Friday, December 22, 2017

Episode LXXIII-TL:DP


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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifrin

Introduction:
  Recorded on: December 17th, 2017
  iTunes Review
  martialjournal.com
  Aikido's Hidden Ground Techniques

Interlude Music: Earth Shine by Rush

Interview: David Nemeroff and Jose Andrade

  Movies
    Kung Fu Theater
    Steven Seagal
 
  Books
    Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
    Saotome
    Koichi Tohei
    Morihei Ueshiba
    Budo

   Contact Info
Before Lagertha...
    Tambuli Media
    David Nemeroff's Dojo
    Jose Andrade's Dojo Mukei no Ryu Aikido
    YouTube
    
Interlude Music: Half the World by Rush

This Week in Martial Arts: December 17th, 1977, Birthday of Katheryn Winnick
  History Channel's Vikings

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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Guyageun ver. by Luna

Saturday, December 9, 2017

4.5 Stars for Academic Approaches to Martial Arts Research

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes Title: Academic Approaches to Martial Arts Research
Compiled by: Michael DeMarco M.A.
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Format: Softcover
Pages: 290
Price: $34.95 Cover Price

    Most people familiar with my reviews and other writings will know I'm a nerd and an academic at heart.  But that is not the extent of who I am.  I also love martial art, and its a rare occurrence when those two passions of mine overlap.  Martial arts have never really been given its proper due in academic circles. Kinesiology and sport science have some papers talking about injury reports, or forces delivered through various punches vs kicks. Psychology has linked up with sport science to talk about some of the beneficial secondary effects of martial arts, but that's really the limit of mainstream papers on martial arts.  This book sets about to give more people a founding on the what and how to do martial arts research for academic work.

Content

    When I first started my martial journey, there was an actual peer reviewed, published journal entitled the Journal of Asian Martial Arts edited by Michael DeMarco.  It is now no longer published, but the articles are still available in an online format.  This book is an anthology of some of the more important articles in that journal regarding how to describe and academically research martial arts.  Many of the articles deal with martial arts from an anthropological standing, which by definition makes them hoplogical papers.  Hoplology was a word first coined by Sir Richard Burton, but was brought to the forefront by the late Donn F. Draeger, who really pioneered the idea that martial arts could serve as an basis for academic study.

Pros

    Martial arts is a very complex subject, with politics, history, culture, language, kinesiology and technology built into every aspect of it.  This book does an amazing job of trying to tease out some of the meaning of these different aspects, and how they interact to form the thing we call "martial arts".  Each article is written by experts in their field, and deliver high level of academic expression that you would expect from such professionals.  I was particularly fond of the articles by Dr. John Donohue, especially "Social Organization and Martial Systems: A Cross-Cultural Typology."  This article put into (rather rarified) words, ideas I've been formulating about martial arts, and how to both define, and categorize them.  (See my two articles on martialjournal.com)

Cons

    Okay, I admit, the level of reading is very high.  Most of the papers are written by Ph.D's and Masters level writers in their chosen fields.  This makes for some in depth reading.  It took me a long time to get through each article, because I had to re-read certain portions, and make sure I understood where they were coming from, and where they were going.  This might turn some people away, and I understand that.  I specifically went searching for this, so I was happy, and enjoyed the intellectual exercise of reading each article.

Conclusion 

  Since I write a blog/podcast called Martial Thoughts, you'd figure an academic book dealing with martial arts would be right up my alley, and you'd be right.  My highlighter was out and in use for every article in this book.  Every piece led me to other thoughts and questions.  Some of which were answered in the other articles, some of which I'm going to have to look up more (and possibly write) on my own.  If that isn't the highest praise for a book, I don't know what is.  I understand the pure academic nature of the book may put others off, and I get that.  There are no techniques presented, there's not even really any philosophical points being made.  So that makes it different from almost every other publication.  All of which is why I'm giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 ninja stars.  I really appreciate a different take on martial arts, and I think everyone can get some deep thoughts about their own martial arts from this book.  However, the higher level communication found in this book may make it more difficult to appreciate.

Friday, October 13, 2017

4 Ninja Stars for Aikido's Hidden Ground Techniques

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this DVD for review purposes

Title: Aikido's Hidden Ground Techniques
Featuring: Dr. Jose Andrade-Shihan & David Nemeroff-Shihan
Publisher: Tambuli Media
Duration: 28 minutes
Price: $21.95

    I have practiced aikido for about 15 years.  At some point in my training, I realized aikido was not the "ultimate" martial art.  I fully had faith in the principals of aikido, but I was deficient in some experiences through lack of some training methodologies.  One of those areas was ground fighting.  With the rise of the UFC, and Brazilian Jujitsu, groundfighting was becoming more widely known.  In my own head, aikido is a grappling art, so it should have some similarities right?  So I started to do some research.  As it turns out, Aikido's founder, Ueshiba Morihei (O-Sensei) was a skilled ground fighter .  He put his same Aikido principals to the test through ground fighting.  So I started to look for how ground fighting could be incorporated into aikido training.  This DVD was one the pieces that I use to argue how Aikido principals can be used to create a complete martial artist.

Content


    This video is broken into two portions.  The first is in the dojo and demonstrates 15 techniques in gi and hakama  as is traditional in Aikido dojo.  The second portion takes those same techniques and demonstrates them in more realistic, environments, such as in parks, in buildings, or even in a garage.  The dojo portion shows the technique twice.  Once at training speed, and then again in slow motion, with specific instructions to describe the important points of the technique.

Pros


    This video has a lot going for it.  The techniques that the presenters chose to show are done so with Aikido in mind.  The set-up for the technique is from an Aikido throw, or from being thrown.  This does a good job of showing how this can be incorporated into existing Aikido training.  The dojo portion does a good job of instructing someone through the techniques.  They are filmed in such a way that the viewer is able to see all the pertinent movements for the technique.  I believe that if you have some skill in Aikido, you could interpret these movements and instructions enough to practice the techniques shown.

Cons


    I have only two negative complaints about this video, and those are both just minor things.  One, I would have liked to see a little more explanation of Aikido's principals at the beginning and then describe/demonstrate how these techniques still fall within those ideas.  The second minor thing is I would have liked to see multiple angles.  Both the practice speed and the slow motion replays demonstrating the techniques are from the same angle.  As I stated before, I do believe you get to see enough, but as someone not familiar with the ground techniques, I would have wanted another angle.

Conclusion


    The presenters of this information seem to be making a claim that ground fighting can and should be incorporated into your Aikido training.  They then go to show how this can be achieved.  This means the presentation is speaking directly to Aikidoka, most likely with some years into their practice.  If you take this into consideration, the video makes excellent sense, and you can easily see its function.  With that in mind, I'm going to give this video four out of five Ninja stars.  I really think this is an area of study that most Aikido schools need to incorporate more of into their curriculum.  The information is presented well, and even if you practice an martial art besides Aikido, you can adapt the information very easily to incorporate into your system.


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

3.5 Ninja Stars for Hakka Unicorn Boxing DVD

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this DVD for review purposes

Title: Hakka Unicorn Boxing
Featuring: Tyler R. Rea
Publisher: Tambuli Media
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: $29.95

Edit: There are also digital videos for different aspects of Hakka Unicorn Boxing available at the Tambuli Media link above.

    First off to address the elephant in the room.  Chinese mythology doesn't have unicorns.  European mythology does.  If you are as confused as I was, "Unicorn" is a bad translation.  They do have Kei-Lun (or Qilin; Kirin in Japanese) which do have a single horn, and are thus translated as unicorn.  Not that, that has anything to do with the martial art or the video.  I just wanted to get that out there.
    This is the first, and hopefully not last, instructional video I've ever reviewed, so I'm not quite sure where to start.  This video shows the basics of a Chinese system called Hakkka Unicorn Boxing (Hakka Kei-Lun Kung Fu).  The Hakka people a group of non-Han that lived in Southern China.  Their name means "guests" as they were migratory, at least as part of the story goes.  So put those two pieces together, you get Hakka Unicorn Boxing.  This is not a system I, or indeed many others, were at all familiar with, so I was interested to see what it looked like.

Contents


    There are several chapters to this DVD.  When I played the DVD, they just started, but it seemed to me to be out of order.  The first section that played was the introduction to the footwork that is used in the system.  The second was a brief introduction about what Hakka Unicorn style is, and where it comes from.  Then there was a demonstration of the primary form of the system.  This was followed by the basic hand work that is part of their system, including a portion on the different fists they use.  The final section was the Qi Gong used by Unicorn Boxers.

Pros


    The DVD was high quality and did a really good job of both focusing on the material being presented and explaining what to look for and practice.  It was clear and easy to understand without seeming too basic or introductory.  The presenter performed the techniques enough times to actually get a feel for what the techniques were supposed to look like.  The backgrounds weren't distracting or so colorful that the viewer got lost.  In fact, no offense to Sifu Tyler Rea, but even he kind of becomes unimportant to the technique.  The demonstrator made the video completely about what was being presented, and I don't think even mentioned his own name once.  Don't get me wrong, this is a good thing, if the goal is about showing the techniques.
    I'm not a fan of using books or videos (or YouTube these days) to start, or learn a martial art, but I think this video does a good job of showing basics of a particular system without saying "In only six short weeks you too can learn...".

Cons


    The only thing I think I would have added to the video was an application section.  From the video, you get the basic foot and hand work, you get the first form, but some of the movements are difficult to see their application.  Perhaps a section, showing a demonstration of what the final product, or goal is might have helped.  Apart from that, I have nothing negative to say, only a small critique.  If that was a systematic choice to not include that, I completely understand that as well.

Conclusion


    One of the things that struck me about this system, was that it was similar in body movements, but
not training methods, to a couple other arts I've studied.  The basic footwork movements were very similar to how we move at Atemi-ryu jujutsu.  The hand motions are more similar to PCK Silat that I practiced.  The latter makes sense, as Hakka Unicorn claims to be an originator, at least in part, to both Kumtao, and Indonesian Silat.  Although this is a large claim, I can see the similarities.  Overall, I found this instructional DVD useful, and illuminating of a little known style of Kung Fu.  As such I'm going to give it 3.5 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  I would have liked to see an application section towards the end, and although it does a very good job of illustrating the basic concepts of the art, if you're not a student of Hakka Unicorn system, I don't know if this will improve your own art.  As I said, I found similarities to what I was doing, and even thought about the training/instructional methods they were using, and may incorporate them into my own training.

Monday, October 9, 2017

4 Ninja Stars for "Samurai Swords, A Collector's Guide" by Clive Sinclaire

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes

Title: Samurai Swords, A Collector's Guide, A Comprehensive Introduction to History, Collecting and Preservation
Author: Clive Sinclaire
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 187
Price: $29.99 Cover Price ($21.99 on Amazon)

    As readers should know, I practice Japanese martial arts.  My initial investment in martial arts came from a interest in the Japanese sword.  There is something involved in a katana that perfectly exemplifies what martial arts is supposed to be.  It is, in my opinion, the perfect balance between deadly purpose and gentlemanly refinement.  There are places to embellish a sword, but they must be done in a way that still has purpose first in mind, and speaks of refinement.  However, the world of Japanese swords can be a very deep pool to jump into.  There is a new level of attention to detail that must be paid to artistically appreciate them.  This book provides a place to start, an introduction to what Japanese blades are, and how to start to recognize real examples of them.

Content


  This book is a combination book.  It's one part coffee table book, full of glorious pictures, and enticing artwork, and another part instruction manual, and guidebook.  By the nature of the subject, you have to start with the history of Japan, and how the sword played a role, as well as was shaped by that history.  Many people don't know that there are different types of Japanese swords depending on the era it comes from, and the way it was worn.  This book does a great job of explaining what the details to pay attention are.  The high quality pictures give you superb examples of each of the details discussed.
    It then features other bladed weapons from Japan.  This is something, I haven't seen a lot of other Japanese sword books do.  It goes on to describe yari (spear), and the many different shapes used in Japan, as well as other Japanese polearms.  It concluded by talking about the more modern aspects of appreciating them, as well as the modern smiths that continue the tradition of forging.

Pros


    There are several things I immediately like about this book.  First, I love the size and high quality of the pictures.  There was no expense spared for quality for this book.  It also does a great job of balancing being an introductory book for such a deep subject.  It would be very easy to either gloss over a lot of detail, or to fall into the rabbit hole of minutia of Japanese swords.  This book does neither.  It is easy enough to comprehend, yet detailed enough to serve as a reference book for later study.  That's a hard thing to accomplish.
    The second thing that I really appreciate about this book is the attention paid to the other high quality bladed weapons of Japan.  Most books are specific about the tachi, katana (both long swords),  wakizashi (short sword), and tanto (dagger).  This book spends several detailed pages showing you yari and naginata, as well as other polearms, and bladed weapons.

Cons


    I really don't have anything to complain or nitpick about this book.  For what it is designed to do, it accomplishes this beautifully.

Conclusion


    This book accomplishes a lot.  It is a beautiful book just to have lying around house.  It can also be
a great conversation starter.  It fulfils both of these functions, while still being detailed enough in its information to be a useful resource.  So it has both beauty and brains.  That being said, I have to give this book only 4 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  And that's due to my other criteria for martial arts books.  How useful is it to ALL martial artists.  I think almost any martial artist, regardless of style can appreciate the craftsmanship, and functionality of the Japanese blades.  However, If you don't practice a Japanese martial art, specifically, one with swordsmanship as part of the curriculum, it might not be as readily useful in your martial journey.  If you're looking to at least be able to understand, and carry on a conversation about Japanese swords in an intelligent manner, than you shouldn't look any farther than this book.  The price is a little higher than most martial arts books, but the high quality of the pictures and material combine to make this book very much worth it.
  

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Episode LXXII-WTP What the Podcast?


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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifrin

Introduction:
  Recorded on: September 30th, 2017
  iTunes Review
  martialjournal.com

Interlude Music: Fear of the Dark by Iron Maiden

Interview: Stephen K. Hayes

  Movies
    Ninja Assassin
    The Bourne Legacy
    Atomic Blonde
    Batman Begins
      The Dark Knight

   Contact Info
      www.stephenkhayes.com
      www.ninjaselfdefense.com
      www.daytonquestcenter.com

Interlude Music: Shadow of the Wind by  Black Sabbath

This Week in Martial Arts: Sept 27th, 1950 Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa
  Mortal Kombat
   Big Trouble in Little China
   Kickboxer 2
   The Perfect Weapon
   Showdown in LittleTokyo
   47 Ronin
   The Man with the Iron Fists 2
   Tekken
   Tekken 2
   The Last Emperor
   Memoirs of a Geisha

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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Guyageun ver. by Luna

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Episode LXXI-Laughing Out Podcast


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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifrin

Introduction:
  Recorded on: September 16th, 2017


Interlude Music:Noldor by Blind Guardian

Interview:Ben Kovacs of Guardian Gym
Interlude Music:Thorn by Blind Guardian

This Week in Martial Arts: Sept 16th, 1962 Harakiri Premiered

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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Guyageun ver. by Luna

Episode LXX-Total Eclipse of the Podcast



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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifrin

Introduction:
  Recorded on: August 21st, 2017
  iTunes Review from Coolvibes
  Blade Show in Atlanta

Interlude Music: Spirit of Radio by Rush

Interview: James Williams of Nami ryu Aiki Heiho
  www.systemofstrategy.com

  Movies
    The Last of the Mohicans
    Blackhawk Down
 
  Books
    Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings) by Musashi Miyamoto (Translated by Thomas Cleary)
    Sword and the Mind by Yagyu Family
    The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho
    Heiho Okugisho by Yamamoto Kanutsuke
    Legacies of the Sword by Dr. Carl Friday and Seki Humitake
    Hagakure by Yamamoto Tsumetomo

Interlude Music: The Spirit of Radio by Rush

This Week in Martial Arts: August 22nd, 1951 Gordan Liu's Birthday

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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Guyageun ver. by Luna

Monday, August 21, 2017

3.5 Ninja Stars for "The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art" by Stephen K. Hayes

In the interests of disclosure, I was given this copy for review purposes.

Title: The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art
Author: Stephen K. Hayes
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Published: 1981 (Republished 2017)
Format: Softcover
Pages: 151
Price: $12.95

Take Away: If you are going to start with the story of modern ninja, there's no better place than Stephen K. Hayes.

    Ninja are always fun to talk and read about.  And if you're going to look into ninja, then start with one of the men who popularized the idea of ninja in the US, Stephen K. Hayes.  He's the first name of ninjutsu in America.  He's been in Black Belt since ninja have been popular.  So why not get the story from the man himself.


Content

    This book comprises the story of Mr. Hayes' search for ninjutsu in Japan, and some great anecdotes about his ninja training while there.  Each anecdote is specifically chosen to illustrate a point about the methodology of the ninja, whether it is their combat techniques, or their ways of invisibility.  Interspaced with these are more historical or philosophical chapters which explain the cosmology and modus operandi of the historical ninja.

Pros

    This book is one of the first actual books on ninja published in English.  It precedes, and may in fact be partly responsible for, the Ninja-craze of the 80's.  As such it a valuable read for that reason alone.  They stories are well written, and easily demonstrate points, while not having the author self-grandiose himself.  In fact, many times, he is the butt of the training story.  As such it is an easy read packed with many lessons useful to almost anyone with a martial mindset.


Cons

    This book was originally published in 1981, and is showing some of its age.  Because it was the first of its kind about ninja, it was important then.  The information it gives, though revolutionary for the time, are now a little more common knowledge, and as such has been seen or adapted in other media over time.


Conclusion


    The book is a little dated, and most of the information can be found other places now, but that
doesn't remove the significance of this book.  Because much of what's here has been historically debated, I have to be careful to take everything as gospel.  I do think that the majority of what is said has other sources to back it up.  However, some things have been directly disputed by several other sources.  Now that I think about it, one of the strategies of the ninja is to specifically enhance their reputation, and to exaggerate their mythology.  In the chapter about sewing misinformation, Mr. Hayes talks about how the strategy used was to spread gossip and lies mixed together...I think I just gained a new respect for this book.  That being said, I'm going to give it 3.5 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  I appreciate the reputation of Mr. Hayes, and his significance in modern ninja history.  The book itself is entertaining, and teaches many valuable lessons.  However, it is a bit dated, and some of the facts about ninja are disputed.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Episode XLIX-Make America Podcast Again!


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Intro Music: Theme From Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifrin

Introduction
  iTunes review and Share  CLICK HERE
  Jeremy Lesniak whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
  Paul Wilson of Karate Café
  Sensei Ando of Fight for a Happy Life
  Jeff Westfall of The Martial Brain
  Dave Jones and Craig Keisling of Hiyaa!
  Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder of Martial Arts and Life
  Iain Abernethy

Interlude Music: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Discussion Topic (Lack of) Teens in Martial Arts
  Jeremy Lesniak of Whistlekick Martial Arts

Interlude Music: Teen Titans Theme by Radkey

This Week in Martial Arts: August 15th, 1945 Defendo was Named
  Bill Underwood
  Combato

Contact Info
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martialthoughts@gmail.com

Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Gayageun by Luna

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Episode LXVIII "Ich Bin Ein Podcaster"


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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schiri

Introduction
  Recorded on: July 26th, 2017
  Reviews for iTunes
  Gi Review from Piranha Gear

Interlude Music: Faeries Wear Boots by Black Sabbath

Interview with: Peter Boylan

  Musings of a Budo Bum
  The Jet Program
  Movies
    The Twilight Samurai
    Iron Fist 
  Books
    The Tao of Pooh
    Legends of the Samurai  Sword by Karl Friday
    Old School by Ellis Amdur
    Dueling with O Sensei by Ellis Amdur
  Contacts
    The Budo Bum Blog

Interlude Music: Faeries Wear Boots by Black Sabbath

This Week in Martial Arts: July 26th, 1973 Premiere of Enter the Dragon

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martialthoughts@gmail.com

Outro Music: Voodoo Chile-Jimi Hendrix/Gayageum ver. by Luna

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

4.5 Nina Star Review of "Musing of a Budo Bum" by Peter Boylan

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes

Title: Musings of a Budo Bum
Author: Peter Boylan
Published: 2017
Format: Softcover
Pages: 154
Cover Price: $20.00 ($8.99 Kindle Edition)

Take Away: A great series of essays on what Japanese budo (martial ways) are.

    I practice Japanese martial arts.  I have for now over 15 years.  For a while now, see my other reviews, I've been reading and exploring other martial arts and their philosophies.  I even studied a non-Japanese arts, Pencak Silat from Indonesia for a little over a year.  But I've returned back to a Japanese martial art recently.  I don't have a pro-Japanese bias, its just where I've studied.  I enjoyed the time away, learning other culture (martial and otherwise) but this book was a nice return home.  It reminds me of what I enjoy about studying budo.

Content


    The book is a collection of essays from the author's blog, called The Budo Bum.  It takes 28 essays about budo and collects them into one place.  Each one is only a couple of pages long, and can be read pretty quickly.  They are grouped together into several topic centered sections which allows the reading of one essay to build on the reading of the previous one.


Pros



    This subject is in my wheelhouse.  I also practice Japanese budo.  Every single time Mr. Boylan described an occurrence he had in his budo training, I was nodding my head.  I've had very similar happenings, though in different martial arts, and different settings.  I liked the quick essay format for this book.  It reminded me of Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams in that you can read a small bit, think about it, and then either ponder it through out the day, or dive back in to absorb some more.  This makes it very approachable information and description.  Because, honestly, these are some deeper subjects for martial artists.  Every single section had me thinking of my own training, both for what I've done in the past, and how I'm going to train in the future.

Cons


    The only flaw, if you can call it that, with this book would be that it is Japanese martial art specific.  However, that is based on the experience of the author, and everything he says, can be applied to other arts.  It just seems to me, the Japanese are more dogmatic in their approach to budo.

Conclusion


    You can always tell how useful a book is to me by how many times I grab a highlighter.  Well, I grabbed for the fluorescent yellow (and several other colors) a lot in this book.  Nearly every section I highlighted passages.  Sometimes a couple of times in the same essay  It could be an idea I wanted to expand upon later, or it could be a way to describe something that I'm going to use for my students.
    I have no flaws in this book.  This book is so well done, and comprises such good wisdom that I'm going to give it to my students to read.  Even if you don't practice a Japanese art, but are looking to get into the more of the philosophical or, I hate the use of this word, spiritual aspect of martial arts, especially the training then this book is for you.  Its for those reasons that I'm going to give this book 4.5 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  Its very readable, it is deep with valuable wisdom to the budoka (practitioner of budo), and it is varied enough in subject to keep you reading.  The only reason it isn't a full 5 Ninja Stars is because, although I am sure the information and wisdom would be valuable to non-Japanese art practitioners, it is specifically targeted  towards them.  Either way, I'm definitely going onto The Budo Bum and subscribing as soon as I'm done writing this review.

Monday, July 3, 2017

Episode LXVII-Four Score and 20 Podcasts Ago

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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded on: July 3rd, 2017
  Begging for iTunes Review
  Mifune: The Last Samurai 

Interlude Music: Land of Confusion by Genesis

Interview: Phil Trent
  Author of Flawless Deception: The Truth Behind the Samurai Schools

  Movies
    The Last Samurai
    The Duelists
    Gross Point Blank
    Kingdom of Heaven
    Red Sun
      Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune
    Shogun

  Books
    Face of Battle
    Warrior Traditions by Koryu Books
    Legacies of the Sword by Dr. Karl Friday
    Anything by Ellis Amdur
      Hidden in Plain Sight
    State of War by Dr. Tomas Conlin
    The Flower of Chivalry by William Marshal
    Donn F. Draeger

  Contact
    Facebook: Genuine Samurai Martial Arts of Dallas
    Blog: Koryu Matters
    Youtube: Genuine Samurai Martial Arts of Dallas
 

Interlude Music: Head Like a Hole by Nine Inch Nails

This Week in Martial Arts: July 2nd, Big Trouble in Little China Premiered

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Outro Music: Voodoo Chile-Jimi Hendrix/Gayaguem by Luna

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Episode LXIV "Mr. Gorbechev, Tear Down This Podcast"


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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded on: 6/24/2017
  James Williams
  Blade Show
  Stop Motion Time Stop
  Dojo of the Southern Wind
    Nami ryu Aiki Heiho

Interlude Music: Uncommon Man by Deep Purple

Interview: Vito Trabucco

  Henchman: The Al Leong Story
  Al Leong
  Big Touble in Little China
  South Park Big Trouble
  Die Hard
  Lethal Weapon
  Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
  A-Team
  Rapid Fire with Brandon Lee
  Doug Wong
  James Liu
  Stephen Lambert
  Jeff Yamada
  John Carpenter

  Movies
    Enter the Dragon
    Sammo Hung
    The Masters The Grandmaster
    Films of Fury
    Martial Arts in the Movies  The Art of Action: Martial Arts in Motion Pictures(with Samuel L. Jackson)

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Interlude Music: Uncommon Man by Deep Purple
 
This Week in Martial Arts: June 22, 1962 Stephen Chow
  Final Justice
  The Final Combat
  Fight Back to School
  Shaolin Soccer
  Kung Fu Hustle
    Yuen Wa
    Yean Qiu
    Leung Sui-Lung
  Journey to the West
  The Mermaid


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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna 

Saturday, June 17, 2017

4 Ninja Stars for Flawless Deception by Phil Trent

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes

Title: Flawless Deception: The Truth Behind the Samurai Schools
Author: Phil Trent
Published: August 30, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 2749 (screens?)
Cover Price: $9.99

Take Away: Curious about koryu?  Then this book describes them, their training methodology, and challenges their preconceived conceptions.

I've been involved in Japanese martial arts pretty much the entirety of my 20 years in the arts.  Almost none of that has been in the most traditional part of the arts, the koryu.  A koryu is a, theoretically, historically accurate representation of an art that has been preserved through direct passage of information and tradition.  It is something that calls to the romantic in me.  To be training in the same methodology and ways of the actual samurai?  That would be awesome!  However that may not be a entirely accurate truth, as the author, Mr. Trent proposes.

Content


    The book is divided into three main section, which are called Deliberate Deception, Inherent Deception, and Inadvertent Deception.  While going through the entire book, the author uses examples from medieval time, both Japanese Samurai, and European knights, as well as modern, possibly more relate-able  examples.
    The first section deals with why deception was used, as if that needed to be explained) in warfare.  It then goes onto the ways that koryu used deception as part of the theory of warfare and combat, just as every civilization and general has done, and is still doing.  This includes why school would have okudan, or hidden techniques, as well as ways to hide their techniques in written form, kata (physical patterned movements), or by changing the distance or timing of practiced forms.  This is a form of deception within the school.
    The second section deals with the more esoteric forms of training, the psychological/physical manipulations that derive from the religious/philosophical preference of the koryu developer.  These could be Taoist, Buddhist, or Shinto in origin, or some combination there of.  The techniques included could be a simple thing as breathing, or as complex as hara (center) manipulation, both of your self, and your opponent, as well as advanced training that the author calls Spontaneity.  In someways, you could think of these as the internal aspects of these martial arts.
    The third section deals more with our interpretation of koryu from a modern world.  It included a thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the training and techniques used in koryu.  This section, to me, was the most controversial, and honest look at the koryu I've read in a while.

Pros  


    This is one of the most, honest, critical looks at koryu, their training methods and results that I have seen.  It is openly criticizes the reported effectiveness of koryu in today's world, and indeed even challenges the idea of the "passed down as the Samurai trained" theory espoused by many koryu.  I don't mind that aspect at all.  Either the conclusions can be backed up with evidence and reason, or they cannot.  Mr. Trent does a good job at backing up his claims.
  My favorite part was the middle section (ha pun!) that deals with the hara or center.  It is one of the most in depth examinations of what hara is, and how it is used as an internal training I think I've read.  As an aikidoka, I have experienced hara training, and can honestly say, it is hard to describe the sensation of correct usage of center.  The technique just happens easier, and you have more control in what you're doing.  Again, its hard to describe.


Cons


    There are some parts of the book that will draw criticism from any practitioner of a koryu.  The last section of the book for sure will.  This by itself is not a wrong thing to include in this book.  It is just an honest questioning, with logic and reason to back up the questions.  Just thought I should mention that before moving on.
    Okay, one MINOR point I have to say, just because its in my zoological wheelhouse.  The author makes a reference to the hara, being like the "second brain" that sauropods were supposed to have around their hips.  This commonly held incorrect hypothesis has been debunked.  I don't blame the author, as it is a small thing, and is still part of the remembrance in the public consciousness.  There, got that off my chest.  Whew...
    I  have to admit, ebooks are not my favorite.  I don't enjoy the electric format of reading through digital devices.  I'm a bit of a Luddite that way.  It was nothing again with the book, just the format.
    The last thing is as many of the books I've reviewed is "who can benefit from reading this book?"  I think this book has a more limited audience.  It is really intended to be beneficial for those studying Japanese martial arts.  Which of course is fine, but I give my reviews for any martial artists that would want to read the book.
 

Conclusion


    Overall, I have to say I liked the book, even the challenging portions.  I appreciated the in depth access to the hara in section two, and the writing style made it an easy read.  Even if it was in digital format.  Therefore I'm going to give this book 4 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  I enjoyed the read, it made me think deeper about my own martial arts, and question a lot of the collective wisdom of static martial arts.  I didn't necessarily agree with all the conclusions, but I understand why they were made.  The reason it isn't a higher grade is, as I've stated above, the usefulness to a wide variety of martial artists.  I don't honestly know how useful it would be to someone not practicing Japanese martial arts.  It very well could hold value for them, but I don't see the immediate connection to other arts.  Which again, if fine, it's just that "wide placed value" is part of my ranking system.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

4.5 Ninja Stars for Historical European Martial Arts in its Context

In the interests of full disclosure, I received this book for review purposes.

Title: Historical European Martial Arts In Its Context (Single-Combat, Duels, Tournaments, Self-Defense, Masters and their Treatises)
Author: Richard Marsden
Publisher: Tyrant Industries Publishing
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 215 with Index
Cover Price: $59.99

Take Away: A great book at explaining the "why" of HEMA

  HEMA is a general terms used to describe historical European martial arts.  This is a very general term which, if you wanted it to, could cover not only an entire continent's worth of combat styles, but also several millennia as well.  Generally those that are covering what they do HEMA limit themselves from the medieval period up to the 18th or 19th century.  This still covers many different societal and technological changes that influenced how and, of course, why they fought.  This book does an amazing job of covering both the temporal and geographical difference of the "why" people fought, mainly with regards to melee weapons.

Content

    Mr. Marsden uses the history of the European continent to define how and why people were fighting they way they were.  He starts off with the different types of personal combat we have records of, which mainly consisted of types of duels.  The author goes through the differences and similarities of Judicial Duels, Private Duels, and how these techniques and methods could be used in self-defense in the different times and places.  He then, briefly, examines some of the weapons that could be used in these situations.  He concludes by taking the reader through time and location by looking specifically at the Treatises of the various masters, who they were, and what they taught.

Pros

    First off, let me say this is physically a beautiful book.  It almost reminds me of a coffee table book you'd have out for other people to browse through.  It is hardcover, which is a rarity in martial arts books today.  The book is full of beautiful full color pictures, both from the source material, and from The Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship, demonstrating some of the points showcased in the book.  I know, its a small thing, but every page number is in color.  I appreciate the extra effort and cost that went into this book.
    As far as the material, this book accomplishes what it set out to do in a brilliant fashion.  It goes a long way to show that the fighting styles changed greatly over time and location, and although we now lump it all together as "HEMA" there was a lot of variation in methodology, and even reasons for combat.

Cons 

    The only reason this book would have any negatives would be on the part of the reader.  If you come into this book looking for techniques or strategies, then you've come to the wrong place.  There are other books on that subject, including one specifically on Polish Saber by the same author.

Conclusion

    I really believe that HEMA should become more accepted into the general idea of martial arts than it currently is.  It faces an uphill battle of stereotype and bad-image control (maybe nerdy image-control), but I think books like this that give more historical context for what people are doing in HEMA will help.  HEMA is just as just as the traditional koryu of Japan, they just come from halfway around the world.  If you are curious not just about how those in Europe fought, but why they would engage in these matters, then this book is for you.  It is for that reason that I'm going to give this book 4.5 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  It very nicely fulfills its purpose and does so in a educational manner.  I learned a lot of historical context by reading this book.  The only reason I don't give it the full five stars, is that part of my ranking system is based on usefulness to all martial artists.  If you're only looking on improving your martial art, this might not be the most appropriate book for you.  If you're looking to expand your knowledge of martial arts from around the world (and I am) then this is a great book.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Episode LXIV "Walk Softly and Carry a Big Podcast"

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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded On:
  iTunes Reviews
  Bill Herndon of Piranha Gear on Episode XIV

Interlude Music:  Brother by Alice in Chains

Interview: Roberto Escobar
  Object History

Interlude Music:  Got Me Wrong by Alice in Chains

This Week in Martial Arts: Premier of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
  May 25th, 1983
  Bob Anderson
  Mark Hamil
  Evolution of the Lightsaber Duel

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Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix/Gayageum ver. by Luna

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Epsidoe LXIII-Tippy Canoe and Podcast Too

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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded On: May 17th, 2017
  iTunes Reviews

Interlude Music: Dare to Be Stupid by "Weird" Al Yankovich

Lecture
  The Dunning-Kruger Effect

This Week in Martial Arts: May 19th, 1999
  World Premiere of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Outro Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna

Saturday, May 13, 2017

4.5 Ninja Star Review for Secrets of the Samurai

In the interests of full disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes.
Title: Secrets of the Samurai, The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan
Authors: Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook
Publisher: Tuttle
Published: 2017 (1973 Originally)
Format: Softcover
Pages: 399
Cover Price: $19.95

Take Away: This is the first book to get if you are interested in Japanese martial arts

    I first got this book when I was in college (Go Gators!) and starting my martial arts journey.  I didn't realize it until later, but I ended up viewing this as another textbook in my studies.  Except this was one of the text books I kept.  That's how I still view this book, as a college level textbook about Japanese martial arts origins.

Content

    Okay first off, there's a lot in this book, its 400 pages long with the index.  The book is broken up into three sections.  It starts off going over the history and rise of those who would eventually be called the samurai.  Of course this only makes sense if you contrast a people against the others in their society so that's part of this part. The next section deals with how and where this martial information was passed on.  The second section deals with the external factors that comprise Japanese martial arts.  It gives a brief look at the different types of arms, armor, and martial arts systems that supplied the samurai with their skills.  The third section deals with the internal aspects of martial arts.  This is where things can become a little mystical in a lot of books.  However, it presents everything from either simple physical science point of view, or the authors explain some of the more esoteric aspects as concepts.  This third section also deals with modern arts of Japan and how strategy and morality form part of the study of Japanese martial arts.

Pros

   This books has a lot going for it.  Primarily, the vast amount of information presented in the book is staggering.  That's why I initially kept this book.  I wanted to use it as a reference book.  I still often come back to it, to remember some things.  Secondly, the pictures in this book would alone make this book worthwhile.  The late Mr. Oscar Ratti was the artist for this book, and his illustrations immediately convey the sense of movement inherent in martial arts.  Each simple, black and white picture beautifully illustrates a concept or object.  It maybe the geek in me, but his weapons pictures bring up memories of old D&D manuals, so maybe I'm putting a little bit of nostalgia onto it.

Cons

   The only thing I have that would be considered a negative aspect of this book it that it is an overview book.  Whole books have been written each of the sub-sections.  But again, think of it as a college textbook.  A biology book will go over a lot of material, but each section probably has another whole class and book dedicated to it.  Same thing.  That being said, there is enough information in each section to give you a healthy idea of what that specific art or item entails.  Also, because it is a textbook, it does have a bit of a dry flavor to it.  There are neither tales of daring and dashing, nor are there lists and pictures of techniques.

Conclusion

    This is Japanese Martial Arts 101 text book.  I know, I keep saying that, but that's what this book is.  If I taught an aikido class at a University (yes, please) I'd use this book as required reading.  Now, as much praise, as I can heap on this book, it is written is a little bit of a dry style, and I think its main use is for those studying, or interested in Japanese martial arts.  That's why I'm going to give this book 4.5 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  If you are studying a Chinese martial art, this may not be as helpful for you.  Sure, many of the concepts from the external and internal sections will be familiar, and could be useful, but the book wasn't written for you.  If you want to read up on Samurai and their impact on Japanese martial arts (which I do), or are interested in the history of Japanese martial arts (which I am), this book is THE place to start.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Episode LXII-Dewey Defeats Podcast

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Intro Music: Theme from Enter the Dragon by Lalo Shifri

Introduction
  Recorded on: May 7th, 2017
  iTunes Reviews

Interlude Music: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Interview: Ken Jeremiah
  Previous Interview: Episode XLIV
  Aikido Ground Fighting (Review, Amazon)
  Atemi: The Thunder and Lightning of Aikido (Review, Amazon)
  Following the Martial Path (Review, Amazon)

Interlude Music: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

This Week in Martial Arts: May 2nd 2006
  Internation Kyudo Federation formation

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Closing Music: Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna