Influential martial artists

[Aefibird]

I don't want this to get into a thread about "Sensei X was the greatest", "No, Sensei Y is the greatest", "No you're both wrong, Bruce Lee is the greatest" (etc etc).

However, who do you think were/are influential martial artists? They don't necessarily have to be famouse, either. They could be someone who personally influenced just you or it could be a widely known person.

[Mr. Precision]

aefibird said:

However, who do you think were/are influential martial artists? They don't necessarily have to be famouse, either. They could be someone who personally influenced just you or it could be a widely known person.

Donald MacInnes. 7th dan, still teaching, but only the advanced classes and looks exactly the same today as he did 20 years ago. Recently Funakoshi and Abernethy, I was reading Abernethy's book when the lightbulb went on... Morote uke as a leg catch/throw.

[random]

I would have to say my first instructor’s instructor; he over came illness and other problems to teach karate virtually for free to kids in a really rough area. He had vision and motivation and was very inspirational.

[AngelaG]

I think pretty much every instructor I've trained under has influenced me in some way or another. Some because I hope to one day have as much knowledge as they have, others because they have such a friendly teaching manner, yet others because of their incredible strength/speed/power. I think even a bad instructor can influence an individual - even if it's a desire to never be like that.

[Aefibird]

Yeah, I've met a few instructors that I think "I hope I never turn out like them".
There's something to be learned from every experince, even if it's just how not to do it!!

[miffersy]

Hi,
Over the years I have trained with a couple of MA so called Instructors that I was determined not to be like. On the other hand I respect the following GM G T Ross of K.M.T. Bujutsu, GM D Kacperski of KIKA/KBMA, Rob Campbell(Godan) of Blackpool Budokan and a local Instructor (one of my heroes ) Mick Sketchley Sandan.

[jack]

Personally, my first and second instructors in Shotokan have influenced me most. My first instructor, Tony Shackleton, used to teach us for 50p per week, at the end of the year would hold a free drinking session from all the unused profits from the club. He put loads in and took nothing out. My second instructor was simply a fountain of knowledge and with superb technique. These have influenced me personally, but surely Sensei Eneoda must have been the most influential Shotokan instructor in the country.

[Andy]

Real world influences

Dave Green, JKD, Doce Pares and DBMA.
Marc Denny, DBMA
Sam Kwok, Dennis Mulholland, Wing Chun/BJJ
John & Joe Abercrombie, Agonistics.
Dave Baptiste, Kickboxing.
Duncan Pollet, Lau Gar

I'd give indirect credit to;

Dan Inosanto
Hok Aun Teh
Simon Lau
Thomas Kurz
Marc Mcyoung
Mike Casto
Geoff Thompson
Gus Kerr
My Mother.

In terms of UK Karate, I think credence should be given to Tommy Morris, Steve morris, Pat Mc Kay, Vic Charles, Steve Arneil, and maybe Mike Finn amongst many others.

[dojo]

Well, I have to give credit to some of the martial artists who were famous because of Hollywood. I know many people would confess to have started MA because of Bruce lee, Karate Kid, Seagal and so on ...

[jadedragon]

my sensei, Linda Mowry, has influenced me to become more friendly and positive towards others. I also give credit to Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan for inspiring me to start training in martial arts.

[AngelaG]

For those that got into karate because of the Karate Kid

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4471060.stm

[MasterH]

First, I would need to say, my instructor, Grand Master Jack Pierce. He's an 8th Degree Black Belt who still cleans his own bathrooms.

Second, I would say my mother, 4th Degree Black Belt, she never gave up, on me, or any of my brothers or sisters.

Finally, I would say my dad, 2nd Degree Black Belt - and has refused to test for his next rank for over 20 years now - and still trains. Now that's dedication. Also he was diagnosed with cancer last week.

[Aefibird]

masterh said:

Also he was diagnosed with cancer last week.

I'm sorry to hear that MasterH. I hope and pray for a speedy recovery for him. Good luck to all your family.

[MasterH]

Thank you. It's been a learning experience.

[AngelaG]

MasterH, I feel for you. My dad had a cancer scare a couple of years back. The waiting was horrible. Thankfully it turned out not to be but I got a glimpse of what you feel. Best wishes for you and your family. xx