jdoub

Strife-san, As a veteran of 16 years of service in the US Army Infantry, nothing beats the hands-on of the PT pit. Initially, hours are spent in the training pit as young recruits learn how to through very crude techniques at each other. As in real life, if you do not do them regularly and with intensity the skill begins to go away. One thing to keep in mind is that in the military, the job is to shoot guys and not punch them. Many more hours are spent shooting, rather than punching. Sad, but true. As the others above stated; define what it is you want to learn how to do, research the schools (and their instructors) in your local area; determine which is the "right" one for you, make a commitment to yourself, and sign-up. Whatever you decide, good luck!! John

As a suggestion, go to: http://www.kravmaga.com/ Old moves and ideas, but a new way of teaching and marketing. Good luck in your search!! John

OSU ChangWuJi-san!! From a Tai Chi Ch'uan perspective, you are only making them "fly away" when pushing or warding off. Do not forget the Chen style "cannon fist" or many other techniques (done with closed and open hands) are strikes and not pushes. Cheers. John

thaiboxerken-san, I agree with you on there being no absolutes in combat. To be a "specialist" in anything - to be too reliant on any one thing - will get a person hurt in a fight. The basics work, the basics are found in kata, the places that you strike on the body are part of the basics, and it is just a matter of practice. Or so this has been my experience. As for "experts" not being able to make it work, some of them have never been in the "real deal" and cannot work outside of a seminar setting. The guys that can show are out there and they can help show you how to make it work in your system. Thanks for taking the time to respond!! John

shortdog-san, As requested by Patrick, I have included information that I posted in my introduction to this web forum. "I have involved in the study of Martial Arts for over 25 years. I have been teaching both Classical Karate (with an emphasis on Okinawan techniques) and Yang Style Tai Chi Ch'uan since 1983. I am the Headmaster (i.e. - Chief Instructor, Shihan, or Dean) of Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy. I will state that I am 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan) in my style, but I am the highest rank since our Founder died. While that may sound impressive to some, I would ask that everyone take into consideration that I am a nobody from an unknown style in a small city in a big world of Martial Arts. I come before you 'virtually' with only my experience to speak for itself and the system that I represent. I have been exposed to over 9 years of combative experience both in and out of the US Armed Forces; having serving over 16 years in the US Army Infantry. I view those years of actual street fighting as an acid test to my way of thinking and teaching." I would still encourage you to visit my web site (URL provided below) to get a greater understanding of both Heiwa-Ryu and myself. It may provide a better perspective when reading my posts. Cheers!! John

thaiboxerken-san, I have not found that to be a true or an absolute statement. If hit in the right place with the right amount of force, pain is felt. All fighting is submission fighting - sometimes a person's body does the tap out for them when they cannot. Again, I have not found that to be a true or an absolute statement. If your training already incorporates the techniques, then it is all a part of what is going down. If you are "desperate" it is probably too late for much more than kissing it good-bye anyway. It is all about how you train and what you train to do. Cheers!! John

Greer-san, I was not responding to your earlier statement. You appear to know what you are talking about. I was merely providing some links and a comment. Cheers!! John

To all: Pressure points are real. They are not to be confused with "vital" points. Rick Clark studied under George Dillman and George Dillman was introduced to the reality of pressure points and what kata really has by Taika Oyata. Dillman links (or related): http://www.dillman.com/ http://www.kyusho.com/ http://www.dragonsociety.com/ http://www.edlakekyusho.com/ Taika Oyata links: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/2264/ http://www.ryushu.com/ http://www.polanderkempo.com/ It is real. John

Cody-san, Go buy a black belt and then do not worry about it any more. Belt color is just a color, but what is in your heart will last a lifetime. Take care!! John

shortdog-san, Check out my web site and then send me an email (mailto:jdjr@heiwa-ryu.org) and we can chat. Email or here is fine with me. Cheers!! John

Patrick-san, OSU means everything, BUT no. It is used for answering... Yes Of course Absolutely Right on Oorahh Hai I can do it You can do it We can do it ...well, you get the picture. John

OSU Tae-san, OSU!!

Chris-san, Go to Amazon.com and take a search for the book "Nunchaku: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense with Video" by Fumio Demura-shihan. The book and video combination are priced as: List Price: US$35.95 Amazon Price: US$28.76 You Save: US$7.19 (20%) Demura-shihan is a Shito-Ryu practitioner if it matters. Good luck. John

Tae-san, That is the disadvantage of the web; it is hard to understand intent and to know the heart of a person. Nothing to take the wrong way!! LOL - I am still enjoying the research and exploration. I am in no way the holder of the "keys," but just someone who may be a page or two ahead in one book only to behind everyone else in another. Onegai shimasu!! I am sure that many things are possible. I too have found it interesting that some of the Okinawan Martial Artists called what they practiced Karate-Do (meaning Chinese Hand/Fist Way) and some of the Korean Martial Artist called what they practiced Tang Soo Do (meaning Chinese Hand/Fist Way). The links are there, it is just a challenge to sift through the names, places, and periods. I did not take anything you have said to be disrespectful; I am sorry for my brevity in postings. Gamabatte!! It sounds as though you have nearly reached your goal. Good luck... John

Tae-san, I did not say it was wrong. I merely stated my own opinion based upon my own understanding of what I too have been told by elders and what I have researched. You are correct. At the time of your study, it would have been disrespectful to have questioned; especially in Asia. Yet there are many ways to broaden young, and old, minds alike. One of which is to do the research ourselves in the interest of gaining better understanding and not to point out a flaw. As I had stated to everyone: "Remember that 'paper does not refuse ink' and so the web does not refuse typing. Do not take what I or Tae-san state as absolute. Do your own study. Come to know and understand yourself better through diligent disciplined practice. Read everything you can, make notes, and compare. Understand that some of your sources may be biased by their own education. Challenge your teachers, respectfully, in the interest of learning all that you can from them." I am merely expressing other information that can be easily found to those who wish to find it. The most challenging things for my Father (Soke/Founder of Heiwa-Ryu) early in his own study was to realize that some of his own Karate instructors did not know everything and that there was research to be done and travels to be experienced. As a Founder of your own system, I would expect that you have done the same in order to achieve what you have. Respectfully, John _________________ John E. Doub, Jr. Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy http://www.heiwa-ryu.org mailto:jdjr@heiwa-ryu.org [ This Message was edited by: jdoub on 2001-06-19 20:56 ]

Tae-san, As you say the Pankrantion, also spelled Pankration, was a competition between warriors, but IMHO that does not constitute a Martial Art. The combative skills trained and developed could be considered the Martial Art. To say that Pankration is a Martial Art is like saying that the UFC, K-1, and Vale Tudo are Martial Arts. Again, as you say there is a Chinese system that dates back further; it is your own Tai Chi Ch'uan. There were two Shaolin Temples; one to the North and one to the South. One temple housed the Buddhist monks, while the other housed the Taoist monks. There is still much debate as to what exactly did Bodhidarma bring to the Buddhist temple; was it a Indian Martial Art? If so, why is it not found in India still today? The Taoists had been working on Tai Chi Ch'uan (aka - Wu Dang Boxing, Monk Fist Boxing, and 36/37 Postures) since before 1000 B.C.; review the Yellow Emperor's Medicinal Classic that makes reference to the meridians. Only some of the Buddhist Martial Systems follow the animal forms; animals do not punch and kick. The Taoist Tai Chi Ch'uan does not follow an animal form and attacks the meridians on the body. Others have thought that perhaps Bodhidarma, upon seeing the lack medative dicipline the monks, had introduced muscle change exercises; some think that this is known today as the 8 Pieces of Brocade (aka - a style of Chi Kung or Qigong). The challenge (for all of us) with understanding the history of the various Martial Arts from around the World, is that only until the last 10-15 years has there been an increase in the number of books available on the subject. In many cases the earlier books were not well documented and it has been later in the last decade where there has been quite a bit more research and information available to the Martial Art community. To everyone: Remember that "paper does not refuse ink" and so the web does not refuse typing. Do not take what I or Tae-san state as absolute. Do your own study. Come to know and understand yourself better through diligent disciplined practice. Read everything you can, make notes, and compare. Understand that some of your sources may be biased by their own education. Challenge your teachers, respectfully, in the interest of learning all that you can from them. A teacher should be teaching with the intent of making their students better than they are. Respectfully. John

To all: Taijiquan (aka - Tai Chi Ch'uan) is known as the Grand Ultimate or even the Grand Ultimate Fist Way. Taiji has roots that begin as far back as the Yellow Emperor's Medical Classic (circa 1500 B.C.) and is thought to have been developed by the Taoists. It was first heard of as Wu Dang Boxing, Wu Dang Monk Fist, and even as the 36/37 Postures. It was known in pre-Buddhist Prince Tamo China. It is not based upon animal techniques, but the 36/37 postures that can cause death went implemented correctly. Taiji is not just a bunch of movements. It does happen to be one of the oldest Chinese Martial Art systems. Kung-Fu is not a style, but is used by some to define Martial Arts in general; or possibly just Chinese systems. Qigong (aka - Chi Kung) is more in keeping with your qi cultivation and exercise drills. My 2 cents. John

BE, No, it is not the case. Shotokan does happen to be one of the three "original" styles known as Japanese Karate, but remember that Funakoshi-sensei came from Okinawa. Shotokan was founded after 1930, and Funakoshi-sensei was teaching in Okinawa during the 1905 period when the kata were changed. Go if you take a look at my web site (shameless plug), go to the "Asian MA History" section and select the "Okinawa" option you will see what I am talking about. If you read any Funakoshi-sensei's books, you will see more examples of what I am talking about. When all else fails, just do a web search. Cheers!! John

James-san, Thanks for asking the question. As I have previously stated, I teach both a Classical style of Karate and Yang Style Tai Chi Ch'uan. My thought is that 'Classical' Martial Arts were developed out of knowledge amassed from Combat experience, Human Physiology, and 'applied' learning. A technique from a kata may be mapping the correct angle and direction for one to strike a cavity (pressure point) or how to twist an attacker's finger, hand, or wrist to render them ineffective - or even set them up for a more devastating strike. I do not teach 'point' fighting. I teach the kata and how they were intended to be applied in a potentially life threatening situation. OSU!! Neither are bad by design. What is the intent of the teacher and the desire of the student. A person that studies a Sport will most likely suffer at the hands of a mugger and a Classical Karateka will probably not go home with the sparring trophy. Sports have rules to prevent serious injury, but combat is about survival. Just my 2 dollars worth. Talk with you later!! John

...and I am just a traveler down the path. Good luck in your forum. John

Pratrick-san, I did get your email. The Martial Arts are a way of living my life, so I have got a full-time job that supports my Lifestyle pursuit. I will get back to you. Remember, I am a nobody and Heiwa-Ryu is not known anywhere outside of my students and my web site. The combination of both youth and genuine interst is a great beginning for this forum. John

Regarding the origins of Martial Arts... You can get some good reference information from my web site (http://www.heiwa-ryu.org) under the Asian Martial Arts link. But keep in mind a few things: 1. The Greeks had their own stuff 2. So did the Egyptians 3. So did just about everyone else... Archery is a MA, as is Horsemanship, Fencing, and Riflemarksmanship. Unarmed combative skills are only one category of Martial Arts. The Taoists are credited by some as developing the predecessor to Tai Chi Ch'uan before 1000 BC, yet the Hindu culture also has an "ancient" art as well. It will be debated much the same as the Chicken and the Egg. Cheers!!

To all: I have involved in the study of Martial Arts for over 25 years. I have been teaching both Classical Karate (with an emphasis on Okinawan techniques) and Yang Style Tai Chi Ch'uan since 1983. I am the Headmaster (i.e. - Chief Instructor, Shihan, or Dean) of Heiwa-Ryu Martial Arts Academy. I will state that I am 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan) in my style. While that may sound impressive to some, I would ask that everyone take into consideration that I am a nobody from an unknown style in a small city in a big world of Martial Arts. I come before you "virtually" with only my experience to speak for itself and the system that I represent. I have been exposed to over 9 years of combative experience both in and out of the US Armed Forces; having serving over 16 years in the US Army Infantry. I view those years of actual street fighting as an acid test to my way of thinking and teaching. I would encourage everyone to visit my web site (URL provided below) to get a greater understanding of both Heiwa-Ryu and myself. It may provide a better perspective when reading my posts. Should anyone have questions, please feel free to email me directly or post replies. I will not respond to posts of "my style is better than your style" or "my sensei is better than your sensei" since I feel they are pointless. A person makes the style; the style cannot make the person. Above all, I am posting my opinions which are just as valid as anyone else's. "Paper cannot refuse ink..." Regards, John

To all: What does it mean to be a Master?? I love to drink green tea. I love jasmine green tea. I especially enjoy Peet's Jasmine Downy Pearls, which is a rare tea. I am in search of the "perfect" cup of green tea. There are so many variables that can effect the cup of tea like; freshness, the type of water (distilled, tap, or spring), water temperature, what kind of tea pot is used, what kind of cup, time of day, and of course your own disposition. With so many nuances to try and balance, and how to get them just right, the pursuit of that perfect cup can take a while - some may think, as I, it can be a lifetime of learning. Once you enjoy that perfect cup of tea, would you still want to drink one tomorrow?? In the Martial Arts, one can come from the approach that the understanding of one's chosen art has a beginning, middle, and an end. The End of learning suggests that there is nothing more to be gained or appreciated from that person. If we assume that there are many layers and levels to "uncover," or discover, in the Martial Arts and that each new discovery reveals to us yet more things that we must explore, maybe learning and understanding and assimilating can [or should] be a lifetime pursuit. Of course on another note, I can barely master my own life let alone consider myself to be now (or ever) a Master of anything. Good luck to you all in your respective travels!! John

Tobias-san, What does your association expect from the encounters?? Are they teaching [or sponsoring] a Sport version of the Martial Arts (by conducting point sparring tournaments), or do they teach reality based application [Classical] Karate?? IMHO, most Shotokan-Kai or Dojo (and nearly every other Japanese style) teach a Sport; they teach kata from the perspective of historical ideal, but do not apply the techniques within the forms in combat. It has been my experience that Sport versions of the Martial Arts do not prepare you for a real street fight. In general, Sport versions encourage point attainment and not fight stopping techniques that can cause quite a bit of devastation to your attacker. If for your test they want to see you in action against other stylists, then they will see who is a better performer since no one really wants to hurt someone correct...?!? Either way, good luck on your test!! Keep training hard and get out of your training what you want and not what others tell you (including me). OSU!! John