subject: Is There A Santa Clause, Too? [print this page] This story was told to me by the late Carl Cestari who had asked our Judo instructor Yonezuka sensei to "perform" at a celebration of martial arts on Long Island, New York. It was called something like "1000 years of jujitsu". Yonezuka or "Yone" at the time was well into his 50's and still training hard (you should note that in his 70's he's still going strong). You should also know that Yone's skills in Judo, Karate and Sumo are incredible and his exploits are well known in the fight game in the 70's and 80's.
After some convincing, Carl takes Yonezuka to this demonstration in a high school gymnasium. The place is packed with people and as you would guess there's Aikido and Aikijujutsu demonstrations. People were getting tossed about by their finger tips and wincing in pain as they were being manipulated by their black belt instructors. It looks like a Steven Segal convention. While the scene is unfolding, Carl is watching Yonezuka grow a little agitated and impatient, as if he was thinking "you dragged me all the way out here for this?!?!"
Finally it's Yone's turn to speak. He get's on the microphone and in front of a packed auditorium he says "Martial arts is hard work, no magic! If anyone wants to come down and fight me, come on the mat." Yep, he basically challenged every one in the audience to a fight. There was some murmuring then finally, out of the audience of masters six people emerged to try their luck with the crazy Japanese guy. After the sixth one was tossed on his head, Yonezuka proceeded to do some instruction as promised.
Which brings me to my point, I've received comments from some well meaning people who have dedicated a large portion of their spare time to methods like Aikijujutsu, Aikido, kung fu and other endeavors we call "cultural fighting arts". These methods usually involve some or all of the following: complicated maneuvers, outdated weaponry, stances, joint locks, unrealistic throws and esoteric explanations. I can't really name specific arts simply because there are too many to list. Before I continue, let me point out that if you want to pursue these endeavors, great, but I would classify them as I would yoga, pilates, and other physical activities that include a cultural, spiritual and or social component. The one thing they definitely are not is self defense, nor do they ever lead to self defense.
There is not a point somewhere in the foreseeable future where you will be proficient enough at a cultural fighting art to perform it consistently in the real world against a determined and capable attacker. If you really want to use martial arts in a real fight you're far better off doing MMA, BBJ, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, Kyokoshin Karate, Olympic Tae Kwon Do, Muy Thai or any other combat sport that requires you to use your skill against another person who's trying to do the same in a knock out, tap out environment (sorry, point fighting doesn't count, you need the potential of getting injured, I call this the "punched in the face, choked, twisted or slammed" factor).
Listen, I have a huge amount of respect for the Kendoka who practices thousands of cuts a day or the Aikidoka who subjects himself to thousands of break-falls. Anyone who sacrifices and subjects themselves to that type of torture is going to be a tough individual regardless. I also respect the marathon runner, power lifter and triathlete. Sure their expertise is not combative in nature, but it still requires an iron will of sorts. You can never discount the person who is willing to sacrifice comfort for pain.
But if self defense is your focus than cultural fighting arts are about as applicable as preparing for a civil war reenactment. From a defensive tactics perspective they're completely inefficient and a huge waste of time and you will never, ever acquire the skill you imagine you will.
Instead, you're best bet training in a self defense specific method, and focus on increasing your strength and endurance. Because in the end, there is no Santa, there will not come a day where you will be able to twirl around attackers like you do your dojo mates. Unless of course you're fighting the elderly or school children.
Make no mistake, I don't condemn or attack people seeking personal improvement, cultural exploration and a sense of community through cultural fighting arts. I have enjoyed my study of those arts and I know they have their benefits. The issue is with people who think that those practices are or will eventually lead to effective self defense.
I don't expect people who have spent years training in these types of arts to open their eyes, throw on an Self Defense Company shirt and start chin jabbing. Not yet anyway...but eventually you will. Because there are two types of people at the SDC: Those who just want self defense and those who have been through the martial arts experience and know the difference between martial arts and self defense.
When I started training in martial arts at 16 I had read the comic books and watch Kung Fu on TV. I wanted to be able to have superhuman strength, speed and power. Years later I discovered those people do exist, they're in the NFL.
In the end, it doesn't matter who's right, only who's left.
