Reviving Karate's Credibility

In a recent article, Shotokan karate expert Rob Redmond asks whether the self defense applications (bunkai) of kata (practice forms) have any real historical roots or if most of the ones taught today are just newfangled techniques that have been created to keep up with the current trend of reality fighting. Redmond maintains that there is at least a new and growing interest in the discovery and meaning of karate's kata applications.

One of the tenets of the traditional camp is that the essence of true karate is martial in nature. Karate's deadliest techniques are to be found in its bunkai, not on the tournament deck. "We can't use real karate in sport" rings true. On the other hand Musashi's sage advice "How you train is how it happens" is exemplified in stories of certain black belts getting walloped in street fights. Much of this has to do with training methods that have developed over long periods of time. As Forrest Morgan points out in Living the Martial Way, "...for all the hoopla about training and techniques, most martial artists can't really fight." Historian Donn Draeger once noted that the goal of training in the budo (martial ways) is to embark on a path to self-perfection. In this way, actual fighting prowess is acquired only as a "by-product." As I see it, most martial artists aren't really seeking something as lofty as self-perfection from their training. Self preservation is more like it, and that's where the bunkai of karate forms practice comes in. I think most of you would agree that there's a strong correlation between what's shown in bunkai and close quarter self defense.

So are karate students learning "ancient, hidden" techniques encrypted in kata that date back to antiquity? Many of karate's earliest pioneers in the West had only a pedestrian's understanding of kata and its applications, at least in the beginning. I've talked with a number of long time practitioners who swear that the level of bunkai and kata training available today far exceeds what was taught years ago. Whether this is in response to the immense popularity of mixed martial arts or other styles remains unclear. For now it seems we have the innovation of creative (and hopefully proficient) karateka who may be just trying to keep up with the Jones' as it were. I see nothing wrong with that. Innovative modern techniques presented within the context of traditional kata sounds like an idea whose time has come.

The No-Touch Knockout

I was checking out some info on qigong (chi kung) when I came across this rather interesting albeit amusing footage of the no-touch KO trick. The real trick is finding willing participants who make the star of the show look like the real deal. There are all kinds of hucksters out there trying to sell their so-called ability to manipulate chi or ki at a distance. This clip features a top student of George Dillman performing the demo. Dillman's a big name in the martial arts world which gives these particular demonstrations far more credibility than they deserve.

The US government invested millions into researching "remote viewing" (clairvoyance) during the Cold War. Too bad the powers that be haven't seen this clip. I want to believe, but I just can't. You decide:

Boxing vs. Mixed Martial Arts

Few people realize that boxing has a history that is as rich and varied as most Asian martial arts. Nineteenth century boxing actually resembled today's mixed martial arts (MMA). Prior to the Marquess of Queensberry charter that incorporates the now mandatory gloves, London Prize Rules boxing or fisticuffs allowed throws as well as punches. These bare-knuckled events were brutal, and quite often matches had to be held in secret, lest the intervention of local constables.

In the early twentieth century "open to all" tournaments in Japan were fairly common. One legend tells of a European prize fighter defeating one judoka after another when Okinawan karate virtuoso Choki Motobu stepped into the ring. "Maybe judo isn't the answer" proclaimed Motobu as he knocked out the boxer with a shuto (knife hand) to the temple in the second round.

In 1950 Helio Gracie, the famous founder of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, challenged then heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis to a no-holds-barred match. Louis, who had nothing to gain and everything to lose with such an event, wisely declined. Two decades later Japanese grappler Antonio Inoki took on Muhammad Ali in a 15-rounder. Inoki was billed as a pro wrestler, but he previously defeated numerous martial art exponents in legit contests. The match was a bizarre one as Inoki spent almost the entire time on the ground in a futile attempt to kick or sweep out Ali's legs. The fight was declared a draw, but even Ali's typical pre-fight hyping tantrums couldn't save this hopeless spectacle.

When MMA bouts first made their appearance in the 90s there was some clamor as to whether a fading Mike Tyson would make an interesting opponent. How do you think Tyson would have fared against somebody like Royce Gracie? Gracie would've had his work cut out for him. Don't forget that Tyson was disqualified during a title fight when he tried to bite Evander Holyfield's ear off. It was a dark moment for boxing and Mike Tyson in time became his own worst enemy.

Unlike traditional martial arts, nobody ever seems to question the validity or street effectiveness of boxing. Indeed, boxing as a viable method of self defense is explored in this TDA Training article. Boxing is still one of the most dangerous sports as there have been a number of ring deaths through the years, to say nothing of the long term health risks involved with being a career fighter. Recently MMA suffered its first fatality as the result of a sanctioned match. Some proponents of MMA insist that it's safer than boxing, but the jury is still out on that verdict. Will MMA even be able to survive the way "The Sweet Science" has for so many years? Time will tell.

All Show and No Go

Back in my younger years I had a friend who owned a 67 Chevelle. In those days the Chevelle was considered the muscle car, a real street machine. Just one small problem: my friend's car only had an inline-six cylinder engine under the hood. Those sixes were good on gas but pretty lousy in the horsepower department. Yet people were afraid to drag race with this guy. Why? Because he had cool looking Cragar wheels all around, a header exhaust for his measly 250 cu. inch motor (which gave it a formidable growl when he hit the throttle), and a badass hood scoop. But on the strip this car was in a league with a Volkswagen. So the perception was that this car was an all-out racer, but the reality was that it had the performance of a scooter. Looks can always be deceiving.

Has anyone ever seen these exhibitions of extreme or tricking martial arts on TV? I'm referring to the choreographed acrobatic stunts that masquerade as traditional forms or kata. Every time I see someone twirling a bo like a baton at a hundred miles an hour I think of my buddy's pseudo racing machine. On some level it's impressive, it may look good, but hardly any of it is useful in a combative sense. I'd like to see some bunkai (realistic applications) for some of these moves. Black Belt Mama's article on The Great Kata Debate was one of her finest, and it includes a video of a youngster performing kata that's interspersed with more kiai (spirit shouts) than you would find in most Bruce Lee flicks. Very annoying. His parents must be stocked up on earplugs when he's practicing at home. They should've bought this kid a set of drums instead of karate lessons.

Admittedly, some arts are more demonstrable than others. Tae kwon do certainly comes to mind with its flashy kicking arsenal. Africans enslaved in Brazil during the 17th century developed capoeira which today incorporates movements that resemble a cross between gymnastics and breakdancing. Mind you, I'm not knocking either one of these styles. They're difficult to learn and probably impossible to master unless you're a certain body type. Both systems began as combative arts, but modern tae kwon do has for the most part been relegated to sport. Capoeira routines are typically set to music and chanting. No-contact "matches" between capoeira practitioners are always a crowd pleaser, but generally don't arouse much interest from the traditional martial arts camp.

There's a memorable scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana Jones is accosted by a sword fighter. The would-be killer puts on a little show as he demonstrates his skill with some taunting air swipes only to be summarily blown away by Jones' trusty sidearm. Never bring a sword to a gunfight. As for my friend's prized Chevelle - he ended up wrecking it. Apparently he caved and tried racing somebody when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. Miraculously he wasn't hurt, but he learned a hard lesson: It doesn't pay to show off.

Got Energy?

We all know the benefits of exercise, but on a broader level we all simply just want to feel good at the end of a martial arts session. Exercise of any kind is touted to give us more energy, yet a market exists that includes a large variety of "energy" (i.e. caffeinated) drinks. Hype, Kick And Reload are names of just a few of the products available. The industry leader, Red Bull, sold more than 3 billion cans worldwide in 2006. So caffeine has become the socially acceptable drug of choice for the masses. A recent report has shown that that an unprecedented 57% of American adults drink coffee on a daily basis. Years ago I downed a rather large serving of iced coffee en route to a morning aikido class to get me started after working an all-nighter. Big mistake. Chilled Mocha Joe on an empty stomach combined with an hour of forward and backward rolls is ill advised. To live is to learn.

Stimulants that are plant or herbal based generally have distinct Eastern origins. Ginseng and ma huang (ephedra) have been in use in Asia for millennia. Caffeine, though a reliable shot-in-the-arm, pales in comparison to the longer lasting and explosive power of ephedrine (ma huang's chemical derivative) which was legally obtainable in both capsule and drinkable form until 2004. Originally created to treat allergies and narcolepsy, ephedrine was eventually re-marketed as a thermogenic (fat burning) sports supplement/performance enhancer that quickly became a recreational cheap thrill. It was finally banned by the FDA after a number of deaths were attributed to its use.

With the immense popularity of the Starbucks coffee house chain comes Kick Butt Coffee, a martial arts themed coffee shop slated to open in Texas this December. Severs will wear kung fu garb and the beverages will have appropriately inspired names. I'll take the Flying Sidekick Latte, please. But never before my karate class, thank you.

Armed and Dangerous

Bruce Lee was my first martial arts hero as he was for everyone else from my generation. Originally he appeared in the short lived The Green Hornet TV series, but when I think of Lee the image that really stands out in my mind is that Enter The Dragon movie poster with his dreaded nunchaku held out in a menacing pose. Of all the traditional weapons (kobudo) I'd have to say that the nunchaku are possibly the most potentially lethal, because of its whip-like action. Like its kobudo relatives, its original purpose was for farming; in this case to thresh grain in the fields. Pre-industrial farming was quite arduous, and it didn't take long for the oppressed but hardened Okinawans (who were banned from using conventional weapons by foreign rule) to figure out that these farming implements could be used as convincing deterrents against a variety of neighboring invaders.

Over the weekend a British lad was killed by some lunatic showcasing his nunchaku skills, and since this occurred at a youth party I'm guessing alcohol was involved. A few months ago a couple of martial-art "retail suppliers" from my area were busted for selling samurai swords, throwing stars and the like to minors. In my day, drug paraphernalia were the hot novelty items, not Asian weapons. Socrates' assertion that kids' behavior has never been worse is probably wrong, but they do seem to be more violent today than ever, especially as one witnesses the increase in use of armed security and metal detectors at public schools.

Somewhere I have a book with an old photo of Taira Shinken - the preeminent Okinawan kobudo master - training with a pair of sai (tri-pronged daggers) while donning some heavy full-body protective gear, possibly for some free-style action. Could you imagine sparring with these things? Supposedly it was US marines that trained in Isshinryu karate who created bo-bo kumite to simulate an actual battle between two bo (staff) wielders. It's a prearranged form, but with some tweaking and a little know-how it can be made to look like a real fight.

Although historically weapons came first in the martial arts, most schools won't introduce traditional weapons until the student approaches a brown belt grade. Karate is a way of life, but I'm not sure what kind of life skills can be gleaned from the practice of kobudo. Regardless, kobudo - like karate - represents a part of the culture, heritage, and history of Okinawa.

The Skillful Teacher

We've all heard the saying, "Those that can, do; those that can't, teach." There's no guarantee that someone who's highly proficient in their subject matter can teach their skill. In fact, quite often it's gifted people that have trouble understanding why others don't have the same knack they do. I certainly don't believe the opposite is true: that incompetent slobs make qualified teachers. Mario McKenna has an interesting article in this vein which in part discusses the surprisingly wide spectrum of talent and ability that exists in karate instructors. While I don't think one has to be an expert to teach at some level, a fair degree of proficiency should be expected. At the very least, a good teacher should be a decent technician in their art and be able to explain every nuance with clarity.

So how good is your teacher? I don't mean as a sensei but as a practitioner? Aside from her/his ability to present the martial arts, are you at least reasonably convinced this person could handle themselves if they were actually attacked? Does your teacher spar with you? There's a perception of the martial arts master as an invincible warrior, no matter how old or wizened he is. Aikido's Morihei Ueshiba would offer a kaiden (teaching license) to any student who could even so much as catch him off guard at any time. Nobody ever succeeded, even when attempts were made when the master was supposedly sound asleep or even on the toilet! Now there was a Kodak moment if there ever was one.

Most instructors are highly skilled in some area, whether it's sparring, kata, or even fitness. In this day and age an out-of-shape teacher isn't very marketable, regardless of their level of proficiency. The best instructors tend to be multi-faceted so students can make their own adjustments as to what works best for them.

Flying Nuns

Since 1991 the Sisters of Fraternity Notre Dame have operated a soup kitchen in New York. When they first arrived here from their native France they couldn't speak a word of English, but were still eager to help out in their new community. Aside from feeding up to 300 needy people a day at the kitchen's storefront in Spanish Harlem, the nuns dispense food in Times Square and care for AIDS patients at local hospitals.

Of course all this selfless altruism needs an outlet. In addition to singing in a gospel choir, some of the sisters partake in a tae kwon do program. Although one is likely to assume that this is strictly for self defense on the mean streets of New York, the Order insists it's mostly for recreation and fun. Sister Mary Chantel, probably the most formidable student (see photo), also has a black belt in judo. Not to mention a nice flying side kick! Tae Kwon Do Nuns. Only in New York.

Higher Education

The more I see the less I know for sure. - John Lennon

In the late nineteenth century the general consensus among scientists was that science and technology had almost reached its apex. Knowledge had replaced spirit. Man in his intellectual smugness thought he had all the answers. But as the twentieth century progressed it became apparent that science could not unravel all of the mysteries. In fact if anything, the advent of scientific achievement only created more wonder and questions. The more so-called knowledge we acquired, the more we realized that we hadn't even scratched the surface.

Sound familiar?

When I first began training in the martial arts, I always asked questions. Alot of questions. The higher ranks didn't seem too perplexed with anything, I figured they already knew the material. But as I continued to train and research, I found the well to grow deeper and deeper which I found to be a bit disconcerting, if not downright annoying. "Technical shipwreck" was a term Draeger used to describe what happens when a student gets too bogged down with details. I've endured some brutally hard training sessions, but on more than one occasion I've left the dojo feeling like my brain was on fire.

I've noticed that smart people tend to do well in the martial arts. Kids that do very well in regular school are quite often the target of bullies, if for no other reason because they're such good students. But ultimately, brute force is no match for the intellect if you know how to play it right. Knowledge really is power. It is said that the great masters were always thinking about their art; imagining fight scenarios with one or more assailants, armed and unarmed. Has anyone ever practiced kata in their heads while at work or home? Einstein conceived many of his theories in physics using gedanken (thought) experiments, usually during reposeful moments. Meditation can work wonders for solving certain problems that seem insoluble.

Earning a black belt is often equated with getting a high school diploma. The analogy then is that the subsequent ranks (dan) become like college and post graduate degrees. A few high ranking instructors have actually taken the title of Professor, as opposed to the Japanese equivalents of Hanshi or Shihan. Even they still regard themselves as students. Learning never really ends. As Einstein once noted, knowledge is alright - it's discovery that's really fun.

The Need to Win

The idea of winning is woven into the fabric of popular culture. Everybody loves a winner. "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" has not only become an American credo for sports, but suggests what's wrong with this type of competitive anti-spirit. The need to win is rooted in anxiety and fear; fear of failure, fear of looking bad, and the fear of being scorned round out this pathology.

A Taoist would say that winners and losers are two sides of the same coin, but the truth is that losing or setbacks are subjective. A short term loss could be seen as a long term gain. It's all a matter of perspective and what we can learn from the experience.

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate in Japan, was strongly opposed to competition. Anyone who engaged in jiyu-kumite (free-style sparring) in his school was summarily thrown out. Funakoshi's karate techniques were based on bunkai (self-defense applications) which were unusable in sportive matches. Still, I believe sparring is essential for any stylist because it forces the student into a state of no-expectations. In tournaments you're dealing with total strangers. You don't know your opponents and they don't know you. Rules notwithstanding, anything can still happen. Embracing uncertainty is part of the martial way, something that cannot be acquired from practicing kata or pre-set drills. But vying for trophies to the exclusion of all else is ill-advised. Martial arts in their truest form are not games to be won.

A karate competitor I once knew was unbeatable on the tournament circuit. He won a number of grand championship titles for both kata and kumite. Then one day it happened: he lost. He never competed again.

The Need to Win

When an archer is shooting for nothing
He has all his skill.
If he shoots for a brass buckle
He is already nervous.
If he shoots for a prize of gold
He goes blind
Or sees two targets-
He is out of his mind!

His skill has not changed. But the prize
Divides him. He cares.
He thinks more of winning
Than of shooting -
And the need to win.

- Chuang Tzu

That's Entertainment!

For the most part, the martial arts are divided into striking and grappling categories. Both of these major systems have been interwoven into the relatively new paradigm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). MMA contests often go quickly to the ground, and in this fashion players "tap out" to signal they've had enough, or they're simply rendered unconscious courtesy of a strangulating choke-hold and it's game over. But without launching into a debate about whether MMA are really martial arts, combat sports or whatever, I'd like to address their entertainment value. MMA are being touted as the next big thing in sports and have already become more popular than professional boxing. This is big news, since prizefighting has long held a solid position in worldwide culture, especially in the West. What it all comes down to is this: Would you rather see a standup fight, or a submission-style MMA match? Somehow an armbar, no matter how effective it is, doesn't quite measure up to the visual dazzle of somebody dropping an opponent with a crushing right cross or reverse punch delivered to the jaw.

Does anyone remember the John Wayne classic The Quiet Man? The Duke partakes in the most famous - and perhaps the longest - fistfight in cinematic history against Victor McLaglen's character. The last time I saw a real-life grappling match of similar epic proportions was when Royce Gracie defeated Dan Severn in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 4, 1994). Gracie, outweighed by eighty pounds and on his back for almost the entire bout, still managed to pull it out with a miraculous triangle choke-hold with his legs applied to the neck of the gigantic Severn. Truth be told, up until the very end, the history-making match was a snoozefest. While judo, jiu-jitsu et al, are considered to be "combat effective" arts, their matches are comparatively boring to watch.

During most of his career, Chuck Norris has had the Midas touch - until recently. His World Combat League (WCL), a team-based kickboxing federation, has received only modest cable TV ratings. While UFC pay-per-view events and the like are generating millions, Norris' WCL is barely able to pay the bills. Advisors to Norris are telling him that the heyday of standup martial arts are long over and that he should be glad for the small amount of viewership that he's getting.

So what we may have here is a generation gap in fighting culture. Old school adherents like to stand on their feet and knock out their foes while the new wave proponents are becoming skilled strikers and ground technicians. There does exist certain styles that utilize joint locks in a standup fashion that are highly effective that are discussed in this post by Dojo Rat, but I digress. At any rate, the martial arts continue to evolve along with the public perception of what is most interesting and entertaining about them.

Listen To Your Body

In the martial arts, the concept of awareness should be all encompassing; not just in our surroundings, but in ourselves. In Isshinryu karate we say, The ears must listen in all directions. This could be a metaphor that includes listening to the inner workings of our thoughts and our body. How in tune are you with your body? Most of us know the difference between good and bad pain, and this tends to be more intuitive than physiological. Anything that can compromise our longevity - such as poor health - should be regarded as inimical as any adversary.

Even if we take care of ourselves; train regularly, take vitamins, and so on, we can still be at risk. In 1984, fitness guru Jim Fixx died at the age of 52 of a massive heart attack following his daily jog. Fixx was a seasoned runner who wrote a book on the subject and espoused a healthy lifestyle, but an inherited predisposition to coronary disease along with his earlier years of smoking and improper diet had finally taken their toll on him.

There was an instructor from my area who lived and breathed the martial arts. He'd give clinics and on occasion would show up at a couple of schools that I trained at. When it came to sparring he wasn't afraid to mix it up with anyone. An adept in a number of styles, he had a vast reserve of knowledge and I can personally attest to his fighting prowess. When he experienced chest pain he was told he needed surgery and then all should be well, but his days of heavy kumite and randori sessions would have to come to an end. Not fighting was unthinkable for this salty warrior and he failed to heed the doctor's stringent advice. One day he was invited to a ceremony at a renowned karate school to receive a lifetime achievement award for the martial arts in addition to an honorary black belt certificate. When the 46-year-old budoka stepped up to the podium to accept his citations he suddenly collapsed. The heart that served him so well in countless matches had given in. He was buried in his gi and black belt.

As we grow older we naturally become more susceptible to health issues. About once a month take a full-body check to explore the possibilities of lumps or other abnormalities. Every year, a physical examination is imperative and after a certain age you will be advised (based on your family medical history) what kind of special examinations you may need. But if you feel something is amiss right now, see your doctor immediately.

We all enjoy making and spending money, taking vacations, enjoying time with our families and practicing martial arts, but without our health what do we have?

Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside. - Albert Schweitzer, M.D.

Losing My Religion

I've been reading some thought provoking articles concerning the curious mixing of Christianity and the martial arts. Patrick Parker's guest post at TDA Training was a response to Bob Patterson's original essay, and both provided good material. Now it's my turn, but instead of discussing Christian values' fusion with Asian combative systems and the advent of Christian martial-art organizations, I'll be taking a different slant: Devout Christians who are opposed to certain aspects of the martial arts, in particular Eastern thought's influence on them.

Recently I received an email from a reader (a Christian) who asked me to suggest a martial arts program for him, one that didn't include "Eastern religion" as part of the package. I obliged, explaining that while Taoism and Zen are the philosophical foundations that most Asian martial arts are built upon, they are not theistic religions as we understand them in the West. Bowing, meditation, and other forms of dojo etiquette could be misconstrued as paganism to an outsider, but they're just part of the stock ritual that exists at most schools.

A born-again Christian who I trained with years ago refused to wear the Isshinryu karate symbol of the mizu gami - the water goddess - on his uniform per a certain Biblical commandment. I explained that the Isshinryu patch or any other school emblem was not designed to usurp divine authority, but he wouldn't budge on the issue.

The non-Christian Asian view of an almighty omnipresence is somewhat vague. In Taoism, "The Way" itself is sometimes equated with God. Zen, a common metaphor for the martial arts (and vice versa), does not recognize a Supreme Being whatsoever. Shinto is a unique religion indigenous to Japan that has no founder or moral code, but features an array of deities (kami). Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba actually saw himself as a Shinto demigod, and stories of the O'Sensei disappearing in a flash of light to avoid bullets from marksmen only fostered his reputation as a mystic.

The martial arts should be presented as a secular discipline and are totally compatible with holding strong Christian views. Any references to the Buddha or Bodhidharma (the mytho-historical founder of Zen and martial arts in China) and the like are largely unnecessary and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Jesus' commitment to non-violence was not an open invitation for abuse, and I'd like to think that He wouldn't completely disapprove of the modern martial ways and their aims. Today, unfortunately, the martial arts god goes by a different name: money. But that's another story...

Hockey Fight Club

A Canadian summer hockey camp has recently been set up to teach the "science" of ice hockey fighting for players between the ages of 12 and 18.

Hockey has had a long history of mayhem in the professional ranks. Fights that erupt between players are seen by many as an inevitable, even favorable part of the game. Naturally, these tendencies are picked up by impressionable youngsters in an attempt to emulate their heroes. With the high impact nature of the sport, along with its resident "goons" or "enforcers" who mete out punishment with on-ice fisticuffs, some kids are justifiably fearful of getting busted up during a game.

Enter Trevor Lakness, the general manager for Puckmasters, a hockey training center franchise, and Derek Boogaard, a professional player with the Minnesota Wild, to come up with the idea for a hockey fight camp. At 6'7 255 lbs., it's tough to imagine anyone giving Boogaard much of a challenge, on or off the ice. But supporters insist that the camp is really about instilling confidence in kids through teaching self defense techniques should a fight break out during a game.

Says Lakness: "It's no different than karate - why do people put their kids in karate? It's protection, it's an art."

The Art of Ice Hockey Fighting. You can't make this stuff up.

Low Kicks Rule

Striking Thoughts' Bob Patterson got me thinking about the efficiency of low-target kicking versus the impressive albeit impractical high kicks of tae kwon do and other arts. "Sporting" kicks look nice, but the follow-up consequences can wreak havoc. Anytime you kick above the obi (belt) you leave yourself wide open for a serious counter. To further compound the problem, kicks that are aimed even at the midsection are typically met by your opponent's arms, where kicks can be blocked, redirected, or grabbed. Competitive practitioners have developed a plethora of moves to combat mid and high-section kicks, so depending on who you're playing with, it pays to watch out.

In a recent sparring match I executed a crescent kick to the head of my opponent only to be taken down unceremoniously. Granted, I really pulled the shot, so I ended up paying for playing nice. I wouldn't dream of trying that move outside the dojo anyway. Strictly speaking, high kicks are not, nor ever have been part of any traditional karate syllabus if you're using kata (practice forms) as a textbook. Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, the 70s full-contact karate high kick extraordinaire once said in an interview that kicks were never shown above the waist in the Shorin-ryu he trained in during his military hitch on Okinawa. Still, who would mind being able to kick like him?

Karate, Wing Chun, Muay Thai and Savate all incorporate low-section kicks as core techniques. I really like that inverted rear-leg side kick to the knee that savateurs use, as it can be used at close range with virtually no adjustment in stance. In karate, blade kicks delivered to the knee and step-over stomp kicks are signature moves taken directly from kata.

High kicks require a certain degree of flexibility and athleticism that many practitioners lack. Low kicks are definitely recommended for the street, while I have my doubts about the former variety. If you're an avid high kicker, consider including low kicks into your regimen. Simply put, low kicks are relatively easy to learn and can be indispensable when you need them.

Human Weapon: Road to Okinawa

Once again Human Weapon hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff take it on the road in their quest to train and scrap with some of the world's best martial artists. This is the episode we've been waiting for - Karate - the Okinawan art of empty-handed combat. As usual, our trusty guides are bemused, abused and amused by the rigorous training regimens they endure during their brief stay on the island of Okinawa.

Some of the training methods displayed on the show are rarely practiced anymore, especially in the West. True karate entails turning parts of the body into viable weapons, as some of the Okinawan masters demonstrated with board breaks utilizing nukite (fingertips strike) and an impressive baseball bat break using a special back-wrist technique. Also explained was kyoshu-jutsu - vital point striking which included a palm-heel technique delivered to the chest that is capable of stopping the heart.

I especially liked the segment on the traditional hojo undo karate equipment that many karate practitioners may have never seen or heard of: Kongo ken - oval metal weight. Tou - bamboo bundle used for nukite strikes. Nigiri game - gripping jars filled with sand or water (see photo). And of course, the makiwara - the striking post.

I've already written about some of karate's iron-body exercises, so I won't go into that here. But I had to laugh when Duff quipped that it was "hard to not hit back" when he was being struck about during a body toughening routine.

And speaking of tough guys, our man Duff went up against an Okinawan karate champ in the showdown. All I can say is that karateka are notorious for holding their hands way too low in kumite. Check it out:

Battle of the Sexes

I've previously written about some of the reasons that attract women to the martial arts. It's their role in the dojo and interaction with men - both today and historically - that I'll briefly address in this installment.

Personally, I like the presence of women where I train. It seems to me that when they're around, an energy balance of sorts is created. Women seem to come to the martial arts out of fear of men. Men also fear other men, whether they want to admit it or not. Still, men and women from the same school will routinely spar with one another, although in sanctioned matches there is no mixing of gender. This wasn't always the case, however.

In the nineteenth century, male kendoists (sword artists that use bamboo shinai) would have spirited matches against women armed with the naginata - a staff with a mock blade attached the end. Competitions such as these were not uncommon in Japan, and locals were charged admission for these events. I seriously doubt the proceeds were evenly split, but I'm sure the naginata women took their fighting skills to unprecedented levels in doing battle with the kendo crew.

Some years back, female practitioners of judo were forced to wear an obi which featured a prominent white stripe running the length of the belt. Eventually, this practice was discarded, probably along with the ones who came up with this asinine idea.

In my experience, women seem to learn the technical and psychological aspects of an art quicker than their male counterparts, as the size and power that men enjoy are not at their disposal. With that said, the true combative aspects of bunkai (self defense applications) and strategy (heiho) become their special talent.

The Art of Killing

At one time mortal combat was an accepted way of life. Sadly, it still is in some parts of the world. Humans are a violent breed. These days, we just want to get a parking spot or walk down the street without crossing the path of some nut. But at what point in an altercation do we decide that lethal force is the only viable means of ensuring our safety? Some so-called self defense techniques are decidedly offensive in nature, if for no other reason the alternative is our own demise. Certain techniques do have humane intentions but can go awry. For example, applying pressure to the carotid arteries located on the sides of the neck via a submission style choke-hold will induce unconsciousness, but this same maneuver can prove to be fatal in the hands of a novice. In the heat of the moment, anything can happen.

A while back, I posted a story about a tourist who killed a would-be robber with a crushing headlock. It may not have been his intention to kill, per se, but it just goes to show what can happen given the right (or wrong) set of circumstances.

Recently, I observed a knife-disarming technique that I found interesting. It concluded with the defender removing the weapon from the attacker and then using it against him.

ME: You just killed that guy - with his own knife?

INSTRUCTOR: You bet.

ME: Isn't that murder?

INSTRUCTOR: No, it's self defense.

Realize that the chances of any witnesses being present during this rather unlikely scenario are about zip. Coupled with the fact that your fingerprints are now on the weapon, you have some major explaining to do. When Shakespeare wrote, "let's kill all the lawyers", he never could've imagined this. Even Bernie Goetz, the hapless New York commuter who shot and maimed a quartet of subway riders back in the 80s because he believed they were about to rob him, did time for his deed. Whether he acted recklessly or appropriately is highly debatable. There have been cases similar to Goetz' where the victims who turned the tables were justfied in their actions and eventually cleared. Better to be tried by twelve than carried off by six.

Human Weapon

Finally, a reality TV show worth watching: Two guys travel the globe in search of martial-art masters to train with, learn their traditions and secretive ways, and then take what they've supposedly learned to challenge them in an actual fight! I kid you not. Human Weapon airs every Friday night on The History Channel and sounds like a winner.

Mixed martial arts fighter Jason Chambers will team up with former wrestler and bodyguard Bill Duff as the two men delve into the back alleys and rural villages of faraway exotic lands to find time honored training halls that teach some of the world renowned classical disciplines. In addition to judo and karate, Chambers and Duff will explore the history and legends behind Escrima stick-fighting (Philippines), Savate (France), Pankration (Greece), and Krav Maga (Israel - see clip below), just to name a few.

Don't forget that each episode concludes with our hosts squaring off against the best from each style. Viewer discretion is probably advised. Enjoy!

The Peaceful Warrior

Normally, I don't plug movies on my site, but this one is an exception. My instructor recommended Peaceful Warrior to me because it contains certain values and principles found in the martial arts, though this is not a martial arts flick by any stretch.

The film depicts the true story of Dan Millman, a world class American athlete who seeks guidance in the art of living from a man he dubs as Socrates (Nick Nolte), a local gas station attendant who possesses the wisdom and insight of his original namesake. Millman enjoys all the spoils of competitive victory - medals, status, and women - until his world is abruptly turned upside down by an unforeseen event.

Socrates administers one stern lesson after another to his young disciple with the panache of a Zen master that includes aspects of mindfulness and present-moment awareness. There are amusing moments though, especially Millman's first attempt at horse-stance meditation ("Five minutes? No problem!").

If anyone's already seen Peaceful Warrior I'd like to know your opinion of it, or your recommendation of other movies or works of this genre.

Give Me A Break

The young US airman had been studying the martial arts for several months when his sabum announced to the class that they would be performing a demonstration at the public square. A large crowd of people stood and watched in the small Korean village as the first event commenced. The master spoke briefly to the villagers about the art of tang soo do before he called upon his first charge. The nineteen-year-old airman felt honored to hear his name announced to demonstrate his ability to break a stack of roofing tiles with his bare hand. He stood up nervously and walked over to the small platform where the tiles were placed. His heart was now racing with anticipation as a hush came over the crowd. He visualized annihilating those formidable looking tiles that seemed to be stacked a mile high. He knew he had to nail this on the first try - there would be no second chance. This was it. He raised his hand, and with all the ki energy he could muster he fired his fist down with incredible speed. The tiles didn't budge. Chuck Norris had just broken four knuckles in his right hand.

Breaking has always been a crowd pleaser at martial-art demonstrations. No karate or TKD demo is really complete without the obligatory sidekick or shuto (knife-hand) busting apart some inanimate material. Planks of wood (white pine is a favorite) and even slabs of ice have been the objects of choice at many demos. Even the Karate Kid had his turn at the frozen stuff.

For the less inclined would-be breaker, the convenience of using Breakaway boards - plastic molded panels that have interlocking seams that allow them to be reused - offer all the glory of mayhem without having to end up in the X-ray room. The ones that I've seen use a color-coding scheme; yellow being the least resistant, on up to black for the heavy hitters. Still, don't try this at home.

Mr. Miyagi's tactic of shearing the tops off of three beer bottles at once to fend off bullies was a neat trick. Kyokushin karate founder Mas Oyama routinely performed this stunt at demos with just one bottle. When one of his students attempted the same feat he almost lost his little finger. Oyama's other infamous knack for using a shuto to chop off a bull's horns would have undoubtedly invoked the wrath of animal rights activists today. I think pitting Oyama against a group of unruly protesters would've been much more fun to watch.

Some schools use board breaking as a requirement for belt promotion, the idea being that a good break should be equated with causing great injury to your opponent. Otherwise, yourself. Just ask Chuck Norris.

Preventive Measures

You can spend a lifetime studying the martial arts. And yet your sensei preaches that you should only use your skills as a last resort. Violence always begets violence, we're told. Carl Jung wrote, "Every victory contains the germ of future defeat", meaning that there is always someone who can take you on, no matter how much success you've had in your ability to handle yourself in the past.

Regardless of how many years you've spent in the dojo, the possibility always exists that you'll encounter something you've never seen before in your training. So how do you avoid this ugly scene before it happens? Believe it or not, this starts by how you present yourself to the world. If you appear arrogant and look for trouble, there's no doubt you'll find it. However, if you perceive yourself as a victim or a loser, you'll end up for sure as someone's target practice. The key is to combine equal amounts of humility and confidence that you have developed from your training into your daily life. Humility and confidence are the yin and yang of the martial artist's persona. The great swordsman/strategist Miyamoto Musashi once said, "The warrior must make his warrior's walk his everyday walk". This is a quality of living that can't be faked, and its essence can be felt even by strangers. I've read accounts of how martial artists should carry themselves in public; exuding grace, good posture and so on, but I believe that there's an ineffability to the martial artist that goes beyond the physical.

The main difference between the martial arts and competitive martial sport is one of focus. A muay thai kickboxer has an innate sense of what it is to be a fighter; fighting comes naturally to this individual. In my experience, the majority of people who gravitate towards traditional martial arts do so out of a desire to simply protect themselves, not necessarily to engage in contests. The martial arts adept has hard earned fighting skills and can fight, but would rather live to see another day if at all possible. If it's true that fighting is really the final refuge for the martial artist, then measures should be considered to offset this possibility ahead of time.

Awareness is imperative in the martial arts. The eyes must see all ways, the ears must listen in all directions are Okinawan karate precepts, but we have more at our disposal than ordinary sensory perception. The human nervous system is hardwired to detect danger, even if there is no apparent threat. Having a "gut feeling" is not really a metaphor, but the response of neurons in the abdominal region that interprets something as wrong. Intuition (kan) is real and operates best when we're in a state of bare-minded attention. Simply put, be aware of your surroundings.

If you do find yourself in a pre-violent altercation, try to remain calm. Convey the idea that while your intentions are peaceful you're still able to hold your ground. Do not assume any kind of a fighting posture or brandish your fists as this will signal the prelude to a full blown assault.

As much as ethics and philosophy are a part of the martial ways (budo), at its core they are first and foremost concerned with actual combat (bujutsu). We train for the worst case scenario, but always hope for the best.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

The following is a story taken from a report dated Friday, 6/15/07:

Royce Gracie, the man who single-handedly popularized Brazilian jiu-jitsu worldwide with his astounding victories over competitors during the heyday of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, following a win over Kazushi Sakuraba on June 2nd in Los Angeles.

In the world of sports, doping - the taking of illegal drugs to enhance athletic ability - is nothing new. Anabolic steroids in particular steal the headlines. Steroids, which are processed derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, seem to do everything an athlete could want:

• Dramatic increases in size and strength
• Offsets fatigue
• Increases aggression
• Reduces inflammation

With the possible exceptions of:

• Liver abnormalities
• Increased LDL "bad" cholesterol
• Propensity to fits of rage
• Depression

Besides the ever-popular steroids, some athletes have been known to use/abuse other agents, such as artificial human growth-hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and a variety of potent stimulants.

Strict measures have been taken through the years to counteract the widespread usage of sports-enhancement pharmacopoeia. In January 2007, the World Anti-Doping Agency updated its Prohibited List of hormones and related drugs for sanctioned sports, including martial-art events. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified anabolic steroids as a drug in the Schedule III category, which also includes codeine and certain barbiturates.

The opening story is in no way intended to discredit Royce Gracie, the Gracie family, or the noble art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu or its legion of practitioners.

There are no shortcuts on the martial path. Taking these compounds eventually become a crutch and weaken the spirit. The way is in the training, not to be found from a magic pill or a hypodermic needle.

Meditation

Whether we're sparring or in the midst of a dangerous altercation, our training is designed to facilitate our ability to respond immediately and effectively to any kind of attack. As if a blueprint were being enacted, spontaneity should flow from us unimpeded with effortless ease. The problem arises when we try to anticipate what our adversary might do. The solution in part is to arrive at a placid state of ambivalence. Given the unpredictable nature of a fight, achieving this frame of mind can indeed be difficult. How do we prepare for this?

Meditation is commonly defined as the practice of stilling the mind. To be precise, the means and end of meditation is to become fully aware of ourselves, especially our thoughts. Ordinary cognitive thinking does interfere with our ability to become one with a task. The last thing we want to do is to start mulling over the "what ifs" during a moment of crisis.

One of the roles of forms (kata) practice is to provide us with a moving meditation of sorts. Anyone who has had to test for kata in front of a high ranking board or go out to compete at a large tournament can appreciate how daunting it can be to "become" the form sans the interference of self-consciousness. This is referred to as mushin no shin - the mind of no-mind - a realm where the practitioner merges with her/his art. Although kata can never approximate the chaotic uncertainty of a real fight, it does provide us with the tools to attain not only a level of technical proficiency, but also a negation of the self.

The most common method of meditation in the martial arts is called mokuso where the practitioner sits, usually at the end of a training session, to develop presence of mind. In certain schools of Chinese boxing such as yiquan and tai chi, standing meditation is practiced. Though simple sounding enough, the standing practice is reputed to be quite arduous, particularly for novices.

In many schools, formal meditation is rarely seen at all. Most instructors regard its practice as either unnecessary or obsolete. I've been meditating for almost as long as I've been practicing karate, and I find it to be a valuable resource for both training and daily living. In his Classical Budo, Draeger writes, "Meditation gives a chance for the vital 'loosening' of one's inner powers. It is a practice that builds hara, that patient, calm, and undisturbed coolness of mind essential to classical disciplines."

Finding Your Style

Think back to the first time you geared up to spar in your school. What was your first reaction - did you even know what to do or what to expect? Learning set techniques is one thing. Combining them into an arsenal that you can call your own requires time and self-examination as to what works best for you. In the martial arts, a style refers to a system of fighting that was developed by someone else. Ultimately, we become our own stylists. Of course, how we engage an opponent largely depends on what they're doing. It's all a matter of chemistry.

Developing your own "style" is a reflection of several factors that includes physical assets and liabilities (some so-called liabilities actually have the potential to enhance us), the quality of our instruction, and even our personality. How would you describe your way of fighting? It doesn't matter what art you practice, everyone subscribes to a certain persona when they do battle; the way we fight is not only a personal endeavor, but an artistic expression. Below is a list of some of the more popular approaches to fighting in the martial arts:

1. Brawler

We all know who this guy is. Always comes to fight. Takes a shot to give one. Usually has little patience for forms practice and some of the other nuances of training. Many beginners fall into this category, and either develop some real skills, or just pack it in.

2. Runner

Doesn't like mixing it up at all. Will motor around the deck like her/his feet are on fire. Hard to hit cleanly - strictly a defensive fighter (an oxymoron?).

3. Counterstriker

Never makes the first attack. In fact, will hardly move at all. This type will stand impassively waiting to see what comes their way, and then capitalizes on that.

4. Adaptician

The multi-faceted fighter. Can hit, move, and counter whenever she/he has to. Well grounded. yet fleet of foot. A master of both defense and offense. Has developed a perfect sense of ma'ai (fighting range) and timing. A sharpshooter - picks a target and then strikes effectively. Always relaxed, sparring economically and efficiently, doing only what is necessary to win a match.

I'm sure most of you recognize yourselves or people you train with in at least one of these groups. You don't have to be a genius to figure out which category I think you should all be striving for. In truth, many practitioners can't be pigeonholed into a single class, or defy categorization altogether. Don't worry if you haven't found your fighting niche yet, that will come eventually. What's important is understanding how your opponent fights. Of course there are other factors at play here, such as spirit, determination, and the ability to learn from your mistakes. In the end, how we develop as fighters comes from a combination of hard-earned acquired skill and our natural gifts.

Are You Tough Enough?

If you're involved in any kind of free-style fighting or grappling at your school, eventually you're going to get hit, kicked, thrown or choked out. It's all part of the game, and players need to experience this incrementally over a period of time to desensitize themselves to the physical and psychological discomfort of getting busted up. While general exercise gets us in shape to sustain battle, traditional exercises were created to condition the body to take a certain amount of abuse without incurring any serious or permanent damage. Before I delve any further into this, it should be noted that some of these body-hardening techniques are somewhat controversial and have the potential to do far more harm than good. Women may have difficulty accepting these routines and they're not recommended for kids. You've been warned.

The ancient karate form sanchin is a kind of moving isometric muscle builder that emphasizes deep breathing with a sharp hiss. Performing sanchin is akin to moving an imaginary heavy weight. When being tested for this kata the student is expected to withstand sound kicks and punches delivered to the legs and torso. In demonstrations, the expert sanchin performer endures objects being broken over his body with no apparent ill effects. Some practitioners really go overboard and actually end up with high blood pressure and related problems from the forced breathing aspect of this form.

Kotekitai is a forearm muscle conditioner done with a partner. Students pair up and alternate striking the inside and outside of each others forearms similar to a blocking drill. This is an importatnt routine for Isshinryu karateka, where blocking is always done with the muscular side of the forearm. In many styles, the mechanics of the block exposes the bony ridge of the forearm (ulna), which can cause it to break upon impact, especially from a kick.

A makiwara is a striking post, usually padded with straw, rubber or carpet to cushion the impact of the strike. Fist, elbow and shuto (blade-hand) strikes are practiced. Old time practitioners used to develop large calluses on their knuckles from years of training on these devices. In actuality, the object is to develop strength and precision in all areas of striking that can't be duplicated in sparring or forms practice.

In certain Chinese martial arts, qigong (chi gung) is emphasized. This esoteric practice of manipulating one's chi or ki energy is reputed to have the capacity to reinforce areas of the body against blows. These methods are referred to as iron shirt techniques, and date back centuries. The existence of ki/chi remains questionable as modern science has not investigated this area enough to prove anything conclusive.

While I believe that the student has to get a feel for what a real fight is like through sparring and occasionally taking some hard shots, I'm not totally convinced that it's possible to strengthen parts of the body through repeated blows. I do believe there is an emotional component connected to the "shock" of getting hit that needs to be overcome. Is it really possible to turn one's body into protective armor? If you're willing to find out, proceed with caution.

Exercise Tips

How hard do you train at your school? Do you pride yourself on the number of knuckle-pushups you can crank out? Are you sweating bullets by the end of your class? In karate and related styles, the emphasis is on hard physical training. Muscular strength and cardio-vascular endurance are developed through a circuit of exercises that usually includes plenty of abdominal work. Strengthening the abdomen is especially important as it is the seat of the hara where balance and power (ki) are derived from. Having washboard abs is not only nice for the summer but can also assist you with your martial arts program. Getting in shape should coincide with one's progress in the martial arts as long as it's approached correctly and with care.

Realize that training for anything is a stimulus for improvement. Actual growth can only occur during rest and recovery. This is critical to understand, because overdoing any strenuous activity without a break is not only a waste of time but counterproductive. When the body is run down from over-training, it will produce an abundance of the catabolic (muscle wasting) hormone cortisol. Muscular atrophying in turn causes an increase in relative body-fat percentage. Conversely, muscles at rest have the capacity to burn fat. So being lean will produce a convincing fighting machine as long as you give your body adequate rest and recovery time in addition to a proper diet.

We are what we eat, and while I'm not a big believer in these trendy low carbohydrate diets, I do advocate sensible moderation with everything, including alcohol. Although carbs are touted as a premium energy source, in lieu of its presence the body will readily burn fat. For this reason, a light morning cardio workout before breakfast is ideal for burning already stored body-fat.

A stretching regimen is a must for any stylist. Research has shown that stretching actually preserves muscle mass. Muscles are subject to the myotatic reflex which prohibits them from over-extending and tearing. Each time we stretch, we teach the muscles to extend this reflex by elongating more than previously, which leads to greater flexibility. Stretching should be done slowly and consistently. The stretch should be enough to cause some discomfort, but it should not be unbearable. Ballistic (bouncing) or extreme stretching routines will only prematurely activate the myotatic reflex and eventually cause injury. Stretch at the beginning and end of every class and every time you workout.

Experiencing some residual soreness after a workout is actually a good sign, even if you're a long time practitioner. After a hard workout the muscles undergo a certain degree of micro-trauma at the cellular level which leads to a repair cycle. Under optimal conditions, the body will not only resume to its original state, but exceed it, i.e. become better, stronger, faster, and more resilient. This is how we grow, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. Mind, body and spirit form an inseparable triumvirate for the consummate martial artist.

Looking Good

Novice trainees in the martial arts are notoriously self conscious. And who could blame them? All decked out in a strange outfit and having to abide by unfamiliar rules and foreign etiquette enforced by a rigid hierarchy can make any newcomer feel ill at ease. Then, as we commence training, we quickly learn what we can and cannot do. I remember my first attempt at a crescent kick that practically put me on the seat of my pants. We all want to get it right the first time, but the martial path is pitted with humbling and even embarrassing experiences along the way. New students tend to get wrapped up in what others might think about them, but this trait is really common in everyone. Regardless of rank or experience everybody screws up or looks silly from time to time, no matter how much confidence or ability they normally exude. "Even monkeys fall from trees" is an Asian aphorism that illustrates this point.

Peter Urban, an American goju-ryu karate pioneer and martial arts author once wrote that a true karateka always "looks, acts and feels sharp." I don't think I care for that notion, as this suggests martial artists should put on airs to look impressive. Believe me, if you're trying to look cool, people will pick up on that right away. Humility, selflessness, and a good work ethic make a far better impression than "looking sharp" in my book.

Still, the martial arts are a dignified calling. Martial artists should feel special, but not at the expense of acting pretentious. There's a way to approach this without bringing negative attention to yourself. Unadorned distinction and excellence refers to a quality called shibumi. Shibumi is never expressed in trophies, belts or awards. In its simplicity and elegance, shibumi is about modesty and strength with no regard to appearances. Looks can be deceiving, as the martial artist's resolve and virtues are always developed within, never without.

Down 'n Dirty

Let's face it: A fight is a fight. There are no rules and things can and do get ugly. The aesthetic grace of kata is nowhere to be found in a real knockdown and dragout fight. At one time, kicking a guy south of the border or grabbing and breaking his fingers were considered taboo. Real men just didn't fight that way. Today, with the advent of reality fighting and DVD/video courses with catchy titles like Filthy Jailhouse Fighting Secrets and Fighting Dirty, all bets are off. Face rakes, eye gouges and even biting (not recommended given the current status of STDs and other social diseases) are now being taught in self defense programs. Times have changed, and change isn't necessarily good.

The idea of administering these nasty maneuvers is to inflict maximum pain as quickly as possible. While it could be argued that this is already the philosophy behind the martial arts, many of the techniques that are currently presented have been watered down through the years to the point of being rendered ineffective or impractical. Certain bunkai (traditional self defense applications) are either misunderstood in some schools, or require too much finesse or fine motor skills to pull off when the heat is on.

A cop I knew from New York who trained in daito ryu jiu-jitsu would tell stories of drug induced psychotic episodes that would erupt in violent types he was attempting to pick up on outstanding warrants (his specialty). He explained that some waza just weren't enough to subdue these lunatics who seemed impervious to even the most painful joint locks, courtesy of being loaded on crank (methamphetamine), angel dust (PCP), or whatever else they had in their systems. Resisting arrest against a 7th degree black belt is not wise, as it usually leads to some serious damage. Years ago, a drunkard tried to attack me outside my father's restaurant because I refused to let him in. I walloped him good and he took off, only to return a few minutes later to try his luck at kicking in the storefront glass. Apparently, I didn't leave a lasting impression upon him. This time I was able to fend him off with a piece of molding (don't ask) which probably looked far more lethal than it really was. Later, an instructor/bouncer from another Isshinryu school told me I was lucky the guy didn't have a weapon. "Some guys are just used to taking heavy shots to the head. And when they're drunk, forget about it." I couldn't if I tried.

Women especially need to realize the effectiveness of utilizing atemi - strikes delivered to pressure points or vital areas. Eyes, throat, groin and knees are the targets of opportunity when negotiations fail. How you train is how it happens, so training for this as realistically as possible is imperative if you want to make these techniques work. And making them work can mean the difference between life and death.

Peak Experiences

Discipline and perseverance are terms that are closely associated with the martial arts, and rightfully so. Real martial arts are never easy, and sometimes the hardest thing about them is just managing to show up for class after a hard day, making our time spent there feel like drudgery. But has anyone ever had a training session where you just feel like tearing up the joint? I don't mean to vent anger or anything negative; in fact, quite the opposite. Sometimes we have a day that makes us feel like we're riding the crest of a wave, that we're so full of energy and enthusiasm that nothing can stop us. Research has shown that under optimal conditions, the human body is capable of self-induced euphoric states. You may have heard of the term "runner's high", but this effect is not necessarily confined to any specific activity. When we're in this zone, the body taps into a special reservoir that produces a class of chemical messengers that includes beta-endorphins, norepinephrine, and serotonin that can enhance physical and mental well being.

Exercise induced euphoria bears a similiarity to what transpersonal psychologist Abraham Maslow referred to as peak experiences. According to Maslow, a peak experience bridges a gap between the performer and the performance; the sense of an ego or "I am" becomes blurred with the task, in addition to feelings of strong positive emotions and timelessness. Maslow's research was influenced by Eastern thought, so the correlation between peak experiences and the martial arts seems relevant. For example, various mind states that are found in the martial arts, such as mushin (no mind) and fudoshin (immovable mind) come from the sense of oneness that could result from the Maslowian peak experience.

What it all comes down to is that when we train, we want to feel good and at one with what we're doing. And when that happens, we lose our sense of self, time stands still, and everything falls into place of its own accord.

Making The Grade

Only One In 10,000 Make It To Black Belt - Be That One! This is what I read in a flyer that I saw at a local karate school recently. One in ten-thousand - does that sound right? That's what I'd call lying with statistics! If we're talking about the total number of martial-art students who enroll in a school, I'd say one in about two-hundred eventually succeed in achieving shodan (1st degree black belt). Even so, one-half of 1% is still a pretty small slice of the pie, which puts the Black Belt Club in an elite group. An instructor of mine once commented that becoming a black belt is an honor that exceeds that of becoming an attorney or a physician. I don't have any figures available, but I'm guessing that far more than 1% of prospective lawyers and doctors pass the bar and graduate from medical school respectively.

The martial path is real tough in the right school, and the black belt test is far from a shoo-in, even for the qualified candidate. Chuck Norris failed his first attempt at black belt. One young man I knew who was testing for shodan quit midway through the sparring portion of his exam. He was fighting well through several matches when he inexplicably threw in the towel. In the weeks leading up to his test he had gotten so worked up that when the big day finally arrived, his fear of failure became a self fulfilling prophecy. Fortunately, one of the senior instructors had a talk with him and was able to bring him back out onto the mat to finish and pass his test. It ain't over till it's over.

If you've managed to stay with the martial arts for just a few years you're probably in awe of the fact that so many people come and go. The martial arts are not for everyone, and as a result there's a revolving door at most schools regarding students. But you never know who has what it takes, and sometimes the most unlikely trainee will fool you and go the distance. The martial arts are about transformation. As somebody once told me, you don't get a black belt, you become one.

Sparring Injuries

Most people join a martial arts club to either avoid or dish out some serious punishment. In kumite (sparring) the idea is to apply what you've supposedly learned combined with the spontaneity one could expect during an actual street fight. In the dojo, sparring partners are expected to work with one another; it is not about annihilating the other guy, even if your sensei tells you to turn up the heat. Still, accidents do happen. A nice woman and mother of four (all of whom trained at our school) snapped her pencil-thin forearm one night when she attempted to down-block a front kick. Not one to be easily discouraged, she showed up the following week for class with her arm in a cast. On another occasion a pair of black belts were mixing it up when one of them dropped to the mat. Apparently, a rather low spin-around-back kick was able to exploit the fact that someone wasn't wearing their groin protector. Ambulance trips to the hospital aren't much fun for young karate enthusiasts. He needed emergency surgery, and it was about a month before he was able to resume training. Some lessons are learned the hard way.

Sparring gear such as hand-guards are implemented to protect the user, not necessarily with the opponent's safety in mind. Most head-gear manufacturers include a label that reads For Light or No-Contact Sparring Only. That probably does about as much good as the warnings listed on cigarette cartons. The mouth-piece is designed to keep your jaw from breaking, but may not keep your teeth intact as I found out years ago at a tournament. I fear my dentist more than any opponent I've had to face.

Starting in April 2007, the World Martial Art Games Committee (WMAGC) is going to revise its rule book to exclude words like "fight" and "fighter" to counteract what it sees as aggressive and violent tendencies in the martial arts. In its statement the WMAGC claims that by omitting words and references associated with fighting and replacing them with mitigated terms (e.g. sparring contest, match, etc.) will lead to less injuries related to sportive martial arts. What all this implies is that "fighting words" send a negative subliminal message to the mind of the combatant (another dirty word?) causing her/him to become overzealous during a match. Of course reducing a karate contest to a glorified game of tag does it no justice either. There needs to be balance. I'm all for promoting the martial arts in a positive way, but perhaps this form of political correctness has gone too far.

Different Ways, Same Path

The martial arts. There are few areas of interest available that offer such rich and diverse subject matter. This is one of the reasons I love writing about them, but ironically, this can become a pitfall. It's easy to delve into related areas such as psychology, ethics, and even esoterica and get so far removed from the original topic of the martial arts that they are no longer being addressed. A case in point is the problem of accurately defining what the martial arts are. The soaring popularity of tai chi and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting contests, for example, make it clear that certain disciplines that are given the generic label of "martial arts" are neither martial nor artistic. Internal styles such as tai chi tend to draw a pacifistic following that want nothing to do with combative fighting methods or racking up a collection of tournament trophies. Equally, an MMA fighter has little or no interest in meditation, chi, or adopting a canon of philosophical tenets in accordance with bushido. The modern martial arts, as I see it, have as much to do with the ways of fighting as they do with certain concepts unrelated to fighting. Bujutsu (martial arts) and budo (the martial path) are two sides of the same coin. The problem arises when exponents from these camps see as what they do as being exclusive, and lines are drawn.

A similar schism that exists in the martial arts concerns the time-honored traditional ways versus the eclectic schools of mixed-martial arts. An Isshinryu karate school I once visited had a sign up that read "We Teach Traditional Karate". Isshinryu was systemized in the 1950s. Can something that's been around for just half a century be categorized as "traditional"? Actually, its founder, Shimabuku, wanted to do away with the stagnation of tradition in creating a progressive style of karate. The advent of mixed-martial arts were influenced by Asian combative systems and are seen as something new. Yet the ancient Greeks had developed a combative sport called pankration that documents training methods and techniques that bear a striking similarity to the current mixed-martial arts methods that are in vogue today.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.