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Posted April, 1998
I appreciated your article, "Real or Fake?" I've studied martial arts for over 20 years. Unfortunately, your descriptions of "fake" martial arts instructors are terribly familiar. In fact, it is almost as if you knew some of my instructors, personally. Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
MSMartin66@aol.com
Many thanks for your online services. It's nearly impossible to find a group of people dedicated to real martial arts.
Sincerely,
Chip Davis
Tupelo, Mississippi, DDavisbris@aol.com
This is your favorite 'nudge' in New York, urging you to get out the next issue of Furyu! In the meantime, just wanted you to know I appreciate your past kindness's in passing on repeat issues of your magazine, when I lost or did not receive them. Please feel free to let my voice sing your praises in Furyu.
It is amazing how many NY experts in the martial arts have no clue about the message you are sending. Many here are so one-dimensional and organizationally directed that they have lost sight of what it is all about. However, here at the Horangi Taekwondo Dojang, we are adhering to the martial
art principals expounded in your magazine. Though be aware that we pursuing a rather diverse course of study, while it may not be classical, it is truly non-profit. No contracts and just $1 a class if you come 3 x a week for the 2 hour session, $3 a class if you attend 2x a week, and $5 a class if you come once a week.The HTD was founded over 27 years ago and 'rents' the basement of a Salvation Army building. We study Shotokan based Chi DO Kwan Korean Karate and hard line aikido and judo techniques. If you are ever planning to be in NY, drop me an e-mail
All the Best,
Tom Militello, TOMMYK1211@aol.com
I'd like to express my thanks for your help. I'm writing a letter to Mr. Lowry even now, and trying to keep it short, despite the multitude of questions that I have.
My first real experiences in the deeper meanings behind budo occurred soon after I began the study of aikido. The more metaphysical lessons were always in my mind even when I began studying Shotokan karate as a kid, but it was only recently that they began to take on a greater meaning in my training. My first aikido sensei introduced me to the fundamental principals of it, but I've since gone on to study it alone.
For personal reasons, I've chosen to walk a budoka's path. I didn't make this choice because of a romantically-inclined reason, but because of the possible internal values and rewards that a budoka can achieve. Unfortunately, not many teachers can really guide a student in this direction (sometimes, I wonder if they even know that such a path even exists).
Despite not being able to practice a koryu bujutsu, I try to train according to a shugyosha's spirit. Even then, I'm not sure if I'm going in the right direction (or if I'm even on the path at all). My
present aikido instructor and I occasionally speak about the differences between budo and bujutsu, why aikido is considered by some people to not be a martial art (I don't personally believe this, but casting away this notion without knowing exactly why doesn't sit well with me), and how the
study of a martial art can lead to humanity itself.We spoke once about Satsujinken, Katsujinken. He told me that I couldn't ignore the former sword, if I ever hoped to transform it into a sword that gives life. . .that I had to. . ." be able to really throw somebody first. You can't ignore death and keep your attention focused exclusively on life". . . I didn't understand why, and I still don't.
Some texts I've read inform me that if budo loses its technical efficacy, then part of its more spiritual value is lost. I thought this might have something to do with transforming the concepts behind the techniques into tools for living life itself. If the techniques are fake and if budoka practice them as so, then are they cheating themselves of the art's true worth as the falsehood of the technique leads to a miscontrued concept?
I can't come up with very easy answers. There seem to be two more of each one I come up with. I apologize for the length of this letter, but thank you again for your help. I hope to read some more of your writings in Furyu in the near future!
Mars Cheung
farsight@juno.com
Just two quick things. First, I'm unable to connect to the zenwood URL for John Clark. Is the link dead or has John given up? Second, I have absolutely no problem with your ad for Amazon Books. They have prices, service, and selection on a number of texts for martial artists. I understand your reasoning and I think you've made a good choice in picking a sponsor who offers a service that would be helpful to those visiting your web-site. Please keep up your efforts, I would miss Furyu if it wasn't around.
Regards,
Scott C. Milach <smilach@coredcs.com>Scott, I'll check on the Zenwood link. Last I heard, John Clark went through some major life changes, and he called me. . .But I may have been remiss in updating his new address, if he did indeed give me one.
Just wondering when the next issue of Furyu might be out? I enjoyed your article "Real or Fake: Is Your Martial Art or School Legitimate?" I think that legitimate martial artists everywhere need to
contribute to educating the public about this issue. Particularly in light of the recent efforts by some politicians in goverment to regulate the teaching of martial arts. It wouldn't hurt in my opinion if we policed ourselves a little by alerting the public of frauds, and thus making it difficult for them to
stay in business.However, I have to question the wisdom of including H.E. Davey as a good resource, for checking the legitimacy of any koryu. Since Davey's own "aikijujutsu" credentials are highly suspect, I wouldn't have recommended him. Why not just give the names of the major Japanese organizations so that people can check their instructors and schools directly?
Other than that keep up the good work.
Brently Keen
Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai Western USA Branch
Scroppokai@aol.comBrently, we checked on Hugh Davey's credentials, and his own statements about his background are stated in his book on aikijujutsu. While his system is not in the main line of the major Daito-ryu organizations, he has proven to be a valid resource in the past, and he has links to several very reputable and valuable organizations and individuals, including judo pioneer Walter Todd, the Shudokan, and so on. Mr. Davey has always presented himself as who he is, and he has never obfuscated or falsely colored what and how he learned his system, and he has always given valuable information on many different groups and organizations.
While this may not allay your opinion of him, I am of the opinion that he does, indeed, represent a reputable and reliable source of information, and many times, because he does not belong to an established Daito-ryu group, he sometimes has a more unprejudiced opinion when it comes to discussing one of them and their own political problems.
I just read your articles on integrity and "why budo." I've checked out your site from time to time over the last year, and I have always found the articles to be very thought provoking and right on the mark.
The comments you made about martial arts nerds and cliques really struck home with me. I've unfortunately witnessed these things in my limited involvement (only two years or so total) in the martial arts. I'm glad someone out there can call it like they see it.
Please continue to maintain integrity. In today's world (and perhaps always) integrity is a rare and valuable commodity.
Sincerely,
Tim Fong, sbernard@uclink4.berkeley.edu
I recently had the pleasure of running across your web site. Congratulations on a job very well done. It is seldom that one finds a martial arts site that is filled with quality information, exceptional links, and quality articles. Keep up the good work. . .
Chip Davis
