually teach the entire system and remain open to the relationship necessary to achieve success for the person, the sensei and the dojo.
The Japanese/Asian cultures are of such rigid cultural form that often each person can intuitively perceive what is expected of them while westerners rely heavily on various forms of communications, i.e. words, body language to include facial expressions and tone or intonation in the melody of the spoken words.
In one instance a practitioner of a koryu system in Japan was told by his Sensei when he was given permission to teach the system, "you are not Japanese, when you return to the west, teach as is proper to westerners." Westerners or Americans rely heavily on verbal type communications. In my view it is a matter of combining holistically teachings by sense, i.e. the sense of sight; the sense of sound and the sense of touch.
So, as to the question asked ..... in our country even if the system taught is classic/traditional one should be allowed to communicate or question the Sensei and it is imperative the Sensei have the ability to communicate effectively the system in its entirety. Anything less is "bullshit." When you spend the time, effort and due diligence in a training hall it is required and expected that the training hall and its service providers give back in kind.
A good sensei must have the confidence and ability to communicate effectively as well as lead by example. If they don't then a student, practitioner or karate-ka, as the situation dictates, should say "no" when appropriate and with appropriate respect but then again if that is not possible - don't walk away, run. Take that time to find someone who is willing to actually teach the entire system and remain open to the relationship necessary to achieve success for the person, the sensei and the dojo.
I was told my sport oriented martial art is good self-defense too, is this true?
True .... False .... Yes ..... No or rather "it depends." It depends on the mind-set reality based training your getting or not getting to name just one of many, many, many variables involved in violent encounters. This is why there are many books, articles, video's and training halls out there. It is a complex issue and there are and will be many "strong opinions" on this question.
It depends on the person who seeks to apply their sport oriented strategies and tactics toward self-defense. There are many, many, many considerations one must address and accept to make anything work for self-defense regardless if it is sport oriented or combat oriented or fight oriented. You have to know of these things, accept them and give yourself permission to use them for self-defense.
There are many aspects to the sport arena that are helpful in attaining the mind-set and abilities to use self-defense in a fight, conflict and violent encounter. I have witnessed the dedication, mind-set and willingness to believe in their abilities even if on the surface it may appear what they do may not actually work in the streets. Sometimes, not often, the mind-set will carry the ball even if the technique, tactic and strategy are weak or perceived as ineffective. I have also been exposed to folks who trained exclusively in self-defense, good self-defense, who failed because their mind-set failed to carry the day. It all depends.
One reason why training the mind openly, actively and obviously is as important as the physical training, it makes a huge difference. This all begins with data-mining, finding out all the knowledge, encoding it to the mind and then using it in training and practice to achieve a holistic well-rounded self-defense model for you, the individual.
It might just be that it depends on you, the individual, on how effective you are in a fight. Intensity in training, hitting something, being hit by something or someone, etc. all affect the mind-set and mind-set can achieve great things whether sport or fight self-defense oriented. It depends :-) ..... everything goes in the street, it is your life isn't it?
For more read:
Bibliography:
Christensen, Loren W. and DeMeer, Wim. "Timing in the Fighting Arts." Sante Fe New Mexico. Turtle Press. 2004.
It depends on the person who seeks to apply their sport oriented strategies and tactics toward self-defense. There are many, many, many considerations one must address and accept to make anything work for self-defense regardless if it is sport oriented or combat oriented or fight oriented. You have to know of these things, accept them and give yourself permission to use them for self-defense.
There are many aspects to the sport arena that are helpful in attaining the mind-set and abilities to use self-defense in a fight, conflict and violent encounter. I have witnessed the dedication, mind-set and willingness to believe in their abilities even if on the surface it may appear what they do may not actually work in the streets. Sometimes, not often, the mind-set will carry the ball even if the technique, tactic and strategy are weak or perceived as ineffective. I have also been exposed to folks who trained exclusively in self-defense, good self-defense, who failed because their mind-set failed to carry the day. It all depends.
One reason why training the mind openly, actively and obviously is as important as the physical training, it makes a huge difference. This all begins with data-mining, finding out all the knowledge, encoding it to the mind and then using it in training and practice to achieve a holistic well-rounded self-defense model for you, the individual.
It might just be that it depends on you, the individual, on how effective you are in a fight. Intensity in training, hitting something, being hit by something or someone, etc. all affect the mind-set and mind-set can achieve great things whether sport or fight self-defense oriented. It depends :-) ..... everything goes in the street, it is your life isn't it?
For more read:
Bibliography:
Christensen, Loren W. and DeMeer, Wim. "Timing in the Fighting Arts." Sante Fe New Mexico. Turtle Press. 2004.
Has it always taken three or more years to achieve black belt status?
No, not at all. As a matter of fact many of the pioneers of karate came back from overseas with little more than around one year of time in training to open dojo and teach karate to Americans. On average black belt has been awarded only after learning the actual movements with out bunkai or bunkai that was simple and incomplete, i.e. just enough to explain why we did kata and often not much more in the year of duty most served overseas.
It was assumed, rightly so in an Asian culture, that one would begin dedicated, diligent and comprehensive training and study over the coming years. In other instances the dojo and masters who actually had contracts with the military overseas felt it necessary to present black belts at the end of an tour or possible lose students. The military in the fifties vied for black belts and would be disappointed if they didn't achieve those levels before heading back to the states. After all, the majority would not return for additional duty overseas, i.e. only a hand full went back for successive tours or extended tours of duty.
In some rare cases for those pioneers they would actually receive a certificate for sixth dan or level of black belt with the understanding they would not assume that level until they had fifteen years or more of continuous diligent dedicated practice. Many donned the rank upon return to the states and opened dojo.
This may have been the precursor to the McDojo phenomena we experience in today's world of martial arts. Sometimes practitioners would attend just long enough to look good then branch off and open their own dojo and charge a premium fee. With appropriate marketing and con artist type promotions toward unsuspecting and inexperienced individuals it worked. McDojo's were born and have flourished since.
In defense it is turning around where more and more dedicated individuals are diving deep into their studies and bringing the true essence and intent of martial arts back to the forefront and through the internet more and more are no longer entering into practice without the fundamental knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed choices and decisions.
I personally applaud such folks I am aware of such as:
Michael Clarke of Shinseidokan dojo; Iain Abernathy Sensei; Marc MacYoung; Patrick Parker Sensei of Mokuren Dojo; Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder Sensei of Martial Secrets blog; and many many more who have indirectly influenced my continuing studies in the art of karate-goshin-jutsu-do.
It was assumed, rightly so in an Asian culture, that one would begin dedicated, diligent and comprehensive training and study over the coming years. In other instances the dojo and masters who actually had contracts with the military overseas felt it necessary to present black belts at the end of an tour or possible lose students. The military in the fifties vied for black belts and would be disappointed if they didn't achieve those levels before heading back to the states. After all, the majority would not return for additional duty overseas, i.e. only a hand full went back for successive tours or extended tours of duty.
In some rare cases for those pioneers they would actually receive a certificate for sixth dan or level of black belt with the understanding they would not assume that level until they had fifteen years or more of continuous diligent dedicated practice. Many donned the rank upon return to the states and opened dojo.
This may have been the precursor to the McDojo phenomena we experience in today's world of martial arts. Sometimes practitioners would attend just long enough to look good then branch off and open their own dojo and charge a premium fee. With appropriate marketing and con artist type promotions toward unsuspecting and inexperienced individuals it worked. McDojo's were born and have flourished since.
In defense it is turning around where more and more dedicated individuals are diving deep into their studies and bringing the true essence and intent of martial arts back to the forefront and through the internet more and more are no longer entering into practice without the fundamental knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed choices and decisions.
I personally applaud such folks I am aware of such as:
Michael Clarke of Shinseidokan dojo; Iain Abernathy Sensei; Marc MacYoung; Patrick Parker Sensei of Mokuren Dojo; Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder Sensei of Martial Secrets blog; and many many more who have indirectly influenced my continuing studies in the art of karate-goshin-jutsu-do.
Is karate a good self-defense system to learn?
Depends, depends on the mind-set and expertise of the sensei. What I mean is that most martial arts taught in the west, and more so in the east now as well, are sport oriented or philosophy oriented systems. They are good for what they are meant for but as to self-defense they often don't provide more than "a false sense of security."
With all the physical stuff in today's karate along with the sides-show physics oriented practices such as breaking boards and bricks it can give one the sense that what they are doing is effective, dangerous and applicable to defense. This is simply not true but for a few dojo.
Even those who attempt to practice a more fighting, defensive or combative system still have to live under rules, rules mean hindrances against realism, realistic violent conflicts. When you place rules in the picture the picture becomes a caricature of the real thing.
Now, some sobering information. You will in all likelihood experience more violence and injuries in a marital art system than in real life defensive situations. It is just a fact. A month did not go by in my first five years of training, practice and teaching that I didn't get hurt, i.e. a broken tooth, a cracked rib and the times I broke toes just is not worth counting/tracking. Then there were the bruises, shin scrapes, bruised bones, etc. and that was with some form of protective gear.
Karate is a medium that promotes healthier bodies and minds. If taught as intended it is truly a way of things, a "Do" if you will. It can provide some ability to defend yourself provided it is coupled with all the knowledge and understanding of self-defense law and all those other things associated with self-defense situations - in a limited way, i.e. a social monkey dance encounter. But beware, remain aware, the law is fluid as to self-defense and there is so much more here than is taught in most training facilities.
If your need is for self-defense keep in mind all this and that the statistics state that most folks will never, ever encounter true violence in their entire lives - do you really need it or is it you need "a sense of security" that comes with taking marital arts and/or self-defense instructions.
You got to ask yourself all these questions; you got to asses and analysis your needs for this stuff; you got to know what it is you have and don't have - it is more important than signing up for classes that may or may not give you what you need, not necessarily what you think you want.
Try this, if you feel your martial art is adequate for self defense then truly test this out. How? Find a seminar for either, or, or both Rory Miller and Marc MacYoung and discover the answer for yourself.
Note: not an endorsement for either Mr. Miller or Mr. MacYoung but they are the primary folks I find for my perceptions as a litmus test for reality in self-defense. Try them out and see for yourself.
With all the physical stuff in today's karate along with the sides-show physics oriented practices such as breaking boards and bricks it can give one the sense that what they are doing is effective, dangerous and applicable to defense. This is simply not true but for a few dojo.
Even those who attempt to practice a more fighting, defensive or combative system still have to live under rules, rules mean hindrances against realism, realistic violent conflicts. When you place rules in the picture the picture becomes a caricature of the real thing.
Now, some sobering information. You will in all likelihood experience more violence and injuries in a marital art system than in real life defensive situations. It is just a fact. A month did not go by in my first five years of training, practice and teaching that I didn't get hurt, i.e. a broken tooth, a cracked rib and the times I broke toes just is not worth counting/tracking. Then there were the bruises, shin scrapes, bruised bones, etc. and that was with some form of protective gear.
Karate is a medium that promotes healthier bodies and minds. If taught as intended it is truly a way of things, a "Do" if you will. It can provide some ability to defend yourself provided it is coupled with all the knowledge and understanding of self-defense law and all those other things associated with self-defense situations - in a limited way, i.e. a social monkey dance encounter. But beware, remain aware, the law is fluid as to self-defense and there is so much more here than is taught in most training facilities.
If your need is for self-defense keep in mind all this and that the statistics state that most folks will never, ever encounter true violence in their entire lives - do you really need it or is it you need "a sense of security" that comes with taking marital arts and/or self-defense instructions.
You got to ask yourself all these questions; you got to asses and analysis your needs for this stuff; you got to know what it is you have and don't have - it is more important than signing up for classes that may or may not give you what you need, not necessarily what you think you want.
Try this, if you feel your martial art is adequate for self defense then truly test this out. How? Find a seminar for either, or, or both Rory Miller and Marc MacYoung and discover the answer for yourself.
Note: not an endorsement for either Mr. Miller or Mr. MacYoung but they are the primary folks I find for my perceptions as a litmus test for reality in self-defense. Try them out and see for yourself.
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