Category: Martial Arts Principles

The Problem With Internal Martial Arts

8/28/2018

Author: Bret Gordon

The deeper I go in my study of Aiki Jujutsu and internal power, the more styles of internal arts I've encountered. Lately, I seem to have gotten myself immersed in the Chinese internal arts community and have even taken up a cursory study of Baguazhang to help expand and refine my develop of aiki. The more I watch and engage with other internal practitioners, however, the more I notice a rather unsettling trend that's not unlike the rest of the martial arts community... The complete abandonment of practical martial application.

I've written countless articles thus far stressing the importance of maintaining practical and intensive training for self protection as a large part of your martial arts study, and the internal martial arts are not exempt from this. Let's not forget that the word "martial" implies a combative context and to ignore that section of the art (which in this context refers to a skill or discipline) is to do a great disservice to those who came before us and the legacy they left behind.

While it's true that most martial arts are descended from combat systems, the internal martial arts have historically held a place of significance in protecting those of high stature. In Japan, the Minamoto and Takeda clans were charged as Imperial guards. They trained in the art of Oshiki Uchi (also known as Gotenjutsu) to protect the Emperor and/or Shogun for over 700 years according to oral tradition, an art that later became Daito Ryu - the root of all Japanese aiki arts. In China, Dong Haichuan was charged with teaching his art of Baguazhang to the guards after winning patronage by the Imperial court. Even Okinawa has its own internal martial arts tradition, Motobu Udundi, that was used for the same purpose. The internal martial arts were chosen for this purpose because of their superiority in allowing the practitioner to counter conventional fighting techniques through the use of structure and respond with devastating results. So how did the elite fighting system of the historical Secret Service equivalent become the laughing stock of the martial arts today, and how do we fix it?

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Taiji Can't Fight

5/26/2018

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Author: Neil Ripski

The recent fight between a one-year MMA fighter and a Taiji teacher from Shanghai yet again demonstrates how weak Taiji has become and I am tired of it.

Taiji is not a magic pill that makes you suddenly able to fight, what you train is what you become and if you never train to pick up your hands against an opponent, not a compliant partner, you are not going to be able to use your art effectively. There are certainly many benefits to Taiji training without any fighting aspect involved, the health and longevity, sensitivity, and chance for self-work are all amazing parts of the art but realistically these things do not make a fighter. Nothing wrong with that, but deluding students and ourselves into thinking that it does make a fighter is a terrible crime. It breeds false confidence and unrealistic expectations and skews people’s visions of reality. Then, when challenged these dreamers find themselves being taken apart by beginners in arts that actually train fighting.

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"That Doesn't Work, I'll Just Let Go!"

5/9/2018

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Author: Bret Gordon

As an aiki jujutsu instructor, this is a statement I hear almost on a daily basis. It stems from both the outrageous number of charlatans floating around the internet and the overall ignorance when it comes to advanced martial arts. For those that don't know, what this statement is referring to are the wrist-grab connection drills that show an aiki practitioner effortlessly throwing an attacker without any conventional technique (to see an example of these drills, click here). This sounds ridiculous, and sometimes looks so too, but I assure you it's real. I know this because I was a heavy skeptic too, until I landed on my rear enough times to finally ask how it worked.

Before I go into the larger problem that this statement exemplifies, I want to explain how and why these wrist-grab connection drills work. First and foremost, we must understand that what is being demonstrated are not self defense techniques. They are drills meant to reinforce fundamental principles of balance, sensitivity, motion, timing and structural manipulation. Once the student learns and ingrains these principles, they begin to infuse them into conventional joint locks and throwing techniques to make them more efficient and effective. But that doesn't mean these drills require a compliant attacker either. In fact, the very premise of aiki involves receiving the force of your attacker and returning it. Therefore, you must have a committed attack to work from. The attacker must grab you with malicious intent.

The common response is that the attacker can simply let go and neutralize the technique. In theory, that's true, but the reason they don't let go is based on our natural fear of falling. Do you ever notice how when you lose your balance, you immediately reach out for something to grab onto? In order to fight this fear, the body has a postural control system that has two major functions: to ensure that balance is maintained by bracing the body against gravity, and to fix the orientation and position of the features that serve as a frame of reference for perception and action with respect to the external world. Postural control relies on multisensory processing and motor responses that seem to be automatic and occur without awareness. Our balance relies on the alignment of the vertical line. In reference to aiki connection drills, at the moment of contact the attacker is immediately shifted off their center line, giving the sensation of falling. The body's postural control system tries to correct that by anchoring itself to the only stable thing around it - the person throwing them. This gives the practitioner enough time to finish the throw by compromising the attacker's structure to the point of no return. So now that we've cleared that up, let's talk about the bigger problem!

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De-Mystifying Chi: A Scientific Explanation

5/7/2018

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Author: Bret Gordon

To start with, I promise this will not be some hokey article about a mystical force that no one can feel, see or otherwise experience. I'm not even going to talk about spirituality. The chi I'm talking about (and will be further referring to in Japanese as ki) is a very measurable force that exists within all things in nature. So what is it, and how is it applied in true internal martial arts?

Ki 気 literally means "energy," which is commonly defined as the ability to do work. In a martial arts context, we're referring specifically to the generation of force. Energy is created in the human body by a flow of electricity. At rest, the average human body produces around 100 watts of power. Electricity is required for the nervous system to send signals throughout the body and to the brain, making it possible for us to move, think and feel. Almost all of the cells in our body can use charged elements (such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium), called ions, to generate electricity, and therefore energy.

All martial arts, and in fact all human movement, use this energy to generate power in their techniques. The amount of power you can generate is dependent on your overall use and understanding of biomechanics and proper structure. But this isn't an article on the most efficient way to punch or kick. Let's get deeper in our study of the arts, and specifically look at the taboo internal arts.

Most people's definition of internal martial arts comes from a rudimentary understanding of Taijiquan and Qigong. To them, the "internal" classification refers to the healing properties of these practices, and that's certainly part of it. The flow of energy through the body helps improve the circulatory and respiratory systems, which in turn promote overall health. But can you use ki combatively? Yes! There are two distinct applications of ki in the internal martial arts: disruption and connection.

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Five Reasons Martial Arts Is The Best Fitness Program For Adults

12/9/2017

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As adults, we can easily identify the components of a healthy lifestyle and list the factors that contribute to wellness, health and peace-of-mind. We know that being healthy entails getting good sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in an active lifestyle. Yet every day, we adults struggle to do what is right for our bodies due to a variety of hurdles and obstacles. With our stressful and time-crunched lives, it’s difficult to “wind down” and get enough sleep. In the case of food, we often sacrifice health for convenience. And, instead of engaging in physical activities, we spend too much of our leisure time in front of a computer or TV screen. In short, we understand what it takes to be healthy... but we don’t always rise to the challenges of doing what’s needed in order to achieve and maintain good health. This report will discuss the benefits of good fitness and explain why martial arts is the very best way to get fit.

Here are just some of the proven benefits fitness has to offer:

• Better sleep
• Better concentration
• Improved emotional health
• Improved heart health
• Improved self-image
• Stronger immune system
• Greater strength and flexibility
• Healthier weight

Take a look at how fitness effects some of the maladies that plague adults:

Heart disease is one of the most effective killers in our society today. Not only does exercise prevent heart problems, but having a lifestyle that lacks physical activity is an added risk factor. Regular exercise, alone, lowers blood pressure and helps to control cholesterol levels. Staying active also decreases the fat in our abdomen that has been proven to be another risk factor of heart disease. It has been shown time and time again that people who exercise regularly after their first heart attack live longer than those who do not.

Asthma attacks are also partially preventable with regular exercise. Activities that require long periods of exertion are often not tolerated well by asthmatics. But, daily exercise can keep an asthmatic individual more in the swing of things so there’s a lower frequency of attacks.

Osteoporosis: The impact of exercise on the bones of the body helps to guard against osteoporosis. If an individual is sedentary their whole life they have a far greater chance of developing bone density issues. But, with the resistance and weight bearing that occurs during exercise, bones maintain their strength.

Healthy weight: Exercise is one of the primary keys to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It burns lots of calories and helps ensure that your body’s natural regulatory eating signals are working as they should.

Bottom line -- physical activity is great for you. In fact, Time Magazine (A to Z Health Guide, 2004) called exercise: "one of the closest things to a magic bullet that modern health care has to offer." So any type of physical activity will improve your health and well being -- but some types of exercise are better than others. Let’s look at why a lot of physiologists and psychologists view martial arts as the best type of exercise you can get. First, we need to dispel the myth that martial arts classes are just for kids. In fact, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, more than one-third of martial arts students are adults.

The reality is that martial arts is great for both children and adults -- 20-somethings as well as the elderly. And, no matter what discipline of martial arts you choose, whether taekwondo, karate, jujutsu, aikido or some other form, the benefits remain the same.

Here are the five reasons why is the best fitness program for adults:

• Total body workout: Martial arts is a high-aerobic workout that uses every muscle group in the body. Your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and strength will all all improve through martial arts.
• Stress relief: In martial arts you get to kick, punch and scream, which is a great stress release no matter what your age. But, in addition, the ancient practices of martial arts have a calming affect that melts the stress away.
• Reach and maintain your healthy weight: Due to the total-body nature of a martial arts workout, tons of calories are burned during every class. However, you’ll also find that your natural eating signals become better regulated so food cravings will disappear and you’ll eat less as a result.
• Learn self-defense skills: Unlike any other form of exercise, with martial arts you learn potentially life-saving self-defense skills at the same time you are getting in shape.
• Better self confidence: This reason tops the list. Due the goal setting, positive encouragement and respect for values that are part of all martial arts programs, the greatest benefit usually reported by martial arts students is greater self confidence. You become more comfortable in all situations – whether you’re in danger or simply doing a task that takes you beyond your comfort zone -- and you’ll discover you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

So, those are the top five reasons why martial arts is the best fitness program for adults. Here are some other important points about martial arts:

If you are concerned that martial arts places a great amount of emphasis on sparring or fighting, you don’t have to worry. Martial arts places little to no emphasis on violence, and rather stresses the importance of discipline and respect! Instead of competition against others, the focus of martial arts tends to be competition with one’s self. Since respect is a huge aspect of martial arts, heckling and name calling is discouraged, rendering this a great option for anyone insecure about his or her current level of fitness who would like improve their body image and health.

Best of all, classes are individualized, so don’t worry if you’re not in the same physical condition you were at age 18. Adults participate at their own fitness level while progressing in skill and technique. When participating as a family, martial arts provide a unique opportunity for sharing in a non-competitive fun activity. Plus, parents have the opportunity to reinforce at home the life lessons taught in class. Martial arts isn’t for everybody -- but it might be right for you.

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Aiki Jujutsu: The Second Untouchable Martial Art?

5/5/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

Last year, I wrote an article entitled "The Untouchable Martial Art" which discussed the phenomenon in the Kempo/Kenpo community that allows anyone with even the slightest training to branch out, start their own "Method" and be legitimate. They found the loophole in the normal standards of legitimacy, which allows them to be founders of their own system while not really being founders. Yet they're not exactly a branch or ryuha of a larger system either, because they each maintain their own separate identity. They're on that dotted line, double dipping.

Well, it appears that the plethora of systems claiming to teach "Aiki Jujutsu" were told about this loophole and jumped on the bandwagon. Because no two practitioners define "aiki" or "internal power" exactly the same way, a black hole was created that sucks in any one even remotely connected to Daito Ryu. Aiki Jujutsu has become a blanket term for realistically anyone teaching joint manipulation and throws that favor being on the "soft" side. Let's just ignore the fact that jujutsu itself is the "gentle art" and encompasses all of those throws and locks in their entirety. Yet people still jump on the aiki bandwagon and for what? Well, because they I can.

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That Would Never Work In The Street

4/11/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

When you're looking at traditional martial arts practice, many people offer the criticism that what is being practiced would never work "in the street." As a karateka and aikijujutsuka, I get this two-fold. It's fine, many people don't understand the intricacies and applications of Karatedo kata, so how can I expect them to understand the advanced biomechanics of aiki? However, more often than not, saying something isn't practical only shows your ignorance of what is being displayed. Not everything is as it seems, nor are they always meant to be taken at face value.

Now, I will clarify that there are certain things going on the martial arts that are just asinine. In no way am I going to even try to justify the "no touch knockout" groupies or the chi frauds that seem to be popping up all over the internet. To understand what separates true internal martial arts from chi frauds, click here. What I will do, or at least attempt to, is demonstrate to you the viability of certain drills and their practical application. If all you're looking for is the next big secret to cage fighting however, or the quickest way to be a deadly commando, this article isn't for you.

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Internal Power Hidden Within Karatedo?

2/7/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

The various branches of Daito Ryu, and arts derived from it, try to claim that internal power (aiki) is a proprietary component and no one else could possibly have it. Now, that argument immediately falls apart when you look at the numerous Chinese internal systems ranging from Taijiquan and Baguazhang to more modern interpretations such as Zhong Xin Dao/I Liq Chuan. While not taught within the same confines as Daito Ryu aiki, internal power is internal power. If you have it, you have it regardless of where it came from and what label you identify with.

But Okinawan arts are not generally known for their internal power. In fact, I've even heard prominent aiki teachers say that studying Karatedo will hinder your growth in developing internal power. However, my personal experience has convinced me otherwise. Goju Ryu in particular, I feel, has great potential for one seeking internal power. It all has to do with tanden breathing. While internal power is not the focus of Goju Ryu, there's one kata specifically that contains all the secrets.

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The Truth Behind Budo

2/2/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

Budo has become a generic term for the martial arts as a whole, but in reality it's a word without direct translation. Therefore, it is somewhat open to interpretation. People try to place a date on the inception of Budo, to say that Budo is a modern concept following the Meiji Restoration (1868) and the end of the samurai class. They like to say that prior to that, it was all Bujutsu, pure combat with no spiritual misconceptions. While I agree that Bushido (the Warrior's Code) as we know it is a relatively modern invention, the concept of Budo is much older and is something mankind has been seeking since the beginning. To truly understand what Budo is, we need to break down the two characters 武道 that comprise it.

The first character, Bu, refers to war and combat, anything martial. The suffix -do literally means "way" or "path." So does Budo translate as the "martial way?" To me, that's a very superficial interpretation, and just like everything else in Asian culture, the true meaning is hidden within. When talking about the Path, what is it a path to? Because of the spiritual undertones of Asian society, the path speaks about enlightenment. Enlightenment is to reach the highest vibration, to seek ultimate peace and understanding while transcending human suffering. But if that's true, how does war and combat make any sense being on that path?

I personally translate Budo as the "path to enlightenment through the study of combat." Essentially, by studying war and combat, you are hardening the spirit to withstand and transcend the worst of human interaction, ultimately leading you to seek a higher level of peace and compassion. But isn't that the long way around? Surely there's an easier way to reach enlightenment? Maybe so, but Budo is the most profound in my opinion. I could write an entire book on this subject, so in the interest of time I will try to keep this as short as possible.

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The Relationship Between Aiki And Reiki

12/29/2016

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Author: Bret Gordon

Since their inception, martial arts and healing arts have always been intertwined (think inyo/yin yang). Some of the best martial artists have been doctors, healers and bone setters. Basic first aid should in fact be required to teach any form of martial arts in my opinion. When discussing internal power and energy, the connection between martial arts and healing arts becomes even more apparent.

In Japanese martial arts, the concept of internal power is known as aiki (commonly translated as "joining energy"). It's a term that has as many definitions as it does practitioners. Thanks to the popularity of Aikido, most people characterize aiki as merely blending with the opponent's force and redirecting them into a soft lock or throw. However, as an instructor of Aiki Jujutsu I tend to define aiki at another level. Ultimately to me, aiki is a pre-conditioned state of being. Internal power is generated in the way you stand, the way you walk. Aiki is learning how to use the body in its most efficient state so that anything that comes into contact with it is affected. In a defensive scenario, aiki is the systematic process of receiving the force of the attack, processing it and returning it through the point of connection. True aiki is characterized by instant kuzushi (off-balancing) that affects the attacker's entire body. This is accomplished through proper breath control, timing and a relaxed yet focused structure within our own bodies.

But the concept of joining energy is hardly unique to martial arts. Everything in the universe is comprised of energy, so in reality whenever you come into contact with anything you are joining your energy with it. In the healing art of Reiki, you are joining your energy with that of the recipient to enhance the body's natural healing powers. This may sound like pseudoscience but the principles of Reiki are instinctive in all of us. When you injure yourself, your first reaction is to grab whatever you just injured and apply pressure. Often this is accompanied with thoughts like "Please stop hurting" and shortly after, the pain begins to subside. This is the basis of Reiki. The body intuitively knows what's wrong and has the power to heal it. However, if something is off (such as Chakra misalignment which is very common) then the healing powers may be hindered. That's where the Reiki practitioner comes in. When a Reiki practitioner lays their hands on the recipient, their healthy energy overpowers and supercharges the recipient's energy flow to assist in the healing process. But how does it work and how is this even remotely related to Aiki Jujutsu?

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In an effort to share information, each year we publish a book containing all of the articles written that year. This book is an excellent supplemental training tool for the beginner and master alike! To order the most recent volume, click the image below. For previous years, please contact our headquarters.

Articles of 2016

USAMA BLOG

The Problem With Internal Martial Arts

Taiji Can't Fight

"That Doesn't Work, I'll Just Let Go!"

De-Mystifying Chi: A Scientific Explanation

Five Reasons Martial Arts Is The Best Fitness Program For Adults

Aiki Jujutsu: The Second Untouchable Martial Art?

That Would Never Work In The Street

Internal Power Hidden Within Karatedo?

The Truth Behind Budo

The Relationship Between Aiki And Reiki

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