The Art of the Dragon MMA begins

There are countless articles and books written about Bruce Lee’s life, art, and philosophy. Through his movies and interviews you can see and hear him expressing his art. In the many documentaries you can discover the profound influence his “way” continues to have on all the arts.

A common misconception is that today’s Mixed Martial Arts started with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. In modern times J.K.D was the first to incorporate different systems. The first composite system utilizing punches, strikes, kicks, knees, elbows, throws, and submissions from various different arts. These techniques were then placed within a philosophy based on universal principles of fighting. The purpose was to provide practitioners a means of self discovery and self expression, that assumed all forms, not bound by doctrine or limitations. Today practitioners of Mixed Martial Arts commonly study and incorporate different martial arts. This is considered Cross-training, a basic precept and the foundation of Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee has influenced every corner of the martial arts, from karate’s point fighting to the UFC. The true magnitude of the effect Bruce Lee has had on the martial arts cannot truly be quantified. Many consider Jeet Kune Do to be the precursor of MMA. Even UFC president, Dana White, considers Bruce Lee as the "father of mixed martial arts.

Original JKD emphasized the "ranges of combat". Practitioners were taught to "flow" from long distance, "kicking- range", to middle distance, "hand- range", to close quarter, "trapping & grappling range". Practitioners of MMA today utilize kickboxing range, the clinch, and ground. MMA is the sport evolution of JKD because MMA practitioners are trained to fight according to a set of rules (UFC, Pride, etc.). While JKD is a philosophy of fighting based in reality were there are no rules

As with any martial art the development of key physical attributes, such as speed, power, flexibility, etc., is essential to the performance of the art. Thai boxers must place additional emphasize on cardio development, abdominal-core conditioning, and nerve deadening-body hardening. Cardio can be developed in the following manner: jumping rope, roadwork, swimming. I do not suggest the bike or elliptical because muscular development should be as specific to the art as possible. Core conditioning can consist of knees raises, straight and twisting, Full “V” Sit-ups straight and twisting, Flags, medicine ball drops, and isometrics. Thai boxing core conditioning exercise should develop the entire abdominal wall not isolate the upper, lower, or oblique portion. Nerve deadening and body hardening: this is the crucible. The body must be tempered until it becomes as hard as steel. This can only be done by receiving repeated blows to the thighs and mid section. Light blows should be received until the practitioner can receive repeated “full power” blows to the thighs and or midsection. Shin and forearm conditioning must be a consistent part of the Thai boxer regimen. Thai boxers should start by lightly executing techniques into a harder object such as a small tree. This should continue as the Thai boxer gradually increases the power of the blows. The nature of a Thai boxer is to physically dominate the opponent. Through conditioning, they harden the body, temper the mind, and cultivate the sprit, until nothing can stand before them. Many MMA practitioners neglect this area and enter into the ring without first undergoing the disciple and training it takes to win. By the time you enter the ring, the fight is already be won

should begin training the pure art. Once, they have formed a base in Thai Boxing then, and only then, can the art reach its full potential in the ring. Here is what I mean about effective. In many MMA matches, the fighters enter the ring. The state sheet says they have backgrounds in Thai boxing. A few seconds into the match one fighter is hit with a leg kick. NO RESPONSE. A few more seconds another kick lands and then another. The thigh begins to swell, the fighter now favors the leg. All he can think about is tie-up or getting the fight to the ground. This fighter has not trained Thai boxing and neither has the first. Probing with a single technique is fine but Thai Boxing teaches following with multiple count combinations. After the first kick, and especially the second kick, was received without a response, the fighter should have followed with multiple combinations. Rarely do I see a fighter display Multiple Entry Combinations, Body Hardening or the Thai Attitude in the ring. Some trainers will disagree and say the reason for this is you have to be worried about the “shoot”. True, but in order to truly be effective, you must understand how to apply the pure art not just pull various techniques from different systems. Once you have trained the pure art. M.M.A Thai Boxers must begin to incorporate additional variables into the Thai format. Variables such as throws, take-downs, and locks-holds, in offensive combinations-defensive combinations. Examples of this are. Take the throws or locks you know. Incorporate it into the round kick series, 2RK-2RKN-GILLOTENE CHOKE-2RK, 2RK-CL-3PKN-Head and Arm Throw or 5-5-1-5-2- Single Leg Shoot. This can be done in the counter combinations. Example counter to foot jab scoop-LK-RK-BODY TACKLE. Finally, defending and incorporating the “Shoot”. The “Shoot” and Shoot Defense should be combined with all offensive and defensive techniques-combinations. This is done before, after, and within each combination. Example of before: you shoot a single leg your opponent responds by jamming and backing out you proceed by retuning to stand-up and immediately follow with F-RK-CL-3SKN-2RK. Example of after: F-2RK-Shoot Example of within: because you have already trained all offensive techniques-combinations to the shoot. this is done for defensive purposes I will use the sprawl for the defense for the “shoot.” The shoot can be executed by the trainer or partner within the live pad drills or interactive drills The count is 1-2-10-2 you execute the foot jab-2right kicks and attempt the clinch as you reach for the clinic the trainer-partner shoots a single leg you respond with the “Sprawl”. Again, this can be done at any time within all combinations and with all techniques. Additionally every defense for the shoot should be incorporated into this structure. If you train this way, you do not need to worry about the shoot because you have prepared for it. These examples are only the beginning of how to M.M.A your art. M.M.A Thai boxers should also understand how to apply Thai boxing offensively and defensively against other arts. Analyze there strengths and weaknesses, and how Thai boxing can counter them. This is a J.K.D approach to MMA

Implies that you want the person to submit or Tap-out this is fine for competition or sport. To study of the art is about more than just getting a person to submit. Some locks are used to dislocate, tear, or break the joint. While, others are meant to suffocate, immobilize, or even kill the opponent. It is important to understand how the art applies to competition, street, and combat. In competition, there are rules in the street there are none. An episode of the next ultimate fighter illustrated this when two of the fighters got into a fight outside the ring. The fight took place in the back yard patio area. One of the fighters applied a triangle choke the other fighter simple picked him up and slammed his head off the concert. Needless to say this, released the hold. During a Seminar, I applied and arm bar, jokingly my training partner bit me, his bit still hurt enough for to let go. Imagine for a moment you are out. A guy confronts you, slamming his beer onto the floor he grabs you. You don’t want to pull guard with glass all over the floor. There are no eye gauges, hair pulls, face rakes, or weapons in the ring. This is the difference between sport and reality. To truly understand the arts you must know how to apply it to every environment in all situations. Far too many instructors focus solely on the competitive aspect and neglect the other. Jiu-Jitsu is not just about tapping them out it is about taking them out

As the book (1001 submissions) illustrates there are nearly countless submissions. This is due in part to the fact that numerous variations of the same submission exist.  As the art to evolved practitioners incorporate types of submissions from different styles. With their variation comes the name the system uses to instruct that particular submission thereby creating another submission. In addition, the name of the submission may be determined by what position it is being executed for example (Rear Naked Choke), the way it is being applied example (Omoplata), or how the person got to the position example (Spinning Arm Bar). In fact, there are only so many ways to lock the human body. During interview, Bruce Lee referred to the fact that we are all built essentially the same two arms, two legs. This statement applies to all martial arts especially jiu-jitsu.  We are not octopi, There are only so many joints to lock and only so many ways to lock them. Other practioners go on an endless quest to accumulate submissions while in reality. They don’t have the ability to pull of one of the submissions learned.  It is far more productive to explore and understand the subtle variation of set-up, positioning, and application than to endlessly acquire more submissions or try to remember the many names for the same technique. A chicken wing, is a chicken wing, is a chicken wing. Weather you apply it with a figure grip, single arm, or your leg, whether you find it in the guard, mount, quarter, or standing, it is still essentially the same lock. In the M.M.A world, the Traditional Arts are often frond upon. Here is a little story I learned while studying Traditional Karate.

                                                     This first lesson and perhaps the most important of all martial arts lessons

During his first lesson, a student asked his Sensei “how do I become a great fighter”. The Sensei said you want to become great yes I will do anything to become great. Then go into the ocean, as the wave comes at you, front kick it, the student replied. What but I want to become a great fighter. The sensei replied if you want to become great then listen. Do this every day for as long as you can until I return. Off the student went, ever day as they rolled in the student front kicked the waves. Years later, the Sensei returned to his surprise the student was still kicking the waves. Come out he said now show me your kick. I hate you the student said you told me I was going to be great. You didn’t teach me anything. Sensei replied.I am impressed, you have done this each day? yes Sensei I can do it without even thinking about it. Then let us see what you have learned you should know you are the first one to do what I have asked. All the other quit before I returned. Ya I bet they did. Now come with me. They went to a gathering of the best fighters in all the lands. They were there to compete to see how the greatest among them was. The student marveled at what he saw from the fighters as they warned-up with a wow and did you see that he then asked why are we here. The sensei replied to see what you have learned. You mean yes you are going to compete but I can’t they know everything all I can do is one kick do you want to become the greatest Yes then listen and do what I tell you picture your opponent as the wave as he comes in Kick I can’t I’ll get creamed. Go! The student reluctantly complied. Fighter after fighter fell before the front kick no block was strong enough to stop it, no technique was quick enough to land a single blow, no technique was its equal no fighter could match him. Try as they might the best of the lands all fell before him. Sensei I did it, yes, Now if you want to become a Martial Artist. I will teach you the rest of what I know

The Classical Mess

Bruce Lee once stated the purpose of JKD is to discover the cause of ignorance. During his time Bruce Lee would often rail against the martial arts community for what he considered to be the classical mess. In my opinion the classical mess occurred because of the narrow minded commercialization of the arts. (this is a topic I will discus at a later time )  Unfortunately, the classical mess lee spoke of still exist today.

Commonly associated with the Traditional Arts the “classical mess” exist for many reasons. Manly as stated by lee the reason is ignorance. The topic vast and cannot be fully addressed in this article. However, for the purpose of this article it is relevant to explore the following. Forms or Kata that which in the words of Lee “lead nowhere” this statement must be put in context of the time and the effect Lee wanted to have on the martial arts community. Lee studied learned trained and instructed forms from a number of different systems. The problem with forms then and now is that Forms are meant to be a means of conditioning, training, learning, and remembering the techniques that make up a given system. Nothing more! Forms were never meant to be the end all be all of the arts. Forms are a training tool the same as shadow boxing or hitting a heavy bag. Think of a 7 count boxing combination or a 10 count Thai combination if preformed in the air they could easily be considered a Waza or short form if you never learn how to hit someone with the counts they are as useless in a fight as forms. The problem with forms is that once the techniques are learned the application must be understood and then sparred in a realistic manner. (put the application into the mix)  This is something that those within the “mess” still don’t practice or understand. Without understanding how to apply what you have learned the art is nothing more than dance, gymnastics, or fancy conditioning exercises. Training endless forms is  essentially giving a starving person a seven course meal if the person does not understand or has forgotten how to eat the person will eventually starve understanding how to, and possessing the ability to apply what you have learned is the essence of all arts. Application, is the arts meat and potatoes. Unfortunately to many still sale the sizzle and forget the steak.

Another problem with the traditional arts was the routed ritualistic stances and structure. Again this type of training was only meant to be a means to an end. These stances and structure were only meant to used to developed proper form in the execute of technique,  and to develop martial arts attributes such as muscular strength, conditioning, speed, power, focus, etc. attributes all highly prized within JKD. There are many more examples to site within the traditional arts. Now there are even some within the mixed martial arts community. There is a growing perception that anything Traditional is ineffective in a real fight. This perception is false and is begging to develop a whole new level of ignorance. Some MMA instructors even think they have created something new. You have only rediscovered that which has always existed. What is it that you think you are training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu’s lineage can be traced back to 13-14 century feudal Japan Thai boxing is over 800 years old. You are training the traditional arts the only difference is you are learning how to apply them. Do not disregard that which you do not understand continue to research in-order to discover the cause of ignorance. The fact is The True Traditional Arts were about life and death if the artist did not learn how to use what they learned they were dead. In ancient times the arts were not about tapping someone out, they were about taking them out.  If MMA is considered the sport evolution of JKD then its representative, practitioners, and instructors must continue explore and incorporate all arts never professing that they have found the almighty way. In-order for the truth to be seen you must always keep an open mind and an empty cup. Now take a look at a common boxing or MMA hand combination Jab, Cross, Hook, now look a combination from karate Back fist, Straight Punch, Ridge hand. These combinations effectively follow the same lines of attack (If the backfist is directed to the front of the face) they also follow the same principle of entry attack and follow up combo or ABC in JKD they are in fact equally effective if trained properly. Finally anyone reading this must understand the nature of the martial arts is that it evolves and adapts it always has and always will. Primarily the evolution of the arts has taken place do to the will or the needs of its practitioners. Some traditionalist deny this believing in the so-called purity of the arts, that the arts should not be incorporated, that the mixing of Arts undermines the integrity of the arts. Many who would profess such ignorance come from a Traditional Karate background. Ginchi Funakoshi is considered to be the father of modern day karate. Funakoshi studied two different forms of Okinawan Te under two different instructors he then blended the two systems as he developed what today is called Shotokan.  Korean tang so do is Shotokan based. Tang so do developed during and after the Japanese occupation of Korean during WWII. The Korean practitioners and instructors then went on to instruct their own versions or interpretations of the techniques and forms. This is why similarity between the two arts still exists today. Later, the Koreans developed tae kwon do by reincorporating native fighting techniques that were band during the occupation. Every art trained today is a blend of arts philosophy’s and principles. The purity of the arts is found within the pure self expression of its practitioners. The integrity of the art is defined by the caricature of those who use it. While MMA gains notoriety and popularity it is imperative that its practitioners do not create a new doctrine of ignorance. The arts are vast with a wealth of knowledge yet to be discovered or incorporated into the ring. All that the martial artist must do is to train the knowledge into an MMA format. If the study of JKD is to in-part discover the cause of ignorance then perhaps as you travel the path you will learn the art if you explore it you may one day understand it when you do you will find there is no art there is only the artist. Never subscribe to the doctrine of ignorance no matter what guise it uses to manifest itself seek the truth were ever it may be found 

The arts will continue to evolve the direction they take will be defined by recreating ignorance or by seeking the truth.

Choices wisely
 

is based on principles and techniques that lead to a safe, aware life style.  coupled by the ability to protect oneself from physical harm.  The public's perception of self-defense training is much different than what is truly is. This topic is quite vast and as time goes on I will add to this section.

Throughout history, the ability to protect one's self was essential to survival. A skill every culture understood until now. In modern times, we look toward others to provide for our personal protection and safety.  This is the same as relying on others to provide you food or shelter. The ability to protect your person from physical harm or loss of life incurred is just as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago.  Today, many of us live in a state of complacence, tolerance, denial, or blame the system for the countless act of violence committed every minute in this country.  The role of law enforcement and the judiciary is to enforce the law, therefore a law must be broken or crime committed before their role is realized.  Yes, they do provide a level of deterrence, and the work they do should be commended.  But, this is a reactive approach not proactive.  Your personal safety is too important to rely on an after the fact or reactive approach, for then it is too late. The damage is done. The life has been changed or lost forever. Some may say self-defense is immoral or it teaches violence.  For morality, look to your beliefs and religion.  If someone you loved was attacked, would you not want them to do everything thing they could to survive? Look to your religion and you will see there are times in life it is just to fight fire with fire.  Self-defense is about self-reliance, self-determination and self-preservation. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Let me qualify something. First, I hold the rank and title of Shihan, 5th Degree Black Belt in a traditional system of Japanese Martial Arts. This system includes  Shotokan Karate. Additionally I have a Black Belt in Okinawan Kenpo and  have trained under two black belts in the Korean arts. One from Young brothers Tae Kwon Do, the other from Nams Tang So Do. Finally, I have studied under John Hamilton, Sensei, a Master Shorin-ryu instructor. Suffice it to say, I have a rather extensive background in Karate.  Karate once was a very effective art. Today, it has become about air drills, games, sport competition and demonstrative self defense, which is nothing more than theatrics and showmanship. People have many false beliefs about self-defense training. Unfortunately, these beliefs have been promoted and perpetuated by  the martial arts industry. Here are a few ways: ‘Breaking’, an article written by a local Karate instructor, detailed how breaking a board with your head teaches self- defense. Breaking  is something that is practiced and sold to the parents as  teaching self-defense. People, your head is for thinking, your fists are for fighting.  The purpose of self- defense training is to prevent someone from hitting you in the head.  No one could have said it better than the venerable Bruce Lee, “Boards Don’t Hit Back."  Breaking does have it benefits.  Breaking can help to build self-confidence and develop proper  technique. However, unless you are attacked by a tree or a brick, this has nothing to  do with teaching  self-defense. “Competitive Self Defense Demo” found at Karate Tournaments across the country.  The industry and local instructors  promote this as “real” or effective. Demonstrative Defense assumes many things that will never happen in a "real fight". No one will ever have prior knowledge of what technique they will be attacked  with and no one will ever just stand there and let you hit them after they have attacked you. This may look impressive, however, reality is much  different than showmanship.  Unfortunately, these are only a few examples of the industry promoting ineffective self-defense training. The consequence of this is that the true value of self-defense training has been lost.  Bruce Lee gave to all of us a philosophy of self-discovery. The purpose of J.K.D. is to discover the cause of one's own ignorance. It is time the martial arts industry discovered theirs.  Karate can once again provide an outlet for educating parents and kids about self-defense.  When the instructors learn how to use it in a real fight., when they begin to apply it to the dangers faced by today's children, and when the foundation of what they teach is no longer about winning a plastic trophy. The purpose of any Martial Art is to provide its practitioner the ability to protect themselves. This was once and can one day be again Karate's.

It doesn't take four years and a black belt

Kata

The essence of karate is contained within the kata or forms. All techniques, both offensive and defensive, are contained within the kata. Understanding the applications of the techniques or movements, including the hidden applications or meanings, is simultaneously the foundation and the way to mastery. This is the Bunki or the meaning behind the movement. Karate is an art of self-defense which follows the principle of “no first attack”. Karate prefers to counter the attack and then respond. The forms also teach how to deal with multiple attackers from multiple directions. Once the application is understood you must the spar not for point but for real