Interview with "American Shaolin" Chris Friedman

 I am going to welcome Chris Friendman to my Blog he has written a one book for Shadow Warrior Press and revised and improved it before self-publishing it in China and offering it directly on Amazon, trained in Shaolin Kung-fu in China, as well as, other Chinese martial arts. He also writes for JetLi.com and a kung-fu magazine. You also offer a travel service to train in Kung-fu in China as well. Not to mention other styles of martial arts here in the states... Thats certainly a list of accomplishments, is there anything I left out?
Hi Ron well I am now embarking on the role of a novelist writing my first novel in the true crime genre.

Now I was thinking of not putting you on the spot but, no... The hell with it, I am gonna put you on the spot. You used to train in the Bujiinkan, as well, didn't you?
Yes, I trained in Bujinkan for about seven years. During that time I also crossed trained in several style. I have always used free sparring as part of my training and as most know traditionally in the Bujinkan they don’t spar, as part of their training. So I would train in systems like Sambo and Judo during that time. I reached the rank of Shodan then, transferred over to the Chinese arts. I was always slightly more interested in the Chinese culture and, liked the idea of having many solo drills and routines to do as part of my training.

Now you've seen the bad with it and I am not ask you about it. Its been discussed publicly on Facebook and privately. I am not going to beat a dead horse. Your instructor was a pretty amazing guy and you talked about him in your book, would you share that story?
Several of the Bujinkan instructors I trained under worked in security and law enforcement. One worked as a guard in Rykers Island and told many stories of using the stuff in real life. There were a couple of other instructors they had brief brushes with adversaries on the streets also with interesting stories to tell.

Now to be honest, I wanted to get that story out there because regardless of the art, he seemed like a very good guy and a highly skilled martial artist. I want to use him as an example of what the good Bujinkan Instructors look like...

So can we agree to leave all that under the bridge and talk about you and China?
Well, that particular instructor was very humble and friendly. He obviously had a lot of real life experience and, was not puffed up with false prestige. Sure I love to share my adventures here with anyone who is willing to listen.

Now, lets start with why you went to China? And how long you been there?
I always wanted to train in Asia. I grew up watching kung fu movies on channel five. I would put on a karate gi after and, go into my backyard in Long Island, New York do kata and imagine I was one of those guys in the movies. I got my first chance to take a two week trip there to train. Loved it, met a friend while there and, made the plan. I have been living here about eleven years already.

What is it like coming back to the US when, you have been living in China so long?
I feel really nervous. The people their behavior everything. The thing that makes me most nervous is how easy it is to get into a conflict with people in the states. Very different from China.

Have you met Jet Li yet? What's he like?
I never met Jet Li. I did do some extra work on films in the past but, never got to meet any of these big wigs.

 What are your instructors like in China?
They have all been really nice and open with me. I will only train with teachers whose personality suits mine. That goes for in the states as well. I don’t need a Master to tell me how to live sleep and eat. Just someone who is friendly easy going and willing to teach me what I’m looking to learn.

Now you wrote an article for this blog, detailing the differences in how the training in China is so different from the US would explain that here?
In the states there is more real life violence. Here they fight as in Sanda but it is mostly for a living like a job. Very few people get into fights on the streets here. The motivation is different. The basics are very solid in China, they have more patience and discipline you can say. Also usually there is less cross training. The country isn’t as open as in the US. Both are good and have their benefits.

So the Chinese arts you have studied do stress Sparring Correct?
Since I have been in China I have studied three system each has its own story. Baguazhang in Beijing. I took private lessons and every once in a while I would have a partner and do some application. As far as I know his group classes didn’t spar. Back in the state where I did Bagua Zhang they spared every week, and did special drills as well. Shuai Jiao (Chinese wrestling) which is  like a very aggressive version of Judo, where you wear short sleeve jackets and, very aggressively grab yank pull and throw each other. I trained with professional fighters the majority of the time and, the wrestling sparring was very rough. I got my ass handed to me weekly.

Within Songshan Shaolin all the school do Sanda as part of their curriculum. School levels in Sanada vary. I train once a week with full time Sanda fighters and, also spar with my traditional Shi fu students. Sanda is like most other forms of kickboxing but, also has throws. I also had a couple of real incidents but, we can save those stories for another time.

And how do they feel about Grappling? They are not all limited to just striking as seen in many forms of competition like Sport Karate?
Sanada has throws but, many schools these days seem to be neglecting them and, focusing on purely kickboxing aspect of it. Qin Na which has always been an integral part of Shaolin and, other styles of kung fu, has become very rare around here. Luckily I have found an old school teacher that knows the stuff well. Qin Na has all kinds of locks holds and escapes, even some ground fighting.  The Baugua Zhang had lots of locks escapes and thows, but no ground fighting. Shuai Jiao was all throws.  One of my Shuai Jiao coaches went on to become a MMA fighter. Because he came from a Shuai Jiao background when he began to cross train in BJJ, he picked it up real quick. He is a Beast on the ground weighs 125 pound and, can just destroy me on the ground and I’m 170 pounds and, was at one time a decent ground fighter.

So you've read the Shadow Warrior version of World's Deadliest Fighting Secrets, what are your thoughts on the Book in general?
Very interesting read. Count Dante was quite the character. I heard he was a very good fighter so there is no disputing the guy had skills and, was tough. I don’t agree with his philosophies. Firstly, in my opinion, martial arts are more than just fighting and, if you learn to control your mind and emotions you can not only avoid many fights but, improve health. I think if you had an option of using your martial arts to live a long healthy life or, a reckless dangerous one, the former is better. The fact that he died young and, even one of his students were killed says something about this point.

How about Count Dante and, his view of martial arts and racism in the martial arts?
I agree with him on that point. Prejudice suck and is evil in any shape or form. To fight against it is righteous and courageous.

Did you have any experiences with Racism in the Martial Arts, in China?
It is very subtle and sneaky form. They won’t come out and, say something but, they are very insecure around foreigners as they call us here.  Especially, around their woman. As far as martial arts training no. On the contrary my teachers have been very happy to have such a dedicated and, sincere student.

 I would say when have grown a lot more beyond that here in the US, wouldn't you?
Both have been important parts of my growth. I had a wild up bringing and, now to be in the strict environment of Chinese life style helps to balance things out. But, for people growing up in China it is like they are in a bubble. They are very limited to what they experience and, know about the rest of the world. I also am very grateful to have lived in another country, it teachings me a lot, to see things from other perspectives.

 In fact, I think the world of martial arts has opened quite a bit in our life times. I mean we have experienced a flowering and, openness to be able to learn martial arts as we have in the years since Dante's time but, we have also seen a rise in frauds and invented lineages as well... But, have you seen the same patterns as well in China?
In China if someone creates a new branch of an existing style, for example my Bagua Zhang teacher did. It comes from the traditional stuff and, not some imaginary linage. But that is my only experience with that subject. There might be people in China making up lineages. I don’t even really think making up a style is so bad, if the artist is gifted, the problem is they often lie about the history to seem more legit.

Now these adventures, seems the only word which comes to mind, you sell. Allowing people to come to China and train there, is amazing. I mean its living the dream for many martial artists... Its not just site seeing, its hard style training. Very serious stuff right?
Yes, the training is hard but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. Many student here are young and, train full time so if someone older and, don’t train for a living, they will understand the fitness level won’t be the same. So it will be up to the student to decide how hard they want to push their bodies. If someone comes to train with us, they can learn Shaolin Basics, forms, empty handed and weapons, sanda (kickboxing), two man conditioning drills, qin na self-defense, shi suo (a traditional tool similar to a kettle drum), meditation and qi gong (health qi work). Or they can choose to specialize in any of the mentioned skills.

 In fact, the Chinese have a different view of rank don't they? How do the Chinese view rank in a martial art?
It varies and, if it is a government run organization, they have pretty formal ranks but, I never went that route so can speak much on it. With my teachers it is usually student and instructor. I have reached instructor level and, been certified by two of my Shaolin Shifus already. The term master is a tricky one, usually it is a term used by others who respect your level. Of course these days people call themselves "master" and, put it on their business cards even in Asia. I prefer the term Shifu which is just used for martial arts teachers. I have had a few foreign guests here call me Master, which is flattering but, I don’t take it too seriously. I never heard my teachers call themselves master either. I also don’t like calling anyone master because I practice Hinduism and, that is a term reserved for God.

 In fact, I am very late in getting this interview up... So I have to  cut it short, which is a bad thing... In any event, I would like to thank you for Interview and, want to ask if there is any links to your articles with Jetli.com, Shaolin Tai Chi Magazine and other sources so readers can follow you online?

Ah yes my YouTube channel and my latest article on JetLi.com, A Day in the Life of a Shaolin Foreign Disciple.

Distancing & the Art of Danger Avoidance by Chris Friedman

Ninjutsu takes on many forms these days, with many claims and counter claims as to what the style is. Serval things all these modern ninja groups can agree on are, they wear black gis in the dojo, practice weapons, focus on self-defense and survival, and practice or learn stealth maneuvers.  

I remember when I was a young teen and practiced Tang Soo Do at a local karate school, and reading about the mysterious art of the Ninja by the only authors available at the time on the subject, Steven Hayse and Ashida Kim. I imagined earning a black belt in this deadly art, dressing from head to toe in the commercially available ninja costume, slipping out the window in the evening for a night time mission.

Thirty something years later after earning a Shodan in one of the well-known Ninjutsu organizations, as well as earning several black belt levels in other systems, that using stealth techniques in real life as a non-military personal, is a lot less dramatic. Do I use methods gained from such study often, yes, do they involve dressing up in a special outfit with a grappling hook and smoke bombs unfortunately no.

To examine the reason for training in stealth technique we have to justify the necessity for taking the time and effort in the first place. Unless you are a secret opts agent working for the military, or someone working in some kind of criminal organization there aren’t a whole lot of practical purposes for such skills. For me personally they are a useful tool for danger prevention. They also lend a helping hand for avoiding awkward situations.

For the past decade I have lived in China a communist country that doesn’t always take the straight forward way of handling business. Often the term cutting through the red tape comes to mind, or perhaps mind games. For a [wai guo ren 外国人] “foreigner” a term used for none Chinese, this situations can be quite a nuisance. For example in the previous city I lived in called Shenzhen, each building complex was surrounded by a gate or fence and a security guard was stationed at the gate’s entrance. This meant upon entering and leaving my residence I would have to deal with the daily chore of being the “none Chinese”. One would think in 2015 being a different nationality would be no big deal, but actually I would daily get prolonged stares by the same people as if they never saw me [or a foreigner] before in their life. To make life simpler, I found an alternative route. This involved going behind the building climbing a fence or two and leaving through a small exist in another gated community. This simple method didn’t involve a single acrobatic flip, smoke bombs or being covered in head to toe in a black masked uniform, though it can be considered just as much of a Ninja technique as the previously mentioned. This method of entering and existing the building meant I could go an entire day unseen by the guards.

When using ninja techniques to avoid danger, two things come to mind, awareness and distance. To begin with one has to be aware of subtle changes, some may say to the point of almost having a sixth sense. For the modern day Ninja student there are ways to train this ability. One method involves standing in a darkened room with a training partner about 15 feet away. The partner will be armed with a practice padded stick or club of sorts. His/her goal is to sneak

up on you without making a sound and touch you on the top of the head with the practice club. Your goal is to sense him/her and raise your hand as he/she is close and ready to strike. The attacking partner must think violent thoughts, as if he or she wants to actually bash your skull in with a blunt object. It is these feelings that you will pick up on through this training exercise.  This is one isolated exercise but even without having ever trained in such a drill a long time martial artist regardless of the style will gain such sensing skills.

The other day I had such an experience. To begin this story I must give a brief introduction to my current situation. For the past decade I have been living and training in Chinese martial arts in China. For the past year and a half I have been living in Songshan Shaolin [birth place of The Shaolin Temple]. Yesterday upon arriving at my Shifu’s school before reaching the outside training yard, which is down a slight hill, I paused and told my wife wait, I want to see if a certain person was outside training with my Shifu’s group. My wife assured me that he had left to work in other city the previous week. This is what we were told, and he had been absent from the school for at least a week. By all accounts he should have been gone for good. Something however told me this wasn’t the case. We were still at a distance and I planned to train in the other yard to avoid a certain someone if that induvial was present. Sure enough my instincts were right. The induvial was present that day.

In this way heightened senses and awareness of distance can be the best defense. If someone is bothering you or has the potential of causing you physical, mental or spiritual harm you can often simple avoid or gain distance form such a threat. As in a physical threat it is always better to be prepared and not taken by surprise. This is not always possible but by training your senses and trusting them often they can prepare you for what is yet to come.

About the Author

Chris Friedman has done the martial arts since

His early teens. He has spent the past decade training in China.

He currently resides in Shaongshan Shaolin as a disciple and assistant instructors to visiting foreign guest. He is also a writer for Kung Fu/Tai Chi Magazine and jetli.com

For more info on Chris please go to www.shaolinwithchris.com

Kung-Fu: Throws, Locks & Anti-Locking now available at Shadow Warrior Publishing

Amid the chaos of trying to deal with floods, closed businesses and being cut off from many resources and connections I made to help build my business (now lost in the floods). Amid trying to get the Black Dragon Ninjitsu Home Study Course available to the public &, getting behind on projected goals but still trying to move forward. I have the distinct pleasure of publishing Chris Friedman's book Kung-Fu: Throws, Locks & Anti-Locking. Now available for sale at Shadow Warrior Publishing.

This book was a pleasure to read, not only has Chris been living in China and studying at the Shaolin Temple for nearly a decade but, he has starred in documentaries and even went so far as to written articles for Kung-Fu/Tai Chi Magazine. Chris does an excellent job comparing grappling methods of previously styles of martial arts he has studied such Brazilian Jujitsu, Judo, Tand Soo Do and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu to the Chinese arts of Bagua Zhang, Shuai Jiao and Shaolin Kung Fu. As well as, demonstrating the throws and grappling techniques hidden in Kung-fu forms. Something learned by very few training in The Skill, today.

More so, Chris having lived and trained in China has lived to truth that the Shaolin, and other Chinese martial artists do not focus on a single style (this is often a claim used by "traditionalists" to keep money coming back to them as they do not want students cross-training and spending their money elsewhere) but, instead cross train in different systems to be more complete martial artists. As well as, various stories about the author's own experiences using martial arts for self-defense in America and abroad.

I suggest this book not only to Kung-fu stylists but anyone interested in martial arts and self-defense. Training with Chris Friedman and in China can be achieved by visiting Shaolinwithchris.com to study the real thing in China, as well...

Shaolin Kungfu Fighting Methods by Chris Friedman

Shaolin kung fu is often referred to as the origin of martial arts, with the exception of Shuai Jiao [wrestling] which predates the Shaolin Temple . Though the famous Shaolin Temple has been burned down several times by the government and it’s monk killed or dispersed throughout it’s turbulent history, it has been rebuilt and continues to thrives till this day. Shaolin kung fu as a style has changed over the centuries, but still has kept many of it’s original forms and techniques ,due to fleeing monks teaching villagers and keeping the system alive.

Though the majority of the world’s martial arts can be somehow traced back to the Shaolin Temple, Shaolin as a martial arts has taken a strange turn. In china where the art originated many modern day practitioners practice the art for [鍛煉身體Duan Lian shen ti] fitness or body/health training. Even the famous monks at Shaolin, though they spar regularly and occasionally practice fighting application or some kind of fighting drill, mostly practice for a form of mind/body exercise.

The Shaolin monks are often seem demonstrating fast and powerful looking solo forms, as well as performing highly athletic acrobatic maneuvers and feats of strength ,but what does all this have to do with practical modern fighting methods? In fact historically all the various training methods do relate directly to fighting both empty handed as well as with weapons, it is just that in recent non warring times in China the emphasis has been placed on fitness and performance.

For this article we will explore the Shaolin methods of preparing the student for combat. When one begins training in Shaolin Kung Fu, one will quickly understand that the mind is the most powerful tool. If one does not seek physical conflict but to live a happy healthy life, one can change one’s psyche. Thus by training the mind and heart to be peaceful in those ways similar to the Buddhist belief ,one can usually avoid a confrontation by simply being tolerant and none ego driven. For example if one is constantly engaging in sport fighting events and feels he is indestructible, he may be more prone to engage in a physical confrontation over harsh words when it may in fact be an avoidable situation.

With a proper mind set one will begin one’s training in the art of Shaolin kung fu. From the beginning of one’s training one will be forging one’s body to be faster, more flexible and stronger than it has ever been in the past. Though Shaolin kung fu[and other kung fu systems as well] do have specific techniques and strategies for combat, they also place utmost importance on the attributes of their physical training on making the system work as a whole.

Often the techniques within the solo routines are hidden. One would not be able to decipher the meaning without prolonged practice and fundamental skill training. It is not simply knowing that this move is a punch ,this move is a kick or throw that makes them work under pressure. The body must be trained properly in order for these techniques to work as they were designed to.

When learning a new routine or form, a Shaolin instructor will not teach you every application for every move. Over time he will reveal some of the movements meanings. Each moment in a Shaolin form has actually several meanings. What appears in a form as a simple pretty poster may be a lock, throw or strike. One is also encouraged to explore even create or rediscover the meanings behind the movements. This goes back to the students attributes being more important then individual techniques.

Training the body to be a fighting machine, the Shaolin way starts from the begin of one’s fundamental lessons. Stances play an important role in any kung fu system. The primary goal of the stance in kung fu is to offer stability in fighting. In ancient time as well as modern being on the ground is a last resort, so having solid stances can help one form toppling over under pressure or being taken to the floor intentionally by one’s aggressor.

Stances also have aggressive maneuvers within their hidden applications. For example the cross stance or 歇步 Xie Bu in Chinese can be used to stomp on an opponents knee while simultaneously locking the attackers elbow. The front stance or 弓步Gong Bu can use it’s forward momentum to create a powerful push/double handed palm strike to send an opponent flying backward [a technique the author used in a real altercation before].

The基本功Ji Ben Gong or basics of Shaolin kung fu come in the form of a series of kicking methods and punching drills. Within the kicking series are certain techniques that are simple designed to stretch the legs and gain flexibility and agility in the legs of the Shaolin student. The others are practical fighting techniques that can be utilized in dangerous situations. One of the author’s Shaolin teachers mentioned that in a real altercation one should not kick any higher than the waist of the opponent. Keeping the kicks low prevents the aggressor from catching the kick and downing the kicker, as well as preventing the possibility of losing one’s own balance while launching the kick.

Some of the most common Shaolin kicks used in combat are the instep groin kick. In this kick the instep is swung upwards into the opponents’ groin. Low level side and round house kicks to the knees or thighs. Shaolin students develop power for these kicks not only by practice low stances throughout solo drills and forms, but also by striking a variety of pads, bags and posts.

The punching basics are simple punching drills from various stances as well as transitioning form one stance to another. These drills are meant to develop full body power behind ones strikes. For practical use the Shaolin student’s fighting stance must be modified. The common Shaolin fighting stance is similar to a boxer’s stance but the lead hand is held future out in front of the body. This is because many of the Shaolin techniques involves grabbing with the lead hand either to pull the opponent into a strike or to help set up a lock or throw. The lead hand being extended out future in front of the body also helps in defense against kicks , as in used for blocking.

When performing the punching techniques of Shaolin in an actual confrontation the techniques are performed tighter and from the shorter more mobile fighting stance. Shaolin has many comprehensive blocking methods that vary slightly from teacher to teacher. They usually involve deflecting and trapping the attacking limb while helping to set up the Shaolin fighter’s attack. As with many other Chinese Kung Fu systems, the Shaolin fighting methods are done quickly and aggressively with forward moving footwork to crowd and disrupt the attackers balance in the process.

Throwing locking and grabbing an opponents vital areas on one’s body are all part of the Shaolin fighter’s arsenal. After an attack is deflected and neutralized the Shaolin fighter will strike with a barrage of fist ,knees, kicks elbows, head butts[just to name a few] strikes all while moving forward and crowding the aggressor. After one has entered one’s space and stunned one’s attacker with several strikes, the Shaolin fighter can throw, lock or do a combination of the two to down the opponent and end the confrontation. If the aggressor wants to continue to fight while in a prone position the Shaolin fighter has many finishing maneuvers for just such a situation.

For the Shaolin practitioner, if he should end up on the ground ,his primary goal is to regain a standing position. This theory can be best illustrated by the famous butterfly kick from the ground where the practitioner swings his legs in a wide circle and the momentum propels him/her back to their feet. This maneuver is used in the situation where the Shaolin practitioner is downed and the opponent remains standing. It has several applications from kicking a standing opponent’s legs, to sweeping him to the floor, and of course bringing oneself back to one’s feet. In a broader sense this application relates the entire theory of ground fighting in Shaolin kung fu. That one needs to get back to one’s feet regardless of what grappling maneuver or system the aggressor may attempt/posses. The author has the fortune to have a coach and friend that previously taught the author Chinese wrestling[Shuai Jiao] but is also a professional MMA fighter with a purple belt in BJJ. The author has focused on learning escapes from popular hold and submission with an emphasis on escaping and regain a standing position to add to his Shaolin curriculum.

Body Condition and two man exercises

The author has witnessed that the Schools surrounding the main gates of the Shaolin Temple all seem to participate in free sparring every Saturday morning. The level of intensity and techniques allowed seem to be the same from school to school. Punches ,kicks and limited throws seem to be the norm within these training sessions. The students spar with a high level of intensity [pretty much full contact strikes are allowed]. These matches look similar to other styles when engaged in stand up sparring matches. With a keen eye one may notice the wide swinging type of hand strikes resembling Shaolin specific striking techniques seen within the forms. Beside the common kickboxing/Sanda methods of sparring are many Shaolin specific conditioning drills and as well as fighting games.

The forearms and shins are imports tools in any striking systems arsenal. For this reason it is important to train the body to take sufficient contact to such areas. In Shaolin kung fu the forearms are used both in striking as well as defending. There are many two man drills used to condition the forearms for contact. Simple drills evolve standing in a stationary stance and banging forearms in a pattern. More complex forearm drills evolve complex footwork as well as target practice on the partners body utilizing the forearms as striking weapons.

There are several two man sets designed to condition both the instep of the feet and shins for striking and defending purposes. Again both moving and stationer drills can be performed with light to moderate contact being made at the beginning, till one works his way up in pain tolerance and toughness. For both the forearm and leg drills if a training partner is not available a tree can be used. It is also important not forcefully rub out the trained area using the hands and rubbing away from the heart to help prevent blood clotting.

Body conditioning drills also exist in Shaolin Kung fu to toughen up the body against strikes. These come in many forms but are similar to the leg/arm drills in where you continually strike your partners body in mirroring movements.

Grappling drills consist of standing in stances and trying to pull, push or off balance one’s training partner. One drill that the Shaolin students play is to assume a right foot foreword horse stance and clasp the lead hands as if shaking hands tightly. From here simply try to pull one out of one’s stance without moving one’s own feet. Another drill is done where both partners face each other in a right foot forward front stance. Begin by crossing lead arm forearms then trying to quickly secure a grip of your partners wrist while preventing or breaking your partners attempt. If a grip is secures you then try to pull your partner out of his stance while remaining in your stance.

The first drill will help the student to practice his rooting ability[stability in one’s stances] as well as pulling strength and hip movements. The second drill also develops rooting, pulling and hip movement as well as practice wrist grab escapes and securing a wrist hold.

This article gives a brief glimpse into Shaolin Kung Fu as a fighting systems. In reality one could dedicate one’s entire life to understanding such a system and still not know it’s entirety. Many times it has been said that it is not the system but it’s practitioner that makes a system effective. This can be said for Shaolin Kung Fu as well. If however the Shaolin student wants to be an effective fighter, Shaolin has what is needed in it’s system to do so, as long as one trains appropriately with such methods .

About the Author:

Chris Friedman has been doing the martial arts since his early teens. He has lived in China for the past 9 years studying various Chinese martial arts. He now lives in Henan 15 minutes from the famous Shaolin Temple. For more info on Chris or Shaolin kung fu please go to www.shaolinwithchris.com