PMA, JKD and Bears Oh My

FRIDAY KNIGHT NEWS

I was already a black belt when I came to study under Tom Manson, sensei. He was fond of saying that he never taught me a single technique that I didn't already know more about than he did. Still what I might have known was enhanced by his ability to convey to me the right direction to travel. He also introduced me to Tony Annesi, which helped my progress immensely. I remember one time when I was teaching a seminar for my sensei, that he told the assembled teachers from various styles that some of the techniques that I taught were different from the way he had been teaching for decades. The thing was, he confessed, that the way he had been teaching them was wrong. In truth my version was just more effective. I don’t believe I have ever met a more humble or kindhearted martial artist than him.

He often told me and others that I was better, but I believe he was being humble as there were many areas where he excelled. Shooting and tactics was something he did that always impressed me greatly. We both spent a lot of time training police officers and other law-enforcement personnel. He far exceeded my capabilities in this area as by nature I was more of a seat of the pants kind person. He on the other hand was much more detailed oriented; I was more of a big picture person and relied on the feeling and essence of things.

When I came to study aiki under sensei, it changed my jujutsu and it forced me to become even more pliable. My first sensei who had already passed had given me free reign where Manson, sensei was very controlling (he was a great range instructor too), and made sure that we always crossed our T’s and dotted our I’s but he was very much in favor of utilizing whatever shortcuts we could derive.

I don’t know why he has been on my mind so much today but I've been thinking of him and his love of his mother (she was a spunky gal), whom I know he misses. So I guess this is my opportunity to remind everyone to tell their mothers that they love them. Happy Mother’s Day; Mom I love you.

I used to teach Pragmatic Martial Arts in the 80's thru the mid 90's, before I switched to my dojo name for my business name. PMA was a name I derived for my business and my method of instruction. I came up with the PMA name for my school derived from acronym from positive mental attitude. I used it to describe my martial art goal. What I was teaching was Kempo Jujutsu while utilizing the 5 ways of attacks as a teaching foundation for explaining the application of technique. I had a brief stint where I was also incorporating a bit of Korean arts in the mix too.

Adam Chan had been discussing how often he gets contacted by people wanting to use his name, or falsely using his name as their instructor in JKD, Wing Chun, and Non Classical Gung Fu. These people often seem to be using PMA as a name of their style.

My point is I am not a teacher of Non Classical Gung Fu, JKD, Jun Fan, Wing Chun and related arts. For that matter what I did was part of my life long research into martial arts and even though I don't use that name any longer it still is my aim. I still teach jujutsu while utilizing the 5 ways of attacks as part of the explanation to the application of technique and of course much of my kempo study remains in my movements. For years masters and students from other systems often asked me would I help teach their seminar in Balintawak, Kun Tao, JKD etc. I would tell them that I had not studied their style or system but the principles repeat was my explanation as to why we were so similar.

Who can blame Adam Chan for not being interested in an organization? As to him not being a sifu, a teacher, or a coach, please forgive him as he is humble enough not to realize that he represents the best parts of those titles.

Beyond the Dojo by R. David Lawrence, Patricia Lawrence and Phil Lawrence (Jan 19, 2013) - Kindle eBook

The Path: Warrior Insights of Masaru Taro by R. David Lawrence, Patricia Lawrence, Kay Francis Brewer and Larry Tyson Ray (Aug 13, 2012) - Kindle eBook

Enlightenment Kicking and Screaming (The Paradox of Martial Art Training) by R. David Lawrence, Patricia Lawrence, Kay Frances Brewer and Steve Smith (Jan 11, 2013) - Kindle eBook

My stories are about martial arts adventures that are intertwined with paranormal or supernatural events. The following links are to the Kindle version books from the "Dream Walker” series. Our adventurers find themselves on a quest where they are confronted with both conspiracy and mystery. Their challenge is to unite their mind and body skills together utilizing what they have learned in the martial arts with the transcendental power of dream mediation. They attempt to do this while they are trying to make a life for themselves and elude those that seek to use and control them.

Conversations with a Sage (Book 1 of the Dream-Walker)

Conversations with a Sage: This explores Xander Davidson's early encounters with the mysterious fog like Dream Walking martial art sages. He ponders if they are real or if they are only remnants of his dreams. He mainly keeps this secret world to himself as he tries to copes with abuse, growing up without support or guidance and the mystery of his family's past. 

Xander and the Assassins Gift (Book 2 of the Dream-Walker)

The Assassins Gift: Xander Davidson struggles with the conspiracy of his family and the group that is actively trying to manipulate him to join them or die. The young Dream Walkers learns an early lesson to be careful about whom they let into their circle.


Warriors of Perception (Book 3 of the Dream-Walker)

Warriors of Perception: Xander Davidson and his band of friends embark on a mission to free themselves from their oppressors. They bravely face the challenge all the while vying for the right moment to turn the tables.

Jace Lee The Shift (Book 4 of the Dream-Walker)

Jace Lee The Shift: We find a new apprentice, Adam, that is fighting for his life. He is struggling to understand the amazing skills of his mentor, Jace Lee; a younger man that has trained under Xander Davidson. All the while his mentor attempts to reconcile the fact that his skills do not match up with the other Dream Walkers.


Jace Lee No Agenda (Dream Walker Book 5)

Jace Lee No Agenda: Jace Lee attempts to find himself on a self-imposed vision quest of sorts. Instead he finds himself being stalked by the same group that had previously sought after his teacher, (Xander Davidson). Instead of mastering his odd Dream Walking skills he finds love and the potential loss of his powers.

Jace Lee and the Tutelage of Ming Wu: Dream Walker 6 

Jace Lee The Tutelage of Ming Wu: Jace Lee rejoins his teacher Xander Davidson as they cope with a possible combined threat (the mysterious), Ming Wu and the Council that has continuously monitored the Dream Walkers.