San Shou Prep Fight

A recent sparring clip of myself and my sparring partner. Everything I am doing is getting crisper, and my kicks have become strong and accurate. My fight is a little over two weeks away, and for the next two weeks it is boxing work, and wind sprints for cardio. My cardio is the best it has ever been, and I hope to be able to set the pace for the fight by pushing hard.

I have been working hard on being very technical, and not throwing too much, but making sure what I do throw lands and counts. I think this is particularly evident with my kicks. Hopefully with a longer range I will be able to discourage my opponent from coming in too close, and feeling comfortable in the pocket.

My diet has been clean, but having some trouble getting to the maximum weight in my weight class (welterweight). Guess some more calorie intake to offset the harder training is what's needed.

San Shou Preparation

As it usually goes, the fight game is utterly unpredictable. While my San Shou fight was to be in October, I have found myself suddenly pushed into fighting in July, at the San Shou National Qualifiers. Everyone asks if I am nervous. To be honest, some days I'm utterly psyched to be fighting and wish it was on that very day...at other times I feel a great deal of frustration and worry. This, however, is completely normal and one of the reasons why fighting remains one of the most emotionally stressing, emotionally up and down events. It is another reason why Traditional Martial Artists focus so much on clarity of mind, breathing, and focus under duress.

The training is going well, I have free reign of the club, and am getting offers from various schools for sparring partners. We are not a San Shou club (though I plan on making it one once I get more experience and get good). We are definately facing an upward battle in July, as we lack the experience, and are going against experience fighters in this style. I still feel, however, that I have a good chance. I know at the very least, my opponent will have a tough time. Remember, this isn't fighting some bum criminal or thug in the street, these people are professional fighters and train for these moments. Nonetheless, my cardio is up to snuff, as long as my nerves don't burn me out, and as far as technical ability goes, I feel as though I am above many of the fighters. The question is experience, and lack of experience with their style. We are focusing on a strong striking game, with good take down defense. I am teaching a lot of it, as I have experience, but we are still making our fight style along the lines of classic Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing.

I have my fight plan completely written out, and hanging in my room. Every morning I wake up I remind myself of the plan. Fights are unpredictable, but it is still good to have a game plan. My prediction? I won't be knocked out, or taken out. I will either win or lose in the second round.

Sticking With What You Know

Every Martial Artist should have a core set of techniques that work well for him/her. While experimenting, and having the courage to experiment, is of great importance, it should never exceed the core set of skills one has that are reliable, and that can be executed quickly.

Over time my spinning back kick has become a staple move in my fighting repertoire. It does not mean that I will always throw it, it simply means that it is a kick I can throw with reasonable reliability that it will hit its mark.

Below are two recent examples of such:

Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei Test

On Saturday I had one of my many check tests for Kokusai Jujutsu. The testing procedure is firm, and the panel focuses on your individual movements, technique, and in particular, Zanshin and Kime. It certainly isn't, "hey you showed up, so you pass." It can be rather nerve racking at times if you are not fully prepared.

I take tests as an opportunity to display my skills to my fellow students, and in particular as a way to show my teacher what they have taught me, and how I have absorbed it. In other words, I take the tests as an opportunity to say thank you to my teachers and senior students, who have helped me achieve the skills. As a result, I do the tests seriously, with as much focus and determination as possible.


The above photo is the ending from one of the Jujutsu kata.

To Think Or Not To Think

A great deal has been made in the Martial Arts about not thinking about technique, but just to flow with it. I have been told this by some excellent teachers, and some of the worst teachers one could imagine. I have my own thoughts and feelings about the concept. First and foremost, I think the concept and idea is very good, yet it is not the only way to fight. "Don't think about the combinations Daniel! FLOW!" Ok ok. There is a good point to it all. Don't over think everything. However, 90% of the time I do not flow when fighting, or feel everything out. Most of the time my fights are completely thought out affairs. Before nearly every combination, I think about what I am going to throw. Why? Because it works...just as flowing works.

FLOW

To flow, to be in a Zen like moment where you just throw what is required and react at the exact time. Harder to do that most would have you believe. In fact, most of the people who tell you to do that, haven't fought a day in their life. However, it can be done. Moving around, feeling the opponent out, countering at just the right moment, being caught in the flow of combat. It is a great sensation that does not always come. And this is where many Martial Arts teachers want to get you too...but to get there, sorry guys, but you need to fight and be under pressure. I can do amazing things in slow motion too, and with compliant dummies. Regardless, flowing does exist and it does most certainly happen...and is beautiful when it happens. It is a Matrix like moment where you are in tune with your opponent's energy, and you are able to reciprocate and exceed whatever is thrown at you, without an abundance of thought, but rather instinctive reaction.

THINKING

Thinking in a fight, gasp, is a good thing too. There are two categories, for me, of "fight thought".

Category One:

The first form of thought when fighting (other than I'm getting the shit kicked out of me I better run) is that of looking for openings. I will move around, and try to throw punches that take advantage of the holes in my opponent's "game". I will also be thinking of whether or not he is trying to make me go for those particular areas in his body, and constantly in thought while I engage my target. This is an intelligent striking design, where you try to exploit the weaknesses you see in your opponent.

Category Two:

This is my favorite style of "thinking fighting", and probably what I use the most. However, it is also probably the most widely criticized way of doing things, and no self respecting M.A teacher would ever tell you to do this. Sometimes I do not look for openings, and do not even look at the position of my opponent, or their stance or their guard. I will simply think of a 3-5 combination technique and throw it...without any concern of whether or not my opponent would be in the right position to receive it or make the technique effective. In other words, and this is very important, I make my opponent fit the technique...not the technique fit the opponent. I know...you'll have to think about that for a bit.

An example:

My opponent has a high guard. Now, if one were thinking about how to exploit the high guard, you'd strike low. However, sometimes I will simply pick out a random combination without even taking my opponent's guard or stance into consideration. As a result, the techniques usually come out of nowhere and completely random and unexpected. No thought, throw a combination that you've thought of...with reckless abandon. Truth be told, this comprises of much of how I do my stand up. I will think the combination out, and just throw it, not caring if it begins with a jab (and my opponent's guard is already high), and ends with a low kick (and my opponent's legs are out of reach). Stupid eh? Well it works for me hah! I think it shocks the opponent often and makes them very confused, because just moments ago I was either flowing with my techniques, or intellectually picking their guard apart.

So all in all, 3 categories of thought process when I fight.

Spinning Back Kick

A month ago I posted information about one of my favorite kicks, the spinning back kick. While seldom seen to great effect in MMA, other than with such fighters like Anderson Silva, George St Pierre, and Cung Le, the kick is rarely seen because most fighters do not throw it properly, or at the right time. When executed properly, it can be a devastating kick and a fight closer.

As I spoke about in the previous post regarding the technique, the three keys to pulling the kick off are:

1) Swift Rotation. A slow rotation will telegraph the kick far too much. The kick cannot help but be telegraphed due to the spin. However, you can reduce the amount of telegraphing by practicing swift rotation.

2) Proper extension. As stated, the kick has a strong telegraph to it, and the opponent will most likely back up. As a result, do not shorten the kick. Extend the kick out as far as possible and gain every possible inch with your leg.

3) Do not lead with the technique. Do not simply throw the spinning back kick. Rather jab (kizami) then throw it, or preempt the technique with someone else. My favorite is a jab, then throw the kick...but there are other very good combinations to be created.

The following is a video of me landing the kick, and I assure you I have landed more than once on many an opponent. If practiced, such techniques can all be done effectively using some common sense, and a little sense of adventure.

Artur Hovhannisyan

OSU!!!

Artur Hovhannisyan, a Kyokushinkai Karateka, recently completed the legendary "100 Man Kumite." With this, he became only the 8th person in history to have accomplished this feat. Truly incredible!

Kin Yuen Sze

I first met Mr Sze at a seminar at the Hong Luck club. Mr Sze's qualifications are incredible, and he is a true Martial Arts legend in China Town, and abroad. I am extremely fortunate to be meeting and creating friendships with some of the greatest Martial Artists.

Kin Sze has studied Choy Lay Fut and Do Pai Kung Fu since 1991 under Grandmaster Paul Chan at the Toronto Hong Luck Kung Fu Club. He is an award-winning San Shou (Chinese kickboxing) fighter and forms competitor. He is a silver medalist in the 2001 Canadian National San Shou Team Selection. In 2004, he received silver and bronze at the 2004 First World Traditional Wushu Festival in Zhengzhou, China. He also holds coaching certifications in Sanda / Sanshou from Beijing, China. Some of his students have won medals in Sanda/Sanshou at national Canadian level and regional level competitions.

Initially Mr Sze was to accompany me to a fight involving me and a Systema practitioner, but as my opponent backed out (due to fear), we then began discussing training together. I hope to learn much from Mr Sze in regards to various techniques that will aid my Choy Lay Fut. He is a practitioner of a different branch of Choy Lay Fut, but that does not matter in the least. What I truly hope to learn from him are striking combinations that he found to be effective in his experiences, as well as some takedowns that San Shou/Sanda are famous for. Hopefully he will be able to help me with combination work, and the fighting experience he has gained from his years of San Shou/Sanda.

I know Mr Sze stumbles on my blog every now and then, so thank you for being so humble and wonderful, and I look forward to training together soon. His interest and willingness to accompany me to a challenge fight was pretty cool I must say. I think having him by my side would have scared my opponent terribly!

The above photo is Mr Sze with the legendary Bolo Yeung.

Mr Sze and Grand Master Paul Chan. Their Hong Luck school is a staple of China Town and a very famous school.
Mr Sze with one of the greatest fighters of our time, Cung Le.

Power Training

The above photo is a still from a commercial Shihan Takahashi did. A month has now passed since I began training with Shihan, and my kicking skills and knowledge, in particular, have definitely improved. Through detailed observation, Takahashi realized that I was releasing my kicks far too soon, not allowing my hip and center (tanden) to be fully involved. It's very frustrating to realize that you are not even able to, after 15 years of Karate, able to do the most basics kicks as well as you can. I must have done hundreds of front kicks in front of him, only to have done perhaps 3-4 properly. He is extremely focused on details and a wonderful technician. As a result, it can also be a tremendously frustrating experience to have techniques put under such a watchful eye.

In a month he has most certainly changed how I emphasize my kicks, the power in my stances, and my kime (focus) at the end of the technique. He has also given me more understanding of how to use tanden, but the challenge will be to integrate tanden into my other techniques. Shihan Takahashi has also given me a glimpse into the like a Karateka, and how dedicated the top one's are. He is incredibly talented, and in stunning physical health. I hope to gain more information about his exercise routine, and general diet. I hope to be able to see him throughout my life, on a private basis, and continue to learn more from him. I only have a few more remaining classes with him before our contract is finished, but later down the line I will be certain to visit him again.

Conditioning

Conditioning is extremely importance for the Martial Artist who wishes to pursue practical fighting skills. Condition yourself to be able to fight twenty minutes, so that one can push through a one minute affair with absolute ferocity. Conditioning allows you to deliver the punishment, as well as absorb the punishment, which is often unavoidable in a fight.

My conditioning schedule involves two phases, which run on a two week platform.

Phase One (Week One) - Body Conditioning

Body conditioning consists of conditioning the most often used weapons on my body, which are my hands, wrists, shins, elbows etc. The exercises I perform are Makiwara Board, Sandbag or Heavy Bag training, Knuckle Push Ups (Variations with fingers), Forearm conditioning exercises etc etc. This is a very punishing week of conditioning, with plenty of pain inducing conditioning.

Phase Two (Week Two) - Physical Conditioning

These exercises are mostly body weight exercises, static movement, isometrics, plyometrics and weights. I will spar more often during this week as well, and focus on dynamic strength and stamina. I also try and keep a standard minimum of fitness routine during these days, a program that Shihan Takahashi helped me create.

A fusion of such conditioning helps maintain a fighting body and mind. What helps, furthermore, is studying a variety of Martial Arts, each providing you with a different physical challenge, and routine. Combine all this with a clean diet and hopefully you can last a long time and enjoy your chosen Martial Art to the final days.

Supplementation

My training regime creates horrors for my body, so supplementation, proper rest, and nutrition are a must. For post workout supplementation, I have been enjoying a combination of Creatine and Endurox, a combination of protein and carbs. It has helped with my healing after workouts, and recovery time.

Other than this, a standard multi-vitamin and heavy dosages of MSM, Calcium, and Glucosamine keep my joints relatively normal. A reasonably clean diet on my on and off days keeps my regular health in check...and plenty of water is consumed as well.

Sleep on the other hand...I could always use more.

John Cheung

One of my favorite Kung Fu artists, John Cheung. While he has often played background characters in Hong Kong action films, I always thought he was head and shoulders above most practitioners of the art. In the early 90's he finally received a spotlight in "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story." He played Johnny Sun, sent to fight Bruce Lee and prevent him from continuing to teach.

He was in his 50's at the time of this filming...

Ushiro Mawashi Geri

Ushiro Mawashi Geri is one of my favorite kicking techniques, and it is also one of the most difficult to land. However, with proper training and an understanding of how to use it, and when, it becomes an incredibly effective technique and even a "high percentage" technique. The above photo was taken at a Wado dojo, and shows me in the midst of throwing, and landing, the kick. So how do you land Ushiro Mawashi Geri?

First and foremost, never deliver the kick as a sole strike. It must be delivered in combination with something else. This means it must be delivered with either a hand technique, or another kick. I prefer to attempt the kick in conjunction with hand strikes. Why? If you set up the kick using two or three other kicks, the opponent will get used to reacting to kicks, and possibly be more prepared. However, throwing a jab, or back knuckle (uraken), followed by the spinning back kick can be gold. The rotation on the kick must be very fast, for when your opponent sees you spin, they will more often than not react by backing up. This means not only must you have quick rotation, but full extension in the kick. The following are some of my favorite combinations to throw when attempting the kick.

1) Kizami, Ushiro Mawashi Geri (perhaps my favorite and highest chance of landing it)

2) Uraken, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

3) Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

4) Haito, Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

I have been told by arm chair commandos that kicks such as this don't work, and that they'll just dodge it or take me down etc etc. While these people are often those who never spar, and have no concept of how a striker strikes, they do have a point. It does leave you exposed, which is precisely why you must not throw it in seclusion. Add it to the end of a string of techniques, and make sure you are moving in a linear fashion...and it can be done to great effect. Someone going to tell Cung Le it doesn't work? How about when Sakuraba fought Belfort, and landed 3 consecutive one's?

Takahashi Training

Today I had my first class with Shihan, and the man is everything he spouts, and everything he claims to be. His physique, for any age, is phenomenal. His technique is crisp, and his teaching style is extremely technical. He tore my Karate apart and helped me rebuild some of my concepts, in order to adapt stronger power principles. Through detailed observation, he felt as though my upper body was not co-operating with my lower body, and that I need to shorten the width of my stances, in order to gain maximum linear power. I have never had my Karate techniques so carefully observed, he is a true technician. He is very impressive in his striking ability, very fast and powerful, with strong hip strength.

My introduction to Shihan Takahashi was quite a moment. During our warm up, he proceeded to lay down underneath a bench press, and lift the bench, only to let it drop on his stomach repeatedly. He then began doing sit ups, and every few repetitions, would then lift the bench again, and let it slam onto his core. He also began punching 10 inch plate glass, and the wall. He is conditioned to the bone, and after his demonstration of punching power (in which I was the victim), I was sold. His strikes, which were done lightly, made me feel like my lungs were going to collapse.

Many Karateka, of all ranks, come to him in order to have their techniques observed under a watchful eye. He was extremely friendly and very easy to work with. After focusing on kihon waza, he put me through a weight regime that he does regularly, and one that I was barely able to complete myself. Takahashi trains as a fighter would, with strong conditioning and emphasis on the basics. He has taken the Karate he studied and focused on providing maximum power to every movement, which requires a little more hip than I am normally used to in Karate. I always thought my Karate was powerful, and while it is, he gave me many points of improvement, particularly in regards to hip work and foot work. He also gave me some excellent advice on yoko geri kekomi and keage.

Takahashi comes straight out of the movies. His demeanor, his skill level, his training...it is quite remarkable. We ended the session with a brief discussion on Japanese cinema and some DVDs I could lend him. I can only hope I am in his kind of shape at his age, with the same sense of fire and passion about Karate.

Shihan Zen Takahashi

Years ago I had run across a Karateka named Zen Takahashi. He was born in Japan, and studied Karate in Japan under such Masters as Hirokazu Kanazawa, Takemasa Okuyama, and Tatsuo Suzuki. Having achieved a high Dan ranking with several Karate organizations, he left and began teaching Karate in Toronto. He felt as though Karate organizations were handing out ranks to anyone and everyone, and that few of heads of orgs could really handle their shit. Tough talk...

When we spoke on the phone, about half a year ago, he mentioned that he was tired of seeing high ranking individuals sitting on their asses, getting into bad shape, yet still proclaiming to be Martial Artists. "Don't pay much attention to the title, rank or what's written about a club or instructor..." These were interesting words to me. He told me that few could keep up to his level of intensity. This guy was sounding like the bad ass of the Karate community. And I liked it. He was mentioning some big names, saying how they're just posturing...wow. Mr Takahashi was unreal to me, and I wanted to learn under him. He seemed bitter and angry, and like he had a great fire in him, and that he wanted to show what a truly dedicated Karateka can do. Hell, this guy was still sparring with people half his age!


His mottos were:

1) Practice What You Preach

2) Modest In Talk, Let Actions Speak For The Truth

3) Never Cease To Be A Student

In his 60's, his training regime still included over 400 hours of training every year, makiwara training, and an intense physical regime that left him with the body I could only hope for in my twenties. He trains like a young fighter, still very hungry, weight training and conditioning like a true Karateka.

I finally, after about a year and a half of waiting, got the call I was hoping for. He is willing to train me privately, and I accepted.

Trankada Aldabon Kali

Last weekend Guru Nonoy Gallano held yet another seminar, for a privileged few, on knife fighting. Suffice it to say, his techniques and knowledge are second to none, and his prowess with the blade commands respect, as well as the dangers a blade can produce. I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to him, and have enjoyed both public and private time with him, speaking about his history and what he has to offer. He is a wonderful man, and an exceptional Martial Artist. His age, and blindness, give his abilities an even greater constitution.
I was also honored to be one of the first people to be given several certificates of involvement in his seminars. Having his signature and confidence is a real treat and honor. I will not forget my first seminar with him, and where I have advanced to in terms of understanding the knife, unarmed Filipino combat, as well as the sticks.

JKD Fighter Incident

Yesterday I sparred with a JKD stylist, and a former student of Ryan Kennedy. Adopting Hokko No Kamae, I managed to land a strong vertical elbow on his lead hand. He was indexing with his lead hand, but leaned in too far, giving me a direct shot to the back of his hand. I landed the elbow extremely hard and broke his hand. Gravity and elbows...work well.

Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing

Sifu Leung is beginning to reach out to the community, and advertise his teachings in Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing. He has much to offer, having fought bare knuckle in Hong Kong, and having learned under some great Masters. It is an honor to have found him, and his senior student, who have been very kind and welcoming. The striking style is utterly unique, extremely deceptive, and they are fighters through and through, encouraging conditioning and a fighting mentality. It has given me a better long range striking style, along with strikes that extremely difficult to defend against, due to their arching nature.

In "Bruce Lee", written by Jesse Glover, the author comments on how "Bruce met Richard , and that Richard's hard forearms were so powerful that both he (Bruce) and his fellow Si-hing (Senior student in Kung Fu) could not stop Richard's heavy swinging punches and were both knocked to the ground in a sparring/fight match."

How can you not train with someone of that history? Especially when you dislike Bruce Lee as much as I do (that's another article). Special thanks to Jenny Neiman, a wonderful photographer who took many great photos for our school. Her photos can be found on our main website.

Pancrase Demonstration

Excellent MMA organization in Japan called "Pancrase." The co founder is Masakatsu Funaki. This is a demonstration of "Pancrase" style fighting. Pancrase predates the UFC.

Making Technique Work

A common criticism for Japanese Jujutsu is that it simply does not work against a fully resisting opponent. Without going into "Japanese Jujutsu" is a proven battlefield art, and therefore just somehow works, let's boil it down to a far more realistic perspective. Often what works and what does not work is not decided by the technique, but the training methodology that surrounds it.

For example, let us take the classic "double leg or single leg" takedown. The technique is as sound as "omote gyaku", in terms of principles. However, many train and drill a double and single leg takedown over and over, against fully resisting opponents. How often have you seen a Japanese Jujutuska practice omote gyaku in such a way, against people who don't want to be taken down? Seldom, if ever.

My argument is that training methodology is just as important as technique, if not moreso. In the summer of 2008 I fought a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practioner, and ended up taking him down with omote gyaku, which led to an arm bar/juji-gatame. Train your classical Jujutsu against uke who progressively resist more and more, and you will learn how to utilize such techniques in a real time manner.

Finally, simply because a technique does not work the first time around, or the 50th, do not dismiss it. Strong training with proper methodology can make many techniques work. Do not limit yourself to only using what is immediately easy, otherwise you limit yourself. As my teacher once said "there is a tendency to only accept techniques that are in your current range of ability. The problem with that is your range will never grow, nor will you." These photos are stills from the very same match I was just telling you about, where I managed a takedown with omote gyaku.

Shigurui Death Frenzy

I am not interested in all anime, but sometimes you have just have to...

This looks exceptional!

Weapons Training

Weapons training, be it Filipino, Chinese, Okinawan, or Japanese, holds great purpose in the progression of a Martial Artist. I look at Weapons training as having three very basics advantages, and purposes that should encourage all to participate in such training. First, it is a fantastic workout. Weapons, depending on the make, wood, or material, can be of varying weights. Learning to control and manipulate such objects work the minute muscles in your body, targeting many areas that would not normally be targeted. My wrists and forearms have double in strength since weapon training, which started in the Okinawan system of Ryukyu Kobudo. Secondly, weapons training does not always dictate utilizing weapons, but can also be evading weapons. Learning to evade a stick, for example, is not only challenging but has tremendous benefits to when you need to evade a fist. The tip of a stick travels far quicker than a human fist. If you can learn to evade a stick, then as my teacher would say, "punches seem like they are coming at you in slow motion." The Filipino Martial Arts excel at such evasions and drills, and are a highly useable way to train for empty hand combat. Finally, simply learning to manipulate objects of varying sizes, lengths, and shapes increases the chance of you being able to find a weapon at your disposal, in the environment in which your combative situation takes place. An escrima stick/Hanbo/Jo/Bo/Tanbo etc, can all be relatively easy to find, as they are simply straight. Even specialized Okinawan weapons like the Tonfa can be found in every day environments, such as the back of your car. Nearly every car has a tire iron in it. Learn Tonfa, and you can wield a tire iron with devastating results.

Cung Le vs Frank Shamrock

Cung Le vs Frank Shamrock. These are two extremely talented fighters, who both embody the spirit of Traditional Martial Arts, and the respect it brings. This is an extremely entertaining fight, with some truly show stopping moments and excellent technique. I will never forget watching this fight and being in awe of the gamesmanship and technique being displayed.

Part One



Part Two

Hand Conditioning

Fighting hurts, there is no way around it. The only hope is that you deliver a far greater beating than you receive. Forearm and fist conditioning is a useful element in your training. Not only does it make your bones and skin more resistant to breaking, but it also allows you to strike harder and with greater intention.

How does such training make you hit harder? While the physical benefits have been questioned by many, the mental element of such training is clear. Hitting someone bare knuckle hurts tremendously, and many street fights result in broken knuckles and hands. Strike someone with bone on bone, without any conditioning, and you will be less willing to strike them again. Getting used to the torturous feeling of high impact gives you a greater sense of what to expect. Get used to hitting hard things, and you will get used to the pain, to the point where it rolls off your shoulders. This makes annihilating someone's jaw easier to do, and makes blocking someone's punch a torturous affair for them, not you.

While Buk Sing has given me a greater opportunity to practice conditioning, on a weekly basis, Karate has given me great forearm conditioning, due to the linearity of many of the techniques. With that said, my fist remains not terribly well conditioned, something I am rectifying. Conditioning of the forearms and fist should be taken slowly, and at a gradual pace, less a serious injury occur. There are many different ways to strike a makiwara, some involve direct strikes, others involve angling to engage different knuckles, others require a certain pushing sensation to ground and grind the knuckles down. It may seem strange, but the practice can become extremely meditative and very enjoyable.


Conditioning the hands makes you less likely to pull your punch out of the fear of pain. Without the fear of bone on bone contact, crashing through someone's guard becomes easier, and makes for one very terrified opponent.

Bas Rutten

A few Bas Rutten quotes. Not only a phenomenal fighter in the ring or cage, but on the streets as well. Great individual to hang around, and a good teacher...very funny too...

"Because he tried to kill me, so I got to return the favor..."

"Look Sir, I really don't want anything of this and I go 'WHOOP' like this, and I slit your throat, and it's over and out..."

"Right away you say, 'OK I'm sorry'... Bang! Bang! Bang! No I'm not!"

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm going to break your leg..."

"Everybody underestimates the kick to the groin..."

"This guy head butted me, so i head butted him back twice..."

Kamae

No matter what Martial Art you may study, you are most likely familiar with the "Kamae". Kamae refers to "stance", "body attitude" etc. However, when we think of Kamae we often think of the physical posturing, and not the mental or spiritual posturing. Every Kamae has a feeling to it. In Karate, your kumite dachi is about posture, solidity, and firmness in resolve. In Ninpo, a Kamae such as dokko no kamae gives the sense of intensity and aggressiveness. Try to embody the feeling and mood that your Kamae gives you. It is not just a physical manifestation, but should excude how you the Kamae makes you feel inside.

During sparring in Karate, I have often felt myself on the loosing end of an exchange. As oppposed to looking frustrated or injured, I adopt a strong kumite dachi, telling my opponent that regardless of what has just happened, I am ready again, and unaffected. I think sparring provides a better understanding of Kamae, as they become living moving feelings as opposed to static physicality. I remember fighting one Karateka who adopted a really low stance, and moved towards me like he was going to unleash hell. He didn't end up being the greatest fighter, but for a moment, I was very intimidated.

Takamatsu's Words

Toshitsugu Takamatsu once said...

“Let him cut your skin, and you cut his flesh. Let him cut your flesh, and you cut his bones. Let him cut your bones, and you cut off his life.”

My interpretation of these words speaks about the importance of escalating violence against a would be attacker. When fighting, it is important to dominate the spirit of your opponent, as well as their physical shell. One of the best ways to dominate the spirit and body is by escalating any trespasses, with double the force. If struck in the leg, strike back twice as hard, twice as often. Let your opponent know you have a salvo of weapons and can fire off at will. As a fighter, I know the frustrations of fighting hard, only to have the opponent fight back harder, and give back double.

In recent times there has been a movement that have attempted to portray Takamatsu as a Saint, a dreamer, a poet, and a painter. He killed people. He was a fighter. We tend to forget such things when all Hatsumi talks about is prancing bunnies, and how softly Takamatsu used to whisper in his ear...

Takamatsu is an idol of mine, but not because of his artwork or his wisdom in the later years. It is because he trained and fought hard, because he won and took the transmission of his art seriously.

Demon's Sermon On The Martial Arts

The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts, by Issai Chozanshi, is a fine example of Samurai literature. The book sets itself apart from other such works of the era, by offering no thoughts on combative techniques or strategies. Instead, it attempts to convey the importance of spirit in the Martial Arts, the importance of the mind and spirit.

The advice provided in the book is given by the Tengu, mythical winged beasts in Japanese folklore. While terrible in appearance and conduct, it was also said that the Tengu held the highest secrets of the Martial Arts and swordsmanship. These shape-shifters often took the form of big birds, with beaked faces, feathered wings and heavy talons, and their human form often had long noses; indicating both an avian heritage and an addiction to arrogance (Long Nose). Seeing as how the Tengu are the givers of the sermons in the book, it provides for playful dialogue filled with analogies, metaphors, and misleading dialogue. The book can be a chore to get through if you are looking for an easy read, but well worth it for those who wish to study.

As mentioned, the book provides no thoughts on techniques. Rather, the reader is advised on the importance of mind and spirit. He is not to be distracted by efficacy of technique, or any supposed superiority of one school over another. While technique certainly has its place, and it is often those who are left for dead that never focused on it, the book does bring about important concepts.

As my one instructor would say, and I could not agree more, tales abound of the Martial Artist that gets beaten up in the streets. I have personally encountered many such stories, and while these Martial Artists are often those who train with complete co-operation, no conditioning, unrealistic drilling, and no sparring, they are often those who lack in another area...

They neglect to train the spirit of combat, and the mind of combat. Such training does not mean sitting in meditation and opening useless chakras, it means training with intention and spirit. It means training with Zanshin, Isshin, Fudoshin, and Mushin.

When we train in the dojo with intensity of spirit and focus of mind, we learn how to exude combative spirit. We learn how to display the "I am going to fuck you up" spirit and look. Trained Martial Artists often lose in the streets because they do not train with intensity, the kind of spiritual, mental, and emotional intensity one finds in a combative scenerio. If you face an opponent with less technique, but greater spirit and drive and intention, regardless of your technique, you can lose. You can know all the technique in the world, but if you are not mentally prepared, and face a less talented yet mentally prepared opponent, your time is numbered. Thugs, gang bangers, criminals, they can all be difficult adversaries because they exude spirit to fight and mental hardening, and that can be intimidating. Intimidation in combat means you forget your techniques, and resort to wild movements. Train with intensity and hardness so that nothing intimidates you, because you have "seen it all before." Such an outlook will prepare you to be at your best, technique wise, in combat.

Defeat them with technique, but land the initial blow by showcasing your spirit to fight, which if you train it properly, will trump theirs.

The Demon's Sermon On The Martial Arts reminds us of such important things.