I had ambitions...

... to get my blog back on track with respect to discussing more substantial matters with respect to martial arts. I have a series of posts planned to discuss my mentor/mentee relationship with Master Vaughn. I have another series of posts plan on the link I recently discovered in the symbols I have attached to my professional, extra-curricular and family lives. They could be pretty good blogs which would allow me to stretch my writing skills a bit.

Alas, due to the recent heat wave, and a desire to eschew all serious topics (and to spur a long-distance book club discussion with Eric) I once again revisit my "All Time Best" List.

All Time Best Graphic Novel.

The Watchmen by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons.


There are many, many websites dedicated to deconstructing The Watchmen, a graphic novel which is in itself a masterful deconstruction of the superhero genre. I will assume the of the few of you who read this blog, most of you don't have any idea what it's about. I highly recommend picking up a copy, and read it spoiler free, before you go a-web surfing. I won't spoil the story in this blog.

To many, the Watchmen represents a sea-change in the comic book world. It, along with Frank Miller's The Dark Night Returns, is often mentioned as ushering the comics into the new millennium. No longer would the medium be just relegated to children's stories and weekend newspaper funnies. The Watchmen proved that comics could tell a complex, smart, sophisticated and truly engaging tale. It is a truly "adult comic" ("adult" in the sense of mature, and not how it's usually interpreted, i.e. "pornographic"). Again, I invite you to get a copy, because I won't even try discussing the story here. As a martial artist, what I do want to discuss is technique. Specifically the technique involved in writing the graphic novel.

Again, The Watchmen is proof that both Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons are master's of the medium. It can be enjoyed on many different levels, meaning you can read it over and over and still be granted new ephiphanies.

Level 1) The Forest: The novel has a very noir feel. Images and languages work together to invoke feelings one would get watching a Hitchcock film, or reading Raymond Chandler. Just look at this panel from page 8 of issue 1. This wordless introduction to a key character presents all you need to know about this mysterious person. There is nothing thrown away here. The first panel alone communicates the key theme of the whole enterprise. Each panel is as dutifully composed as each frame in a Kubrick film.

A true indication of the novels influence on today's culture can be seen in the opening pages of issue 1. The "pull-back" technique has been used again and again to in opening shots of films like "Men In Black" and "Contact".

Level 2) The Trees: The panels are loaded with details and clues that help outline the plot. Upon the first read, the ever-unfolding revelations will pretty much take your breath away. But what will really blow your mind is upon the second read, you discover that the drawing were full of clues that pre-state these revelations.

Level 3) The Language of Dreams: One of the key techniques Alan Moore would use to transcend the perception that comics had no literary merit, was to employ the use of repeated symbols, which was inspired by the writing of Willam Burroughs. For example, the "smiley face" symbol from issue 1...... is repeated again and again throughout the novel, most notably in issue 9...

Drawing of Argyre Planitia on Mars, the setting for a major story revelation.

Image of Argyre Planitia from Mars Global surveyor, March 1999.

The effective use of repetition with the novels text creates a dream-like sub language throughout the novel. This sub language is unique to the comic medium, unable to be achieved through the sole use of either cinema or literature. The reader's subconscious mind is interpreting images, and creating evocative linkages with the text. This explains the haunting nature of the work, as well as it's continued relevance to our society despite being 20 years old.

The death...

...and rebirth of Dr. Jon Osterman

Again, martial artists can find enjoyment of the novel through the appreciation of technique. You get a sense of the work required to create this opus, the countless hours of grinding away all the waste to produce a truly extraodinary and lasting piece of art. You also appreciate how the medium requires it's own language, it's own unique way of communicating that allows the practitioner to communicate something to the audience. It provides inspiration for us who attempt to express ourselves through the martial arts.

Announcing!

All Time Best Martial Movie, son!

Ever since the dawn of time, man has struggled through the primordial evolutionary soup to achieve one ultimate goal. That goal? To produce the All Time Best Martial Arts movie, ever. Many men attempted the goal. Men like Kurosawa, the Shaw Brothers and Bruce Lee. Although these master's glimpsed some form of legend, true greatness was denied them.

Then in 1984, nearly two thousand years after the birth of that storied Jewish carpenter, greatness was finally achieved. At that time a young writer named Robert Mark Kamen, fresh off of writing the screenplay for Taps, a movie that launched the careers of Sean Penn, and a wacky little firecracker of a Scientologist named Tom Cruise, began to write another screenplay about his martial arts mentor Meitoku Yagi. That movie, influenced as it was by the cultural zeitgeist of teen movies of that era, was destined to become the greatest martial arts movie of all time: And that movie is....

...directed by John G. Avildsen.

All joking aside, the movie is truly enjoyable and I try to watch it at least once a year.

What makes the movie so great? Well let's start with the pretty strange, yet thoroughly engaging structure. The first act has all the makings of a primetime hour-long, teen-based soap opera. I will take the opportunity now to declare that I have somewhat of a weak spot for such stories. I don't know where it comes from. It's like part of my soul is possessed by an aging Hollywood gossip maven.

The movie begins by showing us the trials and tribulations of young Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio. In a plot point that would someday be palagerized by Beverly Hills 90210, Daniel has recently moved from the smoggy comforts of New Yorks inner city to the wild and exotic land of California. His feet barely touches beach sand, he manages to use his rough "Hey youse, guys" charm to woo a cute, well-monied California girl played by Elizabeth Shue, in her first movie role. Unfortunately said girl is the former love of Johnny Lawrence, (William Zabka) a decidedly Aryan-looking surfer boy who also happens to be a tournament karate champion. So the first act is basically scene after scene of Daniel getting his little butt whupped on by Johnny and his gang of "Cobra Kai's".

John Hughes couldn't write a better plot of teen angst.

The movie begins to change as we get to know the character, Mr. Miyagi, played by comedian Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita in an Oscar nominated supporting role. At first Mr. Miyagi is introduced almost as an afterthought. He's merely seen as an immigrant superintendent, almost unimportant. But it turns out that Mr. Miyagi is a karate expert. At first he doesn't want to get involved with Daniel's problems, but after realizing how much guidance the boy really needs, he agrees to teach Daniel how to protect himself.

The second act of the movie is devoted to the developing mentor/student, father/son relationship between Daniel and Miyagi. The teen angsty bullying, the faltering relationship with the cute girl, the adjustment to life in a new city with his divorced mother, all this falls to the wayside. Instead we are treated to the philosophical teachings of a true martial artist in a simple and profound manner. Compared to the teachings of Reese, who runs the Cobra Kai, we soon see that Miyagi, who learned his art from his father, has chosen to walk the truer and purer path.

The movie is surprisingly very truthful in its depiction of early martial arts training. Even the best instructors will sometimes find that their students are completely bored by the repetition of technique, and will question the point of practicing. It is my opinion that the true sign of greatness of Miyagi as a teacher is how he manages to guide Daniel-san through the elementary stages of martial arts instruction, while getting the boy to do a hell of a lot of house chores. Hand's down, the man is a genius.

Eventually Daniel-san learns the wisdom behind Miyagi's strange teaching style, and the boy learns humility. I've come to learn that that simple lesson of trust, of learning to accept with humility, is the first really big test for every martial arts student. The movie is very right in its depiction of that key challenge.

The best scene in the movie to me is the "anniversary scene" where we discover that Miyagi has his own demons. I've watched that scene many times in my life, but for some reason, lately I've taken to crying during those moments. This is my second, somewhat wussy admission, I know... but that scene just wrecks me, son! Can't help it.

The third act deals with the tournament, and I will begin by issuing my third wussy admission. I am a complete sucker for "competition" movies. Movies like Rocky, Remember the Titans, Rize, hell even Bring It On, any movie where the underdog has to take part competition at the end, I will buy into the emotion of it, no matter how cheesy. In this movie, Daniel takes on all the members of the Cobra Kai, one by one, succeeding each time. Treachery hobbles him in the final test, and this is were we encounters Daniel's the second greatest test. With Miyagi's help, he limps onto the floor for the final battle, already a winner just by the fact that he never gives up. Even this somewhat cliched aspect of the movie works for me again and again. I must admit that I don't think I've seen a more deliberately flashy and possibly ineffective kick like the "Crane technique". And I'll tell ya a little secret, if you watch the final scene closely you can see Ralph Macchio indicate to actor William Zabka, what foot he's going to kick with in the penultimate fight. But I cheer every time Daniel limps out, against all odds to face Johnny on that tournament floor. Like I said, I just can't help it. The Karate Kid. Truly the greatest martial arts movie of all time!

(P.S. For those interested in discovering the real "Mr. Miyagi" follow this link!)

Self-Defense Pt. III

On June 28, I ran my first ever Basic Self Defense class in Canada. This class was a trial run for an idea I had for a corporate fundraising event for my local YMCA. Earlier in June, I submitted a formal proposal to my company and to the YMCA to hold introductory an hour-long Basic Self-Defense Clinic, the proceeds of which would go to the YMCA's Partner's for Youth campaign. This charity helps generate financial support for children and families who might otherwise be unable to participate in the YMCA.

The trial run class was run by myself, and I was assisted by my wife, Teresa, who has a lot of familiarity with female self-defense. The participants were a mixed bag of YMCA employees and associates. It was a small class, 5 students total, but it was a heck of a lot of fun! Unfortunately we neglected to take a camera, so I don't have any pics to publish, but the trial run was so much of a success that we are anticipating more events in the future.

Running an hour-long clinic is not as easy as it sounds. I put in many hours of research, and Teresa and I put in a few days of physical practice time for that one-hour. There are a few important reasons why we spent all that time in preparation. One, I wanted to make a good impression on the YMCA crew, because I foresee a long and fruitful relationship between True North Martial Arts and the YMCA. Two, if you're gonna teach a subject, it helps to look like you know what you're doing. Most importantly though, self-defense is a very controversial subject, and you need to do your research to get things right.

The controversy generally lies in the ethics of the situation. There are many who would instruct without the required experience and knowledge. It's often the case that a supposed instructor can do more harm to his/her students because of their unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge. Frankly, the martial arts world is full of folks who lack maturity and experience and know just enough to do some major damage. Lord knows I don't want to add to that kind of harm.

Luckily I've had some pretty good instructors. For those of you who live in Pennsylvania area, and are interested in self-defense, but are not interested in navigating through a whole lot of posers and wanna be's, I advise you to check out folks like Master Charles Vaughn of Vaughn's Dojang and Master Kevin Robinson of Robinson's Martial Arts Institute. The rest of you should check out the World Tang Soo Do website to see if there is a studio near you. WTSDA is lucky to have many great self-defense instructors. Up here in Region 15, (i.e., Canada), our Regional Head, Master Larry Wick, has developed his own self-defense system that he teaches to law enforcement officers all around North America.

Those of you in the Kitchener/Waterloo area would do well to keep in contact with the local YMCA. Based on the positive response to the trial run, we will be running our fundraising clinics very soon. Until then...

Tang Soo!

For My Norwich Peeps...

Analysis of my Site Tracker reveals that the majority of my blog readers are from Norwich. As such, I've decided to write the following:

Top Ten List of things that my Norwich readers like:

10) Firefly and Serenity - "Take me out into the black. Tell 'em I ain't comin' back. Burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me!" Let's all raise a glass to Mal, Zoe, Wash, Kaylee, Jayne, Book, and the Doctor and his crazy sister. We miss you all! Long live the Browncoats!

9) Fight Club - Self enlightenment through self destruction is best done vicariously.

8) The Princess Bride - "You keep on using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

7) X-Men - "Sworn to protect a world that hates them."

6) Carcassonne - Rule 1. Always gang up on Eric!

5) Bloggin' - "I know I'm late to the blog bandwagon, but I figured the world can always use another knitting/craft/inane chatter blog."

4) Fall Out Boy - "I'm going down town... blah, blah, blee, blee, blah, blah..."

3) Dane Cook - "Yeah, just hold on a minute.... Chief!"

2) Karate and Rap Music - Okay, okay... first of all that's two things and secondly, only I like them. But hell, this blog is written by a black man with a black belt, so sue me!

1) Yarn - Knitting vs. drugs. Sometimes it's hard to tell which addiction is more expensive. Then again, when was the last time a crack head knitted you a pair of warm woolly socks?

All Time Best List continued...

I thought I'd take a break from my discussion on self defense today to talk about my other favorite subject... the All Time Best List.

Today's selection was based on an article I read in Entertainment Weekly. The June 16, 2006 issue boasted that it would list the 25 "Most Controversial" movies of all time.

In my opinion, the list was a total letdown. You know what was number one on the list? Passion of the Christ...

...*snore*...

Being a product of the 80's generation raised with a mind full of pop culture references, and a movie buff, I guess that my definition of "controversial" differs from most others. You gotta remember, we saw things on live TV that blew our minds. Come on, people! I've seen former President Reagan get shot, I've seen the Space Shuttle blow up, hell, there were many mornings when I woke up and the first thing I saw was Tammy Faye Baker's face . Much like Tammy Faye, the torture shots in Passion is nothing more than creepy special effects makeup. You need to do more than that to shake me.

Just to rag on Entertainment Weekly some more, here's just a sample of the other movies they placed on the list:

• #3 Fahrenheit 9/11 - Or as I call it, The Exorcist for Bush voters...
• #12 The Deer Hunter - Couldn't get through it. I fell asleep during that long-ass wedding scene...
• #19 Basic Instict - Come on... really...?
• #22 Do the Right Thing - Oooohhh, a black man threw a garbage can through a window! Call the National Guard!
• #23 Kids - Finally, a truly controversial movie! But #23? That one should be in the single digits.
• #25 Aladdin - Yes, the Disney movie. Apparently an Arab-American focus group didn't like one (I repeat, "one") of the lyrics. Disney's response? They cut it from the release. Where the hell is the controversy?

So here's one movie that should be on the list:

ALL TIME BEST CONTROVERSIAL MOVIE

Battle Royale, directed by Kinji Fukasaku

Wanna hear about controversy? North American movie distributors were afraid to buy it, therefore it's very rare to find screening or a copy of the VHS/DVD in Canada or the US. If you want details of why, feel free to visit this link.

Made in Japan in 2000 and starring an all Asian cast, Battle Royal has a strong cult following all over the world. The movie as spawned sequels, adaptations in novels and mangas (comic books), video/board/card games, clothing merchandise, music CDs... I mean it's a phenomenon!

The story takes place in the near future (which would be now if the movie was made in 2000). Japan is falling apart economically. There is rampant un-employment and the country is vastly over-populated. The social fabric has fallen apart so much that the youth see no hope in their future. As a result, the schools are riot zones, and the teachers, rendered impotent by apathy and bureaucracy, are victims of violence perpetrated by their students. In short, the center is not holding.

We focus on the students from Shiroiwa Junior High School, Class 3-B.

The students have been selected to participate in a special field trip. During the bus ride, they are rendered unconscious by a special gas. Military type personnel take over the bus. The students wake up to find themselves kidnapped on a remote island. Each one wears a computerized collar around their necks.

Enter the murderous Teacher, played by "Beat" Takashi Kitano. The Teacher informs his former students that they have been selected to participate in the government sponsored "Battle Royale Survival Program". The program is the result of the BR Act, which was signed into law in response to the lawlessness among the countries youth. The rules are:

1. The collars are waterproof, shock proof, tamper proof and contain a small explosive. Anyone who tries to remove the collars will get their heads blown off.
2. The students are to participate in a 3 day survival game on the island. The island is divided into multiple danger zones, which change every hour. Any one caught in the danger zone at the wrong time will get their heads blown off.
3. Each student is given a backpack containing water, bread, a map, a compass, a flashlight and one random weapon. The weapons range from a fully automatic sub machine gun to a pot lid. No one knows what they are going to get. Anyone who tries to cheat or get off the island will get their heads blown off.
4. The object of the game is that the students have 3 days to kill each other. There can be only one survivor in Battle Royale. If there is more than one survivor at the end of the 3 days, they will all get their heads blown off.

So the crux of the tale is this... how do the stresses of such a survival program play out amongst typical junior high school students? What happens when the class nerd is finally armed and has full leave to confront his tormentors? What happens the the prettiest and most popular girl in school when she finally learns her peers were all jealous and secretly hated her all along? What happens the young, and so "in-love" couple when they realize that at some point one will be forced to kill the other? And by the way, who are those two new kids with all the scars? The one's who look like they've played this game before?

Battle Royale is the new millenniums answer to Lord of the Flies. The movie has resonance in these modern days of Columbine and 9/11 tragedies. The performances of the young cast is great, and the drama translates very well. The movie is unrated, but if you find a copy, I recommend that you exercise your parental discretion. The screen violence is not intended for young viewers.