How Would Today’s Martial Artist Stack Up in a
True Warrior Society?
By Damian Ross and William J. Pehush of The Self Defense Company
Not long ago the public was reintroduced to the Spartans and their warrior culture thanks to the film 300 based off of Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name. This latest retelling of events that happen in Greece in 480 BC shouldn’t be considered historically accurate; it was never intended to be that way. None the less, the real Spartans even without their “Hollywood Personas” still remain impressive to this day. They were truly a martial society. They understood that in order to remain free you must always be ready to fight. Love of country and each other along with disciplined training made them an unstoppable force. They claimed to be descended from Hercules, but they didn’t just talk the talk they walked the walk. Ancient Sparta had no need for walls; it relied on its fighting men alone to protect her.
The historical Spartans descended from the Dorian tribe who were one of the founding tribes of Greece (the great general Alexander the Great shares the same tribal heritage). Strategically located in Southern Greece Sparta was a local power and bitter rival to the city state of Athens. In Spartan society, military service was treated as a privilege and was only open to citizens.
From their first day of life, a Spartans faced a life or death situation. When a child was born, it was examined by city elders to ensure it was strong and healthy. If the child was determined to be unhealthy it would be thrown in a nearby gorge. A Spartan boy would be primarily raised by his mother until the age of seven. She would prepare him for the tough road ahead. Spartan women’s reputation for child rearing was known throughout ancient Greece and to the point that many wealthy families sought after them as nannies to their own children. The Spartan mother had to be strict and demanding to prepare her child for what came next.
At the age of seven the Spartan boy would enter in the “Agoge”, a state run military school. There he would learn how to be a man and a warrior in environment that can only be described as a twelve-year Boy Scout camp from hell. Here he would learn social skills, military training and hunting along with other necessary survival skills. He would also learn the importance of loyalty and team work. The boys were divided up into troops or “Ageles” and supervised by an “Eirena”, thirteen year old Spartan. The young recruits were given little in the way of supplies and food. They were expected to endure pain. Hardship, hunger, thirst, cold, fatigue and lack of sleep forced them to become resourceful, self reliant and live off the land. No blankets were issued and each child was given one piece of clothing for a year. All training was done barefoot and if you wanted a bath it would be in freezing cold water.
Every aspect of the training was designed to test your physical and mental toughness. Everything was a challenge. The young recruits were only given broth to eat while the instructors would encourage them to try to steal their food. If you were a success and stole the food undetected it was yours to enjoy, but if you were caught, you could expect a whipping. Then when you were in your teens, you would be left in the wilderness in the winter without weapons or even proper clothing. This was your final exam. If you survived great, if not it was your own fault and there would be no rescue.
In addition to tough training the Spartan’s also understood the importance of good tactics in a close combat situation. Because teamwork was emphasized from day one of training they were able to form the phalanx, a tightly packed formation of spearmen with interlocking shields. The spears would stop any advancing cavalry, and the shields would protect the troops from arrows and other missile weapons.
Every warrior was expected to hold his own in personal combat as well so he would train relentlessly in various forms of martial arts. Boxing, wrestling, and “fencing” with swords, each soldier had to become proficient. Each Spartan was expected to give his all and do everything possible to support your comrades in arms.
Then on his 20th birthday, the Spartan would officially begin his military career. As part of your service, he had to join a mess or club with fifteen other men. These men would become his friends, comrades, and training partners for the rest of his life. During this time he would be allowed to marry, though you probably spend most of your time at the barracks. Spartan males were on active duty until the age of thirty when they became full citizens. At that time, you could choose to remain in active service or join the reserves and remain on call until you were sixty.
On active duty during peacetime a Spartan warrior’s service largely consisted of constant training, patrolling of Sparta’s borders and keeping a vigilant watch over Sparta’s serfs or Helots. Other units worked as police officers or personal protection of government officials. In the reserves you were expected to stay in shape and maintain your equipment. For the Spartan, every day was a day to train and prepare.
Though Spartan women saw it as their duty to give birth to more Spartan warriors if you were a woman in ancient Sparta you would enjoy many rights and privileges more so than any other woman in all of Greece. The Spartans were extremely progressive in this manner. As a woman of Sparta you would have the same educational opportunities as the men and you would also train as an athlete as well. You could own property and you could even divorce your spouse! Since the men could be called into action at any moment, women often took control and made sure the city state continued to run during wartime.
A Spartan warrior aspired to die in battle fighting among his friends and family. Prior to the invasion of Greece, Xerxes King of the Persians asked a Spartan exile named Demaratos if the Greeks would submit to his will. Demaratos replied “Yes, all but Sparta.” Xerxes asked why and Demaratos replied that the Spartans only fear the law and the law says no retreat no surrender. At the Battle of Thermopylae and many other battles to follow, the Spartans showed how a few can defeat many with the right mindset, the right training, love of country and love of family.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Martial Arts and The American Spirit: The 1964 Judo Team
By Damian Ross and William J Pehush of the Self Defense Company
In United States during the 1960’s the civil rights debate raged on around the country, but a handful of men put aside their petty differences and banned together to chase a dream. Under Olympic rules, the host country can add a sport to the games so in 1964 when Japan was selected to host the games, Judo was added to the events. Though this was the first year Judo was an Olympic event the United States still fielded an experienced team made up of Americans from a variety of ethnic, religious and economical backgrounds.
From the beginning, Dr. Jigoro Kano Judo’s founder taught anyone who wanted to learn. It was the first time this type of training, normally reserved for nobility, was made available to the masses. Kano sent instructors all over the world to teach people the martial art and expose them to Japanese culture. Unlike before, students of any nationality were welcomed and encouraged to train at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo. A special section was eventually set up to help teach foreigners this amazing martial art. Among these foreigners was British police officer William Fairbairn. He would go on earn his black belt in Judo (2nd degree) and would go to teach other police officers and soldiers practical close combat and self defense techniques based of what he learned. Kano would travel the world teaching and lecturing and in 1938 he even sat on the Olympic committee in an effort to bring the Olympics to Tokyo.
The American team embodied the true spirit of Judo and as well served as a snapshot of American society of the day. The team to head to Tokyo in 1964 included African American George Harris, an Air Force veteran who had won a number of important tournaments around the world. In addition to military competitions and he trained at the Kodokan in Japan several times. Another Air Force veteran to join the team was Native American Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who was first introduced to Judo by Japanese friends growing up in California. Like Harris, he continued to practice Judo in the military and trained bomber pilots in combat martial arts as part of their survival training. Also on the team was James Bergman, a Jew who’s Asthma forced him to stay inside so he trained in Judo to keep fit and be able to fight off bullies (an added benefit of this martial art). His dedication would bring him to the Olympics. He would even train with martial arts legend and author Donn Draeger. Finally, veteran Judo instructor Yosh Uchida a Japanese American would coach the team.
The competition was fierce at the Olympics in 1964, but the Japanese would still dominate three of the four weight classes. The one exception was the 6'7" 320 pound Anton Geesink of Holland who won a gold medal bye defeating Akio Kaminaga in the open weight division. Though victorious Geesink would behave honorably and prevent Dutch fans from fighting with Japanese fans who were shocked by the defeat. James Bergman would be the only American to medal with a Bronze. Though American didn’t bring home the Gold Meda,l the team made a good showing and earned the respect of other nations. The United States would not win another medal in Judo until 1976 when Allen J. Coage an African American won the Bronze Medal. Though the United States has yet to win a Gold Medal in Judo, American teams remain competitive in the Olympics and other competitions.
The original members of the 1964 team still continued to contribute to the sport today. George Harris continued to compete though he would not compete in the Olympics again. He also helped found the United States Judo Association and remains active as a board member. Though he has been ill in the last few years he continues to train which he credits with keeping him strong. Ben Campbell also worked to promote Judo with Harris in the USJA and is on the board. Campbell would also work as a police officer, teacher, and be elected as Senator for Colorado from 1993 until 2005. Bergman also teaches, writes, and continues to promote Judo. He remains proud to be a member of America’s first Olympic Judo team.
In a time when society was demanding equality for all and that a man be judged by his ability not his race a group of athletes stood up and became a symbol of America. For many the team meant another step forward for civil rights, but to the team it was just being true sportsmen. Sports don’t build character, they reveal it and in 1964 the United States showed what could be done if everyone worked together.
Martial Arts, Martial Arts Training and Martial Arts Videos
In United States during the 1960’s the civil rights debate raged on around the country, but a handful of men put aside their petty differences and banned together to chase a dream. Under Olympic rules, the host country can add a sport to the games so in 1964 when Japan was selected to host the games, Judo was added to the events. Though this was the first year Judo was an Olympic event the United States still fielded an experienced team made up of Americans from a variety of ethnic, religious and economical backgrounds.
From the beginning, Dr. Jigoro Kano Judo’s founder taught anyone who wanted to learn. It was the first time this type of training, normally reserved for nobility, was made available to the masses. Kano sent instructors all over the world to teach people the martial art and expose them to Japanese culture. Unlike before, students of any nationality were welcomed and encouraged to train at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo. A special section was eventually set up to help teach foreigners this amazing martial art. Among these foreigners was British police officer William Fairbairn. He would go on earn his black belt in Judo (2nd degree) and would go to teach other police officers and soldiers practical close combat and self defense techniques based of what he learned. Kano would travel the world teaching and lecturing and in 1938 he even sat on the Olympic committee in an effort to bring the Olympics to Tokyo.
The American team embodied the true spirit of Judo and as well served as a snapshot of American society of the day. The team to head to Tokyo in 1964 included African American George Harris, an Air Force veteran who had won a number of important tournaments around the world. In addition to military competitions and he trained at the Kodokan in Japan several times. Another Air Force veteran to join the team was Native American Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who was first introduced to Judo by Japanese friends growing up in California. Like Harris, he continued to practice Judo in the military and trained bomber pilots in combat martial arts as part of their survival training. Also on the team was James Bergman, a Jew who’s Asthma forced him to stay inside so he trained in Judo to keep fit and be able to fight off bullies (an added benefit of this martial art). His dedication would bring him to the Olympics. He would even train with martial arts legend and author Donn Draeger. Finally, veteran Judo instructor Yosh Uchida a Japanese American would coach the team.
The competition was fierce at the Olympics in 1964, but the Japanese would still dominate three of the four weight classes. The one exception was the 6'7" 320 pound Anton Geesink of Holland who won a gold medal bye defeating Akio Kaminaga in the open weight division. Though victorious Geesink would behave honorably and prevent Dutch fans from fighting with Japanese fans who were shocked by the defeat. James Bergman would be the only American to medal with a Bronze. Though American didn’t bring home the Gold Meda,l the team made a good showing and earned the respect of other nations. The United States would not win another medal in Judo until 1976 when Allen J. Coage an African American won the Bronze Medal. Though the United States has yet to win a Gold Medal in Judo, American teams remain competitive in the Olympics and other competitions.
The original members of the 1964 team still continued to contribute to the sport today. George Harris continued to compete though he would not compete in the Olympics again. He also helped found the United States Judo Association and remains active as a board member. Though he has been ill in the last few years he continues to train which he credits with keeping him strong. Ben Campbell also worked to promote Judo with Harris in the USJA and is on the board. Campbell would also work as a police officer, teacher, and be elected as Senator for Colorado from 1993 until 2005. Bergman also teaches, writes, and continues to promote Judo. He remains proud to be a member of America’s first Olympic Judo team.
In a time when society was demanding equality for all and that a man be judged by his ability not his race a group of athletes stood up and became a symbol of America. For many the team meant another step forward for civil rights, but to the team it was just being true sportsmen. Sports don’t build character, they reveal it and in 1964 the United States showed what could be done if everyone worked together.
Martial Arts, Martial Arts Training and Martial Arts Videos
Monday, March 10, 2008
What is the Opposite of Fear?
Most people’s first reaction to this is bravery or heroism. These are the result of what the real answer enables us to be. Fear is an emotion so the opposite of Fear must to be an emotion. If you read Stephen Pressfield’s “Gates of Fire” you already know the answer.
The answer lies in your heart. The opposite of Fear is Love. Love of family, love of God, love of country. It is what ever justifies your existence. Whenever you teach someone new, and you show them how to attack with ruthless intensity and to do whatever it takes, by any means necessary to survive, most regular, law abiding person cringes at the reality of biting or gouging and eye. Their reaction is “I could never do that!” Oh really, what if you came into your daughter’s room and saw strange man standing over her bed? Well, the answer is quite a different one. Fear and apprehension disappear and all you’re left with is seething range and contempt (this is good).
When we talk about self defense and fighting to survive, even though we approach it from a practical point of view, you will be placed in completely impractical, unimaginable and outrageous. Even combat veterans attacked is civilian life have the same reaction, the thought of the person or the thing you hold dearest being ripped away from you will put you into a state of mind that can not be replicated.
No matter how real your training is, that fear cannot be replicated. So you have to plan and prepare for it. Simple, repetitious techniques practiced in a variety of situations. Conditioning the body and hardening your natural weapons. Being in better physical shape and learning how to use weapons that fit into your gross motor skill set.
When the rage hits, you’re probably not going to be able to remember a thing. Most times you simply “black out”. This is why sport and complicated methods of fighting don’t work. You can train; practice until you’re dead exhausted. You can make your techniques look sharp and pretty. Your training should put you on auto-pilot. Your training has to allow you to channel that anger and that adrenaline into the assailant.
You can create scenarios in your mind and have your training partners try to rip your head off. This is all excellent, but it’s not the real thing. The real thing happens faster, is ugly and is brutal. Its not pretty. We have a saying, “If it looks good in the dojo, it won’t work in the street.” Keep it simple and work within the realities what you will be mentally and physically able to do when your worst nightmare is knocking at your door. Fighting for a parking spot or over a few dollars may not be worth it, but standing up for the person you hold dearest always is.
If your job deals with violence you know what happens when it all goes south. Training for these situations is about doing simple tasks in extraordinary or unimaginable situations. This is why and where the majority of self defense methods taught fail under real world conditions.
Martial Arts, Martial Arts Training and Martial Arts Videos
The answer lies in your heart. The opposite of Fear is Love. Love of family, love of God, love of country. It is what ever justifies your existence. Whenever you teach someone new, and you show them how to attack with ruthless intensity and to do whatever it takes, by any means necessary to survive, most regular, law abiding person cringes at the reality of biting or gouging and eye. Their reaction is “I could never do that!” Oh really, what if you came into your daughter’s room and saw strange man standing over her bed? Well, the answer is quite a different one. Fear and apprehension disappear and all you’re left with is seething range and contempt (this is good).
When we talk about self defense and fighting to survive, even though we approach it from a practical point of view, you will be placed in completely impractical, unimaginable and outrageous. Even combat veterans attacked is civilian life have the same reaction, the thought of the person or the thing you hold dearest being ripped away from you will put you into a state of mind that can not be replicated.
No matter how real your training is, that fear cannot be replicated. So you have to plan and prepare for it. Simple, repetitious techniques practiced in a variety of situations. Conditioning the body and hardening your natural weapons. Being in better physical shape and learning how to use weapons that fit into your gross motor skill set.
When the rage hits, you’re probably not going to be able to remember a thing. Most times you simply “black out”. This is why sport and complicated methods of fighting don’t work. You can train; practice until you’re dead exhausted. You can make your techniques look sharp and pretty. Your training should put you on auto-pilot. Your training has to allow you to channel that anger and that adrenaline into the assailant.
You can create scenarios in your mind and have your training partners try to rip your head off. This is all excellent, but it’s not the real thing. The real thing happens faster, is ugly and is brutal. Its not pretty. We have a saying, “If it looks good in the dojo, it won’t work in the street.” Keep it simple and work within the realities what you will be mentally and physically able to do when your worst nightmare is knocking at your door. Fighting for a parking spot or over a few dollars may not be worth it, but standing up for the person you hold dearest always is.
If your job deals with violence you know what happens when it all goes south. Training for these situations is about doing simple tasks in extraordinary or unimaginable situations. This is why and where the majority of self defense methods taught fail under real world conditions.
Martial Arts, Martial Arts Training and Martial Arts Videos
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What Makes For Good Self Defense?
The first answer is whatever works. Whatever is effective is good self defense. Whatever gives you the greatest chance of survival is good self defense. That being said, there are a few factors that need to be considered.
Think of the worst possible scenario. Chances are you will be attacked when your assailant feels he has a distinct advantage. That means you must assume he will be larger, determined, armed and has friends. Anything you do must account for these real possibilities. Until you are proven other wise, chances are you won’t know for ure until it’s too late.
Next, you need to consider your environment. Asphalt, ice, snow, jungle, beach, the woods or your living room, each situation presents a unique set of circumstances. You need to react in a way that takes all of this into consideration. Simple foot work done in the correct manner will account for every possible scenario.
Then you have to consider yourself. Chances are you will appear to be a good mark. This means you’re older, smaller, injured or otherwise distracted. Remember Murphy’s law- what can go wrong will go wrong. You also have to consider what happens to your body when you are placed under hormone induced stress or fear. You get tunnel vision; you loose control of your fine motor skills. You experience auditory exclusion and as your hear rate increases your ability to perform even the most simple techniques.
Instinctive and Convulsive
Time is of the essence, you need to cause as much damage to your target and as little damage to yourself. If you’re using protective gear in your training, this will cause a problem (unless you are constantly wearing hand wraps). Techniques that take a lot of time just don’t cut it. Methods that cause you to wait just don’t cut it. You have to inflict as much damage as fast as possible. Lead with speed, follow with power and take bits and pieces away from your assailant as you cause more damage and injury. The techniques you use should allow to hit anywhere on your targets body and cause little or no damage to you. You must react in a way that allows you to keep your assailant off balance and build momentum until he’s no longer a threat.
Do Your Worst, Fast and First
According to close combat legend W.E. Fairbairn, you need attack with “vehemence and artifice”. This simply means be as nasty and as sneaky as possible. Don’t wait to escalate- just dominate. The quicker you can cause damage, the faster you can inflict even greater damage. Just don’t wait. There is no room for second chances. Self defense is self preservation.
Plan for the Worst and Hope for the Best
When you train, it’s for your worst nightmare. The guy who just got out of prison or the junkie who doesn’t care what belt you have. Criminals just want what you have, plain and simple. You have to plan for the absolute worst case scenario. Also, you should have a little nasty surprise for your would be attacker. Empty hand techniques are nice but WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY beat empty hands time and time again. If empty hand techniques were all they were cracked up to be, there would be no need for firearms, knives or close quarter weapons. It’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. Even old school martial artists always had an “ace up their sleeve” so to speak. The point is, empty hand is a strategic last resort. At its best, empty hand self defense is designed to allow you to fight with a weapon or at least create an opportunity to secure one. Because at the end of the day, it’s not a matter of who’s right, just who’s left.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Renton Washington Self Defense, Renton Washington Martial Arts
Think of the worst possible scenario. Chances are you will be attacked when your assailant feels he has a distinct advantage. That means you must assume he will be larger, determined, armed and has friends. Anything you do must account for these real possibilities. Until you are proven other wise, chances are you won’t know for ure until it’s too late.
Next, you need to consider your environment. Asphalt, ice, snow, jungle, beach, the woods or your living room, each situation presents a unique set of circumstances. You need to react in a way that takes all of this into consideration. Simple foot work done in the correct manner will account for every possible scenario.
Then you have to consider yourself. Chances are you will appear to be a good mark. This means you’re older, smaller, injured or otherwise distracted. Remember Murphy’s law- what can go wrong will go wrong. You also have to consider what happens to your body when you are placed under hormone induced stress or fear. You get tunnel vision; you loose control of your fine motor skills. You experience auditory exclusion and as your hear rate increases your ability to perform even the most simple techniques.
Instinctive and Convulsive
Time is of the essence, you need to cause as much damage to your target and as little damage to yourself. If you’re using protective gear in your training, this will cause a problem (unless you are constantly wearing hand wraps). Techniques that take a lot of time just don’t cut it. Methods that cause you to wait just don’t cut it. You have to inflict as much damage as fast as possible. Lead with speed, follow with power and take bits and pieces away from your assailant as you cause more damage and injury. The techniques you use should allow to hit anywhere on your targets body and cause little or no damage to you. You must react in a way that allows you to keep your assailant off balance and build momentum until he’s no longer a threat.
Do Your Worst, Fast and First
According to close combat legend W.E. Fairbairn, you need attack with “vehemence and artifice”. This simply means be as nasty and as sneaky as possible. Don’t wait to escalate- just dominate. The quicker you can cause damage, the faster you can inflict even greater damage. Just don’t wait. There is no room for second chances. Self defense is self preservation.
Plan for the Worst and Hope for the Best
When you train, it’s for your worst nightmare. The guy who just got out of prison or the junkie who doesn’t care what belt you have. Criminals just want what you have, plain and simple. You have to plan for the absolute worst case scenario. Also, you should have a little nasty surprise for your would be attacker. Empty hand techniques are nice but WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY beat empty hands time and time again. If empty hand techniques were all they were cracked up to be, there would be no need for firearms, knives or close quarter weapons. It’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. Even old school martial artists always had an “ace up their sleeve” so to speak. The point is, empty hand is a strategic last resort. At its best, empty hand self defense is designed to allow you to fight with a weapon or at least create an opportunity to secure one. Because at the end of the day, it’s not a matter of who’s right, just who’s left.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Renton Washington Self Defense, Renton Washington Martial Arts
Saturday, February 2, 2008
My Sensei, Carl Cestari Shinan
Its 1:00 in the morning and all I can think about is the fact that he’s gone. There are no words to describe the void in my life. Even though I knew this day would come, I still can’t believe it. After a decade of battling his body, he finally succumbed. The best I can do is offer you some insight into the person I knew as Sensei; Godfather to my daughter, mentor to me and my wife, counsel and confidant.
From the first day I met him, I knew he was head and shoulders above anyone I’ve ever met before. First, it was all about the training. The techniques and the methods he demonstrated hit home and just made plain sense. From that moment forward I knew I was going to be forever attached to him.
We didn’t have a dojo, per se. We worked out at my brothers Karate school, the basement of a church in Paramus, his basement or any other studio where we could get some space and sometimes a mat (though we didn’t always use one!) Over time, the techniques and the training never disappointed, but it was only after several years that I discovered his real genius and it had nothing to do with the martial arts at all.
He always had the right answer- no matter what the situation. His solution was always well thought out and he always considered two things: the other person’s perspective and what the overall result should be. And not the immediate result, but the “big picture” result that would be the most beneficial to everyone involved. According to my wife, he was the only one I would listen too.
When we, Shinan Carl Cestari, Sensei Sporman and myself, decided to put together a system of training
adults, we never want to develop a “style”. It was just the absolute best way we felt that adults should study to get the overall benefit of real hand to hand and a true martial art experience. Personally, I wanted to embody Carl’s life in the martial arts and self defense, a system that represented his experience.
After we drew on 75 plus years experience and put down the skill sets we felt would best get the result we desired, we realized we had something more, much more- that’s when “Tekkenryu jujutsu” was born. We knew that this system, combined with regular Judo practice, would make and unstoppable hand to hand system. Where Tekkenryu is anything goes, “street mixed martial arts” delivered in a systematic progression, Judo instills a sense of urgency, fighting with another person in a dynamic situation, staying on
your feet, getting a dominant position and developing awesome strength and balance. We knew we were onto something. Tekkenryu means “Iron Fist Style” in Japanese. We got its name from Shinan’s hands- if you ever felt his reverse punch, you would know what I mean. His punch felt like you were getting hit with a 6-pound sledgehammer. To think that amount of force could come from a human being was incredible. I remember holding the impact pad for him in the early 90’s and I could feel my kidneys reverberate from the shock of the strike. What sealed the name selection was that it was rumored that Shinan’s distant relatives in Italy belonged to a group known as “The Iron First Clan”. Now whether it was true or not, it didn’t
matter, it was just too cool.
The end result of those months and months of writing and research and sitting at my dining room table is a system that best represented Shinan’s martial arts experience; from his early years in Judo and Shitoryu karate under Yonezuka Sensei to his later years in Daitoryu jujutsu and training with Charlie Nelson.
Between his life in the military and law enforcement and all his personal triumphs and set backs,
Tekkenryu is a culmination of his study of Martial Arts.
It is extremely rare that someone with his intelligence and experience has been in a position to create something like Tekkenryu jujutsu. And the people who know the full story, the ones that have been there and understand the full scope of his experience, know this to be true. Shinan Cestari’s combination of the real world and the dojo is unprecedented in today’s modern age.
The one thing you should know about Shinan is that he always sought the truth, through martial arts, life and religion. He always looked to find the real meaning of things- and this is what the driving force behind his life.
This is the driving force behind Tekkenryu. Find the truth in your training and you will find the real you.
Now, we have a job to do; a legacy to build on the truth. Over the next 5 to 10 years as we continue to build something that’s bigger than all of us, like Judo and Tae kwon do before, Tekkenryu jujutsu will be the only alternative for people seeking the truth about martial arts and self defense. This is the best I can do for
a man who gave me so much without ever asking for anything in return. This is my “iri” or “obligation”.
I will always miss my sensei, but he’s not far. I am with him in every fit in, every push up and every time I strike the makiwara. He is with me every time I train. I can only hope he is someplace free from the body that failed him, locked in a discussion with Kano or randori with Kimura and catching up with some old
friends and family.
There are a lot of words to describe you, sensei, shinan, friend, mentor, uncle, brother-in law,
father figure, Godfather and husband. But the word the word that describes you best is Samurai, in every sense of its meaning. I love you sensei, via con dios.
From the first day I met him, I knew he was head and shoulders above anyone I’ve ever met before. First, it was all about the training. The techniques and the methods he demonstrated hit home and just made plain sense. From that moment forward I knew I was going to be forever attached to him.
We didn’t have a dojo, per se. We worked out at my brothers Karate school, the basement of a church in Paramus, his basement or any other studio where we could get some space and sometimes a mat (though we didn’t always use one!) Over time, the techniques and the training never disappointed, but it was only after several years that I discovered his real genius and it had nothing to do with the martial arts at all.
He always had the right answer- no matter what the situation. His solution was always well thought out and he always considered two things: the other person’s perspective and what the overall result should be. And not the immediate result, but the “big picture” result that would be the most beneficial to everyone involved. According to my wife, he was the only one I would listen too.
When we, Shinan Carl Cestari, Sensei Sporman and myself, decided to put together a system of training
adults, we never want to develop a “style”. It was just the absolute best way we felt that adults should study to get the overall benefit of real hand to hand and a true martial art experience. Personally, I wanted to embody Carl’s life in the martial arts and self defense, a system that represented his experience.
After we drew on 75 plus years experience and put down the skill sets we felt would best get the result we desired, we realized we had something more, much more- that’s when “Tekkenryu jujutsu” was born. We knew that this system, combined with regular Judo practice, would make and unstoppable hand to hand system. Where Tekkenryu is anything goes, “street mixed martial arts” delivered in a systematic progression, Judo instills a sense of urgency, fighting with another person in a dynamic situation, staying on
your feet, getting a dominant position and developing awesome strength and balance. We knew we were onto something. Tekkenryu means “Iron Fist Style” in Japanese. We got its name from Shinan’s hands- if you ever felt his reverse punch, you would know what I mean. His punch felt like you were getting hit with a 6-pound sledgehammer. To think that amount of force could come from a human being was incredible. I remember holding the impact pad for him in the early 90’s and I could feel my kidneys reverberate from the shock of the strike. What sealed the name selection was that it was rumored that Shinan’s distant relatives in Italy belonged to a group known as “The Iron First Clan”. Now whether it was true or not, it didn’t
matter, it was just too cool.
The end result of those months and months of writing and research and sitting at my dining room table is a system that best represented Shinan’s martial arts experience; from his early years in Judo and Shitoryu karate under Yonezuka Sensei to his later years in Daitoryu jujutsu and training with Charlie Nelson.
Between his life in the military and law enforcement and all his personal triumphs and set backs,
Tekkenryu is a culmination of his study of Martial Arts.
It is extremely rare that someone with his intelligence and experience has been in a position to create something like Tekkenryu jujutsu. And the people who know the full story, the ones that have been there and understand the full scope of his experience, know this to be true. Shinan Cestari’s combination of the real world and the dojo is unprecedented in today’s modern age.
The one thing you should know about Shinan is that he always sought the truth, through martial arts, life and religion. He always looked to find the real meaning of things- and this is what the driving force behind his life.
This is the driving force behind Tekkenryu. Find the truth in your training and you will find the real you.
Now, we have a job to do; a legacy to build on the truth. Over the next 5 to 10 years as we continue to build something that’s bigger than all of us, like Judo and Tae kwon do before, Tekkenryu jujutsu will be the only alternative for people seeking the truth about martial arts and self defense. This is the best I can do for
a man who gave me so much without ever asking for anything in return. This is my “iri” or “obligation”.
I will always miss my sensei, but he’s not far. I am with him in every fit in, every push up and every time I strike the makiwara. He is with me every time I train. I can only hope he is someplace free from the body that failed him, locked in a discussion with Kano or randori with Kimura and catching up with some old
friends and family.
There are a lot of words to describe you, sensei, shinan, friend, mentor, uncle, brother-in law,
father figure, Godfather and husband. But the word the word that describes you best is Samurai, in every sense of its meaning. I love you sensei, via con dios.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Children and the Martial Arts: The Art of Trying New Things
My 5 year old daughter hates soccer. I’ve never seen her so completely stressed over anything like this before. She was apprehensive and fought us a little with swimming, but eventually got the hand of it. Even with Judo she didn’t feel like going sometimes. But once she got there, she was fine. Now, it’s her thing. So my wife and I thought she would be OK with soccer after a while. That’s what we thought.
This was different. She would start agonizing over soccer on the Sunday before the Wednesday practice. An hour of games, a lot of sunshine and time with her friends how horrible can it be! You would think that she was heading off to war every time she put on her little cleats and shin guards.
Well, like every parent, I want her to learn about new things. Growing up I played four sports, studied martial arts and even attempted music (no such luck there). I half expected her to take to soccer like a duck to water and get in there and do her best Mia Hamm impression. Well, that didn’t happen, but then again, she is only 5.
But, we were determined, like before, a little crying and whining NEVER got her anyplace, so what did Dad and Mom do…we practiced with her. In fact, she even asked us to practice. And we did, almost everyday until the next practice.
Did it work? Kind of, she still stressed but managed to get through. However, it was a vast improvement over the last practice which consisted of crying and running off the field (Not me, my daughter).
But don’t phone in our parent of the year nomination just yet…
Yesterday my wife received a call from our daughter’s teacher saying that our child was completely stressing and upset at the prospect of having soccer practice after school. It was like all the anxiety form the week before had built up and unleashed its fury this week.
So what did concerned parents who want to instill a good work ethic and moral fiber do?
Well, considering she is only 5. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? No, not a bit. This doesn’t even come on the radar screen. But we did have her watch practice, which she did happily.
That’s why we have the one month intro program; because “I feel your pain.” I know what it’s like to see a child twist themselves up over nothing. But I also know how important it is to see your child find something they enjoy. The relief on a parents face (mine included) when they come to the dojo. The pleasure I feel when a mom says, “Judo is the only thing my kids like coming to.”
Well for now, soccer is going to have to wait. We’ll try dance, gymnastics, singing, music and whatever else, and if she finds something she enjoys half as much as Judo I will be happy for her.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Children's Martial Arts
This was different. She would start agonizing over soccer on the Sunday before the Wednesday practice. An hour of games, a lot of sunshine and time with her friends how horrible can it be! You would think that she was heading off to war every time she put on her little cleats and shin guards.
Well, like every parent, I want her to learn about new things. Growing up I played four sports, studied martial arts and even attempted music (no such luck there). I half expected her to take to soccer like a duck to water and get in there and do her best Mia Hamm impression. Well, that didn’t happen, but then again, she is only 5.
But, we were determined, like before, a little crying and whining NEVER got her anyplace, so what did Dad and Mom do…we practiced with her. In fact, she even asked us to practice. And we did, almost everyday until the next practice.
Did it work? Kind of, she still stressed but managed to get through. However, it was a vast improvement over the last practice which consisted of crying and running off the field (Not me, my daughter).
But don’t phone in our parent of the year nomination just yet…
Yesterday my wife received a call from our daughter’s teacher saying that our child was completely stressing and upset at the prospect of having soccer practice after school. It was like all the anxiety form the week before had built up and unleashed its fury this week.
So what did concerned parents who want to instill a good work ethic and moral fiber do?
Well, considering she is only 5. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? No, not a bit. This doesn’t even come on the radar screen. But we did have her watch practice, which she did happily.
That’s why we have the one month intro program; because “I feel your pain.” I know what it’s like to see a child twist themselves up over nothing. But I also know how important it is to see your child find something they enjoy. The relief on a parents face (mine included) when they come to the dojo. The pleasure I feel when a mom says, “Judo is the only thing my kids like coming to.”
Well for now, soccer is going to have to wait. We’ll try dance, gymnastics, singing, music and whatever else, and if she finds something she enjoys half as much as Judo I will be happy for her.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Children's Martial Arts
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I’m getting too old for this…Are you too old to study martial arts?
Who hasn’t said this at one time or another? On vacation last week I overheard a friend saying just those words as she talked about her failed attempt at “skim boarding”. Thinking that the fact that she was pushing 40 had everything to do with why she wound up in a pile of limbs and sand after a brief but agonizing moment on top of her son’s board.
Listening to her I heard the echoes of dojo and the same lament from a lot of you. Sure your body wears out and reflexes slow, but it’s not nearly as bad as you think.
Think back to my friend, what did she expect, the most “athletic” activities she has done in the past 22 years are jog and play bacci ball. Though these are noble endeavors, they are a far cry from skimming along the surface on a piece of wood.
How much of a chance did she give herself? I mean, really.
When you are young, everything is new. You are used to learning new skills and being challenged ALL of the time. You have too. As an animal, your very survival depends on your ability to adapt and think. When you are young, you can’t be afraid to try new things because EVERYTHING in new!
Now as you age, you become more sedentary. Being good at kickball is not as important to you when your 30 as it is when your 10, unless you’re me of course.
The problem is:
1. We expect too much from ourselves
2. You don’t give yourself a chance to learn
The solution is:
1. Set the bar a little lower
2. Be patient with yourself
We all want to be perfect, we all want to succeed. But no one can be and no one ever is. All you have to do is be a little better than the last time. And before you know it, you’ll be waking up those nerve endings and reflexes again.
Worry about the little victories, making it through warm ups, trying to do perfect push ups; just take care of the little details and the big details will take care of themselves.
Martial Arts and Self Defense
Listening to her I heard the echoes of dojo and the same lament from a lot of you. Sure your body wears out and reflexes slow, but it’s not nearly as bad as you think.
Think back to my friend, what did she expect, the most “athletic” activities she has done in the past 22 years are jog and play bacci ball. Though these are noble endeavors, they are a far cry from skimming along the surface on a piece of wood.
How much of a chance did she give herself? I mean, really.
When you are young, everything is new. You are used to learning new skills and being challenged ALL of the time. You have too. As an animal, your very survival depends on your ability to adapt and think. When you are young, you can’t be afraid to try new things because EVERYTHING in new!
Now as you age, you become more sedentary. Being good at kickball is not as important to you when your 30 as it is when your 10, unless you’re me of course.
The problem is:
1. We expect too much from ourselves
2. You don’t give yourself a chance to learn
The solution is:
1. Set the bar a little lower
2. Be patient with yourself
We all want to be perfect, we all want to succeed. But no one can be and no one ever is. All you have to do is be a little better than the last time. And before you know it, you’ll be waking up those nerve endings and reflexes again.
Worry about the little victories, making it through warm ups, trying to do perfect push ups; just take care of the little details and the big details will take care of themselves.
Martial Arts and Self Defense
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