Its Not a Matter of Who is Right
"People here may belittle sports arts...." Who? Almost EVERY "combatives" man of any note CAME from a combative sports background. Boxing, wrestling, judo. WEF and O'Neill (SIXTH DAN-Kodokan Judo-personal student of Uchijima Sensei, a NEWAZA LEGEND) are PRIME examples of this. But HERE'S a BETTER contemporary example: Damian Ross. Mention his name in wrestling circles here in Jersey. HE IS A LEGEND! Go to Yonezuka's Dojo(one of the BEST in the WORLD) and watch Damian randori against TOP level competition. Go to ZENSHIN Dojo and "hang" with him for one of his PT workouts(the man does NOT KNOW the meaning of the word QUIT!). AND THEN........ask him to teach "self defense". See what he teaches. I'll SAY it AGAIN. What a 20 or 25 year old young buck and what a middle aged businessman seek to get out of their training are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. As far as the "effectiveness" of ANY technique, well a FIGHT is a FIGHT. I know a guy who got his head split open from a blow with a lead pipe. Know what? HE STILL beat the sh## out of the TWO a-holes. SO WHAT? You FIGHT like hell until either YOU'RE DONE or HE'S DONE. AND why is it so hard to "get" that "close combat" is far MORE than "ax hands" and "tiger's claws". It's ANYTHING THAT WORKS. Cracking someones "egg" with a blackjack is close combat. "Kneecapping" some guy with a bat or ax-handle is close combat. Working some street punk over with "knucks" or "sap" gloves is close combat. Using a shiv, push dagger, or a friggin' ball point pen is close combat. A steaming hot cup of coffee right in the mug is CLOSE COMBAT. I "know" guys who have DECADES of training in sporting combatives. YEARS of competitive experience and TONS of knowledge. KNOW WHAT? Screw with them and the LAST thing they are gonna think about is ANY "unarmed" mano a mano response. As far as "building" attributes? OF COURSE! Athletics in GENERAL build many fine and useful attributes. BUT....I know of MANY instances were individulas with NO athletic background AT ALL have overcome TREMENDOUS odds. I have also witnessed "champions" who were hell on wheels in the ring, and on the mat FOLD like the proverbial "cheap suit" when the rubber met the road for real. SO WHAT? But here's the REAL issue at the bottom of this ongoing debate. Someone who has spent years training in "karate" has invested time, money, and maybe blood sweat and tears in his pursuit. He WANTS to believe that what he has invested so much in will WORK. Same for Kung Fu. Same for Aikido. Same for BJJ. Same for Boxing. Same for Wrestling. Same for Judo. Same for Savate. Same for FMA. SAME FOR ANY ENDEAVOR. But that ONLY makes sense in the PARAMETERS of that SPECIFIC endeavor. Competitive Judoka expect to compete within the well defined "rules" of THAT endeavor. They DO NOT expect to enter a shiai and be knifed in the guts by the other competitor. A boxer enters the ring and expects to fight under the agreed rules of the boxing commission. He DOES NOT expect to be shot dead from across the ring by his opponent. Let's say you're a top level collegiate wrestler. By circumstances beyond your control(real life does that) you have to face several desperate well armed foes. You're given a "choice". Attempt to use your wrestling skills at which you are VERY GOOD, or grab a 12gauge riot shotgun. Now let's say you're at a relatives wedding. The booze is flowing pretty good and Uncle Vinny gets a little out of control. Same choice as above. Use your wrestling skills to restrain old Uncle Vinny or grab the riot gun? I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S A## about "style", "system", or any of that CRAP. WHY? Because ALL I AM INTERESTED IN is what will SAVE MY BUTT in the real world, when it's for all the marbles. I have spent YEARS in Judo, I get attacked for REAL and I grab a brick and pound the skel into mush. DAMN! I didn't get to use my Judo! OR....I get grabbed from behind and manage to toss the skel to the ground with O-Goshi, THEN I finish him with the brick. SO WHAT? If a "tiger's claw" works GREAT! If "hadaka jime" works GREAT! If a kick to the balls works GREAT! If a takedown works GREAT! If running the bastards down with my car works GREAT! Anyone out there "getting" this! IT AIN'T ABOUT what is or isn't "BETTER" or more "EFFECTIVE". ANYTHING THAT SAVES YOUR BUTT IS GOOD! It's NOT a matter of who is "right", only of who is "left"! Carl Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com © Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors: Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com
Related News
Does Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC Need a Cruiserweight Division? - Bloody Elbow
Mark J. Ferrioli | Karate instructor, 55 - Philadelphia Inquirer
Mark J. Ferrioli | Karate instructor, 55Philadelphia Inquirer, PA -22 hours agoMark J. Ferrioli, of Northeast Philadelphia, who taught martial arts for almost 40 years, died of heart disease at home on Nov. ... |
Her family ties are martial-arts belts - Modesto Bee
Her family ties are martial-arts beltsModesto Bee, CA -Nov 30, 2008When she married her husband, Rick, almost 20 years ago, she had one child and he had three, and tutoring the children in martial arts became a way of ... |
USKA Championships review - SportMartialArts.com
USKA Championships reviewSportMartialArts.com, MN -37 minutes agoThis was to allow adult black belts to be freed up from judging so they could fight, which is customary in most martial arts events. ... |
Some local businesses closing up; others opening - Marion Star
Karate Kids Kicking Bad Behavior in Harlem - The Epoch Times
Karate Kids Kicking Bad Behavior in HarlemThe Epoch Times, NY -Nov 29, 2008Traditionally the school wouldn’t start training children in martial arts until they were around eight or nine years old, but Thorton came to realize that ... |
Gambling and Mixed Martial Arts - Fight Ticker
Gambling and Mixed Martial ArtsFight Ticker -Nov 29, 2008There have been many prominent cases of former athletes betting on their chosen sport. MMA is no different. Tito Ortiz is among a long list of fighters that ... |
Legislators will try again to ban youth cage fighting - KY3
P1 Exclusive: Hojutsu-Ryu, the martial art of shooting - Police News
15 Minutes: How ballroom dancing resembles martial arts - Post-Bulletin
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
A Samurais Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword
In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head of this regime was the Shogun, the supreme ruler. Under him where his regional 'daimyo' or 'dukes'. Under each 'daimyo' served the Japanese samurai. When a samurai stepped out of line, became too unruly or displeased his 'daimyo', the samurai would often have to go through a procedure known as yubizume. This procedure is a very barbaric punishment in which the first joint of the little finger on the sword hand would be amputated.
A Great Question!
It's a question that we went back and forth with for awhile ourselves many moons ago. The "how" and "why" of our conclusions may be of some interest. Whether or not anyone agrees with them, well at the least you'll fully understand the basis for them.
The Test
"Will this work so that I can use it instinctively in vital combat against an opponent who is determined to prevent me from doing so, and who is striving to eliminate me by fair means or foul". ~ Rex Applegate
Regular or De-escalated
We always stress that NOTHING occurs in a vacuum. There always exists stepping stones or a progression of events that lead up to a "situation". Whether YOU are AWARE of them or not is not the issue(it should be, but as they say "sh%& happens").
Bogu Training
About four years ago Carl recommended we start using the Bogu during our kumite (sparring practice). This method was developed in Okinawa and then found its way into mainland Japan and eventually to the U.S. where only a few clubs still do this. And even in those clubs, only a few members do it. I know there is other equipment out there that looks similar and I have used most of what's available. But it does not provide you with nearly the same overall effect that the bogu does. Rules in bogu training ? Any punch, any kick, save foot stomps, a strike to the spine and to the back of the neck. Throws and leg kicking is certainly allowed. Use, dare I say, your commonsense.
Samurai Swords and The Swordsmiths
Back in the early times of sword manufacture, the production of super strong high-grade carbon steel wasn't even a vague dream. But we know, as history has taught us, that sword makers of ancient times still managed to produce superb quality, strong weapons.
Elements of Unarmed Combat
Custom build your own personal "system":
Is Aikido a Martial Art ?
Sensei Henry Ellis Co-Author of the new book Positive Aikido.- 2005. A direct student from 1957 of the legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensi 1915 - 1985..
Martial Arts
Traditionally, people trained in Martial Arts in order to utilized their skills as
a form of attack and defense in both armed and unarmed combat. Today,
people train in Martial Arts in order to keep fit, as a form of meditation, to
learn self-discipline and as a competitive sport.
Although Western culture associates Martial Arts with Asian countries,
many countries developed their own Martial Arts as a form of military
defense, prior to modern technology. There are many different styles of
Marital Arts, such as Ju Jitsu, Tai Chi and Karate.
All styles of Martial Arts follow a system of teaching. During teaching, a
student is taught a series of forms. These forms, once learnt, help the
student to develop a technique that they can then utilize when needed.
There are also different levels of training that a student can progress
through, once they have mastered the first level.
All students must study under a Master of the particular Martial Art that
they wish to learn with the hope of one day becoming also a Master. This
is the traditional way in which the skills all Martial Arts has been handed
down over the generations.
Samurai Armor Part 1
The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in the form of the yoroi during the Gempei War of 1181-1185. The weight of the yoroi was around 60lb. The upper-body armor of the samurai was known as the 'Do'. This comprised of the 'Sode', the suspended shoulder and upper-arm protection plates. The Sode had hoops by which silk cord was tied and then fixed to the back of the armor in an 'agemaki' / decorative knotted tassel. Guards were also placed over the shoulder cords, and a leather plate placed across the bow cords to prevent them from been cut or becoming ensnared during a skirmish.
Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective Equipment
The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners. The disciplined training of the mind and body give a sense of well being but some aspects of Martial Arts training do present a problem.
Martial Arts and The Zone
On the occasions you delivered the perfect strike; blocked without the need to think or performed a near flawless kata, did it feel difficult? Or did you get the sense it happened by itself? The 'zone' is a place where athletes describe this sort of experience. Studies suggest its a state of 'effortless merging of action and awareness'. So what stops us from getting there? Factors such as stress or attempts to try harder can interfere. Often our efforts to train harder result in unnecessary muscular responses that prevent us reaching the effortless state of the zone.
Break the Bones
"HONE O ORERU" is a Japanese term that translates literally as "BREAK THE BONES". It is an essential concept of true SHUGYO and a central theme of a true Budo Dojo. What this term means at it's essence has EVERYTHING to do with the forging of an iron will and a determined resolute SPIRIT. Hone O Oreru epitomizes the nature and purpose of true Budo as expressed in physical "keiko" or training.
Sensing Intention
One of the 'mystical' aspects of the martial arts has always been the ability to feel another persons intention.
Martial Arts and The Bible
As a Christian and a martial arts student, I have often wrestled with the idea of self-defense. Does God expect me to defend my family and myself when physically attacked or am I to "turn the other cheek" and endure it in the name of Jesus? As I considered the many comments I encountered on this topic, I became even more confused. Some advocates for "religion" have gone as far as to say that anyone who practices any form of martial arts is without a doubt bound for hell. It wasn't until I committed myself to a more thorough study of the scriptures that I discovered the truth for myself. The Bible gives more than a few examples of the practice of self-defense and the idea of martial arts. I would like to share some of what I have learned in this study of the Bible - Old Testament and New. The Bible is, in fact, the very word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17).
Tae Kwon Do As A Means To Stay In Shape
Becoming a martial artist is a fanatastic method of fitness. While there are many martial art forms to choose from, taekwondo is clearly the most beneficial, and the most practical. And while many realize the benefits of such exercise, the simple fact is most have no idea how to begin.
Who Created Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)?
I have read a number of books, articles, and novels, and have watched movies and television series that touched on the origins of Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing), and the question, "Who Created Tai Chi Chuan?" made me concern very much!
Aikido Philosophy: An Oriental Concept of Energy, Self, and Mind
Preface
How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment
The most common place to buy martial arts or self defense equipment is in the local dojo. Most dojos, training centers, etc., have a small store where you can buy or order the martial arts or self defense equipment you need for your practice.
Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts
Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.
|