What WAS new: Sept 25, 1999 - Nov 12, 1999

November 12, 1999: Odds and Ends.
Positive doesn't have to be boring!

Although I promote all activities on this site and usually have something to say about them, I felt a bit uncomfortable about pushing Evan Pantazi's "Tribute to the Masters" seminar and banquet. Primarily because Evan chose to include me in the Saturday Evening testimonial. However, I would like to make a last minute effort to get you all out tomorrow for the all day seminars, featuring some of the best martial artist in the United States.

Professor Remy Presas (Modern Arnis) Professor Wally Jay (Small Circle Jujitsu) Master George Dillman (Kyusho Jitsu) will be teaching all day tomorrow. Although it is too late for official registrations, Evan might be able to get you in if you call or e-mail him. kyusho@erols.com or (978) 686 - 0025. I'll try to get a report and photos for you by Sunday.

You know how much I enjoy trying out new programs and experimenting with new technology. . . well I just completed a huge 6 meg file of the first article I wrote for Bugeisha magazine. Tony, our Uechi-ryu computer guru, suggested that I'll be able to compress these Acrobat files considerably by using a feature called 'Distill'. Watch for the 2nd and 3rd article, which will be posted later today. If the 'distill' program works, I'll rescan the first article and repost the smaller file. Let me know how you like the articles. They were written in response to the many questions I receive regarding my early training days on Okinawa.

Speaking about articles, Dave Elkins sent me an upbeat treatise which should be read by every karate student and teacher. Although I posted it to the articles section, why not read it now. After the last couple of editorials, we could use something with a positive spin:

Karate is a Thing of the Spirit

by David Elkins, Sandan, Uechi-Ryu Karate

When people discover that I train and teach karate they invariably get around to asking: "why do you train" and "does that stuff really work?" These are the polite variations on the theme. Other versions consist of statements like "my friend Bubba took two years of karooty and some truck driver beat the snot out of him" or "when you can block a bullet let me know and I’ll think about training." After almost twenty years of fielding these questions I still find them challenging--especially the question of why, in this era of rampant violence and easy access to weapons, one would train in the martial ways.

Unlike a good mystery writer, I’ll give away the ending now. The title of this article was taken from Harry Crews’ 1971 novel and ultimately defines the essence of karate. I’d like to share the reasons why I continue to train and address "does that stuff really work?" As we go along the way we can look at what is spiritual about learning to fight.

Why I train

It is more difficult to explain why I train karate than why I lift. My couch-potato friends can vaguely identify with my motivations to lift heavy things.... well, not really. More often than not they imagine my lifting workouts to be something like they read about in the latest edition of Gentlemen’s Awesome Buff Fitness. More often than not I don’t correct them. I’ve learned from experience that whatever communication gap may exist when discussing strength training with non-trainees is multiplied exponentially when discussing karate training. Imagine a good, high intensity strength workout then add the ingredient of trainees punching and kicking a variety of inanimate objects and each other--how would you explain that? On second thought, remembering the ambiance of some of the gyms where I’ve lifted, perhaps that’s not such an unusual occurrence!

learning to fight "real good"

Most people begin their karate training in hopes of learning to defend themselves. In other cases, people have very specific motivations (such as one of my friends who wanted to kill his garbage man.) My situation was that I was afraid of my own shadow. How did I get there? Trust me, you wouldn’t want to ride that train. Fortunately, karate training seems to give us what we need. There is a saying in Japanese, "the nail that stands up will be hammered down." This saying is descriptive of how karate training tends to level extremes--those who come to karate as fire-breathing dragons are soothed and those who are afraid learn courage. I learned self respect and courage. This reflected not so much a physical change in me as one of the spirit.

During the first several years of my training I could have been alternately been mistaken for Frankenstein’s monster or someone playing a child’s game of freeze tag. Years of accumulated tension contributed to my appearance as the creature lurching spastically when first trying to walk with his new set of limbs. Fighting, however structured, invariably brought on a response of system shutdown and immobility. Fortunately, I didn’t give up and over time it all got better.

It would be simplistic to say that I continue to practice karate because it gives me confidence to defend myself (more on this in the "does that stuff really work" section.) Self-defense is a complex issue and it would be seriously incorrect to assume that enrolling in the average contemporary karate school will automatically lead to your ability to defend yourself in today’s world.

It is true that I continue training for self-defense, but only partially. I learned, as Goju-Ryu karate pioneer Peter Urban put it, to "fight real good" a long time ago. I know about and adhere to a continuum of awareness, and I trust what Gavin DeBecker calls "the gift of fear" (that little voice inside that tells you when you’re really in danger.) Self defense is a extremely important reason to begin training and to continue actively training, but as one progresses, it is not the most important reason.

The statement "self-defense is not the most important reason" may be misleading as karate is self-defense. If I lost interest in self-defense, I would devote my life to another pursuit. I’ve walked out of many an otherwise fine dojo and kwoon (Chinese martial art studio) because of their minimal emphasis on the realities of self-defense. I know that there are no short-cuts, no free lunches, and that contemplating my Qi (intrinsic bioelectrical energy) will not help me to win a fight. If I have a choice of redemption in sweat or enlightenment I will choose sweat every time. Sweat may lead to enlightenment, but seldom does enlightenment lead to victory in a real fight.

At this point it may be helpful to realize that there are two fairly distinct approaches to teaching karate and that over the years, many karate styles have changed. Okinawan karate was originally called Karate-Jutsu (China Hand Art.) At that time, karate was a combat art. Over time it changed via introduction of the curriculum into public schools and universities, the development of sportive application, adoption of a ranking system, and loss of some of the vitality of its martial roots. Following the example of Judo, it became known as Karate-Do (Way of the Empty Hand.) Karate-Jutsu sought combat efficacy whereas Karate-Do seeks perfection of character via the medium of karate training.

Here is the critical distinction: training to prevail in a violent encounter (Jutsu) can lead one to "the way"--the Do in Karate-Do. Training in "the way" will not necessarily prepare one to survive a violent encounter. Most commercial karate dojo in this era are much more focused upon "the way" than the combat art of karate. I do not like this trend. Payton Quinn sums up my feelings nicely when he states "My objection to those who crowd the dojo with their interest in the art alone (that is, the "art" as they see it; not in its self-defense application) is that they dilute the wine...I am not talking about insufficient skill, but of insufficient spirit."

In real karate, training for self-defense never ceases, nor does it lose its status as the raison d’être of karate. Remember, karate is self-defense. Training self-defense in advanced practice, however, becomes more and more a cultivation of the spirit. You will understand this concept completely if you relate to an analogy of the jazz musician. Musicianship (technical mastery of composition and performance) never ceases as an objective of the jazz musician, but at the highest level of the art, it is assumed, and expressing emotion through the music becomes preeminent in importance. Similarly, at the highest level of karate practice it is assumed that you know your "chops." What is of paramount importance in one’s development at this time is that their spirit (will) become stronger and stronger. This can only be accomplished through shugyo (austere practice.) This is a thing of the spirit.

controlling the beast

There is an aspect of potential violence which is completely under my control, and that is my own. In karate we call it the "beast" within. I learn through karate training that acting out anger is seldom justified, and when it is, it should be taken very seriously. The beast must be both cultivated and controlled. Many ancient martial paintings show a warrior riding the back of a tiger or dragon. That is taming the beast.

Unlike a video game where I might "kill" hundreds of people and animals and never experience the consequences, in the real world I know what it feels like to hurt others and to be hurt. I know that I am entirely capable of administering hurt at any point along the "ass whup" continuum. I certainly know what it is like to be hurt. I also know what it looks, feels, and smells like to see my training partner in pain because of something that I’ve done in anger. I am likewise aware of the legal consequences of my behavior in and out of the dojo (karate school, literally--place of the way.) Like noted self-defense expert, Payton Quinn, I decided early on that I didn’t ever want to live in a prison setting. Payton wisely admonishes "...If you would like to stay out of prison, understand this--either you are in control of yourself, or someone else is." Having made these points, controlling my own anger and potential for violence is also not the only reason I continue training. Much as in the case of the ability to defend myself, that was accomplished years ago. Also, as in adopting values such as courage and self-respect, learning to accept and control my anger was not really a physical thing, but rather one of the spirit.

positive addictions

There are a variety of other reasons that I continue to train. I’m addicted to the sights, smells, and sounds of the dojo. I love to teach and to write about the martial arts. I have found fellow karate-ka to be my lifelong friends and surrogate family. Albert Schweitzer said "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." I feel that way about my karate seniors and to a certain extent continue my training as a sign of respect for them. These reasons, however compelling, would not independently keep me in the dojo. There is another reason, and it has to do with walking around strong.

walking around strong

In "Life in the Loft--Part IV" (Milo, October, 1994) Dr. Ken talked about a feeling that accompanies regular, intense strength training. He called it "walking around strong." It’s a feeling that you have met and conquered the enemy and that you are ready for any challenge that life may provide. This feeling is also a product of good strong karate training.

But who or what is the enemy that is to be conquered? Is it the iron, rock, steel, or your karate brothers and sisters? Perhaps it’s the coach or your Sensei (karate teacher. literally--one who has gone before or who has already seen the way). I would suggest that the real enemy is none of the above, but rather oneself. This is yet another way in which I see karate as a thing of the spirit.

Who has to be motivated to go to the gym or dojo when they are tired, injured, bored, or frightened? Who is responsible for staying on course, not only during a single workout, but in their unswerving devotion to productive routines or the dojo they have chosen? Who determines if their coach’s advice or Sensei’s direction is heeded or discarded? Who is involved directly in the second by second decisions to persevere or quit in the course of a heavy set or kumite (fighting)? It’s none of the aforementioned...it’s me and you.

You and I are the enemy. The enemy is the part of me or you who is subject to temptation not to train, not to remain focused, not to remain open to coaching or your Sensei’s direction, to indiscriminately lash out when frustrated and angry, and to quit when the going gets tough. It is the "beast" within. We all have this aspect to our selves and we all have to deal with it. Successfully confronting the enemy in karate as well as lifting helps one to walk around strong. It is the primary reason that I continue to train even after I learned how to control the beast within and fight "real good".

When we think of walking around strong it is easy to focus only on the physical. This would be a serious mistake. We use a physical medium in both lifting and karate to sculpt a sentiment of walking around strong, but that feeling is not entirely based in how strong or tough we are. It transcends the physical and is truly a thing of the spirit. Let me provide several examples. Think of the solitary figure standing in defiance against the row of tanks in Tiananmen square during the Beijing uprising of 1989. That person evidenced walking around strong the likes of which most of us can only dream about. On the other hand, consider the cowardly soldier in Saving Pvt. Ryan. He did nothing while his buddies died yet he was armed. In this case he had the potential to take and protect life, but was unable to act at all because he had no idea what it meant to walk around strong. Consider also the story of Harold Connolly featured in Milo (June, 1998.) It is unthinkable that one would not be moved by Harold’s courage and tenacity. This story contained a few comments about Harold’s PR’s, but was mostly a testimonial to his triumph of the spirit. Despite physical challenges that would have put most of us down, he walked around strong. Thus walking around strong is also a thing of the spirit.

Does that stuff really work?

It depends. Respected karate historian Patrick McCarthy tells us that the arts we study were not created to combat professional soldiers, law enforcement personnel, or fighters. They were largely created to allow unarmed individuals to deal with the unwanted habitual acts of violence of those who were untrained and/or unprepared for the response of a trained karate-ka (practitioner.) Admittedly, a portion of our roots are derived from aspects of both military and civil combative systems such as the those of the insurgents of the Ching dynasty and the various so called Chinese temple arts, e.g., Tiger, Dragon, and Crane Boxing styles. However, it is important to remember that the antecedent systems were largely those of armed personnel. Even the devastating unarmed Defendu concepts taught to W.W.II OSS operatives by Fairbairn, Applegate, and others presumed the concepts would be used only as a last resort by those who had, for whatever reason, temporarily lost the capacity to use firearms, edged, and improvised weapons.

making it happen

Tour De France winner Fausto Coppi once responded when asked how one becomes a great cyclist "ride a bike, ride a bike, ride a bike." Similarly, in order for this "stuff" to work in the real world, dojo training must approximate the real world to the extent that safety allows. We might rephrase Fausto’s response as "hit, hit, and be hit." I do not allow my students to punch to the side of their opponent’s body as this ingrains striking the air next to an enemy. Instead, body conditioning allows powerful strikes to the body that are not pulled. Trainees get used to what it takes to deliver a powerful strike and what it feels like to be struck. In a real fight, you will be hit...period. If you aren’t prepared for the physical and emotional impact of being hit, you will fold when it counts the most.

All of the training mentioned takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Each trainee participates at the level of intensity for which they are prepared. I would not expect a green belt to perform at black belt level. Mutual respect does not mean blind deference to rank. No one in the street cares what rank you hold. Juniors must exert every effort to actually hit their seniors when training. If not, both lose out in the training. The junior is deprived of learning to hit hard and accurately, and the senior is deprived of having to deal with their attack. To this extent, karate training, like a world class gym or lifting team is a group effort. Teamwork makes the training come alive.

real fighting/real karate

When thinking about "does that stuff really work" an important variable to consider is that most real fights are decided by preemptive (who hits first) strikes and are over in a matter of seconds. Want to see some real world fights? Don’t look to the ring or the martial arts "kick-up" films. To see real world fighting go to a seedy bar, hang out on the streets late at night, or rent the videos Goodfellas or Casino and check out Joe Pesci’s fight scenes. In both movies he strikes savagely with a fury that is hard to comprehend for those who haven’t been there, and in less than five seconds his enemy is hors de combat. We’re not talking bloody nose or "I give," but rather, at best, time in the hospital with tubes and machines performing vital bodily functions. Later, if there is a later, will feature surgeries and rehabilitation. This is real fighting and it is not the focus of the curriculum in most karate schools.

Real fighting in today’s world frequently involves weapons and multiple assailants. Under these circumstances the flowery curriculum of many contemporary karate (as well as other major style) schools does not address real issues and to that extent does their following a great disservice. Usually, such misdirection is not based in malice or deception, but rather in response to the litigious nature of our society and simple economic survival. Sensei must be sensitive to the relative severity of training acceptable to the modern practitioner or risk closing their doors. Learning complex movements based upon choreography in the dojo is a pale shadow of striking the makiwara (forging post) 1,000 times, practicing body conditioning, and engaging in hard and heavy two person "slammer" drills. The first is beautiful to behold-- the second wins fights.

Real karate training teaches universally applicable concepts that govern energy and movement. Understanding these concepts of energy and motion is gained through daily practice of the kata (forms) of a system. Understanding kata is vital but not sufficient to create a good fighter. The practitioner must also be tempered physically through hard training to give and receive physical punishment. Additionally, the fighter must have gained an iron will which will not allow the possibility of surrender or defeat. This is also developed through hard training. The title of Randy Strossen’s article about HG champ Alistair Gunn in the June, 1998, issue of Milo sums it up nicely..."It’s Not the Size of the Dog in the Fight, It’s the Size of the Fight in the Dog." This too is a thing of the spirit.

techniques--we don’t need no stinkin’ techniques

We’ve spoken of iron will, physical attributes, and structure from the kata that mold correct technique. It is important when questioning "does this stuff work" to rate these variables in some kind of hierarchy of importance.

Iron will, physical strength, and correct technique (technique may be correctly defined as both overall form and specific movement(s)--these are the necessary qualities of a good fighter. The arrangement is not random, but in descending order of importance. This may come as a surprise since many people intuitively regard technique as preeminent. When you first begin lifting you hope to get strong, look strong, or in rare cases, actually improve your overall health. Beginning trainees usually have at best a hazy notion of how to actualize those goals.

Upon entering the world of the karate dojo most people want to learn to protect themselves. Most assume this goals will be met by learning technique. This naive assumption is promoted and supported by various aspects of the martial arts establishment. Some dojo promise to teach more "techniques" than the competition. Kids are asked "what techniques did you learn today" by well meaning parents. This view of karate as technique is reminiscent of the attitude in the US in the early part of this century toward the newly introduced Asian fighting arts as they were portrayed to the populous as a collection of "tricks"--sneaky tricks at that!

Technique is important, but perhaps more so as a vehicle for spirit forging. An analogy may be made to lifting. No one will deny the importance of learning proper technique to maximize effort and minimize injury. However, all other things being equal, who wins contests? Usually it is the competitor with reasonable technique (although not always) AND fiery spirit. As fight commentators frequently say "it’s come down to who wants it more." In fact, if you subscribe to the tenants of high intensity lifting, each training session is an exercise in the development of iron will. Any single max effort undertaken is only a expression of the spirit cultivated in each and every training session. So it is in karate. Just as in a hard 20 rep set of squats, karate training provides more opportunities to quit than can be imagined by the uninitiated. And exactly as in the case of a hard 20 rep set of squats, completion of the set (or ones karate training) usually is more dependent on spirit than muscle.

Sir, you are disqualified for excessive contact!

The reader will note that not much has been said about "sparring." This is not an omission, but rather a reflection of my opinion of the limited value of sportive application in karate. I do think that it is important to spar, especially in one’s early karate development. Nothing prepares one to fight better than experiencing another person coming at them with "bad intentions". Unfortunately, the practice of tournament style sparring has some very serious drawbacks to those seeking a karate-jutsu perspective. This difficulty inheres in our tendency when under severe stress to perform exactly that which we have trained.

Sparring is a wonderful outlet for competitive urges. It hones reactions and promotes accuracy and control of technique. It also teaches fair play and restraint, two qualities that have no place in a fight in the real world. Once a student has accomplished the progress possible through sparring experience, I prefer to direct them to hard and heavy two person drills where the more lethal techniques of the kata may be trained with relentless forward pressure. Devotion to competitive sparring at this stage of development is counterproductive. When I make contact with my enemy, the last thing I want to have ingrained in my neuromuscular memory is detaching to signify the scoring of a point or because I don’t want to make the other guy look foolish. I really don’t want to be thinking about excessive contact. There are no points in a real fight and there is no fair play in a real fight. If contact is insufficient, I may be quick, but I will surely be dead.

"You can kill me, but nobody can destory me"

Remember, when we discuss fighting, we are not talking about someone who sees the world as a series of potential fights, but an individual who appreciates the consequences of violence and engages in violence only when necessary to protect themselves or those less capable. There is no shame in running from a fight. My brother-in-law, Jose’ is fond of saying, "never bring a knife to a gun fight." If I find that I’ve brought a knife to a gun fight and the slightest chance presents itself, I’ll run like hell, and I hope you would too. However, when it is necessary to fight, I aspire to be like the android’s hand in Terminator I--pursuing its objective despite having been severed from its body. A well trained karate-ka, as any fighter tempered in the fires of hard training, should be like the android’s hand: unrelenting until the threat is no more.

Come on...does it work or not?

So, "does that stuff really work?" You bet, providing the practitioner has embraced a system of karate that acknowledges the realities of combat by stressing the establishment of "iron heart." This is done through hard training that features plenty of contact, both striking objects (such as the makiwara) and being struck (body conditioning.) Additionally, the practitioner will have trained in a system that is direct and uncomplicated. Remember, in a real fight the enormous output of the endocrine system will tunnel vision, diminish other sensory input, and inhibit fine motor movement thus rendering all but the simplest and most over learned movements virtually unusable.

Our imaginary karate-ka will not hesitate to use preemptive strikes when he/she knows it’s about to hit the fan. They will attack relentlessly with constant forward movement and they will anticipate multiple assailants. If they find themselves in a "gunfight holding only a knife," they will not hesitate to escalate force to match or equal their enemy (or they will run.) They are comfortable fighting at any range and going to (and quickly getting up from) the ground if necessary. They will demonstrate an iron will that has been forged in the fires of hard training. To beat them you will have to kill them. Under these conditions, does this stuff really work? You bet it does! And it doesn’t work because of a collection of techniques, the belt that you wear, or your tournament prowess. It works because it is a thing of the spirit.

Copyright 1999 by David Elkins. All Rights Reserved

November 11, 1999: "Suitability" for discussion?

On the way home from class Wednesday, I was listening to a talk show that was discussing a very controversial art exhibit being held at Boston College. Apparently there are a couple of pictures depicting nudes in what many would consider to be tasteless poses. The Catholic church is very upset over the exhibit and ordered the college to take it down! The college's position is that they do not condone censorship and therefore will not remove the exhibit.

The discussion expanded to include the recent New York Robert Maplethorp's (sp) photo exhibit, where our tax dollars subsidized what many believed to be a display of really gross photographs. Many people called, stongly stating why both exhibits should either be shut down or why they should be left alone.

The 'talkmaster' stated what I consider to be a valid position: "If you have a 'stand' in the matter. . . your tax dollars are paying for the exhibit. . . then you have a right to express your opinion. If you don't have a 'stand' in the matter. . . the artist or private company pays for the exhibit. . . you have no business complaining.!"

My personal belief in censorship extends to the martial arts, where for many years we have treated the subject like it was a religion or cult. Because of the secretive and private nature of the various Ryuha on Okinawa, controversy resulted in the closely held organizations being split up over the most insignificant altercations or misunderstanding. The membership. . . the people paying the bills. . . were not consulted, were not involved, were not part of the process. The members apparently did not have a 'stand' in the future of their martial art systems! The people in charge did not communicate with their members or with one another. They did not negotiate. They did not bend!

The recent controversy over rank is not a new one. Other systems have felt the heat over phony rank or rank issued without merit. Instead of getting together to resolve the issues, they quietly complain, recruit likeminded members, then broke away into new splinter groups and proudly proclaim themselves the newest SOKE on the block. In New York, there must be 300 10th dans! Most are less than 30 years of age! My concern, which has been expressed by the silent majority, is that Uechi-ryu and it's numerous factions will follow the example of other Okinawan styles and implode from rank abuse and apathy.

Who has a 'stand' in our martial arts? The seniors on Okinawa who prefer to deal with the issues on a one to one basis, leaving the communications to the gossip mongers who put a spin on everything based on their personal agendas? The senior outside of Okinawa, who have been made to believe they are second class martial artist because they weren't born on Okinawa? The thousands of students who religiously attend class, practice the magical movements while striving to earn the coveted black belt worn by their instructors?

We all have a 'stand' in these issues. And we should not be afraid or ashamed to voice our concerns to our seniors. If we silently accept the status quo, those in charge will make decisions based on very limited information and insight. If the decision makers act based on their personal agenda, the results may or may not be in everyone's best interest. If the only vote the silent majority can make is 'dropping out' or 'splitting', then the present course of action will continue, resulting in many more Uechi splinter groups with ever more Uechi 10th dans!

I'd like to clarify my position once again for those rumor mongers who elected to take my words out of context the first time around:

Many have stated that it is too late to preserve the rank system as a valid method of certifying students. At best, it will remain a tool for the commercial dojo to organize classes into groups working on the same material. Every dojo head will be 10th dan, because he owns a dojo! Godans must know Dan Kumite. . . although they may be coached from the side if they forget a movement.

Impossible you say?????

November 3, 1999: Get a soapbox!

I wish to thank all the teachers and students who e-mailed or called me during the past week. Most students, as expected, were curious about the history behind the rank being issued to new black belts and old timers like me. Also, as expected, they had heard lots of rumors about the "split" in Uechi-ryu and how this has affected the standards of the system and the quality of teachers being turned out.

The promotions during UechiFest threw a spotlight on the shortcomings of our ranking system and although a few would prefer we continue to sweep our problems under the rug, many are viewing this as an opportunity to establish a dialog concerning the direction our Uechi-ryu is taking and where we want it to go.

One of the post on Canna sensei's forum took my editorial one step further. "Pat" stated that everyone in SOKE was living a lie regarding promotions, since the last "official" promotion of Kanmei Uechi sensei was prior to his father's death. According to "Pat", this rank was godan (5th dan). Hence, any rank that Kanmei gave out, over yondan(4th dan) was suspect.

So now we must look at the Okinawan teachers' rank. . . how they are issued and who got what from whom!!! Kanmei will state that his rank was issued by the Okinawan "Uechi-ryu Karate Association", not by him. However, since he is the president and to my knowledge, pretty much the only board member, his vote is the only one necessary to pass resolutions or to issue rank. An interesting legal point, but obviously lacking in what the silent membership deserve.

When the Shoheiryu group broke away from SOKE, they issued rank in pretty much the same manner. However, since there were more than one board member, there obviously had to be some peer review and consensus involved with promotions and association decisions. Even though I'm not a Shoheiryu member, I'd have to say that their case is stronger than SOKE when it comes to their issuing rank over 5th dan.

How does this make me feel about my last promotion? Although I appreciate what Kanmei was trying to do, I certainly didn't have any 'warm, fuzzy feelings' about accepting it. I met all the requirements for the rank but would have felt a lot better about it had a true board of my peers could have been present for my 9th dan test.

Should I give my rank back as a symbol of my discontent? Although this would make SOKE detractors very happy, would the gesture motivate Kanmei to consider opening up SOKE to progressive and necessary changes regarding rank and certification issues? I think not. Would my gesture motivate others who received their rank without sufficient time in grade and/or total time studied to relinquish their rank? I think not!

Before the Shoheiryu people break their arms patting themselves on the back, lets not kid ourselves regarding what they did or are doing regarding the issuing of rank. Their standards may be better, but certainly not a great deal better than Soke! They started off genuinely attempting to maintain standards and making their members earn rank. But with the many sub splinter groups and the same politics affecting SOKE, certain teachers were soliciting members to their personal stable, using rank as part of the deal! There were times people returned from Okinawa telling of being recruited to specific dojo, while being urged to test for high rank! Many of these tests involved boards consisting of just dojo instructors!

I don't know how many splinter groups exist on Okinawa now, but certainly there are at least 10! What about promotions from these teachers?

These are not new problems or are they exclusively Uechi-ryu problems. Rank is the standard by which we reward students for their martial arts efforts. As seniors, we should strive to create and maintain the very highest standards for rank. Although the task may be very difficult, we must figure out a way to preserve rank as a valid measurement or we should take the step of doing away with rank over godan (5th dan).

It really isn't fair to single out the candidates of this last test. Had the test been conducted in a more private setting, perhaps it's shortcomings might have remained contained to the gossip circuit instead of a public forum. Can something positive come out of all this. If we view this whole thing as a business issue. . . and make no mistake, to many it is a very big and lucrative business. . . we should be comfortable about talking about the system and how we can make it better. We are not talking about religion or a cult.

Or are we content with just getting our individual rewards and damn the future? Let me get mine in any way I can. So what that I don't qualify for the rank and that I politicked to get it? Let the future take care of itself!

I wouldn't be sticking my neck out if I weren't genuinely concerned about the direction Uechi-ryu is taking. On the other hand, I wouldn't be discussing it here if I didn't believe we could do better. All it takes is a little less ego and a lot more cooperation.

Lets keep talking and lets keep trying to fix the problems.

October 30, 1999: Updated "Store". Check it out!

Lots of you have had problems ordering books, videos and other products from the old store. The program was 1st generation and was very difficult to use. I recently discovered a new and bug-proof program and have been working over the past couple of days programming it. I was able to make ordering calligraphic belts a lot easier, and now you can specify the name and style you wish placed on the belt. In addition, you can now specify Japanese or Chinese writing in gold, silver or red. You can also get your belt in two widths, 1 3/4" or 2". I'm not sure if there is a market for calligraphy white, green or brown belts, but now you can order one! I'm still adding product, but if you get the opportunity, check out our new and really improved store. Totally secure site!

Susan spent last Sunday checking out the various motels in the Borne area. We anticipate quite a few families and others who prefer staying in nice accommodations during Summer Camp. I'll be working on a new Camp 2000 website next week, with a complete listing of facilities. I recommend you call early, as August is very busy on the Cape.

October 25, 1999: Should I just 'shut up and work out'?

I try to be honest with my readers. When the other guy screws up, I'm quick to point out the problem. When I mess up, you will find it reported here. I know lots of you would prefer to protect your students from learning about our concerns and problems on this site, believing that your students don't gossip or enjoy spreading rumors. Naturally, the seniors don't always learn about what students do outside of the dojo, preferring to believe that they live antiseptic existences, reflecting their perfect dojo personas. Don't believe it! Seniors and their students talk about the subject they love. They discuss what they hear, they discuss the nasty rumors picked up in the locker room, at the coffee shop (or bar) following class. They get on the phone and revel being first to pass along the latest, juiciest bit of gossip.

To think that I don't get lots of calls from my friends, associates and students regarding Uechi-ryu is also foolish. And of course, to think that I don't have feelings beyond what are expressed here is equally unrealistic. We are talking about human nature. . . accept it. . . deal with it! I'm trying to deal with the phone calls and e-mail regarding this past weekend right now.

Those of you who follow my editorials here know my views about promotions. They are important to the newer students. They can be important to black belts. But if the powers that be aren't careful, they can destroy the value and prestige of rank.

Where rank becomes something that can be easily obtained, it loses it's appeal to someone who has worked hard to earn this rank. If rank can simply be purchased by anyone asking for it, the rank becomes a joke.

Associations, whether Okinawan or elsewhere, must realize they are simply performing an administrative function. They do not, or should not, award rank. They issue a piece of paper, endorsing the test board's decision. It is the test board that awards the rank and the test board consists of the candidate's teacher and a peer group of that teacher. Only rank awarded in this manner can be valid and appreciated by the student.

When we refer to the higher degree ranks, we run into a whole new set of problems. Should the awarding of higher ranks follow the same rules as Shodan.? Should everyone who owns a gi automatically get the high rank because he/she asks for it? Should standards be higher for 8th degree than 2nd degree?

Do we want to follow in the footsteps of other styles, where everyone is a 10th degree? You say NO of course! But lets wait until after I get my 10th degree black belt!! Amazing, but we always believe it's the 'other guy' who doesn't deserve the rank, not me!

When my students began to reach the point where 8th dan became an issue, I spoke with the seniors, asking their advice on how they felt about this rank. . . about how they wanted the rank issued. Everyone wanted to make this rank very important. . . to not mass promote all the 7th dans, simply because they all had sufficient time. They all believed we should limit the promotions to one a year, making the rank an important event in the senior's life. Most important, the rank had to have the validation of the senior's peers. Only in this way will the rank be truly earned. Everyone has to be behind the promotion.

For two years we stuck to our resolve and honored two of Uechi-ryu's most dedicated seniors, Van Canna and Art Rabesa. They had 100% peer support for their new rank. Their physical performance confirmed what should be expected to achieve this rank.

Then I received a call saying Kanmei Uechi was promoting a group of students to 8th dan. Ok, so much for the peer review and working together. Once again, it's everyone for themselves. What is Kanmei's criteria for promoting? I don't know. He doesn't confide in me regarding Uechi-ryu. He prints the certificates that contain the famous Uechi name! The fact that a few people outside of Okinawa made the name famous doesn't matter. We are simply middle men. . . with no representation. Any student of our's can simply call Kanmei and say "Hey, I want to be promoted". And for only $800 US, you too can be an 8th dan.

I'm not saying the men who were promoted didn't deserve the rank. They did. Of course, why didn't Kanmei promote Windsong Blake, who has more time in grade and years teaching than anyone promoted last week? What about Ed Huff? Why should these individuals be left behind, simply because they elected to wait until their teacher recommended them for promotion?

And to add the last nail into the coffin, Kanmei volunteered to promote Charles Earle to 8th dan, not even knowing who he was! Charles, who can't be blamed for taking advantage of a situation, simply requested to be reinstated into SOKE. . . and at some point be tested for his next rank! Without talking to anyone, Kanmei invites him to be tested. I like Charles, even though we have had our personal disagreements in the past. I certainly would not care if he rejoined SOKE or continued to issue his own certificates. But standing up in front of a room full of his peers, obviously not in shape for such an important test, was a slap in the face to those who trained hard preparing for this rank. The fact that he snubbed all Okinawans and fellow Americans for the past ten years didn't matter to Kanmei. I don't blame Charles. He didn't expect the test. But he should have declined the dubious honor.

There are valid reasons so many people on Okinawa dislike Kanmei. He acts impulsively, without regarding the implications of his actions. Short term, he is taking advantage of all the work others have done to build the Uechi name. Long term, he is destroying the heart of the style. As one who has only practiced Uechi-ryu and who has remained loyal to the Uechi family during both the bad times and the good times, I feel as though I'm being disrespectful pointing out the dangerous waters we now navigate. But as others have discovered, one does not discuss things with Kanmei. And without the support of my senior students, we do not have the strength of numbers to negotiate as a group.

October 24, 1999: UechiFest a huge success!

Capping off a very busy week, was Buzz Durkin's UechiFest and celebration honoring his 25th anniversary teaching Uechi-ryu. Buzz is well liked in the martial arts community and everyone rallied to his call for peace and friendship. Although rain threatened to put a damper on festivities, by the time people started arriving at 1pm, the sun was shining brightly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music, demonstrations and speeches. Kanmei Uechi was in top form, calling for a renewed effort to build Uechi-ryu into the world class system envisioned by his late father, the beloved Kanei Uechi.

The afternoon's celebration was highlighted by the awarding of belts to the largest group of candidates in the history of our style. Proud children and adults paraded into the main tent in a seemingly endless stream of white gis and smiling faces.

Earlier in the day Kanmei promoted Buzz Durkin, Jim Maloney, Bob Bethoney and Charles Earle to 8th degree black belt.

October 20, 1999: Oh No! Not a another class on Basics!!

As most of you may already know, my Saturday class rotates the primary teacher every three months. I work out with the students for about half the class and lead during the balance of the session. The primary teacher is challenged to come up with a program designed for both advanced students and instructors, hopefully covering interesting material that will help us in our personal study and in our role as a karate teacher. Most of the instructors focus on cross training methods that can be integrated into our Uechi-ryu. These classes are extremely popular and well attended.

However, in the last two rotations, the lead instructor chose to focus on basics. Mario Rizzo believed as a group, we don't get enough exercise and aerobic benefit from our workout, so put us through a grueling 40 minutes of non stop exercises and kata practice. Needless to say, some of the seniors resented this departure from conventional and boycotted the class. Well we made it through Mario's version of the 'torture chamber' and most returned for Mike Ross's introductory class two weeks ago. Lo and behold, Mike believed that quite a few of the seniors needed a refresher course on basics. . . and I mean basics. . . and spent the first hour of his class reviewing the proper way (as he understood them) to perform the exercises, blocks and various kicks in our style. He failed to inform everyone (he did review his plan with me) what his three month program was to cover and naturally, everyone assumed Mike was planning running white belt classes for three months.

As is our custom, Paul Geilla and I meet with the class following the teachers' second session for the purpose of critiquing performance and to offer suggestions for improving presentation, technique etc. Some students didn't show up for Mike's second class and therefore missed this important meeting.

After fielding a couple of questions about the relevancy of a basic's class for seniors, Mike explained that he wasn't planning on running the same class every week, but was going to be moving through a whole program designed to explore the system as he interpreted it. After all, wasn't that the purpose of class?

As a person who hates to run, lift weights, play in gyms or do any type of 'mindless' exercise, I take particular pleasure in my karate workouts. Like golf, going through a karate workout is challenging and exercise for both mind and body. I'm not simply increases my heart rate or exercising my muscles but attempting to better my last performance. . . getting a bit more snap to my kick or punch, perfecting the timing of a block. . . feeling real good about a kata performance. With this attitude, I enjoyed both Mario's 'torture chamber' and Mike's first two classes where basics were reviewed from another perspective. I actually learned a couple of different approaches for teaching difficult techniques, which hopefully will help me become a little better teacher.

I don't make rules as to why someone takes a class. Some feel that they are vastly superior to everyone else and therefore unable to learn anything technical in class. They essentially attend to test their skills in what they consider to be 'real' karate. . . you know, freestyle sparring or full contact Dan kumite! They suffer through the rest, waiting for what is important to them. I don't think this is the right attitude or way to maximize one's training, but I would never boycott a class they were leading, where the emphasis might not coincide with mine.

As seniors and teachers, I believe we should be very tolerant of different views and methods. We should not be so closed minded in our approach to the workout as to not be able to check out what another teacher finds important. We should not be so arrogant as to assume our form and technique is so perfect as to not benefit from peer review and suggestions for improvement. I believe Ryuko Tomoyose once said that "Achieving a black belt is the beginning, not the end of your training".

Following the meeting, I received a couple of e-mail that you might enjoy:

Hi George,

A thought occurred to me in the aftermath of the Red Sox's loss to the Yankees. The difference in the series was the Red Sox failure to play fundamental baseball. They set a new record for errors in a series, and only physical errors are counted, not mental ones.

Saturday we discussed the complaints of advanced students that you and other instructors spend too much time on the fundamentals. I think it is interesting to note that the difference between the Red Sox being the best team in the American League had the second best team was the fundamental. Even at the highest level of the sport, being able to perform the fundamentals as if they were second nature is the difference between a winner and loser.

The same is true in Uechi. No matter how advanced one is, the ability to perform the fundamentals is the difference between winning and losing. No amount of heart, desire, will, or the "killer instinct" is a substitute for an in depth understanding of fundamentals. The fundamentals of any sport, physical endeavor, or intellectual endeavor are the foundation on which success is built. This is especially important in the martial arts and self-defense, where much more may be at stake than winning or losing than a championship.

Mario

George:

In response to the criticism of Mike's Saturday classes as being to basic. Remind the complainers that all professionals need to spend time reviewing the basics from time to time. This is true of baseball players, football players, salespeople (like myself) and martial artists as well. I find that even when I am in a "beginner" class I often find something I can work on, and many times I find a new way of doing an exercise or a new way of presenting an exercise. I found this to be the case with Saturday's class as well.

I think Susan gave a very good point that Mike needs to do a really good job of spelling out what he expects to accomplish during his time as teacher. She also recognized that the Saturday morning class can be a pretty tough group. So tell people to give Mike a break, he is learning too. I think he can bring tremendous insight into Uechi-Ryu with his medical background, and I think we should take advantage of what he can share.

Andy

October 17, 1999: Orlando Torture Chamber!

I'm not referring to Florida heat, ladies and gentlemen, but to our own Van Canna's patented power training program. Van will be joining me in Orlando during the month of January, where he will be teaching his special and highly effective Uechi-ryu power techniques. I'll be working on the traditional kata, kumite, bunkai and everything in between. Van will take over where I leave off, introducing his practical 'closing' tactics.

I'm also very pleased to announce that Raffi Derderian will also be on staff, teaching his methods of 'closing' a fight, blending traditional karate techniques with his extensive knowledge of Philippine martial arts. Contact me if you are interested in attending one or more of these seminars. Orlando is a great place for a vacation. . . especially in January!

October 9, 1999: Winter in Orlando! Come on down!

I've been promising myself Winters in the sun for about 20 years. Every time the cold weather sets in I find myself still in Boston, shoveling snow and complaining along with all the other New Englanders. Although Sue and and get away for a week or two every year, we have never been able to justify spending the whole Winter away.

This year, as an experiment, I'm heading for Orlando for the entire month of January. On business! I've made arrangements to teach a series of seminars and classes, open to all martial artist who wish to study Uechi-ryu. I'm making arrangements for a number of seniors to join me and to teach specialty seminars. If you would like to get away for a week or two (or four), send me an e-mail.

Thanks to Mike Murphy for hosting the second regional Uechi workout and to all the seniors and students who supported the event. Al Moulton posted lots of pictures on his website.

October 1, 1999: Belated Vancouver trip report!

Finally catching up on my web duties. Received a couple of e-mail from B.C., asking why I hadn't mentioned anything about my visit. Sorry about that. . . just got behind on things. Haven't even posted the 3rd slideshow on my Germany trip!

Anyway, Susan and I have a wonderful time as guests of Chris and Karina Delory. During our visit I taught and headed up a board for a dan and kyu test.

You think you have competition? In the small town of Port Moody, there are nine martial arts dojo. Ironically, as we were driving through town on the way to dinner, we saw someone hanging out a sign: "Karate dojo coming soon"!

Even Chinese restaurants have a formula they use to locate a new eatery - there must be at least 5000 people to support a new restaurant.

In spite of the competition, Chris is doing a fantastic business. He is taking over another 4000 square feet in his building and setting up a separate gym, containing all the latest fitness equipment.

During my karate sessions, I had the chance to renew acquaintances with many senior students and dedicated new kyu ranks. Click here to view pictures documenting my trip.

Once again, thanks Chris, Karina and all your students for making our visit so enjoyable. We are looking forward to our returning next year.

September 28, 1999: Support the New England Regional Workout on Saturday!

All are welcome. Workout with students from other dojo and receive instruction from the pioneers in our art. Teachers: Encourage your students to get out and support outside activities. Students: The best $10 you will ever spend! Go to the Activities Forums for specifics. See you Saturday!

Sept 25, 1999: Future of the Martial Arts:
Rosy for some - Confusion and failure for many.

I'm addressing those teachers who consider themselves "professional" Those who accept money in return for lessons and who would not turn away a student because their enrollment reached a comfortable limit.

Like many of you, I consider myself to be a "traditionalist" as well as a professional. The label was far easier to define in 1958 than today. Back then, I was the only game in town - or on the East Coast for that matter. If I had elected to introduce Uechi-ryu as a religion, I'm sure I'd have a huge congregation by now!

People trusted my definition of Uechi-ryu. . . how and why the moves were performed and most importantly, why the individual should practice these strange movements in the first place!

Karate as an activity flourished unopposed as a category - encompassing a mixed bag of benefits, goals and purposes, all rolled up into a neat package that generically we hid under the karate label.

Instead of working together, to establish our niche in what we should have predicted would become an ever more confusing and segmented market, as a group we spent more time convincing ourselves that we were immune to outside intervention. We believed that we were lifetime members in an exclusive club, impervious to forces that affect the rest of the world.

Because of our arrogance and misguided belief in our immunity to change, we didn't work to identify, organize and protect our niche as did all the other successful sports that now vie for the attention and time of our students.

I could mention golf, tennis, soccer and football to highlight sports that began as a loosely structured activity and through the process I alluded to earlier, blossomed into major sports.

With no competition, karate, with its top-heavy priorities, focused on the egos of its seniors. As a sport, it languished and survives through word of mouth and PR that hypes the Master Miyagi myths, along with an unrealistic and harmful dwelling on the idea that karate is really an Asian activity. At best those of us in the West were interlopers and wannabes.

As I travel around the world, I watch the prestige that was once ours, erode and collapse. . . not from the outside, but from within. With each public acceptance of a TaeBo, kickboxing, Sambo, UFC and dozen other self defense activities, dojo that aren't built on a strong foundation are threatened. Lacking confidence in what they do, these dojo attempt to shore up their dwindling numbers by turning their facility into health clubs, offering everything that comes down the pike, hoping to retain the necessary numbers needed to pay the rent and sustain the dojo.

If the Karate program were strong, adding supplementary classes to improve the quality of the martial art's program would be fantastic. But where the structure is weak, every new program, taught as separate activities, will destroy the fiber of a questionable martial arts program.

In a strong dojo, the teacher will focus on activities that compliment the core karate program. Non compatible programs, such as Taebo must be carefully integrated as simple profit centers. Teachers of these profit center programs should be karate students, able to point out to the exercisers the many benefits of karate, hopefully converting some of these temporary visitors to full time members.

People are looking for those fast and easy self-defense methods. They don't want to hear about your lifetime programs. Even though they want the benefits, they don't want long commitments. Although they want to become disciplined individuals, they don't want discipline! Hell. . . they don't know what they want!

Do we throw them out because everyone is advertising fast, wonderful self-defense that they can study in purple spandex?

The smart dojo that will survive long term must understand the market and take advantage of the martial arts' ability to accommodate other self-defense techniques as part of the primary system. In the weak dojo, grappling is brought in as a separate activity, to satisfy the curiosity and growing public interest in this sport at the expense of the core program. In the smart dojo, grappling will become an optioned extension to the karate program. A good teacher can show how the basic Uechi moves can progress to various degrees of countermeasures. Grappling is one offshoot, Jujitsu is another. Naturally Kyushu and other options present itself.

As long as teachers in your dojo are adept in these skills, you can advertise and promote them to bring in the new students normally lost to the health clubs and other specialized facilities.

This is a band-aid to be sure. We are a long ways away from becoming a Professional Golf Association. But if we all put aside our egos and petty jealousies, we could insure that our precious martial arts would grow and prosper in the next millenium. Now that those of us with the biggest egos are maturing (read aging!), perhaps it is time to see if we can help straighten out the mess we created and give something back to the art. If you agree with me, write and lets discuss the process.

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