League of Extra Ordinary Gentlemen-2 : MY MARTIAL ARTS MASTER

MY MARTIAL ARTS MASTER …!!!

“I give up…!!!”….i muttered as I gasped for my breath

 Words were unnecessary. Already I was down with head dug into my chest covering my head with hands on the cement floor. Deep fear assaulted every cell of my body. I was drenched in sweat and shame and hopelessly frightened.

A minute ago I courageously faced my Master in full contact kumite sparring. It was impossible to breach his defenses. I blended Speed and Power to every trick in world of martial arts. But no avail!! . He parried all my kicks and punches and finally jabbed me in my tummy very softly.

Yeah. Softly !. Jabbed softly and lifted me into air in one single fluid motion with clenched fist. 6ft- 75 kgs-Bantam weight level silver medalist-praveen sagar thrown royally one metre away. All my self confidence and royal ego gone down the drain

What was I expecting? Was I dreaming beating this man? This man who is one of the champions of Japan. Trained under disciple who himself was trained under Mas Oyama-worlds strongest martial artist. Mas Oyama who fought 400+ fighters. My own master had to fight 100 tough fighters to get his black belt. At 60^th fighter, his leg broke, he had to fight with broken leg at next 40 fighters (google if u don’t belive it) These men belonged to old school of kyokinshai karate. 

 http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/12/05/stories/2002120500610400.htm

A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action 

                             --Samurai maxim

Its not martial arts I was been taught. I was taught lessons which will not be taught in colleges.  Our class would begin at 5.20 am. Actually it was at 5.15 am. After we complained that its very cold in 5.15 am, my master gave us permission to come at 5.20 am. Now I know what you are thinking. Just 5 minutes?. Believe me friends, for him even 1 minute is worth gold. Japanese are known for punctuality and time sense. My association with him for 5 years made me see it in action. I never believed that anyone can maintain time in India, esp moving in notorious Hyderabad’s traffic. But he was always on dot. When he says, 9.20 am. Its 9.20.  not 9.19 or 9.21.  Now that’s Ripley’s believe it or not.

Leaders Lead…!!!

Before class begins, we had to clean the floor. It’s the practice which should be emulated in India where boss do nothing as subordinates slog sweat out. In class, dirtiest job will be done by Master. Small things like sweeping, wiping floor is done by us. New comer just watches or does smaller work. But menial job like wiping some dog shit is work of big boss. No wonder , as subordinates grew in ranks, they wont feel ashamed of work and juniors as well are motivated by such boss

Iam not going to teach you my art. Iam going to share it with you –Bruce lee

There was nothing he taught which he himself will not do with us. No ivory tower approach. He was in 50s , 100+ kgs ( its 120, now he reduced), yet he moved like light. There was no jealousy on other styles which is a malaise every martial arts school undergoes. He never said, he is best.  On other way, he always encouraged us to learn best from everywhere .I was exposed to three different martial arts schools earlier. What we used to do there in 2 hrs, here we used to do in ½ hour. Total time optimization.

I can defeat you physically with or without a reason but I can only defeat your mind with a reason--- jim lau

We students were not allowed to participate in local competitions. He always used to say that he was only teaching us discipline and fitness exercises. When all other martial artists believed in more pomp and show. My teacher was extremely low profile. There were no fees. No new student survived more than 7 classes. Not that he is strict in karate. He is mercilessly strict with time. Even one minute wastage was unpardonable. Commitment is 100%. Come rain, shine, sickness..he will keep his word and time.

In his 10 year, Indian sojourn, only 5 people were awarded belt. Its character, discipline, which are more important parameters for belt than how good you are at karate. For Master, there are no favourites. He genuinely loved everyone equally.

To win 100 victories is not highest skill. To subdue the nermy without fighting is highest skill—Sun Tzu

He is quite clear. Violence is unjustified in any form or manifestation.

 There was a new guy who once asked what he should do if people attacked him and what’s the point in learning karate ?

.

People were shocked at the answer.

He calmly and confidently said. “Run…just run away….karate I teach is to able to escape, push the attacker and run away very very fast from scene of violence. Karate is to bring peace out of you”. He always insisted to be good in studies and take his classes when we have free time.

Hmm..We never understood. But its true. After reading “Zen in Martial arts by Joe hyams” I grasped the wisdom. Strongest person never fights. Strongest and wisest are 1^st to forgive. Its only the weak who has point to prove. People like my masters are super strong and they know it. Hence they don’t mind apologizing if his apology can avert nasty incidents. They are centered with no ego.

(This concept is more to be experienced than understood logically. If u understood it , I take it that ur quite advanced spiritually and wise)

I stopped all kinds of martial arts 10 years ago. My karate dress, gloves and

nan-chuk lie in some forgotten corner. Certificate in Japanese is pride among my other documents. I am totally contented, satisfied and absolutely no regrets. Though my hands and legs have forgotten lessons in karate , his lessons on life were nevertheless drilled into my bone memory which will leave only with death of this body. We are no longer in contact but nevertheless every march 20, on my birthday, I know for sure I will have an elaborate mail of pearls of birthday wishes and wisdom vignettes in my inbox.

 Coming back to moments when I was beaten by him..

Well., I was not ashamed that I was beaten. But I was ashamed that I got frightened. Next,for 7 days, I trained till the point when I faced him again….history repeated….but with mild changes in script. I stood my ground. Though I was beaten, I was able to penetrate his defenses, was able to “touch” him with my fist….believe me..no one was able to do it…its kinda personal record for me.

Happy Womens Day

Psychology of Combat : Dedicated to Courageous Women

Time was fixed

Plan was set@ nano level

Dressed to kill

This was the description of an ultra pretty gujarati gal whom i met few days back.Everything went like clockwork till she over looked one point.Dressed to kill can attract scavenging and satiating eve teasers .It was totally out of blue and this unwanted suitor was bent on talking to her and luckily he was mild teaser and left before anything serious can happen .Comming out of no where , a total unknown person who is trying to strike conversation or trying to pass some vulgar comment can really perplex anyone and leave a bad scar on memory.

You need not be as beautiful as this tiny sweet gal pal of mine , it can happen to anyone irrespective of ur gender.Either the perpetrator can be highly frustrated and perveted or really dangerous or just harmless chap looking fer some fun at ur cost.
"You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you look death in the face"
From my vague birds view knowledge on martial arts and psychology behind a combat i will pen downfew thoughts of mine which i may or may not come in handy and i gurantee no results but neverthless helpful in our daily life .

Half of combat/fight can be seen through our body languages .No person will pick up a fight or a arguement with a heavily built macho man. and no one can say absolutely that he/she is the strongest either.Strength doesnt lies in muscles but in mind.One can read a woman from 1000 yards and say if she is confident and composed or timid and insecure or is she willing to talk or not .If a gal can kep herself calm n composed demeanour , more often than not , it keeps teasers away. We can always say if she is or she isnt confident.See the way she folds her hands close to her chest and with head down and seeing at sides as if she is new to the place. On contrary, see how an a confident gal walks . she has the confidence radiating in her gait and looks straight into eyes with head up.How ever all these signs need not be true as can vary according to culture and circumstances and fer a person who is a risk taker, nothing can stop him.
"To manipulate the fear of others, you must first conquer your own fear"

In such a circumstances , trying to rush away or getting scared only boosts opponents confidence.If things of nasty type occur in broad day light and with fewer crowd around , its always fine to face them or him .Just looks straight into his eyes and utter no word .Let there be no expression on ur face .if possible give a crude- rude look and maintain stone dead silence for an extended period .Silence can be killing and best of men will get wilted as it upsets anyone as silence can be frustrating.After piercing gaze fer few moments just turn away ur face n walk out.
Now if we move to still dangerous rascals who are out for a real kill, its not psychological but physical combat that comes into handy.Running is the best option.If ur good at running , Run off to some crowded area and take help of public , police .They are always eager crowd to help a damsel in distress.
"There are those without decency who must be fought without hesitation, without mercy"But not always crowd helps , fer everyone is busy aand have their own lives to fend fer and their interests are primary.When you start helping yourself ,World helps you.

Even the strongest man has the weakest point.Strong man need not be brave man and vice versa .
"The training is nothing! The will is everything! The will to act.Strength lies in Will, not muscles"
If we can kep our head calm and composed we can escaoe from most of situations with little or no big damages.But it should be clearly remebered ,Once u get into combat , dont expect clean fight and dont fear about consequences,Fear ,Shame, Pride and Pain should be dumped in the nearest dustbin.There is no such thing as clean fight.Both the combatants have ro face injuries and the one who endured the most is the survivor and the victorious .

An old karate saying goes

"When two tigers fight, one tiger dies and another gets wounded"

A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard. Forget about winning and losing; forget about pride and pain. Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh; let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones; let him fracture your bones and you take his life. Do not be concerned with escaping safely — lay your life before him----Bruce Lee

If there is no safety option and combat is the only way out.Go for a real kill.

"Prey can escape from Predator only by becomeing predator".(Jasons Directive)
Look at a human body, there are many weak points .Groin,Eyes balls,Nose.,Lips, Throats, Stomach ,temple and now look at our own body parts , you ve got many parts which are very hard and effective fer combat.Brain being the sharpest followed by speech (Diplomacy) followed by fists , knees , elbows, hands and legs.
Strike first, strike hard, no mercy sir!
Karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the handsIve told mind coz if we can remain calm and take things in rational manner , refuse to get panicked .Chances of victory are favourable.Combat is highly unpredictible . No results can be guaranteed .Outcome of a combat is highly seductive and its like india -pak crcicket match, till the last ball is bowled .Nothing can be foretold.When outcome is unknown .Then there is 100 % chances you winning is there.In any game one has to win and another has to lose .Then why should you lose .Let the loss be the opponents and thats the attitude and mental make-up of a fighter.


When i mean by Diplomacy i mean ability to speak smoothly persuadingly .The ability to change tone and tenor according to the crisis is the real gift that can aslo be developed slowly.The ability to bend the mind of opponents psychlogically..Something that can be practised ...can be learnt from enormous reading, thinking and practise and few failures in built.

We can always request a person not to harm us.Using words like PLEASE liberally , Boasting the opponents ego or appealing to their vanitiesor simply befriending attacker can help us.But to do all these it requires sioe drop in our ego, oride , vanity.But what good is ego , when life is at risk.??

One can always negotiate or just throw money in small bills into air and run (Street Diplomacy is very well written in books like POWER /GODFATHER/JASON DIRECTIVE by Robert ludlum ).We can use religious sermons to subtle threats like My-Papa-is-Police-Commisoner or i am infected with highly infectious skin disease....etc ,but your tone and tenor should always coincide with body langauge to sound convincing..

The best option is always RUN .My master is super strong person knows every inch of combat yet when asked about the question of combat he calmly says Run !Violence breeds Violence .There is no shame ion running away .But when cornered , you can block and run way.....But when u have no option ....let there be no ethics and sentiments and no values .Just go for a kill.One has to be mega brutal.

We should always take up the initiative .From defending , we should become attacker.Prey should become Predator.Let your 1st shot be very powerful on the weakest points, like groin or eyes.Use your nails as claws or knees or elbows in damaging weak points beyond repair .You can always choke opponent or gouge eyes with ur nails.You can head-butt or spit into face .Rmeber till tyhe last moment , victory can swing into anyones favour regardless of facilities available..Keep your calm , remeber u have 2 hands and 2 legs and a head..When panicked we ferget all these parts .Even one hand is loose , it can be put to the deadliest effect.Scream shoud be blood curdling.It can strike fear into enemys hearts
"Men fear most what they cannot see"

One can always convert ordinary things into deadly weapons.A newspaper can be folded into a club.House keys can used to punch or gouge eyes.Knife or Screwdriver is as deadly as Knife.Mud can be thrown into eyes and zandu balm can be thrown on head.Anything, anything can be turned into a weapon.
PUSH-PULL-GOUGE-BITE-CLAW-PUNCH-KICK-SPIT-SCREAM-NEGOTIATE-RUN.....
Its not one style but combination of all that can be helpful.Never can be a combat be won with one single technique.Its the misture of all available resourcves and thats should be continoulsy imprivised depending on situation.Once you attack , attack like a brute .No consequneces , No sentiments.Just fight till the end and to the end.Dont run away from problems .Keeping looking for solutions

A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard. Forget about winning and losing; forget about pride and pain. Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh; let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones; let him fracture your bones and you take his life. Do not be concerned with escaping safely — lay your life before him.

-Bruce Lee

Confessions of Martial Artist 5

Random Thoughts:


Myths and Realities

If there is one powerful myth about Martial Arts , then it is regarding Invincibility of a Martial Artist.This comes from movies stars like Bruce lee and Jackie chan or Jet li who fight against dozens of hordes and escape unscathed.Just like feelings of patriotism is attached with Armed Forces , Agility and Strength is attached with martial artists. But the grand reality is that any martial artist is as vulnerable as anyone esle if not more...

Jackie chan in Rendezvous with Simi clearly says No one can fight with more than 5 people whenb attacked at once. There is nothing like superlatives Strongest or Most Powerful etc . No matter how good you are , there always exist better . Even masters have masters..There is always a scope of improvement. Knowledge of this piece of wisdom keeps everyone humble, calm and controlled..Check how all so called strong people were humbled ..
Mike tyson was defeated by Lennox
Md Ali was defeated by Frazer
Bruce lee died of brain edema
Steve irwin died due to harmless sting ray fish

all were best in their fields yet all their talents didnt help them from the inevitable. .In a combat , too many variables come into play.Luck factor cannot be ignored nor the dangers of negative consequences..There are many instances where average orangebelt holder defeating black belt holder. I all depends how good you are ..not how good your style and technique is .Karate gives you strength and confidence and skill and how you use it all depends on you.

Controversy over martial arts:

There is often controversy about whether or not the practice of martial arts leads to positive or negative psychological changes in the participants. There are many who claim that practicing the martial arts develops beneficial psychological changes and encourages good moral and ethical development. In contrast, some claim that participating in MartialArts facilitates violence and aggression. Most images of the martial arts in popular movies support this second claim.

I strongly say that anything is susceptable to negative actions like a knife can be used be used to cut vegetables as well as cut throats . is it the mistake of knife or the handler . Its not the Thing thats at fault but the Thinking.

However Unlike Western sports, Asian martial arts usually: teach self-defense, involve philosophical and ethical teachings to be applied to life, have a high degree of ceremony and ritual, emphasize the integration of mind and body, and have a meditative component. While exercise and physical fitness has a role in producing psychological benefits .

Confessions of Martial Arts 4

Psychology of a Fighter and Its Analogy to Living and Life


" Any Art learnt will reflect in all aspects of Life "
- Samurai Saying

Martial Arts is a mini Cosmos where you confront your fears .Its like a mini life itself where split second desicions take place and wrong decisions results in instant punishments .Martial Arts is like a mirror , reflecting your character-you can see yourself .Do you buckle under pressure or rise above them. Do you take fear head along or show your back and flee.

i take this game very seriously. Every second i spend on Dojo mat (place where we practise) is respected and i make every effort to see my moves and actions more quicker , faster ,stronger and lethal.I throw myself 101% into each and every moment i spend in dojo.

Confront Your Fear and Fear will Disappear:

In combat , there are many instances where we give up or refuse to move forward.You can end up being thrashed up black and blue.Its analogy can be seen with life .Life is no bed of Roses but Roses are neverthless there provided one crosses bed of thorns. We are supposed to endure pain and charge ahead.Most of them take a step backwardor quit at the 1st sign of loss.But this is the moment thats decisive.I remeber wjhen i faced my opponent who was stringer, all i did is i just ignored pain and endured pain and charged ahead.I didnt win but i didnt lose either. That gave me more confidence for my next bout.Its more Battle of Wills and Nerves rather than Style and techniques.
The Clenched teeth, Tightened fists, Sharp and piercing gaze and pain endured As i charged at my opponent and thus perplexing him psychologically ..the biological changes in my head and the feeling generated due to conquering Fear and Pain from your heart is the wonderfull feeling thats beyond my vocabulary to explain .

We Love You :

We dont do Drugs,
We dont Smoke
We dont try Alcohol
We say No to Soft drinks and Beverages like tea and coffee
All we do is Adrenaline
Despite of all Excitement and Testestrone Push we are gentle and discplined and well mannered to the most extent.I believe in Vegetarianism and i believe that vegetarian diet infuses gentleness (Hitler was an Exception).

Unlike in past , I aint too proud to say "I APOLOGISE" or just walk out of arguement . Its not that i cant argue nor i cant fight but i know neither will give amicable results .Just reflect on this

In Time and Space, What are we ?.Life has existed for billions years and will continue to do so .What is our life span , maybe 70-120 years to the maximum and compare it with 20 billions of years old universe .We are not even a blip , not even a speck. Whats is 100 compared with 20,000, 000, 000 years ?

i super strongly believe in non violence . All these combats and street fights begin because of primitive tendences like Ego , Vanity and Iam-Great-You-are-Wrong Syndrome ..etc ...So i usually let someone take credit .I would say "You are right and iam sory that iam wrong " 'Disregarding whose mistake it is .This would pull of all the fight in your opponent and pulls out all the steam out of rascals on the road. The so called abusive behaviour os alrgely due to lack of confidence and insecurity which he covers by feigning courage and rashness.

All we have to do is remain calm and maintain our composure and your confidence will be reflected in your demenaour.Be calm and gentle as one hour from any incident hardly matters as life will go on and will move on. if you are struck in the past , you are losing the present and its beauty. A strong man need not prove that he is strong , infact he wins just by walking away from a fight.

As some Master said ..There are times to fight and here are times to walk away from fight.

Confessions of Martial Arts 3

" Teachers open the door . You enter by yourself "
-Chinese Proverb


The difference between Teacher and Master is vast. Teacher or Acharya just teaches what he has to teach pr for what he is paid for and leaves the responsibility of learning to the students , where as Master or Guru ji believes in complete transformation of his disciples and moulds them to the greater good of society and world at large .

Sensei Kumai is one such gentleman.He is expert in Judo and Sumo wrestling and deadly full-contact Kyoshunkai Karate under world best masters of his time. Sensei Kumai is Extremely Strong and Extremely Agile.. Weighing 240 pounds can pounce at you in split second with force of heavy duty truck , but neverthless uses his full power and force as he is a strong believer in non violence.

This is a small article by Hindu news paper on my master.http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/12/05/stories/2002120500610400.htm

Its not Karate he teaches , but Life itself. My complete transformation has come under his guidence and all rough edges were smoothned .Mr.Kumai always says Karate is not at all important in life but character is. Despite being super strong , he never propogated violence. He always says "Violence always begets more violence". He always teaches us karate as to provide physical fitness and exercises for better health and discpline, than learn to fight and become strong fighters.One student asked him what his reaction should be when confronted .His reply was quick ..."Just Run , if cornered-Block and Run, But never fight " is his advice which might sound silly to public but real maturity means silence .(Will Explain later in Myths About Martial Arts)

We have no rules .There is no Fee.Teaching is for free. Discipline is cardinal rule and punctuality is the one quality we have to develop .We are supposed to come at 5.40 am .And when he says 5.40 am , it is 5.40 not 5.39 or 5.41 am .And the practice goes on upto sharp 8.00 am.There is no force in this. He sets an example first and you will automatically follow him.We are heavily indoctrined in principles of non violence and finer aspects of life . We are always advised to remain calm ,polite , gentle and inculcate spirit of forgivness.

MartialArts under Sensei Kumai transformed my life extremly .It enriched my life and re-defined Living .It made me more Calmer, Softer, and more gentle.

Martial Arts didnt make me strong - but more Healthier
Martial Arts didnt make great fighter-but embedded Fighting Spirit.

Confessions of Martial Artist 2

The Genesis

The Genesis of martial arts in my life has to do with something more of my character and way of thinking rather than someones influence . i had a quirk of Confrontationist Attitude...Confront everything .....
Confront Parents
Confront Society
Confront Rules n Norms
Confront Fear
Confront Bullies
My mind had more leaning towards warfare rather than studies and silly games of childhood. I was less than 10 years when i designed small robot ala Giant Robot with sticks and scales and which actually fires pellets .Commando Comics helped me in differentiate between AK-47 and Sten guns or a sniper rifle and stories of WorldWar 2 . After all ....

Design of Weapon is Mans first sign of Intelligence

You cannot expect a teenager to get all these weapons or even minor ones so natural graduation is to drop comic hand made gun and make urself one ..ie., turn your body into one weapon.The obvious answer lies in learning karate (thats the only martial art style i knew ). With High Priest of Home (*read as my dad) refusing to give his consent, i had to satisfy myself reading books on martial arts .

My journey into Martial Arts began at very young age though never entered into any professional school but the seed was present in my school days....The idea germinated annd nurtured only in dreams untill my late teens when i finally entered Okinowa Karate School in StAndrews School . I had to join the class secretly coz my parents never wanted their only son to be beaten black and blue , reluctantly , later , they gave me their permission .

Okinowa is painfully slow to suit my temperment..so i turned to Korean art Taekwondo . This suited me for it uses mostly legs and kicks .And to my advantage i am tall and long legs can keep my opponents at bay . Taekwondo gave me 1st opportunity to enter my 1st competition and my 1st taste of fear of getting black eye .The fear was really exasperating but neverthless i won my 1st silver medal but was never given due to some politics . Its not the medal that really counted but finally i went face to face with my fear.

Being an Engg student in CBIT . 30 kms away from home , and coupled with pressures of Asthma and College Curricullum , i had to call martail arts quits for next 4 years . With long hiatus in between , my skill came down drastically but neverthless confidence and courage retained.....
till i met Elderly Japanese Gentleman Sensei Hiroyuki Kumai .......

Confessions of Martial Artist 1

“In Quietness and Confidence shall be your Strength “
----Isaiah -Holy Bible

Scene One

Typical day ..Typical boy ..in his early childhood ...arrogant of immense strength and oblivious of world yet respects law n justice and ethics and morals ...master of his back yard and so few other turfs . highly egositic and extreme self love...athletic n flexible ...thats what he was when he was in 4th class ...when some seniors try to bully him with sheer confidence of number ...little do they realise that this 4th class kid smashes 4 kids in one go as 5th chap takes to heels .......now in his late teens ...though his strength reduces drastically ..ego neverthless survives..one gaze just one gaze by some scamp in local bus was enough to kick him out of slow moving bus ...CBIT-Engg - was no differnt ....he laughs ..he chatters ...he is funny ...but rub in wrong sense..even if ur senioreven if ur strongereven if ur part of ganganything...anywhere he plays alone
Eyes that never saw Fear
Expect Hell ..Expect Thunder
No One Messes With Him

Scene Two

He speaks in gentle tone with a small guy who was wasting water and tells him not to waste water ....sparks fly all overslander ,volley of scoldings,bunch of abuse ,terrible threatenings follow .Without losing cool and rationale ..he meets every abuse with more gentler voice trying to convince him to see his folly without actually pointing his mistake .(no one likes to accpet mistake ..isnt it ?)...no where slander ends but he keeps his diplomatic talk on ..non stop ..till puny opponent gets tired of talking knowing this person doesnt initiate fight ..

He believes in Peace
He believes in Non Violence
He believes in Diplomacy
He believes in Politness and shuns Warlike stances

THE DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE IN ATTITUDE BETWEEN TEENS & YOUTH LIES THE STORY OF "CONFESSIONS OF MARTIAL ARTIST "

Contd............