|
THERE ARE NO 'STYLES' OF SELF-DEFENSE
By Tony Blauer
www.tonyblauer.com
"The wonderful
thing about bluntness...
is that it gauges the strong and
intimidates the weak."
(MA Training, March, 1997)
Rather
than nod in agreement when our instincts cried. WRONG!
or kowtow to the militant misconception that fear equals
respect or pander to the egos of the political forces of
the martial art community, we have said what needed to
be said. Clearly and bluntly.
Chu Fen Do and the PANIC ATTACK system has de-mystified
much of the hype and alleged magic surrounding the
martial arts. In short, we have broken from tradition,
which has always been taboo. To say the least, our
system is controversial. We have created quite a stir
over the years. Here is a brief explanation of not so
much what is, but why is Chu Fen Do.
Firstly, it is important to note the difference between
a 'system' and a 'style'; 'Style' is a particular type
of expression, and it is bound by that expression. A
'system' is comprised of interdependent items forming a
unified whole.
Chu Fen Do is a system, not a style. Though it is
comprised of many original and innovative strategies and
tactics, it does contain modified techniques inspired by
other styles or martial artists. I emphasize modified
for a good reason. Putting a composite system together
is not just a question of combining several arts. Some
styles are diametrically opposed and will never blend.
I am
often asked which styles make up Chu Fen Do. The answer:
no styles. From an athletic perspective, there have been
influences from western Boxing, Thai Boxing, Jiu Jitsu,
Wrestling, Wing Chun and so on. Intellectually, I really
respect modern warriors like Robert Bussey, Walt Lysak
Jr. and Deane Lawler. They are rare, original thinkers
who have inspired my growth with their commitment to
their art. Of course the great Bruce Lee contributed
through his writings. But, remember, no technique or
style ever won a fight. Martial artists have a hard time
grasping this. It is always a fighters heart, faith,
tenacity, audacity and conviction that creates victory;
the actual tactic is incidental.
Even
back in 1979, when I coined the name Chu Fen Do, I knew
that the techniques were not as important as the
philosophy. Reason will guide you. That is why (not
what) Chu Fen Do translates as 'The Way of Punishment'.
This concept of `punishment' serves a dual purpose. It
refers to the punishment we inflict on our bodies in our
quest to become warrior athletes as well as the
punishment we will [regrettably] inflict on our
opponents when a confrontation cannot be avoided. No
ambiguity. Simple. Direct. Effective.
Philosophically speaking, students are referred to as
technicians (those who perform supervised experiments in
a clinical environment). Then they become experts (I
define experts as, someone who has memorized someone
else's material), then they become scientists - a
scientist explores, creates the experiment.
We do
not wear belts. Nor do we place a great emphasis on
rank. (We do have 12 levels that serve as goals and
benchmarks.) Our students, respect that the systems
directive is personal protection. They realize the
process towards confidence is more valued than the rank.
Besides, in a fight, your belt collar only matters if it
matters to your opponent.
The
truth, in a world of deceptions, appears blunt and
painful; change frightens many. Myopia is a common
affliction, people can only teach what they know. I have
spent considerable energy trying to create paradigm
shifts, I have learned to leave the doubters and
malcontents to their own fate and battle with Karma.
Typically and sadly, combat strategies only change after
a disaster. A bit late if you ask me. Don't you make
that mistake. Good luck. Stay safe.
|