This is an excerpt from this month's article in the Member's section of my website.
We were told not to take our eyes off our opponent. It was something we were taught very early, I remember. Don’t know if I got it as a kid from my dad or at the judo school when we did some basic street self-defense. Fast forward to me at age 19 or 20 and working out at the community college with the judo club. One of the other brown belts there was Ed Swanson but everyone called him Buzz. He was a big guy, over 200 pounds. Great guy, too. We became good friends. One day Buzz wound up in the hospital in critical condition. When he got out he had a raspy voice and a droopy eye. He told me his story and I’m going to tell it to you.
Buzz was out after midnight one night in the Blue Island area south of Chicago. He stopped in an all-night doughnut shop for a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Once inside, there was only the waitress, Buzz and one guy sitting at the counter. Buzz got his order and walked out to his car. The man followed him out. Apparently he had spooked the waitress by telling her earlier that he was going to kill the next person who walked in the place. When he got up to follow Buzz she called the police. Good thing, too.
He challenged my friend with something like “What are you looking at?” or some “fightin’ words” we would use on the South Side. Buzz is not an aggressive person and, like most of us, was surprised by the developing confrontation. He did what most would do and replied that he wasn’t looking at anything. This is what most aggressors are looking for, something to hook onto to continue the exchange. By now Buzz is next to his car with his back to the vehicle, coffee and donut occupying his hands and looking down at the shorter opponent. So the guy says “You calling me a liar?” and he slaps Buzz in the face. This is all pretty classic, predictable escalation. Now here is where Buzz told me he screwed up. He said, “I made the mistake they told us not to make. I took my eyes off my opponent.” He turned to put his coffee and doughnut on the roof of his car. When he turned back he had a hunting knife sticking out of the left side of his neck.
That phone call and the fact that he was only two blocks from St. Francis Hospital were big factors in his surviving. The knife opened some arteries and veins, nicked a nerve and must have gotten deep enough to affect his vocal cords. That’s where the droopy eye and raspy voice came from and it took about a year to regain normal looks and speech.
Go to http://www.leewedlake.com/ to subscribe for this and over 100 more articles.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Guys! Betcha didn't know this.
And maybe some of you ladies, too. I was talking with one of our parents who sells Mary Kay cosmetics. I, like most people, tend to think of Mary Kay as the people who sell a bunch of stuff to women and get themselves a pink Cadillac. What I learned from Gina was enlightening.
Sure they sell make-up but they also use their contact time to increase self-esteem in ways other than getting made-up to look good. Turns out the company is heavily into increasing awareness in women and teen girls on how to break the cycle of teen dating violence. They have a DVD and a national program. They work against domestic violence, too. See their website here. http://www.marykay.com/content/company/breakthecycle_thanks.aspx
Gina told me they see the same sort of violence and abuse in short-term relationships that used to be seen mostly in long-term. Seems everything is accelerating these days. Bottom line - we self-defense instructors have another tool in the fight.
Sure they sell make-up but they also use their contact time to increase self-esteem in ways other than getting made-up to look good. Turns out the company is heavily into increasing awareness in women and teen girls on how to break the cycle of teen dating violence. They have a DVD and a national program. They work against domestic violence, too. See their website here. http://www.marykay.com/content/company/breakthecycle_thanks.aspx
Gina told me they see the same sort of violence and abuse in short-term relationships that used to be seen mostly in long-term. Seems everything is accelerating these days. Bottom line - we self-defense instructors have another tool in the fight.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ed Parker clip
One of our new guys here at my studio, Rick Carter, found this and sent it along. It's a Karate Connection video forworded by Vic LaRue and Chuck Sullivan of Mr. Parker doing techniques.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buEGK9ul6EM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buEGK9ul6EM
Friday, January 22, 2010
The doctor is in - Kids and tai chi
Marc Rowe sent me this.
ADD and ADHD. Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine has shown that adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and greater improved conduct, after a five week, two day per week class. T'ai Chi meets many of the criteria for mood management techniques recommended for ADD (see the Treating Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD] section earlier in this chapter).
[Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5(23 ref), 120-123.]
If you say that tai chi is just slow-motion kung-fu, the question is why wouldn't karate or kung-fu do the same? Hmmm.
ADD and ADHD. Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine has shown that adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and greater improved conduct, after a five week, two day per week class. T'ai Chi meets many of the criteria for mood management techniques recommended for ADD (see the Treating Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD] section earlier in this chapter).
[Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5(23 ref), 120-123.]
If you say that tai chi is just slow-motion kung-fu, the question is why wouldn't karate or kung-fu do the same? Hmmm.
Train like a warrior
This was in the Special Forces Gear newsletter for January. You can subscribe for free at http://www.specialforces.com/.
How to Train Like a Warrior http://www.ehow.com/members/joerivera.html See his 3-18-08 post.
The way of the warrior is a path of extremes. Extreme training of the mind, the body and will. Then ultimately, in battle, they sojourn at the edge between living or dying. For that is the nature of a warrior--dedicating oneself to a purpose with such certitude that one is willing to lay down their life for it. One of the precepts is "Better to live one day and die gloriously in battle with courage and greatness than to live a hundred years in mediocrity and fear." To most this sounds like a mindset reserved for superheroes in a comic book. In fact, this may very well be the case. But, what if you could channel and apply a small amount of that mentality? What if you could find the warrior that lives in each and every one of us?
What I mean by finding the warrior within has nothing to do with war, or violence or death--but of living instead. It is about staring adversity in the face, fighting your way through and conquering it. It is about setting your sights on a task in a determined, unyielding, unrelenting fashion with a singular and focused purpose.
What if there is a way to bring that kind of character, presence and power into your everyday existence? Well, if you so choose, there is. One of the first areas in your life you can begin is in your approach to exercise.
Here are some steps that might get you on your path to training like a warrior
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Determination-Indomitable spirit-Courage-Focus
Step 1: Strategy (Mind of the Warrior)
Pick a goal before you start your workout and be specific about what you wish to achieve. If you normally lift weights and bench pressl 135 lbs. for 12 reps, say to yourself, "Today I will not settle for less than 15 reps."
If you normally run 4 miles a day in 40 minutes, say to yourself, "Today, no matter what, I will run these 4 miles in 39 minutes or even 38 minutes."
Try and be reasonable with your demands on yourself--even warriors had to take baby steps.
Step 2: Execution (Body of the Warrior)
Once you know what you are there to do, "Go For It In an All Out Assault!" Leave nothing left, do whatever it takes to reach your goal.
Step 3:Victory or Defeat (Spirit of the Warrior)
Here I list both possible outcomes of your strategy and execution. They will both serve you well if you have proper perspective.
If you are successful, you will feel elevated and learn that you are capable of more than you thought.
If you are unsuccessful, rather than feel bad you can feel elevated that you did your best.
Step 4: Reflection (Wisdom of the Warrior)
Did you reach your goal? If so, you now know you can go further. What other areas in your life can you use these principles for success?
Did you fall a bit short of your goal?
What insight have you gained that will either improve your strategy or your execution so that the next time you will be victorious?
Remember, a warrior never gives up!
Tips & Warnings
Have fun challenging yourself; even if you never get a sense of warriorship, you'll at the very least get better workouts.
Be realistic when setting goals, should any part of your body feels like it's about to get injured, ease off.
If you are consistently successful, this new self-confidence and sense of achievement may spill into other areas of your life.
Remember: Focus-Intensity and Motivation are the keys to all concentration.
Good Luck and Hoo-ah !
How to Train Like a Warrior http://www.ehow.com/members/joerivera.html See his 3-18-08 post.
The way of the warrior is a path of extremes. Extreme training of the mind, the body and will. Then ultimately, in battle, they sojourn at the edge between living or dying. For that is the nature of a warrior--dedicating oneself to a purpose with such certitude that one is willing to lay down their life for it. One of the precepts is "Better to live one day and die gloriously in battle with courage and greatness than to live a hundred years in mediocrity and fear." To most this sounds like a mindset reserved for superheroes in a comic book. In fact, this may very well be the case. But, what if you could channel and apply a small amount of that mentality? What if you could find the warrior that lives in each and every one of us?
What I mean by finding the warrior within has nothing to do with war, or violence or death--but of living instead. It is about staring adversity in the face, fighting your way through and conquering it. It is about setting your sights on a task in a determined, unyielding, unrelenting fashion with a singular and focused purpose.
What if there is a way to bring that kind of character, presence and power into your everyday existence? Well, if you so choose, there is. One of the first areas in your life you can begin is in your approach to exercise.
Here are some steps that might get you on your path to training like a warrior
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Determination-Indomitable spirit-Courage-Focus
Step 1: Strategy (Mind of the Warrior)
Pick a goal before you start your workout and be specific about what you wish to achieve. If you normally lift weights and bench pressl 135 lbs. for 12 reps, say to yourself, "Today I will not settle for less than 15 reps."
If you normally run 4 miles a day in 40 minutes, say to yourself, "Today, no matter what, I will run these 4 miles in 39 minutes or even 38 minutes."
Try and be reasonable with your demands on yourself--even warriors had to take baby steps.
Step 2: Execution (Body of the Warrior)
Once you know what you are there to do, "Go For It In an All Out Assault!" Leave nothing left, do whatever it takes to reach your goal.
Step 3:Victory or Defeat (Spirit of the Warrior)
Here I list both possible outcomes of your strategy and execution. They will both serve you well if you have proper perspective.
If you are successful, you will feel elevated and learn that you are capable of more than you thought.
If you are unsuccessful, rather than feel bad you can feel elevated that you did your best.
Step 4: Reflection (Wisdom of the Warrior)
Did you reach your goal? If so, you now know you can go further. What other areas in your life can you use these principles for success?
Did you fall a bit short of your goal?
What insight have you gained that will either improve your strategy or your execution so that the next time you will be victorious?
Remember, a warrior never gives up!
Tips & Warnings
Have fun challenging yourself; even if you never get a sense of warriorship, you'll at the very least get better workouts.
Be realistic when setting goals, should any part of your body feels like it's about to get injured, ease off.
If you are consistently successful, this new self-confidence and sense of achievement may spill into other areas of your life.
Remember: Focus-Intensity and Motivation are the keys to all concentration.
Good Luck and Hoo-ah !
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"Ed lectures me"
One of my martial arts role models is Danny Insosanto. For those who don't know, Danny is best known as Bruce Lee's protege and probably the leading authority on Filipino martial arts in the world. What many don't know is that he started out in the arts in Ed Parker's school where he worked his way up to 2nd black.* It was there he was introduced to the Filipino arts through Mr. Parker, who told him it was his heritage and he should look into them.
He also met Bruce Lee through Mr. Parker when he was assigned as Lee's escort for Parker's International Karate Championships where he was to do a demo. That demo was filmed by Mr. Parker and later shown to the producer of the TV series The Green Hornet who later cast Lee as Kato. That started his path to stardom. All this is documented in both Mr. Parker's and Danny Inosanto's books.
In the 80's I was fortunate to spend a significant amount of time training in the Filipino arts under Danny. I loved his way of teaching, his personality and was and am impressed with his depth of knowledge. He has always pursued more knowledge and proficiency. He is a master's master.
It was at a seminar in Chicago that I had my first opportunity to talk with him. He spent a bit if time with me and I think it was because I was an Ed Parker student, so we shared a lineage and experience. There were lots of people there who wanted his time so I considered myself fortunate. In later years I would be able to take more weekend seminars and week-long training in the Los Angeles area. It was in that first meeting that he made the comment I used as a headline for this article, which was "Ed lectures me". First, you don't find a whole lot of people who refer to Mr. Parker as Ed. I've met a few and most who do (or did) use it that way out of a familiarity born of working with Mr. Parker in the early years. One or two did it just to subtlely show they were above using the common term of respect for him. At least, that's what I got from it based on the tone of voice and context of the conversation.
Danny said "Ed lectures me" when he spoke about running into Mr. Parker from time to time. Seeing the history they had, that Danny had been a Parker student and was becoming internationally known, and knowing Mr. Parker, I'm sure the conversation turned toward handling people and presenting information. I can see how Danny would say he was being lectured and I can also see Mr. Parker looking at it as dispensing advice. It's all about perspective, which is the lesson I got from the comment. Of course, I wasn't there when it happened so maybe he really was giving him a lecture. Maybe Mr. Parker was trying to insure Danny knew he was his teacher and always would be. I don't know. What I do know from being with egotistical doctors, pilots and martial artists is that guys will "name-drop" or "credential drop" when they meet like dogs at a mailbox, marking their territory. It's funny at times, kind of pathetic at others. It is what it is. Maybe they were marking their territory. They are both giants in the arts, worthy of respect. I am glad to have known them both.
* It was John McSweeney who was Danny's first kenpo teacher.
He also met Bruce Lee through Mr. Parker when he was assigned as Lee's escort for Parker's International Karate Championships where he was to do a demo. That demo was filmed by Mr. Parker and later shown to the producer of the TV series The Green Hornet who later cast Lee as Kato. That started his path to stardom. All this is documented in both Mr. Parker's and Danny Inosanto's books.
In the 80's I was fortunate to spend a significant amount of time training in the Filipino arts under Danny. I loved his way of teaching, his personality and was and am impressed with his depth of knowledge. He has always pursued more knowledge and proficiency. He is a master's master.
It was at a seminar in Chicago that I had my first opportunity to talk with him. He spent a bit if time with me and I think it was because I was an Ed Parker student, so we shared a lineage and experience. There were lots of people there who wanted his time so I considered myself fortunate. In later years I would be able to take more weekend seminars and week-long training in the Los Angeles area. It was in that first meeting that he made the comment I used as a headline for this article, which was "Ed lectures me". First, you don't find a whole lot of people who refer to Mr. Parker as Ed. I've met a few and most who do (or did) use it that way out of a familiarity born of working with Mr. Parker in the early years. One or two did it just to subtlely show they were above using the common term of respect for him. At least, that's what I got from it based on the tone of voice and context of the conversation.
Danny said "Ed lectures me" when he spoke about running into Mr. Parker from time to time. Seeing the history they had, that Danny had been a Parker student and was becoming internationally known, and knowing Mr. Parker, I'm sure the conversation turned toward handling people and presenting information. I can see how Danny would say he was being lectured and I can also see Mr. Parker looking at it as dispensing advice. It's all about perspective, which is the lesson I got from the comment. Of course, I wasn't there when it happened so maybe he really was giving him a lecture. Maybe Mr. Parker was trying to insure Danny knew he was his teacher and always would be. I don't know. What I do know from being with egotistical doctors, pilots and martial artists is that guys will "name-drop" or "credential drop" when they meet like dogs at a mailbox, marking their territory. It's funny at times, kind of pathetic at others. It is what it is. Maybe they were marking their territory. They are both giants in the arts, worthy of respect. I am glad to have known them both.
* It was John McSweeney who was Danny's first kenpo teacher.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New You Tube clip
We've started uploading video to my soon-to-come online learning site and I put a sample on You Tube. This clip is about three of the "General Rules" of Parker Kenpo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wpxJYBBF-I
I hope you find it useful.
I hope you find it useful.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Parents paying attention
I was teaching an advanced kids class and asked a question about a particular hand weapon. Half of the kids said it was a palm and the other half said it was a claw - a tie vote. I then said "Let's ask the parents." Both parents correctly answered the question and even held up a well-formed claw. I learned a long time ago that when you teach children's classes you do it as if you are teaching the parents, because much of the time you are. All too often instructors think the parents have no interest but they will surprise you.
So, a Gold Star to Kelly and Scott. Not only did they get the answer but they showed their kids that Mom and Dad really DO know some stuff.
So, a Gold Star to Kelly and Scott. Not only did they get the answer but they showed their kids that Mom and Dad really DO know some stuff.
A follow-up
A few months ago I posted an item about a fundraiser to help a young girl in New Hampshire who was present when her mother was murdered. The girl is a junior black belt in Kenpo in my lineage. This was posted on the web today. These people are animals.
Suspect in machete attack regrets girl's survival
One of the men charged with killing a Mont Vernon woman in her bed told police his only regret was that he didn't also succeed in killing her 11-year-old daughter.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34705825/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/from/ET
Suspect in machete attack regrets girl's survival
One of the men charged with killing a Mont Vernon woman in her bed told police his only regret was that he didn't also succeed in killing her 11-year-old daughter.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34705825/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/from/ET
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New yellow belt video and more
My new version of the original 10 yellow belt technique video is now out. It's 41 minutes of instruction on those techniques. I just finished shooting the original 32 orange belt techniques in the original sequence as well. The first 12 of the orange belt extensions have been shot, too.
Additional information on the techniques will soon be posted on my new online training site. The core info from the DVD will be there but an additional segment(s) entitled "A Closer Look" will fill in more details, variations, common mistakes and how to correct them, history of the technique and more. Further sections on associated drills, teaching techniques, and segments on concepts and principles will be added as time goes by.
The podcasts have been uploaded and will go online soon, too. I'm looking forward to making your Kenpo learning experience better!
Additional information on the techniques will soon be posted on my new online training site. The core info from the DVD will be there but an additional segment(s) entitled "A Closer Look" will fill in more details, variations, common mistakes and how to correct them, history of the technique and more. Further sections on associated drills, teaching techniques, and segments on concepts and principles will be added as time goes by.
The podcasts have been uploaded and will go online soon, too. I'm looking forward to making your Kenpo learning experience better!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I'm back! And with website updates!
I went up to Maryland over the New Year. I was given a pretty cool surprise - a visit to the Pentagon! I went to the International Spy Museum too, which is well worth the time. http://www.spymuseum.org/
Over the holidays I got to talk with many of my black belts by telephone and get caught up a little. I am very fortunate to have them with me and the little time spent on the phone meant a lot.
On another subject, I've posted a new article in the Members section of my website on why it's important to stand in a horse stance. My revised Original 10 yellow belt techniques DVD is due to start shipping out this week but there is still time to order at the pre-release price. I've just finished shooting the revised Orange belt techniques, too. I did the original 32 sequence and there's so much info there it will have to be on two DVDs. My Blue belt DVD has sold out and won't be reissuing it since I'm working on an Original 32 of that, too. Green belt is also almost gone.
Kenpo Karate 201 is also due to ship this week. I ran out of them unexpectedly and the printer has been good about rushing the reprint.
A new extension manual supplement is available on my site store, podcasts are coming and more.
Over the holidays I got to talk with many of my black belts by telephone and get caught up a little. I am very fortunate to have them with me and the little time spent on the phone meant a lot.
On another subject, I've posted a new article in the Members section of my website on why it's important to stand in a horse stance. My revised Original 10 yellow belt techniques DVD is due to start shipping out this week but there is still time to order at the pre-release price. I've just finished shooting the revised Orange belt techniques, too. I did the original 32 sequence and there's so much info there it will have to be on two DVDs. My Blue belt DVD has sold out and won't be reissuing it since I'm working on an Original 32 of that, too. Green belt is also almost gone.
Kenpo Karate 201 is also due to ship this week. I ran out of them unexpectedly and the printer has been good about rushing the reprint.
A new extension manual supplement is available on my site store, podcasts are coming and more.
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