How I discovered I was quoted in the book the Way Of Kata

 12-17-2005

Then one day I received an email telling me I was quoted in someone else's new book.  This is what I received.
     

            

Victor,

They didn't ask you if they could put the quote in? you'd think an e-mail or some kind of courtesy...well, at least they credited you. They added a blurb of your background as well in the back of the book...I'll save you the $20 and quote it directly:

"Victor Smith is a respected teacher of Isshin Ryu karate (6th degree black belt) and tai chi chuan with over 26 years of training in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese martial arts. He is the founder of the martial art website FunkyDragon.com/bushi and is associate editor of FightingArts.com"  and your quote which was referenced:

"A block is often used to parry and set up a grab (immobilization or pulling in) before a strike. The hand returning to chamber after a block simply slides down the arm to grab it and yank backwards, or locks an arm in place. -Victor Smith"

(Note: This was something I had worked out one morning during an early morning run in 1979.)

As far as the book goes, it may be just me noticing recently, but there seems to be a surge in books/articles on interpretation of kata. particularly from English/European authors. This book, "The Way of Kata" mentions several times in different contexts that 'going to the ground' is unwise and uncommon in 'real confrontations'....be it true, wise or not - it's almost to the point that you get the feeling stand-up kata-based Art is being perceived as threatened and therefore defended/justified. I smell the faint scent of political strategy in a market share war. Is MA Europe afraid of people turning to the MMA/BJJ fads?

Another common book theme is the promise of 'hidden techniques' in kata, and then only giving/explaining elementary or intermediate bunkai only to mention that 'the hidden techniques are there if you see them' or 'limited only to your imagination', etc. an exercise for the student to work out no doubt. lol

Personally, I'm not into all of that...I just want to have fun learning and training without the need of being backed up by a corporation of like-minded artists.

Still, ignoring those feelings, if the book provokes thought I consider it a good read. The book was loaded with kata justification but it is always interesting to read/see how others interpret forms and develop principles. The form sequences/bunkai illustrated in this book were mostly from the Goju curriculum. They were presented in a way that was not if X then do Y...which was refreshing. overall it was a pretty good read.

Didn't mean to give you a perhaps unwanted book review...
take care,

-Ed  (Kintama – at FA.com)

Postscript: This was not the only time individuals have quoted me in their books, never informing me of their doing so.  I have had no chance to agree or not agree with those quotes being used.