MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SIFU RUBEN TORRES
Jan / 2011
“I was taught that a Black Belt meant,
now you are ready to begin.”
My name is Eddie Morales and welcome to Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. I would like to introduce Martialforce.com readers to Sifu Ruben Torres. Sifu Torres is a New York based Martial arts instructor with many years of experience. He is a compassionate human being with a soft-spoken manner that believes everyone has something special to offer. From speaking to him for this interview I sensed a genuine caring for teaching and a deep routed passion for the art he practices. There is a saying that goes, “Don’t confuse kindness with weakness”, which defines the case of Sifu Ruben Torres. His Martial Arts are designed for tactical protection on the streets and he has the tenacity of an angry tiger, when it’s needed. We here at Martialforce.com are happy we could bring you this interview and hope you enjoy it.
Interview by Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
Martialforce.com: Where were you born and what area did you grow up in?
RUBEN TORRES: I was born in Boreum Hill, Kings County, Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.
Martialforce.com: What is your current occupation?
RUBEN TORRES: I am presently teaching Morning Tai Chi week day mornings to adult students and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu to children in the afternoon, here in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York. I also travel regularly Offering Seminars to continue training my students in other locations.
Martialforce.com: When, where and with who did you begin your Martial Arts training?
RUBEN TORRES: I began my martial arts training in 1970, here in Brooklyn, New York, with Sambonim William F. Velez.
He taught Hapkido/Tae Kwon Do at the Dragon Karate Dojang. During this period of time, he was in the process of documenting his expression, which he called: KIDO Martial Arts. KI meaning energy, DO meaning Way. The Way of Energy I was a member of the first generation of students that learned this foundation and went out into competition to test it, try it, and prove it.
Martialforce.com: Do you think that Martial Arts training has had a positive affect on you when you were growing up?
RUBEN TORRES: My answer is yes. The skills and traits that were nurtured and developed over time during my training helped me to persevere through many challenges in my life. Learning to complete simple task, development of focus, repetitive and consistent training, placed many things within my grasp.
Martialforce.com: Who has been your greatest influence in Martial Arts and throughout your life?
RUBEN TORRES: I first, give thanks to Sambonim William F. Velez for showing me the Way of KIDO.
Second, I give thanks to Master S. Kwan/Kung Fu Academy of Chicago, for sharing with me his martial knowledge and opening his heart to me, he opened up a whole new world of martial excellence to me. He teaches Northern Shaolin Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Third, I give thanks to Master Andrew Lee/Bei Shaolin Kung Fu for accepting me as a student and training me in the Northern Shaolin Longfist Style of Kung Fu.
Fourth, I give thanks to Master Din, Shia Lun, for accepting me and sharing his family expression with me all these years. He gave me a different work ethic. A totally different view of Chinese Martial Arts. Not only the rhythms of his art form, but also the cultural in which it originates and thrives in.
Fifth, I give thanks to Professor Lou Ferrer, who shared with me his family and his art form called Aikijitsu te. He showed me how to create a more powerful expression of my experience and encouraged me to go public with it. I am presently teaching out of his U.S. KODOKAN DOJO in Little Chinatown, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York.
Martialforce.com: Do you believe that the practice of Kata (Pre-arranged Movements) is useful and if so why?
RUBEN TORRES: Yes. Because of the different levels of development a martial artist must pass to arrive at maturity or mastery. The beginning of training that consist of structure, postures, stance, transitional movement, technique, technique application and variations, short range, middle range, long range, high, middle and low levels of attack and defense, can all be accessed through repetitious Kata training.
Martialforce.com: From your experience, what do you believe defines a good Martial Arts practitioner?
RUBEN TORRES: When the spirit moves through the vessel on the floor, there should be a direct reflection of the knowledge expressed from “Pointer of the Way” to student!
Martialforce.com: Can you give our readers your definition of a good instructor?
RUBEN TORRES: A student, who has made the commitment to learn the complete Basic Foundation of an Art form. Has tested, tried, and proved the technique in its’ use and applications through Open competition and cross training with Warriors of equal ability. Has safely traveled the journey, and then has committed themselves to the sharing of that experience and knowledge. This is the ingredient I would look for, once that door opens, the learning begins again. In time, an instructor may surface.
Martialforce.com: What would you say is your greatest achievement to date?
RUBEN TORRES: I would have to mention the work I have been doing Internationally in the field of “Continuing Education through Martial Arts”.
Under the name of KIDO Martial Arts International, collectively with The Black Hawks Martial Arts Network, Karate for Christ, San Ryu Do International, the U.S.B.A, World Karate Union, NAFMA, and many others, we established in the Caribbean a partnership of Government Ministry in Trinidad (such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs) and Martial Artists, whose mission is to raise the level of competency of the martial arts athlete of the country of Trinidad & Tobago, to compete on the world stage. This Program is entering its seventh year. We have many Master Instructors who have made the trip overseas and shared their experience and knowledge with the youth there. Through our efforts, we have seen many of these students come out into international competition and enjoy a very successful career as competitors. Many have gone on to open their own Programs and develop their own Teams that come out to the U.S. Open, the Arnold Classic, the Nafma Nationals, the World Cup, the Pan American Games, the Wushu and Kung Fu Championships, etc. just to name a few. Since then many other countries in the Caribbean have adopted our Program, and participate in our events annually.
Martialforce.com: In regards to tournament competition, were you an active competitor or do you practice non-sport?
RUBEN TORRES: I have been very active in tournament competition. In 1976, I was a member of the first KIDO Team coming out of the KIDO Martial Arts Center of Brooklyn.
I fought at 143-147lbs. My last ring fight was in 1993.
Locally, nationally, and internationally, I participated recently in competition such as local tournaments in New York, The World Cup 2007 in New Jersey, the I.S.K.A. U.S. Open 2003 in Florida, the Annual Kung Fu Championships in Chicago (1987-2008), Illinois, the Midwest Circuit Tournaments, the inter-school Martial Arts Championships, the Pan-Caribbean Martial Arts Championships at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex in Port of Spain, Trinidad. These days I compete in Forms, Weapons, Self Defense, and sometimes even Stick Fighting.
Martialforce.com: At what age do you believe a child should start Martial Arts training?
RUBEN TORRES: I think at the age of three (3) children should learn; up/down, front/back, left/right, roll/fall/hop/crawl, hand and eye coordination, flexibility and breathing introduction, sprints, working in a group, pad work, mitt work, blocking, punching, kicking, and the basic behavior for dealing with strangers, being grabbed, and dealing with bullies. I strongly recommend Dojo or Kwoon etiquette introduction. The expectations of a student, what to expect from an instructor, cooperation, working in a group, humility, honesty, loyalty, indomitable spirit, all these can be shared through story time, and mentorship.
Martialforce.com: What advice would you give someone that is interested in studying Martial Arts but for whatever reason, hesitates?
RUBEN TORRES: Many people feel they must prepare themselves prior to attending a martial arts school. How can you prepare for the unknown? Some try to get fit or reduce weight before moving forward with joining a school or program. It is best to get knowledgeable help in these matters. We sometimes need a guide to arrive safely at our destinations. Working out is like that too.
Regarding the hesitations, the inner voice is our best weapon against danger and mistakes. Fear of the unknown can cause a hesitation. Just know that you are not going to miss your life! Take that step. Try something new. Obviously, you are not happy with life as it is, so lets make that leap this year and try the class.
First, Are you being recommended to work out by a Doctor? Are you coming back from a surgery? Will this training be a regenerative therapy for you? Or are you seeking to “improve the quality of your life”? Do you need a physical workout and self defense? Or are you looking for a hobby? Do you want to learn beautiful forms and learn to use weapons for your own practice? Or are you looking for an art form that will translate well in the street environment where you live? Be honest when speaking to the instructor about your self and your health
Poor stamina, anemia, asthma, bronchitis, heart condition, epilepsy, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, diabetes, may all start off looking like the same symptom during a workout, yet each need a different solution. Give your self the best chance by being honest when you register for a class workout. Let them know if you are on medication, etc.
Second, look at your monthly calendar and select the best training days and times for you, where you could consistently attend a class of your liking. Once you have targeted your training days you could look for a program which suits your needs and meets around those days and times.
With those days and times in mind, visit several schools which are convenient to you and just watch, listen and learn. Be polite, ask permission to audit the class or find out when they allow visitors to view the training and come back. See if the places you visit have free trial lessons or a minimum mat fee to try a class.
You do not have to make a commitment now. Look at the beginners, are they getting ample attention and guidance? Talk to them, the parents of the school. Who is leading the beginners? Is it a seasoned instructor or a child, novice, or intern? If it is a franchise school, are the lessons taught by actual martial arts instructors? Some are taught by people who can afford a franchise but do not have sufficient training to be instructors.
While you are visiting there are certain things you could look for while you are feeling the place out. Depending on your temperament and what you are looking for, you may want to see the condition of the instructor, the cleanliness of the training hall, the type of equipment around on display and in use during the class. The etiquette displayed before, during and after class. Can the teacher articulate his lesson clearly enough for you? Are there sufficient explanation of the drills as they are presented? Is the pace something you want to take on? Is the focus of the class answering any of your needs?
There is something for everyone. Keep looking until you feel at home. Keep visiting schools and classes till the spirit speaks to yours and you find yourself drawn to the floor to move. And if you are fortunate, you may one day nurture some one else on the path.
It is a journey I highly recommend.
Martialforce.com: Can you tell our readers what your short and long term goals are in regards to Martial Arts or life in general?
RUBEN TORRES: Well, my life in general, I should speak to that first. Since I began martial training, I have never stopped thinking about it. There is never enough time talking about it, practicing it, sharing it, demonstrating it, competing in it, writing about it! My life works around martial arts. Martial Arts is my life. Personal life works around my teaching schedule. It has taken many years to get to where I am with that, but that is my choice.
I want to spend every day training at least two to three hours in the morning on my own skills. I love outdoor workouts best. In the rain, the snow, on the ice, in the heat, it doesn’t matter. I use the environment to train my self. Lots of people, music, dogs, whatever, is all a challenge to the focus. The ability to complete a task, beginning, middle and ending is called focus. It is all a disguise about focus. Focus makes things happen!
My short term goals are to document the origin and development of the
KIDO Martial Arts System
(1970 to present day) and the Morning Tai Chi System, (1989 to present day) while sharing and teaching these arts to those who come and take up the challenge of continuing the reflection that has gone from teacher to student in a definite prescribed manner of development.
The first book is called: KIDO the Way of the Martial Artist.
The second one on Morning Tai Chi is called:
Off The Beaten Path…a guide to Morning Tai Chi.
These works are still in progress.
Riding The Breath
…a manual on the KIDO Flexibility Sets was completed in 2002.
It was copyrighted and self published by me and then distributed at the
BUDO EXPO 2004 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Resort.
My long term goals are to invest as much time and work as possible into the development of my own understanding of KIDO Martial Arts and Morning Tai Chi
It is not important to me, how many students are introduced to these art forms, it is important that these Systems be represented properly by the proper person(s).
That the reflection continues to be a “true” reflection and not an “expression or version” of the same. There should be no bias in the sharing. Just a complete sharing of the system as it was laid down.
Through the training a student will change through the experience. Let the work do its thing. Take its effect. The benefits are many, and yet different for each.
I have written a section at the end of my KIDO Documentation called:
“Additions to the System” by Sifu Ruben Torres.
Not to be mixed up with the Original presentation I received. Yet, not excluding the investigation of the technique that I personally found useful in my martial career. The stage of Self Expression led to these additions.
By knowing my self and my limitations, I found a need for additional technique to balance what I could not personally do. This was intended to begin a new chapter of development by me in this body at that time.
During certain developmental stages of martial arts here in Brooklyn, New York many things changed. First in us all, then in how people perceived what it is that we do, and how to do it. Society changed, our values changed, our focus changed. We changed, at least outwardly to the public. Perceptions are our biggest challenges today. Each person has a thought of what it is that we do, how to do it, what its use is, how do they need to prepare to take up the training, they come with requests for specific training. Instead of just taking it class by class, lesson by lesson, challenge by challenge. I continue to present in the manner it was presented. So far, no one has stayed the course long enough to fully understand that they are the enemy, the most difficult challenge, the one we were preparing for. When I look in the mirror, the opponent knows what I am thinking, has the same ability I have, moves just as quickly as I, anticipates every technique and variation. I must some how beat him. Counter the counter, counter the counter. Don’t Stop!
Martialforce.com: You have experienced both the Chinese and Korean arts. My question is, do you believe that there is a significant difference in the effectiveness of these arts?
RUBEN TORRES: My first experience in martial arts (1970) was in the art of Hapkido / Tae Kwon Do in Brooklyn, New York.
My teacher’s teachers (3) showed the students reels of film on eagles in flight, tumbling, rolling, diving, hunting their prey, fighting and playing with each other in the air.
The spirit of what was shown, was to be included in the spirit on the floor.
Wings were used for swatting, blocking, striking, appearing expansive, floating, diving, Claws were used for grabbing and tearing, The technique were on the floor, in the air, rolling, falling, hopping, sliding, suicides drops, strip technique, all part of the introduction in the first year of training. These classes were shared with me by my teacher as he introduced me to the system. Here we are 40 years later, I am still enthusiastic about the training. I began to teach the system in 1976, while still under the Direction of Sambonim William F. Velez. My Intention became different, I started to nurture others.
Technique applications are still taught the way they were presented to me.
My Kung Fu training began in 1987 in Northern Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu and Northern Shaolin Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu at the Kung Fu Academy of Chicago. At this time, I was badly injured with fractured ribs, spinal curvature, multiple contusions, organ damage, etc. I was in need of spinal surgery.
Instead, I enrolled in the Kung Fu classes at the Academy. Day by day, I watched the class from the sidelines, only watching and breathing. I would breath with each technique application the students did on the floor. Each class was 2 hours long, and I would stay for two classes. Eventually, I joined in on the floor, removed my rib brace, and started to do the postures, stances, drills for blocking, advancing, kicking, striking, etc.
Within six months, I was back and helping in each class. I took as many classes as possible, seven days a week. I would show up early and stay till they threw me out each night. I learned the Yi Jin Jing (Marrow Washing Exercises) Damo’s Static Postures, Iron Palm training, (1st two levels), Iron Shirt, Seven Star Blocking, etc.
The internal training rejuvenated my body, returned my range of motion to me, my breath power improved, my body straightened, flexibility returned better than ever. I was a new man!
In the Kung Fu systems, the highest skills are to heal. I believe by undergoing the training one learns about the internal and external systems, the voluntary and involuntary, the nerve points, the meridians, the grand circulation, the use of the chi to maintain and regain balance of the human system.
The curriculum I learned and practiced gave my life back to me. I was training my self in the mornings in my Hapkido, but it was the Kung Fu training that opened up my energy blocks, causing the healing to accelerate, and the use of my body to return.
It was the Tai Chi training I received there that helped me to maintain my balance and return me to fighting and competing. I have never had any surgery that was recommended to me. Not even my knees, which filled with water, twenty years ago.
Through the Tai Chi practice, my knees have healed and my legs are stronger than ever. I practice 2-3 hours a day each morning on my Chi Kung, Forms, Fan, Sword Forms, and Push Hands Drills. I also teach classes seven days a week in the morning, and five afternoons a week.
*answer to the question: I think the effectiveness of each art depends on the individual doing it.
With the proper guidance and leadership, a student can become successful in what ever is chosen. I have seen effective Korean, Chinese, Japanese, African, Native American, American, Philippino, and European stylists throughout my training life. We each have the potential to achieve, to endure, to go beyond the body limitations to the Void.
Martialforce.com: Do you think Martial arts are practiced more now or is the passion for its use a thing of the past?
RUBEN TORRES: First we must define martial arts for ourselves.
The Sport karate, Mixed martial artists, Traditional karate, Traditional Kung Fu, American karate, African martial artists, Aikidoist, etc. all have their perception of what they do. How about our “special needs” classes? Women in Self Help groups, Women Empowerment, Street Survival Groups, and our Victim Programs. None of these are learning complete systems. None of these are lifetime endeavors. Dojo/Kwoon life seems to be a thing of the past. We are not single minded any more. We are all mutli-tasking in our lives. It is a low percentage of people who will enter training for the entirety of their lives. How many of us, eat, drink, and sleep technique? How many of us practice each day just to be comfortable within our own bodies? How many of us would rather be doing forms repetitively than hanging out? There are more people on the planet now than ever before, so I think the numbers of practicing “artists” is definitely greater. I think the number of those who go on to reflect A “true expression” is dwindling.
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on the MMA competition and training that is widely practiced in the United States?
RUBEN TORRES: I do not want to say any thing negative about what is popular.
That is part of the development over the years I have seen. Each generation gravitates toward something uniquely their own. This MMA is hot! Its drawing crowds, money, TV Sponsors,, Cable Advertising Sponsors, and now more schools are offering to teach MMA. I remember when people use to always ask if I could do a back flip? You know, when the sport karate world started adding gymnastics to the forms routine, weapons routines, fight choreography.
Now its “do you teach grappling“? I think to maintain this level of rage consistently is harmful to the self. I think this art should be Regulated. They should check for steroid use in all the fighters, both amateur and professional. We need to know the facts about what is going on here.
You can be certified in no time at all. Attend the right seminar, join the proper organization and you too can be one of these trainers. It does not take a lifetime of commitment. We do not know if they have successfully completed a proper training.
I personally have met some fantastic martial artists who are MMA fighters. My personal favorite is Dan The Beast Severn. This is a real martial artist. With many years of experience training in martial arts. His evolution into the champion he is today came from hard consistent work in the field of martial arts.
I love what I do, and I have seen many come and go over the past 40 years. I do not nurture the thought of trying to disfigure, disable or harm any human being if not absolutely necessary. I was taught, that if a man attack me, I should evade, avoid, and or redirect his attack. Block until he gets tired of attacking. Maybe in hopes of having him realize that he made a mistake and change. If he continues, then control. If he continues, then sprain something, if he continues, then break something. But only if absolutely unavoidable should I ever take a life. We choose which edge of the sword to use. The one that takes a life or the one that saves a life.
Martialforce.com: Do you believe that the ranking system has gone off in a negative manner in the last few decades and if yes or no, why?
RUBEN TORRES: Again values have changed! I remember at the Dragon Karate Dojang, asking my instructor about the ranking in our system of Hapkido prior to 1971.
He told me that there use to be only a dot on lapel of the gi. A specific color dot, to denote the time on the floor.
We trained seven days a week for three hours a day, for 18 months to qualify for the White Belt test back then. We had: white, yellow, green, brown and black belt in those days at the Dragon Karate Dojang. Almost no one ever made it to green belt. Our school only had one black belt during my training time. My instructor, William Velez.
As a white belt, you could become an Exercise instructor. A Demonstration partner. A member of the Competition team. But you might never see a Black Belt. No one ever had a Certificate! Only my instructor had one. It was signed by General Choi Hung Hee from the original ITF organization.
What I am getting at is, that the quality of the belt may not be as high a standard as before. The requirements have changed. We moved into the “instant gratification generation” where those who would be your potential school supporters, won’t support you if you do not give them something. So the teachers have allowed the public to set the standards.
The parents come in and immediately ask: How long will it take little Johnny to get his Black belt? They tell you; they do not want him to get hurt. They do not want him to fight. Try not to make him do too much.
Our rents and insurance policies, heat, water, electricity bills, advertising expenses, cleaning expenses, printing etc. make us fall prey to the public demand for rank in exchange for continued support and payment for our services.
Now, that is just dealing with the students. But the instructors are a breed all their own. Bigger and wider belts, multiple stripes on both sides of the belt, astral plane insignia are next! Some are even wearing Military gear in class to denote their importance or quality. Gi are now coming in XXXX, Belts are coming in size 8+. Martial Arts is loosing its genuine humility in its presentation to the public. We have Halls of Fame for every thing now. This adds to the problem of feeding the ego. Have you trained consistently with the same teacher and graduated from beginning level to a level of Mastery? Then show it on the floor, where it belongs. Let the spirit of the ancestors of your art form celebrate and move through the vessel on the floor. This use to be enough!
These people cannot even stand, kneel, or walk. Never mind display Mastery level skills in their respective art forms.
Years ago as a teenager, I read about this man being called: O’Sensei. He displayed great compassion in the creation of this system. He created a System considered by all the top artist of his time to be a true “Budo” his name was Morihei Ueshiba. These days, anyone can be a Grandmaster, Soke, or Sijo. Only time will tell if they have contributed a true reflection or just fed their own ego.
I am sorry if I have hurt anyone’s feelings by my writing.
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on cross training in different systems?
RUBEN TORRES: I believe that a student follows until he/she can lead. If my teacher incorporates some additional training to my training, I do it. If my teacher recommends I take some additional training with another teacher, I take it. If I fight with a martial artist and cannot beat him due to superior technique, I train with him. If I see a technique I like, I learn it, practice and perfect it, test it, try it, and prove it. If it passes all these requirements, I add it to the system. This was taught to me by my first instructor. I am still following his guidance today, forty years later.
On the other hand, I do not imply that a beginner student should jump from school to school. Learn your system! Not just the body of the work, but also the internal components of the work. I was taught that a Black Belt meant: now you are ready to begin. Follow the path you are on, it is a journey I highly recommend.
Martialforce.com: Thank you for taking the time on this interview. We here at Martialforce.com wish you all the best in your current and future endeavors.
RUBEN TORRES: I thank you for this interview.
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