December Issue Vol 1 Number 10 2024

Editor

Excutive

Sumiko

Contributors

Joseph

Frank Dux

Bohdi

Gary

Kenny

Sumiko

Allen

Mario

Keira

Jim

Assistant

Sumiko

SocialMediaCoordinator

Alphonso

PANKRATION

ABOUT THE COVER

On the cover of

this

month’s issue of INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE

KEIRA DUX AND FRANK DUX STAND TOGETHER

ARTS EAST Publications is the sole owner/manager of International Martial Arts Magazine 2024

In the professional capacity of INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE (hereinafter referred to as "IMAM"), it is hereby clarified that the copyrights and provisions concerning publisher indemnification pertinent to the articles published within IMAM are extensively governed by the following declarations:

IMAM expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for the content of columns or articles authored by independent columnists, including, but not limited to, the techniques and methodologies delineated therein. The publication of any article within IMAM does not constitute an endorsement of its content.

All articles submitted and subsequently published in IMAM are done so with the full and discernible rights attributed to the respective author(s), under the principle that authorship confers exclusive copyright to the creator, unless explicitly stated otherwise in a contractual arrangement.

The engagement, practice, or training of any techniques, exercises, or movements demonstrated or advised within the scope of IMAM's published content is to be undertaken at the individual's discretion and risk. IMAM, inclusive of its publishers, editors, and contributors, assumes no liability for any injuries, damages, or other physical or psychological harm that may result from such endeavours.

Readers are advised to approach the replication of any demonstrated techniques with caution and to consult with professional instructors or healthcare providers before embarking on any physical training or martial arts program highlighted within IMAM's publications. This statement is intended to provide clarity on the legal and professional stance of IMAM regarding copyright, content liability, and the assumption of risk by its readership. IMAM remains dedicated to the dissemination of martial arts knowledge and culture, within the bounds of these defined terms.

For artcles, columns or features please feel free tosubmit any written works directly to Artseastpublish@g mail.com All submissions are accepted by not gauranteed publication with INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE. We strive for a true international input in to our magazine and encourage all levels of practitioners to submit on any relevant interest, martial arts, self- defense related material. Please include authors full name and brief biography along with return email for contact. If you care to advertise with IMAM please ocntact our adverising department directly Artseastpublish@g mail.com editor@imamag.org submissions@imamag.org advertising@imamag.org info@imamag.org events@imamag.org marketing@imamag.org press@imamag.org support@imamag.org subscriptions@imamag.org

Excutive V P Sumiko Nakano Photographer Mario Prado

Editor In Chief Allen Woodman

MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

ONE OF OUR OWN

We at IMA Magazine often try to stay positive regarding the martial arts and the community at large. We do attempt to stay away from politics and alike that are often involved and stay above the fray.

Due to the extent of her injuries, her medical team initiated extensive diagnostic procedures and provided intensive care support during these initial days to stabilize her condition and manage pain.

AllenWoodman

That said, we do unhappily want to disclose that one of our own family members at the International martial Arts magazine has had a terrible accident.

After a Motorcycle accident outside London England our dear Sumiko Nakano was struck by a car and thrown from her bike. Causing her significant injury, Nakano suffered severe injuries, including a concussion, a broken arm, fractured ribs, a torn shoulder, and ankle injuries. Emergency responders promptly arrived at the scene and transported her to intensive care, where she received immediate treatment and round-theclock monitoring to address her critical injuries.

Jim Arvanitas demonstrating Pankration techniques.

In the days following the accident, Nakano encountered a serious setback when she developed a pulmonary embolism a dangerous blood clot that traveled to her lungs This complication posed significant risks to her health, leading her medical team to place her in an induced coma on October 31 to stabilize her condition and minimize the strain on her body.

The decision allowed doctors to monitor her closely and administer life-support measures as needed. After twelve days in the coma, her doctors began the careful and gradual process of bringing her out, and she is now showing her first signs of improvement, a hopeful step toward recovery.

At the time of this article, she is still in recovery more than two weeks after the incident.

It’s been a long journey.

Over these 12 days, her body has started healing, though it will take time. She’s lost nearly 20 pounds (around 9 kg), bringing her down to about 103 pounds (47 kg), and she’s feeling fragile.

Each part will need gradual recovery and therapy, but this small step forward gives us hope.

“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Sumiko and her loved ones, but the initial signs of improvement have given us all renewed hope,” shared a family spokesperson.

“While she faces a long road to full recovery, her strength and resilience remain deeply encouraging to all of us. ”

The family has expressed its deep appreciation for the medical team’s dedication to Nakano’s care and has requested privacy during this period, allowing her to focus fully on her healing journey.

Sumiko Nakano is well-known within martial arts circles for her skill, discipline, and dedication. Practiced in Brazilian JiuJitsu, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing, Nakano has inspired many through her achievements and athleticism.

Her martial arts journey has seen her participate in various competitions, workshops, and events, highlighting her as a respected figure in the martial arts community. Additionally, she balances her martial arts pursuits with a passion for writing, showcased in her recent novel, Daughters of Wars: The Birth of Steel and Vengeance. Her work draws on her Japanese heritage and personal experiences, connecting with readers and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

As Nakano begins her journey toward recovery, her family and friends have expressed deep gratitude for the support and kind messages they have received from the community.

Nakano’s resilience, both in her physical pursuits and her creative work, continues to inspire. Her family remains hopeful for her eventual return to health.

We are thrilled to share some incredible news about Sumiko! After a long and challenging journey, she has finally awakened from her coma and is in great spirits!

While her injuries will have a lasting effect, her recovery is looking promising, and we couldn't be prouder of her resilience In the coming weeks and months, Sumiko will begin physical therapy to help rebuild her strength and get her back on her feet

Already, she has started dreaming of convincing her family to buy her a new motorcycle talk about determination! However, we all know that might take a bit more time than her rehabilitation We are all proud of her unwavering spirit.

She has been moved to the general ward and has received a clean bill of health from the dedicated doctors and staff overseeing her care

It's a huge relief to know she’s been cleared of any serious medical concerns!

Excitingly, Sumiko has been given permission to have her phone with her, and she's already reaching out to many of her supporters, fans, and friends who have rallied around her both before and after her incident

While she is still in recovery, Sumiko is eager to get back to training and writing as her schedule allows. We are all wishing her the best on this journey and know that this is just the beginning of her comeback.

Let's continue to send her all our love and support as she embarks on this new chapter!

THE HEALING TOUCH

MONTHLY COLUMN By Joe Miller

THE URINARY BLADDER LINE

Exploring the Uterine Bladder Line in Shiatsu Practice: A Path to Wellness

Shiatsu stands out as a profound practice that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit.

Rooted in traditional Japanese medicine, Shiatsu employs finger pressure along the body's meridians to promote the flow of energy, or "ki," and restore balance.

One of the pivotal lines in this energetic landscape is the Uterine Bladder Line, which plays a significant role in women's health and overall well-being.

The Uterine Bladder Line, associated with the bladder meridian, traverses the lower back and connects to the reproductive organs, influencing a range of health aspects from menstrual health to emotional stability.

In Shiatsu, practitioners focus on this line to release tension, alleviate discomfort, and enhance the body's natural healing processes.

By applying gentle yet firm pressure along this pathway, Shiatsu can help to regulate hormonal fluctuations, ease menstrual pain, and support reproductive health.

Beyond physical benefits, working with the Uterine Bladder Line in Shiatsu encourages deep relaxation and emotional release.

Many women carry stress and emotional blockages in their pelvic region, which can manifest as physical discomfort or health issues. Shiatsu offers a safe space for these energies to be acknowledged and released, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection to one's body.

As we delve deeper into the healthrelated benefits of the Uterine Bladder Line in Shiatsu practice, we uncover a holistic approach to women's health that emphasizes the interplay between physical well-being and emotional balance. By integrating this ancient practice into modern wellness routines, individuals can experience a transformative journey towards greater vitality and harmony.

The urinary bladder (Boko-ke) line is an important meridian in both Japanese and Chinese medicine, particularly within the framework of meridian theory.

It is the longest meridians in the body, running along the back and corresponding to the Water element, just like its counterpart, the kidney meridian.

In japanese and Chinese practices, the Boko-ke is recognized as a “hard” or yang meridian, reflecting its outward, active, and dynamic qualities. Its association with yang energy means it governs the flow of qi in ways that are vigorous, facilitating outward movement and dispersal of energy.

This corresponds well with the bladder’s physiological function in regulating water and eliminating waste from the body.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, the bladder meridian plays a crucial role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, influencing the parasympathetic and sympathetic balance.

The yang nature of the urinary bladder meridian supports the external, protective functions of the body, as it passes along the spine and influences the muscles and nerves along the back. This makes it critical for dealing with stress, tension, and defensive energy. The relationship with the kidney meridian is indeed significant, as the kidney is the yin counterpart.

The kidneys store the essence of balance with the urinary bladder and control water metabolism, supporting deep vitality and longevity.

The interaction between the bladder and kidney meridians is like a yin-yang balance: while the bladder expels waste and moves fluid out of the body, the kidney retains and stores the essential fluids.

As I mentioned, we can explore the specific effects of this relationship between these meridians in further detail.

In particularly how balancing the yang (bladder) and yin (kidney) can have profound effects on overall health, including managing stress, supporting digestion and influencing emotional and mental stability.

SokeJosephMiller

Learntheancientartofshiatsumassageanditshealing abilitiesRelievestressandacheswhilehealingthebodynaturally throughtheJapaneseartofacutefingerpressurethroughthis insightfulandusefulguide.Withfull-colorphotosandartworkofthe humananatomyandstepbysteppracticeguidestoinstructyoufrom studenttofullycertifiedpractitioner.InJapan,thepracticeoffinger pressuremassageknownasShiatsuisahighlyrespected,professional skillthatusesthemeridiansandbloodflowtonaturallyhealthebody. Shiatsucanreducetensionandevenalleviatehealthissues.Includes Testoutportionsofthetexttogainfullcredentialsinthisamazing healingmethodfromAsia

Tony B.

That's a really good book. Picture, text, Everything is so detailed

Kennete Kleese

The Old WAY JKD GARY DILL

DICTUMS OF COMBAT

Since the early 1970’s, the Oakland Jeet Kune Do school was known as the “fighting school of JKD. This was a description given by Sifu Ted Wong from the LA group.

Bruce had three schools, Seattle, LA, and Oakland. But why was Oakland known as the fighting school?

When Bruce Lee went to Hong Kong to make those gung fu movies in 1971, he turned the Oakland school over to his close friend and assistant instructor, James Lee. James was totally dedicated and loyal to Bruce and taught ONLY the JKD techniques as developed by Bruce. But James had a reputation as being a fighter. He worked in the rough environment of bay area shipyards, he was no stranger to confrontations. James was a nice guy but he took no crap from anyone.

James did not have a fancy kwoon, instead he taught out of what used to be the garage of his house (3039 Monticello in Oakland.) When I was training there,

I witnessed him expelling several guys from his class. He taught with a stern hand. He expected each student to give him 100% in class. He told us one evening that you must have the “killer instinct” in order to be good in JKD. I understood exactly what he was saying. In 1971 he accepted me as one of his personal students in his small JKD class. I had just returned from Vietnam just a week before and already had seven years of military experience and was still in the military during the entire time that I trained with him.

“Killer Instinct”, based on my experience, is defined as “the mindset needed to eliminate your enemy without hesitation, or remorse, using whatever means available to eliminate the threat of your adversary in order to survive.

I began my martial arts career in the ’60s during the time known as the blood and guts days of karate, which was the forerunner of full contact karate of the ’70s. There was no “safety equipment” used, just bare fist fighting. It was tough, but you learned how to fight. In other words, it was an organized form of street fighting. The Oakland JKD class was my new home of combat.

During my 60 years in martial arts, I have interfaced with other martial artists who also had the “killer instinct”.

I respected these men regardless of their rank or system. It’s a brotherhood. But on the other hand, I have seen instructors and students who couldn’t fight out of a paper sack. They would never survive a real street fight or battlefield combat. They do not have the “killer instinct.” I divide martial artists into two categories: technicians and fighters.

Technicians can show the techniques but cannot apply them in combat. Fighters/instructors teach students how to use techniques in real combat by instilling the “killer instinct.” Just because a JKD practitioner can throw an eye gouge, a front kick, or use a sloppy version of trapping hands, this doesn’t make him a fighter.

These guys live in a fantasy world and would not survive a real fight. The original JKD works very well in a real fight, but it is all about learning the proper techniques and how to use them in combat.

Most JKD instructors that I know have never been in a real fight, they work from theory. But this observation also applies to other martial arts also. Many of you guys out there know what I’m talking about. Success in combat is not about the system, it about the man.

I was in the military for ten years and I spent ten years in law enforcement (working primarily homicides, narcotics and dealing with some bad boys.) I have used my martial arts / JKD in several street confrontations and it has never failed me. But my success stems back to proper training and a fighter mindset, aka “killer instinct.”

Bruce Lee developed Jeet Kune Do for only one purpose, which is what he referred to as “the actual reality of combat,” not for sport or aesthetics. Bruce referred to his JKD as “scientific streetfighting.”

Over the years, I have seen several different versions of JKD stemming from the core. But as for me, I am a proponent of and a conservator of the ORIGINAL JEET KUNE DO because from my experiences in the street, it works for me. Regardless, a martial artist must have the “killer instinct” in order to survive a street fight or battlefield co

I am now sharing with you some of my “Dictums of Combat” (principles) which can help develop the proper warrior mindset and enhance your survival in actual combat.

Dill’s “Dictums of Combat”

1. Your mindset will make or break you in combat. Mental aspects are just as important as physical skills and techniques.

2. If you don’t have confidence in yourself and your skills, you will lose.

3. Do not think about what your adversary may do to you, but instead think about what YOU ARE going to do to him.

4. Do not hesitate to attack in a fight. Hesitation kills.

5. Do not fight “fair.” Fight to win and survive regardless of what it takes.

6. React! Don’t threaten, bluff, or talk.

7. Watch his hands. He may be reaching for a weapon.

8. Develop muscle memory. My three rules of JKD are “repetition, repetition, repetition.” When you’re in combat, you don’t have time to think; you only have to react. You won’t have time to think about steps #1 and #2. In combat, you have to depend on your muscle memory. Just do it.

9. Develop a small group of techniques that work well for you. Develop those to use in combat instead of trying to perfect a hundred different ways. Again, remember you don’t have time to think in combat, only react. Don’t clutter your brain. This is where the JKD concept of “individuality” comes into play. Perfect what works the best for you.

10. Visualize what you are going to do to your adversary. Already defeat him in your mind.

Dill’s “Dictums of Combat”

11. Work out your moral issues long before any altercation happens. It would be best to resolve this issue before you go into combat. Remember, you will probably have to injure your adversary or, in battlefield combat seriously, you may have to terminate him. Amid combat is not the time to weigh out moral issues. It is either you or him, you decide. Do you want to go home or go to the hospital or morgue?

12. Expect to be hit or kicked. It’s combat. It doesn’t hurt that much if you learn how to roll with it.

13. Work out. Don’t just go to class; that’s it. You must train and work out on your own time. You must keep your techniques, reflexes, and speed up to par, or your combat experience may be bad.

14. Attack vital areas. Eyes, throat, groin, bladder plexus, nerves, broken bones, dislocated joints. Street fighting is not a boxing match in the ring.

15. Be aggressive, be offensive. Being defensive only brings on defeat.

16. Keep it simple. Don’t get fancy. Keep your techniques simple, direct, and powerful.

17. Be quick. You can always work on your speed. A slow fighter is no fighter.

18. Keep your kicks below the belt in a street fight. If you’re not Bill Wallace or Bruce Lee, then kick low. They are quicker, more deceptive, and more difficult for your opponent to see or block.

Dill’s law: “Never kick an adversary in the head unless he is on the ground.”

19. Use combinations when attacking.

20. Maintain forward energy. Keep opponent off balance.

ProfessorGaryDill

Learn the authentic JKD developed by Bruce Lee

Taught by Gary Dill, 1st generation Oakland JKD student. Learn JKD punching, striking, low kicks, entering techniques, counter against blocks, block & counters

Develop speed & proper techniques.

Contact Prof Gary Dill directly at pdilljkd@aol com Website: www.jkd-garydill.com

Contact 1 (918) 327-6895

$29.95

Jeet Kune Do A System Without a System is one of the best books ever written on the complete system that was pioneered by the late great Bruce Lee. George Hajnasr has put together the full course and understanding principles that are the make up of the complete system Everything from Warm Up exercises to self defense techniques ranging from beginner to advanced. You will find it all in this one large manual of the Complete system of Jeet Kune

DO A System Without a System

502 pages

Language English

Publication February 3, 2014

Dimensions 8.5 x 1.01 x 11.0

SUMO THE NEW GAME IN TOWN

Written and Photographs

by Mario Prado

Sumo wrestling, a centuries-old Japanese sport, has gained increasing recognition in the West as a fascinating cultural phenomenon.

While it’s long been revered in Japan as a sport intertwined with Shinto rituals and traditions.

The Western view of sumo wrestling is evolving, shifting from novelty and spectacle toward a more nuanced appreciation of its complexities.

Today, sumo represents not just a competitive sport, but a rich embodiment of Japanese heritage, with its rituals, aesthetics, and deep cultural significance now seen as points of intrigue and respect.

In the early days of Western exposure to sumo, it was often perceived through the lens of curiosity, with a focus on the physicality of the wrestlers, who are typically much larger than athletes in most Western sports.

The image of two enormous men clashing in a short, intense bout was often reduced to spectacle. Many Westerners associated sumo primarily with the visual novelty of the athletes’ size and their distinct mawashi (loincloths), rather than understanding the layers of tradition, discipline, and skill that underpin the sport. However, as Western audiences become more knowledgeable about global cultures, the perception of sumo is shifting.

Sumo is not merely a test of strength but a highly strategic sport. Matches are brief, often lasting just a few seconds, yet the wrestlers (rikishi) employ a combination of mental focus, precise technique, and subtle maneuvers to outwit their opponents.

There are no weight divisions in sumo, meaning that competitors of drastically different sizes may face off, making tactics crucial.

This aspect is increasingly appreciated in the West, where sports like American football and wrestling involve significant strategy alongside brute force.

The deep training regimen of rikishi, involving years of discipline, balance, and mastery of various techniques, has earned sumo newfound respect as a physically and mentally demanding pursuit.

The ceremonial aspects of sumo are now more frequently highlighted and appreciated in the West. Before each match, sumo wrestlers perform a series of rituals, such as the purification of the ring with salt, clapping their hands to summon the gods, and stomping to drive away evil spirits. These Shintobased rituals lend sumo a spiritual quality, presenting the sport not just as an athletic contest but as a performance deeply rooted in Japanese religious and cultural practices.

For many Westerners, this blend of spirituality and sport is an unfamiliar but captivating concept, creating a greater respect for sumo as a cultural tradition rather than a mere athletic endeavor.

Moreover, the sumo community has seen a notable rise in international rikishi, with athletes from countries like Mongolia, Georgia, and Hawaii making their mark on the sport.

This diversification within sumo has helped bridge cultural gaps, drawing in a wider international audience, including the West, who now follow the careers of these non-Japanese athletes. As sumo opens up, it becomes more accessible to global spectators, and the Western view expands to appreciate not just the Japanese wrestlers but the international figures bringing their own dynamics to the sport.

Dan Kalbfleisch is a name that resonates with power, discipline, and dedication in the world of sumo wrestling. Known as "Sumo Dan," he has clinched the title of 12-time United States Sumo Champion.

His journey into the world of sumo began in 2005, sparked by a documentary about the sport that left a lasting impression on him. Kalbfleisch's career took off rapidly after he decided to pursue sumo wrestling. Within just two years of training, he became the US Champion. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he continued to dominate the sport, winning numerous titles across the country and internationally.

Beyond his personal achievements, Kalbfleisch is passionate about promoting sumo wrestling in the United States.

Through his company, he organizes sumo demonstrations, instructs students, produces tournaments, and educates children about health, fitness, and the importance of following their dreams.

His efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and interest in sumo wrestling among Americans.

With its ancient roots in Japan, Sumo wrestling is more than just a sport for Kalbfleisch. It embodies the ideals of respect, honor, and selfimprovement. Kalbfleisch inspires others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence by sharing his love for the sport and his journey.

Dan Kalbfleisch's story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of one's dreams. As he continues to make strides in the world of sumo wrestling, his legacy grows, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and those who follow in his footsteps.

The “New” sport of SUMO is taking off in the United States and other countries due to the diligent promotional games that people like SUMO Dan hold. A mix of traditional ideals with new age promotion will ensure that this ancient art remains in the annals of millennials for some time to come.

MarioPrado

MMA ORIGINS IN ANCIENT GREECE

Written By Jim Arvanitis

Rumor has it that pankration modifications sprung up in and around Greece from time to time, but they paled in comparison to the original.

During the Byzantine Period (circa 5th–6th century A.D.), contests were called the pammachi in Cyprus. In subsequent eras, pankration spread also to Western Europe where it was referred to as clotsata (circa 12th Century A.D.), lactes (circa 15th Century A.D.), and patso-clotso in the early 19th Century A.D.

In 1895, wealthy sportsmen established the Olympic Club to reenact the ancient Greek and Roman Games. Local boxers and wrestlers "played" the pankratiasts.

In 1896 the only combat sport reinstated at the newly-revived Olympic Games in Athens was wrestling. Pankration was not allowed as a competitive event by the decision of the Cardinal of Lyon.

PART 2

In 1898, an effort was initiated to revive pankration by R. Logan Browne, who served as the movement's primary promoter and spokesman. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence to suggest that he succeeded in his efforts.

Continued from Last Month’s issue

It was not until 1969 that pankration would take shape again, albeit in a modified form as a modern derivative by yours truly. This would be pankration’s rebirth and reconstruction phase.

In 1973 it was exposed to the global martial arts community on the landmark cover of a prominent martial arts magazine.

Along with ancient remnants, pankration was retrofitted with techniques found in modern combat sources of both Western and Asian design.

Pankration blended elements of striking and grappling designed for both standup and ground fighting. The ancient Greeks were realists; they fashioned the sport to be as close to no-holds-barred combat as possible. Injuries were common as well as some fatalities but far less so than in ancient Greek boxing.

The techniques seen in modern MMA are all present in the Greek archaeological record: strikes executed with fists, feet, elbows, and knees, clinching, takedowns, throws, joint locks, chokes and cranks, and even ground and pound.

A pankration competition began with the drawing of lots from a silver urn. The winners of each match fought each other until only two remained for the final. Once the contest commenced, the combat athletes faced each other, sometimes with their elbows across their faces to protect against blows. They attempted to bring the other heavily to the ground by grappling, striking, kicking, or sweeping the legs. There was much preliminary sparring. The hands were uncovered and generally open.

The agones (competition) took place in a sandpit arena called the skamma. There were no rounds or time limits, no weight divisions, and few rules. Biting and gouging were prohibited, although the tough Spartans allowed these in their local contests.

In fact, the Spartans refused to compete in Olympic pankration because “it did not include everything.” These tactics, however, were considered unfair fighting (kakomachein) and contrary to the laws of the Games (nomos enagonios). The rules were strictly enforced by the hellanodikes (referee) who flogged would-be violators with a stout rod (ravdos). Nonetheless, the rules were often broken by those who would rather face a whipping than be seriously injured or maimed.

There were many ways to attain victory although the most common was by rendering one’s adversary either helpless or senseless. A defeated foe would raise his index finger to signal that he was unable to continue (akin to tapping out in modern MMA). The akoniti (“without dust or struggle”) was an option in those cases where a fighter withdrew before competing due to injuries sustained in qualifying bouts.

Although the great national festivals of Greece tended to produce uniformity, local rules undoubtedly existed. One example is from an inscription found at the village of Fassiller in Pisidia containing regulations for local sports − “the pankratiasts were not to use sand to dust themselves like the wrestlers nor are they to use wrestling, but to contend with upright strikes.” In other words, there was to be no wrestling or ground grappling, only hitting with hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

“Always be the best and excel over others” − that was Peleus’ famous exhortation to his son Achilles as he set off for the Trojan War, where he’d win glory at the cost of losing his life. It conveys the attitude and ideals of the best-known heroes and Greeks in general throughout antiquity.

This competitive spirit reached its pinnacle during the Classical Period and was expressed more through pankration than all other sporting events combined. Its champions were enshrined on statues and immortalized in poetic verses.

In ancient Greece, athletic training was intended to keep male citizens fit and ready for war. During periods of peace, achievement in combat sports served as a substitute for heroism on the battlefield. Athletes were admired for their toughness, stamina, and fighting spirit –all virtues of a warrior (agonistic) society. This was especially true in militant Sparta.

To Be Continued... PART 3 NEXT ISSUE January 2025

About the Author

Great Grandmaster Jim Arvanitis is a freelance writer and published author of fifteen books on his fighting art. World-acclaimed as the “Father of Modern Pankration”, he has spent his life researching and rebuilding the ancient combat system of his ancestors.

JimArvanitis

MMA ORIGINS

ANCIENT GREEK MARTIAL ARTS:

Warfare and Combat Sports in the Classical World is a fully illustrated guide to the battlefield tactics of the hoplite soldier and the athletic competitions that evolved from them. The author examines the heavy events of wrestling, boxing, and the all-encompassing pankration in great depth, in addition to weapons competition (hoplomachia).

Topics include arms and armor, the phalanx formation, the pyrrich war dances, tournament rules, a functional analysis of techniques, and training methods along with a complete listing of all the Olympic combat sports champions from their inception in 708 B.C. until the last documented contest on record.

$24.9

Emphasis is given to the role that combat played in Hellenic culture and its spiritual connection to the gods themselves. The book features photos of modern-day reenactors demonstrating hoplite skills and numerous works of art depicted on vases, architectural friezes, frescoes, sculptures, and coins showing combat athletes in heated action. A comprehensive glossary of relevant military and sport terms is also included.

LIVINGWITHAN ICON

BY Keira Dux

Living with Frank can be as ordinary as a walk in the park. While conversely become as surreal for me as living life like a Bond girl.

I met my husband at an event where I was being honored for promoting Danny Dietz’s US NAVY SEAL memorial fund, unaware of my husband’s distinguished notoriety in that community.

The US Navy SEAL Special Warfare Combat Fighting Course manual (K431-0097) identifies Frank as its source contributor on the DOD COOL site.

Frank’s proprietary fighting technology is combat proven by the world’s most elite fighting units to this day.

Discovering how he came by that extraordinary knowledge was a unique pleasure and opportunity for me to meet unique people in the martial art, intelligence, and law enforcement community.

Men and women who worked hands-on with Frank, cluing me in on how it is he is unprecedented in being 2x keynote speaker for FLEOA (Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association) and instructor for NEOA (Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association) and Criminal Justice Institutes.

My experience over the course of a decade being with Frank Dux twenty-four seven is he is everything he says he is. Not because he says it. But because I am in a unique position to see things, firsthand.

For instance, people spread lies, and Bloodsport is fiction. Everyone took Frank’s word for it. Frank’s Film Agreement lists the evidence he was obligated to provide professionally vetted by studio attorneys in securing funding approval to produce Bloodsport, likewise, when he published his autobiographical book, The Secret Man, HarperCollins, 1996

Two independent law firms, many years apart, investigated and arrived at the same findings because of the substantive evidence. No one took Frank’s word for anything, which is a ridiculously asinine statement to make and certainly more asinine to buy into when millions of dollars and brand reputations will be at stake.

Frank’s titles and records are sanctioned by regulating sports authorities and governmental bodies. They are irrefutable in a court of law, with court findings already rendered. His Star, with his name and handprints placed in brass and stone, is part of the world-renowned prestigious Fighters Walk-of-Fame located in the Gallerias Plaza de Estrellas in Mexico City

Metaphorically speaking, in the martial arts world, Frank Dux is the Morpheus of the Matrix Trilogy.

He gives people a choice to expand their minds and skills, achieve their full potential, and create new opportunities by disconnecting, separating themselves from an illusory world engineered by those in control of the information gateways

They were relentless in their attempt to eliminate Frank Alter people around us into destructive agents of The Matrix.

What I love about living with Frank is our partnering in forming strategic alliances with incredible friends, like Dr. Seth Silverman, the lead expert in treating PTSD for KBR.

In a unique position of authority and being my close friend, Dr. Seth Silverman, naturally, protective of me, took it upon himself to investigate Frank when we were just getting to know each other.

Through his significant sources Seth corroborated for me my suspicions, that my husband possessed a unique combat experience of a nonattributable nature in defense of the nation.

Seth helped me understand Frank’s challenges being disavowed and with a bogus military service record book created in his name to protect him being circulated and used to defame him.

That, ironically, is concrete proof of Frank living the life of a covert operative.

In the JBM Films/Shoreline Entertainment documentary Put Up Your Dux, this Military Service Record Book in question was inspected by US Army Custodian of Records, Sgt. Sean Dalton. Who on camera and declared under penalty of perjury identifies the cryptic tells substantiating this is what is known in intelligence circles as a “front file;”. A fabrication created for those participating in sensitive nonattributable activities. This SRB would not exist, otherwise.

Frank is a 250 lbs. 6’2’’ male that is 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran. It saddens me to see Frank waking up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain from shrapnel, which is related to his night terrors.

Mind you, initially, he was disavowed, and Frank denied his VA benefits. Coming out of a coma, he found himself homeless, legally blind, and hearing impaired in 1993. When Frank was in a coma, his name was removed from his script, Retitles “The Quest”. I discovered the Quest’s shooting script missing his name and the original that he had written -- proof of its theft.

The only reason for my searching for substantive evidence is that I am disgusted by impertinent and crude opportunists who cling to the coattails of my husband.

This is a full-time career to have invented new lies about Frank to protect their manufactured image for several decades.

My life before Frank, I, worked at two prestigious national law firms. In one I was the lead investigator to co-counsel. I interacted with professionals featured in US Weekly magazine, which Forbes called 1995 “Lawyers From Hell.” I was entrusted by them to work on some of the biggest cases of all time. I was trained by the ‘best of the best there ever was’ at detecting and unveiling misinformation. Unveiling the truth!

Because of the lies, I spent seven years with a team of researchers investigating the alleged “nonexistent” mentor to Frank, Senzo Tanaka, and the Kumite.

In my possession is courtroom worthy certified evidence proving up Tanaka’s existence in every detail Frank had described in interviews he gave over span of 45 plus years.

These are US National Archives certified documentation bearing OFFICIAL SEALS, incontrovertible proof. Frank has been speaking the same truth for two generations.

This research was consulted in publishing the March 15, 2017, Artvoice article: Martial Arts Legend Frank Dux’s so-called non-existent teacher Senzo Tanaka’s death travel records found

Regarding Frank winning the Kumite I have interviewed eyewitnesses and those authorities who would be in the know, like the Sport Psychology Director of Mexico, Dr. Martha Nieves.

Based on my research team's efforts, we are drowning in information that has been denied to the public because martial arts media in America is a fixed game. The leading trade magazines are mail-order catalogs with articles. Pigeonholing the truth. Selling whopper lies worth swallowing like a Mississippi mud moon pie.

Being a press-credentialed journalist, you realize what makes any article or podcast a recognizable hit piece is the element of selective fact-finding going on …and that cuts both ways.

It engages and enchants me knowing that we stand to expose and set the martial industry on its head with this research and Frank’s to-be-published work; Ninja’s Are Bullshit. That is waiting in the wings for that exact ripe opportune moment. My putting The Matrix in the crosshairs of the international media with its anticipated release, finally.

Investigative journalist, Frank Parlato, and I, when we tried to correct Frank’s birthdate, it was not allowed. Within minutes of making the change it was replaced with the wrong date.

Having the correct birthdate is critical in using data bases to do research. Whoever is controlling Frank Dux page is working at hiding the truth. When this was brought to the attention of Wikipedia’s legal advisor, the correct birthdate now appears. The page is an abomination of Fake News.

Being married to a household name is made more than abundantly apparent to me when we travel the world. Strangers will recognize his name right off and share with us unfounded hospitably and graciously create new opportunities for us.

For instance, my former Nationally recognized collegiate cheerleading team-mates were so excited to meet Frank we ended up invited to see the world-renowned Las Vegas show, KA Cirque Du Soleil and were given a VIP of VIP backstage tour. Someone wrote Franks name being in the house on the bulletin board and the cast surprised us by gathering to greet us after the show. That was such a memorable experience combined with martial arts and gymnastics! Thank you, Mathew Salcedo, and cast!

However, there is a downside to celebrity. Clout chasing Sir-Scam-Alots try to disrupt our peace, trying to get to him, through me. Pathetically, clueless as to what Frank is capable of and, more so, our close circle of friends and family.

To say the least, when this sort of thing happens to me my life with Frank can become a white-knuckle ride. I fear for others safety. I know the true downside. It’s like watching a tourist nuzzling up to a grizzly bear on a national park road unaware of the danger. The bear outwardly appears docile enough. That look of calmness being deceivingly disarming is, equally, true with Frank. So, I must be on my toes and quick thinking.

One time, a guy with road rage who didn’t like where we parked because he had to go around us got out of his car and walked right up to our car, opened the door. Before Frank had the opportunity to react and shred this guy like a grizzly, I told him we were sorry and to please pray for our mother in the hospital as we are trying to deal with a crisis. The guy was stunned and walked off, apologizing over and over.

Frank was trained to fight with his fists and weapons. I was trained to fight with my mind and words.

As a former Executive Board Director for Metropolitan Urban Development District for Galveston, Texas, (Rose Coats Law firm) I am experienced and able to effectively assist my husband in advising him in his navigating his role as a World Organization For Peace Ambassador. I’ve watch him not think twice about letting professional politicians take all the credit for our efforts at coming up with and implementing financially sustainable solutions to social problems.

Living with Frank and putting up with other people’s insatiable egos, most particularly, in the martial art world, I remind myself every day of how good people are out there.

How the American martial arts community is filled with truly great and humble people, like the late J. Pat Burleson, who is part of my Texas Karate lineage through Larry Richie. There’s Sally Smith, Rosie Brown, Jamie Cashion, Bruce Brutschy, Rudy Smedley, Richard Jenkins, Donald Mullins, Keith Vitali, Steve Parks, Billy Smith, Allen Woodman, Daniel Hect, Marion Kirby, Cheryl Kowalski, Kathy Long, Jim Thomas and so many others I met before I ever met Frank who are sadly being cheated out of honors due them.

This is attributable to how “earned and deserved honor” in martial arts is diminished by its MATRIX. Made up of jealous old men acting like a bunch of mean girls. A seedy collection of SirScam-A-lots is now made infamously renowned by my assistance to national news in exposing their pay for honor scams.

Such as, the latest scandal, National News Outlet, Frank Report, January 7, 2024, feature story: From Fake Fists to Faux Thrones: Martial Arts Hall of Fame Nonsense Goes Royal

This Kung Foolery was first brought to public attention when Frank Report published its investigative findings on February 17, 2023: Martial Arts Halls of Fame Cheap, Plentiful, and Bogus.

Frank and I met at Jim Thomas USA Martial Art Hall of Fame in San Antonio, in 2014. My hero, martial art living legend, Kathy Long, encouraging me to get my picture taken with Frank on the red carpet. We have a photo of the very first time we laid eyes on each other. How cool and incredible, is that?

Another cool and incredible thing is how my husband and I stood to have ended up bitter and sour enemies, considering how I “dis” my husband in front of hundreds of people over my mistakenly thinking he was being rude and arrogant towards me when he just couldn’t see or hear me during a group conversation. Not aware he is sight and hearing impaired.

Fortunately, he pursued me, struck up a conversation. The next day he, gentlemanly, walked me to the valet stand and just as he turned to walk away my instincts kicked in. I called out to him and ask him to take me to dinner. He said we would have to meet across the country to make that happen with his schedule. “I’m a Texan” I said and made him shake my hand on it.

His IFAA Black Dragon fraternity heard about it all. They flew me out to Lido Beach, Florida, to be his date and guest for the so called “nonexistent” IFAA Black Dragon reunion.

The Los Angeles Times, in doing a Fake News hit piece on Frank, had represented the only proof that the group led to his doorstep. Reading that might have caused me to think twice about leaving the safety of home to meet someone I only Facetime with up to that point. That and everyone tried to talk me out of it. But something just said to the depth of the core: do it. Or I would regret it. I felt a divine presence speaking to me.

My husband had a reputation that comes with preferring to stay single. I think what won my husband over to me and being interested in me also helped me.

I called his signature jumping spinning heel kick a dance element. When he can land that leap on the balance beam with the tumbling element, then we can compare kicks. Most of the guys in martial arts I have ever said that they want to debate it with me and argue power over form.

Not Frank, whom I found out, did just that 60 stories in the air on a narrow Hotel decorative railing to prove a point when he was a fight choreographer in filming Bloodsport in Hong Kong.

We have been inseparable. With the only exception of my being sequestered as one of the few members of the international press permitted to be in the courtroom covering the NXIVM trial, the federal prosecution of Keith Rainere, and members of the Hollywood sex trafficking cult that resulted in the HBO series: The Vow; and Discovery ID: Lost Women of NXIVM

My involvement in the national news story began as the result of my husband being asked as a favor to protect and assist TV Series Dynasty star Catherine Oxenburg in the rescue of her daughter, India, from the cult.

I had the distinct honor of assisting in the story’s investigation with perhaps one of the most important and greatest investigative journalists of our time, Frank Parlato, Frank Report.

Physically, Frank towers over Jean Claude. And yet, it is uncanny how the two of them look identical at the time when Frank won the event, in 1975. I was 11 months old then!

My husband Frank Dux is not that serine Jean Claude Van Damme caricature portrayal of him, in Bloodsport. My husband more resembles a true-to-life version of John Travolta’s Chili Palmer in Get Shorty. A stoic tough guy who occasionally breaks into adorably infectious bouts of a cinephile enthusiast. Good natured. Turns worthy adversaries into friends.

Of course, there is another side of Frank …almost menacing, beyond imagination.

The sight of him made NXIVM occult members who sought to intimidate, possibly, physically harm, Catherine Oxenburg, outside her home, tremble from the vibes he put out. Their body language and overreaction betrayed their intentions.

At first, they were full of bravado, then frozen by fear staring at a transformed Frank who possesses that recognizable thousand-mile stare of hardened combat veterans I’ve interacted with in the past. They were looking into the eyes of the angel of death, incarnate, in human form.

My husband loves spending most of his time with friends who can relate to him who are themselves extraordinary men who lived extraordinary lives. I can’t keep track of all his worldly friends. Each one has a unique story about Frank and themselves.

He is a former Chief of the CIA’s Instant Response Team, National Security Director of Foreign Nations, and a fellow member of the Association of Foreign Intelligence Officers.

Real movers and shakers in the world of intelligence and law enforcement made it a point to stay off everyone’s radar, your modern-age ninja, like Frank. A very sophisticated and polished group. A far cry from the attention-seeking BJJ and sport karate crowd who spend their weekends going from tournament to tournament or one bogus pay-forhonor Hall of Fame to another.

To walk into Frank’s or any of his close friend’s offices, you may think you’re visiting a movie set and then suddenly realize as you pan photos on a wall, hey, that’s the real deal -- El Chapo in handcuffs. This occurred during our visit with Manuel Mondragon Y Kalib, former Chief of Police of Mexico City and National Security Advisor to the President of Mexico. He kept Hillary Clinton waiting for over an hour when she was Secretary of State so Mondragon could visit with Frank. He loves Frank and tells me he wanted us to relocate to Mexico.

He doesn’t get what I call cranky. It is when he goes deathly steely silent that brings the ugly out of me.

Frank is an entirely different person when he is teaching and sharing knowledge and wisdom in his element It’s when I step back and admire my husband the most. I’ve seen Black Belt tests given by Texas martial arts legends.

However, not taking anything away from them you can’t imagine the pride to be had having seen Frank’s students taking his tests.

They are pressure tested at high altitude in severe weather conditions not in some airconditioned or heated ballroom and his test don’t stop if someone breaks bones. They get treated medically and return to put their head and body right back into the fight. So much so, Frank, has had to step in and stop them on occasion. Not something I ever witness coming close to match it, aside perhaps from the caliber of professional MMA matches.

You can’t imagine how surreal it was for me when he walks us into the most crime ridden barrio of Mexico City, a shanty town, really. With guard dogs on rooftops. Bullet perforated police cars hidden with bodies still in them, behind gates. People then flood the streets seemingly coming out of nowhere, smiling, some cheering. I am treated with utmost love and respect.

Manuel Mondragon Y Kalib, Frank and Keira Dux

Little girls I never met give me friendship bracelets. I went from heart pounding scared to where I never felt safer anywhere else An amazing paradox So Surreal.

The Mexican people love and admire him. He loves them back, instituting martial arts programs for the poor all over Mexico when he had the opportunity to invest his energy elsewhere with the promise of financial backing in opening a chain of schools in the USA after Bloodsport.

He is the true love of my life I suppose the strength he has is the result of what Shaolin Monks call, “The Taste of Bitter.”

How it is as a child Frank’s life was one with the odds all stacked against him. He had to be courageous with his being physically handicapped. He was so pigeon-toed as a child that he had braces strapped to his legs forcing them to turn 180 degrees to appear normal. His family faced financial hardship as the survivors of the holocaust and couldn’t help him with his homework, denied an education due to war and the Nazi persecution of them

Frank’s clothes had to be folded neatly and wrapped in a blanket, transforming them into a mattress on the floor. For the family to eat, have a roof over their heads, and help pay his mother’s medical bills, he’d wake up, scrounge for jobs, and perform hard labor in his childhood. That made him incredibly strong physically and in his character. He sacrificed and saved up for everything he had in life He has earned and lost fortunes multiple times. Losing it to circumstances beyond his control. Even his identity and credits due him derived by his God given talents are deprived from him. And yet, he remains undeterred Unstoppable

Frank has a confidence that will allow him to choose to go hungry and be out in the cold, give away what he needs to help people he views in greater need. He instills that sheepdog like quality in his students, builds leaders, not followers. Sadly, as the phrase goes “no good turn goes unpunished,” he and I both end up resented and betrayed for it, at times.

Fortunately, marriage somewhat altered that dynamic by my happiness becoming his prime focus and he the same for me, Frank’s happiness is my focus. Not fame. Not wealth. Not possessions. Not career advancement. Nothing outside of our love and trust in God, in each other, in family, in community and in that order, that is our way. That is how we prioritize our lives, together.

When times are tough going is when he keeps me laughing with his wit and charm. I fell in love with the way he speaks and expresses himself. He changed my life, and I get to watch him bring out the best in others. It doesn’t get better than that!

To know Frank is to love him.

I married adventure.

KeiraDux

REAL SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN

Joseph J Truncale

A fantastic book filled with practical tips

Keith McCarary

Unveiling the Harsh Reality of Abuse and Equipping Women with Effective Self-Defense

Women in today’s society are often the target of crime and

personal the weaker sex make women a target for those who would use their size, weight or aggression against another person attacks.Societal perceptions of

With most agencies around the world, this book covers the perception of sexual assaults and the statistics from around the globe to tell a stunning and often horrific storyline about abuse and women’s information gleamed from the Enforcement renown Law issues in today’s society. Real Self defense that is useful and easy to learn with step by step directions

293 pages Language

7 x 0.66 x 10 inch

$11.95+ S

MARTIAL ARTS GUIDE TO SUCCESS

Soke Michael DePasquale Jr. & Shihan Allen Woodman bring you a true perspective and practical business sense to open, run and effectively manage a martial arts school.

With over 80 years combined knowledge in owning, managing and instructing martial arts schools nationwide.

Lease negotiations

Daily management solutions

How to get free advertisement for your school

Learn how to attract students and keep them

Techniques to help cover overhead cost

Earning more money, doing the same things you do now

The information you need today to take your school into the next decade and become financially strong

328 pages

Language-English

Publication date

January 1, 2012

Dimensions 8.5 x 0.69 x 11

CANCER KARATE

By Kenny Rebstock

In the face of cancer, a diagnosis that can feel overwhelming and isolating, many individuals seek ways to reclaim their strength and sense of control.

As traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation continue to be the backbone of cancer care, an alternative approach is gaining traction: martial arts.

This dynamic form of physical activity not only offers a way to enhance physical fitness but also fosters mental resilience and emotional support. By exploring the principles and practices of martial arts, patients may discover a powerful ally in their fight against cancer, cultivating a holistic approach that nurtures both body and spirit.

In this article, we will delve into the benefits of martial arts for cancer patients, highlighting personal stories of transformation and the science behind this empowering practice.

In fighting cancer, staying as active and positive as possible is essential. After the initial shock of the diagnosis, prepare for the battle of your life.

What can you do while getting treatment for your cancer?

How can you stay positive and active? cancer.

Exercise is important when you are able to do it.

What types of exercise can you do?

Walking, jogging, yoga, stretching, and....martial arts?

Yes, martial arts are something you can do while fighting cancer. It has been proven that active people have better outcomes when fighting cancer.

But just because you haven't been active doesn't mean you cannot benefit from exercise.

Exercise may help you tolerate the treatments better. It supplies oxygen to all parts of the body. It increases your appetite. It helps to increase your metabolism.

How can you do martial arts while fighting cancer?

You have to set up boundaries and discuss those with your instructor.

If you have a chemo pump you can't spare and shouldn't grapple. Choke holds should be avoided because of your port.

If you are on blood thinners, you shouldn't spare unless it is extremely light sparing.

Bones density after chemo can be a factor. Staying positive while fighting cancer.

Martial arts can help improve your attitude and depression. Through martial arts, you can have a sense of accomplishment, which results in a positive attitude.

I have mentioned things you might not be able to do, but there are many things you can do while fighting cancer.

Kata's, a prearranged set of movements against an imaginary attacker, is an excellent way to increase your heart rate and to build muscle mass.

You can even compete in tournaments! Bag work can help remove the frustration of having cancer. Nothing like taking your anger and frustration on a heavy bag!

Stretching can be a form a meditation. The endorphins that are produced by performing martial arts can help alleviate pain, stress, improve your mood and enhance your feeling of well-being.

When you don't feel well enough to participate, just going to class to watch. Being around other martial artists will make you feel better because martial arts is a family.

Of course, before beginning any activity consult your oncologist.

About the author.

Ken Rebstock is a 6th Degree Black Belt in American Taekwondo, American Karate, and Shizen-Na Karate.

He is a Stage 4 colon cancer patient that runs and does Martial Arts daily. He set the World Record for chemotherapy treatments at 275 and is now approaching 300.

He is the founder of the Cancer Warrior Martial Arts Program which you can find on FB. A one-of-a-kind, self-funded program that presents monogramed Cancer Warrior Black Belts and Certificates to people fighting cancer. It is worldwide.

To nominate someone text 817-6892804. Over 170 Cancer Warrior Black Belts have been presented. No one is ever turned down.

KennyRebstock

90 pages English Publication date February 7, 2011

6 x 0.21 x 9 inches

POLICE APPREHENSION & SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAM

Taizan Ryu Taiho Jutsu founded by Soke Joe Miller, a 50 year veteran of martial arts, 9th degree black belt and the leading authority and founder of Taizan Ryu Taiho Jutsu system. This complete manual has all 18 techniques that have been patented by the U.S. Government to train both Civilian and military police in correct apprehension and arrest procedures and techniques that are both effective and useful in the field.

The Secret Women Warriors of Feudal Japan the Kunoichi:

Written By Sumiko Nakano

The Sengoku period (1467–1615) was a time of upheaval and war in Japan, a bloody era where the fate of clans was often determined not just by the strength of armies, but by the whispers of spies and the shadows of assassins.

Among the many figures who mastered the art of subterfuge during this chaotic period, one name stands out: Mochizuki Chiyome. Her story is not a legend but a documented chapter in Japan's history, one that shaped the covert warfare of the Takeda clan and gave rise to the mysterious figure of the kunoichi—the female ninja.

Mochizuki Chiyome was born into the Mochizuki family, a noble house closely allied with the Takeda clan, in Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture).

Historical sources suggest she was married to Mochizuki Nobumasa, a samurai retainer of Takeda Shingen, one of the most formidable warlords of the era.

Nobumasa’s death in battle, likely before 1561, left Chiyome widowed, a fate shared by countless women during the Sengoku period. However, her life took a sharp turn when she came under the protection of her husband’s overlord, Takeda Shingen.

Takeda Shingen (1521–1573), often referred to as the "Tiger of Kai," was a brilliant military tactician and a master of psychological and covert warfare. His rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin and his campaigns against the Tokugawa and Hojo clans demanded every advantage he could muster.

Around 1561, recognizing Chiyome’s intelligence and resourcefulness, Shingen assigned her a task that would change her life and Japan’s covert history. He asked her to create a network of female operatives who could carry out espionage, sabotage, and, when necessary, assassination.

Historical accounts suggest that Chiyome accepted Shingen’s challenge and established her operations in the village of Nazu in Kai Province. Her recruitment methods were as innovative as her mission. She sought out women who had been marginalized by society—war widows, orphans, geisha, and those abandoned by their families.

The chaos of the Sengoku period provided a steady stream of recruits, many of whom had little to lose and everything to gain.Chiyome cloaked her operations in the guise of charity. Officially, she offered these women sanctuary and trained them to become miko (shrine maidens).

This ruse allowed them to move freely across Japan, as shrine maidens were often called to perform rituals or deliver blessings, gaining access to castles, temples, and other places of strategic importance. Unbeknownst to the outside world, these women were undergoing rigorous training in the arts of ninjutsu.

The training of kunoichi combined traditional shinobi techniques with skills tailored to their unique role as female operatives. Historical manuals such as the Bansenshukai (1676) and Shoninki (1681), though written after Chiyome’s time, describe methods that kunoichi likely employed.

They were taught hand-to-hand combat (taijutsu), swordsmanship (kenjutsu), and the use of concealed weapons like the tanto (dagger) and bo-shuriken (throwing spikes). They also learned the art of disguise, enabling them to blend into any environment as entertainers, servants, or wandering holy women.

One of their most deadly tools was poison. Chiyome’s kunoichi were trained in herbalism, crafting powders and tinctures that could incapacitate or kill. These poisons were hidden in hairpins, sashes, or small vials, always ready for use. Yet, perhaps their most effective weapon was their ability to exploit societal expectations. In a world that underestimated women, kunoichi turned invisibility into power.

The influence of Chiyome’s network became evident during the 1560s and early 1570s. Historical chronicles such as the Kōyō Gunkan, a record of the Takeda clan’s strategies, hint at the existence of covert operatives who provided critical intelligence.

Kunoichi infiltrated rival courts, posing as entertainers or servants, and uncovered plans that could change the tide of battle. For example, during Shingen’s campaigns against Tokugawa Ieyasu in Mikawa Province, kunoichi reportedly sabotaged supply lines and spread disinformation, weakening enemy morale.

Mochizuki Chiyome’s story is a testament to ingenuity and resilience in a time of turmoil. Her kunoichi were not just spies; they were pioneers, carving out a place for themselves in a world that often sought to silence them. In their silence, they spoke volumes.

They moved unseen, but their impact shaped the course of history, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire fascination and respect centuries later. They were taught hand-to-hand combat (taijutsu), swordsmanship (kenjutsu), and the use of concealed weapons like the tanto (dagger) and bo-shuriken (throwing spikes).

They also learned the art of disguise, enabling them to blend into any environment as entertainers, servants, or wandering holy women.

One of their most deadly tools was poison. Chiyome’s kunoichi were trained in herbalism, crafting powders and tinctures that could incapacitate or kill. These poisons were hidden in hairpins, sashes, or small vials, always ready for use.

Yet, perhaps their most effective weapon was their ability to exploit societal expectations. In a world that underestimated women, kunoichi turned invisibility into power.

The influence of Chiyome’s network became evident during the 1560s and early 1570s. Historical chronicles such as the Kōyō Gunkan, a record of the Takeda clan’s strategies, hint at the existence of covert operatives who provided critical intelligence. Kunoichi infiltrated rival courts, posing as entertainers or servants, and uncovered plans that could change the tide of battle.

During Shingen’s campaigns against Tokugawa Ieyasu in Mikawa Province, kunoichi reportedly sabotaged supply lines and spread disinformation, weakening enemy morale. Thus, turning the tide of battle toward Shingen.

Throughout History the Kunoichi has always been a well-kept secret for

The story follows the Hayashi sisters as they confront the challenges brought on by the Emperor's advancing forces, their own familial responsibilities, and the restrictive societal roles expected of women. Each sister brings unique strengths to their family's mission

Step into the world of "Daughters of Wars," a historical fiction series that explores the lives of the Hayashi sisters during Japan's tumultuous shift from the Tokugawa shogunate to the Meiji Restoration.

DUX PUTUPYOUR DUX

By The Real Frank Dux

WALK THE WALK -TALK THE TALK

The

person who talks about you the most is the same person who knows you the least. It happens with such transparency and frequency that it serves as a pivotal plot device in

literature that explores the consequences of malicious speech and the fragility of reputation.

Othello by William Shakespeare is where deceitful manipulation of truth stemming from jealousy and malice led to undeserved downfall and inescapable tragedy.

The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates the societal impact of rumors and the stigma attached to personal failings.

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald is the subject of various rumors that distort identity and intentions

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, that highlighted the Salem witch trials, shows us how defamation can, with the right prompt, escalate into widespread hysteria, negatively affecting the lives of innocent people.

Narratives in literature collectively highlight the moral and psychological implications of defamation revealing its capacity to ruin lives and alter societal dynamics.

Martial artists who are educated are taught the importance of showing respect for self and others and why it is we engage in rituals of salutes, bows and formerly addressing someone by a title of assignation, like Sensei, or Sifu.

A true martial artist understands defamation and murder while fundamentally appearing to be different acts; they are each form of violence leading to irreversible harm.

While murder directly removes a person's ability to exist, defamation does the same, as it results in social ostracization, psychological impact, possible suicide, and loss of livelihood.

Murder and defamation do not just damage the immediate victim but their families, friends, and entire communities, as well.

Unfortunately, the preferred libation of some iconic martial artists is a cocktail mixture of speculation and hearsay, stirred, not shaken, garnished with fabrications of evidence, intoxicating them.

Their flavorful, manipulated and managed perception floats flamboyantly free as a wet martini poured onto a waxed floor to bring about a tumble. Such happenstance reinforces these folks’ delusions of grandeur over those who have fallen by their lies.

They delude themselves to believe they are dangerous, but the man or woman who’s truly dangerous isn’t the gossip peacocking with tattoos and muscles upon muscles that goes around boasting of past sports combats. The real killer is the quiet soul with that thousand-mile stare who wants to forget.

My strong advice is the next time you hear something and are inclined to repeat it… DON’T!

Defamation and personal grievances in a close-knit world of warriors can culminate in a fatal consequence FOR YOU! If not condemn you to be viewed spiritually retarded by those who don’t talk about it but walk the walk of a warrior.

Frank Dux

WARRIOR

By Bohdi Sanders PhD.

A WARRIOR IN THE GARDEN WISDOM

The samurai maxim, “It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war,” is wisdom that every martial artist should remember. Basically, this maxim expresses the need to be prepared.

While you may never need to use your martial arts skills to defend yourself or your family, it is better to have those skills and not need them, than to need them are not have them.

Consider the following statistics. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2020 there were around 4.8 million nonfatal violent crimes (assault, robbery, and rape) in the U.S. This means that 1 in 70 people were involved in a violent crime, and that doesn’t include homicides.

Out of those, 4.8 million people, 3.5 million were victims of assault. That is 1 out of every 90 people! In addition to those violent crimes, according to the FBI, there were 21,570 homicides.

While the odds are in your favor that you won’t be involved in a violent attack, it is certainly a real possibility. And the odds of being attacked are increasing! It is absolutely better to be prepared to defend yourself than it is to count on not being attacked or that your attacker will be kind-hearted and have mercy on you.

It is normal for people to think, “It will never happen to me.” But I would be willing to bet that every single victim of a violent attack also thought that it would never happen to them. They were wrong!

Everyone should have some selfdefense training. Sun Tzu made this clear in The Art of War, writing, “The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.”

It is much safer to make yourself unassailable than it is to simply hope you won’t be attacked. Moreover, making yourself unassailable includes much more than becoming proficient in martial arts. True self-defense leaves nothing out!

Don’t put yourself in a compromised situation. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times. As Master Gichin Funakoshi stated, “When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.” This doesn’t mean that you should see everyone as your enemy, but you must be ready for trouble. You never know when you will need your self-defense skills.

And it is not just when you are away from home that you should be aware of your surroundings. The crime statistics show that most violent assaults happen in the home, where they are least expected. That is where we are the most relaxed and feel safest and are most likely to be unprepared for an attack.

Consider that 38% of assaults and 60% of rapes occur during home invasions. And, if that isn’t bad enough, in 65% of violent burglaries, the victim knows their attacker. Don’t think that you are safe from attack simply because you are familiar with someone.

Han Fei Tzu taught, “If you do not guard the door, if you do not make fast the gate, then tigers will lurk there.” Always be on guard and aware of what is happening around you, even in your own home!

The purpose of this article is not to make you fearful or paranoid, but rather to impress on you the importance of being aware of your surroundings and being prepared to defend yourself at all times. It is when you least expect an attack that you are the most vulnerable.

You don’t need to be paranoid or constantly expecting trouble; that is not healthy. Just be smart, be aware, and be prepared. Keep in mind that it is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war, or in a dangerous situation.

BohdiSanders

About The Author

Bohdi Sanders has been a martial artist for over 40 years, and is the author of 17 books on martial arts and warrior philosophy. His books are available on: www.TheWisdomWarrior.com and on Amazon. Bohdi can be reached at: WarriorWisdom@comcast.net.

THE NEXT GENERATION

BLACK BELT BLACK BELT TESTING FOR

This past month, the staff of IMA Magazine had the privilege to attend two remarkable martial arts events that showcased not only the skill and dedication of practitioners but also the spirit of community and growth within the martial arts world.

Grand Master Byron Mantack's Belt Testing Ceremonies in San Diego The first highlight was the prestigious belt testing ceremonies for Grand Master Byron Mantack held in sunny San Diego, California. This wasn't just any testing; it was a gathering of martial arts legends. The testing board featured an esteemed lineup of masters and pioneers, including GM Albert Wilson, GM Reynaldo Leal, GM Thomas Hardie, GGM Joe Cardenas, GGM deedra Dacoster, GM Gustavo Martinez, GM Larry Spears, Shihan Allen Woodman, Master Benjamin Kelso, Professor Pete Salas, GM Robert Temple,Professor Bernie Angeles, GM Dave Brock, GM Michael Fugate, Master Antonio (Tony) Orlina, GM John Flemmins, Master Donald Atchison

Eachinstructorbroughtawealthof experienceandexpertisetothetable, ensuringthatonlythemostdeserving studentswouldearntheirblackbeltsunder GrandMasterMantack'stutelage.

Thetestingitselfwasrigorousand demandingwithbothverbalandphysical knowledge.Candidatesdemonstratedtheir masterythroughsparringandself-defense techniques,provingtheirabilitiesinrealtimescenarios.Astandoutmoment occurredduringthebreaking demonstration,wherestudentLuisLiquin showcasedhisskills,ultimatelysecuringhis rankasablackbelt Theatmospherewas electric,filledwiththeenergyof determinationandcelebrationasstudents pushedtheirlimits.

Day two was capped by a Dynamic Testing Day in Los Angeles. The excitement didn't stop there. Just a day later, Allen Woodman was invited to be part of the testing board for another group of aspiring black belts at the Los Angeles Aziz Martial Arts training center.

This event was equally thrilling, featuring hands-on seminars led by instructors from around the globe. Participants had the chance to learn from Kempo instructors from Mexico, Krav Maga experts from Arizona, California, and Utah, and even a renowned instructor from Germany.

After intensive training focused on hand-to-hand combat and knife fighting techniques, students lined up for a comprehensive testing regimen that simulated real-life scenarios.

Under the leadership of Jacob Bresler, this event attracted a host of martial arts legends, including Bill Willard, Master Eric Lee, and Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham.

Their presence added an extra layer of excitement and inspiration for the students. After several hours of grueling tests, the instructors unanimously approved all six students seeking their black belts.

It was a moment of triumph for the candidates and the instructors who dedicated their time to shaping the next generation of martial artists. Several students even earned promotions to higher black belt levels, marking a significant milestone in their martial arts journey.

A Bright Future for Martial Arts Both events were a testament to the resilience and passion of martial artists dedicated to their craft. IMA Magazine felt honored to attend these ceremonies, witnessing firsthand the commitment to preserving the art and fostering the growth of future instructors. The gatherings served as a reminder of the importance of community within martial arts, as these practitioners come together to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and inspire one another. As the next generation of martial arts instructors continues to forge ahead, the legacy of these events will undoubtedly keep the spirit of martial arts alive and thriving for years to come.

FILM MOVIE &Review

By Allen Woodman

As a seasoned stuntman and stunt coordinator, I’ve seen my fair share of films, but "Devils Knight" from the MAHAL Empire is a wild ride that truly stands out! This campy romp through medieval mayhem is everything I love about cinema – a perfect blend of blood-soaked battles, mythical monsters, and a heaping dose of Monty Python-esque humor that had me laughing out loud.

Right from the start, it’s clear that the Mahal brothers, Sonny and Michael, are masters of creating offbeat horror films that are as unpredictable as they are entertaining. I wasn’t involved in this production, but oh, how I wish I had been!

The sheer joy of bringing this concept to life is palpable, and it's refreshing to see such unique storytelling in today’s movie market. Set in the ancient town of Veroka, where chaos reigns supreme as the nefarious Bone Devil wreaks havoc, the film introduces us to Sigurd, a deformed warrior played brilliantly by John Wells.

His haunting tales of terror captivate the locals and the audience, setting the stage for an adventure filled with betrayal, secrets, and a lot of bloodshed.

What I love most is how the film balances the grim and the goofy. It’s not just about the horror; it’s about the camaraderie and the absurdity of these bumbling warriors who think they can take down a beast as fearsome as the Bone Devil.

The humor is sharp and well-timed, providing much-needed fresh air amid the carnage. Kevin Sorbo shines as the King’s guard, channeling his inner medieval Hercules with a commendable and amusing seriousness, especially when he finds himself at odds with his comrades. As Lord Sussex, Eric Roberts adds an extra layer of charm with his devilish smirk and mischievous demeanor, while the dynamic between the characters keeps you engaged and entertained.

"Devil’s Knight" is a rollercoaster of excitement where every twist and turn leaves you eager for more. Its engaging plot, hilarious moments, and thrilling action sequences make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good period piece that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In summary, if you’re a fan of knights, demons, and dragons, coupled with a sprinkle of comedy and a splash of gore, "Devils Knight" is the film for you. Grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable adventure that’s as fun as it is fierce!

The Unchained Combat Sport of Ancient Greece is a fully- illustrated guide to what was the cornerstone of the early Olympic Games and Panhellenic festivals.

It examines the brutal blood sport based on the author’s more than forty-five years of extensive research and practice. Considered the precursor of today’s mixed martial arts cage competitions, many historians also contend that pankration laid the groundwork for the development of Asian karate and kung-fu, as well as other fighting styles throughout the world.

The content traces pankration’s historical origins in mythology and on the battlefield where it was known as pammachon, to its transformation and prominence as an Olympic spectacle.

It also explores combat sports of earlier civilizations such as Egypt, Minoa, and Crete as well as the adoption of pankration by the Romans. Boxing (pyxmachia) and wrestling (pale), which formed the foundation of pankration’s diverse skill-set are also detailed.

Event rules, an analysis of pankration techniques, and training methods are covered along with a listing of all the Olympic pankration champions from its inception in 648 B.C. until the last documented contest on record. Emphasis is given to the role that pankration played in Hellenic culture and its religious connection to the gods themselves.

This definitive work adds new information to the author’s published books, and brings to light the importance of pankration as not only the Original MMA, but as the missing link in martial arts evolution.

2 Pc Set Hoodie/ Pants 2 Pc Set Hoodie/ Pants

SAMURAI GEAR

Gold Ring

$19.95 + S&H

Sizes 7-13

$19.95 + S&H

$9.95 + S&H

$9.95 + S&H $9.95 + S&H

Bronze Desk Gong

6 inch X3 Inch

$19.95 + S&H

/ Blk Automaitic Buckle

$19.95 + S&H

Gold Lapel Pin

$9.95 + S&H

Silver Lapel Pin $9.95 + S&H

Brwn / Blk

$19.95 + S&H

Gold NecklaceGold NecklaceSilver Necklace

Brwn

Hojojutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art of restraining that encompasses different school techniques. It is a unique product of Japanese history and culture and is rarely practiced outside Japan. It is part of the curriculum under the aegis of bugei and in jujutsu. There are very few videos or books available on this art. Shihan Allen Woodman teaches you hands-on each technique in a step-by-step format.

Good information to add to what is presented in

HISTORY OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS

Stu Rose

As a Martial Arts Instructor for over 25 yrs. I found this to be a very good book I enjoyed reading it I know a fair amount of history but this book filled in a lot history I didn't know but always wanted to I highly recommend it for martial artists at any level who want to learn about the roots of various Japanese styles and personalities i e karate, Jujitsu, Judo, etc

$9.95

Turn of the century 1900`s Japan Many people progressing toward a more united front. In the mids of Martial arts. Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu and Karate in it are thriving in society today due to the rigid adherence of Japanese culture and tradition Shihan Allen Woodman has spent nearly 40 years training in multiple forms of martial arts with 20 years training in Japan. A certified 6th degree black belt, he has devoted his life to learning the many facets that comprise traditional Japanese martial arts of Aikido, Karate, Judo, Karate and Jujitsu. Reading this book will give you a better understanding of the beginnings of all traditional Japanese martial arts from a unique perspective. Learn the foundation of the traditional arts, who started them and why."

Allen Woodman is a learned person with such a vast knowledge of the true history of the arts it would be foolish of any one not to listen to his stories

"Michael Matsuda, Curator, Martial Arts History Museum

UNIVERSAL WARRIOR ARTS SYSTEM

UniversalWarriorArtsisanEmpoweringSelfDefenseandLifeSkillsStrategyGuidebookfor theMind,BodyandSpiritualWarfareA.K.A BattlefieldReadiness101.Thegoalandobjective ofthisbookistoincorporateyourownVerbal Ju-JutsuSkills,ViolencePrevention,Spiritual Inspiration,Intervention,andStreetSurvival AwarenessTacticsforFamilySafetypurposes. Thewinningstrategiespresentedinthisbook, havebeenproveninSelf-Defense,BullySafety andtheInternationalMartialArtsArena.Itisa Sophisticated,ProvenandPracticalMartialArt SystemthatwillEmpoweryourKnowledgeand nottakeawayfromyourTraditionalorMMA (MixedMartialArts)Style.

Language : English

Paperback : 182 pages

Dimensions : 7 x 0.71 x 10 inches

Step into the world of "Daughters of Wars," a historical fiction series that explores the lives of the Hayashi sisters during Japan's tumultuous shift from the Tokugawa shogunate to the Meiji Restoration. Trained in the ways of the samurai, Sumiko, Misako, and Aiko are not only sisters but also warriors poised to protect their village, Kasumigaura, during a critical period of change.

The story follows the Hayashi sisters as they confront the challenges brought on by the Emperor's advancing forces, their own familial responsibilities, and the restrictive societal roles expected of women. Each sister brings unique strengths to their family's mission Sumiko's silent fortitude, Misako's fervent determination, and Aiko's sharp wit embodying the virtues of the Bushido code: honor, courage, and loyalty.

Through sword fights, secretive plots, and thoughtful exchanges, "Daughters of Wars" offers a narrative that combines action with a close examination of personal and communal struggles. The sisters' journey is one of resilience and identity as they strive to uphold their father's legacy while navigating their path through a world on the cusp of modernity.

$9.95

Hojojutsu is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope. Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is quintessentially a Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and culture. It is the beautiful and peculiar art of restraining someone using (often brightly colored) cord. It is rarely practiced outside of Japan and is an ancient strand of martial art with a rich and complex history.As a martial arts practice, Hojojutsu is seldom, if ever, taught on its own but as part of a curriculum under the aegis of the body of study encompassed by a larger school of bugei or budo, often as an advanced study in jujutsu. Hojojutsu techniques and methods are seldom demonstrated outside of Japan.Shihan Allen Woodman has trained over 20 years in Japan and is the Chief Instructor at the Dento Teki Na Dojo, the Kokusai Karate Do Renmei Hombu Dojo in Bronx, New York. Sensei Allen Woodman offers this book on the traditional martial art of Hojojutsu. This is one of the only books ever published on this art form detailing the defensive practices and techniques of the art.

125 pages

Language English

Publication date March 15, 2013

Dimensions 6.9 x 0.5 x 9.9

New concept, for America, really effective

John Atkinson

The first practical account I have seen of these techniques for over forty five years.

Richard Hopkins