About Grandmaster Dan Expertise Good Day. I began my training in martial arts in 1964 and trained in
karate (Shorin-Ryu, Shotokan, Wado, Kempo, Kyokushinkai), kobudo
(weapons), jujutsu, naginata, yari, nunchuku, tonfa, kama,
manrikigusari, sai, hanbo, bo, katakana, tsune (cane), kioga (expandable baton), jo, and other arts. I currently teach at a major
university, private clubs and clinics. I hold black belt ranks in 7 different martial arts (highest rank is 9th degree black belt), certified instructor in law enforcement self-defense training, and have been inducted into 5 halls of fame. I love to teach martial arts and have been awarded Shorin-Ryu Instructor of the year, Grandmaster Instructor of the year, Soke of the year, and International Instructor of the year. If you have any questions about Japanese/Okinawan/US martial arts history, traditions, techniques, feel free to ask me. I also have certifications for my own martial art style (Seiyo Shorin-Ryu; see www.seiyo-shorinryu.org). I look forward to talking to you.
Experience More than 35 years experience in teaching and training in Japanese-Okinawan martial arts.
Organizations Seiyo no Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Remnei
Juko Kai International
Publications Martial Arts Training
Education/Credentials BS & MS in Geology, University of Utah
Awards and Honors 1998 Inducted into Bell Hall of Fame (HOF); 1998 Inducated into the ABI Millennium HOF; 2000 Inducted into the World Karate Union HOF; 2001 Inducted into the National Rock Hound HOF (I'm also a geologist); 2001 Inducted into the North American Black Belt Hall of Fame, and Inducted into the 2002 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the 2002 Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and the 2003 Latin American Worldwide Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Also received several national and international awards for teaching martial arts, including recognition in Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the 21st Century and others.
Question Hi, I'm wondering which styles of Eastern martial arts take root in Buddhism, and if you would be able to give me a description of each style. Also, I've been interested in studying the martial arts for some time now, but have never gotten around to it for various reasons. Right now I'm trying to decide which style to study. I'm interested in studying the martial arts for spiritual purposes, to discipline myself, and to better my physical fitness. Do you have any suggestions which styles would be best for me to check out?
Thank you for your time. I'm also on this site as an expert under fishing, if ever you have a question regarding fishing do not hesitate to ask me.
Thank you,
Chris Romanchick
Answer Hello Chris,
Most Okinwan, Chinese, and Japanese martial arts have roots in Buddhism. This is due to the origins of martial arts when (according to tradition) a Buddhist monk by the name of Boddhidharma traveled from India to the Honan province of northern China sometime around 520 AD and taught the Shaolin Monks Buddhist philosophy along with martial arts techniques known as the 18 hands of LoHan. This was the birth of Shaolin Kung Fu, but it has been modfied and built on for centuries. When Kung Fu was introduced to Okinawa before 1400 AD, the art was dramatically change or evolved into Shorin-Ryu (translates as Pine Forest style in Japanese, and Shaolin style in Chinese) Karate. From there, the art was introduced to Japan, and ultimately around the world. I have some historical information on my web page at www.seiyo-shorinryu.org.
To find a good martial art with spiritual and traditional disipline, you will need to look for the right instructor. Styles are less important, as each instructor will teach a style differently. But, I would recommend looking for a 'traditional' rather than a 'sport' style. Some that you might try (talk to the instructor before signing up) include Shorin-Ryu, Shito Ryu, Kempo, Kungfu. I would avoid things like Taekwondo because it is more sport oriented.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any other questions,
