Chief Instructor's Blog May 5, 2008

Awareness:
It is highly recommended all club members first try to avoid any and all confrontation and conflict.
- Books, classes, and instruction exist on how to attempt to do this through awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation strategies, among other methods.
- It is highly suggested that all club members seek out and become familiar with this information.

Best way to “win” in a situation that involves confrontation or violence is to be aware of and avoid the situation in the first place. Most self-defense experts agree the majority of situations (some claim 9 of 10) can be avoided if you learn to look out for dangers. Some things to consider:
- Human behavior (body language, tone of voice, heavier breathing, etc)
- Energy of a potential opponent
- Trust your instincts
- Do not make yourself an easy target
- Attract attention

Sun Tzu (considered one of the greatest guides to warfare) writes in The Art of War there are five essentials to victory. The first is, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight”. He goes on to say “If you know your enemy and know yourself , you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”.

For more information on awareness, I recommend the following books:
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
3. Art of War by Sun Tzu

Book Reviews:
Below are two books related to various aspects of martial arts that I have read recently with my comments and my ratings along with descriptions usually taken from the book’s back cover when applicable or from Amazon.com Editorial Reviews (source is noted).

My Ratings:
Excellent – Would highly recommend
Very Good – Would recommend
Good - Might recommend unless found another book on same subject that was better
Not Very Good – Would not recommend

I, also, do not expect everyone to agree with my ratings or comments and welcome anyone’s thoughts or own comments if you get the chance to read them. I am also always looking for suggestions for books related to martial arts, so please pass on your recommendations as well.While I do not advocate learning martial arts only through books, books can provide insight and new thoughts or echo one’s own current thinking related to the study of martial arts and can be valuable in your study and growth as a martial artist.

1. Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman
- Description (Amazon.com Editorial Reviews)
During his junior year at the University of California, Dan Millman first stumbled upon his mentor (nicknamed Socrates) at an all-night gas station. At the time, Millman hoped to become a world-champion gymnast. "To survive the lessons ahead, you're going to need far more energy than ever before," Socrates warned him that night. "You must cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant knowledge, and open your heart to the energy of true emotion." From there, the unpredictable Socrates proceeded to teach Millman the "way of the peaceful warrior." At first Socrates shattered every preconceived notion that Millman had about academics, athletics, and achievement. But eventually Millman stopped resisting the lessons, and began to try on a whole new ideology--one that valued being conscious over being smart, and strength in spirit over strength in body. Although the character of the cigarette-smoking Socrates seems like a fictional, modern-day Merlin, Millman asserts that he is based on an actual person. Certain male readers especially appreciate the coming-of-age theme, the haunting love story with the elusive woman Joy, and the challenging of Western beliefs about masculine power and success.
- My Comments: The book is more about the mindset and spiritual side of a martial artist than the art form itself. The story was interesting and the characters were enjoyable. Whether it is based on actual events or not, the spirit of a true warrior is brought to life in an enjoyable read.
- My Rating: Very good
- Amazon Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (232 reviewers as of 12/1/07)

2. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
- Description (Back Cover) ‘Bunkai-Jutsu’ is the analysis of the karate katas and their application in real combat. It is also the title of this pioneering book by Iain Abernethy. The fighting applications of the karate katas (forms) is one of the most fascinating and sadly – misunderstood – aspects of karate practice. Bunkai-Jutsu provides the reader with the information they need to unlock the ‘secrets’ of kata and to begin practicing karate as the complete and realistic combat art that it was intended to be.
The ground-breaking and often controversial book provides a detailed analysis of the combative concepts and principles upon which the katas are based. This book is essential reading for all those who want to understand the meaning of kata.
- My Comments: This is an excellent book to describe the applications of techniques and combinations within the forms. The forms described herein are very similar to those taught in Han Moo Kwan. The discussions, applications, and theories described within this book match very closely to the combative philosophy of Han Moo Kwan. The book also describes more grappling and joint lock techniques then practiced with Han Moo Kwan, but overall is an excellent resource to open one’s mind and possibilities of potential applications and uses embedded in the forms. This book offers insights too allow students to broaden their perspectives and intent of the art form. This book has very similar information as to “The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications” by Lawrence Kane. While I found Way of the Kata to also be a excellent book, if I were to choose only one, I found this book to be have more insights overall.
- My Rating: Excellent
- Amazon Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (5 reviewers as of 4/22/08)

Black Belt Meeting 22nd:
We will have a Black Belt meeting on May 22nd at 7 PM. Therefore, there will be no advanced class that night.Agenda Topics:
(1) Chief Instructor Observations
I will discuss some of my observations of the last session – positive and negatives
(2) Kibon taping session update
(3) Beginner’s Class status
Would like Todd and Bob to give a brief discussion on progress to date, any issues, concerns, challenges they have and feedback for improvements to teaching Beginner’s Class
(4) Intermediates Coaching status
Would like each coach to give a brief discussion on progress to date, any issues, concerns, they have and feedback for improvements to coaching
(5) July-Dec 2008 Session
Next session will start July 14th. Need a Certified Instructor to volunteer to be the Beginner’s Class instructor. Will also discuss coaching for next session
(6) Officer's Report
Opportunity for Bob to give the Black Blots any news related to Club business that might be of interest to the Black BeltsOpportunity for Black Belts to open any discussion thy might want related to Club business that the Officer’s need to consider
(7) Open to questions
Open discussion for any topics Black Belts wish to discuss


Regards,
Kelly

"The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants." - Gichin Funakoshi