Seattle Kempo

Why do we do this?

cureface — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:58:02 +0000

Why do we do this? Train martial arts, that is. Why do we put so much time and effort (and sweat and a few tears) into something which is generally misunderstood by our peers, and sometimes even our friends and family? I just had a conversation about that very subject with one of our black belt students. “Why do you do this?” his wife asks him on occasion. “Because I can,” was the simple, perfect answer.

I have found myself on many occasions trying to find the right answer that question too, and being a teacher, as well as a storyteller (writer and filmmaker), I usually end up with a much more involved answer. I end up going into the great and amazing history of this art form; the awesome feeling of confidence, knowing I can handle myself (and protect a loved one) in a bad situation; the excellent health benefits which get better over time; the incredible feeling of perfecting a difficult technique.

But to be true, I think I like this black belt student’s answer better. He was a student of mine as a beginner about 15 years ago, and I was very pleased (and proud), that a student of mine from so long ago would still be training after all these years. After teaching for many years, I took some time away from the studios to go back to school and finish my degree at USC. Now that I’m back, it’s a real joy to see so many familiar faces in the classes, still working at it, still putting that tremendous effort into achieving their goals. Maybe that’s also part of the reason why I do this, and why I continued to train so hard while on my own for several years – that I know there are others out there, not so different than myself, who are doing the same thing.

So, why do we do it? Why do we train so hard, sweat - and yes, on occasion when a mistake is made, bleed -to perfect ourselves in this quest to achieve a black belt, or another degree of black belt, or even, dare we say, to try and Master this deep and seemingly boundless art form? Why do we do it? Because we can!

S.L. Sylvian

3^rd Degree Black Belt

Moo Pai Apprentice under Master R. Jones

The Art Of Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu

cureface — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:08:38 +0000

The Ancient Art of Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu: The Law of the Fist

Kung Fu is a martial art that can be traced back to early day China. Calendar dates sometimes reflect the discipline of Kung Fu being established pre-A.D. Within Kung Fu are variations of this martial art.

One of those variations is called Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu which was named after the Shaolin temple of Buddhism. This temple is located on the mountain of Sung and was roughly established around the fourth century A.D.

What Is Shaolin Kung Fu?

In order to understand what Shaolin Kung Fu is, it is important to understand the environment that bred this type of martial art. The Shaolin temple was established during a period of time in China when individual regions were controlled and dominated by warlords. In addition, law and order was based upon the survival of the fittest and as such the different areas were replete with killers and thieves.

To counter this lawlessness, the priests of the Shaolin temple created a powerful new dimension to the art of Kung Fu. This dynamic new dimension to this discipline allowed the priests the resources to repel those that would wish to do harm to those in the temple and who wished to destroy the religion itself.

Some of the abilities that were created through the use of Shaolin Kung Fu were legendary. Some of those legends included the ability of the disciple of this Kung Fu being able to penetrate concrete with their fist, direct their body to heal faster and simulate the action of a dragonfly and skim the surface of water. Every martial arts have their legends and kung fu is no different. In some cases the claims are so unbelievable that you need to take these stories with a grain of salt. However, the monks loved to teach with stories, so there is a grain of truth in most of these legends and should be read with that in mind. To believe a shaolin monk could jump 100 feet is foolish but to understand the story of will power is wisdom.

Today, many of the powerful techniques and secrets have been lost. However, Shaolin Kung Fu is considered, by many, to be the most powerful variation of all of the Kung Fu disciplines.

Benefits

There are many benefits associated with practicing the disciple of Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu. These benefits can be realized for each member of the family despite their age or gender.

For a child, there will be a noticeable elevation in the confidence level of that child. This level of confidence will be increased due to the advantages received by learning and practicing this discipline. Those advantages include the gaining of courage and strength. These are important virtues for the mind and body to realize especially living in a world that seems to be more violent. Also, the child will experience character building disciplines and will learn how to defend themselves using the techniques of Shaolin Kung Fu

For the adult, because Shaolin Kung Fu is a discipline that affects every fiber and element of an individual, the student will learn how to effectively manage stress and manage the enemy from within. In addition, increasing energy levels will be elevated. Also, this ancient art will allow an individual to defend themselves from outward attacks that may be experienced.

Remember the word Shaolin means Young Forest and the word Kempo translates to Law of the Fist. The art was to keep you young and alive during hard times. The average Monk back in the days of the shaolin lived to be in there 70,s and 80's. And that was when the average life span of the normal person was about 35. To stay young and longevity was the purpose of the art, self defense was just an added side benefit.

Seattle Kempo Katana Lesson Part One

cureface — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:18:29 +0000

This is the seminor we did in Federal Way, Washington. This is part one of 5.

Seattle Moon Spade Kempo Kung Fu

cureface — Sun, 27 May 2007 09:20:03 +0000

Bellevue, WA 2007. Moon Spade Class

Kempo Kids In Federal Way Having Fun!

cureface — Sun, 27 May 2007 08:57:49 +0000

Seattle Martial Arts Information

cureface — Sun, 27 May 2007 07:53:20 +0000

How to Choose a Martial Art

Once you’ve decided that you want to start training a martial art, you’ll need to decide which one is best for you. Of course, your choice might be dictated by the schools available in your area, but if you’re lucky you’ll have the choice of at least a few different types. There are many different types of martial arts (and even variations within the basic types) so it’s important to make sure that you research the techniques and features to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. This general explanation of the six most popular styles in the United States can help you get started on the decision.

It’s also important to note that there are as many interpretations of the martial arts styles as there are instructors. Students also interpret the class differently than other students in the same class, so other people’s opinions are not always the best determiner of what style you should pursue. While you are trying to find the martial art that’s right for you, it is helpful to also try a few classes to get a feel for the style, instructor and school…

KARATE

History

Karate can be translated as “empty hand” which means that it is a martial art performed without weapons. While the history of Karate is somewhat vague, its ancient roots have been traced back to China in the 5th century B.C. The more modern form of Karate began in Okinawa, Japan during the late 1700s. There was a weapon ban in Okinawa at this time, so people had to come up with system of self defense that used empty hands – they combined aspects of Chinese martial arts with the Te traditional to Okinawa. By the early 1900s it began spreading throughout Japan. In 1964, the Federation of Karate Organizations was formed as a means to create some continuity for Karate world-wide. Even so, there are many different styles and variations of Karate today.

Techniques

Karate is a linear martial art. It uses a wide variety of movements: kicks, punches, blocks, strikes, evasions and throws. Training focuses on having a strong offense and puts equal importance on the three areas of the art: basics, sparring and forms.

Features

• People who practice Karate use their hips to generate power. • Karate teaches a specific breathing technique. • Ranks, values and styles differ from organization to organization. • Karate, which can be hard and straight line, is very disciplined and some traditional schools might seem very harsh.

AIKIDO

History

Using the influences of the traditional art of Daito Ryo Aikijo-Jitsu, Japanese fencing, spear fighting and Omotokyo, Moriehie Usehiba developed the martial art of Aikido (“the peaceful art”). He first used this name for it in 1942. The basis of this art is to live in a spirit of protection instead of physical domination. The art of Aikido is ruled by the International Aikido Federation in Tokyo, Japan.

Techniques

Aikido is a circular martial art. Instead of winning a fight with physical domination, Aikido teaches its participants to control and redirect the negative energy. This leads to a commitment to both peaceful resolutions of conflict as well as self-improvement through training. People who practice Aikido learn to use throws and pins as well as how to immobilize their attackers. They don’t use punches and kicks, except as a distraction. The basis of the art is to learn how to stay out of the line of attack and gain control of the attacker’s balance in order to stop the attacker.

Features

• Aikido does use weapons: jo (a 4-5 foot long staff), Bokken (a wooden sword) and a Tanto (a wooden knife). • Aikido is a non-violent method of self-defense. • The quality of the belt ranks is strictly regulated. • Aikido lacks many of the kicks and strikes common to other martial arts.

JUDO

History

Dr. Jigro Kano developed Judo after he was enrolled at Tenjin Shinyo ryo School of Ju-Jitsu because he was frustrated with all of the student injuries. Judo is a gentle martial art that helps its participants strive to perfect themselves and to be a value to society. Judo, which means “the gentle way”, improves physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Techniques

Judo uses throwing, grappling, pins, holds, locks and choking. However, the training focuses on safety – participants need to work towards top conditioning and Judo is always practiced on mats. Judo participants learn the art through a series of forms that consist of throwing and sparring – there are no strikes in competitive Judo.

Features

• Judo has a strict set of rules and a clear instructional sequence. • Judo rules, training and ranks are fairly standardized throughout the world. • Judo helps develop complete body control, fine balance and fast reflexes. • Judo uses a lot of grappling, throws, grabbing and ground work. Because of this, it often reminds people of wrestling.

TAEKWONDO

History

While the beginnings of Taekwondo can be traced as far back as 30 B.C., modern Taekwondo began after Korea was liberated in 1945. Koreans wanted to eradicate all Japanese influence on martial arts, so they began connecting the Korean martial arts schools and styles to create a national sport. The name Taekwondo (“the way of the hand and foot”) was chosen in 1965. 1973 marks the beginning of the World Taekwondo Federation. It became a part of the Olympics in 2000.

Techniques

Taekwondo consists of four disciplines including patterns, sparring, self-defense and a break test. Taekwondo is primarily a kicking art and there is a large emphasis on sport. People who train Taekwondo need to combine philosophy, mental and physical discipline and ability to their training.

Features

• Taekwondo is recognizable by its fast, high kicks. • Taekwondo black belts exams require a break test. • Taekwondo training can include the use of vital points to attack an enemy. • Taekwondo schools are often kid- and sport- oriented. • Taekwondo students often are expected to compete in many tournaments.

T’AI CHI

History

The development of T’ai Chi (translated as “the supreme ultimate”) is credited to Chang San-feng, but Wang Chung-yueh and Chiang Fa elaborated on the original art. They took San-feng’s 13 postures and devised continuous sequences that linked them together. T’ai Chi used to be a greatly defensive art – even deadly. So much so, that the families who knew it guarded it fiercely. Now, T’ai Chi is less violent and is used to get rid of more figurative enemies such as stress and fatigue.

Techniques

People who practice T’ai Chi may use weapons, but the underlying theory is that the art is used to unify the mind, body and spirit. It is often now used to guide negative energy away from oneself. There are two ways to practice T’ai Chi. The long form can take 30 minutes or more while the short form can take less than 10 minutes. The forms focus on continuous movement that leads to relaxation and solid stances. In T’ai Chi, each arm is used to protect half of the body and the hands never reach past the toes. T’ai Chi can be done alone (forms) or with a partner (self-defense training).

Features

• T’ai Chi teaches awareness of balance and what affects it in oneself and in others. • T’ai Chi has five major styles, but there are always new ones developing. • The basis of T’ai Chi’s self defense is to meet force and stick with it until can be redirected instead of resisting it. • T’ai Chi is considered one of the accomplishments thought to make a superior person according to Chinese tradition (along with painting, poetry, calligraphy and music). • T’ai Chi has been proven to improve mental clarity, balance and circulation as well as create an all-around healthy body. • T’ai Chi focuses on slow movements, so people who like vigorous exercise often find this martial art to be boring and slow.

KUNG FU

History

Kung Fu (translated as “skill and effort”) actually refers to over 200 styles of martial arts (most of which stem from Chinese martial arts). Kung fu can be traced back to the shoalin temples where the monks used it for health and spiritual developments as well as a method of self defense. During the early 1900s, Kung Fu, also called Wu Shu, spread throughout China when fighting arts became very popular. In the 1960s and ‘70s Kung Fu’s popularity grew due to the Bruce Lee movies.

Techniques

Kung Fu is central to the Chinese culture and is used both for physical wellness and artistic expressions. Within the many different styles of Kung Fu, there are variations from hard and linear to soft and circular in technique. Some use weapons (including the common sword, saber, spear and cudgel) and others do not. The seemingly common thread through them all, however, is to teach the students to respect the teacher and other Kung Fu styles. Kung Fu also requires (as well as builds) mental strength in addition to physical strength to be successfully practiced. Kung Fu students also often practice some techniques individually and others with groups. In many schools, beginning training starts with what is called the Southern Fist style. It involves footwork, kicks and hand combat techniques.

Features

• Kung Fu refers to the hundreds of different styles of martial arts in China. • People who practice Kung Fu learn many different fighting techniques including fist fighting, weapon fighting, routines and combats. • Many Kung Fu styles use similar principals such as “The Three Eights” (8 hours each of sleep, work and play each day), proper diet, and breathing, concentration and meditation exercises. • Some Kung Fu styles use weapons while others do not. • Kung Fu training improves physical conditioning through strengthening of the joints and increases speed and reactions. • Kung Fu’s major difference over other martial arts is that it not only focuses on outer, physical power, but also involves training the mind and inner power through breathing exercises and meditation.

I hope you find this information useful. I wish that I could cover all of the styles that I left out, but it would take an entire book to do that. If you have any questions about which style would be best for you, please feel free to call or email me.

Sincerely, Robert Jones Master Instructor Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

P.S. My 3 studios are located in Lynnwood, Federal Way, and Bellevue, Washington. If you live near one of those locations, please stop in and say “Hi”.

Bellevue@kungfutemple.com 1-800-508-6141