Martial arts has always been, in some shape or form, part of my life. My father put each of us in martial arts because, as minorities in Saudi Arabia, he knew we’d probably be bullied (he was right. But that’s a topic for another day). He enrolled us in one of the few dojos at the time. It was a Shotokan karate school which also taught judo. The sensei was hardcorp and actually trained in Japan while he was stationed there. My sensei sympathized with us because, as an Armenian, he knew what it was like to be persecuted. In karate, we have what’s called the “dojo kun” or “dojo code”. Master Funakoshi (founder of modern karate) came up with the code. It goes something like this: “Seek perfection of character. Be loyal and polite. Endeavor. Be honest. Refrain from violent behavior”. The dojo kun, pretty much, shaped my life.
As time when on, I eventually earned my black belt in karate (under the SKIF. One of two of the most legit karate organizations on earth). With time, due to circumstance, I switched to taekwondo and am currently a 3rd degree black belt (recognized by Kukkiwon in Korea). I’ve been teaching taekwondo for roughly two years now and have trained in several martial arts systems. Again, martial arts is my way of life.
So, now that you know me I can answer “why the nunchucks?” The “seek perfection of character” and “endeavor” aspects of the dojo kun have influenced me to always challenge myself. After earning my black belts, I wanted to challenge myself with something new. I always enjoyed watching nunchuck demos, seeing it as the most elusive of all the kobudo weapons to learn. So, one day, I decided “why not?”. I bought a pair of nunchucks….and I sucked! LOL! So I put them down!
Then, one day, I discovered Ken Hill and Gabriel Ford’s videos. I realized that, as funny as it sounds, I didn’t have “flow”. The arts I learned were always about dominance. Forcing your opponent to submit to your will (which, given the fight you’re in, may be necessary). I realized I needed to learn how to “go with the flow”. So, I took an aikido class and it honestly helped change my perspective on martial arts. I trained in aikido for about two years (really loved it, but couldn’t continue because I had a child). I also helped my judo game.
I’ve been training regularly with the nunchucks for about a year now. I’m very happy because, in a way, it’s almost therapeutic for me. Like aikido, I feel that nunchucks help you “go with the flow” sometimes. I truly hope I can get to the next level of my nunchuck training.
Much respect to you guys,
Osu!
Charles Awwad
I’m making this one a featured article. Aikado for 2 years? That’s awesome. I only briefly studied that! I’m turning this into a featured article and giving you +50 pts for a great read. Thank you for sharing man!
Thank you sir! I am humbled and honored by you doing so! I really loved aikido and am still in touch with my aikido sensei (he’s a truly awesome guy). My wife and I will eventually join up again, but needed a break until our daughter is older. I highly recommend aikido to any flowtricks person out there (you’ll understand the flow of things better than other students would).
cheers
Ken’s tutorials got me hooked into this life, too! I had just become single again and was obsessed with learning nunchuck tricks. I would be learning martial arts if I didn’t have a bad back and a bad everything else lol Too many mosh pits. It feels strong now so I’m lifting weights again, but I can’t risk being out of work. I love Shaolin Kung Fu movies and Ip Man with the Wing Chun or Ong-Bak with May Thai. I couldn’t afford anything growing up. I’ve been mastering weapons and now I’m working on body movement. I feel it would be easier if I had training or possibly dance classes, maybe theater. I want to improve my stage performance. Maybe even enter in a freestyle competition…
Hey Fireant! Good to hear from you, brother. Back problems are the worse! Thankfully, I don’t have back problems, but I’ve developed tennis elbow from the years of punching/sparring in mma. It actually made me quit fighting bc it would aggravate it. Of course, tennis elbow is nothing compared to back pain. Like you, I’d honestly like to get good enough to compete one day. Just for fun
Hi! I’m also 3rd Kukkiwon and feel the same way about nunchaku. I can relate to your story, as Hapkido was to me what aikido was to you. Nice article!