Included
Basic glossary of termsGlossary14 Super Tips For Improving Kata / Forms
Top 20 Strategies For Personal Success
Art or Art Form
This is the general category of martial art. The names include aikido, aikijutsu, judo, jujutsu, karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, etc. The popularity of these different arts is sometimes dependent on whatever is playing at the movies or at the sports arena. For example - the Ultimate Fighting craze brought jujutsu to the forefront replacing tae kwon do and karate temporarily. Commercially, schools may put an art on the sign but have no ability to teach it. So be careful when selecting a school.
Style
This refers to the system within the art that you study. For example, I have focused mostly on karate but the style of karate was called Kuru Hyo Ken (the rough English translation is Panther Style). Another name for style is "ryu" and there are literally thousands of them. If you watched the Karate Kid he actually studied a style of karate named for his teacher. This is a common practice. In many cases, a teacher will take a collection of favorite techniques (hopefully those that have served him/her well) and develop a system or style around them. This is in fact what my teacher did. What is interesting (at least to me) is that as more and more people practice the various arts, they borrow more and more from other styles and arts. As a result, many schools bear the names of different arts, yet teach many of the same techniques. Traditionally, if you were part of a judo school, you wouldn't dream of using a karate technique let alone attending classes at a different school. The same was true with styles. One master would promote a certain set of techniques and a system for applying them. Students from different schools would often due battle to decide which karate (or jujutsu, aiki, etc) style was better. Today, you can join a school that takes the best of many of these and combines them into one style.
The difference between "jitsu" and "jutsu".
Not much really. Functionally they are basically the same. The actual differences are similar to differences in dialect and culture.
“It (Jujitusu) has a vast array of techniques, including attacks against the vital points of the body, joint-locking skills, methods of strangulation and kicking maneuvers. Freely translated, the name means the art of gaining victory by yielding or pliancy, though it is perhaps more commonly referred to as the gentle art.”
“It must be stressed that Jujitsu is not a contest
of muscular skill and strength. The art relies excessively on balance,
leverage and speed to effect the necessary movements, at which point, strength
is applied. And because leverage is so important, Jujitsu tends to wipe
out the differences in size, weight, height and reach between opponents,
so evening out the odds. Jujitsu is equally accessible to men and women
and is potentially far more devastating than its sporting counterpart Judo.”
Martial Arts; Peter Lewis
Aiki
Means "united spirit" or "harmony"
Aikido
“A Japanese martial art invented by Morehei Ueshiba. It involves internal and external harmony with nature. The techniques of this system are circular in movement. Other styles have been developed from the original founder’s version.”
“Aikido means the way of harmony.”
Aikijutsu
Morehei Ueshiba
Inventor of Aikido
”As a child he (Ueshiba) was so ill with scarlet fever that he was severely debilitated. In an effort to regain his strength Ueshiba bagan training in the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu style of Jujitsu. Within a few months his ability and strength increased tremendously so that at the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war a few years later he was conscripted into the army.”
“ Ueshiba went on to learn other styles of Jujitsu but became increasingly dissatisfied with the then-current militaristic styles. When, in 1920, his father died he was so distressed that he sought spiritual guidance from a priest of the Omoto Shinto sect, named Deguchi. With Deguchi’s aid Ueshiba meditated, and had a vision of enlightenment in which he floated, bathed in a golden vapor. Others have interpreted this experience as a satori, or enlightenment, which is usually achieved after meditation. Ueshiba interpreted his vision as meaning that the fundamental principle of the martial arts is universal love, and not combat. At this moment in his vision Ueshiba had looked into the universal flow, and his mind and the universe were one. He saw that the true martial arts were not about brute force but harmony and ki (Ki is an intrinsic energy, known in China as chi. It is the ki in the martial art aikido.) This great revelation dramatically changed Ueshiba’s view of the martial arts, and was the informing spirit behind aikido.”
Martial Arts; Peter Lewis
Finding The Right School (And The Right Art) For You
by Daniel McGraw, a shihan and still a student
REMEMBER:
-how to cancel if need toHere are a few tips from over three dozen top professionals to lead you to the best school and the best martial art for you.
-content should make sense
-training should be fair to males and females in class and for tests
-it's ok for them to restrict access to proprietary content or advanced training
-martial arts include boxing, fencing, wrestling, or do you mean hand-to-hand combat arts
-who's teaching defense
-and you should be ready to improve.
TIP #1: Always use your common sense. If a situation or answer or reason sounds false, unsafe or too good to be true, it just might be exactly that. Be self-confident enough to walk away from a bad deal.
TIP #2: At the very beginning, ask all the questions you have about getting started and any others that are relevant to your goals. Call on the phone for this. Then you can hang up if it's bad from the get-go.
TIP-OFF: If the staff members won't or can't answer your questions, go somewhere else. (They should at least try to find out the answer from a senior staff member.) Or if they put off too many questions with the evasive "you'll learn that in class," be warned.TIP #3: Watch a class in progress from start to end. Also watch a higher level class, if possible.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools will answer all relevant questions and help you define your goals, and these goals can be furthered through martial arts training.
REMEMBER: It's okay if any particular individual does not know an answer to any particular question, especially since none of us knows all the answers personally. Do not expect a good school to lapse into movie reviews or to complaining about competitors. Professionals do not waste time like this.
TIP-OFF: Introductory lessons requiring purchase of equipment or uniforms are reaching into your pocketbook before demonstrating that they can meet your needs. Introductory lessons should always be open to family members to observe. Never join a school which has any closed door sessions (with the possible exception of Black Belt testing).TIP #4: Try a class or two for free.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools offer some sort of inexpensive or free trial program, usually one or two lessons in length. Good schools allow appropriate exercise clothing for these lessons, and allow observers who have a reason to be there.
REMEMBER: Introductory is just that, a taste of what's to come, not a ten-course meal, not an advanced lesson. Be reasonable in what you expect. Look for clear teaching, positive reinforcement (but not "you're the most talented beginner in thirty years" baloney).
TIP-OFF: When someone offers to add some free lessons onto the contract program, it's time to leave - before you sign anything.TIP #5: Sign up for the shortest term possible. Your goals may change.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools want you to try them out on a short-term basis, so that both you and they are assured that this is what you want to do, and that this is where you want to do it. An introductory period also allows you time to plan your schedule so that you will be able to attend the classes.
REMEMBER: A good school is also checking you out during this time, to see if you are worth enrolling for your character and willingness to work.
TIP-OFF: If all they offer is a year or more, or if you are required to attend a too-frequent schedule, or if "you can come whenever you want to," leave now.TIP #6: Sign nothing until you are sure this is where you want to be.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools have programs of varying length to accommodate changing jobs, changing goals, temporary residents like college students or cross-training athletes. They also recommend training twice or three times weekly to allow time for rest and your daily life.
REMEMBER: Reality rules. No matter what your goals or dedication now, things can and often do change. This is even more so for kids.
TIP-OFF: "You must sign now or you may not be able to get in at all." If they're that packed, how would you get individual help when you need it?TIP #7: Look for a school where kids and adults attend separate sessions.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools have segmented classes for different levels of students. They should mix males and females in either adult or youth sections, except for focused training like rape prevention, with all class members being treated equally at all times.
REMEMBER: Your ultimate goal may be a black belt, but approach it like this: how do you eat an elephant - one bite at a time. Set short-term goals that move you along towards your ultimate goals.
TIP-OFF: Run away from schools where they tell you they train kids the same as adults or in the same classes in order to produce quality black belts. That would equate to you and your ten-year-old being in the same college calculus class because it's the same "zero to nine" digits.TIP #8: Get specific ways explained in which the school meets your personal needs for whatever your goals are.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools divide by age and by experience, with occasional mixed groups for calisthenics class. Teachers should not use the same language talking to kids as to adults, nor the same frame of reference for examples.
REMEMBER: Everyone can pursue martial arts, but not everyone progresses at the same rate. Nor should they.
TIP-OFF: When they try to tell you that you need to change your goals, move on to an alternate school.TIP #9: The school and art you choose should meet the requirements of your daily life: convenient location, reasonable price, open-door policy for family members, concern for safety, proper values, cleanliness, available extra help, respect as a two-way street, teachers who are taught to teach as an additional course of study and suitable focus on defense.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools should be able to provide concrete examples of how they meet the major goals of improving fitness, self-confidence, self-discipline and self-defense.
REMEMBER: Good schools and good martial arts will develop you in all four major goal categories - fitness, confidence, discipline and individual help when you need it.
TIP-OFF: Cult-like adherence to holy rules.TIP #10: Price should be consistent with what's offered.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools and good arts seek not to make martial artists out of people, but rather to make better people through martial arts training. Good schools and good arts take interested students who have proven good character and effort, and turn out good teachers through an extra program of learning-to-teach. Teaching is a separate set of skills than punching or kicking. After all, you wouldn't think you could do heart bypass operations just because you'd had one, right?
REMEMBER: Rules will need to be followed for the school to have consistent training and safety. And you need to follow all the rules; they're rules, not suggestions.
TIP-OFF: When they ask, "How much is your life worth to you?"TIP #11: Find out if your training experience happens locally or if travel is offered or required.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools have posted prices for lessons and for merchandise. They will gladly write down for you all figures so that you can decide if your interest and budget are compatible. Call several schools, even ones not offering what you want, to compare programs factors and price ranges
REMEMBER: A bargain is defined as something you don't need at a price you can't pass up. On the flip side is the American habit of believing that if you pay more, it must be worth more.
TIP-OFF: Some schools force students to travel to qualify for or attend promotion events. Travel to other countries is common in some systems of martial arts. Rank promotions may be held only at the master's school in another city.TIP #12: Trust your guts.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools provide all necessary activities locally, and optional activities both locally and off-site.
REMEMBER: Ask and you will find out.
TIP-OFF: It just doesn't feel right, even though you can't quite put your finger on it.ONE MORE TIP: Ask yourself what your goal is, totally. Martial arts in the world arena include judo, karate, boxing, wrestling, fencing, archery and on and on. Any of these disciplines can, if pursued with dedication and consistent effort at continuous incremental improvement, help you improve yourself in all areas of life skills. Think about it.TIPPING THE SCALES: Good schools will feel comfortable. Sometimes bad schools feel comfortable, too, sometimes not. Good schools always feel comfortable as far as the people, the atmosphere, the reputation.
REMEMBER: Seek recommendations from friends and family, whether or not they live where you do. Ask a friend to call up and see if they get the same answers you did to the questions. Consistency is a virtue.
You want to try martial arts but you have some questions? GOOD!1999 McGraw Absolutely all rights absolutely reserved in absolutely all ways. Excerpted with permission from Finding Your Path Through The Martial Arts
14 Super Tips For Improving Kata / Forms
What good are kata?
Some people get lost in the world of performing their kata, totally
absorbed in the nuances of every little twist and strike. Some people regard
kata as the price they must pay to learn fighting. Some people just do
it because the teacher says so.
I teach seminars all over the American and Canadian landscape
and I'm tickled at the amazement students show when we do defense techniques
that come right out of their kata! If you only knew the answers .... hey,
you do!
The first step, however, is to be able to do the moves physically,
and that means practice. For many people, that means boredom. It doesn't
have to be that way. Here is a sampling of the tricks that I use to keep
my practice fun and proactive at the same time. Hey, doing two things at
once isn't just for yuppies any more.
Be sure and send me any ideas you cook up. I'm always looking
for fresh thinking!
1. Blindfolded. You'd be surprised how much furniture is in your room. Wear shoes, eh?
2. Lights off, eyes open. A minimum of light will shift your mental focus more than you might guess.
3. Change the primary direction, i.e., alter the direction you are facing
when you begin your form. You'll discover that you are using "land
marks" frequently, such as: the double kick goes to the door. Good
skill needs to be free of artificial reactions.
4. Outdoors. And not just in the good weather. Dress appropriately. Suggestion: knee pads, elbow pads.
5. Non-level surface. Got a sloping driveway? Great! How about a hill or stairway? See "suggestion" in #4!
6. Add a technique. After each and every move, add a punch (or a kick) all the way through the form. Pack a lunch.
7. In street clothes. We practice in uniforms to keep the mental flavor of the martial arts. We usually wear different clothes to school or work. Practice for practicality.
8. Naked. Really, would I kid you about a thing like this? Makes a great party game.
9. Legs only. That's right, do only the leg techniques. Just perform the stance for hand techniques, hands idle in guard.
10. At 1/4 speed. Time yourself on this one.
11. Pyramid. This is the way you learned it: one move and practice, add a move, practice these two, add a move, practice the three, add a... Remember: Mary Poppins says, "Well-begun is half done."
12. Holding chopsticks. Cantonese or Szechuan is up to you.
13. As soon as you wake up. Before your coffee, even before your first trip to the bathroom. Oh, come on, where's your sense of adventure?
14. Backwards. Yes, I know. Your teacher says you can do lots of things backwards, better than anyone. But try your form exactly backwards, - exactly.
Excerpted with permission from SHIHAN Daniel McGraw's book, The Absolutely
Amazing Pocket-Sized Book(r) Of Kata/Forms Tips. All contents (tm) &
(c) 1996 McGraw. All rights absolutely reserved in all ways.
Top 20 Strategies For Personal Success
by SHIHAN Daniel McGraw
1. If it is to be, it is up to me.
2. Find a way or make one.
3. Pride Inside.
4. Be careful what you ask for - you might get it.
5. Good things come to he who rates.
6. Be selective to be effective.
7. Don't push the river.
8. If it works, use it.
9. Take your work seriously, but never yourself.
10. You never know until you try.
11. The game's not real unless the penalties are real.
12. Define yourself by what you do, not by what you don't do.
13. KISS = Keep It Simple & Speedy.
14. Ain't nothin' to it but to do it.
15. It's always worth an "ask."
16. Softly softly, catchee monkey.
17. Learn one thing excellently. Let all others flow from that.
18. Sweat in practice and you won't bleed in battle.
19. Create your opportunity.
20. My word is my honor. When I keep my word, I keep my honor.
21. Everyone wants to be in front, but few want to lead.
22. Just say Know.
23. Do It Now!
No, I didn't miscount. I said 20 and I provided 23. The extra strategies
are for those occasional tough days when you need a little extra.
Good luck!
--- Dan McGraw
McGraw's Martial Arts is an achievement-based school of true defensive arts. SHIHAN McGraw has over 30 years experience in training and teaching in the Japanese disciplines so well-known for developing strength of character with strength of body.
"Martial arts is the best decision you will ever make."
(c) 1999 McGraw Absolutely all material and indicia are fully protected and all rights are absolutely reserved in all ways.
Top 25 Strategies for Personal Safety
by SHIHAN Daniel McGraw
1 I was going to leave this till the bottom of the list as a big finish,
but I thought: "Gee, it's so good; let's start off with it". So here's
the single biggest tip in the bunch: the power of saying No.
Yes, I know it's the single biggest time-saving tip (saying
No to tasks/favors that do not contribute to your own personal agenda),
but think about when you've made your biggest errors - haven't they been
when you were tired or distracted or both? Certainly! Therefore, if you
tactfully avoid draining, non-productive tasks, you'd be more energetic
on a daily basis. If you were more energetic, you'd be more alert, and
your natural common sense and foresight would bubble up, for example, to
keep you from driving far when you're too low on gas. You would save time
by saying No when it's appropriate to do so, and conserve the energy necessary
to be sensible. Actually, you're already probably a lot more sensible than
you think.
2 Keep a notepad in your car to leave a note on the dash to fill the gas or check tire pressures. Keep the car in tip-top shape!
3 Got a new date for Saturday night? Great! Go out with a group and go home with a friend until you get to know this new person better. Sincere dates don't have a problem with this.
4 Just like you have your keys ready before you reach your car, have your card ready before you reach an ATM. Position yourself to disguise your actions and code words from prying eyes.
5 Have useful-intensity lights at all regular entranceways. If a light is unexpectedly out, it might be a good idea to take an extra look or two around, since gently unscrewing a light takes an attacker only a second.
6 Think you're being followed while in your car? Drive to a police substation or a fire station, right up on the front steps if need be.
7 Jog with a big dog. Really. Not only will muggers stay away, but your jog will be more challenging if the dog sees a cat.
8 Take a worthwhile self-defense course, one recommended by paranoid friends. The training might jog your mind during a crisis.
9 Read accounts of violence to be alert to the dangers that are out there. You don't have to become a recluse, but you must educate yourself to avoid the vulnerability of naivete.
10 Don't take candy or favors from strangers. Your mother was right. (Call her and tell her I said so.)
11 Flashlights - all over the house and in your car. Put it on your to-do list to check batteries regularly. At the very least, it's a handy club, eh?
12 Don't assume mutual morality. If somebody is attacking you with a knife or gun, how can you believe them when they say just do this or that and they won't hurt you? You may wish they were telling the truth but act on the fact that it's a lie.
13 Avoid being hit by an asteroid. Hey, the dinosaurs didn't listen to me and look where they ended up.
14 Stay away from large tractors, particularly in Kentucky, where, in 1994, tractor roll-overs and run-overs accounted for 62% of all agricultural fatalities in the state.
15 Remember this thought from a survivor of a rape attack: There is no safe way to be stupid.
16 Sleep well before a long trip because a tired you will not think clearly in a strange town if an emergency arises, leaving you easy prey for any scam artist who talks the right words with the wrong intentions.
17 Stop thinking of sex crimes as happening only to women who drive deserted freeways at 3 a.m.
18 Don't put kids' names on their clothes. This makes it easier for bad people to call them by name and gain their confidence. The same goes for someone who overheard a sales clerk call you by name off your credit card and then approaches you a few minutes later like an old friend, calling you by name.
19 Have Passwords for your kids. A special word unlikely to be guessed by strangers, known only to you and your child. Hint: Barney or Power Rangers or family nicknames are bad choices. Try something more along the lines of "Elephant nose in a purple sock" or "Mary Poppins rides Harleys."
20 Beware pickpockets and baggage thieves when travelling, especially at airports. Watch out for people who go through the line at metal-detectors ahead of you and pick up your stuff before you get through.
21 In traffic, keep distance from the car ahead so you can see their rear bumper clearly, leaving you room to keep free from carjackers.
22 Give up material belongings if robbed. You can always earn more money to buy more stuff if you are alive.
23 Call ahead when going on trips, or if your usual travel patterns will be changing.
24 Lock doors: house & cars, even when you are in!
25 Unplug garage doors when away for extended periods. Thieves can decode electronic openers and enter homes and businesses through usually unlocked inner doors. They can also use the garage for privacy while they force entry unseen.
26 Stay at hotels rather than motels so you enter through a staffed lobby rather than through a remote entrance which often is propped open when some idiot goes out to his car "just for a minute."
27 Make sure a hotel/motel room is really empty before locking yourself in. Check all closets and connecting doors.
28 When pulling into a parking space, be aware of occupants in nearby cars. Be ready mentally to sacrifice even a great parking spot if someone makes you uneasy.
29 Some days the only good things on TV are the vase and the clock. Watch good programs that stimulate your mind. Not just science documentaries either -anything that makes your mind ponder, critique or marvel is good because it trains you to be in a thinking mode more regularly. Thinkers are rarely careless.
30 Crooks watch a target often. Do not use easy numbers like birthdays or anniversaries for combination locks.
P.S. I know this is more than 25.
(c) 1999 McGraw Absolutely all material and indicia are fully protected and all rights are absolutely reserved in all ways.
Shihan Daniel McGraw
Andrew Debuyser