Did you compete?
Yes. During the mid-1960's through 1972.
How many tournaments did you win?
I have over three hundred fifty trophies.
How did you first get involved with martial arts?
During my military days. I joined a martial arts class during basic training at Ft. Knox, KY. Then when I was stationed in Harrisburg, PA I joined the class of Harry G. Smith, an Isshinryu instructor and one of only two men teaching karate in Pennsylvania at that time.
Who were your early influences?
My instructor and classmates. A big hero was Mas Oyama.
How many different fist forms and weapons are there in your system?
There are twelve main forms for empty hand, and quite a few others to be learned after black belt. We do three forms for each weapon: bo, sai, nunchaku, kama, and sword. But more important than knowing a large number of forms, is knowing what the forms mean: breakdown.
 What was the last movies/TV shows/entertainment you saw that featured some martial arts? Do you think it did the art justice?
I really enjoyed Martial Law the TV show. It was entertainment and showed the light side of the martial arts. I thought the execution of techniques by the principal payers was well done. Of course, the fights were all choreographed. The inclusion of the outtakes at the end insured that the viewers didn't take all of the acrobatics included in the show to be real... This did the arts justice. It showed we can laugh at ourselves, and that we don't take ourselves so seriously.
Do you think the commercialization, both in Asian and western, of martial arts has help or harm your martial arts? And why?
In many ways commercialization has helped the martial arts. It makes folks aware that self-defense is "doable". It also insures that the art forms will be around for a long time. Making the arts public rather than a "family secret" means that the arts wil continue to evolve. The public tells us what we need to do to make our art better. Using martial arts in movies and on TV gets young folks interested in studying. The next generation will always be better than the past one. At least that should be the goal of every good teacher. The student should always be better than and surpass the instructor.
What do you think should be done to further promote martial arts?
That is best left to the future generation to answer.
What advice do you have for people who want to learn your martial arts or martial arts in general?
Start with a good traditional basic system. But don't become blind to oportunities to cross-train in other martial arts disciplines. For example, if you start in karate get your black belt. Then branch out into another art like ju-jitsu, or aikido. Always think about the movements you make, not just mimick them. Look for hidden meanings. Watch footwork, and question things that don't make sense. Trust your instincts.
@2000, BLT Supplies Inc.
Interested in studying the martial arts techniques of George Dillman? Check out his books currently for sale on our books section.
Interview with Sifu Chen 9/2000
Interview with Frank Yee 7/2000
Interview with Hu Jianqiang 3/2000
Interview with Grandmaster Pui Chan 2/2000
Interview with Dr. Yang 12/1999 |
