Terry Dukes: Inventing a martial art

Post by **gmattson** » Thu Aug 12, 1999 6:05 pm

It would seem that when a fraud is uncovered, the individual responsible should quietly go away. In Terry Dukes's case, he keeps popping up like the proverbial bad penny.

A very creative, imaginative person, Terry thought he found a nitch in the then little known martial arts, where his talents might be honed and used.

He made a mistake creating his homebrewed cult based on the martial arts. True . . .in the 60s & 70s few knew anything about karate and its history. However with time and the inquisitive minds of students, it wasn't long before Terry and his web of deceit began to unravel. Unlike the spider who can safely navigate its web, Terry found himself trapped like a fly in his web of fiction.

If Terry were simply a misguided individual who made exaggerated claims of rank, people would probably allow him to quietly live out his life, harmlessly teaching his fictitious brand of self defense movements. But Terry chose to create a dangerous cult-like organization around his fabrication, harming many individuals in his evangelizing.

If he stated that he was the devine source of his cult, based on a dream, or alien intervention, we might be powerless to unravel his intentions.

Instead of a dream or devine intervention, Terry chose to fabricate his cult around the martial arts. . . an area where a surprising amount of information exists that can destroy the foundation upon which Mr. Dukes has built his cult.

In the past, I have been in touch with a number of individules who have been emotionally and physically assaulted by this one man cult. They were unorganized and afraid to speak out for fear of reprisal at the hand of their former "non-violent" leader. However, they began to communicate and eventually created a "support" group where a healing process began. Part of this group's goal is to help others who are looking for a "guru" and unfortunately stumbled onto Mushindo or one of its "mumble jumble" offshoots.

Quite a few scholars participate in these forums who might have access to TD's book, "Bodhisattva Warriors". The book is pure fiction, expertly wrapped around martial art legends, folklore and scholarly bull****. Few people who pick up the book ever wade through the whole thing and even fewer would attempt to follow the links Terry refers to in backing up his various claims. He counts on this!

Please post your views of this book. Perhaps we can help get Mr. Dukes out of the martial arts. Check out the following site for updates as they become known.
http://www.bodhisattva.connectfree.co.uk

[This message has been edited by gmattson (edited 08-12-99).]

Hidde Wallaart · Post by **Hidde Wallaart** » Sun Aug 15, 1999 2:16 am

Dear sensei Mattson,

Thanks for your support of the ex-Mushindokai students. I think this discussion forum is great!

Yes, Shifu (as we called Dukes) was a captivating talker and one couldn't escape the impression of listening to a genius, or at least a very knowledgeable person. He was very proud of his book "Bodhisattva Warriors" and always encouraged us to read it "so you don't have to read all the other books" but it was such a brain-twister that I always put that off.

I am a bit puzzled by your remark that we should "get Mr. Dukes out of the martial arts." With my own eyes I have seen an old man performing katas in a way everybody else would get slap for. Terry Dukes would not be able to do more then 10 pressups and regarding beam-pullups he won't get beyond 3 or 4. He basically stopped training seriously in the early eighties I guess. I was surprised he was still advertising his club on the internet because he won't impress anybody when they go round to Kongoryuji.

As far as I am concerned, Dukes has left Mushindo long ago. He didn't even bother to come to the annual grading in November 1998 (the only occasion green belts could hope for promotion up to brown belt) Similarly he took only one class at the Summer training week in August 1998 where he send out the higher grades and spend ages correcting the stance of a little Japanese beginner girl.

What always surprised me was that Shifu Nagaboshi never went to meditate with us. Sitting on your bum talking to the Buddha (or yourself!) for an hour shouldn't be too demanding. Even at Buddhist festivals he would not go into the Shrine Room at Kongoryuji temple.

One poignant observation I would like to make: it took karate men less than 5 years to uncover the fraud of Dukes. As a Buddhist Teacher and Head of the British Shingon Buddhist Association 'Shifu Nagaboshi' could live on for more than 30 years without anybody discovering or minding. So much for developing 'clear understanding' through Buddhist training.

Dukes had devoted, idealistic people around him and they kept the organisation going. There were two young girls living with their 'spiritual master' and it was only when one of them started to speak up about the 'sexual acts' she had to perform with him that it became obvious to everybody that instead of some Buddhist Master he was just a dirty old man.

I think that the Kempo training itself was hard but good. (four classes a week, once a month a training weekend) It required dedication and discipline. It was combined with Dharma study 1-2 nights a week (trying to grasp the Heart Sutra and other Mahayana texts, as well as the philosopher Vasubandhu), yoga (1-2 classes) and the study of character analysis. Everybody worked their butts out and we always felt guilty for not having enough time to read our way to the 100 volume 'recommended reading list' (the general one that is). 'Listening to Shifu' after parties was a chore in itself because he could go on for ages about WWII, the European Union etc. till 6 or 8 o'clock in the early morning.

I still feel strong admiration for the dedication of all my companions on this misguided but sincerely believed quest for enlightenment. OK, I know you all went a different way and hard things have been said to each other, but I still wish you all the best and I hope our plight was not all in vain.

More and more gets uncovered of the lies and betrayal by the people we put our trust in. The sickness of the cult permeated in the minds and the hearts of all its members. It was not just Dukes. It was in all the little executioners, the people who didn't ask questions, the ones that only followed orders, the sempais who enjoyed easy access to the girls that were made subservient to them. It is thoroughly disgusting.

It is easy to loose heart and faith in people but the only thing I can say about that is: I believe that life will give these deluded people the right retribution. If not now, then in a re-birth they will suffer for their actions.

Hidde Wallaart

Post by **gmattson** » Tue Mar 28, 2000 2:57 pm

Here is another Mushindo thread.

------------------
GEM

Bod Boulton · Post by **Bod Boulton** » Thu Mar 30, 2000 9:03 pm

Stop press!

Mushindokai proudly announces the opening of its USA branch! Visit the webpage at:
<A href="http://home.talkcity.com/SpiritCir/ito- ... ex.html</A>

it announces:

This organization was formed In 1999, under the leadership of Arakawa Mitsugi, Sensei and is a direct affiliate of MKA head-quarters, Overseas Division.

Mushindo Kempo Association (usa)
9245 Poplar Av. Ste. 8
PMB 145
Germantown, Tennessy. 38138

RT. 1 Box 119
555 Wilburn Road
Michigan City, Mississippi 38647
email: Shindodojo@yahoo.com

Does anybody know of this dojo in Germantown, Tennessy? And the other one in Michigan City, Mississippi? I bet you that nobody has ever seen or heard of sensei Arakawa Mitsugi. Possibly it is an alter ego of Terry Dukes? Is Dukes in the USA, now that he is found out in England? Should we inform the police of Germantown? Suspense is mounting...

All the criticism of "The Bodhisattva Warriors" is also dealt with:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
One of the best readings to date , which supports this concept, can be found at your
local book store, is called "The Bodhisattva Warrior", (Samuel Weiser, Inc. publisher), written by Shifu Nagaboshi Tomio.
This book, criticized by some, is indeed, one of the best pieces of literary Martial Arts & Marti-
al Science information written to date. There have been some, in the way of critics, who wish to defame Nagaboshi
Tomio, Shifu; his works, and his book, " The Bodhisattva
Warrior". Not only have I found Nagaboshi Tomio, Shifu to
be intelligent, trust worthy, knowledgeable in most areas concerning "Classical" Martial Arts & Science(s) training; I have, to this date, found no other martial arts book, which lends such extensive elements of information regarding the many subjects afore-mentioned! The works of The Bodhisattva Warrior, dispel negative claims by those who would, for the lack of words, use "deceptive angles", lacking in personal "codes of ethics" and "common decency", use the realm of BUDO, as a shroud of "self- righteous" and "benevolent" attitude, for their own personal attainment, glory, and monetary gain! For those who are familiar with these "few", and have witnessed such activity, This IS NOT the way of BUDO; nor is it, any way of Buddhism, Christianity, or, just plain... "A common code of human ethics"!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Note: you can access Dukes' Guestbook via the following links:
<A href="http://j.talkcity.com/ht/GuestbookEntry ... 8889">Sign Guestbook</A>
<A href="http://j.talkcity.com/ht/GuestbookDispl ... 8889">Read Guestbook</A>

Bod Boulton · Post by **Bod Boulton** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 4:14 am

Dear Dr. X, you are observant as ever. But I still think you haven't seen all of it. Are you in for a laugh (or tears, anger, disbelief)? This is what Terry Dukes has to say about his ex-students. The text appears on the <a href="http://www.mushindo-kempo.org.uk">Official Mushindo Kempo Website</a>. It appears to written by "Mr. R. Murray" who was not a member of the MKA organisation whatsoever before 1999, but seems to have joined in the beginning of January 1999, just after all the other students left en-masse. His handwriting (of which we have samples) looks remarkably like Dukes' handwriting but that should be of no surprise: a man capable of inventing his own masters can also invent his own servants. Low and behold, here is the quote:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
<a href="http://www.mushindo-kempo.org.uk/critics.htm">Mushindo myth spinners </a>
by R.Murray. Secretary of Kongokita Dojo. Scotland

Introduction

This is an account concerning students who criticise their training or teacher(s) after they have left the dojo but we feel this theme and subjects in it are very important for both students and teachers to know of and to this end we have gone into some detail. This account may help other teachers of the martial arts who have experienced similar events within their own teaching practices to know such events are not unique or peculiar to themselves. I also include a brief and more positive record, at the end, of some of the many good things others have said about our group to put this account in balance
As the Mushindo group is more a spiritual than martial organisation, its training requirements and studies often differ from 'ordinary' karate groups etc however principles remain much the same despite this. There is always room to learn from others. Many of our teachers are forbidden by their religious vows from replying to critics (which is why some critics speak in the first place) however someone has to act as a voice for our teachers and I am very happy to do so. It is long overdue. […]
We have had within some of our clubs various persons who, despite what they initially promise, were later in their trainings unable to meet or observe our requirements. For various reasons a few of these people have an obsessive need to exonerate their inadequacies by inventing accounts of their experiences or trainings within our group so as to make themselves look justified in departing. It is sad they feel such a need.
Shifu Nagaboshi in particular has often taken into training emotionally or psychologically damaged persons in an attempt to aid them. This has not always succeeded but he has always been happy to continue to try to help them in the traditional Bodhisattva like manner. He has often been repaid for his kindness by treachery and deceit on the part of those he has helped.
Some of these ex students try to hide the real circumstances of their leaving our trainings by projecting their various excuses, both to themselves and to others, into the world at large through the WWW. The unsuspecting newcomer to the training hall may be detrimentally influenced by such persons. It is for this reason this account you are now reading has been prepared. Let us look briefly at a few of these cases.
[… chop chop chop…]

Case history 6: A US 'Spider Web'

A good example of the type of person currently involved in commercialised exploitive Karate in the USA can be seen in the web pages set up for the purpose of crtitcising Mushindo Kempo or its teachers. There has developed a little group of apparently weak minded people, mostly I suspect involved with the 'Boston mangler' or his supporters (that means of course people who teach predominately for money, fame, ego or power and have problems in their parent-child relationships). Such people come up with some ridiculous stories and tales designed it seems to mainly convince themselves of their own - and I use this term hesitantly - 'bona fides'. Even I, so many miles away from them, can see the inaccuracies and contradictions in their fairy stories and pseudo expert observations. Some attempt to cast doubt upon the author of Bodhisattva Warriors! Anyone who has read that book properly can see clearly how much its author knows and understands, no reader of it needs any convincing about its worth and integrity as don't the Universities dojos and Japanese groups around the world who use it in their class teachings. All who have actually met and spoken with its author, Shifu Nagaboshi, dismiss such comments as ' the ignorant rubbish of jealous failures' and refuse to discuss them further. Shifu is has studied with some very famous teachers and is well known and respected in the Buddhist world - look for instance at the credits in the books introduction. He is also the author of many other impressive books
The trouble is I suspect most of these 'spider webbers' either haven't read the book or have educational standards, or psychological problems, which make it difficult for them to understand it.
As I was involved tangentially in helping in some of its preparation even I can repudiate some statements I have been told are made. I myself know for instance that our school's official crest (the Sanshinmon') was registered here (and internationally) in 1958 - many years before certain people in the US ever tried to pretend it as their own. As we read in BW the crest has been used by the pro-royalists in the Ryukyus since 1609. Tibetan Buddhists have used since the 10thC. We actually use it in its correct and pre Japanese format not upside down and turned to the side as is now common in Japan. There were many pictures which were not included in the early printings of the Bodhisattva Warriors, including many of our temple, monks and US military students etc in the Ryukyus simply because of space limitations and incidentally, because Shifu decided they might embarass people or their students still teaching in Okinawa. In future works some of these may now be included.
All of the pictures are credited as to their source, there was no need to take any from anywhere else - even if the dark Boston 'spiders' allege they resemble others. WE all know that tourists take pictures from the same beauty spots all the time so its not unusual that some may look like others. All the photos credited to Kongoryuji library are actually held there (it has an enormous collection) from many sources and authors (some authors have used pictures from our archive in their own books). Master Ui said once "We do not need photographs to prove we are alive!".
No, what we do need to see is the real reason such silly things are said, it is not because there is any grain of truth in them but because those who criticise are simply jealous and obviously very worried. Why is this you may wonder ?
As people take up Mushindo principles and apply them in their lives they become harder to trick or mislead and this means they often give up studying in ordinary dojo trainings. This causes a drop in the incomes of those who for many years have pretended they have monopolies in certain areas of teaching. It was for such reasons (as we may read in its early pages) that a marvelous book such as the BW was written. The fan mail I have seen from its readers show how much it is still appreciated in the US, as do its increasingly world wide sales. 'Spider webbers' of course can not imitate Mushindo teachings in order to financially exploit them, for to do that would mean they actually have to study and teach Buddhist philosophy and engage in some of its practices. This means they are stuck in the deep, rigid and habitual grooves they have made for themselves and there is no way out of these unless they actually change their attitudes.
If there are any criticisms that could be made about the book they would be along the lines of 'when will the next, bigger, one be out' .

Summing up and learning the lessons

Although the above tales may seem a lot, they actually stretch over a period of nearly 30 years and are unusual. No doubt other equally shocking but edifying accounts will emerge in due course. Despite this we cannot give up hope in students. If students (or their teachers) do not really apply themselves to developing and expanding their self understanding they will always be prone to self deception. It is often difficult to come to terms with what we discover we really are but we must for our own good. We wil all die some day and at that time what we have done and thought will return to us. What we have made ourselves become, our mental states and qualities will determine what we shall become later. That is why it is so important to begin now.

[… chop chop chop…]

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[This message has been edited by Bod Boulton (edited March 30, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Bod Boulton (edited April 04, 2000).]

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 6:54 pm

Why is it that I feel like taking a bath after reading Terry Dukes?

The (marginal) success of such pompous windbags makes me worry about the state of humanity and the English language.

Post by **gmattson** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 7:18 pm

I wonder who the "Boston Mangler" is?

------------------
GEM

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 7:21 pm

You should be flattered. I find the moniker both intimidating and....endearing.

He's too much of a coward to use his own name or directly face his tormenters.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 8:00 pm

The Boston Mangler bears an uncanny resemblance to my Sensei! Now that I think about it, his red book is kind of like a manifesto....

------------------
D. Steven White
swhite@umassd.edu

BILLY B · Post by **BILLY B** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 8:30 pm

This crap makes our Uechi politics seem very tame does'nt it? Whenever I start to get depressed about our inability to train with one another's associations as brothers and sisters, I will read these threads and laugh!

THIS GUY IS A FREAK'IN BOOB!

student · Post by **student** » Fri Mar 31, 2000 10:01 pm

This amazing display does add a new dimension to the venerable phrase Put Up Your Dukes, doesn't it?

Perhaps a TV mini-series:

The Hazard of Dukes!

Just a thought....

maurice richard libby · Sat Apr 01, 2000 12:05 am

In regads to the Protocol, titles, and proper dialogue thread, what is the proper term of respect...is it Mangler-sensei or Mr. Mangler sir, or should we be using the entire honorific: Mr. Boston Mangler sensei-sir?

This may be important

.

maurice

p.s.I guess I shouldn't have wasted all these years actually studying martial arts--I could have made up my own a long time ago. <slaps forhead>--why didn't I think of that?!

------------------
maurice richard libby
toronto/moose jaw
ICQ9474685
Ronin at large

Scott Danziger · Post by **Scott Danziger** » Sat Apr 01, 2000 12:44 am

Take a bath??? I want to throw up!

Wanna laugh, this is the last part of that "critics" page...

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
What experts of East & West have said about Mushindo Kempo & its teachers
- He has the best explanation of the Pingan Kata I have ever seen' J.Claranino. Black belt Instructor Kykoshinkai. Japan

- Only a genius can teach the way he can' G.Andrews. Black belt Instructor. Gojo Ryu. Okinawa

- He is the most important Okinawan trained teacher in Europe'. R.Trias. (8th Dan) Black belt. Founder USKA

- He knows more than Nagamine'. H.Hairston. Black belt Instructor. Okinawan Shorin Ryu.

- Your system is like Gold and should be kept safe from the profane'; 'I will write a testimonial for you anytime'. H.Plee. (8th dan) Head Instructor F.A.M.A. (France)

- He is the best teacher I have ever trained with'. J.Doughty. Black belt Instructor Australia MKA

- In my 30 or so years since I began training I have never met a better teacher'. Sensei I.Yardley. Black belt Instructor GB

- There is no better Sensei in Britain'. Sensei Goshin. Black belt Instructor. Founder. All Greece Karate Assoc

- He has shown me things other Masters have told me they dream of'. Sensei H.Ozawa. Mabuni Ryu. Kochi Daigaku. Japan

- Your group is an elite and should always keep so'. Christmas Humpheys. The Buddhist Society.GB

- He is the only good teacher of Kongo Zen in Europe'. Sensei M.Oki. Founder of Japan Okido Yoga. .

- His Holiness notes your strong espousal of Ahimsa' .T.Gyeche. Secretary to the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Dharamsala. India.

- George has asked me to offer you a 2nd degree black belt in Uechi Ryu with perhaps a 3rd Dan later if you come in with us'. R.Ship. Uechi Ryu GB

- You are a remarkable man and in the 40 plus years since you first came to study with me I have come to regard you as my own son'. Sensei S.Okada. Osaka. Japan.

- You have probably forgotten more than most Okinawans teachers nowadays ever knew'. Sensei H.Kimura (senior student of Kenwa Mabuni in Okinawa)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well this site sounds like a perfect candidate for the Humorous, Bizarre, & Beyond link page. Only I don't know if I should waste anymore energy with it. I've seen MANY MANY Martial Art websites out there. This is by far the worst crap on such a large scale I've ever seen. If we didn't no any better, you'd think it was an April's Fools joke. Unfortunatly, we do know better.

[This message has been edited by Scott Danziger (edited March 31, 2000).]

Scott Danziger · Post by **Scott Danziger** » Sat Apr 01, 2000 2:00 pm

X-Man, (like that one?)

Why check every statement?

Having worked in Quality Assurance I say we use an AQL sample. That would mean using a sample of 8 out of the 16 statements above. 1 false statement out of the sample fails the entire lot. No need to go on and check any further. However, to give benefit of the doubt (hahaha) and to amuse ourselves lets say as soon as we find 3 statements out of the entire 16 prove false, (though we'd probably would find 3 in our sample size) then the whole lot fails & every statement ever made by Duke fails, and the publishers of his book "Bahtswannabe a martial art warrior & buddist holy man" should either be removed from circulation OR reclassified into it's proper designation - FICTION or FANTASY. Using this sample system saves time, money, and you can better spend your resources elsewhere.

BTW: I saw his book in Barnes & Nobles with the other Martial Art books. I actually pointed at it and loudly proclaimed to my wife "See this, it's a load of ****!".

------------------
Uechi-Ryu.Com Streaming Video & Audio
The Uechi-Ryu.Com Hotlist
Taking Charge - Cable TV & Video Martial Arts Show
Martial Arts Of Long Island

[This message has been edited by Scott Danziger (edited April 01, 2000).]

Bod Boulton · Post by **Bod Boulton** » Sun Apr 02, 2000 12:10 am

Dear Scott,

The problem of a "Quality Assurance Test" on Dukes claims has occupied us a great deal over the last year. Where do you start? The advance of the internet has made possible what was impossible 12 years ago: find all the people concerned, find the organisations and email them. Ask them, investigate. I'll address a few of Dukes claims here:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
Claim 1 : 'He has the best explanation of the Pingan Kata I have ever seen' J.Claranino. Black belt Instructor Kykoshinkai. Japan
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jose Claronino in now a 7th Dan blackbelt instructor in Kyokushin. He started training at the Vauxhall dojo of the London karatekai with Steve Arneil in 1965. He knew Dukes socially and remembers having spoken with Dukes about karate at around 1966. Dukes was one of the organisers of popular parties at the Youth Club in South Kennington (girls etc., you know how young lads are). A younger student of kyokushin and a friend of Claronino, Steve Cutler, used to train on himself in that youth club in S. kennington and he may have shown some katas to Dukes (the Pinan Katas and maybe Tensho). Cutler, who was a green belt at the time, may even have instructed Dukes but.... Dukes never trained with the London Karate Kai. After Dukes started his own karate club in 1967, Cutler and Claronino came to have a look one evening in 1968. He saw pre-arranged kumite and he noted that Dukes showed no control in that type of sparring. He thought at the time that "Dukes does not have a good upbringing in karate" because control is very important. In Kyokushin they do a lot of kihons first to generate that control of techniques in people. Claronino was not shown any kata that evening in 1968. Regarding another claim of Dukes, namely that he trained in Okinawa during 1965-1967, Claronino reacted with surprise and pointed out that he couldn't have been there because he was in South London in 1966. Considering the fact that Claronino has never been shown Dukes' Pinan kata, the above claim Nr 1 is false.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
Claim 2 : 'Only a genius can teach the way he can' G.Andrews. Black belt Instructor. Gojo Ryu. Okinawa
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

George Andrews is now a 7th dan in Okinawan Goju-ryu, and president of the UK branch. He lived just round the corner of where Dukes lived in Kennington and they knew each other from when they were kids. Dukes was 4 years older and was always George's senior. Dukes also used to "hang around" with George's sister during the '65-'67 period as well. Then, in 1967, George bumped into Dukes on the street and Dukes showed him Japanese calligraphy. George was talked into coming to the karate classes that Dukes was organising at the Brandon Estate Youth Club. They trained EVERY DAY during those years. On the subject of Dukes going to Okinawa George said: "Nah nah nah, he never went to Okinawa, I was with him all the time so he couldn't have gone off to Okinawa". And in any case, nobody on Okinawa knows about Dukes' master Otomo and "Okinawa is a close-knit community, they all know each other, it's a small place". As far as George Andrews is concerned: "Whatever he may say, Mushindo is his own style". On the subject of Dukes' 4th Dan (obtained in 1970 during a one week grading seminar in Greece, BW says it was 1974 however) George said: "Well, I know he went to Greece and came back with a suntan". Richard Dorse (Sensei Goshin) was in Greece at the time of the 'grading' and he and Dukes were close mates.
George Andrews stopped training with Dukes in 1972. He says he was in a pub and Dukes came in and gave him his second Dan certificate and then said: "I am your spiritual teacher and your Buddhist name is Wakatada Tsuretake". George replied: "No you're not, Sangharak****a and Dokusan are my spiritual teachers. You are just my physical teacher." Dukes replied: "If that's what you think, then get out." George Andrews replied: "I respect you for what you do, but OK then, I'm off". George told us that he had tried talking with Dukes "truthfully" but "it's like talking to a brick wall".
George Andrews had to start from scratch again, regaining shodan in Goju-ryu in 1975. He trained with Higaonna Sensei in Okinawa and is nowadays a well-respected karate teacher.
George Andrews may have seen Dukes as a "genius" at some stage but it is doubtful that he is still of that opinion, 28 years after they split up.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
Claim 11: 'He is the only good teacher of Kongo Zen in Europe'. Sensei M.Oki. Founder of Japan Okido Yoga.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Masahiro Oki died in 1985 at the age of 64. We spoke to his wife and long-time personal secretary, Mizue Tamaki. She remembers Dukes as "pushy, wanted to be seen as a colleague of Oki Sensei", whereas "Oki Sensei did not even regard Terry Dukes as student." Dukes introduced 'Chinese Yoga' after he met Oki Sensei. Later on Dukes would claim however that "Oki got much of his stuff from Chinese Yoga". As regards Dukes' claim nr 11: there was only one teacher of 'Kongo Zen' in Europe (or in the whole world) but it is unlikely that Oki Sensei would have called him 'the only good TEACHER'. As far as Oki was concerned, Dukes hadn't even arrived at the stage of being a STUDENT!

OK, I was just going through a few of my notes. About four of the people named by Dukes in his claims list are long death now so we couldn't contact them. (yes, J.M., we tried to invoke them with the help of a well-known medium but all we got was a long "sighhhh" from the Other World). As far as Quality Assurance is concerned, we didn't test all the 'light-bulbs' of the batch, but ALL the ones that were tested were also faulty. Hope anyone can identify the other people on the 'claims' list. Ron Ship can shed some light on claim nr 13 no doubt....