What WAS New: Mar 19, 2000

April 24, 2000: Challenging the Self!

The traditional martial arts (TMA) are taking a beating from the Ultimate Fighters, Grapplers and other offshoots of the formally popular Asian arts.

Most of the TMA are considered as inferior fighting systems, reduced from their original purposes as realistic killing methods to minimally effective self awareness programs with kicks and punches! The public, with it's insatiable demand for new things to compensate for it's lack of attention span, is being overwhelmed with choices.

I find myself on the defensive when fielding questions pertaining to Uechi-ryu. Everything from the way I teach and why I feel people should study TMA to the subject of which fighting system is the best. There certainly is a lot of speculation and confusion over the question of whether Uechi-ryu should be taught strictly for self-defense or continue to be offered as an Asian art, consisting of physical and spiritual exercises designed to build confidence while maintaining and possibly improving overall health. As a side benefit, the practitioners learn self-defense skills commensurate to the amount of physical work devoted to the training.

In order for the TMA to survive the onslaught of eclectic fighting systems, it's proponents must clarify exactly what their art/system represents and how it fits into the self protection continuum. In my estimation, the worse thing we can do is pretend to be something we aren't or to deceive the public into believing we offer something we in fact, do not offer.

There are some who believe their fighting system is superior to everything else. The hype that surrounds these beliefs is what fuels public's interest and keeps them moving from one promising group to the next. We even try to prove our claims by pitting our "champion" against their "champion", in the hope to lay claim once and for all for the bragging rights. Unfortunately, a win this week, a loss next week and confusion continues to reign and the debate moves to the next level or until a new "champion" from a new method in introduced.

Instead of joining the growing list of ultimate fighting arts and attempting to win the battle over which system produces the toughest and most invincible fighters, the TMA should adopt a realistic public identity. Your dojo will survive the latest craze and will continue to grow with the kinds of students you want.

Obviously, we should continue to explore and question what we do. Learn from the many wonderful and gifted teachers out there, who are irreverent and creative. You will be surprised how much of what you might consider to be non-traditional are part of what you currently study. You just need to empty your cup once in awhile and expand the sources of your information and knowledge. As teachers, you may lose a couple of students to your competition, but if you get your head out of the sand and become part of the process, your TMA will improve and your students will appreciate your well rounded understanding and approach to teaching.

As created in the East, the TMA are a wonderful basis for general self defense skills. But don't become complacent and overconfident in ritual movements and unworkable drills. Take advantage of all the opportunities to test yourself and your methods. Don't arbitrarily change your TMA system. Look inward and use those tools you practice the most to bring out skills that have been there all along, but unseen and unappreciated by most practitioners.

There are many TMA teachers who have graduated from level one and are capable of getting the most out of their training. They are the one's who you should seek out on occasion to get a new technique, new insight and in the process a new respect for what you do. No teacher knows it all. No program perfect.

Joe Bellone, one of TMA's most talented Uechi practitioner and proponent of cross training, recently submitted a post to Van Canna sensei's forum with a message which I believe deserves repeating here:

Thank you for the kind words. [concerning Joe's recent tournament victory] I've done a lot of reflecting and eating in the last several days. I spoke with Van about one of the most difficult things that we have to battle with as martial artists is to step outside our comfort zone and confront ourselves. This can be done either by competition, going to another dojo, or just going to a regional workout. Doing these things makes you grow as not only martial artists but as people in general. Friendships made through the common bond often last for a lifetime. There's something to be said about sweating and working hard together to form great relationships.

The lessons learned on the dojo floor should be applied to our everyday life. Sometimes, we tend to get a little complacent in our daily life or in our martial practice. Sometimes, we need a little short term goal or a little push to help us breath new life into our martial vehicle again.

I strongly urge you to participate whether it's a summer camp, Uechi Championships or Gary Khoury's sparring seminars. Competition isn't for everyone, but if you're apprehensive about sparring you should definitely take one of Gary's seminars. Confront yourself. Just be honest, mention that you're apprehensive about sparring to him before hand and I guarantee that you'll receive more respect from him than the young aggressive person that wants to mix it up. You'll make friends, learn something good and grow as a human being. The best part will be that you'll be taking that step outside your comfort zone and you'll feel great knowing that you did.

It's all about confronting yourself. There are many ways to do it.

Hopefully, I'll see many of you soon.

Joe

April 16, 2000: Child Discipline. . . A Touchy Subject!

A couple of weeks ago a toddler took a relative's gun to class and shot his 6 year old classmate. The classmate died! The guardian who owned the gun is being held pending a trial where a jury of his peers will hopefully find him guilty of murder, stupidity and bad hair!

The child is too young to be held responsible, so the family takes the rap. Last year (or was it two) a group of pampered yuppie kids decided they were bored with living and thought it a cool ideas to take the whole school with them to Valhalla. The killer's parents are now being sued by the families of the murdered children. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children. Not sure if the police are still considering charging the parents with a crime. . .

Yesterday on TV, a local mother was shown being arrested for abusing her teenage daughter. The mother was hysterical. Obviously she was not a hardened criminal who deserved the publicity or humiliation. The police got involved because the woman's teenage girl ran away from home after receiving a 'beating' with a plastic coat hanger and hand of the mother. When the girl did not return, mom called the police who located her. While examining her, a handprint and other bruises were discovered on the girl's back. Evidence resulting in the mother's arrest for child abuse. The mother was released on bond, but a court order was issued that preventing her having any contact with her children. When questioned, the mother told police she pinched and slapped the girl and hit her with a coat hanger because she was misbehaving.

As I was watching these events on the news and reading about it this morning, I began to wonder if it is fair that parents are responsible for their children's actions but are unable to discipline them for fear of being sued by their children or arrested by the police.

Is it fair to hold parents responsible for their children, then impose a 'hands off' discipline policy? Without the threat of physical punishment, does the courts impose impossible barriers to parenting? I'm not talking about about the kind of beatings we occasionally read about. . . the kind that break bones or actually injures the child. I'm talking about the kinds of whippings most kids routinely received back in the 50s - 80s. This kind of discipline varies with the cultures. Back in Minnesota, shaving straps and belts were weapons of choice. Hurt like the devil, but the welts were gone the next day. I understand some fathers liked to use whip like saplings. I heard tales of father and son searching the woods together, looking for the perfect switch. Naturally there were lots of discussion over the specifications of said weapon.

On Okinawa, Kanei Uechi Sensei used a 'pinch' with devastatingly effective results! (Ask Kanmei about this) Uechi Sensei explained that a pinch could stop a disruptive child in his tracks without anyone else even being aware of what had happened.

I attended a Catholic grade school in Minnesota, where 'beatings' were commonplace. My hands were conditioned long before I began to hit a makiwara. . . Sister Mary Margaret even made me get the two foot ruler she used to dispense punishment to the most vulnerable parts of my anatomy. Following the punishment, Sister would call home to notify my family what I had done. Naturally, this would earn me another 'beating' when I got home. . . with a leather strap if my memory is correct.

I know there is lots of controversy over physical punishment as a reward for bad behavior. However, if society expects parents to be responsible for raising their children to be upstanding citizens, one would expect that they be given every reasonable means to carry out their responsibilities.

If a child breaks certain serious rules, is the temporary pain and suffering an important element of rehabilitation? In my case, the whipping was a closure to the misbehavior. If someone sat me down and told me that I had done something terrible, then told me to reflect on it, the anguish might last for days. Somehow committing the 'crime', being grabbed by the ear and physically punished ended the matter. And somehow the knowledge of what lay ahead if I repeated the deed, acted as a very effective deterrent.

Can you, the parent, logically and/or emotionally reach the 12 year old and convince him that stealing cars for joyrides is not a good idea. Is the threat of being sent to bed without dinner sufficient motivation to change behavior?

How do you feel about this? I created a poll on the front page. Please vote for the answer that you agree with the most.

April 13, 2000: New Column. . . New Concerns!

Rich Baptista, popular host of the long running New England Open, was the first to respond to my invitation to write an article about sparring equipment and sport karate. I'll be posting other editorial selections in the weeks to come. If you would like to be heard, drop me a line. . .

Back in the late 50s, all the way through the 80s, traditional karate was featured in the news on a regular basis. Free publicity that helped keep our dojo filled with students. Movies and TV that wanted to be on the 'cutting edge', featured karate moves that reinforced the public's notion that karate was the 'ultimate' in fighting.

Tempering the physical violence was the undercurrent theme of Chinese philosophy that prevented the good guy from misusing his knowledge and guaranteed the bad guy's demise in battle. All traditional schools were armed with superior skills and positive attitude. The public believed the slogans and advertisements put out by the dojo and flocked to their classes.

The 90s and Ultimate Fighting destroyed the images and presented the public with a more realistic and accurate appraisal of the traditional martial arts. All of a sudden, the wall of misinformation and superstition crumbled, leaving the traditionalist exposed and vulnerable. Within five years, traditional karate took its rightful place along side of hundreds of self defense activities, sports and arts that grows almost exponentially in numbers. Now when a parent decides it is time for a child to learn self protection, the choice is not simply determining which dojo is most convenient or which dojo has the best reputation.

Now, the decision is so complex, the average parent must consult a specialist to determine where to take their child (or themselves) for lessons. Check out our Forums to get an idea of what choices prospective students face! Imagine if you factor in all the other variables involved. . .

Remember the 'good old days?' Every school advertised Health, Confidence, Self-defense. We offered it all in one compact and complete package. To some extend, we did what we promised. Today, specialist in each of those general areas, are doing a better job of marketing their skills and in the process are destroying the remaining myths surrounding the traditional martial arts along with the real benefits that made these arts popular in the first place. Back in the 60s - 80s, credentials were all important. Today, no one asks where you trained, how you received your certificate or what the certificate represents. It is enough to simply define your program and tell people what they will receive! Finally we have reduced the martial arts to the level of general sports! Taichi with an attitude. . . Katacizer exercise. . . karatewrestling. . . kungfuteaceremony. . . you get the idea!

In last Thursday's Globe Calendar, the cover story focused on the idea that martial arts is not just for tough guys anymore! Featured were avant garde martial arts being taught at the Dance Complex's Shintaido class and No Frills aerobics and martial arts!

"Shintaido class features no fights, no fists and no warrior-like 'hiyaaas!" In fact, if everyone wasn't wearing a traditional white gi, you'd never know that the opening exercises are martial." If one read further, the link to martial arts is established by pointing out it was created in Japan in the 60s! In other words, take advantage of the martial art reputation, but give it a spin to attract people who would rather not actually do martial arts if given a choice!

Besides the white gi for tea classes, we are faced with the legitimate and strange sounding legion of fighting arts that are being introduced daily. Meanwhile, when was the last time you saw a positive news article about karate?

While in Chicago last week, I overheard a group of students discussing the opening of a new Taekwondo dojo in their neighborhood. "Just like Chinese restaurants. . . one on every corner!" Recently a Uechi dojo lost a contract with the city to teach karate to underprivileged kids because he didn't teach Taekwondo! The contract specifications were actually written to exclude all schools except TKD! One by one the traditional dojo are going out of business completely or taking their classes to garages, health clubs or community centers. The average traditional dojo consists of ten students.

The point of all this is two fold. We should recognize that traditional martial arts are in a diminishing market that desperately needs a shot of revitalization. Whether you are part of a 10 student garage operation or fortunate enough to still have a thriving student body with a great dojo, you should recognize this trend.

We should collectively try to redefine the term "traditional martial arts" to reclaim some of its former prestige and appeal. We can no longer assume that hanging a karate sign out and subscribing to a yellow page listing will fill our facilities. We need professional public relations help. We need major articles in national publications. We need these articles to inform the public about what traditional karate is all about and most importantly why people should study. The IUKF (International Uechi-ryu Karate Federation) is taking some dramatic steps in this direction right now. One of our first programs involves a direct mailing campaign in the neighborhoods where our dojo are located. We are also going to be focusing on regional advertising and public relations programs that will insure that the public will not forget who we are and what we do!

What are you doing to help your dojo survive? What is your dojo doing to help the survival of traditional martial arts?

The choices are few and simple.

March 29, 2000: Hard workout, Clear Mind, Kick in the Ass!

Last week, I was shocked to learn that a respected martial artist was accused of a heinous crime around the same time I read about a teacher who was falsely charged of similar offenses by his students. In my mind, the two events became one and I wrote about it in my usual 'no holds barred' method.

Today, someone pointed out that I crossed an important line by using the martial artist's name in my article. Knowing how the martial art's rumor circuit works, anything that was posted to over 1000 martial artist is public knowledge as far as I was concerned and I was quick to defend my actions. However, during my workout tonight, I began to realize that even thought the point raised in the article was valid, using the person's name added nothing to the topic being discussed. I had made a mistake!

I violated my own rule about dealing with issues and not individuals! For doing this, I am truly sorry!

The subject is one in which all martial artist must take an interest. The sick individuals who teach martial arts in order to be close to children must be eliminated. On the other hand, we all must keep in mind the rule that a person is innocent until proven guilty!

March 21, 2000: Serious Accusations - It could happen to YOU!

Gym teacher charged he invaded the girl's locker room, hugged a girl in her bra and panties, slapping another on her behind and calling yet another "hot, sexy mama." Naturally the teacher denied the charges. . . especially since he was in fact innocent. Nevertheless, the teacher was suspended immediately and given 15 minutes to leave the school!

The girls stuck to their stories for nearly a month before admitting the whole thing was a lie.

On the Cyberdojo last week a person, using a phony e-mail address and signing this letter as a woman, accused a well liked Cyberdojo regular of charges that will cloud the individual's reputation forever. Unfortunately, using a dummy e-mail address is not enough proof that the accusations are false. Those of us who have been in the martial arts for a few years know that spectacularly talented teachers, nice guys on the surface, can in fact be scum of the earth under different circumstances.

It is important that teachers, parents and students understand the role of sensei in the dojo and outside of the dojo. Simply checking a student's Sanchin can be misunderstood by a parent seeing this ritual for the first time. On the other hand, I've seen teachers who don't have the foggiest idea about what they were doing, patting student's rear ends and women's breast during meaningless checks. These teachers will have a tough time explaining how 'patting' any part of a student's anatomy has anything to do with Uechi-ryu. Ignorance, stupidity, lack of training? Whatever, inappropriate treatment of students in class will get you in trouble! And I'll bet the TKD Government expert called to explain your behavior will jump to your defense!

March 19, 2000: Rio's Violent Dance of Destruction!

A seven foot wide space separate the two gangs jammed into an unlicensed dance hall where a "funk ball" is being held. According to an article in today's Boston Globe, more than 60 young Brazilians have been killed at these funk balls since they began appearing in 1996.

Early in the night the gangs honor the neutral space separating territories. They save their energy for the ritualistic encounters they call Mortal Kombat. . A fight to the death!

The bouncers search the teenagers before allowing them entry, but weapons are smuggled in. However, for the 1-2000 youth who fill these rooms, fists are the weapons of choice!

When the action begins, one gang will put on white bandanas. They form a long line and begin winding their way around the room, close to the 'neutral' zone. Like a mass workout, they punch the air and begin chanting in an aggressive manner that signals the beginning of the evening Kombat.

Rival gangs from Rio's slums close the gap and engage in full contact kumite!

On the way home from breakfast this morning, I was listening to an interviewer talking with the author of a book dealing with problems our affluent teenagers are experiencing. The author sited the absence of social issues as being one of the missing ingredients that causes today's teens to be so preoccupied with themselves. Our parents were involved with the second World War, the Baby Boomers had the Vietnam War to support or condemn. Today's teens only concern involve themselves. Money is plentiful, the economy is healthy, the world enjoys relative peace. Instead of watching the news and worrying about social issues, teens watch the commercials touting the latest "must have" CD, concert or fashion statement.

Being too poor? Too rich? Social concerns? No concerns? Bottom line: Being a teenager is seldom a rewarding experience.

What WAS New: Mar 19, 2000 - Sept 25, 2000

First Tee. Boy was it cold out. But the course was absolutely beautiful!

Here's that Birdie Putt!!!

Yes, that's a look of shock, which turned into a big smile!

Next hole... Double boggie!

Overconfidence

:)

Sun finally came out around 9AM.