Judo

Farming communities have a unified identity. Unlike boom towns such as Tombstone and Deadwood that were established by those trying to get rich quickly, farming communities are established through generations by families and a family belief system.

The term “family values” has significant meaning, not the talking points that politicians use in an election year as a mantra. Community members also have a strong work ethic and the concept of bailouts and “free stuff” is repugnant to them. This sense of community is real. Community members work together in order for their community to thrive. In my community I have witnessed a “barn raising” for a young couple who lost their barn to a fire.

Growing up in a community has many advantages, but one disadvantage is the degree of protection these communities provide. It is understandable that individuals raised in farming communities believe that individuals have similar value systems. They believe that honor, integrity and ethics are a universal belief.

College life is very interesting. While technically it is a community, it is a transient community. The values that students bring are as diverse as the students themselves. The military attempts to create pockets of communities. Military discipline is a functional method by which the leadership organizes and gains productivity from its members.  Being faced with confusing circumstances such as changing from a familiar environment with clear values to one of narcissistic confusion and chaos is difficult. When individuals are faced with the disequilibrium of dysfunction their quest is to regain their equilibrium.

When high school student athletes go to college they tend to gravitate to that with which they are familiar. During these encounters, they are often disappointed that the ethics and honor they experienced in their community is lacking or non-existent in the college atmosphere.

Having started Judo training at an early age, it was difficult for me to understand the ritual of Judo. After a few months of training the value of the rituals became part of my understanding of Judo. What has remained consistent where ever I have trained is that the rule of Judo has remained consistent. Judo training provides the student a safe place both physically and psychologically to gather thoughts and feel a sense of well-being, the terminology is consistent and for the most part, instructors have the same agenda.

During college, Judo provided a sanctuary for me. No matter where the military sent me, there was always a Judo program that welcomed guests. If there was not an official program, the military supported me starting one even if it was temporary and just an introduction to Judo.

When I first went to Japan the people at the USO were kind enough to write in Japanese the directions to the Kodokan. Once there, Judo students volunteered to show me Tokyo and travel with me for additional training and sightseeing. On subsequent visits this cordial behavior continued. During my military leaves, throughout Asia, I experienced the same courtesy. There is a camaraderie that is unique to Judo. Aikido purports to have a universal family belief system, but actually it does not. Aikido instructors have conflicting approaches and beliefs on what Aikido is and how it should be taught. Even the terminology in different Aikido systems is different as well as inconsistent.

We are bombarded with constant misinformation. Young people need to have consistency, honesty and support. Judo training reinforces the ethics and moral compass that parents want to establish for their children. Judo training supports and reinforces these principles. Judo provides the guidance, support, direction and consistency that will encourage students to continue to thrive with and pass on the knowledge to the next generation.

“Reason encompasses and judges all things. This is the very principle of Judo. This principle itself is a unique, unparalleled, universal world view.”   George Ohsawa

Advanced Training

“Advanced skills are basics mastered.”  Bruce Lee

“Why do you think the extreme fighters look sloppy when they are in the ring? I trained many extreme fighters when I was in Korea and their basics were very good. When they got into the ring to compete they looked as though they did not have good basics.” This was the opening of my recent conversation with Mr. Kim.

He went on to explain that many of the full contact fighters he’d trained, as well as others he’d observed, had fought not to lose. Therefore, under the stress of competition they relied on the skills with which they have the most confidence. For example, skilled wrestlers who enter the cage often spend most of their energy on attempting wrestling moves even though they have acquired exceptional striking and kicking techniques.

Mr. Kim is consistent in his belief that psychology is an important aspect of training. “How does an instructor incorporate psychology naturally into training? I think that a clear understanding of the power of the basics is the most important aspect of truly learning martial arts. The more skilled that a student is at the basics the more a student trust them, consequently under stress an understanding of basic techniques a student will use all the tools that he trusts he will be successful under a variety of stressful situations.”  Kim, Sang Cook

This discussion of psychology and the basics began after a rigorous practice at Pacific Rim. It was not 1972 but in fact 2012. Mr. Kim watched class for a brief period and then, as he has numerous times before, began explaining the importance of basic techniques. With that introduction a particularly rigorous practice began under his tutelage. As usual, his insight and observation skills provided an invaluable lesson for all of us. When practice had concluded, the mats had been cleaned and the students had left Mr. Kim still had not changed into his civilian clothes. It was obvious that our lessons were not finished.

Through the years Mr. Kim has been systematically organizing his thoughts and teaching strategy in order to provide students with an extremely functional way to grasp much of the intensity of Chung Do Kwan. During the private tutoring that Mrs. G. and I experienced, Mr. Kim concisely explained what he was expecting from future Chung Do Kwan Black Belts. Students outside of Korea have had little exposure to Chung Do Kwan and those that make claims from what they have stated may not have the depth of knowledge Mr. Kim expects Black Belts to possess.

He began by drilling us on punching combinations His focus was on breath power with each movement. He then applied this process to sparring. It will be a task to apply this information in written form. However, it is important for future students to understand his strategy. His sparring is significantly different than any other instructor and clearly embraces Chung Do Kwan philosophy.

He has a unique understanding of Chung Do Kwan martial philosophy and teaching method. The information that Mr. Kim shared was an accumulation of a life time of training and teaching. The fact that the next generation of students are able to benefit from Mr. Kim’s expertise is exciting for those of us who continue to be in awe of his history and ability.

What is his secret: A clear understanding and appreciation of basic techniques! He has an appreciation for his early Karate training as he sees and acknowledges its influence on his Ching Do Kwan. He also references the fact that repetition of basic techniques is the secret to becoming a skilled martial artist. Other intangibles such as understanding psychology, anatomy and physical science are a “must” in training as well.

It is my wish that those students who are serious about their training will study Mr. Kim’s method and insure the tradition of quality martial arts will continue.

The Test

“We fear our highest possibility (as well as our lowest one). We are generally afraid to become that which we can glimpse in our most perfect moments.”  Abraham Maslow

Mr. Kim arrived at Pacific Rim in his usual unscheduled manor. His timing, as always, was impeccable. The night of his unscheduled, unannounced arrival was during our quarterly belt examination. The test included 16 advanced Black Belts on the test panel.

When Mr. Kim appeared at our door we were both surprised and thrilled. For some, it was a scene front the past when Mr. Kim would magically arrive during important events. Among those present was Master Morgan, who started practice with Mr. Kim 38 years ago, Officer Michael Stradley one in the first group of students Mr. Morgan and I promoted under Mr. Kim’s direction over 35 years ago. For some it was their first experience actually watching Mr. Kim in action during a test.

Most students perform well during their test. However, in Mr. Kim’s presence the room was electric. Not only were the students performing at their highest level, the Black Belt panel was intrigued with the instruction as well as Mr. Kim’s historical information. It was the most electrifying under Black Belt test that Pacific Rim has ever held.

Mr. Kim and I have visited many schools and presided over countless Black Belt tests. It is always rewarding when instructors you trained demonstrate through their students the continuation of Mr. Kim’s legacy. To have the next generation of this evolution present at the same time is an experience that is memorialized as special memories. It has little relevance whether a student is a seasoned Black Belt or one who has recently received their Black Belt promotion, their response to Mr. Kim is the same. He is simply awe inspiring to those who have been in his presence. This is a universal response especially when he is in Asia where he is very well known.

In years past, I was always amazed when an instructor would call or write asking who Mr. Kim was. They would comment that their instructor never heard of Mr. Kim. In discussing this situation with Mr. Kim, without animosity, he would call the Korean head instructor and within a short time I would receive an apology from the instructor who initiated the call. Except for Master Morgan’s book, Warrior Mind, finding accurate information regarding Mr. Kim and his continuing contributions to Korean martial arts was difficult. Suffice it to say that when encouraged to be forth right, senior instructors are well aware of Mr. Kim’s significant historical role.

During the test Mr. Kim was very intense. He observed every student with equal interest from white belt to the most advanced student. Many believe that traditional training is staid and the techniques have not kept up with modern times. They also have the misconception that senior instructors also have not kept up.

When Mr. Kim returns from his meetings in Korea he consistently instructs us on current technical methods and other changes in philosophy and technique. After the test he asked me to translate these changes. It may be difficult to understand, but in many ways Mr. Kim has a shy side. Often in the U.S. he has asked me to interpret techniques, philosophy as well as historical perspectives. In situations where he feels at ease, he will eventually start explaining techniques and strategies as only someone of his skill is capable. As many times as senior instructors experience him in action his knowledge, movement, strategy and intensity are unequalled.

Mr. Kim and I have often discussed the fact that he is a teacher of teachers, a role model for those who love the study of martial arts. He, of course, resists the notion. However, after the test and everyone had left I had the opportunity to re-affirm the role model concept.

It was easy to point out the fact that there were multiple generations, 4 decades, of students who have benefitted from his knowledge and willingness to share this knowledge with us. While he may have appreciated my information he remains a humble man who has dedicated his life to traditional martial arts training and instructing.

Folklore

Most folklore sayings are an easy excuse to not explain frustrating situations. For example, what does “Nobody says life would be fair” mean? Pacific Rim has always enjoyed successful competitive teams. Even though we have not stressed competition there have been students who were interested in competing.

Taekwondo and karate tournaments were memorable and, for the most part, judges and referees did their best. Even during my competitive time somewhat surprisingly referring was honest. Emotions were always high but there was civility and an adherence to martial etiquette.

The interesting fact is that initially there was only a brief meeting by the promoter and the Black Belts who were to judge to go over the rules and expectations. We all worked together.

I was asked to judge Chinese styles often when there were not enough Chinese stylists to judge as well as compete. Even though I was unfamiliar with the forms, the Chinese judges instructed me what to look for. My input was on form and function and the Chinese judges judged that as well as the order of the techniques. We worked well together.

My first formal judging and referee instruction was for Judo tournaments. I have yet to understand the politics of Judo. My referee certification is with the US Judo Association. I refereed many Judo tournaments that included competitors from all associations yet when I came to Oregon, I was told that I was not a USJF referee and therefore not qualified to referee.

My next formal judge and referee certificate was from the WTF. The training was complete. When I officiated at my first international competition I was very excited and nervous at the same time. It was in Seoul, Korea. I was relieved when Mr. Kim said he was not going to watch my events.

I was asked to go to Vietnam for WTF’s biggest international event. However, the thought of returning to Vietnam, under any condition, was not possible. Except for the official yellow gold jacket, being an official was a good learning experience.

For the past 15 years Mrs. G. and I have been actively involved in retriever dog field trial competition and the competition is fierce! There are often 90 dogs that start the event and by the last day all but 10-12 have been eliminated. The experience and complexity of the judges vary. Recently another competitor called to discuss her last trial in Spokane, WA. Her parting comment was “All I ask for is an honest, fair judge!”

The Spokane trial has become typical with the current newer judges. Many have not personally trained their own dogs but opted to pay a professional trainer to do the hard work. They have little knowledge about judging. There is formal training for judges but it is not mandatory. The significant issue is that most of these judges not only do not train their own dogs, but they have never personally competed in any sport.

At the Spokane trial, even though there were several of the competitors in contention for the finals, 7 out of the 60 that the judge took to the finals were her friends and the other 2 were able to provide her other opportunities. There used to be an ongoing joke about the officiating at Las Vegas boxing matches. The winner was not always the one that actually beat his opponent and now this seems to be the current trend at dog trials.

During Pacific Rim’s Judo competitive years, the referees at the larger tournaments were well organized and the referee’s behavior was monitored by senior referees. However, that was not always the case with smaller local tournaments.

At a local tournament one of our young female Brown Belts was up against a well-known Japanese Black Belt. The match was very close. Time was nearly over when the Pacific Rim Brown Belt clearly threw the Black Belt with a clean Ippon. Everyone was ecstatic! To our amazement, the head referee raised the hand of the Black Belt signaling her as the winner. One of the side judges stated an objection and after a brief meeting, all three officials agreed with the head judge. It seemed that the Black Belt needed another win to receive an award. The head referee was the instructor of the Black Belt and the two side judges, apparently from the same school, as was the head judge would also receive recognition if the Black Belt won. No folk saying can describe the sinking feeling experienced by the Brown Belt from the betrayal of the judge. Honesty and ethics are what separates martial arts from all others. This judge violated far more than merely making the wrong decision.

The unfortunate fact of dog competition is that as a competitor must pick competitive events by those that are judging. This should never happen in any martial arts tournament. It is difficult to say why the Pacific Rim Brown Belt Judo student left practice. She’d had a good Judo competitive record. I know that she became disillusioned because she believed whole heartedly in the integrity of the martial arts code of honor. Young people believe their instructors. They want to embrace that which is honest and real. Faced with a core level dishonesty, she could have been so discouraged by this experience that she chose to leave practice.

Mrs. G. and I continue to compete with our dogs. We enjoy watching them and know, without the judge’s affirmation, the level of their success. Many years ago, during a field trial, I had the opportunity to talk with one of the successful pioneers of dog competitors. After he had competed with his portion of the event I asked if he thought he was going to win. He said that dog competition is severely competitive and that there are many factors that will determine whether or not your dog won. He then went on to say that his assessment of his dog’s performance was honest. He went on further to say that the judges have their opinion and sometimes they have varying agendas. “I know when my dogs have done well and I know when they haven’t; the judges are welcome to their own opinion.” I have had the opportunity to run under his judgment. He not only was an excellent test preparer; he was an honest and fair judge.

It is difficult to explain to young competitors that not all competition is run fairly. We also don’t want students to become cynical about competition. It is a delicate balance, but one that instructor’s must address.

Relationships

Besides my mother, the longest sustained relationship I have experienced with another person is with Mr. Kim. After 42 years we have begun to discuss the sequence of events that have contributed to this relationship.

As a Marriage & Family therapist I am often asked what the main contributors are to a healthy, sustaining relationship. In the words of Phil Collins, famous lead singer of the Group Genesis when he was asked the same question “I wish I knew I wish I knew.” However, after 40 years of attempting to help couples answer that question it is clear that one of the fundamental requirements for a long term relationship to sustain is respect.

Prior to meeting Mr. Kim I had trained with many instructors. Except for Mr. Dewar in Portland who was an extremely enegmatic figure, most of the other instructors, while very knowledgeable and capable instructors had little interest in the students other than their physical skills. Mr. Dewar wrote to me regularly while I was teaching and training when stationed in Texas with the Navy. He paved the way for several opportunities by sending letters and making phone calls on my behalf. When I went to Vietnam he wrote to me regularly. The only criticism he ever expressed to me was his disapproval of my “hippie” facial hair that I dawned when returning to Portland. In order to begin training in the area he made me promise to shave it off. He stopped short of “requiring” me to return to the G.I. hair cut I had before joining the military. It was all in good fun as Mr. Dewar had a great sense of humor. My respect and trust for him has never wavered.

A sense of humor should also be on the list of requirements for a sustained, long-term relationship. The instructors that take themselves too seriously seem to cultivate disgruntled students whose focus is not on the long term benefits of martial arts training. Senses of humor and respect generate loyalty and a lack of these ingredients creates disequilibrium. A good example of the disequilibrium and dysfunction is the jumping from camp to camp of mixed martial arts students.

Taking responsibility for your actions whether they are positive or negative also should make the list. Many instructors project their difficulties onto the students. The Asian belief systems focus on solving problems rather than finding fault. For some reason Asian instructors who teach in the U.S. take on non-Asian process of attaching blame to students rather than a problem solving philosophy.

When Mr. Kim and I met we were immediately very respectful of each other. From my point of view it was clear to me that this man was special. As a general rule I am a respectful person, a belief system that was role modeled to me by both of my parents. Even so, Mr. Kim was clearly a person who had qualities of which I had yet to learn. Unlike other instructors I had met he was not interested in talking about how good he was, how many tournaments he’d won or how many Black Belts he’d trained; he was interested in my view of martial arts and martial arts training. Our initial conversation was not as though I was being interviewed. Nor was he deciding if I was worthy to train with him. He was simply interested in my belief system. Throughout the years this interest an approach has not wavered.

He has not promoted hundreds of black belts but he has taken a special interest in each one of the few that he has promoted. Even though he may not have personally talked with many of them for some time, he expects that I have current knowledge of them.

Like many relationships ours has had its share of stress. Except for one unresolved issue, we have worked out those differences in a positive way. I often receive letters from instructors who are having problems with the head of their system. Most want to quit their association and instructor and join WOMAF. It is clear that the expectations of both individuals were not being met. Their communication has never been strong and mutual respect between then has never actually existed.

We have also had “would be” members who had no concept of respect. Their narcissism excluded their ability to connect. These individuals will always be disgruntled regardless of what is offered to them.

Mr. Kim has an uncanny way of seeing these individuals almost immediately. I have supervised experienced therapists who spent months being conned by narcissists. Yet Mr. Kim and my father could identify individual personalities more precisely than any therapist that I have met.

Mr. Kim remains consistently curious. I also am very curious by nature. Although I have learned much about his martial arts history I have been curious regarding his non-martial art childhood. The fact is that his childhood always contained martial arts training. He has always been reserved about how extensive and innovative his training had been. Suffice it to say, volumes could be written regarding his history.

Mr. Kim is spending more time at Pacific Rim than he has in years. He has been instrumental in renewing our affiliation with Mr. Ohm and the World Chung Do Kwan as well as the Korean Judo Association. We are training together regularly again and he plans to be on the mat teaching in a short time.

Our relationship has sustained by exhibiting mutual respect and trust. While our communication is often in foreign languages, for each of us, we problem solve in order to not experience misunderstandings of the past. We learned to take responsibility for our failures and to not project blame.

We have grown old together and are able to laugh at the ability we can no longer exhibit. I have been on the receiving end of Mr. Kim’s punches and kicks many times. Even more intimidating has been attempting to match psychological wits with him.

He remains how his teacher, Mr. Ohm the president of the World Chung Do Kwan Association describes him, as a “100 year man”: an instructor, who is a complete martial artist, an instructor who only appears only once every 100 years.

We are blessed to have him continue to guide us.

Everything Old is New Again

“He’s great coming out of the gate, but not much for stamina.”  From the classic movie Roadhouse 

The benefits of honest competition have many redeeming qualities. In business competition keeps the quality high prices manageable and customer service positive. The businesses that strive for these qualities usually succeed. In academia, to be accepted to college requires that students compete with others and except for special circumstances the most qualified student is accepted. Admittance to post graduate schools is even more competitive.

Most consumers have a curiosity about new businesses. Many are willing to give new businesses a try in the hope that they will not only be competitive but surpass the competition. This process usually benefits the consumer.

At a recent Ducks Unlimited banquet Mr. & Mrs. Martyn and Mrs. G. and I were in attendance. What has become the norm at these events is Mr. Martyn wins a quality door prize while Mrs. G. and I, who have donated to the raffle, walk away with non-winning tickets. Through Mr. Martyn’s winning we met the new business owner who had donated the door prize to Ducks Unlimited.

The owners were polite young entrepreneurs. After this meeting, I visited their store. Again, they were polite and appeared to be good businessmen as well as knowledgeable about their products. Consequently, I referred several people to this store. At first they were providing a good product and a good service.

There is no point in speculating as to what happened to their business acumen. In less than a year they were not completing assigned work or ordering the correct products. No longer were they providing even adequate customer service. At one point Mrs. G. and I visited this store and they were not open even though it was during their advertised work hours.

It is human nature to think that something new, even though untested, is better than a proven product. While it is important to investigate new fads it is of equal importance to study these fads carefully before making a commitment to embrace them.

If it were not for innovation, the U.S. would not be the leader of the world that it is. However, those who are involved in or new to an activity must continue to work to improve it. They must not rely on the naivety of the unsuspecting public to continue to support their product.

In discussing this concept with instructors their concern is that with every martial art fad traditional martial arts are overlooked. The evolution of Judo and Aikido has been dissected by many. What is a consistent theme is that both, while adapting with the times, qualified instructors in each art have been held to their founder’s beliefs and visions.

Judo, while an Olympic sport, has maintained its quality and the founder’s vision that Judo training is a way to enhance the quality of the life of its students. There are several approaches to teaching what the founders envisioned. The facts are, senior instructors, have diversified philosophies of approach but are mindfully respectful of the founder’s view.

Taekwondo has evolved from primarily a form of self-defense to an international sport and cultural phenomenon. It has more participants than any other martial art. While enrollment in many martial arts programs is on the decline, Taekwondo membership and participation continues to grow.

Hapkido is an anomaly. Its development was a result of the collaboration of several innovative young men. These young men, while experts in other martial arts, were searching for a system that they believed would become the most complete of all martial arts. Hapkido has evolved into that powerful force and is considered to be the most complete martial art.

However, while Judo and Taekwondo have standardized requirements and rules for competition, Hapkido does not. Attempts to have Hapkido competition, as with the ill-fated Jujitsu competition of the 1980’s, are an insult to the founders. One can only speculate as to the motive of instructors who attempt to convolute a martial art into an approach it was never designed for.

While Aikido instructors may disagree on the appropriate journey of Aikido they agree on the concept of Aikido. By contrast, there are many Hapkido instructors who not only are not qualified to be instructors; they have no idea who the founders were let alone what their vision was.

In this area it is not uncommon to observe a grand opening of a Hapkido school where the instructor has no Hapkido credentials. As any curious consumer these schools often get an influx of new students. In less than a year these schools close, leaving disillusioned students thinking that Hapkido is not for them.

This situation occurs everywhere on the east coast, where once thriving Taekwondo schools decide to add Hapkido to their program. The only drawback is that they do not have qualified Hapkido instructors. It appears that some owners believe that having a Taekwondo black belt qualifies a person to be a Hapkido instructor, too. Of course students who believe that they are learning Hapkido become disillusioned as they experience the instructor’s lack of knowledge. This approach not only hurts Hapkido it also dilutes the quality of Taekwondo.

In 1991 Mr. Kim, Mrs. Garrison and I travelled to Korea to discuss requirements for Hapkido instructors with the leaders of various Hapkido associations. Many masters were experiencing similar issues with unqualified individuals claiming Hapkido rank. These instructors welcomed Mr. Kim’s involvement. As a result of these meetings a system of qualifications and guidelines for Hapkido instructors was agreed upon. Unfortunately, outside of Korea uniformity of requirements for Hapkido instructors is not a priority for many legitimate Hapkido instructors.

Most professional organizations require some form of license to practice their profession. Many parents are under the impression that because someone is wearing a black belt it means they are qualified to also be a teacher. Hapkido, as with all legitimate martial arts systems, requires a qualified instructor. This trend of “unqualified instructors” is not new to the martial arts world. In the Vol. 1 of Aikido Masters several of the instructors interviewed discuss the fact that they also experienced unqualified instructors teaching Jujitsu.

In the 1960’s Judo was rigidly controlled by Japan as were most Japanese Karate organizations. Japanese Jujitsu was virtually ignored by Japan. In California there were two major Jujitsu groups. Eventually, students who were marginally qualified broke away and formed their own groups. When the head of Jujitsu in the Bay Area, Professor Law, died a litany of Jujitsu organizations (with unqualified instructors) materialized. Outside of Korea this process has been occurring for some time. There are many unscrupulous, unqualified instructors still promoting themselves and selling rank.

What we have experienced in this area is that at one point there were many Jujitsu schools that were run by the unqualified. That appears to be the circumstances currently surrounding Hapkido. What would insure the quality of Hapkido improving and growing stronger would be for the remaining qualified instructors to unite and agree on a set of standards in order to certify Hapkido instructors.

While it is human nature to try something new or be drawn to the hype, quality takes time and effort to understand and appreciate.

“Hobo Kore Dojo” “Your life is your Dojo”

Zen saying: “As your life changes from moment to moment, you must be flexible in observing it in order to blend and be in harmony with it.” Homma

“You Know Funakoshi”

“You know Funakoshi”, Mr. Kim asked me recently. He then went on to say that when he was a teenager he studied everything he could find on Funakoshi and his “one punch” training theory. Many Korean martial arts instructors at that time, as well as many to this day, reject the idea of Korean martial arts having any Japanese or Chinese influence. Consequently, he raised the ire of a few black belts when he tried to discuss Funakoshi with them.

Mr. Kim has never been one to avoid or distort the truth and believes his students need to understand the authentic history of Korean martial art. For example, when Mr. Oyama moved to Japan to develop his system he combined his knowledge of Chung Do Kwan with his training of Shotokan. Mr. Kim was one of the few Korean instructors who initially supported him.

Funagoshi’s “one punch” theory was a primary focus of his Shotokan. When I practiced briefly with Nishyama Sensei, one of Funakoshi’s top students, he focused on “one punch power”. His kata emphasized that theory in each move.

In discussing this theory Mr. Kim went on to explain how he shaped it to work for him. During his illustrious 60 year martial arts career, Mr. Kim has developed many innovative techniques. He worked for years perfecting the “one punch” power. During this process, while the one punch concept worked well, he realized that it had its limitation. This realization became clearer when he began to develop Ho Shin Do Hapkido.

In addition to perfecting the power of the “one punch” he studied the theory of blending and taking balance. For this, he began an earnest study of Judo and became a high school Judo champion.

There are many stories of Funakoshi’s training methods. In his book he describes hours of standing in horse stance focusing on his middle punch. Nishyama Sensei told us that Funakoshi stood on the roof of his families’ house during severe wind storms, in a horse stance, punching into the wind.

Whether the stories about Funakoshi training methods are fact or exaggerations, Mr. Kim believes that training under a variety of intense conditions not only strengthens the body, improves techniques but it also strengthens the mind. Besides rigorous outdoor practice, Mr. Kim credits his Judo training and competition with the development of his incredible throwing and “one punch” techniques. He also mentioned that while he did not train with professional Boxers for an extended period, he learned that Boxers practice one punch theory on all of their punches.

While in the Army, Mr. Kim competed with Boxers in ‘Karate vs. Boxing’ Exhibition Fights. During those bouts he was able to apply his theory in unconventional circumstances. He maintains the fact that Funakoshi was the major theorist who not only understood body mechanics, but the psychology of Karate. Mr. Kim has been able to incorporate these ingredients to not only become the icon but also the Master innovator of Korean martial arts.

During a practice session at Mr. Kim’s “1310 S.W. Washington” school we were visited by a young man and his entourage. I introduced myself and asked what questions the man had. He informed me that he and his students were training in “Bruce Lee’s system” in his garage. Although he did not give belts to his students he assured me that their ability was equivalent to that of Mr. Kim’s black belts. He himself had mastered Bruce Lee’s style and therefore considered himself a Master Instructor.

His stated reason for the visit was that he was offering to teach Mr. Kim and his black belts the Bruce Lee style that he had mastered. He would teach two times a week at no cost. As the conversation continued he asked me if we (which included Mr. Kim) knew anything about Bruce Lee’s “one inch punch”. Since he was an expert on this technique that would be where he would start his teaching.

Mr. Kim came to the entrance of his office and watched the conversation. He motioned for me to come over to him, which I did. He asked “What talking about?” At this time Mr. Kim was just learning English and I was struggling to learn Korean.

I did my best to translate the conversation I was having with the young man, especially focusing on the man’s expertise in the “one inch punch”. Mr. Kim looked at me and then at the young man. He said “All punching is one inch” and with that, he punched the door jamb of his office.

It did not look as though the punch traveled even one inch. The impact was incredible. The building vibrated! Students stopped practicing and stood in place and the atmosphere became uncomfortably silent. The young man’s color turned ashen, he and his students backed out the door, showing the upmost respect. Without saying another word the young man bowed politely to Mr. Kim, who returned the bow.

“Those who would declare themselves masters should seek guidance, thereafter, in the hearts of those who would become students.”     Shimabuku, Eizo Ju DAN

Judo from the Beginning: A Perspective

“Victory of Defeat: It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how strong men stumbled or the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by sweat and dust and blood; whose errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasts. The great devotion and spends himself in worthy causes. Who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never with those cold and timid souls who know whether victory or defeat.”   Theodore Roosevelt

O’Sensei Major Phillip S. Porter passed away on August 7, 2011. His Judo accomplishments are legendary not only as a competitor, judge, but also the promoter of American Judo. Along with Professor Walter Todd he freed American Civilian and Military Judo students and instructors from the oppressive political yoke of Japanese dominated Judo policies. Virtually controlled for years by Japan, American Judo’s progress was consistently impeded. It is difficult for new Judo students to understand the politics of Judo in the early years. O’Sensei Porter and Professor Todd with support from General Curtis Lemay of the U.S. Air Force opened doors for U.S. Judo that were previously thought not to be possible.

Mrs. Porter recently released the revised version of his book Judo from the Beginning. Originally published in 1974, it was the first book written by a non-Japanese that was approved by the Kodokan. The book’s value lies primarily in its historic significance. Having had the opportunity to train with many of those mentioned in the book adds nostalgic significance for me. These were the pioneers of American Judo. It is important for the current students who are serious about Judo to study American Judo history in order to appreciate these pioneers.

Chapter Two, The Soul of Judo, is especially profound. The concept of O’Sensei has been convoluted by the self-promoted. This chapter deals with the meaning of Sensei a title which, in the past, was bestowed on those who had dedicated their lives to teaching and sacrifice. Now, titles are bandied about with little regard, knowledge or understanding of their real meaning.

There is a sad and disappointing note to his story. When O’Sensei Porter first wrote this book he was continuing toward the pinnacle of his teaching prowess as well as USJA’s unlimited potential. He had been a successful competitor, promoter of Judo, referee and founder of two Judo organizations. He was the supportive and powerful voice for students and small schools. These schools had been ostracized by the politically orientated Japanese controlled organization. It is unclear what happened with his administrative board’s support. I’ve heard both sides of the story, at the very least he was undermined and blindsided by those he had faith in and trusted.

I know how hurtful it is to be betrayed by a student that you tried to help. It takes years to get over, if you ever do get over it. The outgrowth of USMAA was the result of the change in leadership at USJA.

Most students have no interest in associations. They trust the organizational decisions to their instructors. It is the head instructor’s responsibility to select the organization that best supports their programs. Students should study all areas of history including American history, the U.S. constitution and state histories. To truly understand martial arts, students should also have a historical understanding of their organization as well as its founder. The value of this book is not in the politically revised aspect which focuses on USMAA. This may be of interest to some, but should not be considered the focal point of the book.

“Too many Judo organizations, most of which do not have the athlete’s best interest at heart, coach. The existing Judo organizations are not concerned with the future of American Judo, but only with their own personal gain…in all the time that Judo has appeared in the Olympic Games, since 1964, the United States has never won an Olympic Gold Medal. Taekwondo has won more medals in two Olympic Games than Judo has in six.” Sensei Willy Cahill, Olympic & Pam American Judo Coach

During all of the years that I knew him, his goal was to improve Judo for everyone. He envisioned a better organization and training opportunity for the elite international competitor as well as the local competitors and their dedicated instructors.

“Martial art begins and ends with respect.” Lowry

There are those who were never supportive of the Armed Forces Judo Association or the United States Judo Association. They have been a continuously noisy voice. O’Sensei Porter was responsible for the emancipation of Judo from negatively controlling factions. The fact that he was successful in this endeavor, beyond everyone’s expectations, may have been what caused the betrayal of his vision for USJA and American Judo. Whether or not he would have been able to have such success with USMAA we will never know.

For his life’s work and dedication to martial arts and students from white belt to advanced black belt we will be eternally grateful.

Open Heart to Learning

“Your mind should always be composed, quiet and without any sort of restlessness. It should be at peace. Your words, especially, should be calm and few in number. You should not talk things of no use. This is, indeed, an excellent method of nurturing your chi”. Ekiken

Ms. Yoko Tanabe’s credentials are impressive. Her Judo career spans two decades. Among her competitive accomplishments are two time Olympic Silver Medalist and six times All Japan Judo Champion. When she entered Pacific Rim Martial Arts Academy it was obvious that Ms. Tanabe was a special person. Her demeanor was confident, humble and she displayed a sense of dignity that comes from a true understanding of traditional martial arts training.

While her techniques were flawless, her skill in communicating the essence of Judo was what was especially impressive. True martial art training has a language that is universal. That language is available to any sincere student. The only requirement is that a student has patience and compassion for all individuals.

Watching Ms. Tanabe teach younger students was a lesson in understanding dedication to teaching and especially dedication to Judo. Not only did she flow and blend comfortably with beginners, her communication of advanced Olympic techniques struck a special note to those who have experienced international competition.

When I first met Professor Walter Todd he had just returned from testing for his 5^th DAN Judo promotion at the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan where I had taken my 1^st DAN Judo test two years earlier. My test consisted of what seemed like hours of demonstration of falling. From the falling demonstration there was a demonstration of Nage No Kata where I was briefly tori but mostly uke with an advanced Black Belt.  As uke, I took more falls. The rest of the test is a blur. What I remember is being thrown very hard by several Black Belt spectators. It is possible that even the custodian took his turn at throwing me. When I asked Professor Todd about his experience he smiled. He went on to explain that he had experienced a similar test. It is important to note that Professor Todd was personally trained by Mifune Shihan. He stayed at his house and they had a strong teacher/student relationship. In addition his wife and her family were personal friends with Ms. Fukuda, the first woman Judo 10^th DAN.

Even with his Judo history and political connections he was still required to formally test. His test consisted of demonstrating falling, in a variety of situations, and he had to randori with 7 much younger Black Belts, whom he dispatched with ease. Even though he was acquainted with, and personal friends of, the examiners he was expected to demonstrate not only the technical requirements, but also how to properly teach the techniques that the Kodokan instructors were teaching.

Ms. Tanabe was very complimentary about the students at Pacific Rim. She stated that their techniques were strong but what she was most complimentary about was their willingness to have an “open heart to learning”. The other compliment she gave was regarding the Pacific Rim student’s ukemi. She explained that the quality of ukemi is not just in the technique, but more importantly quality ukemi means that the student has made a commitment.

When Mrs. G. and I were on the seminar circuit we were scheduled to give a seminar on the east coast. We met with the promoter who seemed like a nice enough person. As is my usual custom I asked the promoter, a high ranking Hapkido instructor, what portion of the seminar he would like to teach. My seminar custom is to have the promoter teach their specialty in order for them to feel a part of the training. His first response was that he did want to do any techniques that required throwing or falling. He owned and operated 4 schools. None of his assistant instructors knew how to fall nor did they teach any techniques that would normally require throwing or falling.  All of his assistant instructors were 3^rd DAN and 4^th DAN Hapkido Black Belts. Can you learn proper technique without learning ukemi? Is there true commitment without ukemi?

“Martial arts should be studied with the goal in mind of perfection: perfection of form in movement, perfection of mind in activity, perfection of principle within the system. Therefore to achieve true mastery, study the art to its roots. The sage recognizes that there is always more to learn. Learning in martial arts is a step-wise process, advancing through the proper order. But learning is infinite, ceaseless throughout life.” A Simpkins, PhD.

What is encouraging is that an instructor, the caliber of Ms. Tanabe, is willing to share her vast knowledge with a small school. Not only did she share her knowledge with us, she also conveyed the true essence of martial arts.

Throughout history there are instructors who defy the mass production and emphasis on monetary gains for the purity of the art. Instructors with that deduction are difficult to find. Their focus is on the art they love and nothing could ever compromise that belief.  Ms. Tanabe is one of those rare and dedicated master instructors.

“The great learning takes root in clarifying the way where in the intelligence increases through the process of looking straight into one’s own heart and acting on the results.”  Pound

Perceptual Training

“It is in the highest good for all of life everywhere.” Real People Tribe, Outback Australia

“Intuitive knowledge and self-mastery are primary martial arts accomplishments. They are achieved when individuals cultivate the inner mind, refining their instincts and intuituative responses to the world.” Konish Yasuhiro

How often do you think of someone and shortly thereafter you get a phone call, text or email from them? When you mention that you were thinking about them they then say “What a coincidence…” There are those that question, if in fact, there are any coincidences.

Martial arts students understand that the more they train the more that “coincidences” seem to occur. During training it is likely that students connect with each other in differing degrees. Proximity does not necessarily dictate these occurrences. For example, Mrs. G. and I have a special communicative relationship with Dr. Michael Randall of Philadelphia. Consistently, when I have mentioned to Mrs. G. that we haven’t heard from Dr. Randall for a while, within a few hours he either emails us or a book or article from him arrives in the mail.

The books that he had sent to us have generated many intense discussions at our Black Belt meetings. Dr. Randall is a fascinating, spiritual man. He is not only a dedicated martial artist; he is a scholar, educator and community leader. He has been a long time WOMAF member.

Martial art training has the potential to open many doors for students. Often when students begin training they are fascinated with the unique nature of the martial arts culture. Through consistent study and the quest for more knowledge additional venues for learning become available.

In Berkeley there were several martial arts groups that believed that martial arts training should extend beyond mere physical training. Aikido became a personal growth theme when the Esalen Center became famous. Aikido’s growth in the Bay Area was significant during that time.

Psychology classes presented many gifted guest lecturers. One of these was Dr. Jack Schwarz, the founder of Aletheia Foundation. His experiences, healing and perceptive ability is well documented.

Each spring I attended his weeklong intensive.  It was attended by a small group which consisted of M.D.’s, business executives, mental health types as well as martial arts instructors. Dr. Schwarz died a few years ago, but I believe some of his gifted students are continuing to teach perceptual growth training.

Dr. Schwarz was a special person who had a distinctive history. Among his staff was a well-known Aikido 5^th DAN with whom I trained in the evenings. Dr. Schwarz was very interested in the telepathic powers of Aikido.

Aikido is one of the few martial arts that openly seeks and promotes the students perceptual skills as a regular part of training. There are several Hapkido masters who continue to train students in perceptive skills and telepathic communication but do not advertise this fact and are not well known.

What exactly is perceptual training? One of the books that Dr. Randall has sent was written by a friend of his, Marlo Morgan. The book, Mutant Message Down Under, is a fictionalized version of her experiences in the Outback of Australia where she spent four months. What she had experienced was the perceptual and telepathic ability of the Aborigines. While it seemed naturally occurring, it was obvious that their belief in these powers is the key to their existence.

When Pacific Rim students were active in Jujitsu America we made many training trips to Hawaii. Mrs. Wally Jay and I became friends. I was very interested in researching the Kahunas. As a native of Hawaii she was not just familiar with Kahunas, she was an expert on them. She was pleased that I was interested and we spent enjoyable hours discussing Hawaii’s folk culture. She gave me several books on the subject and introduced me to others who were well versed on the Kahuna belief system. Kodenkan Jujitsu taught properly relies heavily on perceptual training to understand Professor Okasaki’s philosophy.

During my research on perceptual and telepathic training I was fortunate enough to be selected to train with a Canadian Psychologist whose focus was on telepathic awareness. He was the consultant for the Canadian Olympic Volleyball team when they won the Olympic Gold. The Russian team that they played reported that the Canadians seemed to know what the Russian team was going to do before they did it. The psychologist received much of the credit for the mental preparation of the Canadian team. When I trained with him he was most interested in how martial arts training enhanced the student’s ability to increase perceptual awareness and extended communication.

In Korea, there is a WOMAF school that specializes in perceptual and telepathic training. Many of the students are monks and believe that through meditation they can communicate telepathically, what government agencies call “remote viewing”.

At this school we practiced techniques until we could execute them with our eyes closed. Many do not believe in this type of training or believe that it is possible to enhance perceptive skills. However, these skills have existed since there was a need for self-perfection when there was no phone or email to alert others of impending danger.

“Typically, Morihei attributed his sixth sense to divine protection.” John Stevens

Whatever the source, all of the great martial artists developed a similar sixth sense perhaps acquired from the decades of peering into the inner reaches of the human heart and having a mindset forever in the training hall.”  John Stevens