Stay Hungry

In the koryu (classical) martial arts, trophies and rank - with the exception of a teaching license - are decried as egoic trappings, or at the very least unnecessary. In modern martial arts, goals such as these are important only as catalysts. That is, achieving the goal, ultimately, pales in comparison to the rigor and spirit that is required to get you there in the first place. This is why the concept of -do, the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese Tao, is so important in the martial arts. Tao loosely translates as The Way, but another definition is path. When we're on the path, it's the journey that counts, not rushing to cross some preconceived finish line. This should be the mindset in training. Training is a means to improve, we train to maintain skills, but also training should be regarded as an end in itself.

What's best about competing is not coming home with a trophy that will barely fit into the backseat of your car. Just getting ready for a tournament is another matter. I've gone out to compete plenty of times, but I've lost more than I've won. Still, the preparation required for these events took my training to unprecedented levels.

In a recent article, Krista de Castella ponders the effects of grading on training. The day I received the rank of ikkyu, the possibilities of achieving that coveted black belt became a reality. For the next nineteen months I trained like a man possessed. It's often said that the first black belt simply marks a new frontier. So the real trick is to keep that passion after the big promotion. Holding onto that fire isn't easy, though.

What keeps your fire lit?

Hai Karate!

Striking Thoughts' recent mention of Scotty Karate ale immediately brought back memories of another product hawking the karate monicker: Hai Karate aftershave and cologne. Touting to possess aphrodisiac-like qualities, wearers were advised to use caution when out and about and self-defense instructions on how to fend off frenzied women were included. Maybe this stuff had pheromones in it. Hai Karate debuted in the 60s, and I actually recall having a bottle or two of this around as a kid.

Isshinryu karateka please take note that the image of brandishing shuto hands that appeared on the package belonged to none other than Hanshi Ed McGrath. On the gift box set he's shown full view performing a flying side kick.

Check out this TV ad from 1967. Anybody from my generation remember this?

Discerning Self-Defense Techniques

Rank doesn't mean anything, an instructor of mine once said. It's what you know that counts. Knowledge really is power. Making your knowledge work when it counts is the bottom line. But how do you know what you've been trained in "works"?

One of the big knocks against modern martial arts is that some of them have been debased with downright ineffective self defense moves that may seem plausible in the dojo, but would likely get you maimed or killed in an alley. Aside from the fact that most practitioners aren't trained or conditioned to be actual fighters, I'm referring to "techniques" that simply don't work. Personally I've spied on my share of adult instructors who - while they may seem sincere and well meaning - have no place teaching due to incompetence. If you're going to take the title of sensei, you really should be up to snuff with your skills. Kyoshi Bill Hayes of Shorin-ryu karate tells a story of a recent shopping trip where he witnessed "the winner of the 'Worst Demo I've seen in 47 Years of Training!' award." Realize how many people offer martial arts courses without being held accountable for rendering inept teachings.

A while back I posted a story about a magazine article touting The Ultimate Self-Defense Move. It was a bit of a stretch as most of my readers (myself included) had some doubts about the merit of this particular technique. Sometimes part of the problem with self-defense drills is having an uke (attacker) who's just going through the motions. Have you ever been guilty of this? Even if you're working viable, effective techniques, having a training partner who's not attacking with realistic intent (very important!) isn't going to help anyone. But if you feel that what you've been shown hasn't been proven effective or is below par, it may be time to move on.