The finest global magazine for the fighting arts world of martial arts

www.woma.tv.com MFeaturing: agazinE Ü Female Ninjas Ü Roots of UFC Ü Self Defense Samuel Ü Unbalanced Kwok Judo Wing Chun Master Ü Xing Yi Quan Revealed Chris Kent’s Ü Tai Chi Roots Jeet Kune Do Ü survival guide Investigated Aikido Insights jackie with bob jones chan Reborn Who Wins: 96 year old Karate BlackBelt versus 30 year old Pro Boxer

Issue One │ September/October 2018 Situational Awareness

fromSavate the street to the ring What is SAVATE? Savate is a fighting art born on the streets in 19th Century France, hugely popular there and around the globe, in particular in the Balkan countries, and growing rapidly in the Americas, China and India. There are 100,000 practitioners worldwide. As a combat sport it is characterised by the mobility of the fighters and the use of the fists and feet as weapons combining elements of English boxing with graceful kicking techniques. All fighters wear boxing gloves and Savate boots. What Are The World Savate Assaut Championships? The popularity of Savate Assaut around the world is reflected in the increasing number of countries participating in the World Savate Assaut Championships. This year the Championships will take place in Bulgaria with 50 countries expected. Contact the Federation Internationale de Savate for more information about Savate around the world. fisavate.org Everyone is always talking, this and that, particularly about ‘Awareness of Surroundings’. Yeah, yeah, I heard it all. Recently someone said, “what happens in the WINTER when I’ve got a COLD or the FLU, can’t BREATHE or HEAR properly and I’m in a BAD ALLEY or DODGY STAIRCASE?” SIMPLE I say… Self Defense Problem Page with Master Wong Situational Awareness

Even if you’re a TOP INTERNATIONAL, STUNT MODEL inappropriately dressed for the typical FREEZING WINTER WEATHER and you’re ATTACKED BY Best thing if they try an amazing ASIAN STEVIE anything on is WONDER LOOKALIKE in stylish SMASH EM IN THE NUTS dark glasses OFFERING and then A TISSUE… …DON”T LET THEM CLOSE! Other wise you’re in BIG TROUBLE

KICK EM IN THE STOMACH Then GET OUT OF THERE!

“Your space is yours. Always control it and whoever enters it.” Next question…

www.woma.tv 03 TS TING AR THE FIGH

T GLOBAL MAGAZINE FOR THE FINES THE TEAM World Of Martial Ar t s Editor www.woma.tv.comE agazin Will Henshaw MFeaturing: NJAS SAMUEL K  FEMALE NI KWO F UFC  R O O T S O WING CHUN FENSE MASTER SELF DE  D Editorial Specialist NCE  UNBALA CHRIS KENT’S JUD O UAN JEET KUNE DOD XING YI Q STIGATE  D INVE Kieran Clarkin REVEALE AIKID O  TAI CHI ROOTS S UIDE INSIGHT URV IV A L G  S WITH BOB JONES Mick Tully JAC KI E Proof Reader CHAN Wolf Thorsson R e b o r n W in s : KBELT W ho KARATE BLAC eptember/October 2018 Design & Production year old Issue One │ S 9 6 year old P R O B O X E R versus 3 0 Martin Jennings E Image Specialist ditor’s Freya Helenius Contributors Welcome to the First Edition of ‘World Of Neil Adams, Tim Becherer, Jonathan Bluestein, Kieran Comment Clarkin, Hiromi Renner Goto, Robert Hardin, Peter Martial Arts Magazine’ Jagger, Bob Jones, Chris Kent, Samuel Kwok, Lak Loi, We have grown from 11 years of success at World of Martial Arts Joel Reeves, Steve Rowe, Neil Swain, Jake Shannon, Television, with its weekly audience between 150,000 and 4,800,000. We are Andrew Staton, John B Will, Master Wong, always looking for new ways to reach more people with good and interesting Reviewers martial arts and so a magazine was born! Kieran Clarkin, Peter Johnson, Eric Luck, Philip Wrath, Neil Swain, We feature a broad sweep of martial arts and martial artists, from a breathtaking Editorial submissions variety of styles, from BJJ, JKD, Wing Chun, Judo, Tai Chi, Karate, Xing Yi We do not accept unsolicited submissions. Please Quan, Catch Wrestling, Ninjutsu, Taekwondo, Aikido, Self Defense, Mind, e-mail the Editor-in-Chief to pitch him your idea for an Body & Spirit and lots of Movies, TV, Books, just anything martial arts related. article or interview. We are only interested in material that has not been previously published. All great insight and entertainment for any martial artist, we know you will like them. If your art isn’t featured yet, we hope to Advertising

g matches and rule sets became began profit from wrestlin As the promoters began to dictated by the promoters. power and control shifted For enquiries about advertising in the Print and/or control the cash flows, so too the eir backers. Many of the away from the wrestlers and th wrestlers later became promoters more financially savvy . However, even with this do so in the future. themselves for this very reason nts across the assorted Article: Jake Shannon y.com) power shift, there were still rule variamon denominator across Pixabey (www.pixaba competing promotions. A com Photographs: hough; a wrestler must these rulesets began to emerge t Digital Edition, as well as advertising on the eir opponent to win. Mind you, even either pin or submit th varied too. Some allowed a two- these winning provisions ints, must be down point pin (i.e., both shoulders, or two-po pin (both shoulders for the count) and others a three-point , must be down for the count). Pin plus a hip, three-points ed a three count, while others counts varied too, some us nd yet still others contested website, please contact the Marketing Team via only allowed a two-count, a matches with a five-count pin. Don’t forget to check out our huge world of

When was Stranglingatch-as-catch-can legal? eventually As participation grew, c etition varieties. The former split into exhibition vs. comp e, or submission evolved into either freestyle, folkstyl sformed into the [email protected]. grappling/MMA, while the violent latter trantheater that we see today slam-bang WWE-style of nown as carnival At Show content from videos to articles on World of (the ill-fated hybrid of both, tk challengers and “plants/ wrestling, featured both legi tion between sticks” alike). There was a positive correlaipation and the the early growth in competitivepular partic naïve interventionism of increase in injuries. The po oo and ultimately lead to that era took root in wrestling of rules t and regulations. Soon, an increase in the number etition, most some holds began to be barred from comp World Of Martial Arts Television he strangle. Martial Arts Television What is ‘Catch-As-Catch-Can’?e to prominence near the notable of which was t Catch-as-catch-can wrestling cam on in the northern Anglo- MMA is any barometer, much end of the industrial revoluti ed there by predominately Irish In my estimation, if today’s larity was a direct result of the Celtic Isles and was practic yle was first documented by the of catch-as-catch-can’s popu tch-As-Catch- he t eB or eIff you’re serious about MMA then blue collar workers. The st ngland (they would notoriety of America’s first Heavyweight Ca . Lewis (not to Evan “Strangler” Lewis gentry in the Lancashire region of E Can Champion, , who came later ng outcomes in the same way as they Ed “Strangler” Lewis Is published six times a year by August Productions you need to know this... wager on wrestli ts). Professional wrestling as be confused with mbodied the exciting would with dog and cock figh h Irish coal miners wrestling and was amazing in his own right) e d early MMA. It laid www.woma.tv. artial Arts we know it today started wit after an arduous day working “no-holds-barred” spirit that epitomize CACC greats like t isn’t controversial that Mixed M , two of , and each other for side-bets, often borer/wrestlers , Frank Gotch (MMA) and Professional Wrestling the groundwork for the popularity, Tom of Jenkins later r athletic attractions c f u in the mines. Eventually some of these la Martin “Farmer” Burns the world’s most popula catch- themselves and their families solely idt . Article: in the sport of were able to sustain these best and thus the first today, have solid roots Bob Jones George Hackenschm Photographs: . upon the money earned from as-catch-can (CACC) wrestling ©Bob Jones e born. ed American Heavyweight Ltd. The opinions expressed in all articles, reviews and “professional” wrestlers wer , Evan Lewis was the first recogniz on (some, but not all, by following the I Ultimate Fighting Championship Catch-As-Catch-Can Champi well) and he created Prior to the promotions like the UWF, CACC soon found its way to America tates during this recognized him as world champion as , UWFi , sion on fans and athletes alike. CACC-inspired proto-MMA jiwara-Gumi immigrants that came to the United S catch- tually becoming one of, if on hell of an impres foes alike was the trademark Professional Wrestling Fu period. It flourished, even Pancrase, etc. planted the seed. Amateur (popular in ort in American between the What stirred up friends and his nickname – “The Shooto, tyle wrestling not the most popular sp r I. maneuver that gave Evan Lewis nes about his method,” said as-catch-can,A ik iaka d o h aAmerican s e v o lv e d f r o m folks a inningest foundation Civil War and World Wa Strangler.” Lewis “made no bo o get an arm about the Enjoy this first issue. Let us know what you advertisements are those of the individual authors the high schools and colleges) is the w bers. l o n g h i s t o r y B o b J o n e s a d a p t in g H ij iS h im e (W a k e a n d t r a d i t i o n o f J a p a n e Ring magazine in 1930, “which was t him until he whispered for MMA athletes according to the nums e c o m b a t . I t i s a g a in s t M ic k P r a t t a n d A d r ia n T ip li n g . G a t a m e ) a c o l l e c t i o n o f l i n k e d p r a c t i s e fi g h t s a w From Cock Fights to Cash?aforementioned informal throat of an opponent and chokehisperT hanything.” is s t r a ig h t -a r m l o c k f o c u s e s t h e e n e r g y o f t h e o Inoki movement.In Aikido the beginning, ther during the b a s e d o n t h eMuhammad n e e d f o r d i ff e r i n g oAli u vs. Antoni r e g i m e s in Inoki’s ules of CACC wrestling matches ‘enough’ or was unable to w t e c h n i q u e o n o n e p o i n t o The infamous efore followed f t h e o p p o n e n t ’s T h is a r t ic le w il in v e s t and Yoshiaki Fujiwara , ‘NO FORM OF a similar developmenside-betting period, the r ses, etc.) were dynamic and CACC wrestlers Karl Gotch legend, tGene c o m e s . Lebell NG IS t to Judo b o d y ,t h e ir e lb o w j o in t . NGLI Karate and Kendo(e.g., length of time, weight, clas ned solely by the wrestlers f o r m s o f A i k i d o a n d l o o k a t t h e i n fl i g a t e t h e d i ff e r e n t STRA all derived from Origin of ‘No Holds Barred’?pling contests, chokes were corner while another CACC wrestlingeted in the first ever televised NLESS earlier arts anbilateral; i.e., they were determi in 1963. Even d having a number of backers. The bilateral nature Like today’s MMA and grap can wrestling matches (in refereed. The same Lebell comp in Salt Lakeu eCity n c e s back PERMITTED, U themselves and their financial and advertisers, respectively, and do not reflect the influences. o n p r e s e n t d a y p r a c t i c e me from, resulted in a fluid, diverse rule set. allowed in many catch-as-catch- ined to describe MMA match against Milo Savage ESPECIALLY AGREED of these agreements think. We look forward to bringing you the its ferocious leglocks originally. ca CIPALS. he sport grew, third parties became fact, the term “no-holds-barred” was co Sambo’s elite know that N atch-can wrestling . TO BY THE PRI Under Ueshiba,However, Aikido as interest in t became unilateral as promoters www.woma.tv 1 3 you guessed it, catch-as-c BEFORE EACH MATCH focussed on fourmore main involved elemtraining and the rules ll know very little about CACC or NT IS OUNCEME Taiiku (physical), the d ents; Most wrestling and MMA fans sti ern combat sports entertainment. THE A NN NGLE physique produced th evelopment of these seminal contributions to mod USUALLY MADE “STRA rough practise, HOLD BARRED”.’ Kiiku (spiritual), to cul opinions of the publisher and the editors. No part Catch Wrestling cheat sheet here… February 20, 1910 power of the inner sp tivate the So get your roots of MMA/ inneapolis Tribune – irit, Toku iku - M (moral), to keep second issue. the mind pure and M o ri h e iU e s h ib a clear and Chi iku MagazineS o k a k u T a k e d a (wisdom), the 1 2 WOMA O n is a b u r o D e g u c h i development of the mind thr practise of harmony. ough the of this publication may be copied by any means, “The meaning of Aikido sh become apparent through ould Rule Focussed Outcome practise.” Aikido like other martial can readily be made t g n i v l o E v time. There can b arts change over Intended Outcome e several influences technique may be perfo ensure that a within this asp Aikido is subject to mo ect, for example Judo This ability to adapt, ormed effectively. technique h than other martial arts re influences as been altered following extremely flexibl makes Aikido an electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, its introductio e martial art, suitable See you there. individual nature of th because of the n into the Olympics. This for all ages, genders, worldwide standardisatio shapes and sizes. may be adapted to e techniques. They (Above) Techniqu the physical and mental the focus on n of rules and es are differentiated for attributes of each Randori, has un individual practic individual, so becom affected how techniq doubtedly e with a “Physiological unique to each A ues are taught and Focus” in mind. ikidoka. Evolving Aikidoe performed. The same pro technique is fu ndamental to producing in Tomiki cess is occurring an intended out (Sport) Aikido today. “Rule Ideological Focus come. The differing styles Focussed Outcome” recording or by any information storage or retrieval T hF ea mA okdy ifl o i respond to “need” som The development of is a determining factor imposing n Aikido can be defence others sport e focussed on self- ew approaches to meet influenced by organ o d i k A i and some on a more the requirements of c isations with a desire spiritual approach, all falli ompetition Aikido. to differentiate their practic uch has been category of “Intended ng into the ideology. The ideology e driven by written about attacker’s power is Society Focussed used against them and is Outcome”. in a belief in the or is usually based the Aikido controlled to an exact Further influences includ degree. This requires b y Morihei Ueshiba ganisation’s founder the neutralisation of the Experiential Outcome e the and that the presen masters, their about 1925 after years (1883 - 1969) in “westernisation” of t day interpretation of attack without These “outcomes” conti Aikido, in practical self- their approach is cor system without the express written permission of the inflicting undue har history and their of research, practise defence terms due rect. This “ideological achievements. We wi m or injury. Aikido and development. Man influenced by the per nue to be to cultural and historic Focussed” approach Mll explore the techniques are mostly b y of the techniques differences. In Europe motivations, exper ased on twisting or that are found in Aikido of an individual c sonal experiences can often restrict true iences, ideas and turning the joints of th punches and even learning and openmind practice, that have impac than 700 years to the Genj date back more oach. They will bring how a knife is handled edness. e arm and throwing with them experiences that is different from the ted on the end an opponent using the imp i and Heike Japanese method, th product, and how bo periods. Ueshiba dev how and what they teac influence attack. Some whole b etus of their eloped Aikido from erefore adaptations Best Practice Focus external factors mouldedth internal and studies in Jujuts h. For example, must be made if Aikido open-handed strike ody throws and u at the Kito Daito and to understand Lak Loi tradit dPower.com is to be used Finally changes can occu the outcomes. Article: ional Aikido as effectively for sel s are also employed. As Shinkage schools includin practiced www.MartialMin by Ueshiba f-defence. For some individuals learn mor r over time as we shall discover it is d g Daiti Ryu W : et bei s groups with a different publisher. World Of Martial Arts Television and logotype The basis for the Aikijujitsu the coach should e and develop a vast majority of Aikido universally accepted ifficult to find one under Sokaku Takeda have a working und religious heritageand multi-verses),“Current human best planepractice energy focus practice involves movin also pursued religious . H e erstanding of e.g. the emphasis on the spi style of approach. Daito-Ryu Aiki Juj ritual aspects (cosmic particlecontinued or stellar research. dust), and Th ” through g to avoid an attack studies such as itsu of Aikido may no and then restraining Zen Buddism have other influences s . They may also learn to Hurt using Combatt be for acceptable. ‘just’ These earth energyform (water, of looking plants backand animals). is may take the the assailant. The Traditional Aikido and integrated these in “Society Focussed” adapta practise. A major influen to which would alter uch as Kendo causes only - this is to destroy, or the These forcesAikido work and together Aiki Jujits in harmonyto older styles of Traditional Aikido ce in Ueshiba’s , Aikido to the masses bu tions help bring was developed in Japan early development inc the way they view and to sustain all existence, and it isu our to jobgain knowledge 4 0 WOMA practise Bokken ‘martial’ part of martial art. t the purists may and understandin Magazine Deguchi luded Onisaburo with sound advice and wisdom, (Wooden to protect Sword). These n o t s e e it a s tr u e A through cultivating self masteryg or alternatively through Will Henshaw from the “Experiential Outcome i k id o . looking at contemporary Omoto-Kyu Shinto and preserve the community. One of my learning martial arts to understand our create a personal pa ” developments When we recognise and start to understand help improve techniqu sports science to are registered trademarks. students once told me… thway that is unique Physiological Focus body, mind and spirit, to connect to the Editor e through safer and to the individual.something the two sides of this indivisible coin, we can more appropriate exer Aikido techniques ca original source. This is the biggestcise regimes. secret have it in the start to become whole, healedn beand adapted happy to suit ‘You cannot give ones own physique. of martial arts that has been hidden all this through the process of cultivating ourselves, All these influences have away, if you don’t Technical changes time, and everything else along the way has TheAncient Secret of TS first place,’ or what I call Self Mastery. This allows us becoming one of the led to Aikido L A R to heal ourselves so we can heal others and merely served as a distraction.most Asdiversely Bruce Lee IA famously quoted, T Mother Earth. This is the true meaning of AR …hence why you have to learn to self-heal inting M martial arts - life. first. Martial arts is just another form of ‘It’s like a finger pon. www.woma.tv self-help. I like to say… ealed away to the moo on the 4 1 ads to As they say… Don’t concentrate iss all that © 2018 World of Martial Arts Television. ’There are many ro ‘Hurt people hurt, H people heal.’ finger or you will’ m Edinburgh.’ heavenly glory. Martial arts gives us tools to understand Unfortunately, we have it all back to front to do,’ our body, and by investigating what is Now this is… Hang On… in the West. We are very much stuck in O R GI NI A L happening inside us and comparing it to ‘Easy to say, Hard the body, if it is not for purposes of vanity what is happening outside in nature, we are …because it takes years of practicing we are entrenched within the prowess martial arts to ascend your understanding able to identify the laws of nature inside All Rights Reserved. of physical violence. The glorification H and out are interdependent. The two parts to the level of connecting to the Original T of combat sports such as cage fighting, of the whole are known as the macrocosm Source from, professional boxing and wrestling has (big - the universe) and the microcosm U R T Across the world, Eastern Martial Arts Masters from drawn us further away from the truth, so • Physically mastering martial arts (small - the human being), and everything much so that we are so stuck in the body, we techniques to be able to defend yourself India, China and Japan as well as Tribal Warrior Chiefs of we think inside we can project outwardly have lost sight of the bigger picture. against harm (body), indigenous tribes of the Native Americas and Africa (to from something inexplainable that comes To cultivating your mind so you are name but a few places), have been closely guarding the from deep inside us (spirit) that translates • The ancient secret I am about to reveal emotionally resilient to cope with daily ancient secret of martial arts. as limiting beliefs, thoughts and actions. into a thought (mind) which we convert has been deeply buried as a result of this, life challenges without resorting to If you’re reading this digitally you can always When there is a problem in your mind, it into physical action (body) to manifest ‘it’ and seldom is it taught in martial arts physical violence (mind), Publisher will eventually manifest itself in your body, into our reality (life). East Meets West schools around the world, because of the • To cultivating your inner compass and and show up as an ailment or illness. I like These martial arts masters all knew this lack of understanding and the commercial being able to listen to your intuition to think of the human body as a dashboard. Revealing the Secret profound wisdom, and many say the secret attraction to the physicality to give and energy to make sound conscious Just like when your cars’ dashboard shows The ancient secret of martial arts was travelled west from mysterious India itself customers what they want for financial gain decisions (spirit). low fuel, coolant temperature too hot, noticed by the Taoists, who studied the with the likes of an Indian (to Buddhist name one monk of many for survival (understandably so), rather Bodhidharma engine management problem, you know effects of naturally occurring universal called than what they need… to heal themselves, Only then will you be able to go deeper Shaolin something is wrong under the hood which processes upon human nature. By observing greats who spread this enlightened wisdom), others, the planet and build strong loving August Productions Ltd within to connect to the Original Source, get the print version, it’s a different, needs urgent attention before the car comes nature and investigating the effects of its who became famous for founding communities to protect and to serve one through deep meditation. Now there are and the world renowned Shaolin to an abrupt halt because it has broken energy upon and within the human body, K u n g F u another in unison. different types of meditation, from sitting down. Similarly our bodies are dashboards the Taoists traced nature’s energy back to Temple in Zhengzhou, China. Name? to standing to moving - which is exactly for the spirit and mind, and when a rash, its source. They used meditation to make What’s in a what martial arts is - a moving meditation. cold or cough appear, it is just a light on this ‘expedition.’ The search led them to the What they all share in common is their The secret has always been there right in To connect to the Original Source, you need our dashboards trying to tell us something discovery of a primordial void, a condition approach to martial arts as a holistic way front of our faces. It has been in the name to find someone that ‘has it’ in the first needs fixing under our hoods before our of nothingness. This void, recognised of living, not just a way for kicking and ‘martial arts’ itself all this time. But the place, so they can give it to you, so you too World of Martial Arts Television, 5 Elstree Gate, Elstree bodies come crashing down with sickness. to have been the state of things at the punching a way through trouble when times problem is, we often misunderstand what beautifully tactile experience and could be can Connect to Wu Chi. Therefore the big idea is to heal your spirit to beginning of all creation, was given the get tough. ‘martial arts’ means. Often, people will collapse the chain of problems through the name Wu Chi meaning ‘Original Source’ translate ‘martial art’ to mean ‘war like’ Remember, once you have discovered Spirit, Mind and Body. or the ‘Great Emptiness’. This is depicted in They all followed the same process putting an emphasis on physical combat, your gift, then you have an obligation VE, Article: Taoist art as an empty circle. CT & LO which went… John B Will but there’s much more to this than you to give it away. E, RESPE Photographs: A good friend of mine, a Hakko-Ryu Jujutsu PEA C • Heal your spirit, so you can heal realise. Let me explain the true meaning we of 5 3 ©Johnpractitioner B Will once told me… is when The energy born from Wu Chi created the others spirits. martial arts… of the coin www.woma.tv Way, Borehamwood, Herts., WD6 IJD you should first side main energy forces that sustain our lives: • Heal your mind, so you can heal • The ‘If you can breakake it, it.’ Heal the Spirit, Mind and Body - this is universal energy (stars, planets, galaxies useful as an improvised weapon. others minds. Heal your body, so you can heal know how to m to create, or the ‘art’ part of martial art. • learn to The second side of the coin is when we others bodies. For y o u thosequalified who are coming to grappling • w e r e The greatest masters of all time were • Only then from the striking arts (as I did some 30 combative motionyears to hurt ago), others forthere ‘just’ are a firstfew and things foremost tohealers be and renowned causes only. medicine men and women who were aware of before you start.looked In up fact, to as the my leaders own of their communities and tribes, for healing of The firm beliefforay among into all the the ancient world of BJJ, could have daily ills, and thereafter for protection masters whobeen knew athis little secret waseasier that when if I had been made The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or the there is a awareproblem in of your these spirit, it things. manifests itself in your mind, and presents itself If you’re reading this in print you can Magazine 5 2 WOMA y own introduction to BJJ left publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information published is accurate me somewhat frustrated; and perhaps more than a little ‘freaked out’. When up’ sparring/fighting, traits like mental t Mwe limit ourselves to ‘stand athleticism and ‘grit’ can play a large part and reliable, the publishers cannot be held responsible or accept liability for any errors outcome. Grappling however, particularly BJ always get the digital version, it’s oughness, reliant on such traits, and technical excellence p in the B J J much larger role. So my early experience of this – a highly motivated, athletic, mentally touJ, is less t h i n g s y o u n e e d t o individual could be completely dominated lays a or omissions in this publication. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication relaxed, un-athletic, weaker, smaller, individuaBJJ, was who was skilled in BJJ. This was somewh gh 5 k n o w b e f o r e s t a r t in g of a revelation on the martial arts landscape by a another equally pleasurable way to read in – and has almost certainly underpinned t l at The pace is different; particularly when you a phenomenal growth the art continues to en Stand-up fighting needs to be fast and may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any S p e e d L im it s So, if you come from a Karate, TKD, Kickboxhe does not. Because there is so much connec between the two people wrestling, the p re starting out. Ta p p in g li k e a n Kung Fu, or similar kind of background joy. explosive – ground-fighting the typical stand-up sparring session need to understand that BJJ is very, very di I r i s h d a n c e r on our kinesthetic sense (our feel) than tion and friction And because it is different you need to appro ing, ace is much slower than You will need to learn how to ‘concede’ the fig means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the – you it very differently than other kinds of tr . We rely much, much more out’. This is mandatory if you want to av a variety of different scenarios, Just because you are a good runner doesn’t fferent. our eyesight. Different! It will seem foreign at first; but eventually you mean you are adept at swimming; it ach understand that it is all part of the game. If yo ht – by ‘tapping aining. To o c lo s e f o r c o m f o r t oid serious injury. requires a different kind of training, a T h ni g sa re co l se wr, a yw , a yc ol se Tr. h ed sit a n c e you’ll need to learn to fall off your board, su completely different type of approach. in stand-up fighting is now gone; it doesn’t exist get back on, paddle out and have another go will come to prior written consent of the publishers. No liability is accepted for the safe custody of grappling dynamic occurs at ‘zero-space’ range grappling. You will need to tap, in the beginninu go surfing, mobility are now a very, very different exper Here are some things to know, w ea r eu se d to find yourself doing so multiple times, and rvive the ‘dumping’, there’s no ‘running around’ – in short, you can before you start: ; much of the not a problem. Different! – and so it is with . So movement and and possibly could stop a zombie or ience. This also means, g, you might at every session. It’s unsolicited materials and manuscripts. Publication of accepted articles is not always not hide. Different! C o m p le x it y is y o u r T h e r e w il b e a n n e w f r ie n d There is a complexity to BJJ that is perhap Often, there will be a clear winner and a l o u t c o m e chess. It has been said, many times, that BJJ least much more often than is the case wi guaranteed and the publishers will not be held liable for any manuscripts, photographs checkers. At first, this complexity might be off-pu up sparring (where both people can wal that the landscape seems overly complicateds analogous to boredom attack. thinking they have won). On the ground, t oser; at th stand- many positions to learn, too many pathways b is like chess not is to control and submit the opponent. If k away positions and an endless and ever-evolving s tting; in . There are too ‘tap’ out to a submission – you lose!he If yougoal thousands of techniques. But what might or other materials lost or damaged while in their possession, although every care will be submit your partner – you win! There beginning will be the exact thing that keeps etween these 3 6 WOMA you Magazine to come. I have often said ‘it was the simp wag of techniques; clear outcomes. Different! there – but the complexity that kept me there’.be off-putting at the are be bored practicing BJJ. It is such a broad la you there for years licity that got me I wish I had have gone into my first impossibledozen BJJ to get your head around it, as a begin taken. The editor reserves the right to amend any such articles as necessary. not have experienced the same level of frustra You will never is as different from stand up, striking-based ndscape that it is classes, knowing these things. If I had, I wouldner. Different! tion and confusion. BJJ is not a ‘Ground Karate’ totally new and different martial game arts– and as itswimming should is from bike-riding. I Enjoy the adventure; put your expectations to o We make no representations, endorsements, guarantees or warranties concerning the might just offer you the opportunity to re ; it be approached as such. t is a ne side and immerse yourself in the new. BJJ -invent yourself as a martial artist – and perh even, as a person. The adventure awaits.  products and/or services advertised within this magazine. We are merely an advertiser aps

www.woma.tv for such products/ services. We expressly disclaim any and all liability relating to or 3 7 arising from the sale, manufacture, distribution, use, misuse or other act of any party with regard to such products/services. 04 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 05 Entertainment Section Birth of the Dragon 18 To coincide with the release of ‘Birth of the Dragon’ an epic and controversial face off between Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man, Peter Jagger considers the accounts from people in the know. Jackie Chan Reborn 22 Jackie Chan’s classic films have been REBORN. We take a look at the latest releases of Jackie’s masterpieces of Kung Fu capery Drunken Master, Police Story 1 & 2, City Hunter and Project A 1& 2 from Eureka Entertainment.

A legendary fight would change the history of Fighting Films martial arts forever 30 MKN O E H T The latest action films reviewed. NOG ARD E H T To coincide with the release of the Dragon’ an epic and controve Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man the accounts of the people in th ‘Birth of incident: “Bruce’s newly-established Kung F institute in Oakland had barely opened when rsial face off between Bruce received an open challenge from a Kung , Peter Jagger considers Fu practitioner named Wong Jack Man. Since Bruce’s death in July 1973, the fight’s details have u ver the years, the fight between e know. B r u c e L e e VS been widely reported by Linda Lee through Man a n d leading martial arts magazines. Besides James at Bruce Lee’sWong Oakland Jack performancespeak and beforemention the that in a s mi ali ra c c o u n to wf h a th a p p e n e d a n d w h y ti school has been reported time fight lasted 2-3 minutes many of the traditional Gung Fu styles Lee, who died before the story became truly Jun Fan Journal they were dry land swimming, that they O newsworthy, the only other eyewitnesses to the happened, i.e. the Kung andFu leaders time again, in San mostly Francisco with and left Bruce Lee were just doing silly dances and did not battle were Wong Jack Man and a handful of were unhappy with Bruce Lee for teaching non- “ o u to bf r e a th ”a n d know how to fight….when they heard this 32 Orientals and so they sent Wong Jack Man, with unhappy with his they felt it was a challenge upon them. They his followers, none of whom have ever had any “ b a c k - u p ”t o p r e s e n tB r u c e L e e w tih a w r ti e n “performance”. responded. Bruce did not make this statement to self interest in the subsequent two decades of Article: Chris Kent ultimatum to stop teaching non-Orientals or to challenge them. He was trying to let them know capitalising on the Lee legend. W e b s i t e : www.ckjkd.com close his school down. It was significant in the formation of BRUCE LEE’S MARTIALthe reality of combat”. News and reviews of everything Bruce prompting Bruce Lee to make big changes to his It is true that Wong Jack Man personally ARTS BACKGROUND Bruce Lee refused to back down, vowing to continue training, saying: “It really bugged me after the fight. The “feeling” between different local schools instigated the confrontation, claiming that (circa 1959-1963) he was representing a group of martial arts to teach people of all races and said: “Since you’re It’s the first time I felt something wrong withJ e e t Kthe u n e D o Based upon recollections from Jessethat existed Glover: in the ‘60s, was expressed by Chris Kent looks into the age-old, theand one who’s controversial challenging me, then I’ll statement, make the way I had to fight. It took too long and I didn’t know Al Dacascos elders who resided nearby in San Francisco’s , Chinatown. What has always been puzzling, “Bruce Lee’s martial art has beenrules. made Everything up goes andfrom the match other will be right arts.” what to do when he ran. Getting my fists bruised Arts Bruce learned prior toDacascos coming listed inWong an issue Jack of Man as one of his . ” w o n f r o m p u n c h ni g t h e s o n o af b ti c h s ’h e a d w a s k ni d o f to the United States: teachers and the magazine wrote that Dacascos’ however, is what had angered these elders, if James Lee Karate Illustrated Jack Man’s men from joining in, while Bruce Lee stupid. I knew right then, I had to do something”. • Hung (learned in Hong Kongschool from was a friend located of about seven or eight miles Sifu they were angered at all?...As a historical note, it , Bruce Lee’s assistant, kept Wong Lee and Jeet Kune Do. his father’s) si ni t e r e s t ni g t h a tuj s ta s h o r tw h eli b e fo r e t h si attacked Wong Jack Man, forcing him backwards. from “another Kung Fu school in Oakland”. . Wong Jack Man, unable to cope with Bruce Lee’s That is the story that has been reported over and over • Tai Chi Ch’uan (learned a little bit from his now infamous confrontation between Bru rapid-fire straight blast punches, turned and ran. again. It is similar to father) and Wong Jack Man, all but a stone’s throw away • Wing Chun (learned from YipDacascos Man with remarked: “Students have always in Los Angeles, rising Kenpoist there are other versions of the confrontation. been inclined to speculate about whose additional instruction from senior students, just published, without incident or complaint, While chasing Wong Jack Man, Bruce Lee What did Wong Jack Man sayLinda about Lee his fight with teacher is toughest. Some of my students ’s account. However, Wong Shen Leung and William Cheung) his popular hardback book titled ce Lee J e e t K ucontinuedn to hit him. He ehas been quotedD as saying: o Bruce Lee? Apart from a report he submitted to a met some of Bruce Lee’s students at a party • Chinese Ju-Jitsu (joint & wrist locks) Ed Parker

“I chased him and, like a fool, kept punching him of Chinese Karate’ Peter Jagger (Bruce Lee Historian) Lee (Bruce Jagger Peter local newspaper shortly after the incident, he has Article: or something. This led to a certain amount had behind his head and back. Soon my fists began to reportedly, only ever given his version of events to Forms Bruce learned:of tension. At the time, Bruce Lee’s school Although Parker was Hawaiian. and perhaps‘The Secrets swell from his hard head. Finally, I did something I one magazine – • Praying Mantis (taughtin Oakland to him bywas Fook being Young run by his friend INVESThad neverI doneGATE before. I just put my arm around his D couldn’t be held accountable for teaching non- at Seattle’s ChineseJames Youth Lee.Club) Anyway, there was this feeling of Official Karate Orientals, his associate instructor in the Los neck and knocked him on his ass. I kept whacking I n a n i n t e r v i e w f o r • Southern Mantistension (perhaps until the about same 1967, as above when I went down , Angeles Karate school, the legendary Tai Chi The ‘26 Arts’ ofh mi a, sJunh e al y o n th e fl o o ru , n thli e g a v e u p ”.T h e Fan Gung Fu?Lee . -- this was the formt o d o m he y f o r m used a t most often during (James Lee’s son)Karate was asked International what happened m aestr w h e n B ru c e L e e w a sg iv e n a n u tlmi a tu m n o to Gung Fu demonstrationsInternationals in Seattle) Ed Parker’s Long Beach daily basis miJ mwithout Wy u ever being held accountable 1 8 teach outside of the Chinese race, he replied: “The • Wing Chun’slooked Sil Lum up T andao (Bruce there wasemphasized this guy wearing a Q: I have read in numerous sources that W O M A Jun Fan Gung Fu is comprised of 26 different martial . In the middle of my form I , taught non-Chinese on a arts, including Wing Chun. Is this true andMagazine if so, how did Bruce Lee study so problemmany did arts? not stem from that, the initiation of , G r e g lo n that it shouldblue be learned blazer inand three sunglasses. parts) Afterwards, he said by any Chinese elders, Kung Fu masters or the problem was Bruce making a guest appearance • Yang Long ‘YourForm form Tai C washi C impressive,h’uan (108 well done’. I told anyone else….Perhaps an alternate explanation A: No, that is actually a misperception. Let me explain… at local Chinese operas. At these operas he would movements,him, taught ‘Bruce, to him I understand by either his we father have in some kind has to do with territorial infringement. It has Hong Kongof or confusion by Fook Young between in Seattle) us’. He just laughed and been reported that years earlier, members of ruce Lee had a deep and In addition, Bruce’s brother, Peter, was a If you look at Jesse’s list and the list • Wing Chunsaid Wooden he didn’t D haveummy any Form harsh (Bruce feelings towards a local triad came to Bruce’s Seattle school spent 2-4 hours a day practicing the wooden demanding money…” abiding interest in martial champion fencer, which gave him some that appears in the Appendix of the me because he knew that the trouble had been dummy form) arts. As a young man, he initial exposure to that art. Moreover, in aforementioned book, you will note they caused by kids spreading rumours about who So, was the fight over within 3 minutes or, as loved the rich martial high school Bruce competed in a western are very similar. And if you count the arts Styles thattaught held who Bruce’s and who was tougher than who”. Reports in other publications (such as Linda Wong Jack Man claimed, did it last “at least 20 traditions, legends, and boxing tournament and won, giving him on the list from Jesse you’ll come up with interest in 1960: Lee’s book) suggested the ‘people’ behind the minutes, maybe 25”? Did Wong Jack Man (again, folklore of the Chinese martial arts. He was exposure to that art as well. the number ‘26’. In the years following • Tai Chi (the one that impressed Bruce most in B Wong Jack Man challenge were also responsible as he claimed) get Bruce Lee in a head lock three terms of its beauty and grace) aware of many styles of gung Fu while he was Lee’s passing, some people for whatever times during the fight? Only the people present • Northernfor trying M antisto create a feud between Bruce Lee growing up in Hong Kong and intrigued with There were some Gung Fu forms that he reason, mistakenly assumed that all these will know the truth. • Eagleand Al C lawDacascos. (Bruce admired its flexibility) the many different famous masters and the learned (and often performed them during arts were either part of Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan • Pa Kua (Ba Gua?) skills they were supposed to have possessed. demonstrations). There were gung Fu What we do know, what is not in any doubt, Gung Fu or somehow an influence in his • MT h si wo h na t key Despite the fact that he was training in the styles and martial art methods that held his martial development, when in fact most i s h o w • LindaNorthern Lee MTomantis Bleecker (admired its smooth kicks) Bruce Lee Wing Chun system, he nevertheless had a interest in the late 1950’s thru early 1960’s. with of them played little or no meaningful role • Jeet Kune) wrote about the Wong Jack Man Wong Jack Man used the confrontation (once married to pushing himself even harder in his training; it keen interest in being exposed to different And there were Gung Fu styles that he read at all. Therefore, it would be inaccurate • Ch oy Li Fut intensified his spirit and as Bruce a driving Lee went force, on to forms of gung Fu and learning about them. about it in books he collected. to say that all these arts comprise Jun Fan • Mongolian Wrestling (Chinese Ju-Jitsu) • Savate (side thrust kick) become the world’s most famous martial artist Part of his study involved collecting pictures Gung Fu, or that Bruce Lee investigated, • Fencing (lunge strike) and one of the greatest icons of all time.  of various arts such as Praying Mantis In the mid-1990’s, Bruce Lee historian J o h n dissected and analysed all of them. • Judo (throws) (Northern) Eagle Claw, Crane, etc., which he Little spoke at-length with Bruce Lee’s first • Boxing put in scrapbooks. student, J e s s e Gl o v e r , about Lee and his What martial art systems and styles • Wrestling martial arts background. Jesse met Bruce Lee assessed for strengths, weaknesses, * Also interested in Chinese medicine I n Appendix 1 i n Vol. 2 of the Bruce Lee in 1959, trained with Bruce for three years and ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ are written in his Martial arts styles that Bruce Library Series – The Tao of Gung Fu of private one-on-one instruction, and www.woma.tv Commentaries on the Martial Way notes bought books on: (pg. 186-187) one can see a list pertaining continued to see Bruce for three years after which have been published in Vol. 3 of • Southern Mantis 1 9 to Bruce Lee’s background at the time he dropping out of Bruce’s “formal” classes. The Bruce Lee Library Series b y Tu t t l e • Eagle Claw wrote his first book: Chinese Gung Fu - The following material from that interview Publishing. However, a number of • Dragon The Philosophical Art of Self-Defence. (opposite) helps paint a clear picture of the arts listed, such as Aikido, Kendo, • Tai Chi Ch’uan Appendix 3 (pg. 192-198) shows images from Bruce’s martial art interests and studies. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, etc., he did not • Ch oy Li Fut Bruce Lee’s “Gung Fu” scrapbook which practice at all. • Hsing-I SEMINAR DATES • Sil Lum show different styles of gung fu and various When asked what Bruce Lee taught him, USA Training Center • Pa-Kua actions. In addition, on pages 150-162 of the Jesse Glover replied… I would suggest that anyone sincerely Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do • Hung (Gar?) same book contains his ideas and opinions “He taught me techniques from 3015 W. State St. Boise, Idaho 83703 interested in Bruce’s martial development • Chinese ju-jitsu (book sent from his Hung dealing with Traditions and Histories of Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Tai take a closer look at the material in these UK SEMINAR teacher in Hong Kong) Chinese Gung Fu, including more images Chi, Ba Gwa, Eagle Claw, Hung Gar as well as other books about J u n F a n D a t e : 6th & 7th of October, • Poison Hands (Dim Mak) from his scrapbooks. and the Tiger.” Gu n g F u and Jeet Kune Do.  Venue: J udo Club, Great Part Street, Wellingborough, Northants. • Karate Time: 11 a.m. to 4p.m both days 3 4 WOMA Magazine Further details call Andy Gibney on 01536 513715 www.woma.tv 3 5

CFight of the Century? Starting BJJ The Power of Tai Chi 06 36 44 Four years short ofontents his 100th birthday ninety- For those who are coming to grappling from the If you understand the structure of your art and six year old Karate Black Belt Uehara Seikichi striking arts there are a few things to be aware of can see the synergy in the principles, dynamics accepted the challenge from thirty year old pro- before you start. John B Will looks at five things and ideas that permeate the whole system it can boxer Katsuo Tokashiki. Did it really happen? you need to know. make a world of difference to your study.Steve Who won? Joel Reeves investigates. Rowe explains. The Art of Striking 38 Chi Sau 08 Robert Hardin takes you one step closer to the Survival Guide 46 Chi Sau is the heart of Wing Chun, its unattainable “perfect” technique by explaining the Seminars and workshops being quite importance cannot be underestimated. role of kinetic energy in Taekwondo and other different than a class by their nature require a Samuel Kwok gives you an insight viewed striking arts. different strategy for learning in order to get the through the practise of Chi Sau and at the same most out of them. Tim Becherer gives you the time erases some misconceptions that have Evolving Aikido 40 complete guide. developed over the years. Bob Jones investigates the different forms of Aikido exploring the motivations, experiences, Are You Unbalanced? 48 Before the UFC 12 ideas and practices, that have impacted on the end Getting the balance right: A Top-Down Mixed Martial Arts and Professional product, and how both internal and external factors Approach. There are many different forms of Wrestling, two of the world’s most popular moulded the outcomes. balance that we need to consider when training athletic attractions today, have solid roots for martial arts. Neil Adams explains. in the sport of Catch-As-Catch-Can wrestling. Jake Shannon explains the Original Truth 52 contributions CACC has made to modern Across the world, Eastern Martial Arts combat sports entertainment. Masters have been closely guarding the ancient secret of martial arts. Lak Loi A Female Ninja 17 reveals this secret. Hiromi Renner Goto shares her insight learning the art of Bujinkan from her teacher, Fist of the Mind 54 Soke Dr. Hatsumi-Masaaki. Famous among the traditional martial arts of China is Xing Yi Quan. Featuring a JKD Investigated 34 novel approach to both training and Chris Kent looks into the age-old, and fightingJonathan Bluestein looks at this controversial statement, ‘Bruce Lee’s martial art devastating fighting art you don’t know about... has been made up from other arts’. but really should.

04 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 05 Fight of the Century? 96yr old Karate Master vs 30yr old Boxer Did it really happen? Who won? Four years short of his 100th birthday ninety-six year old Karate Black Belt Uehara Seikichi of Motobu Udundi accepted the challenge from thirty year old pro -boxer Katsuo Tokashiki as part of a millennium New Year celebration in 2000. What happened next is every karate kid’s dream and a boxers nightmare.

he bout began with the convenient? As martial artists we ‘want’ the never seen a recording, nor can I understand younger boxer repeatedly story to be true because the idea of a ninety quite why it would have been. Although punching powerfully at his something year old karate master bettering Katsuo did become something of a television aged opponent but failing a thirty something year old boxer in an open persona in Japan following his retirement. to land a single blow. For challenge holds a certain kudos, but that Also, the thought of it being televised sort twentyT minutes this spectacle unfolded doesn’t necessarily mean it is true. of spoils the magic of the story for me too. with the old master displaying phenomenal I picture it being like the episode where a dexterity, twisting and turning to avoid the I read a transcribed interview about it once, Japanese Ant & Dec duo visit the now late incoming punches without ever seeking to (translated to English). In it the boxer in Kiyonori Shiroma, another exponent of strike a single blow of his own. question, Okinawan born, World Boxing Motobu Udundi, and outrageously keep Association title holder Katsuo Tokashiki, trying to slap him for a laugh. Eventually, exasperated and fatigued, recalled his disbelief at not being able to Tokashiki lowered his guard in disbelief. It land a single blow on his aged opponent. For me the boxer story dubiously echoes was at this moment that Uehara entered and During the 1980‘s Katsuo was a flyweight the famous 1925 match with the karate felled his opponent with one strike, taking champion with a 19/25 win record, what he master Motobu Chokki and the foreign him off his feet. lacked in weight he made up for in speed. boxer that appeared in Kingu Magazine. This tale is well known in karate circles Following the event, Katsuo Tokashiki is His opponent, Uehara Seikichi, was the and causes controversy because the quoted as having exclaimed, 11th generation successor to the little known accompanying illustrations confusingly “The old man beat me! I can’t believe it, I Okinawan martial art of Motobu-Udundi. portray the winning Motobu in the couldn’t hit him!” He began his training aged 11 under the image of Funakoshi Gichin, founder of Uehara later reflected to reporters that, “My tutelage of Motobu Choyu, the last in his Shotokan. Motobu himself was the younger opponent had not yet matured enough line of martial arts instructors to the Royal brother of Uehara’s teacher Choyu, so was to defeat me.” household on Okinawa. During his life this ‘millennial boxing story’ actually a mix Uehara was regarded as one of the most up of names and dates? Did the match between Uehara senior martial artists on the island and was Seikichi of Motobu ryu and the often approached by leading karate and i had to know the truth; boxer actually take place? kobudo exponents for advice on technique did the fight of the century and kata. After the war, he led a group of really happen? It’s a story I’ve followed for several years, martial artists in regular training sessions first appearing in a New York edition of on the beach at Naminoue and to north in I asked this very question to my teacher TIME Magazine and later referenced in a Motobu. The intention of this group was Higa Kiyohiko of the Bugeikan. Like variety of books, documentaries and blogs. to preserve Ryukyuan bujutsu as a distinct Uehara before him, Higa sensei is held in It’s one that keeps popping up on the radar cultural art of Okinawa. high regard by senior martial artists on of martial arts forums every now and then, Okinawa today and is often consulted for yet whenever it does the details always seem Most versions of this incredible story advice on technique and history by them. a little too vague and, perhaps, a little too describe the event as being televised but I’ve His father Higa Seitoku first opened

06 WOMA Magazine Article: Joel Reeves Website: www.sippingti.com

the Bugeikan dojo following the but it seems there were other bouts Fight of the Second World War as a place to involving Uehara and exponents of preserve and teach a number of different disciplines throughout his distinct martial traditions of the life. A patriot and leading exponent island in response to a new wave of of Ryukyuan bujutsu he once voiced enthusiasm steering the art towards the opinion to grumbling members Century? competition. Furthermore, both of the Okinawan karate world that Higa’s were advanced members if they really want to prove their 96yr old Karate Master vs 30yr old Boxer of the aforementioned research point they should stop talking and group in the 60-70’s led by Uehara. simply invite karate masters from Did it really happen? Who won? Therefore his testimony on this is both valid entered and seized upon Katsuo’s belly the mainland to a match and show them and valuable. with a painful grip into his abs. Thus Okinawan karate first hand. A directness displaying a friendly but undoubted victory lacking in todays climate of keyboard That night, following a particularly gruelling of his ability to close down an attacker and warriors and their less confident victims training session, I asked about the Uehara take the centre. who shelter behind the pretence of martial fight with the boxer, as I had never seen any righteousness. actual footage of it. Higa listened patiently There we have it. A refreshing summary of as I stumbled to translate my question. the match, confirming it’s veracity and one What I like about all the stories I’ve heard Then, with a nod of understanding he which although sounding less fantastic is of Uehara is that he was no nonsense, but began. I was pleasantly surprised to hear actually more believable and realistic. neither was he a belligerent bully. With that both Higa and another trainee had a true Ryukyuan spirit he found simple indeed seen the fight; they assured me it is In writing about this now I recollect two ways of bettering his opponents but also a true story and actually happened. I‘m not moments where I can relate to the type of educating them in another way. certain it was televised though; at first they technique used by Uehara in that match. said yes, but with clarification they told me The first was with a student of Uehara who, Another time, I think on the mainland, they’d seen a video of it; confusing ‘tv’ for in his seventies, was able to avoid every Uehara saw a foreign boxer challenge an meaning the same as recorded. Nonetheless punch I threw at him without ever engaging Okinawan judoka. From the outset he they definitely remember the incident his hands. He just read the movements and could see the boxer would win and so took clearly and this of course means that one turned his body. He also kept frighteningly the judoka aside and explained what he day, we might all see it too. close whilst doing this. should do. He coached the judoka how to enter so that he could apply his nage- In the popular versions of the story it is The second time was the first night I ever waza. When the match started the boxer said that Uehara successfully avoided all of trained with Higa himself. No matter what succeeded in landing several opening shots Katsuo’s punches for a whole round, using attack I threw he not only avoided being and the judoka was stunned and ready to kawashi methods to slip and turn. In the struck but managed to throw me all over the accept defeat. However, he realised that second round, frustrated at not being able place in the process. Motobu Udundi and Uehara was correct and so when the match to land a single blow, Katsuo momentarily Syuri-ti differ from regular karate styles in re-started he resolved to use the entering dropped his guard at which point Uehara that there are no real blocking techniques. approach and was able to win. stole in and struck him down. The best defence being not to be in the way when an attack comes, we have a range of The essence of Okinawan Syuri-ti is to This seems to be a little embellished. Higa exercises for developing this trait. In simple avoid confrontation with others; striking describes the match as having Uehara terms, if you have time to block then you always being the last resort. Uehara’s constantly arresting Katsuo’s advances with have time to enter and strike too. teacher Motobu Choyu expressed this the use of meotodi, a ‘guard’ posture taught when he said “When you enter a fight you in early Okinawan karate styles that shares I enjoy these late night, post training, chats potentially prepare two graves; your’s and many similarities with modern boxing. with my teacher at his home. Through them your opponents.” What this means is that By slipping and weaving, Uehara kept I gain a deeper insight into aspects of the through blood-feuds the repercussions of a hampering Katsuo’s blows by pressing in on martial arts fast fading from mainstream vengeful reprisal perpetuate ongoing strife the elbow and cutting the delivery of each practices and high street dojos and as I am not only for the individuals involved but punch. This is a fundamental technique, introduced to other ageing teachers on the their families too. though one rarely taught today, from the island it is apparent that this is their deepest karate kata Naihanchi. concern too. A famous Okinawan proverb states: “When your fists are clenched, After a clear demonstration of this, lasting Many think that ‘challenge matches’ in hold back your anger. approximately a round, Uehara fully karate were a thing of the distant past - When angry, hold back your fists.” n

www.woma.tv 07 Samuel Kwok trains with… Zara Phythian

The Heart of Wing Chun ChiSauWhat is Chi Sau? Is it important? How do you practise Chi Sau? Who has all the answers?

In this brief article Samuel oo many people use Wing Chun schools. The competition Kwok will try to give you their Chi Sau to score between schools results in rivalry and an insight into Wing points by hitting their animosity which then causes violence training partner. In a amongst their members when they play at Chun viewed through the juvenile way they feel the Chi Sau and influences their Wing Chun. practise of Chi Sau and at needT to prove themselves. Quite often the same time erases some the contact made is far too heavy and is Wing Chun is a very misconceptions that have directed into the face. This can lead to violent system… developed over the years. injuries because of the lack of control that …it deals with understanding the reality Chi Sau is the heart of Wing is inherent in this method of practice. An of fighting and learning to cope with aggressive attitude of this kind not only situations where you are faced with a Chun, its importance cannot goes against the philosophy of Kung Fu it serious physical threat. be underestimated. Chi is also detrimental to the progress of the Sau allows a practitioner to student. It prevents them from attaining a Learning investigate technique and use relaxed, confident and realistic approach You cannot learn Wing Chun merely by of energy correctly, without to fighting and to everyday life. sole practise of rehearsed techniques the risk of injury. taken from the forms and by fighting. Chi Another sad development is the isolation Sau allows the Wing Chun practitioner to this way of thinking has created among correct the position of techniques from

08 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 09 Article: Samuel Kwok Photographs: ©Samuel Kwok

the three forms in a practical setting, all. The childish dogmatism “This to understand the importance of is right because I say so!” has no the elbow, as well as the changing Samuel Kwok trains with… place in logical investigation. Ip Chun requirements of energy and strength One fact that cannot be argued that are specific in techniques. To against is, that if Chi Sau is understand the reality of street ineffectual then Wing Chun will conflict you must have a balance of also be ineffectual at the highest theoretical, and practical application. level. Just because an experienced Chi Sau provides the means to aggressive instructor can apply a achieve this. technique on a submissive student does not validate the technique. There is no fixed pattern of The correctness of a technique movements in Chi Sau, and this depends upon how deeply it has relates it closely to sparring, especially been researched, and how it stands at the highest level. Yet Chi Sau up to the criteria of Wing Chun should always be practised with theory, and only then if all possible control and maintained as a separate variations have been considered. concept distinct from sparring or free fighting, where the aim is to dominate Essentially Wing Chun is all your opponent. about correct use of energy, understanding the fundamentals However it must be realized that behind a technique and applying blindfold Chi Sau is not the highest commonsense. When we use level. Once beyond the blindfold tension, our muscles burn stage of Chi Sau the player should up the available energy, if the be able to use the information from energy requirements exceed the sensitivity of the arms, together the oxygen supply then we get with that from the eyes, to give a a lactic acid build up i.e. we get complete picture of the situation. The inquisitive nature. If you seek the truth, tired. Therefore, if we ration the amount player can then respond in a relevant and then you must also develop the ability of tension to the bare minimum, we specific way. At the highest level, for two to accept it when it is proved to you. can maximize the time, and we can practitioners of equal ability, Chi Sau This article does not give you physical maintain our fighting capabilities becomes much more like a game of chess. directions, but more of a philosophical in a confrontation. To do this you There are no quick skills, but a prolonged viewpoint so that it can be a catalyst must have an understanding of cat and mouse game with each player provoking discussion rather than a what happens at the moment waiting for the first mistake that allows an statement to be dismissed. of impact when a technique is unanswered contact to be made. When applied, and how tension is practised in a relaxed good-humoured The natural differences that involved in producing the atmosphere Chi Sau becomes more of a occur when two people teach perfect technique. social intercourse. Both players should the same theory should not gain equally from the practise, and avoid cloud the issue. The variety the hit, for that hitting does nothing to of ways that instructors promote the family spirit that should be use to describe their the basis of any Kung Fu school. understanding of a concept should be viewed Factors as a broad tapestry from Among the important factors in which ideas can be shared, developing good Chi Sau are, keeping and so result in a greater an open mind, and maintaining an depth of knowledge for

08 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 09 Samuel Kwok trains with… Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez

Samuel Kwok trains with… Bill Wallace

Samuel Kwok trains with… Dan Inosanto

Samuel Kwok trains with… Cynthia Rothrock

energy with your training partner in tension and relaxation. All of these factors attacking techniques. Holding back must be dealt with if a full understanding Samuel Kwok trains with… Steven Seagal allows your partner to strike back, where of a technique or movement is to be in reality, they would not have been in achieved. This is something that must It is the theoretical perfection of the the position to do so if the initial be experienced physically by a student, whole system that should be sought for technique had been performed correctly. and not just passed on verbally by the through the practical investigation that This is still true even when wearing instructor. A student can have knowledge is Chi Sau. As perfection will always protective equipment. When striking to of how a technique works but it is remain elusive, it allows us to continue the the head, cuts may be avoided but not the only when they have ‘felt” the correct search throughout our lifetime, keeping internal damage caused by brain shake movement and energy inside themselves our enthusiasm for learning intact. Each from the head impact. that they can be considered to have fully new person with whom you play Chi Sau, understood it. provides you with new experiences and Chi Sau is only a tool to hone your fighting through these a greater understanding, skills. This is achieved not only through Experiences irrespective of their level of Wing Chun. the physical training of technique, but It is only from the gradual and systematic The teacher also learns from the student, by discussion with your training partner progress through Chi Sau exercises it just depends upon how honest the of the details of a movement and how it that a student develops the necessary teacher is with himself. relates to the principles laid down in Wing experiences that allow him to become Chun. These principles include straight a complete Wing Chun practitioner. Sparring lines, simplicity, economy of motion, In the early stages of Dan Chi and The main difficulty with sparring is, never using strength to overcome strength, Poon Sau a student is only expected that it does not give a realistic view of how stance turns, and body shifts are to concentrate on simple concepts and actual fighting, as you cannot use full incorporated in technique, and the use of principles, correct arm positions, and

10 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 11 responding to circumstances. Once the simple rolling movements, and reflexes start to become second nature, the basic techniques grandmaster are introduced. The importance of the basic Samuel Kwok techniques lies in developing the correct Born in Hong Kong in April 6th, 1948, the son of a Church timing of the move and investigating the Minister his interest in the martial arts started at an mechanics involved. The “when” and early age, his first experience was in White Crane “how” are just two of the questions Kung Fu, under the guidance of his uncle Luk Chi students have to learn to answer Fu. His Wing Chun training first started in 1967 themselves. As a student grows under Chan Wai Ling in Hong Kong. through their Chi Sau education the In 1972 Samuel Kwok came to the UK to techniques become instinctive. As study psychiatric nursing and pursue a new their experience expands they will life. Living in London then, he went to the find that their basic techniques do Church of Reverend Kao, who told him not work against training partners about one of the congregation, a Wing who have the same level of ability Chun teacher called Lee Sing, who in Chi Sau. This is not because the started teaching Samuel Kwok in 1973. technique is at fault, merely that your In 1978 he returned to Hong Kong partner has the knowledge to dissolve the hoping to find the true source ofWing Chun, attack. Progress in Chi Sau then depends Samuel Kwok was introduced to Ip Chun by Lee upon developing reflexes, and responses Sing; who at the time was joining the Ip Man that relate to the situation you find Martial Arts Association. It was during a yourself in rather than trying to predict second meeting with Ip Chun that he offered what might happen or remember what has to teach Samuel Kwok the Wooden Dummy happened in the past. techniques, realizing that he was being given a great honour he accepted. At this time, Ip Feeling Chun was only teaching part time. It would be around this time that a student For the next few years Samuel Kwok had begins to concentrate upon blindfold Chi private tuition from Ip Chun and after gaining Sau, Blindfold Chi Sau helps the student Master level in Wing Chun, he opened his to focus on developing their “feeling”, and first school in Hong Kong and it was not long not relying totally upon their eyes to see before his students began making a name for what is happening in their surroundings. themselves at tournaments and demonstrations The student will learn to sense with their in the colony. arms, extending the range of information When returning to the UK, in 1981 he was that is available to them to make a judgement appointed chairman and senior overseas of their predicament. In defense, it helps to representative of the Ip Chun Martial Art understand how your arms are positioned Association by Grandmaster Ip Chun. to protect your centerline in relation to your Having settled in the UK, Master Kwok started to opponent’s arms and their alignment. It is teach Wing Chun privately but later he opened his used offensively in learning to release a strike first school after great demand from several martial the moment a gap appears. arts enthusiasts. In his bid to promote Traditional Wing Chun and his Si-Fu, in 1981 Master Kwok held the first Chi Sau has many layers, and to gain of many seminars in the UK for Grandmaster Ip Chun. complete knowledge all of them must be understood, from the soft relaxed practise In 1991 Master Kwok invited both Grandmasters Ip Chun of the mechanics to the hard realism of and Ip Ching to the UK, to held their first joint conflict. To ignore any aspect will result in seminars across the country. This was the first visit to the UK by Grandmaster Ip Ching. In an imbalance in your Wing Chun. 1994 Master Kwok returned to Hong Kong to study with Grandmaster Ip Ching. Remember, that to achieve a high standard in Chi Sau takes time, so be patient. You Having now retired from the NHS he is a full time martial arts hold all the answers, once you have worked instructor and teaches Wing Chun around the world. out what the important questions are! n

10 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 11 Article: Jake Shannon Photographs: Pixabey (www.pixabay.com)

BeforeIf you’re serious about MMA the then you need to know this...

t isn’t controversial that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Professional Wrestling, two of the world’s most popular athletic attractions today, have solid roots in the sport of catch- Ias-catch-can (CACC) wrestling. Prior to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, CACC-inspired proto-MMA promotions like the UWF, Professional Wrestling Fujiwara-Gumi, UWFi, Shooto, Pancrase, etc. planted the seed. Amateur catch- as-catch-can, aka American folkstyle wrestling (popular in the high schools and colleges) is the winningest foundation for MMA athletes according to the numbers.

The infamous Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki fight saw CACC wrestlers Karl Gotch and Yoshiaki Fujiwara in Inoki’s corner while another CACC wrestling legend, Gene Lebell, refereed. The same Lebell competed in the first ever televised ‘No form of MMA match against Milo Savage in Salt Lake City back in 1963. Even strangling is Sambo’s elite know that its ferocious leglocks originally came from, permitted, unless you guessed it, catch-as-catch-can wrestling . especially agreed Most wrestling and MMA fans still know very little about CACC or to by the principals. these seminal contributions to modern combat sports entertainment. Before each match the announcement is So get your roots of MMA/ Catch Wrestling cheat sheet here… usually made “strangle hold barred”.’ Magazine www.woma.tv 12 WOMA - Minneapolis Tribune – February 20, 1910 13 began profit from wrestling matches and rule sets became dictated by the promoters. As the promoters began to control the cash flows, so too the power and control shifted away from the wrestlers and their backers. Many of the more financially savvy wrestlers later became promoters themselves for this very reason. However, even with this power shift, there were still rule variants across the assorted competing promotions. A common denominator across these rulesets began to emerge though; a wrestler must either pin or submit their opponent to win. Mind you, even these winning provisions varied too. Some allowed a two- point pin (i.e., both shoulders, or two-points, must be down for the count) and others a three-point pin (both shoulders plus a hip, three-points, must be down for the count). Pin counts varied too, some used a three count, while others only allowed a two-count, and yet still others contested matches with a five-count pin. When was Strangling legal? As participation grew, catch-as-catch-can eventually split into exhibition vs. competition varieties. The former evolved into either freestyle, folkstyle, or submission grappling/MMA, while the latter transformed into the slam-bang WWE-style of violent theater that we see today (the ill-fated hybrid of both, known as carnival At Show wrestling, featured both legit challengers and “plants/ sticks” alike). There was a positive correlation between the early growth in competitive participation and the increase in injuries. The popular naïve interventionism of Before the that era took root in wrestling too and ultimately lead to What is ‘Catch-As-Catch-Can’? an increase in the number of rules and regulations. Soon, Catch-as-catch-can wrestling came to prominence near the some holds began to be barred from competition, most end of the industrial revolution in the northern Anglo- notable of which was the strangle. Celtic Isles and was practiced there by predominately Irish blue collar workers. The style was first documented by the In my estimation, if today’s MMA is any barometer, much gentry in the Lancashire region of England (they would of catch-as-catch-can’s popularity was a direct result of the wager on wrestling outcomes in the same way as they notoriety of America’s first Heavyweight Catch-As-Catch- would with dog and cock fights). Professional wrestling as Can Champion, Evan “Strangler” Lewis. Lewis (not to we know it today started with Irish coal miners wrestling be confused with Ed “Strangler” Lewis, who came later ufceach other for side-bets, often after an arduous day working and was amazing in his own right) embodied the exciting in the mines. Eventually some of these laborer/wrestlers “no-holds-barred” spirit that epitomized early MMA. It laid were able to sustain themselves and their families solely the groundwork for the popularity of later CACC greats like upon the money earned from these best and thus the first Martin “Farmer” Burns, Tom Jenkins, Frank Gotch, and “professional” wrestlers were born. George Hackenschmidt.

CACC soon found its way to America by following the Evan Lewis was the first recognized American Heavyweight immigrants that came to the United States during this Catch-As-Catch-Can Champion (some, but not all, period. It flourished, eventually becoming one of, if recognized him as world champion as well) and he created not the most popular sport in American between the on hell of an impression on fans and athletes alike. Civil War and World War I. What stirred up friends and foes alike was the trademark maneuver that gave Evan Lewis his nickname – “The From Cock Fights to Cash? Strangler.” Lewis “made no bones about his method,” said In the beginning, during the aforementioned informal Ring magazine in 1930, “which was to get an arm about the side-betting period, the rules of CACC wrestling matches throat of an opponent and choke him until he whispered (e.g., length of time, weight classes, etc.) were dynamic and ‘enough’ or was unable to whisper anything.” bilateral; i.e., they were determined solely by the wrestlers themselves and their financial backers. The bilateral nature Origin of ‘No Holds Barred’? of these agreements resulted in a fluid, diverse rule set. Like today’s MMA and grappling contests, chokes were However, as interest in the sport grew, third parties became allowed in many catch-as-catch-can wrestling matches (in more involved and the rules became unilateral as promoters fact, the term “no-holds-barred” was coined to describe

12 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 13 - Madison Wisconsin State Journal, December 22, 1885 “Lewis flopped over from his back, and, after a brief struggle, succeeded in getting his right forearm across these early CACC matches). However, audiences were just as the throat of Cannon, who, Nobody offered a dollar on Acton. Finally, one man however, the transparent fact that Acton was in no squeamish back then as they can be today (keep in mind that to save himself from being offered $100 to $30 on Lewis, another “raised” him by condition for a hard struggle, coupled with the peculiar even boxing was illegal in much of the country back then because legally choked, frantically offering $180 to $200 that he could call every fall. At this betting, caused a great deal of unfavorable comment. it was considered to be “too brutal”). At the time the Chicago Dowling ordered the names off the blackboard, saying: - Chicago Tribune – April 12, 1887 Tribune called CACC “one of the cruelest forms of sport permitted and hopelessly waived his hands in the air, thus “This match is already won; we don’t want any betting here in any civilized community. The breaking of a leg, the crushing on a race of that kind.” USA vs UK? in of the ribs, the slow torture of tearing a limb from its socket is signifying that yielded the bout to at the call of time the men closed immediately, But Evan Lewis wasn’t the only American champion that was permissible and constitutional”. game to wrestle “no holds barred”. One of my favorite CACC his adversary.” Acton grabbing Lewis around the neck. In a few seconds Lewis was forced to the carpet, but got up quickly, with wrestlers from the Golden Era was three-time American However, if you look at newspaper clippings about Lewis, they Acton having a back body-hold. They struggled for a few Heavyweight Champion Tom Jenkins. He too was well read a lot like modern MMA or grappling reporting: moments without result. Then Acton started Lewis for acquainted with competitive applications of the strangle: “CHICAGO, Feb. 7. – Joe Acton, the champion catch-as-catch-can the carpet. Lewis turned and landed on top of Acton. “A Wrestling match of international importance will take wrestler of America, defeated Evan Lewis, of Madison, Wis., to The latter slipped out from under him like an eel and place Tuesday night in Madison Square garden, New York, night, at Battery D Armory, in the presence of 4,000 spectators. recovered his back body-hold. Then he got Lewis two in which Tom Jenkins, the champion catch-as-catch-can The winner took 75 per cent of the gate receipts and the loser points down, the Strangler saving himself by a bridge, mat artist of America, will meet the champion of England 25 per cent. A number in the audience pronounced the affair which Acton tried to break. In a scuffle Lewis was forced and Ireland, Joe Carroll. The contest will be to a finish a hippodrome, but also declared it probably the best exhibition half-way through the ropes. Lewis wriggled out of the hold and no hold is barred. of skillful wrestling ever seen in Chicago. Only once during and back on the platform. Carroll is said to pride himself on his strangle hold the match did Lewis secure a “strangle” hold, and then Acton instantly Acton was on top of him and in a running and once he gets it on a man it is all over. Carroll’s most broke it immediately. The men wrestled under special rules, scramble sent him again to the edge of the platform, where notable performance was in staying three hours with which provided that two shoulders down should constitute a fall a hold on the ropes and a bridge came into service. Lewis Naraulah, the “Terrible Turk.” Only pin falls are said to instead of two shoulders and a hip as is generally the case. The escaped again. Acton, always on top, got hugged and jolted count in this contest, though it is said that Carroll is a terms were the best three in five falls, and Lewis won only the him until his bridge gave way, and, in ten minutes and forty- wonder at flying falls. Carroll became the champion of second. At the conclusion of the match both men posted $100 h es an m atc two seconds, a fall was awarded to Acton, who was loudly England during coronation week when he defeated Tom to wrestle again according to regulation rules.” cheered. During the intermission Mr. Rueschaw gave an Cannon, Carkeek and the other big mat artists on the - The New York Times – February 8, 1887 exhibition of club swinging. other side. When the men came out for the second bout Acton i think that Jenkins will defeat Carroll. Jenkins is Lest we forget, Lewis got strangled from time to time too: appeared blown, while Lewis was perfectly fresh. Lewis America’s greatest catch-as-catch-can wrestler, and I don’t

“Evan Lewis didn’t invent the strangle hold, and nothing h-C atc assumed the aggressive. There was a great deal of believe England has a wrestler who can defeat America’s in the rules prevented others from using it on him. Henry twisting and wriggling, some very clever work on both best man at the game.” as coined to Shellenberger got his hands around Lewis’ neck and sides, and Lewis tried a hip-lock once more, raised Acton - Bridgeport Herald – November 9, 1902 choked him unconscious to win a fall in their July 25, into the air, and landed him flat on his back. Time, 3 1887 match in Madison. Unfortunately for him, Lewis minutes and 4 seconds. Even at the height of CACC’s popularity, Jenkins was woke up in time to resume the match and then showed the third bout was comparatively tame. They closed actively participating in high profile matches where Shellenberger how it should be done.” quickly and, after a little maneuvering, went to the floor strangles were allowed. Here’s a report of Dan McLeod with Acton uppermost. The bout terminated by Lewis strangling Jenkins for a fall:

But often Lewis won, and he won with h-A s -C atc getting another hip-lock on Acton and again planting him the strangle hold: on his back. Time, 5 minutes, 40 seconds. Dan McLeod Thrown Twice in Match (Read This in the Voice of Joe Rogan) with No Holds Barred Head Spin and Back Body Hold? In a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match which took place The Strangler Finally Gets The Better The fourth bout settled the contest. Almost at the outset in Madison Square Garden last night, Tom Jenkins, world’s Of His Famous Adversary Lewis got a strangle hold, by which he held Acton for champion at this style of wrestling, defeated Dan McLeod, The catch-as-catch-can wrestling match between about a minute. Acton then slipped out of it, got on top of gaining two falls out of three. Contrary to expectations, Joe Acton of Philadelphia and Evan Lewis of Madison, Lewis, and tipped him over his head. Lewis spun around McLeod, who was in excellent form, secured the first Wis., was decided at Battery D Armory last night. It was on the top of his cranium and extricated himself. By a fall with a strangle hold, half Nelson. For several years announced as for $500 a side, best three in five falls, three movement that brought down the house Acton with a past this hold has been barred in public exhibitions of points down to constitute a fall. back body hold slipped down behind Lewis and pitched wrestling in this city but these two men were so evenly For years, Acton has been regarded as invincible and Lewis backward over him. matched that it was considered unnecessary to bar the

also an honest wrestler. Ugly rumors, however, were current C early t h ese the “Strangler” nearly landed on his back but managed strangle hold. yesterday afternoon, and these no doubt caused many to doubt to turn to his side. After this they stood up and indulged in - The New York Times – December 23, 1903 the honesty of last night’s match and remain away from the efforts at tripping until Lewis once more hip-locked Acton Armory. It appears that an effort was made to start betting and floored him, winning the match. Time, 6 minutes and Interestingly, the article implies that the strangle was on the contest yesterday afternoon at Dowling’s, and the 33 seconds. In this bout Lewis showed more skill than commonly barred when there were discrepancies in result was such a rush to get money on Lewis at any ” w m “ no -h olds - barred ter he has heretofore been given credit for. The contest as a wrestling skill. Here is another headline, this one showing odds that the crowd began to shout “Rats” whenever whole was an interesting and at times exciting exhibition, how Jenkins use the strangle to subdue one of the most an offer was made. and the spectators were pretty well satisfied. famous CACC wrestlers of all time, Frank Gotch: describe t h e

14 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 15 - Madison Wisconsin State Journal, December 22, 1885 “Lewis flopped over from his back, and, after a brief struggle, succeeded in getting his right forearm across these early CACC matches). However, audiences were just as the throat of Cannon, who, Nobody offered a dollar on Acton. Finally, one man however, the transparent fact that Acton was in no squeamish back then as they can be today (keep in mind that to save himself from being offered $100 to $30 on Lewis, another “raised” him by condition for a hard struggle, coupled with the peculiar even boxing was illegal in much of the country back then because legally choked, frantically offering $180 to $200 that he could call every fall. At this betting, caused a great deal of unfavorable comment. it was considered to be “too brutal”). At the time the Chicago Dowling ordered the names off the blackboard, saying: - Chicago Tribune – April 12, 1887 Tribune called CACC “one of the cruelest forms of sport permitted and hopelessly waived his hands in the air, thus “This match is already won; we don’t want any betting here in any civilized community. The breaking of a leg, the crushing on a race of that kind.” USA vs UK? in of the ribs, the slow torture of tearing a limb from its socket is signifying that yielded the bout to at the call of time the men closed immediately, But Evan Lewis wasn’t the only American champion that was permissible and constitutional”. game to wrestle “no holds barred”. One of my favorite CACC his adversary.” Acton grabbing Lewis around the neck. In a few seconds Lewis was forced to the carpet, but got up quickly, with wrestlers from the Golden Era was three-time American However, if you look at newspaper clippings about Lewis, they Acton having a back body-hold. They struggled for a few Heavyweight Champion Tom Jenkins. He too was well read a lot like modern MMA or grappling reporting: moments without result. Then Acton started Lewis for acquainted with competitive applications of the strangle: “CHICAGO, Feb. 7. – Joe Acton, the champion catch-as-catch-can the carpet. Lewis turned and landed on top of Acton. “A Wrestling match of international importance will take wrestler of America, defeated Evan Lewis, of Madison, Wis., to The latter slipped out from under him like an eel and place Tuesday night in Madison Square garden, New York, night, at Battery D Armory, in the presence of 4,000 spectators. recovered his back body-hold. Then he got Lewis two in which Tom Jenkins, the champion catch-as-catch-can The winner took 75 per cent of the gate receipts and the loser points down, the Strangler saving himself by a bridge, mat artist of America, will meet the champion of England 25 per cent. A number in the audience pronounced the affair which Acton tried to break. In a scuffle Lewis was forced and Ireland, Joe Carroll. The contest will be to a finish a hippodrome, but also declared it probably the best exhibition half-way through the ropes. Lewis wriggled out of the hold and no hold is barred. of skillful wrestling ever seen in Chicago. Only once during and back on the platform. Carroll is said to pride himself on his strangle hold the match did Lewis secure a “strangle” hold, and then Acton instantly Acton was on top of him and in a running and once he gets it on a man it is all over. Carroll’s most broke it immediately. The men wrestled under special rules, scramble sent him again to the edge of the platform, where notable performance was in staying three hours with which provided that two shoulders down should constitute a fall a hold on the ropes and a bridge came into service. Lewis Naraulah, the “Terrible Turk.” Only pin falls are said to instead of two shoulders and a hip as is generally the case. The escaped again. Acton, always on top, got hugged and jolted count in this contest, though it is said that Carroll is a terms were the best three in five falls, and Lewis won only the him until his bridge gave way, and, in ten minutes and forty- wonder at flying falls. Carroll became the champion of second. At the conclusion of the match both men posted $100 h es an m atc two seconds, a fall was awarded to Acton, who was loudly England during coronation week when he defeated Tom to wrestle again according to regulation rules.” cheered. During the intermission Mr. Rueschaw gave an Cannon, Carkeek and the other big mat artists on the - The New York Times – February 8, 1887 exhibition of club swinging. other side. When the men came out for the second bout Acton i think that Jenkins will defeat Carroll. Jenkins is Lest we forget, Lewis got strangled from time to time too: appeared blown, while Lewis was perfectly fresh. Lewis America’s greatest catch-as-catch-can wrestler, and I don’t

“Evan Lewis didn’t invent the strangle hold, and nothing h-C atc assumed the aggressive. There was a great deal of believe England has a wrestler who can defeat America’s in the rules prevented others from using it on him. Henry twisting and wriggling, some very clever work on both best man at the game.” as coined to Shellenberger got his hands around Lewis’ neck and sides, and Lewis tried a hip-lock once more, raised Acton - Bridgeport Herald – November 9, 1902 choked him unconscious to win a fall in their July 25, into the air, and landed him flat on his back. Time, 3 1887 match in Madison. Unfortunately for him, Lewis minutes and 4 seconds. Even at the height of CACC’s popularity, Jenkins was woke up in time to resume the match and then showed the third bout was comparatively tame. They closed actively participating in high profile matches where Shellenberger how it should be done.” quickly and, after a little maneuvering, went to the floor strangles were allowed. Here’s a report of Dan McLeod with Acton uppermost. The bout terminated by Lewis strangling Jenkins for a fall:

But often Lewis won, and he won with h-A s -C atc getting another hip-lock on Acton and again planting him the strangle hold: on his back. Time, 5 minutes, 40 seconds. Dan McLeod Thrown Twice in Match (Read This in the Voice of Joe Rogan) with No Holds Barred Head Spin and Back Body Hold? In a catch-as-catch-can wrestling match which took place The Strangler Finally Gets The Better The fourth bout settled the contest. Almost at the outset in Madison Square Garden last night, Tom Jenkins, world’s Of His Famous Adversary Lewis got a strangle hold, by which he held Acton for champion at this style of wrestling, defeated Dan McLeod, The catch-as-catch-can wrestling match between about a minute. Acton then slipped out of it, got on top of gaining two falls out of three. Contrary to expectations, Joe Acton of Philadelphia and Evan Lewis of Madison, Lewis, and tipped him over his head. Lewis spun around McLeod, who was in excellent form, secured the first Wis., was decided at Battery D Armory last night. It was on the top of his cranium and extricated himself. By a fall with a strangle hold, half Nelson. For several years announced as for $500 a side, best three in five falls, three movement that brought down the house Acton with a past this hold has been barred in public exhibitions of points down to constitute a fall. back body hold slipped down behind Lewis and pitched wrestling in this city but these two men were so evenly For years, Acton has been regarded as invincible and Lewis backward over him. matched that it was considered unnecessary to bar the also an honest wrestler. Ugly rumors, however, were current C early t h ese the “Strangler” nearly landed on his back but managed strangle hold. yesterday afternoon, and these no doubt caused many to doubt to turn to his side. After this they stood up and indulged in - The New York Times – December 23, 1903 the honesty of last night’s match and remain away from the efforts at tripping until Lewis once more hip-locked Acton Armory. It appears that an effort was made to start betting and floored him, winning the match. Time, 6 minutes and Interestingly, the article implies that the strangle was on the contest yesterday afternoon at Dowling’s, and the 33 seconds. In this bout Lewis showed more skill than commonly barred when there were discrepancies in result was such a rush to get money on Lewis at any ” w m “ no -h olds - barred ter he has heretofore been given credit for. The contest as a wrestling skill. Here is another headline, this one showing odds that the crowd began to shout “Rats” whenever whole was an interesting and at times exciting exhibition, how Jenkins use the strangle to subdue one of the most an offer was made. and the spectators were pretty well satisfied. famous CACC wrestlers of all time, Frank Gotch: describe t h e

14 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 15 From a female NHinjairomi Renner Goto Before the Frank Gotch looks like coming champion CACC wrestling rule set that would eventually become the Took Tom Jenkins, with the assistance of the referee, two hours bedrock of our decade-plus run of King of Catch Wrestling to get the first fall. Gotch was strangles into unconsciousness. tournaments (and many other CACC tournaments too). No chance in Cleveland for anyone but Jenkins. Karl, after excelling in amateurufc catch-as-catch-can wrestling competition at the Olympic level, learned the craft of catch- The growth of Amateur as-catch-can at Riley’s Gym which he later honed here in Catch-As-Catch-Can the United States with American CACC wrestlers like Frank However, as the sport of CACC wrestling grew in popularity Wolfe and Benny Sherman. Karl suggested including only many of the more brutal aspects of the sport began to be sleeper chokes into the rule set (see below) but, given the frowned upon. Both promoters and participants began working precedent of various strangles and gags used during the to prohibit the more dangerous holds. As a result, amateur Golden Age of CACC plus the resurgence of interest in CACC catch-as-catch-can grew in popularity in the United States as a result of the popularity of MMA, it seemed prudent allow and many of the professional holds (including the strangle more CACC choke variants than just the sleeper hold. Billy and full nelson) began to be marginalized (paralleling what Robinson supported this inclusion of all CACC strangles into happened as jiu-jitsu evolved into the sport of judo in Japan). CACC competition (and then proceeded to teach many of us As the zeitgeist continued, Jenkin’s attitude changed, to where said choke variations): he eventually advocated for the removal of the more dangerous holds like the strangle and the full nelson (this evolution has “In straight catch, everything, including all submissions, was been described in-depth elsewhere ). allowed. Only fist were forbidden, because most of these guys had day jobs, and when you use fists, you can break a As an interesting aside, legendary wrestler Wade Schalles once knuckle or a thumb, which would put you out of work. So the remarked that even though strangles are technically forbidden heel of the hand, which is solid bone, was allowed. Elbows in today’s amateur wrestling contests, they are still being used were allowed. Jumps were allowed. Chokes were sometimes by competitors anyway, albeit surreptitiously, especially at the allowed, depending on the agreement. ‘All in catch’ meant higher levels of competition. A perfect example of this being everything was allowed – chokes, sleeper holds, everything.” the infamous wrestling “Schultz Headlock” used to great effect – Billy Robinson, Physical Chess, p. 22 by World Champions Dave and Mark Schultz (which has now found application in top level Mixed Martial Arts ). The fact is that CACC will continue to evolve whether in the context of amateur CACC, professional wrestling, Early in 2005 I mailed a letter to Karl Gotch (real mixed martial arts, and even within CACC. name Karel Istaz) asking for his feedback on my idea for a Don’t fight it, embrace it! n

16 WOMA Magazine Catch-As-Catch-Can Rises Again Article: Hiromi Renner Goto Advisor: Simon Yeo Photographs: ©Hiromi Renner Goto From a female

Hiromi Renner Goto The injaFirst Step… So “Ninja” or “Kunoichi” How to react, NDoesn’t matter. What you seek, Martial arts first step is ‘Understand your self’. Usually people controlled by Habitual things. Breaking or certainly Many people go into fantasy magical part of We need to make good habits as much limiting bad habits. Commentary: Ninjutsu, as we can. But, We need to eat good things as much as we Once we have formed Everyone has their specific Usually, Usual woman can’t win by muscle can, with good habits. the good habits from weaknesses and strong power to man. Thinkings and movings same. training kata. We need points. We need to identify Those kind of things are just differences and… So... to be able to break the Before the kata and react to what is Frank Gotch looks like them and use them to our It’s no good or bad. KATA...could be habits. happening as the order of coming champion CACC wrestling rule set that would eventually become the advantage. It’s no better or worse. It’s useful but shouldn’t stick there. So we must study who we are, and know things regarding an attack Took Tom Jenkins, with the assistance of the referee, two hours bedrock of our decade-plus run of King of Catch Wrestling Understanding the above yourself is the key to be successful warrior. When we are stuck… may change and not fit a to get the first fall. Gotch was strangles into unconsciousness. tournaments (and many other CACC tournaments too). is key. It will be not LIVING KATA anymore... particular kata. We don’t want to be contained Some person is really good at math to make It’s could be bad habit too.. No chance in Cleveland for anyone but Jenkins. Karl, after excelling in amateur catch-as-catch-can wrestling by kata. ufc This is very important and weapon, Some person is good at speed, power, That’s kind of reality of danger… competition at the Olympic level, learned the craft of catch- often ignored. To work poison, etc... Even many good fighter has blind spots... The growth of Amateur as-catch-can at Riley’s Gym which he later honed here in on your weaknesses so Good fighters are you are fully rounded as So, live in the reality and brush up what are ...martial arts is very simple but not so simple. sometimes not aware Catch-As-Catch-Can the United States with American CACC wrestlers like Frank a martial artist. Not just you good at and… It’s exactly like our life. of certain techniques However, as the sport of CACC wrestling grew in popularity Wolfe and Benny Sherman. Karl suggested including only work on the things you like Try to train your weak point to be average is Shadow and death. or even if a weapon is many of the more brutal aspects of the sport began to be sleeper chokes into the rule set (see below) but, given the or are already good at. necessary. If you believe it’s there, it is there. present. If you lost, you just lost. frowned upon. Both promoters and participants began working precedent of various strangles and gags used during the Martial artists aren’t In Japan, What is important is what to prohibit the more dangerous holds. As a result, amateur Golden Age of CACC plus the resurgence of interest in CACC limited by the things they We think Martial art is not only physical, At beginning I told you ‘We need good heart you believe and it will catch-as-catch-can grew in popularity in the United States as a result of the popularity of MMA, it seemed prudent allow can perceive and control. Not only mental, good manifest itself physically. There are other things and many of the professional holds (including the strangle Not only things we can control. thought’, but… more CACC choke variants than just the sleeper hold. Billy at play that you need to We must connect our body to soul, It’s also very changeable… So as things get more and full nelson) began to be marginalized (paralleling what Robinson supported this inclusion of all CACC strangles into understand and work Soul and spirit, For who? And from who. complicated it is happened as jiu-jitsu evolved into the sport of judo in Japan). CACC competition (and then proceeded to teach many of us with to become your ally. And us (body & soul) to connect to the nature important to revisit the They may at times prove to fundamentals to help As the zeitgeist continued, Jenkin’s attitude changed, to where said choke variations): (something great). Right? be uncontrollable and or Especially Ninjutsu, understand and to keep us on track. This is linked he eventually advocated for the removal of the more dangerous unreliable. So there is many fog and there is many blind to having solid basics or holds like the strangle and the full nelson (this evolution has “In straight catch, everything, including all submissions, was If we have only bad thoughts spots. This is to unify the body foundations, so you can We will be just a killer or… But that’s why, been described in-depth elsewhere ). allowed. Only fist were forbidden, because most of these and spirit with nature so build a tall building. If you let go of conscious Thief We always need to go back to understand, you build too fast and the guys had day jobs, and when you use fists, you can break a So we think… Who we are and try to know our selves first. As an interesting aside, legendary wrestler Wade Schalles once thought and react to any building gets shaky or the knuckle or a thumb, which would put you out of work. So the given situation. This I If we want to make great nature as our ally. And make our mind calm techniques don’t work remarked that even though strangles are technically forbidden heel of the hand, which is solid bone, was allowed. Elbows believe implies you have If we want to put nature on our side. And strong. so well, go back to the in today’s amateur wrestling contests, they are still being used were allowed. Jumps were allowed. Chokes were sometimes previously taken the time We need to grow good heart … Always to be a leader, not follower, basics. And we think that it is part of martial arts. Control our self and control the situation. by competitors anyway, albeit surreptitiously, especially at the to develop your reactions allowed, depending on the agreement. ‘All in catch’ meant correctly through training Have a robust mind that is higher levels of competition. A perfect example of this being everything was allowed – chokes, sleeper holds, everything.” the fundamentals. Its not In reality, That’s what I am learning not unbalanced by greed, the infamous wrestling “Schultz Headlock” used to great effect – Billy Robinson, Physical Chess, p. 22 something you can just do We can’t make strong body ‘at once’. from Soke Dr.Hatsumi-Masaaki. anger or ego for example. by World Champions Dave and Mark Schultz (which has now without deep training. We can’t make strong mind ‘at once’. I hope Someone read this can get essence of What made our body and mind is… Bujinkan martial arts. If we can control our own found application in top level Mixed Martial Arts ). The fact is that CACC will continue to evolve whether We need to build a strong Our habits. emotions we have a good in the context of amateur CACC, professional wrestling, body and mind step by I am sorry about my master YODA English chance of reading the step it is not something Habits... (Japanglish). situation delicately and Early in 2005 I mailed a letter to Karl Gotch (real mixed martial arts, and even within CACC. not over or under reacting that is achievable name Karel Istaz) asking for his feedback on my idea for a n straight away and needs and so we control the Don’t fight it, embrace it! What we eat, Anyway. continuous work. situation optimally. How to move, I respect all of my BUYU. 16 WOMA Magazine Catch-As-Catch-Can Rises Again www.woma.tv 17 incident: “Bruce’s newly-established Kung Fu institute in Oakland had barely opened when Bruce received an open challenge from a Kung A legendary fight would Fu practitioner named Wong Jack Man. Since change the history of Bruce’s death in July 1973, the fight’s details have been widely reported by Linda Lee through martial arts forever leading martial arts magazines. Besides James Lee, who died before the story became truly newsworthy, the only other eyewitnesses to the speak before the battle were Wong Jack Man and a handful of performance and mention that in his followers, none of whom have ever had any many of the traditional Gung Fu styles self interest in the subsequent two decades of they were dry land swimming, that they capitalising on the Lee legend. the monk were just doing silly dances and did not know how to fight….when they heard this It is true that Wong Jack Man personally they felt it was a challenge upon them. They instigated the confrontation, claiming that responded. Bruce did not make this statement to he was representing a group of martial arts challenge them. He was trying to let them know elders who resided nearby in San Francisco’s the dragon the reality of combat”. Chinatown. What has always been puzzling, To coincide with the release of ‘Birth of however, is what had angered these elders, if the Dragon’ an epic and controversial face off between The “feeling” between different local schools they were angered at all?...As a historical note, it Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man, Peter Jagger considers that existed in the ‘60s, was expressed by Sifu is interesting that just a short while before this s Al Dacascos in an issue of Karate Illustrated. now infamous confrontation between Bruce Lee the accounts of the people in the know.v Article: Peter Jagger (Bruce L Dacascos listed Wong Jack Man as one of his and Wong Jack Man, all but a stone’s throw away teachers and the magazine wrote that Dacascos’ in Los Angeles, rising Kenpoist Ed Parker had ver the years, the fight between fight lasted 2-3 minutes school was located about seven or eight miles just published, without incident or complaint, Bruce Lee and Wong Jack and left Bruce Lee from “another Kung Fu school in Oakland”. his popular hardback book titled ‘The Secrets Man at Bruce Lee’s Oakland “out of breath” and of Chinese Karate’. school has been reported time unhappy with his Dacascos remarked: “Students have always and time again, mostly with “performance”. been inclined to speculate about whose Although Parker was Hawaiian and perhaps aO similar account of what happened and why it teacher is toughest. Some of my students couldn’t be held accountable for teaching non- happened, i.e. the Kung Fu leaders in San Francisco It was significant in the formation ofJeet Kune Do, met some of Bruce Lee’s students at a party Orientals, his associate instructor in the Los were unhappy with Bruce Lee for teaching non- prompting Bruce Lee to make big changes to his or something. This led to a certain amount Angeles Karate school, the legendary Tai Chi ee Historian) Orientals and so they sent Wong Jack Man, with training, saying: “It really bugged me after the fight. of tension. At the time, Bruce Lee’s school master Jimmy Wu, taught non-Chinese on a “back-up” to present Bruce Lee with a written It’s the first time I felt something wrong with the in Oakland was being run by his friend daily basis without ever being held accountable ultimatum to stop teaching non-Orientals or to way I had to fight. It took too long and I didn’t know James Lee. Anyway, there was this feeling of by any Chinese elders, Kung Fu masters or close his school down. what to do when he ran. Getting my fists bruised tension until about 1967, when I went down anyone else….Perhaps an alternate explanation from punching the son of a bitch’s head was kind of to do my form at Ed Parker’s Long Beach has to do with territorial infringement. It has Bruce Lee refused to back down, vowing to continue stupid. I knew right then, I had to do something”. Internationals. In the middle of my form I been reported that years earlier, members of to teach people of all races and said: “Since you’re looked up and there was this guy wearing a a local triad came to Bruce’s Seattle school the one who’s challenging me, then I’ll make the That is the story that has been reported over and over blue blazer and sunglasses. Afterwards, he said demanding money…” rules. Everything goes and the match will be right again. It is similar to Linda Lee’s account. However, ‘Your form was impressive, well done’. I told now”. James Lee, Bruce Lee’s assistant, kept Wong there are other versions of the confrontation. him, ‘Bruce, I understand we have some kind So, was the fight over within 3 minutes or, as Jack Man’s men from joining in, while Bruce Lee What did Wong Jack Man say about his fight with of confusion between us’. He just laughed and Wong Jack Man claimed, did it last “at least 20 attacked Wong Jack Man, forcing him backwards. Bruce Lee? Apart from a report he submitted to a said he didn’t have any harsh feelings towards minutes, maybe 25”? Did Wong Jack Man (again, Wong Jack Man, unable to cope with Bruce Lee’s local newspaper shortly after the incident, he has, me because he knew that the trouble had been as he claimed) get Bruce Lee in a head lock three rapid-fire straight blast punches, turned and ran. reportedly, only ever given his version of events to caused by kids spreading rumours about who times during the fight? Only the people present one magazine – Official Karate. taught who and who was tougher than who”. will know the truth. While chasing Wong Jack Man, Bruce Lee Reports in other publications (such as Linda continued to hit him. He has been quoted as saying: In an interview for Karate International, Greglon Lee’s book) suggested the ‘people’ behind the What we do know, what is not in any doubt, “I chased him and, like a fool, kept punching him Lee (James Lee’s son) was asked what happened Wong Jack Man challenge were also responsible is how Bruce Lee used the confrontation behind his head and back. Soon my fists began to when Bruce Lee was given an ultimatum not to for trying to create a feud between Bruce Lee with Wong Jack Man as a driving force, swell from his hard head. Finally, I did something I teach outside of the Chinese race, he replied: “The and Al Dacascos. pushing himself even harder in his training; it had never done before. I just put my arm around his problem did not stem from that, the initiation of intensified his spirit and Bruce Lee went on to neck and knocked him on his ass. I kept whacking the problem was Bruce making a guest appearance This is what Tom Bleecker (once married to become the world’s most famous martial artist him, as he lay on the floor, until he gave up”. The at local Chinese operas. At these operas he would Linda Lee) wrote about the Wong Jack Man and one of the greatest icons of all time. n

18 WOMAMagazine www.woma.tv 19 incident: “Bruce’s newly-established Kung Fu institute in Oakland had barely opened when Bruce received an open challenge from a Kung A legendary fight would Fu practitioner named Wong Jack Man. Since change the history of Bruce’s death in July 1973, the fight’s details have been widely reported by Linda Lee through martial arts forever leading martial arts magazines. Besides James Lee, who died before the story became truly newsworthy, the only other eyewitnesses to the speak before the battle were Wong Jack Man and a handful of performance and mention that in his followers, none of whom have ever had any many of the traditional Gung Fu styles self interest in the subsequent two decades of they were dry land swimming, that they capitalising on the Lee legend. the monk were just doing silly dances and did not know how to fight….when they heard this It is true that Wong Jack Man personally they felt it was a challenge upon them. They instigated the confrontation, claiming that responded. Bruce did not make this statement to he was representing a group of martial arts challenge them. He was trying to let them know elders who resided nearby in San Francisco’s the dragon the reality of combat”. Chinatown. What has always been puzzling, To coincide with the release of ‘Birth of however, is what had angered these elders, if the Dragon’ an epic and controversial face off between The “feeling” between different local schools they were angered at all?...As a historical note, it Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man, Peter Jagger considers that existed in the ‘60s, was expressed by Sifu is interesting that just a short while before this s Al Dacascos in an issue of Karate Illustrated. now infamous confrontation between Bruce Lee the accounts of the people in the know.v Article: Peter Jagger (Bruce L Dacascos listed Wong Jack Man as one of his and Wong Jack Man, all but a stone’s throw away teachers and the magazine wrote that Dacascos’ in Los Angeles, rising Kenpoist Ed Parker had ver the years, the fight between fight lasted 2-3 minutes school was located about seven or eight miles just published, without incident or complaint, Bruce Lee and Wong Jack and left Bruce Lee from “another Kung Fu school in Oakland”. his popular hardback book titled ‘The Secrets Man at Bruce Lee’s Oakland “out of breath” and of Chinese Karate’. school has been reported time unhappy with his Dacascos remarked: “Students have always and time again, mostly with “performance”. been inclined to speculate about whose Although Parker was Hawaiian and perhaps aO similar account of what happened and why it teacher is toughest. Some of my students couldn’t be held accountable for teaching non- happened, i.e. the Kung Fu leaders in San Francisco It was significant in the formation ofJeet Kune Do, met some of Bruce Lee’s students at a party Orientals, his associate instructor in the Los were unhappy with Bruce Lee for teaching non- prompting Bruce Lee to make big changes to his or something. This led to a certain amount Angeles Karate school, the legendary Tai Chi ee Historian) Orientals and so they sent Wong Jack Man, with training, saying: “It really bugged me after the fight. of tension. At the time, Bruce Lee’s school master Jimmy Wu, taught non-Chinese on a “back-up” to present Bruce Lee with a written It’s the first time I felt something wrong with the in Oakland was being run by his friend daily basis without ever being held accountable ultimatum to stop teaching non-Orientals or to way I had to fight. It took too long and I didn’t know James Lee. Anyway, there was this feeling of by any Chinese elders, Kung Fu masters or close his school down. what to do when he ran. Getting my fists bruised tension until about 1967, when I went down anyone else….Perhaps an alternate explanation from punching the son of a bitch’s head was kind of to do my form at Ed Parker’s Long Beach has to do with territorial infringement. It has Bruce Lee refused to back down, vowing to continue stupid. I knew right then, I had to do something”. Internationals. In the middle of my form I been reported that years earlier, members of to teach people of all races and said: “Since you’re looked up and there was this guy wearing a a local triad came to Bruce’s Seattle school the one who’s challenging me, then I’ll make the That is the story that has been reported over and over blue blazer and sunglasses. Afterwards, he said demanding money…” rules. Everything goes and the match will be right again. It is similar to Linda Lee’s account. However, ‘Your form was impressive, well done’. I told now”. James Lee, Bruce Lee’s assistant, kept Wong there are other versions of the confrontation. him, ‘Bruce, I understand we have some kind So, was the fight over within 3 minutes or, as Jack Man’s men from joining in, while Bruce Lee What did Wong Jack Man say about his fight with of confusion between us’. He just laughed and Wong Jack Man claimed, did it last “at least 20 attacked Wong Jack Man, forcing him backwards. Bruce Lee? Apart from a report he submitted to a said he didn’t have any harsh feelings towards minutes, maybe 25”? Did Wong Jack Man (again, Wong Jack Man, unable to cope with Bruce Lee’s local newspaper shortly after the incident, he has, me because he knew that the trouble had been as he claimed) get Bruce Lee in a head lock three rapid-fire straight blast punches, turned and ran. reportedly, only ever given his version of events to caused by kids spreading rumours about who times during the fight? Only the people present one magazine – Official Karate. taught who and who was tougher than who”. will know the truth. While chasing Wong Jack Man, Bruce Lee Reports in other publications (such as Linda continued to hit him. He has been quoted as saying: In an interview for Karate International, Greglon Lee’s book) suggested the ‘people’ behind the What we do know, what is not in any doubt, “I chased him and, like a fool, kept punching him Lee (James Lee’s son) was asked what happened Wong Jack Man challenge were also responsible is how Bruce Lee used the confrontation behind his head and back. Soon my fists began to when Bruce Lee was given an ultimatum not to for trying to create a feud between Bruce Lee with Wong Jack Man as a driving force, swell from his hard head. Finally, I did something I teach outside of the Chinese race, he replied: “The and Al Dacascos. pushing himself even harder in his training; it had never done before. I just put my arm around his problem did not stem from that, the initiation of intensified his spirit and Bruce Lee went on to neck and knocked him on his ass. I kept whacking the problem was Bruce making a guest appearance This is what Tom Bleecker (once married to become the world’s most famous martial artist him, as he lay on the floor, until he gave up”. The at local Chinese operas. At these operas he would Linda Lee) wrote about the Wong Jack Man and one of the greatest icons of all time. n

18 WOMAMagazine www.woma.tv 19 The epic and controversial face off between a young Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man is the entertaining biopic fiction at the heart of the movie “Birth of the Dragon”.

n the world of martial arts, What we thought to Lee challenging Wong to an unrestrained there is one man above all: The film has been based onMichael fight that became the stuff of legend. Bruce Lee. San Francisco, Dorgan’s article, ‘Bruce Lee’s Toughest 1965. Young, hungry and Fight’ and creatively leans towards Wong The story uses the fictional character of Steve looking for an opportunity Jack Man’s interpretation of events that took McKee as a link between Lee and Wong, he is Ito make a name for himself, Lee place that day. The screen writing partners a pseudo narrator, and a catalyst for the film’s (Philip Ng) challenges legendary (and Oscar nominees) Stephen J. Rivele final act. McKee is often used as comic relief, Shaolin monk and kung fu master, and Christopher Wilkinson (Nixon, Ali, utilizing a fish-out-of-water type of comedy Wong Jack Man (Xia Yu), to a fight Pawn Sacrifice) do a fair job of putting a story as he struggles to understand Chinese when he hears that he’s crossing the together and director George Nolfi (The martial arts culture. Pacific to observe the state of kung Adjustment Bureau) does his best to deliver fu in America. Their legendary fight an interesting, albeit, Action movie and martial arts fans will would change the history of martial fictional version of likely be entertained by the plentiful fight arts forever. actual events. scenes, while dedicated Bruce Lee fans will probably be a bit upset with the way that The 1965 fight betweenBruce Lee Set in San Philip Ng who plays Bruce in this movie and Wong Jack Man is infamous Francisco, 1964. tends to over emphasise Bruce’s cockiness largely due to the fact it was played Young Bruce Lee is and arrogance. Others may find out in private in front of a handful of working as a martial Steve McKee’s character unnecessarily individuals. Accounts of what actually arts instructor. Most distracting. Though the pleasing efforts of happened differ greatly (some say it of the story focuses the filmmaker’s maybe ok, the serviceable lasted three minutes, others say 20, for on the lead up to the acting of the supporting cast of instance) but all are agreed that Lee big fight and the growing Phillip Ng, Yu Xia and Billy came out on top and that it helped give tension between Lee’s Rasmussen is average. birth to his martial arts legend status. “street” approach to Kung Fu and Wong’s All in all movie fans get It’s no surprise then, that Birth of “spiritual” approach. an unspectacular, but the Dragon chooses to focus on this Eventually this leads enjoyable made up story episode from Bruce Lee’s life. Not about the rise of one of only does it provide opportunity for the greatest and most some creative freedom (the film is influential martial artists only loosely based on the true events of all time. surrounding the fight), but also to Philip Wrath show off plenty of Lee’s trademark Must Watch Score fighting styles. 3 Nunchakus out of 5

20 WOMAMagazine

Article: Neil Swain Photographs: Eureka Entertainment Jackie chan

Jackie Chan went is skills are based on years of In the ‘80s and ‘90s Jackie started to be noticed and his from unknown training in theatrical Kung Fu, Rebornfans flocked to see his films in the millions. Films like other martial arts, and acting, Project A (1983) followed by Project A 2 (1987) and stunt man Chan but it was not until 1976, when Police Story (1985) and Police Story 2 (1988), which Kong-Sang Jackie Chan received a telegram won the award for Best Action Choreography at the working with fromH Willie Chan (a film producer in the Hong Kong 1989 Hong Kong Film Awards, and then moved in to Bruce Lee on Fist film industry, who had been impressed with Jackie’s Japanese Manga in motion with City Hunter (1993). of Fury and Enter stunt work) offering him an acting role in a film The Dragon to directed by Lo Wei (director of Bruce Lee’s first two Although Chan had a hard time conquering films Big Boss and Fist Of Fury). Lo had seen Chan’s Hollywood, he finally succeeded in establishing action star when performance in the John Woo film Hand of Death a foothold in the North American market in 1995 Snake in the (1976) and planned to model him after Bruce Lee with with the worldwide release of Rumble in the Eagles Shadow and the film New Fist of Fury. His stage name was changed Bronx, and attained a cult following in the United Drunken Master to Sing Lung to emphasise his similarity to Bruce Lee, States that was rare for a Hong Kong movie star. were released. whose stage name meant ‘Little Dragon’ in Chinese. Chan’s first huge blockbuster success came when he co-starred with Chris Tucker in the 1998 buddy This also heralded After several less than outstanding films withL o Wei cop action comedy Rush Hour, grossing US$130 his change of Jackie Chan realised to really get noticed he could million in the United States alone. This film made him name to Jackie not clone Bruce Lee. Instead he followed his heroes a Hollywood star. Chan. Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd and adapted their style with martial arts, acrobatics and a healthy Today Jackie is one of the most recognizable and Since then the dose of danger to create his acrobatic fighting style, influential cinematic personalities in the world. He comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and is also a globally known philanthropist, and has been unassuming Hong innovative self performed stunts. named as one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities Kong martial arts by Forbes magazine. In 2015, Forbes estimated his net stunt man has worth to be $350 million, and as of 2016, he was the become a world second highest paid actor in the world. renowned, actor, film director, producer, In 2017, Eureka Entertainment started picking the stuntman, and best of Jackie Chan’s works, and giving them their singer, but the road special Blu-ray treatment, featuring filmed extras, to fame was a hard collectable ephemera, from booklets, rare photos to one, with many iconic sleeves. Jackie Chan’s early work has been Reborn. disappointments, As keen Jackie Chan fans WoMA.tv and WoMA broken bones and Magazine look at the Eureka Entertainment real pain. Collection in release order; we review the films, discuss why each was picked, and look at the extras that make this an unmissable collection.

22 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 23 Drunken Master The first Jackie Chan film that was released byE ureka Entertainment was Drunken Master. Directed by Hong Kong action pioneer Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) this is one of the best films from Jackie’s early years. Made in 1978 the year after Snake in Eagles Shadow it has much of the same cast and crew and built on the comedic style of Jackie Kung Fu action that Jackie was to make his own. Out of the two films, this is more often considered Chan’s earliest masterpiece.

Jackie Chan’s portrays the legendary Kung Fu Master Wong Fei Hung as a rebellious troublemaker. His father, Wong Kei Ying, has given up disciplining him, and sends him to his uncle So Hai who is a cruel and torturous master of drunken boxing, hoping that a year of training with So Hai will sort Fei Hung out. After much suffering chan the son comes back to rescue the father from the assassin Thunderfoot (Hwang Jang Lee).

This is a more of a traditional Kung-Fu film. The fighting Reborn styles on show are unique, inventive and fascinating to watch. The showdowns are impressive and with no trick photography, CGI or massive effects fuelled blow outs they show just how good a martial artist Jackie is. The comedy works well. Jackie’s on screen master is very funny and they spark well off each other as a team. This is a really one of the best old style Kung Fu comedy films ever made

Eureka Entertainment released the movie, as part of the Masters of Cinema Series in a definitive Dual-format (Blu-ray & DVD) edition on 24 April 2017. The movie had a new and exclusive HD trailer made for it plus a definitive transfer from 4K digital restoration. The original complete Cantonese soundtrack, rarely heard on home video was added. In addition to this alternate Cantonese, English and Mandarin audio options were added with newly translated English subtitles, some of the original subtitles were comical on their own, as they made no sense of what was going on in the movie. A new audio commentary by Hong Kong film expertsR ic Meyers and Jeff Yang was commissioned and a new video interview with director Yuen Woo-Ping that shed new light on the making of the movie.

Of course, no special edition would be complete without a video interview with Jackie Chan. There is a new video interview with film scholarT ony Rayns and director Gareth Evans (The Raid film Series) to give a full flavour of why this film is in the remit of a Masters of Cinema Collection. Other great extras are of course the obligatory deleted scene and the original trailer. As a total bonus, a booklet featuring new writing and archival imagery is within the packaging, along with a new artwork slip sleeve.

Overall: MUST HAVE for any Jackie Chan fan.

22 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 23 Police Story side. His performance is relatively mature After Drunken Master Eureka and restrained, and he allows his character Entertainment released Jackie to be portrayed as not only brave, smart and Chan’s Police Story and Police determined, but flawed and selfish as well (his Story 2 in a twin pack Blu-ray scene with Maggie Cheung after the fight in edition from new 4k restorations (in the UK the playground is a key point). There is less on 20 August 2018) in a Limited Edition (3000 slapstick and more plot than usual for a Chan copies) Hard Cased Box Set. We look at each movie; less emphasis on comedy and more on film individually on their attributes. action. The action sequences are superb, and the deaf-mute with the incredible martial-arts Police Story (1985) skills is one of the most memorable villains Jackie Chan is considered by many film and Jackie ever had to face. martial arts movie fans as one of the greatest action stars ever to grace the silver screen and Both films were produced from brand new 4K Police Story cemented his reputation as the restorations and fully uncut. Therefore, Police likely successor to the late, great Bruce Lee. Story 2 is in its original full 2-hour version If Enter The Dragon bared the so-called for the first time ever in the UK, plus both benchmark of Lee’s greatness in the ‘70s, then have optional English subtitles. The Blu Ray the same can be said about Police Story and also contains The Police Force version of the Jackie Chan in the ‘80s. This film is considered first film, originally re-edited for the US video by Jackie Chan himself to be his best film in market and featuring its own electronic score terms of pure action, by Kevin Bassinson. That mind-blowing spectacle is In this movie Jackie, plays Kevin Chan, a Police Story 2. On the Police Story disc are the deleted and Hong-Kong cop, who scores his first big hit extended scenes, including alternate opening by virtually single-handedly capturing and In this film despite his success at and ending sequences, and on Police Story 2 arresting a big drug- lord. Of course, the drug- apprehending criminals, Kevin Chan’s disc are outtakes. lord is not too happy about this, and frames unorthodox approach to his work as a police Kevin with the murder of another cop (who officer sees him demoted to the traffic branch. As bonuses, there are featurettes; a 40 minute happened to be on the take). Kevin has to clear Despite this, the man he put behind bars is documentary on Jackie Chan’s early career his name, whilst keeping himself from being now out of prison, and has vowed to make his from cult film series, Son of the Incredibly killed or arrested, and keeping his girlfriend life a misery. While this crime boss his Strange Film Show with Jonathan Ross from leaving him. harassing Kevin and his girlfriend, the plus an archival interview with Jackie police are contemplating reinstating Chan, which is 20 minutes long. A Police Story is the one Jackie Chan film Kevin to help them fight a group of great interview with Benny Lai a to watch to get an overview of his abilities bombers attempting to extort $10 former member of Jackie and film-making style {one must not forget million from building owners. Chan’s Stunt Group. Who he directed many of his Hong Kong films}. appeared in both Police It is an exhilarating film which mixes cop It is a real joy to watch Jackie in Story 1 and 2, which is drama, slapstick comedy and amazing action and furthermore he wants 15 minutes long, and action. The film features opening and ending you to be entertained. Police a Jackie Chan stunts action sequences, which are amongst the Story 2 contains the most promotional trailer. BEST EVER. The opening has a shoot-out memorable fight scenes The boxed set also in a shantytown, virtual destruction of the made by Jackie in his boasts an exclusive town by cars and Jackie hanging on to a bus entire career. It is that Collectors with a walking stick. The climax features an good. In addition, booklet for incredible fight scene in a shopping mall, there is plenty of the good old slapstick each film, which is a fantastic combination of martial comedic bits. Police Story 2 is an featuring arts, brawling and sheer destruction, and the action movie that deserves praise new essays final awesome stunt. simply because it is one of his best, a and archival real classic! content. Police Story 2 (1988) Jackie Chan is about the action, martial arts Police Story 2 is a movie that Not to be missed and dangerous stunts; the BIGGER the better. mostly shows Jackie Chan’s serious by any collector.

24 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 25 CityHunter Eureka Entertainment continues to undercover cops, and a male gambler, Ryu release its Master of Cinema Jackie Chan must foil the nefarious plot. The film combines collection with City Hunter. Jackie Chan’s broad humour focusing on Ryu’s lechery and stylish action-comedy extravaganza, as part hunger with action sequences. of the Eureka Classics range on Blu-ray on 17 in 20 minutes than all three Austin Powers September 2018, featuring a Limited Edition The movie and the humour are superb, and movies put together. One sequence involving O-Card and Collector’s Booklet [First print run there are many martial arts scenes, the fight Jackie being chased around a ship while only] Eureka Classics is proud to present the scene between Gary Daniels and Jackie hunting for food is an absolute masterpiece of film for the first time in the UK on Blu-ray. Chan is incredibly funny. They transform silent-movie style comedy. Many of the best into characters from Street Fighter 2! The gags are very quick, such as Jackie crawling out ‘City Hunter’ was originally a Japanese manga, end fight betweenJackie Chan and Richard of a bag hardly bigger than his head. or comic book. Based on a comic by Tsukasa Norton is outstanding too. It is a good length, Houjo, City Hunter was made because a and very well choreographed. The uniqueness The movie is absolutely perfectly executed, Japanese fan mentioned to Jackie Chan that he of this movie is that it had many different from script to direction to action. It really is looks like Ryo Saeba. So it is not a conventional types of action: Explosions, fights, good like watching a live manga book, or an anime, martial arts movie. This means that the movie gunplay, etc. Jackie brings the sexist, dumb, yet cool and laid would not only appeal to martial arts or Jackie back character of Ryu Saeba to life! Chan fans, it also appeals to fans of the manga Also the actress Joey Wang (A Chinese genre. Jackie knew because of this the film Ghost Story) who plays Carrie is excellent, The special Blu-ray features that Eureka would appeal to both Hong Kong and she was popular in Japan and appears as Entertainment give this movie are a limited Japanese audiences. Director Ryo Saeba’s exasperated assistant. This edition slipcase (First print run only), plus Wong Jing (Naked Killer and young woman brings the whole crazy, the film has been given a stunning 1080p God Of Gamblers!) absolutely childish, yet underlying love interest presentation from a brand new 2K restoration. crams the film with sight gags and for Saeba Ryo to the plot. The huge The original Cantonese mono audio track (also slapstick, all filmed in a bright mallet she strikes Jackie with during one available in 5.1 presentations) plus optional cartoon-like manner. sequence is actually something that has English and Mandarin audio tracks. Then appeared in the comic book. there are truly revealing interviews with Jackie The movie follows the antics Chan, director Wong Jing, stuntman and of private eye Ryu Saeba. In addition, Kumiko Goto who long-time member of Jackie Chan’s stunt team, While searching for a runaway was popular in Japan at the time Rocky Lai. Shizuko Imamura, the also appears in this movie. The daughter of a publishing all-star cast of Richard Norton, The two most interesting extras are called The tycoon, Ryu accidentally ends Gary Daniels, Leon Lai, and Jackie Chan Experience - an interview with up on a cruise ship hijacked Chingmy Yau are in the film to Richard Norton and Evolution of a Fighter by ruthless American appeal to global audiences. an interview with Gary Daniels. There is a criminals who take the outtake montage and a fantastic collector’s passengers hostage. City Hunter is played almost booklet featuring new writing on the film (First Assisted by his jealous entirely for laughs and manages to print run only). As with other Jackie Chan female assistant, the be consistently funny throughout releases from Eureka, they make this release runaway, two female while having more inventive ideas extra special and a true collectors masterpiece.

24 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 25 ProjectA Eureka Entertainment are now set to release their fourth Jackie Chan collection. This time it is Jackie Chan’s Project A and Project A 2. This pair of effortlessly entertaining action comedy adventures, on Blu- ray, are part of the Eureka Classics range and will be released on the 22 October 2018. Presented from brand new 2K restorations in a lavish Special Limited Edition 2-disc Hardbound Boxed Set.

Project A This an incredible movie and it is no wonder that Eureka Entertainment has chosen this film for the Masters of Cinema Jackie Chan Collection, it ranks up there with some of Jackie Chan’s best movies. It is not to be missed by any martial art-movie fan. The stunts performed in this movie are incredible.

Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Heung were all at the height of their considerable powers when this film was made and it shows. This blows just about every other martial arts film out of the water faster than any of San Pao’s pirates ever could. With humour, suspense and a half-decent plot thrown in to add to the blistering action.

The movie is set in late 19th Century Hong Kong the British may rule the land, but the pirates rule the waters. Reluctantly, the Coast Guard is given money to fight these pirates, but the pirates themselves have many contacts (that is, bribed officials) in the government, and seek to thwart the Coast Guard’s efforts to eliminate them. One Coast Guard officer is Dragon Ma, who is determined that his beloved Coast Guard will not be made fools of.

The humour translates well and three sequences stand out as some of the best action scenes ever put to film. The three being Jackie’s homage to silent comedy actor Harold Lloyd’s film Safety Last where Jackie falls from a clock tower, it is one of the most amazing daredevil feats put on film. The other two are the bonkers bike chase through increasingly narrow city streets, and the final showdown defeat of San Pao by Jackie, Yuen Biao and Sammo (with a little help from Mars and some wayward grenades). Some of the falls that Jackie’s opponents suffer, make you wonder how many people were injured while filming.

26 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 27 is after these revolutionaries, and anyone that stands in their way is in trouble, even if they are in the police force.

This second instalment to the very successful original was inevitable and this follow-up does not disappoint either. Although with the likes of Sammo Hung and Yuen Mao not returning it does leave a very big hole, but we know how well Jackie Chan can carry a film and that’s was he does with Part II. Chan again would star, co-write, and direct along with being the stunt coordinator. You know by now the stunts you see are Jackie leading the way in feats like the handcuffed chase, rotating cage and the climatic showdown with a falling frame, these reach the same great heights of his All we can previous stunts and then go a little bit higher. wish for in This has to be one of the ultimate Jackie Chan movies: the future is a super-fast paced journey of madcap martial arts, more of Jackie hilarious humour, all mixed together in a fine comedy- Chan’s films cum-adventure concoction with plenty going on to keep from Eureka the entertainment value high. Indeed, this film is so Entertainment relentless and high-octane that you barely find time to breathe while watching it; every second brings something at this quality fresh and exciting to the screen, every plot point seems and maybe original and intriguing. At this stage in his career, Jackie other martial knew exactly what the audience wanted and reached his arts classics cinematic peak of perfection with differing projects that to add to their all retained the same winning formula: comedy, action collection. They and danger, rolled into a fast and frenetic combination. have a created The Blue –Ray special features are rammed in this Special a fantastic Limited Edition Box Set, with original Cantonese audio tribute to a This was made at the pinnacle of Jackie Chan’s stunt tracks for both films (mono for Project A and stereo very talented career and is near impossible to better .If you only ever for Project A2), Restored 5.1 Cantonese and English Chinese actor see one Jackie Chan film see this one as it is truly unique, audio options optional English SDH subtitles. The discs prepare to be amazed. also contain a new video interview with Tony Rayns, the one and archival interview with Jackie Chan [30 mins]. Revealing only Jackie Project A 2 interviews with actor Lee Hoi San [22 mins], Yuen Biao Chan. Earlier in 1987, Jackie had brain surgery following [18 mins], Dick Wei [14 min), Michael Chan Wai-Man a disastrous fall in the filming of Armour of God. [20 mins], composer Michael Lai [17 mins], writer and This encouraged him to work on his next film close producer Edward Tang [30 mins], stuntman Anthony to home. This did not encourage him to stop risking Carpio [29 mins] and finally yet importantly stuntman his life and his stunt team for our amusement. What Mars [15 mins]. resulted is a smash hit at home that eclipsed the original in box office tallies. There is also an archival featurette called Someone Will Know Me [13 mins] Sequels are a capricious lot with most nowhere near the which includes interviews with stature of the original. Rarely do you find a sequel that is stuntmen Mars, Chris Lee considered better than the original, however some critics Kin-Sang and Rocky Lai. The have stated that Project A2 is better than the original. extras also boast alternate This movie is simply a brilliant example of Hong Kong outtakes for Project A from action cinema in the 1980s as well as Jackie’s own oeuvre. the Japanese version of the film and archival behind-the-scenes In this film, Dragon Ma Jackie( Chan) is back, having footage [24 mins] and the obligatory rid the seas of the dreaded Pirate Lo. Back on land, he deleted Scenes. The set is completed with a is assigned to the police force, where he is to clean up Box Set Exclusive collectors booklets for each film, corruption and crime in a local suburb. Along the way, featuring new essays, and archival content. he is caught up in the fate of several Chinese patriots attempting to secure sympathy and support for their Eureka have really done their homework on this one revolutionary cause. The Chinese Manchu government and again made a valued Jackie Chan collection.

26 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 27

Fighting Films

Bloody Spear Reviews at Mount Fuji The Spiritual Tomu Uchida’s Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji Boxer features remarkable subplots that add scope and depth to the main plot. The style of the film This film marks the film-directing debut is unique. The film focuses on a samurai who of Lau Kar Leung who had directed travels to Edo with his two servants. On their action scenes for most of Chang Cheh’s way, they meet many people and encounter martial arts epics up to that point. Fans great injustice. should not expect from this film a kung fu extravaganza along the lines of Lau’s This is a Japanese samurai road movie, a lot of later films, Challenge Of The Masters, the interaction and activity takes place in inns Executioners From Shaolin, The and city streets, very little on roads. Most of 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, Dirty Ho, the plot revolves around the samurai, whose Legendary Weapons Of Kung Fu and character reminds one of Yamanaka taking a 8-Diagram Pole Fighter. This one differs stand against society and paying the price. not only from Lau’s other films but from There are many great moments in the film, the standard Shaw Bros. martial arts The lead actress, Lin Chen Chi, is fiesty, which is as comedic in dialogue as it is in adventure in general. funny and quite beautiful, even when editing and tone. Daisuke Kato plays one dressed as a man. Perennial Kung Fu of the servants, and his sake drinking and This Lau Kar Leung film focuses on a con villains Fung Hak On and Lee Hoi San, philosophizing scenes are everyman humour at artist who uses Kung Fu to swindle villagers more familiar to viewers of Sammo its best. The playful looks, dialogue, and subtle for money by pretending to be possessed Hung’s films, attraction between the shamisen player and by angry gods. However, when bandits later are on hand Gonpachi (Chiezo Katoaka), lords sitting on a threaten the villagers he must use the same to provide busy highway to Edo shutting down traffic for skills for good. formidable a tea ceremony, and the lancer’s final battle all opposition to stick close to my memory. The film captures numerous details of the hero. everyday life in small-town China 100 No other post-war Samurai film years ago and appears to have been shot in This is a classic that you may have seen does Taiwan, far from the familiar backlot of the Shaw brothers this kind of action, comedy, and Shaw Bros., Hong Kong studio where Lau Kung Fu film with drama as entertainingly. A great shot most of his films. There is an elaborate all the colour and action, social philosophical, Kung Fu finale with lead actorW ang Yu action of the time. Samurai movie. which is a delight to the senses. Eric Luck Peter Johnson

30 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 31 Mohawk Of Gods and Operation Mohawk is a really good Movie. Warriors Red Sea It is very violent and brutal (not This movie takes the viewer into Hong Kong director Dante Lam, recommended for Children). the world of the Norse, the world his Hong Kong team collaborated However, what makes this film of the Vikings, and a very tough with mainland Chinese compelling is its depiction of world it looks too. It’s a journey filmmakers in this blockbuster Avengers Grimm: American soldiers in the war of showing a vision of what real war action film. It easily exceeds Time Wars 1812. It was, arguably, a very cynical Viking life was like it shows just the War Wolf series that was This is modern retake on the and exploitative war which did not how tough it must have been. It the top Asian box office hit film Grimm world, incorporating see the best of a young America, shows it with a sense beauty, in franchise in film history. a more intimate way, taking us Lewis Carol tales. Not only are that is echoed in the depiction of The film focuses on PLA Navy with a small set of characters and the story arcs a little fresher, but each American character with a Marine Corps, who launch a allowing us to see into their lives also the ensemble despite Alice’s hint of ugliness and griminess that hostage rescue operation in the and how events affect them and obvious grandiosity from her low is both artistically driven yet also fictional Republic of Ihwea and those very close to them. self-esteem- have seemed to relax completely believable and realistic. undergo a fierce battle with rebels and work well together. The film is set late in the War of The movie is about a Viking and terrorists. Princess is forced to flee her The Horror action Fairy story 1812, a young Mohawk woman Operation Red Sea is a kingdom after being framed for picks up the threads of when and her two lovers battle a squad remarkable film. It describes the the murder of her father, the Rumpelstiltskin tries to take of American soldiers hell-bent war scene by a realistic approach, King. Under the guidance of the over Earth for the last time, The on revenge. which many people feel too God Odin, she travels the world Avengers Grimm must track bloody after watching the movie. The movie gets very bloody at gaining wisdom and building the him down through time in order However, the modern war is times. But throughout the hunt, army she needs to win back her to defeat him. so brutal that it cannot escape we are mostly focused on the throne. The writing is good, effects are Americans rather than Oak and the fate of the heroic sacrifice improving, some of the editing Joshua and Calvin. As such, we The film is well paced and even if the cruelty of the war is could be a bit tighter and finally get to see them interact privately entertaining. It is also well masked. It is [about] an ordinary the props and costume are always in a way that drops their initial written and directed and the person, after all, not a Hollywood fun to see. Having the Direction bravado and humanizes them in director of Photography, Sara superman. Deanethe (Hard Boiled separate to the Writing was a wise a way, this makes their continued It reflects the Chinese national Sweets) does a magnificent job choice for the sequel, giving more actions the more gruesome for defence concept and the main of filming the movie. life to the film as a whole, without their brutality. duties and responsibilities of taking anything away from Mr. They are not inherently evil, yet The action set pieces are also top the military in peacetime now. Inman’s first chapter. they are doing some inherently notch with great choreography in Some people have questioned the The film has a lot of dialogue evil acts, and it is clearly affecting the sword battles, but also with validity of saving a few hostages and references to past classical them all on a psychological level. scenes involving one of the most at the expense of special troops’ fantasies. Amidst the to and fro Even Oak and her group find disturbing hand weapons you will lives. Whether in the movie or of the action some actors get themselves becoming hardened have seen in a film for a while. in reality, the military will do so. This is to safeguard people’s lives into their characters better to the bloodshed, but not in a way This is a spectacular film with a and property, but also to defend than others. If you know and that really crosses over into that brilliant performance by Anna the responsibility and honour of like the fantasy classics, with realm of “darkness” that could Demetriou. The director of this an army. added action then you may metaphorically push a man to film is a genius because despite enjoy this movie. become a beast. the small resources they have If you love war movies and Peter Johnson The Characters were very created a masterpiece. Worth Chinese film making this film is interesting, so is the story. The seeing especially if you like great viewing. film is highly recommended, if Viking stories. Eric Luck you are looking for a film based Peter Johnson on actual events. Peter Johnson 30 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 31 ‘Once Upon a Time’ for Bruce Yes, we are back bringing Mike Moh has been cast as the iconic martial artist Bruce Lee in you news and reviews of Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which everything Bruce Lee and is centred around the 1969 Charles Manson murders. Jeet Kune Do. We are back in print, and it’s great to Mike Moh is a martial artist and actor, his first of Death, which was released posthumously have our own column again, break in to films was inJackie Chan’s movie in 1978. He also had all her attackers The reaching out to the whole Robin-B-Hood and has appeared as Ryu in the Crazy 88s wear iconic Kato masks as worn by world. We welcome all past Streetfighter internet movies Assassin’s Fist Bruce in The Green Hornet. and new readers to enjoy our and Resurrection plus recently he has had a Jun Fan Journal. role in Marvels TV series Inhumans, this is The official synopsis for the film reads: his first big–budget film. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a story The magazine is bi-monthly, so for that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at other updates, and information Moh honoured Lee in YouTube videos and the height of hippy Hollywood. The two from events to offers we are also in a tweet on the 45th anniversary of Lee’s lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo online thanks to World of Martial death. He tweeted: “It’s been 45 years since DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, Arts Television, www.woma. this man passed. #Bruce lee has inspired me and his long-time stunt double Cliff Booth tv the digital home of World of in so many ways... Martial arts, acting, his (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in Martial Arts Magazine. philosophies on life. But look at the loving a Hollywood they do not recognise anymore. way he looked at his children. I know the exact However, Rick has a very famous next-door This issue we update you on the new feeling he felt. RIP Bruce. Walk on.” neighbour... Sharon Tate.” revamped Legend of Bruce Lee broadcast on the China Hour in UK It is expected that the feature will explore Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will be and Europe, plus how Bruce appears Lee’s interaction with Sharon Tate, (played released on the 26 July 2019, to coincide with in a new Quentin Tarantino. by Margot Robbie) as he was the fight the 50th anniversary of the murders. Finally the fantastic, collectable, director in The Wrecking Crew starring magnificent Seven books on Bruce Dean Martin as superspy Matt Helm. Tate’s Lee that have been released from murder was the most famous of the Manson Eastern Heroes this year. family’s attacks and took place in August 1969. In addition, for a short time after Tate’s See you next issue. murder, her husband Roman Polanski Walk on wrongly believed that Lee might have been Andrew Staton and responsible for the killings. Kieran Clarkin. Tarantino has been a long- time Lee fan. In his 2003 action, film Kill Bill: Volume 1, he famously dressed Uma Thurman in a similar yellow jumpsuit to the iconic one piece that Lee wore during his uncompleted movie Game

JunJournalFan 32 WOMA Magazine Eastern 7 Eastern Heroes started back in 1988 as a Fanzine offering news and updates on all Asian Martial Arts stars.

In 1989, Ricky Baker collaborated with Toby Russell to form Eastern Heroes and the company flourished into the No. 1 source for Martial Arts Cinema. Since then they have published books, organized over 70 events and brought many stars over to the UK including Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Chow Yun Fatt, Gordon Lui, John Woo and more recently The Legend gets a re-boot Hwang Jung lee.

The Legend of Bruce Lee is to be shown on the new UK Freeview After an absence of ten years Eastern Heroes showcase channel. This re-edited version, reduced from the 50- recently regrouped and launched a new issue hour version to a more action packed 30-hour collection, is an of ‘Eastern Heroes Magazine’ which debuted enjoyable watch. in November 2014 at London’s O2 Seni Arena attended by Hwang Jung lee and Scott Adkins. The Show was first aired 2008 in Kevin Sui, Controller China Hour China, the original series was a 50 UK informed us that The Legend of In 2015, they launched a new online shop and episode biographical drama based on Bruce Lee was first aired in the UK on organized more events including a special day the real life of Bruce Lee. This in- Sky TV starting 25th December 2017. in London to mark Bruce Lee’s 75th Birthday. depth dramatization was then edited It was shown then as part of the China Although the site deals with all Hong Kong down to 30 episodes for its UK TV Hour programme slot on the Showcase martial arts stars, the Bruce Lee area is the premiere. It stars Danny Chan (Bruce Channel (Sky 212, now 455). most popular and to this end the company is Lee, Shoalin soccer) and American always creating a range of very limited exclusive actress Michelle Lang (as Lee’s wife, The China Hour is a dedicated slot merchandise in co-operation with the talented Linda), and other famous martial arts about China on Sky channel 192 Steve Kerridge, already regarded as the world’s actors including Mark Dacascos and 455 featuring documentaries, leading historian on Bruce Lee. (Crying Freeman), Gary Daniels TV dramas, animation and Chinese (Expendables, Fist of The North Star) language learning programming. In 2018, there has been no let up to this creativity and Ray Park (Star Wars Episode 1). China Hour was launched in and Steve has produced seven of the best books, October 2016 and so far has attracted we bring these to your attention, as some are It took China Central Television millions of viewers, online too, across now in short supply and if you are interested do (CCTV), the national broadcaster of the UK and Europe. not delay in purchasing these informative and China, nine months to shoot the full collectable Bruce Lee products endorsed by the series on a budget of 50 million Chinese When the China Hour first launched Bruce Lee estate. Yuan (£4.2 million) which was a sizeable the series a Ford Mustang was used amount ten years ago. to promote the programmes, which 1. Bruce Lee: A Photographic Retrospective was close to the yellow Boss Mustang 2. Bruce Lee: The Singapore Connection To make the series more authentic, Bruce Lee owned. 3. Restored Hong Kong Magazine CCTV also invited Bruce Lee’s daughter 4. The Kato Show: Limited Edition Book Shannon Lee to join the production The next repeat on Sky Channel 5. Way Of The Dragon Magazine as an executive producer. It was filmed 192 will be from September 18th 6. Bruce Lee Mandarin: Superstar Booklet in many places like Shunde in China’s Tuesday 8pm and every Tuesday 7. Bruce Lee: Mandarin Superstar The Book Guangdong province where Lee’s evening for 30 weeks. Unfortunately, ancestors were from. In addition it is no longer on Freeview Connected A more in-depth review of these books next issue, they featured locations in Service, the Sky internet TV, however until then check out easternheroes.com for America, where Lee was born, as it remains available on YouTube: more information. well as Hong Kong, Thailand, https://youtu.be/bxgFM-NLM4Y Macau and Italy. anywhere in the world. www.woma.tv 33 Article: Chris Kent Website: www.ckjkd.com Bruce lee’s martial arts background (circa 1959-1963) Chris Kent looks into the age-old, and controversial statement, Based upon recollections from Jesse Glover: “Bruce Lee’s martial art has been made up from other arts.” Arts Bruce learned prior to coming to the United States: • Hung (learned in Hong Kong from a friend of his father’s) • Tai Chi Ch’uan (learned a little bit from his father) • Wing Chun (learned from Yip Man with additional instruction from senior students, JeetKuneDo Wong Shen Leung and William Cheung) • Chinese Ju-Jitsu (joint & wrist locks) Forms Bruce learned: Investigated • Praying Mantis (taught to him by Fook Young at Seattle’s Chinese Youth Club) • Southern Mantis (perhaps the same as above The ‘26 Arts’ of Jun Fan Gung Fu? -- this was the form he used most often during Gung Fu demonstrations in Seattle) Q: I have read in numerous sources that Jun Fan Gung Fu is comprised of 26 different martial • Wing Chun’s Sil Lum Tao (Bruce emphasized arts, including Wing Chun. Is this true and if so, how did Bruce Lee study so many arts? that it should be learned in three parts) • Yang Long Form Tai Chi Ch’uan (108 A: No, that is actually a misperception. Let me explain… movements, taught to him by either his father in Hong Kong or by Fook Young in Seattle) ruce Lee had a deep and In addition, Bruce’s brother, Peter, was a If you look at Jesse’s list and the list • Wing Chun Wooden Dummy Form (Bruce spent 2-4 hours a day practicing the wooden abiding interest in martial champion fencer, which gave him some that appears in the Appendix of the dummy form) arts. As a young man, he initial exposure to that art. Moreover, in aforementioned book, you will note they loved the rich martial high school Bruce competed in a western are very similar. And if you count the arts Styles that held Bruce’s traditions, legends, and boxing tournament and won, giving him on the list from Jesse you’ll come up with interest in 1960: Bfolklore of the Chinese martial arts. He was exposure to that art as well. the number ‘26’. In the years following • Tai Chi (the one that impressed Bruce most in aware of many styles of gung Fu while he was Lee’s passing, some people for whatever terms of its beauty and grace) • Northern Mantis growing up in Hong Kong and intrigued with There were some Gung Fu forms that he reason, mistakenly assumed that all these • Eagle Claw (Bruce admired its flexibility) the many different famous masters and the learned (and often performed them during arts were either part of Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan • Pa Kua (Ba Gua?) skills they were supposed to have possessed. demonstrations). There were gung Fu Gung Fu or somehow an influence in his • Monkey Despite the fact that he was training in the styles and martial art methods that held his martial development, when in fact most • Northern Mantis (admired its smooth kicks) Wing Chun system, he nevertheless had a interest in the late 1950’s thru early 1960’s. of them played little or no meaningful role • Jeet Kune keen interest in being exposed to different And there were Gung Fu styles that he read at all. Therefore, it would be inaccurate • Choy Li Fut forms of gung Fu and learning about them. about it in books he collected. to say that all these arts comprise Jun Fan • Mongolian Wrestling (Chinese Ju-Jitsu) • Savate (side thrust kick) Part of his study involved collecting pictures Gung Fu, or that Bruce Lee investigated, • Fencing (lunge strike) of various arts such as Praying Mantis In the mid-1990’s, Bruce Lee historian John dissected and analysed all of them. • Judo (throws) (Northern) Eagle Claw, Crane, etc., which he Little spoke at-length with Bruce Lee’s first • Boxing put in scrapbooks. student, Jesse Glover, about Lee and his What martial art systems and styles • Wrestling martial arts background. Jesse met Bruce Lee assessed for strengths, weaknesses, * Also interested in Chinese medicine In Appendix 1 in Vol. 2 of the Bruce Lee in 1959, trained with Bruce for three years and ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ are written in his Martial arts styles that Bruce Library Series – The Tao of Gung Fu of private one-on-one instruction, and Commentaries on the Martial Way notes bought books on: (pg. 186-187) one can see a list pertaining continued to see Bruce for three years after which have been published in Vol. 3 of • Southern Mantis to Bruce Lee’s background at the time he dropping out of Bruce’s “formal” classes. The Bruce Lee Library Series by Tuttle • Eagle Claw wrote his first book: Chinese Gung Fu - The following material from that interview Publishing. However, a number of • Dragon The Philosophical Art of Self-Defence. (opposite) helps paint a clear picture of the arts listed, such as Aikido, Kendo, • Tai Chi Ch’uan Appendix 3 (pg. 192-198) shows images from Bruce’s martial art interests and studies. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, etc., he did not • Choy Li Fut Bruce Lee’s “Gung Fu” scrapbook which practice at all. • Hsing-I seminar dates • Sil Lum show different styles of gung fu and various When asked what Bruce Lee taught him, USA Training Center • Pa-Kua actions. In addition, on pages 150-162 of the Jesse Glover replied… I would suggest that anyone sincerely Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do • Hung (Gar?) same book contains his ideas and opinions “He taught me techniques from 3015 W. State St. Boise, Idaho 83703 interested in Bruce’s martial development • Chinese ju-jitsu (book sent from his Hung dealing with Traditions and Histories of Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Tai take a closer look at the material in these UK Seminar teacher in Hong Kong) Chinese Gung Fu, including more images Chi, Ba Gwa, Eagle Claw, Hung Gar as well as other books about Jun Fan Date: 6th & 7th of October, • Poison Hands (Dim Mak) from his scrapbooks. and the Tiger.” Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do. n Venue: J udo Club, Great Part Street, Wellingborough, Northants. • Karate Time: 11 a.m. to 4p.m both days 34 WOMA Magazine Further details call Andy Gibney on 01536 513715 www.woma.tv 35 Article: Chris Kent Website: www.ckjkd.com Bruce lee’s martial arts background (circa 1959-1963) Chris Kent looks into the age-old, and controversial statement, Based upon recollections from Jesse Glover: “Bruce Lee’s martial art has been made up from other arts.” Arts Bruce learned prior to coming to the United States: • Hung (learned in Hong Kong from a friend of his father’s) • Tai Chi Ch’uan (learned a little bit from his father) • Wing Chun (learned from Yip Man with additional instruction from senior students, JeetKuneDo Wong Shen Leung and William Cheung) • Chinese Ju-Jitsu (joint & wrist locks) Forms Bruce learned: Investigated • Praying Mantis (taught to him by Fook Young at Seattle’s Chinese Youth Club) • Southern Mantis (perhaps the same as above The ‘26 Arts’ of Jun Fan Gung Fu? -- this was the form he used most often during Gung Fu demonstrations in Seattle) Q: I have read in numerous sources that Jun Fan Gung Fu is comprised of 26 different martial • Wing Chun’s Sil Lum Tao (Bruce emphasized arts, including Wing Chun. Is this true and if so, how did Bruce Lee study so many arts? that it should be learned in three parts) • Yang Long Form Tai Chi Ch’uan (108 A: No, that is actually a misperception. Let me explain… movements, taught to him by either his father in Hong Kong or by Fook Young in Seattle) ruce Lee had a deep and In addition, Bruce’s brother, Peter, was a If you look at Jesse’s list and the list • Wing Chun Wooden Dummy Form (Bruce spent 2-4 hours a day practicing the wooden abiding interest in martial champion fencer, which gave him some that appears in the Appendix of the dummy form) arts. As a young man, he initial exposure to that art. Moreover, in aforementioned book, you will note they loved the rich martial high school Bruce competed in a western are very similar. And if you count the arts Styles that held Bruce’s traditions, legends, and boxing tournament and won, giving him on the list from Jesse you’ll come up with interest in 1960: Bfolklore of the Chinese martial arts. He was exposure to that art as well. the number ‘26’. In the years following • Tai Chi (the one that impressed Bruce most in aware of many styles of gung Fu while he was Lee’s passing, some people for whatever terms of its beauty and grace) • Northern Mantis growing up in Hong Kong and intrigued with There were some Gung Fu forms that he reason, mistakenly assumed that all these • Eagle Claw (Bruce admired its flexibility) the many different famous masters and the learned (and often performed them during arts were either part of Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan • Pa Kua (Ba Gua?) skills they were supposed to have possessed. demonstrations). There were gung Fu Gung Fu or somehow an influence in his • Monkey Despite the fact that he was training in the styles and martial art methods that held his martial development, when in fact most • Northern Mantis (admired its smooth kicks) Wing Chun system, he nevertheless had a interest in the late 1950’s thru early 1960’s. of them played little or no meaningful role • Jeet Kune keen interest in being exposed to different And there were Gung Fu styles that he read at all. Therefore, it would be inaccurate • Choy Li Fut forms of gung Fu and learning about them. about it in books he collected. to say that all these arts comprise Jun Fan • Mongolian Wrestling (Chinese Ju-Jitsu) • Savate (side thrust kick) Part of his study involved collecting pictures Gung Fu, or that Bruce Lee investigated, • Fencing (lunge strike) of various arts such as Praying Mantis In the mid-1990’s, Bruce Lee historian John dissected and analysed all of them. • Judo (throws) (Northern) Eagle Claw, Crane, etc., which he Little spoke at-length with Bruce Lee’s first • Boxing put in scrapbooks. student, Jesse Glover, about Lee and his What martial art systems and styles • Wrestling martial arts background. Jesse met Bruce Lee assessed for strengths, weaknesses, * Also interested in Chinese medicine In Appendix 1 in Vol. 2 of the Bruce Lee in 1959, trained with Bruce for three years and ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ are written in his Martial arts styles that Bruce Library Series – The Tao of Gung Fu of private one-on-one instruction, and Commentaries on the Martial Way notes bought books on: (pg. 186-187) one can see a list pertaining continued to see Bruce for three years after which have been published in Vol. 3 of • Southern Mantis to Bruce Lee’s background at the time he dropping out of Bruce’s “formal” classes. The Bruce Lee Library Series by Tuttle • Eagle Claw wrote his first book: Chinese Gung Fu - The following material from that interview Publishing. However, a number of • Dragon The Philosophical Art of Self-Defence. (opposite) helps paint a clear picture of the arts listed, such as Aikido, Kendo, • Tai Chi Ch’uan Appendix 3 (pg. 192-198) shows images from Bruce’s martial art interests and studies. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, etc., he did not • Choy Li Fut Bruce Lee’s “Gung Fu” scrapbook which practice at all. • Hsing-I seminar dates • Sil Lum show different styles of gung fu and various When asked what Bruce Lee taught him, USA Training Center • Pa-Kua actions. In addition, on pages 150-162 of the Jesse Glover replied… I would suggest that anyone sincerely Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do • Hung (Gar?) same book contains his ideas and opinions “He taught me techniques from 3015 W. State St. Boise, Idaho 83703 interested in Bruce’s martial development • Chinese ju-jitsu (book sent from his Hung dealing with Traditions and Histories of Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Tai take a closer look at the material in these UK Seminar teacher in Hong Kong) Chinese Gung Fu, including more images Chi, Ba Gwa, Eagle Claw, Hung Gar as well as other books about Jun Fan Date: 6th & 7th of October, • Poison Hands (Dim Mak) from his scrapbooks. and the Tiger.” Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do. n Venue: J udo Club, Great Part Street, Wellingborough, Northants. • Karate Time: 11 a.m. to 4p.m both days 34 WOMA Magazine Further details call Andy Gibney on 01536 513715 www.woma.tv 35 Article: John B Will Photographs: ©John B Will

For those who are coming to grappling from the striking arts (as I did some 30 years ago), there are a few things to be aware of before you start. In fact, my own foray into the world of BJJ, could have BJJ been a little easier if I had been made aware of these things. things you need to y own introduction to BJJ left know before starting me somewhat frustrated; 5 and perhaps more than a little ‘freaked out’. When Speed Limits Tapping like an we limit ourselves to ‘stand The pace is different; particularly when you are starting out. Irish dancer up’M sparring/fighting, traits like mental toughness, athleticism and ‘grit’ can play a large part in the Stand-up fighting needs to be fast and explosive – ground-fighting You will need to learn how to ‘concede’ the fight – by ‘tapping outcome. Grappling however, particularly BJJ, is less does not. Because there is so much connection and friction out’. This is mandatory if you want to avoid serious injury. reliant on such traits, and technical excellence plays a between the two people wrestling, the pace is much slower than It will seem foreign at first; but eventually you will come to much larger role. So my early experience of BJJ, was the typical stand-up sparring session. We rely much, much more understand that it is all part of the game. If you go surfing, this – a highly motivated, athletic, mentally tough on our kinesthetic sense (our feel) than our eyesight. Different! you’ll need to learn to fall off your board, survive the ‘dumping’, individual could be completely dominated by a get back on, paddle out and have another go – and so it is with relaxed, un-athletic, weaker, smaller, individual grappling. You will need to tap, in the beginning, you might who was skilled in BJJ. This was somewhat Too close for comfort find yourself doing so multiple times, and at every session. It’s of a revelation on the martial arts landscape Things are closer, way, way closer. The distance we are used to not a problem. Different! – and has almost certainly underpinned the in stand-up fighting is now gone; it doesn’t exist; much of the phenomenal growth the art continues to enjoy. grappling dynamic occurs at ‘zero-space’ range. So movement and mobility are now a very, very different experience. This also means, Complexity is your So, if you come from a Karate, TKD, Kickboxing, there’s no ‘running around’ – in short, you cannot hide. Different! new friend Kung Fu, or similar kind of background – you There is a complexity to BJJ that is perhaps analogous to need to understand that BJJ is very, very different. There will be an chess. It has been said, many times, that BJJ is like chess not And because it is different you need to approach checkers. At first, this complexity might be off-putting; in it very differently than other kinds of training. outcome that the landscape seems overly complicated. There are too Just because you are a good runner doesn’t Often, there will be a clear winner and a loser; at many positions to learn, too many pathways between these mean you are adept at swimming; it least much more often than is the case with stand- positions and an endless and ever-evolving swag of techniques; requires a different kind of training, a up sparring (where both people can walk away thousands of techniques. But what might be off-putting at the completely different type of approach. thinking they have won). On the ground, the goal beginning will be the exact thing that keeps you there for years is to control and submit the opponent. If you to come. I have often said ‘it was the simplicity that got me Here are some things to know, ‘tap’ out to a submission – you lose! If you there – but the complexity that kept me there’. You will never before you start: submit your partner – you win! There are be bored practicing BJJ. It is such a broad landscape that it is clear outcomes. Different! impossible to get your head around it, as a beginner. Different!

I wish I had have gone into my first dozen BJJ classes, knowing these things. If I had, I would not have experienced the same level of frustration and confusion. BJJ is not a ‘Ground Karate’; it is as different from stand up, striking-based martial arts as swimming is from bike-riding. It is a totally new and different game – and it should be approached as such.

Enjoy the adventure; put your expectations to one side and immerse yourself in the new. BJJ might just offer you the opportunity to re-invent yourself as a martial artist – and perhaps even, as a person. The adventure awaits. n

36 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 37 Article: John B Will Photographs: ©John B Will

For those who are coming to grappling from the striking arts (as I did some 30 years ago), there are a few things to be aware of before you start. In fact, my own foray into the world of BJJ, could have BJJ been a little easier if I had been made aware of these things. things you need to y own introduction to BJJ left know before starting me somewhat frustrated; 5 and perhaps more than a little ‘freaked out’. When Speed Limits Tapping like an we limit ourselves to ‘stand The pace is different; particularly when you are starting out. Irish dancer up’M sparring/fighting, traits like mental toughness, athleticism and ‘grit’ can play a large part in the Stand-up fighting needs to be fast and explosive – ground-fighting You will need to learn how to ‘concede’ the fight – by ‘tapping outcome. Grappling however, particularly BJJ, is less does not. Because there is so much connection and friction out’. This is mandatory if you want to avoid serious injury. reliant on such traits, and technical excellence plays a between the two people wrestling, the pace is much slower than It will seem foreign at first; but eventually you will come to much larger role. So my early experience of BJJ, was the typical stand-up sparring session. We rely much, much more understand that it is all part of the game. If you go surfing, this – a highly motivated, athletic, mentally tough on our kinesthetic sense (our feel) than our eyesight. Different! you’ll need to learn to fall off your board, survive the ‘dumping’, individual could be completely dominated by a get back on, paddle out and have another go – and so it is with relaxed, un-athletic, weaker, smaller, individual grappling. You will need to tap, in the beginning, you might who was skilled in BJJ. This was somewhat Too close for comfort find yourself doing so multiple times, and at every session. It’s of a revelation on the martial arts landscape Things are closer, way, way closer. The distance we are used to not a problem. Different! – and has almost certainly underpinned the in stand-up fighting is now gone; it doesn’t exist; much of the phenomenal growth the art continues to enjoy. grappling dynamic occurs at ‘zero-space’ range. So movement and mobility are now a very, very different experience. This also means, Complexity is your So, if you come from a Karate, TKD, Kickboxing, there’s no ‘running around’ – in short, you cannot hide. Different! new friend Kung Fu, or similar kind of background – you There is a complexity to BJJ that is perhaps analogous to need to understand that BJJ is very, very different. There will be an chess. It has been said, many times, that BJJ is like chess not And because it is different you need to approach checkers. At first, this complexity might be off-putting; in it very differently than other kinds of training. outcome that the landscape seems overly complicated. There are too Just because you are a good runner doesn’t Often, there will be a clear winner and a loser; at many positions to learn, too many pathways between these mean you are adept at swimming; it least much more often than is the case with stand- positions and an endless and ever-evolving swag of techniques; requires a different kind of training, a up sparring (where both people can walk away thousands of techniques. But what might be off-putting at the completely different type of approach. thinking they have won). On the ground, the goal beginning will be the exact thing that keeps you there for years is to control and submit the opponent. If you to come. I have often said ‘it was the simplicity that got me Here are some things to know, ‘tap’ out to a submission – you lose! If you there – but the complexity that kept me there’. You will never before you start: submit your partner – you win! There are be bored practicing BJJ. It is such a broad landscape that it is clear outcomes. Different! impossible to get your head around it, as a beginner. Different!

I wish I had have gone into my first dozen BJJ classes, knowing these things. If I had, I would not have experienced the same level of frustration and confusion. BJJ is not a ‘Ground Karate’; it is as different from stand up, striking-based martial arts as swimming is from bike-riding. It is a totally new and different game – and it should be approached as such.

Enjoy the adventure; put your expectations to one side and immerse yourself in the new. BJJ might just offer you the opportunity to re-invent yourself as a martial artist – and perhaps even, as a person. The adventure awaits. n

36 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 37 Article: Robert H. Hardin Master Steven Miller demonstrates the power Photographs: ©Robert Hardin of the sidekick by breaking 7 boards.

Importance of Mass and Velocity The following example is offered to explain the scientific principles that the taekwondo student can relate to everyday techniques.

KINETIC ENERGY = 1/2MV2 Where M = MASS V = Velocity expressed as ft./sec. Note: Mass is expressed in How To Use Mass and SLUGS = 1lb./(ft./sec.2) Velocity To Develop Technique? To equate mass with weight in lbs., one must divide the weight by 32 because Every detail, every motion, and every 32ft./sec.2 is the gravitational force maneuver must contribute either to the exerted by the earth on a body. Thus, the mass or to the velocity in a technique. By mass of a man whose weight is 160lbs. knowing which part contributes mass is 160/32 = 5 slugs. and which part serves the velocity we can emphasize all detail and focus our efforts to The force (kinetic energy) of a sidekick the proper side of the equation. that has a weight of 30lbs and travels 3ft. in 1/5 sec. = For example: in a step-punch series, the ½ (30/32) x (3/.2)2 = 105.5ft. lbs. mass is enhanced by… 1. The twist of the punching hand at Power = time rate of doing work, expressed the right time bringing into play as horsepower. One horsepower was more muscle groups determined as the amount of work (load 2. The rebound force of the stepping pulled) by a horse in one minute = 330 foot The Role of Kinetic Energy lbs. lifted 100 ft. or 33,000 ft. lbs. per 3. Your body weight minute or 550 ft. lbs. per sec. Power is also 4. Your relative muscular strength in Taekwondo and other Striking Arts expressed in watts where one horsepower is equal to 746 watts. While velocity is increased by… While most techniques have common 1. Vectoring of the body motion properties, many have their own intricacies and Therefore, in the above example, the forward with the arm speed devices. However, all are totally reliant on mass and sidekick’s power is 105.5 ft. lbs. in 1/5 sec. 2. Relaxation velocity to produce power. or 527.5 ft lbs./sec or 0.96 horsepower or 3. Breath control 716.2 watts. Here Robert H. Hardin, 9th Degree Black Belt, takes you While most techniques have common one step closer to the unattainable “perfect” technique by By varying the factors, the formula shows properties, many have their own intricacies explaining the scientific principles of ballistics. us that doubling the mass while the velocity and devices. However, all are totally reliant remains the same DOUBLES the power, on mass and velocity to produce power. n the never-ending quest to perfect one’s but doubling the velocity while the mass technique, an understanding of the scientific remains the same QUADRUPLES the power! In conclusion, all component parts principles of ballistics is necessary. If taekwondo is of all techniques must fall on one side the art of striking, then an exact definition of the term Obviously, it is not necessary to compute or the other of the formula for kinetic “to strike” is needed. Briefly, a strike is the direct application the power of all techniques in order to be energy, and by knowing to which side ofI kinetic energy to a target of one’s choosing, causing displacement of that same a functional practitioner, but the above each part contributes, we are able to target. Further, kinetic energy is the result of mass and velocity combined and example should merely emphasize the take one step closer to the unattainable can be accurately measured and predicted. importance of mass and velocity. “perfect” technique. n

38 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 39 Article: Robert H. Hardin Master Steven Miller demonstrates the power Photographs: ©Robert Hardin of the sidekick by breaking 7 boards.

Importance of Mass and Velocity The following example is offered to explain the scientific principles that the taekwondo student can relate to everyday techniques.

KINETIC ENERGY = 1/2MV2 Where M = MASS V = Velocity expressed as ft./sec. Note: Mass is expressed in How To Use Mass and SLUGS = 1lb./(ft./sec.2) Velocity To Develop Technique? To equate mass with weight in lbs., one must divide the weight by 32 because Every detail, every motion, and every 32ft./sec.2 is the gravitational force maneuver must contribute either to the exerted by the earth on a body. Thus, the mass or to the velocity in a technique. By mass of a man whose weight is 160lbs. knowing which part contributes mass is 160/32 = 5 slugs. and which part serves the velocity we can emphasize all detail and focus our efforts to The force (kinetic energy) of a sidekick the proper side of the equation. that has a weight of 30lbs and travels 3ft. in 1/5 sec. = For example: in a step-punch series, the ½ (30/32) x (3/.2)2 = 105.5ft. lbs. mass is enhanced by… 1. The twist of the punching hand at Power = time rate of doing work, expressed the right time bringing into play as horsepower. One horsepower was more muscle groups determined as the amount of work (load 2. The rebound force of the stepping pulled) by a horse in one minute = 330 foot The Role of Kinetic Energy lbs. lifted 100 ft. or 33,000 ft. lbs. per 3. Your body weight minute or 550 ft. lbs. per sec. Power is also 4. Your relative muscular strength in Taekwondo and other Striking Arts expressed in watts where one horsepower is equal to 746 watts. While velocity is increased by… While most techniques have common 1. Vectoring of the body motion properties, many have their own intricacies and Therefore, in the above example, the forward with the arm speed devices. However, all are totally reliant on mass and sidekick’s power is 105.5 ft. lbs. in 1/5 sec. 2. Relaxation velocity to produce power. or 527.5 ft lbs./sec or 0.96 horsepower or 3. Breath control 716.2 watts. Here Robert H. Hardin, 9th Degree Black Belt, takes you While most techniques have common one step closer to the unattainable “perfect” technique by By varying the factors, the formula shows properties, many have their own intricacies explaining the scientific principles of ballistics. us that doubling the mass while the velocity and devices. However, all are totally reliant remains the same DOUBLES the power, on mass and velocity to produce power. n the never-ending quest to perfect one’s but doubling the velocity while the mass technique, an understanding of the scientific remains the same QUADRUPLES the power! In conclusion, all component parts principles of ballistics is necessary. If taekwondo is of all techniques must fall on one side the art of striking, then an exact definition of the term Obviously, it is not necessary to compute or the other of the formula for kinetic “to strike” is needed. Briefly, a strike is the direct application the power of all techniques in order to be energy, and by knowing to which side ofI kinetic energy to a target of one’s choosing, causing displacement of that same a functional practitioner, but the above each part contributes, we are able to target. Further, kinetic energy is the result of mass and velocity combined and example should merely emphasize the take one step closer to the unattainable can be accurately measured and predicted. importance of mass and velocity. “perfect” technique. n

38 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 39 Article: Bob Jones Bob Jones adapting Hiji Shime (Wake Gatame) Photographs: ©Bob Jones against Mick Pratt and Adrian Tipling. This straight-arm lock focuses the energy of the technique on one point of the opponent’s body, their elbow joint.

movement. Aikido therefore followed a similar development to Judo, Aikido has evolved from a long history Karate and Kendo all derived from and tradition of Japanese combat. It is earlier arts and having a number of a collection of linked practise regimes influences. based on the need for differing outcomes. This article will investigate the different Under Ueshiba, Aikido training focussed on four main elements; forms of Aikido and look at the influences Taiiku (physical), the development of on present day practice. physique produced through practise, Kiiku (spiritual), to cultivate the power of the inner spirit, Toku iku (moral), to keep the mind pure and clear and Chi iku (wisdom), the development of the mind through the practise of harmony.

“The meaning of Aikido should Rule Focussed Outcome can readily be made to ensure that a become apparent through Aikido like other martial arts change over Morihei Ueshiba Sokaku Takeda Onisaburo Deguchi technique may be performed effectively. practise.” time. There can be several influences This ability to adapt, makes Aikido an within this aspect, for example Judo extremely flexible martial art, suitable Intended Outcome technique has been altered following for all ages, genders, shapes and sizes. Aikido is subject to more influences its introduction into the Olympics. This (Above) Techniques are differentiated for than other martial arts because of the worldwide standardisation of rules and individual practice with a “Physiological individual nature of the techniques. They the focus on Randori, has undoubtedly Focus” in mind. Evolving may be adapted to the physical and mental affected how techniques are taught and attributes of each individual, so become performed. The same process is occurring Ideological Focus unique to each Aikidoka. Evolving Aikido in Tomiki (Sport) Aikido today. “Rule The development of Aikido can be technique is fundamental to producing Focussed Outcome” is a determining influenced by organisations with a desire an intended outcome. The differing styles factor imposing new approaches to meet to differentiate their practice driven by respond to “need” some focussed on self- the requirements of competition Aikido. ideology. The ideology is usually based defence others sport and some on a more in a belief in the organisation’s founder spiritual approach, all falling into the Society Focussed and that the present day interpretation of category of “Intended Outcome”. Further influences include the their approach is correct. This “ideological “westernisation” of Aikido, in practical self- Focussed” approach can often restrict true The Family of Aikido Experiential Outcome defence terms due to cultural and historic learning and openmindedness. These “outcomes” continue to be differences. In Europe punches and even Aikidouch has been attacker’s power is used against them and is by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) in influenced by the personal experiences how a knife is handled is different from the Best Practice Focus written about controlled to an exact degree. This requires about 1925 after years of research, practise of an individual coach. They will bring Japanese method, therefore adaptations Finally changes can occur over time as the Aikido the neutralisation of the attack without and development. Many of the techniques with them experiences that influence must be made if Aikido is to be used individuals learn more and develop a masters, their inflicting undue harm or injury. Aikido that are found in Aikido date back more how and what they teach. For example, effectively for self-defence. For some “Current best practice focus” through history and their techniques are mostly based on twisting or than 700 years to the Genji and Heike to understand traditional Aikido as groups with a different religious heritage continued research. This may take the achievements.M We will explore the turning the joints of the arm and throwing periods. Ueshiba developed Aikido from practiced by Ueshiba the coach should the emphasis on the spiritual aspects form of looking back to older styles of motivations, experiences, ideas and an opponent using the impetus of their studies in Jujutsu at the Kito Daito and have a working understanding of e.g. of Aikido may not be acceptable. These Aikido and Aiki Jujitsu to gain knowledge practice, that have impacted on the end attack. Some whole body throws and Shinkage schools including Daiti Ryu Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu. They may also “Society Focussed” adaptations help bring and understanding or alternatively product, and how both internal and open-handed strikes are also employed. As Aikijujitsu under Sokaku Takeda. He have other influences such asKendo , Aikido to the masses but the purists may looking at contemporary sports science to external factors moulded the outcomes. we shall discover it is difficult to find one also pursued religious studies such as which would alter the way they view and not see it as true Aikido. help improve technique through safer and universally accepted style of approach. Zen Buddism and integrated these into practise Bokken, (Wooden Sword). These more appropriate exercise regimes. The basis for the vast majority of Aikido practise. A major influence in Ueshiba’s “Experiential Outcome” developments Physiological Focus practice involves moving to avoid an attack Traditional Aikido early development included Onisaburo create a personal pathway that is unique Aikido techniques can be adapted to suit All these influences have led to Aikido and then restraining the assailant. The Traditional Aikido was developed in Japan Deguchi from the Omoto-Kyu Shinto to the individual. ones own physique. Technical changes becoming one of the most diversely

40 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 41 Article: Bob Jones Bob Jones adapting Hiji Shime (Wake Gatame) Photographs: ©Bob Jones against Mick Pratt and Adrian Tipling. This straight-arm lock focuses the energy of the technique on one point of the opponent’s body, their elbow joint.

movement. Aikido therefore followed a similar development to Judo, Aikido has evolved from a long history Karate and Kendo all derived from and tradition of Japanese combat. It is earlier arts and having a number of a collection of linked practise regimes influences. based on the need for differing outcomes. This article will investigate the different Under Ueshiba, Aikido training focussed on four main elements; forms of Aikido and look at the influences Taiiku (physical), the development of on present day practice. physique produced through practise, Kiiku (spiritual), to cultivate the power of the inner spirit, Toku iku (moral), to keep the mind pure and clear and Chi iku (wisdom), the development of the mind through the practise of harmony.

“The meaning of Aikido should Rule Focussed Outcome can readily be made to ensure that a become apparent through Aikido like other martial arts change over Morihei Ueshiba Sokaku Takeda Onisaburo Deguchi technique may be performed effectively. practise.” time. There can be several influences This ability to adapt, makes Aikido an within this aspect, for example Judo extremely flexible martial art, suitable Intended Outcome technique has been altered following for all ages, genders, shapes and sizes. Aikido is subject to more influences its introduction into the Olympics. This (Above) Techniques are differentiated for than other martial arts because of the worldwide standardisation of rules and individual practice with a “Physiological individual nature of the techniques. They the focus on Randori, has undoubtedly Focus” in mind. Evolving may be adapted to the physical and mental affected how techniques are taught and attributes of each individual, so become performed. The same process is occurring Ideological Focus unique to each Aikidoka. Evolving Aikido in Tomiki (Sport) Aikido today. “Rule The development of Aikido can be technique is fundamental to producing Focussed Outcome” is a determining influenced by organisations with a desire an intended outcome. The differing styles factor imposing new approaches to meet to differentiate their practice driven by respond to “need” some focussed on self- the requirements of competition Aikido. ideology. The ideology is usually based defence others sport and some on a more in a belief in the organisation’s founder spiritual approach, all falling into the Society Focussed and that the present day interpretation of category of “Intended Outcome”. Further influences include the their approach is correct. This “ideological “westernisation” of Aikido, in practical self- Focussed” approach can often restrict true The Family of Aikido Experiential Outcome defence terms due to cultural and historic learning and openmindedness. These “outcomes” continue to be differences. In Europe punches and even Aikidouch has been attacker’s power is used against them and is by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) in influenced by the personal experiences how a knife is handled is different from the Best Practice Focus written about controlled to an exact degree. This requires about 1925 after years of research, practise of an individual coach. They will bring Japanese method, therefore adaptations Finally changes can occur over time as the Aikido the neutralisation of the attack without and development. Many of the techniques with them experiences that influence must be made if Aikido is to be used individuals learn more and develop a masters, their inflicting undue harm or injury. Aikido that are found in Aikido date back more how and what they teach. For example, effectively for self-defence. For some “Current best practice focus” through history and their techniques are mostly based on twisting or than 700 years to the Genji and Heike to understand traditional Aikido as groups with a different religious heritage continued research. This may take the achievements.M We will explore the turning the joints of the arm and throwing periods. Ueshiba developed Aikido from practiced by Ueshiba the coach should the emphasis on the spiritual aspects form of looking back to older styles of motivations, experiences, ideas and an opponent using the impetus of their studies in Jujutsu at the Kito Daito and have a working understanding of e.g. of Aikido may not be acceptable. These Aikido and Aiki Jujitsu to gain knowledge practice, that have impacted on the end attack. Some whole body throws and Shinkage schools including Daiti Ryu Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu. They may also “Society Focussed” adaptations help bring and understanding or alternatively product, and how both internal and open-handed strikes are also employed. As Aikijujitsu under Sokaku Takeda. He have other influences such asKendo , Aikido to the masses but the purists may looking at contemporary sports science to external factors moulded the outcomes. we shall discover it is difficult to find one also pursued religious studies such as which would alter the way they view and not see it as true Aikido. help improve technique through safer and universally accepted style of approach. Zen Buddism and integrated these into practise Bokken, (Wooden Sword). These more appropriate exercise regimes. The basis for the vast majority of Aikido practise. A major influence in Ueshiba’s “Experiential Outcome” developments Physiological Focus practice involves moving to avoid an attack Traditional Aikido early development included Onisaburo create a personal pathway that is unique Aikido techniques can be adapted to suit All these influences have led to Aikido and then restraining the assailant. The Traditional Aikido was developed in Japan Deguchi from the Omoto-Kyu Shinto to the individual. ones own physique. Technical changes becoming one of the most diversely

40 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 41 Ueshiba in the 1930s still showing a strong physical presence. Koichi Tohei with Ueshiba in the early 1950s – Tohei experienced Ueshiba’s the application of Ki in daily life. In teaching during a more 1971 he founded the Ki-no-Kenkyukai spiritual phase of the founder’s life. and ultimately the Ki Society with Inset: Kenji Tomiki with the purpose of promoting Ki as Morhei Ueshiba a major focus within traditional Shioda, he was a first generation Aikido technique. Ki Aikido today student and later founder of the has a broad range of practise and Yoshinkan School of Aikido. (Angry interpretation, from very soft almost White Pyjamas). He came from a Tai Chi like exercise movements martial arts family, his father had with no physical techniques being taught both Judo and Kendo and performed to more dynamic started the young Shioda on a Judo technique using Ki as a focus. career. Shioda became uchi deshi to Ueshiba where he trained for Kenji Tomiki (1900 – 1979) as student eight years. This was followed by of Jigoro Kano attained his 8th Dan instruction under Mas Oyama, in both Judo and Aikido. His focus Kyokushin Karate master. Post war was to develop a structure for Aikido was difficult but Shioda managed to that paralled that of Judo developing Morihei Ueshiba Early in his career Ueshiba was a notable open a dojo in 1950 and established Kata and Randori (Aikido Kyogi) as Focussing first on Ueshiba we may discover fighter and was challenged by several his own unique style of Yoshinkan in complimentary practices. how specific background and experiences leading martial artists to combat, once 1955. Again if we examine Shioda’s may have influenced the development of defeated these often became his students. personal history it is based on He studied under Ueshiba from 1926 different approaches to Aikido. Each group of students would therefore an appreciation of self-defence and began to formulate the concepts have seen a quite different form of Aikido applications, which was further of Randori using selected Aikido Over his lifetime there were psychological being practised by Ueshiba according to embedded by Shioda when invited to techniques. He concluded that the influences on Ueshiba that must have the period they were with him. teach the Tokyo Police Department. original principles of Judo and Aikido impacted on his thinking and his eventual His small frame made it essential to are the same and that good technique framing of Aikido in none violence. Ueshiba’s Aikido developed uniquely as develop effective technique. comes from the application of body Starting with his early religious a reflection of the times and personal movement and not the style of education, the death in infancy of two experiences giving a specific insight “Technique is the means of achieving application. The principles of Posture, of his children, his service in the Russo- into both technique and philosophy. maximum effect with the minimum Tohei demonstrating the theory of Movement, Distance, Balance, Timing Japanese war, the relationship with Traditional Aikido has an emphasis on effort “ Gozo Shioda. the unbendable arm. and Direction can be observed in all Onisaburo Deguchi and the Shinto sect flowing, circular, dynamic movement and good technique. he travelled to Mongolia with, and the the application of technique to restrain In his book, Dynamic Aikido he in Aikido practice. Aikido helps the trauma of the Second World War all without injury to the opponent. It focuses emphasises the use of kata, circular individual to attain the greatest heights Tomiki encouraged competition, which undoubtedly framed his thinking. These on the development of inner strength motion to generate centrifugal force, of human personality, cleanse his mental is now under the direction of the WSAF influences formed part of his personal of both mind and body to pacify and speed, timing and the concentration and spiritual environment and help make (Worldwide Sports Aikido Federation) journey to his enlightenment and could neutralise aggression. and generation of power. One of the the world a brighter place in which to only have only happened at that point in distinguishing features of this school is live” Koichi Tohei from his book - What is There is a wealth of information about Japanese history. The death of his father Gozo Shioda the wider basic stance, the openness of the Aikido 1962. Aikido and all the styles practised and the eventual exploration of As already mentioned a student of hands and the emphasis on application throughout the world, the core of Aikido, practised martial arts in the world. To his own mortality must have influenced Ueshiba’s at the Hell Dojo was Gozo against determined aggressor(s). It has a Tohei was a sickly child but due to Judo the technical, physical, and none violent highlight this are four different styles his spiritual approach. It is impossible nononsense, direct approach to self- training and physical exercise he became philosophical approaches are universal but of Aikido demonstrating the same to fully understand the impact of these preservation. stronger. These early bouts of illness the training and teaching methodologies technique Tenshi Nage (Heaven and Earth on his thinking. affected the young Tohei and he became may be different. throw) (Above) Other than the Hakama Koichi Tohei convinced that training the mind and it is almost impossible to observe any The abiding image of Ueshiba is of a Another of Ueshiba’s students Koichi cultivating Ki had aided his recovery. He The summit of the mountain is always discernable differences in the technique wise old man with a grey beard, but his Tohei (1920 – 2011) eventually became was an intellectual, graduating from Keio the top but there are many routes to get being performed. This is not true of all early life he was renowned for his the founder of Ki Aikido, his philosophy University in 1942 and seeing action in there. Whichever form of Aikido techniques, significant changes can occur physical strength and practised several states that “The purpose of Aikido lies World War ll. These influences further practised an open mind will lead to between approaches depending on the different martial arts. This led in the early not in trying to make people strong in the embedded the belief in the power of learning and a closed mind will lead to outcome. Remember that it is true to say years to the formation of the “Hell Dojo” arts of self defence but in helping them Ki, spiritual healing and the power of prejudice. Aikido is a complex art, with that in Aikido “Beginners make mistakes, founded in 1931, a major student at that learn the eternal truths that form the the mind. The approach looks at the discipline and integrity but one that Gozo Shioda (1915 – 1994) a first Dan grades simply make variations”. time being Gozo Shioda. generation student of Ueshiba. basis of Aikido and manifest themselves importance of breathing, meditation and should just be enjoyed. n

42 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 43 Ueshiba in the 1930s still showing a strong physical presence. Koichi Tohei with Ueshiba in the early 1950s – Tohei experienced Ueshiba’s the application of Ki in daily life. In teaching during a more 1971 he founded the Ki-no-Kenkyukai spiritual phase of the founder’s life. and ultimately the Ki Society with Inset: Kenji Tomiki with the purpose of promoting Ki as Morhei Ueshiba a major focus within traditional Shioda, he was a first generation Aikido technique. Ki Aikido today student and later founder of the has a broad range of practise and Yoshinkan School of Aikido. (Angry interpretation, from very soft almost White Pyjamas). He came from a Tai Chi like exercise movements martial arts family, his father had with no physical techniques being taught both Judo and Kendo and performed to more dynamic started the young Shioda on a Judo technique using Ki as a focus. career. Shioda became uchi deshi to Ueshiba where he trained for Kenji Tomiki (1900 – 1979) as student eight years. This was followed by of Jigoro Kano attained his 8th Dan instruction under Mas Oyama, in both Judo and Aikido. His focus Kyokushin Karate master. Post war was to develop a structure for Aikido was difficult but Shioda managed to that paralled that of Judo developing Morihei Ueshiba Early in his career Ueshiba was a notable open a dojo in 1950 and established Kata and Randori (Aikido Kyogi) as Focussing first on Ueshiba we may discover fighter and was challenged by several his own unique style of Yoshinkan in complimentary practices. how specific background and experiences leading martial artists to combat, once 1955. Again if we examine Shioda’s may have influenced the development of defeated these often became his students. personal history it is based on He studied under Ueshiba from 1926 different approaches to Aikido. Each group of students would therefore an appreciation of self-defence and began to formulate the concepts have seen a quite different form of Aikido applications, which was further of Randori using selected Aikido Over his lifetime there were psychological being practised by Ueshiba according to embedded by Shioda when invited to techniques. He concluded that the influences on Ueshiba that must have the period they were with him. teach the Tokyo Police Department. original principles of Judo and Aikido impacted on his thinking and his eventual His small frame made it essential to are the same and that good technique framing of Aikido in none violence. Ueshiba’s Aikido developed uniquely as develop effective technique. comes from the application of body Starting with his early religious a reflection of the times and personal movement and not the style of education, the death in infancy of two experiences giving a specific insight “Technique is the means of achieving application. The principles of Posture, of his children, his service in the Russo- into both technique and philosophy. maximum effect with the minimum Tohei demonstrating the theory of Movement, Distance, Balance, Timing Japanese war, the relationship with Traditional Aikido has an emphasis on effort “ Gozo Shioda. the unbendable arm. and Direction can be observed in all Onisaburo Deguchi and the Shinto sect flowing, circular, dynamic movement and good technique. he travelled to Mongolia with, and the the application of technique to restrain In his book, Dynamic Aikido he in Aikido practice. Aikido helps the trauma of the Second World War all without injury to the opponent. It focuses emphasises the use of kata, circular individual to attain the greatest heights Tomiki encouraged competition, which undoubtedly framed his thinking. These on the development of inner strength motion to generate centrifugal force, of human personality, cleanse his mental is now under the direction of the WSAF influences formed part of his personal of both mind and body to pacify and speed, timing and the concentration and spiritual environment and help make (Worldwide Sports Aikido Federation) journey to his enlightenment and could neutralise aggression. and generation of power. One of the the world a brighter place in which to only have only happened at that point in distinguishing features of this school is live” Koichi Tohei from his book - What is There is a wealth of information about Japanese history. The death of his father Gozo Shioda the wider basic stance, the openness of the Aikido 1962. Aikido and all the styles practised and the eventual exploration of As already mentioned a student of hands and the emphasis on application throughout the world, the core of Aikido, practised martial arts in the world. To his own mortality must have influenced Ueshiba’s at the Hell Dojo was Gozo against determined aggressor(s). It has a Tohei was a sickly child but due to Judo the technical, physical, and none violent highlight this are four different styles his spiritual approach. It is impossible nononsense, direct approach to self- training and physical exercise he became philosophical approaches are universal but of Aikido demonstrating the same to fully understand the impact of these preservation. stronger. These early bouts of illness the training and teaching methodologies technique Tenshi Nage (Heaven and Earth on his thinking. affected the young Tohei and he became may be different. throw) (Above) Other than the Hakama Koichi Tohei convinced that training the mind and it is almost impossible to observe any The abiding image of Ueshiba is of a Another of Ueshiba’s students Koichi cultivating Ki had aided his recovery. He The summit of the mountain is always discernable differences in the technique wise old man with a grey beard, but his Tohei (1920 – 2011) eventually became was an intellectual, graduating from Keio the top but there are many routes to get being performed. This is not true of all early life he was renowned for his the founder of Ki Aikido, his philosophy University in 1942 and seeing action in there. Whichever form of Aikido techniques, significant changes can occur physical strength and practised several states that “The purpose of Aikido lies World War ll. These influences further practised an open mind will lead to between approaches depending on the different martial arts. This led in the early not in trying to make people strong in the embedded the belief in the power of learning and a closed mind will lead to outcome. Remember that it is true to say years to the formation of the “Hell Dojo” arts of self defence but in helping them Ki, spiritual healing and the power of prejudice. Aikido is a complex art, with that in Aikido “Beginners make mistakes, founded in 1931, a major student at that learn the eternal truths that form the the mind. The approach looks at the discipline and integrity but one that Gozo Shioda (1915 – 1994) a first Dan grades simply make variations”. time being Gozo Shioda. generation student of Ueshiba. basis of Aikido and manifest themselves importance of breathing, meditation and should just be enjoyed. n

42 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 43 Neigong, Meditation and Mindfulness Chi calmness, grace and easy, balanced movement. The above terms are used often interchangeably but the results and Pushing hands works on the ability to methods are the same. The mind plays receive with softness and stick, blend, an important role in Tai Chi therefore it’s follow and redirect. qualities need to be: • Awareness Warrior • Focus When you can move, breathe and think • Sensitivity in no other way, the next stage sprinkles • Intensity the martial ‘fairy dust’ with Warrior style These are studied through: which introduces the different types of Posture and breathing, and bringing more exercises that mobilise the core and spine, power sourcing and includes martial intent air into the lungs and therefore more and open the joints and soft tissue. Each in the more vigorous Long Boxing Form. oxygen to the brain making the mind exercise opens a line of energy that can be Without assiduous training in Monk style more calm and aware, then concentration excited to send power out to the periphery of it’s too easy to get too excited mentally and “If you understand exercises to focus it. the body and into the opponent, giving the introduce external physical tension that the structure of your art basic structure of the techniques in the form. will block the true power of Tai Chi. and can see the synergy in the Taking that aware and focused mind through the body, getting rid of excess The eight core skills are: These same skills and additional skills are principles, dynamics and ideas that tension and harmonising left and right and • Soften trained and then taken into the weapons permeate the whole system it can upper and lower body increases sensitivity • Connect training of broadsword, double edge sword, and body awareness. • Open spear and pole, dynamic push hands, the make a world of difference • Close 4 corners dance and the 2 person Sanshou Info: www.shikon.com www.martialartstandards.org to your study.” Neigong Postures • Stretch Set along with a host of application and The 5 standing neigong postures are: • Compress freestyle work. • Neutral • Twist • Lower Yin • Release The 13 Dynamic Strategies trained are: • Lower Yang These exercises work the body at the • Ward Off • Upper Yin deepest level. • Roll Back the Power of • Upper Yang • Press These along with all the above skills are the Monk, Warrior • Push 5 basic postures that continually transition and Drunken • Pluck in the Tai Chi form so they have to be fully • Split understood and experienced. Tai Chi can be broken down in many ways • Bump some do it by frame, some by animal and I • Strike The direct experience of these energies like Monk, Warrior and Drunken styles. • and the 5 steps: throughout the body and their continual • Forwards transitions are the fundamental basics of Tai Monk • Backwards Chi. That experience and cultivation of yin Firstly we have to forget everything we • Stay

owe Tai Chi and yang in these postures nourish all the Tai think we know about the fighting arts and • Left Chi aspects of the body, the saying that you restructure how we sit, stand, walk, breathe • Right have to have a ‘soft front and a strong back’ is and think. As above we have to practice in

owe a good description of Tai Chi technique. meditation: Drunken • Seated Also called ‘sick man’ style this exaggerates The classics also allude to using the ‘power • Standing the power sourcing movements to get every of the mind’ and ‘tendon strength’ that • Walking bit of power possible from them so that comes with nourishing these energies to • Laying Down when the movement is made smaller again use the body in the most efficient way. In the standing postures and then in some the body remembers the exaggerated one Steve R Steve Article: ©Steve R ©Steve Photographs: Without a good understanding and the basic technique, ‘Grasp Sparrow’s Tail’ is and then accrues more power. direct experience of these basics you could ideal. Then we move on to the Yang Chen Fu never understand what Tai Chi is. Form utilising all those skills and focusing This is a basic breakdown to give an idea of only on them without any additional the structure of Tai Chi, in future editions Qigong Exercises tension or aggravating thoughts. This I will break some of the skills down and These skills are then put into a series of softness is what produces that definitive Tai relate them to other martial arts. n

44 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 45 Neigong, Meditation and Mindfulness Chi calmness, grace and easy, balanced movement. The above terms are used often interchangeably but the results and Pushing hands works on the ability to methods are the same. The mind plays receive with softness and stick, blend, an important role in Tai Chi therefore it’s follow and redirect. qualities need to be: • Awareness Warrior • Focus When you can move, breathe and think • Sensitivity in no other way, the next stage sprinkles • Intensity the martial ‘fairy dust’ with Warrior style These are studied through: which introduces the different types of Posture and breathing, and bringing more exercises that mobilise the core and spine, power sourcing and includes martial intent air into the lungs and therefore more and open the joints and soft tissue. Each in the more vigorous Long Boxing Form. oxygen to the brain making the mind exercise opens a line of energy that can be Without assiduous training in Monk style more calm and aware, then concentration excited to send power out to the periphery of it’s too easy to get too excited mentally and “If you understand exercises to focus it. the body and into the opponent, giving the introduce external physical tension that the structure of your art basic structure of the techniques in the form. will block the true power of Tai Chi. and can see the synergy in the Taking that aware and focused mind through the body, getting rid of excess The eight core skills are: These same skills and additional skills are principles, dynamics and ideas that tension and harmonising left and right and • Soften trained and then taken into the weapons permeate the whole system it can upper and lower body increases sensitivity • Connect training of broadsword, double edge sword, and body awareness. • Open spear and pole, dynamic push hands, the make a world of difference • Close 4 corners dance and the 2 person Sanshou Info: www.shikon.com www.martialartstandards.org to your study.” Neigong Postures • Stretch Set along with a host of application and The 5 standing neigong postures are: • Compress freestyle work. • Neutral • Twist • Lower Yin • Release The 13 Dynamic Strategies trained are: • Lower Yang These exercises work the body at the • Ward Off • Upper Yin deepest level. • Roll Back the Power of • Upper Yang • Press These along with all the above skills are the Monk, Warrior • Push 5 basic postures that continually transition and Drunken • Pluck in the Tai Chi form so they have to be fully • Split understood and experienced. Tai Chi can be broken down in many ways • Bump some do it by frame, some by animal and I • Strike The direct experience of these energies like Monk, Warrior and Drunken styles. • and the 5 steps: throughout the body and their continual • Forwards transitions are the fundamental basics of Tai Monk • Backwards Chi. That experience and cultivation of yin Firstly we have to forget everything we • Stay owe Tai Chi and yang in these postures nourish all the Tai think we know about the fighting arts and • Left Chi aspects of the body, the saying that you restructure how we sit, stand, walk, breathe • Right have to have a ‘soft front and a strong back’ is and think. As above we have to practice in

owe a good description of Tai Chi technique. meditation: Drunken • Seated Also called ‘sick man’ style this exaggerates The classics also allude to using the ‘power • Standing the power sourcing movements to get every of the mind’ and ‘tendon strength’ that • Walking bit of power possible from them so that comes with nourishing these energies to • Laying Down when the movement is made smaller again use the body in the most efficient way. In the standing postures and then in some the body remembers the exaggerated one Steve R Steve Article: ©Steve R ©Steve Photographs: Without a good understanding and the basic technique, ‘Grasp Sparrow’s Tail’ is and then accrues more power. direct experience of these basics you could ideal. Then we move on to the Yang Chen Fu never understand what Tai Chi is. Form utilising all those skills and focusing This is a basic breakdown to give an idea of only on them without any additional the structure of Tai Chi, in future editions Qigong Exercises tension or aggravating thoughts. This I will break some of the skills down and These skills are then put into a series of softness is what produces that definitive Tai relate them to other martial arts. n

44 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 45 going to be key for your learning the art. Everyone, no matter their level, will hit that line of confusion in a seminar as the person teaching it tends to know more than the people participating. Split Memory If the instructor is known for showing understood. The only

several variables at once, split memorizing way to really retain material Article: T im BechererPhotographs: © T im Becherer variables with your training partner. and improve is to rep it out. We know this Perhaps you take the odd numbers and he/ from our own regular practice. Seminar she takes the evens. This way you’re not material needs the reps even more so if stressed with trying to remember so much it is something you’re not doing in your so quickly. regular class repetitions. Grab that training partner mentioned earlier and do some Make Good Notes extra homework on that seminar material. You will probably be writing a lot of things This way you’ll understand what you’ve in a short hand that makes sense to you at retained and you’re ready to pick up even Confused? Information Overload? that moment. more when you go to the next seminar with YOU NEED TO READ THIS! the same instructor. 11 Hacks To Survive Seminars & Workshops Repeat Seminars Repeat seminars with the same instructors (if you like the material that is). There is a lot of detail to be learned in martial arts. Even if you’re seeing the same thing again and again, look for the new in the old. Find the fine details you missed last time. One example of this is the great Guro Dan Inosanto. A few years ago at a seminar on will most likely be Rewrite Your Notes Wing Chun at the Inosanto Academy, Guro Seminars & Workshops both people leaving Rewrite your notes within 24 hours. Rewrite Dan spotted something in the presentation frustrated with not your notes within 24 hours. Did I mention by Sifu Francis Fong on the basic pak sao Seminars have become a popular way of learning new martial arts material if not a primary much retention. to rewrite your notes within 24 hours? technique. Guro Dan asked a question, way for many. Seminars and workshops being quite different than a class by their nature require a Everyone I’ve talked to, including some got an answer from Sifu Francis and was different strategy for learning in order to get the most out of them. Power of 3 of the best known martial arts instructors delighted. Guro Dan has had 10 Wing Chun Another thought about training partners: in the world, have all shared the same instructors including the infamous Bruce ith classes you arts training. You and your training partner partners and take on partners of different consider working in a group of 3. It gives experience: writing notes only to come back Lee, and has performed most likely close to (typically) get a serve as personal coaches to each other and experience level as you will always learn you one more set of eyes. Learning in a to them weeks, months, or years later only a million or more repetitions of the pak sao, focus on a few with each other you get the reps needed from those who have more experience, group of three also has some interesting to say “what the hell did I mean by this?” yet he found a new detail in it. Finding the things and lots to improve your skill. In a seminar, your from those of the same experience level, advantages. You can watch the technique or Your notes will make perfect sense to you new in the old. of reps again training partner can be the second part of and those with less experience. A seminar is drill being done, you can feel the technique as you write them. As time goes by, the Wand again over intervals whereas the two minds being greater than one when my exception to this rule as the amount of or drill, and you can do the technique or shorthand that made such great sense to you Get Creative seminar or workshop is (typically) a lot of it comes to taking notes, understanding information presented and money invested drill. And you can immediately get two will fade. If you get to your notes and rewrite Get creative with the material that you information in one or two days (seminar) techniques and drills, and recall in later will only cause frustration to partners of very different sets of feedback. adding more detail, now the pressure of the retain and practice. Through creativity and or a enormous amount of detail on a few training. Taking a training partner with different skill levels. A beginner pairing with seminar/ workshop/ class has passed, you experimentation you will make the material subjects (workshop). Going into a seminar you eliminates the issue of finding an an experienced practitioner is an unfair, Honest Level of Focus will find that your notes will make much your own. or workshop with a strategy for learning will appropriate partner for the seminar. unsolicited private lesson. The experienced No matter your level, focus on your actual more sense for reference to future practice. help you get the most out of the experience. practitioner will find themselves instructing level of retention. If you find yourself This method has done me well for both Learn to Teach Experience Level while trying to get just enough repetition quickly over your head, focus on the seminar notes and I used it quite successfully Teach to learn If the art is something Training Partner If you do not have a training partner going of something new to remember it later. The basics of the movements and/or look for in my University studies as well. you find yourself going to repeat If possible, go with a training partner you with you, find a partner for the seminar with less experienced person will spend the time a common concept or theme that runs seminars of and are constantly practicing, have experience with. Training partners similar experience level. Normally, when being way over their head trying to keep up through what the instructor is showing. Repetition seek out instructorship. Learn to teach. are your most valuable resource for martial taking class I advise to always switch up with the experienced practitioner. The result Understanding that concept or theme is Rep the hell out of what you learned and Teach to learn. n

46 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 47 going to be key for your learning the art. Everyone, no matter their level, will hit that line of confusion in a seminar as the person teaching it tends to know more than the people participating. Split Memory If the instructor is known for showing understood. The only

several variables at once, split memorizing way to really retain material Article: T im Becherer Photographs: © T im Becherer variables with your training partner. and improve is to rep it out. We know this Perhaps you take the odd numbers and he/ from our own regular practice. Seminar she takes the evens. This way you’re not material needs the reps even more so if stressed with trying to remember so much it is something you’re not doing in your so quickly. regular class repetitions. Grab that training partner mentioned earlier and do some Make Good Notes extra homework on that seminar material. You will probably be writing a lot of things This way you’ll understand what you’ve in a short hand that makes sense to you at retained and you’re ready to pick up even Confused? Information Overload? that moment. more when you go to the next seminar with YOU NEED TO READ THIS! the same instructor. 11 Hacks To Survive Seminars & Workshops Repeat Seminars Repeat seminars with the same instructors (if you like the material that is). There is a lot of detail to be learned in martial arts. Even if you’re seeing the same thing again and again, look for the new in the old. Find the fine details you missed last time. One example of this is the great Guro Dan Inosanto. A few years ago at a seminar on will most likely be Rewrite Your Notes Wing Chun at the Inosanto Academy, Guro Seminars & Workshops both people leaving Rewrite your notes within 24 hours. Rewrite Dan spotted something in the presentation frustrated with not your notes within 24 hours. Did I mention by Sifu Francis Fong on the basic pak sao Seminars have become a popular way of learning new martial arts material if not a primary much retention. to rewrite your notes within 24 hours? technique. Guro Dan asked a question, way for many. Seminars and workshops being quite different than a class by their nature require a Everyone I’ve talked to, including some got an answer from Sifu Francis and was different strategy for learning in order to get the most out of them. Power of 3 of the best known martial arts instructors delighted. Guro Dan has had 10 Wing Chun Another thought about training partners: in the world, have all shared the same instructors including the infamous Bruce ith classes you arts training. You and your training partner partners and take on partners of different consider working in a group of 3. It gives experience: writing notes only to come back Lee, and has performed most likely close to (typically) get a serve as personal coaches to each other and experience level as you will always learn you one more set of eyes. Learning in a to them weeks, months, or years later only a million or more repetitions of the pak sao, focus on a few with each other you get the reps needed from those who have more experience, group of three also has some interesting to say “what the hell did I mean by this?” yet he found a new detail in it. Finding the things and lots to improve your skill. In a seminar, your from those of the same experience level, advantages. You can watch the technique or Your notes will make perfect sense to you new in the old. of reps again training partner can be the second part of and those with less experience. A seminar is drill being done, you can feel the technique as you write them. As time goes by, the Wand again over intervals whereas the two minds being greater than one when my exception to this rule as the amount of or drill, and you can do the technique or shorthand that made such great sense to you Get Creative seminar or workshop is (typically) a lot of it comes to taking notes, understanding information presented and money invested drill. And you can immediately get two will fade. If you get to your notes and rewrite Get creative with the material that you information in one or two days (seminar) techniques and drills, and recall in later will only cause frustration to partners of very different sets of feedback. adding more detail, now the pressure of the retain and practice. Through creativity and or a enormous amount of detail on a few training. Taking a training partner with different skill levels. A beginner pairing with seminar/ workshop/ class has passed, you experimentation you will make the material subjects (workshop). Going into a seminar you eliminates the issue of finding an an experienced practitioner is an unfair, Honest Level of Focus will find that your notes will make much your own. or workshop with a strategy for learning will appropriate partner for the seminar. unsolicited private lesson. The experienced No matter your level, focus on your actual more sense for reference to future practice. help you get the most out of the experience. practitioner will find themselves instructing level of retention. If you find yourself This method has done me well for both Learn to Teach Experience Level while trying to get just enough repetition quickly over your head, focus on the seminar notes and I used it quite successfully Teach to learn If the art is something Training Partner If you do not have a training partner going of something new to remember it later. The basics of the movements and/or look for in my University studies as well. you find yourself going to repeat If possible, go with a training partner you with you, find a partner for the seminar with less experienced person will spend the time a common concept or theme that runs seminars of and are constantly practicing, have experience with. Training partners similar experience level. Normally, when being way over their head trying to keep up through what the instructor is showing. Repetition seek out instructorship. Learn to teach. are your most valuable resource for martial taking class I advise to always switch up with the experienced practitioner. The result Understanding that concept or theme is Rep the hell out of what you learned and Teach to learn. n

46 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 47 Article: Neil Adams Getting the balance right: Photographs: ©Neil Adams There are many A Top-Down Approach different forms of balance that aving a work-life balance is angles. One being from the top, down, and the so important for life itself other from the bottom, up, and hopefully find a we need to and this, in turn, reflects on commonality that can help both progress. consider when so many other aspects of our training for lives. If we are training for a Of course they are both very similar in the fact that martial arts. Hparticular sport for example and we don’t have a we need to practice one-to-one with an opponent, good life balance, it affects our preparation, which we both wear gis, and we train on similar style mats. Your first in turn affects our performance. We perform to our In my experiences, the ethics and ethos in traditional thought is how optimum levels when we have a stable home life and dojos, both sports hold dear the principals of well do we well-balanced progressive preparation. Honour, Respect, Courtesy, and Etiquette. So where stand on one do they differ and how can we work off each other to So often poor performances can be attributed to improve our individual games? leg? many things including relationship problems, money problems or just a simple lack of proper For me as a Judoka, I like to believe that my skills in Or you could skilled training. Newaza (groundwork) and my skills in Tachiwaza think am I (standing work) are reasonably even in both levels Many of these things can be improved and of skill and application. balanced in my developed in a positive manner with good, solid This was not always the case though. training? planning and organisation. Standing Transition to Do I have Standing vs Groundwork Groundwork my mental in Judo & BJJ balanced with As a junior transitioning through to senior level of When it comes to the question on everyone’s lips at competition my standing was more prominent than my physical? the moment regarding how to balance the Standing my groundwork. I would go as far as to say 70% in and Groundwork in Judo and favor of standing. I preferred to throw more than BJJ, we have to look at the transitioning down to the ground. two sports from two different I then got caught on the ground in the Are You final of a major competition and was so mortified by this, that I vowed that it would never happen again.

I started to train more intensely on the ground and started to develop strong armlocks and strangles. I also realised at this stage just how important the transition process was, going from a throwing situation to the ground, and I endeavored to work really hard on the smooth process from my standing game down to my mat game.

This was also so important because the rules of Judo were such that if transition was not smooth or progressive then both fighters were stood up after only a few seconds of groundwork fighting. I would Unbalanced?say that this situation had a knock-on effect to the development and training of groundwork in Judo with a coach’s mindset turning to the question of ‘why coach it if we can’t use it in competitions’?

48 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 49 Article: Neil Adams Getting the balance right: Photographs: ©Neil Adams There are many A Top-Down Approach different forms of balance that aving a work-life balance is angles. One being from the top, down, and the so important for life itself other from the bottom, up, and hopefully find a we need to and this, in turn, reflects on commonality that can help both progress. consider when so many other aspects of our training for lives. If we are training for a Of course they are both very similar in the fact that martial arts. Hparticular sport for example and we don’t have a we need to practice one-to-one with an opponent, good life balance, it affects our preparation, which we both wear gis, and we train on similar style mats. Your first in turn affects our performance. We perform to our In my experiences, the ethics and ethos in traditional thought is how optimum levels when we have a stable home life and dojos, both sports hold dear the principals of well do we well-balanced progressive preparation. Honour, Respect, Courtesy, and Etiquette. So where stand on one do they differ and how can we work off each other to So often poor performances can be attributed to improve our individual games? leg? many things including relationship problems, money problems or just a simple lack of proper For me as a Judoka, I like to believe that my skills in Or you could skilled training. Newaza (groundwork) and my skills in Tachiwaza think am I (standing work) are reasonably even in both levels Many of these things can be improved and of skill and application. balanced in my developed in a positive manner with good, solid This was not always the case though. training? planning and organisation. Standing Transition to Do I have Standing vs Groundwork Groundwork my mental in Judo & BJJ balanced with As a junior transitioning through to senior level of When it comes to the question on everyone’s lips at competition my standing was more prominent than my physical? the moment regarding how to balance the Standing my groundwork. I would go as far as to say 70% in and Groundwork in Judo and favor of standing. I preferred to throw more than BJJ, we have to look at the transitioning down to the ground. two sports from two different I then got caught on the ground in the Are You final of a major competition and was so mortified by this, that I vowed that it would never happen again.

I started to train more intensely on the ground and started to develop strong armlocks and strangles. I also realised at this stage just how important the transition process was, going from a throwing situation to the ground, and I endeavored to work really hard on the smooth process from my standing game down to my mat game.

This was also so important because the rules of Judo were such that if transition was not smooth or progressive then both fighters were stood up after only a few seconds of groundwork fighting. I would Unbalanced?say that this situation had a knock-on effect to the development and training of groundwork in Judo with a coach’s mindset turning to the question of ‘why coach it if we can’t use it in competitions’?

48 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 49 One of the many rule changes that have had a really positive effect on the balance of Judo development worldwide is a simple but very effective one.

After long discussions with both top level referees and coaches, it was agreed that by giving more time on the ground for techniques to develop, that it would encourage coaches to train more specifically in groundwork and to teach the skills in more detail.

This really has turned Judo on its head and although we are still not quite there yet, certainly the difference of standing to groundwork in competitions and training has changed positively. It is definitely more balanced now. It is going in the right direction.

Why Does BJJ Need More Standing Transitions Into Groundwork?

BJJ has developed so much in the other direction that they have definitely taken groundwork into another stratosphere. Their groundwork to standing is probably 70% to 30% the other way to Two great Champions working together to improve that of Judo. their games and to address their balance of play.

So we might ask the question as to why BJJ needs Think how much it might change BJJ’s development to improve their standing work? It is a different in their throwing strategies if one very simple rule sport to Judo after all, and it concentrates mainly on change was implemented to their sport as it was to submission moves on the ground. Judo. Stay with me here….imagine that they were not able to just jump into the guard from a standing Hear me out for a moment as I’m hoping to feed position but had to throw progressively into their you all a tiny bit of food for thought. Most of the top ground game? Ju-Jitsu fighters that I have spoken to have stated that they deem it very important to improve their They would have to improve their throwing ability standing game. Just throwing one’s body down to and train for the transition more specifically into the ground and pulling your opponent downwards groundwork, as well as have control over, to some into a groundwork situation does not always give degree as you will have trained it for the reactions One thing the best opportunity for specific moves. You can’t of your opponent. Just an idea but one that might that is very necessarily control the reaction you need to start spark a different training direction. important your portfolio of techniques. though, is Why improve their throwing when Ju-Jitsu is more Multi World Champion Rodger Gracie is one of prominently groundwork than standing? Well that both these practitioners who realised that he had to for one thing both sports start from a standing sports adjust his balance of groundwork to standing work. position and both go to the ground. We all know can learn So much so, that he works very closely with Judo how important the start is for all games. I’ve always from each Olympic silver medalist Ray Stevens, a Judo 7th Dan said, “They who control the grips, controls the and BJJ 2nd Dan in order to train and develop his fight.” Be in control of the situation, know your other and throws and transition. game plan, be first always. n will prosper because of it.

50 WOMAMagazine One of the many rule changes that have had a really positive effect on the balance of Judo development worldwide is a simple but very effective one.

After long discussions with both top level referees and coaches, it was agreed that by giving more time on the ground for techniques to develop, that it would encourage coaches to train more specifically in groundwork and to teach the skills in more detail.

This really has turned Judo on its head and although we are still not quite there yet, certainly the difference of standing to groundwork in competitions and training has changed positively. It is definitely more balanced now. It is going in the right direction.

Why Does BJJ Need More Standing Transitions Into Groundwork?

BJJ has developed so much in the other direction that they have definitely taken groundwork into another stratosphere. Their groundwork to standing is probably 70% to 30% the other way to Two great Champions working together to improve that of Judo. their games and to address their balance of play.

So we might ask the question as to why BJJ needs Think how much it might change BJJ’s development to improve their standing work? It is a different in their throwing strategies if one very simple rule sport to Judo after all, and it concentrates mainly on change was implemented to their sport as it was to submission moves on the ground. Judo. Stay with me here….imagine that they were not able to just jump into the guard from a standing Hear me out for a moment as I’m hoping to feed position but had to throw progressively into their you all a tiny bit of food for thought. Most of the top ground game? Ju-Jitsu fighters that I have spoken to have stated that they deem it very important to improve their They would have to improve their throwing ability standing game. Just throwing one’s body down to and train for the transition more specifically into the ground and pulling your opponent downwards groundwork, as well as have control over, to some into a groundwork situation does not always give degree as you will have trained it for the reactions One thing the best opportunity for specific moves. You can’t of your opponent. Just an idea but one that might that is very necessarily control the reaction you need to start spark a different training direction. important your portfolio of techniques. though, is Why improve their throwing when Ju-Jitsu is more Multi World Champion Rodger Gracie is one of prominently groundwork than standing? Well that both these practitioners who realised that he had to for one thing both sports start from a standing sports adjust his balance of groundwork to standing work. position and both go to the ground. We all know can learn So much so, that he works very closely with Judo how important the start is for all games. I’ve always from each Olympic silver medalist Ray Stevens, a Judo 7th Dan said, “They who control the grips, controls the and BJJ 2nd Dan in order to train and develop his fight.” Be in control of the situation, know your other and throws and transition. game plan, be first always. n will prosper because of it.

50 WOMAMagazine The Ancient Secret of Martial Arts Original

TAcross ruththe world, Eastern Martial Arts Masters from India, China and Japan as well as Tribal Warrior Chiefs of indigenous tribes of the Native Americas and Africa (to name but a few places), have been closely guarding the ancient secret of martial arts.

East Meets West as limiting beliefs, thoughts and actions. These martial arts masters all knew this When there is a problem in your mind, it profound wisdom, and many say the secret will eventually manifest itself in your body, travelled west from mysterious India itself and show up as an ailment or illness. I like with the likes of an Indian Buddhist monk to think of the human body as a dashboard. called Bodhidharma (to name one of many Just like when your cars’ dashboard shows greats who spread this enlightened wisdom), low fuel, coolant temperature too hot, who became famous for founding Shaolin engine management problem, you know Kung Fu and the world renowned Shaolin something is wrong under the hood which Temple in Zhengzhou, China. needs urgent attention before the car comes to an abrupt halt because it has broken What they all share in common is their down. Similarly our bodies are dashboards approach to martial arts as a holistic way for the spirit and mind, and when a rash, of living, not just a way for kicking and cold or cough appear, it is just a light on punching a way through trouble when times our dashboards trying to tell us something get tough. needs fixing under our hoods before our bodies come crashing down with sickness. They all followed the same process Therefore the big idea is to heal your spirit to which went… collapse the chain of problems through the • Heal your spirit, so you can heal Spirit, Mind and Body. others spirits. • Heal your mind, so you can heal A good friend of mine, a Hakko-Ryu Jujutsu others minds. practitioner once told me… • Heal your body, so you can heal others bodies. ‘If you can break it, you should • Only then were you qualified to learn know how to make it.’ combative motion to hurt others for ‘just’ causes only. The greatest masters of all time were first and foremost healers and renowned The firm belief among all the ancient medicine men and women who were masters who knew this secret was that when looked up to as the leaders of their there is a problem in your spirit, it manifests communities and tribes, for healing of itself in your mind, and presents itself daily ills, and thereafter for protection

52 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 53 Article: Lak Loi Website: www.MartialMindPower.com

with sound advice and wisdom to protect learn to Hurt using Combat for ‘just’ and multi-verses), human plane energy and preserve the community. One of my causes only - this is to destroy, or the (cosmic particle or stellar dust), and students once told me… ‘martial’ part of martial art. earth energy (water, plants and animals). These forces work together in harmony ‘You cannot give something When we recognise and start to understand to sustain all existence, and it is our job away, if you don’t have it in the the two sides of this indivisible coin, we can through cultivating self mastery through first place,’ start to become whole, healed and happy learning martial arts to understand our through the process of cultivating ourselves, body, mind and spirit, to connect to the Original …hence why you have to learn to self-heal or what I call Self Mastery. This allows us original source. This is the biggest secret first. Martial arts is just another form of to heal ourselves so we can heal others and of martial arts that has been hidden all this self-help. I like to say… Mother Earth. This is the true meaning of time, and everything else along the way has martial arts - life. merely served as a distraction. As Bruce Lee ’There are many roads to famously quoted, Edinburgh.’ As they say… Truth ‘Hurt people hurt, Healed ‘It’s like a finger pointing Unfortunately, we have it all back to front people heal.’ away to the moon. in the West. We are very much stuck in Don’t concentrate on the the body, if it is not for purposes of vanity Martial arts gives us tools to understand finger or you will miss all that we are entrenched within the prowess our body, and by investigating what is heavenly glory.’ of physical violence. The glorification happening inside us and comparing it to of combat sports such as cage fighting, what is happening outside in nature, we are Now this is… professional boxing and wrestling has able to identify the laws of nature inside ‘Easy to say, Hard to do,’ drawn us further away from the truth, so and out are interdependent. The two parts …because it takes years of practicing much so that we are so stuck in the body, we of the whole are known as the macrocosm martial arts to ascend your understanding have lost sight of the bigger picture. (big - the universe) and the microcosm to the level of connecting to the Original (small - the human being), and everything Source from, The ancient secret I am about to reveal we think inside we can project outwardly has been deeply buried as a result of this, from something inexplainable that comes • Physically mastering martial arts and seldom is it taught in martial arts from deep inside us (spirit) that translates techniques to be able to defend yourself schools around the world, because of the into a thought (mind) which we convert against harm (body), lack of understanding and the commercial into physical action (body) to manifest ‘it’ • To cultivating your mind so you are attraction to the physicality to give into our reality (life). emotionally resilient to cope with daily customers what they want for financial gain life challenges without resorting to for survival (understandably so), rather Revealing the Secret physical violence (mind), than what they need… to heal themselves, The ancient secret of martial arts was • To cultivating your inner compass and others, the planet and build strong loving noticed by the Taoists, who studied the being able to listen to your intuition communities to protect and to serve one effects of naturally occurring universal and energy to make sound conscious another in unison. processes upon human nature. By observing decisions (spirit). nature and investigating the effects of its What’s in a Name? energy upon and within the human body, Only then will you be able to go deeper The secret has always been there right in the Taoists traced nature’s energy back to within to connect to the Original Source, front of our faces. It has been in the name its source. They used meditation to make through deep meditation. Now there are ‘martial arts’ itself all this time. But the this ‘expedition.’ The search led them to the different types of meditation, from sitting problem is, we often misunderstand what discovery of a primordial void, a condition to standing to moving - which is exactly ‘martial arts’ means. Often, people will of nothingness. This void, recognised what martial arts is - a moving meditation. translate ‘martial art’ to mean ‘war like’ to have been the state of things at the To connect to the Original Source, you need putting an emphasis on physical combat, beginning of all creation, was given the to find someone that ‘has it’ in the first but there’s much more to this than you name Wu Chi meaning ‘Original Source’ place, so they can give it to you, so you too realise. Let me explain the true meaning of or the ‘Great Emptiness’. This is depicted in can Connect to Wu Chi. martial arts… Taoist art as an empty circle. • The first side of the coin is when we Remember, once you have discovered Heal the Spirit, Mind and Body - this is The energy born from Wu Chi created the your gift, then you have an obligation to create, or the ‘art’ part of martial art. main energy forces that sustain our lives: to give it away. • The second side of the coin is when we universal energy (stars, planets, galaxies Peace, respect & love,

52 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 53 Article: Shifu Jonathan Bluestein Photographs: ©Jonathan Bluestein

Fist of the Mind Xing Yi Quan The Devastating Fighting Art You Don’t Know About...And Really Should Famous among the traditional martial arts of China is Xing Yi Quan. This unique martial art nonetheless remained obscure and relatively unknown in Western countries until the late 20th century. Featuring a novel approach to both training and fighting, Xing Yi Quan is fascinating treasure of Chinese culture which is worth becoming acquainted with.

he history of Xing Yi simply means ‘fist’, as in “the fist of…”, and moving from the inside, in subtle ways. Quan goes back over is a common suffix in Chinese martial arts. This concept also exists in other Oriental 250 years, to when That is, much like ‘Do’ is a common suffix martial arts to a degree. For example, in the Chinese-Muslim in Japanese martial arts (Judo, Aikido, Tensho Kata of Okinawan Karate, various minority known as the Iaido, etc). types of mental imagery are used to illicit THui developed their own unique martial certain body mechanics. But in XYQ, such art known as Xin-Yi Liu-He Quan. One Xing means ‘shape’ or ‘form’. The character usage exists in every single movement and man who studied that art was Li Luoneng, Xíng is in fact the same character used in method of the art. It is key to its practice a farmer, who like many masters of his era Japanese for the word ‘Kata’ (a movement and is taught from the very first class. was in fact illiterate, though well-educated form). But in Chinese the connotation at the same time in other respects. Being is slightly altered, to mean ‘Frame’ Together, Xing Yi Quan means ‘The Fist of quite knowledgeable of the Chinese or ‘Structure’. Xing then refers to the Form and Intent’. That is: the martial art philosophy of Daoism and of the guiding development of a Structure. It is a concept which uses training and fighting methods, concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which exists in all martial arts. Every which combine structural integrity the founder Li Luoneng fused these into person who spends sufficient amount of concepts with enhanced control of the the art he had learned, to create a new time practicing will develop the ‘body mind to support them. martial art, called Xing Yi Quan. This new type’ typical of his martial art, from the style of his was also heavily influenced by inside and out. Xing also means, the An Ingenious his liking of spear-fighting and the body external shape that I make in any given Curriculum mechanics associated with wielding such movement. Simply put, Xing is the element In Xing Yi Quan are found several taulu a weapon. These influences and their in this martial art, of training the body (kata), but they are not the focal point of relevance to the art, I shall describe later structure to be able to manifest stability, the practice. The taulu are used to help in this article. connectedness, rooting and flow, in every people remember the movements, learn single movement or posture. good flow, and train pre-arranged sparring. What is It? The traditional preference though, The name ‘Xing Yi Quan’ is The word Yì means ‘Intention’. In English, is to emphasize the practice of single made up of three Chinese intention means “I want to do something”. movements or combinations repeatedly, words, and describes the In Xing Yi Quan, intention is the ability much like in Western Boxing. In this art, general approach to training to make the mind move the body from it is considered better to practice a single and fighting in this style. the inside, to suit a purpose. That is, to movement for an hour continuously, than The last word, ‘Quan’ use mental imagery to trick the body into a taulu for two hours with breaks. Slow-

54 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 55 Article: Shifu Jonathan Bluestein Photographs: ©Jonathan Bluestein

Fist of the Mind Xing Yi Quan The Devastating Fighting Art You Don’t Know About...And Really Should Famous among the traditional martial arts of China is Xing Yi Quan. This unique martial art nonetheless remained obscure and relatively unknown in Western countries until the late 20th century. Featuring a novel approach to both training and fighting, Xing Yi Quan is fascinating treasure of Chinese culture which is worth becoming acquainted with.

he history of Xing Yi simply means ‘fist’, as in “the fist of…”, and moving from the inside, in subtle ways. Quan goes back over is a common suffix in Chinese martial arts. This concept also exists in other Oriental 250 years, to when That is, much like ‘Do’ is a common suffix martial arts to a degree. For example, in the Chinese-Muslim in Japanese martial arts (Judo, Aikido, Tensho Kata of Okinawan Karate, various minority known as the Iaido, etc). types of mental imagery are used to illicit THui developed their own unique martial certain body mechanics. But in XYQ, such art known as Xin-Yi Liu-He Quan. One Xing means ‘shape’ or ‘form’. The character usage exists in every single movement and man who studied that art was Li Luoneng, Xíng is in fact the same character used in method of the art. It is key to its practice a farmer, who like many masters of his era Japanese for the word ‘Kata’ (a movement and is taught from the very first class. was in fact illiterate, though well-educated form). But in Chinese the connotation at the same time in other respects. Being is slightly altered, to mean ‘Frame’ Together, Xing Yi Quan means ‘The Fist of quite knowledgeable of the Chinese or ‘Structure’. Xing then refers to the Form and Intent’. That is: the martial art philosophy of Daoism and of the guiding development of a Structure. It is a concept which uses training and fighting methods, concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which exists in all martial arts. Every which combine structural integrity the founder Li Luoneng fused these into person who spends sufficient amount of concepts with enhanced control of the the art he had learned, to create a new time practicing will develop the ‘body mind to support them. martial art, called Xing Yi Quan. This new type’ typical of his martial art, from the style of his was also heavily influenced by inside and out. Xing also means, the An Ingenious his liking of spear-fighting and the body external shape that I make in any given Curriculum mechanics associated with wielding such movement. Simply put, Xing is the element In Xing Yi Quan are found several taulu a weapon. These influences and their in this martial art, of training the body (kata), but they are not the focal point of relevance to the art, I shall describe later structure to be able to manifest stability, the practice. The taulu are used to help in this article. connectedness, rooting and flow, in every people remember the movements, learn single movement or posture. good flow, and train pre-arranged sparring. What is It? The traditional preference though, The name ‘Xing Yi Quan’ is The word Yì means ‘Intention’. In English, is to emphasize the practice of single made up of three Chinese intention means “I want to do something”. movements or combinations repeatedly, words, and describes the In Xing Yi Quan, intention is the ability much like in Western Boxing. In this art, general approach to training to make the mind move the body from it is considered better to practice a single and fighting in this style. the inside, to suit a purpose. That is, to movement for an hour continuously, than The last word, ‘Quan’ use mental imagery to trick the body into a taulu for two hours with breaks. Slow-

54 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 55 movement training is also believed to be Twelve Animals. These are 12 movement have added a lot of additional materials to more important than dashing rapidly. combinations, and sometimes forms, which their curriculum, such as more sparring draw inspiration from various animals for taulu, creatively designed weapons, and Five Phase Fight Style their combative strategies. Sometimes, innovative movement combinations which The art is structured in an interesting way. more than one combination or form exist are uniquely theirs. Also common is the There are 5 cores movement-combinations for each animal, though all tend to be practice of Shi Li (also known as Mo Jin), called the ‘Five Phases’. These correlate quite short in length. Each of these ‘Twelve which for the sake of simplifying things, with the Five Phases in Chinese Medicine Animal’ movements and forms are in fact is a method akin to ‘Shadow Boxing’ in modern Western Boxing, albeit with the Spear is important for learning how to generate the special mechanics, techniques and “ the art’s famous and formidable vibrating power, structure of XYQ. connect the entire body as a single unit, and guide movements with one’s Dan Tian Holding Posture and Moving? and Daoism. The five movements flow based” on the concepts introduced with the Supporting the broad curriculum of from one to another in a circular fashion. Five Phases. The majority of XYQ lineages the art is the practice of Zhan Zhuang They can also counter one-another in have at least 1-2 taulu dedicated to studying – the holding of postures, commonly fighting. Every lineage of XYQ tends to the many ways in which it is possible for extended periods of time (typically, have 1-2 partner taulu which teach the to combine the Twelve Animals among anywhere between 5-60 minutes). This practitioner to transition between the Five themselves, and with the Five Phases. practice is not stationary however, as within Phases and have them counter each-other. weeks the practitioner begins to be taught Commonly in such taulu, a student would Importance of how to move the body from the inside be attacking with one of the Five Phases, Weaponry in subtle ways. By using proper guided and the other student would counter with The art and its unique outlook are further imagery (the practice of Yi), the Structure the appropriate movement, only to then be explored with the practice of weaponry, (Xing) is affected. You learn to react to countered himself by another. It is like a chief among which is the Big Spear, any pressure by absorbing, projecting or game of Rock-Paper-Scissors, but with five which is, for training purposes, anywhere redirecting it, and the body attains the components rather than three (as in the between 3-5 meters long, and usually ability to do this without conscious thought. expanded game of ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors- made from flexible White Waxwood This enables one to control opponents with Lizard-Spock’). (Bai La Mu). The Spear is important for less effort and greater efficiency. learning how to generate the art’s famous Movement and and formidable vibrating power, connect Through Zhan Zhuang, one also learns how Application the entire body as a single unit, and guide to rotate the Dan Tian, using it to guide Each of the Five Phases represents a movements with one’s Dan Tian (Tanden movements and generate power, and even concept of movement and application. For in Japanese). Other weapons vary between how to make the entire body flow like the instance: ‘how to attack with two paired lineages, and may include staves, swords or ocean’s waves. Not every teacher of XYQ forward vertical circles’, or ‘how to open and specialized daggers. is knowledgeable of these skills. Without close the body while moving diagonally’. the practice of Zhan Zhuang, XYQ cannot The five concepts contained in the Five Though all lineages of Xing Yi Quan bear work as a martial art. These methods are as Phases are then further explored with the strong resemblance to one-another, some essential to the development of structure

56 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 57 in this style, much as Sanchin Kata is to There are many good reasons for XYQ’s contains many aspects of Yin and Yang Uechi-ryu or Goju-ryu. liking of circles and spirals. They make for to it. For example, a leading hand can be more efficient recycling of momentum. Yang (offensive), while the rear hand is Yin “It’s Like Fighting a With them, it is easier to divert an (defensive). But the elbow of the leading Rollercoaster” opponent’s incoming power. Furthermore, Yang hand may cover the centerline, which the opponent’s nervous system is confused is actually Yin (inside), while the elbow of Circles & Spirals vs and reacts poorly, when met with many the rear Yin hand pushes sideways, which Straight Lines vectors of movement traveling in different is Yang (outside). Thus, you have the Tai Ji A common mistake uttered by many, is to directions at the same time. This can make – with two hands, each featuring both a Yin call Xing Yi Quan a ‘linear martial art’. That people think that a practitioner of XYQ is and a Yang, creating a balance. cannot be further from the truth. While it ‘stiff’, because they feel like having hit a is true that XYQ prefers a straightforward wall. But upon closer inspection, touching In XYQ then, the practitioner attempts to manner of attacking, as well as using the XYQ expert practitioner’s muscles, they have every movement or posture express narrower steps and postures, it is not at all ought to be relatively soft. The power felt smooth transitions between Yin and Yang, linear. Proper, traditional XYQ contains by the opponent was one’s own, hitting the which in turn makes circles and spirals small circles and spirals in every single ground through the stable structure of the superior in their martial function. This is movement. Such minute articulations XYQ adept, and having it bounced back into characteristic of all of the ‘Internal’ arts of the body may be large, but are often him, with some additional contribution. of China, such as Taiji Quan and Bagua miniscule and undetected to inexperienced Zhang. The reality-proven paradigm in the observers. They cannot be understood and Merging Yin Yang works here, is that the more harmonious put to use unless much time is invested Xing Yi Quan, being an art heavily and balanced you are with your own in the practice of single movements and influenced by Daoism, strives for Tai Ji – the structure (Xing), the easier it would be to Zhan Zhuang. Optimally, spirals supreme merger of Yin and Yang. unbalance the opponent’s structure. The and circles ought to be led Circles and spirals thrive at Internal Arts strive to win partly not by by the Dan Tian, which the transitions between being physically stronger or necessarily in this art is both a Yin and Yang. faster than the opponent, but rather being steering wheel, and Every movement more coordinated, synchronized and an engine. and posture connected than him.

56 WOMA Magazine www.woma.tv 57 Rolling Hands XYQ is not shy of knees to the groin or Chicken Stepping? The achieve the appropriate level of elbows to the side of the head, and other To arrive at such distances and close the sensitivity to apply these ideas to real methods which are frankly too vulgar to gap with an opponent, the art has a training fighting situations, beyond the taulu describe here. method and skill called ‘Chicken-Stepping’, there also exist partner exercises called imitating the aggressive advance of the ‘Rou Shou’ (Rolling Hands). These are Concept Based rooster. It is XYQ’s equivalent to Western XYQ’s equivalent to Taiji Quan’s Tui Because Xing Yi Quan is a concept-based Boxing’s light-footed skipping around the Shou (Pushing Hands). Rou Shou begins art, most movements can be applied in a ring, used to get in and out with grace and with simple fixed circular partner drills, wide variety of ways. It is not unusual for agility. The difference being, that XYQ does gradually transitions into the domain of single movement to be used as a strike, a not like raising the heel much, and the free-flow exchanges with light sparring throw and a joint-lock, depending on the body remains more erect much of the time. elements, and eventually graduates into situation. Though defined as ‘striking- full-contact sparring. In my opinion, it oriented art’, XYQ does actually include Instead of relying on the Gastrocnemius is important that such a transition be quite a lot of grappling, but not all muscles’ and Achilles tendons’ stretch- quite slow and methodical. My own practitioners are aware of this, or creative reflexes alone then, XYQ uses the slow students, while practicing full-contact and enough to be able to use the art in this training and Zhan Zhuang to develop a commonly with full resistance from their manner. No matter the movement though, ‘whole-body spring’, which can be used partners, only arrive at freeform sparring the XYQ practitioner would prefer to use both for the generation of short without rules or limitations after 3-4 his skills from up close. The art powers for striking and years of daily practice (provided, that this thrives at short distances, grappling, and for moving sparring must be safe and under control, as at which it is easier for swiftly and rapidly in we seldom use any protective equipment). its adepts to control combat with Chicken- opponents and Stepping. n issues short explosive powers (Fa Jin).

Step Up and Try Xing Yi Quan In our time, the study of Xing Yi Quan has become more accessible and affordable by the existence and spread of many qualified teachers. Still, one must beware that many charlatans who claim to teach the art abound in every country. Those among you with a sincere interest in this exceptional style and its remarkable methods, would do well to research their options and find a worthy instructor. It is my hope that this short article would prove to be for you a decent introduction to this art, and perhaps lead some of the readers on a new and exciting journey.

1458 WOMAMagazineMagazine Rolling Hands XYQ is not shy of knees to the groin or Chicken Stepping? The achieve the appropriate level of elbows to the side of the head, and other To arrive at such distances and close the sensitivity to apply these ideas to real methods which are frankly too vulgar to gap with an opponent, the art has a training the fighting situations, beyond the taulu describe here. method and skill called ‘Chicken-Stepping’, there also exist partner exercises called imitating the aggressive advance of the Authors… ‘Rou Shou’ (Rolling Hands). These are Concept Based rooster. It is XYQ’s equivalent to Western Neil Adams Because Xing Yi Quan is a concept-based Neil ia a 8th Dan Olympic Judo competitor and renowned XYQ’s equivalent to Taiji Quan’s Tui Boxing’s light-footed skipping around the Judo coach and commentator. Shou (Pushing Hands). Rou Shou begins art, most movements can be applied in a ring, used to get in and out with grace and wide variety of ways. It is not unusual for Tim Becherer with simple fixed circular partner drills, agility. The difference being, that XYQ does Trained in JKD, Kali, FMA amongst others. He is a student of gradually transitions into the domain of single movement to be used as a strike, a not like raising the heel much, and the Guro Dan Inosanto and Larry Hartsell. throw and a joint-lock, depending on the free-flow exchanges with light sparring body remains more erect much of the time. Jonathan Bluestein elements, and eventually graduates into situation. Though defined as ‘striking- Shifu Jonathan Bluestein is a martial arts teacher and author hailing oriented art’, XYQ does actually include from Israel. He is a practitioner and teacher of Xing Yi Quan, Pigua full-contact sparring. In my opinion, it Instead of relying on the Gastrocnemius Zhang and Jook Lum Southern Mantis. is important that such a transition be quite a lot of grappling, but not all muscles’ and Achilles tendons’ stretch- practitioners are aware of this, or creative Hiromi Renner Goto quite slow and methodical. My own reflexes alone then, XYQ uses the slow Hiromi is a 10th dan female Shihan with Soke Doctor students, while practicing full-contact and enough to be able to use the art in this training and Zhan Zhuang to develop a Maasaki Hatsumi, Bujinkan. manner. No matter the movement though, commonly with full resistance from their ‘whole-body spring’, which can be used Bob Hardin partners, only arrive at freeform sparring the XYQ practitioner would prefer to use both for the generation of short Grand Master Hardin is celebrating his 50th year in his skills from up close. The art Taekwondo this year. He began training in 1968, achieving the without rules or limitations after 3-4 powers for striking and rank of 9th Degree Black Belt (promoted by Grand Master Nam years of daily practice (provided, that this thrives at short distances, grappling, and for moving Te Hi) in November 2007. at which it is easier for sparring must be safe and under control, as swiftly and rapidly in Peter Jagger we seldom use any protective equipment). its adepts to control combat with Chicken- Peter Jagger is a Bruce Lee Historian and martial arts instructor. opponents and He has attained Black Belt grades in several styles/systems, including Stepping. n the grade of Black Belt 7th Dan Kickboxing (WKA). issues short explosive powers (Fa Jin). Bob Jones Recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of theBritish Aikido Association Bob Jones has been practising martial arts since 1966 and has attained the rank of 7th Dan Sport Aikido, 4th Dan Traditional Aikido and 1st Dan Judo. Chris Kent With over 45 years’ experience, Chris Kent is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do, and has gained international recognition for his knowledge and leadership in perpetuating the art, training methods, and philosophy developed by Bruce Lee. Next Samuel Kwok Born in Hong Kong Samuel Kwok has spent 45 years training and promoting the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu. He was trained by two sons of Ip Man and other students of Grandmaster Ip Man. I45thssue Anniversary Lak Loi Lak Loi is a published author, pioneer and authority on cultivating Self Mastery using Martial Arts and Philosophy, personal and Enter The corporate wellbeing coach, executive advisor to the Wednesday Night Group board, and certified instructor inBruce Lee’s martial art and philosophy, Jeet Kune Do. Dragon Joel Reeves Step Up Joel Reeves teaches Okinawan Syuri-ti and kobujutsu in London. Hidden Power of Tai Chi and Try He is the uchi-deshi to Higa Kiyohiko of the Bugeikan in Shuri, Xing Yi Quan Okinawa and holds the title of Kancho. Masters of Wing Chun In our time, the study of Xing Yi Quan has Steve Rowe MMA Insider Steve Rowe; 9th Dan Black belt in Karate and Kung Fu, become more accessible and affordable by the International Tai Chi Teacher, 3rd Dan Iaido, 2nd Dan Jodo. Taekwondo Aerial Kicking existence and spread of many qualified teachers. Still, Studied Buddhism, Zen and Taoism and many western philosophies. BJJ Control & Restraint one must beware that many charlatans who claim to Jake Shannon teach the art abound in every country. Pioneer of Scientific Wrestling along withJosh Barnett and Inside China New Ancient Wade Schalles, evangelist for Catch As Catch Can Wrestling, Those among you with a sincere interest in this exceptional trained under Billy Robinson. A Bloodied Sword: Japan style and its remarkable methods, would do well to John Will Revelations Inside Bruce Lee A Life! research their options and find a worthy instructor. Trained in Karate, Taekwondo, Silat, Vajra Mushti, BJJ and Shootfighting. He trained with the Benny Urquidez, More Features It is my hope that this short article would prove to be for Gene LeBell, Rickson & Rorion Gracie and earned his black belt from Rigan Machado. you a decent introduction to this art, and perhaps lead More Guest Writers some of the readers on a new and exciting journey. Master Wong Wall Of Legends World renowned martial artist in Wing Chun and other martial arts. 1458 WOMAMagazineMagazine Neil Melanson He is the former Head Grappling coach at both Xtreme Couture Las Vegas and Alliance MMA. Specialized in Catch wrestling, Renato with some Judo he is renowned Laranja for his guard work, leg locks and 27 time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu triangle chokes. He trained under world champ and 10th degree Gene LeBell, Gokor Chivichyan, red belt Renato Laranja and Karo Parisyan (who awarded direct from Sao Paulo, Brazil him his black belt). Pro fighters is now based in Los Angeles, Melanson has trained include: California. His intimidating Randy Couture, Karo Parisyan, fight style and gladiator Gray Maynard, Todd Duffee, posture guarantee high Goran Reljic, Chael Sonnen, octane viewing. In between Vitor Belfort, Anthony Johnson, a gruelling personal training Patrick Cummins and WWE pro schedule, exclusive fight wrestler Daniel Bryan and others. camps for high end athletes, Prior to working at Xtreme Couture and celebrity students Las Vegas, Melanson spent seven Renato Laranja hosts world years in the United States Navy wide, sell out, seminar and five years as a Special Agent tours and multiple, tv show for the Federal Air Marshals. appearances.

Wall Of Legends

Meet The Legends September 22nd these two world class athletes along with a host of others will be attending the Subversiv BJJ Pro Team Tournament in Anaheim California . Watch The Legends We have a series of Exclusive Filmed Content featuring Renato Laranja and Neil Melanson that will be released on World of Martial Arts Television, www.woma.tv.