KARATE IS MORE THAN FIGHTING

As I go through The History of Martial Arts Project with Sensei Riley, it has been easy for me to see that karate is more than beating someone up in a fight. I have had a good reflection on this class as I participated and learned throughout the weeks of training and analyzing.

Karate is power, self defense, reflection, and maturity. The power in karate comes from within, which is shown in the passion of the training and passion of the fighting. The self-defense comes from the basic format of as to why people should be using karate in the first place. Reflection comes from meditation which is found in finding yourself within and realizing your worth. Maturity comes from learning how to handle situations thrown at you no matter if it is physical or in life.

"Calm Mind. Calm Body" is a quote that has begun to stick with me as I always have found reasons to not be calm, but tense up in life. But after learning The Martial Arts Creed and other mantra from Sensei Riley, I have a better understanding on how I should approach life. This class taught me more than any other core class I have taken in school and I thank my sensei for that.

Today we watched the movie, The Protector, about a boy trying to save his elephant and had to go a long way and take down a whole criminal organization.

We also watched Shaolin vs Wu-Tang, a story of how two schools of martial arts that had differences had to come together despite efforts by the emperor to destroy them both. I liked it because it taught that just because people aren't all alike and don't agree in the same way, doesn't mean that they can't get along.

Bruce Lee Changed The World

Bruce Lee was an incredible person. Initially, I did not think that he did anything important except for appearing in movies. He actually did many important and inspiring things and it was amazing to learn more about him. The documentaries we watched showed how he was seen by others and it was quite impressive to note the impact he still has that continues to change the world.

Block #11

Yesterday we went to Brooklyn, New York to train at the Imperial Dragon Dojo. It was quite fun and very interesting learning specific techniques of combat. The Shorinjiryu instructors taught us a lot about discipline and respect within karate. The kicking techniques were my favorite part because we were able to put a lot of force and power into our strikes because of the armour we wore. It was difficult and quite fun at the same time. The experience turned out to be a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I am very thankful to Sensei Riley for taking us to the dojo. 

Blog 10

Yesterday the class got to meet the president of Shorinjiryu Karatedo in North America, Hanshi Myron Lubitsch, which was a great experience in itself. We also got the opportunity to train at the Hombu Dojo.

The workouts were challenging but Sensei Riley already gave us an understanding of what it was going to be like from our regular training. I really pushed myself during every workout and going to the Imperial Dragon Dojo changed my mindset on karate and how much work you have to actually put in to be good at it.

We watched a movie called Red Belt and it was good. I thought that the fight scenes looked very realistic because they allowed you to see every move that the main character, Mike Terry, executed.

In the afternoon session, we practiced taking a person off balance by sweeping their leg from them. I thought of it like a chair if it has 3 legs and 2 are off the ground just a little bit then you break the one that’s on the ground, then the whole chair falls.

The SBP Martial Arts Project Enters the Dragon

The class had the honor and privilage to train at the Shorinjiryu Imperial Dragon Hombu Dojo in Brooklyn, NY. 

Hanshi Myron Lubitsch and Sensei Decland Paul-Roper once again graciously played host and led the Gray Bees in a series of stretches to warm up for further techniques.

Balance is the key to good form and good agility.

Geri and Tsuki Waza 

Leg lifts to help strengthen the core.

Jumping Drills to sharpen and strengthen kicking and escape techniques.

More Geri and Tsuki Waza

Blog #10 5/22/18

Today, we basically went through the life of Bruce Lee. Many might know him as a terrific martial arts fighter but he is the one who changed the culture completely. There were so many individuals who were inspired by him and the way he moved. Bruce Lee was like a new breath of fresh air that many people wanted to stick around forever.

Blog #9 5/21/18

So far, these past four weeks have gone by very quickly and we have learned a lot. I can say as a class, we are catching on to the material pretty fast and we are all coming together as one. We are starting to help each other out and there is always a positive vibe. No one has negative energy and that makes things so much better. All the punching, kicking, and throwing helps us grow mentally and physically.

Blog #8 5/18/18

Yesterday, we watched the movie Red Belt and it has taught me to never give up. Towards the end of the movie when Mike Terry and his brother-in-law were fighting, Mike never gave up. Mike found the strength to break out of the choke hold and reverse it on his opponent. We also learned how to take someone down with a sweep. Learning these moves are really helpful and fun but you have to be mindful on how you do it as well.

Blog #7 5/16/18

Yesterday, we learned how to bring someone down with using minimum force. In the beginning, it took me some time to even position my body correctly. I started to get a rhythm and continued to become better at it.

I also learned that if you are not using a lot of force, your mind is more clear and you are able to think. You don't have to worry about any stress.

Also in the movie Karate Girl the lesson was about connection and using your martial arts skill only for defense when you truly need to.

Blog #6 5/15/18

Yesterday, we learned how to kick and how to position our body when we kick. It was very difficult for me because I was barely getting my leg up. Kicking takes time. It's not something you can grasp in a matter of seconds. Being focused will also help you with your target when you are kicking and also punching as well.

Blog #5 5/10/18

Karate Kid 3 lets you know that you have to stay poised in deep situations. With Daniel not being able to stay poised, it led to him having fear which meant he wasn't able to be focused.

You have to have a strong mind and to be able to not let anyone disrupt your ground. We also learned the different techniques of blocking and how to position your body after you punch or block.

Blog #4 5/9/18

By watching the original Karate Kid, I now have a better understanding of the series Cobra Kai. I found that they both teach you how to be grounded and focused through many complicated things at one time.

Also we learned many counter moves, blocks, and stances which were really difficult. You have to know how to change and position your body in a split second but that all comes with proper practice and time.

Blog #3 5/4/18

So far this week, I learned a lot in a short period of time. Learning how to fall in different positions is very key. I now understand that martial arts is a lifestyle and it is constantly growing. It is a never ending process which you can continue to learn for the rest of your life. It gives you a clear mind to where you have the ability to think clearly and focus. This can also help with life situations as well.

Blog #2 5/3/18

Today, I learned the proper way of falling and had how one little thing can cause you to mess up. Basically, you have to learn and understand that you have to be focus at all times. You have to know how to be consistent and try to complete the task the best way possible. It's all about having a clear mind and being able to try again.

Blog #1 5/2/18

So far, I enjoy this class a lot. I have learned so many different things and we are just getting started. From the different techniques, languages, and weapons, martial arts has its own different format. It has its own style and flow but it also creates many opportunities for many things.

KUMITE IS FUN!!!

Sparred with boxing gloves and headgear for the first time. What a rush!!!😜

Blog 9

The class got to watch a documentary about Bruce Lee. This documentary made karate feel different and made me realize how many people all around the world created a living from him. Many still look up to Bruce Lee, for example dancers and other entertainers learn his fighting ways and attitude to sort of replicate it in a dance or to make their acting style unique.

We also intensely trained in kumite wearing boxing gloves and head gear with our partners.

Friday we watched Never Back Down. The movie was very interesting to me because you always want to see the innocent kid win in the end. And that’s exactly what happened. 

Jake had anger issues and was prone to fighting. But because of his anger, he would often lose the fight. When he learned to separate his anger from his combat, he started winning his fights. 

His fights made me realize how much a calm mind and body is important during battle. In addition, the movie said exactly what Sensei Riley has also taught us about breathing technique and how it is very important. Your kicks and punches can be 10 times more powerful if you breath the right way. 

Blog 8

On Friday the class watched the movie Never Back Down. It was my second time watching the movie and I noticed many things that I didn't before. A major lesson that I got from this movie is that basically it's good to defend what you believe in and to never give up. Another thing I noticed was that you should always have room to learn something else, and don't think you know everything because there is always more to learn.

Blog 7

During class, we watched the movie Red Belt and I learned how life can really be, one day you can be in need of money and in no time at all an opportunity would come knocking on your door, just like the give and take one experiences with jiu-jitsu. 

Not only that but during our training, we were taught a technique of how to take an opponent down by using a sweeping leg and their own weight against them, which I found very helpful.

Over the past three weeks the class and I have experienced a lot in this project. We’ve viewed movies, documentaries, and trained in several martial arts. We are still on the basic defensive stages and learning how to block kicks and punches as well as how to fall correctly. 

Just yesterday, we watched The Karate Kid, which was a great movie. I saw it already but it was a long time ago, so I barely remembered it. Watching the movie again made me realize how much karate can benefit you as a teenager. You have to protect yourself from people who have the intentions to harm you. 

Also yesterday, I learned a new technique where I move my hips based off of twisting my feet. It took me a while to figure it out but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. I’ve had a lot of fun these past several days and I am very excited to learn even more. 

Martial arts styles and techniques from various anime/manga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NhXJ9L0aiQ - 11:12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bUOfH3qRZ4 - 10:55

STRIKE FIRST... STRIKE HARD... NO MERCY

The Karate Kid Saga Continues with Cobra Kai

The new YouTube Red flagship series premiered as our project began and is set thirty plus years after the events of the original 1984 Karate Kid movie All-Valley Karate Tournament. A down on his luck Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now mega-successful auto dealership owner Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi.




The well-written story arc is now told through the eyes of Johnny, and we get to learn more about his flaws and background. The supporting Cobra Kai players are all great and serve as mirrored bullied characters to Daniel in the original film but are taught and guided by the Cobra Kai former top student, Sensei Johnny Lawrence. We root for Sensei Johnny and the new nerdy Cobras as they take on the rich and popular high school bullies in the show. 

This is a real nostalgic treat and a pleasure to watch. The first season is broken up into ten half-hour episodes and YouTube Red offers a 30-day FREE TRIAL to view this and varied programming on its streaming network. Yes, the class has binged watched a few times already. You will absolutely love Cobra Kai too!!!

Shikamaru: An anime character with a head for battle

In anime, there are characters that have a head for battle, meaning that they know what they are
doing in a fight, even if it does not seem that way.  One example of such a character is
Shikamaru from the anime Naruto. The following video example demonstrates this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOnPk4pc0Lo&t=27s - 6:26

The influence of Bruce Lee in the anime Cowboy Bebop

There are several anime that pay tribute to the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.  The anime
that I think does it the best, and in its own, unique way, is Cowboy Bebop. The following
videos are examples of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3mpKZ9oIr8 - 9:58

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVWVPaXaouo - 1:10

Martial arts in the anime Naruto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFfqXNmKaXE - Drunk Lee vs. Kimimaro: beginning to 4:55

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCjSKUs1bXk - 8 Trigrams, 64 Palms technique of

Neji from Naruto: 1:03

Link to anime and manga blog

https://animeandmangalectio.blogspot.com/ 

First Field Trip - The Avengers: Infinity War

Our 2018 History of Martial Arts Spring Phase Project began with a field trip to view The Avengers: Infinity War on only our second day of the project. The experience left us pretty emotionally drained [SPOILER ALERT] due to the fact that so many of our favorite superheroes die before our very eyes in the film. While I won't say who exactly, I'll leave that to your imagination until you see the movie for yourself.

We are transported to different worlds and dimensions as our favorite Marvel heroes do battle with Thanos, an extremely powerful intergalactic despot who is bent on collecting the Infinity Stones for the Infinity Gauntlet (an all-powerful glove). Possessing it, Thanos seeks to impose his will and end the universe as we know it as he commands many dangerous minions assisting him in his ultimately destructive plot.

At just under two and a half hours running time, The Avengers: Infinity War does not disappoint with its great graphic effects and superb martial arts action choreography. It leaves you wanting more.