Vincent Anthony, Hanshi and Michael Boyles, Sensei

When learning anything, you have to focus on the foundation. You must provide the student practitioner with an understanding of technique, why it works, how it works, and what it was designed to do; covering all aspects of its methodology and application. This is how you develop a well rounded student practitioner.

Drilling, focusing on height, speed or winning doesn’t build a true Bushi (Warrior). It creates someone driven by the physical and sport aspects of a game. The Martial Arts in their original state were never a sport—historically, engagements lead to either someone’s death or serious injury.

We understand that these types of engagements are today limited to those that work, and are deployed into harms way, but the art is not a game. It is a source of personal internal strength. It is something that has to serve you a lifetime, and shouldn’t be something that becomes less a part of your life as you age.

My intent isn’t to be disrespectful to any other Style nor to anyone engaged in such activities. Any and All education is of value. I am simply stating that there is a difference between how the student will apply his or her art to life. Winning isn’t everything. How does winning build an education and solid martial ability?

Compassion plays a huge roll in the human aspect of the Martial Arts, as does understanding what being humble provides. For example, all the Black Belts in Our System only wear a solid black belt, no stripes, no names. Why does it matter? The individual Black Belt should—and in Our System is measured—by their knowledge and ability, not how many stripes they have on their belt.

I hope that those residing under the Combative Association of Martial Arts are always exposed to the qualities and goals that have been discuss above.

And you choose to embrace the Bushido lifestyle and live – THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR.

–Respectfully,
            Vincent Anthony, Hanshi