El Camino #22 - English

El Camino Martial Arts Magazine was born with the aim of promoting martial arts and reaching the largest number of people in a digital way, according to the times and technologies. We hope you like it and join us in this beautiful martial universe, with the love of always:

Graphic Direction:

Mario Segnini Fursa.

Commercial Address:

Mario Segnini Fursa.

Editorial Address:

Javier Acosta Serrano.

Main Editor (English Version):

SM Guy E. Larke

The opinions expressed in this magazine are the responsibility of each person who is published and promoted; is made and distributed with No.23-03 from Montevideo Uruguay for the month of March. Thank you.

INDEX:

02 - IF ONE IS INTEGRAL OR NOT IN THE MARTIAL ART AS A PERSON

SBN Ramón Navarro

04 - CELLULOID: THE LAST OF US MASTER Jesús Ricardo Félix

05 - THE TRADITIONAL CENTER MARTIAL ARTS MÉXICO

06 -THE POWER OF MARTIAL ART

SBN Javier Acosta

08 - WHAT DO THE THREE SPHERES THAT APPEAR ON THE EMBLEMS OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS

MEAN?

SENSEI Cecilia Salbuchi

10 - JUDO FOR LIFE

PROF. Marcelo Ehrlich

13 - ECONOMY TSD

Elias Pulgar

14 - THE JOURNEY OF MASTER MIN-KYUNG KIM

SMASTER Guy E. Larke

18 - TEUK GONG MOO SOOL Parte 2

SMASTER Guy E. Larke

22 - DYNAMIC TANG SOO DO MASTER John Correlje

23 - TANG SOO DO URUGUAY

SBN Mario Segnini

26 - MUSASHI´s THE BOOK OF THE FIVE RINGS...

SBN Mary Cayte Reiland

27 - MATE and KARATE

KSN Renso Perez

28 - MA and ME (CAP. 17)

PROF. Carlos Damasco

30 - LOOKING FOR THE ORIGIN OF WING CHUN

SIFU Benny Meng

34 - DOJO STORIES

SENSEI Gerardo Balves

IF ONE IS INTEGRAL OR NOT IN THE MARTIAL ART AS A PERSON

A big greeting to all who read this magazine ´El Camino Marcial´. Time advances and almost half a year 2023 arrives and we continue our work as an instructor or teacher, as well as a leader in general.

This issue is because I have noticed that there are many in various ways who, to say, are wrong when learning, teaching and even directing an organization with various flaws. First of all, I am not a saint and less perfect, but I have put into practice things that I learned at home and I have had the happiness of having Teachers who are people who are on the path to the last word of the art who teach and have learned the Do. Thus, there is KarateDo, JuDo, AikiDo, TaekwonDo, TangSooDo, HapKiDo etc. Mine are from TangSooDo and HapKiDo.

The word Do is not indicative of art or path but of way of life. As in each of these martial arts we are taught that we must respect the black belts, that is, the elders in normal life, that one does not learn to pick fights and it is implied that one needs to be a good

companion.

As a student, one must do the best in their training, be a good example, that is, not take advantage of being better than others and take advantage of that, since the word Do is indicative of humanism. Attaining the degree of Dan is indicative that you can achieve being an instructor. Because? Because before being able to pass from the grades before that of black or Dan, the student must be able to know the order of everything he has learned and when following the path of his Do one day be an instructor or as an assistant at the Academy to which belongs and one day form his own school so that he can become a Master.

Martial art has many aspects but what it is supposed to have is the function of physical, mental and spiritual activity developing them but each one of the things that is done in the Do focuses on the development of the person.

There are many teachers, that is, from 4th Dan up or instructors of lower grades in the black belt who focus on

teaching sports. This is good, but it doesn't cover all the teaching it really should. In addition, all students in this modern era will not develop what is necessary for them to develop the three aspects of the body, mind and soul or spirit.

In organizations that focus more on sports, when they provide seminar-type teaching, they focus on competitions, but there is much more to learn or that can be taught, such as doing warm-ups, kicks, and their combinations correctly. Also, the arts that have shapes, focus the correct movement after its speed and then the force that those techniques must work for their best performance. The same in meditation, the correct way

Sbn Ramón Navarro

of breathing etc.

Every martial art begins its class basically with the warm-up, it continues according to the custom where that art comes from its positions, kicks, blocks and blows; those who have falls and acrobatics that in addition to working the combats etc. Those who have weapons work on these.

People join the learning of martial art for many reasons and they do not think that they have to prepare to go to the competitions, moreover, most of the academies have their students of adult ages, rather than 30 years and over, they are not interested in learning. to defend themselves to go to the competitions and that what they want is to improve their health, their physical condition and that is why many schools have small groups of adults.

When a student learns what he needs step by step, he will have an order in his learning and one day he will teach in a pure way or it depends, since if he has been taught in a traditional way, he will have a good Do in his martial path. So by the time you get the black belt you will have taken and passed that exam.

I don't know, but I think part of this Cho Dan or 1st Dan exam should show how it is taught. If this part

passes, it is or should be that a logical order is known for that martial art. It should also be emphasized that when the first degree of Dan or black belt is achieved, that is not the end. That if it is a traditional school, it will not focus on competitions, even though it is announced that it has a group of its students that will represent that Academy in sports and that those who do not wish to participate in sports must still train in combat, which is the essence of all martial art I think.

How nice that in an Academy with time already teaching classes I speak of 15 or more years working has a good group of adults. These are the ones who will really give training to that Academy, although the boys are the ones who will be the most in the martial art schools and they are the ones who will feed the economy of those Academy more than the instructor or teacher must live or have a good salary. He will have expenses to cover from the Academy plus his home. In addition, it must be left over to save so that it can be invested in the growth of the school.

Here is only the true beginning of the path in the Do. Many reach this

degree and leave, that is, they leave all the time invested and effort achieved as thrown into the air. Because, I believe that they are not organized since when you are a child, let's say, it is when you begin to learn and grow and become a teenager, then a young adult and at each stage there are different responsibilities as priorities and I think that if the person is organized you will be able to continue your training until the majority or old age.

This topic can be very long but it is irrelevant, what is irrelevant is that in life, as in martial art, a person of integrity does not deceive himself or others, he does not seek recognition while maintaining his ethics and morals. So, what will end up happening to future generations will be strong.

Once again, a big greeting to all of us who participate here in El Camino magazine as well as to those who read it and share it with their acquaintances and friends as students. Here Ramón Navarro 6th Dan teacher for 46 years of Song Moo HapKiDo foundation of my teacher, KwanjangNim Park, SongIL 9th Dan as his assistant and technical director for the international expansion of this system that you can participate for your country if you are willing to make the changes to comply with our teaching curriculum and you can write to WhatsApp +507 67808222.

CELULOIDE: THE LAST OF US

Maestro Jesús Ricardo Félix

The Last Of Us is a North American series released on January 15, 2023. The series is produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for the HBO platform and is based on a video game of the same name.

Twenty years have passed since a brain infection afflicted humanity upon coming into contact with a fungus called Cordyceps. Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, recognized for his participation in series such as Narcos, Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian, gives life to Joel, a family man tormented by his past. Bella Ramsey, the warrior girl who appeared in some chapters of Game of Thrones, plays Ellie, a fierce teenager who seems to show traces of immunity to the deadly infection. The post apocalyptic era is full of zombies and humans trying to take control of the few resources that remain. FEDRA represents a militarized government that is a mix of Mussolini-style totalitarianism. Let's say that the extreme situation has given rise to extreme regimes that seek to control all corners of society, giving rise to abuses and even extermination of groups of people that they consider a threat to security. At the other extreme are the Fireflies, a group of rebels

reminiscent of paramilitary groups such as the Partisans of World War II.

In the midst of all this context, Joel receives the mission of protecting Ellie, who represents the hope of the cure, in the midst of hostile territory that resembles a Purge-type apocalyptic scenario. Just as The Mandalorian doesn't want to become some kind of father to Gorgu, neither does Joel want to be Ellie's adoptive father, committed to protecting her in a world that doesn't seem to have a future for anyone.

However, it seems that the chemistry between the actors works and we see that type of relationship between adults and teenagers who don't like each other very much, but as the episodes go by they strengthen ties until they become a kind of father-daughter. Zombies, politics, terror and action take a backseat and the production focuses on that relationship between two of the best actors in The Last Of Us.

The production was shot in Canada with a cast of directors mostly from abroad, some of the names that stand out are Jasmila Žbanić from Bosnia, Ali Abbasi from Iran and Peter Hoar from Britain.

The universe of video games has given rise to a number of adaptations that for the most part have not yielded great dividends. On the one hand, gamers demand fidelity to the original product and those of us who don't know the game hope that the final result is a contribution to what has already been told so many times. In this case, the zombie genre has given rise to a number of films and series, being able to renew itself and adapt to different audiences.

The Last Of Us is definitely recommendable, it works because among its cast it has good actors, an interesting group of filmmakers, and in general a production that knows what it's doing. Despite the fact that it is not the most original and that it already reminds us of so many postapocalyptic worlds, the series makes sense because it is capable of constantly mutating. First it is an action series, then it flirts a bit with terror, then it takes us by the hand of drama and returns to the zombie genre to later become a survival series. Without a doubt, the series is not the most original that we have seen, but if it entertains us enough with its proposal, what do you think?

The Traditional Center Martial Arts

It is born from the idea of not establishing a single system as unique and the study and teaching of the enormous variety of martial arts around the earth, the study, the practice, the history, the technique, the philosophy and above all the orderly opening are the fundamental bases of this construction, which begins to forge in 2012, with the interest of Sbn Javier Acosta and the full support of his Kjn Eduardo Martínez V. the latter a world legend of martial arts.

Accompanied over the years by masters of Japanese Jujitsu, Wing Shun, Aikido, Karate, Tkd, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai and Tang Soo Do and having practiced some of them for long periods and others for short periods, the doubt ideas are generated, aligned and this study center is formed that today offers its students the various variables of the Moo Duk Kwan school, as well as Aikido, Self Defense, Kick Boxing and a hybrid similar to MMA, that directs and studies Ksn Donovan Aguirre, in the studies of weapons Ksn Dr. Daniel Rodríguez and in the organizational support

the Ksn Melba Valenzuela and Ksn Taira Aguirre, all of them with the freedom to seek and bring to this project the ideas and concepts of those that orbit the same but are in different tribunes, some years ago the CTAM has crossed borders and has teaching relations with various countries, as well as its first subsidiary school in Las Tunas Cuba directed by Ksn Alexei Pérez who is also part e fundamental part of the study of martial arts, we have teachers endorsed by the CTAM in Uruguay and Argentina for Kick Boxing and Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, today Sbn Javier Acosta, participates as a technical advisor to different organizations around the world in terms of teaching for the physical disability, thanks to his career as a volunteer teacher at the Mexico telethon foundation, he also directs the El Camino Podcast editorial and to this day remains faithful to his great teacher Kjn Eduardo Marinez who is part of the promotion of the Taekwondo Hall Of Fame 2019 and holds the highest degree in Mexico, as well as a Dan Bon Directo from Kjn Hwang Kee.

The traditional martial arts center is the greatest achievement of Sbn Javier Acosta and each of its

members, it is tangible and grows solid every day. Today, together with Sbn Mario Segnini from Uruguay, the learning and massification of martial arts through technology is studied and practiced fraternally, he is the one who today travels the do accompanying Sbn Acosta and learning at the same time for his students, As you can see, the important thing is not to be a giant, it is to walk with giants...

Javier Acosta Serrano

SBN

THE POWER OF MARTIAL ART

SBN Javier Acosta

Martial arts have been present in our culture for thousands of years, and their origins go back to different civilizations and ancient traditions throughout the globe. Martial art means "art of war", they are disciplines developed specifically for hand-to-hand combat with the aim of neutralizing the opponent, and were the product of trial and error on the battlefields of our ancestors.

As the human being advanced in technological matters, confrontations and warlike conflicts also developed, so that the traditional methods of face-toface combat evolved into a sporting facet, also used to entertain the masses.

Today the benefits of practicing martial arts are highly appreciated by those who practice them, and there is a wide range of recreational alternatives that allow us to get involved in these ancient methods of offense and defense.

Martial arts practiced recreationally offer us a series of benefits, both physical and emotional, from which anyone with enough perseverance and determination can benefit. There are some options that you can

consider when venturing into this intriguing and rewarding world, in which you will obtain benefits and learning such as:

Weightloss

One of the main objectives when starting a physical activity is to burn that extra fat retained after some time of sedentary lifestyle.

Activities such as Boxing and Muay Thai can burn up to 800 Kcal in 1 hour, which is why they represent a lethal threat to those fatties who so suspiciously take refuge in our abdomen.

reduce stress

It is no secret to anyone that in martial arts you hit and kick wholesale, however primitive it may sound, these actions can be very therapeutic when performed with the correct equipment and technique.

Feeling how your fist makes contact with the punching bag is more rewarding and relaxing than you can imagine.

High social factor

A martial artist will hardly be able to reach his maximum potential without a good training partner. Teamwork, mutual support,

inspiration and motivation are usually the order of the day in many academies or dojos.

One of the many advantages of practicing martial arts is that of interacting with different types of personalities, weights, heights, life philosophies and cultures, it will allow you to expand your social circle or even establish lasting friendships.

Strengthen the value of respect

As we mentioned earlier, martial arts are the product of war, so their hierarchical structure is linear, like the military.

This does not mean that you will have to march and stand firm greeting your captain, but in disciplines such as Tang Soo Do or karate, there are ranks (ribbons) according to the experience and practice time of each student. This system of hierarchies is what strengthens the sense of respect towards our superiors and older people.

It is very gratifying to finally receive that desired promotion after months or even years of training. Many academies deliver diplomas, which you can attach to your personal resume as one more life tool.

They instruct you in self defense Unfortunately, we live in a world full of dangers and ill-intentioned people. It is a fact, knowing how to

defend yourself is a necessity, from identifying the body language of a potential aggressor, to reacting efficiently in a confrontation.

Learning martial arts is life insurance, by correctly mastering the techniques you will be able to neutralize a large number of threats that we hope you will never have to face. However, it is important to keep in mind that; In a risky situation that involves a knife or lethal weapon, it is prudent not to offer resistance.

increase strength

Don't let the word "recreational" fool you, martial arts are activities with a high physical demand. Practicing martial arts translates into training sessions that usually start or end with calisthenics exercises and even free weights are implemented in many schools to effectively condition their students, a factor that allows you to fully develop the mother of powers, the force.

A body with a strong musculoskeletal system is a healthy body, free from injuries and ailments.

Bruce Lee wouldn't have climbed that high just using his strength and a body carved like rock. Practicing martial arts requires a very high cardio-respiratory resistance, an element that is naturally developed when practicing them. Any physical activity that involves large muscle groups and is carried out for a period of time greater than three minutes is considered by sports science as aerobic work, from which your heart and lungs will benefit.

This translates into less risk of heart attacks, hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, among other pathologies that no human being wants to suffer.

They promote self-esteem

Among the many benefits of practicing martial arts is that knowing how to defend yourself empowers you emotionally. You will be a more determined and confident person, able to handle stressful situations with greater ease.

The ability to protect yourself generates an automatic change in attitude, and the people around you will be able to perceive it in a positive way.

The aesthetic improvements that you will achieve with diligent training, making use of recreational martial arts, will translate into a change in how you perceive yourself. Who wouldn't want to show off a six-pack like a professional fighter?

Improve your understanding of other cultures

From all sides, in the east and in the west, different countries and regions developed hand-tohand combat techniques with very different styles. All are full of traditions, folklore, rites, greetings, gestures, terms and clothing, which are still transmitted in the most modern fighting schools in the world.

It's just a matter of letting yourself be soaked in the rich historical context that surrounds these intriguing practices, which will undoubtedly have a great contribution to your multicultural understanding and learning.

It's how much.

Sbn Javier Acosta Director of CTAM World

Increase your cardio-respiratory endurance

WHAT DO THE THREE SPHERES THAT APPEAR ON THE EMBLEMS OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS MEAN? SENSEI CECILIA SALBUCHI

Amaterasu, the female deity of the sun and the universe, who dressed as an archer to overthrow her brother when she tried to usurp her territory.

What do the three spheres that appear on the emblems of Japanese martial arts mean?

The symbol of the three commas, or three dynamic spheres, which is seen in a large number of emblems of schools of Karate, Kobudo and other martial arts, is called Mitsu Tomoe. Normally the neophyte practitioner overlooks this symbol that we see so often, and we found it interesting to investigate a little. In Japan it is a very common symbol that can be seen in temples, on banners, in building decorations, or accompanying Shisas on the island of Okinawa.

Its origin is very old and difficult to determine. We can see that different versions of this same pattern or design appear in Asia and Europe, adopting a different number of spheres and variants in the formats. We can see them in China, Japan, Tibet or even in Celtic cultures. Objects with this design have been found in different parts of the Asian continent that are estimated to belong to 2000 BC.

In the case of Japan, these commas

will have their origin in the Magatama ??, some amulets, beads or talismans that were carved in stones, bones, pieces of wood and other elements.

The Magatama have an ancient origin related to the Buddhist currents that entered Japan. Today, Magatama are used as ceremonial items at Shinto festivals. They are dressed by the Okinawan women who conduct these rituals, the Noro ??.

The first representations of Tomoe in Japan date back to the year 1000. The design appears on walls, utensils, tiles and family altars. Its frequent appearance on Shinto altars in versions of one, two and three Tomoe, sometimes pointing to the left and sometimes to the right, would seem to express the spirit of the gods.

Mitsudomoe are associated with Shinto altars, especially those dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and archery (he is also revered as a god of agriculture).

This symbol can be seen on banners and lanterns at festivals related to

The mitsudomoe is related to water, as we can see in its swirling shape, and for this reason it is placed on roofs as an amulet against fire. Because Hachiman is the guardian of warriors, Japanese families adopted the symbol within their clan emblems, which is why it can be seen on so many ancient banners. Tomoe was also a real character. Tomoe Gozen was a warrior woman, samurai, who served Minamoto no Yoshinaka in the wars that would lead to the shogunate in Japan. She went down in history for her bravery and loyalty to her lord, as she led samurai armies to victory on more than one occasion as captain. The inclusion of the tomoe as an emblem in Japan dates from the 10th century (Heian period), where it accompanied noble clans and samurai, and altars to Hachiman became more numerous.

In Okinawa the mitsudomoe was adopted by the royal family in the First Sho Dynasty and continued into the Second Sho Dynasty. There he received the name hidari gomon (???) or mitsudomoe gomon. As its name indicates, turn left. Since it was an emblem of Okinawan royalty, its use was restricted to the Ryukyu Kingdom only.

In 1879 Okinawa was officially annexed to Japan.

Meanings of mitsudomoe

Different sects of Buddhism give the mitsudomoe different meanings. When you turn right:

* Three worlds: Heaven, earth and underworld.

* Symbol representing Hachiman

* Invocation or amulet for water against fires

* Endless cycle, constant forward movement of energy and rebirth. When turning left (Hidari Gomon):

* The union of the three kingdoms of Ryukyu: Hokuzan, Chuzan and Nanzan

* Invocation of rain to help farmers

* Loyalty, heroism and altruism of the Ryukyu people

In martial arts this triad can mean several things.

* Waza (technique), Chikara (strength), Ki (vital energy)

* Shin = spirit, Gi = technique and Tai = body

* Chin, jin, yu (Wisdom, benevolence, courage).

* The three paths to mastery: Doing (physical training), not doing (rest and recovery), and doing by not doing (meditation).

* Union of mind, body, spirit.

* Union of one, with the other, with the cosmos.

Everything is in Sanchin

Kannei Uechi Sensei used to say: "Everything is in Sanchin!". Sanchin means three aspects or three conflicts. How to separate it from the mitsudomoe? Impossible.

It is easy to understand how many schools of Uechi Ryu incorporate the Tomoe into their insignia, since the triad for Uechi Ryu is the most important concept. If the gidari gomon is used, the pride of Okinawa

is exalted, if the mitsudomoe that turns to the right is used, it is closer to Buddhist concepts or Hachiman. Without forgetting to mention that three are the emblematic animals of the style: dragon, crane, tiger. Ryu, Ko, Kaku. They are also usually accompanied by the insignia of an octagon (the 8 katas of the style since it received the name of Uechi Ryu), feathers (crane) or tiger/dragon claws, as well as the kanji Ue ?, for Uechi, but

which also means "above".

We try to cover the generalities of the emblems that include the mitsu tomoe, but of course we must remember that each martial arts school will have a shield that represents very particular issues, inherent to the history and culture of its creator. That is why we recommend that if you want to know more about the history and meaning of the emblems of your organization, simply consult the creator or whoever had the function of saving the inheritance of said line at this time.

Watch this note on video!

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dYyxdZDvX5c

to those who are sitting on the buses next to the doors, to steal them when the thieves are about to get off, the ones stopped at traffic lights, concentrated looking at their cell phones inside the car, with the windows down and not even they manage to get out of the car to retrieve them. It is the festival of the misappropriation of these articles!

It is an opportunity for the criminals to get hold of these articles that they will later exchange for something else, or they will only use them to make free calls!

JUDO FOR LIFE

Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich

Hello friends readers of the magazine "El Camino".

In this month's installment, we continue to delve into this very interesting and important that Personal Defense is (in any of its denominations). We saw that the Martial Arts and combat sports, have studies and practice of this modality, although most of their training is dedicated to sports competition or the part traditional.

I think that people who practice any form of combat have an advantage over those who they have never experimented with physical aggression. I don't mean they can't date success of it, since luckily we have hundreds of videos where people are shown trying of being robbed or assaulted by others and can resolve these situations satisfactorily.

And always, it depends on the mental attitude shown in each situation, even without knowing techniques of self-protection. The aggressor does not expect a forceful response to aggression from him!

And that's what this topic is about, being able to face the bad guys, with what I have at hand, and knowing nothing of self defense, knowing little or knowing a lot, but defending the life (mine and that of others) and what is my property or that of others, from those who try to steal whatever, to later change for drugs or weapons, to continue with that cycle of bad life!

Waiting for the children at the exit of the Schools and Lyceums, to steal their cell phones, to the people who are walking and looking at cell phones, to those who are at bus stops buses, absorbed in their cell phones,

Thousands of videos confirm it, we are making the job easy for these thieves and whose It is the fault for these losses... of the owners of these things, who do not take care of what they have, who they do not stop being plugged in at all times to this digital reality, which abstracts them from be attentive to what happens around you!

From there we jumped to the theft of purses, wallets, backpacks, jewelry, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses (collection and passengers), take advantage of when people enter your house and enter with them violently, etc, etc.

Here we remember what was stated

in the previous note, I must be attentive to the environment, always! I must take care of my belongings, do not count money in public, I must observe the people who surround them, and they will begin to identify potential aggressors. And they will realize that being victims it is also a personal choice.

Observe before leaving and entering the house, before leaving the ATM, before entering the elevator... It seems like a lot, but if I understand it, it will be a routine that can save me from a hard time.

When I go to pick up the children from school, to accompany the older relatives to the doctor, etc., everyone can be victims of extreme violence and the study of the environment can help us "not be part of a statistic in the news"!

In this search, people try to seek advice from friends who have done something, or who they practice or have practiced Martial Arts, they search on the Internet or in neighborhood gyms.

This is what happened to my friend Juan, when he talked to me and told me that he wanted to start take selfdefense classes, which he had already found out in various places and with different people, but he didn't really know what he wanted!

And that is why it is very important to advise and inform people well, since they want what they they see in the movies, in the exhibitions or are unaware of the content of the teaching in the Asian Martial Arts and they think it will take them a couple of months to learn it all.

he is looking for, seminars, courses and/or classes, where you will learn faster, more specific, without all the study of A Martial Path. Of course, here there are also classes for advanced and beginners so that one does not get bored and the other understands. But that depends on the Organization and the Instructor.

And it is that violence has increased remarkably in all parts of the world, where no one cares for no one, no one cares about the other. As a result of these daily events, the number of people has increased who are looking for information on self defense, Martial Arts and what can be used to try to deal with these situations. Others think: This will never happen to me!

When I explain to my friend Juan (coffee in between), what a Martial Art is, the difference among them, that some specialize more in hitting techniques, others in throwing and control techniques, others in fights on the ground, others with traditional weapons, etc., some that have sports combat, others more specialized in Katas (pre-established forms),all with levels of knowledge by grades or color belts, some that are sports Olympics for years, others who never compete and the vast majority with a good base pedagogical, in the physical, technical and philosophical part, seeking the improvement of the individual in all its aspects... Juan stares at me and says: I just want to learn to defend myself, and I want it now, not spend my whole life on that!

I explain to Juan what the Combat Systems are and that maybe it is what

Finally, Juan opens up to me and tells me about the experience he had when one night, at leaving his work, at the bus stop, an assailant physically assaulted him and stole his his belongings. The assailant first pushed him against a wall, held him there, gave him a couple of blows and always with a demonstration of physical and verbal violence, which made Juan freeze, hit nothing, while the assailant searched his clothes and backpack, taking a ring, watch, cell phone, wallet and backpack, and how there was no cash, he wanted to go to an ATM with Juan and for him to enter the access code (which was not done because more people arrived at the stop and the bad guy opted to run away).

I asked my friend what he was doing at the time of the attack, and he told me: seeing a game on mobile! And again one of the most used

distraction patterns appears! The lack of attention to the environment, concentration on the small screen without knowing what is happening around!

In Japanese Martial Arts one of my favorite words appears: ZANSHIN, translated such as: Constant alert, state of active vigilance, relaxed but attentive, to what is happening and what can happen. Many years ago I learned that concept and I always have it active without ever forcing it!

In the Dojo, with my friend, we repeated the situation experienced by him, to see what he could have done that day, of course, only in a demonstrative way, now aware, we saw the possibilities, from dodges, turns, dislocations, throws, blows, reduction , control the situation or run away. First study the whole, then the parts, then the whole-partwhole.

In Sakura Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu, we are used to hand-to-hand combat,zero distance, to control the limbs of the other, getting out of grips and dislocations, not to lose

balance if they push me or bring me towards them, to take advantage of the opponent's strength, to use force rationally (neither little nor much), to redirect possible blows, to hit, to defend and attack on the ground (although I do not advise being on the ground in a fighting situation, with more than one aggressor), to use sensitive or vital points (Kyusho jutsu) on the body of the aggressor, to incapacitate, produce functional impotence, fainting, cause pain, (I always say: "Pain annuls thought and action"! When I cause intense pain to the other, he cannot attack or think at that moment, he only externalizes that pain!

Of course, reaching those sensitive points is almost impossible when the other is in movement, it is best to control it immobilizing it against the ground, a wall, or my body, and then act on the points.

Right now we are talking about unarmed attack. That is why the study is so important mechanic of defensive technique, since a dislocation to an unarmed member

can be apply when armed, with slight adaptations, if I understood how the angles are, directions, force, imbalance, etc.

Also when I throw the assailant to the ground, taking advantage of his strength, he unbalances him, adding my strength and imbalance on him, grabbing where I can, (and I can do it, if before i studied the mechanics of the launch, and its components), I will realize that if it is armed,also with adaptation, I can always shoot it with control from the weapon. And according to how falls, I can follow the controls until the total reduction, eliminating one objective to continue with another, if there is more than one.

We follow it in the next one, already understanding that the subject goes a long way, to clarify,share, demystify!

See you at the Dojo, on El Camino and on the street!

Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich.

ECONOMY

Tang Soo Do

by Elias Pulgar Olguin

Bankruptcy and Opportunity

Greetings to all our readers. Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank both failed extremely quickly, so quickly they might be textbook cases of classic banking crises, in which too many depositors withdraw their funds at the same time. The SVB and Signature bankruptcies were two of the three largest in US banking history, following the collapse of Washington Mutual in 2008.

How could this have happened when the banking sector has been accumulating record levels of reserves, that is, the amount of cash that is held in excess of what is required by regulators?

Although the most common type of risk a commercial bank faces is increased loan defaults known as credit risk, that's not what's happening here. It all comes down to two other big risks that every lender faces: interest rate risk and liquidity risk.

While it is true that this bankruptcy gives us a clear signal that the economy has changed, it is also necessary to understand what to do in a crisis. Safe work becomes obsolete, employees often do not know the situation of companies and where they believe it is safe work, it turns out to be something uncertain with uncertainty, rather it is necessary to change this to resolve in case of a bankruptcy.

Because I see the economic system down, I have to exhaust the means, so I learned to make web pages, I made one to offer my service in digital format, you can visit barberelias.com, I made it in order to make myself known to more people, To reach customers who use Google to search for services and products, you have to solve problems in the smartest way possible and in the shortest time. I'm also about to start doing a new parallel project and I'll tell you what it's about.

My personal experiences and

what I see of the current world, I write it in this magazine so that together we fulfill our dreams and each one of us be guides for ourselves and for others, Martial Arts are and will be a difficult path, of great perseverance, but If we don't take action on the matter with this economic situation, dreams can only remain in our minds, move forward and persist, one day at a time.

Tang Soo!!

THE JOURNEY OF MASTER MIN-KYUNG KIM

By SMaster Guy E. Larke

Korea’s Loss Becomes Chicago’s Gain

The Journey of Master Min-Kyung Kim

By Sr Master Guy Edward Larke

Sadly, aside from a few exceptions, female soldiers were a last-ditch defense during times of war. Joan of Arc… Mulan… these were mythological or near mythological bits of fiction to satiate the 20th and 21st Century appetites. Popular media made ridiculous flights of fancy to entertain the masses. Truth however is however much bitter than what we wish to believe. Since the “civilized” world has begun, women have been regulated to child rearing and household chores. As far as military or martial matters, female warriors were militia at best. In many nations. There were exceptions of course, but to be honest, even the most diligent and physically powerful of the female gender were strongly encouraged to eschew the sword for the homestead.

Being from a family of strong women on both sides, it was not that surprising that I grew up appreciating female martial artists of all nationalities and martial arts systems. You would think that in

today’s age the weary battle of the sexes would be over by now. Sadly, it has not. Even in South Korea, a nation that has developed so quickly in so many ways it is still very misogynistic. Female martial artists here for the most part look like K-pop entertainers rather than true warriors. Add to that mature women are HIGHLY discouraged to do any serious training. There are exceptions and they are the ones that lay the foundation for the next generation. It is with great pleasure, I introduce one of these individuals to you. Her name is Min-Kyung Kim. You will see why she is one of a kind!

She was born in the town of Seongnam, near Seoul. By the time she was in elementary school, she knew she wanted to become a soldier. Her mother dreamed of being in the military, but was never able to. So therefore, she did what her mother could not. Immediately after finishing high school, Kim enlisted. She was assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division. Her performance was exemplary resulting in her recruitment into the ROK or Korean Special Forces.

There, Kim became part of the 707th “White Tigers” Special Mission Battalion. Her skillset by that time was amazing. Her unarmed skills alone encompassed Taekwondo, Teukgong Moosool, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido and Kickboxing. Kim’s earned the rank of Sergeant 1st Class before her rocket to success was halted. A ill-fated helicopter jump resulted in her left knee being horribly damaged. It left her bed ridden in a hospital for two years. Needless to say, this resulted in a medical discharge. She remained active in the Korean National Guard for another decade however, refusing to give up the life she sacrificed so much for. However, the reality is there is a very large and very real glass ceiling in South Korea in near every field. She tried acclimating to civilian life in S. Korea but it wasn’t for her. It was upon a chance trip with a friend to Chicago in July of 2020 that she was introduced to a famous grandmaster by the name of Tim McHugh. He himself was not just a legend in the Korean martial

arts world, but very well-versed in Korean culture due to his military career in Seoul years ago. A fast friendship grew into something more and a short trip grew in a partnership (both professionally and romantically). The couple stand side-by-side in running the already successful Martial Arts USA. Due to my close friendship to GM McHugh, I was able to get her feeling on the arts, restarting her life in a strange land and teaching the martial arts in general.

Larke - What attributes or skillsets did you learn in each art?

Kim - In Taekwondo, the main emphasis was definitely speed, power and flexibility. From Hapkido, it was undoubtedly the vast array of hosinsul techniques. Teukgong Moosool training took it to another level by incorporating weapons and defense against multiple assailants. Kickboxing helped me to build stamina, get in top shape and learn to "take a hit."

Larke - Were you ever forced to use

her skills on the field or in civilian life?

Kim - Not really...growing up, Korea was always a pretty safe place. I may have gotten into a few scraps as a kid, but in the military, we trained for any possibility. However, nothing serious ever happened.

Larke - What kind of melee weapons did you learn?

Kim - So as far as traditional weapons, I've practiced staff and sword, however in special forces training, we also worked with knives and a variety of firearms.

Larke - Why join the military and not open a dojang?

Kim - I was always fascinated with the military. Although I enjoyed martial arts as a child, I wanted to take it to the next level. I felt the military would be the best vehicle to do so.

techniques? Before and after your injury?

Kim - I can't say I have a favorite. Although I have to be careful to avoid re-injuring my knee, I still enjoy kicking, along with forms and self-defense.

Larke - How do you find civilian life in the US?

Kim - I am absolutely love it in the USA! There are so many different and fascinating people here. I am always finding new and interesting things to do, places to go and I especially enjoy trying the endless types of cuisine!

Larke - What are your ambitions?

Kim - I want to continue teaching and make my dojang grow to be as successful as possible.

Larke - Advice for women either considering dropping out of the arts or hesitating because of their age or biology?

Kim - All I can say is to keep trying. Naturally things change as we get older, but that doesn't mean we should just give up. Martial arts are about perseverance and tenacity. We can be tough and strong, just like men. I am proof of that. Like they say, nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

Larke - When did you start teaching at your husband's school?

Kim - August, 2020.

Larke - What were your favorite

Larke - What ages do you teach? How has that experience been?

Kim - I teach all ages groups, but I especially enjoy the "Tigers" (ages 3-5). They are so enthusiastic and cute. They are a lot of fun.

Larke - Do you think women's nurturing instinct gives them an edge in teaching?

Kim - Yes, to some degree...men tend to be less sensitive by nature. Not all, but some. I think women have that mothering instinct which makes them especially suited to dealing with younger children.

To find out more about this inspirational figure in the martial arts, you can contact her husband and partner Grandmaster Tim McHugh on Facebook at Kamaa Kwanjang or at grandmastertimmchugh@ gmail.com .

Sr. Master Guy Edward Larke has dedicated his life from a young age to the pursuit of the martial arts, Asian culture and hoplology. It led him to Korea in 2000 and has lived there since then. He lives in Seongnam city with his wife GiRyung and son Alexander. He holds black belts in Teuk Gong Moo Sool, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Taekgyeon, Bon Kuk Kumdo, Korean kickboxing, Karate-do, Wushu, Cheonji-muye-do, and various other arts. Currently he teaches Taekwondo, Karate and Cheonjimuye-do full time in addition to writing for various magazines and running Kisa-Do Muye & Marketing. He can be contacted at kisadomuye@gmail.com .

From the Arts of War... Come the Arts of Life... (Teuk Gong Moo Sool Part 2)

by Chief Master Guy Edward Larke

Perhaps the martial arts are unique were as one learns to heal as they know how to hurt. Throughout history, we see incredible warriors who also retained tremendous abilities to save lives (land in many cases chose the latter as a calling). For most martial artists today, the name Wong Fei Hung comes to mind as a patriotic Chinese citizen who was a doctor first and an exceptional martial artist second. Sadly, it is a tradition that is fading. There are many reasons for that, to be sure. It is a much more complicated topic saved for another time.

During my two decades in South Korea, I have met many masters. Some great, some mediocre, some not worth discussing... One of the ones worth mentioning a Park No-Won, the founder of Teuk

Gong Moo Sool, the South Korean government's secret weapon against the North Korean threat in the 1980s. I went into great detail on GM Park in a previous issue of this magazine. One of his lesser-known developments was a wellness system mixed with a distilled version of his combat art. This internal discipline history goes back to his early teenage years when traveling to Il-ee Station to Iksan, a town in South Korea. Being full of youthful energy and

bravado, he began having visions of himself leaping over the massive hill nearby. As they were likely just silly daydreams, he kept them to himself.

Among his many martial studies in high school, Park also developed a fascination in hypnotism and how it could be used to enhance human potential. This became part of the basis of Teuk Gong Moo Sool in the early 1980’s. In 1987 however, he started formulating his ideas for an internal martial arts system suitable for all people inside and outside his nation. A few decades later, his government recognized military art took him to Saudi Arabia (in 1990), where he trained the nation's elite bodyguards and special police. He felt content with Teuk Gong Moo Sool at this point in his life and looked into rediscovering acupuncture, yoga, and other healing methods. On one particular day, he was inside his car and just finished doing some acupressure on an

overstressed general he was traveling with. Afterward, he told the general to rest, and he went to start his car but found it was dead. Rather than get overwhelmed, he closed his eyes and found so many images flooded his mind, including Jesus (on the cross and in prayer) and Buddha (also in prayer). Without thinking too deeply about it, he began taking on these poses and positions for 30 minutes or more. After, his car, like he, came to life. He never viewed the world the same again. Once he returned to Korea, he began to collect pictures similar to his visions to compare their meditative positions. He intended to design an even better fighting art that would heal as readily as it would protect. The quest was in how to do that?

In making Teuk Gong Moo Sool, he took the best parts of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Boxing, wrestling, Judo, Kung Fu, yoga, and other arts. He learned far more since those days. Obviously, he had to find a systematic way to combine aspects

of yoga, various types of meditation, and martial arts. At first, he called his "prototype" discipline Teuk Moo Dan Gong ("Special-Martial Art- Ki- Principle's"). It was officially formalized with a few disciples in 1996. After time as he deconstructed and redeveloped the art, he also changed the name it Muyi Dan Gong. "Mu" stood for "martial arts," "Yi' meant" medicine, "Dan "translated to" Ki, "and lastly," Gong "represented" universal principles. "

When he redesigned the system, he wanted to focus on:

- rejuvenating muscles and connective tissues

- breath control

- relaxation at all times of the day

- destressing oneself

- improving quality of life for all ages and all body types

- a simplified yet effective selfdefense system for the average adult

When he compared Muyi Dan Gong to the publicly accepted yoga and Tai Chi, he found more differences than similarities. Similarly, like the disciplines mentioned above, it corrects imbalances in the body. The three most significant differences were:

1) generating energy into a tight, focused ball

2) not just controlling emotions, but using all emotions as energy

3) developing clear thinking and the ability to self-analyze solutions to problems in everyday life (as opposed to "letting them go")

The program was divided into 6 parts.

1.근력이완-muscle relation balancing, breathing, thinking, stretching (similar to yoga)

2.기혈순환.twisting in unusual stances (Qi Gong)

3.심신분리

260 bones-with music, lightly shake/dance by oneself to relax the whole body (like in Korean dance)

4.기혈증강 prayer-like positions to open oneself to the energy that can flow through you.

5.시공조절 pre-arranged monuments (like Hyung) but with deep thought and intense emotion (can vary)

(i.e., Tai Chi)

6.무념무상 meditation

Each 1 of the 6 was further divided into subsections. Like Teuk Gong Moo Sool, it was designed to be learned in as short of a period as possible. A dedicated student could learn Muyi Dan Gong's basics in as little as three months, although mastery takes decades. Those interested in the art can contact GM Park or myself. Online classes will be available very soon and a textbook is in the works. Instructor training will be

in Seoul.

Master Guy Edward Larke has spent nearly all his life devoted to the martial arts of Asia. After studying a handful of different arts, he moved to South Korea 20 years ago-where he remains to this day. In Korea, He has been fortunate to not only study various other arts, he has been able to lecture, research, and write about martial arts culture. He has written over 800 articles in over 20 magazines. He can be found on Facebook, or at kisadomuye@gmail.com.

Dynamic Tang

Soo Do

I was looking on Facebook when I came across a post from Master John Correlje asking for help with his book, he needed someone who knew the Tan Tui or Damtoi forms in Korean. The tantui are a series of short forms 12 in total that belong to Wushu and can also be found in many styles of northern China.

GM Hwang Kee learned these forms during his 14 month stay in China when he trained with Yang Kuk Jin and later trained for some time with Li De Jiang who was a Quanfa (kung fu) instructor. These forms strongly influenced Soo Bahk Do, which is why I became interested in studying them. For this reason I offered to help Master Correlje in his book. It was a very enriching experience to be able to

cooperate with him. At the time I received the complete book at my house sent by the Master John Correlje from Holland in gratitude for my help.

There I could see the quality of the material that was in this book, during all the years of practice in martial arts I have had many books, but this book is simply the book of books in tang soo do. It contains a history of all the masters who created the forms and who in some way influenced these forms to be part of tang soo do. In addition, in some cases it contains more than one version of some forms, since it depends on the organization, sometimes the forms have changes.

The drawings are very good, they help you to see step by step the development of the shapes in question. I think every serious practitioner of tang soo do should have this book which has the cooperation of different teachers from different parts of the world. Then the Master John Correlje asked me if he could translate the book into Spanish, which I obviously agreed. Now they will be able to have this book in their language and be able to understand it even more. You won’t regret it.

KJN Patricio Saavedra

Why Tang Soo Do?

You have come this far, and that means then that you have opened your world of possibilities regarding martial arts, they are no longer those "few you knew".

Today you have the opportunity to offer in your recognized institution an innovative and original proposal, until now non-existent in Uruguay. At the same time, offering ancient values and teachings through an art such as TSD, which has been transmitting a philosophy of life from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

You come to our meeting at a time when two of the best ingredients that an organization can offer you are combined: youth: we have been operating in Uruguay for approximately four years with sustained growth, and experience: the Uruguayan TSD is made up of a team of instructors who average more than fifteen years of being at the forefront of martial arts schools, working together with other institutions and betting on permanent training both within martial arts, as well as in various areas (first aid, education, nutrition and more).

Our commitment:

Without a doubt, the world is a different place from the one you and I remember from our childhood, even more so from that world that gave rise to martial arts. It is then necessary to take on the challenge and take charge of the role that we have in society when it comes to transmitting our teachings. Today we talk about some concepts that we believe are key:

Bullying - The reality of school and other areas is a fact and our attention is directed to that focus when it comes to the little ones Self-defense - Of course, when thinking about daily activities, from leaving our homes, to the various situations that can also arise there, it is fair to think of tools to be able to solve these situations.

Sport - Leaving aside the great variety of devices that offer us "entertainment", the endless hours of work, in short, the routine. It can be a challenge, but we have decided to say NO to a sedentary lifestyle.

Meditation - Exclusive benefit for Tang Soo Do practitioners. It has not been placed on this list by chance, it represents everything that makes us unique as human beings, meeting our feelings, emotions, who we are, pursuing harmony and achieving

self-control in the broadest sense of the concept.

Values - We could mention endless articles on this list, but it is true that the fundamental basis of martial arts is values, act as a reinforcement and in some cases as a source of inspiration. - Respect - Trust - Selfcontrol -

If we could summarize all this in a dream, we would then speak of integration in the broadest sense, people of all ages, genders, creeds practicing in harmony to take today's society to another level, where coexistence and peace are the common denominator. . But we clarify, we need you in the process, you, EVERYONE.

Contact: SBN Mario Segnini: +598 98 731 076

Web: wttsdu.com

Facebook: @worldtraditionaltangsoodounion

Correo: worldtraditionaltangsoodounion@gmail.com

HISTORY OF KICKBOXING IN JAPAN, FROM MUAY THAI TO

K-1.

This book marks the first publication in the West of a work dedicated exclusively to telling the exciting history of Japanese kickboxing. A chronicle that begins with the first interactions between karate and muay thai, and that leads us to relive the epic of the first challenges between both styles. Kickboxing was the result of the importation and adaptation of Muay Thai to Japan, carried out by the promoter Osamu Noguchi in the 1960s. In this paper, we will discover the background, the birth, and the different phases of growth and evolution of kickboxing in the land of the rising sun. We will also see its subsequent globalization, and we will reach the last kickboxing revolution, the launch of the K-1, by the master Kazuyoshi Ishii, in the early 90s. A vibrant story, full of unprecedented data outside of Asia,

that will surprise, and It will change the reader's perception of the history of this martial sport until now.

David Leonardo Bárcena after 10 years of compiling exhaustively, the History of KickBoxing summarizes it for us in an excellent self-published book.

You

can buy it on AMAZON Product Details

Publisher : Independently published (December 18, 2020)

Spanish Language Paperback: 291 pages

ISBN-10 : 1549802879

ISBN-13 : 978-1549802874

planning and defeat them almost instantly. However, if you see an advantage, take it, do not hesitate, as your opponent will also be looking for an advantage to take control of the situation and defeat you.

Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Book of Fire

SBN Mary Cayte Reiland

Tang Soo readers, happy March!

This month, we continue our discussion of Musashi's Book of Five Rings, the Book of Fire. In this book, Musashi talks about the heat of battle, assessing enemy weaknesses and situational awareness. The first point Musashi makes in this book is about spirit. As martial artists, spirit is key in everything. With no spirit or passion behind you, training is pointless, as Musashi says, a spiritless warrior is a dead one.

This book is all about the strategy of the fight. Everything from positioning to assessing and using your opponent's weaknesses against them. Constant training helps develop your abilities and frees your mind from your preconceived notions of how things work. This helps you to assess and control situations. From that position, it becomes easy to defeat your opponents.

Controlling the situation begets controlling your opponent, which is critical in obtaining victory. Musashi talks of three strategies to control your enemy. The first is to constantly attack, keeping your opponent off balance and on the defensive. The second way is to lure your opponent in, misdirect

the attack and counter. The third way is to attack your opponent at the exact moment your opponent attacks you, but with a stronger spirit. It is obvious that to control your opponent using any method, you must remain calm and resolute at all times.

Musashi then goes on to explain a strategy called suffocating the enemy with a pillow. I know what you're thinking, it's not a literal method, as a warrior would never allow him/herself to be in such an open position before a fight. The method talks of never allowing your opponent to gain the advantage over you, physically or mentally. Take a minute to think about what this means. I was recently in a sparring match with a much younger, much taller opponent. I was intimidated, as I haven't been regularly practicing sword sparring, and he was able to easily defeat me with his size and spirit. The next time I spar with him, I intend to have practiced more beforehand, and I will remain calm and seek his weaknesses.

Understanding your enemy's weaknesses and strengths and seeing through their intentions is the strategy of "suffocating a shadow". See what the enemy is

Musashi goes on to discuss other strategies to gain the advantage over your opponent, pressing the attack so your opponent loses balance, scaring your opponent by shouting resolutely and forcefully, chipping away at your opponent's defenses by attacking the weak points in your opponent's armor, or confusing your opponent by constantly making them redirect the attacks. I could go on and on, but each warrior has their own methods. The key is in practice, on the mat and off to develop these strategies.

I'm hoping that my thoughts on Miyamoto Musashi and his strategies are coming through and making sense to all of you out there reading this. Musashi says that reading the words does nothing, they are just words on the page without practice. He also stresses that reading the book multiple times is necessary, for each time, you find a different meaning to the words. I'm hoping that this article finds you all well and in good spirits. Until next month when we discuss the book of wind, take care and Tang Soo!!

Endnotes:

Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi 10th Dan, Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Definitive Interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi's Classic Book of Strategy (North America, Latin America & Europe, Tuttle Publishing, 1994).

KIMÉ AND VIRTUE

The kimé, the maximum power concentrated in one point, is an act of will and perseverance. How much power is concentrated will depend on the conjunction of objective physical laws and a whole structure of subjective variables of each martial artist. But how It happens permanently in the Martial Arts, the paradox comes to meet us to confuse and teach us: the power develops and at the same time the possibility of its use is removed.

In Martial Arts, ethics is installed in an intransigent way. The technical form adopted by a school to express the Tao corresponds to an ethical form, a spiritual force that runs through the technical execution from beginning to end: Virtue.

We fear weakness, so we train to become strong. We become strong, and we want to show it. But, if everything works well, the demonstration of physical power will be limited to training and aggressiveness will be inhibited, sublimated, by the passionate intercourse between Technique and Virtue.

But the Ego is a skillful strategist, with as many faces as there are people on Earth. Even on the spiritual plane (Shim Gong) we must warn ourselves against the excessive use of force. Technique teaches me, for example, that if I don't relax my shoulders when executing a blow, I block the flow of energy and the power will fade away. The shape will be deformed and the loss of meaning will color the actions. So also with matters of the spirit.

Be straight, without being cruel. Be humble, without being submissive. Be sincere, without being aggressive. Be brave, without being reckless. Be prudent, without being cowardly. Be idealistic, without being a fanatic. be persistent, without denying reality. Be loyal, without being sectarian. Be compassionate, without being an accomplice or victim. Be fair, without measuring all things. Being virtuous, without being better than anyone.

Not everything is kimé. Virtue in excess is its reverse.

-Milton Peralta, 1993-

(from "Windmills")

Going back to the previous note, recovering satisfactorily from the Achilles Tendon rupture, already in the middle of 1994 I continue with my classes and it is on that date that Prof. Ruben González stops teaching, for work reasons, it must be taken into account that few Martial Arts instructors can support themselves only with classes. At that moment I was quite alone, since I had a group of about 15 people, basically children. González's students did not continue practicing with me, since there was no closeness, the conditions to practice in my classes did not exist. Given the circumstances, I contacted Maestro Carlos Filippa to inform him of the news and tell him that at the moment it was not possible for him to continue traveling and for him to come to Uruguay.

I continued for a few years teaching independently, and in many cases giving personal classes in students' homes. So I get to 2002 and needing

Arts and ME (Cap. 17)

more personal training I start to participate in Boxing classes. I felt very comfortable with the practice and continued for several years. In 2016 I had the opportunity to take an Advanced Boxing Instructor course, taught by the Cuban Graduate, Michel Álvarez, endorsed by the Uruguayan Boxing Federation and the Ministry of Sports. I was collaborating in boxing classes and always practicing Taekwondo to the best of my ability, due to my working hours. One fine day working I meet an ex~mate from the Koryo Academy, the current Master Eduardo Castañares. Happy for the reunion and in turn we chatted about the A. Martiales. We were both students of Master A. Rivas when we practiced W.T. Master Rivas, later changed to I.T.F. I did not continue with him following the path W.T. Castañares continued with him for twenty-eight years, until the death of Maestro Rivas. Thus we resume our friendship. In

turn, he invites me to participate in his classes and I began to practice with him. They helped me to enrich myself with that style of Taekwondo. I had the opportunity to travel with Castañares and other Masters to Bs. Aires, where I participated in several Seminars and special trainings given by outstanding 8th and 9th Dan Masters of I.T.F. Today, I participate once a month

Martial

Profesor Carlos Damasco

in Castañares' classes and I also contribute my knowledge of Taek. W.T. , since a few years ago I belong to the Word Chamg Moo Kwan, of which I am the representative in Uruguay and my Master Alexandre Gómes (Brazilian), 8th Dan W.T. and 8th Dan of Hapkido. Last year I visited him in Porto Alegre, the city where he lives, to take special classes and take an exam. It is noteworthy that six years ago I practice Hapkido with Master M. Da Silva. And finally a year ago, in my tireless apprenticeship, I trained with Masters C. Olivera and N. Lecuona, Uruguayan creators of a personal defense and urban combat system called S.I.R.R. (Instinctive System of Rapid Reaction) . It is a new system, which over time will cause people to talk. In this third chapter I end my notes referring to my 50 years of Martial Arts. Obviously it was a summary of my passion for Martial Arts. I am sure that I have left my mark on Martial students and friends. Finally I want to remember my first Karate Master, Sensei Ricardo Sosa, now deceased. I also want to remember the dear J.C. Rodríguez (aka Cabeza) and Chiquito Pereyra recently deceased, who were my two Boxing instructors and best friends. And finally, a special mention for El Sabon Nim Ramón Navarro 7th Dan of Hapkido from Panama, who in the distance we have forged a great friendship and from time to time I participate by ZOOM, in his excellent classes. Fifty years that have flown by!

Until next time!

LOOKING FOR THE ORIGIN OF WING CHUN

Looking for the origin of Wing Chun (*)

Author: Benny Meng

(**)

Since Wing Chun was introduced to the general public by Master Yip Man and later popularized by the international fame of Bruce Lee, it has spread around the world.

Much of its history is told around the myth that everything originated from the fire in the Shao Lin Temple in southern China. The mission of many historians was to help the WC community to elucidate what was the true beginning of this combat art. Its process is not easy, having to listen to many stories and based on that, find reliable documentation of the facts, which sometimes does not allow us to reach a successful conclusion. This article refers to the brave family of the WC, with its protagonists, their work in pursuit of the evolution of our system and the first schools / currents of our system; trying to

show the true root of Wing Tsung.

The old version already discarded

For many generations of practitioners, the story of a young woman named Yim Wing Chun was told, who was in charge of giving the initial kick to the WC, in other lineages this is discarded for different reasons, the main one being that it is proven that never a woman has trained in Shao lin temple. It was known that it was forbidden for them to do so, it was an exclusive place for men, at that time and today the temple had monastic, religious purposes.

The current version

These groups talk about the political climate in China, who had to do with our system. They said that the precursors of the art fought against the Ching and against foreign armies that sought to invade the country. For many bloodlines, this is the true story.

As they say, the WC originated in the Shao Lin temple. The Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) saw an unprecedented rise of martial arts in Shao Lin. Suddenly, the residents of the temple were transformed into great warriors, which were used to protect the government. After the Manchu conquered China, the remnants of the Ming Family began using them as teachers in their rebel armies. This period was known as the “Ching Period”.

The conquest of China by the Manchu in the 17th century caused the people to side with the Ching government. The Manchu, excellent warriors, managed to keep the dissidents in check, imposing a heavy hand. Around this time, different secret societies began to appear, whose objective was to return the Ming to power. These groups, which moved in secret carrying the Shao Lin boxing doctrine wherever they went, were the precursors of the WC and other existing Chinese systems today. Its seed was spread throughout the north and south of China, even in Taiwan. The HUNG FA YI KUEN ancestors claim that there were two people who were primarily responsible for developing Wing Tsung and other Chinese fighting styles, namely:

1) The first of these was the Buddhist monk from Shao Lin Temple, named Chiu Yuen, who was said to be one of the leaders in the antiManchu struggle. It is said that his real name was Chu Ming, and that he was one of the last surviving descendants of the royal dynasty of the Ming Chu Family.

2) The second person was known as Da Jung. He was originally a Ming military officer from northern China, who was forced to flee south. He later became a monk at the southern Shao Lin Temple in Fukien.

Da Jung's real name is unknown, but in the history of Chinese martial arts he is considered the "JOI SI" or first leader because he was the first to spread Chinese Kung Fu at the Shao Lin Temple. Prior to his arrival, martial arts were not known in southern Shao Lin. There he organized what came to be called the Hung Moon Political/Buddhist Society, which was loyal to the Ming regime. He was responsible for carrying out the martial exchange between the north and south temples. Even during this time, Cheng Sing Kung, one of the last surviving Generals of the Ming, settled on the island of Formosa in the year 1662 establishing the revolutionary society TIEN DEI WUI (Society of Heaven and Earth), which it was the counterpart of the HUNG FA WUI Society (Red Flower Society). This last Society was a secret group, which brought together many former Shao Lin members,

who met to discuss political strategies against the Manchu.

In the early 1700s, during the reign of Emperor Kang His (1662-1723), the Manchu began to investigate the revolutionary activities of the Shao Lin Temple, as well as its activities for the development of combat systems. Under the decision to eliminate their activities and their deal with rebel leaders, the Manchu decide to put an end to it so the temple is burned and destroyed, even its occupants killed. Shao Lin Temple was not only the repository of martial knowledge, but also the stimulus to create other styles of martial arts. Many of the systems we know today were born outside the gates of the temple. After the destruction, a combat system began to be created, based on the experience of multiple generations of experience and knowledge of the Shao Lin monks. His goal was to create the ultimate system, which could defeat the classical styles of Kung Fu. To achieve this, they used all the principles, concepts and strategies known to them, they reformulated them giving birth to the new style, the definitive one, which they baptized as WING TSUNG, named after the WING TSUNG TONG (Hall of Eternal Spring), this was a meeting room of the Shao Lin Temple, this was where they researched and trained. Enclosing this combat system of all Shao Lin's greatest knowledge, it was kept under a top secret.

In order to keep his identity and origin, a supposed story was invented, where he spoke of the

nun Ng Mui, which was the story that became known through time.

With the aim of not falling into the hands of people who misused the system, it was agreed to keep it within a small group of practitioners, with its transition exclusively from teacher to student based on training and orally, nothing was ever saved in writing, hence it is that no evidence was ever found about this story. Over the years, a famous writer, who had heard something of the story, wrote a novel called "10,000 Years of the Ching." The story told about a combat art, which was created by a woman named Ng Mui. There were other characters like Chee Shim, Hung Hei Goon, among others.

Based on the book, many versions

of the origin of the WT came out, being told by the different schools. After the destruction of the Shao Lin Temple, the Hung Fa Wui and Tien Dei Wui societies opened their doors to all those who were against the Manchu. The motto of the time was: "Out with the Ching, restore the Ming." Due to this union, new secret societies were born, the three best known were:

- The Triads: it is said that they are still active. Its name is Association of the three harmonies.

- The GUA LO WUI: The society of blood brothers.

- The DAO DOE WUI: The society of the great sword.

Of those monks who survived the massacre, only two have evidence. The eldest of them; Yat Chum Dai Si, and the youngest, his disciple Cheung Ng.

Not much is known about the first, it is said that he was one of the highest level monks in the north temple, migrating to the south to help restore the Ming empire in that area. About his disciple Cheung Ng, it is said that he was highly respected for his knowledge of literature, military strategy, and dramatic opera. He was originally a native of Hanbuck, North China. He came from a military family who, when the Ming regime fell, were executed, leaving him an orphan. Seeking refuge, he entered the Northern Shao Lin Temple, where he became a monk. Knowing of the problems in the south, he decided to go to those latitudes, helping in the temple in the area. Here he meets the master Yat Chum Dai Si, with

whom he learns the art that would eventually be called Wing Chun. Prior to his death, the teacher gives him the highest degree within the art.

Birth of the red reed

After the destruction of the temple and his teacher's death, Cheung Ng settled in Guangdong province. In order to protect his identity, he founded the Red Junk Opera in Futsan. Known for their talent and rules of conduct, the Red Junk Opera troupe traveled around the rivers of southern China in red boats. The period of time that covers the second half of the 17th century is called within Chinese historiography as the "red reed period". During his journeys aboard the junk, Cheung Ng became known as "Tan Sau Ng" due to his handling of dispersing attack movements with his hand in front of his opponents. Due to the effectiveness of this technique, the following generations began to use it.

After the HUNG FA WUI (Red Flower Society) society was destroyed, Tan Sau Ng continued his mission to unite the people against the Manchu by establishing the HUNG FA WUI (Red Flower Union) society. He was very selective when choosing his members. The initiates had to prove their loyalty after taking the 36 oaths and 21 moral codes as well as swearing with their blood. During the day they carried out their works, during the night they organized anti-government acts. They were very turbulent times, anyone who had any kind of offspring with respect to the Shao Lin or secret societies when caught was automatically executed.

His direct disciples

Only the first members of the HUNG FA WUI society were directly trained by Tan Sau Ng. Among the most recognized due to his contribution to the system are:

• Hung Gun Biu.

Wong Wahbo.

Leung Yee Tai.

• Dai Fa Min Kam.

Each one of them, by forming their own group of followers, worked to improve the WC system, adding their own experiences and opening the different branches of Wing Chun, many of which are unknown outside of China today.

The end of the political operations of the red junk

Eventually, due to their antiManchu activities, the members of the Red Junk were discovered and executed, with very few of them being able to escape. In the case of Tan Sau Ng, changing his identity, it is said that he continued to operate against the tyrants, but from the shadows. Nothing more was ever heard of him.

His disciples escaped living with mixed luck:

Wong Wah Bo and Leung Yee Tai fled together. For a time they remained hidden, when they could they formed new groups to start the political struggle. Dai Fa Min Kam was exclusively dedicated to spreading the WC to members outside the red junk. Hung Gun Biu, a distant relative of Tan Sau Ng, stayed with him helping him with his work. It is said that his lineage is the one that remained purest over time, even being the last branch of the WC to come to light, as well as being the one with the fewest members even today. It is said that it continues to

be passed from generation to family generation, it is very strange that they allow outside their family to train the system. The next generation, descendants of the secret Hung Biu Society stood together to fight for their country against the eight invading forces, who were slowly exploiting China during the 1800s and 1900s. These forces were made up of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, British, Japanese, Russian, German and American troops. Together they fought within the movement that came to be called "The Boxer Rebellion", who bravely faced the named armies, being killed by the powerful weapons of the invaders.

(*)Among all the researchers and historians of the WC, this story is considered, based on the latest discoveries, as the definitive and most accurate to date.

(**) We thank Sifu and historian Benny Meng, who kindly gave us this note.

Special thanks to Specialized Journalist Javier Orue who made us get this stuff.

BENNY MENG

DOJO STORIES INTERVIEWS WITH A FLAVOR OF HISTORY.... Soken Honan (the

whooping crane)

The following interview with Hohan Soken is conducted by Ernest Estrada.

The interview was conducted at the karate club located at the Kadena airbase. The interviewee was Hohan Soken and one of his senior students, Fusei Kise. Soken is Shihan 10th Dan in Shorinryu Matsumura Seito Karate. His Honbu dojo is located at 104 Gaja, in the city of Nishihara, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

The date of the interview was September 10, 1978.

The interview was conducted in Spanish with the help of Kise. Soken spoke excellent Spanish due to the fact that he lived in Argentina for over twenty-five

DOJO STORIES

Sensei Gerardo Balves

years. I should also mention that I was a Spanish-language translator for the Pentagon for more than two years working in Washington, D.C., therefore, the language is familiar to me.

Interviewer: Sensei, can you please introduce yourself.

Soken-sensei: My name is Soken Hohan and I was born on May 25, 1889. I come from (live in) Gaja Village, Nishihara City, Okinawa Prefecture. I am a native Okinawan. My style is officially called Matsumura orthodox Shorin-ryu Karate- and I am Shihan 10th Dan. My Honbu dojo is currently located in Gaja Village, Nishihara City. My style comes from Kayo Soken.

It all started when Kayo was appointed as the main personal guard of King Sho Ko (and later of Sho Iku and also Sho Tai), allowing him to change his name. This was then an old custom, especially if

you were someone important or succeeded a notable person; he changed his name to Matsumura,

- Matsumura Sokon.

It was later that King Sho Tai officially gave Matsumura the title "Bushi" {the term "bushi" is Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura

In Japan a "bushi," in simplistic terms, is a warrior. In Okinawa, the term "bushi" also refers to the individual who is a martial artist, a warrior, but with a strong tendency to be a true knighthence the meaning, "a warriorknight." and from that day on he was affectionately known as Bushi Matsumura.

Nabe Matsumura

When Bushi Matsumura died he passed on his teachings to my uncle, who was his grandson, Matsumura Nabe. My mother was the sister of Nabe-Tanmei. The name Tanmei means "respected old man or respected old man," this was and still is a highly respected title in Okinawa. I became a student of my uncle around 1902 or 1903 and learned the original methods of the Uchinan Sui-di, as it was then called.

Itosu Anko had less than a dozen students and he was one of the most important teachers back then. My uncle had only one student, and that was me. He was still an "old fashioned minded" teacher and only taught or demonstrated to his family members. Since I was the most interested, he allowed me to be his student. I should also point out that orthodox Matsumura is not the only authentic style of shorin-ryu. This style, my style, was passed down from Matsumura Sokon to my uncle, Nabe-Tanmei, but Nabe-Tanmei was not the only student of Bushi Matsumura. Matsumura had a good dozen outstanding students. Each learned from him his techniques and later expanded their knowledge of him.

My uncle learned only from Bushi Matsumura and he only taught me what he had learned. Thus, it can be said that it is an "old version" without updates. Studying the orthodox Matsumura you can walk back to the old time when Karate was more powerful and dangerous.

Interviewer: Sensei, can you tell me something about your training methods?

We also use pine trees that can be found all over Okinawa. He would strike with his hands or kick trees, training me in grappling methods for hand-to-hand combat.

Looking back, back then there weren't a large number of students for every master of the warrior arts.

Sensei: The ancient training was always done in secret, so that others could not steal your techniques. Nabe originally taught me to walk before anything else. He cut leaves from a banana tree and placed them on the ground. Then he made me do exercises to develop balance. If the balance was not good you would fall and since the exercises were always strenuous, a fall could seriously injure yourself.

This kind of training was very hard and severe for a person who had to work hard all day and then train hard at night. Life then was also very hard. We trained twice a day. Very early in the morning we trained with heavy objects and physical conditioning to prepare for the rest of the day. After working hard in the fields, he had training every night in hardening techniques like the actual kote kitai. I had to harden my legs and hands like iron, to eventually turn them into real weapons. During the last few hours he practiced the Matsumura katas.

Interviewer: Can you tell me something about the katas that you teach?

Sensei: Well, the most important kata in Matsumura Seito is

Kusanku. Sometimes he would practice Kusanku with the kanzashi (hairpins) held in the hands - this was a common method of fighting. Hairpins were symbols of social ostentation and were worn by many Okinawans for decoration as well as protection.

Looking back, back then there weren't a large number of students for every master of the warrior arts. Itosu Anko had less than a dozen students and he was one of the most important teachers back then. My uncle had only one student, and that was me. He was still an "old fashioned minded" teacher and only taught or demonstrated to his family members. Since I was the most interested, he allowed me to be his student. I should also point out that orthodox Matsumura is not the only authentic style of shorin-ryu. This style, my style, was passed down from Matsumura Sokon to my uncle, Nabe-Tanmei, but Nabe-Tanmei was not the only student of Bushi Matsumura. Matsumura had a good dozen

outstanding students. Each learned from him his techniques and later expanded their knowledge of him.

My uncle learned only from Bushi Matsumura and he only taught me what he had learned. Thus, it can be said that it is an "old version" without updates. Studying the orthodox Matsumura you can walk back to the old time when Karate was more powerful and dangerous.

Interviewer: Sensei, can you tell me something about your training methods?

Sensei: The ancient training was always done in secret, so that others could not steal your techniques. Nabe originally taught me to walk before anything else. He cut leaves from a banana tree and placed them on the ground. Then he made me do exercises to develop balance. If the balance was not good you would fall and since the exercises were always strenuous, a fall could seriously injure yourself. We also use pine trees that can be

found all over Okinawa. He would strike with his hands or kick trees, training me in grappling methods for hand-to-hand combat.

This kind of training was very hard and severe for a person who had to work hard all day and then train hard at night. Life then was also very hard. We trained twice a day. Very early in the morning we trained with heavy objects and physical conditioning to prepare for the rest of the day. After working hard in the fields, he had training every night in hardening techniques like the actual kote kitai. I had to harden my legs and hands like iron, to eventually turn them into real weapons. During the last few hours he practiced the Matsumura katas.

Interviewer: Can you tell me something about the katas that you teach?

Sensei: Well, the most important kata in Matsumura Seito is Kusanku. Sometimes he would practice Kusanku with the kanzashi (hairpins) held in the hands - this was a common method of fighting. Hairpins were symbols of social ostentation and were worn by many Okinawans for decoration as well as protection.

Interviewer: Can you tell me more about your katas.

Sensei: I teach the Matsumura kata. The kata that I now teach are Pinan shodan, Pinan nidan, Naihanchi shodan, Naihanchi nidan, Patsaisho and dai, Chinto, Gojushiho, Kusanku, Rohai ichi-ni-san, and

lastly, Hakutsuru. The last one is my favorite kata and the one I do on display - because it's the easiest to do. When I was young, my best kata was Kusanku. This is Matsumura's Kusanku - the oldest version that isn't done much these days.

I also teach bo, sai, tuifa, kama, nunchaku, kusarigama and suruchin. As my preferred weapon form I have Tsukenbo (which I learned from Komesu Ushi) but in the past it was the furi-gama or the kusari-gama. In Okinawa, we use a rope to tie the kama to the hand or wrist. In Japan they use an iron chain, but this is too cumbersome and can harm the student who practices that method.

I knew Taira Shinken very well before he died. I taught him some of my older ways. In 1970 he founded the All Okinawa Kobujutsu Association. I hope this spreads across the US and all of Japan. I am also a member of the Ryukyu Historical Society. We are trying to preserve the "Hogen" dialect. Many young Okinawans

barely speak or understand the ancient Okinawan language. It is shameful. (It should be noted that Soken preferred to speak in his native Hogen dialect. He stated that he does not normally speak the Japanese language-editor's note).

Interviewer: Sensei, you say that Shorin-ryu Matsumura Seito Karate- is an ancient style with many secrets. They say that you feel old and want to pass on to the students the flame of your Okinawan Karate knowledge?

Sensei: There are many secrets in Karate that people will never know and never understand. These ideas are not really secret if you train in Okinawa under a good teacher. Then you will see that the teacher will teach you these so-called secret techniques, performing them repeatedly, then they will no longer be secret for you. Others looking at it will marvel thinking that it is an advanced or secret technique for them. That's because

they don't have good teachers or their teachers haven't researched their respective styles.

Karate is much more than a punch, a kick or a block. It is the study of weapons and fighting. Weapons and empty hand fighting go together. How can you learn to defend yourself against a weapon if you are not familiar with handling it? (Soken-sensei used the Spanish word "fight" when describing this art or form of combat, but it seemed to me that a more convenient term would be grappling - as in the Japanese style of Jujutsu. He pointed out that many people often talked about the forms of Okinawan grappling as Okinawan styles that were mainly wrestled but were never systematized and their resemblance to wrestling).

Soken-sensei went on to explain that the young men who perform this wrestling in Okinawa take it very seriously and it was common for participants to suffer broken arms and legs as a result of participating in this gentle style of wrestling. Soken-sensei used the terms "te-kumi" or "gyaku-te" to identify this old Okinawan way of fighting.

Soken-sensei remembered how dangerous it could be when he engaged in the "old fighting methods" and found himself immobilized lying on his back, he would apply one of these painful nerve pressure methods - he would have fun watching the Americans "scream like a mouse." that you step on walking."

Wrestling is an old Okinawan custom that is commonly practiced in every village. In America, children play "cowboys and Indians" in Okinawa it is played by fighting each other. There were competitions for the fighters of each village and each village sent the best against all the others. It was very exciting. Some people see the fight and call it Okinawan Jujutsu, but this is incorrect. It's an old method called "ti." The practice of ti (pronounced in the old Okinawan dialect and sounds like the word "tea") was very common in the last century (19th century) but with Japanese influences, these methods have almost disappeared.

Interviewer: Sensei, what recommendations would you give us Americans?

Sensei: Yes, otherwise you won't get anything out of this! Americans want to learn too much, too fast. You want more of this and that. You still have a lot of life to learn. Learn slowly. Learn correctly. Look. Listen. Practice, practice, and practice. Don't be a brash American, but a smart American.

Never be in a hurry to learn, DO YOU GET IT? Learning quickly can cause pain. What do you know about pain? Let me prove it to you!

DEMONSTRATION: At this time, Soken demonstrated the basic methods of "ti" involving the use of the "sharp forearm bone" and finger "pressing" methods. They all hurt a lot! He had a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and used his thumb to strike various nerves in the shoulder, forearm, and sides of the body. He laughed a lot doing this - he really had fun with it.

A number of movements are reminiscent of Aikijutsu techniques in that, instead of opposing the opponent's force, he uses it by moving simultaneously and taking advantage of his body weight to increase the energy of the technique. He always blocked with what he called a "double bone block" and countered with a thumb technique or a throw technique that brought him to the ground. Soken stated that he could take an individual to the ground or simply throw them in any way, thus he would put the opponent

at a disadvantage. He could then subdue him with crowbar techniques and take him away to another location.

Interviewer: Sensei, his kata is very different and beautiful to see. I have a question that has been bothering me since the Okinawa exhibition. I remember when we saw the bo practitioners in Nago. They used many of the kata names that are practiced today but are very different. The only thing that seemed to be the same is the name.

Sensei: Yes, they are the same and they are not the same. You say that you lived in Okinawa for five years, but you cannot understand the people of Okinawa. In the old days, when we were really Okinawan and not Japanese, a lot of the older people weren't smart - or as smart as they are today. They did not travel, they did not watch TV, many never even left their villages. Then the only thing there were the festivals of the villages.... It was then when they came they watched and learned.

Those people from the village looked at the people from the city,

more refined, as they practiced their ti or their weapons methods. Well... in my opinion, kata were practiced that had x number of moves. People from the village would then travel to the city and see a city kata with some of the same movements. The city's kata had a well-known name... and their kata might not have a name. So, when you leave later, well... now you'll understand! They named their kata the same as the city kata because they had some similar movements. Maybe in their kata they only had five or maybe ten movements. Taira, my friend, went to the village and learned that kata.

It said that he learned 500 kata that way! Whoa! This is not true, but he liked to tell stories. Some of these kata only had 3 or maybe 5 movements. 500 kata! Yes, now it may seem funny, but he was a collector of stories. He might know them, but he didn't understand them.

Kobudo Master in Japan.

Sensei: Yes, Taira... he knew many kata... Yes, he passed away, you know. He was always looking at my kata and trying to learn my style of tsuken-bo. But he was cheating on him and purposefully changing the kata, wah!! ... that's how it was. He waited in the hope that he would be able to learn it sooner or later. When we were both young our Karate was very good. When we both got old, our Kobudo was good. What you want to know is what the old concepts were like, the old ways. The challenge then was to survive. You ask me and I teach you... doing a good Karate means that you must also know the pain it causes. Cause pain... only then are karate moves effective... be quick, like a mongoose. If it's slow, you can die. If you're quick, you may have a chance for yourself and your family to live.

Interviewer: Yes, the way of fighting must have been very different at

the beginning of this century.

Sensei: Yes, you don't know how it was then. In a fight... if you lost, the loss would be suffered by your family. they could die. Back then you would have had to work hard all day to help the family economy, if you were injured or killed while fighting, then your family could starve... Life in Okinawa was very hard. Now, young people want to be Japanese. They do not speak the Okinawan language. They are lazy. They don't respect the elders, they don't feel any pride in being Okinawans. Yes, we are a poor country, but that is no excuse for putting our culture in the dark and saying that we are someone we are not. This is not a good thing.

Gerardo Balves

7th Dan Kobayashi-ryu Kyudokan Coordinator of the International Group of Dojos Kyudo Mugen Kyudokan

Interviewer: Was Taira a friend or a student? He is very famous as a

https://www.facebook.com/ gerardo.balves

“El Efímero Observador”

It is a reflective philosophical work, its author exposes issues as controversial as they are common, taking them to extreme points, and always looking for a healthy individual balance in thought, no dogmas, die to radicalism and without hypocrisy or contracts, a look at the daily life of each one of us who inhabit the planet and the wornout concepts and customs waiting to be destroyed with a hammer.

BIOGRAPHY:

He was born in the city of Hermosillo, in 1976, the son of Juan Manuel Acosta and Yolanda Serrano (+), he develops in a context of traditional education, his early social relationship occurs in a certainly different way, attached to having friends from the elderly, always questioning the social changes that were seen in his contemporaries, as well as the prejudices and value judgments that occurred in a time overwhelmed by capitalism and consumerism in Mexico. A child with a lot of imagination, and even an inventor of non-existent events, someone who, based on fantastic odysseys, captured the messages that his teachers gave him, sometimes harsh, many others with laughter in between. Married to Melba Valenzuela since 1998, with whom he had four children, student of society and its behavior, insatiable reader and lover of balance of thought, volunteer for various causes of a social nature, martial arts teacher, seminarian, and international competitor in Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, etc. Today he debuts as a writer and continues in his social causes from his own trench, the traditional center of martial arts.

ENDORSEMENTS:

“I recommend reading this book,

which reminds us of the values that are being lost today, the ways of teaching, the factors that influence one's personality and good customs. Order in your life as a fundamental stone, find your place in the world, meet your inner being and always seek the truth.

Mario Marcelo Segnini Fursa martial arts teacher Graphic Designer,

Radio Panelist and Entrepreneur. Montevideo, Uruguay. “Whenever we talk about teaching, it is easy for us to think of schools, high schools, universities, but… What if the path we follow in our lives is marked by many more ingredients than those? You have to read this work then, and rediscover yourself with information that sleeps in your mind. I invite you to recognize and change old patterns.

John Suarez martial arts teacher Entrepreneur, Neurosales Trainer, Apprentice of life. Montevideo, Uruguay. "The Ephemeral Observer", a recommended reading in these times where the generation gap seems to get bigger and bigger Finding yourself, the importance of keeping

the values and roots of each being strong. Observe, describe, understand and never judge.

Daniel Rodriguez Garcia Medical Specialist in Rehabilitation Master of Martial Arts