In the Martial Arts community we have people that
dabble, others that express proficiency and passion for their practice
while still others that are in the middle not knowing what side of the
fence they will lean towards or fall on any given day. That being said,
it isn’t until you meet or witness a true practitioner that you can
appreciate all that Martial Arts has to offer. A while back a longtime friend of mine by the name of
Paul Sequence Ferguson mentioned a person he knew that was worth taking
a look at in regards to an interview on Martialforce.com Paul is a strong and dedicated Martial Arts
practitioner himself. He comes from a strong lineage of training so I
agreed to meet with this person. I want to add that he told me when he
presented the idea to the person in regards to being interviewed. The
subject of this interview was reluctant because he didn’t feel that an
interview was necessary. Upon further investigation I realized I was
introduced to an individual that fit the category of proficiency and
passion.The person I am speaking of is Master Eric King. I
spoke to him on the phone with a mission to find out if he is in fact
what Paul said he was. Our conversation was a long one and every
question I asked lead me to believe and understand he was everything
that I was told he was. I then looked for information on a follow up and
everyone that I spoke to agreed that he was not only dedicated but an
instructor that genuinely cared for his students and people in general.
At this time I want to introduce with great honor, Master Eric King and
we here at Martialforce.com hope you enjoy reading about his journey.
Interviewed by Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com: First and foremost, thank you for accepting this
interview with Martialforce.com Online Magazine! Let’s start from the
beginning – Where did you grow up and what is your occupation?
ERIC KING:
I had the pleasure of growing up in
Southern California; around the Los Angeles area until about the age of
fourteen. I moved to the San Diego California pretty much after
that. My current occupation is Martial Arts Instructor, Physical Fitness
and Tumbling Coach.
Martialforce.com: When and where was your initial training in the
Martial Arts and what motivated you to begin?
ERIC KING: Mother like to say that “I was born a
martial artist.” I can remember my mother calling me out of my room to
see the Trailer for Bruce Lee's "Way of the Dragon" as a young boy of
age 5 or 6? So, in some way, my mother sparked my interested in
the Martial Arts. The first style of Martial Arts that I was introduced
to was, Wing Chun, by an Asian Family who own a small super market in
Los Angeles, California, right off Broadway. One of the butchers,
Sifu Isaac was my first teacher / instructor....that was back in the
late 1970's, I was about 11 or 12 years of age.
I don't know
if he was for real or not, I just knew that I was very excited
about learning Kung-Fu. Back then, I only knew of Judo, Kung-Fu or
Karate, I wasn't really sure what a style was. In the late 1980's
I met a couple of people that changed my life for the better when it
came to martial arts. Sensei Danny who was out of Shaolin Kempo
Karate also known as "American Studio of Self-Defense, Master Glenn
Small head instructor under the Grand Master Fred Villari who
I thought back then was the closest that I would ever get to learning
from Ed Parker, founder of American Kenpo. During that
time, I met with Master Kenny Purnell of Allied Garden Tang Soo Do.
Master Purnell wasn't ranked as a master but he so did move like one!
Mr. Purnell was and still is under the leadership of Grand Master Jae C.
Shin of the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSD). It is said that
GM Jae C. Shin is Chuck Norris original instructor while he was serving
in the United States Air Force.
Martialforce.com: You were a competitor in sport
karate, what did you gained from it?
ERIC KING:
I really enjoyed competing in the
tournaments from the late 1980's until 2012. I got involved right after
joining Allied Garden Tang Soo Do Academy under the leadership of Master
Kenny Purnell and Mr. Clarence "Lucky" Ellison, which I mentioned
earlier. I guest when I started hanging around Mr. Purnell,
the World Tang Soo Do Association was getting ready for either the World
competition or a regional tournament and Mr. Purnell seemed to be the
man that people would turn to for training. The students and instructors
all seemed to be excited and I wanted to be a part of it. In regards
to what I gained from it, Wow, I gained so much knowledge about myself
as a person, as a martial artist, and a warrior. I learned to overcome
some fears and saw what I needed to do to better myself in Kata
(Prearranged movements), Fighting & Weapons, but more importantly, my
ultimate lesson was that I learned to stay humble!
I've been blessed to have made friends with other martial artist
and instructors from other styles who took a liking to me. People like
Grand Master Barry Baker of Poway Kenpo, out of San Diego, Ca (American
Kenpo Karate). The living legend also out of Grand Master Orned "
Chicken" Gabriel ( who is the instructor of Grand Master or Master,
Steve " Nasty" Anderson, Chinese Kenpo Karate), Master Richard Smith (
Tang Soo Do and Hapkido), Master Ben Kelso, ( Tang Soo Do & Tae Kwon
Do), Sifu Dwight Love of Green Dragon Kung-Fu, Grand Master Marty
Manuel ( Goju Karate) Vineland, NJ, Grand Master Joe Lewis, Grand
Master Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and the list goes on and on!
Martialforce.com: Do you believe that Karate is good training
for children and if so, why?
ERIC KING: I owe my career to the children that I have taught over the
years....especially those who came to me in the beginning! I was a tougher
instructor back than in the early 1990's and made a lot of mistakes. I know that
Karate/ Martial Arts is not just a good training for children; I know it to be a
Great thing for all children! Discipline and Structure is a valuable tool that
children need to grow into responsible adults, without it they are lost! These
are the things that are missing from most of the homes and schools these days.
I've been blessed to see the children or kids that I have taught over the years,
grow up to be responsible adults, parents, teachers, coaches, ministers, police
officers, military officers, college professor, EMT (Emergency Medical
Technician), doctors and even lawyers.
Martialforce.com: Tell us about your teacher /s, trainers
ERIC KING: God blessed me with some awesome instructors.
1) Sifu Isaac, was a friendly guy and I believed him to be very
knowledgeable in Kung-Fu? I think I was either too young to appreciate him or
wasn't able to spend enough time with him? However he was my first instructor /
master. I say master because when he introduced himself to my mother, he told
her that he was my master. Now this was back when I lived in Los Angeles
California and I was
sneaking over to learn from him.
2) Sensei Danny/ Master Glenn Small, were from the American Studio of
Self-Defense out San Diego, California. The style was Shaolin Kempo and they
were nice friendly guys for the most part, but the teaching skills were not
really there.
It was a great for sparring because back then, I didn't mind getting hit so much
and the sparring at this dojo wasn't a joke! He really didn't guide me in the
way that I felt like I could have really grown...looking back at it all, I
wouldn’t change anything because there were lessons learned and I was still able
to grow in other ways!
3) Master’s Kenny Purnell and Mr. Clarence " Lucky" Ellison, now this is
where I was super blessed to grow as a student, classmate, martial artist and
instructor! I met Master Purnell on my job at the 7 Eleven; he came in with his
Tang Soo Do instructor sweat shirt and I remember saying to him that I would
like one of those, to which his reply was, "You Have to Earn It"! I remember
thinking that I like the sound of that. Master Purnell kept coming in the store
and we continue to talk about martial arts. One day he came in and told me that
he just open up his own school, and that I should stop by when I get a chance
and needless to say, I did!
I Don't want to make this interview too long, so I'll just say that I stayed
because I saw that his school was very well discipline and because we use to get
together on Friday evenings and spar and I couldn't touch him to save my life
and knew that I wanted to learn as much as possible from him. Master Purnell had
the footwork of "Muhammad Ali" and I knew that I had to get my black belt
through him. Mr. Ellison, known as “Lucky” to family and friends was the wisdom
of the two. He was older and very patient but make no mistakes about his skills
or power. Mr. Ellison and I became so closed that he became my godfather. Not
only was he my mentor in the dojang (dojo or karate studio), but he was an
excellent musician himself. He would encourage me to come over to the house to
learn and play keyboard. From Master Purnell I learned footwork and control and
from Mr. Ellison, I learn to be a better teacher/instructor as well a better
keyboardist.
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on Kata
(Pre-arranged movements)? Do you believe that it’s a waste of time or is there a
benefit to its practice?
ERIC KING: Katas are a Blessing! When I was younger, I
was just into the fighting, because of the contact. The Contact was exciting,
getting hit and hitting with kicks and punches. Once I began to learn Kata/
Forms, it was a game changer for me.
To use a theory from one of my Sunday school teachers when it comes to
understanding God's Word (the Bible); Observation, Interpretation and
Application, this is also the winning combinations to Kata. I would
challenge myself to learn the Karate and use the techniques in my fighting; and
guess what, it worked! Sometime I would get myself in trouble, both in class and
in competition. I was never satisfied with just learning the Kata or other
arranged movements, just to learn them or go up for the next belt. I wanted to
see, just how well they worked, just in case I ever needed them on the streets!
When teaching my students Kata, I try to go over the "Bunkai" the Applications,
so they learn to understand and appreciate what they are being taught.
Martialforce.com: What would you say are the Highlights or
proud moments/ achievements in your life?
ERIC KING: Wow, I would have to say, marrying my wife
back in 1987, the birth of my son (Joshua) in 1989 and now my grandson Jet in
2013, it's all about the people in your life. This materialistic things such as
my medals & trophies, the grand championships that I've won, the belts are all
great; but there is nothing like Family & good or dear Friends!
Martialforce.com: What would you say is your incentive and or
motivation to wake up every morning and practice and teach Martial Arts?
ERIC KING: The Lord God is my reasons for waking up and
sharing this wonderful gift called the Martial Arts which he has blessed me
with. This gift is what kept me from hanging out and joining the gangs in Los
Angeles and San Diego, California. This wonderful gift kept me away from the
drugs and the alcohol that my peers tried so hard for me to try. Martial arts
gave me a stronger body, mind of disciple and focus as well as stronger spirit
that connects with God. Some people may not understand this statement or agree
with me but it was no one but God that has blessed me in this walk of life. I
love sharing the gift that God has given me to enhance my life with those around
me. I've seen some amazing transformation in other people’s lives because of the
time we shared in the martial arts.
Martialforce.com: Do you think that participation in Martial
Arts in general is greater today or has lessened throughout the years?
ERIC KING: My belief is that the participation is greater
today, however the dedications, quality and passion for its practice is not
there. Meaning we have more martial arts school in more towns, city, states and
country around the world but the quality is not there! There was a time when a
single session was 2, 3 and sometimes 4 hours. Now classes or sessions are down
to 45minutes; what do you really learn in that 45minutes? Now, some people or
better yet, some of the athletes that are training in MMA are putting in their
time for the Sport, but are they really learning true martial arts?
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on the belt ranking
system these days as opposed to when you began your training?
ERIC KING: In my opinion, belt ranking is a tool used for
a few things; as you know that originally there was only one belt, the White
Belt! Over time that White Belt turned black, due to the hard work of the white
belt practitioner, the blood, sweat and tears during their time in training!
Furthermore, a belt promotion today is a very big money maker. With people being
what they are today, micro or better yet, an instant gratification society; they
want what took you years to accomplish, yesterday! They only see the belt and
not what made the belt valuable. What made or makes the belt valuable is,
knowledge, wisdom and the skills to use it, moreover the time you put into it.
Experience takes time in any journey.
Martialforce.com: What can a student expect to learn from you
on his or her first day of training?
ERIC KING:
That's a very interesting question....years
ago, my son made a comment about me in class while he was in high school. The
comment blew my mind. It was more of an observation about taking class with
me...he said," My dad doesn't teach a class of students, he teaches the students
that are in the class! " Meaning, I teach each and every student
individually giving them the benefit of my focused attention regardless of how
many students are in class.
On a student’s first day, I want them to learn and understand
that, I'm serious about Martial Arts training, teaching and everything that it
entails! They also will learn that not all martial arts styles and
instructors are alike. Each student has their own uniqueness that they bring
with them when they walk into my school for their first class. I will teach them
to strengthen their natural abilities as well as learn a method of defense which
in turn strengthens their confidence and builds their character. It’s my hope
that I not only give them a system of defense but also give them tools to help
them to live productive and positive lives as a result.
Martialforce.com: Do you practice or teach weapons and if so
what are your thoughts on the purpose of its practice?
ERIC KING: Yes Sir! Over the years, I've
learned and worked with the Bo Staff, Sai, Nunchaku, Kama and Arnis / Escrima. I
enjoy working with and teaching weapons and the benefits they have. We were
taught that a weapon such as the Arnis stick, is an extension of the body.
This is true, but once you become comfortable and familiar with the weapon, it
becomes so much more than just an extension of your body, it's an extension of
the soul! I love the muscle memory factor, the strength building factor as
well. I remember back in the 1980's seeing the benefits in my forearms and
punching power, I loved it! There are so many benefits to learning weapons. I
remember when learning Tang Soo Do, I told my instructor that I really didn't
want to learn the Bong (Bo Staff), it use to kill my shoulders!...lol
But he told me that, if I was to ever make black belt, I needed to learn the
Bong (Bo Staff)....Thank God for the senior students willing to help out and
share their knowledge and wisdom with me.
Martialforce.com: To change the subject for a moment, our
research shows you're a musician. What instrument/ s do you play and what got
you started on that path?
ERIC KING: Wow, you guys are good!...lol Yes I am....I
play piano/ keyboard, drums and bass guitar. When I was a kid in the 5th grade,
my mother wanted me to learn how to play drums but unfortunately, the class
filled up quickly. So, I started off playing trumpet which I continued for a
couple of years. I later switched over to the clarinet for a year because it was
lighter to carry home on those long walks home from school. I played the trumpet
at church for many years but during that time I also like fooling around with
the piano while spending so much time at church. The bass came about because I
wanted to develop my left, to make my piano/ keyboard playing better. I fell in
love with the sound and feel of the bass guitar.
Paul “ Sequence” Ferguson and Eric King
Martialforce.com: It sounds like you have a well-rounded
understanding of music as well as Martial Arts. My next question is, if you had
a chance to go back In time and change anything in your life, what would that
change be and why?
ERIC KING: Wow! Well.....To be honest, as much as I love
my wife, son and grandson...I would have waited a while longer to get married
and have kids. I really enjoyed being able to be active with my son as he grew
up....really enjoyed the one on one basketball games, bike riding and sparring!
However, I would have waited a while longer and given myself a little more time
in the dojos and dojangs that I had the pleasure of training in. Traveled a
little more, and taken the time to be young....but most of all, I would have
believed in myself a lot more!!! This is why, I try so hard to guide the young
people that I train, teach, mentor in the right direction....to the best of my
ability
Martialforce.com: Thank you for accepting this interview
and giving our readers a chance to know you and the art you practice. We here at
Martialforce.com wish you future success in all your endeavors.
