Where did the real Karate go?

[RRouuselot]

1)[font=&quot] [/font]You Are correct, they can call themselves what ever they want.

2)[font=&quot] [/font]This is just an opinion of one old warrior who has been there and done that.

The Prof

1)[font=&quot] [/font]I have to disagree with this. I for one would not want people of questionable nature and ethics associating themselves with the name of my school or my teachers system. This has actually happened in the past and cause a good deal of trouble.

2)[font=&quot] [/font]I am just wondering what you define as “warrior”…….could you explain please?

 

[The Prof]

Greetings From South Florida Sensei,

The term Warrior probably has different meanings to many. For me it symbolizes the days when our arts were not diluted or compromised. In the late fifties through the early (I may be wrong with this date here) eighties we all worked and fought hard for the dignity of our Sensei, Dojo and our "Martial" Art. We were proud but not egotistical. Dojo/syle rivelry were always present, but respectful.

I will turn sixty-six this year. I am a bit slower not quite as strong as I was in my youth. Although I am a non smoker and a non drinker, I suffered three heart attacks, the first at the age of thirty-six, the third at age forty-one. Each time it was right out of the hospital and back onto the mats. (Probably a foolish thing to do)

Over these past fifteen years I have had both rotator cuffs repaired, I have developed progressive degenerative disc disease with a total collapse of L 4 & L 5. (after eight years it is finally healing itself) However, I have not slowed down, I still teach every class and learn when somene is teaching.

Doctors have told me since the first heart attack that I would die if I did not stop my activity. Well, I’m still here and two of those doctors are not. Both were younger than I.

I refused to let these little annoyances or road blocks in my life defeat me. I am in a heck of a better shape than many who are considerably younger. Now no one else may agree, but in my mind, I hope that it qualifies me as an Old Warrior.

Also sir, you said, "I for one would not want people of questionable nature and ethics associating themselves with the name of my school or my teachers system." I agree with you 100% as that has been my policy always. While we are cordial and polite, we make sure that we do not even take pictures with them or do anything that can be construed as supporting or legitimizing their stuff.

Our philosophy can be found on our web site. There we have our Code of Bushido and Code of Ethics.

I hope that I have answered to your satisfaction.

Be Blessed,

The Prof

 

[The Kai]

Remember the taped up wrists and hands, or ankles and feet,you just never missed a class-or an oppurtuniy to get the edge on classmates or sharpen up for a tournament!
Todd

 

[The Prof]

Good Morning,

I sure do and still do. Before we had Ace Bandages, we used to use strips of car tire tubes or bicycle tubes. We were kind of crazy in some ways. My first dojo (1962) had no heat in the winter and of course no A/C in the summer. I paid a big rent of $40.00 per month.

And you sure are right, missing a class was never an option. Many arguments with my wife over the dojo. But the dojo always won out. Tournaments were far and few in between. In NYC we had one or two a year. Many times we had to travel to Philadelphia or New Jersey and sometimes even Chicago.

Regards,
The Prof

 

[The Kai]

Up here in the early 80's there was a lot of tourny's. Every corner school rented out a church basement andthere you go! Great way to get some experience

Todd

 

[The Prof]

Hi Todd,

I don't know if it's me, but somehow back when we had those types of clubs the attitudes seemed different. When students now days see their Sensei involved in cut throat tactics (bad mouthing other schools and styles) I think they turn out to be a different type of sudent.

Around these parts, it seems that the students from those church & rec center clubs etc, seem to have a more enjoyable time.

Regards, :asian:

Prof

 

[Blind]

As you can see I am not a karate guy but I like this thread, for my no cents worth has anyone here watched the XMA special, can see x ray views as they dance etc?? I am not American so I don't remember the channel,discovery maybe, anyway,a friend of mine gave it to me. Fantastic stunts no doubt, but more like aggressive ballet/gymnastics than combat. The guy who was trying to win his title back again actually said "Sparring is the application part of what I do, but I can't stand it because I really hate getting hit in the face"!!!!???? Maybe it is not his fault but the comentary was making him out like a killing machine.

Bonus points to the guys wanting to keep it real!!

 

[RRouuselot]

Greetings From South Florida Sensei,

1) The term Warrior probably has different meanings to many. For me it symbolizes the days when our arts were not diluted or compromised.

2) In the late fifties through the early (I may be wrong with this date here) eighties we all worked and fought hard for the dignity of our Sensei, Dojo and our "Martial" Art.

3) We were proud but not egotistical. Dojo/syle rivelry were always present, but respectful.

The Prof

1)That’s a nice romantic notion but the martial arts have seen that sort of problem for hundreds of years.

2)First off I wonder why you would need to fight for the dignity of your sensei……technique talks and BS walks. People respect that.

3)Again, a romantic notion but not at all historically accurate. Numerous articles have been published about dojo rivalry and petty squabbles that have taken place of several hundred years.

Hi Todd,

I don't know if it's me, but somehow back when we had those types of clubs the attitudes seemed different.

1)When students now days see their Sensei involved in cut throat tactics (bad mouthing other schools and styles) I think they turn out to be a different type of sudent.

2) Around these parts, it seems that the students from those church & rec center clubs etc, seem to have a more enjoyable time.

Regards, :asian:

Prof

1)Same as I mentioned before……it’s been going on for a loooooong time.

2)Actually I think the students that train in the “Mini-mart dojo” have the best time. They don’t have to train in a serious art, they get rank out the wazoo for a year or so training…and so on.

Good Morning,

……1) My first dojo (1962) had no heat in the winter and of course no A/C in the summer. I paid a big rent of $40.00 per month.


Regards,
The Prof

1) I have yet to see a dojo in Asia that has A/C or Heating…..mine included. I am not sure why that would be considered “crazy”.

Greetings From South Florida Sensei,
1) I will turn sixty-six this year. I am a bit slower not quite as strong as I was in my youth. Although I am a non smoker and a non drinker, I suffered three heart attacks, the first at the age of thirty-six, the third at age forty-one. Each time it was right out of the hospital and back onto the mats. (Probably a foolish thing to do)

Over these past fifteen years I have had both rotator cuffs repaired, I have developed progressive degenerative disc disease with a total collapse of L 4 & L 5. (after eight years it is finally healing itself) However, I have not slowed down, I still teach every class and learn when somene is teaching.

Doctors have told me since the first heart attack that I would die if I did not stop my activity. Well, I’m still here and two of those doctors are not. Both were younger than I.

I refused to let these little annoyances or road blocks in my life defeat me. I am in a heck of a better shape than many who are considerably younger. Now no one else may agree, but in my mind, I hope that it qualifies me as an Old Warrior.

2) Also sir, you said, "I for one would not want people of questionable nature and ethics associating themselves with the name of my school or my teachers system." I agree with you 100% as that has been my policy always. While we are cordial and polite, we make sure that we do not even take pictures with them or do anything that can be construed as supporting or legitimizing their stuff.

3) Our philosophy can be found on our web site. There we have our Code of Bushido and Code of Ethics.

I hope that I have answered to your satisfaction.

Be Blessed,

The Prof

1)I don’t see how it qualifies you as a ‘warrior”. Everyone has illness sooner or later in their life. I guess my ideal for what constitutes a “warrior” is a bit different than yours.



2) I noticed you had more than a few photos taken with Chuck Norris and some other people. Sorry but to me that reeks of what’s called “brand association” ……I know one other guy that has built his whole reputation of getting photographed with famous people. One photo that did bother me was the one with the man that you claim tried to hurt one of your dojo members and got beat up for it. To me that doesn’t show much class on your part and is disrespectful to him. In this age of people suing anyone for anything I surprised he didn’t try to sue you for defamation of character or something along those lines.

 

[The Prof]

Good Morning Sensei,

That old tradition of just training, learning and making new friends for the most appears to be a lost art in itself. I never though about it until you said it. In retrospect, I do miss those days, they were the very best of my MA years.

Sensei, If I can ever get over to Tampa, I would enjoy the opportunity of spending some time with you and yours. I have viewed you web site and was pleased with what I saw.

Enjoy the chilly morning.

Regards, :asian: :asian: :asian:
Prof

Galvin San ,

Thank you very much ! We do our best to preserve , & promote traditional Okinawan/Japanese Martial Arts . Are you too located in FL ?
Also , Mark70Z , do you train , as well , or is it just your son ? If you do , would you be interested in comming out sometime , or Prof. , to our get together's/training sessions ?

David

 

[okinawagojuryu]

We're having a get together this Sun at Ft.Desoto Park 1pm , if you're interested .

David

 

[The Prof]

Good Evening Sensei,

I am in Lake Worth, about six minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. March will be my eighteenth year as a Floridian.

Regards,

Prof

Good Morning Sensei,

That old tradition of just training, learning and making new friends for the most appears to be a lost art in itself. I never though about it until you said it. In retrospect, I do miss those days, they were the very best of my MA years.

Sensei, If I can ever get over to Tampa, I would enjoy the opportunity of spending some time with you and yours. I have viewed you web site and was pleased with what I saw.

Enjoy the chilly morning.

Regards, :asian: :asian: :asian:
Prof

 

[The Prof]

Greetings Sensei,
I cannot help feeling that you are wishing to prove a point or something. I don't know what you are getting at. I am not one for romantic notions. I am a serious student of the MA and I will not get into a long distance debate with you or anyone else. I just want some decent dialogue and exchange of friendly ideas with others.

Please be assured that the pictures of myself, C.N., & B.W., is not what I built my reputation on. Mine was built upon honesty and integrity. I am one of the very few people who received all his ranking (from Ikyu to current rank) from the same sensei. I am not self promoted. Now that may not be a big deal to anyone else, but it means something to me and my students.

You don't know squat about me but yet seem to be very critical of me. Okay, you win. I loose.

If I've previously written something that has offended you, I was unaware and I apologize.
Blessings,

Prof.

1)That’s a nice romantic notion but the martial arts have seen that sort of problem for hundreds of years.

2)First off I wonder why you would need to fight for the dignity of your sensei……technique talks and BS walks. People respect that.

3)Again, a romantic notion but not at all historically accurate. Numerous articles have been published about dojo rivalry and petty squabbles that have taken place of several hundred years.







1)Same as I mentioned before……it’s been going on for a loooooong time.

2)Actually I think the students that train in the “Mini-mart dojo” have the best time. They don’t have to train in a serious art, they get rank out the wazoo for a year or so training…and so on.









1) I have yet to see a dojo in Asia that has A/C or Heating…..mine included. I am not sure why that would be considered “crazy”.





1)I don’t see how it qualifies you as a ‘warrior”. Everyone has illness sooner or later in their life. I guess my ideal for what constitutes a “warrior” is a bit different than yours.



2) I noticed you had more than a few photos taken with Chuck Norris and some other people. Sorry but to me that reeks of what’s called “brand association” ……I know one other guy that has built his whole reputation of getting photographed with famous people. One photo that did bother me was the one with the man that you claim tried to hurt one of your dojo members and got beat up for it. To me that doesn’t show much class on your part and is disrespectful to him. In this age of people suing anyone for anything I surprised he didn’t try to sue you for defamation of character or something along those lines.

 

[RRouuselot]

1) I am not one for romantic notions.


2) Please be assured that the pictures of myself, C.N., & B.W., is not what I built my reputation on. Mine was built upon honesty and integrity.


3) You don't know squat about me but yet seem to be very critical of me.


Prof.

1)Your comments that I pointed out earlier are most definitely “romantic musings” and not based on historical fact.

2)The photo that stuck out was not the ones of you posing with MA celebrities but the one of the man with the messed up faced that you claim was the handy work of someone in your dojo. I found it to be a repulsive display machismo and false bravado (not to mention childish) that is contrary to the so called “Bushido” code you claim to adhere to and it also speaks volumes about your character.

3)I know what you post and what is on your website.

 

[TSUKIMASTER]

I agree wit the Prof. This new sport karate, while it looks cool is a ticket to the hospital. The martial arts were designed originally and I presume still are supposed to be used to better the self. In the arts you are competing against yourself, not the guy next to you. Sport karate teaches the practitioner to be concerned with how many trophies you have, not how much better of a person you have become.
Every legitimate master in thw world rolls over in his grave when sport karate is shown, some of the arent even dead yet.

 

[RRouuselot]

I agree wit the Prof. This new sport karate, while it looks cool is a ticket to the hospital. The martial arts were designed originally and I presume still are supposed to be used to better the self. In the arts you are competing against yourself, not the guy next to you. Sport karate teaches the practitioner to be concerned with how many trophies you have, not how much better of a person you have become.
Every legitimate master in thw world rolls over in his grave when sport karate is shown, some of the arent even dead yet.

I have to agree.....I don't know what the "prof" has in the way of karate knowledge since it's not stated on his website or on his profile....but that makes no difference in the "big picture".

If you have trained in MA for a while you can recognize true MA technique in almost any art. Miyamoto Musashi said “to know one thing well is to know 10,000”….it applies here.

 

[The Prof]

Greetings Sensei,

I'm sorry that you found that picture repulsive. No one has ever has ever registered a negetive comment before. It's not false bravado, the peson who put the site together thought that it was a good idea, I didn't care one way or the other. Maybe I should have.

Please know that you have made what I believe to be a valid point and it is well taken. I am always open to suggestions and constructive comments. Yours was constructive and I agree, the picture will be removed by mid week.

Kindest Regards and Thanks.

Prof.

1)Your comments that I pointed out earlier are most definitely “romantic musings” and not based on historical fact.

2)The photo that stuck out was not the ones of you posing with MA celebrities but the one of the man with the messed up faced that you claim was the handy work of someone in your dojo. I found it to be a repulsive display machismo and false bravado (not to mention childish) that is contrary to the so called “Bushido” code you claim to adhere to and it also speaks volumes about your character.

3)I know what you post and what is on your website.

 

[RRouuselot]

Greetings Sensei,

I'm sorry that you found that picture repulsive. No one has ever has ever registered a negetive comment before. It's not false bravado, the peson who put the site together thought that it was a good idea, I didn't care one way or the other. Maybe I should have.

Please know that you have made what I believe to be a valid point and it is well taken. I am always open to suggestions and constructive comments. Yours was constructive and I agree, the picture will be removed by mid week.

Kindest Regards and Thanks.

Prof.

Maybe I was too abrupt before, but from my point of view someone that is a 10th dan and has trained as long as you doesn’t really need to “pound their chest” by putting a photo up someone that used poor judgment and got trashed by a student of yours. It’s beneath you.

The guy in the photo made a stupid mistake and obviously paid for it. I didn’t think he should continually be ridiculed by having his photo put up for all and sundry to see.

Thanks for understanding.

 

[The Prof]

Hi Sensei,

Yeah, maybe you were a little too abrupt, but sometimes it's necessary and in this case you were right.

We are all still students, when we cease to learn we die.

Blessings,

Rick Riccardi

 

[The Prof]

Greetings Sensei,

FYI, the picture has been removed. Thanks Again.

Blessings,

Prof

 

[OC Kid]

Along the same lines, I think true Martial Arts is training to survive in any situation. The character development is one part of the training, self confidence, perserverance and other things are just sa important as well. Even though I teach the trad katas amd stances and basics ect I also mix in some Thai style kicks/elbows and boxing combos ect. Now there is some Kick boxing event coming in a few weeks. One my student wanted to compete in it. told him no. Because He though because he wasnt that good and expressed that to me. I told him no that wasnt it. I told him I teach him to survive not to get into a ring to beat up someone to see how tough they are or how hard they hit. I told him Im teaching him to defend himself and getting into a ring is not it.