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Featured Author
ASHIDA KIM |
Ashida Kim is an internationally renowned martial
arts expert who teaches and lectures on Ninjitsu, the Invisible Fist, around the world. He is the author of
The Invisible Ninja, Iron Body Ninja, Ninja Mind Control, and many other books. He began his study of
the martial arts at age twelve. His father being a career soldier, he had frequent opportunities to attend
a variety of Judo classes. Almost every post where they were stationed had one. At that time Judo was
the only Oriental system availible to Western students. Karate was an advanced level that was offered
only to seniors, although there were a few striking techniques in Judo known as Atemi-Waza. Since most
of the members of these clubs were professional soldiers, they had little time for children. So, as in the
Shaolin monastery experience, he was more often than not restricted to sweeping the mat and observing
than to any actual instruction until age fourteen. By the time his father retired he was sixteen years old
and at Brown Belt level: although the experience of often changing Judo clubs had left him with little
regard for earning belt rank, since Judoka of that period held to the tradition that one must begin each
time from the beginning.
He does credit this training, however, with
teaching him the proper and safe way to fall; which has held him in good stead throughout his practice,
and saved him many times.
While at university, he attended a Karate
demonstration given by a Yudansha who had trained in Okinawa. His style was Shotokan and he too
had learned while his father had been stationed overseas. By then Karate was fairly widespread and
there were hints of an even more deadly art known as Kung Fu that began to surface. Adding the
repertoire of kicks and punches to his arsenal of Judo and Wrestling holds, he soon picked up the
system, based in large part on the discipline of patience and practice he had learned in the Gentle Way.
Hard style or linear Karate is widely taught today, the most popular being Taekwondo, the Hand and Foot
Way. Many basic strikes and practice forms are similar. They can be taught to large or small groups by
rote, and develop excellent military discipline.
The legend has always been that Ashida Kim, using another name, went
to Chicago in 1968 to work with a biker gang to provide “security” for
the protesters at the Democratic National Convention. And, that while
there he learned the world’s deadliest fighting secrets from Count
Dante in a secret Dojo. Although there are those born long after these
events who dispute this story, two of the original members of the Black
Dragon Fighting Society, Grandmaster Doug Dwyer and Grandmaster Lawrence
Day, who were there at the time have confirmed that he was there.
"No one believed John Keehan/Count Dante went to Death Matches in China.
Until Frank Dux proved that he did it too. No one believed that Ashida Kim ever
met Count Dante, until now. No matter what the proof, people tend to
believe what they want in spite of the truth or lack of facts to
support their point. And, it doesn’t matter if they are right or wrong.
What matters is the Way. Martial arts are not about fighting. They are
about self-improvement, about empowering the individual to stand up
for himself and do the right thing...
Ashida Kim
This made possible the study of Ninjitsu,
the Silent Way. By far, the most savage and terrifying form of self defense ever devised. Among its diverse
weaponry are Dim Mak, the mysterious Chinese Touch of Death. A complete study of human anatomy and a logical
progression from the basic vital and fatal points of Karate to the strangleholds and resuscitation techniques
of Judo. Kuji Kiri, the strategy and tactics of combat as well as the psychology of man. And, the Art of Invisibility,
Inpo and Tonpo, entering and escaping in addition to secret techniques of the magical arts. Thus earning the
Ninja a reputation as "men who could fight or disappear." This together with their philosophy of non-violence,
has made them one of the most misunderstood martial arts of this century. All of which they relish, amused at
the humor of so much confusion.
Since that time, Master Ashida Kim has written fifty books on
the subject of martial arts, distributed worldwide and in nine different translations.
Toured on the international circuit to South Africa, where he appeared on SABC's "Late Night Live" with
Kevin Savage. And, to the Land of Oz to be on Good Morning Australia, teach Qi Gong and be
written up in People magazine. He has also travelled to Germany and Italy in his role as International
Ambassador of the Shinja Martial Arts University.
In 2009 he was inducted into the USKA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
as Grandmaster of the Year. In addition to teaching, both at his own Dojo and on contract
to other schools, he sometimes accepts private students, yet is virtually unknown to any
but his closest allies. Simply because he does not boast nor brag of these accomplishments.
He is much to busy participating in the glorious adventure that is his life.
Grandmaster Kim has graciously allowed DOJO Press to serve as his exclusive agent for booksales
and videos. And, we are honored to serve in this capacity for him.
E-Mail Master Ashida Kim
through Dojo Press. |
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