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MARTIAL ARTS AND THE LAW
Over the years I have
heard many conversations about our right to use self-defense. I have
been asked many times about having to register my hands with the
government. There have been lots of exaggerations in this area.
The fact is, in America, we have never had to register our
hands. I remember when a friend called to tell me how great his son
was doing in the martial arts. He had studied in the military
overseas and had all the requirements for his right hand to be
registered and almost enough requirements to register his left hand.
I immediately invited his son to join our kumite or free sparring
class, because I was pretty sure, with that type of background, that
we would not have any trouble controlling him. I think it is always
interesting when people share nonsense with someone who is a master
in a certain area, whether it is music, law, or the martial arts.
Anyone who has studied his or her art for a period of time would
know better.
This rumor may have
started because Japan had a revolution in the 1500-1600's, and the
Emperor put out a mandate that all weapons would be banned. As
martial arts flourished later, his response was to register the
hands of the martial artists. That has never been the case in
America.
Most serious martial
artists join a martial arts association. There are many
associations in the United States. I'm personally president of the
Universal Isshin-Ryu Association. It's purpose is to standardize
the rank of the martial artists within the schools that belong to
the Universal Isshin-Ryu Association, and to make certain the
students are following the guidelines that are necessary for their
black belt and above promotions. Of course, members also enjoy many
seminars on a regular basis for the continuing education of our
black belt instructors. We promote many tournaments, the sport
aspect of karate. Many young men, women and children are enjoying
competing in tournament play in the martial arts.
A most enjoyable aspect
of my 40+ years of training has been the friendships I have
developed in the martial arts, such as Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace,
Joe Lewis, and many of the local competitors in the Knoxville and
East Tennessee area. I also have thousands of students who have
studied with me over this period of time, and it is a pleasure to
see them develop and mature. The friendships are important, which
is another reason for the associations. But we never join
associations to register our hands.
In today's legalistic
society, I always advise my students to avoid street fights. If
there is a confrontation that develops into physical abuse, you can
bet there will be a lawsuit; someone will go to jail until their
bail can be posted, and there will be a trial with civil penalties.
It can be especially difficult for martial artists if, in fact, they
have provoked the fight or confrontation. My statement to students
at all times is to never provoke a confrontation, but neither run
from it. If there is a bully at school or at work, invite him to
your karate class. That will either change his attitude or he won't
last long in a karate class that is well instructed.
There are a couple of
simple, basic rules to follow if you are faced with conflict. I
would always use the one arm rule, which means that you stay at
least his (not yours) arm's length away. Only do what is necessary
to subdue your opponent. If you carry it past that, you are liable
for lawsuit. There is normally a lot of confusion where there has
been a confrontation. If you were part of that confrontation, I
would advise you to leave the scene as soon as possible. If there
has been an injury, someone will take care of that. The reason for
leaving is because the person that has been in the confrontation
with you will have friends, or perhaps family, who will arrive at
the scene and you will have to injure them, or perhaps they will
injure you. It is best to leave the scene and call the police
immediately. Remember to never use any more force than is
necessary. At the same time, you must remain alert to all of your
surroundings, and everything going on around you. I would remind
you that if you were the Christian or the moral person you should
be, you would not be at places that create conflicts and problems.
The best way to escape a
problem is to solve it peaceably.
Pete Mills, Ju-Dan
10th Degree Black Belt
Isshin-Ryu Karate
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