Find a Way
Your life, your style - your lifestyle.

Browsing through the May issue of Black Belt magazine I came across a very goofy advertisement. It is a video sale add from Panther Productions on page 12. It has this guy on the pages named "Wallid Ismail." You should have heard about him because he never stops screaming how his Jujutsu beat world famous Ultimate Fighting Champion, Royce Gracie. Asides from the very odd looking face Wallid makes in these photos, the videos are probably very informative and instructional. That isn't my concern.

My concern is all the hype and commercialism that goes into these events and into the so called "Masters" of all these newly discovered Brazilian Jujutsu styles. It isn't about Jujutsu, Brazil or even the artists. It is about the way things are being presented - even by Black Belt magazine.

If you get a chance, take a look at the advertisement. The first photo (top left) is a standing Mr. Ismail with his big trophy belts. One he is wearing and the other is being held over his right arm  These belts aren't the things that made me laugh, in fact I didn't even notice them until later. The first thing that popped into my mind when seeing these pictures, was "RACE CAR." The picture makes him look like a logo plastered race car. "Bad Boy," "Team Panther," and more company profiles are draped onto the uniform like a person with too many tattoos. "Uh, hey Wallid, do you need a sponsor?"

Just look at all the photos in this advertisement - they are ridiculous. If you don't have the Black Belt ad to look at, just imagine a kid with too many left over model car decals, that he places all over his white Judo uniform.

My concern isn't so much the advertising or the support of an otherwise starving martial artist. It is on the powerful view the people and media seem to have on this focus of combat and often called "martial art." To me it is closer to going to the movies. It is entertainment, but I wouldn't call it a martial art. If you don't understand my view point on Martial Arts, read the article in Total Warrior titled - The Martial and the Art. Basically, most people watch the UFC for its entertainment value - not because they want to learn to grapple. It does very little for promoting true martial arts. Just to clarify, I am talking about the media interpretation and not the obvious validity of Jujutsu or other arts.

Although I fully agree 100% that these events offer a realistic view of martial combat in the ring, I don't feel it offers a well rounded benefit to the practitioner. Becoming a champion at something is a personal goal, not a global belief.  Training should be thought of as a way to increase your overall skill level.  All levels that is. You can't argue that kicks are a waste of time because the combat practitioners of such full contact matches as the UFC, have proven this to be true. You and 99% of the population are probably not training for the UFC. Think of playing chess, video games, or sports. You are doing these because you enjoy them. You are not going to cancel these things out of your life just because you can't checkmate your opponent in real combat. Life is and should be the center of attention. What you enjoy doing is the key. Just be sure to keep a practical and realistic view when it comes to combat. Use the UFC as an example for this knowledge - it is something you can add to your knowledge base, but not something to separate and use as a stand alone concept of the Martial Arts. 

In the Martial Science we view the entire system based on three very important priciples. They are, MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. You probably have heard this before. However, with Tew Ryu the Martial Science, each of these things means a great deal to us and actually makes up the system.

The Mind:
We call it Mind Martial Science. It is the training program that teaches us the mental skills for ultimate performance. It isn't just meditation and pretending you understand Zen. It is the realistic approach to mind control. Understanding the way the brain works and being able to communicate using mind language. With these skills, you are able to have a powerful mental attitude, master your motivation, increase your memory and control your emotional state. These are just a few, but they are important in creating the well balanced system for any martial art or practitioner. For us, it isn't just something we mention every now and again in an interview. The Mind Martial Science is a solid part of our program. We have tapes and training manuals for learning the techniques. For a sample of some of what I am talking about see Mind Martial Science on our web site.

The Body:
Probably the most attractive reason people get into the Martial Science. The body symbolizes all of our physical skills. This makes up most of today's martial arts. The kicks, punches, rolls, falls and other movements fall under the category for body. Not just martial arts training techniques, but also developing a healthy physique, eating right and yes... wearing sun screen. Anything that is physical or concerns your body is important. This also includes breathing and stretching exercises. Most school focus primarily on the obvious physical skills, such as sparring, self-defense and push ups. But few also include a training program for flexibility, breathing, diet and overall health.

Last, but more likely to be first is Spirit
To us, spirit is the center of focus for most of our training. Spirit isn't just the group atmosphere you get with your class. It isn't just the spiritual emotions that arise when you walk through the trees. It is the combination of team spirit, the outdoors and living the life you enjoy. These things are important in creating a well rounded individual, which is what the Martial Science is all about. It isn't just about being on a team or being involved with a sport. It is about living the way. The outdoor adventures and tours are a part of this spirit. Getting up each day living the life you enjoy is part of the spirit. Spending time with friends and having adventure in the outdoors is also spirit. Without spirit, there is no life. Not everyone wants to sit behind a desk all day waiting for their life to pass them by. Not everyone wants to wake up each day only to regret the last. And not everyone wants to keep wishing they had more to gain from daily activities. 

The combination of Mind, Body and Spirit creates a system based on the individual. This allows growth for your own goals and not those set down by the media or a current fad. This system lasts as long as you desire it to. Because it is a life-style and not just a style. It is a way of thinking, a way of using your body and a way living life with spirit. It is your way.

Having a style or system that is your way requires a system to offer you versatility. The system needs to be able to build around your own strengths and weaknesses. It needs to offer you a healthy membership as part of a real team, and not just a bow down to master relationship. It requires fitting you into a lifestyle that makes you happy and fulfills your desires at the same time. Basically, it all sounds like something that is what every person needs, but this isn't the case. Remember, we are trying to avoid the global beliefs set down by the media or any other social force. We are simply opening up the individual choice to acquire something more than just an art or form of combat. That just isn't enough for something to call itself "a way of life." A way is not good enough for the individual. It has to be their way. This is why it is an individual and not global system. Some people will fit into the puzzle of the Martial Science, while others won't. It isn't a question of good or bad. It isn't regulated by society, the media or masters with opinions. It is simply defined by what it offers the individual student. Are you happy with your training program or not? 

After some time in the martial arts and gaining life experience, this information will become clear. At the moment it may not be easy to understand - as is with many things in life.  Some things just need to be experienced. Realize that you are the master of your life. You are the guide and the only one who can truly teach you the skill of being happy. Find a "Way" that is "Your Way."

Have fun!

Sensei Tew
 
RTMS Head Instructor