That's My Satori And I'm Stickin To It!

S. Henry Cho passes.

2012-03-09T22:06:00.008-05:00

Sadly, it must be announced that Grand Master, Sihak Henry Cho, a pioneer of Korean Karate on the East Coast, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2012.

In 1968, Grand Master Cho's now famous book Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques was published. This was at a time when the newly named Tae Kwon Do was basically unknown to the majority of the American public. So the name Korean Karate was used on school signs, advertisements, and in this case a book, to describe the various Kwans or styles that mostly amalgamated into Tae Kwon Do.

One could go as far to say that "everyone" regardless of style, had that book. With great step by step illustrations and very comprehensive directions and information, Grand Master Cho introduced the Korean art to so many readers, and through his active participation, along with Peter Urban and Don Nagle, as one of the 3 big leaders of the East Coast KaraTe scene.

In this picture, Sihak Henry Cho is flanked by Frank Ruiz and Peter Urban. Far right is Cho's champion student, the late Julio Lassalle.Squatting in center is Mas Oyama.

Grand Master Cho was easily one of, if not the most successful long time tournament promoters in the country, with S. Henry Cho's All American Open Karate TaeKwonDo Kung Fu Tournament, which was held at Madison Square Garden starting in the 1960s for many years. His participation with inter style competition made for him to be an ambassador of sorts, even during a time when there was decention between the various arts and their practitioners.

Although it changed locations a few times, Grand Master Cho also ran one of the, if not the longest lasting and most successful martial arts schools in New York City.

This man left a legacy.

An interesting perspective on Khenfoia Padu.

2011-12-07T22:21:00.005-05:00

Osu!

I received an e mail from from my senior and friend Dai Sensei Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong, in response to my piece about GMstr. Padu. As a youth in Sensei Urban's Chinatown DoJo, Kayo had much more interaction with GMstr. Padu than I ever did, and was gracious enough to give me the OK to post his message to me here.

Dear Steven:

Thank you for the notice.... I hope all is well???

I am very sorry to have learned of GM. Khemfoia Padu's passing.

Yes, Khemfoia Padu was a very unique man! He was giant of a man on the Dojo floor as being a big man physically. Hey, I was 110 pounds or less back then.... hahahaha. Believe it or not, when I was a youngster at Chinatown Dojo, I had always watched his fighting ways and skills with scrutiny. His ways and characteristic of fight had always intrigued me and then prompted me to seek ways as to answer an opponent with his capabilities. He was different and his differences worked for him very well!!! His "differences" had inspired me as well.... Anyway, another great elder lost....

Kayo

Grand Master Khenfoia Padu passes.

2011-12-06T16:30:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately, we lost another GoJu brother. This one, from the original Urban guard. He was born on January 21, 1935 and died on November 28, 2011. I personally did not know him very well, but for the memory of a large senior yudansha in our organization who always wore a turban. What we had in common was that we came from the same teacher, practiced the same style, yet we came from otherwise very different worlds. He was imposing in appearance, yet kind in demeanor. He was a professional in the holistic genre and a highly spiritual gentleman of quality.

Here Grand Master Padu is pictured along with GMstr. S.Henry Cho, GMstr. Urban, John McGee, Abus Salaam U, GMstr. Frank Ruiz and GMstr. Aaron Banks during a forum for Official KaraTe magazine's April 1972 issue..

2011-12-06T16:29:00.004-05:00

The following is a piece from Official KaraTe magazines February 1972 issue.

Last night at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, which is a Masonic Temple in NYC, GMstr. Padu was remembered. He is now in the company of the Great Architect Of The Universe. Rest in peace my GoJu and Masonic brother. Osu!

GMstr. Urban referees as Dr. Maung Gyi opens up a can of whoop ass....

2011-04-12T10:08:00.003-04:00

Osu!

I found this video courtesy of Bando Bob, a student of Dr. Maung Gyi.
Maung Gyi brought the Burmese martial art called Bando, here to the USA.
He was not a big man, but hit like one, with a lightning speed.

I recall Don Nagle saying that he considered Gyi as his equal in fighting.

In the early days of East Coast KaraTe tournaments, it was Maung Gyi, Don Nagle, and Peter Urban, who where, in Urban's words "The Establishment."

In this video clip, Dr. Gyi defeats the well known boxer Jeff Goldberg as Maestro Urban referees, at Sunnyside Gardens in NY.

Incidentally, Sunnyside Gardens was one of, if not THE location for many of the now historic events in our East Coast martial arts history.

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 1

2011-02-12T18:05:00.015-05:00

Osu!

What we have here is a CLASSIC tournament program circa 1966, which was sent to me courtesy of my friend and Chinese American GoJu yudansha Stephen Trost.

This was at a time when the pioneers of East Coast KaraTe where still alive, and still working together.

For those of you who actually take the time to read, you will find some really interesting participation going on here from the camps of Urban, Nagle, Gyi, and Cho just to name a few, as well as some really well known names from around the country.

Two names on page 9 that I found especially interesting are:
#1. Listed as one of the ticket takers is Roy Colonna, who besides later becoming a high ranking yudansha, was the artist who drew the famous line drawings in Urban's book The KaraTe DoJo.

#2. Listed as Downstairs Usher, is Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong, who was just a young teen then, but who I can say with much authority, and meaning no disrespect, now has a deeper knowledge of Martial Arts than all of the other names on this program combined. But that's just my opinion, and I could be wrong.... but I doubt it.....

As usual, if you click on the following images, they will enlarge for easier reading.

Enjoy!

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 2

2011-02-12T18:05:00.002-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 3

2011-02-12T18:02:00.002-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 4

2011-02-12T17:42:00.003-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 5

2011-02-12T17:41:00.003-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 6

2011-02-12T17:35:00.004-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 7

2011-02-12T17:33:00.001-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate Championships 1966 part 8

2011-02-12T17:32:00.003-05:00

Peter Urban MKS Karate championships 1966 part 9

2011-02-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

Merry ChristMas!

2010-12-22T21:57:00.003-05:00

Osu! Personally, I observe ChristMas as a Holy Day rather than a commercial excuse for greed. So please indulge me so far as to read this classic 1986 martial arts comic, which tells a story with a moral that befits my belief system.

2010-12-22T21:56:00.004-05:00

Please click on each of the following pics to enlarge and read. If you click on the pic once again, after it becomes enlarged, it will enlarge even more for easier reading.

Enjoy!

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Hey! Look what I foundf on Youtube!

2010-11-05T09:34:00.004-04:00

FYI, I am in the process of writing the long overdue article that so many have been asking about, which will educate and or satisfy some, and inevitably piss some others off. It will cover My Satori = my realization after so many years of trial and error, as to what I believe being a leader, practitioner, competitor, promoter, etc. etc. really is, was, and or can, could or will be.

Until then, I trust that this video from Gary Alexander's 1993 event, featuring a special someone will hold my dear readers over....

Marty Manuel passes away.

2010-10-20T23:50:00.005-04:00

Osu!
What can I say? He was a friend of mine. He was one of the original Professional Karate Association full contact champions. He was a fantastic practitioner, teacher, inspiration to many, and a really nice guy.
Because of his illness, he went from being one of the fastest, most graceful technicians on the full contact scene, to being paralyzed and wheelchair bound for all too many years. Yet he still taught, and participated in the arts, more and better than most.

Sensei Urban loved him, and endearingly called him "The Coach."
I was honored to be nominated by him to receive the GoJu Leadership Award, through the World Head Of Family Sokeship Council.

He was a fantastic teacher, as seen through so many of his students, including my dear friend Sensei Alexis Cardona of Florida. He was also once again. a really nice guy. What else can I say?

Fred Miller passes away.

2010-10-20T22:31:00.003-04:00

Osu!
For those of you who do not know, Fred Miller was one of the best GoJu tournament fighters that I had the privilege to know, watch and be inspired by in my youth during the 1970s.

Fred was a cut above the best. He lived in Harlem NYC, was a tall lean lanky technician, who's fighting ability was awesome to say the very least.

What I remember most of all is that to me as a youth, he was approachable, humble, friendly and helpful to those of us that were up and coming fighters.

All kidding aside, he was better than most. Nicer than many, and will be truly missed by me.

If you missed knowing him, or at least seeing him compete, you missed a lot.....

In Memorium

2010-04-07T11:40:00.002-04:00

It was April 7th 2004 that The Sensei went to be with God.

They definitely have an interesting DoJo in Heaven.

The Gotay event is at John Jay once again!

2010-03-26T15:56:00.002-04:00

Osu!
It is my pleasure to announce that Shihan Al Gotay's World GoJu tournament will once again be held at the John Jay College Of Criminal Justice 899 10TH AVENUE NYC (BETWEEN W 57TH & W 59TH STREETS) on Sunday, April 25th 2010.

To download the flyer, go to: http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.26397721&folder=Sent&partId=4&saveAs=2010_world_karate_tournament_flyer.doc

A Friend

2010-01-21T22:58:00.003-05:00

Osu! This is a hand written letter by Grand Master Richard Kim describing his opinion of what a friend is. Click on pic to enlarge.

This is just too cool. Urban and Lee at MSG.

2009-12-01T07:20:00.003-05:00

Osu!
This is a classic clip from S. Henry Cho's 1967 event at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
The quality is awful but how many times have you seen Bruce Lee doing a demo at Madison Square Garden? And if that's not cool enough...
Who is that skeet shooting boards in the beginning of the clip???

Urban Speaks! About the side kick.

2009-11-16T05:15:00.021-05:00

Osu!

Before the internet, in a time when the general public had to actually buy books and magazines in order to research and to keep up on things, Sensei Urban was known not only to appear in articles, but to also answer letters that were sent in either querying or critiquing what he had said in print.

This was, and once again is, a fantastic opportunity for those who did not get to train with him in person, to experience his demeanor in dialog, and to gain better insight as to his thoughts.

The following is an article about Sensei Urban that appeared in the July 1972 issue of KaraTe Illustrated magazine. Click on photos in order to enlarge.

In the article, Sensei Urban speaks about certain changes that were made to his USA / Urban GoJu system. He states "I have eliminated things that are unnatural to the body such as side kicks and other things that we do with the legs." he says standing up to illustrate his point and moving his legs in back and forth motions to illustrate what he means by natural. "The legs were meant to go this way."

Author's note: For those who practice and or teach USA / Urban GoJu it is important that this information be noted. If we are to preserve and pass on what The Sensei left us, then his wishes and beliefs should be observed. More on this later.

The following letter appeared in the "Kiai Korner" Letters to the editor section of the November 1972 issue of KaraTe Illustrated magazine, which was a bi monthly publication back then.

Click on photo to enlarge.

In the same issue, Sensei Urban answers with his own letter.

Click on photo to enlarge

Let's take a look at what Sensei Urban was talking about considering the side kick topic.

Firstly, let's keep in mind that in traditional GoJu kata, there is no yoko geri other than the low kansetsu geri which is aimed at the knee.

Furthermore, there is no yoko geri other than kansetsu geri in any of the Urban katas.

The yoko geri keage or rising side kick, sometimes mistakenly called the side snap kick, puts the knee in an unnatural angle during it's execution.

The yoko geri kekomi or side thrust kick, torques the hip in an unnatural way during it's execution.

Now it's not like The Sensei didn't teach yoko geri back in the day. He certainly did. Many of us used it all the time, many still do.

As a matter of fact, the side kick was one of my favorite techniques.

Those who new me back in the day, will remember my side kicking people into the dojo walls, and through the ringside crowds at tournaments.

Nowadays, at 49 years old and with arthritis in my hip, although I can still get my side kick up there if the cause arises, I am much more likely to follow Sensei Urban's advice as to the choice of kicking technique.

The purpose of this article is not to condemn the side kick. But if you are teaching USA / Urban GoJu, please remember what you have just read.

Gerald Orange film released.

2009-11-06T22:24:00.006-05:00

Osu!

I am happy to announce that a short movie starring GMstr. Gerald Orange has been released. Gerald Orange is an old time student, "Chinatown DoJo Alumni," of Grand Master Urban. He has been an actor, involved in the theater and movie industry for many years. To watch a short clip of the movie, go to the following address. Gerald Orange appears at the very end of the clip, entering through door in Chef's hat.

http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi1218904601/

The film also has its own website at www.thedaythebreadturnedgreen.com

Urban Way Ceremony

2009-09-27T17:49:00.021-04:00

Osu!

Our Sensei was honored in proper fashion on Saturday, with a ceremony befitting of a man who's accomplishments had such a positive effect on so many of us. On Central Avenue in Union City New Jersey, where his 10th street dojo was located, a huge group assembled to view the unveiling of a long overdue tribute to our mentor.

I wish that I could have been there, but unfortunately I no longer reside in that part of the country. However, I did have some of my people there to represent and to take pictures and report of the goings on to me. So now I can report the goings on to you.... Click on pictures to enlarge.

Union City Mayor and NJ State Senator Brian P. Stack addresses the audience.

Maestro Urban's daughter Julia is presented with a likeness of the Peter Urban Way street sign.

Hanshi Ray Herman addresses the audience as his students perform kata.

Hanshi Archie Rullan addresses the audience as his sons hold Maestro Urban's Battle flag.

The Ombudsman of Urban GoJu, Hanshi Sekwii Sha addresses the audience.

Hanshi Fidel Montalvan addresses the audience.

The successor of Grand Master Frank Ruiz, Nisei GoJu Head, Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan addresses the audience.

Julia Urban Kimmerley and the crowd watch with excitement as the beautiful commemorative plaque is revealed.

A rightfully proud daughter, touches her father's plaque as Union City Mayor and NJ State Senator Brian Stack looks on.

The look of anticipation as the Peter Urban Way street sign is unveiled.

TaDa!!!!!!

A lot of well known faces of the GoJu family were to be seen.

It was good to see so many branches of our tree represented.

This was a celebration of The Sensei's life, not a sad occasion of mourning. You can see the joy in the faces of his people.

In a matter much like Grand Master Gogen Yamaguchi's funeral, a group of those present got up and performed the kata Tensho. It is interesting to see the differences in kata nuance of the various factions of our American GoJu.

Special thanks to Sensei Elias Bonaros for taking these pictures and video for me.

2009-09-16T16:09:00.019-04:00

Osu!
Throughout history, it has bee customary for noteworthy masters of the martial arts to have monuments dedicated to them after their demise.

I have been lucky enough to have been able to travel and live all over the world, and to visit various locations in which these types of memorials exist.

Kanryo Higashionna, seen here with Hanso Arakaki sitting at his left and Chojun Miyagi at left behind him with cap on, has a beautiful monument dedicated to him.

It reads: Kanryo Higaonna sensei (1853-1917) was born the 4th son of Kanyo and Tsuru in the Nishi district of Naha. At the age of 20, he traveled to the Fukien region of China where he studied Nanpa Shaolin Kenjyutsu Hakutsuru Ken (Southern Shaolin Fist Technique White Crane Fist) for 15 years. In 1889, he opened a Karate dojo in Naha. This is the oldest known Karate dojo. Nahate is based on Higaonna sensei's own studies of White Crane Fist on his return from China and became known as a“Te”technique that spread mostly in the Naha region. (Translation of the inscriptions found on the back of the monument)

Note: This monument is known as the Kanryo Higaonna and Chojun Miyagi Monument Memorial and is located in the Matsuyama Park, Naha City.

Gichin Funakoshi, who is credited with bringing KarTe from Okinawa to Mainland Japan, and who the ShotoKan style was named after, has two very cool monuments on Okinawa in his memory.

This one says: The Gichin Funakoshi Monument (Enkakuji, Kamakura)

The father of Karatedo, Gichin Funakoshi Sensei, was born on October 10, 1870 in Shuri City, Okinawa Prefecture.
At 11 years old, he started learning To-te jutsu* with both Anko Asato and Anko Itosu Sensei. Studying the secrets of the art thoroughly, he became the head of the Okinawa Shobukai** in 1912.
From his moving to Tokyo in May 1922, he devotedly taught Karatedo.
On April 26, 1957 he died a natural death at the age of 88.
He completely devoted himself to the spreading and improvement of Karate. While he advocated Karatedo, the main purpose was to adapt the principles of ancestral To-te jutsu. Emptiness (kara or ku) is the perfection in martial arts. The way (michi or do) is the intention of transforming technique into Bushido.
Funakoshi's maxims "Karate ni sente nashi" (there is no first attack in Karate) and "Karate ha Kunshi no bugei" (Karate is a martial art for true gentleman) are based on the principles of warning the misuse of technique.
Reminding the virtues of sensei, the father of Karatedo, and praising his achievements, we his students establish the Shotokai and connected with the adage "Ken Zen Ichi" (Fist and Zen are one), we erect this monument within the Engakuji Temple.

Gichin Funakoshi sensei's "Kansha no Matsu"

The memorial pine "Kansha no Matsu" (Gratitude Pine) stands in the Sueyoshi Park in Naha City. It was planted in August 1998 by Shoto-kai 's Motonobu Hironishi and Jotaro Takagi sensei to honored the 130 birth anniversary of Funakoshi sensei.

Brief personal history of Gichin Funakoshi sensei
(taken from the memorial post standing next to the pine)
Born in 1868 in Yamakawa, Shuri (presently in Naha City)
Chaired successively the Okinawa Shobukan.
In 1922, moved to Tokyo to spread karate.
On April 26, 1957 passed away at the age of 90 years old.

Note: Next to the pine stands another pine dedicated to Yoshitaka Funakoshi sensei, son of Gichin sensei. The pine is name "Homare no Matsu" (Honoring Pine).

Chotoku Kyan, SuriTe = Shorin Ryu, master and teacher of both Eizo and Tatsu Shimabuku has a great monument also.

Chotoku Kyan sensei lived from 1870 to 1945. He is considered as a preeminent karate master from modern times Okinawa. Kyan sensei whose nickname was "Chanmigwa" was born in a prestigious and wealthy family of Shuri in 1870. He spent his childhood in Tokyo and studied the Chinese classics there. In the meantime, his father introduced young Chotoku to karate. On his return to Okinawa, he trained under great masters of Shuri-te and Tomari-te to become the grand master he was. While his height was only of 150 cm, it is said that Kyan sensei developed an extreme power and speed in his techniques.
Around 1910, he moved to live close to the Hija River located in today's Kadena Town. He then taught to students of the Prefectural Agriculture Senior High School, the Youth Teachers School and the Police Academy, as well as teaching for no fee karate to the youth of the surroundings. He instructed them on the "Technique" and "Spirit" of the way of karate. While training was hard, all his students respected and praised his deep knowledge and warmhearted personality. He was truly following the way of "Bun Bu Ryo Do" the way of scholarship and martial arts and as a reminder of his virtue we his students raised this monument. (1997)

On a more occidental tip, Nisei GoJu founder Frank Ruiz was honored with a memorial stone here in the US.

This stone resides in the famouse Tompkins Square Park in the Lower East Side of New York City in the neighborhood that Shihan Ruiz taught. The stone was put there by Ruiz's successor Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE LOVELY EDEN BROWER FOR TAKING THIS PICTURE OF THE RUIZ MEMORIAL STONE FOR ME. Luv Ya Eden.

And finally! It is my honor to announce that my teacher, Peter Urban, The Grand Patriarch of All American GoJu Systems, will now be honored accordingly.
The following is a message from his daughter Julia.
Union City, N.J. , where my father was raised and graduated high school ( Emerson High '53), and then in 1959 established his first dojo, has graciously decided to honor my father's name.

This ceremony bestows my father with a street name "URBAN WAY", a historical marker/plaque , a program itinerary detailing all planned events with pics. and bio . Attending also will be the Mayor and State Senator, Brian P. Stack and other special guests and notorieties.The ceremony is on Central Ave. from 10th to 9th streets and starts at 12:oo

All Urban Gojuists , supporters and guests are invited to attend this marked occasion to proudly commemorate the life and accomplishments of my father, the one and only "PETER URBAN".

Thank you.

Julia Urban-Kimmerley

Profile of an Urban Loyalist. Ol' Reliable

2009-07-20T20:11:00.022-04:00

This Satori profile segment will deal with americangoju.com Webmaster James Norman Price, Hanshi USA GoJu.

Hanshi Price is seen here with Maestro Urban near the last days of Maestro Urban's life.

At first glance, Hanshi Price seems like exactly what he is, a well-educated professional. Originally a school teacher, he later became quite successful in, and is now retired from his career as a representative for a major pharmaceutical company. His mannerism is gentle and it is obvious that he is of high moral character.

This mild mannered persona masks a quite different back ground as far as the martial arts are concerned. He originally came from, and acheived Yon Dan Renshi in, the dojo of an old friend of mine, Master Joseph Kelljchian of Florida, who was a student of Sensei Urban. This group, now called U.S.A.G.F. is a no nonsense, hard contact, rough training group to say the least.

Hanshi Price is seen here training with Maestro Urban at Master Joe Hess' Dojo in Florida circa 1979.

Later going directly under the tutelage of Grand Master Urban, Hanshi Price always went above and beyond the call of duty.

I, as Sensei Urban’s representative for the southern states can tell you that whenever we needed anything, Price was there. He and his students also participated in countless seminars, classes, crazy training and tournaments that I ran in Florida. Speaking of tournaments, who could forget the wild tournaments that Price organized on Ft. Myers Beach for Master Kelljchian back in the day? Good times…….

A little vignette about the Internet:

I received a fax one morning from Sensei Urban, asking me if I could put together a web site for him. Originally Master Dayton Guinee had put together a website for Sensei Urban, however, at that particular time he was legitimately to busy to tend to such an affair. Keep in mind that when doing something for Sensei Urban, things had to be done immediately, so understandably Master Guinee had to vacate his position as web master. I contacted Sensei Urban via telephone, explaining that not only did I not own a computer at the time, I didn’t even know how to turn one on if I did. I informed him however, that I had an idea of who we could recruit as our internet guy. After discussing this with Hanshi Price, and him agreeing to take on the arduous job of web master, the official website of Maestro Peter Urban began. Originally called Martial Combatives DoJo. It is now called americangoju.com Grand Master Peter Urban’s Fight Schools Network. Sensei Urban’s intent was to have a web site that besides giving information about his system and organization, would be a list of his active, loyal membership. In order to be listed on his site, one had to apply directly through Sensei Urban. There was no guessing or being mislead as to an applicants standing with Sensei Urban, for as I said, the only people listed on the site were those who’s name received the green light from Urban.

Click on image to enlarge.

There have been misconceptions lately as to www.americangoju.com being only for the last wave of students of Sensei Urban, but as read in his news letter above, it was for all of his legitimate loyal dues paying instructor level students.

Many of us later made our own web sites since then, however, the site that Hanshi Price put together was and still is the one and only official website of Maestro Peter G. Urban PHD.

Today = Now, Hanshi Price is still active in the martial arts, aside from being Webmaster.

Now at ninth dan, he teaches KaraTe and practical self-defense classes at the clubhouse of the Pelican Preserve where he lives with his lovely wife Karen. The Pelican Preserve is an exclusive gated community built in coordination with a National Audubon Society preserve. He is also the curator of the beautiful butterfly gardens there at the preserve.

Nunchaku

2009-07-17T21:37:00.055-04:00

Osu!

Something that I have not written about in ages is the nunchaku. Personally this was always my favorite toy/tool/weapon, since I was a kid.

Grand Master Urban often spoke of the difference between a TOY, a TOOL, and a WEAPON.

What is the difference?

INTENTION.

Many believe that the nunchaku was originally a farm tool,. A flail used to thrash crush or gather rice etc., later to be used after the ban on all weapons in Okinawa.

Others believe that it was a piece disconnected from a horse bridal .

Although there is little doubt that these tools were at times used as weapons, it seems unlikely that their presence in the Chinese arts came from Okinawan farm tools. Therefore it seems reasonable to believe that the flail has been around in various forms all over the globe since someone was creative enough to attach two or more sticks or what have you, together for the purpose of playing, working, or fighting.

The nunchaku has been an object of controversy on an off throughout the years.

As a kids, in NY and NJ back in the 70s, we used to carry them concealed on the streets. This was both before and after they were made illegal. My memories of the bloody nunchaku fights between various factions of neighborhood gangs are still quite vivid. As a matter of fact, the one and only time that I was ever knocked unconscious in my life was self induced while practicing a difficult under the arm pit and over the shoulder reverse switch at high speed while walking my vicious standard poodle Noal. I awoke with Noal licking my face as a cop looked down at me while straddling over head. The cop said “You were doing pretty good until you clocked yourself!” He had been watching me from a distance. I was more worried about being arrested, than I was about having just whacked myself unconscious. Thankfully, when I showed him my dojo id, he went to his car and brought out his own police issued black, square nylon nunchaku and handed them to me, asking if I wanted to give them a try. I remember that they had a very short string and I was able to whip them around even quicker than my own. However, the police nunchaku was actually more for seizing, pinching, and come along techniques.

On a more legit note: I actually carried the nunchaku that I bought in the 70's at NYC's Honda Martial Arts Supplies, into combat while in the Marine Corps. I also trained fellow Marines in the use of the nunchaku while stationed in Okinawa Japan, both at my on base dojo, and during the hand to hand combat classes that I gave on various bases throughout the 3rd Marine Division.

The nunchaku was made illegal in the 70's, in California first. Then after a police officer had the misfortune of chasing a thug up to a tenement building’s roof, to which the thug waited next to the roof’s door for the cop to follow, the thug proceeded to use a rear strangle technique on him as he exited the stairwell onto the roof. The cop was murdered, and the nunchaku became illegal overnight in NYC.

In this article from Official KaraTe Magazine January 1974, our own Shihan Al Gotay warns the reader of the new anti nunchaku law. (Click on article to enlarge.)

I visited Brendon Lai's Kung Fu Supply Store in San Francisco the other day. Rather than a display of various nunchaku, they had a sign on the counter, saying that nunchaku were illegal out side of martial arts schools in the state of California, and were not sold there.

The nunchaku was introduced for use, to the NY and NJ police departments by USA GoJu instructors who were on the job. This did not go without a certain amount of controversy either.

In This August 1970 issue of KaraTe Illustrated Magazine, the subject of police use of the nunchaku is discussed by Shotokan Master Fred Hamilton "RIP," and NinJitsu Master Ron Duncan, as well as Shihan Al Gotay, who also demonstrates Police Nunchaku techniques.

Master Ed Veryken and Master Joe Hess, both were instrumental in training Police in the use of nunchaku, as seen here in Official KaraTe Magazine's Annual Special Weapons Edition 1974.

My nunchaku training came from quite a few sources. I learned formally from Sensei Urban “who was a weapons genius,” of course.

I also learned from Sensei Ernest Hyman in the mid 70s, who many may remember was billed as the fastest man in the world with the nunchaku at Aaron Banks’ Oriental World Of Self Defense at Madison Square Garden.
I wish that I had some video of Sensei Hyman performing. You would not believe it! I can still remember walking around with cracked finger nails and sore hands after the nunchaku classes that he gave at the New York Karate Academy.

Everybody had a copy of this book when I was a young teen. Fumio Demura's Nunchaku KaraTe Weapon Of Self Defense served as our Chucker's Bible.

Later while stationed in Okinawa I learned the original premise from Dai Sensei Hanso Arakaki.

The way that nunchaku is used in the Ko Ryu = old school is a bit different from what you see in the modern versions. The flailing is less complex, however very powerful. The techniques are really not so much different, but separates them from the modern, is that they were used as a defense against weapons. But for that matter, the bulk of what is contained in the old KaraTe kata are techniques that deal with fighting against an armed opponent.

Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita is an Okinawan Shorin Ryu master who has lived in California for many years. He became quite famous back in the day for his flashy nunchaku demos.

No article about the nunchaku would be complete without clips of Bruce Lee.

The Chinese Connection

Return Of The Dragon

Enter The Dragon

Game Of Death

Just awsome!

2009-06-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Osu!

There is hope for KaraTe.

Just look at this presentation of Anan / Han Bunkai.

The Bad Guy........

2009-06-18T17:55:00.009-04:00

Osu!

How many times have you heard people speak ill of others just to take the spot light off of their own bad performance?

How many times have you been guilty of doing this your self?

In the martial arts, there are so many people who revel in gossip rather than self perfection.

Yes, everybody loves a bad guy. So they can say "Look, there's the bad guy"

The problem is that it is most often the person who has the most to hide, or be ashamed of, that points the finger of judgment.

It's so much more gratifying to complement or stick up for, someone than it is to speak ill of them.

I remember back in 1980 when I first arrived in Okinawa Japan. I had visited a couple of dojo, and was pretty disappointed in one particularly. Later, while visiting Grand Master Eizo Shimabukuro, I commented about the dojo of disappointment, and asked what he thought. He said "KaraTe teacher no talk bad about anyone." I bowed and said Hai Sensei, as he had just taught me a very important lesson.

Something that I learned from my older brother Dai Sensei Kow Loon Ong, is that it is far more important to clean ones own house, than it is to worry about how dirty someone else's floor is.

I myself have been guilty of perpetuating historic bad mouthing on the subject of Bad BuDo and Pseudo Sensei ism.

That is a short coming on my part.

The thing that really urks me though, is when it is a supposed friend that bad mouths you.

Especially a supposed friend that has so many skeletons in his or her closet that they could easily start a Halloween shop.........

The interesting thing about this, is how folks that participate in this type of interaction generally can't keep their mouths shut. They pass the poison on, gladly sharing where it originated from.

So, my dear reader, what is the moral of this story?

Keep your friends close by.
Keep your enemies right next to you.

Trust no one. I hope that I am incorrect about that one........

And as the Bible says: Don't be so quick to point out the cinder in another's eye, until you have removed the log from your own.

And even then, if you can't say something nice, re read this article.........

Ghost Dog

2009-06-17T15:57:00.002-04:00

Osu!

Last night, via suggestion of my friend Greg, I watched a movie that I had never seen before.

It was not a Chop Socky flick.

It was not a Blacksploitation flick.

What it was, was a very well put together story about a gangster from the ghetto, who serves as a retainer to a Mafioso who once saved his life.

Based on the Samurai ideal, replete with readings from the book Hagakure throughout the movie, this is a flick worth watching.

Hanshi Lou Angel and the Long John Nebel Show.

2009-06-11T17:51:00.020-04:00

Osu!

Recently Hanshi Lou Angel, Founder of Tenshi GoJu, and the National College Of Martial Arts, sent me some great pics of historic note.

Hanshi Angel was one of Grand Master Urban’s first students.

Beginning his martial arts training in 1954 at the JuJitsu school of India at 48th and Broadway in NYC, he later took up JuDo under Sensei Nick Yang at The Academy Of Music in Brooklyn.

While in the United States Marine Corps, he trained in IsShin Ryu KaraTe, with GMstr. Don Nagel in Jacksonville North Carolina.

He started training with GMstr. Urban when he returned to NY. He trained with Urban twice a week at The Academy Of Music, and also twice a week at the famous JuDo Twins DoJo.

Hanshi Angel opened a dojo in Brooklyn under GMstr. Urban in 1960, and in 1961 left to open a dojo in Tulsa Oklahoma. This was while GMstr. Urban was still teaching at the 17Th Street DoJo in NYC, prior to the opening of the Chinatown DoJo.

In 1963 Hanshi Angel left Oklahoma as a nidan (2nd degree black belt), and with a letter of introduction from GMstr. Urban, traveled to Japan to train with his teacher’s teacher, GMstr. Gogen Yamaguchi, at the Ueno DoJo in Tokyo.

After extensive training with GMstr. Yamaguchi, Hanshi Angel tested for and was promoted to the rank of SanDan (3rd degree black belt.)

Hanshi Angel formed the Midwest GoJu KaraTe Association, and later founded his own style called Tenshi GoJu. Tenshi is Nihon Go = Japanese language, meaning angel.

The Tenshi GoJu system contains the kata that Hanshi Angel learned from GMstr. Urban and GMstr. Yamaguchi, with the only difference being in the Bunkai that he developed.

(Author's note: During a conversation with Hanshi Angel, he told me that he will always consider GMstr. Urban his Sensei.)

His style and organization became very large and successful throughout the Mid West.

He later founded the National College Of Martial arts, which is open to practitioners of all styles.

One of his more well known students is Jeff Speakman, star of the popular movie The Perfect Weapon, who attained nidan under Hanshi Angel, before moving to California to pursue his acting career. It was Hanshi Angel who suggested that Speakman hook up with Ed Parker while in California. The rest is history…….

As many may know, in March of 1960, Grand Master Urban and some of his students including Hanshi Angel, appeared on the Long John Nebel Show on WOR TV Channel 9. . This was a late night variety show, which was known to feature not so every day things, from VooDoo to UFO’s and conspiracy theories. Interesting late night entertainment for those who found interest in the unusual.

Here is a pic from the advertisement for the show. On left in Iron Wall position, is Hanshi Angel.
Click on picture to enlarge.

In this picture Grand Master Urban demonstrates a nukite on Lou Angel during the Long John Nebel show.

Lastly, here is a classic pic that Hanshi Angel sent to me, of Grand Master Urban doing one of the things that he did best. This pic was taken at Hanshi Angel's Tulsa Oklahoma tournament in September of 1967. GMstr. Urban is breaking 3 suspended boards with his left hand. He had injured his right hand before coming to Tulsa.

Special thanks to Hanshi Lou Angel for his time, photos, and friendship.

Shek Kin passes.

2009-06-08T16:11:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, we lost another martial arts icon.

Shek Kin, who played Mr. Han in Enter The Dragon, has passed away.

He was quite the master in real life. He also starred in many Chinese films that most westerners don't know about.

Here he is, doing a demonstration of his kung fu skills.

David Carradine passes away.

2009-06-04T18:00:00.002-04:00

Osu!

Just got the word that Kung Fu TV legend and Hollywood actor David Carradine was found in his hotel room in Thailand supposedly hung by accident.

His body was found in the closet by a hotel maid, with a rope around his neck and parts of his body.

No doubt CSI Thailand is going to get in on this one.

I remember meeting David Carradine when I was a young teenager, at Madison Square Garden during one of Aaron Bank's Oriental World Of Self Defense shows. He seemed like a nice guy.

Here is an old clip of the Carradine that most of us will always remember, replete with the burning urn scene that was taken from Maestro Urban's story about Shaolin in his book The KaraTE DoJo.

Machigai / MISTAKES

2009-06-02T14:36:00.006-04:00

The following micro treatise on mistakes comes from a fantastic book on Eishin Ryu Swordsmanship, written by Masayuki Shimabukuro and Leonard J. Pellman, called Flashing Steel.

The message given can apply to life in so many ways.

In IaiJutsu, a confrontation ends in the blink of an eye and one of the combatants lies dead on the ground. The samurai could not afford to make a mistake. Mistakes, very simply, meant death.

On the other hand, the only way to learn an art as difficult and complex as IaiJutsu is to make mistakes. So in one respect, you must train with an intensity of kihaku as if there were no room for mistakes - as if they would be fatal - while in another respect, you must accept the fact that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process.

It is important, therefore, not to dwell on your mistakes, wether they are simply training errors in the dojo, or mistakes that have a serious impact in your life. If you allow errors in your past to have affect in your future attempts, at very least you will find yourself loosing confidence and going into a slump. At the worst, you can become so paralyzed by the fear of failure that you will no longer even try!

Furthermore, your mind will inevitably try to achieve whatever you visualize. So if you keep visualizing yourself making the same old mistake over and over, you are effectively training your subconscious to repeat it.

Instead, pay attention to your mistakes without dwelling on them. Try to determine what caused the error and how it can be corrected or avoided in the future, then visualize yourself acting correctly. In this way, rather than being a setback or hindrance, each mistake becomes an investment in your future success.

Remember, too, that it is far better to have tried and failed - and learned from the experience - than never to have tried, never to have learned, and never to have truly lived!

An'Ichi Miyagi Sensei passes away.

2009-04-29T17:08:00.004-04:00

Osu!

Well known GoJuKa. Student of both Miyagi and Miyazato Senseis and the person that IOGKF Founder,Morio Higaonna Sensei chose as his mentor An'Ichi Miyagi has passed away, according to Tetsuji Nakamura, IOGKF Vice Chief Instructor and Administrative Director.

What's new in kata?

2009-04-08T13:21:00.020-04:00

The subject of KoRyu "old school" kata vs modern kata is nothing new any more. The reader may be surprised at exactly how long the argument for and or against the validity of both has been going on.

There was a time, not so long ago, when the martial arts were monopolized by the nationals of their endogenous lands. This is to say that many, if not most, believe that only Asians had the potential to fully comprehend an Asian art.

When the two concepts mentioned above are put together, it makes for an even more interesting debate.

Let’s start with the fact that the origin of what is called Naha Te "GoJu Ryu" was actually the Fukien Province of China. The kata that was learned there and brought to Okinawa was reformed in order to siut the Okinawan people.

As time went on, the Okinawan martial artists mastered and developed an art that became tyheir own, going as far as to change the kanji for karate from China Hand to empty hand so as for it to be more easily accepted when they introduced it to the Japanese mainland.

KaraTe became Japanized over the years with the names of certain kata in some styles being changed completely.

Just as in Asia, KaraTe became better understood and yes, even mastered in the west.

Let’s take a look at how the subject of modern kata has been discussed in the past.

Black Belt Magazine's January 1969 issue had a debate on this subject between quite a few well known karateka of the time. Three of these folks were from our lineage. Peter Urban, Richard Kim and Albert Gotay.

Here is what they had to say:

Urban:

Inferior American products are no more insignificant than inferior Oriental products.
If it passes the test of time, it is good.
In general, it seems an oriental kata has been improved in America precisely the same way American and German optic and electronic developments have been improved in Japan.

It is the performance of the kata by the individual performer that determines the quality and not just the construction of the kata itself.

We speak English in America, but it is not the same English spoken in Great Britain. Yet for all intents and purposes, it is the same language and we can communicate. It is the same with kata.

Kim:

Reformed kata may have some value, but the only significance if any, would be of callisthenic value. From that view point, any exercise is better than no exercise at all.

Feeling that some American sensei may be presumptuous in their attempts to evolve new kata, Kim reminds them "only a meijin can create a kata."

A meijin is one who has gone beyond the highest degree of proficiency in his art. He is one who has achieved KenSho. He is more than an expert or specialist.

There are no meijin in America, and the last karate meijin was Funakoshi Gichin.

Author's note: With all respect to Sensei Kim, that is a debatable statement, being that Funakoshi's Shotokan style has gone through so much change since his demise, that they truly must be producing quite a few meijin it seems...................
Also considering that Funakoshi was chosen to be the karate ambassador to Japan by his Okinawan seniors because of his scholastic back ground instead of his raw martial prowess, it seems that we are using the word meijin a bit loosely.

Going up to a metaphysical plane, Kim defines kata as "A unique method of religious practice with the aim of bringing the student to a direct intuitive realization of reality. It is meant for the body to be fazed into a total instrument of realization of the absolute mind. Kata is not a manifestation of logical reasoning as Americans have superficially mistaken it to be.

Kata brings the student by degrees, by complete transcendence, emancipation, total penetration, and identical alignment to Do or Dao.

Since the master cannot transmit his kensho, he uses kata to bring the student to the same state of illumination that he has attained.

Authors note:

Black Belt Magazine wrote:

In an apparent attempt to counter Kim's phraseology, NYC's Peter Urban comments:

"American instructors utilize systematic logic and creative imagination to produce kata, music, art or technology the same as the other masters. It has been said that the western man cannot achieve NIRVANA or SATORI and oriental ethnic back grounds are the best for the martial arts. What archaic nonsense!"

In a later issue of BB Mag. Urban wrote:

A matter of principal

I would like to sound my personal objection to the statement made in Black Belt's kata survey (January 1969) referring to my "apparent attempt to counter Kim's metaphysical phraseology."

Sensei Richard Kim took me by the hand in Yokohama during my teenage years and introduced me to the martial arts. He personally brought me to two famous meijin in Japan so I could specialize in the hard and soft styles of KaraTe.

I don't disagree with my sensei in principal, Only in degree. Also, I always knew my sensei was a meijin. In the martial arts, a meijin is a divinely inspired person. One who might be called a genius in a particular field. I believe that only a meijin can create a kata, and I also believe that meijin do exist in the United States. Sensei Kim's statement that there are no meijin in America is just another instance of the traditional modesty peculiar to meijin who have been trained in the orient.

Albert Gotay of Queens NY feels in some cases kata created by Americans does have significant value. Although American kata appears to have been created for convenience, I have seen others that are outstanding.

Kata is not created but merely evolves as the natural product of years of training and experience, coupled with dynamic personality and enlightenment.

Authors note:

In 1969 even martial arts scholars were not privy to a lot of the since discovered writings from the past.

Thanks to Kiyotaka Yamada, Sensei aka San Zinsoo who translated many old Okinawan martial arts writings, we can now see how the subject was viewed by Chojun Miyagi himself.

At the meeting of Okinawan KaraTe masters held on October 25, 1936 at the Showa Kaikan Hall in Naha City Okinawa, Miyagi had this to say:

Regarding kata, I think traditional kata should be preserved as old or classic kata. For the nationwide promotion of KaraTe, I think we better create new kata. We will create both offensive and defensive kata which are suitable for students of primary schools, high schools, universities and youth schools. Mainly, we, the members of Shinkokai = KaraTe promotion association, will make new kata and promote them throughout Japan. Now there are Physical Education Association and Okinawan branch of BuTokuKai. We also have senior students of KaraTe and those who are interested in KaraTe. We therefore cooperate with them to study and promote KaraTe. If such organizations and experts study KaraTe thoroughly, we can make a decision about the KaraTe name issue and KaraTe uniform relatively soon. I think the old kata should be preserved without any modification, while new kata should be invented; otherwise I am convinced that no one will be interested in KaraTe any longer in the future.

Author's note:

Well that pretty much settles that debate. = period!

TameshiWari to the extreme!!!

2009-03-26T20:31:00.004-04:00

Osu!

I finally found footage of the infamous Master Breaker!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Grand Master Ron Jeter was a major mentor to me, as my coach during my time in the 70's as a member of his competition team.

He truly was somthing to behold, both on stage and in person.

This is a pic of he and I during our first training session.

Just kidding.........

He was a real nice guy, but I can see why this kid would be a little nervous.

Here he is TEARING THE HOUSE DOWN as we called his demo back in the day.

I could not help but feel a little sad when I watched these clips.
Besides being my coach, he was my friend, and I truly miss him.

Some old shots from tournament karate's early days.

2009-03-13T19:36:00.006-04:00

Osu!
Back in the 60s, The Sensei = Urban was frequently seen in Black Belt Magazine. At that time, he was one of, if not the, most sought after tournament official. Here he referees an intercollegiate match between students from The John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Iona College. The event took place in 1968 at John Jay in NYC.

Here is The Sensei in 1968 refereeing a match between the late Thomas LaPuppet and the popular Texas Tae Kwon Do stylist Skipper Mullins, at S. Henry Cho's All American Open. This was one of many historic matches of this event, as both competitors were super stars of their respective arts and states. LaPuppet being a New York Shotokan stylist and Mullins being a Texas Tae Kwon Do stylist. For those of you who were not around back then, Mullins had the fastest feet around at the time.

Here is something that you don't see every day.
Urban student Leon Wallace " who later founded Harlem GoJu," fighting Chuck Norris, as Urban referees, at the same All American Open event.

Nisei GoJu founder, Frank Ruiz poses with his student Louis Delgado and his teacher Peter Urban after the 1968 All American Open.

Sad news.

2009-02-27T18:40:00.008-05:00

Osu!
I am saddened to have to report the loss of a good friend and GoJu brother.

Hanshi, Walter Parks, 10th Dan, U.S.A.G.A. of Massachusetts passed away on Wednesday February 25, 2009.

Hanshi Parks was a long time practitioner and teacher of the martial arts. The legacy that he left can be seen in fine dojos throughout the New England region.

His loyalty and service to our system, and to Maestro Urban was always above and beyond the call of duty.

It is with no reservations that I can say that he will be missed.

Condolences and questions about funeral arrangements etc. should be sent to Hanshi Parks' student, Sensei, Gary Gascoyne: gascoyne@americangoju.com

The Kyokushinkai Days.

2009-02-16T20:47:00.016-05:00

Osu!

When one thinks of Peter Urban, they usually equate him with Gogen Yamaguchi.
It is common knowledge that he also trained with Richard Kim and Masutatsu Oyama, however one rarely sees pictures from the days when he trained with them.

Here are Mas Oyama and Richard Kim.

I remember seeing Oyama's book What Is Karate?, at the NYC martial arts store Honda when I was a kid. Most GoJuKa of this generation don't realize that there are many pictures of Urban in this book. This is basically because the book has been out of print for many years. Long before the majority of you were even in the arts, or in many cases alive. However it is somtimes available at www.ebay.com for hundreds of dollars.

This was back in the original days of the Kyokushinkai. Before it became so focused on competition. When it was a more "traditional," style, which is to say that there was more of an emphasis on kata, self defense and even weapons. Not to say that the brutal kumite was not being practiced, but you had a tendency to see more of the style publicly than just competition fighting. ( No slur meant on the Kyokushinkai style. It is still a fine system, just very competition oriented.)

Here is a pic of Sensei Urban utilizing the SuburiTo which is a heavy over sized version of the BoKken = wooden sword. This implement is used to develop strength in technique.

Here we have The Sensei utilizing the hand weights that were popular in martial arts training at the time.

Here The Sensei develops that gorilla like build that we all remember.

The Sensei served as uke in the segment of the book that dealt with female self defense.

The ladies of the Kyokushinkai were nothing to mess with, as The Sensei attests to in this pic.

Also in this pic.

And especially this pic...........OUCH!

Here The Sensei serves as uke for Masutatsu Oyama.

Besides studying with Nei Chu So, Gogen Yamaguchi, and Gichin Funakoshi, Oyama also trained in Daito Ryu AiKi Jutsu with Yoshida Kotaro.

Here, the AiKi Jutsu influence on KyokuShinKai is seen with The Sensei once again serving as Oyama's uke.

Also here, with the ever popular uke Urban.

Here The Sensei gets to show some of his own KyokuShiKai expertise. Urban's Uke is none other than GMstr. Shigeru Oyama, who later founded USA Oyama KaraTe.

And here, some more of KyokuShinKai's AiKi influence, executed by Urban. It is always interesting to dissect our style, and attempt to figure out which facets came from which of The Sensei's various teachers. I personally had the opportunity to cheat at this, as I was able to frequently ask him where things came from.

Special thanks to Renshi, Elias Boneros, for the use of his copy of this book, and to his Kohai Steve Trost, NiDan, for letting me spend all that time at his home scanning the pics. Also to the Trost family for putting up with me doing this until 2am.

The Drunken Master

2009-02-08T15:35:00.005-05:00

After much thought, prayer, and experience, there is much to be said about sobriety, and it's effect on our lives, and on the lives of others.

Even someone who as a rule, walks distinguished, and is a plethora of knowledge and discipline, can become a clown when sobriety is lacking.

Hell, the only time you ever saw Mr. Miyagi not having his shit together, was when he was drunk. Notice Daniel San, as he watches, half ammused, and then joins in.

Luckely this was an isolated incident, as the student will usually tire of The Drunken Master. Or in other instances, follow in the teacher's footsteps, thereby stepping in the same pile of shit as the teacher.

Either way, an unpleasant experience.

Come on!

God has a sense of humor........

Osu! One Today = Now at a time.

That's My Satori

And I'm Stickin To It!

Perpetuating The Flow

2009-02-05T20:26:00.009-05:00

Osu!

This latest pedantic rant will be on the use and nomenclature of the ever popular and often vaguely understood term RYU.

The literal translation of "RYU" is drive(or flux // on march // river // slobbery stain // stream // streaming motion // tide // trend)

It is akin to the perpetuation of various genres of music or fashion.

The kanji that is popularly used these days, as with other modern kanji, is a cursive version of what was at one time a more obvious pictograph. This is to say that it's older version was more easier seen and understood by it's aesthetic property. However, if one looks at the kanji with the pictographic meaning in mind, one can see the intended artistic message.

In this case, we see a two part picture.

The left side is a flowing stream.

The right side is a child being born.

If we understand and recognize kanji, we already know that the kanji for person is shi, ie: BuShi Warrior or Martial guy / girl. KyoShi = Wizard or wize guy.

Another usage is as a symbol of generation, as used in NiSei or SanSei.

In an old article that Dave Lowery wrote for Black Belt Magazine, Lowery writes that the right side of the kanji looks like a dripping newborn.

Personally, I feel that the pictograph is of a newborn actually coming out of it's mothers loins.

It would be good to note that the term Ryu is not an Okinawan idea at all.

It was first used in Okinawa by KaraTeka, when they began to export their arts to mainland Japan, in order to blend in with the Japanese vogue of order and organization.

A RYU con notates the old Japanese pyramid hierarchy structure of an art form.

An art that is a recognized, "by the Ryu's Powers That Be," offshoot or subsidiary of the parent art or Ryu is called a RyuHa.

A RyuHa will usually have some unique aspects, such as it's own prearranged sparring routines, additional techniques, and often new kata.

This is not to say, that the parent Ryu's properties should or would be discarded and or disregarded.

Ryu Ha often use the term Kan or House, such as GoJu Ryu's MeiBuKan, ShoreiKan, JunDoKan etc.

2008-09-23T19:10:00.003-04:00

Osu!

I conducted a bi private class the this past Saturday evening, to a couple of yudansha from Chinese American GoJu = YoDan Renshi Elias Boneros, and NiDan Steve Trost. We spent a couple of hours working on Kata BunKai on the floor of Nisei GoJu Headquarters, and later continued the session in Tompkins Square Park, with Arakaki No Kon, and more kata BunKai. Always a pleasure working with these cats. Sorry that I have no photos to go with this post, but we were too busy to remember to get a couple of shots.

For those of you that have sent your phone numbers and or email addresses to me concerning training,the time is right, so please resend you information, as unlike Jesus, I didn't save.

Two GoJu brothers pass to the next reality this August.

2008-09-09T14:06:00.004-04:00

Osu!

It is with deep regret that I relay the news that two of our old school brothers have passed away.
On August 19, 2008, Master Earl Monroe of Nisei GoJu, seen here with his teacher GMstr. Frank Ruiz, passed away. He was a long time exponent of the Nisei System, and one of the premo competitors of the old days.

On August 22, 2008, Master John Waples, a long time exponent of USA GoJu, seen here receiving the Urban "E" Flag, passed away. Anyone who has been to many of the Urban Cup events that were held at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice throughout the years will remember his long hours of work, helping to run the rings.

Both of these fine martial artists will be missed by all who had the good fortune to be touched by them as teachers and or friends.

2008-07-26T19:04:00.003-04:00

Osu!

OK, here is another shameless plug for my up coming seminars. This time I give you a video from my pal Jay Chou in order to supply you with some back ground music. I am still collecting RSVPs in order to have the numbers right for the seminar. So please be patient.

Today is Saturday the 26th of July = my birthday. I am 48 years young now. I suppose that it's time to grow up...... ya think?..... Nah, I think I'll just keep on the way I always have, minus a large amount of insanity.

Reality!

2008-07-19T20:17:00.002-04:00

Osu! Again.....

So, it seems as if there are quite a few of you out there who are interested in this seminar project.

I will be in touch with each of you, as soon as I secure the date.

Thanks for all of the quick responses, as I feed off of your fire, as hopefully you do off of mine. So much for fire eating........... Lets get it on!

Seminar!

2008-07-12T18:38:00.007-04:00

Osu!

OK! The time has come for yours truly to once again come out of the wood work and preach / teach to the masses. My time has been up to late, spent on some really serious self searching, both spiritually and physically. I have been cleansing both my mind and body and especially my spirit. This has necessitated a self imposed semi isolation period in which only my closest students have had real access to me, and I to them.

I will be giving seminars in the greater NY / NJ area within the next month or so.

I will establish the exact dates and announce the locations as soon as I receive messages from those interested in attending, via my email address.

Ironhands280@aol.com

The seminars will cover and expose the usage of some classic kata movements, and how Ju Jitsu techniques blend naturally into these movements.

The hypothesis / fact, that pugilism, joint locking and grappling, as well as the use of and defense against weapons, were originally one complete curriculum, will be addressed.

Martial arts history will be lectured upon sighting the separation betwixt what is the Beef and what is the Bologna.

THIS WILL NOT BE A VEHICLE FOR GOJU POLITICS!

All ranks and styles are welcome, all we ask is the desire to learn, and the willingness to open your minds and pours.

Tuition will be $50 for two hours.

Sensei Peter Urban Memorial Ceremony Footage.

2008-03-03T00:10:00.002-05:00

Osu!

The long awaited footage of last years memorial service held in memory of Grand Master Urban at the Hoboken NJ YMCA is finally in my hands, and Today = Now, a few choice clips of it are available to you here on this blog.

Enjoy!

Part 1: Guest Speaker, Hanshi, Wilfredo Roldan

Part 2: Guest Speaker, Hanshi, Steven Malanoski

Part 3: Kata performance by Sensei, John LiButti.
Reading of letter from Julia Urban Kimmerly.
Reading of the Mayor of Hoboken’s proclamation announcing Peter Urban Day.
Hanshi Steven Malanoski presents Hanshi Kevin McGrath with 9th Dan certificate.
Sensei Howard Turoff presents the director of the Hoboken YMCA with plaque.

Martial "ART"

2008-02-29T21:55:00.002-05:00

Osu!
This is an artistic piece made from various clips of video footage taken of out door classes that I gave at the Highland Temple and Tompkins Square dojos with Sensei John LiButti and Sensei Zino Salnave. Video and audio production by Monday Salnave.

Chop Socky Flicks From The 70s

2008-02-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

Osu!

Here is another blast from the past for those who have been around long enough to remember.

For those who are not of the era, let me set this up for you:

Back in the 70s, there was a genre of chop socky and black exploitation films, often with the two combined. What makes this genre special to us in GoJu is the fact that some of our own folks were prevalent in this B rated almost underground movie scene. So as not to be misunderstood, let me explain that when I say B rated and almost underground, I don't really mean it derogatorily. Yes, the acting was a bit campy, yet this was the norm, and the low budget of the productions were not as user friendly as with the multi million dollar action films of today. Yes, there were some that were just bad, but others were what my friends and I would hold our breaths waiting for the next to play at one of the many theaters that used to be on 42nd street.

New York's answer to Hollywood's Jim Kelly were "The Black Dragon" Ron VanClief and "Obosan" Owen Watson, two prominant tournament champions of the era, who were originally from Shihan Frank Ruiz's Nisei GoJu, later to join up with Maestro Urban and then to form Chinese GoJu.

In the following classic footage, you will see Owen Watson "with blue jacket and pants," Shihan Ruiz "playing the detective with siut and hat on," Elsie Roman "with long hair and yellow pants," along with other old school folks from Nisei GoJu and Chinese GoJu.

Here is more footage of the classic rooftop fight scene featuring Owen Watson:

Back in the mid 70s as a teenager I was lucky enough to be on the set of another one of these flicks. This one was called Death Promise. At the time, I was training at a dojo that was that was used by numerous big name instructors all of whome I was able to train with. One of these instructors was "La Pantera" Charles Bonet, who I became friends with. He was part of the Chop Socky movie star line up, and used the dojo to film certain scenes for his movie Death Promise. This gave me the oportunity to rub elbows with cast members, some of which I already knew, but others I would never have had the good fortune to meet had I not been lucky enough to be a member of the dojo.

In the following clip from Death Promise, Shihan Charles Bonet is featured:

In the next clip from Death Promise, you will see Shihans William Louie, Bob Long and Speedy Leacock among others.

Oh! I just realized that it would not be CSC "Chop Sockily Correct," not to include the following clip:

An abridged look at the influence of the Crane Style on this thing that we call GoJu.

2008-01-24T18:52:00.017-05:00

Starting our known leniage with Masters Wai XinXian and Seisho Arakaki born 1840 - died 1920, who was the original teacher of the Okinawan Master Kanryo Higashionna, born March 10,1853 51? - died December 23,1915, before he traveled to China, we later find our crane connection in the Fukien province in a city called fuzhow .

While living in Fuzhow Higashionna trained at the Kojo Dojo at the Okinawan ghetto under Masters Kojo, Iwah, and Wai XinXian, later meeting and beginning his training with White Crane “Whooping Crane,” master Xie ZhongXiang, aka RyuRu Ko, born July 1852 - died February 1930. Ryu Ruko was a student of Pan Yuba, who's teacher was Lin SiXian.

Ryu Ruko's office.

Ryu Ruko's dojo.

Ryu Ruko's Grave.

Ryu Ruko's Grand Sons.

Higashionna's top student and GoJu Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi, born April 5,1888 - died October 8, 1953 , continued to study after his teachers death.

Miyagi befriended the Chinese tea merchant Go Kenki, born 1887 - died 1940, who had relocated from China to Naha Okinawa. Go Kenki was a master of White Crane. The two masters formed a study group with other key martial artists, exchanging knowledge. Later, on two occaisions, 1915 and 1936, Go Kenki accompanied Miyagi on his trips to Fuchow as an interpeter.

Here is a clip of Crane Style San Jan The predessesor of San Chin Kata

Here are more examples of San Jan.

Can the reader spot any moves here in Bafen that may have influenced GoJu Kata?

How about here?

Various masters adapted Crane kata into their curriculum often known as Hakutsuru meaning White Crane.

Often the various versions of Crane form would go by various names.

Here is Matayoshi KoBuDo and KinGaiRyu KoDoKan Grand Master, Shinpo Matayoshi, born December 27, 1921 - died September 7, 1997, performing the kata Hakkucho that he learned from Go Kenki

Japanese GoJu Kai founder Yoshimi "Gogen" Yamaguchi composed Genkaku 玄鶴 Seen performed in this picture by his son Hirofumi "Goshi" Yamaguchi, the current head of the Japanese GoJu Kai.

Gen means "deep, profound, dark, black, mysterious, obscure" Kaku means "crane"; Gen-kaku can thus be translated as Mysterious Crane or Black Crane.

Lastly, Grand Master Peter Urban, born August 14, 1934 - died April 7, 2004,
composed Gesaku Sho and Gesaku Dai katas as the Crane forms indegenous to USA / Urban GoJu, seen here being performed by yours truly.

The Long Lost Nunti Bo!

2008-01-19T18:59:00.001-05:00

Osu!
Coincidentally, immediately after I wrote the piece on sai in a previous post on this blog, we received a visit from one of my old students from the late 80s, George Kruckmeyer. When I closed one of my dojos years ago, some items wound up being stored at the homes of various students, often being passed on from one location to another. One of these items was my treasured Shureido Nunti Bo from Okinawa, which after being passed from Sensei Zino Salnave to George over the years due to various moves that we all had made. Being that these two students wound up going into the military, and I wound up moving out of the area, I pretty much detatched myself from the hope of ever seeing my nunti bo again.

Well, now that I began to regroup what once was, with my original people, low and behold, here came my old student, out of nowere, with a big smile on his face, nunti bo in hand!

It would appear that this is a sign of how a life, once left behind, is now reborn!

So.... with no further ado, ladies and gentleman, I give you The long lost Nunti Bo, performed with some of the movements of Arakaki No Nunti Bo, at the Highland Temple by yours truly. Special thanks goes to Uchi Deshi, Monday Salnave, for filming this clip.

The Book!

2008-01-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Osu!

The book that we have been waiting for is finally a reality!

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce the publishing of a book of the quality that befits the memory of Grand Master Peter Urban.

Many of you are familiar with the works that Master Don Warrener has produced in the past, but for those who are not, let me explain myself. Master Warrener is a class act. He has been a student and teacher of the GoJu system for many years, having trained under the direction of such notable masters as Master Bob Dalgleish "Father of Canadian GoJu," and Hanshi Richard Kim. He has been associated in various ways with Grand Master Urban, with the production of seminars and various video tape releases throughout the past, and has never been a disappointment to us.

The products that Don Warrener's company, Rising Sun Productions, puts out are always of high quality, and judging from the last publication I personally saw of his, done on Hanshi Richard Kim, I can only believe that this book on Grand Master Urban will be the best media that has ever been done on our late great teacher.

In collaboration with Hanshi Manny Saavedra, I contributed many photos and old peices from my personal collection, to this book's publication. This along with all of the other hunting for Urban treasures that I know Don Warrener did, not to mention the use of the graphic arts mastery of Sensei Angel Lemus "Editor of BuGeiSha Magazine," is a recipe for a "can't lose," production.

The book will be about 400 pages in length, hard cover, laminated dust jacket, certificate of authenticity, there will also be a CD of the book so that it can be played in all computers and a DVD of all the rare photos set to music and including an exceptional interview and demonstration of the Maestro doing kata in the 1960's, then placed inside a special box and each one will be signed and number by the author.

For more information on how to order your copy of this historical compilation, go to: http://www.risingsunproductions.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1495

A Composition on Composition and Conduction.

2008-01-04T22:40:00.000-05:00

Years ago, Maestro Urban wrote a story that he published in his Urban Speaks News Letter entitled The Maestro and the Organ Grinder. This, like many of the stories he wrote, was food for thought. I strongly encourage the reader, to not just skim the surface of this vignette, but to look down deep into it, and to your self, and perhaps to those around you.

The story went something like this:
A man, accompanied by a trained monkey, would play music in the streets in order to make a living. The monkey would hold out a cup in order to collect money, as the man would feebly play a well known tune. Unfortunately, people would just walk by, laughing and shaking their heads, instead of contributing any donations into the monkey’s cup.

One day, the famous Maestro so and so, dressed in his customary top hat and tails, who was the composer of the song the man played, happened by. The Maestro stopped and told the man that he was playing the song incorrectly. He explained to the man that if he were to slow down the tempo a bit, and adjust certain notes, he would be much closer to playing the opus as it was meant to be played.

The next day, the man and his monkey returned to the street, both dressed out in top hat and tails. He began once again to play the music, but this time heeding the Maestro’s musical advice. There was also a sign in front of them that said “Student of The Great Maestro So and So.” From then on, instead of mocking the man as they walked past, the people would drop coins into the monkey’s cup and actually pay them both some more respectful attention.

Here is an extrapolation / sophistication of my own, based on the previous premise.

The Conductor

As we view the dynamics of kata / knowledge perpetuation, we must recognize the rolls that the various Maestros play.

Where the composer establishes the original opus, which must be mastered intact as was meant to be, the Conductor will either act as a compass pointing to Magnetic North / True North, hence pointing in the original direction of the composers intent, or extrapolate and or sophisticate the opus with his own learned or supposed learned Nuance = his Satori.

The nuance of the conductor is reflected in the motion plus emotion that he leads his orchestra through.

This can either be a positive thing………………..

Or a negative thing………………..

THE END?

Sensei, Gary Gascoyne, RokuDan.

2008-01-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

Osu!
It is my pleasure to announce that Sensei Gary Gascoyne of Massachusetts, seen here goofing around at the John Jay College Of Criminal Justice with the webmaster of the Official Urban Website Hanshi Price and I, has been promoted by his teacher Hanshi, Walter Parks, to the rank of 6th Dan.

Sensei Gascoyne is seen here in a pic taken years ago with Hanshi Parks in white towel, and of course The Sensei = Urban, receiving a previous promotion.

Sensei Gascoyne was one of the few folks, who at the end of Sensei Urban's life, actually went way above and beyond the call of duty. His and his teacher's support of Sensei Urban, when he needed it the most, will never be forgotten.

Thank you Sensei Gascoyne, and congratulations on your promotion, and on a job well done!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T23:50:00.000-05:00

Osu!
2008 is the year of the rat.

It's not like I pay much attention to zodiac details, but since I was born in a previous year of the rat, 1960, it seems appropriate.

We at That's My Satori, would like to wish all of you, a happy and healthy New Year.

The following video is of a song called Year Of The Rat done by a band called Badly Drawn Boy. It has a great message for the start of this new year. Check out the Christ like character with K-9 accompaniment.

Sai

2007-12-28T23:46:00.001-05:00

Osu!
I thought that it would be interesting to post some rather unique bits on the sai for a change, starting with the old favorite of Yamaguchi and Urban Sensei's discussing the use of it.

Known as a symbol of police authority in Okinawa, the police would hold the sai up in front of them when arriving at a crime scene, just as modern officers do with their badges. The sai was originally introduced to the RyuKyu Islands probably by pirates. Definately not as some mistakenly beleive, as a farm implement but as an obvious weapon.

What we know as the sai is actually indeginous to the Indonesian archepelago, and called tjabang or cabang.

From Malaysia, here we have the trisula.

Here are tekpi, from a display at the Sultanate Palace in Melaka.

Yours truly in a posture from the kata Arakaki No Sai that I learned while living in Okinawa.

Here is something that you don't see every day = a Southern Chinese Sai Form.

Another early version called nunti was formed in the shape of a buddhist talisman, with one prong up and another down. It also has pointed shafts on both ends as seen here in this picture of yours truly, and Dai Sensei, Kow Loon Ong.

The nunti is also often seen attatched to the end of a staff. This is known as a nunti bo.

Old Old Old...................

2007-12-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

Osu!
This picture of yours truly, with Bill "Super Foot" Wallace and Sensei, Zino Salnave as a skinny young green belt, was taken at a tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey over 20 years ago.

It seems like it was taken last week.

Man! I'm getting old!

Thank God I'm still good lookin!

And Now For Something Completely Different........

2007-12-27T22:13:00.001-05:00

Gangster lean.

2007-12-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

Osu!
Here is a pic of GMstr. Peter Urban in a group shot with Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and company. He is standing at left, next to the pillar in trench coat. This pic appeared in Oyama's book "What Is Karate?" many years ago.

Was in another life time, but it seems like yesterday.......

2007-12-22T22:43:00.000-05:00

Osu! Here is a shot of Sensei Urban, with my team that I brought up from Florida that year, and I, at Shihan Al Gotay's All GoJu Invitational at The John Jay Collage Of Criminal Justice.

GMstr. Urban's katsu revisited.

2007-12-22T22:16:00.001-05:00

Osu!
Here is a short video of a fight between the famous tournament stars, Joe Lewis and Skipper Mullins, in which Maestro Urban not only referees, but also performs katsu resuscitation on Mullins after he "Mullins," receives a vicious Lewis side kick. Circa 1960's.

The following is a re posting of an article written about Sensei Urban's katsu, circa 1969.

Click on pics below in order to view at full size:

Pedantic Malanoski Rant on the misspelling of Osu!

2007-12-19T19:29:00.000-05:00

Osu!

OK, here it is. I’m not going to win some people's popularity contest with this one. But I figure that since I’m already listed as Public Enemy # “fill in the blank,” this can’t hurt any. Add sarcastic chuckle………..

Being a practitioner of a westernized version of an oriental art co notates enough scrutiny and arduous self justification already, without adding fuel to the fire by acting in one of the following categories when it comes to the use of Japanese terminology:
UNLETTERED implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading . UNTUTORED may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization . UNLEARNED suggests ignorance of advanced subjects .

The Nihon Go = Japanese language, word Osu!, that we see so often used in the martial arts, literally translates as “Push On.”, as seen on the doors of grocery stores in Okinawa. It is used by some practitioners of martial arts as a reminder or promise to keep on pushing on through adversity. It is also used as a greeting between males. Although in the west, chauvinism is not as popular as in the east, so females are not out of place to use it. Osu!, is often used like a verbal bow or salute, or a slang word for yes, or understood, or like the Hawaiian Aloha, meaning hello and or good bye.

Other translations of the phonetic sound of osu are:

To infer / to conclude / support

To apply pressure from above.

To stamp, “as in stamp a passport.”

Sensei Urban used phonetic spelling in order for the westerners who were not acquainted with the vowels of Nihon Go = Ahh Ehh Eeee Oh Oooo, to be able to pronounce the words. However much time has elapsed since the martial arts were first introduced to the west, and the time has already come for everyone to jump on the band wagon, and come in for the big win, so to speak.

The following misspellings used by many mistakenly for osu have the following meanings.

Oss is not a word. Although it is however an Urban ism, so in respect for The Sensei, I suppose it’s ok, but don’t say that you were not warned that it is not a word in Nihon Go!
Osui means filthy water, or sewage.
Ousu means weak.
Ush is not a word.
Ushi means cattle, cow, beef, ox “Chinese Zodiac,” barb of a feather, tooth decay.

If you think that this rant is bad, try going to the following site: http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2005/08/29/appropriate-usage-of-osu/

I also highly suggest that the reader uses the Japanese to English dictionary site, found in our links section on the lower right hand corner of this page.

Have you ever heard of Joe White?

2007-12-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

Osu!
For years, I have wondered why a man that was responsible for so many US Marines being introduced to the GoJu system has basically fallen into obscurity when it comes to GoJu history. Up until recently, the only time I ever saw his name was in a caption under the picture that you see here, circa 1957. He is the black gentleman sitting in the front row, along with Seiko Higa Sensei and Seikichi Toguchi Sensei, which was published in one of Grand Master Seikichi Toguchi's books.

I would like to take this time to introduce you all to him.

Unfortunately, this picture was taken at his going away party. Where did he go, you may ask? He went to Viet Nam and never came back.........

Can you spell HERO???????????????

Here is another pic of Joe White receiving his ShoDan from Toguchi Sensei.

Thank you Sensei White. For what you unknowingly contributed to the GoJu style, and for the ultimate sacrifice that you made in the name of freedom.

Special thanks to Shihan John Roseberry for giving me permission to use this picture, which came from his website http://www.shoreishobukan.org/srsk-homepage.htm

Some unsung personalities in our lineage.

2007-12-17T14:22:00.000-05:00

I realize that many of you aficionados out there have already heard of these folks. But it has come to my attention that a great deal of those who would be interested, have not. So, with no further ado, I give you something that you may not already know.

Ryu Ko Arakaki who was responsible for Chojun Miyagi’s initial training, and introduced him to Kanryo Higashionna. If the reader plays around with the name, he may come up with an interesting historical perspective.

Tate KoJo operated the KoJo DoJo at the Okinawan Ghetto in the city of Fuchow in the Fukien province of China. The KoJo DoJo is where such luminaries as Miyagi and Uechi among others, did their initial training when visiting China. It seems that the KoJo DoJo was a gathering place for various Chinese boxers.

Juhatsu Kiyoda was a senior student of Kanryo Higashionna. He founded a style called Toon Ryu after the death of Higashionna...

Miyagi, Kiyoda, and Shinzato

Jinan Shinzato was Miyagi’s top student. He would have been the heir apparent, had he not been killed early in World War 2.

Seiko Higa was a junior classmate of Miyagi’s in Higashionna’s dojo. Becoming a student of Miyagi, after Higashionna’s death, he was the only person that Miyagi ever granted permission to teach GoJu Ryu. Miyagi petitioned the BuTokuKai to issue him the Renshi menkyo. He later attained the Hanshi menkyo from BuTokuKai after Miyagi’s death. (Incidentally, Miyagi was the first karateka to be issued the Kyoshi menkyo from BuTokuKai.)

Takeo Maruta was a student of Miyagi who moved to Kyushu in Mainland Japan. He was a carpenter by trade, and also operated a dojo. He was Gogen Yamaguchi’s first Sensei, and was responsible for Miyagi’s being invited to visit Ritsumeikan University, which is how Yamaguchi met Miyagi.

Nei Chu So, originally of Korean decent, but living in Japan as a citizen, was a junior dojo mate of Gogen Yamaguchi, who like Yamaguchi, also trained with Miyagi during his visit to RitsumeiKan . He later became a member of Yamaguchi’s Japanese GoJu Kai. He was Masutatsu Oyama's GoJu Ryu instructor.

KaraTe Do Sanka

2007-12-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

The music that you can start by clicking on the audio start button at top right of this site, under the about me section, is called the KaraTe Do Sanka. That is Nihon Go = Japanese language, for the karate song. It was written by the late Grand Master, Soshin Nagamine who founded the MatsuBayashi ShoRin Ryu style. An interesting note on Nagamine, is that he, along with GoJu Ryu founder Grand Master Chojun Miyagi, created the GekiSai kata. The two of them were in the process of introducing KaraTe into the Okinawa public school system, and developed the form in order for the young students to have an initial rudimentary set of moves that they could easily understand. Of course Miyagi later developed the GekiSai Dai Ni kata, and much later began developing the GekiSai Dai San, which he unfortunately passed away before completing. Fortunately, GekiSai Dai San was completed by his student, the late Grand Master, Seikichi Toguchi, founder of ShoreiKan GoJu Ryu. We practice Gekisai Dai San in my ShobuDo GoJu Jitsu system, as taught to me by Dai Sensei, Kow Loon "Kayo" Ong, founder of Chi I Do.

THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE SONG:

Ah, beautiful islands of sunlight,

And the color of the sea,

The proud fighting spirit of the Islanders

and the empty handed Sword of Justice.

Training spirit and training body

Ah, this is Okinawan Karate-do!

O, but if an enemy should happen to attack us,

and the method of courtesy prove to no avail,

if he should cut our flesh with his iron weapon,

even then we will punch through to his bones.

Courtesy and defense together

This is Okinawan Karate-do!

O! Ever since the mythical ancestry of Japan,

the bell of peace has been ringing continually in Okinawa.

The way of courtesy and the five bodily weapons of Karate together,

to make a straight character and good Etiquette,

This is Okinawan Karate-do!

The Sensei

2007-12-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

Osu! I am sure that most of you have seen this before, but for those who have not, here is some footage of The Maestro = Urban. You will see a very short piece here of the famouse fight between The Maestro and GMstr. Don Nagle. This will have to suffice, until I get the miles of footage that I have of him, converted for use here on My Satori.

The 3 Mentors Of The Maestro.

2007-12-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

Osu!

Now that we have the technology, I thought it apropriate to post footage of our family tree three. That is to say, the grand fathers so to speak, of what we know as GoJuLandia Americanus. Here are GMstr. Urban's three teachers.

Kim

2007-12-13T21:23:00.000-05:00

Here we have some classic footage of Hanshi, Richard Kim, GMstr Urban’s first teacher. He is seen here lecturing on etiquette and a very interesting perspective on the circular concept of Ju. What makes this footage even more interesting to me, is that you can see GMstr. Urban sitting at a table behind Hanshi, Kim. This video was filmed at a Super Seminar that the two of them did, years ago in Canada.

Yamaguchi

2007-12-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

This is pretty much self explanatory.

Oyama

2007-12-13T21:19:00.001-05:00

Here we have Sosai, Masutatsu Oyama. I personally find this short video to be of interest, as I never saw it before, until recently. Another thing that makes it special, is that, keeping in mind that although Oyama was a master of Japanese KaraTe and a Japanese citizen, he was originally of Korean decent. He is seen here visiting Korea, and giving a kumite class to Tae Kwon Do black belts, utilizing the cat style of play that GMstr. Urban was so fond of. One can also see how the USA GoJu Tensho kata was obviously influenced by the KyokuShinKai / Oyama version. For those not hip, the big guy at the end of the video, is Master Gary Alexander of I Shin Ryu, who later founded the I Shin Ryu Plus system.

Back in the U.S.S.R.

2007-12-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Osu!

The following video segments were filmed during some of the many demonstrations that I did in the former Soviet Union as part of a Christian missionary martial arts demo team. These segments took place in the cities of Zaparozia and Alexandrea. The videos were filmed by Allan Knapp. Special thanks goes out to Monday Salnave, for his tireless efforts in converting these videos for use on the internet.

The Urban Kooroorunfa / Kururunfa " Violence "

2007-12-10T14:12:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of segments of The Urban Kooroorunfa kata which I performed at the coloseum in Zaperozia Ukraine. On the day of the segment in which I wear a black gi, we showed up at the coloseum to find that pieces of broken bottles had been spread all over the floor that we were to perform on. Even after the floor was swept, there were still small pieces of glass left all over, so you will notice that in the " hopscotch " segment, I am looking down, and for good reason...............

Please see previous posts for more explaination of the meaning behind this form, which is not to be confused with it's name sake = an ancient Chinese / Okinawan kata " Kururunfa."

KoBuDo

2007-12-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few segments of various KoBuDo. A short nunchaku demo, Arakaki No Kon, and some Iaido. The Kon was done at the Alexandrea KyokuShinKai HQ.

The IAiDo that was done in the colosium, is a hyped up conglomeration of quite a few IAiDo katas combined, replete with kiais added on for theatrical effect. We don't normally practice in such a way.

Bed Of Nails

2007-12-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

Here is a shameless theatrical superman show off routine that was actually done for a good cause, so please endulge me.........

By the way, this actually is very dangerous. During a live TY show that I performed this same demo in, the sledge hammer was driven all the way through my body, and I wound up with a double hernia that I found out about and had operated on years later.

So don't try this at home.............

GoJu Jitsu Waza

2007-12-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Here are a few techniques that I demonstrated with the assistance of my uke Sasha, during the Alexandrea demo.