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The American Martial Artist:Personal History:Part 2
My first day… On our first day in a martial arts class in Korea, my friend Jerry and I both made the decision that we were going to work out for three hours each day. The first day we were shown the fighting stances, kick form and block form. I stayed the full three hours while Jerry left after about two hours. The next day when we went to class, the instructor showed us what is called a four corner block- which is a hard style of blocking. After showing us that, he walked off and started teaching the rest of the class. I...
read moreThe American Martial Artist…Personal History:Part 1
When I joined the Air Force, my first tour of duty was in Korea. My first day in Korea, I traveled downtown to look around. I came upon a Martial Arts demonstration at the market. I didn’t know what style it was then since I didn’t know the difference in styles. I later learned that it was Tae Kwon Do. My friend, Jerry, and I watched these guys in white uniforms do all kinds of amazing things—mostly breaks and talking to the crowd. I couldn’t understand a word that they were saying. They were breaking boards,...
read moreMartial Arts As A Way of Life
Over the past four decades I have had the honor to have worked with some exceptional students as well as instructors. Through my work with them, I have been able to share what I have and gain additional valuable knowledge. Instructing students has always been a rewarding experience which has given me the strength to continue to teach and move forward when circumstances have gotten tough. Although I have chosen one of the greatest careers that I could possibly imagine, there have been ups and downs. Even through the low times, I was able to...
read moreTonfa Seminar in Gaffney, SC Held 1/23/10
Master Dowdy traveled to Gaffney, SC on Saturday 1/23/10 to instruct Gaffney martial artists regarding tonfa /PR-24 use. The seminar was preceded by a three-hour workout with the group which consisted of the following: one hour of updated hapkido techniques one hour of 2nd degree Black Belt techniques one hour of jujitsu instruction The tonfa seminar consisted of one traditional tonfa kata with slight alterations of updated stances and one Tiger Shark tonfa kata.The techniques taught in the Tiger Shark tonfa kata have practical use...
read morePressure Point Strikes Seminar: Summary and Feedback: 1/16/10
Today’s Pressure Point Strikes Seminar at ACMA in Burlington, NC provided the participants with a wealth of information and analogies. Master John Dowdy introduced 28 pressure point strikes. Each pressure point was discussed within the contexts of : location of pressure point possible effect(s) of strike antidotes (if any) uses of the pressure point for healing purposes Today’s seminar participants ranged in experience from white belts through advanced degrees of Black Belts of various styles and training backgrounds ...
read moreA Resolution Is A Promise To Yourself
Most of us have made new year’s resolutions before in the past. Some we kept and others were swept aside. As a lifelong martial artist I feel integrity should always be an annual standing goal. Integrity, to me, is simply doing what one says that they will.We have all made promises , yet failed to keep them, even with the best of intentions. This year, like every year, I have reassessed my professional and personal life. I have made resolutions to step up my own physical training and am in the process of altering my daily activities to...
read moreHigh Energy Martial Artists + Jujitsu = Successful Jujitsu Clinic 1/2/10
Today the American College of Martial Arts of Burlington, N.C. hosted a Jujitsu Clinic. It was attended by martial artists from varied backgrounds and experiences. Participants ranged in age from 16 to 57 years old. There were white belts to green belts to various degrees of black belts in several styles. Some drove three hours to attend; some drove 30 minutes, and some came across town. It never ceases to amaze me how martial artists can gather somewhere to learn and train… and within five minutes a bond of friendship develops. Today...
read moreThe Ability to Listen
Robert Frost said “You are educated when you have the ability to listen to almost any thing without losing your temper or self-confidence.” That can be deemed true in almost all things especially when one martial artist is talking to another. That is why one of our training hall rules is: When talking about the school to students from other schools use care and caution so you will not cause ill feelings. Remember that each martial arts practitioner believes that their style is the best. Being able to communicate with others about...
read moreA Martial Artist’s Christmas Carol
Some version of Dicken’s “Christmas Carol” is featured on any television station that your remote takes you to during the holiday season. This epic is a timeless story with wonderful values and morals. It reminds me of my own martial arts journey—past, present, and future. In my past I see myself, my accomplishments, and my missed opportunities. I see myself as a young serviceman working daily in a dojang in Korea training for his first black belt honors. One of my missed opportunities was not giving proper respect to other...
read moreThe Most Significant Belt – The White Belt
As an instructor, I have taught thousands of students. Yet only a small percentage attain black belt status. One may think that black belt is the most significant belt – but in my opinion, the white belt is. As a student comes in as a novice, that is the most crucial time in their training. Within those first few weeks, they will find out if they have what it takes within themselves to be a martial artist. Martial arts is not for everyone; just as no one thing is for everyone. As an instructor, it is my responsibility to...
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