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"CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF
TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENTS”
Written By Franklin Puello
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
RICK DIAZ AND LINDA RAMZY FREE SPORT
JIU JITSU SEMINAR AND TOURNAMENT
My name is Franklin Puello and welcome to Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. On June 18th, 2011 while visiting my mother in The Bronx, New York City, and taking care of personal affairs, I had the opportunity to share time with Seiko Hanshi Rick Diaz and Shihan Linda Ramzy at the Hunts Point Recreational Center where a Free Sport Ju-Jutsu Rules Seminar was scheduled. It was a great pleasure to share time once again with Shihan Ramzay after May's Harlem Goju Awards Ceremony, and participate in her Seminar. Several Black Belts attended the seminar and they received clear and precise instructions in Sport Ju-Jutsu techniques and the rules governing Judging a Sport Ju-Jutsu Competition. The Rules as sanctioned by the USSJA (Rulebook available at http://www.karatetoc.com/) were not only clearly explained by Shihan Ramzy, but also demonstrated as well to provide thorough understanding through the Visual experience.
It was a great experience listening to the expertly presented material, as well as the masterful demonstrations, and much fun watching the body language of many in attendance expressing: confusion, and some obscurity with the definitions and applications of the rules of engagement. I had to incorporate my experience in Collegiate Wrestling and Kokushi Ryu Ju-Jutsu training experience to be able to make the transition easier.
The Main Points of this Seminar was to introduce the Karate Black Belts to a new Sport aspect of the Martial Arts: Sport Ju-Jutsu and the Judging of Sport Ju-Jutsu techniques with the full understanding of the applicability of the Rules to Tournament Competition in a Continuous action format (as it would be in a real confrontation).
The Competitors would start Kumite competition in the traditional format, with the exception of Sweeps and Throws being allowed with a continuous follow through to the Ground to continue with Ju-Jutsu/ Grappling techniques. The techniques allowed are part of the Ju-Jutsu syllabus in any school, including the Arm bar/locks and control/ pins to ground techniques. The contestants are awarded Points for Kicks, Punches, half and full throws, control/riding the opponents, and submission holds (not including forearm chokes).
This format of competition combat tested the contestant’s techniques, and application of Kata Bunkai to their Kumite with the follow to the groundwork
There was included a 15 Sec. Rest/ Coaching period between segments of the fight to allow for recovery and Coaching.
This innovative and, exciting New Combative Format introduced by Seiko Hanshi Rick Diaz, in conjunction with Shihan Linda Ramzy, is as close to Real combat as any one in the Martial Arts will encounter in a controlled, competitive setting testing all their skills, control, understanding, application of Principles of Bunkai, and teacher pupil relationship and trust.
Due to other commitments, I had to leave the Tournament early but not prior to supporting the Tournament as a Judge and putting into practice my Sport Ju-Jutsu/ Karate competition Judging skills. I was left most impressed by the youngster’s grasp of the Rules of engagements, who appeared to be very well trained in the philosophy of Kata, and the application of Bunkai. They made a beautiful and seamless transition from the start with Kicking and punching, to controlling the opponent and executing Half or Full throws. Following up with ease to control on the ground through grappling and joint lock techniques learned in Ju-Jutsu.
I was left very Impressed by the young students from the Sensei Diaz' Dojo, as well as the Sensei Drayton's Dojo, who transitioned from Sport Karate techniques to Ju-Jutsu techniques in a smooth way to victory. Magnificently done, Competitors and I salute you!
I applaud these Innovative Efforts to Evolve the Martial Arts competition, and to motivate our young Martial Artist to reach for higher goals. Much Respect!!
Franklin Puello
