Competition

Bob Pruitt

Perhaps no other idea is so ingrained in the United States psyche than that of competition. For a long, long time it has been the driving force in economics, politics, classrooms and playgrounds across the nation. The essential notion is that if all relevant factors are left free to exert their power over situations, competition will foster and generate the best possible product, whether that product be an impressive toaster, a brilliant schoolchild, or a fair and egalitarian political system.

Motobu Palace Tradition

Dr. William Durbin

One of the most influential martial artist of the twentieth century was Choki Motobu. Yet unfortunately many people do not recognize that name, or if they do they have a warped image of the great Okinawan Kempo Karate master. Choki Motobu came from an aristocratic family and this is what hurt the man’s image for many people. What is little known is that Motobu inherited a vast and rich martial tradition which goes far beyond what is thought of as typical Karate.

Nicho Tanbo: Okinawan Weapons Excellent for Self Defense

Dr. William Durbin

There is a legend that goes back many centuries, which tell stories of the Sohei and their incredible capabilities. It is said that some of the Ninja used mechanical devises to reproduce the actual abilities that the warrior monks could do naturally. In example, some of the devises that the Ninja used for climbing trees, castle walls, or mountains, the simply duplicated what the Sohei could do with their bare hands and feet.

Ninjutsu: A Different Perspective

Dr. William Durbin

The terms Ninjutsu and Ninja are very well known all over the world, yet in the 1960s very few people outside of Japan, and the special forces of England, had ever heard the words. The special forces in England were reportedly the first non-Japanese t o use Ninjutsu in training their men for espionage missions, whether it be true or not is a matter of conjecture.

Koshi Nage-The Hip Throw of Ancient Jujutsu

Dr. William Durbin

Many people do not understand much about the ancient styles of Jujutsu. What many people do not realize is that much of what we think of today as Jujutsu is greatly influenced by the great master and founder of Kodokan Judo, Jigoro Kano. In ancient times, martial arts systems were not nearly as organized or set in a definitive curriculum as we see now. This was one of the greatest contributions which Jigoro Kano actually made to modern martial arts.

Aiki Principle of the Old System: Kito Ryu

Dr. William Durbin

One of the greatest martial arts systems of the past generation is also one of the most influential styles that has had far reaching effect into modern times. Kito Ryu was founded, according to most sources, in the last years of the Sengoku Jidai, just prior to the Tokugawa Era. There are many different founders given to the art, among them being Ibaragi Sensai, Shichiroemon Fukuno, and Sadayashi Hirosaemon Terada. It is believed that Ibaragi Sensai actually founded the Ryu and passed it on to Fukuno. Then Fukuno is believed to have founded his own Ryu named after him, and also known as the Ryoi Shinto Ryu. Fukuno based his teachings on the Ji-bugei, temple martial arts. Eventually he passed the systems onto the Terada family, who kept them alive and passed them on so that they are still taught today.

Kicking Okinawan Style

Dr. William Durbin

When Karate was first introduced to the movies, at first it was the smashing ability of the art that caught the interest of the directors, many times leading them to having scenes where the Karateka smashed furniture in the process of fighting an opponent. Who can forget the scene of Bruce Lee smashing the furniture in the movie Marlowe.

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