Warrior's Spirit
Issue 3
December 1, 2006.
Official News letter of The World Multi Martial Arts Hall of Fame
twmmahof@...
http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award/
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Jeffrey M. Miller
The Role of Zen in Martial Arts
It's said that the roots of many of the Martial Arts is in India,
with Buddhist monks. While many sources give conflicting data, it's
known that in Japan, the only places that were large enough to allow
for indoor training during inclement weather, were the huge Buddhist
temples. In fact, much of what is done in Martial Arts schools with a
Japanese background comes from, and can be traced back to this
connection.
For example, white uniforms were the attire of Japanese Buddhist
monks and lay-people alike. The kyu and dan "class" and "level" grade
rankings were originally developed for and used as markers for how
much a monk had learned and progressed through his training. And,
much of the etiquette within dojos "training halls") is identical to
those used in these same temples to show respect to all that has gone
before me and to all that I aspire to become. In fact, the Japanese
kanji characters used to write the word 'dojo' actually refer to "a
place where enlightenment takes place."
Now, before you run out and scream about quitting for fear of being
converted to Buddhism, Hinduism, or some other 'foreign',
sacrilegious cult - don't panic. Buddhism, while often practiced like
many conventional Western religions, is not really a religion at all -
at least not the way most people define or practice a so-
called 'religion'.
As developed by the founder Siddhartha Gautoma, refered to as the
Buddha ("one who is awake"), and fine-tuned over the past two and a
half - plus centuries, Buddhism is a philosophy of personal
development whereby the practitioner works to understand his or her
true nature and the immutable laws of the universe that govern the
world and everything in it. It is not at all a belief system as are
many religions today, but instead relies on the student coming to an
intimate understanding of reality and truth through direct, personal
experience.
One of the monks credited with developing martial Arts in the
Buddhist temples of the time was known as Bodhidharma, the founder of
Zen. This new training was readily adopted by the monks for many
reasons. And while the monks may have been interested in defending
themselves from unfriendly outsiders, it is also likely that they
also wished to prepare themselves for the demands of their daily
lives - lives which required that they sat unmoving for hours while
in deep meditative practice. The Martial arts they practiced were a
great means of physical exercise while still being based heavily on
their philosophical beliefs of peace through "understanding conflict."
Zen, the most popular form of Buddhist thought known today, is
directly related to the cross-cultural interchange between Martial
Arts and the many philosophical systems that came together as these
teachings travelled from India, across the Himalayas, through China
and into Japan. Ironically, many Westerners have no idea that Zen is
a form of Buddhist study and practice, nor is it usually seen as much
more than "seated meditation" to most martial artists - both teachers
and students.
Japanese Zen Master Taisen Deshimaru often wrote about Zen and the
principles of Bushido, or "the way of the warrior," which grew, in
part, out of Buddhist thought.
The principles of:
Gi:Having the right decision, right attitude, the truth
Yu:Bravery tinged with heroism
Jin:Universal love; compassion
Rei:Right action; courtesy
Makoto: Utter sincerity; truthfulness
Meiyo: Honor; high ethical character
Chugo: Devotion; loyalty
were the common ground between the monk and the warrior. In fact,
there is no difference between the two.
Deshimaru emphasized that the learning and practice of these
principles is a lifelong process, and needs to take place "...in the
body, through the unconscious." The ancient tradition of the Martial
Arts is an internal process, a gradual connection with one's own deep-
seated intuition. Deshimaru explains: "In the spirit of
Zen . . .everyday life becomes a contest. There must be an awareness
at every moment: getting up in the morning, working, eating , going
to bed. That is the place for the mastery of self."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior
Concepts International. He specializes in teaching the ancient ways
of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is
easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and
corporate clients. To learn more, visit his website at
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

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Jeffrey M. Miller
The Power of Belief - The Martial Artist's Student Creed
Contained within the philosophical teachings of the Ninja Warrior's
mind-science and personal-development practice known in Japanese as
Mikkyo, is a series of three affirmations, or statements of devout
trust. They are designed to assist a student in successfully
embodying the lessons, strategies and tactics being taught. Each
statement represents an emotional power held within the student's
heart that, when spoken, expresses to him or herself and the world
around them, the potential of greatness that lies within.
These three affirmations are introduced to beginning students of my
academy as the 3-part Student Creed. Other martial schools may have a
different wording or number, but the purpose is the same. Each part
expresses a belief, trust, or inherent faith held by that student
about an equally important part of their progress through the Mastery
Program and their successful completion of the goal they have set out
to achieve. The Studert Creed also helps those students with low
confidence, self-esteem, and doubts about their ability to be
successful, to hear these words over and over again. In time, this
repetitive exposure, like that which produced this student's current
depressed state, will take root and allow the student to change from
within to become a walking, talking example of the Creed itself.
More than just a set of positive affirmations to be memorized and
recited though, when reciting as part of a class or graduation exam,
the student should speak each part of the creed in a way that is
charged with the emotional intent of the heart.
Take a minute and recite the 3-Part Student Creed aloud:
1. I believe in myself. I am confident. I can accomplish my goals.
2. I believe in what I study. I am disciplined. I am ready to learn
and advance.
3. I believe in my teachers. I show respect to all those who help me
progress.
Again, we must remember that these phrases are just words. In and of
themselves they hold no innate power. We use them, and ones just like
them each and every day of our lives.
The real power - the real magic - lies in the emotions behind them.
The student who recites these phrases with conviction and an
authentic desire to become what the phrases suggest can't help but to
be successful in their task.
We must remember that, if we are to change who we are and what we are
capable of doing, we must first convince ourselves and no one else
that it is possible. For many of us, this task is not an easy one as
years of habit-based actions and preprogrammed conditioning have
taken it's toll on who and what we think we are. We must remember
that we are today, the sum result of all that we have learned,
experienced and, yes, believed in the past.
The reciting of the Student Creed is a tool for reminding ourselves -
for reprogramming our subconscious, habitual thought processes - in a
way that creates new habits conducive to producing the results we are
after.
As stated by John Mills, "One person with a belief is equal to a
force of ninety-nine who have only interests." The question is, are
we merely 'interested' in changing to become the person we say we
want to be, or do we desire the benefits of having attained our goal -
we feel it in our very heart and soul - we believe in ourselves, our
plan of accomplishment and our willingness to do what must be done -
so much, that it literally moves us at our very core?
The true test of gaining the results we seek is in our response to
the statements themselves. We may be able to convince others - for a
while - that we speak from the truth, but we will never be able to
lie to ourselves. Eventually, we will drop our guard or
conveniently 'forget' the path we're on and the promises we made to
ourself and revert back to the same lazy, sleep-walk' living that was
the 'us' before we began training.
Ask yourself these questions:
A. "When I recite the Student Creed, does it move me?"
(Do you get chills, a welling in your chest or an empowered feeling
or do you feel like you're reciting the Pledge of Allegiance from
school?)
B. Do I have to think about the Creed when reciting it or is it so
natural to me that I have the feeling, "of course this is true?"
Through the power of belief, the true, heartfelt drive to become the
words we are speaking, the Student Creed takes on a life and power
capable of transforming you into the confident, successful,
disciplined , respectful and proactive person you were meant to be.
Go for it!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior
Concepts International. He specializes in teaching the ancient ways
of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is
easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and
corporate clients. To learn more, visit his website at
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill Douglas
Diabetes And Tai Chi Therapy
Can the ancient health technologies of Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung)
benefit people with diabetes? Why isn't more medical research being
done to find out?
I was quite surprised when I began searching for research on Tai
Chi's benefits for diabetes . . . it was very difficult to come by.
Because on its face, Tai Chi seems to possibly offer many benefits to
someone with diabetes. Tai Chi is known to stimulate microcirculation
in practitioners, and is a highly effective stress management
technique, and very gently burns a significant amount of calories. In
fact, Tai Chi may actually help the body find homeostatic chemical
levels. For example, in a study on sex hormones Tai Chi was found to
have a "balancing effect" on the hormonal chemistry of participants,
lowering the abnormally high estrogen levels in older men, while
raising the abnormally low estrogen levels in older women.
These findings in other research led me to believe that there had
probably been substantial research done on Tai Chi & Qigong's
benefits for those with diabetes, given that these findings in other
studies at least initially suggest Tai Chi & Qigong may offer much to
the diabetes patient. But, as I said, it doesn't appear there is much
out there in terms of "tai chi & qigong as an adjunct diabetes
therapy," at least from Western institutions.
However, a couple of Chinese medical institutions studies had very
exciting results. A Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and
Pharmacology study found that blood sugar could be lowered
successfully by doing QiGong exercises. 42.
9 percent of patients in the study were able to take less medicine
while having more staple foods. Also, a Nanjing University study
found that Tai Chi exercise helped to regulate metabolic disorder of
type 2 diabetes mellitus with geriatric obesity by regulating the
nervous-endocrine system in the body. So, why isn't there more
Western medical research on this?Unfortunately, less than one half of
one percent of NIH funding goes to research all alternative
or "complimentary" health techniques. Meaning that yoga, meditation,
herbology, homeopathy, etc. etc. all share that tiny, tiny slice of
the NIH funding pie. Until the NIH provides adequate attention /
funding for Tai Chi & Qigong (Chi Kung) research, many of the
benefits people with various maladies have enjoyed from Tai Chi &
Qigong will not be enjoyed by the millions of others with such
conditions. Because physicians will lack the knowledge necessary to
inform their patients of Tai Chi & Qigong as a possible viable
therapeutic option, until adequate research is done.
Never the less, you might ask your doctor to do some research on this
for you. But, for now, let's look at current recommendations for
diabetes therapy, and then compare Tai Chi benefits systematically to
see if it might be a good therapeutic match for diabetes. As always,
I remind everyone not to self-treat. These articles are meant to
stimulate a dialogue between you and your physician, and your
physician and medical research institutions to lobby on your behalf
to get powerful natural health therapies like Tai Chi fully
researched so that you have the maximum possible options for your
health protocol.
In an article posted on Post Graduate Medicine Online, Dr.s Adam B.
Mayerson, MD; Silvio E. Inzucchi, MD, state that "Diet, exercise, and
the attainment of ideal body weight are the central components of any
therapeutic [type 2 diabetes] regimen . . ."
Tai Chi is proven to be an effective exercise that not only provides
cardiovascular benefit (roughly equal to moderate impact aerobics),
but surprisingly given Tai Chi's gentle low impact nature, burns a
significant number of calories, in fact more than surfing, and nearly
as much as downhill skiing. To achieve such caloric burning benefits,
and cardiovascular benefits, with such a gentle exercise as Tai Chi
may be important to those with diabetes.
The health site Top5plus5.com's information on diabetes explained
that the type of exercise a patient practices is crucial to their
well being, stating "Patients with active diabetic retinopathy should
not participate in exercises involving straining or heavy lifting
since these activities can provoke eye damage. Patients should also
be aware that nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can lead
to a loss of sensation in the feet, with a subsequent increased risk
of blistering and ulceration. Patients with progressive heart damage
from high blood sugar should be warned about the risk of sudden heart
failure and death." Tai Chi may offer promise regarding heart health
so important to diabetes sufferers. On the 9th of October, 2004, BBC
News - Saturday, reported "Tai Chi 'can treat heart failure." The
British Heart Foundation said the study was "excellent news" and Tai
Chi could be adopted into treatment programmes in the UK in the
future." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3728174.stm.
Again, one should never self-treat, and should always approach all
possible therapies in conjunction with their physician. Our articles
at World Tai Chi & Qigong Day are meant to stimulate discussion
between you and your physician, and hopefully between your physician
and health institutions. Our hope is that this will lead to a more
realistic apportionment of medical research funding towards Tai Chi &
Qigong (Chi Kung), and other natural health therapies. One caution
is, we hope that researchers will approach Tai Chi & Qigong with a
desire to find out "why it helps many people" rather than with an
agenda to prove that it doesn't work. The way that studies are done
is just as important as if studies are done.
Our vision for the future is that physicians too, will begin to
discover for themselves what Tai Chi and Qigong health technologies
have to offer on a personal level as Tai Chi is increasingly offered
through medical universities to aspiring nurses and physicians. The
future of healthcare should not be a war between alternative
therapies and standard therapies, but an expansion of standard
therapies to include whatever works best for the patients. Many in
the medical field are great advocates of such a vision , and World
Tai Chi & Qigong Day celebrates their efforts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Douglas is the Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil.com, Founder of World
T'ai Chi & Qigong Day (held in 50 nations each year), and has
authored and co-authored several books including a #1 best selling
Tai Chi book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & Qigong."
Bill's been a Tai Chi source for The Wall Street Journal, New York
Times, etc. You can learn more about Tai Chi & Qigong, and also
contact Bill Douglas at http://www.worldtaichiday.org
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Shugendo Yoga™ a complete healing system in its own right
by Dee Hassen
Shugendo Yoga, a slow, gentle yoga, with spirit.
Through a variety of asanas (body postures), and centering of the
mind and breath in a meditative way, Shugendo Yoga practitioners
improve posture, increase body awareness, enhance flexibility of body
and mind, and facilitate calmness of spirit.

Who is teacher, man or nature?
Shugendo Yoga utilizes prayer (talking), meditation (listening),
gentle asanas, breath work, self-healing techniques, as well as
energy cultivation exercises. A typical session lasts 45-60 minutes,
though similar, no two sessions are identical.

Shugendo Yoga was developed by a Registered Nurse who is also a
Martial Artist, Soke Christopher Bashaw. This unique yoga is part of
his complete Martial Art system, Kosho Hoho Yooga™. The systems
harmonize amid Natural Law.

Designed to be simple, do not let its simplicity deter you to its
effectiveness. Many techniques are easy enough, they may be practiced
while driving (hinder road rage), while waiting in a long line
(impede impatience), or even while lying in bed (release the stress
of the day). Shugendo Yoga is practiced by persons of all ages and
abilities to efficiently fight dis-ease in their lives, and may be
modified to meet personal restrictions.

Most people notice a difference in their first session, though daily
practice is encouraged. Compelling results can be as simple as:
• Immediate relief from pain, anxiety, depression, sleep
disorders, impatience, or stress
• Increased immune system
• Improved self-esteem
• Calmness and relaxation
• To ultimately a deeper understanding or enlightenment

Shugendô literally means "the path of training and testing." It is a
Japanese deep-rooted way of searching and knowing, and in turn
understanding what the Man and Nature are and are not. Shugendo Yoga
is a practice which goes beyond what we think of as yoga here in the
west. It is not just stretching, nor Pilates, though those too have
their merit. Intent is silent practice, though sessions may encompass
healing music or primordial sound in the background. Only the
instructor speaks, which is done in a manner to guide. Throughout
practice students must listen inwardly, learning how to remove
mindless chatter from the message. Designed as a spiritual aid to
enhance all belief systems, the goal of Shugendo Yoga is development
of spiritual experience and power; some might even call this power
mystical.

Yoga is a Hindu term meaning union of the attention with the Divine
Source. Yoga has come to mean unity and self-discipline. Shugendo
Yoga classes are a potent self-healing modality for body, mind and
spirit. Using Mantra (sound) to create a healing response; asana's
and ancient energy cultivation (chi kung) work out blockages and
depletions, creating balance; meditation is practiced for relaxation;
self-healing techniques, like self massage or shiatsu (acupressure),
are used for preservation of care; all accompanied by gentle
breathing and relaxation techniques. At the end of a session
practitioners feel rejuvenated, balanced, or even blissful; a
refreshing contemplation, among all the negativity in the world.

For information on classes:
http://www.freewebs.com/kosho_hoho_yooga/shugendoyoga.htm
Dee Hassen is an aspiring writer, currently employed in the field of
marketing communications, with several published articles. As a
practitioner of both Kosho Hoho Yooga, and Shugendo Yoga, she is
finding new doors are opening, as well as a new awareness that her
passion for writing must be explored.

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Emily Clark
What has Tae Kwon Do Got to Do With Your Health?
A lot, if you value your physical health!
Tae Kwon Do is Korean Karate. It means The Way of the Hand andFoot
(punching and kicking). There are basically four sectionsto the art:
Toning, Sparring, Forms and Self Defense.
It is a well rounded exercise program that encompasses muscletoning,
stretching and flexibility, increasing strength andstamina through
aerobic sparring and mental challenges throughbecoming proficient at
the patterns or forms.
Most classes start out with warm-ups. These exercises are
thecalisthenics such as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks,
trunkrotations, squat kicks and various leg stretches. For certainyou
will tighten your abs and strengthen your arms just fromperforming
the warm-up exercises. Before you know it, you'll bedoing fifty
knuckle or triangle push-ups at rapid-fire pace andwill be able to
lean up against a wall and have someone lift yourleg up so that your
toes touch the wall behind your ear. Tae KwonDo will definitely help
you to become or to stay limber.
Sparring is fighting in a controlled environment. It's notstreet
fighting and all participants wear protective gear: helmet, gloves,
shin guards and feet guards, called kicks. Usually you will spar in
three minute rounds. It's basicallykick boxing. Then a minute rest;
switch partners, then sparagain and repeat. You will get extremely
hot and sweaty. Jab,punch, upper cut, side kick, reverse punch, round
house, hammerfist, bob and weave and repeat. It's an excellent
aerobicexercise.
Learning the forms or patterns can really tax your brain. Manyof the
forms have 26+ different movements. It's your job toremember them, in
order, and learn them proficiently. In theory,by learning the forms,
it'll help you to become a better fighter.For example, one form might
start out: high block, front kickpunch left; high block front kick
punch right. Turn 90 degrees,down the center, knife hand left, knife
hand right, knife handleft, spear hand. And so it goes. If you master
these, when itcomes time to spar, you can implement some of these
patterns intoyour match.
Many people enjoy Tae Kwon Do, or any martial arts for thatmatter,
because it is an all inclusive exercise program. It'sfun, it's
challenging, and it's an excellent way to get in or tostay in shape.
As with any exercise program, start slowly andconsult your physician.
If you haven't participated in muchphysical exercise in a while, your
muscles will definitely bevery sore for the first few weeks. Don't be
intimidated by theother students may appear to be in better shape
that you are. Everyone started out as a white belt. Just have fun;
and getmoving!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose , treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health
News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
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Ken Cheong
Herbal plasters and ointments used for pain relief
Chinese martial arts schools has traditionally been very good at
treating pain and ache suffered during practize sessions. Today, many
of their pain relief methods are being used not just to treat
training pain and ache but also pain and ache caused in the normal
hustle and bustle of life.
Most of us are acquainted with martial arts based on what we see on
TV and the movies; Jacky Chan, Steven Segal, Jet Li, Chuck Norris,
Bruce Lee etc.
Some of the most popular martial arts in practize today include Judo,
Tek Kwan Do, Karate, which have made it to the Olympic Games, Akido,
Tai Chi and Qigong, which are not in the Olympic Games as yet.
Although some of these martial arts come from Korea and Japan, the
roots of most martial arts can be traced to China.
It is believed that all martial arts can be traced to the Shaolin
Temple and the Wudang Hills in China. In reality, there must be
hundreds of different types of martial arts practized in China,
including the more popular BaQuaQuan, TangLangQuan, TaiChi, HouQuan,
etc.
Training injuries, bruises and cuts are common during practizes and
sparring sessions in martial arts schools. In fact, injuries are so
common that most martial arts teachers also double up as doctors in
treating aches and pains that come from sporting and training
injuries.
The common ways to treat pain and ache in martial arts schools
include:
Accupuncture
Accupuncture needles are inserted at the right accupoints or
meridians in various part of the human body to relieve pain and
tension of the muscle. A trained accupunture practioner is required
to carry out such treatment.
Tui Na
A form of Chinese accupressure massage where muscles aches and pain
are relieved through massaging the right accupoints and meridians.
This may sometimes be used in conjunction with heat pads.
Herbal PlastersAlmost every martial arts school has their own secret
formula for a herbal plaster. These plasters are mostly herbal
conconction and used to treat pain, bruises and aches caused by
training and actual fights. These herbal plasters are very effective
and bruises and pain tend to disappear very fast once the plasters
are applied to the injured area.
Herbal Ointments
Used mostly in conjunction with TuiNa or massage, these ointments are
also herbal liquid formulas handed down from generation after
generation. They are extremely popular and almost every martial arts
school will have their 'own brand' of herbal ointment.
Today, accupuncture and TuiNa has made it to mainstream sports
schools and even hospitals in China and also gaining much prominence
and popularity in sports schools and hospitals in Asia and the
Western countries.
In fact, accupuncture is used for many forms of treatments including
backaches, kicking cigarette habits, menopause pain, migrane etcTuiNa
has also made it into mainstream life as a form of relaxation massage
in addition to it's use for treating pain and ache.
Many martial arts schools has also tied up with pharmaceutical
companies to produce modern versions of their herbal plasters and
ointments in hygienic, scientific and environmentally controlled
factories. These herbal plasters and ointments are produced in large
quantities and has made their way into most Asian homes and families.
Most families will have these plasters and ointments in their
cabinets to treat pain ranging from arthritis, shoulder and neck
aches, back pain , ankle pain etc.
Some of these brands are now household brands in Asian societies.
They are also slowly making their way into Western countries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken Cheong lived, worked and travelled in China for 7 years. He
shares articles of China in his websites http://www.quick-pain-
relief.com and http://www.chinese-culture.net. Please feel free to
distribute this article as long as you mention his websites.

Henry Ellis
Is Aikido a Martial Art ?
Henry Ellis Co-Author of Positive Aikido and an early pioneer of
Aikido in Britain from 1957, he was also a direct student of the
legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1915 - 1985. In this article
he questions the direction of much of the Aikido we see today. he
accepts that there is still some good Aikido Dojos whilst many others
have been watered down and are becoming quasi religious as opposed to
a martial art.


Is Aikido a Martial Art?
Sensei Henry Ellis - 2001
This article originally appeared in 3 parts on the Cyberkwoon
website. It is here published in its entirety.
PART 1
At first sight of the above title I am sure that a lot of Aikidoist's
will be angry, they will assume that this is yet another attack on
the credibility of Aikido by other martial artist's.
On this occasion they are totally wrong, I have been a student of
Aikido since 1956, In those early days I first started Judo in 1955
at the Kenshiro Abbe School of Budo, I studied Karate with Harada
Sensei and Kendo with Tomio O'Tani Sensei, so with my background I
feel that I have something to offer to this debate.
First Impressions
The Aikido that I first saw being demonstrated by Abbe Sensei in 1956
was without doubt a positive martial art.
I was immediately impressed by its positive techniques and power, and
in those days my fellow martial artists and I were in no doubt that
we were witnessing a devastating new form of self-defence as
demonstrated by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.
Abbe Sensei had begun his martial arts career at the age of five and
became a legend in his own lifetime. At eighteen he was the youngest
ever all Japan Judo champion and also the youngest ever 5th Dan at
the world renowned Kodokan. He later became the oldest ever all Japan
Judo champion at the age of thirty three.
When Abbe Sensei arrived in the UK in 1955 he was 8th Dan Judo, 6th
Dan Karate, 6th Dan Kendo, 6th Dan Kyudo, 6th Dan Aikido,
the question must be asked; would this Budo master have studied
Aikido if he did not believe it to be a martial art?
It is my opinion that Abbe Sensei would not have studied Aikido as it
is today.
Please break my finger
As a direct student of Abbe Sensei I asked one day whilst we were
traveling to a seminar
"Sensei, how did you first become a student of O'Sensei and Aikido"?
He smiled as he reminisced for a few moments; then told me the
following story:
He said that he was a young man at the time and the Judo champion of
all Japan and traveling on a crowded train across Japan to yet
another Judo competion.
Sitting opposite him in the same carriage was an old man who was
trying to make some conversation with him, Abbe had his eyes closed
as he tried to sleep.
The old man said to him " I know who you are" Abbe Sensei replied
rather modestly " everyone knows who I am, I am Kenshiro Abbe
champion of all Japan" he politely asked the old man who he was, the
old man replied
"I am Morihei Ueshiba founder of Aikido" Abbe Sensei nodded politely
and suggested that they now try to get some sleep, the old man
suddenly stuck his hand forward and offered the smallest digit to
this powerfully built young man, Abbe was stunned as the old man
said "
please break my finger" Abbe thought I will break his neck if he
doesn't go to sleep, he was now becoming irritated by this old man,
he immediately grasped the old mans finger in an attempt to shut him
up, he freely admitted that in his frustration it was his intention
to break the offending digit. To his total amazement he was suddenly
slammed onto the carriage floor. As he lay prostrate and unable to
move he knew he had to study with this master. He asked O'Sensei if
he could study with him, O'Sensei agreed and Abbe stayed with
O'Sensei for ten years.
O'Sensei had spent many years studying various martial arts, I
believe that the art of Daito-ryu and Ju-jitsu had more influence on
the development of Aikido than anything else he had studied, and we
know he went to Mongolia to fight and this would be the perfect
opportunity to test his many skills in a real situation, so we can be
in no doubt that this incredible man was a true warrior and modern
Samurai.
A knife for my enemy
It was this early positive style of Aikido that Abbe Sensei brought
to the UK in 1955, at this time there was also the first Japanese
master to Europe, this was Tadashi Abe Sensei 6th Dan who was based
in France, he was a small man even by Japanese standards, but to my
mind he was the hardest man I have ever met.
He was very similar to Kazuo Chiba Sensei who I met with in London's
West End last week, When he traveled he always carried a knife with
him, this was not for his own protection but to hand to his shocked
opponent, he would say "please, this is for you".
He said that an opponent with his bare fists was no challenge, but a
man with a knife was "very interesting".
I think we can safely assume that as these teachers were so hard and
positive then this must have been the style of Aikido that was being
taught at the Hombu dojo in Japan, this was the Aikido of O'Sensei as
a young man, the Aikido being taught today is that of O'Sensei as an
old man, there is no doubt that as people get older they lose the
spirit of their youth and become more philosophical in their approach
to life.
My father who was once regarded as the toughest man in town later in
life found his peace taking his dog for long walks. I believe that we
now have two aikido's, traditional aikido which if truly traditional
(this word is much abused) is the martial side of Aikido, the soft
fantasy and dancing style of Aikido should simply be categorized as
an "Art".
Those who are true traditional Aikidoists will take no offence at
this article, yet the dancers will probably be offended and I care
little for their feelings as I honestly believe that this soft Aikido
has no more right to call itself a martial art than has synchronized
swimming has a right to be in the Olympics.
PART 2
In my previous article, I attempted to establish the hard style of
Aikido that was first introduced to the West in the 1950's. I would
like to emphasize the fact that I get no satisfaction from publicly
criticizing Aikido and I get a great deal less satisfaction when I
see Aikido being brought into ridicule.
To continue from part one.....
Hard training
The training in and exercises in those early days were very hard and
physical, with karate style kicking and punching a very integral part
of our warm up, followed by 200 press ups on the backs of the wrists,
with fingers pointing both inwards and outwards, very often while you
were in the raised position Abbe Sensei would instruct another
student to sit on your back, as we were the only group of five Dan
grades in the UK and all in the same dojo then this was the training
in all the Aikido dojos in the UK and today we are the only
organization in Aikido still doing these press ups.
The purists say "these press ups are bad for you" what they really
mean is they can't do them, this is all part of the watering down of
traditional Aikido.
Choreography
Aikidoists are often accused of practicing " Choreographed Aikido"
and to be honest I must admit that these claims are very often
justified, with Uke (attacker) preparing to break fall long before he
makes his attack, and most of them attack off balance , therefore
making any multiples of techniques possible with the minimum of
effort and of course this makes Tori (defender) look "fantastic".
What is really sad is that these people believe that this is good
Aikido.
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei would always say to us that "two" students are
training at the same time, one is Uke who is learning and improving
his attacking techniques and his
opponent Tori is also learning and improving his defensive
techniques, whilst we were training with Abbe Sensei if Uke's foot or
heel came off the mat as he attacked Abbe Sensei would give the
offending leg a good whack with a shinai (bamboo sword) he would then
say " My English is very bad but my shinai speaks fluently!".
If Uke attacks on balance then it is obvious that Tori's technique
must be good and strong to throw him, and as Abbe Sensei said so many
times " two students are training" .
Mark Eastman a strong young Dan grade with me went on a seminar
recently where there was a 6th Dan. The 6th Dan refused to use him as
Uke stating " I can not use you as you do not harmonize with me", he
was not being awkward or difficult just attacking on balance.
Diluted training
Today all of these traditional exercises and training methods have
now changed to a simple warm up routine with jumping up and down on
the spot and lots of deep spiritual discussion.
Hard exercise is now considered to be aggressive and not in harmony
with the true spirit of Aikido.
Abbe Sensei said that hard training developed the spirit, he also
referred to Ki during those early days as he demonstrated the power
of his technique, when asked to explain the meaning of Ki, he said
not to worry about Ki as that would be a part of our training and
development.
He then said "Only when you reach first Dan will you be able to
understand the true concept of Ki as a further extension of your
Aikido."
I still believe that line of thought, and the instructors in our
dojo's very rarely speak of Ki although it is taught as a important
and integral part of our training and study.
Ki Aikido
Although Ki is generally recognized as the spirit and breathing
during the application of technique, every teacher and student will
offer a very wide and varied and sometimes bizarre interpretation of
the meaning of this much abused word.
The main problems arise and are created by the teachers themselves,
who very often mislead their students to the extent that they almost
believe that Ki is a form of magic. The following is one prime
example from a very prominent Aikido magazines letters section.
Title: The Spirit of Protection
I am a carpenter and 2nd kyu in Aikido. I was working in a large new
home doing repair work, I had finished my job and was heading for a
long staircase when I noticed the owners two year old son was heading
for the same stairs from the opposite direction.
As he approached the top of the stair he was watching me and not
where he was going. I was too far away to grab him, so I shot to him
(irimi) and stuck my arm straight out to him, my "Ki" went through
the little boys' face and out the back of his head, he fell backwards
and started crying.
His mother heard the crying and came up the stairs, when I told her
what had happened, she thanked me,
I said "Don't thank me, Thank Aikido".
That poor child may well now be as disturbed as the writer.
Harry Potter Ryu
There are many such misguided examples which I will refer to in
future articles, it is this kind of nonsense that brings Aikidos
credibility into doubt I am fully aware that every martial art has
its own version of " Harry Potter" in their ranks, what I fail to
understand is that there are more of them in Aikido than all the
other martial arts combined.
The reason that I am so critical and vociferous about Aikido is that
every day I see these people watering down this great martial art
that I have spent most of my life studying, teaching and promoting
for the past 46 years. I am often asked "Sensei, which do you think
is the best and worst martial art".
I always make the same reply " All the martial arts are good, if
there is a problem with any martial art, then it can only be the
people who represent that particular art who misrepresent their art
PART 3
The Converted
In articles parts one and two I have covered the introduction of
Aikido to the West, and the impact on other Martial Artists, Aikido
progressed and developed in the UK by visiting existing dojos of all
the various Martial Arts and offering to demonstrate and teach for
free in the hope of starting a small class in the more receptive
dojos, as one can imagine this was no easy task as more often than
not our efforts were not an open invitation to most dojos.
In the end the positive style of the early Aikido won through, and
this is a very important point to make in the early development of
Western Aikido was that most of the new students of Aikido were from
other Martial Arts. I do not believe that we could have converted
other Martial Artists to Aikido had it not been so strong and
effective.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - 8th Dan Judo, 6th Dan Karate, 6th Dan Kendo,
6th Dan Aikido.
Bad breath!
I have referred to the many changes in Aikido over the past 46 years
from its history to training and choreography and Ki Aikido and also
the many Harry Potters of the Aikido world, as a direct result of
these articles I was contacted by a Aikido student in the UK to tell
me that she had now stopped training in Aikido because her teacher
stated that he was now going to teach the students "To breath through
their toes".
Lets Dance
The most important of all the changes that have taken place in the
past 46 years have to be the changes in technique and its
application, the early style of Aikido was very compact and powerful.
From the day of its introduction to the UK, Aikido was always taught
as a circular moving Martial Art with Tori at the centre of all
movement.
As Uke (the attacker) made his attack, Tori would turn within his own
circle making it possible to carry out the technique in a very small
area of maybe four square feet. Today the fantasy aikidoist need a
football pitch.
I have seen some so called "masters" twirling Uke around on the end
of one finger and pirouetting several times before being thrown the
full length of the mat.
Harmonising
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei always taught that Uke would only "go" if the
technique was effective. I often hear and have seen some of these
people who say they can throw an opponent without touching them and
sometimes by breathing and projecting their "Ki".
You cannot do that if someone is attacking on balance, I have never
seen anyone do that to a student of mine. Of course if you do attack
on balance you will then be accused of "Not harmonizing".
Aikido for real
I have read various accounts of the first Americans to practice
Aikido in the early 60's. There were Americans practicing Aikido in
the UK in the late 1950's at "The Hut" The Abbe School of Budo.
The Americans were members of the USAF stationed in the UK. they were
always questioning " How would that work in the street?" and we would
often finish up in the car park of The Hut after class and engage in
some real Aikido.
Afterwards everyone would be in good spirits and have a few beers.
Sunday mornings were always the best practice sessions with the dojo
doors being locked to all but the Dan grades. It was then that the
Dan grades would fight each other for real. This was the only way to
truly evaluate your technique.
On one occasion I was fighting with Sensei Ken Williams (The British
National Coach) he hit me hard and I went down clutching my chest and
moaning loudly in agony.
It was known that I didn't go down and I never made a fuss, so now
everyone was concerned for me and as Sensei Williams leaned over me
asking "Harry, are you OK" I lashed out with my fist at his head,
just making a glancing contact, he then stepped back and kicked me in
the head putting an end to my cunning.
The smallest of all the Dan grades was Eric Dollimore, he was only
about 5ft-6in in height and around 130 lbs.
I always felt that Eric was avoiding me on these Sunday morning
sessions, as he was about to leave the mat I said to him "Eric, would
you like to try against me" he just turned and said "Sorry Harry, I
have to be at my girlfriends home for lunch". As he left the mat I
smiled to myself and thought "That's what I expected" the smugness
did not last long as I heard a voice behind me say
"OK then Harry, can we make it quick as I must get away".
It was Eric; for a moment I was surprised then I thought to myself if
you want it quick I will accommodate you.
I moved in to take him out with the one punch and the next thing I
knew I had gone through the dojo office partition wall and I was
still lying stunned the office floor when I heard Eric's voice call
out
"See you Monday Harry, gotta go".
That was a very important lesson to me, I have never underestimated
anyone since the little guy taught me a lesson.
The Grading Lottery
If in the 1950's and 60's you saw a 5th or 6th Dan you would be in
awe of him. I now see so many multi grades and to be honest they
would not be graded first Dan in the old days. They make these claims
knowing that if they are ever challenged and prove their mettle they
know they can claim that this is against the principals of Aikido.
Another favourite of these people is to juggle around with their
grades and come up with multiples of matching grades, for a prime
example of this abuse check out the article "British Aikido-The
Controversy" on the web-site http://www.geocities.com/BritishAikido
Mitsusuke Harada Sensei "5th Dan"
Harada Sensei was my Karate teacher in the 1960's, he was then and
still is a 5th Dan at the Shotokan dojo in Tokyo. he was graded by
the founder of modern day Karate Gichin Funakoshi Sensei.
He taught Karate to the USAF at the Kodokan dojo after the second
world war. He was graded 5th Dan by Funakoshi Sensei in 1957 and is
still 5th Dan after 45 years, stating that "Any grade above 5th Dan
is totally pointless".
This is exactly the feeling of Sensei Derek Eastman and myself,
although we are two of the only remaining four of the original group
left of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei's group from the 1950's, we both agreed
that there were too many "Harry Potter" grades around, we then
decided that like Harada Sensei we would make 5th Dan the highest
level in our organization.

Serious study
I will take a break now that these articles are complete and do some
serious "Toe breathing".
This will be my last article for CyberKwoon for a while, I would like
to thank Master Fabien Sena for allowing me to air my views on a
subject most would try to avoid.
I do not know what direction the Martial Arts will take when all
the "Old Timers " are gone.
As one of the comments (to the Cyberkwoon site forum) said "We can
still make a difference".
To the one who asked after my father, he was not a martial artist ,
just a hard man who started working at the age of 13 years two miles
underground in the South Yorkshire coal mines.
Sensei Henry Ellis.
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Henry Ellis Co-Author of the book Positive Aikido and the forthcoming
publication of Positive Aikido - Hidden Knowledge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Greatest Martial Arts Movies Of All Time
By: Javier Lozano, Jr.

After hundreds of movies, thousands of eye-popping fight scenes and
millions of punches thrown…which ones are the best? Which ones have I
been missing out on my whole life? Which ones must I have in my
collection in order to not bring shame upon my family name?

We've scoured the internet. Reviews. Forums. Amazon. Postings.
Bulletins. And this list is what we've come up with as the greatest
Kung-Fu movies of all time and why you should watch each one. Pay
attention to movies involving Yuen Wo-Ping as either director or
action director, there's a reason why half this list is movies where
he was involved!

If you want to watch trailers of these movies, go to:
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

(you can also get directly to these movies in http://Amazon.com from
this website)

#1 – Way of the Dragon (1979)

This is the only finished film to be written and directed by Bruce
Lee. (Game of Death is the other one but is unfinished) We could
write a lot about the plot, characters or fight scenes…but all you
really care about is watching Bruce Lee fight Chuck Norris in the
final battle.

Martial Artists: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
Director: Bruce Lee

#2 – Shaolin Temple (1982)

Depicts the amazing history of the Shaolin Temple, the focal point
for Chinese Martial Arts. Think of the Shaolin Monks as Jedi Knights
(an elite group of fighters) and the rest of China as the messed-up
universe that Star Wars takes place in (people who are afraid of the
elite fighters and want to take them out of power). Much work to do,
you have, young Jet Li. picture Yoda's accent on that one Define
Irony: A movie shot at the site of the Shaolin Temple, telling a
story about the fall of the Shaolin Temple, sparks so much public
interest that the temple was re-opened shortly after the movie
released.

Martial Artist: Jet Li (His debut movie)
Director: Chang Hsin-Yen

#3 – Ong Bak (2003)

Raw action without wires, Tony Jaa brings a new martial arts style to
the big screen and does so in style. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is
stronger and more direct than the Chinese styles you're used to
seeing with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, giving a new look to how a
martial arts movie can be done. You'll be seeing more of him…
guaranteed.

Martial Artist: Tony Jaa
Director: Prachya Pinkaew

#4 – Iron Monkey (1993)

Doctor by day, thief by night…Iron Monkey is your classic Robin-hood
meets Kung Fu. It's an action packed flick that can't go 5 minutes
without an excellent fight scene. It all comes down to a battle
between Iron Monkey (ie Robin Hood) and an ex Shaolin Monk (remember,
these guys are like the Jedi Knights of Chinese martial arts…they're
elite). Remember that guy Yuen Wo-Ping I mentioned? Well he's the
director in this one, so you know it's good!

Martial Artists: Yu Rong-Guang, Donnie Yen
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Action Directors: Yuen Cheung-yan, Yuen Shun-yi

#5 – 5 Deadly Venoms (1978)

No room form "martial arts beauties" in this one, there's so much
blood and action that they only cast male actors. Exit the
traditional elaborate costumes and enter the muscular, skin-bearing,
bloody martial arts style that would become a trademark for director
Chang Cheh. Each cast member is trained in an art resembling one of 5
venemous creatures (Scorpion, Snake, Centipede, Gecko, Toad) with the
6th cast member being trained in all 5. Six main martial arts actors
= LOTS O' ACTION

Martial Artists: 6 Martial Artists (yes, 6 main characters)
Director: Chang Cheh

#6 – The Seven Samurai (1954)

One of the greatest classic kung-fu movies of all time and arguable
Kurosawa's best work. Some Samurai of the time were down on their
luck (homeless) and willing to do anything for a meal. A village
under attack by bandits recruits a group of seven such Samurai
warriors and asks them to help defend their village. The movie is
about the Samurai teaching the village how to fight and culminates in
a massive battle between a village and almost 50 attacking bandits.
The acting is superb, the emotions run high and Kurosawa keeps you
hooked from beginning to end.

Martial Artists: 7 Martial Artists (all names you won't know since
this movie is so old)
Director: Akira Kurosawa

#7 – Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

Some will say this is the greatest martial arts movie of all time
because of it's balance between plot-line, comedy, drama and amazing
kung fu sequences. Probably Jackie Chan's best martial arts
performance. You're going to love the final scene where you learn
what "Drunken Master" really means. We're talking box-splitting, fire-
spitting craziness!

Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Lau Kar-leung

#8 – Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

Based on a Pentalogy (yes, that's 5 books) written by Wang Dulu, this
movie covers mostly the 4th book. Critically acclaimed to cross
international borders with it's amazing character development,
intricate plot, martial arts ideals, stunning special effects and
quicker-than-the-eye fighting scenes, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
set a new standard for martial arts movies. Telling Zhang Ziyi (the
lead female character and an amazing martial artist) to get back in
the kitchen would likely cost you 50 punches to the "bags". Be ready
for subtitles, `cuz turning on the English track is like watching…uh…
like watching a kung fu movie in English.

Main Martial Artist: Chow Yun-fat
Other Martial Artists: Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen, Cheng
Pei-pei
Director: Ang Lee
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping

#9 – Kill Bill vol. 1 (2003)

You're going to want your home theatre room for this one. It's tough
to beat beautiful women beating the crap out of each other in fast-
paced, action-packed, make you cringe, bloody, gory, cut-'em-up (more
buzz words go here) movie jam packed with as much martial arts death
as possible. Tarantino expertly uses every camera angle and a
plethora of special effects to deliver a better-than-real visual
experience that gives this blood-and-guts thriller an artistic feel
you'll appreciate at the end. Did I mention is has Uma Thurman in it?

("Kill bill vol. 2" brings closure to the set, but hey…we had to
choose one movie. Say "Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart Technique" 5
times fast.)

Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica
A. Fox
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Action Director: Yuen Wo-ping

#10 – Fist of Legend (1994)

A classic story of Chinese vs. Japanese martial arts, Fist of Legend
is actually a remake of the original Bruce Lee movie, Fist of Fury.
If Bruce Lee is like the original James Bond, Jet Li is the Pierce
Brosnan. He'll never be the original, but the modern film-making and
larger budget bring the entertainment value just a hair above the
original Fist of Fury. (The ghost of Bruce Lee is probably going to
strike me down for writing that) The Yuen Brothers are known for
amazing action choreography, and they totally deliver on this one.
(Casting Jet Li may have helped them a little too.)

Martial Artist: Jet Li
Director: Gordon Chan
Action Directors: "The Yuen Brothers"

The fun doesn't stop there.

We tried to stop at only 10…really, we did. But we just couldn't
control ourselves.
"Once it hits your lips, it's so good!" – Will Ferrell in "Old
School"

To see the movies that deserve "Honorable Mention", go to
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

Whether you enjoyed this list or think we snuffed your favorite
movie, we'd love to hear what you think. Post your comments at:
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/blog/archives/16
Keys To Choosing The Right Martial Arts School
By: Javier Lozano, Jr.
1. Location

The key to learning any martial art is practice. To make this easy
for you, look for a school near your home, work or school. The easier
it is for you to get there, the more time you'll spend practicing and
the better you'll get. Eliminate those "Well, it's kind of a long
ways away, so I'll just watch TV tonight" excuses.

Note to husbands: Watch out for schools located in malls as they give
you wife an excuse to shop while your kids are in class! (The
location of a school says nothing about how "good" it is…give every
school a fair evaluation while you're checking them out.)

2. Instructor

You want to be sure that you get along well with your instructor,
especially if you're going to commit to a school for a period of
time. Keep in mind that a martial arts instructor is just like any
teacher or coach that you have had, their job is to teach you the art
and help you improve. Pay special attention to their personality,
philosophy, energy, motivation and how they treat other students. If
you're having a difficult time making a decision, go with your gut
feeling…this is a decision that has to be right for you. Remember,
selecting an instructor is not a life-long decision so don't take too
long to make a decision. Get started, learn about the arts and change
instructors later on if you feel it's in your best interest.

3. Style

You want to be sure the schools you're looking at offer styles that
will help you accomplish your goals. If your goal is meditation, you
probably don't belong in a jujitsu school. But don't get too picky
either. Just because you always wanted to be like Bruce Lee doesn't
mean you have to practice Wushu. Many martial artists train in
different arts through their career and end up creating a style that
is a combination of all their styles.

Again, this isn't a permanent decision so it's better to just get
started with a school nearby that has an instructor you like.

4. Costs

Look for schools that offers 1-2 introductory classes for free. These
benefit both you and the school by ensuring you're a good fit before
making you commit to anything.

If you're going to invest in a "martial arts education", make sure
it's within your budget. You don't want you or your kids to get
started and become excited about martial arts, just to have to quit
due to finances.

Some schools require contracts (or "tuitional agreements" as they are
often called) while others don't. Don't be afraid of tuitional
agreements, often times these schools are extremely interested in
seeing you or your child succeed, which is why they want you to make
a longer-term commitment after a free class or two. There are also
excellent instructors who don't want to see money interfere with a
martial arts education, so they opt to not require contracts and
charge on a per-class basis.

Both contract and no-contract schools are good options, just be sure
to give location and instructors more weight than payment structure
when making a decision to commit to a school.

If you would like to learn more about Martial Arts or are interested
in finding a martial arts school in your area, go to
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TWMAHOF 2007

June 15-16, 2007

We are pleased to announce the return of Masters and Grandmasters
presenting seminars Friday June 15, 2007 in Manchester, NH – kicking
off the 2007 event.

When coming to the festivities we suggest you come into the hotel
Thursday evening so as to be fresh and ready to begun a day filled
with education and friendship as the seminars planned will be some of
the best ever seen.

Saturday, June 16 the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame will hold is
annual tournament, a mixed martial arts tournament for adult and
children, all ranks and all styles.

To learn more about the events planned simply go onto the website
http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award or contact Rick Wilmott,
renshi at kosho@... to inquire about fee's, deadlines and
content.

Join people from around the globe as they spend a weekend of
learning, sharing, and competing.

Both the seminars and tournament are open to the public and anyone
may attend. Seminar and tournament fees are separate from induction
fees and banquet guest fees.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inductions for 2007
Nominations for Induction to TWMAHOF and applications must be
submitted NLT April 1, 2007. Please see the website for information
and forms. http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award

TWMAHOF Newsletter
Join our free newletter email. Receive a monthly newsletter from
TWMMAHOF in your email with articles and updates on the organization.
It's free. Just sign up to the group and on the first of the month,
starting October 2006 you will receive our first issue.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TWMMAHOF
Do you have a talent for journalism? TWMMAHOF is accepting articles
from individuals under 1000 words on topics of martial systems,
history, techniques, health and the martial arts. send us your
article to the email below along with a brief bio, your email and
website. No pictures. If your article is approved we will let you
know and publish it. Please do not send seminar or tournament
information. Only informational articles please.
Newsletter sponsored in part by MTD MonaVie
http://www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo/monavie.htm