In 1965, shortly after I began taking classes in MiYama Ryu Jujutsu, then Professor Pereira (He was Sensei or Professor Pereira from the opening of the school in 1960 until 1973 when he became Shinan) asked my father to help him remake a ring that he wore and that come into disrepair. My father was a jeweler and a model maker and so about a month later, he returned a brand new model of that ring to the Professor, as he liked to be called and charged him $35.00. I still have the model for that original ring, a man’s gold black enameled signet ring with the Japanese kanji for the word “Bushi” or samurai cut into the center of the ring. That ring became a very important symbol in the history of Mi Yama Ryu, because Shinan allowed only those students that achieved a Black Belt in Mi Yama Ryu JuJutsu to purchase and wear that ring. Over the years my father made many rings and pendants for students of Mi Yama Ryu JuJutsu, and after my father’s retirement, so have I.
Throughout the years I have come to appreciate the beauty and symmetry of Japanese calligraphy and have made and designed many different kinds of jewelry using the various ways of writing Japanese kanji. Because a single kanji may be used to write one or more different words, each word, a combination of several kanji tell a story or invoke an image to the reader. Even the way the letter or kanji is written can evoke and sense of strength or boldness, softness or continuity.
The making of jewelry is actually not that different and uses many of the skills that one learns through their study of the martial arts. It takes a good deal of time to learn the physical skills needed in the manufacture of a piece of jewelry. How to use and handle the tools you need, to control them in your hands and guide them to do what you wish them to do is not so unlike learning how to use any weapon a sword or a jo for example. Your ability to perfect these physical skills requires more than time, it requires patience and focus, the staying power needed to learn a new technique or a new way of moving. Persistence and repetition make a better jeweler as they do a better martial artist
Having learned these skills over time and with the help a good teacher you eventually begin to feel energized by new projects, new designs or in the case of martial arts new challenges and new techniques. You begin to stretch your skills to adapt them to these new challenges and you build on the skills you have already learned to create more intricate designs, to learn higher level techniques. As a jeweler you work more efficiently, you can begin to visualize your designs long before they are ever completed, as martial artists our movements become more polished more subtle. Our technique has gotten better.
While we all strive to become the best at what we do, and as perfection is not truly possible, I have found that my two “arts”, that of MiYama Ryu JuJutsu and the art of making and designing jewelry, have complemented each other and the skills learned in each discipline has enhanced my ability to practice and learn the other. For that I will eternally be grateful to my father, who was the best of teachers and to Shinan Pereira who comes in a really close second.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Benefits of Martial Arts for Children's Mind, Body & Soul
It doesn’t take much these days to pick up some newspaper or magazine and read how we all are at increased risk for some terrible disease or chronic medical condition because of what we eat and drink, how we live and what we breathe. As a society it would not be hard to argue that many of these problems are of our own making. Our own excesses and that of societies have led to poorer nutrition, less exercise and more and more pollutants being put into our air and water. While these problems will pose great challenges for everyone in society, the children of our society have the greatest risks. Scientists tell us that childhood obesity is now at record levels. According to U.S. Governments Center for Disease Control “One-half the population below the age of 18 will be considered clinically overweight or obese by 2010”. Being obese puts children at a greater risk for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and asthma. New studies suggest that those who are obese face the further challenge of developing many of these other chronic conditions simultaneously. Later in their lives obesity and these other chronic conditions will lead to higher incidences of hypertension, heart disease, depression, and dementia. It will increase their risk for colon and ovarian cancer and reduce their life expectancy.
If this were not bad enough these health problems carry over to many other facets of a child’s life. Childhood obesity alone has been documented to reflect in a child’s feelings of isolation and poor self-esteem. While any of these health problems alone would be serious issues for any child to confront, these feelings of isolation and low self-esteem are also reflected in a child’s scholastic achievements as well as his/her social interactions with their peers.
However, many of the causes for obesity, diabetes and these other conditions are in our power to control, modify and change. Better nutrition and eating habits can be learned, focus, direction and exercise can be taught and a better, healthier lifestyle can be the result.
The martial arts have a long and deep history. They are filled with stories of bravery and loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. They are designed to motivate, to teach self-control, and perseverance. They incorporate a social system with 100-year-old traditions, which allow for individual growth and excellence. The health benefits of its exercise programs are enumerable, whereby the students gain not only the benefits from the exercises themselves but from practicing the skills they learn during each class. The martial arts are goal oriented and teach students focus and concentration in order to achieve their objectives. The relationships students develop with their instructors and fellow students further advance these skills and often carry over to many other facets of the student’s lives.
Today’s martial arts of judo, karate, aikido and jujutsu are ideally suited for the problems of to day’s youth. Teaching physical fitness, mental acuity, persistence, respect, and honor, the martial arts present responsible role models with a positive message for children of all ages. Students learn from a mentor or teacher not only the actual movements or techniques related to each individual art, but a series of life lessons related to their individual development and growth. Advancement is achieved through diligence and hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication.
This training enables the student to develop self-confidence and an acute understanding of their potential. Through the example of their teachers and fellow students new practitioners see not only what is, but also what could be. Their mental vision is enhanced and their imagination enlivened. Children who participate in these arts can be both inspired and awed. They learn about better nutrition and can develop better eating habits. The rigors of each art contribute to physical fitness and pride in each child. The lessons learned through the physical training of these arts teach children respect for themselves as well as others.
The martial arts through both its tradition and example, teach children about respect and dignity. It can instill in children a feeling of self worth and self-respect unequaled by any other activity. Finally, and perhaps most importantly it can make children unafraid, both physically and mentally, to visualize, grow, and confront the many challenges which they will encounter as they develop into adults.
If this were not bad enough these health problems carry over to many other facets of a child’s life. Childhood obesity alone has been documented to reflect in a child’s feelings of isolation and poor self-esteem. While any of these health problems alone would be serious issues for any child to confront, these feelings of isolation and low self-esteem are also reflected in a child’s scholastic achievements as well as his/her social interactions with their peers.
However, many of the causes for obesity, diabetes and these other conditions are in our power to control, modify and change. Better nutrition and eating habits can be learned, focus, direction and exercise can be taught and a better, healthier lifestyle can be the result.
The martial arts have a long and deep history. They are filled with stories of bravery and loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. They are designed to motivate, to teach self-control, and perseverance. They incorporate a social system with 100-year-old traditions, which allow for individual growth and excellence. The health benefits of its exercise programs are enumerable, whereby the students gain not only the benefits from the exercises themselves but from practicing the skills they learn during each class. The martial arts are goal oriented and teach students focus and concentration in order to achieve their objectives. The relationships students develop with their instructors and fellow students further advance these skills and often carry over to many other facets of the student’s lives.
Today’s martial arts of judo, karate, aikido and jujutsu are ideally suited for the problems of to day’s youth. Teaching physical fitness, mental acuity, persistence, respect, and honor, the martial arts present responsible role models with a positive message for children of all ages. Students learn from a mentor or teacher not only the actual movements or techniques related to each individual art, but a series of life lessons related to their individual development and growth. Advancement is achieved through diligence and hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication.
This training enables the student to develop self-confidence and an acute understanding of their potential. Through the example of their teachers and fellow students new practitioners see not only what is, but also what could be. Their mental vision is enhanced and their imagination enlivened. Children who participate in these arts can be both inspired and awed. They learn about better nutrition and can develop better eating habits. The rigors of each art contribute to physical fitness and pride in each child. The lessons learned through the physical training of these arts teach children respect for themselves as well as others.
The martial arts through both its tradition and example, teach children about respect and dignity. It can instill in children a feeling of self worth and self-respect unequaled by any other activity. Finally, and perhaps most importantly it can make children unafraid, both physically and mentally, to visualize, grow, and confront the many challenges which they will encounter as they develop into adults.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Primer in Jewelry Design and Manufacture
I suppose I have been around the jewelry business my whole life. My father learned to be a jeweler after returning from World War II as part of the G I Bill. After some years learning his trade as an apprentice, he began to stretch his skills designing and making or manufacturing his own creations. He built a small shop in the basement of our house where he was always at his workbench “tinkering” with a new model or design. I guess, “the apple didn’t fall far from the tree”, because my workbench looks just like his did when I’m making something new. In fact I still use many of the same tools my father did when he fashioned Shinan Pereira’s original “ Bushi “ ring. Since most have never been inside a jewelry factory or watched someone make the original model for a piece of jewelry I thought it might be interesting to explain what goes into making a ring like Shinan’s or, for that matter, any piece of jewelry.
Naturally, when you begin to create a new piece of jewelry you first must decide on the design. Whether you’re making a wedding band, a diamond engagement ring or in this case a man’s enameled gold ring the process is the same. After deciding on the design the next part of the process revolves around deciding the size and physical dimensions of your piece of jewelry. This involves more than deciding what the finger size is, in the case of a ring, but more about how physically large or small the piece will actually be. This is important for a number of reasons. First, the jewelry has to be visually attractive, so every part of the design has to be in proportion to every other part of the design. Second, if the design uses any kind of stones, like diamonds for example, the model must be made in proportion to the sizes of the stones used giving the setter a thick enough prong or heavy enough metal for him to set or secure the stone in the jewelry. Thirdly, the physical size of the piece, in large part, determines what the piece will weigh. Since the metals used in the jewelry process are sold by weight, a heavier piece of jewelry cost more than a light piece of jewelry. Finally, when you begin to design a new piece of jewelry, you want it to last. If you make it correctly, proportionately, and heavy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear that a piece of jewelry receives, giving the setter to enough space to put the stones and enough metal to secure them, then your design and piece of jewelry will give its owner years of fond memories.
In the case of Shinan’s ring, after the design was made, the type of metal was chosen, in this case 14kt yellow enamel gold and it was casted, basically turning his design into a piece of metal. Some basic jewelry work, cleaning and polishing was done to the ring to prepare it to be enameled. Enameling is the process which creates the black surface around the Japanese “Bushi” kanji letters in the center of the ring. Basically there are two types of enameling, hard and soft. Soft enamel is painted on the surface of the piece much in the same way you would apply nail polish to you nails and as nail polish it dries under a heat lamp or naturally over time. Hard enamel is a completely different process. Hard enamel begins as a crystal which is made into a powder. The powder is then applied to the surface you wish to enamel and then baked in an oven for several hours at between 1300 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Most often several layers of this powder needs to be applied and the piece is placed back in the oven for additional time. The piece is then removed from the oven, allowed to cool, and repolished. It is now finished.
Naturally, when you begin to create a new piece of jewelry you first must decide on the design. Whether you’re making a wedding band, a diamond engagement ring or in this case a man’s enameled gold ring the process is the same. After deciding on the design the next part of the process revolves around deciding the size and physical dimensions of your piece of jewelry. This involves more than deciding what the finger size is, in the case of a ring, but more about how physically large or small the piece will actually be. This is important for a number of reasons. First, the jewelry has to be visually attractive, so every part of the design has to be in proportion to every other part of the design. Second, if the design uses any kind of stones, like diamonds for example, the model must be made in proportion to the sizes of the stones used giving the setter a thick enough prong or heavy enough metal for him to set or secure the stone in the jewelry. Thirdly, the physical size of the piece, in large part, determines what the piece will weigh. Since the metals used in the jewelry process are sold by weight, a heavier piece of jewelry cost more than a light piece of jewelry. Finally, when you begin to design a new piece of jewelry, you want it to last. If you make it correctly, proportionately, and heavy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear that a piece of jewelry receives, giving the setter to enough space to put the stones and enough metal to secure them, then your design and piece of jewelry will give its owner years of fond memories.
In the case of Shinan’s ring, after the design was made, the type of metal was chosen, in this case 14kt yellow enamel gold and it was casted, basically turning his design into a piece of metal. Some basic jewelry work, cleaning and polishing was done to the ring to prepare it to be enameled. Enameling is the process which creates the black surface around the Japanese “Bushi” kanji letters in the center of the ring. Basically there are two types of enameling, hard and soft. Soft enamel is painted on the surface of the piece much in the same way you would apply nail polish to you nails and as nail polish it dries under a heat lamp or naturally over time. Hard enamel is a completely different process. Hard enamel begins as a crystal which is made into a powder. The powder is then applied to the surface you wish to enamel and then baked in an oven for several hours at between 1300 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Most often several layers of this powder needs to be applied and the piece is placed back in the oven for additional time. The piece is then removed from the oven, allowed to cool, and repolished. It is now finished.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
MIYAMA RYU JUJUTSU: SELF-DEFENSE OF THE FUTURE?
MIYAMA RYU JUJUTSU
SELF-DEFENSE OF THE FUTURE? - By John Lewis
SELF-DEFENSE OF THE FUTURE? - By John Lewis
The number of theories proposed to explain the anatomy of human character are as numerous as the years which have taken Man to ask such a question. Irrespective of personal persuasions as to his genesis and development, conflict stand's as the fabric upon which history was woven. It is equally clear that when the mask of civilization is torn from man's face by hatred, frustration, despair or stupidity the expression that remains is violence. As such for centuries countless individuals have devoted their minds and bodies in pursuing and devising methods to enable man to protect himself from man. They sought to understand a world where violence was, as it remains today, man's most predictable expression of his temperament. Each perceived the reality of man's violent way. However, a few recognized that, if tempered by a code of conduct, this potentially destructive force could be channeled into socially beneficial pursuits. One significant result, precipitated by attempts to codify violent behavior, was the emergence of the Martial Arts. Each "art" possessed the truly individual flavor of its creator's experience, thought, ability and bias for explaining the nature of violence and the perfection of violent action.
A contemporary heir of this legacy, one who has dedicated a lifetime to the study, contemplation and communication of his knowledge to others, is to be found at Tremont and Third Avenue’s in the Bronx, New York. Here, at his dojo, which stands like an enclave, Shinan Antonio Pereira perpetuates the Martial Arts. This man like his "art" is a most interesting study in contrasts. His formal training spans over four decades and has carried him from the streets of the Bronx to such sequestered lands as the Philippine Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. More intriguing than these places are the men who have been his mentors. Japanese "masters", American soldiers, "Aussie' commandos and savage Moro warriors have in varying degrees shaped his thought. Notwithstanding his rather unorthodox background in the fighting arts, he has attained an impressive list of documented credentials in Ju-Jutsu, Judo, Aikido, Jodo and less familiar systems. Indeed, it would not be excessive to state that these experiences were gained at a cost few, but the most ardent practitioners of the arts, could appreciate. This knowledge, aided by his uncanny ability for near total recall, was synthesized to find incorporation in a form (circa 1960) which he referred to as MIYAMA RYU JUJUTSU---THE SCHOOL OF THREE MOUNTAINS.
An analysis of the historical literature, pertaining to the fighting arts, reveals that it would be unreasonable to assume the existence of any system other than JuJutsu which holds a superior claim to the designation of "focal" or "principal" Martial Art. JuJutsu is a collective term used to identify and define several dissimilar systems of hand-to-hand combat. Such diverse techniques as throwing, choking, punching and kicking, joint and bone locking and so on were employed within its framework. L1kewise, these techniques were adapted to the use of several varieties of edged or bludgeon type weapons. Whereas Judo and Karate have matured, in stature and visibility, to become celebrities throughout the world, JuJutsu enjoys no such reputation. Unlike these arts, JuJutsu is not organized into large international federations nor does it possess contest or sportive elements. Finally, JuJutsu's punishing physical rigors and lack of emphasis on rank, would not realistically attract popular support. However, these conditions are not viable indicators of the objective worth which the fighting art has for self defense purposes.
Shinan Pereira's *MiYama Ryu (style of) JuJutsu* is as unique as the man himself. Assuming a single word was required to define his system, the most accurate synonym would be "eclectic". That is a specific approach which brings together several different theoretical positions to formulate a single composite theory. MiYama Ryu has derived its techniques from five basic theoretical positions of self defense: classical JuJutsu, Judo, Karate, Aikido and what might be defined as Free¬style western street fighting. Its heritage is ancient and modern, a legitimate offspring whose parentage is Oriental and Occidental. Shinan Pereira's cognizance into the essence of personal combat, consummated this most unlikely of marriages. Although each culture possesses its own characteristic approach to the dynamics of violence, he understood that no single method could hope to keep pace with the rapid changes in the environment, social conditions or the technology of weapons. His awareness of the shape of violence in the past, perception of it in the present and contemplation of it in the future are the threads which bind MiYama Ryu into a viable force. Thusly, the system was fashioned into a style of self defense which respects the lessons of the past and when fused to those of the present possessed the flexibility to meet exigencies of the future.
Possibly, the most unique aspect of this art is its commitment to the reality that is self defense. A realization based on the trilogy of confrontation: adversary, art and defender. Each technique studied and rehearsed on the mat has been subject to and survived "natural selection" by the sternest of arbiters---the street! This approach requires a meticulous attention to the detailed execution of every self defense tactic, a most noteworthy hallmark of Shinan Pereira's teaching style. His gospel, practice I. is fundamental in preparing the student to contend with urban violence. The tyranny of practice is exemplified in his demand for perfection from the student, if not in actual execution, at least in spirited fierceness against the opponent. Such resolution is often misconstrued by the casual observer as being fanatical. Nevertheless, few could deny that Shinan Pereira’s grueling brand of physical and mental preparation pays off 1n the highest practical util1ty. This discipline, excruciatingly exacted 1n the dojo, has often been decisive when a student has been faced with the actual prospect of defending his person against another.
Otherwise it is doubtful that one could account for the disproportionally large number of police officers found to be members of the Tremont School.
Otherwise it is doubtful that one could account for the disproportionally large number of police officers found to be members of the Tremont School.
The Tremont School of Judo, Karate and JuJutsu was established in 1960. During the years it has been in operation over 20,000 men, women and children of all ages have received training in the Martial Arts. Currently, there are over 70 registered Black Belt members of Tremont. Today, the Tremont School enjoys the reputation of being the oldest and largest institution of its kind in the greater New York metropolitan area.
Shinan Pereira is, at times, judged by his detractors to be petulant and uncompromising; to his students he is an unrelentless taskmaster, yet held in what could only be described as reverence. Possibly, one explanation for such a divergence of opinion, even among his closest colleagues, is that he remains surprisingly aloof from those devices of commercialism and excessive self aggrandizement which have plagued so many of his contemporaries. Whatever the reason, one judgment is surely correct that is: his art and he are like no other.
Appointment Of Shihan Lewis Palzer as Dai Shihan Of MiYama Ryu Jujutsu By Soke Anthony Pereira Jr.
I have …………… appointed Shihan Lewis Palzer BB#24 as the new Dai Shihan of the Ryu. Shihan Palzer has been involved in the Mi Yama Ryu system for over 40 years and meets all the requirements set forth by the Shinan for this position. He was trusted and respected by my father and he has my full faith and confidence. I give him my best wishes and believe he will work tirelessly to grow and maintain the standards of Mi Yama Ryu.
In the Spirit of Miyama Ryu,
Anthony Pereira Jr. Soke
February 22,2006
Anthony Pereira Jr. Soke
February 22,2006
Endorsement Of Dai Shihan Lewis Palzer By Roy Goldberg Shingen, Daito Ryu Kodo Kai Aiki JuJutsu
Lewis Palzer is the most technically skilled Miyama Ryu practitioner and teacher of this eclectic art originated by Antonio Pereira Shinan. Lewis is one of Pereira Shinan’s senior most students and his 24th Black Belt. His depth and understanding of this art could only be found in the late Shinan himself. I recommend any practitioner of Miyama Ryu or individuals interested in this combat Jujutsu art to seek out this excellent practioner.
Roy Goldberg Shingen
Daito Ryu Kodo Kai East Coast Representative
Senior Student of Kiyama Shihan
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