As Heichichiro Okuse says, it was cunning and deception that gave the ninja the edge over their enemies. These traits were emphasized and sharpened during ninjutsu training. The ninja raised espionage to a highly developed art centuries before such training was given to cloak-and-dagger agents in Western countries. There were three main categories of ninjutsu training for espionage: toiri-no-jutsu, or the tactics of sneaking into an enemy's camp; chikairi-no-jutsu, or infiltrating enemy lines after the outbreak of hostilities; and ongyo-jutsu, or the ruses of escape. Ninjutsu Training Type #1: Toiri-no-jutsu The Iga school ninjutsu, one of the greatest ever developed, trained its members in 11 different toiri tactics for breaking into the enemy's camp. The first of them was called shikei-no-jutsu, or careful preparation for achieving one's aim. For instance, take a case where a ninja was handed the dangerous assignment of assassinating an enemy lord. The lord would be heavily guarded, both by samurai and his own ninja. It might be far too risky to attempt a frontal attack or a midnight break-in. With such difficult assignments, the ninja might fall back on cunning. In such a case, the ninja might proceed indirectly. He might, for instance, try to secure work at a local Buddhist temple. After winning the priest's confidence by hard and dedicated service, he would get the priest to recommend him to the lord as a servant. He would thus gain entrance to the lord's house through the front door, and when the chance presented itself, assassinate him. Katsurao-no-jutsu was a similar tactic. It involved sending secret agents for high official placement among the enemies. There were other counter-espionage practices developed for sending in spies and recruiting accomplices among the servants employed by an enemy agent. One of the more interesting aspects of the toiri tactics was the use of female agents, who were the feudal-age Mata Haris of Japan. Samurai and others in the employ of an enemy lord might be tempted with women or plied with liquor and money in order to win them over. Ninjutsu Training Type #2: Chikairi-no-jutsu The second category of espionage tactics was concerned with infiltrating enemy lines during battle. In such cases, the ninja acted in a role similar to that of the British commandos of World War II, sneaking behind enemy lines to disrupt their position and engage in guerrilla tactics. Geinyu-jutsu tactics involved such pleasantries as ambushing enemy soldiers, setting fire to their camp, stealing their supplies and setting false rumors afloat. In suigetsu-jutsu, ninja disguised themselves as enemy troops, mingling with them and causing confusion by any means possible. Joei-nin included ruses of sneaking into an enemy castle or camp at night when the main forces had left or when the troops were too exhausted to be alert. Hoka-jutsu was concerned with burning enemy installations, using as targets powder dumps, armories, warehouses, etc. It was important to set fire to as many places as possible at the same time to increase confusion. Ninjutsu Training Type #3: Ongyo-jutsu The third category involved escape. Here, the ninja gave full rein to trickery and stealth and gained the reputation of being superhuman. They were said to be able to disappear through walls, turn themselves into trees or rocks and live underwater like a fish. All of these had logical explanations, of course. Ongyo-jutsu was divided into two categories: those for hiding (inpo) and those for disappearing (tonho). The ninja were skilled at the art of camouflage. They would practice controlling their movements and holding positions for a long time so they might take on the appearance of a small tree or bush in the moonlight. In essence, they tried to give up their identity as human beings and become one with the object they were trying to imitate. Another intriguing aspect of this type of ninjutsu training was controlled breathing. They might so reduce their respiration rate that they would appear dead during a hasty inspection. This skill also allowed them to stay underwater for long periods and to breathe through reeds or bamboo shoots. Other tactics included blowing dust in an enemy's eyes or momentarily dazzling him by exploding flashing balls or firecrackers. The ninja were also taught to make use of any natural objects that might aid their escape. Nothing was considered too remote to be used, and special tactics were developed for all sorts of things. For instance, doton-no-jutsu was designed for hiding in or behind ground objects, such as ditches, mounds, holes, stone lanterns and statues. Carried to its extreme, doton-no-jutsu could also have its amusing aspects. For instance, during the war of the Imperial Restoration of 1867, a ninja hid his wife and mother from enemy troops by concealing them in a place where nobody ever dreamed of looking. He buried them up to their noses in sunken pots full of manure and then covered them with compost straw. Another tactic that could produce a chuckle when the ninja told tales of their exploits involved jinton-no-jutsu. This escape tactic involved the use of wit, disguises and small animals. Chased by guards, the ninja might pull a snake or frog out of their pocket and toss it at their pursuers, startling them for an instant. But an instant was all they needed to make good their escape. Did we overlook any obvious ninjutsu tactics? Is manure really the best place to hide your loved ones? Let us know what you think in the comments section. Part One: Ninja History 101: An Introduction to Ninjutsu Part Three: Ninja History 101: Ninja Gear Part Four: Ninja History 101: Ninjutsu Weapons Part Five: Ninja History 101: Ninjutsu Training

Welcome to Ninja History 101. During today's lesson, we'll be examining Spies and Assassins, Ninja Gear , Ninjutsu Weapons and Ninjutsu Training . But first, a brief introduction. Ninjutsu practitioners were called ninja, and they underwent rigorous ninjutsu training to become undercover agents of the powerful lords of feudal Japan. The ninja served as professional spies and hired assassins for their lords, who were constantly engaged in feuds with each other. The ninja excelled in a wide variety of mayhem. In some ways, they were the forerunners of Britain's World War II commandos and America's famed Green Berets. Like their modern-day counterparts, the ninja were skilled at infiltrating and working behind enemy lines. To achieve the skill needed to stay alive in such a dangerous profession, the ancient spies began their ninjutsu training early in life. Their remarkable ninjutsu training covered four general areas: ninja weapons, physical and mental training, poisons and special devices, and ninjutsu techniques for espionage and assassination. What seems so amazing to us is the careful thought and study that went into ninjutsu training. Ninjutsu training would almost certainly exceed anything given today to CIA agents or those of other espionage organizations. Great clans of ninja arose who developed the art and passed on its practices. By the time ninjutsu reached its height in the 14th to 16th centuries, there were more than 25 ninjutsu training schools taught by these clans throughout Japan. The sole purpose of the ninja schools was to produce a well-rounded murder machine. That they succeeded is shown by the remarkable range of the ninja's abilities. Truly, they were the ultimate weapon of their day. Part Two: Ninja History 101: Spies and Assassins Part Three: Ninja History 101: Ninja Gear Part Four: Ninja History 101: Ninjutsu Weapons Part Five: Ninja History 101: Ninjutsu Training

It's a testimonial to the ninja that Japan's 1964 Olympic team seriously considered using a number of ninjutsu training methods. Masaaki Hatsumi, one of Japan's few remaining ninja practitioners, describes the ninja of old as the perfect all-around athletes of their day — expert in running, jumping, swimming, climbing walls, long-distance hiking, throwing, etc. Of course, the ninja excelled in all the martial arts of their day, such as kendo, kyudo and naginata-do. They were also skilled in hand-to-hand combat, using wrestling and boxing techniques that were the forerunners of judo and karate. If a child were born into a ninja family, his ninjutsu training would begin during childhood. The art was handed down from father to son as a trade, and a number of great ninja clans arose. The secrets of those clans were closely guarded. The members of one clan would often be in hire of one lord and thus pitted against warriors in the employ of another lord. At such times, it always paid off to have a few secrets in one's bag of tricks that were not generally known to others. The ninja underwent rigid training to learn ninjutsu techniques at secret camps, usually set up in the mountains. The schools were scattered throughout central Japan, with most situated in Iga and Koga provinces. Daily ninjutsu training focused on becoming adept in the use of the sword, bow and arrow, spear and tonki. Close attention was also paid to wall climbing, river crossing and the use of special devices. They also learned how to become expert horsemen. Physical Ninjutsu Training The late Seiko Fujita, who claimed to be the 14th master of the Koga school of ninjutsu, said ninja could walk the 350 miles between Edo (now Tokyo) and Osaka in three days. To improve his walking speed and skill, a ninja practiced by leaning his body forward or to one side so he was forced to walk rapidly to maintain balance. Ninjutsu training also included walking with geta (wooden sandals) on ice to achieve perfect waist balance and silent treading. A ninja's sandals were specially cushioned with cotton cloth so he could walk and jump noiselessly. When walking around the side of a structure, a ninja pressed his back to the wall and stepped sideways to prevent detection. The ninja were also great second-story men. They were extremely adept at breaking into enemy castles and spent long hours practicing wall climbing. They also stressed leaping to be able to jump across rooftops and to avoid their enemies by hopping across chasms, over walls and fences, etc. Seiko Fujita claimed that ninja became such experts at leaping that many of them could jump more than 7 feet into the air — which would make them champion high jumpers even today. Mental Ninjutsu Training Ninja put just as much stress on the spiritual and mental aspects of ninjutsu training as they did on purely physical action. They had to have their wits about them at all times and work out complicated problems on the spot. They learned to sharpen their perception and insight, developing their instincts to a point that seemed almost superhuman. Heishichiro Okuse — perhaps the foremost authority on ninjutsu and the author of four books — wrote his last work on the subject, Hidden Ninjutsu: The Secret Thoughts and Strategies of the Ninja. According to him, they regarded nothing as impossible and scientifically applied brain power to every problem they encountered. He regards the nonphysical aspects of ninjutsu as the key to a successful career. One of the most interesting aspects of ninjutsu is kuji-kiri, or magical signs made with the fingers to assist them in self-control during moments of danger. Kuji, or the number nine, is said to be the most important number in Kikkyo (esoteric Buddhism) and Shugendo (mountain asceticism). In practicing kuji-kiri, there were 81 different ways the ninja could knit his fingers together. At the same time, he chanted Buddhist sutras, or maxims from the scriptures. The practice not only restored confidence and gave the ninja inner strength in moments of danger and desperation, but it was also supposed to hypnotize the enemy into inaction or temporary paralysis. It was something like the evil eye or the casting of a hex. Learn more in these posts: Part One: Ninja History 101: An Introduction to Ninjutsu Part Two: Ninja History 101: Spying and Assassination Part Three: Ninja History 101: Ninja Gear Part Four: Ninja History 101: Ninjutsu Weapons

Growing up as an Asian kid in Aurora, Colorado during the 80’s, was not an easy journey. Even in a great decade that brought us the Rubik’s Cube, Atari, breakdancing and the boom box – there was plenty of bullying and racism encountered by a young Asian kid. Was it racism? Was it bullying? Did it matter? It sucked, is the answer. Bullies often target kids because of their shyness (check), their different looks (eyes, nose and skin all checked) and their different customs (like the sticky rice I brought to school- check). Needless to say, I was a bully magnet. There was just no way to hide my face and because my family immigrated to America when I was four, we had little money to get the cool clothes (back in middle school, Izod shirts with the little alligators were so cool and you had to have the collar up to be a real prep). Yep, just paint that big bullseye right on my back. Or better yet, put it right on my flat nose. I heard all the jokes about my eyes. Kids thought they were being funny but inside, I felt it was wrong. Still, I let it go. The jokes were one thing but the physical bullying were where my brother and I drew the line. My brother ended up in a lot more fights than I did. He had a shorter fuse. He also had a nasty head and arm throw he learned from my uncle (a former member of the Special Forces unit that rhymes with heal). My brother used that move quite a bit, and it worked for him. For my last fight against a bully, I simply kicked the kid in the family jewels out of self-defense. But lets rewind this, like a Sony Walkman, and see how I developed that skill. Enter the Dragon “What was that?” was all I could think when I first experienced a Bruce Lee movie at the age of eight. Here was an Asian dude not taking any crap. Boy, I wanted me some of that. The way he moved, his confidence, his speed and his ferocity- I wanted all of that! He was muscular, he was dangerous and he was Asian; perfect. After months of begging to let me into a martial arts school (parents said, “no because we don’t have the money to pay for it.”) it turns out my dad was a black belt in Aikido. Aikido? What the hell is that? It didn’t matter, it was martial arts. My brother and I started training on Saturday mornings. We trained at seven in the morning and that was early for an eight year old who wanted to sleep in. My dad’s response, “what if you were attacked in the morning? You need to be ready?” Wise words from the sensei… I guess. Warm ups, break-falls, wrist locks, throws and meditation were on the menu. But where were my jump kicks, punch combos and the crazy cool kiai’s I witnessed in Enter the Dragon? Fast forward four years and I finally convinced my mom to take me to a martial arts school called Mile High Karate. It was her idea really; she found a coupon for two free lessons in the newspaper and asked if I was interested. Was I? Hell yeah! After my class, I was in love. Finally, here were the punches and kicks that I was looking for. Back fists, reverse punches and kicks…just like my idol Bruce Lee. This is it! Here was a place where I could escape the feeling of being different. The dojo was a place where it was okay to be Asian. In fact, I felt it was kind of cool to be Asian. With martial arts, I built my self-confidence. I think bullies can sniff out low self-esteem and low self-confidence and they often pounce when they smell it. I walked a little taller and looked people in the eye with my new found confidence, and you know what? The bullying diminished. It did not go away mind you (there was simply no way to hide the fact that I was different), it simply was less frequent. The confidence was a big boost to my life but bullies often liked to push the envelope. As kids, we are often told to talk to an adult if we are the victims of bullying. Well, where are the adults when you are walking home from school? Nope, the adults are not always there and then there is also the stigma of being a tattletale, basically a wussy. What about talking it out? This is something I tried and sometimes it worked but more often than not, it didn’t. How do you rationalize with a juvenile with issues? Sometimes mind games and verbal judo simply wasn’t enough. There were times when I needed to defend myself physically. Martial arts gave me the skills to protect myself when adult intervention and words failed. Live Your Best Life Through Martial Arts Bullies or not, my advice will always be to train martial arts – kids and adults. This will improve your odds of surviving bullies and many other life challenges. What art should you train? Any art will do. Find something close by so that you will continue to train. Find something low cost if money is an issue (there’s garage training and recreation centers). As long as you are training, your self-confidence and skills will improve (which are both potent bully repellents). Is training a going to stop bullies? No but it certainly helped me! My hope in writing this article is to one, shed light on the fact that kids get bullied and it is no fun. The more light we can shed on a dark subject, the faster it we can banish it. And two, to let anyone being bullied know that there are solutions and with empowerment through martial arts, life can get better. If this article helps ease the suffering of just one person, my time spent writing will be more than worth it. About the author: Dr. Conrad Bui (a former victim of bullies) is the co-founder of Tiga Tactics, a combatives consulting company. As a life-long martial artist, his credentials are as follows: 5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and American Freestyle Karate, full instructor in Jeet Kune Do, sigung in Ba Gua Zhang Kung Fu, guru tua in Pentjak Silat Serak, sigung in Kuntao Silat de Thouars, guro in Kali, coach in Muay Thai and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has competed in point sparring, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was also a bouncer in college and is currently a certified pistol instructor with the NRA.

Images courtesy of PFL When it comes to the world of combat sports, the Ali last name is synonymous with boxing. It’s pretty much royalty in the realm of The Sweet Science. In Biaggio Ali Walsh's next fight, he hopes to inch closer to pro. Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Muhammad Ali is a three-time heavyweight boxing world champion with 19 title defenses to his name. Ali’s daughter Laila is a two-division boxing world champion and went undefeated in 24 professional contests. The latest member of the family tree to step into the squared circle and make a name for himself is Nico Ali Walsh, Ali’s grandson. He’s 8-1 with 1 No Contest in his career. One member of the Ali family however, Biaggio Ali Walsh, is making a name for himself in a different space of combat sports. Biaggio is the brother of Nico and is currently 5-1 as an amateur in mixed martial arts (MMA). After splitting his first two amateur bouts, Biaggio was signed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), with the plan that he turns professional in the league. Four straight knockout wins later, Biaggio is scheduled to compete in his fifth bout under the PFL banner, taking on Joel Garza Lopez at the upcoming 2023 PFL World Championship in Washington D.C. later this month. Should Biaggio leave DC with a win, it’s likely that he makes his professional debut next year. Speaking to the press during the 2023 PFL World Championships Media Day, Biaggio hinted at potentially making the jump. “God willing I put this guy to sleep in November, I’mma sit down with my coach and see what he thinks is next,” Biaggio said. “I like to listen to him, you know? I’m still a baby, he has so much more knowledge than I do.” The hard-hitting amateur currently trains at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas under the guidance of Eric Nicksick. Xtreme Couture MMA was founded by MMA legend and PFL commentator Randy Couture, and is home to world champion fighters such as PFL fighter and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, top contenders Manel Kape, Dan Ige, and many others. Biaggio himself, however, believes that he’s ready to compete at the highest level. “This is not a sport to rush in. But personally, if you were to just ask me individually, I think after this next fight, after I get the win, I think I’ll be ready to go pro.” Still, the former collegiate football standout maintains that he’ll defer to his coaches regarding his next steps. “Again, it’s not just me, I want to see what my coach thinks and pick his brain a little bit,” Biaggio stated. The first order of business for Biaggio and his team however, will be to get the W this coming November 24th. Don’t miss the 2023 PFL World Championship this coming November 24th, live on ESPN+ PPV.

Las Vegas, NV - UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Craig, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, was a showcase of mixed martial arts prowess and strategic brilliance, culminating in a night full of surprises and memorable moments. In the much-anticipated main event, No. 9 ranked middleweight Brendan Allen faced off against No. 12 ranked Paul Craig in a high-stakes clash. Both fighters came into the match with impressive records, Allen at 22-5 and Craig at 23-4. In an intense and tactical battle, Brendan Allen defeats Paul Craig by submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:38 of Round 3. Michael Morales and Jake Matthews went shot-for-shot for 15 minutes in the co-main event on Saturday. Morales defeats Matthews by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Other highlights of the night included a strawweight bout between No. 9 Luana Pinheiro and No. 10 Amanda Ribas, offering a display of technical mastery and strategic depth. The middleweight matchup between Cesar Almeida and Christian Leroy Duncan, with Almeida being replaced by Denis Tiuliulin due to injury, also drew attention for its intense exchanges and strategic gameplay. The event was not just about the winners and the losers; it was a celebration of martial arts, showcasing the spirit, determination, and skill of all the fighters. The event left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the UFC saga, as the outcomes of these bouts have set the stage for exciting future matchups and potential rivalries. As the dust settles on this thrilling night in Las Vegas, the UFC continues to prove why it is the pinnacle of mixed martial arts competition. Here are the detailed event results: Main Event: Brendan Allen defeats Paul Craig by submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:38 of Round 3 Co-Main Event: Michael Morales defeats Jake Matthews by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Chase Hooper defeats Jordan Leavitt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:58 of Round 1 Payton Talbott defeats Nick Aguirre by submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:58 of Round 3 Amanda Ribas defeats Luana Pinheiro by TKO (strikes) at 3:53 of Round 3 Myktybek Orolbai defeats Uroš Medić by submission (neck crank) at 4:12 of Round 2 Joanderson Brito defeats Jonathan Pearce by submission (ninja choke) 3:54 of Round 2 Jose Johnson defeats Chad Anheliger by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:49 of Round 3 Christian Leroy Duncan defeats Denis Tiuliulin by TKO (strikes) at 4:24 of Round 2 Mick Parkin defeats Caio Machado by decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Jeka Saragih defeats Lucas Alexander by KO (right hand) at 1:31 of Round 1 Ailin Perez defeats Lucie Pudilova by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28) Trey Ogden and Nikolas Motta ruled a No Contest at 3:11 of Round 3 Rafael Estevam defeats Charles Johnson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Craig, scheduled for November 18, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, promises an exciting lineup of bouts. The main event features top middleweight contenders, with No. 10 UFC ranked Brendan Allen (22-5) squaring off against No. 13 Paul Craig (23-4). Allen, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, aims for his sixth straight victory, while Scotland's Craig seeks a second consecutive win and a spot in the top 10 rankings​. The co-main event showcases welterweights Michael Morales (15-0) and Jake Matthews (18-6), highlighting Morales's undefeated record against the experienced Matthews​. Other notable fights include a strawweight bout between No. 9 Luana Pinheiro and No. 10 Amanda Ribas, and a middleweight matchup featuring Cesar Almeida and Christian Leroy Duncan, with Almeida being replaced by Denis Tiuliulin due to injury. Here is the Full Fight Card: Main Event: Brendan Allen vs. Paul Craig Co-Main Event: Michael Morales vs. Jake Matthews Undercard: Chase Hooper vs. Jordan Leavitt Undercard: Payton Talbott vs. Nick Aguirre Undercard: Luana Pinheiro vs. Amanda Ribas Undercard: Myktybek Orolbai vs. Uros Medic Feature: Jonathan Pearce vs. Joanderson Brito Undercard: Chad Anheliger vs. Jose Johnson Undercard: Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Denis Tiuliulin Undercard: Mick Parkin vs. Caio Machado Undercard: Jeka Saragih vs. Lucas Alexander Undercard: Lucie Pudilova vs. Ailin Perez Undercard: Trey Ogden vs. Nikolas Motta Undercard: Charles Johnson vs. Rafael Estevam The commentary team for this event is led by Brendan Fitzgerald, handling play-by-play duties. Providing color commentary are veteran lightweight Paul Felder and former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. The broadcast team also includes veteran octagon announcer Joe Martinez and Megan Olivi, who resumes her role as the lead correspondent​. This UFC Fight Night is set to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ in both English and Spanish. The prelims will start at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, followed by the main card at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT

It's been nearly 50 years since the death of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, but his impact is still being felt today. Widely considered one of the most influential martial artists of all time, Bruce Lee's unique approach to fighting has influenced generations of practitioners and helped create an entirely new style of martial arts. Let's take a look at how Bruce Lee changed the world of martial arts forever. The Birth of Jeet Kune Do Bruce Lee was not a man who liked to be confined by rules or conventions. This was evident in his approach to martial arts, which he called "the art of expressing the human body." Rather than sticking to one style, Lee believed that the best way to fight was to borrow techniques from a variety of disciplines and combine them into a single, fluid system. This approach, which he called Jeet Kune do translated to the way of the intercepting fist , became his trademark and remained one of his lasting contributions to the world of martial arts. To this day, martial arts teachers have used his way to alter their courses and bring them to a whole new generation of students. The Jeet Kune Do Legacy Although Bruce Lee only lived to be 32 years old, his influence on the martial arts is still lives on. In addition to popularising martial arts in western culture, he also inspired countless people to take up the practice themselves. His unique approach to fighting which emphasised speed, agility, and practicality over rigid forms and rules paved the way for modern mixed martial arts (MMA) styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Moreover, his philosophy that "the best fighter is not a boxer, Karate expert, or wrestler...the best fighter is someone who can adapt to any style" continues to be a guiding principle for many practitioners today. Bruce Lee's impact on martial arts is undeniable. He was a true pioneer who helped change the way we think about and practice fighting. Before Bruce Lee, martial arts was just a little genre of people, but after him, it became a way of life. Bruce Lee's movies were responsible for causing an increase in martial arts training and registration in the United States during the 1970s. The increased interest led to the explosion of more diverse martial arts styles such as Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and Aikido. Not only that, but there have also been major books published on Bruce Lee and his techniques, including " The Art of Expressing the Human Body" and "Tao of Jeet Kune Do. ” Representation for Minorities Bruce Lee's impact was not just limited to the martial arts world. He was also a major source of inspiration for minority groups who saw him as a representation of strength and success. In addition to being one of the first Asian actors to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood, Bruce Lee also fought against racial stereotypes and discrimination in the entertainment industry. His roles in movies such as "Enter the Dragon" and "Fist of Fury" challenged the prevailing notion that Asians were weak and subservient. Instead, he showed the world that Asians could be skilled and powerful. Bruce Lee's influence extends beyond the screen as well. He has been credited with helping to spread Chinese culture and values to the West. His 1972 film "The Chinese Connection" was instrumental in introducing western audiences to traditional Chinese music, cuisine, and language. In addition to all of that, this was the point that many adopted his Jeet Kune Do philosophy as a way of life. Bruce Lee's Influence on Media Bruce Lee’s influence on the media itself has been immense. He is widely considered to be the father of modern martial arts movies and has been an inspiration to countless actors and directors. His films have had a lasting impact on popular culture and have helped shape the way people think about martial arts today. From his humble beginnings in Hong Kong to his untimely death in 1973, Bruce Lee left a lasting legacy that has had a profound impact on martial arts and popular culture. He was a true pioneer who helped change the way we think about and practice fighting. His unique approach to fighting which emphasized speed, agility, and practicality over rigid forms and rules paved the way for modern mixed martial arts styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Bruce Lee's Dedication to His Craft Bruce Lee was the type of martial artist that never let stunt doubles step in for him. This made him a role model to martial artists everywhere. He brought a new level of respect to martial arts and those who practiced them. His work in the film industry also inspired an entirely new genre which melded east and west cultures that is still wildly popular today. If you think about it, today we applaud people that do a couple of their own stunts. Bruce Lee would let his bones break and his blood flow, and would never let a stunt double take his place. In the 1970s, this dedication to the craft also led to a back injury. During filming, he was performing "Good Mornings." The exercise was made more challenging because it was done with extremely heavy weights. While he was exercising, he heard an audible "snap", and knew that something had gone terribly wrong. He had injured his back so horribly that the doctors thought that he would never be able to fight again, that too, if he was able to recover enough to live an otherwise normal life. Now, no one knows if it was his dedication or natural ability to heal, but Bruce Lee didn't just heal, he bounced back to his full potential! After that, he was able continue on with his career as if nothing had happened! The man has proved time and time again that he's a true legend. Something that most people can't even think about doing in their lifetime! All while he was dealing with the aftermath of the back injury, which was years and years of unimaginable pain, the man never let the world see his pain and continued to perform just as he would if he was 100% pain-free. What’s crazier is that he kept doing his job until the very last day, as he was rushed to the hospital while he was on set, recording the voiceovers when his condition worsened, and he eventually passed away. An Inspiration Lives On Not only did Bruce Lee make sure that he was representing minorities and fighting against discrimination, but he was also an inspiration to people all over the world. He showed that anyone, no matter their race or ethnicity, could be a skilled martial artist. He also proved that martial arts could be used for more than just self-defense; they could be used for self-expression and personal growth. His unique approach to fighting and his dedication to his craft continues to inspire people today! The Bottom Line Bruce Lee was a revolutionary figure in the world of martial arts. His innovative approach to fighting—which blended techniques from a variety of different disciplines—inspired generations of practitioners and helped create an entirely new style of martial arts. Even though he died over 50 years ago, Bruce Lee's legacy continues to live on through the lasting impact that he had on the world of martial arts.

Black Belt Magazine has launched the most comprehensive martial arts digital platform in history–Black Belt+. From the magazine’s rich history spanning over 60 years, the platform includes thousands of remastered instructional videos, martial arts movies, documentaries, and, of course, digital issues and articles of the iconic Black Belt Magazine. Jungo TV , a US-based media company, spearheads the technical and programming aspects of Black Belt+, building off their long-term partnership with Black Belt Magazine. The new app is available on iOS and Android mobile devices and tablets. Jungo TV CEO George Chung said, “ Black Belt Magazine is integral in the global martial arts community, which is why we at Jungo TV were proud to be the technical and programming partner in helping build and launch the biggest, most comprehensive martial arts app to date.” Leaving no stone unturned, the app will showcase videos from nearly every martial art style featured in the magazine including African, Brazilian, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Greek, Hawaiian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, as well as American Karate and MMA. Hundreds of exclusive step-by-step training videos, docuseries from the biggest martial arts legends of the past, present and future. " Black Belt Magazine needed something for its readers that celebrated the history and legends that made the name 'Black Belt' what it is, but also offered subscribers new content that is relevant to their training today” Black Belt Magazine President Michael Dillard said. “The Black Belt+ app is the perfect solution and will be the foundation moving forward,” he added. The app also includes every single digital issue of Black Belt Magazine , from the 1960s to present. When users want to take a break from training, they can choose from hundreds of martial arts movies and documentaries from icons like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Cynthia Rothrock, Jean Claude Van Damme, Donnie Yen, Sammo Hong, Michael Jai White, Benny Urquidez, Carlos Machado, Royce Gracie, Bill Wallace and more. Download and subscribe to Black Belt+ now. plus.blackbeltmag.com Or find Black Belt+ on the App Store or Google Play.

Japanese weapon (jutte) has interesting past! by Don Cunningham After unifying Japan’s many feudal domains, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) based his government in Edo, the site of present-day Tokyo. The new center of Japanese authority quickly attracted residents of all classes. In addition to laborers, craftsmen and merchants, there was a large samurai population, either retainers of the various nobles required to maintain partial residence within Edo or direct retainers of the shogun who served as bodyguards and government officials. Within the male-dominated population of the city, competition for everything was fierce. With increasing interactions between the various classes and the cramped quarters of a rapidly expanding urban environment, it is not surprising that tempers often flared and arguments erupted. Social justice during the Edo period frequently meant violence. With an armed populace, minor disagreements tended to result in blood baths. To maintain control, police officers and their non-samurai assistants developed many unique weapons and arresting techniques to use against the troublemakers, who were usually armed and frequently desperate. They included bizarre items such as a pole-arm implement with barbed hooks designed to entangle the clothes of a suspect and immobilize him by forcing him to the ground, as well as wooden ladders and short staffs employed to capture offenders unharmed. One of the unique weapons of the samurai police was the jutte. Basically an iron truncheon, it was popular because it could parry the slash of a sword and disarm an assailant without serious injury to either person. Essentially a defensive or restraining weapon about 15 to 18 inches long, the jutte required the user to get extremely close to those who were being apprehended. A single hook or fork, called a kagi, on the side near the handle allowed the jutte to be used for trapping or even breaking sword blades. The kagi could also be used to entangle the clothes or fingers of an opponent, and the main shaft was designed for jabbing and striking. Throughout history, the weapon was known by many names. During the Edo period, jutte or jitte was the more popular reference. The term consists of two kanji characters, one representing “10” and the other representing “hand,” thus suggesting that a jutte gave the user the power of 10 hands. How the jutte originated is still a mystery. One popular notion is that it evolved from a strange battlefield weapon believed to have been designed by Goro Nyudo Masamune, a renowned swordsmith who lived during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Called a hachiwari or kabutowari (helmet splitter), the prototype was a curved and pointed metal bar with a hook near the base of the handle. Worn by the samurai as a dirk, the hachiwari was probably used as a parrying weapon — held in the left hand while the sword was grasped in the right. Many Japanese and Westerners are familiar with the exploits of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645). His original name was Miyamoto Masana, but he was also known in his later years as Niten. To improve his swordsmanship, Musashi traveled extensively throughout feudal Japan so he could challenge other swordsmen. The founder of the nito ryu, or fencing with two swords, he was also an accomplished artist and the author of The Book of Five Rings, an exemplary treatise on the strategy of swordsmanship. Although not as well-known as his more famous son, Miyamoto Musashi’s father was also a skilled martial artist. Miyamoto Munisai introduced a military art known as jitte tohri-ryu. This particular style, sometimes referred to as tohri-ryu kenjutsu, used several military weapons, including two swords, the spear and the jutte. Practitioners of jitte tohri-ryu were especially known for their jujiyarijutsu, or techniques that involved the use of a spear with a distinctive cross-shaped blade. By all accounts, Miyamoto Munisai was also a master of iron-truncheon skills, or jutte-jutsu. The term jutte comes from the Japanese words for “10” and “hands,” indicating that using the weapon gives a person the power of 10 hands.

Martial arts are not just about learning to defend yourself. The discipline and training involved can lead to physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve the quality of your life in countless ways. Whether you're training in Karate, Judo, MMA, BJJ, or JKD, or working towards a Black Belt, martial arts can help you develop skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. One of the most obvious benefits of martial arts is physical fitness. The training involved in martial arts is intense and rigorous, and it will help you build strength, improve your flexibility, and boost your endurance. This can be especially beneficial if you're looking to lose weight or improve your overall health. In addition, martial arts training can help you build coordination, balance, and agility, all of which can help you perform better in other sports and physical activities. But the benefits of martial arts go far beyond physical fitness. Martial arts training can also have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. For starters, the discipline and focus required in martial arts can help you develop a more mindful and centered approach to life. This can be especially helpful if you're dealing with stress or anxiety, as the repetitive motions involved in training can help you clear your mind and find inner peace. Another way that martial arts can benefit your mental and emotional well-being is by building self-confidence. As you progress in your training, you'll learn new skills and techniques, and you'll start to see yourself as someone who is capable and competent. This can be especially empowering if you're dealing with feelings of low self-esteem or insecurity. Martial arts can also help you develop better social skills. Whether you're training with a partner or in a group class, you'll have the opportunity to interact with other people who are interested in martial arts. This can help you build meaningful relationships and develop a sense of community, which can be especially important if you're new to an area or looking to expand your social circle. One of the most unique aspects of martial arts is the fact that training can be done with a partner. When you're working with someone else, you'll need to coordinate your movements and work together to execute techniques effectively. This can help you build trust and communication skills, both of which are essential in any relationship. Additionally, having a training partner can help you stay motivated and on track with your training, as you'll be able to encourage and support each other. So whether you're just starting out in martial arts or you're a seasoned practitioner, training with a partner can be a valuable experience. Not only will you be able to support each other and work together towards your goals, but you'll also be able to learn from each other and grow as martial artists. In conclusion, martial arts offer a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve the quality of your life. Whether you're training in Karate, Judo, MMA, BJJ, or JKD, or working towards a Black Belt, the discipline and focus involved in martial arts training can help you develop a more mindful and centered approach to life. And by training with a partner, you'll be able to support each other and work together towards your goals, all while developing meaningful relationships and growing as martial artists. So if you're looking for a way to improve your overall well-being, martial arts may be the perfect path for you.

1800s Japanese Martial Arts Teacher Faces Off with Masterful and Dominating Brute By Dave Lowry How can the rules of sport or competition influence a martial art? Often, in the dojo, we assume that karate’s sporting aspects are — or, at least, can be — kept separate from the traditional elements of the art. Perhaps. It’s worthwhile, however, to consider that the application of any rule has consequences, good and bad, that may not be immediately obvious. Oishi Susumu was a swordsman in southern Japan in the early 19th century. He mastered a school of swordsmanship and another school of the spear, and in 1832 he traveled to Edo, now Tokyo, where he began visiting dojo and issuing challenges. Japan at this time had largely been at peace for two centuries. The days of battlefield combat were distant, the stuff of myth. Individual combat, mostly in the form of duels, had become the most common way blood was spilled among the samurai. Instead of combat, the warrior proved himself in competitive matches, usually with wooden or bamboo weapons. At the same time, armor intended not for the battlefield but for these contests evolved rapidly. Swordsmen experimented with all sorts of protection. They also monkeyed around with substitute weapons for their matches. The wooden bokken was supplanted by various forms of shinai made of bamboo, often split and bound together or encased in a bag. This allowed for heavy contact without risk of serious injury. These tools were the predecessor of today’s kendo shinai, but they did not look much like the modern sword-substitutes, in part because they did not have a fixed length or weight. Oishi found a way to exploit these innovations. He stood nearly 6 feet tall, exceptional for a Japanese man of that era. His size gave him an advantage in reach. He accentuated this by crafting a shinai that was more than 5 feet long. (Modern kendo rules limit the length of shinai to approximately 4 feet.) Essentially, Oishi was carrying a staff into his matches. And he carried it into many of them. Contemporary accounts characterize Oishi as brash, an “in your face” kind of guy. He actually supported himself by extortion: After establishing a name for himself by winning a number of matches, he would go to a kendo dojo and threaten to challenge, defeat and publicly humiliate the teacher. To prevent his students from abandoning him should this happen, the teacher would pay off Oishi. In addition to his oversized shinai, Oishi used a face mask that was sharply creased along the centerline. It looked something like a blunt beak. The shape of the mask meant that strikes and thrusts would likely glance off. It was very difficult to make a conclusive and obvious attack against him. Oishi’s technique was not sophisticated. Using his long shinai and his long arms, almost exclusively he relied on a katate-zuki. Using his rear (left) hand, he would make a one-handed thrust, driving his shinai into the throat or the mask-covered face of an opponent. He could keep himself at a safe distance while making this devastating attack, unleashing it long before his shorter opponents, with their shorter shinai, could even get within range. Eventually, of course, Oishi found the limitations. He was depending on tricks and manipulations of equipment instead of skill. His antics came to the attention of Otani Seiichiro, a fencing teacher in Edo. Otani, a master of the Jikishinkage ryu, was known for his severe training. Even with the protection of armor and using bamboo swords, classes under Otani were rigorous and bruising, and contusions were expected. Knockouts were a daily occurrence. (To give you some idea, in the dojo of Otani’s most famous disciple Sakakibara Kenkichi, members would don their helmets and then repeatedly ram their heads, full force, into the pillars of the dojo to get accustomed to the blows that were to follow.) Unlike many other teachers, Otani did not flinch when approached by Oishi. Some accounts, in fact, tell us that Otani challenged him. Whatever the details, Oishi was beaten badly and publicly. He survived, however. The fight was with shinai, Otani’s much shorter version against Oishi’s super-sized weapon. Otani went on to create his own system of swordsmanship, which he taught and passed down to his son. It’s an interesting story and ends as we would like it — with the braggart the guy who manipulated circumstances in a way we disdain, getting his just deserts. Despite Oishi’s behavior, what should stand out is that Oishi’s exploitation of the rules and circumstances of kendo in those days is really not “unfair.” To the extent there were regulations, he met them. He just used them to his advantage. Oishi’s mentality lives on in the sporting areas of budo. Canny strategists do their best to use the rules to their advantage. And there are consequences for this. When, for instance, was the last time you saw a point scored in a karate contest with a knee or elbow strike? These strikes are legal, but they are very difficult to use, so they’re virtually never part of the karateka’s arsenal. Consequently, in many karate dojo, the moves receive little attention even though they are effective in a dangerous situation. Or consider judo. As grappling skills in other combat arts evolved rapidly, contestants in judo began to rely more and more on mat work to win. Throws, in many judo tournaments, have become almost desultory, mere openings to get into ground work. As Oishi demonstrated, wherever there are sporting contests, there will be rules. Wherever there are rules, there will be conventions. And people will exploit those, and that will change the art. Good? Bad? Who knows? But inevitably it happens. Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name into the search box. This article was originally published in a July 2022 edition of Black Belt Magazine