Which Martial Arts is Best?

* Which Martial Arts is Best

Which Martial Arts is best for today's ever increasingly dangerous streets? And more importantly WHY is one better then another? This is a complex subject. So today I will go into details about improving what you are doing and making your root art much more effective.

The first step I need to take is Sport vs Traditional. There are many sport advocates who believe that MMA training or other sport oriented martial arts are the answer to this question.

Which Martial Arts is Best?

The truth is they are NOT. Sport and street do not mix! Why do I say this? Yes there are "sport" fighters who have successfully defended themselves on the streets. But there are far more who have been destroyed.

Why is that? Because sport depends on physical conditioning. And physical conditioning, while important cannot be maintained over a lifetime. No matter how dedicated the student.

Timing cannot be maintained, and neither can the ability to take on physical punishment and damage. 

If you like sport, good for you! However be realistic enough to know that by its very nature solves nothing. 

Which Martial Arts is Best - Reactionary Martial Arts

The first category I want to talk about in "which Martial Arts is best" is what I call reactionary martial arts. This is were you "wait" for a punch or kick to come and then react to this with a technique of application. This is based on the idea that you need to stand and fight. 

This type of style also puts the defender at great risk for taking on damage. Most traditional martial arts today are taught this way! My first art, Kuk Sul Hapkido was taught in this manner. Every counter was a reaction to what the attacker did. But this is always after the fact. 

This requires a great level of skill and timing. The problem is that as we get older, both of these elements are hard to maintain. The funny part is, the reason is because of the way in which martial arts came to the west! The teaching was never finished. 

Which Martial Arts is Best - Why reactionary?

Teaching reactionary martial arts skills first develops muscle memory and lets the student get used to be attacked. But if the education is not continued, then as the student ages their skill level drops with them. This is why when I opened my Dojo Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts Institute, I began a journey of learning and development which continues today.

And this is why so many people cannot get Kyusho Jitsu to work! It is because they are practicing a Reactionary Martial Art! To try to compensate for this issue some instructors are teaching their students "preemptive striking." This is often taught in Krav Maga and is in my opinion a reckless idea. Aside from the truth you are starting the fight and this violates the ethics that should be in any real martial arts it is also ASSAULT

If you are learning this ask your instructor if he or she is going to bail you out of jail and pay your legal fees. And this can also lead to the "instructor" being charged with negligence for teaching this crap. Preemptive striking is ego based teaching.

Which Martial Arts is Best - Preparatory Martial Arts

This answers the question which Martial Arts is best? This is a martial art that first identifies that everything you as the student does is in response to what the attacker does, not in reaction too what they do. 

These are the "Escaping Martial Arts." Does this mean you run away? No, it means you are first avoiding the initial attack, escaping from the first punch, and then counter as required.  You move as soon as the attack begins to move, thereby controlling their target, and interfering with their attack. 

Now it is much more complicated that this explanation, but I am sure you getting the idea. 

Learning this kind of martial arts requires a dedicated student. And it must be one who is willing to leave his ego at the door.  Someone with a student mind. 

Which Martial Arts is Best in Conclusion

Which Martial Arts is Best

I am coming up on 40 years in the martial arts.

And I continue my personal growth by learning as much as I can, and train as often as I can. But you can be training while walking down a street. And you should be training this way. So which martial arts is best?

 In my view the one based on the original teaching from China, in Japanese Kosho Ryu.  Thank you for reading my editorial article on Which Martial Arts is Best.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Use the form below to ask.

Ask you question here.

* World Budo Alliance

World Budo Alliance is Back!

Together we can UNITE the
Martial Arts World!


*Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Natural Laws of Motion and Self Defense



* Kosho Crest

Kosho Ryu / Octagon

Learn and teach the art of Natural Laws called Kosho Ryu

If you are looking for a SOLID education in the movements and principles of the Octagon follow the link below and learn more.

This is must have information and will take your study of your root art to a new level!



I hope you enjoyed Which Martial Arts is Best. If you found this to be of value please consider subscribing with the Red Bell at the bottom of the page. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Are Pressure Points Real? The truth might surprise you!

* Are Pressure Points Real?

Are Pressure Points Real? Today I want to look once again at this age old question. I do not get very many "nay sayers" when it comes to pressure points any longer.

But they also do not get the satisfaction of upsetting me. If someone does not believe pressure points exist that is their choice. 

So the short answer to the question Are Pressure Points Real is YES. But let's break this all down for better understanding.

Are Pressure Points Real?

What is a pressure point? A pressure point is a place on the body where a nerve end or terminates, where a nerve branches out like in a "Y" shape.

And finally where nerves cross over each other in the body. There are 361 standard pressure points on one side of the body. 

Each pressure point is about the size of the tip of a pin. Perhaps smaller. However from the Kyusho Jitsu aspect  we look at the area of activation.

That area of activation is about the size of a SILVER DOLLAR.  Kyusho practitioners therefore do not need to be as accurate as an acupuncturist. There will always be a nerve association with a pressure point.

Because of the size of the area of activation it is not hard to train to target pressure points. 

And the very best way to do this is too first take the areas you strike within your root art and then look what pressure points are there. This is the best way to begin!

You need pressure point charts to help you do this. I have a set for you FREE. 

Are Pressure Points Real? - Attacking a Pressure Point

There is a specific method to attack a pressure point. This is called Striking Action. Without this knowledge you will not get a very good result. Back in the "old days" martial arts master simply taught the student to "strike correctly." This was all visual learning. If the student did not see what the teacher did, then they failed.

Today I have a very specific intellectual path to success. But it is still, if you want to succeed you have to do the work. 

Are Pressure Points Real? in Conclusion

Kyusho Article CONCLUSION

Are Pressure Points Real: While this is a massive learning path you can begin the journey FREE.

Learn more about my Kyusho Jitsu FREE Courses here. If you are having any access issues on this website read this important notice too!

And this blog is a wealth of FREE Pressure Point learning. Visit often and subscribe to the notifications. This will keep you informed of all new content. 

Thank you for reading this article called Are Pressure Points Real.


Have a Kyusho Question?

Use the link below to ask your questions.

Ask you question here.

* Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide from A to Z

Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Kyusho Learning From A to Z


How to Properly learn Kyusho Jitsu?


* Energy Pathways of Life

Energy Pathways of Life

Healing Arts of Kosho Shorei Ryu

All NEW book about the Meridians of the Body and how they affect health.

Creating and Sustaining Balance



* Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Advanced Kosho Core Concepts

Understanding the street applications for Pressure Point striking and the 5 Element Hand of Kyusho/Kosho and its application!



Thank you for Reading!

If you enjoyed this article Are Pressure Points Real. Please consider subscribing to notifications about new articles. You can do so via the Red Bell in the bottom corner. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Secrets of Dim Mak [Kyusho]. Want to know the Secrets?

* Secrets of Dim Mak

Secrets of Dim Mak: I am in the process of writing a new series of eBook on the Secrets of Dim Mak. Right now this is 3 volumes, but it could grow to more overtime.

These are also known as the Secrets of Kyusho Jitsu. The reason for both names being used is Dim Mak is really the mother of Kyusho Jitsu. I wrote an article a while back called Dim Mak vs Kyusho Jitsu you can reference.

The reason I am doing this is because people are hungry today for these old teachings. And it is my generation who is searching. And that makes me very happy! I would hate to see this information disappear completely in our ever changing world..

Secrets of Dim Mak - Six Ji Hands

Part One in a series of books on the Secrets of Kyusho Jitsu. And the first of these volumes will be the Six Ji Hands of Bubishi

Most of all this will be an in depth study of the Ji hands, their history in martial arts. Also the 36 Deadly Bubishi Pressure Points will be covered. This will be an in depth learning opportunity for any Dim Mak or Kyusho Jitsu Student.

The Six Ji Hands have incredible power for many reasons. 

In my video course I covered mostly their superior body mechanics, however in this publication I will explain it all from body mechanics, to energy strikes. 

Plus including the best places on the body for each hand position to be used with maximum effect. I will link more information below.

Secrets of Dim Mak - Dim Mak Vibrating Palm

This is a fascinating topic!  And back in 2017 I wrote a book called the Dim Mak Project which is a modern look at this ancient art. Also this the first time in print I am going to go into every aspect of this deadly striking modality.  So what exactly is the Dim Mak Vibrating Palm? Well to start with there is a lot of legend to it. And I will address all of this in the book. But is it real? Very definitely it is real. 

Most of all understand that vibration is also very, very hard on the body.  And this is the reason for the effectiveness of the Vibrating Palm. Learning to "vibrate" Chi. I have an article on the Dim Mak Vibrating Palm you can read here. I have a new book also in the Secrets of Kyusho Jitsu Series on Vibrating Palm.

Secrets of Dim Mak - Dim Mak Iron Shirt

Finally in this leg of the series on the Secrets of Dim Mak comes the Iron Shirt. What is the Dim Mak Iron Shirt? Martial arts are full of legends, especially so when it comes to the 72 arts of the Shaolin Temple in China.

It is correctly believed that the body can be trained to withstand impact from many different methods of attack. The training is a combination of the physical, mental and spiritual practices. Plus the use of Chi.

However despite the many disbeliever, and as usual the disbelievers are those who never study, claim the iron shirt is not possible. However there is much evidence to the contrary and success of this discipline.

So in this book I will take a look at traditional Shaolin methods. Most of all updated for today's world and understanding. This all new book will come in several parts, the first being the physical training that the student needs to do. Second with the mental training and finally the spiritual aspects of
Dim Mak Iron Shirt.

Secrets of Dim Mak in Conclusion

Kyusho Article CONCLUSION

There will be links below, towards the bottom of this article with links to learn more. You can access them directly by clicking here.

I am sure you will find this series to be both very educational and also practical as application will be discussed in each book. 

Thank you for reading Secrets of Dim Mak.


Have a Kyusho Question?

Use the form below to ask!

I reply within 24 hours.

Ask you question here.

* Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide from A to Z

Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Kyusho Learning From A to Z


How to Properly learn Kyusho Jitsu?


* 36 Dim Mak Vital Points

36 Dim Mak Vital Points
Video Course

Discover the Secret Vital Points

Of the fabled "Touch of Death."




* Power of Kyusho Yin Yang Theory

Power of Kyusho Yin Yang Theory


All new eBook on the Power of Kyusho Yin Yang Theory and its deeper applications in martial arts



Thank you for reading Secrets of Dim Mak! If you enjoyed the article please consider subscribing using the Red Bell at the bottom. You will receive notifications of new articles posted here. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

History of Martial Arts. Why History is Important

* History of Martial Arts

History of Martial Arts is no different than any other form of history. When I as young, in high school, I hated history class.

But then the school system was pretty useless because in Canada little of real world use was taught.

They focused on the war of 1812, when it should have been WWI and WWII. But I digress. 

Today as an old man in the mountains I love history. Most importantly for the sake of this article the History of Martial Arts. "If we do not now where we come from, then we will not know where we are going." 

History of Martial Arts

In today's modern martial art environment, with the focus on sport, this history is being lost. And that is very sad. We now risk losing a lot of great traditions and teachings. We have already lost so many.

History of Martial Arts - Masters of Old

My first "Grand Master" never talked with us about the history of Hapkido. I wrote an article on this called the Essence of Hapkido to discuss some of this history.

And the reasons I created my own art form. I did not dishonor history by doing this. In fact I kept history by growing and developing.

The martial arts world is full of egos, and ego makes someone unteachable. In today's world people are more focused on being "right" than knowing the truth. 

And this is a vast majority of the population in the western cultures. In martial arts it is terrible.

No master of old created anything. Martial arts is simply movement. However they developed ideas of understanding movement and understanding why people do the things they do. And I laugh when I see the in fighting within systems, saying "no professor did it this way" somehow thinking that the great grand master never learned and evolved himself.

Then you look at the fact that each person arguing trained during a different period with "professor." Let's continue with the History of Martial Arts.

History of Martial Arts

The death of these legendary masters left a huge hole to be filled. And aside from a few great martial artist this void has been filled with ego and self serving actions. An example is the teaching of Oyata. I one night about 11 years ago got a phone call while driving home from the Dojo. It was someone claiming to be a direct decedent of Oyata.

He went on and on about Dillman. I politely ended the conversation. You are such an egotistical loser you worry about what someone else is doing? If someone is a liar it always comes out. But liars always try to hide the truth.

And very sadly today in the western cultures lying has become virtue.

History of Martial Arts. Why History is Important

Without the study of the history of the martial arts I am afraid many of the current systems will be gone within a few years. I am not going to name them, but I think many of you see this. And this is not the fault of commercialization of the arts. You can commercialize and not sell out. It is an egotistical teacher trying to look important. Fact is on the grand scheme of things none of us are.

Today in my old Dojo in Canada, which I have no direct involvement in, my picture hangs. To me this is an honor for me. Because the teachers want their students to know where they come from. This way they can see where they are going.

Back in fall 2020 while I was in Canada a former student came to see me at the Dojo. He then preceded to point out everything the current teachers were doing wrong. I told him that I was not concerned and he did not need to be either.

But often he would try to correct me on the floor having no idea where I was going with the teaching. This is all just ego. And it means learning has stopped. History of Martial Arts is of great importance for the future of the martial arts. 

History of Martial Arts in Conclusion

History of Martial Arts CONCLUSION

Learn the History of Martial Arts, about your styles or styles. Do some research. But do not do it to create and "way." And prepare to learn that much of what you believe is wrong.

Most of all if this is true embrace this learning opportunity. I love being wrong! 

I have a project on the table for the Preservation of Martial Arts History. Please follow the link to learn more. And that you for reading History of Martial Arts.

Remember your perception is equal to your reality.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Ask you question here.


* Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Kyusho Learning From A to Z



How to Properly learn Kyusho Jitsu?


* Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu


Are you having trouble getting pressure points to work?

If YES I have a solution for you!
Making Kyusho WORK every time!



* Kosho Crest

Kosho Ryu / Octagon

Learn and teach the art of Natural Laws called Kosho Ryu

If you are looking for a SOLID education in the movements and principles of the Octagon follow the link below and learn more.

This is must have information and will take your study of your root art to a new level!



I hope you enjoyed the article about the History of Martial Arts.If you found this of value please consider subscribing to new articles with the Red Bell at the bottom corner.  

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master

Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master
Years ago I had a blog off my Dojo website called Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master. This was exclusively for my students on my thoughts on training in my art of Hon Sang Mu Sa Hapkido. I ended up deleting it, but I do not remember why. Perhaps no one read it. I hope you enjoy these Martial Art Musings.


Today I want to share some thoughts on training in the martial arts. You may not agree with anything I am say, agree with perhaps part of it, or all of it. This depends on your journey.

Martial Art Musings

And however you feel is correct because it is your journey. But when you attack someone because they disagree with you, then sorry you do not believe in your own path. If it was a truth to you it would be unshakable. 

I get a lot of questions about my art, and Kyusho also. Some questions are outstanding. Some not so good. One I want to muse about briefly is a question as too whether or not Kata can be applied to self defense, or is it a waste of time.

In today's modern age this is a great question. Many styles have abandoned Kata for many reason. And this is fine. It is the instructors choice to do so. 

Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master - Based on Sport

Most of the martial arts taught today are based on competition. Personally that is not my thing. But people like it. And that is their choice. We still do have "free will" even though there is an attempt to take this away today. In these sport arts Kata usually exists. But it is for performance sake, not to learn and study deeply.

One problem that comes from this is that the instructor will often try to be all things to all people. So they include self defense in their system. What usually happens is that you do neither very well. My focus is based on Self Defense. If someone came to me looking for a competition school I always sent them to Hanshi Mady's Karate school. He was the best in the city at this. If you love sport, focus on sport. 

I also do not teach "quick fix" self defense. Perhaps these systems are of value for the right student. I have spent very little time looking at them. I am just not into the quick fix idea people want today. More Martial Art Musings to follow.

Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master - Life long training

Martial Art Musings. Myself I am looking for students who want to train for the duration. Someone interested in the benefits that come with a lifetime of martial arts training. My Martial Art Musings daily is about this. And the reasons why these kinds of students have become rare.

Often times a student will leave the teacher for different reasons. But did they continue the training? Some will open a Dojo, and I no longer recommend this, others stop completely. There are a very few who will train at home for life. This is certainly OK.

Why do I not recommend opening a Dojo? Few people who do are prepared for becoming a person or business.

* Cismigiu Gardens Bucharest

 Also most Dojo's today can only teach a student for up to five years. Then they run out of new materials. This is because most of the time it is a 3rd or 4th Dan Black Belt doing this. I did the same.

But I continued the learning process and still actively seek knowledge. Not to mention the business aspects.

Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master - Kata Question

Now back to the Kata question. Does Kata work in real life? The short answer is YES, however you cannot just learn the Kata, you must spend a lot of time in study of the Kata.

First you need to learn the physical movements. And this needs to be to a point of being able to "perform" the Kata without getting lost or forgetting parts of it. Second you need to look at your movement. What is happening with your body? How are you moving?

Third and most importantly is the attacker. What are they doing that causes you to respond with the part of the Kata being examined? Real Kata training is not about your movement, it is about the attacker.

At this point you are doing Bunkai, having a conversation with a training partner as to what is happening in this Kata. This turns into techniques. Then you proceed to what I call Kosho Kumite, which is how I have been training students over the years in self defense. This turns Kata movement into street defense. But this is NOT something that happens overnight, it can take decades to understand and apply. 

Martial Art Musing in Conclusion

Martial Art Musing CONCLUSION

Martial Art Musings: When done correctly, you spend a lot of time looking at your Kata. It turns into a Martial Art Musings. Today this is not what most people are looking at in the "karate"  they want.  

Very few of my former students ever learned about these things. That is because so many stop being "teachable" as times goes by.

Today I am in the process of doing many things. Soon I will begin in earnest construction of my mountain home / fortress. I plan on building a small Dojo. Thank you for reading Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Ask you question here.

*Kosho Ryu Book of Cane

Kosho Series books

Kosho Ryu Book of Cane

All new book taking Hapkido Cane Defense to a new level. Based on the Natural Laws of motion and the Octagon. Don't Miss this one!



* Kosho Ryu Book of Q-Show

Kosho Series books

Kosho Ryu Book of Q-Sho

How to use Natural Laws of motion to make Kyusho Jitsu work on the streets.



I hope you enjoyed Martial Art Musings of the Grand Master. If you found value in this article please consider subscribing with the Red Bell at the bottom corner. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Discover the True Essence of Hapkido. How to Harmonize

* Essence of Hapkido

Essence of Hapkido: Hapkido is a relatively new martial art, Choi, Yong Sool (alternative spelling Yong Shul Choi), the founder of Hapkido, was born in the town of Yong Dong, Choong Chung Province.

Which is located relatively near Taegue, South Korea in 1904. In 1909 Korea came under Japanese occupation. 

So it is believed that Japanese troops took Choi from his homeland at the age of seven to be assigned work in Japan.

And it was a very common practice, at this period of history, for the Japanese occupying forces to relocate young male Korean children to Japan for various types of labor.

Choi, Yong Sool stated in an interview conducted shortly before his death in 1982 that he had been abducted by a candy store owner, Mr. Morimoto.  And taken to Japan to be his son. As he did not like the man, he eventually escaped.

Essence of Hapkido - Choi Yong Sool

The actual causation for his transport to Japan may never be proven. Therefore if a Mr. Morimoto had been the causation. It would have sadly been for him to be a laborer and not a son. However we will never know.

So as fate would have it, Choi eventually came to work for, Sokaku Takeda. Takeda, who was the 32nd patriarch of Daito Ryu Aikijitsu.  

Mr Takeda was forty-four years old at the time Choi, a seven year old boy, came to his service. Hence Choi was given the Japanese name Yoshida, Asao.

The first or given name Tatujutu. In which was originally propagated as being the name Choi used in Japan in the August 1965 issue of Black Belt Magazine. However this is not a valid Japanese name. Therefore, it is historically inaccurate to believe he went by this name. But this is the name that Choi, himself, told people he used while in Japan.

Let;s continue with the Essence of Hapkido.

Essence of Hapkido - Beginnings

Most of all Choi remained with Takeda for thirty years until Takeda's death. Relieved of his duties, Choi returned to Korea. Mr Choi's first student was a successful brewery manager named, Suh, Bok Sup.

Prior to his study with Choi he had been awarded a 1st Dan Black Belt in Judo. This was under the direction of Korean Judo instructor, Choi, Yong Ho.

In February of 1948, Suh witnessed Choi, who was in his forties, get into a fight with several men. Choi rapidly devastated his opponents. 

Choi Young Sool

Choi Young Sool

Impressed with his technique, Suh summoned Choi to his office. And he inquired as to his style. This meeting eventually lead to Suh hiring Choi. Choi who had previously been a poor rice cake seller and hog farmer since his return to Korea. Hence Choi would teach Suh for several years privately, eventually also became a bodyguard for Suh's father, Suh, Dong Jin.

Essence of Hapkido - Hapkido History

Therefore Suh, Bok Sup became instrumental in helping Choi open his first school of self defense.  The school was established in February of 1951. And very importantly he also became his first Black Belt. However due to Suh's advanced understanding of Judo, Suh lent some of this knowledge to the system which later became known as Hapkido. Many of the basic sleeve grabs, shoulder grabs, and throws, used in Hapkido, can trace their origin to Judo.

The initial name of the system of self defense Choi taught was, Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sool. This is the Korean translation for Daito Ryu Jujitsu.

However initially, Choi taught his students a very pure form of Daito Ryu Aikijitsu. Many of the later students of Hapkido attempt to falsely date the origin of Hapkido to some ancient Korean art. This is historically inaccurate. Choi, himself, never made this claim.

Essence of Hapkido - History of Hapkido

* Choi Hong Hi

Choi Hong Hi

As time progressed and other Korean martial art pioneers, such as General Hong Hi Choi and Hwang Kee (Tang Soo Do) were rediscovering and expanding upon the offensive nature of Tae Kyon.

This lead to their discoveries influenced some of the advanced students of Choi, such as Ji, Han Jae.  

And these men slowly began to incorporate the very aggressive punching and kicking techniques into the overall understanding of Hapkido.

Most importantly Choi, himself, never taught kicking in association with Hapkido, however.

Hapkido's final criteria came through a long testing period.  As did the other martial art systems born on the newly independent Korean Peninsula. Even the name Hapkido went through various changes, including: Yu Kwon Sul, Yu Sool, Ho Shin Mu Do, and Bi Sool.

Today, there is no one system of Hapkido, as is the case with WTF Taekwondo.

As time has gone on, each teacher and organization has integrated their own understandings and self defense realizations into this art. There are, however, two distinct types of Hapkido.

Essence of Hapkido - Two Main Systems

The first are the schools which hold tightly to the original teachings of Choi, Yong Sool. This style of Hapkido will commonly be observed when visiting Hapkido dojangs located in the Taegue. These are found in the vicinity of South Korea. Here, the focus is placed primarily upon the Daito Ryu based joint locks, deflections, and throws.

The second distinct style of Hapkido is those instructors, schools, and organizations who trace their lineage to Grand Master Ji, Han Jae . (Whether directly or indirectly.) Therefore in these schools one will observe a plethora of punching, kicking, and weapon techniques. This is done in association with the joint locks and throws commonly associated with Hapkido. 

* Scott Shaw

Grand Master Scott Shaw

This style of Hapkido will commonly be observed at the dojangs based in Seoul, South Korea and, in fact, most of the Western world. This is the historical essence of Hapkido. My thanks to Grand Master Scott Shaw for this information. 

Essence of Hapkido - Kuk Sul Hapkido

The Essence of Hapkido in my linage is in some ways unclear. Master Oh was a Hapkido master when he moved to Canada and was also associated with the "General." It is said he received his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do from General Choi. I can believe this since Mr Oh was in the Encyclopedia of Tae Kwon Do, Mr Oh passed away in 2015.

Essence of HapkidoOn Canada Master Oh's focus over the years went to Tae Kwon Do, however keeping the self defense aspects of Hapkido. He founded Tae Kwon Moo Do in the 90's because he did not like the full on "sport" direction of modern TKD. The Chung Oh linage in Hapkido comes from what is now Kuk Sool Won.

Essence of Hapkido - Hon Sang Mu Sa

Essence of Hapkido: As you can see the linage of my study of the first 16 years is very diverse. Unlike some martial arts, because of secrecy there is no clear path. While traditionally, to my understanding Hapkido has not Kata. However because of the Tae Kwon DO influence our system used the ITF or International Tae Kwon Do "Hyung."

This was good because it gave the art depth. Mr Oh was also a master of the Korean Sword art of Kum Do, which I never learned in his system.

Now in fairness Mr Oh did kick us out of his system in 1990 because of an argument with my direct teacher Master Philip Hollohan. 

Mr Oh's school still exists today, however I believe his son Thomas is not involved with it. I believe he has followed his own path. I have always gotten along very well with GM Thomas Oh.

Our friendship goes back to the 1980's. Sadly his brother "Ian" passed a few years ago.

* Grand Master Chung W Oh

Grand Master Chung W Oh

I am sure now you can see why I considered myself to be a martial arts orphan! This is why i decided I must learn as much as possible, and then incorporate this knowledge with my root system. 

And this is what caused me to rename and found an art. Plus it was the influences of what I was learning that was the reasons for the name, Hon Sang Mu Sa translates to Old Pine Tree way. Most importantly this name comes from my study of Kosho Ryu

Later knowledge from Small Circle Jujitsu, Cane MastersSystema and of course Kyusho Jitsu were added to the system. I teach Kyusho Jitsu to the world. And I do this because it makes every martial art more effective.  Part of the Essence of Hapkido.

My Essence of Hapkido

* Kosho Crest

What is my essence of Hapkido then? My learning of Hapkido has no philosophical base. This caused me to study Buddhism for about 10 years. However something happened in 2000 that gave my training essence. That was learning Kosho Ryu from Shidoshi Rick Buchan. 

I was not completely ready for this knowledge at the time as I was building a school. However I did personally practice and teach the art. To some students I did teach the philosophical basis. However in most cases these students were far from ready.

One night outside of Toronto, Shidoshi gave me great words of wisdom. He said my root system was Hapkido, my "art" was Kosho Ryu. This is because Kosho influenced all of the techniques of what I taught. It was the essence of all I was doing.

As I perused Kyusho Jitsu with an absolute passion, a passion I still have today. It is also influences by Kosho. In 2006 when I founded Hon Sang Mu Sa Hapkido it because my "root art.' A hybrid of all my studies. It incorporated all things I had learned with a combination of Hapkido, Kyusho, and Small Circle Jujitsu being major parts.

But the essence of Hapkido for me, became based on Kosho. And Hon Sang Mu Sa Hapkido is the result. Today I would not have named the art, because for me the Essence of Hapkido is based on Kosho as a foundation.  Therefore perhap Kosho Ryu Hapkido.

Essence of Hapkido in Conclusion

Essence of Hapkido CONCLUSION

I am getting older. I am not worried about being at the end of my time, I am still young at heart. But I am concerned about what has been created, if it will continue.

The other day I wrote an article on the fact that in my opinion martial arts needs a new paradigm. And it is OK that not all will agree. 

But it was curious that what I saw from some feedback is that most people miss the point. Much of the feedback was very ego based. But my view when I was in my 30's is much different than now in my 60's.

Martial arts is a journey, but many believe they have all the answers. No one does. The only answers you find are your answers. As Bruce Lee said. "All knowledge is self knowledge."

Here is a detailed article from the World Budo Alliance's Preservation of Martial Arts History Project on the History of Hapkido. I hope you enjoyed this article on the Essence of Hapkido.


Have a Question?

Use this form to ask any of your questions.

Ask you question here.

*Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Natural Laws of Motion and Self Defense eBook.

Now includes BONUS Audiobook version!



* Kosho Ryu Book of Cane

Kosho Ryu Book of Cane

All new book taking Hapkido Cane Defense to a new level. Based on the Natural Laws of motion and the Octagon. Don't Miss this one!!



Thank you for Reading Essence of Hapkido!

I hope you enjoyed this article Essence of Hapkido. This blog is a wealth of information on Kyusho Jitsu and it is totally Free. You can subscribe to ne articles and updates using the little Red Bell in the bottom corner.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Martial Arts and Spirituality the Body – Mind – Spirit Connection

* Martial Arts and Spirituality

Martial Arts and Spirituality: I am sure that anyone reading this article has come to realize the world is in a very bad place. And the reason is NOT a "pandemic" but the tyranny of almost every government in the world. But hard times breed strong people. And martial arts was born from adversity, not calm. 

Many people "take" a martial art in their lives, however very few follow the path. The Martial Arts and Spirituality path is the path least followed. 

This is something people immediately upsetting to them. Especially those who considered themselves to be "religious." Spirituality and religion are not mutually inclusive. One does not depend on the other. I will not expand on this because it is off topic, however I hope you will open your mind and read more.

Martial Arts and Spirituality - The Ego

One of the great traps people who train in any martial art fall into is the trap of ego. When I was visiting Canada last fall I saw a school in the area where I was staying. It was open and I was curious. It is in a commercial strip plaza. We stood outside and watched a little. The instructor saw us, waved and came outside. I have never before met the gentleman but I did know who he was.

Back in my days of Dojo operations I did not bother to "spy" on other schools. I was just aware. The instructor came out, shook our hands and introduced himself. When I said my name a tension developed. He already knew my sister from a previous meeting. Immediately his ego kicked in as a defense mechanism and he talked about being in the arts longer than anyone else in the city, his rank and how rank did not matter to him. Then he said to me you are an 8th Dan right? I kindly stated no, 9th. He asked, I was never going to offer this information up. 

Martial Arts and Spirituality

Next he related having seen my picture in the Dojo. I congratulated him on doing so well during the "restrictions," and I meant it! When a tyrannical government wishes to destroy small business and you are still alive you deserve congratulations. This man understands perseverance!

This is experience not uncommon! I was asked to leave an Aikido school in Ann Arbor decades ago as soon as the instructor found out I was also a Dojo operator. Because of ego these people have not developed the Martial Arts and Spirituality connection. 

The are BODY only.  It is about physical training, not connections to a higher self. 

Martial Arts and Spirituality - Learning is Ego-less

To truly learn you must be ego less. We do need part of our ego, it is a survival mechanism. But if the ego goes unchecked, uncontrolled it tends to block personal growth. Back when I ran a Dojo I love having people from other schools, or other owners come in to check out what I was doing.

I encouraged my adult student to if time permitted to seek out other training. Several of my adults used to travel to work with Master Ken Smith learning Modern Arnis. I did not go, not because my ego did not permit. But I was just too swamped with work, and my own studies with Grand Master Stewart

Martial Arts and Spirituality - Ego Leads to Failure

As some of you may know I am once again in heavy learning mode. It is exciting at my age to pickup another study. In this case it is pickup where I left off 20 years ago. That is Kosho Ryu thought Hanshi Bruce Juchnik. 

Last night I watched one of the hundreds of videos for training in his system. This one was a discussion which I very much enjoy while winding don for the day. In this video he predicted what was going to happen to different martial arts systems in the future because they had lost their way after the death of founders of high ranking teachers.

This video was mid 1990"s and he was dead on! I have made similar predictions myself, but more recently. He talked of how "true" martial arts teaching was being replaced by FADS.

The Causes? 

  1. Ego
  2. Sport - Like TKD has gone.
  3. Loss of the Martial Arts and Spirituality path.

The solution? It lies in each one of us. Change begins one person at a time. 

Martial Arts and Spirituality in Conclusion

The Ego  One of the great traps people who train in any martial art fall into is the trap of ego. When I was visiting Canada last fall I saw a school in the area where I was staying. It was open and I was curious. It is in a commercial strip plaza. We stood outside and watched a little. The instructor saw us, waved and came outside. I have never before met the gentleman but I did know who he was. CONCLUSION

If we do not let our egos go we will lose the arts. However if we all stay teachable, continue to learn and grow, create a strong group together, then we can preserve these teaching.

The Kyusho Jitsu World Alliance is an example. 

The technology coming soon to us will blow your mind. The Great Awakening is happening and this war of good vs evil will be won by good. The end is close! I am planning to in the not to distant future once again teach the philosophies of Kosho. Here is some information on this process.

Thank you for your attention in reading this article on Martial Arts and Spirituality.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Ask you question here.

* Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Complete Kyusho Jitsu Learning Guide

Kyusho Learning From A to Z


How to Properly learn Kyusho Jitsu?


*Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Natural Laws of Motion and Self Defense

The Art of Kosho Ryu



* Kosho Skeletal Freeze Theory

Kosho Skeletal Freeze Theory

Part of Kosho Core Concepts Series

Control the Attackers ability to move



Thank you taking time from you day to read Martial Arts and Spirituality. Please consider subscribing using the Red Bell at the bottom corner.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Martial Arts Everyone Quits. Be the Exception to the Rule.

* Martial Arts Everyone Quits

Martial Arts Everyone Quits: This is a truth in the martial arts world as told to me by one of my many, many mentors. When is comes to martial arts training eventually everyone quits. Now he was not referring to death. His reference is something in life, some event that takes people off their path.

Back in 2020 we had a crime committed against humanity that changed the world forever. And the number of people who fell off the martial path is shocking.  I have heard 100 different excuses as to why there was a problem. And in the words of my first instructor Philip Hollohan "losers always have excuses." 

The school my boys and I founded in 2000, the Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts Institute, is still in existence today. But of the several thousand people I taught over the years only 2 or 3 are still around today. One has completely left the systems and we have lost contact, but that is all good. At least he is still training.  Do you think they were looking for an excuse?

Martial Arts Everyone Quits

"Martial Arts Everyone Quits." I stopped teaching my root art directly in 2017. I had a small school in Brasov I was teaching at. But I did not want to do the Dojo thing any longer. It is a lot of work. I had other ambitions in the arts. 

This is why we have the Kyusho Jitsu World Alliance today. Most of all, even with changes I never stopped training! It does take different forms as we grow older, but the benefits remain! I no longer put my feet over my head. in Martial Arts Everyone Quits, but I have not!

But why did people stop in early 2020? Did you ever see bodies in the streets? During other "plagues" this was always the case. Homeless people, and there are about 30,000 in Toronto are all alive and well. This should lead to a lot of questions. But if you are not training in earnest you do not get the benefits. One is to question everything. Because real martial artist is not about a trophy but connecting Body - Mind and Spirit. 

Martial Arts Everyone Quits

The history of martial arts around the world teaches someone! MARTIAL ARTS COME FROM TIMES OF REPRESSION AND GENOCIDE. So why today are so many no longer training? Is the western culture really this weak and pathetic? I do understand that many commercial Dojo's were destroyed by government tyranny, but why does this stop you?

That is a rhetorical question.

Martial Arts Everyone Quits - Great Words of Inspiration

Back in 1990 I had been training for 6 years. I was running a school in South Windsor for my instructor when a family tragedy struck.  I needed to take a few days off to deal with things. He called me into the Dojo after I finished teaching one night.

We talked about the problem and he told me to take some time off as my family needed me. He was correct. Others were set to cover my classes. We sat outside in the back of his van talking about things. He opened the cooler and handed me a beer. (Which in the backwards, pathetic province of Ontario is crime, however in Romania it is not a crime and they do not have the alcohol abuse Ontario does). (Alcohol out of residence)

He said to me, "Boy no matter what happens is life no one can take this (martial arts) away from you."  I still hear these words 31 years later. 

Martial Arts Everyone Quits in Conclusion

Kyusho Article CONCLUSION

I have again began a new path of martial art training. This path began in 2000 and now I have once again picked up the trial.

That is the study of the Natural Laws of Kosho Shorei Ryu. And I will be bring this to my followers and students

Thank you for reading this article called Martial Arts Everyone Quits. 


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Ask you question here.

* World Budo Alliance

World Budo Alliance is Back!

Together we can UNITE the
Martial Arts World


*Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Octagon

Mastering the Natural Laws of Motion and Self Defense

The art of Kosho Shorei Ryu 



Bunkai the Art of Kata Interpretation

Bunkai the Art of Kata Interpretation

An In Depth Learning of Movement

English & Spanish Editions



I hope you enjoyed the article called Martial Arts Everyone Quits. If you find this blog and the articles to be of value for you please consider subscribing to new articles using the Red Bell at the bottom corner. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

New Martial Art Paradigm – It’s Time to go Full Circle

* New Martial Art Paradigm

New Martial Art Paradigm: The martial art world has changed a lot since I first began. And I am going to be honest today not in good way.

There are still some great teachers out there. But I believe that the arts has become about BODY only. It has lost its higher purpose because of commercialization.

I am not against commercialization, it does not mean you have to sell out. But a lot of people have sold out. We need a New Martial Art Paradigm. Time to go back full circle to our beginnings.

New Martial Art Paradigm

Now I am going to say something on commercialization first. I am very PRO free market. I am NOT in any way, shape or form a socialist. The ideology is a failure.

The problem today is programming. People have been programmed to consume not out of need, but for consumption sake.

That is GREED and a failure. If you do not believe me next time you are out at a restaurant watch people eat. It is enlightening! 

I have been so very lucky in my life to have met some great martial artists. 

Men like Steve Stewart,  Leon Jay, Ken SmithGeorge Dillman, Richard Buchan, Nimr Hassan, Philip Hollohan to name just a few, who wanted to SHARE their knowledge for a greater purpose. But many other I have met are full of EGO, greed, envy and everyone of the 7 deadly sins. These men understood the idea of a New Martial Art Paradigm.

New Martial Art Paradigm - Loss of Values

One man, who was once a world class fighter bragged how he was going to put "mason" out of business. He lied, was unethical and a back stabber. He teacher and I are good friends, this clown betrayed him because of his massive ego. 

The problem is that this is not uncommon. The WORST thing that happened to the martial arts world is SPORT.  The idea of competition is not bad. But the western culture has a proclivity to become OBSESSED with things. Like I stated about eating. I eat to live, I do not live to eat. 

And sadly, we see these sins when the founder or head of an art form dies. What immediately comes to mind for me is the death of Professor Edmond Parker. The behavior as various people fought for control of what Parker created was sad. Fighting, back stabbing, not trying to further his amazing linage put political power grabs like we see in the entire world today. We do not learn from history which is one of the reasons for the coming of the Death of the Western Culture.

New Martial Art Paradigm - Great Men

There are great men in American Kenpo today, like Grand Master Stewart, and his teacher the late Frank Trejo. Thanks to GM Stewart I got to meet and develop a friendship with GM Trejo. He was a great man and I loved him very much. He was always willing to sit and talk, exchange stories. I did not get to really every train with him, but thanks to GM Stewart I got to know the man.

He was never egotistical, and always ready to help. And I say again today we need a New Martial Art Paradigm. WE need to go back to the values of old, back to what the great grand masters taught. A way of life.

Back in 2003 I met Grand Master Joon Rhee in Florida at a conference. I was walking in this massive hotel lobby when I saw GM Rhee and his family on the Terrence eating dinner. It was Rhee's 70th birthday. He caught me looking and called me over. I walked over, bowed and shook his hand.

He asked me to sit. So I did. He ordered me a coffee and I spent an amazing half hour with him and his family. We talked about how martial arts had lost its way. He asked me if my school had tenet and what they were. Grand Master was very happy with my answer. 

New Martial Art Paradigm - New Direction

GM Rhee said "martial arts without a code of honour, a code of vales is barbarianism. "  I agreed 100 percent with that statement. I sat front row at this session the next day. It was amazing what he had so say.

I always honor those who taught me.

We must move back to a state of balance, a place where we all still continue to learn. When we stop learning we die. I have seen so many martial arts masters who believe they have all the answers when no does. I am once again beginning a new learning process as I resume something I began in 2000. Study and incorporation of the art of Kosho Ryu.

I founded an art on 2006 and was ridiculed for doing so. But I did it for the right reasons. Not for self glory or rank. I did it because I had learned so much, and changed what I did so much it no longer resembled the art I started in. The art of the Peaceful Warrior, Hon Sang Me Sa Hapkido is that art form. We need a New Martial Art Paradigm!

New Martial Art Paradigm in Conclusion

New Martial Art Paradigm  CONCLUSION

New Martial Art Paradigm: I do not know what will become of the art I created with my boys. They are not interested in training any longer.

And that is OK because it is better to not do something, then to half do something.

When I am gone I do not know what will happen to it. Not that I plan on leaving any time soon. 

Perhaps it will die with me. I opened a Dojo to help other people and teach them about the vales I had learned. I hear a lot today the false idea of one person cannot change the world. But change begins one person at a time. If you have a moment please read my article on the World Budo Alliance blog called Bushido A Moral Education.

Thank you for reading New Martial Art Paradigm.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Ask you question here.

* World Budo Alliance

World Budo Alliance Returns!

Together we can UNITE the
Martial Arts World


* Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Advanced Kosho Core Concepts


Understanding the street applications for Pressure Point striking and the
5 Element Hand of Kyusho/Kosho and its application!



* 36 Dim Mak Vital Points

36 Dim Mak Vital Points Video Course

Discover the Secret Vital Points

Of the fabled "Touch of Death."



Thank you for reading this article New Martial Art Paradigm. Not everyone will agree but it will not dissuade me from taking the arts back to a time where peace was the goal. 

And please subscribe to this blog with the Red Bell at the bottom corner.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason

Martial Art of Escaping. Taking the High Ground

* Martial Art of Escaping

Martial Art of Escaping; Martial Arts is taught WRONG on purpose. The issue today is most martial arts teachers do not go past this and correct the teaching. They teach what are called reactionary martial arts. What I teaching is preparatory martial arts, the Martial Art of Escaping.

This is a complete art, the physical and the conceptual. The melding of the body to mind, and the mind to body.

Martial Art of Escaping

Harry  Houdini was the master of the art of escaping. He was not a magician, he was an escape artist. At the highest level the martial arts is no different, or it is supposed to be no different. But there are so many tough guys, so many massive egos this knowledge has been lost.

So many times I have heard moron's of the martial arts "talk" about how they would beat someone to death.

And?????

Spend the rest of you life in prison because you killed someone for throwing a  punch? Dude you are an IDIOT!

Sometimes but rarely lethal force is necessary. But that is rare.

The martial arts who teach  reactionary martial arts are creating failure in death defense, someone who does harm when not needed or someone who gets hurt when not needed. 

Today the modern world has an obsession with "sport." Today sport is no longer a disciple. Just look at the reprehensible behavior of "professional" athletes. The martial arts world is no different.  And today high level sports competitors behave like IDIOTS. Sorry if you do not like me saying this, the truth can hurt. And facts do not care about your feelings. 

I know of a "fight club" in Canada I would not recommend to anyone. The owner is completely unethical. He has even lied about "who" he has trained. (said he trained Ronda Rousey) We need a new paradigm in martial arts training. This is going back to the Martial Art of Escaping. 

Martial Art of Escaping - Scenario

You are minding your business and a man confronts you. Suddenly he throws a haymaker your way. Do overreact, block the punch, then execute several strikes, break a few ribs? Perhaps a chop to the throat and drop him. He made you angry, or hurt your feels perhaps a kick to make you point? 

What is the best case scenario here? Also what is the worst case scenario? Most of all what happens to you in the aftermath? Yes but you showed him right?

But what if as he was punching you simply moved. escaping from the punch because you understand the mechanics of movement, slipping out of his range of his "tunnel" vision. Now you are beside him, where he must regroup for the second punch (and there is always a second punch). You can escape now forcing him to follow or give up. Or move a second time respond to his motion and tapping KD-21 causing a spasm in his diaphragm. He goes to the ground gasping.

You had 2 choices, leave quickly or teach a lesson by winding the attacker.  

However lets go back the the first part. Your reacting, and blocking the punch. Odds are while you are executing your reactionary techniques the second punch came and dropped you. That is the reality of incomplete study and ego. Your need to train in the Martial Art of Escaping, you need to learn Kosho Shorie Ryu.

Martial Art of Escaping in Conclusion

Martial Art of Escaping CONCLUSION

I hope you see what I am talking about. I started my journey in Kosho in 2000. Everything my root art of Hapkido, of Hon Sang Mu Sa Hapkido is based on it being a preparatory martial arts, a Martial Art of Escaping.

I have been teaching Kosho, calling it simply Octagon, 2 for 2 decades. 

Now I am expanding my own learning and will be sharing this critical information. The face of martial arts needs to change. We need to go back to ethical practice, based on tenets not egos.  And why a wolf for the article? Wolves attack and defense based on natural movements, not ego. 

Learn about Kosho Core Concepts Series of Courses. Below I will leave you learning opportunities if you are interested. Thank you for reading Martial Art of Escaping.


Have a Kyusho Question? Ask here!!

Please submit any questions with this form.

Ask you question here.

* Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Pressure Points of Kosho Shorei Ryu

Advanced Kosho Core Concepts

Understanding the street applications for Pressure Point striking and the 5 Element Hand of Kyusho/Kosho and its application!



* Introduction to Kosho Ryu

Introduction to Kosho Ryu

A Course in Natural Laws

In True Self Defense there is No Body Contact.



Thank you for Reading!

I hope you found this article called Martial Art of Escaping to be of interest and value. If you did please consider subscribing to new and updated content using the little Red Bell in the corner.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

GM Art Mason
1 9 10 11 12 13 33
Kyusho Jitsu World News Blog!