In this bulletin, I want to explain some of my concepts and interpretations of the martial arts and its usage in NKJU®, But first, I need to give some insight into NKJU under my first sensei Richard P. Baillargeon.
From this point on, I will be using the name Mr. B that many of us back in the day called Sensei Baillargeon. Mr. B was the first person to head the organization known as the Seishin Kai, led by Kosho “Shogo” Kuniba. Mr. B held this position for ten years.
In November 1974, Shogo Kuniba and Mr. B parted ways, and it was at this time, Mr. B created the NKJU. I have heard many reasons for the breakup. There have even been written articles on the subject, but it’s all been conjecture and hearsay. We are left to take everything at face value. I can only tell you what was said to me by Mr. B. Since I don’t have documented facts, what I say would be hearsay as well.”
I knew Mr. B better than most and his type of personality. I also know how ego can get in the way of truth. I will only say. “It is what it is.”
Mr. B’s goal was to bring together different Kai’s. As Kaicho of NKJU®, I want to continue Mr. B’s plan. NKJU will be an organization that will be open to all legitimate Kai’s. Mc-Dogo’s need not apply.
Mr. B knew that most Kai’s had the mindset that their Kai was the best. He also knew that if he could bring together some of these Kai’s, everyone would benefit.
If any person can tell me this concept of bringing together Kai’s is wrong, please tell me. And explain why. I will respect your opinion.
There are many advantages to having an organization with several Kai’s, but I will only mention what I feel are the most relevant ones.
One: Comradery. Where karateka can share experiences and the crucible training in the Martial Arts.
Two: Sharing Kihon and Waza of others Kai’s can only be beneficial. Waza is as varied as the many grains of sand on a beach.
Three: Some Kai’s may have a limited number of Ryu-ha, while others may have no Ryu-ha. NKJU alone has over forty kata to help you with your Ryu-ha.
Four: Many schools are limited in their knowledge of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Kobudo. NKJU has a vast array of expertise in these two styles, with Shodan to Godan Menjos attainable. Other Kai’s who have a Jiu-jitsu and Kobudo program can only enrich an organization.
Five: Sharing other Kumite styles is a big bonus. Because Individual styles have their way of fighting, incorporating these differences can only make you a better fighter.
Six: Another significant advantage of joining an organization with various styles is the sharing of instructional knowledge. In my opinion, an instructor that has no instructor has become complacent.
NKJU is about martial artists that have the same plan, ideals, and moral standards. Who knows nothing is free and that it takes long and hard work, perseverance, dedication, discipline, and the desire to push oneself to excel with humility, and knowing that what you have was achieved through legitimacy.
To degree, or not to degree.
Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Teachers in our public schools and those of higher education will tell you they followed the rules to achieve the academic status they claim. They took no shortcuts or paid anyone for fake credentials.
Karate-do and Karate Jutsu are the foundations on which martial arts should be based. Not academia
Many martial artists of today strive to follow our Asian masters’ philosophy. Simultaneously, some want to pick and choose the philosophies that suit their plan, especially for ranks and titles.
Ranks and titles are only as good as the person who claims them. When achieved through less than honorable intentions, you have become part of the martial arts problem.
Some say the martial arts should have professional status and degrees in Ph.D., MA, MS. Etc. Note: these titles are illegal to use outside academia.
Academic definition and meaning by Collins English Dictionary. Academic is used to describe things related to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, primarily work, which involved studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills.
Many of our Asian Masters had little or no formal education. Yet, they were able to inspire the very essence of the martial arts that we have today.
They had no degree, nor were they considered to be professionals in any sense of the way. Yet, we know them for what they are. Men of stature looked upon as giants in their field and humble. They needed no degree to have a following of millions in the martial arts.
To think we need to have a degree to be recognized as a professional in martial arts is ludicrous. By saying so is to denounce our Asian master’s credibility and those that preceded them.
I, for one, do not need a degree to prove what I can do. I let my knowledge and actions speak for themselves. The experience that I received from two of my instructors who have preceded me. Kaicho Richard Baillargeon and Kaicho Butch Velez had no professional license or a degree to make them what they were In Martial Arts. They were great men in their own right and will be remembered long after I am gone.
To get a degree to prove what I am is to belittle the instructor’s menjo’s given to me.
Let’s face the fact we have too many people who have low self-esteem and strive for recognition in any way they can, even when it means being deceitful.
A Martial Arts hypocrite.
I have laid out a few of the red flags you need to be aware of.
NOTE: I know organizations have their own set of rules regarding some of the red flags I will bring up. But if they claim traditional Asian values, then they should stay true to those values.
One: The timeline between ranks is short.
Two: Titles are given without regard to their meaning. “Research about tiles and how and when they are applied.”
Three: A person that claims they have ranks and titles in a variety of styles. “There is an old saying. Jack of all trades the master of none.” Hell, I have enough trouble learning all there is to know in my one style. Yes, I will cross-train but will not accept rank or title in other Kai’s because I know I haven’t spent the years required to fully understand what others within that Kai have achieved. Those that do are merely seeking status, a status that is without substance.
Four: A person whose age as it relates to titles and ranks are disproportionate. “Example, 58 and is a master, or holds a rank of 8th or 9th dan.” Or even a grandmaster 10th dan.
Five: Caucasians that uses the name of Soke. “Soke is restricted to the founder, or headmaster of a Ryu/Ha and is not a title one confirms upon one’s self.”
Martial Arts involves years of training, with the understanding martial arts will never be fully understood. Only through Discipline, Passion, Humility, an Open mind, and loyalty to one’s master can one call himself a Martial Artist.
Remember, you will be only as good as your instructor’s knowledge, credible knowledge, apparent skills, and concepts that have shown to work. It’s essential to do your research on selecting an instructor. Or an organizational leader who is credible. “Credible is defined as the quality of being believable or worthy of trust.”
When ranks, titles, and the association to a Japanese Mc Dojo are used to fill a person’s insecurities, and the need for recognition becomes an obsession, you have someone living a life of pretense.
Words of thought
What’s more important, your goals or other’s opinions of your goal?.
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Kaicho Roy D. Davis III
NKJU ® National Karate Jiu-Jitsu Union and National Karate jiu-jitsu Union Int. 2691 Worth County Line Road Albany, Georgia 31705 davisroyiv3@gmail.com
January 2021 NKJU® Bulletin
NKJU ® & NKJUI® is a USPTO registered trademark owned by Roy D. Davis III. Any use of this name by any person, organization, company, or association with the marketing or sale of any products and services without the owner’s permission violates the US Trade Mark Act.
All NKJU® & NKJUI® Bulletins are under Copyright and shall not be altered from their original form without the written permission from Kaicho Davis.
