mae magazine vol 4

Kearny Martial Arts Instructor

Father of American ShootFighting Martial Arts Actor

Real Hero greater than fiction!

Atlanta’s Black Belt with a mission

ISSUE 4 - FEBRUARY 2011 Table of Contents World Event News: MAC TOUR USA - "Experience It!" Martial Arts Entertainment Media Events Feature Stories: Martial Arts Actor James Hong Frank Dux: Real Hero, Greater than Fiction!

Entertainment News: Cynthia Morrison's "Arms of Autumn": A Short Film with Action Brandon Stumpf: Martial Artist, Actor and Art Teacher Gary Alexander's Holiday Hall of Fame Results of the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors as seen by George Alexander Articles: ShootFighting with its Creator - Bart Vale Gordon Richiusa's "The Five Bird System" Bartitsu - Vintage Martial Arts on the Silver Screen Atlanta's Own Black Belt with a Mission - Joe Corley Kearny Martial Arts Instructor Vincent Marchetti Paul Herbert - Shotokan Karate 5th Dan John Agar's Wing Chun Kung Fu - More Than Just Chain Punching USA Kenpo Karate News Blast - Press Releases: Gordon Richiusa's "Shidoshi": Four Ways of the Corpse New Entertainment Company Ventures Into Florida: Grand Opening of Fortress Hill Health & Beauty: Nutrition 2 Success "Regain Health with Proper Nutrition" - page 40 Avon Cosmetics - Discover A New You - page 41

Advertisers: New Radio Show "Combative Arts Radio Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors Rules Film Martial Arts Entertainment Radio Fighting For Film Seminar with Matt Jones Dragon Jade Shop Arnold Sports Festival FightZone Media ShootFighting Martial Arts Show Biz TV

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We are excited to announce a NEW show coming to the Martial Arts Entertainment Radio Network. It's called "Combative Arts Radio" and will be hosted by Todd Hezlitt and Dustin Crouse. The show will explore and discuss the Traditional Forms to MMA and Military style Martial Arts. How they relate to one another and how they differ, and how in the end learning for all is the end result. To be a guest of this show please contact Todd Hezlitt at: hezlittusmc@yahoo.com or call 520-240-5553. If you would like to become a host of your own online radio show please contact us today at: dz@masbtvradiomag.com or call 561-575-5425.

Dear Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine Subscribers, Thank you once again for subscribing to another Issue of Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine which has become one of the hottest online martial arts publications to date. Designed with an entertainment flair Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine gives you the facts on today’s martial arts world including special reports on the latest news, events, living legends, celebrities, stars, and stunt & movie film projects in our industry.

We hope you enjoy this Issue which includes Special Stories on martial arts actor James Hong and martial arts legend Frank Dux from the movie "Blood Sport." Look for the many other exciting articles on ShootFighting legend Bart Vale, Atlanta's Own Black Belt with a Mission Joe Corley, Training with Vincent Marchetti, Bartitsu – Vintage Martial Arts on the Silver Screen, Paul Herbert - Shotokan Karate 5th Dan, Wing Chun Kung Fu - More Than Just Chain Punching, Five Bird Martial Arts Systme, and USA Kenpo Karate.

There's also Entertainment News with Cynthia Morrison's "Arms of Autumn": A Short Film with Action and Bradon Stumpf: Martial Arts Actor and Art Teacher. World Event News with MAC TOUR USA martial arts circuit and Martial Arts Entertainment Medias Event Calendar, Plus Health & Beauty Tips, News Blast Press Releases on Gordon Richiusa's "Shidoshi": Four Ways of the Corpse, Grand Opening of James Sang Lee's Fortress Hill and much much more!

If you would like to be a part of the next Issue of Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine contact us today at: dz@masbtvradiomag.com or call: (561) 575-5425. We Are Offering Special Advertising Rates of 20 to 30 Percent Off! Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine is a quarterly publication that is easy to read, colorful, and offers easy maneuverability for its readers throughout the site. For martial arts Event Promoters it has also served as an affordable advertising vehicle. Now with the many martial arts businesses, associations, and products available in the martial arts community today Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine now offers a NEW Product & Service Division.

Thank you again for your support of Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine,

Danny & Theresa Zaino Publishers - Martial Arts Entertainment Magazine

MAC TOUR USA... Experience It! MAC TOUR USA is an acronym for Martial Arts Competition Tour Of America. We are an organization that promotes and hosts Martial Arts Tournaments for people of all ages, experience levels and Martial Art's styles. MAC TOUR USA was founded on some very simple concepts. We believe Gen. Colin Powell, former United States' Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Chairman for the Alliance for Youth said it best when he said “We must challenge young people by having high expectations of them; engage them with the opportunity to realize those expectations through constructive, character building activities.”

Our unique approach brings a new and exciting level of competition in your local area. Whether you’re a First Timer, Lil' Warrior, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Black Belt student there are divisions just for you. We offer competition in traditional, open, extreme forms and weapons, point and continuous sparring and soon we will be partnering with FX grappling to bring you grappling divisions. and a whole lot more.

We use the most advanced tournament management system including online preregistration, computerized registration at the door, and online posting of results. Our software management system makes your experience with MAC TOUR USA user friendly and is an effective tools to keep our tournaments a positive experience for the competitor and spectator alike.

We are also one of the founding partners along with the FOUR SEASON'S TOUR in creating the South Florida North American Sport Karate Association. This organization is on a mission to assure the highest quality Martial Arts Tournaments and give it's members great competition in South Florida. We invite you to join us!

If you’re a student we invite you to speak with your Instructor and have them contact us for more information. If you are a school owner or Instructor please go to "contact us" directly for more information.

You can also "contact us" to find out more about how we can help you to start or improve your school’s competition team and why MAC TOUR USA and SOUTH FLORIDA NASKA is a great choice for your students and your school!

Please feel free to surf our website for more about us and then join us today because at MAC TOURS USA...IT ALL BEGINS WITH YOU! Thank you, Promoter Rick Hartmanwww.MACTOURUSA.com

MARTIAL ARTS ACTOR JAMES HONG James Hong began his career in show business in the 1950's when he redubbed soundtracks of several Asian films, including the re-dubbing of characters Ogata (Akira Takarada) and Dr. Serizawa (Akihiko Hirata) in the 1956 Japanese film Godzilla, King of the Monsters! He also played the title character in the Human Vapor and appeared as a prince on an episode of Disney's Zorro in 1959. Hong was one of the original founding members of the East West Players in 1965 which was one of the first Asian American theatre organizations. Today he has played in over 500 television and film roles.

Hong was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Frank W. Hong, an immigrant from Hong Kong to Chicago via Canada. Hong moved back to Hong Kong for his early education returning to the United States at the age of ten. He studied civil engineering at the University of Southern California and was a road engineer for Los Angeles County for 7 1/2 years, but later became interested in acting. He trained with Jeff Corey acting during his vacations and sick days only to finally quit engineering for good to devote himself to acting and voice work full time.

From 1972 to 1975 Hong was a frequent guest star on the television series Kung Fu and joined the cast on the final season of Switch as Wang. He also played a flight attendant in the original 1979 film The In Laws and in 1980 he starred as a uniformed man in the comedy cult film Airplane. He is however most widely known for the roles of the Immortal ghost sorcerer Lo Pan in John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China (1986), as the eye manufacturer Chew in Blade Runner, as the lowrent private eye in Black Widow, and for his appearance in the 1989 film The Vineyard.

Hong appeared as a host in a Chinese restaurant on the well known Seinfeld episode and played a

similar role in several episodes of the Big Bang Theory during its first season and in the "Color Blind" episode in the first season of Alias. He also played Mr. Soo and Asian restaurant owner on the comedy series The King of Queens and also guest starred on Friends playing Hoshi the former paid assassin and boxing coach for Monica's boyfriend Pete. He played Jeff Wong, Cassandra Wong's father in the 1993 comedy sequel Wayne's World 2 and had a small role in the 1998 independent film Broken Vessels. Most recently he played the role of Mr. Takato in the movie Chasing Zoey, and in the television series Zoey 101. Hong also voiced the character Doalon Wong, an evil wizard in the Jackie Chan Adventures television series and was the voice of Chi Fu in Disney's Mulan, Mandarin in Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go, and Professor Chang in Teen Titans. He also made a cameo appearance in the television series Las Vegas as a presumed cheating monk and lent his voice to the Cartoon Network animation chowder as Mung Daal's mentor in the "won-Ton Bombs" episode.

Hong's voice also appeared as Colonel Zhou Peng in the video game Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, Dr. Chang in 2007's Def Jam Icon, Ancient Wu in True Crime: Streets of LA, and reprising his role as Chew in the Blade Runner video game. His most recent appearances were in the films Balls of Fury and the Day the Earth Stood Still. In 2008 he voiced Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda, the father of Jack Black's Panda character and was nominated for an Annie Award for his performance. For more information on James Hong you can visit his official website at: www.jameshong.com.

Frank Dux Real Hero, Greater than Fiction!

by Gordon Richiusa If you are a part of the “now generation” of martial artists then in all likelihood you and your teachers were influenced

by Bloodsport, the 1988 motion picture based on the true story of a martial art Living Legend, Hanshi, Frank W. Dux. The cult film Bloodsport owes its origins to Black Belt magazine where Frank Dux and the International Fighting Arts Association/Official Black Dragon Fighting Society is debuted in the November 1980, issue.

“Because this is a true story of a martial art great, Bloodsport became the most globally syndicated and viewed martial art film in television and film history! No other comes a close second!” says the former Warner Bros VP of Marketing and Advertising, Joseph Sinda AKA “Doc Hollywood.” Warner Bros is the film studio that distributes Bloodsport and the martial art classic Enter The Dragon starring Bruce Lee. “Bruce Lee officially requested Warner Bros to help him find Frank Dux,” says the former Warner Bros. VP, Joseph Sinda. Sinda attributes this to the fact the Warner Bros action star had been told over the years how there existed a teenager who was big and way faster than the “The Dragon”. Bruce Lee’s sources being none other than Martial Art legends Bill Ryusaki and USKA Karate Champion Victor Moore just to name but two. The Warner Bros VP, Sinda insists Bruce Lee had no choice but take the claim seriously given the fact Vic Moore had bested Bruce Lee in a test of speed four (4) out of six (6) times in an exhibition, at the 1969 Long Beach Internationals.

Moore fought and defeated Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and many others renowned for their lightening fast speed. It is Vic Moore who put an end to Mike Stone’s undefeated winning streak of 91 fights. Moore defeated Stone in the first round, only to be faced by Frank Dux who had unexpectedly showed up afterwards challenging Moore . They fought for fifteen minutes or more says Vic Moore and Lawrence Day. Vic didn’t realize it at the time but Dux was only thirteen at the time. Moore thinking he was faced with a cocky 17 maybe 18 year old young man given Dux athletic build and height.

The Moore/Dux fight resulted in Dux coming to the attention of martial art Jujitsu and Judo legend Jack Senzo Seki (trained directly by Kano Jiguro/founder of Judo) as well as Senzo Seki’s father, Senzo Tanaka.

Impressed they became Frank Dux first formal teachers in the martial arts. That is, in addition to the Black Dragon Fighting Society members who’d made up Moore ’s entourage. The Dux Moore fight was viewed as an initiation by the BDFS. “It had made Frank Dux the youngest BDFS member in our history,” boast BDFS original members Don Miskel.

Ernie Reynolds and Lawrence Day.

The BDFS was founded by John Keehan AKA Count Dante and is viewed by some as the toughest crew in the martial arts world since it was willing to escort Vic Moore and other minorities into whites only hotels so they could be allowed to compete.

This occurred during an era where if you were black you rode in the back of the bus or had to accept the best you could attain was third place. Complain you faced being ball batted. The BDFS was regularly outnumbered ten sometimes twenty to one and stood firm and willing to fight for racial equality when they walked into the whites only tournaments. Having never backed down, they looked for raw grit not trophies. Turning away many a martial art champion because they lacked the same resolve.

Notwithstanding, Frank Dux incredible speed and determination caught the attention of not only BDFS but also many school owners as well given the fact he could be seen auditing their classes. “The sidewalk was his mat,” Bill Ryusaki recalls how Dux was too poor and shy to walk in and ask to enroll.

Bruce Lee would occasionally visit sensei Bill and just miss running into this amazing kid who was lightning fast. After cleaning Bill Rysaki’s Ryu Dojo windows or sweeping the sidewalk in front of the school, located on Lankershim Blvd , in North Hollywood , California , Sensei Bill rolled up his blinds so Dux could watch and learn.

Vic Moore is the first fighter along with martial art legend Joe Lewis to debut Professional Kickboxing. This occurred on the Merv Griffin show in the early 1970’s. Frank Dux credits Lewis, Moore and Ryusaki fighting styles as having given him the right tools to become a champion. Moore will often talk of Dux following him around like an oversized puppy with sharp teeth and hungry eyes, studying Moore’s and Joe Lewis every move. Paying attention to Dux’s progress, Moore predicted Frank Dux as the up and comer to watch.

Frank Dux was the only person Moore says he couldn’t defeat and proclaims in the 2009 December issue of Amsterdam News as well as in the soon to be released Put Up Your Dux documentary, Frank Dux has the distinction of being the most memorable opponent in Victor Moore’s illustrious fighting career. Moore says without a doubt and not trying to take anything away from Bruce Lee, Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Bill Wallace, etc. that "Frank Dux was pound for pound the best fighter he'd ever fought or had ever seen.“ Frank Dux insists much of the credit goes to Vic Moore and Bruce Lee for inspiring him.

Frank Dux says it was Vic Moore leading by example in persevering in the face of racial prejudice and Bruce Lee’s fighting philosophy that empowered Frank Dux to believe in himself, enough so that he could train himself and not quit before he even had a chance to

to have begun. “No limitation as limitation,” says Dux, quoting Lee. Vic Moore predicted, as had Bruce Lee and many others who were familiar with Frank Dux reputation, when unleashed Frank Dux would assuredly inspire a new title and usher in a new generation of martial artists because he dared to transcend styles and fight venues.

They were all proven right when Dux did as predicted by becoming the first person on record called the “Ultimate Fighting Champion” from which the “Ultimate Fighting Championship” really owes its name and inspiration.

The 1988 Bloodsport trailer describes Dux as the true story of “The Ultimate Fight Champion.” The Gracie family inspired by Bloodpsort founded the event as Ultimate Fight Challenge that later was changed to Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Totally, inspired by Frank Dux compelling story says Gracie family member Higan Macado, during the filming of a 2002 documentary in which a who’s who of martial art legends showed up to discuss Kumite fighting. Snip its from the likes of martial art greats Gerald Okamura, Ted Tabura and others can be seen on the website www.fasstduxryu.com.

MSNBC Sports, periodicals and trade journals as well as numerous official government sanctioning organizations (e.g.

IFAA, MASA, Black Dragon Society International, Alliance, Shinja, Shinjiatsu, etc.) have investigated, acknowledged and proclaimed Frank Dux is not only an undefeated world champion with 329 fights and having establish 16 world records (still standing) but his cross training in the 1970’s distinguishes him as the Mixed Martial Art archetype, “The Godfather of the MMA”.

Former Warner Bros VP Joseph Sinda, explains, “Few realize but it was Frank Dux who first started the trend of competing in bicycle or board shorts just as is depicted in 1988 film Bloodsport. People assume the producers did this to show off Van Damme’s physic but this is not the case. Frank Dux was famous for having refused to wear a traditional uniform. He did this because of all the prejudice and meaningless bantering of the day. Generally, Frank came out wearing a traditional Japanese Judo uniform and after he won you could hear people say Japanese style better than Chinese style and vice versa when he’d wore a Chinese jacket. Frank decided to abandon wearing a uniform altogether in order to make a statement that this event is man against man, no specific style versus style either as he was amongst the first to cross train, be a true mixed martial artist. This occurred when the vast majority of people frowned on and belittled anyone not remaining “pure” as in dedicate themselves to only one style of martial art. Bruce Lee spoke to me of cross training but unfortunately his early films still resemble the Shaw brother’s chop-sockies style of the day.

Did you know Bruce Lee and Frank Dux were schooled in fight choreography secrets from stuntman legend Heubie Kerns. Frank Dux influence in cinema generally goes unrecognized by the audience but it is comparatively as important and influential as Bruce Lee’s in how martial art movies are now made. Lee introduced special effects and likewise, Frank Dux introduced stop action and hand held shots… groundbreaking stuff for the genre.

It is too bad they never met can you imagine what mind blowing films they could have made together. Pooling their talents.”

November 2010 marked the 30th year anniversary of Black Belt magazine exclusive interview introducing Frank Dux to the martial art community. Black Belt made it clear the Kumite event as depicted in Bloodsport was far from being secret event. Stating that it was conducted by a closely held organization that did not seek publicity. The promoters and participants understandably asked they remain confidential sources as they risked legal entanglements given the gambling and quasi-illegal unsanctioned sports atmosphere. Thus, Black Belt magazine had stated: “From time to time, BLACK BELT learns of unusual events or occurrences in the martial arts; events that either because of their nature or because they occurred in the distant past – cannot be easily verified. Because we don’t want our readers to be misinformed, BLACK BELT has a policy of strict verification of all facts pertaining to any article. In the case several members of the staff have invested considerable amounts of time and energy checking the details of the following article, which was the product of a series of four interviews conducted over a period of three months. Although there is no convenient way to verify each and every detail connected with this story, the editors have verified enough of the basic facts to feel confident in publishing it.”

In 1988, the Los Angeles Times compared Bloodsport movie going fans to mindless drive in trailer trash. The paper attributed to Black Belt magazine and Frank Dux claims that were never made. Such as, these were very secret “underground death matches!”

Frank Dux in his book The Secret Man, HarperCollins, 1996, points out the Los Angeles Times reporter’s intentional mischaracterization of the facts opened the door for others to dispute the event and belittle his accomplishments.

The reporter’s bias is made very apparent by his having withheld important material facts and intimidating eyewitnesses. He is deceptive by presenting as “independent expert witnesses” Dux business competitors and personal nemesis. The reporter is juxtaposing statements to render an entirely different meaning. The Los Angeles Times going so far as having propped up as credible substantive evidence that court proceedings of libel and slander revealed was on its face to be overtly fraudulent. Evidence that leads only back to the reporter suggesting he fabricated the evidence in order to invent controversy. The reporter’s misconduct was so visible, his intent so malicious it had warranted a visit to the papers editorial offices by Frank Dux and his attorney Michael Lucero PRIOR TO the articles published release.

With no real fact finding being conducted this articles baseless allegations has led to producing a thread of falsehoods and controversy surrounding Frank Dux. To the extent, the

film reviewer website www.ChasingTheFrog.com that had been one of Frank Dux most outspoken detractors and was cited as a source (i.e. used on Dux Wikipedia page) has reversed its opinion and apologized to Frank Dux determining they were misled by inflammatory and false evidence presented by the Los Angeles Times which all other journalists (but one) were relying on as truthful. The Los Angeles Times evidence is now exposed on their website. Namely, an infamous trophy receipt the Los Angeles Times cites to make the allegation Frank Dux is a fraud, purporting Dux bought his trophy from a trophy manufacturer near his home. When in fact, the so called smoking gun evidence is nothing more than a Xerox copy of a receipt anyone could manufacture on any copier/fax printer. An obvious fabrication given it is incorrectly dated, misspelled Dux name as DUKES and turns out if you bother to read the description and compare it to the Kumite trophy Dux holds as seen inset in Black Belt magazine, in 1980, it isn’t even for the same trophy!

Mickey Blowitz is a highly regarded film producer, student and perhaps the best friend of martial art legend Ed Parker. Blowitz states under penalty of perjury and before documentary cameras he had witnessed Ed Parker engage in a heated argument with the Los Angeles Times reporter, John Johnson, in 1988, prior to the articles release. “The Father of American Karate, Ed Parker said he would produce members of his own extended family that can establish Frank Dux won his championship and his world records. He argued with Ed and was in complete denial of the facts and threatened Ed. It was an obvious hatchet job and Ed and I called Frank to warn him, in advance. Frank told us we weren’t alone as he was getting all sorts of calls.”

IFAA President, a former Kumite fighter and current military Close Quarter Combat instructor, Stoffel Van Vuuren exclaims, “People will often ask me was it real, the Kumite. I’d say feeling Frank Dux size 14 foot in my chest and then suddenly looking up at the roof was real enough for me. The IFAA was officially established at the turn of the 20th Century, in China . If not for a world war it might have remained there until it is relocated ending up here in South Africa . The IFAA is on parity with our country’s Olympic Committee. In my opinion, it was the United Nations International boycott of South Africa due to apartheid policy that led to IFAA being denied public recognition along with its champions like Frank Dux or myself for that matter, after 1980.”

Mickey Blowitz is a highly regarded film producer, student and perhaps the best friend of martial art legend Ed Parker. Blowitz states under penalty of perjury and before documentary cameras he had witnessed Ed Parker engage in a heated argument with the Los Angeles Times reporter, John Johnson, in 1988, prior to the articles release. “The Father of American Karate, Ed Parker said he would produce members of his own extended family that can establish Frank Dux won his championship and his world records. He argued with Ed and was in complete denial of the facts and threatened Ed. It was an obvious hatchet job and Ed and I called Frank to warn him, in advance. Frank told us we weren’t alone as he was getting all sorts of calls.”

IFAA President, a former Kumite fighter and current military Close Quarter Combat instructor, Stoffel Van Vuuren exclaims, “People will often ask me was it real, the Kumite. I’d say feeling Frank Dux size 14 foot in my chest and then suddenly looking up at the roof was real enough for me. The IFAA was officially established at the turn of the 20th Century, in

China . If not for a world war it might have remained there until it is relocated ending up here in South Africa . The IFAA is on parity with our country’s Olympic Committee. In my opinion, it was the United Nations International boycott of South Africa due to apartheid policy that led to IFAA being denied public recognition along with its champions like Frank Dux or myself for that matter, after 1980.”

The former VP of Warner Bros Joe Sinda is just one of several reliable and corroborating witnesses whom members of Black Belt magazines staff had spoken with. In addition to their being treated to film footage of Frank Dux fighting. Rare footage his students are only allowed to view after they completed belt testing’s, says Dux former students Shihan Sky Benson, Kevin Cain, George Patouliotis, Benjamin Schultz, and many others who have studied with Dux over the decades. Black Belt magazine took stills from footage, as seen inset in the original November 1980 article. Black Belt magazine graphic artist Tim Chapman forced to black out the eyes of participants when no photo releases accompanied the footage.

Joe Sinda (along with several others) requested his name not be used in the November 1980 issue of Black Belt magazine. Full-contact fighting sports were viewed as being associated with organized crime. The boxing world was interested only in protecting its own self-interests over the then emerging martial art industry, putting an end to full contact Karate matches being held in the USA, during the 1960’s. The athletic commissions were controlled by boxing officials who had made full contact martial arts illegal and stigmatized anyone associated with martial arts, denying the early MMA promoters access to major venues like Madison Square Gardens , etc.

The early MMA/Kumite fights were hardly secret given the fact there exist recorded matches having taken place in the United States , in the late 1800’s. In Chicago , in the 1930’s Japanese Jujitsu fighters were pitted against American boxer’s to determine if the US Army and Marine Corps should incorporate Jujitsu into their training. One famous boxer was Bobby Calhoun. His participation inspired two of his students to do, likewise. Namely, Michael Felkoff and John Keehan AKA Conte Dante. They are amongst the first to promote the first full-contact martial art matches beginning in the early 1960’s. Grandmaster Michael Felkoff proclaims he first saw Frank Dux training with Felkoff’s sidekicks Dr. Lawrence Day and Don Miskel, in Chicago , in the early 1970’s.

“Frank Dux is the first person I knew of to ever be referred to as Ultimate Fighting Champion, first more of a nick name than an official title,” says Grandmasters Felkoff and Day. Lawrence day says he watched Dux become champion and it was no accident Frank Dux was blinded, either. “I knew when he couldn’t see Frank was going to be a great champion as he didn’t panic he just reached down deep in himself and used his Chi to be centered and defeat Chong Li. He used the Tibetan burning palm not strength… it was beautiful to watch.”

Katana magazine editor Alonso Rosado states he and others fought with Frank Dux when he was completely blindfolded, that he has demonstrated feats that no one has yet to be able to repeat in his presence. Dux in 1993 being the first and only martial artist to punch through bullet proof glass, etc. as can be seen on YouTube.com.

“When you come by information about Frank Dux, myself or even Chuck Norris on the Internet these days declaring how fake and overhyped our talents are it’s pretty easy to be sucked into the spin. Especially, when these allegations are supported by what appears to be unbiased and credible sources but actually they have a very narrow and hidden agenda” says Irving Sotos, Federal Police Officer and former Kumite Champion.

Grandmaster Irving Soto is but yet another corroborating source. He points out what generally goes unmentioned on the internet and in print is the fact court proceedings of libel and slander of Frank Dux v Soldier of Fortune magazine, Robert Brown, Alexander McColl, Larry Bailey, establish the sources disputing the accomplishments of Frank Dux and the Kumite event are proven to be as annotated by Kathy Kolt, The Untold Story Of Actor Frank Dux, Hanshi Artesia Daily, July 18, 2008: “…guilty of making or repeating unsubstantiated allegations and presenting fabricated physical evidence” The libelous and unreliable sources are none other than: B.G. Burkett & Glenna Whitley, Stolen Valor; John Johnson, NINJA: Hero or Master Fake? Others Kick Holes in Fabled Past of Woodland Hills Martial Arts Teacher". Los Angeles Times. May 1, 1988, "Full Mental Jacket" (August 1996) and "Stolen Valor: Profiles of a Phony-Hunter" (November 1998) ; Clyde Gentry III, No Holds Barred: Ultimate Fighting and the Martial Arts Revolution, Milo Books, 2003, Paperback Edition, ISBN - Soldier of Fortune 90-X; Ralph Keyes, The PostTruth Era: Dishonesty and Deception in Contemporary Life, St. Martin's Press (2004).”

Those familiar with the issue of libel and slander of Frank Dux may view this occurring as a form of political retaliation. Given the fact it is carried out by the same group responsible for spreading the Swift Boat lies that cost Senator John Kerry his bid for the presidency. In another instance, some view it as publicity orientated by citing Clyde Gentry representations stem from a single unreliable source. Gentry’s defamatory representations are not only contradicted by police reports and medical records but a stipulated court judgment proves Gentry claims are false, an alleged fight between Frank Dux and a UFC fighter Zane Frazier had never taken place. No mutual combat took place. When he knew Dux is made vulnerable from a brain tumor Frazier sucker punched Dux from behind with brass knuckles.

Testimony to Frank Dux skills, he has not only used his skills to heal others as featured on That’s Incredible teaching a boy who never walked to walk but overcame his own disabilities of blindness and loss of hearing, stricken with spinal meningitis. The result of complications of his brain surgery; battling back to health not only himself but others inspired by his leading by example.

“In addition to the money generated by sensationalized claims, as everyone knows controversy sells, some of these sources arbitrarily claim Dux is claiming to be a Vietnam War Veteran. B. G. Burkett does this by making the allegation while mischaracterizing a picture of Frank Dux in a Marine uniform that was a costume he’d worn in his college film class. The allegation nonetheless undermined Frank Dux and prevented him from continuing to being

taken as a serious advocate for veteran’s benefits, as a result” - Confidential Media Research Sources Consultant, Bill Hearne.

The verified facts are Frank Dux is an adjunct faculty member of Criminal Justice Institute, St. Petersburg , Florida ; inducted as “Knight Chevalier” by Police Hall of Fame, National Association of Chiefs of Police of Miami, Florida. He is the only foreign national to teach at Mexico City Police Academy and has numerous awards for his involvement in MultiJurisdictional Counter Drug Agency Task Force Investigations and training by HIDTA & NEOA. He is identified as a source contributor to the Special Warfare manuals of elite units around the globe. Including, the US Navy SEAL CFC manual (k-431-0097), bERKYT Ukrainian Anti-Terror unit, etc. This is what Black Belt magazine had meant back in 1980 as Dux “having military experience of a unique nature.” Kathy Kolt, Artesia Daily, July 18, 2008 wrote: “FRANK DUX, he’s the stuff movies are made of, but the movie was never made of the real hero.”

Senate Intelligence Oversight & Iran Contra Congressional Hearing witness - Iran-Contra Insider and its paymaster, Lt. Commander, Alexander Martin, USN (ret.), under penalty of perjury, identified Mr. Frank W. Dux as a covert operative who is responsible for having briefed him with regard to Operation Cordoba Harbor, declaring: “During my intelligence career, I have met with and been introduced to many covert operatives, whose existence has often been officially denied by the government agencies that these parties have been associated with. One of these covert operatives was one Frank Dux”

Major General, Anatoly Korneinko , USSR , acting as an official spokesperson of Ukrainian (Former Soviet) Military Authority declared: “In early 1983 I received an order from the military command to provide necessary assistance and cooperation to a joint military group known then as Officer Duchovny’s Group. This group was to carry out military operations in Soviet territories under my command. The leader of the group, “Officer Duchovny” was Frank Dux …Frank Dux was dubbed the Hunter. He was in the Soviet Union for just a few weeks when our intelligence received information about the exceptional talents of the Hunter and his unique ability to investigate extremely dangerous and complicated matters.”

Admiral Horton Smith, USN is the oldest serving Fleet Officer in the US Navy whose classmate and personal friend includes former Directors and Deputy Directors of Central Intelligence Agency. In a soon to be released documentary Admiral Smith not only corroborates Lt. Commander Alexander Martin USN (ret) sworn testimony that Frank Dux is a covert agent whose identity was being officially denied by his own government but also corroborates US Army Custodian of Records Sean Dalton, when declaring under penalty of perjury Frank Dux military records as they appear under FOIA, are unreliable. Pointing out while the documents are sanitized in order to protect Frank Dux they became a double-edged sword as it makes him vulnerable to speculation and gossip of skeptics.

Not that it really matters to Frank Dux since as he points out there exists no controversy with regards to his bona fides within the inner circles of today’s elite professional martial artists.

Evidenced by the fact Frank Dux is the keynote speaker at the Federal Law enforcement Officers Association 2010 Conference, held in Las Vegas.

Any representations made on Dux part isn’t open for debate as it has been inspected and carries with it the penalty of criminal prosecution. His tactics are put to the real test daily, worldwide. These are the people whose opinions he values most. Those who actually fight wars and crime and this perhaps best explains why he has not spoken up in his own defense after being subjected to allegations for years being spread across the internet and in the press. The controversy masked what he was doing and many people believe he and the government created the controversy so he could be recalled and function as a covert operator. He is a man who came from the humblest of beginnings and dare to live his life to its fullest.

Frank Dux says when I had to make a choice do I pursue my dream of martial arts or do I spend my life savings on college tuition to get into med school I went out for a Chinese dinner. The fortune cookie held the answer. It read, “Money lost, nothing lost! Courage lost, everything lost!” I pursued my dreams and here we are, today. Looking back thirty years later. No regrets.

Frank Dux life may have been disrupted along the way through struggles with his health and disreputable glory seekers attempting to attach them self to his celebrity by making baseless allegations. Now with the whole truth coming to light with an anticipated documentary about to be launched proving up his incredible but true life …he remains still, undefeated. Visit: www.FrankDux.net.

FIGHT DIRECTOR CREATES SHORT INDY FILM WITH ACTION! The “Arms of Autumn” is written by Cynthia “Cindy” Morrison, actress, fight director, stunt performer, Jousting champion and modern day Vaudevillian.

Morrison is a graduate of the Burt Reynolds Institute in Jupiter Florida and was fortunate enough to be part of the Master class taught by Reynolds himself. After having her talents featured in two of the Institute’s showcases she then decided to expand her horizons in the film industry and share her combat skills and teach staged combat to fellow actors. These classes then led to a promotional reel, choreographed by herself, that includes various forms of combat offered to acting students. The actors involved in this project expressed that they had such a wonderful experience and wanted to do more so she decided to write a story around their newly learnt combat skills. Hence, the “Arms of Autumn” was born.

This short feature tells the story of a female Pirate Captain and her struggle to maintain her position. Set in the late 1800’s when women had very limited rights in society.

Captain Anne Sedgewick (actress Amy Hoerler) and her Brother Victor (actor Gregg Goldsbury) both possessed a passion for the Sea since their childhood. Victor choosing a career in the Royal Navy had went off to Europe for part of his formal education and worked his way to being a Quarter Master on a Royal Navy Gun ship. Anne not having the same opportunities as a woman chose to live incognito as a sailor in order to learn the ropes of being a seaman.

She later on ceased the opportunity to commit mutiny and won her own Ship. The story character “Cinders”, played by Morrison herself, is the defender-bouncer type sidekick to Captain Anne. She keeps close watch on Capt. Anne’s well being while ready to rid any Rogues or Rapscallions seeking to invade their territory.

Morrison’s idea of adding the late 1800’s British Royal Navy officer “Victor” stems from her distant association with regard to her Maternal Grand Father, Charles Howard. Not having researched ancestral records to find any direct relation but having knowledge of historic facts she found that Lord Charles Howard, High Admiral of England, took Victory during the battle of Trafalgar against the Spanish Armada. The unofficial connection with his name holds a fascination with the event and era.

Zaino Family on the set of "Arms of Autumn" with Director Cynthia Morrison

Danny Zaino teaches fight choreography with the bo staff to actor Rob Tassey

Other characters include the mysterious “Mathalda” (veteran actress Joan Dennehy) the landlubber fortune telling Gypsy that has been welcomed to the group of Pub dwellers due to her gender of course.

She also relates with these characters since her Pirate like ideals are in order to survive in such harsh conditions that the late 1880’s presented.

Dennehy has worked on film projects in the past with such entertainers as Boris Karloff and Gypsy Rose Lee. She also starred along side of Morrison in a production of “Zoo Story” written by Edward Albee. Morrison chose the name “Mathalda” for Dennehy’s character from a Circus Gypsy woman she had known during her

equestrian performance days while providing Jousting displays. The more comical of the Pub dwellers is “Slappy” the English west Countryman and friendly mannered Pub owner (played

by Graham Love) who loves to tell tales full of insignificant information. Offering assistance as a Victorian era Nurse is actress Earleen Marlowe when she steps in to rehabilitate a wounded Capt. Anne Sedgewick with her Sword slashing injuries.

Where would the “bad guy” learn his skills of combat and weaponry? At the “Salty Dog slogging Academy” family maintained combat studio with “Grand Master Pompeo” played by Danny Zaino and his Family of accomplished martial artists, Theresa, Dominique, Tony and Joey. Offering service with a smile.

Finally, the bad guy character “Iridius of Muxloe” is played by actor Rob Tassey who makes his way the “Isle of Burladero” to find Capt. Anne and take her treasure. He is accompanied by his sidekick “Emery” (actor Mark Emerson). The name of the Capt. Anne’s Island territory was influenced by Morrison’s position as a Bloodless Bullfighter. The word “Burladero” is the name of the short wall that Bullfighters wait behind until their chance to enter the Bullring (Plaza de Toros) to perform their dance with Capes and Bovine. This Bloodless type of Bull sport does not include spears, Swords or any harm to the animal.

The producer / editor of this short feature is Pierre Rivard C.E.O. of “Up in Front” photography. Rivard met “Arms of Autumn” writer / director Cindy Morrison at the Burt Reynolds Institute when he took on the position of company manager there in 2010.For More Information Contact Cynthia Morrison: 561-308-6256 Email: NoGunsHier@aol.com Website: http://performance.yolasite.com

Cynthia Morrison helps actor Gregory Goldsbury into costume

Danny & Theresa Zaino on the set with Gregory Goldsbury

Cynthia Morrison works out fight scene with stunt actors (from L to R): Joey Zaino, Mike Cagni, and Tony Zaino

Cynthia Morrison helps actors Danny Zaino, Dominique Zaino and Rob Tassey work out their scene on the set of "Arms of Autumn"

Brandon Stumpf Martial Arts Actor and Art Teacher by: Fred M. Grandinetti For his day job Brandon Stumpf spins and switches around colorful markers and paint brushes.

He is an art teacher at the Londonderry Middle School in New Hampshire . During the evenings and weekends he performs similar actions with his body. His martial arts’ training has served him well performing in major and independent film productions.

Stumpf began his training at the age of eight at The Shaolin Kenpo Arts Association. When he was twelve years of age the young boy received a black belt in Kenpo Karate. In high school his fighting interests moved towards Folk, Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. Upon graduation he joined the army and trained in hand to hand combat while becoming a weapons specialist.

Stumpf’s involvement with student coaching rekindled his interest in the martial arts. He joined a stunt group in Boston known as The Redeemer Stunt Team. This association helped him win a role in the film Bridge Crusader. For the movie he was involved with sword play, grappling, falls and hand to hand action. The actor’s expertise in weapon’s training led to being cast in Shutter Island.

Other film and television appearances have followed including roles in the thrillers BEG and D.I.D. He recently took on the persona of the famous fighter, Popeye, when appearing in a water safety segment for the children’s series Drawing with Fred . The segment called Wearing What’s Right can be viewed on You Tube.

“I will continue to pursue opportunities which arise in the entertainment industry and maintain my martial art’s training,” Stumpf said.

AMA was founded by Shihan Gary Alexander more than 45 years ago and has maintained a sterling record of performance. leadership and integrity unparalleled in the Martial Arts worldwide.

This years ceremonies drew a capacity attendance with Martial Artists from across the nation participating and being recognized, awarded, for their outstanding efforts through the past years, and some Senior attendee’s a lifetime of efforts and contributions within the Martial Arts.

Grand Master Gary Alexander with Frank Sanchez (L) and Ron Balas

Grand Master Gary Alexander with John Manniel

The attendees were treated to fine food, entertainment, and quality comradery with some of the best Martial Artists the U.S. has to offer.

Among the “Honored Guests” past inductees, returning this year were Colonel John B. Alexander, Famous Special Forces/Operations Military Strategist/Tactician, and Senior Fellow of the Special Operations University, Famed David Toma, Law Enforcement Humanitarian and Inspiration for Baretta TV Series, and Famed Professor Ernie Cates Legendary (55 years) H2HC and former Marine Judo Champion Instructor. GM John Manniel IAMA Inductee, returned to the New York area after a long absence down to the Florida arena.

Inductee’s to IAMA Senior Hall of Fame were Tony Lasit of Hawaii, Senior Grand Master of the Year, Founder United States Military Martial Arts Association, Ron Balas Grand Master 10th Dan "Mil Spec" Martial Arts Combative Systems. GM Mark Shuey “Cane Master” was cites and Inducted for founding of his now famous

Cane Defense systems, Black Belt Magazine was Inducted Honored for it’s 50th Anniversary of now legendary, objective, quality, Martial Arts Publishing.The ceremonies opened with the U.S. Marines Color Guard marching in to the sounds of bugler Mac Tasetano playing the National Anthem. There was a brief eulogy to commemorate the recent passing of one of the martial arts greats Shihan Issac Henry. A Legend, and Martial Arts Pioneer that will be greatly missed.

This event was Attended by more Leaders of the Martial Arts Community - Alan Goldberg, of Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Frank and Kathi Tasetano of World Karate Union Hall of

Fame, GM Frank Sanchez of the World Sokeship Council Hall of Fame, Leaders and Pioneers Ed Alexander, Mil Spec. Martial Instructor, GM Pete Mills Knoxville, Isshinryu, Tom Spiros Kick Boxing Systems, Vincent Marchetti, heralded Grand Master of Law Enforcement and Military Ju-jitsu systems, Frank Huff Hapkido Systems, Don Jeffrey Seigido Ryu Systems, Woods Morgan fighting systems, Alan Simms Martial Arts, Art Beins Black Cat Kenpo, and more listed below.

BLESS OUR TROOPS - NUKE THE BAD GUYS

Several personal awards were presented by individuals to Instructors and associates and then the formal ceremonies began with Shihan Gary Alexander presenting the “Honors�. Visit: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzet3n68/garyalexan der/id3.html.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SHIDOSHI: THE FOUR WAYS OF THE CORPSE In this gripping and adventure-filled novel, one man reluctantly takes charge of an underground war that has been raging across international borders, between feudal factions for 300 years. By ending petty struggles his objective is to follow his teachers' path to enlightenment and change the world.

However, he must pit himself against old allies, and various secret societies in pursuit of a title that he never asked for, at the peril of his own family.

His current army is made up of men and women who have been trained in the secret knowledge from the warrior and mystical clans of old, including Sanford Two Bulls and Ramona Red Wolf. Derrick's task is complicated by John Suess, a martial artist of superior ability who some already call by the disputed title, Shidoshi and is available for $16.50 and can be ordered at: www.stretegicpublishinggroup.com/title/Shidoshi.html

Results of Alan Goldberg's "Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors" As Seen by George Alexander Greetings Martial Artists,Just thought I'd let you know how Alan Goldberg's event went in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The place was packed as usual. There were about 1,500 people at the banquet and the trade show and seminars were well attended.

From L to R: George Alexander, Maurice Elmalem, and Dana Abbot

Got to see many old friends and martial arts "Stars!" Michael Jai White (man crush) was there promoting a new movie along with Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Dan Severn and many other greats. As long as I've known Shihan Dana Abbot-- oddly we've never done kendo together.

I'm always teaching karate and he's always teaching sword. So this time we decided to "get it on." Dana said, "I'll bring my bogu but you bring the shinai! " I said, "Of course!" So during the trade show on Friday and Saturday we did two great seminars and got to keiko (spar) with each other. Dana is very fast and a seasoned kendoka. He has spent many years in Japan and really understands kendo, especially as a gentleman's art.

But this old bastard I mean master had a few tricks up his sleeve. We did some marvelous and

Lets Party!!!!! extremely fast kendo and pummeled one another repeatedly. Later that evening we attended the banquet and really enjoyed ourselves. Sensei Kevin Cullen was there of the famed Mondo Silente dive team along with Reno Morales, Chief Supreme Ultimate Grand Master Rico Guy, John Pellegrini, Dr. Craig Lane, Gary Alexander, Cynthia Rothrock, Hank Garrett (of Car 54 Where are you?), Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Tokey Hill, Willie "Bam" Johnson, Michael DePasquale, Nikolai V. Smirnov (not the vodka) from Russia, Joe Hess, Bill Urso and Maurice Elmalem from Iran. Everyone got their awards (I think I got one. I don't remember) and celebrated one another's august company in a true spirit of martial arts camaraderie.

Americas ShootFighting's Creator Bart Vale World Champion shootfighter Bart Vale is one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts in the United States. Vale began his training in the 70’s with the Al Tracy’s Kenpo Karate organization in Miami Florida. His current rank is 7th degree black belt.

After competing as a Kick Boxer, Vale trained in grappling and freestyle fighting under Masami Soranaka and Yoshiaki Fujiwara of the Japan-based Universal Wrestling Federation.

Vale coined the term “shootfighting” to describe this new mixed martial arts style that combined kickboxing with shooting (to rush in and take down your opponent), or legitimate wrestling. He also co-founded the International Shootfighting Association to help promote the sport.

Vale was one of the first foreigners to compete in Japan, in doing so he became the First American to win a World shootfighting Championship in 1992. Vale has also competed in kickboxing and no-holds-barred matches in Japan, the United States and Russia.

In addition to being featured in numerous martial arts publications, Bart Vale is also one of the few martial artists to have stories appear in Sports Illustrated Magazine, Men’s Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness magazines.

American martial arts legends like Bill Wallace and Joe Lewis have called Shootfighting® the ultimate fighting for self-defense. To develop the stamina and toughness necessary to compete in such a grueling sport, professionals train in Japan up to 14 hours a day.

The training consists of several hours of each exercise, bag work, wrestling and kickboxing. Some of the world's top athletes, including former Kickboxing Champions and Olympic wrestlers, now compete in Shootfighting®. Techniques are drawn from all the various martial arts mentioned and favor no one style. However, the top fighters are usually the most versatile, able to kick, punch or wrestle as the situation calls for.

Most martial artists are drawn to Shootfighting® to learn the unique form of grappling often neglected in other systems. Vale is the author of “Shootfighting: The Ultimate Martial Art.” His Miami based organization, the ISFA, has more than 40 affiliated gyms and martial arts schools around the world dedicated to promoting the sport of shootfighting.

Learn more at: www.ShootFighting.com

Gordon Richiusa The Five Bird System by: Rick Burgin When is a style really a style? What makes a fighter a martial artist? And what do we call a style that is founded entirely on ideas? The answer to these and other intriguing questions are attracting more and more people to a fairly new, but traditionally taught form of martial arts called, The Five Bird System.

Concept Training: "What attracted me to the Five Bird System is the way that I was taught," says Karl Goldschmidt, three year student of Gordon Richiusa's Five Bird System, an electric martial arts with a very specific focus: training martial arts.

To accomplish this elusive task, The Five Bird System focuses on the student's individual needs, boils almost everything down to its five component parts and emphasizes a simplified teaching method it calls concept Training. This form of training acknowledges the usual Mind, Body and Spirit triangle of most martial arts but, the mind and the body are considered separate entities that can be taught separately and even progress at different rates. Here the student can be grilled in the reasons WHY they are learning a technique long before they actually know what the technique is.

"I like the way that students are constantly challenging themselves to answer questions. It's like being a part of the experiment, but you already have the solution. The questions you ask and the answers that you get are often given to us out of order. For instance, adds Karl, we're usually asked 'how many' of this or how many parts are there of that. we're told in our very first lesson t hat the answer is almost a ways five.

So, we start off just giving the answer like robots. Eventually we're forced to think about the questions and understand the meaning of what we're saying.“ Gordon Richiusa, director and founder of the Five Bird System admits that this method of teaching is as old as Socrates in that it continuously draws the correct response from the student ,both physically and mentally by creating an inner dialogue. "That is the traditional part of what I do. I'm not afraid to admit that I rely heavily on what truly great thinkers and martial artists have said before me. That's why my techniques don't look, merely like the traditional Goju-ryu that is the karate foundation of what I teach. A Jujitsu person will see what we do and, maybe, call it jujitsu. A kung fu person sees similarities with their art, while I've

also heard comparisons from people originally in Hap Ki Do, Kempo, Isshinryu and even Tai Chi." There's a reason for this phenomenon. Five Birds Concepts are based upon the central idea that all styles have similarities and that the similarities are all that we should be concerned with. It's not that all styles are all really the same.

Many of Gordon's students, in fact, have earned rank, and come to him from other styles. some have gone on to other forms AFTER studying with Gordon. "Each style emphasizes some specific aspect or concept, but all are really trying to accomplish the same objectives, be it self defense, self discipline, self awareness or a combination of those. "Our goal, " explains Wes Cotton, 15 year student of the Five Bird System and senior instructor. " As teachers of martial arts, is to present ideas and situations in the most memorable and exciting ways. I came to Gordon with experience in kenpo. He never held that against Gordon Richiusa me, but emphasized it as an advantage. So, now, as a teacher, if I have to sway from Goju and revert to an explanation that I heard in a kenpo class to make my points, it's o.K. Gordon did the same thing to me!" The Five Bird System uses the traditional okinawan karate style of Goju Kai as a foundation, but also teaches a number of weapons including Kyudo (archery), bo and jo-do (torrg and short staff technique), escrima, shaken and shuriken throwing (including tomahawks), and kenjutsu (swordsmanship) as well as a number of survival-arts (climbing, edible plant identification, tracking) . The Five Bird System has been around for 25 years, but, it is only recently that Gordon has begun to put labels on his techniques and teaching methods. Gordon has studied, earned rank at and taught for many different studios and styles, " explains Brian Wallace, a friend and student of Gordon's for the past thirteen years. He's been in the martial arts for 36 years, but, he's always considered his methods, just as a way of teaching, rather than a style of its own.“ As more and more people began devoting their time to learning what Gordon had to teach, the Five Bird System began to take shape.

From the beginning of my training, I was introduced to various other teachers who all had specialties if their own that they wanted to share. None of the specialties ever seemed to have much to do with karate, but all held fast to similar convictions.

More importantly, each of the teachers who I held in high regard all had other authorities, myths and legends that they quoted and submitted to. After a while, the legends and stories started to become my teachers, which was the whole point, I believe. I was told how this or that master had observed nature and deduced scientific principles. I was told to observe nature in the same way as the masters did. By following this example, I became part of a larger picture, long before I could actually

perform at a level of efficiency. Eventually, a transformation came about without me really knowing it. All I had to do was trust my teachers and submit to the belief that the training would eventually make everything clear.

"In The Five Bird System," explains Gordon, "we understand that a student must be led along, almost tricked into learning, since the bottom line is that learning to internalize technique requires years of hard work. Almost no one would begin such a journey if you told them that you couldn't explain what it was they were really going to learn and that the training would never really end. So, to trick the body, the mind is kept active with catchy phrases, advice, stories, puzzles and questions. This occupies it just long enough for the body to catch up to it. Then, make sure that what we believe to be true IS true, by examining the results against what countless others who have called themselves martial artists have believed before us. When something checks out, then it is repeated again and again. We even use the same words over and over, until they can be recited and even elaborated upon.“ The whole process, according to Gordon is nothing more than anyone should expect from a good student-teacher relationship.

That is why the Five Bird System calls itself the first Student Oriented Style, and also why it borrows liberally from just about every other art and science.

"To be a good teacher you should know your subject, of course," explains Gordon. "But you also need to find ways to make the lessons interesting and memorable. I can get anyone to throw a perfect kick... one time. The trick is getting their minds and their bodies to remember how to do it later and for the rest of their lives. Then, I let them in on the secret, that what I really want to get them to see is that punching and kicking are very limited skills, in the end.

If that's all we end up learning in a martial arts class, then we've really wasted out time. " Why Five?

Five is an essential number in many martial arts forms( five senses, five animals, five powers, five strategies of Sun Tsu and the five positions of Miyamoto Musashi) and it is the number to remember in the Five Bird System. The five birds (eagle, owl, hawk, vulfure, raven) represent not only individual characteristics, strategies and goals, but are each, essential parts of the whole. And, there is more.

Like the different types of fighting, the Five Birds all have very different ways of surviving.

However they all have one primary thing in common. They all fly! They are all successful even within their limitations, they all have strengths and weaknesses. The Eagle is a metaphor for grappling technique, Spirit and the ability to use our sight. The Hawk represents speed and triangulation and has great Courage. The Owl is a very basic bird. It's survival is based upon simple Skill. It sits in a tree and waits for dinner to come to it! One swift, silent move is all it needs. Therefore, it also teaches us about camouflage and the sense of hearing. From the Vulture we learn a warrior's humility or Honor, how to use multiple weapons and the sense of smell. The Raven represents Adaptability, a willingness to throw out technique. It's a bird that brings together all the others strategies but never quite masters any of them. It's also the only bird which performs its real maneuvers purely for the fun of it. It's a lot like people.“ The Way to What?

So, since every fighting style can have weaknesses, a knowledge of the weaknesses can be invaluable. . But, what of the similarities? A long these lines, one of the first lessons Five Bird students are given is an explanation of the word Dojo. As with every aspect of Five Bird Concept Training, all information is of equal importance and all arts are treated with equal respect. However, behind every small bit of training, there is an underlying, larger, concept that is trying to reach the student. Sometimes, event the teacher doesn't know what the larger concept is. As long as the student approaches the training with an open mind, body and spirit, then the framework for enlightenment is already built and in place. The lessons are all around us. All we have to do is unravel their meaning. It can be a problem to get too hungry on definitions though," says Gordon." I have been in numerous heated conversations about whether I studied GojuRyu or Goju Kai. Teachers can get really hung up on technicalities. To me, what difference does it make?“ In the case of the word, Dojo, Gordon had this to say, 'Literally translated the word 'do" (pronounced dough) denotes a thing as The Way. Karate-do is the way through the learning of karate, or empty hand technique. Ken-do, is the way of the blade. Bu-do is the way of the warrior. The suffix 'Jo" is a word which designates a place. So, Dojo, literally means the place of the way. Or, the place where one goes to learn The Way. The question almost always arises at this point, the way to WHAT? If a student asks this question then I know he's got potential, because he's using his best weapon...his brain. .I f he or she doesn't ask this question, then ask it for them." It is invaluable, in The Five Bird System, to understand the importance of "little things" because, the ability to answer questions, in essence, is the dividing point between what denotes a martial at from that which is merely fighting technique.

Therefore the most fundamentally important thing for a student to know about a style that they are thinking of devoting years of study to is whether it IS a way to something, or if they are just going to learn about fighting. lf a person wants to learn to fight, I recommend going into a hard neighborhood and start picking fights. In this way , if they survive, they WILL learn to fight. They will also save me a lot of time and themselves some money.“

Simply put, this idea is that we train in martial arts, with diligence, because we are really trying to attain a special enlightenment or understanding. There are plenty of good fighters out there who are really NOT martial artists at all. why? Because there is no soul, no point to

their training. In my method, we begin with an intent to embark on a path ... The Way. If that desire is not there, then a student must go some other place to study. I don't teach fighting, although good fighting technique will certainly be a bi-product of this path. I teach in the same, traditional manner that I was taught. I teach martial arts as a way of life, as a way of improving ones view of his or her place and purpose. Anything attempted in this vein can achieve the same benefits. It doesn't even have to be a martial art. But, martial arts is what I know, so that is at the core of what I teach.

Anything is Better Than Nothing One of the most important concepts in Five Bird System is anything is better than nothing.

To demonstrate the application of this principle Gordon uses a number of methods, but one of the more colorful and memorable is when he ties up a new student and then directs them to escape. Usually, he says, a student will just freeze and say that they can't because they've never been taught HOW to escape from a tangle of ropes. Gordon, or one of the other Five Birds teachers will then direct the student to "Think about this for a moment" and teach them how to get out of their bindings, while leading them through the process that they will need to perfect in the rest of the training. Phrases they might hear during this process will include: 1) What are you trying to accomplish?

2)There are strengths and weaknesses in our opponent and ourselves.

3)If the rope is your opponent, what are the holes in the opposition?

4)And, don't forget, anything is better than nothing.

"All of our lessons are geared toward making a point. In the case of tying people up, the point comes as we direct them on what to do next. Because, really, the small points or concepts are what all martial arts are about. In the case of the ropes, we can see precisely what we are trying to do is to get the ropes off. The opposition is simple, in a sense. No matter how tangled the ropes might appear they really only do one thing. The ropes are kind of a physical metaphor for those styles that think they have the secret. With the ropes, there are holes every place that they make contact with you. When you're tied up with a long rope, all you have to do is loosen one spot. When you do this, the rest of the rope also loosens.

But, if you do nothing at all, then the ropes remain tight. You don't really have to know HOW to fight the ropes. Any movement will eventually loosen them. Anything, in this case, is better than nothing. Time after time, we show how this kind of attitude will make the difference between success and failure."

The Brain is the best weapon This, another vital Five Birds concept, has two main aspects. To illustrate the first, Gordon entertains the students with a story thx deals with him when he was just entering high school. "r went to a really rough school, racially mixed and, unfortunately, very volatile.

Everyone was looking for trouble. And, this was at a time, when gangs and groups were becoming necessary to survive." on the first day of school, a large group of older kids who Gordon describes of about thirty in number surrounded each new, unfortunate kid as they walked into school. 'or was one of those unfortunate kids, and I suddenly found myself

surrounded by thirty opponents asking for my lunch money and threatening me with physical harm. I had been training in karate for several years and I thought I was pretty good. But, instead of fighting, luckily, I had a moment of true wisdom and a totally different kind of strategy came to mind. I began reciting Shakespeare! I did a scene from Romeo and Juliet which rambles on about love and ends with the line, 'what is it else? A madness most discreet, a choking gull, preserving sweet, farewell my Cos." And, I used that opportunity to walk right through the middle of them and get away. No body moved, they were spellbound and baffled by my performance.

The story continues in that, the next day, he saw the crowd gathering again, ready to surround him, but instead of asking for money, somebody called out. "Hey, it's the crazy guy!

Do some of that Shakespeare stuff for us.

"I had to learn a lot of scenes from different plays, but I never lost my lunch money to robbers. Eventually, I was an honorary member of several different clubs. It was kind of like being a mascot, like being the village idiot. It was taboo to bother me, because I was just too weird." What did Gordon get from all this? "Be willing to abandon technique! Creativity is its own reward. " Later this kind of thinking translated into one of the five basic strategies for overcoming an opponent: Change The Game. This also relates to a common mistake in many styles which Gordon calls being Weapon Stupid. We all learn to accept the premise that knowledge is power. In a direct, one-on-one confrontation, the truth in this statement can take on immediate and tangible meaning, even something as simple as making a fist. l've heard people trash Tae Kwon Do fighters as ineffective, but |'ve known some very effective fighters from that style. I've also seen people dazzled with kicks that could easily be defended against, IF the defender had only seen such a kick before.“ In other words, people often forget exactly what they are trying to accomplish and concentrate their attentions in the wrong area. T his is true when the hands are empty or when they are holding something, but the principle is the same. Don't rely on any one weapon and don't try to play the other guys game. In the middle of the fight is not a good time to be impressed with your opponents kicking height, or the fact the he has a knife and you don't. concentrate on fighting the person and be willing to "let go of your sword, as Musashi put it. If you have a favorite weapon and it is rendered useless, you need a back-up plan.

Realize that an attacker who brandishes his weapons against you is trying to use a threat factor and your ignorance in his favor. Many times, if you can knock a weapon away from a person, or simply take control of it, the person will concentrate all of his or her efforts on restoring the weapon! That's being weapon stupid. The weapon cannot hurt you. If you are a attacked, use your best weapon and fight the person, with whatever weapons you have available.“ Defense Awareness So, what should the end result of martial arts training be, according to the Five Bird System?

"When people ask, the Way to What? The Five Bird System has a modern, ready made answers... Defense Awareness is part of a Successful life Strategy.

"Defense Awareness is a concept based in the understanding that every style, just as every individual, has strengths as well as weaknesses. Therefore, the only conflict that a person

can guarantee they will come away from victorious is one that they never have to fight. It also deals with the difference between paranoia and Applied Awareness, one of the basic principles of Chi ".

Discovering your Successful Life Strategies based upon the belief, first of all, that one exists. It also emphasizes that success means something MORE than just getting more than the other guy. To find the answer in our own lives about what is success, we look at what it is that all people are really trying to obtain. The answer is Happiness. No matter what people may be trying to accomplish, it all boils down to simple happiness.., says Gordon. " And, there is a difference between happiness and pleasure. Happiness is a simple, basic human goal that sustains us throughout a lifetime. Pleasure is brief and shallow. That doesn't mean that happiness can't have moments of pleasure. But, if we strive for pleasure, then we will on achieve that shallow goal. A successful life strategy is a plan that is easy to follow, that No one has to suffer for.“ Every style also has something else in common, and that is strengths and weaknesses. No style is any better, or worse than the practitioner's dedication to perfection or his ability to carry out his strategies. The Five Bird System emphasizes the interrelationship of things, natural laws and geometry.

For instance, when a Five Birds teacher when a Five Birds teacher shows you a technique, they never stop there. They also show you alternatives and variations, as well as the weaknesses and strengths of the technique. "After all, someone may use the technique on you someday. Then what?“ There are at least two perspectives from which to view every conflict. Not only do you need to know your own possible options in a situation, but to make an educated decision on choosing a strategy, you should also take into account what your opponent is capable of.

"Knowledge becomes power at every turn," says Gordon. " If I know that my opponents fist is not tight enough to hurt me and will actually cause him damage, then, instead of blocking, I might prefer to let his fist land. Knowledge of a good fist over a bad one, can be the advantage in this type of encounter".

What the Five Bird System tries to do is boil things down to their essence, make an impact with the teaching and the techniques by always allowing the individual room to experiment and grow. In this way, the Five Birds System is merely a way of teaching the larger principle of martial arts, in general. The focus, then is taken away from the techniques and is centered on helping the student become the best person they can be in every conceivable situation.

Five Parts of A SeIf-Defense Technique No matter what technique you do, there are always five parts that must be accomplished.

First, you must Defend yourself, often this is a block. Second, you must Lower your center of gravity. Third, you do a Break Up. Fourth, you Take control. And, finally, you finish. Even in a basic block and counter technique, explains Gordon." If you are going to be successful and do it right, you must defend yourself. your center of gravity is lowered every ii-. you go into a good stance, and EVEN falling correctly IS a self defense technique, because there is

active participation. You must also reverse the role of victirn /attacker. That is what we call a break-up.

This could be as simple as grabbing the other guy back, back, yelling loudly or striking. It changes the complexion of an attacker, regardless. Many times, these first three parts come at exactly the same moment. Then, a point comes when you've got control, either a hold, you've outrun the other guy or your initial strike has been effective. Now, YOU decide how to end the attack, or a new situation emerges, such as a second punch, the whole process begins again.“ The ancient martial artists and strategists did not invent their styles and ideas randomly.

They observed nature and a human's place in the scheme of things. The skills they learned proved effective in some way. They did what they did, and said what they said, because of the conditions that presented themselves at the time of the training. Some people make fun of traditional technique, but, no matter how much different we try to believe we've become, we are basically, still the same human beings.

Our hands and feet still only move in the same ways and our universe is made up of only two geometric shapes...straight lines and curved ones. I believe that the laws of Newton and Einstein would make sense to the ancients if we could have explained these to them.

Einstein's theory of energy conversion from mass and speed is true now just as it was BEFORE we knew what it meant. The amount of energy a thing, a weapon, a fist, a foot can generate is based upon speed and mass. Move something very small, but fast enough, you can generate great energy. The ancient masters words, to me, are like the books in a large oral library. Books don't get into a library because they are worthless. And, the masters did not teach, or learn, worthless technique. If we look at all individual perspectives and techniques on this larger scale, then there is something valuable to be learned from every person willing to tell you what they think! This is especially true, if they tell us WHY they think it.“ Gordon Richiusa (an Italian American) has been a martial artist for almost 40 years (at the time of this printing). He has lived in Hawaii, Idaho, northern and southern California, Mexico and the four corners area of the U.S. Gordon earned a Master of Arts degree in English and has written numerous articles, stories, books and scripts under his own name and his penname, Gordon Rich. He holds two teaching credentials and continues to teach and to write on the road of life between Santa Clarita, California and Boise, Idaho with his favorite person, his wife Barbara. http://www.5birdsmartialarts.blogspot.com www.5birdsmartialarts.blogspot.com.

Bartitsu - Vintage Martial Arts on the Silver Screen by: Charles J. Barrett The founder of Bartitsu, Edward Wm. Wright, was born on November 8th, 1860. During his early years Edward had opportunity to travel to many different countries and studied various martial arts. One of these arts being Jiu Jitsu. In his early 30s he legally changed his name to Edward William BartonWright. A joining of “Bart” from Barton along with “itsu” from Jiu Jitsu created the art’s title of “Bartitsu”.

“Bartitsu is an eclectic martial art and self-defense method originally developed in England during the years 1898–1902. In 1901 it was immortalized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The art has been featured in a number of Sherlock Holmes episodes on film and television. Although dormant throughout most of the 20th Century, Bartitsu has been experiencing a revival since 2002”.

Victorian / Edwardian times found the Bartitsu club located at 67b Shaftesbury Avenue, in London’s Soho district, England. The Cynthia Morrison

elements of Bartitsu include JiuJitsu, Cane fighting / defense, Boxing (Pugilism, fisticuffs ) and Savate (French kick boxing), self defense with Umbrella. This art is often referred to as “the martial art of Gentlemen” as well as “the art of manliness”. Bartitsu also included a comprehensive physical culture raining system.

"Savate" takes its name from the French for "old boot" (heavy footwear that used to be worn during fights). The modern formalized form is mainly an amalgam of French street fighting techniques from the beginning of the 19th Century. There are also many types of savate rules. Savate was than a type of street fighting common in Paris and Northern France. In the South, especially in the port of Marsielle, sailors developed a fighting style involving high kicks and open-handed slaps. It is conjectured that this kicking style was developed in this way to allow the fighter to use a hand to hold onto something for balance on a rocking ship's deck, and that the kicks and slaps were used on land to avoid the legal penalties for using a closed fist, which was considered a deadly weapon under the law." (wikipedia) One may assume that this was a boys only event being early 1900’s but the practice of Bartitsu was not limited to only the gentlemen. Women also practiced JiuJitsu along with umbrella defense and using long Hatpins of the era as weapons and Quite successfully. A New York Times newspaper in Jan. 1898 reports that Sadie Hawkins helped a Chicago tramcar conductor during an attempted robbery as she repeatedly stabbed two criminals in the arms and legs with her hatpin resulting in their quick exit from the tram.

One may assume that this was a boys only event being early 1900’s but the practice of Bartitsu was not limited to only the gentlemen. Women also practiced JiuJitsu along with

umbrella defense and using long Hatpins of the era as weapons and Quite successfully. A New York Times newspaper in Jan. 1898 reports that Sadie Hawkins helped a Chicago tramcar conductor during an attempted robbery as she repeatedly stabbed two criminals in the arms and legs with her hatpin resulting in their quick exit from the tram.

One may assume that this was a boys only event being early 1900’s but the practice of Bartitsu was not limited to only the gentlemen. Women also practiced JiuJitsu along with umbrella defense and using long Hatpins of the era as weapons and Quite successfully. A New York Times newspaper in Jan. 1898 reports that Sadie Hawkins helped a Chicago tramcar conductor during an attempted robbery as she repeatedly stabbed two criminals in the arms and legs with her hatpin resulting in their quick exit from the tram.

Edwardian England sported Jiu Jitsu practicing suffragettes. Using their techniques while being “man handled” by Police or opposing citizens during Women’s rights demonstrations.

Some Guidelines for Cane defense: Stand equally balanced on both feet, left foot about 18 inches in front of right, toes pointing to the front, right foot pointing to the right, holding the stick as before described, raise the right arm over the head so as to keep it a few inches above the forehead, point of the stick inclining forwards and downwards, left arm stretched out in front, back of the hand to the left, fingers extended.

Hits: 1. When making a hit at an opponent’s head, always keep the fingers uppermost, back of the hand underneath.

2. Care must be taken in making all hits, never to check the blow, but carry it through, i.e., disengage continually and then return immediately to the ” on guard;” if the blow is checked, you cannot be in time either to guard yourself or to make a riposte.

3. The hit is made by a sort of circular sweep of the arm, fingers uppermost, and for loose play and practice the blows dealt should be extremely light ; this is done by loosening the fingers slightly.

Head.—From ” on guard ” hit opponent’s head, follow through and return to ” on guard.”

Face.—Keeping stick horizontal hit left side of opponent’s head, either head, cheek or neck.

Face sideways.—Same as above but hit right side.

Body.~-Hit opponent’s body on right side.

Flank.—Hit opponent’s body on left side.

Leg. - Hit inside of opponent's leg: the most useful places are just about the ankle, inside of the knee and shin.

Points: 1. Points are made as in sword play, also by throwing the stick forward with the right hand and allowing it to run through the other, as the stick strikes the opponent both hands will be grasping the stick ; knuckles of left hand uppermost.

2. Points are made with the butt end of the stick at any part of the body, the most favorable places being at the throat and ribs.

Cynthia Morrison, Jousting champion and staged combat instructor, has recently brought her years of martial arts experience to the silver screen and is in process of writing and directing a short independent film titled “The Arms of Autumn”. The story is about a female Pirate captain in Victorian times played by actress Amy Hoerler. The captain must test her fighting and sword skill against the crafty corsair “Iridius of Muxloe” played by Rob Tassey.

Morrison’s next production is scheduled to shoot in January 2011. This time the setting will be early 1900’s Toronto Canada. The gentlemanly art of Bartitsu will be making its appearance in the filming of “Mourning Dove” as struggling citizens fend for themselves in the harsh environment of the streets and alleyways of Edwardian era Toronto. She will choreograph a scene in which two checker players shall engage in cane vs. umbrella combat that turns out to be a simple training practice rather than actual conflict between the two actors. Bartitsu is one of the arts that Morrison teaches at the Burt Reynolds Institute in Jupiter Florida. Classes are also open to the public.

Atlanta's Own Black Belt with a Mission Joe Corley A master instructor with over 40 years experience in the martial arts, Joe Corley's life-long purpose is to share with everyone the positive feelings of confidence, courage, intensity, focus, personal discipline and integrity one gains by great martial arts training and competitive competition.

Through the promotion of the martial arts on television around the world he has done this and much more.

Corley began his karate classes at age 16. He earned his black belt at 19 and opened his first studio at the ripe old age of 20. In the next three years he won three US titles, founded the Battle of Atlanta at age 23 and has fervently spread the word ever since. Joe has sought to share the most practical physical karate movements available and combine those real life defensive techniques with modern American positive philosophy.

Corley is one of the few martial artists in the world who have accomplished so much for the furtherance of the martial arts philosophy and its physical applications. As a fighter He won three United States Championships in point karate and went on to retire as the number one ranked Middle Weight contender in the world. Now a 9th degree black belt in American Karate, He has taught more than 25,000 men, women and children in his chain of Atlanta studios.

As a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, he opened Atlanta's first full time karate studio in 1967 while he was still competing and expanded the studios to become the most well known martial arts chain in the Southeast. In 1970, Joe Corley founded the BATTLE OF ATLANTA, now considered the largest and most prestigious open karate tournament in the world. www.BattleofAtlanta.com Mr. Corley also became the voice for American Karate on national television, where he did commentary with long-term friends Chuck Norris and Pat Morita on NBC, CBS, ESPN, SHOWTIME, USA NETWORK, SPORTS CHANNEL AMERICA, PRIME NETWORK, SPORT SOUTH and on international television syndication. As expert analyst and host for PKA KARATE world championships on network, cable and pay per view, Mr. Corley became synonymous with the sport to the millions of fans who followed the 1,000+ hours of coverage on television. From such diverse locales as 50 cities in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, South Africa, South America and the United Arab Emirates, Joe Corley has educated an entire generation of sports fans.

Joe Corley has been named Official Karate Magazine’s Man of the Decade, was founded in the Who's Who in Martial Arts, and has received more awards in the martial arts community than anyone can count. Yet his drive continues to be the knowledge and experience that he and his staff continue to share with everyone in Atlanta which includes confidence, courage, discipline, honor and integrity that come from learning the martial arts properly. To this day he continues to bring karate and kickboxing to as many people at his schools and television campaign can reach.http://atlextremewarrior.com

TOP GUN Kearny Martial Arts Instructor Has National Recognition complements of the Jersey Journal Life is all about how to win," said Vincent Marchetti, inside Kearny Martial Arts on a quiet afternoon.

For nearly 40 years Marchetti has owned and run the martial arts training school at 67 Kearny Ave. and has become a nationally known instructor.

"I've never advertised, yet we are known all over the world. We've done all of it. Everything there is to win, we've won," said Marchetti.

Marchetti has also developed a reputation as one of the United States' top military trainers.

Through the years he has trained members of the FBI, ATF, Navy Seals, U.S. Marines, Green Berets, Counter Terrorism Units and SWAT teams the skills of fighting, karate, judo and jujitsu.Grand Master Vincent Marchetti (left) watches students at his dojo, Kearny Martial Arts Academy.

Four years ago, he trained an entire counter-terrorism unit from Fort Knox, Kentucky, at his school. The street had to be blocked off so the unit could leave its weapons and anti-terror vehicles outside in case it was called away.

Marchetti was drafted by the Army in 1962 and served in Europe and that, as well as the tragedy of September 11, 2001, motivated him to lend a hand to local, state and federal law enforcement.

"I always want to give back to my country," Marchetti said.

"There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. Martial arts teaches you that I can't fail if I want to."

He has received numerous awards from the military for excellence in teaching.

"He's the best at what he does," said longtime friend and colleague Joe Pung. "He's impressed me with the quality of people that come to the school. Vinny's very selective, he takes people in who have good character and want to work hard.“ Aside from his service to his country, Marchetti's work in the community means as much if not more than any award he receives. "What can replace someone telling you that you gave them something they never had before," Marchetti said. "I have people tell me that I've changed their life."

Marchetti teaches classes to adults and children.

Marchetti averages 14 students a class, and charges $90 a month per student for classes that are one hour for two nights a week. Training to earn the black belt, which he doesn't charge for, can take up to five years.

Three years ago, Teddy Ferraiori, 48, started training with Marchetti after taking his daughter to her first session. Ferraiori was a heavy smoker for 30 years and his daughter lived an inactive lifestyle.

Together they both conquered their weaknesses.

"My biggest gains are my physical health," said Ferraiori. "He has forced me to quit smoking.“.“ Ferraiori is now an assistant in Marchetti's gym, helping other students learn all the techniques to martial arts.

Marchetti's accomplishments have become so well known that film director Al DiLeone is planning on making a full-length feature based on Marchetti's life.

Marchetti met DiLeone through a mutual friend, Lawrence Rolla, who brought the director to Kearny to meet Marchetti.

The more I spoke to him the more I liked him," DiLeone said. "He's a fascinating man with a fascinating history.“ www.KearnyMartialArts.com

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Paul Herbert - Shotokan Karate 5th Dan 2010 Interview for Bleeding Edge Magazine Paul Herbert (36) is a no nonsense professional martial artist with close to 30 years experience gained at the highest level in both traditional and sport Karate.

The holder of a 5th Dan black belt in the Shotokan style, he has worked as a certificated bailiff and warrants officer in London’s roughest areas, held his own as a doorman in an array of less than savoury establishments and has also been used as a bodyguard for a number of VIP’s. Over the years, Paul has been featured in numerous magazines and online interviews discussing the traditional side of Shotokan Karate, here however he expands to his views on violence, real life conflict and making a traditional martial art work under duress.Paul, can you give us a brief background into your martial arts experience?

I’ve been training for 27 years in the Shotokan style of Karate. Prior to that, I just spent a few years with a pair of boxing gloves hitting a homemade bag. During the time I’ve studied Karate I have always mixed with other martial artists and at one time or another trained with some very good Boxers, Judo, Kempo, Aikido, Muay Thai and Ju Jitsu practioners.

Over the past few years I’ve trained regularly with a handful of cage fighters. I’m a proud Shotokan Karate-Ka but you could say I’ve begged, borrowed and stolen what I’ve needed to from elsewhere.

Who have been your main instructors over the years?

I’ve learnt from and been inspired by many people, but I consider myself to have had two main instructors and influences during my career. These would be Sensei (teacher) Keinosuke Enoeda 9th Dan of the Japan Karate Association and Karate Union of Great Britain. In my opinion, the most renowned and iconic karate-ka to come out of Japan. The other is Sensei Dave Hazard, a 7th Dan black belt and a Karate mastermind. Both have reputations as being fearsome fighters, big personalities and in my opinion epitomise everything Karate should be about.

Did you commence your training under Keinosuke Enoeda?

No, I was only 10 when I started training and so I was just introduced to Karate at local club level. However, the instructor was a great character called Chris Iron and he was certainly instrumental in Karate retaining me as a student from such a young age. Chris was an enthusiastic instructor and a real scrapper. Training was tough even for the juniors and was heavily geared towards kumite (fighting). The club was based above a working man’s club in the South East and even now I can still remember there was always the smell of stale beer in the air (laughs).

Did you have a successful competition career in Karate?

Yes I had a competition career that lasted just short of 20 years and half that time was spent as an international for England and Great Britain. Over the years I won numerous English, British and International championships and travelled all round the world. I’m very proud to have been a national champion and to have successfully represented and captained my country. Yet although I started training so young, it was never really about the competition side for me. I understood even at that age that Karate was far more Budo (Martial Art) than sport.

At what age and for what reason did you decide to retire from competition?

I retired as a competitor at the relatively young age of 29. The last few years I’d felt competition had served its purpose and I’d made my mind up to retire prior to competing at the 2004 JKA World Cup in Tokyo. As I said, I’d always viewed Karate as a martial art and the sporting arena was no longer where I wanted my focus to be forced. Another factor in making this decision was regularly working in violent environments.

I’m very competitive by nature and this combined with ego helped me remain successful within competition, but my adrenalin was no longer being heightened. The essential buzz was gone. It was hard motivating myself for what was essentially ‘pseudo fighting’ when in reality I was dealing with aggressive substance enhanced adversary’s, multiple antagonists and everything that comes with those conflicts. Consequently, I picked up a few silly knocks at the end of my competition career purely due to not being ‘switched on’ enough.

That was very frustrating for me as my skill level was actually increasing.

So had competition previously held a fear of injury for you then?

No not at all, it’s just my perspectives had changed. I don’t think the fear of injury ever crossed my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I picked up injuries over the years fighting in KUGB and JKA championships where there was a fine line between Ippon (full point) and disqualification, but it was only fear of defeat that was ever a factor. Pride, ego and not wanting to let my teammates down was really what got the adrenalin running. After nearly two decades of that, and what I was handling elsewhere, getting ‘up’ for competition had became very difficult.

Would you say that competition Karate has relevance or can be compared to real selfdefense?

Personally I found competition physically harder than managing conflicts in real life.

Competition and real life situations are black and white in comparison but I would say that both come down to how you deal with the psychological struggle. With a championship you have a set date, venue, rules and therefore you work towards them over time. During this period you have a slow release of adrenalin and the anxieties that come with visualising competition. With experience you get use to this process, deal with it and learn to structure

your training so that you go on to peak both physically and mentally on the day. However, when things kick off for real the adrenalin dump and anxiety is instant and consequently seems 1000 times more intense. If you cannot handle this internal assault or mistakenly recognise this feeling as fear then you’re going to either bottle it or freeze. In terms of the physical aspects, in competition you use rhythm, line and timing to set-up attacks. You have more time to apply distance and strategy plus the added comfort of a referee over your shoulder. In conflict the setting up of the opponent is normally done verbally, the line is via deception and as real conflict is rarely just one on one the distance and timing changes quicker and more sporadically. Asked if competition Karate has relevance to self-defence I would generally answer no. However, along with a black belt grading it’s the nearest most Karate-ka will come to stepping out their comfort zone, dealing with stress and pressure testing an area of their skills, and rightly so.

Yet despite this, you still see Karate promoted as a self-defence?

Well there is no doubt that there are groups out there who do include ‘self defence’ in their advertising and quite frankly these people should be sued under the trade descriptions act (laughs). Karate taught and applied correctly can be devastatingly effective. However the problem comes in its training methods. You have to remember that the competition aspect of traditional Karate only counts towards a small percentage of the art itself. Yes you have sports specific Karate groups out there purely competing under WKF rules but I would hope that there is a clear distinction between the two. The gap between traditional and sport Karate is continually widening. That said, I think that there is a very effective martial art to be found balanced between the two.

Let’s re-phrase that then. How would you start defending Karate as an effective fighting system in view of its apparent lack of credibility within MMA or the UFC? I think the credibility of Karate is certainly damaged by the amount of pretenders it attracts.

I do believe that the more traditional martial arts are plagued with people who should have just gone the whole nine yards and joined a religious cult (laughs). They want to call each other by titles, dress in ceremonial outfits, build little rock gardens in their back yards and embrace everything oriental. The kind of adults who re-enact civil war battles of a weekend you know? I just don’t understand people living this weird pseudo samurai existence in an attempt to show other’s that they’re a credible martial artist.

But to answer your question, I fundamentally believe everything comes down to individuals, and I’ll always argue for individuals over any given art or style. I teach Shotokan Karate as the full package, kihon, kata and kumite. I give my students the ingredients for everything that they will need for a lifetimes study – yet my own personal training has evolved and is now a system of controlled violence. It’s not politically correct but I personally train to be ferocious and inflict the most damage as possible on an opponent. I’m proud of my traditional heritage but I don’t think an onlooker would conclude I was a Karate-Ka from watching me train. Simply stated, I would never begin to defend styles over individuals.

Besides, cage fighting is still contrived as there are rules in place and that changes everything.

Going back to something you said previously then, in which way did you find competition harder than real life conflict?

I’m a big guy, my fighting weight was around 95 kg and in Shobu Ippon competition there are no weight categories. For me to match smaller quicker opponents, I had to ‘let techniques go’ and with that can obviously come consequence. As a rule, Shobu Ippon is skin touch control to the face but hard contact to the body is encouraged. I learnt early that going to the body was my safest way to win in competition, obviously reducing the chance of disqualification. I developed a very well timed reverse punch, yet having trained so much with boxers I was actually a far more effective head puncher. So you could say I found competition quite restrictive in many aspects.

So did you box competitively yourself or just train with fighters in the gym?

I had a few bouts and won the ABA Lafone Cup up at the Irish Centre in Camden Town back in 2001. I was working with the Metropolitan Police at the time as an enforcement officer and was asked purely on reputation as a Karate champion to fight for them at Super Heavyweight. It was a great opportunity to take the restraints off from karate competition but also to pressure test someone trying to really knock my block off in return. Over a 16-month period I had seven fights, winning six. Five of those wins were by knockout and I had one bout ruled a ‘no contest’ due to damaging ankle ligaments after a freak slip.

Did you ever have the urge to kick or sweep an opponent whilst boxing?

That’s the first question anyone ever asks me about the boxing (laughs), but no I’ve always been very comfortable just using my hands. I've landed my fair share of kicks over the years but as I said it was normally a well-timed reverse punch that saw me through. I was too big to be throwing my legs around anyway. I’d have loved to have been an exception like Terry O’Neill, Frank Brennan, Aidan Trimble or my good friend Craig Raye – big powerful guys who could kick as effortlessly as lightweights.

You’ve mentioned training with cage fighters, have you ever stepped into the ‘octagon’ competitively? It sounds as though you’d be well equipped to do so.

I had an offer to do so because of my achievements in Karate and Boxing, but in all honesty the cage fighting culture just came along a little too late for me. I’d done my ‘pressure testing’ in the boxing ring and by working the doors. This is probably the same as many Karate-ka of earlier eras, as we didn’t have the MMA circuit to test ourselves on. By the time it was offered to me I no longer had any need to prove anything to myself and if honest, the ambition or desire to do so. I prefer conflict to be over quickly and to be very one sided, take them out of the game before they even know they’re playing.

Tell us about your own work with MMA fighters?

Predominantly I work on improving stand up striking skills. The majority of kickers I come across are normally doing as much damage to themselves as they are their opponents. I understand there is a need to know a ‘little bit’ of everything in MMA but I believe that the wrong elements of the kicking side are being concentrated on.

Could you elaborate on that?

Any boxer will tell you that a punch starts from the floor and using kinetic linkage travels through the body ending with the fist making impact. However, tell a boxer or wrestler to kick and all those principles are negated. It just becomes a ‘foot to target’ mindset. Kicking is an art in itself and what is required is a good understanding of set-up line, the action of the supporting foot, hip execution and correct breathing. Shotokan is about becoming explosive and using the whole body as a combined unit. You don’t want to kick someone with just your leg, you want to hit them with your entire body mass through the leg.

You’ve spoke briefly of working (pressure testing) on the door, but you’ve also worked in other hostile environments too?

Yeah, I’ve experienced my fair share of conflict over the years be it physical or verbal confrontation. I’ve done personal protection work for individuals and also some large global companies, I’ve also worked as a bailiff and warrants officer. All the experiences were valuable in validating my beliefs, my art (Shotokan) and also in validating what I am able to teach others.

And that was important to you?

Definitely. How can you teach someone to punch, kick or even block if you haven’t experienced performing those actions outside of your own comfort zone? I’d feel like a fraud.

I want to be able to say ‘in my experience’ not ‘according to my coaching manual’ (laughs).

Seriously though, the need to be able to protect yourself is higher than ever. Regardless of politicians telling us that violent crime is falling, I can tell you from firsthand experience that our society is broken and it’s getting worse. Anyone who has seen the recent Michael Caine film ‘Harry Brown’ will tell you that it’s an accurate reflection of a typical London estate. If I am going to impart some knowledge or advice to a student on any subject, I feel the need to do it with integrity.

Do you feel that more and more people you encounter have some kind of grounding in a fighting system?

Certainly, it’s very rare to find anyone these days that hasn’t dabbled in a martial art. I’m not saying they’re all of a certain quality, but everyone knows a black belt in something and so the mystique of the Martial Arts is long gone. I think the more frightening aspect is not the fact that there are more ‘semi-trained’ people out there, the real issue today is how many people are carrying weapons and who are prepared to use them without fear of consequence or morality.

Do you have a pre-conceived plan when dealing with violence?

Paranoia (laughs). Treat everyone as though they are carrying a blade. But in simple terms, I learnt very early on the importance of being pre-emptive, action beats reaction and gives you control from the off. It’s essential to be the person asking the question, not the one trying to come up with an answer. I liked the mentality of a sniper – one clean calculated shot.

Simplicity. In Karate this is the idealistic concept of 'Ippon' or ‘Ikken Hissatsu’ – one hit, one kill.

Gichin Funakoshi is famously quoted as saying ‘there is no first attack in Karate’. In view of this, could your view not be interpreted as being somewhat against Karate’s morale code?

I would question the definition of attack. The simple truth is this - if you wait to be physically attacked you will most likely lose, especially taking into account that anyone can run a blade through you. An attack can and normally will begin with eye contact, then all the other habitual acts that follow. In many cases dialogue will be exchanged and there will be an invasion of personal space. These are all attacks.

I personally agree with your opinion, but to play a game of devil’s advocate - is the opening technique of each Shotokan kata not a block?

Yes, but only in translation of their name. The application given to the majority of those techniques is somewhat diverse. For example, there are very few blocks in our kata performed stepping backwards, the majority are used going forwards to gain entry, disturb and disengage or to open up the opponent for a finishing strike. Enoeda Sensei said that kata teach us how not to get hit but more importantly how to gain an advantageous position.

The finish blow isn’t always contained in our Kata as there are many variables, and each individual will have their preferential ‘Ippon’ technique for ending conflict. When applied, Shotokan is a very effective and violent fighting art.

As a professional instructor, are you now removed from these confrontational and violent environments?

I worked on a magazine article with Sensei Hazard a few years back and he said that as an instructor his job was ‘to teach violence, but violence with integrity’. I thought that was a fantastic quote, I really wish I’d come up with it (laughs). But in the context of your question, I am no longer doing anything other than teaching and practicing martial arts. I have a responsibility to be the best instructor that I can possibly be for my students but also to do justice to great teachers like Sensei’s Enoeda and Hazard with whom I am so closely associated.

You said earlier that an observer probably wouldn’t conclude you were a Karate-ka from watching you train. Why so, and what does your own current day training consist of?

Well for a start, I’m no longer going to drop into a low stance and go up and down in a line performing exuberant theoretical techniques into fresh air. Most of my personal training consists of impact work, physical application against a partner and pure combat fitness. As I said earlier, I’m a proud Karate-Ka but I’ve considered myself to have been a mixed martial artist for years, before the label was even fashionable. However to Shotokan’s credit, all the bits I’ve picked up and studied from other martial arts over the years, I’ve always found comparative moves or a direct relationship to them within Kata.

Do you think the Shotokan style has a defined weakness?

Yes I do, in that the style was made very linear to enable it to be easily taught to large classes. In my opinion many of the techniques are made ineffective in this format. That is why I stress that it is so important to change your training habits once you reach black belt

and break away from mindless repetition training or the constraints of a basic syllabus. The credibility of Shotokan is seriously reduced when other martial artists observe us doing things like Gohon kumite and then witness the lack of training on pads or against head butts, gouges, throat grabs, groin attacks etc in the majority of our dojos.

Gohon Kumite?

Pre-arranged five step sparring on a straight line, forwards and back. Our kata tell us that we only ever step back once or indeed block/cover going forwards. To retreat so much in a real life situation would result in being steamrolled. Or in technical term – battered. I have no problem with people learning the art of Karate but it worries me when they walk around thinking they have a loaded gun on their hip when all they’re actually carrying is a replica. In reality they fire blanks because that’s all they do in their training.

Do you think it would it be fair to say, your candid views have sparked controversy in the past?

Perhaps in that honest opinion is not encouraged in Karate. All I’m really documented to have said is what so many people discuss after training every night of the week over a beer.

If anyone has ever taken offence at what I’ve said, then there’s probably an underlying issue or insecurity on their own behalf. For example, I’ve trained with most of the ‘great’ Japanese masters and a few of the younger generation, sadly I’ve often got the impression that westerners are still viewed (by some) as struggling beginners regardless of their grade and ability. That’s not controversial, that’s honest observation and opinion. I’m sure the westerners who will only train with Japanese Sensei take umbrage at that, but I would ask them how they themselves can be instructors if the deem that only the Japanese have knowledge to offer? (laughs) Did you ever see this attitude toward westerners’ from Master Enoeda?

No never. Sensei was immensely proud of what he had created in this country. Many books have been written about the long list of great Karate-ka he produced in the UK. From speaking with him and from observing him around these people, I have no doubt of the high esteem in which he held them. Progression and standing in Karate should come from an active mind that questions, argues, disagrees and is allowed to development through personalisation. Not from simple mimicking or acting as a bag carrier for some impenetrable oriental master.

And do you, or will you ever view yourself as a Master of Karate?

No and I would die of embarrassment if anyone even thought I did. I have no doubt that I can do ‘a bit’ and teach ‘a little’, but anything else I’ll leave for others to judge. I’m simply a student of Karate and the martial arts and will always consider myself as such.

With the exception of injury setbacks, which it seems is an occupational hazard for many senior martial artists, what have been your biggest disappointments over the years?

When asked about lows I generally say dealing with politics in Karate but to answer this on a

personal level, I would say it has been losing respect for people I’ve previously admired.

The lack of integrity shown by grown men, not just in their Karate views but also morally has been very sad. I almost feel embarrassed for them.

And your most notable accomplishments?

I am proud of everything and regret nothing from almost three decades of training. Karate has given me not only physical skills and championship titles, but also an amazing best friend and my beautiful partner Sasha, who is the love of my life. Having studied Karate from 10 years of age, it is directly and indirectly responsible for almost everything in my life. I am very thankful.

Finally, what advice would you give to any martial artist reading this?

Don’t just imitate, ask questions from your instructors and have the courage to disagree with them. Physical pressure testing is also essential. It is not for everyone, but if you want to be anything other than a theorist you have to be willing to go to war in training. Hit and be prepared to be hit. A pint of sweat in the dojo will save you a gallon of blood outside. Paul, thank you very much for your time in answering these questions for us.

My pleasure, and all the best to Bleeding Edge.

Wing Chun Kung Fu - More Than Just Chain Punching

by Sifu John Agar In this article I would like to introduce the reader to a number of different wing Chun hand techniques and their practical use in the art of self defense. Most people have heard of the Wing Chun chain punching techniques also sometimes referred to as the straight blast. Although this method of punching is well known it isn't the only form of hand techniques that Wing Chun utilizes within the system or in combat situations.In this article I would like to introduce you to three other common hand techniques that are used in Wing Chun and which are just as equally important. They are the palm down knife hand strike (Chon Sau), the palm up knife hand strike (Inverted Chon Sau) and the hacking elbow (Pai Jang).

Straight Punch

Palm down Strike

Palm up Strike

Hacking Elbow

In Wing Chun we refer to the common old saying of using the right tool for the right job. By this we mean that certain techniques will work better in certain situations and naturally follow when applied one after the other. Below are a couple of practical examples.

Opponents face off against each other

Attacker attacks with a punch, defender turns off with a bong Sau

Defender pulls attackers blocking arm and strikes with a palm up strike

Defender does a Lap Sau and Palm down Strike

Defender performs a neck pull and hacking elbow strike

In the above sequence the two opponents once again face each other in a pre fighting position.

Sifu Agar launches a staight head punch attack; this is countered ith an open hand block followed by a reverse punch. the reverse punch is countered by a simultaneous low Wing Arm Block (Di Bong Sau) and a palm up knife hand block (Inverted Chon Sau) this is immediately followed by a pressing down hand and simultaneous palm down knife hand blcok (Jut Sau, chon Sau). Sifu Agar finishes his opponent off with a rising elbow strike (Hay Jang).Key Points When the Karate exponent in the above sequence throws his reverse punch you must think of smothering his punch and at the same time hitting him with your palm up strike, then immediately drop your left hand down to monitor his arm and stirke at the same time, just think drop hit, drop hit!

Conclusion These are just three of the common techniques used within Wing Chun system. Each strike should be trained repetitively and their offensive and defensive applications should be drilled to make them second nature just like every other technique you practice.

About the Author Sifu John Agar is a professional Wing Chun instructor based in the North East of England. He has been teaching the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu for a period of over 30 years. He has recently formed his own Martial Arts film production company and has to date produced a series of 5 affordable Wing Chun Kung Fu videos. fours of these are aimed at the complete beginner focusing on the First form - Siu Lim Tao and the core techniques of Wing Chun to build a good foundation. He has also recently added a fifth video based around the second form in the system Chum Kiu. These can be downloaded straight to your home computer from his web site: www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk.

Sifu Agar can be contacted on 0191 4100613 or by email at sifujohnagar@tiscali.co.uk For further information on sifu Agar or any of his classes / private lessons then please visit: www.johnagarwingchun.co.uk

USA KENPO KARATE

Who knew that a 12 year old boy from White House, TN. would be competing for the United States of America's martial arts team. Daniel Wrenn is a normal 12 year old kid who loves football, soccer and martial arts. To most kids, football and soccer are a common interest to boys of his age. The martial arts require strength in movement and precision through strikes. It is a rare talent that Daniel possesses. At the young age of 3 he began his martial arts training. His training has continued to this date at USA Kenpo Karate & Fitness here in White House. He has progressed into one of the most respected martial artists of his age. Daniel has an extraordinary gift that has brought him to become a member of team USA. Daniel and his family traveled to Portugal to compete in the World Karate Championships in late October. This competition had countries like Belgium, England, India, Republic of Ireland and Canada to just name a few. There were over 3,000 competitors representing their countries.

Daniel along with his teammates from Team USA were honored to be given the chance to compete against such respected company. Daniel trained hard to get to this level of competition.

It is the highest level any athlete would dream of. Daniel gives 110% when he competes.

However when you represent your country, it suddenly becomes personal, prideful and quite emotional. All the athletes, spectators and coaches were just as emotional. They took great pride in cheering on their athletes from their respective country. In a competition like this, you cannot make a mistake or lose concentration. This makes the sparring not just a physical exhaustion but a mental exhaustion as well.

Daniel was one of the Multitude competitors in his 12 year old division. Each country sent their best and it showed. Every match was close and intense. Daniel won every round and then went on to his final match. His last match was against a representative from the Republic of Ireland. The match went the full two minutes and ended in a tie. That tie could only mean overtime. This would be a intense, nail biting round. Both competitors exchanged points during this fast past round. At the end of overtime, Daniel fell 1 point shy leaving him with a 4th place finish.

Daniel's sparring was superb in every aspect and he became a fan favorite. He was fighting the best that other countries had to offer and was showing that the USA is among the elite in the world of martial arts. Daniel is honored to have the greatest experience any young 12 year old would want to have. He was given the opportunity to travel to Portugal and represent the USA. Daniel explains that he was disappointed in missing the chance to fight for the gold.

However, he left Portugal making many friends; he gained respect from his peers as well as showing it towards his fellow competitors. He was prideful in what he accomplished and he appreciated the opportunity to travel. Daniel would like to thank Progress in Motion for all of their support and extra sports training he received. Brian Puccini from PIM stayed late and came in early to be sure Daniel was ready to represent the USA. He would also like to thank Dr. Griffin, Just be Fit, USA Kenpo Karate & Fitness, Cindy Terry, Michelle Meiers and the Mena family for all their support and sponsorship to make this happen.

Daniel will again give the World Karate Championships a try next year. He feels a great self importance and pride in representing the USA. He wants to go back and compete for the gold while wearing the red, white and blue.

NEW ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY VENTURES INTO FLORIDA There is exciting news in the world of sports and entertainment. Legendary stunt man and filmmaker Kim Kahana Sr. (Stunt Action Coordinators), Martial Arts Entertainment Media with Team Americas "World Martial Arts Show Team", and ISKA World Champion James Sang Lee are joining forces on upcoming projects to showcase new television and film stunt talent which all began in Orlando with the Grand Opening of Fortress Hill on Saturday February 5th, 2011. This new facility will now be the 2nd home of the 3 teams working on live action stunts. James Sang Lee quoted as saying, “you’re bringing the best in action movie filmmaking, sports and entertainment networking/advertising, and world class training under one roof. Young people with solid athletic skills and abilities with a desire to pursue sports and entertainment will now have a road map of what it will take to break into the film industry.”

Fortress Hill 2350 S Hwy. 17-92 Longwood, FL 32750

Left to Right: Kim Kahana Sr. - Over 40 years Experience in the Movie and Television Industry. James Sang Lee – ISKA World Self Defense Champion, Stuntman and Actor.

“Nutrition Health Resources Without Pharmaceutical Drugs�

Regain Health With Proper Nutrition

by Clair Poulton

Critical Illness and Disease is becoming more burdensome every year. Not only burdensome in pain and suffering, but financially.

It is estimated that 75% of all bankruptcies are caused by Chronic Illness and Disease. That's staggering!

Mainstream Medical Authorities, the Pharmaceutical Industry, and even our Government Agency the FDA have been lying to you about nutrition and natural healing.

They would have you believe that the only way to "Cure Chronic Illness and Disease is to do "More Research" and find synthetic Pharmaceutical Drug solutions for Chronic Illness and Disease.

So far, none of these Solutions has worked. In fact, the opposite is true. Chronic Illness and Disease have infiltrated every household in America as more and more people are becoming chronically ill with conditions that were very rare 60 years ago.

The ONLY way to "Cure" Chronic Illness is through Prevention and Good Nutrition. No drug, radical surgery, or pharmaceutical treatment will ever substitute for preventing Chronic Illness from occurring in the first place.

Mainstream Medicine indicates that expensive pharmaceutical drugs are necessary to cure Chronic Illness and Disease. * Pharmaceutical drugs only alleviate symptoms * Drug therapy is very expensive * Drugs do not address the source of chronic disease Pharmaceutical drugs do not cure the causes of chronic illness and disease. * Analgesics such as Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil may temporarily relieve pain * Steroids, antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs are not going to help you get healthy * Pharmaceutical drugs destroy your immune system The bottom line is that YOU are responsible for your health. Avoid expensive pharmaceutical drugs, get healthy with proper nutrition, seek health care professionals who will find the source of your chronic diseas and illness; not cover up the symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs.

Avon Cosmetics: a Leader in Cosmetics As Well As Corporate Philanthropy Avon cosmetics are manufactured by the Avon Products, Inc. corporation. Avon produces perfume, cosmetics and even toys with markets in over 135 countries around the world. Avon has annual sales of $7.74 billion around the world. Avon's CEO and company chairman is Andrea Jung, who in 1999 was promoted to the position.

Today, Avon's' fastest growing markets are in Russia and China. Though Avon has traditionally been and continues to primarily be a direct-sales company, in places like China most sales happen in retail stores. Door to door selling was banned in China during the 1990s, but this hasn't seemed to slow Avon sales in China.

Avon cosmetics are not just for women, though traditionally women have been the target market for Avon products. There are also Avon products that are geared toward men and their skin care needs. Avon has also been seeing profits from their children's products, including toys and basic toiletries such as shampoo and bubble bath.

More recently, Avon came out with two new brands, "M" and "mark". M is an Avon catalogue and line of products for men. Mark is an Avon line targeted to younger, college aged women (18-25). The Mark product line has been very successful and features a monthly 'magalog' that showcases the latest and most popular Avon cosmetics and other products geared toward younger cosmetics shoppers.

Beyond commercial pursuits, the Avon corporation is also invested in various philanthropic causes that are mostly focused on health and women's empowerment issues. Some of the biggest campaigns launched or participated in by Avon involve breast cancer, domestic violence and global issues.