Blog Posts

Taiji Can't Fight

5/26/2018

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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Etiquette & Protocol For Supplemental Training

5/25/2018

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Author: Bret Gordon

As instructors, we need to admit to ourselves that we're not perfect. We don't know it all, and sometimes a student is looking for something that we can't provide. Our responsibility as instructors is to provide for our students and guide them on the path that helps them achieve their goals, not ours. One of the hardest things to hear as an instructor is that your student wants to train with someone else, but we have to understand there's a lot more to it. Often times, it's not that they want to replace their training with you but rather supplement it to fill in the gaps. There is no style, and no instructor, that is the best in the world at everything. It's this situation that I want to address in this article, from both the student and instructor's perspective.

Respect and loyalty form the foundation of the instructor/student relationship. It must be mutual and constant. Many things we may not give a second thought to are actually considered to be very disrespectful, and should be avoided.

Earlier tonight, I was contacted by someone who currently trains at another school but was looking to supplement their studies with more realistic self defense training. Upon learning that they were a student elsewhere, I immediately turned them down. If you are a student somewhere, and there is something you have an interest in but are not currently learning, your first responsibility is to talk to your current instructor. Often times, we can accommodate you. I certainly do not teach everything I know within my main program, and many instructors are the same. Perhaps what you're looking to learn is also on the minds of other students in the school, and this "want" can influence your instructor to add an additional class/program, or even offer private training.

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PSA: Ryon Connery

5/24/2018

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Earlier this week, I was contacted by a gentleman named Ryon Connery who was interested in receiving certification as the founder of his own style. As per our regulations, he sent me the three following certificates below as verification of his rank:

Now, obviously he does not hold high enough rank to be considered for a founder's license, but what struck me as even more odd is that he tried passing off his 8th Kyu (yellow belt) Bujinkan certificate as a black belt rank. But, like we do for all prospective members, we looked up Mr. Connery. What we found was shocking, and so we decided to publish this public service announcement. Unfortunately, here are the results:

Ryon Thomas Connery is a Level 2 sex offender, and has two convictions of child molestation (2nd degree) and one conviction of attempted child molestation (view source). The comments on the attached website read:

"In 1999 Connery was convicted in Lewis County Juvenile Court of Child Molestation 2nd Degree for the Sexual Assault of a 13-year-old female. At the time of the offense Connery, then 17-years-old, became romantically involved with the female and coercing her into sexual activity. As a result of the conviction he was sentenced to 156 weeks of confinement. While he was in custody for that offense another sex offense came to light. This involved a then 13-year-old Connery having sexual contact with an 8-year-old female. He was convicted of this new offense and served his sentence concurrently with the other crime. After his release from juvenile custody in 2002 additional sex offenses came to the attention of authorities. Those crimes, occurring prior to his 1999 conviction, involved sexual contact with female children that were known to him. In 2002 he pled guilty to the single offense of Attempted Child Molestation 2nd Degree. As a result of that conviction he was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Since his release for the sex offense, Connery received a conviction in Lewis County Superior Court in 2014 for Assault of a Child. Based on the type of crimes committed, Connery has been classified as a clear risk to re-offend and this notification in required."

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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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You're Not A Soke!

3/11/2018

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Author: Bret Gordon

I probably shouldn't write this, because the more information you put out, the better people can lie. However, if just one person can avoid making the mistakes that so many of us have made when we were first starting on our own, then it's worth it. Let's be clear right from the start. If you are the founder of your own system, you are not a soke! But before I can clarify why, we must explore the most misunderstood title in the martial arts today. Keep in mind that everything I am about to write is done so from a Japanese perspective, based on tradition and historical precedent.

There are two types of titles in the martial arts, administrative titles and teaching titles (shogo). Administrative titles are technically positions, rather than titles to be addressed by, and establish your authority of overseeing the system and your level of responsibility. Teaching titles exist as an extension of the Menkyo (license) system. The various shogo titles indicate hierarchy between the instructors of a system, as they follow a preset order of progression, and establish your authority of transmitting the system. The most common shogo titles are Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi. Shihan sometimes get thrown in there as a teaching title, while other organizations/styles use it administratively, so that will specifically depend on the style we're discussing.

Soke 宗家 is an administrative title. It designates the holder as the inheriting headmaster of the art they represent, much as the CEO is the head of a corporation. It is never meant to be used to address the person, just as you would never say, "Good morning CEO Smith," and it's most certainly never to be used by the holder in referring to themselves. Rather, it is most appropriately used in writing of official documents or when talking about someone. Then, like all other Japanese titles, it is to follow the person's name (i.e. John Smith, soke). So now that we've clarified the proper use of the title, what exactly does it mean to be Soke?

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The Importance Of Vigilance: Active Shooter Response

2/16/2018

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Author: Bret Gordon

First off, I'd like to thank all of my readers and subscribers for being so patient. It's been over a month since my last article, and I wish I had something more enjoyable to write about.

For those that don't know, I live in Central Florida about 4 hours from where the Parkland shooting happened just two days ago. In this article, I am not going to engage in the "gun control" debate as the recent social media explosions have already proven everyone is set in their ways (on both sides). Instead, I want to discuss how important it is to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining your own and your family's safety.

Posted signs now litter most public venues that read, "See Something? Say Something!" That sounds great, and I believe all suspicions should be reported, but to think it's enough is simply ignorant. What happens when nothing is done about your concerns? The FBI released the following statement regarding the Parkland shooting: "On January 5, 2018, a person close to Nikolas Cruz contacted the FBI's Public Access Line (PAL) tipline to report concerns about him...Under established protocols, the information provided by the caller should have been assessed as a potential threat to life...We have determined that these protocols were not followed for the information received by the PAL on January 5. The information was not provided to the Miami field office, and no further investigation was conducted at that time."

So a concerned citizen followed the proper steps to notify the appropriate authorities of their suspicions, and not even a follow-up look was made. I understand how swamped law enforcement of all levels must be, but no one had time to make a phone call to pass the information along? But that's neither here nor there. There's no preventing it now, but I sincerely hope that steps are taken to review and fix whatever problem caused this major crack in the system.

That said, what can you do to make sure you don't end up in this tragic situation, and how do you survive one if you are?

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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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The Only Rank I Care Less About Than Mine Is Yours

11/12/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

One of the reasons I write is to get people talking, because I've found that some of my greatest lessons have been through conversations with various other budoka and many times, a 10-minute conversation with the right instructor can be worth more than years spent training under the wrong one. In an age where conversation skills and public interaction are at diminished capacity, I take great pride in being the catalyst that sparks a meaningful discussion.

Well, my last article certainly got people talking but not in the way I intended. Many praised the article (which you can read by clicking here) and many respectfully disagreed with it, and that's fine. Yet still, others used it as an excuse to attack me on a personal level. In an inescapable amount of irony, how dare I offer my opinion to those who have been training 30, 40 or 50 years, many in the homeland of the arts we all love and teach? After all, my entire article was based upon knowing where you sit at the table and clearly, I got the seating arrangement confused.

Before I continue, I must say that I truly do have the utmost respect for anyone who has dedicated such a significant portion of their lives to anything, but especially such an honorable endeavor as the study of martial arts. Regardless of one's personal progression, the sheer amount of time that one has put in at that stage shows a level of discipline I can only hope I will attain. That said, time alone is not a measure of knowledge or progression. Time measured by the calendar is very misleading. As an example, let's take two practitioners who each study for a year. One casually attends class twice a week for 45 minutes as a hobby, while the other is a "dojo rat" who comes early and stays late at the school five nights a week, and takes private lessons from their instructor on the weekend. Both technically only have a year of martial arts experience, but I think it's clear who will progress farther. Therefore, I adamantly stress that it is the quality of one's time spent over the years rather than the number of years themselves that will determine one's level of understanding, knowledge and proficiency.

Now that we've settled that, let's get into why I feel this article is necessary. Keep in mind that everything I say is my own opinion, based upon my personal experiences and instruction from my various teachers. If you have had different experiences, please share them in the comments. I would love to hear from you and am always open to new information.

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Knowing Where You Sit At The Table

11/7/2017

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Author: Bret Gordon

One of the most overlooked aspects of martial arts training is the culture in which the arts themselves were created (for the purpose of this article, I will be specifically referring to Japanese martial arts). Here in the States, we have a unique culture (for better or worse) that drives our everyday lives. However, once you step through the threshold of the dojo, everything changes. Once you bow at the door, you're in a whole new world.

In this new world that is the dojo, there is no such thing as freedom of speech or expression. There is no such thing as equality. A traditional dojo functions like a family, something I've addressed in several previous articles. But also as a family, there is a clear hierarchy. There is a parent, and there are children. While as human beings we all have a basic right to be treated with dignity and respect, there is a clear order of succession. There is a rigid hierarchy, driven by both rank and title/license, that establishes your place in line.

It is generally assumed that you are training in that specific school because you trust the instructor enough that they can help you reach your training goals. You trust that they have more experience in their given field, and therefore their expert opinion is what you should be following. If you do not trust that they have more experience and knowledge than you do, why are you training there? So that being said, you must also trust that they know what's best for you and how to best guide you on your path once you have clearly established what your goals in training are. You must trust that they know what they're talking about. This does not mean to blindly follow your instructor or to never ask them to clarify why they say or do something a certain way. Lord knows, the martial arts are full of cultists today who never question what they are taught. But what I'm talking about goes much deeper than simple curiosity or willingness to learn, so let's explore it...

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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

Taiji Can't Fight

Etiquette & Protocol For Supplemental Training

PSA: Ryon Connery

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

De-Mystifying Chi: A Scientific Explanation

You're Not A Soke!

The Importance Of Vigilance: Active Shooter Response

Five Reasons Martial Arts Is The Best Fitness Program For Adults

The Only Rank I Care Less About Than Mine Is Yours

Knowing Where You Sit At The Table

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