The Sport of Boxing

The Sport Of Boxing Boxing is often referred to as "the manly art of self defense." Boxing is a very respectable sport that has a rough side to it.

Boxing takes place in a sixteen to twenty-four foot square padded area called a boxing ring. A boxing match, referred to as a bout, is usually a fast, violent show of strength, stamina, and skill. The boxers throw powerful punches as each tries to win the bout by means of points, knocking his opponent unconscious, or forcing him to give up the fight. At the same time, each boxer must guard his head and body against the others punches by dodging or blocking the blows. The action may take place in any part of the ring as the fighters weave about or press forward, trying to get a chance for a successful blow or combination.

Good boxers are strong, quick, skillful, and in top physical condition. They must also have the courage and determination to fight in spite of pain and exhaustion. Boxers fight as amateurs or professionals. Most amateurs compete as members of an organization or team and some box in tournaments. Amateurs may not accept or receive money for boxing. Professionals fight for money and are often referred to as prize fighters.

Boxing Regulations

The rules followed for amateurs and professional bouts differ for the United States and in international and Olympic competition.

Weight Classes

Boxers compete in classes, or divisions, based on their weight. To fight in a particular class, a boxer may not weigh more than the maximum for that class. The professional weight classes from heaviest to lightest are Heavyweight, Junior Heavyweight, Middleweight, Junior Middleweight, Welterweight, Junior Welterweight, Lightweight, Junior Lightweight, Featherweight, Junior Featherweight, Bantomweight, Junior Bantomweight, Flyweight, Junior Flyweight.

The Ring

A boxing ring is a square platform measuring sixteen to twenty-four feet on each side. For professional championship bouts, the boxers may select the size of the ring within these limits on the approval of the local boxing commission. The ring is surrounded by at least three ropes attached to a post in each corner. The floor of the ring has a canvas covering stretched over felt or foam rubber. The ring floor stands three to four feet higher than the floor of the arena.

Equipment

A boxers hands are wrapped in soft cloth bandages. Over the bandages the boxer will wear padded gloves. His gloves soften his punches and protect his hands as well as his opponent from injury. The gloves weigh eight or ten ounces. Boxers wear trunks and light weight shoes that lace just above the ankle. A mouthpiece of hard rubber protects the teeth, and a plastic cup protects the sex organs. Both amateur and professionals wear a protective leather helmet when training. Amateur fighters may wear a helmet in actual competition, though professionals do not. The helmet covers the back and sides of the head and ears.

Time periods

Time periods of a bout are referred to as rounds. Each round lasts two or three minutes in amateur matches. Rounds in major professional bouts last three minutes. In all matches there is a one minute rest period between rounds. A professional bout may be scheduled for four to fifteen rounds. Most professional championships are scheduled for twelve or fifteen rounds. Amateur fights are three to six rounds. Amateur championships are scheduled for three rounds.

Fight Officials

During a round, the referee is the only person in the ring besides the boxers. He sees that the boxers obey the rules. The referee warns a fighter that disobeys a rule. He may disqualify a boxer for committing a serious violation or for committing too many violations. Two or three judges sit along ringside and score most fights. Amateur championship fights require two judges. The time keeper keeps track of time and sounds a bell to signal the beginning and end of each round. An official ring physician is present at every bout to provide medical treatment to the boxers if necessary. The physician also advises the referee how serious an injured boxers condition may be.

Scoring a Fight

A boxer wins a fight by a knockout, a technical knockout, or a decision. A professional bout may also end in a draw, with neither fighter declared the winner. Amateur fights cannot end in a draw. In a close bout, the amateur who showed better style or committed fewer violations will be awarded the win.

A knockout, or KO, occurs when a boxer is knocked down and does not get back on his feet within ten seconds, as counted by the referee. If a round ends while a fighter is down, but before the ten second has passed the fighter is "saved by the bell." The boxer then can rest until the beginning of the next round.

A technical knockout, or TKO, occurs when a fighter is declared to be physically unable to continue fighting. The judgment may be made by the referee, the official ring physician, the fighter himself, or the fighter's corner.

A decision results when two boxers fight the scheduled number of rounds without a knockout or a technical knockout. In most parts of the United States, the referee and ringside judges then decide the winner or, in the case of a professional bout, declare the fight to be a draw. A decision may be made unanimously, with all three officials voting for that winner. A decision may be split with victory going to the boxer judged the winner by two out of the three officials. In Olympic competition, the referee has no vote, and five judges decide the winner.

A decision is based on either the round or point system. Some states in the United States use the point system for professional bouts. In this system, the referee and the judges decide individually after every round which fighter won that round or whether it was even. At the end of the bout, each official votes for the fighter he has awarded the most rounds. States that do not use the round system for decisions in professional fights use some form of the point system. In a point system, the referee and the judges separately award each fighter a number of points after every round based on his performance. At the end of the fight, each official adds up all the points he has given to each boxer. The boxer, who was scored the winner by two of the officials, wins the bout. Some states use a five-point or ten-point system. In this system, each official gives the boxer he considers to be the winner of a round five or ten points and the loser fewer points. If an official decides the round is a draw, each boxer gets five or ten points.

All decisions in the U.S. and international amateur fights are based on the twenty-point-must system. Each official awards the winner of a round twenty points. The loser receives nineteen points or fewer, depending on how the officials judged his performance. If the round is judged even, each receives twenty points.

Fight Rules

A boxer may not strike below the belt or in the back of the head, nor may he strike an opponent who is down, even to one knee. Such actions are called fouls. Other fouls include kicking, tripping, wrestling, holding, hitting with the forearms or the inside of the glove, butting with the head, or using the elbows. A boxer who commits a foul is warned by the referee and loses points. If a boxer commits too many fouls, he may be disqualified.

After a fighter is knocked down, his opponent must immediately go to the farthest neutral corner, which is one of the two corners not occupied by either boxer between rounds. The referee then begins the count. If the fallen boxer rises, the count is ended. In amateur and some professional bouts, however, a fallen boxer must take a mandatory eight count. Under this rule, fighting may not resume after a knockdown until the referee has counted to eight, even if the fallen boxer rises immediately. If a boxer in an amateur fight is knocked down three times in one round, his opponent wins the match on a TKO. This rule also applies to all professional bouts except championship matches.

Boxing Skills

Every boxer has his own style, but all boxers use the same basic techniques. In the ring, a boxer adopts a basic stance that helps him to move quickly and effortlessly. A right-handed boxer keeps his left side toward his opponent and stands with his feet about shoulder width apart. The boxer holds his left fist a short distance in front of the left shoulder and his right fist just to the right of the chin. The boxer keeps his elbows close to his body to protect his ribs. Many left-handed boxers adopt this same stance, though some reverse it. This basic stance puts a boxer in the best position to avoid or block the punches of his opponent and to throw effective blows in return. To create openings for his punches, a boxer uses various feints and combinations. A feint is a fake punch. For example, a boxer may make a feint with his left hand and then deliver an actual blow with his right hand. A combination consists of two or more lightening-fast punches in a row, such as a left, a right, and then a followed up left. Good boxers keep in top physical condition and spend many hours practicing boxing skills. They do much roadwork. They do things like running and jogging to develop endurance, and skip rope to improve footwork. They also practice their punching ability on punching bags. When training for a bout, boxers practice under fight conditions by boxing with sparring partners.

Amateur Boxing

In the United States, many schools, boys clubs, camps, and various branches of the armed services offer boxing as a sports program. Most of this competition is conducted under regulations set by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The AAU conducts amateur boxing championships every year. It cooperates with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps in establishing interservice championships. The AAU also supervises the selection of the United States boxers for the Olympics and other international events. It is a member of the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA).

The Golden Gloves tournament is probably the most famous amateur boxing event in the U.S. The New York Daily News sponsored the first Golden Gloves competition in 1927. The nationwide tournament is approved by the AAU and operates under the organization's rules. A series of local and regional elimination bouts lead to the final championship matches.

Professional Boxing

Financing

Professional boxers fight for money in bouts arranged by promoters. A promoter may be an individual or an entire corporation. The promoter rents an arena or stadium, decides on the amount to be paid to each boxer, sells tickets and makes all other needed arrangements. the promoter may be able to sell television rites, to make video or motion picture deals, and radio rites for an important bout. The promoter schedules several matches for the same evening. The main event features the two top boxers. Many preliminary bouts between less important or known boxers take place before the main event. Most preliminary bouts are scheduled for four to six rounds.

Every professional boxer must have a manager to handle all business affairs. The manager makes agreements with promoters for the bouts, hires the fighter's paid help and employees, and sets up a training camp for the boxer. He may get as much as a third of his fighter's prize money. A boxer's employees include a trainer and one or two seconds. A trainer drills the fighter in boxing techniques and gives strategy during the bouts. The seconds assist the trainer.

Promoters usually pay less experienced boxers a flat out fee or pay with no added extras from ticket sales or pay-per-vue appearances before the main event. Well-known fighters usually receive a percentage of the gate of usually known as the ticket receipts. They also share in profits from the sale of any entertainment rights.

Regulations

In the United States, state and local boxing commissions regulate professional boxing. Most of these commissions belong to the World Boxing Association WBA, some to the World Boxing Council WBC, and others to both. The WBA and WBC are international organizations that recommend rules to their members. Each organization names its own list of world champions. The two lists often differ, both the WBA and WBC allow a boxer to hold only one championship at a time. The Canadian Boxing Federation supervises it's professional boxing in Canada.

History

Boxing History

Boxing in Ancient Times

Boxing is one of the oldest known sports. Stone carvings indicate that the Sumerians, who lived in what is now Iraq, boxed at least 5,000 years ago. The sport most likely spread from the Sumerians to people throughout the world.

In ancient Greece, boxing was a brutal spectacle. Two men would sit on flat stones, face to face, with their fist wrapped in strips of leather which offered little or no protection. At a signal, they began to hit each other until one of them fell to the ground unconscious. The other man then continued to beat his opponent until he died. Later, the thongs were fitted with metal spikes so that the fights ended more quickly.

The Romans also had their type of brutal matches. On their hands ands forearms, the fighters wore cestuses, which consisted of leather straps plated with metal. The fighters were allowed to stand and move around a small area. The sport became more savage with time. Eventuallthe Romans forbid the use of cestuses. In the first century B.C., the Romans prohibited boxing completely.
Boxing in The Mid-1900's

Archie Moore, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Rocky Marciano were three of the greatest fighters of the 1950's. Archie Moore held the Light Heavyweight title from 1952 to 1961. Sugar Ray Robinson held the Welterweight Champion from 1946 to 1951 and then went on to win the Middleweight crown five times. Rocky Marciano held the Heavyweight Champion from 1952-1956 and won all of his forty-nine professional fights. Through in the 1950's attendance at boxing matches declined due to the rise of television. Many fans preferred to watch major fights on television at home rather than attend other fights in person. As a result, small boxing clubs, where fighters got there start, went out of business. The public's interest in boxing decreased to the point where only some championship bouts were televised.

The History of Boxing

What sport has so monstrous of a drawing power that millions of viewers would pay excess of forty dollars to see an event that lasted less than a minute and a half. No, its not the world's most popular sport soccer or even the great American media giant of professional football. It's boxing. A sport whose ancient origin is only surpassed by its controversial surprises. Surely Homer, the great bard and author of the Iliad and Odyssey, could not have imagined the future of a sport he knew so well. At the funeral games for Pathodus in the Iliad, Homer relates the story of a boxing match between the Greek heroes Euryalus and Epeius as well as the other events held in the Olympics. It is hard to associate such noble warriors as Achilles and Odysseus with notorious friends as Mike Tyson and Don King. But, perhaps, its spontaneity and dynamic origin and evolution are what make boxing so popular today. Although this historic form of combat has derived a disreputable name with links to the Mafia and crooked fighters, amateur boxing within the Olympic games is still a bastion of honor for the sport. The history, rules, and appearance in the present day Olympiad are all examples of boxing's legitimacy as a respectable sport.

Boxing's early history may appear to be brutal and inhumane by today's societal standards; but, in ancient Greece and Rome, it was just an extension of their cultural values which were deeply affected by war, violence, and death. In its crudest terms as that of a first fight, boxing has been practiced since the dawn of civilization for it was the earliest form of combat. Yet, boxing as a calculated art dates back around five thousand years. It was begun in ancient Mesopotamia around an area called Sumer. Contrary to popular belief, boxing was not part of the original Olympics in 776 BC; but was introduced in 688 B.C. These boxers competed in the nude except for leather raps around the knuckles and minor protective head gear. In these times, there were no rounds or time limits. The men fought continuously until one of them either quit or was knocked out. Sometimes these battles would last an entire day.

During the height of the Roman Empire, the lust for blood in boxing was raised to an unprecedented level. The weakly constructed knuckle wraps eventually evolved into hard leather gloves spotted with metal spikes. Obviously, the results of these nightmarish boxing gloves was often death. The event of boxing remained in the Olympics until the Roman Emperor Theodouius closed the games; but, boxing was still a popular sport until the fall of the Roman Empire at the hands of barbarian tribes.

The Modern Revival of Boxing

Boxing remained dead throughout the middle-ages and was then revived in England during the 17th century. This reincarnation of boxing was not as vicious as in ancient history. These English boxers fought bare fisted for prize money in various clothing. It was during this era that the main strategy of boxing switched from kicking and wrestling to the jabbing and parrying style of today. This rough sport was too brutal for the gentile English who in the mid 1800's placed new rules upon boxing. These new rules, known as the Queensbury rules, established the use of mandatory gloves, fighting in a roped-off ring, and the creation of one-minute rest between three minute rounds. The Queensbury rules also disbanded the practice of bare knuckled boxing, wrestling, kicking, and hitting helpless opponents.

Even after Baron Pierre de Coublitin reviewed the Olympic Games in 1896, boxing was still considered too violent. However, boxing's supporters kept pushing for its reinstatement. In the 1904 St. Lewis games, boxing was given a chance as a demonstration sport. It was promoted to a medal sport in 1908 before being outlawed once again in 1912 by Sweden. But due to boxing's popularity, it was redeemed to medal standing to stay in 1920. Olympic boxing has remained basically the same throughout the following decades.

The Olympics have also been a pipeline to the world of professional boxing. American gold medalist such as Cassius Clay in 1960, Joe Frazier in 1964, and George Foreman in 1968 all went on to become Heavyweight Champions of the World. Besides these famous fighters of legendary status, several of today's great boxers were also Olympians. Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Oscar De La Hoya, and Roy Jones Jr. all competed in recent Olympics. This professional fame is just another reward which can be obtained by the amateurs besides the honor of being and Olympian.

When people think about boxing matches and their rules and format, they have images of professional matches and its rules. Yet, the scoring, gear, and match length between Olympics and professional boxing are all different. Olympic bouts are not scored based on a 10-point most system; but, instead, matches are scored according to every punch landed. A point is scored when one boxer hits another with a clean hit of force to the head or torso. A panel of five judges determines which hits are scores and an electronic scoring system determined the points based upon a majority of judge votes. After every punch, each judge pressed a button, one for each boxer, if they believe that a point is warranted. If three of the five judges press the button, the electronic scoring system registers a point for the corresponding boxer. At the end of the bout, the boxer with the most points wins. It the case of a tie in points, the judges vote on a winner. The other way to obtain a victory is by knockout.

Olympic boxers also fight with certain gear and uniforms. Boxers must wear a blue or red singlet according to the color of their corner and may only have a national emblem resume on it. They must also wear light boots or shoes without spikes on them. The weight of the gloves has also been decided on as ten ounces. Unlike professional boxing, these amateurs must wear a cup protector, headgear, and a mouth piece all as precautionary means.

The time of day long fights no longer exist. In fact, Olympic matches do not even last the customary ten, twelve or fifteen rounds. Olympic bouts are scheduled only for three, three minute rounds.

This year's games will be host to three hounded and twelve boxers divided into twelve weight classes varying from forty-eight to more than ninety-one hilograms. These boxers qualify through performances at regional tournaments held in Europe, Asia, the Americans, Africa, and Oceania. The favorite team to win the most medals will be Cuba after their win in Atlanta in 1996. The Cuban team is led by two, two time gold medalists: heavyweight Felix Savon and middleweight Ariel Hernadey. Despite the recent Cuban domination, the United States still holds the record with forty-six champions in the nineteen modern games.

Boxing has had a rich and colorful history dating back several millenniums. Over this time, boxing has transformed from that of savage battles into a structural art form. The sport has earned its right into the modern Olympics and acts as a reminder of the ancient Greek values of a sound mind and body.

The Ancient Art Of Jujitsu, And The Modern Form Of Judo

Judo is a very interesting and complex modern sport based around the principles and rules of Jujitsu. I am interested in Judo because I used to be in Karate and Martial Arts. I am curious about the ancient Japanese forms of Martial Arts and how they affected the Japanese culture. I did not have much prior knowledge before this project except, but I did know some extremely basic moves such as punches and kicks. Also I know some about the honor and rituals that go into the sport from Karate Kid. My research question was, How did Judo affect Japanese culture?

Judo is a well-known sport all around the world that has its basis in Jujitsu. Judo originally came from the old art form known as Jujitsu. It is a popular sport today not only in Japan but all over the United States and the world. (The Japan of Today Pg. 23) Judo has been an Olympic Game since the 1964 Tokyo Games. (The Japan of Today Pg. 23) Judo has been known by many different names such as "Yawara", "Taijutsu", "Wajutsu", "Torite", "Kogusoku", "Kempo", "Hakuda", "Hamiuchi", "Shubaku", "Koshinomawari" and most popularly "Jujitsu". (Judo Information Site internet) I think that more people should take up Judo, I would if I had the time and I would suggest it to anybody with extra time. Judo is taught in many school all different just a little from each other.

Judo is thought to have been created from the same tournament as sumo wrestling and other types of competition. Jujitsu originated from ancient Japan and is the base around most if not all other form of Martial Arts. (Complete Reference Library CD) Historians believe that in 230 BC. there was a "Chikara-Kurabe" tournament, the contest of strength. (Judo Information Site internet) Many historians believe that this is the beginning of both Sumo Wrestling and Jujitsu. (Judo Information Site internet) The fact that Jujitsu and Sumo wrestling originated from the same place confuses me they are two totally different sports today but they began out of the same tournament. Its weird that these two sports originated from the same place because in my mind they are like complete opposites in Sumo Wrestling huge fat guy push other huge fat guys around a small ring until one rolls over. But in Judo and Jujitsu a fighter has to use a array of complex moves and counter-moves to defeat opponent of many times larger stature instead of just another big fat guy. This tournament of Chikara-Kurabe was held in the 7th year of the Japanese Emperor Suinin. (Judo Information Site internet)

A Judo tournament has extremely complex rules but I do understand how a person could understand the rule of Judo quite easily, just like many people do not understand all the rules of basketball but since I have played basketball for five or six years I do understand them all. In Judo tournaments matches consist of two, two minute continous fighting rounds with a thirty second break in between the two rounds. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Fighters win by judge decision or by a tap out from his or her opponent. Points are awarded to fighters for kicks, punches, throws, take-downs, and for ground work.

Many of Judo's rules are based around time, around being able to do certain things for only a certain number of seconds this forces Judo fighters to be fast and think in advance. A player can hold his opponent in any legal manner for up to five seconds while standing and/or in the process of working for a take-down or a throw. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) As soon as a opponent hits the floor a player has three seconds to score a point with his hand. If a player reaches the floor in a illegal manner he may not be scored upon. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) If both players reach the ground because of a legal sweep, take-down, or throw the players are given thirty seconds of ground work to achieve a mount position or a submission hold. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) When the thirty seconds is up the players are separated and returned to their feet so that the match may resume.

The Judo judges also play a very important part in Judo matches they award point, disqualife and selcet the win in some cases. If there is a draw at the end of both the regular rounds than an additional round will be added to the match. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) If after this round there is still a draw the judges will accumalate the scores and the player withthe most points is annonced as the winner. (U.S.S.J.A. internet)

Because Judo is a form of combat all fight must wear saftey equipment to protect all of their areas that maybe harmed during the match. It is required that all Judo fighters in the Judo tourament must wear I.S.J.A. approved sparing gloves, saftley-kicks and mouth gaurds. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) In all of the male leagues their is a mandatory groin protection. Also, no abrasive, rough, torn or loose equipment is allowed to be worn in matches. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) None of the equipment that a fighter may wear can have metal or hard plastic.

The Judo point system is also very complex and intergrated with exact moves that a fighter does to his opponent. Points are awarded for any legal hit to the body ar the head. Any crisp clean strike to the body by hand or foot is awared one point. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) For a light kick to the head, achiving a mounted position, or achiving a throw or a sweep that causes only one foot to leave the mat will earn a player two points. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Three points are granted to a player that accomplishes a throw or a sweep that causes both feet to leave the mat. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Four points goes to the player that recieves a submission by refree intervention. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) If a player causes his opponent to submit by tapping out, the fighter gets the automatic win.

Many people think that Judo is just kicks to the head, but there is many things that are illigal and are not allowed. Fighters are not allowed to strike to the nose, eyes, groin, spine, nor can they strike to any joint. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Fighters may not use knee, elbow, or head-butt strikes. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) If a player does do one of these thing and recives asecond warning for doing it again the players opponent will be granted two points. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) On the third warning the fighter will automatically be disqualified from the match. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Also, if a fighter runs outside of the ring to avoid an opponent a warning will be called. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) Once fighters are in a grappling situation with both hand on each other, no hitting is allowed. (U.S.S.J.A. internet) There is only one sensei or coach allowed in competition area per fighter. (U.S.S.J.A. internet)

Isshinryu Karate

Isshinryu Karate was developed and introduced in 1954 by Tatsuo Shimabuku on the island of Okinawa. His karate was the offspring of two different systems, Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu. Goju-Ryu being the Hard method, and Shorin-Ryu being the Soft method. He introduced katas from other forms into his own form, and developed features unique to his newly created style. The ranking system, also unique to his style, was made up of 7 kyu ranks and 10 degrees of black belts. A vision Shimabuku had in a dream also played a major role in the development of his style. The vision that helped him mold his karate into one form is represented on a patch presently worn on the gi s of his followers and their students. Isshinryu may be the youngest karate to come from Okinawa, but it is as rich with spirit as the earlier forms.

Shinkichi Shimabuku, founder of Isshinryu, was born on the island of Okinawa on September 19, 1908 (Armstrong 7). Upon reaching the age of six, Shimabuku would travel on foot, six miles down an old farm road to reach his uncle s house. His uncle, Chioyu, a Shorin-ryu Master, was reluctant to teach young Shimibuku. Instead, Chioyu made him perform menial chores around the dojo. After two years of chores and six mile walks, Shimabuku developed the patients and physical condition to begin karate training. His uncle taught Shimabuku his system and started him off on his martial career. During his years of adolescence Shimabuku changes his name from Shinkichi to Tatsuo meaning Dragon Boy. It was common during the 1920 s for a young boy to change his name during his adolescence years.

With the motivation from his uncle, Shimabuku sought out the famous Chotoku Kyan, another Shorin-ryu master. After developing an excellent kicking ability, his next sensei was Chojin Miyagi, known for his vigorous training habits. Miyagi teaches Shimabuku Naha-te, known today as the Goju-ryu style. His fourth teacher was a man by the name of Motobu, a famous brawler in Okinawa. Motobu furthers Shimabuku s in Shorin-ryu and grants him the title of Master (8). Lastly, Yabiku Moden, helps polish Shimabuku s training by teaching him the art of the Bo, Sai, and Tee-fa (9). With the teachings of some of Okinawa s legendary teachers, Tatsuo Shimabuku sets of to begin a life in the martial arts.

Late one evening at his home in Chun Village, Shimabuku was awakened by his dream of the Mizu-gami, the sea goddess. With this symbol, Tatsuo realizes the unification of his training that the Mizu-gami represents. It was on that evening that Isshinryu was born (Armstrong 27). Later, his vision was produced on a patch worn by all students of Isshinryu Karate. The emblem of Isshinryu karate symbolizes the Mizu-gami. Its oval shape was originally designed to represent the unique vertical fist in Isshinryu karate. The symbol depicts a woman whose lower half appears to take the form of a sea dragon. Her left hand is held open in the universal sign of peace while her right hand forms an Isshinryu fist. In Oriental mythology, the dragon in the sky is a sign of good luck while the gray background and churning seas is a sign of unknown dangers. Three stars are located at the top of the emblem representing three virtues. These virtues consist of mind, body, and spirit which all must be developed to reach total harmony (Tyurin). With this vision and sensei s knowledge of the martial arts, he sets off to create the Isshinryu system.

What would a martial arts system be without kata? According to the Martial Arts Dictionary, by Louis Frederic, the word kata is defined as Form , Sequence , but there is much more to kata than form and sequence (104). To really grasp the meaning of kata, the true essence of karate, one must be involved in one or more forms of the martial arts.

In the Isshinryu system there are 16 katas:

1. Seisan
2. Seiuchin
3. Nai Hanchi
4. Wansu
5. Chinto
6. Sanchin
7. Kusan-Ku
8. Sunsu
9. Kusan-Ku Sai
10. Tokomen Kun No Dai
11. Chatan Yara No Sai
12. Urishi Bo
13. Chi-Chi No Kum No Dai
14. Tee-faa
15. Bo Sai/kumite
16. Bo Bo/kumite

These katas will help the karate-ka develop breath control, speed, rapid techniques, balance, rhythm, and coordination (Tyurin). One of the major aims of the karate-ka is to be able to perform all the katas as accurately as possible therefore kata exercise is a must. When performing kata, a karate-ka imagines himself being attacked by enemies from all different sides (Holubecki 42). Katas are also a means of physical exercise. There are some katas that develop upper body, while others that develop lower body and even some that work the entire body. Kata can be performed at home, in the dojo, at work, anywhere a karate-ka feels comfortable practicing. Kata is the ideal form of exercise (42).

In formalized karate schools, most have a belt ranking system. This system is used to help the instructor of the school keep track of the progression levels of his or her students. The beginners start out in the kyu ranks. The belt, or Obi, signifies the technical and mental skill obtained by its bearer by its color (Frederic 173). In the Isshinryu system there are 7 kyu ranks represented by 5 colors: white, yellow, green, purple, 1st.-2nd-3rd degree brown. Following the Kyu ranks are the Dans, or Black Belts. The Dan ranks are divided into 10 degrees, 1st being the lowest and 9th being the highest a non-founder can obtain. Tenth degree is usually reserved for the founder of the system (Holubecki 21). It is not until a karate-ka reaches black belt that he or she is regarded as truly being established in their form (Frederic 173). Higher belt ranks are gained by formal promotions in the dojo. The karate-ka will be asked a series of various questions to show his mental ability and asked to perform katas and basic skills to show physical ability. Shimabuku created this rank system to keep a low number of ranks which is easier for the instructor to keep track of.

From his birth in Okinawa, Tatsuo Shimabuku was born a karate-ka. Growing up with the teaching of some of the most famous martial artist of his time, Shimabuku learned from some of the best. With his training and knowledge of over four decades, Shimabuku founded the Isshinryu system. He introduced katas from different forms which was taught to him by some of the originators. He created a unique ranking system that kept the number of belts low and the amount of knowledge high. With his vision in his dream, he discovered a way to unite his knowledge and ability.

Isshinryu Karate will continue to be taught and enjoyed by those karate-ka who have captured the beauty of the vision of master Tatsuo Shimabuku.

Bibliography

* Armstrong, Steve ISSHINRYU KARATE: The One Heart Method. American Okinawan Karate Association, 1993.

* Frederic, Louis A Dictionary of the MARTIAL ARTS. Vermont: Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1994.

* Holubecki, Chester. KARATE: Isshin-Ryu Karate. Orange City, 1984.

* Tyurin, E. Isshinryu Karate Page. On-line. Infoseek. Internet. 28 Oct. 1996.

Northern Shaolin Kung Fu

What is Kung Fu? Kung Fu also known as Gong Fu, Gung Fu, and Wushu, means martial art. Why Northern Shaolin? Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is the original martial art in which all other styles were descended from. Shaolin means Young Forest, hence big things start off small(Nguyen, 1995). Northern Shaolin originated back in the day about 4,000 years ago in a Shaolin Buddhist temple. It was developed by monks whose goal was to achieve self defense from those who would take advantage of their peaceful manner. In time it has been proven to be one of the most effective techniques for self defense. Yet it would be nothing if it were not for the attitude accompanied by it.

The philosophy that Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is comprised of is very simple. The keys to be successful in it are hard work, patience, and perseverance. You must be able to rise above it all. Kung Fun is a very graceful yet extremely powerful art. The whole concept deals with if you cannot be hit, hence you cannot be hurt. The goal is to avoid conflict. Kung Fu teaches you to avoid confrontation, which is to the contrary to what most people would think. As a last result Kung Fu is used as self defense.

Thus the keys to self defense are first and most notably, avoid fights and confrontations whenever possible. Thus allowing you to resolve the conflict before it turns violent. Then if the situation turns ugly you'll be prepared to nullify the situation quickly and decisively with no theatrics. These methods have been time proven to be extremely efficient.

Northern Shaolin Kung Fu has another aspect to it as well. It's been known to soothe and calm oneself when faced with stressful situations. Meditation is a very important part of Kung Fu. It gives you concentration to help you see things before they happen.

There are many forms in which Kung Fu is practiced but there are five basic ones, they are: Bare-hand, Weapons, Set Sparring, Group Exercises, and free sparring. A bare-hand category includes "long-fist" in which the goal is to achieve full extension of the limbs in order to sustain balance and power. This Shaolin style is esteemed for its acrobatics that serve up devastating blows. The weapon's category has four basic weapons used which are: staff, spear, a broadsword, and straight sword. As you advance in technique, you use more complicated weapons such as nine section whip, three section staff, and double halberd. Set sparring category deals with sparring in sets such as: Bare-hand vs. Bare-hand, Bare-hand vs. Weapons, and Weapons vs. Weapons. Group Exercise's category is comprised of synchronized movements with or without weapons. Free Sparring consists of free combat duels between two fighters according to fixed rules. This type of form is used in tournaments.

There are many benefits that are attained once you have decided to commit yourself to Kung Fu. It refines your combat skills, concentration, will power, as well as your health. It keeps you at the top of your game and then some. Norther Shaolin style is best fitted for someone who is agile, very flexible, and has a considerable amount of endurance and speed. If you do not posses these qualities, Shaolin style allows someone that desires these traits to achieve them. Shaolin style promotes self defense, good health, and happiness. What more could anybody want?

One of the aspects that can even be considered a downside to Kung Fu, is the time and energy you must spend on it. This should not be taken a negative, for the more time you spend perfecting your technique the more benefits you acquire. Mentally Kung Fu prepares you to face everyday trials and tribulations.

So how might I become a Northern Shaolin Kung Fu student? You might ask. Well the task is not as easy as you might think. You must be willing to give what it takes, you must make sacrifices, and in the end it will all pay off. As stated by the Dragoon Moon Martial Arts Association, "You must realize that just because you have signed up at some martial art school does not mean you are a student, you are merely a customer." The difference between student and customer is very distinct. A customer thinks "What can I get from Kung Fu," where as the student thinks "What can I give to Kung Fu." A student does not think of himself, but he thinks primarily of the teacher, and secondly about the other students. A customer always seeks recognition and rank, contrary to the student which just seeks to be the best practitioner, for the style. If you decide you are a student then you are most definitely a customer, for only the teacher knows who is who. Thus your aspirations should be that some day your teacher considers you his student and not simply a customer.

Now all of you might be thinking, "I see it all on tv and in the movies, it looks easy." Well-let me tell you that a lot of the things you see on TV and in the movies is often exaggerated and glamorized. Special effects are used, and routines are choreographed by stuntmen. In real life situations you won't catch a bullet with your hand while jumping in the air and kick somebody's head off. It just doesn't happen, and contradictory to what Kung Fu stands for. Yes, there are some people who keep it real. Movie stars like Jet Li and Jackie Chan both use Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. Yet I must remind you that they are very skilled practitioners who have about 20 years of experience each. Bruce Lee also studied Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and later developed a method of his own called Jeet Kune do. This goes to show that Northern Shaolin Kung Fu has produced many of the best martial artists then, as well as now. Now in all this rambling I hope you have learned something. That Kung Fu is not merely a sport. It has historically and culturally been regarded as the greatest of all martial arts(Nguyen/Lam 1995). Through this art you can enhance both your body and mind in ways never dreamed. You will have one of the most efficient self-defense techniques known to man and you will develop a positive attitude that will help you in all aspects of your life. To think this all came to pass, because some monks in a Shaolin temple 4,000 years ago just wanted to protect themselves.
Bibliography


* Nguyen, Vu Q., & Lam, Sifu Wing (1995). Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. Boston:Regal

* Unknown Author, (2 Oct. 2000). "Chung Shing Kung Fu". Electronic Text. (1999) 3 par.

* Available http://www.xmission.com/~tpleary/pages/kfhtml/kf.info.html

* Unknown Author, (7 Oct. 2000). "Zhon Yi Kung Fu Association" Electronic Text. (2000)

* 3 par. Available http://www.zykungfu.madison.wi.us/intro.html

* Unknown Author, (2 Oct. 2000). "Dragon Moon Martial Arts Association:Articles". Electronic Text. (2000) 3 par. Available http://www.dragonmoon.org/article2html

* Unknown Author, (4 Oct. 2000). "What is Wushu?". Electronic Text. (1999) 4 par. Available http://www.uswushuacademy.com/Wushu%20History.htm

* Unknown Author, (4 Oct. 2000) "What is Jeet Kune Do." Electronic Text. (1999) 10 par. Available http://home1gte.net/jettek/page3.html

Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art currently practiced throughout the world.

Behind the powerful catapulting throws and immobilizing locks and pins of Aikido lie some very simple principles: remove yourself from the direct line of your enemy's attack, and through the absorption and deflection of the force of the attack, your enemy is taken out of balance and defeated by the energy of his or her own aggression.

Aikido does not use strength against strength, but stresses body and mind relaxation to direct the opponent's force away. Because its main purpose is not to take the offensive in injuring or harming the opponent, Aikido has often been called a "nonviolent" martial art.

In daily practice, the student of Aikido seeks to achieve the firmness, stability, sobriety and elegance which make Aikido one of the most powerful and beautiful ways of artistic expression, while conserving its potential as one of the most devastating offers of self-defense.

Aikido may be practiced by all people regardless of age, sex, religion, or previous athletic ability. Systematic Aikido practice leads to increased aerobic capacity and to overall body conditioning through both flexibility and strength training.
General Philosophy of Aikido

Aikido makes extensive use of the concept of Ki. Aikido is one of the more spiritual martial arts and has been referred to as "moving Zen". The name Aikido can be translated as "the way of harmony of Ki". Exactly what Ki "is" is a somewhat controversial issue. Some believe that the physical entity Ki simply does not exist. Instead, the spirit, the intention, the bio-physico-psychological coordination through relaxation and awareness are concepts being used in the teaching.

One must first learn to control oneself before attempting to harmonize and control others. Without a good balance and control of oneself, one can neither avoid an attack nor apply an effective technique on others. It is through self-control that one can learn to enjoy a harmonious way of life.

Ai - come together or to harmonize
ki - the spirit of the universe
do - the way Ki

Ki is the Force Behind All Things

Everything in the universe has Ki. Ki is the essence of our world. It is the basis of all matter, every phenomenon, emotion, sense, direction, will, consciousness and conscience. Ki is also an energy which can be very useful in our daily lives when used properly. Ki is our life force which keeps us alive.

Ki is the binding force of our mind and body. We can be very efficient if we unify our mind and body. However, it is rather difficult to maintain the oneness of mind and body throughout our daily lives without something to bind them together. As electricity keeps the computer and the robot working together, Ki keeps the mind and the body working in oneness.
Oneness

In order to harmonize with the laws of nature, we must first learn to develop and maintain the right attitude of training. We must always keep the attitude of becoming one with every situation. This is an attitude of respect for all things at all times.

Regardless of the situation, friend or foe, one must always be ready to harmonize. The right attitude greatly affects the efficiency of the action. It is not how strong, but rather how correct you are that counts. This concept of oneness will make it possible for anyone regardless of age or sex to perform the arts efficiently.
Four Keys to Body and Mind Unity


* Calmly let your mind settle at an imaginary point about two inches below the navel.

* Relax your enire body to the point where you are able to maintain complete control of yourself by keeping calmness of mind and body between tenseness and limpness.

* Naturally allow the gravitational pull to settle your entire body down to where it should settle.

* To think positively and be ready for action with a calm and flexible mind without referring to excessive physical strength. A positive attitude toward life.

The History of Judo

Judo had its origin in the ancient Japanese art of jujutsu, a system of hand-to-hand combat. The bushi of feudal Japan (samurai) are usually credited for developing jujutsu (at their time the art was known as Yoroi kumi-uchi, a grappling method for fighters fully clad in Japanese armor). However, the Nihon Shoki (the Chronicle of the Japanese nation) documents public unarmed competitions (hikara-kurabe) dating back to 230 B.C.

Jujutsu has been known by several names throughout Japanese history: taijutsu, yawara, kempo, kugusoku, kumiuchi, koshinomawan. What is unique to the art is that one did not use brute strength to overpower an opponent, but rather skill, finesse and flexibility. Economy of energy, balance, and grace were the outstanding hallmarks of the good jujutsu practitioner. Unlike the Western hand-to-hand fighter, the jujutsu fighter was expected to be soft and pliable, winning by appearing to yield.

In classical form, during the feudal period, jujutsu was part of the bushi training, along with archery, spearfighting, swordsmanship, horsemanship, maneuvering, and etiquette. Its importance grew with the rise of the bushi class after the late Heian period. Throughout subsequent periods of Japanese history (Kamakura, 1185-1336; Muromachi, 1336-1573 into the Tokugawa period, 1603-1868) the art became more diversified and specialized, being taught in schools (ryus). Ryus organized around different aspects of the art, perpetuating their founders' vision.

The schools differed in emphasis and strategy. Some specialized in throwing (nage), others in groundwork (osae, shime, kansetsu), and others in striking (atemi). In matters of strategy, some schools valued taking the initiative in combat while others preferred timely reaction to an opponent's aggression. Those that followed the principles of swordsmanship insisted on sudden, total attack. Others preferred to neutralize the opponent's attack once it was in motion.

Given the constant state of war in Japanese feudal history, ryus tested their vision of jujutsu on the battlefield, where the premium was on survival. The three hundred years of peace that followed the Japanese civil wars led to a change in the nature of the art. Under the harsh Tokugawa martial codes combats between bushi became rarer and heavy warfare far less frequent. On the other hand, unarmed combat became more common. The rise of the common citizen at the end of the period required that jujutsu techniques be adapted to the needs of everyday life.

At that time, several ryus lost their insistence on ceremonial or ritual posturing in favor of a more practical approach to hand-to-hand combat. By the end of the Tokugawa period, the ancient martial arts of Japan (Bujutsu) created for the warrior class began to lose importance as the martial ways (Budo) created for the commoner gained ascendancy. Budo was not simply a collection of fighting techniques but also a spiritual discipline, a way of life.

During the Meiji Restoration after 1868, the transition from Bujutsu to Budo was completed. Several branches of the martial arts changed names and orientation entirely. Kyujutsu became Kyudo, iai-jutsu became iaido, aiki-jutsu became aikido, and jujutsu became Judo. There was a shift from warfare techniques to everyday life principles, with the spiritual side of the arts being more emphasized. Schools now passed their tradition to students in the form of techniques, philosophy and codes of ethics. Students were expected to be fully versed on hand-to-hand combat, but also to embody the philosophy of the ryu's founders.

Dr. Jigoro Kano, founder of modern Judo, was born in the town of Mikage in the Hyogo Prefecture, on October 28, 1860. Shihan Kano never viewed the martial arts as a means to display physical prowess or superiority. As a pacifist, he studied them to find a way to live in peace with other human beings. In his youth Kano studied Jujutsu under a number of different masters. Sensei Teinosuke Yagi was his first teacher, but at the age of 18 he entered the dojo of Tenshin-Shinyo Sensei Hachinosuke Fukuda. Upon graduation from Tokyo University, he studied the Kito tradition under Sensei Iikubo. By his mid-twenties, Shihan Kano had been initiated into the secret teachings of both ryus.

Kano's search for a unifying principle for the techniques he learned led him to the first principle of Judo--Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficiency in mental and physical energy). To him, only techniques that kept practitioners from spending much physical and mental energy should be incorporated into the system. One should use the energy of one's opponent to defeat his or her aggression. He called the resulting body of knowledge Judo. To propagate his art Kano founded the Kodokan (the "school to learn the way") at the Eishoji Temple in 1882.

Kano built his system around three major sets of techniques: throwing (nage waza), groundwork (katame waza) and striking (atemi waza). The throwing techniques, drawn from the Kito ryu, were further divided into standing (tachi waza) and sacrifice (sutemi waza) techniques. Standing techniques included hand (te waza), hip (koshi waza) and foot (ashi waza) throws. Sacrifice techniques include full sacrifice (ma sutemi waza) and side sacrifice (yoko sutemi waza) throws.

Kano's groundwork and striking techniques were drawn more heavily from the martially oriented Tenshin-Shinyo ryu. Groundwork is organized into holds (osaekomi waza), strangulations (shime waza) and joint locks (kansetsu waza). While Kano taught groundholds earlier to his students, the secrets of shime and kansetsu waza were saved for those who had attained a higher ranking in the art. High ranking students were also expected to know the art of resuscitation (kappo), so as to conduct their training in a safe and responsible manner.

Judo's striking techniques included upper (ude ate) and lower limb blows (ashi ate). Among the striking techniques were those utilizing fists, elbows, hand-edges, fingers, knees and feet as striking points. Because of its lethal nature, Atemi waza was also taught exclusively to high ranking Judokas at the Kodokan.

Judo was taught in a well-structured process. Standing techniques were organized into five sets ranking from less strenuous or technically difficult to more advanced (the Gokyo no Waza). Ground and striking techniques were organized in sets also. The sets were introduced slowly as Judokas became more proficient in the art. Students were divided into mudansha (color belt level) and yudansha (black belt level). Mudansha students were ranked into five classes (kyus) while yudansha were ranked into ten degrees (dans). Ranks indicated the student's level of expertise in the art as different techniques were introduced at each new rank.

To complete the transition from jutsu (martial art) to Do (way of life), Kano added a strict code of ethics and a humanitarian philosophy to his newly created system. Kodokan instructors and students were expected from the beginning to be outstanding examples of good character and honest conduct. Any hand-to-hand combat outside of the dojo, public demonstrations for profit, or any behavior that might bring shame to the school could lead to suspension or expulsion from the Kodokan.

Kano's ultimate concern for the well-being of the whole individual and of the community is reflected in his teaching methods and in Judo's second guiding principle. Kano utilized four teaching methods in his dojo: randori (free practice of all Judo technique), kata (pre-arranged forms, considered the more technical rituals of the art), ko (his systematic lecturing), and mondo (periods of question and answer).

The debates between Shihan Kano and his disciples led him to the second principle of Judo, Jita Kyoei (the principle of mutual benefit and prosperity). Kano believed that the diligent practice of Judo would lead to the realization that one could not progress at the expense of others, that in mutual prosperity lied the key to any real progress in human life. He was so taken with the principle that he regarded its diffusion, through the practice of Judo, as his greatest mission in life.

Most of Judo's development took place around the turn of the century. In 1889 Kano traveled to Europe and America to promote his martial art. He would make as many as eight trips to other continents to propagate Judo before his untimely death at sea, on May 4, 1938.

The technical aspects of Judo came into full maturity in 1900 with the founding of the Kodokan Yudanshakai (association of black belt holders). On July 24, 1905 eighteen masters representing the leading Japanese Jujutsu ryus gathered at the Butokukai in Kyoto to join Kano's system. Kano's work had triumphed over Jujutsu in Japan, replacing the Tokugawa period aggressive martial arts with the more sophisticated way of life he had envisioned. The final touches were added in 1909 when the Kodokan became a foundation and in 1920 with the revision of the throwing techniques called the Gokyo no Waza. The art's intellectual and moral philosophy came into full being by 1922 with the foundation of the Kodokan Cultural Judo Society.

Between 1912 and 1952, when the International Judo Federation was founded, several Japanese experts immigrated to other continents, spreading Judo teachings. Sensei Gunji Koizumi, 7th Dan, went to Great Britain in 1918, founding the London Budokwai. Mikinosuke Kawaishi, 7th Dan, one of the world's foremost experts on Judo kata, went to France in 1922. Sensei Sumiyuki Kotani, 8th Dan in 1952, trained the first team of American Air Force Judokas at the Kodokan. That team became the seed of what is now the United States Judo Association.

As Judo spread throughout the Western world it slowly gained the form of a sport. Its eventual popularity in World and Regional Games and inclusion in the 1964 Olympic Games led more and more to an emphasis on the physical and competitive aspects of the art, sometimes at the expense of its intellectual, moral and spiritual underpinnings. In 1982 (on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kodokan) the Kodokan Judo throwing techniques, the Gokyo no Waza, were revised and expanded, then in 1997 the Kodokan added two additional throws.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an advanced form of the Japanese martial art of the same name. It has been modified by the famous Gracie Family of Brazil to become "arguably the most effective martial art in the world." With the arrival of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the martial arts scene, it has forever changed the way fighters train. From now on, no true martial artist, regardless of style, will ever neglect to include Brazilian ground-fighting techniques in his training schedule. Without learning the proper ways to defend and execute techniques from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu arsenal it is difficult to survive against a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighter.

The Gracie family has proven the merit of this art by entering numerous "no-holds-barred" fights and remaining undefeated for over 70 years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is predominantly a ground-fighting art. The Gracie fighter's objective is to avoid punches and kicks while attempting to clinch his opponent. Once in the clinch, the opponent's strikes are rendered ineffective. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter will then proceed to take the fight to the ground where his opponent's strikes will not have any power behind them. Taken out of his game, the striker is helpless, without the ability to use his stand-up skills. With the fact that 95% of all fights go to the ground, an experienced and well trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighter will eventually take any type of fighter to the ground. Bruce Lee once said that in a fight between a boxer and a wrestler, the wrestler will always win.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most advanced form of wrestling in the world, and the most efficient way of beating a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylist is by being a better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylist. The world famous Gracie family stands as a shining example of the proven methods they teach, reigning undefeated in the arena of "no-holds-barred" combat. The form of Jiu-Jitsu they created is a Martial Art that is designed to adapt to any type of Fighting Style or Martial Art, making it reality based. This is a tested and proven style, art, and science.It is important to note that not 1 form of fighting style or martial art can defeat every other style completely every time. This is because it can depend on many factors such as: strength, size, skill or technique level, the use of weapons, multiple fighters, sport rules, fighting objectives (to control, tap out, hurt badly, or kill an opponent) etc. On a 1 on 1 open handed (no weapons) fight, it has tamed styles such as Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Shootfighting, Wrestling, Sambo, Vale Tudo, Pancrase, Luta Livre, Pitfighting, Jeet Kune Do, Taekwondo, some forms of Ninjutsu, and even it's parent style of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. It has last notably been proven by Royce Gracie's undefeated record in the "Ultimate Fighting Championship", (a popular sport of no holds bar competition between any fighting style, as seen on the live Pay Per View event).

The defense techniques are all based on leverage, making it possible for the fighter to beat stronger and heavier opponents, bringing a sense that no one can beat you. Jiu-Jitsu is not based on strength; it uses the opponents strength and force against themselves. The key is balance (known as "base") and leverage. Typical positions include the "guard", the "mount", and the "side-mount", from which a host of attacks can be made, such as chokes, arm-bars, and joint-locks. 95% of all fights end up grappling on the ground.

There is really no underlying principle of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu other than to use what is most effective in any given situation. There is a strong emphasis on ground grappling but this is strictly reality based. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a complete martial art, with strikes, turns, throws, joint locks, twists and limb breaking holds. They emphasize for each student what they simply refer to as the "self defense program",which consists of simple and effective escapes and counters from grabs, bear hugs and so on, progressing into defenses against weapons, knife and gun disarms etc. After this the student learns the unique and deadly chokes and locks of the system, which can render an attacker powerless in seconds. However, it is the undeniably devastating ground grappling which makes Gracie Jiu-Jitsu one of the most feared and respected martial arts known to man.

"It's not like wrestling," according to Rorion Gracie. "In wrestling, the whole object is to pin the attackers back to the ground. For a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter, it doesn't matter if you wind up with your back on the ground. The fight still goes on. As a matter of fact, there's alot you can do with your back on the ground."When a Gracie fighter applies there moves, it is almost like a chess game in motion. Every move or strike is instantly countered: each lock or hold can flow into another with astonishing sophistication. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is also uniquely characterized by "flying locks",where the entry into the hold is instantaneous. For example, an attacker may lead with a punch, only to find his arm and neck clamped into an unbreakable lock. He is then taken to the ground where the Gracie fighter may force a submission, or continue to administer punishment. Simply, purity.

As far as is known, only one other Brazilian learned Jiu-Jitsu from Maeda, and went on to teach. So, for the most part, the Gracies were the only source of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. Students of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu began teaching themselves, severing ties with the Gracies. Thus, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was born. Some say Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, being the original Brazilian art, is in some ways more effective than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They say, "The water is much more pure if you draw it from the source." Yet others state that, "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is old, the new style is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which is a more refined style because it is constantly evolving, developing, experimenting, and testing the art, science and style". The main difference between the Gracie style and the Brazilian style is that: The Gracie style leans more towards self defense in a real street fight, no holds barred, and no rules fight. The Brazilian style is a more technical form leading towards the sport of it.

The latest evolution of the art is a form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which makes reality a sport, combining both disciplines and incorporates cross training martial arts. A knowledge of ground-fighting is therefore essential, not just for a complete martial arts background but also for self-defense. Carlson Gracie affirms that no other martial art addresses ground fighting as effectively as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This art is different from most other martial arts in that it is very realistic in its training. Here are some of the main reasons why it's different and why this art is so effective.


* We train with the assumption that our opponent will most likely be larger, stronger, and know how to fight. This is opposed to many martial arts which assume the attacker will not be skilled at fighting.

* We fight exactly the way we train. We practice our techniques exactly the way we do them in a fight. This is opposed to many martial arts styles which spend hours and hours practicing forms which scarcely resemble what the person's body will be doing in an actual fight.

* We test everything we do by spending a great deal of time sparring under varying conditions against people with different types of training and different body styles. We spar realistically in our club (full contact) and have rarely had a serious injury. We also test our abilities in competitions (both tournament Jiu Jitsu and no rules). This is opposed to martial artists who say that it is too dangerous to spar or spar realistically. So they don't.

In the late 1800's a style of fighting was taught and practiced in Japan called Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Champions Esai Maeda and Inomata arrived in Brazil to help establish a Japanese immigration colony in that developing country. He was aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian Scholar, a successful business man with strong political influence, and of Scottish decent. Having little money and being the representative of the colony, he wanted to give something in return. To show his gratitude, the oriental master taught the basic secrets of that ancient fighting style to Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos became obsessed with the traditional Japanese methods and studied for four years.

At the age of 18, he moved south to Rio de Janeiro and began teaching and in 1925 he opened the first jiu-jitsu Academy in Botafogo, a district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eventually, his brothers Osvaldo, Gastao Jr., and Jorge learned the art and trained with Carlos. Helio, being very weak because of cronic sickness, was forbidden to train by doctors, so he watched. One day when Carlos was late for class, Helio worked with the student because he knew the student's level. As they trained, Helio began to adapt the techniques to be based on leverage instead of strength. This began the transformation of traditional Jiu-jitsu into Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos, who was interested in street-fighting and was also a boxer, modified the classical techniques learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of a real, "no rules" fighting situation. Carlos then tested and refined his system through constant matches, open to all challengers. Advertisements were placed in newspapers and on street corners, challenging anyone and everyone, regardless of size, weight, or fighting style. Carlos was never defeated, and became a legend in Brazil. Helio became the most adept fighter in the family, and the mastermind in developing new techniques. Helio began teaching the classes himself, and Carlos was impressed. Knowing he had an able successor, Carlos retired from teaching and began studying nutrition.

Over time, they developed their system into a very comprehensive fighting art, very seldom losing challenge matches. Helio then entered the professional fighting world, challenging Japanese Judo and Jiu-jitsu fighters, professional boxers, and professional brawlers. Two of his most famous bouts were the only two he lost in his life. Masahiko Kimura, 7th Dan, considered the greatest Judoka to ever live, was to be the first man to defeat Helio Gracie. Kimura boldly stated that if Helio lasted more than 3 minutes, he should consider himself the winner. Helio fought Kimura for 15 minutes before being caught in an arm lock. Fearful of having his brother's arm shattered, Carlos threw in the towel. Tremendously impressed with the little Brazilian, the Japanese masters invited Helio to come to Japan and teach, an almost unheard of request. Respectfully, Helio declined.

Waldemar Santana was a student of Helio's, and a powerfully built stone cutter. Much younger than Helio, it is said that Santana purposefully waited until Helio was sick with the flu to challenge him. Against Carlos' wishes to postpone, Helio accepted, and lost after 3 hrs. 45 min. Helio quickly became the family's best fighter, and taught many champions. When Helio lost to Santana, Carlos, who managed his brothers' fighting careers, decided to let another family member step into the limelight. Carlson Gracie Sr. was chosen to retrieve the family's honor by fighting Santana. Santana accepted the challenge, and lost badly to Carlson. While Carlson quickly earned the respect of the fighting world, Helio dedicated his time to teaching. Carlson became the best active fighter in the family, fourth best in Gracie history and went on to produce an almost unbelievable record of over 600 undefeated fights. Now retired from the ring, Carlson's mission in life is to make champions. His "champion factory" in Brazil has produced some of the best black belts, and he hopes to produce the same level of champion at his Los Angeles Academy as well.

Helio and his brothers taught many, and are still teaching, turning out the best Brazilian Fighters. They went on to further refine the art via constant no-rules competition, developing what is now known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Rickson Gracie is widely accepted as the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technician and the best fighter in the world, with a career record of over 400 victories and no losses.

Japanese Martial Arts

The martial arts have influenced Japan in many ways. Many of these arts have been passed down from ancient times and are still even practiced today. In my report, I will examine the major Japanese arts and tell how they have influenced Japan. First, however, I will give a little background for these arts.

The original word for Japanese martial arts was bujutsu, or "art of the military." This had more to do with physical techniques than philosophical and mental. The physical, mental and philosophical techniques were combined to create budo, or way of the military. Budo was also used to describe the code of the samurai in feudal days.

Karate

Karate is actually a Japanese word meaning "empty hand."(Nakayama 80) This applies that no weapons other than the hands are needed to attack or defend. Karate is categorized into four parts -- physical conditioning, self-defense, mental conditioning, and sport. A typical Karate tournament would include demonstrations of breaking, weapons use, self-defense techniques, tradition and open forms and the most exciting competition, sparring.

Nobody is quite sure when Karate was created, but we do know that an Indian priest, Daruma, a brilliant doctor, Hua T"o, and a popular general of the Sung Dynasty, Yuen Fei, are considered its forefathers. We also know that it was developed in Okinawan islands from Chinese techniques and local innovations as a system of self-defense. In the 1920's, Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan schoolteacher taught a method of karate to Japan which caught on.

Sumo

Sumo in its early days tended to be violent with no holds barred. During the reign of Emperor Saga (r. 809-23) the practice of sumo was encouraged as a martial art and rules were established and techniques cultivated. It is impossible to determine whether the art of sumo is a completely native sport or whether similar forms of grappling from other parts of Asia and Eurasia influenced it. Grappling is a rather basic, instinctive sport practiced mostly by men. In fact, the first grappling match ever described went as so, "lowly mortals grappled for quite a while until one finally rendered some devastating kicks to the other's stomach and solar plexus. The one who was kicked was mortally wounded, and the victor went cheered."(Newton 103)

The earliest written mention of sumo is found in the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), a book from the year 712. According to the book, about 2,500 years ago, the gods Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata grappled along the Japan Sea coast in what is now Shimane-ken, until the latter finally lost. Takemikazuchi, who is said to have established the imperial family from which emperors could trace their roots, gave control of the archipelago to the Japanese people. The Japanese did not keep any written records until the 8th century. This means it is impossible to know, aside from the legend, exactly when the art of sumo first developed in Japan. However, ancient wall paintings indicate the origin is very old.

Jujitsu

Jujitsu is a 3,000-year-old martial art. It originated from a blending of native sumo and fighting techniques in Japan with the soft aspects of Kung Fu from China. Jujitsu incorporates empty hand defense and offense as well as bone setting and healing techniques for use by the instructor to fix any injuries occurring during training. It is also the predecessor of Aikido and Judo.

One popular style of jujitsu is Danzan Ryu (the Cedar Mountain System.) Seishiro Okazaki founded Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. He got tuberculosis and sought to build his strength in martial arts. Affecting a cure due to the 6 days per week workout, massage and healing by his sensei, he dedicated his life to study of Budo & healing.

Another style of jujitsu is ninjitsu. Ninjitsu is the art of invisibility. Along with its jujitsu background, it can also be traced back to Chinese spying techniques. Ninjas were used in the sixth century to gain information about the enemy and sabotage his operations. However, we now call ninjas anybody who practices this art. Ninjas can be both male and female, but must possess three abilities. They must be a hunter, a wizard and a warrior. As with many Eastern martial arts, there is an emphasis on meditation in order to cultivate the mind and body. Ninjas place as much importance on spiritual and mental aspects of their art as on the physical.

Aikido

Aikido was developed from Jujitsu. It is said to be founded from Prince Teijun, the sixth son of Emperor Seiwa. From here, many generations later, in 1868, Sokaku Takeda began teaching the art to people outside the family. Takeda's most outstanding pupil was Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba added his own techniques from other arts and became a teacher of Aikido. World War II spread Aikido greatly as soldiers were taught techniques and brought them back to their own countries.

Aikido owes its development to teachers and practitioners who risked their lives developing new techniques. One major principle of Aikido is that strength consists of a straight but flexible mind and a body tempered by hard practice. "Through aikido, one can become perfectly attuned to his opponent. One can sense his intentions and turn his movements to one's own advantage."(Bennett 56)

Judo

Judo is translated as the "gentle way." It can be described as a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, or a way of life. Judo is best known for it's spectacular throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and Judo choking techniques.

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. It provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power, and flexibility developing complete body control, fine balance, and fast reflexive action. Training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo.

Judo was founded from feudal Japan in 1882 from art of jujitsu. It was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1964. There are separate weight divisions for men and women and boys and girls.

Kendo

Kendo can be described as Japanese fencing. The goal of Kendo is to develop one's character, i.e. self-confidence, courtesy, and respect for others. Kendo is demanding both physically and mentally.

The equipment used for Kendo is the bamboo sword (shinai) and a set of protective armor (bogu.) There are four general areas to attack, subdivided into left and right sides of the body - each worth one point. An official Kendo match is a three-point match and has a five-minute time limit. The player who scores two points first is the winner. For practice, the repetitive practice of basic movements is stressed in order to acquire the ability of moving without thinking.

Conclusion

Japanese arts encourage a higher awareness of mind, body and spirit. This brings about one's consciousness of their environment. It can also give one a stronger sense of concentration. The arts started as simple methods of attack and defense used in serious combat that consisted of primitive hand-to-hand and "stick fighting" techniques. At times, a small and comparatively weak man would overcome a bigger opponent; and when the reason for his victory was appreciated, a new method would be created. Over the years, these techniques were refined and developed and still stand today.

Bibliography

* Anonymous. How to Become a Ninja : Secrets from Ashida Kim's Training Camp. Citadel Publications, 1995

* Bennett, Gary. Aikido : Techniques & Tactics (Martial Arts Series). Human Kinetics, 1997

* Draeger, Donn F. Classical Budo : The Martial Arts & Ways of Japan. Weatherhill, 1996

* Nakayama, Masatoshi. Best Karate : Bassai, Kanku. Kodansha, 1980

* Newton, Clyde & Toff, Gerald C. Dynamic Sumo. Kodansha, 1995

* Shihan, Craig. Teacher of Judo and Budo.

* Stevens, John. Abundant Peace : The Biography of Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido. Shambhala Publications, 1987

History of Tae Kwon Do

The history of the development of Tae Kwon Do spans thousands of years through periods of innovation and, unfortunately, repression. Tae Kwon Do, translated literally, means the "art of kicking and punching." Tae Kwon Do developed as a native Korean combat form that emphasizes kicking, punching, blocking, and jumping, as well as mental discipline. This martial art form exists as a system for training the mind and the body, emphasizing the development of a strong moral character.

Tae Kwon Do practitioners produce sharp, strong angular movements along with with free flowing circular movements to produce a balance of beauty and power. Tae Kwon Do is a free-fighting sport in which an individual uses bare hands and feet to repel an opponent. The most important fact about Tae Kwon Do is that it is both a superb self defense technique as well as a method of developing mental discipline which provides it's practitioners with self-confidence that allows an advantage over weaker opponents. This mental development along with the physical conditioning is extremely beneficial to Tae Kwon Do's participants. In addition to the practical benefits as a means of self defense, Tae Kwon Do's complete regiment of physical conditioning as well as it's ability to develop improved concentration and mental performance offers a total fitness program that integrates mind, body and spirit.

Since Tae Kwon Do has evolved to exist primarily as a kicking art, every practitioner much devote a substantial amount of time to the development of leg, hip, and back muscles. The first step in training is a lengthy period of stretching exercise designed to make the practitioner limber and able to kick at any level or in any direction. Tae Kwon Do practitioners also use a variety of stances to develop thigh strength, which is a common practice in most modern martial arts. Regular practice increases the length of time a student can maintain these stances, thereby increasing the students skill and conditioning. Furthermore, with the addition of Tae Kwon Do's trademark kicking techniques, a complete system of self defense and personal improvement is attained. All of these activities are based on a defensive discipline that originally developed to assist in protection against enemy attacks.

The history of Tae Kwon Do can be traced back nearly 3,000 years to wall paintings in the North Korean province of Ki Ja Cho Sun. Over 1350 years ago, Korea was divided into three kingdoms that included Silla, the smallest of these kingdoms, which was constantly under invasion and harassment by it's more powerful neighbors. This historical aggression can be attributed to the development of Tae Kwon do as a self defense measure. To offset these invasions, the emperor of Silla, King Chin Hung, called upon the youth of his nation to form an elite specially trained officer corps called the Hwa Rang-Do. This institution, under General Kim Yu-Sin, developed not only traditional methods of armed combat, but also practiced mental and physical discipline as well various forms of hand and foot fighting.

To develop their physical conditioning these soldiers engaged in extreme tasks such as climbing rugged mountains and swimming in turbulent rivers during the coldest months of the year, which allowed superb preparation for the task of defending their homeland. To guide themselves and give purpose to their task, these soldiers incorporated a five point code of conduct, which included loyalty to the king, parental piety, and honorable conduct with your friends. In addition, the doctrine included military protocol such as never retreat in battle, and always make a necessary and fair kill. Through the Hwarang, the martial arts began to be taught to all common people as a means of repelling foreign invaders. The survival spirit which permeated the lives of these early martial artists is the root of the spirit of Tae Kwon Do today.

In the early 1900's, the practice of martial arts in Korea was subverted and forced underground by an oppressive government. During the Second World War, Korea was invaded by Japan and all martial arts were once again outlawed. Legend states that during the occupation period, martial artists practiced in caves and remote clandestine locations, keeping the traditions of the Korean forms alive. The occupation and oppression ceased at the end of the Second World War, and between 1945 and 1953 several martial arts schools opened with different teachings. Many of these schools had heavy influences from Japanese and Okinawan karate due to the occupation period.

In 1952 Korean martial arts were again disrupted by the outbreak of civil war during which many martial artists were killed. When the civil war ended in 1953, martial arts once again began to rise in Korea. In 1955, Korean martial artists came together and unified their various art forms with a single style of hand and feet fighting techniques under the title Tae Kwon Do. During this time, the elements of Tae Kwon Do were developed and standardized. These elements include form development, which is a series of choreographed movements depicting one person defending himself against multiple attackers, as well as one step sparring, which develops different develops practical methods to defend against an attack, in addition to self defense by hand and foot techniques and pressure point manipulation.

The development of organized Tae Kwon Do institutions in modern times can be attributed to a number of individuals. In 1956, Jhoon Rhee brought Tae Kwon Do to the Unites States, under the title of "Korean Karate." Jhoon Rhee is commonly held as the father of American Tae Kwon Do, and is still currently practicing and teaching. In 1966, General Hong Hi Choi, who it is believed suggested the name Tae Kwon Do, left Korea and formed the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. Practitioners that disagreed with General Choi separated formed the respected World Tae Kwon Do Federation in 1973. These two groups continue to disagree today.

Today, Tae Kwon Do is one of the most popular martial arts in the world and is practiced by many thousands of individuals. Tae Kwon Do was a demonstration sport at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympic Games, and will be a medal sport at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. The extent to which Tae Kwon Do positively effects the physical and mental condition of those who practice it can never be fully appreciated.

Bibliography

Kim, Daeshik Dr., Tae Kwon Do: Complete Taegeuk and Palgwe Forms and Readings. NANAM Publishing House, 1998.

History of Shao Lin

The original Shao Lin temple was built in 495 A.D. by the ruling Bei Wei emperor for an Indian monk who came to China to preach Buddhism. The name Shao Lin derived from the fact that its original temple was located within a small forest on Shao Shi mountain. Shao came from the name of the mountain and Lin comes from the Chinese character that stands for forest. The origin of Shao Lin being its own sect of Buddhism dates back to 540 A.D. when and Indian Buddhist named Bodhidharma, Tamo in Chinese, traveled to China to see the ruling Bei Wei Emperor. At that time, the Emperor had started local Buddhist monks translating Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese. The intent of this practice was geared towards allowing the general population to practice this religion. The Emperor believed that this act would lead to Nirvana, but Tamo disagreed. Tamo's view on Buddhism was that you could not achieve your goal just through the good actions performed by others in your name. Tamo then left to meet with the local Buddhist monks at Shao Lin.

Originally Tamo was refused entrance to the temple because the monks thought he was just an upstart or foreign meddler. Rejected by the monks, Tamo went to a nearby cave and meditated until the monks recognized his religious prowess and admitted him to the temple. Legend has it that he bore a hole through one side of the cave with his constant gaze; in fact, the act that earned him his recognition is lost to history. When Tamo joined the monks, he observed that they were not in good physical condition. Most of their routine paralleled that of Irish monks of the middle ages, who spent hours each day hunched over tables where they transcribed handwritten texts. Consequently, the monks in Shao Lin lacked the physical and mental stamina needed to perform even the most basic of Buddhist meditation practices. Tamo then incorporated by teaching them moving exercises designed to both enhance the flow of ch i and build strength. These sets, modified from Indian yoga's such as hatha and raja and were based on the movements of the 18 main animals in Indo-Chinese wilderness, were the beginning of Shao Lin martial arts known as gung fu. The Shao Lin temple was in a very secluded area where bandits traveled and wild animals were an occasional problem, so the martial side of the temple probably started out to fulfill self-defense needs. After a while, these movements were codified into a system of self-defense.

As time went on, this Buddhist sect became more and more distinct because of the martial arts being studied. This is not saying that Tamo invented martial arts, but just that he developed and codified them in such a way that it became so different from the norm at the time that it became known as distinctly Shao Lin. A problem faced by many western historians and students of religion, is the contradiction of Buddhist principles of non-violence coupled with Shao Lin's legendary martial arts skills. In fact, the Shao Lin practitioner is never an attacker, nor does he dispatch the most devastating defenses in any situation. Rather, the study of gung fu leads to better understanding of violence, and consequently how to avoid conflict. Failing that, a Buddhist refuses to accept an offering of violence (i.e., an attack) and merely returns it to the sender. Initially, the gung fu expert may choose to parry an attack, but if the attacker is both very skilled and determined to cause harm, a more definitive and concluding solution may be required, anything from a joint-lock to death. The more sophisticated and violent an assault, the more devastating the return of the attack to the attacker. Therefore, Buddhists are not hurting anyone, they are just refusing to allow delivery of intended harm.

The Shao Lin philosophy is one that started from Buddhism and later adopted many Taoist principles to become a new sect. Therefore, even if a temple was originally Buddhist or Taoist, once it became Shao Lin, it was a member of a new order. Other temples sprang from the original. This is because the original temple would suffer repeated attacks and periods of inactivity as the reigning Imperial and regional leaders feared the legendary martial powers of the not-always unaligned monks. Refugee Shao Lin practitioners would leave the temple to teach privately or at other Buddhist and Taoist temples to ensure the continuance of the sect. Politically and militarily involved Shao Lin monks, such as the legendary White Eyebrow and Hung Tze Kwan, would be a perpetual source of trouble for the generally neutral and likeable monks.

The Boxer rebellion in 1901 was the beginning of the end of the Shao Lin temples. Prior to that, China had been occupied by western and Japanese governments and business interests. The British had turned the Imperial family into a puppet government largely through the import and sales of opium and the general drug-devastation inflicted on the poor population. This led to the incursion of other European forces including Russia, France, Holland, and later the Japanese and Americans. By the late 1800 s, China was divided into national zones much like Berlin after WWII. The long-standing animosity between the Chinese and Japanese worsened to include all other foreign devils as well. Coupled with the now almost universal hatred by the Chinese for their Empress, a Nationalist movement with grass-roots support was born. Among the front line soldiers of the new order were legendary martial artists, mostly Shao Lin, known as Boxers. Though their initial assaults on the military powers of the occupation governments were not entirely successful, their temporary defeat led to a more modern reformation that included the adoption of modern military tactics and weapons. By 1931, almost all non-Asian occupants had been successfully driven out. This left two major combatants within China, the Nationalists and the Communists. Both sides displayed the typical attitude of many parties of war, if you aren t with us, you are against us. Neutrality meant nothing to either side. Consequently, Shao Lin and other monks were routinely murdered, and their temples destroyed, out of fear that they would later use their vaunted martial arts skills against them later. This caused an exodus to the mountains and hills of the wilderness in the hopes that even though their temples were being destroyed, the Shao Lin knowledge would survive.

There are many stories as to the survival of Shao Lin in the times following China's adoption of Communism. However, many of these stories are suspect, with the more commonly authenticated versions coming from government records. The fact that Chinese authorities outlawed Shao Lin and martial arts practices makes any story about their history from such sources somewhat suspect. Shao Lin reemerged, though not recognized as a martial art which was still illegal, as a result of a compromise between the post- WWII governments and the national need and history of having a martial arts tradition.

Bibliography

* Yang, Jwing-Ming. Analysis of Shao Lin. Jamaica Plain: Martial Arts Association, c1987.

* Xing, Yan. Shao Lin kungfu: Treasure of the Chinese Nation. Pei-ching: China International, c1990.

* Yang, Jwing-Ming, The essence of Shao Lin. Jamaica Plain: YMAA Publication Center, c1996.

Biography of Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee was born in the Chinese year of the dragon, in the hour of the dragon on November 27, 1940. From the beginning, it was obvious he was a remarkable and unique child with tremendous energy. His mother named him Lee Jun Fan, which meant "return again." She felt he would return to the United States where he was born while his parents were on tour with the Cantonese opera. A nurse suggested he be called Bruce as an American name for him.

Childhood

Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco at the Jackson Street Hospital in Chinatown. When he and his family returned to Hong Kong in 1941, he was called Sai Fon, which meant "small phoenix", a feminine name. Bruce had an older brother who died as a baby. The Chinese blamed this on evil spirits or demons who take the lives of male babies to destroy the family's name. So they dressed Bruce in little girls clothing and called him Sai Fon.

When they returned to Hong Kong, the Lee household consisted of Mr. Lee, his wife Grace Lee, Bruce's two sisters, Agnes and Phoebe, his older brother Peter, and later to be joined his little brother Robert.

Bruce grew up in a very crowded house. He lived in a two bedroom flat. Upon the death of Mr. Lee's brother, he, as in Chinese custom, had to taken in his whole brother's Family and had to be the provider. This meant nearly 20 people lived in the flat.

It was through his father's connection that Bruce ultimately became a child film star. His own acting ability was clear from the beginning. Bruce posed as a great natural actor and possessed a great natural ability for acting. His father used to take him backstage. As a young boy, Bruce always hung around the set where his father was working on film.

Few people have started a major film career as early as Bruce did. He was barely three months old when he was given the part in a Chinese movie made in San Francisco. Another movie called "The Beginning of a Boy" he made in Hong Kong when he was six.

Bruce's favorite saying from when he was just starting Kung Fu up to when he died was, "As long as I can remember, I feel I have had this great creative and spiritual force within me that is greater than faith, greater than ambition, greater than confidence, greater than determination, greater than vision. It is all combined. My brain becomes magnetized with this dominating force, which I hold in my hand." Bruce had learned this from Master Sifu Yip Man.

Influences

Shortly after Bruce entered La Salle College of China (middle school to us), he came home one day and told his mother he was being bullied around after school. He wanted to be trained in the martial arts. His father practiced Tai Chi Chuan, which is a series of exercises and moves carried out in slow motion. Bruce had joined his father once or twice doing Tai Chi, but the slowness of the movements did not appeal to him. His teacher became Master Sifu Yip Man, a master at Wing Chun system of Kung Fu.

Yip Man showed Bruce a way to find direction in life, he interested his young student in the philosophical teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Lao-Tze, the founders of Taoism, and other great spiritual Leaders. As a result, Bruce's mind became a sponge of the wisdom of such teachers, specifically, but not exclusively, the deep teachings of the Yin-Yang principle. Yin-Yang is generally represented by the double fish symbol, the foundation of which stayed with Bruce and guided him through his adult life.

Hardships

When Bruce Lee was eighteen years old, his family feared that he would join a gang, so they decided that he should return to San Francisco. This hurt and broke Bruce's heart to be away from his family. He always made the best out of impossible situations. The trip took eighteen days on a steamship.

Bruce was also an expert dancer, and had won a crown for the cha-cha in 1958. So to pass the time away, he spent most of his it in first class performing and demonstrating the cha-cha. He even showed a few passengers a few dance moves.

Upon arriving to the United States, he wanted to be the first to teach any martial arts, particularly Kung Fu, to the people in his new country. He felt that what he had to offer was far greater than physical martial arts techniques. He soon realized he did not have the necessary manpower of instructors to teach his principles to such a group. Nor would he ever.

Bruce always had a training regiment, one day he disregarded a part of his routine. He failed to warm up properly before beginning his weight lifting routine. He bent over to pick up weights, and he injured his fourth sacral nerve permanently. He was told to give up Kung Fu. Bruce stayed in bed with no movement at all for three months. This made Bruce angry and full of rage. He controlled his anger very well by writing a book with the exclusive help from his wife. While he spoke the words to write, she wrote them down because of his handicap. Bruce worked himself back to normal very slowly. He died at the age of 32 of hypersensitivity to a combination of ingredients contained in a headache pill someone had given him. But Bruce Lee's death today is still a controversy, because different people think he died of different ways. Nobody has been proven right, yet no one has been proven wrong.

Accomplishments

Bruce Lee had finally found a way in which he could show the vast majority his extraordinary talents. Bruce starred in the show "Green Hornet". A very popular show in the United States and in Hong Kong. He also starred in a television show called "Longstreet." "Longstreet" was one of the best martial arts shows of all time on the air. Bruce Lee was also involved with a popular TV show called "Kung Fu," starring David Carradine.

The essence of Lee's life was not in the skills he had achieved, nor the money he made, nor the fame he created. To him, his greatest achievement was he made himself, himself. Physically, he turned a skinny frame into a deadly or gentle tool. Mentally, he gave deep wisdom.

Whatever Bruce Lee decided to do, whether it was to be a fighter, an actor, a dancer, or being a friend, he always gave it his all. And in a lot of cases, his all was the best.