MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
GRAND MASTER
GEORGE BRADLEY
JAN / 2011
My name is Eddie Morales and welcome to Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. I would like to introduce Martialforce.com readers to Master George Bradley. Bradley is a high level practitioner of the Gojuryu Karate System. I first met Master Bradley in the 1970’s at Grand Master Aaron Banks School. At the time Bradley was the chief instructor at the school and taught most of the classes. He is an old school Martial Artist with a powerful foundation of basics coupled with the tenacity of a lion. He enjoys teaching and passing on his art and has loyalty to all that is traditional. His technique is tactically sound for modern day combat and he has a basic approach, which is “adapt and overcome.” Bradley is my Gojuryu instructor along with Grand Master Aaron Banks. His passed experiences include Military and Law Enforcement. Bradley has a passionate commitment to excellence in every and all endeavors. It is my honor to bring you this interview, as he and I have been friends for over 30 years.
Interview by Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
Martialforce.com: Where were you born and raised?
GEORGE BRADLEY: I was born and raised in New York City.
Martialforce.com: When and where did you begin your Martial Arts training?
GEORGE BRADLEY: I began in 1969 at the lower east side youth center.
Martialforce.com: Who has been your greatest influence throughout your life in regards to Martial Arts and or life in general?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Bruce Lee from watching his movies and both Sensei John Blair and Grand Master Aaron Banks from their training and guidance. Without these great instructors I would not be the practitioner or person I am today.
Martialforce.com: Can you give our readers an example of what the training was like back when you began?
GEORGE BRADLEY: When I think back, the training was extreme but I grew up in New York City and as far as I could remember I have never seen a school with weak basics. We practiced basics for approximately two hours a day then kata (Pre-arranged Movements) and fighting. I would then go home and train more on whatever technique or kata I would learn at the Dojo (school). I recall having bumps and bruises which I received from fight training. It was a typical part of my daily life in karate but that’s the way we were taught. The school of hard knocks and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I learned discipline, which extended to all facets of my life. When I eventually went to the military I already understood the mental and physical discipline it took to succeed.
Martialforce.com: What branch of military did you enlist in and how long were you active?
I was active duty in the Army from 1975 to 1979.
Martialforce.com: Growing up, did you participate in any other sports?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Yes, Basketball, Track and Baseball. I was always active in all types of contact sports.
Martialforce.com: Would you recommend cross training in other forms of Martial Arts?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Yes I would recommend it because every system has something to offer. I would also suggest that a person strengthen one style and understand its weaknesses before learning too many things from too many people. A few strong and well-placed techniques are worth more then fifty halfhearted attempts. That’s not a discouragement to learn more, just some advise to embody all that you learn to the point of second nature.
MASTER GEORGE BRADLEY AND HIS TEACHER
GRAND MASTER AARON BANKS
Martialforce.com: What in your experience defines a good Karate practitioner?
GEORGE BRADLEY: A person that has a genuine passion to practice what they have learned. Someone who can demonstrate a focused physical improvement while maintaining a strong and positive mental posture. Different people practice for different reasons but the reason should never have any lack of spirit.
Martialforce.com: In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a good instructor?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Someone who can take a person with little or no confidence and through time and training teach them that they don’t have to be afraid. A person who could recognize a student’s ability and help them develop and strengthen it Most importantly someone with patience’s because no two people are the same and everyone learns in different manners whether it be visual by demonstration or verbal explanation.
GRAND MASTER’S ERNEST HYMAN AND GEORGE BRADLEY
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on teenagers having 5th, 6th and 7th degrees in ranking?
GEORGE BRADLEY: I think its ridiculous but they are not to blame. It’s the instructor giving these ranks that should take full responsibility. When I began training in Karate it was about mastering your techniques and eventually the rank was awarded to you. The last thing you wanted was to wear a high rank and not be able to back it up because the training was tough. Times have changed but I want to point out that on the flipside of this issue there are some teenagers that could put it on the line but for the most part it’s the equivalent of going from public school, skipping high school and going straight to college. That probably won’t go to well because something just wont be there. One last thought to those wearing these ranks, if you’re going to wear it and know your going to be criticized then train with passion and dedication to gain respect. Saying I don’t care who respects me is not good enough, actually that’s a cop out. A black belt from the old school of thought is respected! PERIOD!
Martialforce.com: Is your teaching method based in sport or street survival?
GEORGE BRADLEY: First and foremost, street survival which is what its intended for. I also train anyone of my students that want to compete in tournaments, which is a different level of control.
BRADLEY AND HIS WIFE MILLIE
Martialforce.com: Do you encourage your students to compete in tournament?
GEORGE BRADLEY: No, that’s their choice.
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on the practice of Kata (Pre-arranged Movements)?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Kata is a proven method of training anyone to be ambidextrous in technique as well as developing the overall physical and mental control of the individual. Lets take it outside of martial arts and use it as a metaphor for life. Life is structure and those with a strong foundation in any endeavor will succeed. It has worked for my students and I and that’s enough proof for me. Without alphabets you cannot learn to write or pronounce words which lead to sentences, paragraphs etc. Kata is the alphabets of karate. It’s a development tool and without it there will always be something missing. Many will criticize it but I will continue its practice.
Martialforce.com: Do you practice or teach any weapons system?
GEORGE BRADLEY: No, just empty hand combat.
Martialforce.com: In your experience in the Martial Arts have you witnessed any changes either positive or negative that you can tell our readers about?
GEORGE BRADLEY: The only thing I see different is that Martial Arts has become commercialized to the point where the unknowing potential student has to do their detailed research. They don’t want to end up in a place that will sell them a black belt rank for a buck or three more degree for an extra quarter. In regards to being positive or negative, I leave that opinion to the individual who reads this.
Martialforce.com: What do you feel has been your greatest achievement in Martial Arts or life in general?
GEORGE BRADLEY: To be able to pass my knowledge to people that truly want to learn.
Martialforce.com: If you had to sum up what the Martial Arts has given you, what would that be?
GEORGE BRADLEY: Patience, Humbleness and the confidence to do the right thing regardless of circumstance.
Martialforce.com: What would you say to someone who wants to learn Martial Arts but for whatever reason never takes the first step?
GEORGE BRADLEY: First talk to someone that is currently active in the Martial arts so that you could get an understanding of what you specifically want. Second, I would say don’t think too much about it because you will never take the step. There is definitely an art that you would be interested in if you do your research. And last, don’t sign any contracts and ask if you could take an introductory class. Talking about it with an instructor is not enough, you must participate.
Martialforce.com: Thank you for this interview sir.
GEORGE BRADLEY: Thank you and your staff for allowing me to express my thoughts.
To Martialforce.com