ears pass... and they pass for everyone. Butit doesn't mean that we all live them alike.For some, years are a source of personalgrowth, a string of stations through which life

makes us wiser, or at least a little less ignorant. Forothers, though, it's just a process of deterioration, alament of what it was better times", or the continuedunfitness of a constant whiny anachronism. While somepeople stick off-axis to the old "divine youth treasure",others proclaim the blessings of peace and wisdom of theold age... some difference!

In the best case, life is as an exchange of energy forwisdom. After reaching the physical culmination, around18 years of age, everything in this plane begins inevitablyto deteriorate. The acceleration in this decay is anotherconstant of this process, the further ahead the faster thelogarithmic spiral. As physical rags and distant vestiges ofwhat we were, from the age of forty we're all responsiblefor our face.

In the end, the law is always fulfilled: everything thatbegins has an end and no one gets out alive of thisexistence. However, we, the more spiritual ones, believethat the process resembles the metamorphosis of thebutterfly, and the fact that the spirit leaves the physicalbody is only one step in the chain of transformations ofthe Being's cycle. Consciousness, in an unthinkable form,keeps living and existing in ineffable dimensions, wherethe constants space-time have a completely differentvalue and "reality" doesn't have the same constants or thesame value we attribute to it in our dimension. But let'stalk about what is known, since the foregoing belongs tothe realm of personal experiences or, failing this, fallswithin the competence of beliefs.

Despite the differences in how it is lived, the experienceof aging has some common points for all of us that makeus similar, if not identical. It couldn't be otherwise,because we humans have in common being pretty muchalike. Time goes faster and faster for all of us; it's astrange feeling, but days crowd each other in weeks,which inadvertently become months and then years. Ouridea of ??life, burnished in the endless days of childhood,forges an ever wrong perspective of our coexistence withtime. We think it very long but we perceive it increasinglyshorter. In the long run, a lifetime becomes more and morea puff for everyone and the space between the first andthe last breath gradually shrinks over the years.

Occasionally, the first signs of physical deteriorationarrive all of a sudden, but almost always they sneak ininadvertently. Nobody has ever explained to us that oursight will deteriorate, that our sense of touch declines withage or that in some moment, we won't recover of onenight out in less than a week. Hey, what's happened?When I did I stop being young?

These obvious signs and symptoms in the body arenothing compared to those produced in the mind andspirit of us who experience them. Years necessarily make

you more tolerant and, if you're not totally stupid ... lessarrogant and brash.

Whatever your nature, the passing of years tend totemper your fierceness, as a bullfighting "corrida" does tothe bull. The bull's rage in his irruption in the bullring istempered with the chastisement received in the first two"thirds". And that's the punishment life inflicts to all of us;some more, other ones less, but we all get the eternalmedicine: the "vara" of the "picador" ("lancer onhorseback"), a lance against which there's nothing youcan do; the more you push ahead in your bravery, thedeeper it pierces your flesh. The blood that flows fromsuch junction diminishes our strength and turns usconservative, restrained, cautious. With time we allbecome conservative when we have something to keep,even if only our breath!

We then start looking with different eyes the helpinghand that life lends us now and then, and even thebravest among the braves, we all have to tighten ourkidneys and resort to our guts to confront somesituations. As with the bull, life tests us and empties us sothat we draw out what we have within, do whatever wehave to do and empty ourselves on each thrust.

Being biological, the mind is directly affected by thisdeterioration, but the spirit rarely accompanies theprocess. One day we just don't recognize ourselves in themirror any longer. We poke to it waiting to see a person...and we find another. Presbyopia is nothing other than theanesthesia of life, kindly trying to mitigate the signs ofaging.

In this society so smug and handed itself over to bodyworship, thousands of internal and external systems, fromsurgery to megarexia (muscle dysmorphia), freely campout because vanity is the last resort of denial of aging.Faces that hide wrinkles in a tug-of-war that disfigure theirbearers. Those wrinkles, beautiful wrinkles, that are thefruit of the laugh of a thousand days, of a sustained effort,of pains that made us bigger, those wrinkles that proclaimclearly as Neruda said: I confess that I have lived!... thosewrinkles are now denied, ironed, or corky in anexpressionless grin, much closer to that of a buffoon, ahistrionic mime, than that of a person.

Old age brings many heavy constraints, functionalinconvenience, and physical limitations for which nothingor nobody has prepared us. Instead of learning the list ofthe Gothic kings, how much better it would be that ourschool teachers could prepare us for it, warning, pointingand explaining that life are cycles and each has its ownplace under the sky, its mission and its positive ornegative way of living it.

But old age can also bring many pleasant things, whenyou have really lived. The calm in situations in which youwould have sunk before, because years give perspective.The strength of the experience certainty in front of theburden of doubt. The temperance and ability to enjoy littlethings, the present moment, the pleasant company. The

Y

possibility to recognize the difference without feeling challenged or the need toprove anything. The appreciation and respect for the difference. Sweetness mixedwith intensity in a vivid look is unparalleled. The wise learns to listen, or can fallasleep without squeamishness if not interested. He loses his shame but not hisdignity. He can be gentle without effort and sincere without damaging. He learns tobe silent, because he knows the futility of idle talk. He can give advice when theyask him, and keep quiet if they don't. He learns to really detach himself fromeverything, to walk with a light luggage, validating what is important and discardingwhat is accessory. Aging simplifies life; as that of a child, its other end, is simple.When there is nothing to get but you know how to do it, then you are truly wise.

When you look back you usually only regret those times that you were an arrogantboor, an idiot brash who thought to be eternal and unnecessarily made someone suffer.Instead of spanking that day your beloved dog that's already gone, couldn't you justscold him?

Life tempers us if we are smart enough to learn out of what it puts in our way.Otherwise, old age becomes an ordeal, a ruthless hell without the slightestshred of visible goodness, a petty tyrant without remission.

No cheating here, you get old like you have lived; so livewell your present, because that is the only way to preparefor the next step along the way. Accept the cycles andtry to comprehend the sense of each one of them.And, most important, don't be in a hurry to arrive,because as in the journey to Ithaca, at the endyou will understand that the sense of the trip isthe trip itself.

Alfredo Tucci is Managing Director to BUDO INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING CO.e-mail: budo@budointernational.com

When you set out in your journey to IthacaYou must pray that the road be long,full of adventure, full of knowledge.

May there be many dawnsin which you will enter a port that your eyes ignored

and go to cities to learn from those who knowAlways keep the idea of Ithaca in your heart.

You have to reach it; it's your destiny,but don't you ever force the voyage.

It's preferable that it lasts many years,so that when you anchor on the island you are old

and rich with all you'll have gained on the way,without expecting any more wealth.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage,without her, you would have never set out.

And if at the end you find her poor, its not that Ithaca has deceived you.

Wise as you will have become,you will have understood by then what these

Ithakas mean.

From "Ithaca" by Constantine P. KavafisAdaptation Llus Llach

https://www.facebook.com/alfredo.tucci.5

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Using the presentation of his second DVD, inthis case dedicated to one of the mostinteresting themes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsusubmission techniqueswe have takenadvantage of the occasion to put thisexceptional man on the cover once again,an extraordinary master of BrazilianJiu-Jitsu, and in this way learn moreabout his Art and his impassionedl ife. We have asked ourcollaborator in Brazil, MarceloAlonso, to be in charge ofinvestigating the matter andto investigate the historyand the opinions concerningthe world of Master MansursJiu-Jitsu. The result is anexceptional report in which thehuman aspect of the Masterclearly appears as the basis of away of being and acting whichhas earned him unanimousrespect in the sector.Master Mansur has

recently published his firstbook, The Bible of Jiu-Jitsu, in which the loversof the Soft Art havefinal ly found a truemanual for studying andperfecting histechniques. In coming editions, new

technical projects by theMaster will be seen. Thismonth, submissions but nextmonth Yes! How to get outof submissions! This is atheme that no one has yetgone deeply into. Well thatswhat masters are for, no?Dont miss either of them! Weleave you, then, in the best ofhands

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Text: Marcelo AlonsoPhotos: Alfredo Tucci

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Francisco Mansur, The Living lEgend of Jiu-Jitsu

Descending from a man named Samuel, who, in 1210AD, l ived in a mountainous region of Lebanondenominated Mansour, Francisco Mansur is an exampleof a man who does not consider effort when trying toreach his dreams. Born and raised in the small, quietcity of Muriae in the interior of the Brazilian state ofMinas Gerais, Francisco never hesitated in resolving allthe obstacles that life placed in front of him in order toreach his goals.After arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 16, without even

having a place to sleep, Mansur not only realized hisdream of meeting Helio Gracie, but he became one ofthe 12 men to attain the 8th degree red and black belt,bestowed on him by the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

"Mansurhas been

with myfamily formany yearsduring bothgood and badtimes. Growing

up I alwaysremember him

being there. Good person, good

character and excellentteacher"

Royce Gracie

After creating the Kioto Academy andtransforming it into the greatest childrens Jiu-Jitsu power, Master Chico (Paco) developed asingular teaching method, utilizing the Soft Artto help children and adults with neurological,visual, hearing and behavioral problems, andin that way becoming one of the mostimportant references in the sport, receivingvarious national and international prizes inrecognition of his work. On the followingpages, the reader will have the chance toknow a little more about the history of thisgenuine living legend, who at 66 years of age,continues teaching Jiu-Jitsu in New York.From a very young age, Francisco Mansur

heard his father tell stories about a man

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1st Mounted choke

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named Helio Gracie, a kind of national hero whoconfronted and defeated any fighter who crossed his path.It was a pity that Gracie lived so far away, more precisely,in Rio de Janeiro, 10 hours by bus from his house inMuriae in the interior of Minas Gerais. I always dreamedabout going to Rio to meet Helio Gracie and be a cadet inthe air force, recalls Mansur, who, as

soon as he turned 16 and still without the consent of hisparents, decided to try to realize his dreams.In September of 1955, the youngster set out on the road

for Rio. Without any relatives in the city, nor even a placeto sleep, Francisco spent the first night in

a public park in the neighborhood ofFlamengo. The next day he used his

last few cents to go by bus to theair force center where hewound up being accepted,but only three months hadpast when the youngsterdiscovered that in l i fe, ourdreams arent always made real.

My experience in the air force wasa nightmare, the cadets made fun of

us a lot and treated us like animals. Ididnt adapt to that system and I wound up

having a problem with a superior and left,remembers Francisco. After getting a job in abank, he set out to realize his other dream. Sothe youngster went toward the center of thecity, looking for Rio Branco Avenue (17th floor),the address of the famous Gracie Academy.As soon as I arrived at the Gracie Academy, Iwent crazy; it was one of the most beautifulplaces Id ever seen. It was all filled with

mirrors, with different rooms for privateclasses, the academy full; it was

truly impressive, recalls Mansur.That very day, sti l l withouthaving encountered HelioGracie, he made the academy

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his new goal in life. The problem was the monthly fee, giventhat the Gracie Academy was only frequented by the upper

classes of Rio de Janeiro. That is to say, there were onlytwo ways to get in, having a good salary, or being aleading fighter who made up part of the Gracie team.Since the salary he earned at the bank hardly even

allowed him to pay his basic necessities, Mansur decidedthat the best way to realize his dream would be to train hardon another team in order to one day try to earn his placeamong the best. It was then that this young man from MinasGerais signed up at a free Judo academy through a Christianassociation for young people. After years of training with theJapanese master Nagashima, Mansur got his brown belt in

Judo and told his teacher that he was going to pay a visitto the Gracie Academy, which at that time had thereputation of challenging athletes from other fightingstyles. Nagashima went crazy; he told me not togo since Helio had said in magazines that allJudocas were cowards, but I wanted to showhim that I, even as his admirer, wasnt

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I did 39 Vale-Tudo fights,many times on hard floors

covered with mats. People paid to see and

filled the gymnasiums,

afraid. As his Master Nagashima imagined,Hel io Gracie tested him with one of hisgraduates. First with kimino, with Moacir LuziaValle. I took him down, but as soon as we fellon the ground, he submitted me quickly. Thefight began to get hotter, then Helio decided toput me in a training session without kimino withIvan Lemos, who applied a strike on me. I leftthat session with swollen eyes and my earsinjured, remembers Chico, who, though hurt,left the academy radiant with what he considershis greatest trophy, the recognition of MasterHelio Gracie at the end of the training. Justafter we had finished, he approached me andsaid: You are the only Judoca I know who isntafraid, Mansur recalls with emotion. He woundup being invited to train with the phenomenalfighters on the Gracie team. After that episode,Francisco finally realized his great dream, to bea student of Helio Gracie, and he went on totrain in the Gracie academy with the greatnames of that time, like Joao Alberto Barreto,Hel io Vigio, Car lson Gracie, and WalterGuimaraes. The youngster immediately beganto stand out in the training sessions and in ashort time he was already defending the nameof the Gracie Academy in Vale-Tudo challenges.I did 39 Vale-Tudo fights, many times on hardfloors covered with mats. People paid to seeand filled the gymnasiums, the Master recalls.Despite so much experience as a Vale-Tudofighter, he has never encouraged his students toget up in the ring.Francisco Mansurs excellent technique and his

great skill in teaching led the Vale-Tudo fighterand policeman Walter Guimaraes to invite him tobe an instructor in his first academy (WalterGuimaraes Jiu-Jitsu). From that time on, Mansurdivided his routine between his job at the bank,training in the Gracie Academy, and the classeshe gave in Walter Guimaraes academy. Soon thepoliceman took him to give classes at the PoliceAcademy and Mansur eventually spent nearly 10years collaborating with the training of the armedforces.

The King of the kidsIn 1965, Francisco Mansur decides to set up his

own academy, to which he gives the name Kioto,paying homage to the first Japanese city that Jiu-Jitsu arrived to, having come from India.I understood that Jiu-Jitsu wasnt only for

striking and could be used as an excellentmethod for educating children, reveals Mansur.Thanks to his discipline, charisma, and to the

special method that he developed, children whohad behavioral and motor coordination problemsfelt significant improvement. I came to be

recommended by parents of students and evendoctors, Mansur tells us. In a very short time, hetransformed the Kioto into the biggest childrensacademy in Brazil, always the first in the Jiu-Jitsuchampionships, ahead of the Gracie academyitself, and even the Carlson Gracie Academy,which had always dominated all the adultcategories, but Mansurs academy was alwaysthreatening victory with the overall score in points.After 19 undefeated years, Mansur wound up

succumbing to Carlsons pressure, who wantedthe overall points in the championships to becalculated separating adults and children. Thanks to his incredible sense of organization,

Francisco Mansur was of fundamental importancein the structuring of Jiu-Jitsu as a sport. Along withhis master, Helio Gracie, and other students likeAlberto Barreto and Elcio Leal Binda, Mansur wasone of the founders of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation ofRio de Janeiro and of the Brazilian Jiu-JitsuConfederation. President of the Council of Mastersand vice-president of the technical department,Master Mansur was one of the main people incharge of the adoption of rules for competitions, aswell as new refereeing rules and for the hierarchy ofbelts, both in Brazil and in the world.

Jiu-Jitsu for the handicappedHelped by his son Krauss and by his nephew

Alvaro, Paco Mansur developed a method utilizingJiu-Jitsu technique to deal with neurologicalproblems, problems of balance, deafness,muteness, motor coordination and of behavior.One of the sources of inspiration for Mansurswork with the handicapped was Fabricio Martins,brother of one of his best students. After beingleft blind in a car accident and falling into a deepdepression, Fabricio was taken by his brother toUncle Paco. With his special charisma, he treatedthe boy as if he were his own son. Jiu-Jitsubrought the joy of life back to that boy and he gotto be regional champion, fighting against normaladversaries, says the master emotionally. Sincethen he has received various kinds ofhandicapped people in his academy.Another noteworthy case that Master Mansur

and his son Krauss never tire of talking about isthe story of the autistic boy who, after sixmonths training without ever uttering a word inthe academy, excited the masters by saying:They gave my sister a basketbal l for apresent. Since then, the child never stoppedimproving, impressing even the doctors. Eventoday, Krauss gets emotional telling that story,reveals the Master, who at 66 years of age, isproud of having reached the incredible numberof nearly 20,000 students, having trained 39black belts.

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"Mansur was one ofthe pioneers and he

helped organizefederations and the

first Jiu-Jitsuchampionships.

He has always beena serious personwho has given a

very positive pictureof Jiu-Jitsu,

with a strong youth team".

Murilo Bustamante

Divinely protectedThe desire to always get over new challenges has been

the basic characteristic of Francisco Mansurs personality.This led him to study physical education (he didnt finish)and afterward, law, finishing his studies in 1976 at 36 yearsof age. In 1982, the versatile black belt did some stateexams and became a regional policeman. With his excellenttraining and character, it didnt take long for the Master to

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Grand MastersFrancisco Mansurwas of fundamentalimportance in the

structuring of Jiu-Jitsu as a sport.

have problems, and he soon began to collectenemies from among the criminals, and evenamong other policemen. The legion of enemiesincreased when Master Mansur decided to open asecurity company, hiring 400 men to take over thesecurity of 16 hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Theresult didnt take very long to manifest. Aftersuffering three attempts on his life with a total of11 shots, Mansur understood in practice themeaning of his family coat of arms, which reads:Divinely Protected. Despite having completely recovered, the

religious student of Helio Gracie interpreted themurder attempts he suffered as a sign from Godand decided to retire, leaving the force in Januaryof 1999 and moving to the United States in orderto once again start from scratch. There wasntmuch choice; if I had stayed in Brazil, theyd havekilled me, the teacher says. At 59, though having4 affiliate Kioto academies operating in Rio, hebegan anew in the United States. I have neverbeen afraid of challenges. I had already givenvarious seminars in self-defense for the police inthe United States, and already had variouscontacts in New York, which made everythingeasier. Thanks to Mansurs excellent work, theKioto Brazilian JJ System became a reference ofquality. Nowadays, apart from the headquarters inLong Island, Mansur has 6 affiliates. I give classevery day, from 7:00 in the morning to 10:00 atnight, with 10 different schedules, reveals thefounder of the New York State BJJ Federation.

Kioto AcademyFounded in 1965 in Rio de Janeiro by Grand

Master Francisco Mansur, the Kioto Jiu-JitsuAcademy has had continuous success and even

today it is placed among the most respected Jiu-Jitsu academies in the world. Through theirinstallations, 19,000 students have passed,having trained 39 black belts, instructors, andeducators.

The Kioto Jiu-Jitsu SystemThe movements in the Kioto Jiu-Jitsu System

obey a progressive form of reflexive acts, control,and intelligence. The study and practice of thissystem has been consistently recommended bydoctors, psychologists, and educators because itis a complete activity in the process of education,also working as a palliative measure for psychictensions and as a factor in the physical andmental development of whoever practices it. Thesystem is entirely founded on the principle ofdiscipline, but furthermore, it stimulates anddevelops:Propioceptive capabilities: the capacity to

receive stimulation originating in the interior of theorganism, achieving greater adaptation and poly-sensory integration with the domination of onesown body, sense of the lateral, of space, andbody placement.

Psycho-motor skills: development of theawareness of action, motor coordination andbalance.

Multiple intelligence: knowing how to do,logical-mathematical understanding, knowledgeof ones own l imits and interpersonalrelationships.Self-confidence: this aspect is stimulated,

giving the individual the possibility of overcominghim or herself, as well as his or her fears.

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I admire the fact that his work has beendedicated to our profession. He deserves all ofmy warmth and respect. These days we donthave a lot of contact, given that he has been

living in the United States for a long time. He is avery good friend of mine and has always been

very close. I ask God to look after him and thathe continues being the great person who has

always brought joy to my lifeHelio Gracie

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After suffering threeattempts on his life witha total of 11 shots,

Mansur understood inpractice the meaningof his family coat of

arms, whichreads:

DivinelyProtected.

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The one who knows theKIOTO JIU-JITSU

SYSTEM, even beingphysically weak.

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3

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1st Arm-lock in the 2nd immobilization

The submission techniques are one ofthe most appreciated by the practitioners

of other styles with regard to Jiu-Jitsu.The series that you can see in these

photographs come from the The Bible ofJiu-Jitsu. These techniques and many

others have been especially developed forthe last DVD by Master Mansur, dedicated

exclusively to submissions.

Cardio-vascular system: it increases the level of oxygen,which is taken to all the cells of the body through the blood,diminishing the cardiac frequency of rest and increasing itsefficiency, apart from making the arteries more flexible,decreasing the fatty tissue deposits in the arteries, whichrelatively reduces the blood pressure by facilitating the bloodflow.

Muscular-skeletal system: it works the muscles, benefitingphysical stamina and tone, and develops the thoracic muscles,improving the reception of oxygen.

Nervous and psychological system: Jiu-Jitsu is an activityto free up tension and decrease stress, regulating times ofsleep, rest, as well as appetite, reinforcing self-confidence, co-existence, socialization, and discipline.

Kioto Jiu-Jitsu Academy MethodMaster Mansur explains that the Kioto method has as its aim

the development of the potential of all men, aiming especiallyat the defense of the individual without the practice ofviolence. The one who knows the KIOTO JIU-JITSU SYSTEM,even being physically weak, is in the position to defend himselffrom any attack through movements that have as their basethe leverage principle, without necessarily having to resort tousing force or violence, the creator of the system explains.This aims for the physical and mental development of theathlete, the strong point of the Jiu-Jitsu he and his instructorsteach. Our method develops the positive moral andintellectual qualities of the practitioner since it isnt aboutfighting, rather about a defense system, which demandsbefore all else the use of intelligence in order to carry out thestrike that one is trying to apply, the master summarizes.With the basis of the teachings of his master and idol,

Master Helio Gracie, Master Mansur has always beenconcerned about not creating tough guys, rather to transformpractitioners into confident people. Eliminating the fear of aphysical strike from the unconscious, a fear everyone has, thepractitioner naturally becomes capable of confronting anyattack, as well as any difficult situation in any field of activity,since by not fearing aggressions that can hurt one physically,they wont fear any psychological aggression, the masterconcludes, explaining why his system is so sought out byparents and doctors. Children and youngsters are the biggestvictims of insecurity and of fears and they soon learn to haveconfidence in themselves and go on to be better students,better in sports in general, and even in their familyrelationships, since the confidence they acquire allows them todecrease or even eliminate the aggression that comes withinsecurity, giving them the essential lack of inhibition to relateto the people around them. This is also valid for adults sinceself-confidence is the key springboard to success in anybranch of human activity.

Report Master Mansur hasalways been

concerned about notcreating tough guys,rather to transformpractitioners intoconfident people.

In the time in which we founded the Carioca Jiu-JitsuFederation through the National Sports Council, he wasof incalculable value. Mansur was always a formidableleader. He is part of the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Joao Alberto Barreto

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Francisco Mansurs importance forJiu-Jitsu is great. For his dedication andattention to the sport, he can beconsidered one of the great teachersand great promoters of Jiu-Jitsu. He isan example of correct conduct andethical conduct and there is no price forwhat he has done for Jiu-Jitsu. He isenormously worthy for spreading it as aneducative art, as a way of regeneratingand restoring character and goodphysical condition. He puts my fathersdream, Carlos Gracie, into practice,giving Jiu-Jitsu a great social role.

Robson Gracie, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation

of Rio de Janeiro and father of RenzoGracie.

In the time in which we founded theCarioca Jiu-Jitsu Federation through theNational Sports Council, he was ofincalculable value. Mansur was always aformidable leader. He is part of thehistory of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Joao Alberto Barreto,One of the most respected

masters trained by Helio Gracie.

When I went looking for Jiu-Jitsu at19, after 14 years of Judo, I identified alot with Master Mansur and with theKioto Academy, where I dedicated

myself to learning JJ. Master MansursKioto Academy has the characteristicsof teaching methodology, discipline, andthe family spirit. The Master becomes asecond father for us, almost a Guru. Ifeel very proud to form a part of thisgroup of black belts. Master Mansur hasfundamental importance in myprofessional and personaldevelopment.

Marcus Vinicius de Lucia,Black belt trained by Mansur

and today the owner of one of the mostfamous Jiu-Jitsu academies in America, the

Beverly Hills Jiu-Jitsu Club.

OPINIONS ABOUT FRANCISCO MANSUR

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The best, most sincere andcharismatic person that I have everknown. His charisma has been capableof breaking the North Americancoldness. When he arrived in the UnitedStates, the students shook his hand. Astime passed, they began to hug him andkiss the Masters bald spot in the sameway the Brazilians do.

A man with unequalled charisma anda gigantic heart.

Alvaro Mansur, (nephew)

"Master Mansur is one of the mostrespected figures in Jiu Jitsu. I amproud to have had the pleasure totrain with him at his academy in

Ti juca. An example of master andhuman figure".

Ricardo Librio,One of the most famous Carlson Gracie's

black belts,today, leader of the American Top Team.

"For me, one of the most relevant aspectsof Francisco Mansur is his inspiration inworking with children. A technical andeducational work where discipline reigns. Iremember that, when I had a lower grade, Iadmired him very much for such qualities.He was particularly competent as aneducator and he worked Jiu- Jitsu insupport of sports and children. This hassurvived to this day, with the Kyoto teambeing champion of most events in children's

categories. They maintain this tradition. Ithink that our work may seem, as regards tosee Jiu-Jitsu as a sport, very disciplined".

Leonardo Castelo Branco,one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu-

Jitsu masters.

"Mansur was one of the pioneers andhe helped organize federations and thefirst Jiu-Jitsu championships. He hasalways been a serious person who hasgiven a very positive picture of Jiu-Jitsu,with a strong youth team".

Murilo Bustamante,One of the most respected

Vale-Tudo fighters in the world.

"Master Mansur is one of themost respected figures in JiuJitsu. I am proud to have hadthe pleasure to train with him

at his academy in Tijuca. An example of master and

human figure."Ricardo Librio

Clarifying concepts

All of us live a similar butdifferent experience alongour lives. The roads, rivers,oceans, continents ar ediverse and varied. And soare people with whom weinterrelate in our passagethrough the Earth planet.Spor t, hobbies, studies,aspirations, hobbies.Everything is different!

In our mar tial world,everything is likewise quiterelative and varied. Thank Godwe l ive in a constantmovement, and this movementshould always be for war d...despite the many dull, deluded,ignorant people as well as the"morons" who force us often to stopand even to "step back", thusproducing an invaluable wasteof time.

Ral Gutirrez

Fu-Shi Kenpo

ust ask the terminally ill,the dying or someonewho needs "just a littletime". Time is Gold,says a phrase outthere. Many of us

know what it is and what it reallymeans: "Getting just a l itt lewhile, in certain circumstancescan become extremelynecessary or even vital".In Spain, a country where living

was wonderfully easy, today we canwitness people suffering, bound tosee their wages lowering insteadof rising, their pay being takenaway leaving them in theuncertainty of when they willkick them out of their jobs andwill be thrown out into thestreet for non-payment or dieeither of starvation or shotbecause they get caughtstealing food from asupermarket. All this you canread in the daily press.In short, this is a REGRESSION,

a stagnation, a regrettable waste oftime caused by unscrupulousindividuals, something that,unfortunately, we can't stop or correctbecause it's beyond our reach.I began practicing Martial Arts back in 1967. But my

street raids, so to speak, dated from 1960. And honestly,the arts or sports had little or nothing to do with street reality.Grades, diplomas, medals, trophies and titles are faced withan immovable reality when "You are not the one ON FOOT, butthe one ON THE FLOOR". That makes you look the future in twoways, or rather in one way or the other. Have you learned yourlesson? Or do you want to remain a ghost?Let's put it in another way. The person carries a firearm. No

matter whether he has practiced or not dry firing, shooting on themove or shooting in action or war, where you kill or get killed... butfor real. Not Olympic shooting, shooting ranges, championships orshow. Which one will succeed? But it's not just success, but thehole you're in and if you are prepared to live it up.I understand that everything has a process, a time of

adjustment, understanding, insight and analysis about who arewe? What are we actually looking for? What do we want in thislife? Where do we want to go? Etc.In my personal workouts and in my teaching, my contacts and

constant experiences in this world, I learn something new everyday. And I think that the outcome I reach will depend of the way Iunderstand, focus and channel these experiences.I look back at my past. And in it I can distinguish many things,

most of them consistently good but also some negative. We aremere mortals, at times absurd, other times great. And I say, I neverneeded in the past to complicate myself by having to learndifferent styles, techniques and tactics; however and "almost

J

Fu-Shi Kenpo

without knowing anything" I always came outunscathed of my street encounters, howevercomplex they could be. And conversely, I neverapplied the new knowledge I was studying simplybecause it was too "complicated".I bring today a turning point that has been going

on in our society for quite a few years. No matterhow much technology there may exist, this, of

course, deserves all my respect and praise.The REAL problem is that parents have tomake incredible efforts for their childrento follow and complete a 'decent andwell regarded' academic study. Butthen they are confronted with aninherent difficulty in finding a job,simply because there is noEMPLOYMENT. And Engineers,Architects, Chemists or Doctors aredoomed to accept a job below theintense preparation they've gainedwith so much effort and sacrifice. Or,as it's happening lately, ourprofessionals are forced to try luck inother countries that offer betterpossibilities in this respect.Obviously this is a joking comment

that only tries to put some irony. Thetruth is that everything is relative,nothing is forever and in the Lord'svineyard there's for everyone. Oursociety demands an ever bigger effortfrom us, more collaboration,participation and taxes as well asfamily and personal sacrifices. Butinstead we enjoy fewer benefits.And I put this simple example:

after a great deal of effort, wemanage to buy a car which, in

addition, needs a good insurance,whatever the offer and price; we also

have to pay road taxes, eventually anMOT, and so forth. That is, a constant

money spending. But what happens whenwe have to go downtown to do any

administrative formality? We keep going roundand round the block trying to find a placewhere we can park legally and, if we are luckyto find it, of course, we will also have to payfor it. But apart from that, sometimes wedon't even find that place and there are noparking lots in the area or they are full.

This forces us to leave our car far awayfrom the place where we have to

sort out that blissful paperwork.The other option to leave the

car "illegally parked", withthe serious risk of

finding on our returna beautiful f ine on

the windshield, or the

shocking impact of seeing that it hasbeen towed away. As we can see, theyhave us cornered, monitored,controlled and exploited, whicheverway you look at it. If the City Councilhas not arranged parking places norbuilt public parking lots, why is thetaxpayer the one who always takes thebrunt of it?Every day we are more on this

wonderful planet, the climate ischanging due to human negligenceand irresponsible boldness, and withthat our beloved world is going to hell.Fortunately, Martial Arts world is

following an impressive trajectory in aconstant evolution. What amazes metoday is to see that those dreams I hadin my childhood, in which I performedhuge jumps flying through the air, andcarried out impressive deeds, now,after 50 years, they are provingpossible, of course, with certain"l imitations". Both Youtube andFacebook, and other means of WEB,fi l l us with stunning and realisticexercises, acrobatics, magnificentathletes and feats that seem extractedof fiction films. All this makes us thinkabout what is the l imit of humanbeings on this planet? Because we areonly talking about physical exploits,but mankind is challenging genetics,medicine and more.In all this kinds of things, I

understand that there are some firststeps and some premises. As many asin the alphabet, from A to Z. In MartialArts there are also styles, levels,programs, grades, etc.... Later, thenotion of what everyone wants toachieve with the martial arts trainingwill also exert a great influence.If your purpose is that of learning

and practicing the traditional arts ofancient Far East, then searchtraditional styles. If you just want tolearn self defense, turn to practical,functional and straightforward styles.And if your desire is competing ... youmust analyze to what extent you likesports competition, type of rules,semi-contact or full contact. If you area member of your country's securityforces, f ind out which are yourguidelines in this regard and thecriteria for action of the unit to which

you belong. And if you are a commoncrook, then "you are going to have ahard time."I have said it on several occasions,

in both written and spoken form, inprivate conversations, in open coursesor in the media. Personally since Istarted practicing contact sports andMartial Arts, I've always done it withcommitment, dedication, effort,responsibility and enthusiasm. So Ialways knew how to appreciate andvalue each style or master with whom Ihad had the great pleasure to meet,train and learn from.In this way I obtained various grades

such as: 3rd Dan in Tae-Kwon-Do bythe "United Tae-Kwon-DoInternational"; 3rd Dan in Lima Lamawith Jorge Vzquez, UTI; 4th Dan inShotokan Karate, by the FederacinAlavesa de Karate, in Spain,recognized by the Consejo Superior deDeportes (National Sports Council); 6thDan in Full-Contact, with Bill Wallace;9th Dan in Kosho-Ryu Kenpo, MIKKA;10th Dan in Fu-Shih Kenpo.The practice and knowledge of other

styles is very interesting and evennecessary in order to understand thevalues ??that all of them undoubtedlyhave. Furthermore, to admire them,respect them and be grateful forwhatever positive they have given toour way of seeing and training MartialArts. When we are young and we enjoyso much vital ity, energy andenthusiasm, we are able to absorbmuch knowledge, we are like soakedsponges that absorb everything tothen squeeze it out. With good healthand youth there's no problem. There'sa squandering of energy and a lot offantasy in our "Ego". But as time goesby and we get older, we go completingthe circle and we only keep what reallyconvinces us, what we like and whatseems to us the right thing. Wesimplify.In my long martial career I have seen

how a competitor, for example, wasable to win all his fights in a WorldChampionship, simply with his rightside kick. It was what he did best, andhe knew it. No matter in which anglehe or his opponent were, he alwayssucceeded to place his kick where and

Fu-Shi Kenpo

when he wanted. That is intelligence. Ialways tell my students that you shouldto train and level all your skills, andpractice over and over what you don'tdo that well, in order to overcome thosebarriers. But, of course, when you are ina real fight, or a championship, don'tuse your worse techniques. Also, theresno need to show your entire repertoire.Just use your best techniques orweapons. All the rest is just takingunnecessary risks.In my environment, I see many

practit ioners disoriented, perhapsmisplaced; and also opportunisticpeople who regard Martial Arts as asimple business. And if it is a way toearn a living and support their families,they count on my support, guidance andcollaboration. It's something I've alwaysdone throughout my career, and forwhich I've been both praised andcriticized. It does not matter. It's not myproblem, if they act accordingly.As we know, it is necessary and there

must be all kind of people. Here's ourworld and our society. Intruders whodon't step up to the required standards,even being intruders, will have littlechance in this and in any other sector.However there are others that serve toorganize or to recruit students. They areloquacious people that can do it betterthan some experts who only know howto show their own physical andtechnical skills, but lack the dedication,charisma or marketing to bring together,carry out or channel the "business".I've met people claiming to be 6th

Dan with falsified papers, probably the

worst martial artists I've ever met in mylife, however they were extremely gooddirecting, organizing and instructing,and so they have been able to creategreat martial artists or competitors.Everything has its merit and its relativity.On the other hand, I've also learnt in

my own environment that it is notprudent nor advisable pampering thosemediocre characters without charisma,clumsy practitioners or teachers whoseem concrete blocks when they move,with a brutal insecurity; people to which,out of respect, prudence or negligence,you consent and don't dare to tell themto their faces their own reality. And thisis wrong, because eventually they cometo believe they are good; something like"Bipolar". Suddenly one day they get upin a spirit of "Grand Masters", creatorsof new styles, managing the mundanemarketing to "try" to stand out as "theULTIMATE", "the MOST", "the last throwof the dice", and then it comes the hugeembarrassment, not for them, becausethey still think they are "different"; infact, the shame is for us who havespoiled them, helped them "by mercy",when we publicly see and hear thelaughter and the terrible critics thatemanate from the mouth of those whodo understand and know what it'sabout.On the other side, there is a huge

amount of great people, excellentmartial artists, who deserved to be andshould be at the top of this our martialworld, outstanding practitioners whodespite their high value, great talent andmagnificent contributions, they haven't

Ral Gutirrez

"The term Kung Fu doesn't refer to aparticular fighting style. Kung-Fu means

doing things right, being the best ineverything we do. Let's practice Kung-Fu

without damaging or hurting anyone,but to gain respect, credibility, trust,

friendship and prudence."

succeeded. Perhaps because the true, the authentic, theone who really knows and deserves, is humble, respectfuland doesn't consider himself creator or discoverer ofanything new. He has devoted his life to investigate,research and work hard on the "finding yourself".To speak about braggarts, mediocre, traitors or fools, and

give their names is not the task for a good citizen, partner orbrother. But mentioning some of those I've had and I stillhave the pleasure of meeting, treating and enjoying theircompany seems to me correct. So I would just like to

express my respect, admiration, loyalty and gratitude to:Luis Antonio Palao, Asencio (RIP), Jos Banaclocha

(RIP), Yee Seil (cheers, brother! I admired you fromthe first moment), Master Sergio Hernandez (mybrother, you deserve the glory and a large globalstatus because you're too big), Martin Luna,(you're making it, my brother, and you knowI'm on your side), Mario P. del Fresno (Ialways felt you were a great person andvery good artist martial and I was surefrom the start that you would become avery good master), David Domnguez andEsther, keep it up, you are a beautifulexample of a couple in life and a martialbinomial. Dario Diaz Castro, you reallyare noble and consistent. Tirelessresearcher, scholar and honest. Youdeserve to be where you are, and you'llget much further.Now is when a moron, an ungrateful

person full of complexes, would demand thatI was punished, or would say with ease: "Too many

angels! Like Jesus Christ said, "Lord forgive him, he doesnot know what he does".Friends, let's simplify our lives. Let's analyze which things

in this life and time cause us trouble and which bring us joy,happiness and satisfaction. Let's get rid of the evils withoutrevenge or bad feelings for anyone and let's secure thebeautiful things of this world. Let's not perform 20 differentkicks, but those that are really useful, practical, and useless energy to succeed. If we know that where we needto go there's no parking places and the cops give fines,let's take the subway, the bus or simply let's walk,which is healthier.

Let's find the best way to try to be useful to societybeing civic and respectful of nature and our fellowmen. And let us not forget that a martial artist mustbehave as such not only during his training time in adojo or school, but 24 hours a day and under allnormal and routine things of his existence.

The term Kung Fu doesn't refer to a particularfighting style. Kung-Fu means doing things right,being the best in everything we do. Let's practiceKung-Fu without damaging or hurting anyone, butto gain respect, credibility, trust, friendship andprudence.

Until next month. Thank You

Fu-Shi Kenpo

ADDRESSING THE GENDER GAP

What is the gendergap'? In the martial arts

it refers to the vastdifference between the

number of male andfemale practitioners.

Simple enough. This issuehas been around for many

years and has been thesubject of expert analysis,

professional studies, industrysurveys, magazine articlesand other well-meaning

attempts tounderstand itand to offer

possiblesolutions.

Nothing has worked. Males continueto outnumber females 70% to 30% in

martial arts schools around theworld. But why? Is it cultural? Social

upbringing? Psychological?Physiological? Does it have to do withtime (are women busier than men)?

Money? Intimidating environment? MaleInstructors' attitudes? No onereally knows, and I suspect that

there is no single answer. It isprobably a combination of

many contributing factors.But the question

remains: how dowe change it?And why should

we?

Combat Hapkido

Combat Hapkido

ADDRESSING THE GENDER GAP

Let's answer the second questionfirst because it is the easier one. Weshould get many more women inmartial arts classes because THEYNEED SELF -DEFENSE even morethan men! There are literally millions ofcases of domestic violence every yeararound the world (many unreported)where women are the victims. Add tothat robberies, rapes, car-jacking,abductions, home invasions, assaults,etc.. In all those crimes women aremore likely to be the victims andpersonal protection skills could makea crucial difference between safeescape or serious injury. Therefore itis an indisputable fact that martial artsclasses with a heavy emphasis onself-defense would greatly benefitwomen and prevent untold suffering.

Now back to the first question, howdo we get more women to studymartial arts or, at least, participate inself- defense training? I honestly don'tknow! I have spent over 40 years inthe martial arts and I still cannot figureit out. At one time, from the mid1980s to the mid 1990s, I owned andoperated a small chain of martial artsschools and I did everything possibleto attract female students. Iadvertised special classes just forthem; I offered women personalprotection courses; I gave lectures onwomen' safety; I conducted Rape-Prevention seminars for thecommunity at no cost; I volunteeredto teach self -defense at women'sorganizations; etc.. Nothing made atangible difference. The ratio in myschools continued to remainstubbornly at 70% men - 30%women. I had no choice but to acceptit, although I continue to this day tolook for new ways to attract morewomen to self-defense training.

In the last 20 years I have learned afew more things and I have, I hope,become a little wiser. I still do notknow why women, who are 51% ofthe population, are only 30% ofmartial arts practitioners, but I have

come up with a few suggestions forschool owners on how to improve thesituation. Here I will share them withyou:1. Cut the macho attitude! Project

a welcoming, non-intimidatingenvironment in your school. Do notallow male students to act in anoverbearing, superior, aggressive, orthreatening manner.

2. Do not focus the training on sportcompetition (unless that is clearly thespecialty of your school). Theoverwhelming majority of femalestudents are looking for practical,realistic self- defense.

3. Offer a Fitness program thatincorporates a lot of fightingtechniques, such as kicks, punches,elbow & knee strikes, break-falls, etc..Hiding martial arts movements infitness exercises will make the trainingappear fun and easy and attract thoseinitially only looking to get in shape.

4. Unless you run a very traditionalschool teaching a very traditional art,cut down on the rituals, the Asianterminology, the traditional attire (withbare feet) and the cult-l ikeatmosphere. The subservient andsubmissive behavior required of thestudents in those schools, is a turn-offto many women who may be dealingwith issues of equality ordiscrimination in their lives.

5. If possible, have a female BlackBelt Instructor conduct a womenonly class for women who areuncomfortable training with men orlearning from men. Do not ridicule orbe judgementalyou do not knowwhat negative or traumaticexperiences those women might havesuffered.

6. If you have mixed classes, keep aclose watch on your male students forinappropriate touching (especiallyduring ground grappling training).Even one incident or complaint canruin the reputation of the school.

7. Your male students can be yourbest resourceThey have mothers,sisters, daughters, wives, girl-friends,female co-workers, etc.. Ask them totalk to them about safety, personalprotection and all the benefits ofmartial arts training. Ask them to invitethem to a free introductory class.Training with a relative or a friend isless intimidating and morecomfortable.

8. Review your class schedule andmake sure you offer at least one classa day at a convenient time for womenwho are busy with children and otherfamily obligations. Give them anopportunity to have some time forthemselves.

These are just a fewrecommendations, learned throughexperience, that have proven useful inattracting and retaining femalestudents.

But as I was finishing this article, Irealized that there was somethingmissing.

A WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW! Todiscuss the subject of women's lowrate of participation in the martial artswith objectivity and credibility, wemust hear a woman's point of view.That input is indispensible if we trulywant to understand the issuesinvolved. So I decided to correct thatoversight and ask a woman tocontribute to this discussion bywriting a follow-up article on the samesubject. I wanted someone uniquelyqualified with extensive personalexperience as a woman who hadfaced the challenges of the male-dominated martial arts world.

I did not have to look too farIasked my wife Trina who, for the last23 years, has not only been part of mycareer, but has successfullyestablished her own identity andreputation in the martial arts world. Ihope you look forward to reading herarticle that will be featured in anupcoming issue of BUDOINTERNATIONAL.

KUMOBITO & ONIGUMO

If we look back and analyze, not without the corresponding disapproval, we cansee that from the earliest times, and not only in the human kingdom, close combat,as its name implies, has been carried out in various circumstances,which almost always ended up with the fighters' bodies stuck one

another in the struggle. Mongols, North American Indians,Indians of the Amazon, have similar movements thatbring us to different perspectives of observation. TheJapanese word "Kumobito" originated in

what is known as "Kumo Gassen" - Fightof spiders -, a bloody sport

that is

practiced inits differentversions, inseveral parts of theworld, includingJapan, the Philippinesand Singapore.Normally in Japan theyused female spiders, by thefact that they would kill theiropponents, if these didn'treceive the intervention andcare of their owners.In the case of Singapore, the

sport preferred male jumpingspiders, barely struggling for

Arts of Japan

dominance, and their opponent, though wounded, doesn't dielike in the case of females. This gambling culture in the Battleof Spiders or "Kumo Gassen", still exists today, taking placeannually in Kajiki, Kagoshima. It is believed that it dates backto the sixteenth century. One of the spiders (Kamae) is placedat the end of a wooden stick, and the other one (Shikake) atthe opposite end. They will fight in the center of the stick.The main objective of this theory, developed to be used by

people with movements based on the movements of spiders,was to face an opponent who was wearing armor. But socialchanges led to readapting the activity in a proposal that wouldprovide more effective results in less time for confrontation.This is how the "Onigumo" , translated as devil-spider,came about. Two anthropological versions were used in thetransmission of knowledge: the first is that its techniques wereapplied to the legs of horses that served the samurai warriors;the second, aimed at the complete destruction of the opponentand his immobilization in just one move.Contradictions and differences aside, both are considered

methods that adjust to the power of the opponent by usinglevers as equalizer points of the bodily strength. Over theyears, the "Kumobito" and "Onigumo" were introduced asadjacent arms in arts like Kumiuchi, Yoroi Kumiuchi andJujutsu. Its richness and structural maneuvers are vast.

To learn thoroughly these aspects within the Jujutsu, ithas to be known that both standing and on the groundthree pillars are needed:

1 - Learning to defend yourself.2 - Creating opportunities.3 - Seizing them in the right time.

Let's see thenLearning to defend yourself means equalizing the forces of

attack and defense. That is, no attack can take effect when youare precautious. In the case of ground fighting, it's studyingwell the positions and how to regain them if lost. It meansisolating Tori's strength so that he feels impotent; learning toapply the strength in the right places, such as in angles thatprovide the best movement.If we analyze the word "defend": from Latin, "Defendere", a

verb with several meanings: protect; sponsor; speak on behalfof, plead; provide assistance to; take shelter; prevent; ban;forbid; apologize; resist an attack; protect oneself; foster; wraponeself up, etc., we see that there is a long way to understandwhat it means to protect or defend.Creating opportunities means a perfect use of the strategy:

dominating the opponent to the point of placing him in aposition that favor us; moving within his movement: beingalways one step ahead of his ideas; convert the oppositeattack into a chance; opening our eyes and mind to visualize allcircumstances; allowing the opponent make his move and,within his move, creating opportunities. Many are slow to freethemselves from the order of things.Order means a mental state in which there is no contradiction

and hence no conflict. This doesn't mean stagnation or decline.The order that follows a formula, an ideal or concept is simplydisorder. If a person adjusts to a pattern of thinking - adetermined ideal of what he or she should be - such person ismerely imitating, adjusting himself or herself, disciplining himselfor herself, in short, striving to fit a mold. In the real game thatinvolves attack and defense, there is no order.

Make good use of opportunities (even if not all of them) must be a path to thethoughts of victory. Having clear the intention of not becoming a victim of thestrategy itself, means a technique of completion. Many athletes make a goodgame, but fail upon completion. Strength angles and the muscles must bestudied for the technique to work at the right time.Searching completion is a mistake. Seizing the right time for completion is

right. In the search, there is the seeking entity and sought thing; therefore, thereis the duality. And what can find the "I" that seeks? Well, if you are tired andwith a sluggish reasoning, whatever you find will be in agreement with yourcondition.

If an individual practices only Jujutsu, he will find what its culture and respective advertising of the art has showedhim; if he is a practitioner of any other art, he will find what the original culture of the art taught him, and so on.Seizing opportunities is mostly become empty, without no will or intention, and in a split second become fierceand unbeatable.Both for the "Kumobito" and for the "Onigumo", we must understand that all the power generated in

its traction is strongly centralized in its balance axis. The rationalization of force distributed in the upperand lower body poles, corresponds to the reflection of the reverberation of this energy which,centered on the axis, plays the role of the great maintainer of the techniques used in Jujutsu.Directed in this way, it consists in attacking exactly this point in the opponent, who will lose

balance and therefore his strength. Many masters of the past taught their students to grab thewaist of their opponents and get them off their axis, nullifying their strength, which will spreadtowards their limbs. That is, their central strength is sent to the arms and legs.Thus, the following forms of attacking uke should seek these points because if they are

competent as fighters, they will protect their neck and odd points. Many positions in thepast were developed for this purpose and, in a general way, the techniques ofground fighting developed in Jujutsu, consist of five basic positions:Tate osae, Kami osae, Yoko osae, Ushiro osae, Renkaku osae.Such forms correspond to all the needed ways for the primary

executions of the Katame not Gikkoo techniques - ways toimprison the opponent in the tatami.Standing, many forms were developed for the

immobilization of the opponent, which mostly beton the Uchi no Gikkoo attacks -"the art of beating",literally translated.

Artes del Japn

Techniques designed to traumatize the Uke are also very worth, onceassociated with the immobilization forms.Now we must note that many of these forms developed for a hand-to-hand fighting

with hardly an opponent, must be adapted if the attack is made by more than oneadversary.The union of these techniques employing grip and trauma makes Jujutsu an invaluable war

weapon that runs over the opponents, imprisoning them in a complex network of difficult exit.Contrary to what is commonly thought, Jujutsu was the form of self defense used by the samurai in their

daily lives. Their thinking was that, in the case of being attacked by surprise, they would be able to have aquick reaction, and then watch the next step to be taken. Such techniques departed from the principle ofcarrying out a strategic form of defense, in case they were attacked in any position, at any time.

There have been many schools that have innovated with the help of the environment in their favor. Somewent so far as to train their students in the counterattacks in unusual locations such as Onsen (bathing-place), inns, forests, etc. That made possible to characterize each school for the peculiarities of their thought.In addition, various strategies can be used to achieve victory, including making Uke to get lost. Used in

almost all the arts practiced by the Bugei, this form of "heiho" establishes the natural relationship with theSengoku Jidai era, since its structures of movement and deception also favor the victory. In the past, this type ofstrategy was used with the help of an environment that could fool Uke in front of the attack. That is, Tori would usea wall, a large tree, a movement in the bushes... so as to cover part of his body. When this was not possible, heestablished a line of moves that confuse Uke's coordination, causing him to lose himself along his movement. Anexample of this we will discuss below:Yuki-chigai means getting lost along the path. When Tori used any device, as the ones mentioned above, he

sought make Uke advance with the intention of reaching him, and even before completing the move, he steppedback a bit giving the impression that he considered himself lost. He then surprised Uke with an attack.In case he didn't have any device and was forced to avoid Uke, he'd quickly execute a lateral move in even

steps, so that the interruption was executed in an odd number. That is, in the intention of a move of six firm stepsto the right, as Uke accompanied his movement, he'd withdrew in the fifth step and would move in a straight linetowards his opponent, causing him to continue his trajectory unaware, and forcing him to turn his body to try toget ahead. This form of movement was trained repeatedly until it looked natural and without having to rely on aspecific number of steps.

No need to explain that in any movement, truth is relative and never absolute. When Tori says through his movements that thereis no movement, he means that the movement is entirely composed of things that are not understandable.Whether this movement can be perceived or not will depend on many factors. This leads us toconclude that it depends on how Uke perceives things. Seen from the point of view ofinterdependence, we can always reconcile both truths: relative truth and absolute truth.For this to be possible Tori must "give himself". In this case, this movement means not

coveting, not being gainfully so as not precipitate the movement. In strategic terms it is saidthat not being greedy means not wanting to reach him, lead him, like in a great game in jest.In this strategic context - Yuki-chigai - although basically is true that nothing is a property of

anybody, this does not prevent us become one with the movement of Uke, so that we mightknow the exact time. No matter how insignificant the moment of altering the steps - whatmatters is that the effort is genuine.When we leave the Way to go toward the Way, we reach the Way. Attaining the Way, the Way

is necessarily left to the Way!A Great Teacher said:"First, remove any possibility of movement from your opponent, and then start your

movement."In other words, he meant that we must first immobilize the opponent, and then start a

constructive work to completion.Immobilizing is the same as setting a specific position, so that the opponent fails to apply his

techniques and movements.According with the Dictionary, the word immobilization is a noun that means the act of limiting

movement or making incapable of movement; immobilizing; restraint:If we look at the enormous wealth of the ground fighting universe, we'll see that there are many ways to

immobilize the opponent and there are also many ways for the opponent to counterattack, once he isimmobilized. But if there are possibilities to fight back, is because he is not immobilized! The truth is thatnothing stands still, everything is in motion. Therefore, the condition of movement of the opponent shouldalso be immobilized and only then he will be truly immobilized.

Artes del Japn

As far as we understand, every movement has anoperational center and every center flows according to what isaround - opportunities. Once this is well grasped, the secondpoint is knowing that you are also moving. During the fight,everything is in motion, then your movement andimmobilization are temporary. These points will serve as abasis for building your goals.The center of balance is located in the abdomen. A good

way to immobilize the opponent is to maintain his back againstthe floor, so that his center is immobilized.The abdominal muscles are composed of several groups

with different positions and functions. The mere fact ofpracticing an exercise known as "sit ups" or "abdominal floorcrunches" has a much greater importance than most people

can imagine. The first information to remember is that itfocuses in the central region of the body and thereforeinterferes with the structures in its periphery, since it serves assupport of the organs (viscera) and it helps maintainingposture.A good workout consists of knowing how to look and apply

techniques from different directions. Shiho, the meaning ofwhich is "four directions", indicates that Jujutsu techniquesshould always be applied: Mae - frontally, Ushiro - from behind,Yoko - aside, Mawaru - in a circular way. That is, in all fourdirections there is truth. Any movement representing theopponent's dislocation and his handling is classified as"Shihopo - the method of the four directions", a term still usedby some masters.

Initially, this form alluded to the four cardinal directions -North, South, East, and West.The North indicated the desire to progress moving forward.The South was referring to the opponent's attacks and the

need to defending oneself, moving backwards. The West is themaximum point of definition, using a lateral movement.The East concerns the shift quality, to seek support for a

new attack, moving circularly.We can say that, certainly, when we move the center of the

opponent, we drive him to the void of his central strengthlocated in his Hara. We displace his center and transform hisaction strength into emptiness.To reach the way, all we have to do is just stay modestly and

with an open mind: allowing the opponent use his strength,and flowing with it. Cooperation is non-opposition. It's nonopposing oneself or opposing others.We must learn to work the opposing forces in all directions.

In order to flow, we need to learn the art of making cease -stop our thinking, the strength of our habits, our lack ofattention, as well as the intense emotions that govern us.When an emotion plagues us, is like a storm that takes with

it our peace. We will fail to flow with the opponent's force,neither we will be in harmony with ourselves.What can we do to stop this turmoil? How can we get rid of

fear, despair, anger and desires? It's simple. We can do itthrough the practice of conscious breathing, consciouswalking, conscious smile and deep contemplation - to be ableto understand.When we pay attention and get in touch with the present

moment, we fruits we collect are comprehension, acceptance

and desire to relieve our tensions and flow with the oppositeenergy.As much as history may remind us of the different chapters

of the creation of this or that art, and although contradiction isthe strong point of the passionate ones, human intelligence isitself a one of the most creative forces. Necessity has alwaysbeen the levering point for this climb destined to reach thedesired set-point.Centuries have been the most important observers and

witnesses of the transformations that made this or that point ofreflection the basis for a fair and sensible conclusion onJujutsu, in this case here and now.Still, it must be considered that each school has its own

version of the history that leads to its roots and origins. Thisline of thinking is what makes possible that each one exists inits own way, moving according to the rules that were part ofthe protocols of the time, region, creators, etc. This meansthat, although for the time and enemies, the development andimprovement of postures and forms have been considered abig secret, an advanced war weapon for others, they didn'tfully attained perfection and organization, if compared to thecurrent days.We can say that even today, such techniques still suffer

alterations due to the very condition of man, who sees with theperspective that is most convenient and, undoubtedly, updated.It's easy if we think that if balance is restored suddenly andprogress quickly manifests, the test always contains a wear thatintelligence can't avoid. The world evolves by itself!Another example is the Nijyugogi Happo. All the taught

Jujutsu was there! Twenty five techniques applied in eight

Artes del Japn

directions. The elderly affirmed that the entire Jujutsu was content in there, in its ways of grappling,projections, twisting ... From there arose the ideas, changes, needs to redirect certain techniques forspecific purposes, such as Torite, Mugen Mukeru etc. Later, the great scholars said that what ispracticed today of Jujutsu in our institutions are far more these variations - Mugen Mukeru, Torite,etc. - that the real and ancient techniques, although these are trained daily in its forms andspecificities.On the other hand, scholars themselves say it is easier if we think that the forms had nothing to

do with conservation - as it states and promotes today an advertisement that uses the traditional"jargon". Contrary to this and watching in an empirical and impartial way, all military forms believethat the technique is hardly a point of usurping the attitude which, by the way, is a stable power andensures good use of the form - whatever it might be. That leads us to believe that when the oppositeoccurs, the technique tries to grab in a stable way, usurping it with a violation of the balance. Webelieve possible the absurdity of forms - that hardly cater to the situation without the attitude thatmakes it possible. For years it was believed that strength is a convenient shortcut that producesimmediate effects. We can add that in front of the technique - confronted with this - its balance may beunstable and readily yield to the natural reaction. Therefore, there are eight directions that some willtranslate as eight ways, eight forms - which does not correspond to the original kanji. Nijyugo - twentyfive; and Happoo, that corresponds to Hachi (eight) and Hoo (method) - that

when gathered, Hoo becomes "Poo".

But the force of habit is usually stronger than our will. At the time of a combat we continue our usual movements and dothings we don't really want to do, things of which we later repent. We cause the vacuum in ourselves and in others, and ina general way, we create a lot of destruction. We need the energy of mindfulness to understand when the habit is draggingus and put an end to such destructive behavior. With mindfulness, we have the ability to recognize the force of habit,

whenever it manifests.

National Technical Dire Instructor Body

Mail - benguyen707@Website - http://www.

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CN. 3th Dan Ta JutsuMail - bentaiji@yahoo.fr Tel. - +212.774.509.241

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r

MA om

We are proud to introduce Davide Benetello,one of the most popular and well-liked people onthe international Karate circuit.Hes well known not only for his skill and

undeniable talent, but also for hissportsmanship and gentlemanly nature he hasalways shown, not just in his many victories butalso in his rare defeats. These days hes one ofthe stars of the World Karate Federation circuit,thanks in no small measure to his abil ity tocommunicate with the public.Being an ex world champion, ex European champion

three times, and currently the runner up in theworld championship, he never fails to appear onall the big occasions. Because of hisspectacular personal style he is the mostsought after by the photographers as theyare always guaranteed incrediblephotographs.A sports career like that of Davide is

highly unusual and even more so theessence left on his path. And as thePresident of the World Karate Federationsaid, "Athletes like Davide make oursports great, but not only from thetechnical aspect but also from a humanside. This excellent Martial Artist hasbeen highly recognized on severaloccasions for his sport spirit.We have asked Davide to share

his experience with all of you byrecording a video on training tobecome a champion. At the top ofhis career and due to the extremedemands of modern Karatecompetition, Davide is alreadythinking about retiring, but he willonly do this when he feels that hiswork is falling short in quality.Meanwhile let all of us enjoy thisincredible athlete, a great talentwho can do a lot to help those whoenjoy Karate as a sport to go wayahead. Do not miss it!

Karate

Karate

A warm welcome to everybody!

After many years of sacrifices and successes inso many dojos in every corner of the world I nowhave the opportunity to share my experiences withyou, the public.With the help of this training video I would like to

make Karate more comprehensible and put it withinthe reach of all students. This is a more or less rigid

basis of training that is applicable to all Karatepractitioner and most of the fighting styles. Its not my intention to categorize professional

Karate (which is constantly evolving), or to imposejust one style of combat on all fighters. I believe,however, in a clean technique based on a tacticalconcept of combat, always searching to eliminatethe worst errors. This will allow students to stepinto the dojo much more secure of theircapabilities, knowing that they are not going to lose

Karate

any more because of unfortunate simple mistakes that can too often causefailure and frustration.You will have the opportunity to learn, to correct your most common

errors, and to understand the importance of listening to your feelings duringtraining sessions.Finally, you will have the chance to discover and adopt for yourself the

methodology that I have perfected over the years in my daily training.

Karate

I particularly want to call your attention to the scrupulous care that must be takenover the basic techniques. This is vital, and is the starting point in all training Karatesessions, be it for the celebrated champions or equally for the up and comingyoungsters and the novices, whose only victories are their daily progress or perfectionof a technique. This care over the basics should be a point of pride and will achievepositive results in techniques with the arms and legs. This is what distinguished memost at international level, as well as other basic elements in tactics such as switches,on guard position and stance.This is the only way to get a general overview of combat and the main objective is to

eliminate superfluous actions and movements that so often cause a technique to fail.

We will analyze together the most efficient sequencesof strikes and combinations that I have learned fromexperience and that took me to world success and keptme there for more than ten years. We are going to payparticular attention to kick techniques because due to

the new regulations of the World Karate Federation nowin force they have become very important. We will alsolook closely at modifying the trajectory and the point ofimpact of the techniques so as not to ruin all that trainingby being penalized for a lack of control in the strike.

Karate

Finally, a piece of sincere advice: always try to enjoy yourself and absorb my trainingand that of your instructors with an open mind without restricting yourself to a limited andmerely diagrammatic view of competition Karate.His international successes is the result of many years of study and training (about 15

years) dedicated above all to the careful attention to details that now, like never before,can make the difference between victory and defeat.Davide Benetello: Karate, in my view, should leave behind those traditions that have

often restricted and limited this Martial Art from achieving Olympic sport status. Ivealways had the greatest respect for Karate as a splendid discipline, but we mustcompletely break away from those restrictive traditions that will lead us off the true pathto maximum sport performance.Dont get me wrong, I believe profoundly in the spirit of Karate and the martial arts, but

when we step onto a dojo we should not only show the utmost respect to our opponentbut also have the same physical, technical and tactical preparation as any otherprofessional sports person.

Try and learn as much as you canfrom this video, but at the same timestill be yourself; every fighter hastheir own combat style which isinnate and instinctive, and so shouldnot be changed, but only improvedto maximize the spirit, personality,determination and skill. Never forgetthat, in the end, we are totally aloneon the dojo with the fears anddoubts that follow us into everycombat.Ever since my novice days I have

believed profoundly in this personaltheory. Beginning way back in 1985when very young, I took my firststeps in this shining discipline. Idiscovered the world of Karate in aplace called Monfalcone thanks to adojo run by Gianfranco Oggianu, myfirst Sensei.With the passage of t ime and

thanks to the help of my family whosupported me in the good times andthe bad, I began to look around andtried to learn from other sourcessuch as the friulani (the Friul iVenezia Giulia in the north of Italy)headed by Sensei Roberto Ruberti. Iachieved success when I won theItalian junior championship of themost prestigious Karate style in Italy,called Fiamme Gialle headed bySensei Claudio Culasso.It was here I found all my theories

confirmed and thanks to myinstructor Marco Lanzilao, myphysical trainers Paolo Tedeschi andRoberto Mazucato and thethousands of sacrifices required, Imanaged to raise my standard. I wasinvited to join the Italian NationalSenior Selection in 1991 headed byProfessor Pierluigi Aschieri and forthe first time wore the colors of mycountry to represent Italy.From then on my professional

career just kept on growing andbringing me much satisfaction. Evennow, just thinking about it, I amswamped with sincere andincomparable emotions.During all my years of practicing

Karate my motivation was not just toachieve successes but was also to

try to respect the rules and myopponents, and to fight in agentlemanly way. I like to think Iachieved the sincere respect of myopponents, instructors, technicaldirectors, judges and tournamentpresidents and this thought makesme proud. I seem to have becomean example for many karatepractit ioners and I can wellunderstand how beginners must feelwhen they start out with enthusiasm

and some healthy simplicity in thismarvelous art.It would be presumptuous of me

to say that what I have become wasonly due to my own efforts.In fact, I know very well that a

grand part of my success was due tohaving the unstinting assistance of adedicated team who was also myvery good friends. They not onlyhelped me to improve myperformance, but also gave me

Karate

Karate

support at the low times in my career to liftmy spirits when I was disappointed. Tothank all of them individually would be analmost impossible task but they will knowIm talking about them and that they were afundamental part of my victories. Finally,special love goes to my girlfriend Deborah,who shares each day with me, be it a goodday or a bad day. To Deborah, I am andalways will be, her champion.I would also l ike to thank all the

opponents that I have had the honor toface, those that I have beaten and thosethat have beaten me, because I had theopportunity to learn something from eachone and grow in the sporting and humansense.I also spare a thought for the people who

didnt believe in me and lost no opportunityto unkindly suggest that I was finished.Even you, the public, in your way, haveaided me to achieve my goals and step tothe top of the podiums to receive the goldmedals.Now nothing remains except to express

to you my sincere welcome and hope thatmy words and experiences will help you toreach your goals and achieve your athleticdreams. I hope you wil l be happilysurprised to surpass your personal limits.Sincere regards, until the next victory

Athletes like Davide make oursports great, but not only from thetechnical aspect but also from ahuman side. This excellent MartialArtist has been highly recognized onseveral occasions for his sport spirit.

Antonio EspinosPresident of the

World Karate Federation

"This is when manycops are killed," I said tomyself as I stepped upto Harvey on his frontlawn. "I think I candisarm him withoutshooting him. He's drunkand this is a domestic.Yep. This is where it canand usually happens." Harvey clenched a

shotgun, rip-roaring madand whats more, full ofwhisky. His real targetwas the woman fromDallas about half his agethrowing her suitcaseinto the car Harvey hadjust bought her. Shewas leaving him in thatvery Camaro and Harveywas primed to kill her,maybe himself and metoo! But I had arrestedhim several times andknew him enough that Imight talk him out ofthe situation. The barreland his steaming eyeswere mostly on the girl.

The Science of Long Gun Disarming

Self-Defense

The Science of Long Gun Disarming

The rowing motion was a long gun disarm that myDrill Sergeant showed us when I was in Army BasicTraining at Fort Polk, LA. But that was during theVietnam training era when vets were teaching allkinds of CQC from both in and out of the manuals. Iwas later cajoled into showing some of the guys thismovement at the police station and quickly realizedthat disarming rifles and shotguns were not taughtto any of us at the police academy. Other prior mili-tary cops said they had not been taught a singlerifle disarm. Nor was it taught in the Karate clas-ses I had taken. Thank you Drill Sgt McKaskill, awounded Vietnam vet with two plastic Dupontknees, who cared enough to pull a platoon asideand show us something he thought was impor-tant. In this spirit of education I undertook ascientific course of study in this problem. Here iswhat I have found. Since the inception of the long gun, criminals

and soldiers have killed, wounded, aimed at, thre-atened and kidnapped, escorted or otherwisecontrolled people with its ominous barrel. This pro-ject will study countering the rifle threat by scientifi-cally identifying the probable confrontation positionsand then problem-solving them. The long gun as definedhere will be a rifle, shotgun, semi-automatic and automaticfirearm.

The Confrontation How does this happen to you? Soldiers, guards and police are

captured; citizens are robbed, kidnapped, held hostage, all in themidst of urban and rural drama and terrain. Each factor in everysituation must be weighed heavily into the action you dare under-take. The psychology of this mind game is the subject of a whole

"Harvey, let it go. Give me that shotgun,"I said, working my way closer. To that, hecussed incoherently, barking words like,"Get back in this house," and, "I'll killyou." When I could see and feel that hiswhole physical attention was on her, notme, I jumped forward and grabbed theweapon with both hands. In a forwardrowing motion I disarmed the gun fromhis grip. Another officer ran up fromthe lawn and snatched an arm. Wecuffed him just as the girl slammed herdoor and raced off down Morse St. Wejust let her go and I arrested Harveyfor disorderly conduct, a typical chargefor the times, circa 1978.

Self-Defense