Martial Thoughts

Friday, August 8, 2014

Episode XV-A Fist Full of Podcast

Episode XV-A Fist Full of Podcasts

Download the Podcast HERE

Recorded: Sunday August 3rd, 2014

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Intro: Theme from "Enter the Dragon" by Lalo Schifri

Introduction:

Introduction of Mariano
The Skeptics Guide (to the University)
Chendokan Aikido
Atemi ryu Jujutsu
Bill Herndon
Episode XIV-A Fish called Podcast
Piranha Gear
Red Dragon Inn/New Legends of Shaolin
Man Ting

"When you just can stands it, just don't stands it."

Letter of corrections from Ezekiel
Martial Arts Nation
1. Wong Fei Hung is not the "Hung" of Hung Gar
2. Bodhidharma did not create Kung Fu
3. Taichi chuan (Yang Style)

Discussion Topic: The Value of Seminars

The Moses Powell Memorial Seminar
Rape Prevention Classes
Endorphins
Pat Morita
Ginchin Funikoshi
Self Defense Seminars
Weekend Long Seminars
Physical Aspects
Social Aspects
Training Aspects
Benny and Jude
Cung Li Flying Scisors Leg Take Down
Training Buddies
Motivational Aspect

News

Martial arts certificate as important as physics or maths: Akshay
Akshay Kumar
Harold and Kumar
Boliwood
Hot Yoga
Grace, danger blend in Haiti's machete fighting
Michael Rogers
Capoiera
CSM Strategic hired by Turkmenistan government
Asian indoor and Martial Arts Games
Borat
Martial arts drama from 'Smallville' team coming to AMC
Kung Fu
Martial Law
Sammo Hung
Kung Fu: The Legend Continues
"Badlands"
Stephen Chow
Shaolin Soccer
Kung Fu Hussel
Smallville
Grimm
Shanghai Noon
David Wu
Taichi Hero
Taichi Zero
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Stephen Fung
Power Rangers
The Last Airbender
Bagua
Hung Gar
Northern Shaolin
Taichi
Guy on a Buffalo
Panna Rittikrai (1961-2014)
Tony Jaa
Jijaa Yanin
Born to Fight (1986)
Ong Bak
Born to Fight (2008)
Chocolate
Dynamite Warrior
Bangkok Knockout
The Protector II
MMA fighter with Down syndrome sues to get back in the ring
Top Team Weston
Down's Syndrome
'Karate Clerk' Who Stopped Alleged Mugging: 'I Just Kicked Him In The Face'
Mayura Disanayaka

Interlude Music: (Don't Fear) the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

Interview with: Ryan Holiday

Max Tucker
Robert Greene
Mastery
Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Growth Hacker Marketing
The Obstacle is the Way
Stoicism
Marcus Aurelius
Gladiator
The Book of Five Rings
The 33 Strategies of War
Sam Sheridan
A Fighter's Heart
A Fighter's Mind
www.ryanholiday.net

Interlude Music: Johnny B. Goode by Judas Priest

This Week in Martial Arts: August 12th, 1978

5 Deadly Venoms: Pick your Poison
Cheng Cheh

The Crippled Avenger
www.piranhagear.com

Contact Information
Twitter Account: @martialthoughts
Email: martialthoughts@gmail.com
Atemicast Youtube Channel
www.thinkingmartial.blogspot.com

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

Review of Chocolate

I had bought this movie about a week before I moved, and I just had the opportunity to watch it. So even though this is a little bit older of a movie (2008), I wanted to give it a review, as it didn't seem to make a big impact in the US.

Chocolate is a movie from Thailand, directed by Prachya Pinkaew. He was the director of Tony Jaa's movies Ong-Bak and The Protector. And as such, it has a very similar filming style during the fight scenes. Not that the filming is bad, in fact, because they pulled the camera away a bit, you can actually see what the movements are. That's one of those things I hate about bad fight scenes. When the camera is so focused on the actors, that you can't see the fight scene.
The story focuses on Zen, an illigitimate daughter of a Yakuza member and a female Thai underworld enforcer. What makes it unusual is that Zen is autistic. Jeeja Yanin (one of the names she goes by) does a very good job of portraying this. However, the movie portrays her hyperfocused aspect on the physical
movements of the Muai Thai school next door, and the kung fu movies she likes to watch (Of course Tony Jaa is one of the actors she likes to watch). This apparently makes her a bad ass.
When Zen's mother gets cancer and needs chemotherapy, Zen and her chubby friend from childhood, Moom find her mother's old debt book, and start going around to collect loan money. Mom's old underworld boss doesn't like that. Hi-jinks ensue, and the movie goes on from there.

Now to the review part. The stunt team (Muai Thai Stunt Team) is just as much a star as any of the principle actors. The last half an hour of the movie is one non-stop fight scene. And its a good one. The fights and stunts make the movie, and the acting was very good. However, what I came away with is feeling sorry for anyone that an autistic person in their care. I've only known a handful of people wit autism, but I've not had any real long-term dealings with them. Because of that, I'm going to give this movie 3.5 Ninja Stars out of 5. It was a good movie, definitely worth checking out, just for the stunts if nothing else. The acting was very well done and the cinematography added to the excitement of the movie. But the overall message made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I don't know if that was the movie or me.

Friday, August 1, 2014

An interview with Sensei Walter G. vonKrenner

Interview form for Walther G. von Krenner

It is my pleasure to present an interview with aikidoka who studied with O-Sensei and is an author of the book Aikdo Groundfighting: Grappling and Submission Techniques. I loved the book, and it changed the way I think of my aikido. The book is available at all major retailers. If you want to honestly practice aikido, I highly recommend you pick this one up. I hope you enjoy this email interview.

Martial Thoughts: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. I usually start with the same story. Could you describe your martial history? How and why you got into martial arts in the first place, and then how you ended up where you are now (martial arts wise).

Walther G. von Krenner: I started Judo in 1956 in Germany. In 1960 after training for a short time in Paris, France I moved to the USA. In 1961 or 1962 I was introduced to Aikido and Takahashi Isao Sensei, my first teacher. In 63 I met the founders son and took classes with him. In 1966/7 I moved to japan to train at the founders Dojo while he was still alive and teaching. I returned to the US after his death and lived in Hawaii where I was teaching and training with Aoyagi Shihan.

MT: How were you introduced to Aikido?

WGvK: In 1960/61 I saw a demonstration and decided to study Aikido. For a short while I continued in Judo while I was studying Aikido, but after a year or less I focused on Aikido and quit Judo. I reached 4th Dan in Judo.

MT: Do you teach now? And if so, where?

WGvK: I teach Aikido and Sword three times a week at Aikido Kenkyu Dantai (Sandokan) Dojo in Kalispell, Montana. (www.kalispellaikido.net)

MT: What does Aikido kenkyu dantai translate as/mean?

WGvK: Aikido Kenkyu Dantai translates as “Aikido Study group”.

MT: Does your particular teaching style have any particular or unique philosophy?

WGvK: We focus on Aikido as Budo, a real Martial Art and its relation to the sword. Much Aikido in our days would be useless in a self defense situation and has deteriorated into a

dance. We believe that a particular technique or Waza should be workable with a Jo, a Sword, a Tanto and bare handed. Another words the Riai or fundamental principle of a particular waza should apply to all those weapons and should be interchangeable. Any Ryu or style that does not have this principle is only a collection of techniques and will not lead to a deeper understanding of the Do of Budo. The now so popular Mixed Martial Arts will never be a true Budo, it is a fruit salad of techniques and useless as a spiritual discipline.

MT: You ended up taking aikido, but you seem to have a different interpretation of what aikido is compared to what is generally being taught now? Could you explain a little about how or why it has changed since you started?

WGvK: Our Dojo believes that Aikido is a Budo, as Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei stated countless times. In some schools in our days I see totally ineffective and useless teachings that are closer related to dancing then Budo. Those techniques require a Uke that does not know how to realistically attack and is willing to fall without being thrown. Such was not the Aikido I saw the founder perform.

Those people translate “Ai” as Harmony, and harmony means to do anything your Nage wants. “Ai” does NOT mean this kind of harmony or harmony at all. “Ai” means meeting, or blending together. A large percentage of Aikidoka could not stand for thirty seconds against a Judo or Karate practitioner! They generally excuse this lack of reality by stating O-Senseis Aikido is the Art of peace. You can not be a pacifist if your only choice is being a victim, if you are martially competent (as O-Sensei certainly was) and you choose to resolve the situation peacefully, which is one of your choices, then you can call yourself a pacifist or a man of peace.

MT: On that same note, your book goes against the grain of what is taught as aikido, what motivated you to write the book in the first place?

WGvK: Because most fights or confrontations will end on the ground in less than 30 seconds and today’s Aikidoka is helpless and totally defenseless in this situation. There are many photographs of O-Sensei doing ground techniques and he certainly knew how to do them. Masatome Ikeda, one of Hombu Shihan, is teaching the very same techniques in the book. Groundwork is not against the grain of Aikido, it is simply missing from the Aikido that is practiced today. Along with many other things such as realistic Atemi and protecting yourself against realistic Atemi.

MT: Because of the “controversial” nature of the book, how have the responses been? Has there been a good reception, or perhaps, someone who has said “groundfighting is not aikido?”

WGvK: Most responses were favorable and perhaps 3% claimed ground fighting was not Aikido. This is like saying spelling is not part of writing.

Those are the people I talked about earlier. It is their short coming and lack of Aikido knowledge in general. Most have not been in Aikido long enough to have an opinion. I would like to remind them that I have been 53 years in Aikido and that I studied with the people they only read about.

MT: Do you have a hypothesis or idea why aikido has seemed to get away from the budo that it initially was under O-Sensei?

WGvK: Yes, students have become lazy, undisciplined and lack commitment and pride. Why work for 10 or more years to get good at something when you can be a hero in a video game holding a Joystick and sitting on your butt!

The way you live is the way you train and the way you train is the way you live, those are not two separate things, they are one. Shimizu Sensei in Japan told me one time that “after 15 years you gain a slight understanding” can you see anybody today staying with one thing and dedicate your life to it? Countless times I hear students proclaim this is what I want to do forever! Forever usually is less than a year.This holds true for a lot of things, not just Budo.

MT: As you said, you got the chance to work with people, I've only read about. What was O-Sensei like on and off the mat? Do you have a particular memory of him, or a good story (come on I know you do...)?

KGvK: this is a question that I could write much about, but it would be to long, personal and involved. My Aikido Biography entitled “ Walking the Martial Path” published by Quest Books (Theosophical Publishing Co.) will be released later this year and will address all this and more. So buy the book Smile

MT: Awesome, Keep me informed, and I'd like to do a review form my blog. Besides, the book, not that a book isn't enough, what does the future hold for you in aikido?

WGvK: Well, I am 75 years old, I will teach as long as I can and try my best to keep my Aikido out of politics and the control of organizations that think Aikido needs to be exploited and controlled for money. I am contemplating a book about Atemi, another facet some can claim is not part of Aikido in spite of the fact that O-Sensei said over and over again that Aikido is 75% Atemi.

MT: Now, I generally think martial arts teaches lessons outside of fighting/self-defense. How has martial arts influenced your non-dojo life?

WGvK: Since Aikido has been a large part of my life this is hard to say. I live on a beautiful Ranch in a beautiful part of the country, I am free to do what I please, I have been successful in all of my endeavors . If you Google Walther von Krenner you will find other facets of me, but all in all they are centered around my study of Zen and Aiki which I believe have enhanced my life and shaped my lifestyle.

MT: I generally find martial artists love martial arts movies and books. Since you wrote a book, and I’ve already recommended it to every aikidoka I know, do you have any favorite martial arts movie, or book you’d recommend?

WGvK: Hard to answer. A good movie for Aikido students to watch would be “Aikido no Chikara” (the power of Aikido) it deals with the early part of O-Sensei’s life and would be a good history lesson for those who believe Aikido is not Budo.

As far as books go try “Aikido in daily Life” by Tohei Koichi, also one of my teachers.

MT: Mr. von Krenner, thank you for taking the time to talk to me, and the readers.

WGvK: Thank you for this interview and the opportunity to express my opinion!

Gassho, W.G. von Krenner

Friday, July 25, 2014

Dokkōdō-The Way to Go Forth Alone

Dokkōdō – The Way to Go Forth Alone

This was a set of precepts written by Miyamoto Musashi the week before he died. It was a guideline for having a stringent, honest, and simple life. I have studied Musashi on and off for a while, and have only just come across this. It is always good to be to be surprised in research.

Every martial artist should read this. You can pick and choose what you like about them. I don’t agree with all of them, but there is wisdom in there.

1. Accept everything the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself, and deep of the world
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or lore.
11. In all things have no preference.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of food.
14. Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary belief.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice weapons beyond what is useful.\
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either good or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the Gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honor.
21. Never stray from the way.

- Miyamoto Musashi

Friday, July 18, 2014

Martial Arts and the Idea of Self

I recently quit my job, and moved to Nashville, TN with no job prospect. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I'll find one now that I'm here. This is something my family wanted to do for three years, so we finally just did it. On the last day of my work I felt really upset in a sad way. I know I'll keep in contact with co-workers that I'm friends with, so that wasn't the cause of my upsetness. It took me a while of inward looking to figure it out. Because I had worked at that school for 11 years, it was part of my self image. I was leaving my dojo that I'd been at for more than 13 years. I was loosing that part of my self image. I was loosing parts of myself that I had been working hard to establish who I am.

Replace "Soccer Team" with Martial Arts

This can be a good thing. I now have the opportunity to re-invent my self. I have many options open to me and my martial art. I can study a new system of aikido or jujutsu like I had been studying, or I can study something completely new. I've been interested in some of the Chinese arts like Taiji or Bagua recently. Or I could even establish my own dojo in Chendokan Aikido. I've been teaching long enough that I know I can do that part of it. And that's the job of martial arts in a general sense: to tear down your self image, and rebuild it as you see fit. So I guess I'm just doing what martial arts has taught me to do in the first place. I'll have to work on rebuilding my self image.