grapplator: January 2012

No kung fu for you!

No, it is not the "Soup-Nazi" speaking, just a father of a young Chinese boy realizing that it was probably not a master plan after all to send his son. Chinadaily.com.cn reports about the incident:

A 12-year-old boy sent by his father to learn martial arts at a Buddhist temple ran to police for help after a few days when he found the monks there to be in poor condition.
The boy, surnamed Lu, from Chenjiafang village in Shaoyang, Hunan province, said his father took him to the temple in nearby Yueyang on Jan 23 claiming he could become a kungfu master. Instead, Lu found the temple shabby and that the monks in ragged clothes were incapable of teaching anything.

Kung fu monastery - from Wikipedia.org

It may appear to the casual observer that a lot of places are trying to "cash in" on the current kung fu craze. Parents should as always do some preliminary checks before sending their kids to any martial arts school or institution! Agree?

Feel free to add your comments and experience into the matter.

No, it is not the "Soup-Nazi" speaking, just a father of a young Chinese boy realizing that it was probably not a master plan after all to send his son. Chinadaily.com.cn reports about the incident:

A 12-year-old boy sent by his father to learn martial arts at a Buddhist temple ran to police for help after a few days when he found the monks there to be in poor condition.
The boy, surnamed Lu, from Chenjiafang village in Shaoyang, Hunan province, said his father took him to the temple in nearby Yueyang on Jan 23 claiming he could become a kungfu master. Instead, Lu found the temple shabby and that the monks in ragged clothes were incapable of teaching anything.

Kung fu monastery - from Wikipedia.org

It may appear to the casual observer that a lot of places are trying to "cash in" on the current kung fu craze. Parents should as always do some preliminary checks before sending their kids to any martial arts school or institution! Agree?

Feel free to add your comments and experience into the matter.

Arrested for killing MMA fighter

MMA - Illustration from Wikipedia

A teenager has been arrested for taking part in a failed robbery where a 28-year-old promising MMA fighter was shot and killed in April 2011.

The incident reportedly occurred at a banquet hall in Ontario, Canada. The arrested boy, who was 14 at the time, was allegedly at the scene together with another man, aged 30.

Here's an excerpt of what citytv.com recently said about the matter:

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of an up-and-coming mixed-martial arts fighter at a Brampton banquet hall last April.
Kearn Nedd, 28, was shot after he stepped in to help the organizer of a poker tournament when two armed and masked men burst into the Rozz Banquet Hall on Advance Boulevard, near Dixie Road and Steeles, on April 16, 2011.

Sad to see a Good Samaritan like Mr Nedd here suffer the terrible consequences for stepping up. It might also serve as a warning about the danger of fighting people armed with guns.

Would be interesting to hear your opinion about the matter. Feel free to comment.

MMA - Illustration from Wikipedia

A teenager has been arrested for taking part in a failed robbery where a 28-year-old promising MMA fighter was shot and killed in April 2011.

The incident reportedly occurred at a banquet hall in Ontario, Canada. The arrested boy, who was 14 at the time, was allegedly at the scene together with another man, aged 30.

Here's an excerpt of what citytv.com recently said about the matter:

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of an up-and-coming mixed-martial arts fighter at a Brampton banquet hall last April.
Kearn Nedd, 28, was shot after he stepped in to help the organizer of a poker tournament when two armed and masked men burst into the Rozz Banquet Hall on Advance Boulevard, near Dixie Road and Steeles, on April 16, 2011.

Sad to see a Good Samaritan like Mr Nedd here suffer the terrible consequences for stepping up. It might also serve as a warning about the danger of fighting people armed with guns.

Would be interesting to hear your opinion about the matter. Feel free to comment.

Martial artist try to avoid arrest

Wrist lock - photo from Wikipedia.com

Cambridge-news.co.uk reports below about a move (martial arts or otherwise) which definitely is not a wise one - trying to fight police. Can you "win" in the short run? Well, maybe ... if you're good. Are you going to lose in the longer run? Sooner or later, definitely.

It appears the British 66-year-old doctor of psychology (!) discovered the implications of being obnoxious when he reportedly was pepper sprayed for resisting arrest.

A martial arts instructor used his handlock skills to try to evade arrest after abandoning his crashed car, a court heard.
Daniel Downey grabbed Pc William Vye by his hands and twisted his wrists as the officer tried to handcuff and arrest him for drink-driving.
Downey had returned to Cambridge to drown his sorrows after a physical attack on him forced him to abandon a training weekend in Wolverhampton.

There are lots more interesting bits and pieces to the story, and you definitely might want to head on over and read it in its entirety.

Among other things, there's this totally laughable brain-fart - appears to be from the man's defense lawyer (a silly statement is probably to expected from said individual):

"If someone comes within your space in martial arts, you instinctively do something to protect yourself."

Really? After 30 plus years in the arts, I wasn't aware of that. And I have to add, dang! All those people I owe a good beating for stepping too close... Come back here!

Any who, remember to add your comment, send a tweet, add to Facebook and the like :-)

Wrist lock - photo from Wikipedia.com

Cambridge-news.co.uk reports below about a move (martial arts or otherwise) which definitely is not a wise one - trying to fight police. Can you "win" in the short run? Well, maybe ... if you're good. Are you going to lose in the longer run? Sooner or later, definitely.

It appears the British 66-year-old doctor of psychology (!) discovered the implications of being obnoxious when he reportedly was pepper sprayed for resisting arrest.

A martial arts instructor used his handlock skills to try to evade arrest after abandoning his crashed car, a court heard.
Daniel Downey grabbed Pc William Vye by his hands and twisted his wrists as the officer tried to handcuff and arrest him for drink-driving.
Downey had returned to Cambridge to drown his sorrows after a physical attack on him forced him to abandon a training weekend in Wolverhampton.

There are lots more interesting bits and pieces to the story, and you definitely might want to head on over and read it in its entirety.

Among other things, there's this totally laughable brain-fart - appears to be from the man's defense lawyer (a silly statement is probably to expected from said individual):

"If someone comes within your space in martial arts, you instinctively do something to protect yourself."

Really? After 30 plus years in the arts, I wasn't aware of that. And I have to add, dang! All those people I owe a good beating for stepping too close... Come back here!

Any who, remember to add your comment, send a tweet, add to Facebook and the like :-)

Accused: Top karate coach

Karate training - From Wikipedia.com

Here's another case of an alleged sexual assault case against a well known and respected karate coach, this time from Botswana.

Below, you will see parts of what thevoicebw.com has to say about the matter.

And by all means, let us be clear that being accused is not the same as a guilty sentence..

Police are investigating allegations against well-known karate instructor Andrew Dobolo, accused of sexually assaulting two young girls in his charge during last month's Botswana Games.
Dobolo, a Presidential award winner and viewed as one of the country's shining sports personalities, was the manager of the Gaborone karate team during the competition when the alleged incidents occurred.
Filing charges recently the girl's parents contented that on two separate occasions Dobolo lured the two girls aged 13 and 15 to his house where he sexually molested them.

So, what's your take on this? Does it appear that the number of cases is actually growing, or do you believe it's more a case of more cases being known to the public? Feel free to leave your comment below.

Karate training - From Wikipedia.com

Here's another case of an alleged sexual assault case against a well known and respected karate coach, this time from Botswana.

Below, you will see parts of what thevoicebw.com has to say about the matter.

And by all means, let us be clear that being accused is not the same as a guilty sentence..

Police are investigating allegations against well-known karate instructor Andrew Dobolo, accused of sexually assaulting two young girls in his charge during last month's Botswana Games.
Dobolo, a Presidential award winner and viewed as one of the country's shining sports personalities, was the manager of the Gaborone karate team during the competition when the alleged incidents occurred.
Filing charges recently the girl's parents contented that on two separate occasions Dobolo lured the two girls aged 13 and 15 to his house where he sexually molested them.

So, what's your take on this? Does it appear that the number of cases is actually growing, or do you believe it's more a case of more cases being known to the public? Feel free to leave your comment below.

Taekwondo instructor, molested girl?

Georgia -- A taekwondo instructor has been charged and is being investigated by police after a teenage girl claimed to have had a sexual relationship with the 32-year-old man. This is according to northeastcobb.patch.com.

The alleged sexual is said to have occurred at the martial arts academy in Marietta as well as the man's Roswell residence.

Georgia -- A taekwondo instructor has been charged and is being investigated by police after a teenage girl claimed to have had a sexual relationship with the 32-year-old man. This is according to northeastcobb.patch.com.

The alleged sexual is said to have occurred at the martial arts academy in Marietta as well as the man's Roswell residence.

Former karate teacher indicted

Illinois -- A 43-year-old Minnesota man has been indicted for allegedly having sexual contact with two minors, aged between 13 and 18. The man used to teach karate in Roselle and South Elgin, according to mysuburbanlife.com.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office said the incidents allegedly occurred while the man taught at karate schools in the area.

The alleged sexual acts is reported to have taken placed between June 2001 and May 2006.

Illinois -- A 43-year-old Minnesota man has been indicted for allegedly having sexual contact with two minors, aged between 13 and 18. The man used to teach karate in Roselle and South Elgin, according to mysuburbanlife.com.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office said the incidents allegedly occurred while the man taught at karate schools in the area.

The alleged sexual acts is reported to have taken placed between June 2001 and May 2006.

Accused of old crime

North Carolina -- A convicted sex offender, who have spent 10 years in prison, are being investigated after a 39-year-old man said he was assaulted sexually by the man many years earlier, according to wsoctv.com.

The alleged victim told detectives that when he was 9 years old, he and his friend were assaulted at the man's home. The sex offender - who reportedly have admitted to having abused abused many children - was working as a karate teacher in Indian Trail when he had a sleepover at his house.

Detectives said they were reviewing old case files and were attempting to identify other karate students.

North Carolina -- A convicted sex offender, who have spent 10 years in prison, are being investigated after a 39-year-old man said he was assaulted sexually by the man many years earlier, according to wsoctv.com.

The alleged victim told detectives that when he was 9 years old, he and his friend were assaulted at the man's home. The sex offender - who reportedly have admitted to having abused abused many children - was working as a karate teacher in Indian Trail when he had a sleepover at his house.

Detectives said they were reviewing old case files and were attempting to identify other karate students.

Old style karate, top 12 ways it differs from modern karate.

When In first created this blog, I promised an article on what makes “Old style” karate different from modern karate. Well now that I’ve sat down to outline this article; I realize that it would not be possible to do the topic justice with a single post. So I’ve decided to create a short post mentioning the top dozen differences (as I see them). I hopefully will get around to discussing all of

When In first created this blog, I promised an article on what makes “Old style” karate different from modern karate. Well now that I’ve sat down to outline this article; I realize that it would not be possible to do the topic justice with a single post. So I’ve decided to create a short post mentioning the top dozen differences (as I see them). I hopefully will get around to discussing all of

A great wresslin' move

Don't know about you, but I get all warm and fuzzy when I see wrestling moves like this one pulled off in a fight :-)

Don't know about you, but I get all warm and fuzzy when I see wrestling moves like this one pulled off in a fight :-)

Ninja turtles are evil!

Plain and simple evil ... "They are not good people!" Well, at least according to these religious nutcases :-)

Plain and simple evil ... "They are not good people!" Well, at least according to these religious nutcases :-)

Karate master - string of offenses

UK -- A respected as well as trusted, 62-year-old high grade karate expert who has written a history of Shotokan karate has admitted to a number of sexual offences against girls, according to jarrowandhebburngazette.com.

Police reportedly discovered a huge amount of indecent images of children when the 62-year-old man was arrested. He also admitted possessing one extreme image of a person having sex with an animal.

The married father was already in prison awaiting sentence after having admitted a series of sex assaults on children.

UK -- A respected as well as trusted, 62-year-old high grade karate expert who has written a history of Shotokan karate has admitted to a number of sexual offences against girls, according to jarrowandhebburngazette.com.

Police reportedly discovered a huge amount of indecent images of children when the 62-year-old man was arrested. He also admitted possessing one extreme image of a person having sex with an animal.

The married father was already in prison awaiting sentence after having admitted a series of sex assaults on children.

Taekwondo instructor, sex assault

Canada -- A former, part-time taekwondo instructor in Oakville is facing several charges stemming from a sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy, according to insidehalton.com.

The incident reportedly occurred at the taekwondo school in 2002. The victim was a student there and the accused was an instructor.

Canada -- A former, part-time taekwondo instructor in Oakville is facing several charges stemming from a sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy, according to insidehalton.com.

The incident reportedly occurred at the taekwondo school in 2002. The victim was a student there and the accused was an instructor.

Improperly collected funds?

Japan -- The Olympic Committee in Japan is investigating whether the All Japan Taekwondo Association have improperly collected more than 20 million yen from national team officials over a four years period, according to mdn.mainichi.jp.

It is speculated that senior officials within the association have asked medical staff and coaches to hand over money because of financial problems the association are facing.

Japan -- The Olympic Committee in Japan is investigating whether the All Japan Taekwondo Association have improperly collected more than 20 million yen from national team officials over a four years period, according to mdn.mainichi.jp.

It is speculated that senior officials within the association have asked medical staff and coaches to hand over money because of financial problems the association are facing.

Stop the karate violence!

...Or: "Holy Batman, our non-violent masked intruder got a karate lesson for free."

Indiana -- Journalgazette.net reported about a man who entered a karate school in Fort Wayne with a Batman T-shirt as a mask.

When the 37-year-old man was told to leave by the instructor, he reportedly punched the instructor and was subdued.

The batmaniac, who allegedly had been mumbling to himself without anyone being able to tell what he was talking about, later told police that he had tried to give the other man a note with the words "Stop The Violence" on it.

...Or: "Holy Batman, our non-violent masked intruder got a karate lesson for free."

Indiana -- Journalgazette.net reported about a man who entered a karate school in Fort Wayne with a Batman T-shirt as a mask.

When the 37-year-old man was told to leave by the instructor, he reportedly punched the instructor and was subdued.

The batmaniac, who allegedly had been mumbling to himself without anyone being able to tell what he was talking about, later told police that he had tried to give the other man a note with the words "Stop The Violence" on it.

"Wheel" kung fu

The above picture, from metro.co.uk shows what they describe as a Chinese "kung fu enthusiast" doing cartwheels for 3.5km straight (approximately 2.15 miles) through the streets of Changsha.

To me, a term like "martial arts enthusiast", or "kung fu enthusiast" is dangerously close to describing a full-blown nutcase or registered Martial Arts Maniac. But then again - what do I know...

Any who, I think it's summed up rather precisely by Metro: "(...) the 47-year-old who didn't stop or stand up during the whole event - although the reason for his hour of head-spinning is not yet known."

The above picture, from metro.co.uk shows what they describe as a Chinese "kung fu enthusiast" doing cartwheels for 3.5km straight (approximately 2.15 miles) through the streets of Changsha.

To me, a term like "martial arts enthusiast", or "kung fu enthusiast" is dangerously close to describing a full-blown nutcase or registered Martial Arts Maniac. But then again - what do I know...

Any who, I think it's summed up rather precisely by Metro: "(...) the 47-year-old who didn't stop or stand up during the whole event - although the reason for his hour of head-spinning is not yet known."

Karate instructor facing trial

Pennsylvania -- A 27-year-old instructor is facing trial on charges he raped a 12-year-old karate student, according to wnep.com.

The man reportedly was an instructor at a martial arts school in Pocono Summit, and it is alleged he had sex with the young girl in the girl's home in Tobyhanna on several occasions from August 2011.

Pennsylvania -- A 27-year-old instructor is facing trial on charges he raped a 12-year-old karate student, according to wnep.com.

The man reportedly was an instructor at a martial arts school in Pocono Summit, and it is alleged he had sex with the young girl in the girl's home in Tobyhanna on several occasions from August 2011.

Excellent judo newaza

When I see brilliant and fun newaza (judo ground technique) executed like this in a fight, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Simply amazing!

When I see brilliant and fun newaza (judo ground technique) executed like this in a fight, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Simply amazing!

School employee arrested

Ohio -- A school employee and karate teacher in the Columbus-area has been accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student. The incident allegedly occurred in December 2011, according to 10tv.com.

The alleged victim's mother said the man was a physical education teacher and that he also was a martial arts instructor. She said the incident happened when her daughter changed outfits.

Ohio -- A school employee and karate teacher in the Columbus-area has been accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student. The incident allegedly occurred in December 2011, according to 10tv.com.

The alleged victim's mother said the man was a physical education teacher and that he also was a martial arts instructor. She said the incident happened when her daughter changed outfits.

Former UFC fighter sentenced

Oregon -- A 37-year-old, former UFC lightweight title contender was recently sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually abusing an underage female student at his martial arts school in Clackamas in December 2010, according to oregonlive.com.

The MMA fighter was reportedly arraigned in May 2011 on seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration.

Oregon -- A 37-year-old, former UFC lightweight title contender was recently sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually abusing an underage female student at his martial arts school in Clackamas in December 2010, according to oregonlive.com.

The MMA fighter was reportedly arraigned in May 2011 on seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration.

Naihanchi "body-changes" (内蟠地転身)

Naihanchi kata [内蟠地型 or ナイハンチ型] has apparently simple footwork moving side to side using a "horse-stance" (naihanchi-dachi) [内蟠地立] and a "cross-stance" (kosa-dachi) [交差立]. However the horse-stance and cross-stance are used in application by rotating the body as one assumes these stances. In Shorin ryu these evasive body rotations are often referred to as "body-changes." "Body-change" is the

Naihanchi kata [内蟠地型 or ナイハンチ型] has apparently simple footwork moving side to side using a "horse-stance" (naihanchi-dachi) [内蟠地立] and a "cross-stance" (kosa-dachi) [交差立]. However the horse-stance and cross-stance are used in application by rotating the body as one assumes these stances. In Shorin ryu these evasive body rotations are often referred to as "body-changes." "Body-change" is the

"Cyborg" testing positive

California - Leading female MMA fighter Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos have tested positive for anabolic steroids, according to bleacherreport.com.

Even though she has been suspected of some form of doping for quite some time, the fact that she tested positive in December 2011, is said to have has rocked the MMA community.

It is reported that the fighter has been suspended for one year by the California State Athletic Commission. She has also been fined $2,500, and her latest win in San Diego has been overturned.

California - Leading female MMA fighter Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos have tested positive for anabolic steroids, according to bleacherreport.com.

Even though she has been suspected of some form of doping for quite some time, the fact that she tested positive in December 2011, is said to have has rocked the MMA community.

It is reported that the fighter has been suspended for one year by the California State Athletic Commission. She has also been fined $2,500, and her latest win in San Diego has been overturned.

A few thoughts on the Bubishi (武备志):

Musings on the Kenpo Hakku, Chinese Medicine,

and their relationship to Ryukyu Martial Arts.

The Bubishi is a text that was revered by Okinawan masters of Tudi (唐手). While its link to Nafadi (那覇手) is more widely known, it seems to have had a profound effect on masters of the Suidi [首里手] tradition as well. Perhaps the best know section of this text is the "Eight Cornerstone

Musings on the Kenpo Hakku, Chinese Medicine,

and their relationship to Ryukyu Martial Arts.

The Bubishi is a text that was revered by Okinawan masters of Tudi (唐手). While its link to Nafadi (那覇手) is more widely known, it seems to have had a profound effect on masters of the Suidi [首里手] tradition as well. Perhaps the best know section of this text is the "Eight Cornerstone