Note: I wrote this essay regarding the development of Tekkenryu jujutsu. However, I think it is applicable for all methods of self defense. It may also explain why martial arts are the way they are.

Catholic, by definition, means universal or "broad minded".

I could pull out STACKS of manuals, syllabuses, films, and related research material that cover an ENTIRE range of unarmed combat.

Some methods advocate wrestling as their base, others use boxing or savate. Some jujutsu and judo while others call their systems "rough and tumble" or "all in", and there is even a system based on American SPORTS. I have an old manual on YOGA for self defense. The material ranges from current to OLD, some very old.

These varied systems have everything! Striking and kicking methods drawn from EVERY method and "nationality", GRAPPLING methods from Lutte to Judo, from Sambo to All-In Wrestling. They range from standing to the ground; all aspects, all methods.

The guys in our crew have trained in an impressive array of systems and methods. They have a fantastic "pool" of knowledge, SKILL, and TRAINING to draw from.

OKAY, so WHAT? See if this makes sense…………

Damian, Clint, and I worked out a comprehensive syllabus of instruction. It is based on a catholic approach to combatives. We drew these methods from a number of varied sources and training. The problem as we saw it was in the PROGRESSION of instruction. Here’s how we attempted to solve this fundamental problem:

Very few individuals will start so-called "martial arts" instruction or training and stay with it for any real length of time. Many combative skills are JUST that, SKILLS! They require dedicated time and training to inculcate to the extent that they will be "useful" in a REAL fight or even in a controlled "free sparring" environment.

Japanese Judoka have a saying - "One year for Newaza, TEN years for Tachiwaza". In other words, proficiency in groundwork can be gained in a year, standing techniques require ten. So, here we see an acknowledgement that "different" SKILLS require varied amounts of TIME, TRAINING, and DEDICATION.

So that was our problem. MOST people will simply NOT invest the time and effort to "master" MANY of the skills involved. MOST people will "train" for a limited amount of time and then move on to the next "thing" that catches their interest.

What then is OUR responsibility as "instructors"? What we did is set a curriculum that takes this into account. The syllabus, for the first three to six months, includes NOTHING but the most BASIC, easily UNDERSTOOD, SIMPLEST METHODS of EFFECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTION. Someone can train for a limited time AND still get something USEFUL in terms of "SKILL". What was our basis on selection of "method”?

"Hence the reason for a simple type of instruction with a great deal of emphasis on the FEW elementary methods which can be easily and instinctively used in combat after practice…..basis of selection was the theory of what the smallest man can do to the largest."

I’m quoting Applegate from the 1943 edition of Kill Or Get Killed (This DOES NOT, I hope, portray me as a zealot).

Continued training and "dedication" will result in learning more and more "complex" skills. However, if an individual ceases practice after a "limited" amount of time, we feel that we have at LEAST given something of VALUE in terms of personal survival.

Damian is a highly skilled grappler in any venue, i.e., wrestling, judo, and submission. Clint is a walking encyclopedia of "waza"; Ralph is amazing in his knowledge of close combat and weapons. Each of these men could teach to a high level of SKILL and COMPLEXITY with NO PROBLEM. However, they fully understand that you must "walk before you run". So, they are strong advocates of BASICS. First!

Judokas (like any other combative athletes) have a term called "Tokuiwaza" or "favored" technique. It is that one method that it is worked on incessantly, continually for YEARS in search of "perfection". Whether it be "Judo" Kimura, Gerry Cooney, "Strangler" Lewis, or Georges Carpentier, this approach holds true. So, realistically, does this apply to MOST PEOPLE? NO. That’s why "champions" are revered. They are the EXCEPTIONS.

Why would anyone "teach" a middle aged businessman or a small petite housewife a technique or method that requires complex skills developed over YEARS and that requires a "set" of physical adjuncts in order to be even somewhat effective? Well, you wouldn’t, at least NOT initially. Like building a house, you start with a SOLID foundation, and then BUILD from there. So the simplest approach in regards to personal protection is to start with techniques based on what the "smallest can do to the largest". Is that a guarantee of SUCCESS? NO, that’s not how life works. Is it a LOGICAL place to "start"? I believe so.

Damian, Clint or I could teach DOZENS of different chokeholds and strangleholds. Ralph could teach DOZENS of highly complex drills and methods of stick and knife work. DOZENS! So what! Without the time, training and dedication to master these techniques they are WORSE than useless. The same goes for any "class" of techniques. Training and the DEVELOPMENT of skill is what makes ANYTHING "WORK".

So ALL we advocate is that simple common sense basic approach. Start with the SIMPLEST methods and build from there.

It has NOTHING to do with "blind" allegiance to any one method or man. It has NOTHING to do with being a "zealot". It has NOTHING to do with following any "gospel" in ignorance.

It has EVERYTHING to do with a sincere dedication to seeking the best, most rational and logical "solutions" to the multitude of complex problems inherent in real world survival.

This is why on going, dedicated research is SO CRUCIAL. Some question that "validity" of certain methods. DO NOT assume that these "questions" have NOT been asked and answered by others. Only a fool would blindly follow any "doctrine" without questioning and validating the information presented.

Can a skilled grappler apply his craft? Of course. Could a skilled boxer or muay thai fighter ply his trade with success? Of course. That’s NOT the question. The question is "what can YOU do?" What one can do at twenty is different than what one can do at fifty. What one can do after several years of training is different than what one can do after several months of training. What one can do against an opponent of equal strength and weight is different than what one can do against a much larger, stronger adversary, or for that matter, a much smaller, lighter one.

So what’s the point to all of this? Simple. Know who you are. What YOU are capable of. What YOUR abilities are. YOUR strengths, YOUR weaknesses, YOUR goals. Take a hard long realistic appraisal and find the answer to that question.

And then work from there.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu

Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle

Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)

Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada

Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki

Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu

Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

Custom build your own personal "system":

Useful areas of training and study to find, train and develop the various "parts" -

To develop STRIKING:
Western BOXING
Savate
Muay Thai (Burmese Boxing)
Jiu Jitsu ATEMI
Old style KEMPO

To develop GRAPPLING:
Catch/Freestyle Wrestling
Greco-Roman Wrestling
JUDO
Sambo (Real SAMBO/SOMBO)
Brazilian Jujutsu

A comprehensive study of the above will provide methods applicable to ANY so-called "ranges" of combat.

They will also provide ALL "techniques" necessary -

Striking, punching, kicking, knees, elbows, headbutts, biting, gouging, ripping, clawing, crushing, joint breaking(from the neck to the ankles), throws, trips, take-downs, strangles, chokeholds, and other assorted "nasties".

"Mixed Martial Arts". BULL@#$!(sounds like a f@#$ing breakfast omelet or pancake mix). This is real Kill Or Get Killed UNARMED COMBAT, gaining the ability and knowledge to EXPLOIT any and ALL weaknesses of the enemy and to NEVER EVER be caught by "surprise".

ADD to this the ability to USE REAL and EFFECTIVE WEAPONS and you have about the MOST comprehensive system possible.

Its not going to look pretty. It never does.

And NEVER forget HARD TOUGH and PRODUCTIVE physical training for speed, power, strength, endurance and TOUGHNESS. Get your self in the best physical condition possible. The better shape you are in, the more damage you can absorb. You will get hit, you will get hurt- how much is up to you. Last, but not least: Get your MIND right, DO what HAS to be DONE when IT HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE you have to make the decision. Kill or BE KILLED. Screw the BULL*&^%. Leave the poetry writing for later. when it comes down to it, it’s just a matter of who is left.

Carl
PS. Check out the combat jujutsu series www.combatjujutsusecrets.com

Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

If you are outside the world of law enforcement, chances are you haven’t had much “hands on” work with stun guns. Stun guns are as popular today as they have ever been and with the newer smaller packages like cell phone/stun guns, their popularity continues to grow. But before you deploy a stun gun, there are a few misconceptions you may not know about.

1. All stun guns are created equal. Not true. Don’t waste your time with anything under 300,000 volts. It will lack the impact that you need to get any affect on your target. Plus the chances of penetrating thick clothing are slim. Unfortunately, most popular size stung guns fall under the 300,000 volt bench mark.

2. All you have to do is touch the attacker anywhere on his body for the stun gun to work. In fact, most directions will tell you to attack the extremities of your assailant. In order to get the result you need you should stun the target in the same areas that you would strike them. Neck, face, genitals, inner thighs. These targets will give you the maximum effect you want.

3. The stun gun will work instantly. False. You will need to hold the stun gun on the target and drive it into the surface for, in some cases, several seconds. Let me tell you, five seconds will be an eternity. Prepare yourself now for what will happen.

4. The attacker will be incapacitated. Remember Rodney King? Not every one will fall over even if they’re shocked for an extended period of time. Not all of us are created equal. Some have different pain thresholds, may be under the influence or may be a emotionally disturbed person (EDP). You never know. So plan for the worst and hope for the best. But never expect ANYTHING you do to end the fight.

Should you throw your stun gun away? No way, but know that it is just a tool to help you survive. When a criminal sees the stun gun and even hears it, he may just start jumping around like his pants are on fire with out you even touching him. Great, knock him out or escape- the stung gun did its job. Look at pepper spray, stun guns, personal alarms are all excellent tools, but don’t expect them to take the assailant out. Expect the minimum. They will afford you a distraction that will allow you to inflict more damage on the target or escape.

The problem is that people, especially in law enforcement, become too dependent on these tools. They are just that, tools to make your task easier. The majority of the time, a shot of pepper spray or a taser will do the job. Personally, I want to go home all of the time, not a majority of the time. But its up to you, do you want to be alive 70% of the time of 99% of the time. I don’t know about you but you’re not keeping me away from my family, no matter who you are. I am going to bite, kick, scrape and use any and everything to get me home to my family. How about you? What did you do today that will make you stay alive? Nothing, I’m already training.

Everyday, on my way to the office, I am training my grip. Every opportunity I can, I train.

Picture your enemy, in prison, on the corner, wherever. Put a face to him. When wresting legend Dan Gable used to train, he would picture his opponent practicing. He would get up in the middle of the night and do calisthenics because he was certain his opponent was sleeping. When Judo Kimura heard that his opponents trained 3 hours a day, he trained 6. When they went to 6, he trained for 9. It’s up to you, but training is a habit, just like anything else. It starts small and then grows. Pick up the heavier load. Walk the long way around, take the stairs- it’s a start.

I’ll ask you again “What did you do today?” Like Vince Lombardi said, "Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place.”

The only place for you is first place- Surviving.

PS. I know I started talking about stun guns, but what the heck- it’s all about training.

©2005 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since.

In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks:

Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

We always stress that NOTHING occurs in a vacuum. There always exists stepping stones or a progression of events that lead up to a "situation". Whether YOU are AWARE of them or not is not the issue(it should be, but as they say "sh%& happens").

Regardless whether you saw it "coming" or BAM it just kicks you in the ass there were any number of factors that occured PRIOR to the "trouble" you are now facing. Some of those "factors" were quite literally YEARS in the making.

The idea of developing "de-escalation" skills is generally understood as a way to defuse or lower the level of aggressive intent and minimize the possibility of serious hands on physical violence. This is done thru verbal and physical actions that are designed to calm the stormy seas.

Sometimes it will work and sometimes it won’t. I for one would RARELY place a bet on the general altruistic, logical, compassionate and thoughtful "nature" of humankind. So I would ALWAYS opt for the "mindset" that NO MATTER what I do, it most probably WON’T WORK. Somebody is GOING to get a severe asskicking or worse NO MATTER what is done to quell the "potential" violence. So it ONLY makes sense to hedge EVERY bet and do your UTMOST to insure YOU are the asskicker and NOT the asskickee.

Consider YOURSELF very fortunate that you even have the OPPORTUNITY to attempt a run at "de-escalation". That MEANS that you haven’t just been KILLED or rendered hors d’combat OUTRIGHT. SO USE THIS "GIFT" TO YOUR FULL ADVANTAGE!

DE-ESCALTION, both verbal and physical should be a TACTICAL tool that at it’s ESSENCE has NOTHING to do with your "percieved" intent BUT EVERYTHING to do with SETTING UP YOUR MOST ADVANTAGEOUS STRATEGY FOR ATTACK OR SURVIVAL!

I don’t BELIEVE for a SECOND that Joey Dirtbag is GOING TO BUY INTO the idea of any "peaceable negotiation" ANYMORE THAN I WOULD! A grift is grift and a "front" is a "front". I KNOW the GAME and so does HE! AT BEST we’re "dancing the dance".

MY JOB is be MORE believeable and SMARTER than the other guy. ‘Cause we are BOTH RUNNING THE GAME. The best I can hope for is that my opposition wonders if I really am THAT STUPID to believe that my attempts at "backing it down" will really sway his intent to DO what he SET OUT TO DO!

So while I’m acting like my whole demeanor is screaming "HEY, BROTHER DEAREST, CAN’T WE ALL JUST GETTING ALONG". What I’m really doing is setting HIM UP for the inevitable crash landing.

He’s thinking……LOOK at THIS sappy, pussy-assed schmuck. I’M gonna PLAY him right into the boneyard. I’M using ARTIFICE and guile to manuever HIM for MY BENEFIT.

Dance the dance of the biggest galatic wussy appeaser that was ever BORN. And while YOUR doing that bit of street level "pys-ops" manuever him into YOUR TRAP.

Curbs, poles, fire-hydrants, sharp edges and corners, brick facades, plate glass windows, on rushing traffic, whatever………

Get his back to the nastiest most damaging shit in your environment. Place YOURSELF in the BEST attack line which is HIS worst DEFENSE line. Manuever yourself to the BEST position to ATTACK while SETTING UP YOUR BEST AVENUE OF ESCAPE.

THAT is what the DANCE of "de-escalation" SHOULD BE PRIMARILY ABOUT!

AND……..if by some chance the gods of fortune smile upon you AND the mis-direction or your "de-escalation" PLOY actually WORKS…………………………………………GREAT!

BUT ALWAYS………..ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST!

DE-ESCALATION is the ARTIFICE that SETS UP THE VEHEMENCE.

Besides I don’t believe ANYTHING is ever going to work as "advertised".

Don’t be a sucker.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

"Will this work so that I can use it instinctively in vital combat against an opponent who is determined to prevent me from doing so, and who is striving to eliminate me by fair means or foul". ~ Rex Applegate

It really does NOT matter one iota what style, system, method, or technique you MAY wish to apply to your personal survival training.

What DOES matter is, if "whatever" it is that you choose passes the above TEST.

This requires HONEST self-appraisal first and foremost. Forget how you would LIKE the world to be; see the world as it really is.

And look at yourself in the same light.

I’ve "learned" thousands of techniques over the years. I practice about a dozen (striking and grappling) on a daily basis.

I have been ruthless in rejecting ANY technique or method that DOES NOT pass Applegate’s "test".

We can take a page from "combat" sports here:

Boxers, wrestlers, and Judokas ALL have that one "Sunday punch". One technique that they have drilled and practiced and drilled and practiced. And generally these "techniques" as applied to each specific sport are repeated over and over.

Why? Because these few methods have the BEST overall track record of success.

Even the NHB and UFC type matches reflect this pattern. Watch hundreds of these bouts and you will see a definitive pattern of decisive winning techniques. And they are very few in number.

So it is with boxing, wrestling, Judo AND street-fighting.

Georges Carpentier was a champion Savateur and boxer. He was KNOWN for his right hand KO power and technique. He called this punch his "whip punch"; his bread and butter, his Sunday "best". He said that it took him TEN years of hard work before he felt he really "mastered" this ONE technique.

There is a vital fundamental lesson there.

So the next time you "learn" some technique, run it thru the mill of the "test". And be honest about it.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

I just received an Email from a woman who has a child (3 year old) and about to have another. Considering my wife is in a similar situation, this question couldn’t be more relevant. This idea can be expanded to those of us getting older, injured or of smaller stature. Keep in mind, a little common sense goes a long way.

First of all, the life you used to enjoy has changed. You can not casually go to places you used to go. A woman, preoccupied with the safety and care of two children, let alone one, is a prime target for the pieces of sh$t who earn their lining taking advantage of this situation. So, how can you best prepare yourself?

First, pick your fights. Go to only very public, very safe places that are mother and child friendly. Going to malls in the evening or quickly running into the Laundromat with the kids in the car is probably not a great idea. If you can schedule a day to run errands child free, great, if you can’t, just ask yourself, if I came back and my child was missing, was it worth it? That’s it, it’s a simple as that. Once you start talking about, I can’t afford a sitter or I have no support- that’s your decision, but if you chose a Laundromat with a delivery service worth it? What’s it worth to you? Would you be thinking about the cost or inconvenience then? The point is you have to think in this way because the predators or banking on the fact you will play the odds and hedge your bets. All you have to do is be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Beware of people telling you, you will have no problems fighting with a child strapped on your back, protecting another while trying to escape a determined assailant. Those people should be arrested at the very least. I hear some of these experts talk and one thing comes to mind- this idiot has now idea what he’s talking about. Plus he believes his own B.S. Personally, I don’t care if you’re teaching how to levitate, move rocks with your mind or prove the nothingness of lute-fish. But as soon as you tell a mother of two in her forties that she will be able to handle any attacker after a one hour seminar, you should be arrested. Now, don’t get me wrong, people can be trained. It just doesn’t happen in an hour or two.

As I said before in previous articles, if you’re serious, really serious, take shooting lessons and be armed at all times. Next step would be push-daggers or finger-hole design knives; something that you can grab, squeeze and not let go. Next is pepper sprays and stun guns. Have these at the ready.

Strategically, the most vulnerable you will be is packing the kids in the car. If you are alone, have a system for packing the kids away while you have one hand on your weapon of choice. Your weapon if not in your hand should be at the tip of your fingers.

Practice: drill when you put the kids in the car in your driveway. Picture the assailant and draw your weapon. Do this during times of the loading process that you feel the most distracted.

Know your route, and pay attention to who’s following you. A few extra turns may smoke someone out. Driving to the police station is an excellent option. Plus, we all have cell phones.

Choosing the correct equipment is essential. We have one arm, one hand EVERYTHING, from strollers to car seats. Think about this when you make your next purchase…HOLD THE PHONES!!! Here’s your million dollar idea: The Tactical Tot Stroller. Hideaway compartments, pepper spray holders- stun gun caddy, .50 cal mount. You get the idea. Run with it. Put a stroller, a video. Hey, a magazine “Tactical Baby” is you child ready for the apocalypse? See what all the best dressed babies will be wearing in all the bunkers! PLUS, How to Burp you tot under fire…

Any way, what you want to do is be aware and plan ahead. People get jammed up because they don’t think a situation through. The idea is to realize when you’re getting in over your head. Don’t let your ego put you in a place that you can’t get out of. Be paranoid, be a little late. Plan and leave early. It’s been my experience, if you have kids, the world will wait for you. If not, screw ‘em.

So where do our videos and training fit in? As an absolute last resort. ALL HAND TO HAND is a tactical last resort. The training does two things: First, it gives you something to fall back on, second it gives you confidence and it awakens the part of you that doesn’t think tactically and defensively. Finally, our stuff works, but its still a last resort. Will someone trained fair better than the person untrained. ABSOLUTLEY. But like the man says, “You don’t bring a knife to a gun fight”. If you choose to end the fight with out a weapon, that’s YOUR CHOICE. I’d rather have it and not use it, than need it and not have it.

The person who doesn’t prepare for the absolute worst and thinks they are going to get out of every situation with just their empty hand is either very ignorant, very lucky or very dead.

Just like the sign says www.thetruthaboutselfdefnse.com

Maybe I didn’t sell a video, but I still have to look at my self in the mirror.

© www.thetruthaboutseldefense.com

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks:

Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Living in the Pacific Northwest is a challenge for any body: the poor excuse for weather west of the Cascades is one of the worst on earth for human health. Luckily our Ch’uan Fa Club meets in central Oregon several times a week, rarely missing an opportunity to train outdoors .

I’m not speaking here of a prepared arena of asphalt or even grass. I mean we use/find/even search out poor footing surfaces, including ice, deep snow, pebbles, desert sand, and forest floor.

Admittedly, it’s a challenge to get new students to be involved with a teacher who trains his school outside regularly in the woods and desert, and even on mountain tops. (I never have more than 10 guys—seldom any women—who are tough enough to dare to be different.)

But it’s my experience that once the cultivated, civilized martial artist gets exposed long enough to the exhilarating benefits of fresh air, wildlife and trees, his deeper roots take hold. Most of my students now find it difficult—even unpleasant—to go back to the enclosed, stuffy conditions of "normal" training halls. It’s not that tough to understand why, as most of us came from peasant stock a very few generations ago, putting our reliance on modern life-style within the realm of the absurdly tenuous—not to mention degenerative.

It may not be chic or socially advantageous to admit your recent connections to Earth rhythms, but it could save your life. For a man to deny his biological heritage is a fatal error. Never mind that the industrialized world is going to hell in a mechanized hand-basket (and taking the rest of the earth’s humans with them): you can marshal your piercing powers of striking to the heart of the matter by coming to terms with your natural place in this biosphere.

It is a common musing among older teachers to speak of the great "immortals" of bygone eras in martial arts. We’ve all heard the stories and wished we could approach the skill levels of the great ones. I think we’re sliding over important points that get buried in the telling. The First Principle to successful training is to "Eat Bitter Every Day." If you don’t know what that means, you may be incorrigibly industrialized and your male principle de-germinated by urban life-style. You well know that the dominating principle of modern life is to promote comfort and convenience. You tell me how such an attitude can possibly create excellence of skills and evolution of spirit.

Why have the bulk of the great men retreated to natural environment and even harsh circumstance, with only the basics of survival to sustain them, while they cultivated excellence? The answer to this question brings us to the integration of the First Principle with the Second: "Nature shows the Way." Correct me if I am misguided, but I can’t seem to recall advice from any culture in synch with its environment that directs us to "come downtown" for wisdom and health.

When a human extricates himself from the rhythms of the Earth he becomes a foreigner in his own house. The strident make-up of the modern life-style has left most of us without the means of carrying forward the natural abilities and skills we inherited as a creature of natural rhythms.

The Ch’uan Fa Kempo school recently met with me for a training session that lasted 3 ½ hours. That wasn’t too radical in itself (we’ve met over 2 ½ days before, isolated in the woods), but toss in the heavy snowstorm that swirled around us, and you get the idea. Actually, maybe you don’t: we’ve found that it’s difficult to impart to observers the changes in self-regard, the increase in focus and intent, and more importantly, the appreciation of just being outside.

View this article in its entirety: http://kempochuanfa.com

Sifu Orem holds the following ranks:

-Certified Instructor, Guang Ping Yang T’ai-Chi Assn.;

-Black Sash/Instructor, from Gung-Fu Wu-Shu Institute;

-6th Degree Black Sash in Chinese Boxing, from the International Chinese Boxing Federation;

-8th Degree Black Belt in Zen Kempo-jitsu, from the World Nibuikai Budo Federation.

He was also voted into the World Martial Arts Masters Society (head-quartered in Germany), as the ranking member of the Society.

Sifu Orem is the author of several manuals focused on the practicum and methodology of effective training, including the acclaimed SENG PING TAO: PATH OF THE WARRIOR MONK and ESOTERIC MARTIAL ARTS OF ZEN: TRAINING METHODS FROM THE PATRIARCH. He has also created and produced 50 training videos with such diverse topics as Kempo Ki/Chi Development, Northern Shaolin for the Mature Athlete, T’ai-chi and Pregnancy, a children’s Kung Fu series, plus many northern and southern Shaolin hand and weapon forms. He was a featured writer with the on-line martial arts magazine DRAGON’S LIST (dragonslist.com).

For many years The British Aikido Board (BAB) have shown no interest whatsoever in the true history of British Aikido, to be fair to the BAB, they have shown a great deal of interest and support for the false history of British Aikido for which they have now publicly apologised, the apology by the chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei

When Kenshiro Abbe Sensei first stepped on British soil in 1955 he brought with him the knowledge of many Budo arts, Aikido being one of them. Abbe Sensei also brought his Aikido based philosophy of Kyu-Shin-Do. This was the inception of British Aikido. Yet no where in the BAB literature will you find any reference to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei or the origins of Aikido within the UK. In the year 2000 the BAB were happy to help promote Mr Pooles proven fraudulent claims to 47 yrs of Aikido, The BAB have now taken this claim by Mr Poole from the BAB Associations information website. I personally received my invitation from the BAB to attend Mr Poole’s event, that was the start of the long running British Aikido Board Controversy, yet sadly, the BAB have never ever promoted the true history of British Aikido or its founder Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever
The BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in the year 2000
“We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and therefore have no interest in the same“

Sadly with the arrival of the new BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter nothing changed, he made the statement below despite the factual information available to him and his executive, lets not forget that Mr Sumpter had the only four surviving students of Abbe Sensei for Aikido within the BAB.

On the 17th April 2002 The BAB Chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter wrote to Henry Ellis with reference to the history of British Aikido. He then made the following crass statement in his support for the BAB stance on Mr Jack Poole.

“The period in question predates the creation of the BAB by a significant amount of time and therefore we have no formal records to prove or disprove either claim.”

The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration Seminar
May 14th Crystal Palace London
720 Participants –Guests – Spectators

At the Sport England / BAB / Ellis mediation meeting 6th July 2004 where the BAB were reprimanded by Sport England and instructed to give Henry Ellis a full public apology.

At the end of the meeting ( The minutes for this meeting can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido ), Henry Ellis appraised Ms Sadie Mason of Sport England of the proposed plans for the Kenshiro Abbe event, Ms Mason suggested that we should involve the BAB in our plans as part of the reconciliation of British Aikido, Henry Ellis agreed.

Henry Ellis offered Ms Masons suggestion to the Abbe Event Committee, the suggestion was unanimously accepted 100%. The BAB executive were then approached and invited to send a representative ( any member ) of the BAB to attend our meetings and report back on our progress, this offer was rejected out of hand.

Mr Vincent Sumpter
“No matter your Pretence, You are what YOU are and nothing more!“
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei

Not deterred, we then invited the BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter to attend The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration as a VIP guest, to pay the respects of the BAB membership of which he represents . There were many BAB members attending, proving that this event was not about personal differences – styles or what organisation you belong to, I was pleased to see students from Mr Poole’s organisation who were also made very welcome. This event was about one thing and one thing only “ Kenshiro Abbe Sensie “ with demonstrations of the early aikido and its proud standards, with Sensei Eastman showing various techniques to show the influences that the different early teachers brought to the UK in those early days.

Students trained with other students of other styles and association with a friendliness not often seen in modern Aikido circles. this event went a long way to promote all that is good in Aikido. I believe that the spirit of Abbe Sensei would be very proud of this special day to his memory.

Another crass statement from Mr Vincent Sumpter 27th March 2004, In an unwarranted attack on the genuine aikidoka who supported the British Aikido Controversy debate in its defence of the true history of British Aikido and the Aikido history of Abbe Sensei and his disciples.

“The Boards conscience is clear. like all the practitioners of Aikido who contribute to this “controversy “ Mr Humm appears to have forgotten the meaning of the word “Aikido “ – Harmony of Sprit to find a Way “ The “Controversy “ website feeds hatred, ill – feeling, bitterness and discord. For my part, as an aikidoka who is passionate about the art and the etiquette that goes with it, I will therefore not add to the feeding frenzy this website generates. I can’t stop what is going on but I can turn the other cheek.“

With reference to the above statement by Mr Sumpter I should remind the reader to visit www.geocities.com/britishaikido to read both the Sport England minutes and Mr Sumpters apology to Mr Ellis which can only be considered an apology to all that supported the “Controversy “ in the name of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei including the named Mr David Humm.

In response to our invitation Mr Sumpter replied stating that he graciously accepted our invitation. Just before the event he changed his mind without explanation, suggesting that we allow Mr Ralph Reynolds to represent the BAB.

Mr Reynolds had a far more important role to play as one of the main teachers at this event where he was delighted to take part as an original student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

This was such an important event with many good students who were members of the BAB, yet, the British Aikido Board were not represented at this event to pay tribute to such a great master and the founder of our Aikido.

If Mr Sumpter had attended he would have seen a Martial Arts Spectacular never before seen in the United Kingdom, where students from many organisations met and renewed old friendships, there were many more that made new friendships.

In almost 50 years of Aikido I have never before experienced the special atmosphere that electrified the great hall at Crystal Palace from the moment the Taiko Drummers started to play on this day of celebration in the name of Abbe Sensei. I never ever thought in my life time that I would ever see an event to eclipse the great event at The Royal Albert Hall in 1963 with Abbe Sensei. I knew on Saturday the 14th of May that I was now witnessing the greatest Aikido event in my 48 years of Aikido. I am not an emotional man but I will admit that as I looked over the balcony of the concourse onto the tatami area with the sound of the Taiko Drummers and the hundreds of students and guests gathering below I was unable to stop the trickle of a few emotional tears as I realised I was witnessing something very special.

MR SUMPTER, you missed something very special, whilst you sat 40 miles away at home contemptuously ignoring the tribute to the father of British Aikido, others travelled from all parts of the UK – USA – France – Holland – Germany – Czechoslovakia. etc.

Whilst you sat at home it was a wonderful moment when Sensei Bill Woods who was the personal aide to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and without doubt the most influential force in the history British Martial Arts, made a supreme effort despite his serious illness to pay his respects to the memory of Abbe Sensei.

Also whilst you sat at home, Sensei Bill Stopps the personal Aide to Matsutharu Otani Sensei who despite his age and ill health also attended and thanked me wholeheartedly for inviting him as a special guest, and for the wonderful day he had experienced.

Whilst you sat at home just 40 miles away, Sensei Robin Otani and his two sons, the descendents of Matsutharu Otani Sensei travelled all the way from Devon to attend.

Sensei Joe Curran travelled all the way from Newcastle and Sensei Mike Nery travelled from Bristol. Sensei Dave Rogers travelled 7000 miles from New Mexico USA as did Sensei Al Montemar and Mr Chad Hatcher who flew over from Texas USA to pay their respects. Whilst you sat at home there were many others that travelled long journeys to attend.

Unlike you Mr Sumpter these people wanted to attend.

You missed some of the finest displays of the Budo arts that any martial artist is ever likely to witness at any one event, a truly lasting experience for all those that made the effort to attend.

I was always under the impression that it was the sworn duty of any chairman to always do what was best for his organisation and its members.

Try Try Try Again

After the disastrous “British Aikido Board Nepotism Seminar 2004“ with only 99 students attending out of a membership of approx 15000, the BAB have decided not to hold it’s 2005 National Seminar .

They are of course fully aware of the fantastic success of the Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations. With 720 participants – honoured guests – spectators.

The BAB having failed in its four year support for Mr Jack Poole to change the history of British Aikido. They now appear to have a renewed interest in the true history of British Aikido and its founder Kenshiro Abbe. No matter whatever the British Aikido Board do, that damning statement below will hang over their shameless heads for ever and a day.

British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever

The BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in the year 2000

“We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and therefore have no interest in the same.“

"No matter your pretence, you are what you are and nothing more.“ Kenshiro Abbe

The British Aikido Board
Disastrous National Nepotism Seminar 2004 – 99 Students
By Henry Ellis

Henry Ellis started Aikido in 1957 as a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. His diplomas are signed by the founder of Aikido OSensei himself. Henry Ellis is the Co-author of the new book Positive Aikido.

Kuang Ping was the T’ai-chi set favored by Yang Lu-Chan, the man who brought forward the "Yang" style in the mid-1800’s, now so popular throughout the world. Kuang Ping is what the man trained with himself. The popular "Yang" set was/is something for the masses–not for the aficinado, the athlete, the martial artist.

I learned Kuang Ping from Kuo Lien Ying (that’s him above, taken in the late 1960’s), third generation student of Yang Lu Chan. I was already an accomplished runner and martial artist when I started training (1970), so it was difficult to please me in the arena of athletics–but 75 yr-old Kuo was definitely impressive! Eventually I studied five T’ai-chi sets, but his was/is definitely the most dynamic and challenging.

I teach two sets currently: a short Yang style (for beginners and the unfit) and Kuang Ping. They are both available on tape.

T’AI-CHI CH’UAN: A Few Words

This soft or "internal" art is, in all aspects, a psycho-physical exercise, a boxing system, and a meditation method. Most of the tens of millions of practitioners are into it for health and meditation, so they move very slowly during the training. But what most people don’t realize is that since the art is founded on using the principles of change, you can—and should—move the body and mind according to the need of the moment.

This wondrous exercise can be used by anyone, male and female, old and young. A five year-old child and a person of 90 years or more are both able to practice T’ai-chi Ch’uan. The complete form can be learned within three months; pretty good acquaintance can be obtained with a year’s practice; and a student training perseveringly for about five years can have significant integration of mind and body, intuition and knowledge. There are delicate details of T’ai-chi, keys to its marvels which are understood only with faithful practice. Traditionally, a person is required to train seven years before qualifying as a teacher.

Of the more than 100 million people who practice T’ai-chi regularly, most train outdoors, even in severe weather conditions of northern China. The reason is simple and can be understood only when you accept the elements and embrace the opportunity to integrate with nature. Year-round, outdoor training is good for the spirit, heart, mind and body.

Instructor Certification:

T’ai-chi Ch’uan

First – Third years: White Sash
Introduction to internal arts studies
Yi Bai Ching Kung
Zhan Zhuang
Basic Health Maintenance
Tui-Na
Tao Yin
T’ai-chi Chi-Kung
Stance and kicking drills
Tui Shou
Postures training for Yang or Guang Ping T’ai-Chi Ch’uan

Fourth Year: Blue Sash
18 Therapies Chi-Kung
T’ai-chi Chi-Kung
Breathing patterns in T’ai-chi Ch’uan
T’ai-chi Kun/Dragon’s Head Staff #1

Fifth Year: Green Sash
T’ai-chi KunDragon’s Head Staff #2
T’ai-chi Chi-Kung
Continued physical and respiration studies in T’ai-chi Ch’uan

Sixth Year: Gold Sash
Five Animal Frolics
T’ai-chi Chien/Rapier #1
T’ai-chi Chi-Kung
Cont’d studies in T’ai-chi Ch’uan

Seventh Year: Black Sash
T’ai-chi Tao/Saber #1
T’ai-chi Chi-Kung
Original thesis researching T’ai-Chi Ch’uan

View this article in its entirety:
http://kempochuanfa.com

Sifu Orem holds the following ranks:

-Certified Instructor, Guang Ping Yang T’ai-Chi Assn.;

-Black Sash/Instructor, from Gung-Fu Wu-Shu Institute;

-6th Degree Black Sash in Chinese Boxing, from the International Chinese Boxing Federation;

-8th Degree Black Belt in Zen Kempo-jitsu, from the World Nibuikai Budo Federation.

He was also voted into the World Martial Arts Masters Society (head-quartered in Germany), as the ranking member of the Society.

Sifu Orem is the author of several manuals focused on the practicum and methodology of effective training, including the acclaimed SENG PING TAO: PATH OF THE WARRIOR MONK and ESOTERIC MARTIAL ARTS OF ZEN: TRAINING METHODS FROM THE PATRIARCH. He has also created and produced 50 training videos with such diverse topics as Kempo Ki/Chi Development, Northern Shaolin for the Mature Athlete, T’ai-chi and Pregnancy, a children’s Kung Fu series, plus many northern and southern Shaolin hand and weapon forms. He was a featured writer with the on-line martial arts magazine DRAGON’S LIST (dragonslist.com).

1st Lady Assistant to Sensei Henry Ellis
Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido

I was born in West London in 1963, my father was very involved in the martial arts and a dan grade in Karate he was also a dealer in ancient Japanese arms and armour, although my father has an antiques shop in London’s Bond Street, my home was more like a samurai warriors dressing room, with original suits of Japanese armour complete with very frighting face masks that would frighten the life out of my friends when ever they came to visit, there were also very many valuable swords yari and naginata spears.

The Masters

My father would travel around the world searching for the best quality weapons, what intrigued me the most as a child was all these strange visitors that would come to my home, the famous Otani family were regular visitors with Sensei Matsuro Otani 7th dan Judo the UK National Coach, Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, Tomio Otani Sensei the UK National Coach for Kendo, his visitors were like the who’s who of martial arts, as recently as two weeks ago I was pleased to meet with Sensei Kazuo Chiba 8th dan when he came to see my father.

Introduction to Aikido

As a child I did a little Karate with my father but nothing serious until 1992 when I went to the local Aikido dojo in Bracknell, Berkshire, UK. All those years with my father and his Japanese weapons must have had a latent but profound effect on me, as I watched Sensei Ellis teaching his Positive Style of Traditional Aikido I knew there and then that this was the martial art for me.

The Hard Training Begins

When I started Aikido I made a point of training with the men and they treated me as one of them. With regular practice I progressed. I had now developed the hard training bug and started courses in physical training and amateur weight lifting, after a few years of hard work I became a fully qualified fitness instructor-personal trainer and amateur weight lifting coach, the high light of all this effort was when Sensei Ellis promoted me to assistant coach of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido (ESTA) two years later he promoted me to first lady assistant to himself, there had never ever been a lady assistant in all the long history of the ESTA, Sensei put me on a three month trial and 8 year on I am still here.

In 1994 I received my coaching certificate from the British Aikido Board (BAB) which is the governing body for Aikido in the UK. Once I became assistant to Sensei Ellis I became involved in assisting in teaching both men and women and also helping with the children’s classes.

The First Seminar

Sensei Ellis asked if I would like to take part in a very large and important seminar in Liverpool in the North of England, Sensei Ellis is not one of those teachers who has a pet uke follow him around to fly all over the mat at a touch or a glance, he prefers to try to involve all the students who attend his seminars if possible, knowing this I felt very privileged but nervous when Sensei told me there would be about 700 students from various martial arts, I think the phrase "Being thrown in at the deep end" is applicable here.

On arrival at the venue I was amazed to see so many students from so many countries, UK-France-Germany-Italy-India-Austria are just some that I can recall. Sensei Ellis was asked to take the first class of approximately 50 dan grades from various martial arts. Sensei had me demonstrate 100 press-ups on the backs of my wrists with fingers pointing both inwards and outwards. When I had finished and was in the raised position Sensei sat on my back (he did not warn me of this) and carried on with his lecture. Sensei suggested that those who wanted to should try this exercise. It was amazing to see all these black belts struggling. Later I had a little crowd around me wanting to inspect my wrists, I explained that this exercise is standard for both seniors and juniors in our schools.

I was now feeling a little more confident when Sensei pointed out that there were six young dan grades who had arrived late and were respectfully waiting for permission to come onto the mat. Sensei asked me to show them what we had been teaching so far, they were all wearing black gi’s and when I approached and invited them on the mat, they scowled as if to say "hey, we have not traveled all the way from London to be taught by a women" as I showed the first technique "nikkyo" a wrist locking action, the first guy tried to resist me, I applied the technique as shown to me so many times by Sensei and almost put him through the mat. I thought he would be upset with me, but as he got up he asked "How did you do that?". He then wanted me to do the technique on all the others, now I had their attention and they were a great bunch of guy’s. I really enjoyed teaching them. At the end of the seminar, as we were leaving the hall to head for the car park, these six guy’s were waiting in a line and bowed to me simultaneously with a smile and said to Sensei Ellis " You have a strong lady assistant there ,sensei" Sensei replied " That is why she is my assistant". That was my first seminar and one that I will never forget.

I have been involved in many other seminars with my Sensei and they were always good, but I was never so overawed as I was at my first one, or so I thought. Then Sensei Ellis asked if I would like to visit New Mexico in the USA for a seminar. The seminar was to be held in Alamogordo NM, where Sensei’s USA representative in the US lives and works at the Space Museum. Sensei visits New Mexico every year and we have another Ellis dan grade in Texas, Al Montemar. I had always wanted to visit the US and jumped at the opportunity. We made the trip into a vacation for friends and family. We taught members of the USAF and German Air Force at Holloman AFB, which included a guided tour of the base and various fighter aircraft, including the Stealth bomber. Sensei Rogers is an instructor who teaches students from the USAF, Highway Patrol, police and some members of the United States Marshals.

While in the US, I also visited the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. I intend to move to Phoenix to live within the next two to three years. Sensei Ellis has a book on aikido coming out next spring in the US titled "Positive Aikido" which I am pleased to be featured in, Sensei Rogers is a journalist by profession and has worked on this book for the past two years and it will be published in the US. There are several publishers interested in the book so we are all very excited about this latest project. I hope to be visiting the US again next year and I hope to be there for the launching of the book.

For the martial artists out there I would like to add one more comment about the proposed book. Where as most Aikido books spend a great deal of time harmonizing with the planets and the universe, there will be none of that in this book, Sensei always tells students to come out of the clouds and get back on the tatami because "This is where it all happens" and he also often says "leave the dancing to Fred Astair" (who is Fred Astair?).

Anita Wilson
Assistant to Sensei Ellis
www.EllisAikido.org
www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Anita Wilson has been involved in the martial arts from childhood she is now a very highly qualified personal fitness training instructor, qualified BALA weightlifting coach, Aikido assistant coach.

By: Henry Ellis