Hi all,
I am really excited for you to see the trailer for my new movie,"Under A Red Moon". It i all finished and we are in the stages of securing distribution. I know it is not the "normal" Richard Norton action flic, but I sincerely hope you enjoy it as the subject matter of this movie is so topical and relevant to so many families in today"s society.
Warm Regards,
Richard Under A Red Moon Trailer
4/6/2008 8:37:12 PM
So here I am still in Los Angeles due to the movie, "Justice League", being shelved until maybe the end of the year. I guess there were funding problems for the present. Oh well, that"s the nature of the business I am in.
Meanwhile I received a screener copy of my latest movie, "Under a Red Moon" and i am so happy with the way it has turned out. The next step is to get a distributor and get it out into the market place. If you want to check out the trailor and a bit of info on the movie, go to www.underaredmoonmovie.com. Again, it is a very different role for me but so exciting at the same time.
I also had a catch-up with my buddy, Lance Henriksen last week. We are hopefully going to be working together in a soon to be produced western. Lance and I will be the lead "baddie"s" which I am so looking forward to. Lance is the consummate actor and to be working with him again will be fantastic. Also playing a major role in the western will be my dear friend in action films, Cynthia Rothrock. How cool to be working again with Cynthia after all this time. I"ll keep you posted on how it all comes together.
As far as training goes, all is good. I am back with my coach, JJ Machado in BJJ and also Pete Cunningham. You honestly couldn"t find two better teachers in their respective arts. The talent of these two masters never ceases to amaze me. I"ve also been teaching quite a few classes at my friend Fariborz" school, Team Karate Center, in Woodland Hills. I so enjoy the students there as you couldn"t meet a nicer and more enthusiastic bunch. I"m mainly focussing on grappling and kick boxing with the higher ranked student of Mr. Fariborz.
Taught a seminar for a select bunch of students at my old friend Roger LaCombe"s academy on the weekend. Roger has been around a long time and is one of the original Black Belts of Mr. Chuck Norris. We had a ball working on my "Complex" training drills and reality based street techniques.
http://www.richardnorton.org/images/web/620515.jpg
Hey, if any of you reading this have a school and would be interested in a seminar, drop me an email and let"s set something up. We can focus on grappling, explosive complex drills, reality street techniques or whatever you would like.
I am off to Dallas, Texas again next weekend to do some more color commentary for Chuck Norris" World Combat League. For those interested, the WCL is playing on the "Versus" channel and is fantastic entertainment for all you martial arts full contact fans.
Anyway, that"s it for now. I will try to be more regular with my blog"s and keep you all up to date on what"s going on in my life.
Until next time, stay well and warmest wishes.
Richard.
3/4/2008 7:44:22 PM
Well, I am now back in Los Angeles whilst awaiting the new start date for "The Justice League of America" movie. My time in Australia was great as I got to teach some seminars and spend some good time with family. Since being back in LA I went to Dallas on the weekend to do some voice over taping for Chuck Norris" kick boxing reality show, "The World Combat League" or WCL. Some of the fights were really terrific with heaps of knock-outs. The WCL is now playing on the Versus cable channel and is well worth checking out if you get the chance. I really enjoyed doing the commentary as I get to work with one of the past greats of the MMA world in Guy Metzger. Guy is a true athlete in every sense of the world and I relish the chance to chat with him about the latest training methods and generally discuss what"s going ons in the UFC and various MMA events.
Taught a BBJ class at my friend Fariborz" school, Team Karate Centers in Woodland Hills on Wednesday night. Fariborz has a bunch of his Hapkido Black Belts who are ready for their Blue Belt tests in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I am thrilled to be the one putting them through their paces, probably one day next week. Of course under the auspices of my BJJ coach, Jean Jacques Machado.
I also been back to training with my Kick Boxing Sensei and dear friend of 20 years, Peter "Sugar Foot" Cunningham. Man, I thought I was going to have a heart attack during the workout but we managed to get through it all. Our workouts are very anaerobic in nature and involve hours of mitt drills with Muay Thai combo"s.
Warm wishes,
Richard.
2/17/2008 2:50:00 AM
Just returned from Sydney where I taught a seminar for Steve Perceval and his students. My buddy George Adams set it up and it was a pleasure to work on some complex drills and street adaptation skills. I really look forward to future classes with Steve as again, I love it when I get a Dojo full of sincerely hungry martial artists. It just makes for great energy and a lot of fun. Thanks to Steve and George for making it happen.
Following are a few shots from the weekend.
2/12/2008 7:46:25 PM
I just returned from a great seminar trip to Adelaide where I taught for some of the local Zen Do Kai schools. I was invited over by Mr Scott Kelly to work on some of the "complex" drills as well as some street application and BJJ grappling techniques. I can"t tell you how good it makes me feel to train with fellow martial artists who are still so passionate about their training and are so willing to "empty their cups and try somebody else"s tea". Scott and the boys really made me feel so welcome and I look forward to many sessions with my new Adelaide mates in the near future.
Another group shot with my Adelaide friends.
2/4/2008 8:55:38 PM
My mate Fari will be celebrating his 25th Anniversary of involvement in the Martial Arts on the 24th of February. I am looking forward to being there to pay homage and help celebrate a great milestone.
1/21/2008 9:54:25 PM
Here"s one more shot with my two NSW police friends, George and Mango.
1/21/2008 9:46:14 PM
George wouldn"t be happy unless I posted a photo of him with my lovely wife, Judy.
Check out the grin on his face.
1/21/2008 9:39:27 PM
Here"s a shot with my friend George Adams and students. This was taken on the weekend.
1/20/2008 8:52:10 PM
Well, Just received word that "Justice League of America" movie has been pushed back until July, which technically means I am unemployed, again! Hah, what a business I am in.
It"s all good though because it means back to the Dojo and the seminar circuit. Taught a grappling and stand up class at my friend George Adams school in Sydney on Saturday. Great bunch of students and I always enjoy teaching there. Also caught up with my other Sydney friend, Fari and his family. We had a nice dinner and I will get together with Fari at his school and throw around some techniques later this week.
I"ll check in with some more updates soon.
Warmest wishes to all.
Richard.
1/15/2008 3:09:18 PM
Finally the chance for a quick update.
I am back in Australia and have just started work again after a wonderful break with family in Melbourne. Had a Birthday last week but we don"t want to talk about that. My movie, "Under a Red Moon" is in it"s final stages of post production and will be ready for screening in the beginning of February. I am still so excited about this movie for the reasons I had mentioned earlier. That is that it is such a radically different role for me and I am so happy with the way it has turned out. The cast are simply terrific and Leigh Sheehan, our Director, is literally over the moon about the end product. Anyway, we will see.
I hope to teach some classes and seminars whilst in Sydney with my friends George Adams and Fari Salievski.
So, until the next update, stay ell and warmest wishes to all.
Richard.
11/22/2007 10:45:23 AM
This photo features a T Shirt called "To The End of The Line" by Kaizen Clothing Co. The artwork, which is beautiful, was done by Mr. Ed Parker Jnr. "To The End of The Line" tells the story going to the edge and the choices we have to be on either side of life, the Ying and Yang, the Angel and Devil in us that may drive those choices. Regardless of those choices we will all reach "The End of The Line". Where do you want to be?. A friend of mine in the company, Glenn Dietz of Kaizen Clothing/High Kick Marketing, gave me this shirt at the Team Karate Center and they will be marketing a whole rrange of shirts featuring the art of Ed Parker Jnr. For those who don"t know, Mr. Ed Parker Jnr is an instructor in American Kenpo Karate and the son of the late Grand Master, Mr. Ed Parker.
11/22/2007 10:34:37 AM
Here is another shot showing the artwork on the T Shirt.
11/19/2007 9:47:47 AM
This was taken just recently in Australia when I received my Shihan ranking and Master"s certificate in Goju Ryu from my Teacher and Mentor, Hanshi Tino Ceberano. I can"t tell you what a thrill it is to still be so close to the man who started me on my incredible Martial Arts journey over 40 years ago. To receive "validation" on my Martial Arts from my original Teacher and still be training and teaching together is so representative of what it means to the idea of our arts to be like family. Hanshi is absolutely like my father in the arts and has even expressed how he feels like a proud Dad to see how one of his "children" has progressed and is still progressing in the Arts we love so much.
11/18/2007 8:21:25 PM
Well, the movie I just finished shooting is now well into post production and from what I am hearing from the Director it is so far so good. Leigh said he is so excited with the way it is cutting together. The music score is being worked on by a dear friend and wonderful composer, Frank Strangio.
As I have said on an earlier blog, the reason I am so excited by this movie is that it is a huge change of direction for me from an acting point of view. By the way, don"t get me wrong, I have no intention of stopping doing action roles should they still be offered to me. It"s just so thrilling to completely step out of one"s comfort zone and be given the chance to stretch one"s range. If you are interested in checking out the trailer for the movie, go to www.underaredmoonmovie.com. Hopefully it will be ready for release early next year. I have also put some stills from the shoot in my photo gallery in the movie section.
Cheers and check back soon my friends.
Richard.
11/9/2007 1:35:11 PM
I"m finally back online and ready to start updating my blog. It has been a busy few months working on a new movie for which I will have a trailer uploaded later today.
I am now back in Los Angeles as I was attending the American Film Market to start the Distribution process for the new flic which incidentally is called," Under A Red Moon".I can"t tell you how happy I am to have had the chance to play a totally different character in a movie. I will give you more details once I have uploaded the promo. I will also upload some new photo"s taken at the "Ultimate Karate Schools" presentation night in Melbourne, Australia at which I had the honor of receiving my Master"s certificate in Goju Ryu Karate from my master and mentor and original teacher from 45 years ago, Hanshi Tino Ceberano. Anyway, more about that in a later blog. I also had the chance to teach a number of seminars whilst back home in Oz, comprising Complexes, reality based street techniques and BJJ.
So, lot"s to update you with and I will get onto the blogs ASAP.
Chat soon.
Richard.
10/5/2007 4:02:28 PM
Hey all,
Just wanted to say hi and include a banner to a new company I am involved with. You will be very impressed with the caliber of wonderful mentors onboard with me. Just click on the banner and check it out for yourselves.
9/25/2007 12:39:49 AM
Well, we have just wrapped principal photography on my new movie, "Under a Red Moon". I feel we have a great picture and couldn"t be happier with the experience I had on this shoot. I was lucky enough to see some footage today and it looks great. We are now in Post Production of course and will be attending the American Film Market in Los Angeles on Nov 1st to start the disribution process. I can"t remember when I have had so much fun on a shoot. The aussie crew were a joy to work with in that we pretty much had a good laugh every day of the shoot, but at the same time worked hard and kept to schedule. Our Director Leigh Sheehan was fantastic in that he was so incredibly inclusive of any input from cast and crew. It takes a very secure Director to open himself up to ideas from cast and not get caught up in the ego and feel that if it not his idea, then he is not going to listen. Just a terrific experience.
Please go to the photo gallery when you get a chance as I have loaded some stills that were taken on set. Look under the "movie" section.
I will have some video footage on this blog very soon and hopefully some footage from our new flic.
Please check back soon my friends.
Warmest wishes.
9/16/2007 5:16:35 PM
Hi everyone,
Firstly my apologies for not having updated my Blog in a number of weeks. My excuse is I have been shooting a new movie in Melbourne, Australia for the past 4 weeks and we have one more week to go. Hence my not having any spare time for my site due to this being such a different role for me and scaring the pants off me. I play a judge who with a wife of over 20 years and there are incredible tensions in our marriage due to an 18 year old son who has recently died of a drug overdose. It is a real drama with no action in it. As you know, I usually at least get to do a couple of fight scenes in my movies, whether as a bad guy or the hunky hero, but not in this one. Pretty scary as this is a straight acting role. So far it is going so well and we are all having a ball. The other cast are simply fantastic and the crew, headed and Directed by my friend, Leigh Sheehan, are a joy to work with. The movie has some really great twists and turns with a dramatic ending. I guess the film really centers on the emotional mismanagement of parents in their treatment of a child with an addiction. Anyway, I will post some stills and more info in approx a week and give you a futher update then.
Warmest wishes to all.
Richard.
8/14/2007 9:26:29 PM
Hi all,
I will have a detailed blog update in a couple of days. In the meantime I have posted a few photos in the photo gallery which were taken at last weekends Masters Hall of Fame in Costa Mesa where I was honoured to be inducted into the Master"s Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Acheivement Award along with UFC Champ, Randy Couture and UFC President, Dana White. It really was a wonderful evening and to have spent it with so many of my peers in the Martial Arts was indeed an honor.
8/6/2007 9:45:56 PM
Okay, one more clip from my UFAF seminar on "Complexes". Just for your information and enjoyment.
8/6/2007 8:59:10 AM
Here"s one more clip from my seminar at Chuck Norris" Chun Kuk Do UFAF convention. Here I am explaining the first few moves in the first "Complex". Again, these are training drills designed to teach the body how to move in a coordinated and continually explosive way. Of course all of the "Complexes" are explained and demonstrated in great detail over 3 hours in my "Complexes" training DVD available on this website.
8/6/2007 8:08:33 AM
Here is a clip taken at a Seminar I conducted with the Legendary RIGAN MACHADO at Team Karate Centeal Artist.I really like his intro where he talks about Jiu Jitsu. You will need to listen carefully as Rigan is very soft spoken, a quality that belies the incredible competitor and Martial Artist that he is.
8/5/2007 10:52:39 PM
A short clip of part of my seminar at Mr. Chuck Norris UFAF convention in Las Vegas.
8/5/2007 5:11:36 PM
Here"s a little clip at the UFAF convention with Chuck Norris talking about when we first met in 1978 in Australia. Sorry about the shaky camera work and you"ll love when the camera starts shooting the curtains above.That was when I handed the camera to my wife, Judy and she had a little trouble finding the action. Hah!
7/24/2007 10:01:17 PM
Receiving an award from Mr. Chuck Norris at the UFAF Convention.
7/24/2007 8:11:26 PM
Video Clip
7/10/2007 1:29:00 AM
Bill Wallace and Super Dan Anderson at the MA SUper show in Las Vegas,
7/9/2007 3:57:06 PM
Hi all,here is my latest blog. Please enjoy. Richard
7/8/2007 9:31:20 PM
Just returned from the MA Super show in Las Vegas. Had a wonderful time and will post a report on my blog tomorrow. Check out the photo gallery for some shots in Martial Arts and Others section.
7/2/2007 9:04:58 PM
With Rigan Machado and Fariborz Azhakh at the opening of Rigan"s new school.
7/2/2007 8:58:42 PM
With my friend Sensei Cecil Peoples at the summer camp for Team Karate Centers.
7/2/2007 2:14:23 PM
With my friends. Jean Jacques and Michael Dudikoff at the opening of Rigan Machado"s new Academy
6/8/2007 10:42:13 AM
I couldn"t help loading this clip from my very first movie in the US, "The Octagon".It brings back some great memories of working with Chuck Norris and Tadashi Yamashita.Actually, the charactor of "Kyo" wasn"t supposed to be that big a deal but it ended up turning into quite a cult figure for when we shot this movie. Anyway, enjoy the clip.
6/8/2007 10:33:41 AM
I just finished enjoying a wonderful weekend at a training camp in Los Angeles for Team Karate students and affiliates, run by my friend, Mr.Fariborz.It was held at the "Cotton Tail" Ranch and boy was it fun. I taught a couple of seminars on BJJ as well as being involved in a panel of instructors present to answer question from the many students who attended the training weekend. As well as spending time with already established friends, I had a chance to meet and make some new friends in Mr Tony Martinez and his wife Sandy who run a Kenpo Karate School in Utah. I hope very soon to make a visit to Mr. Martinez" school and teach a seminar or two as well as hang out and do a "Harley" ride. I really enjoy weekends like this as I so like the chance to mix with others that have a common link of a "passion" for the Martial Arts. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention a highlight of the camp which was a visit on the Friday night of a troupe of 40 Shaolin Monks. Man, were they impressive. They did a demonstration of their various art and I think everybody there were so impressed with the speed, power and skills of these guys.
Many thanks to Fariborz for allowing me to be a part of this weekend.
6/3/2007 8:42:05 PM
Hi all,
Following is a breakdown of the contents of my new DVD "Complex Training Drills" series.They will be ready for delivery in Approx 2 weeks from now.
Develop incredible speed, learn explosive power and continuity of movement and discover advanced principles of rapid-fire attack & defense with this highly detailed and informative two disc DVD set.
Disc 1
Introduction
Volume 1
Module 1: Complex I Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex I
Module 3: Complex I with Speed
Volume 2
Module 1: Complex II Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex II
Module 3: Complex II with Speed
Volume 3
Module 1: Complex III Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex III
Module 3: Complex III with Speed
Volume 4
Module 1: Complex IV Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex IV
Module 3: Complex IV with Speed
Volume 5
Module 1: Complex V Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex V
Module 3: Complex V with Speed
Volume 6
Module 1: Complex VI Basics
Module 2: Secrets of Complex VI
Module 3: Complex VI with Speed
Disc 2
Volume 7: Skills, Drills and Advanced Principles
Module 1: Hand drill series
Module 2: Notes on Entering
Module 3: Myotatic Reflex
Module 4: Hand Drill Series continued
Module 5: Bonus Seminar Footage on Initial Speed and Velocity
Module 6: Bonus Seminar Footage on the Action-Reaction Principle
Module 7: Notes on Application
Module 8: Bonus Seminar Footage on Entering
Module 9: Myotatic Reflex continued
Module 10: Bonus Seminar Footage on Street Application
Module 11: Principles of Punching Power
Module 12: The Essence of Focus
Module 13: Bonus Seminar Footage on the Myotatic Reflex
Module 14: Velocity
Module 15: Bonus Seminar Footage on Redirection
Module 16: Notes on Principles
Module 17: Inertia Principles
Module 18: Intention
Module 19: Bonus Seminar Footage on Pre-Fight
Module 20: Notes on Strength training
Module 21: Bonus Seminar Footage on Drills and Self Defense
Module 22: Stances and Footwork
Module 23: Bonus Seminar Footage on Stances and Footwork
I think you will really like the material, especially if you have already established a good solid foundation in your Martial Arts.
Cheers and let me know your thoughts.
5/25/2007 9:44:45 PM
Hi all,
Well, I have finally finished my first DVD instructional set and it is looking great. I hope to have stock ready for sale in as little as a couple of weeks. Please check in to this site next week as I should have a promo clip of the DVD"s so you can get an advance idea of what they will be about. Again, they will be available for purchase off my website in a matter of weeks. The DVD"s will have the complete curriculum of 6 "Complex" training drills as well as lote of bonus seminar footage. I really am excited about this so please stay tuned for more information.
Thanks,
Richard.
5/11/2007 3:02:11 AM
Just an update that I have one more day"s shooting on my first instructional DVD series on my training complexes. So far it is looking great and the DVD"s will certainly allow anyone with the desire to finally learn these drills as they are quite complex and require diligent practice. I have often said in the past that if I had to choose one set of drills that I have learnt over my 45 years of training that have had the most impact on my training it would be these "complex" traing drills. They will absolutely improve your speed and ability to deliver multiple techniques in the shortest possible time. I learnt these drills over 25 years ago from Master Tadashi Yamashita and am so thankful for Master Yamashita"s guidance with these training complexes. I have often said that Master Yamashita has the fastest hands I have ever seen for a traditional martial artist and I honestly believe these drills have a lot to do with it. Anyway, I will keep you updated as to when they will be ready and available. Again,these drills are specifically geared to advanced students and Black Belts who are seriously interested in taking their training to a whole new level of expertise.
Cheers all.
Richard.
PS.If any of you out there are interested in me coming to your school to conduct seminars in BJJ of street defence or of course the Complexes, please contact me at this website or rjbromleynorton@Gmail.com and we"ll set something up.
5/11/2007 2:51:50 AM
Hi all,
Just an update on the seminar circuit.I was recently in New Zealand where I was hosted by my friend Nigel from ProActive Martial Arts. I taught a BJJ seminar one day followed by a stand up techniques class the following day. I had a ball and so enjoyed the enthusiasm of eveyone who attended. It was particulary great to spend some training time with Nigel and Anna as Nig is a Zen Do Kai student and intructor and it was so good to see some Zen DO Kai students out on the floor. Thanks again Nigel for a great time and thanks for your enthusiasm. Sorry about the slap in the head. Hah!, bur your wife put me up to it.
Last weekend I was again in Sydney with my training buddy Dr. George Adams. We had a good training weekend with a BJJ seminar on Friday night at my other friend Robert Janceski"s school followed with a street techniques seminar at George"s school on the Saturday. Once again it was a good session and thanks heaps to George and Robert and all the students for arranging the trip and of course thanks to all the students for showing your enthusiasm and hunger for some new techniques. I certainly look forward to doing a lot more training with you guys in the very near future. Thanks also to my friend Fari Salievski for putting me up for the night and being a good friend. Oh, sorry Fari for sqhashing you like a bug but it had to be done mate. You know how that goes?
4/27/2007 9:37:59 PM
I am finally going to start shooting some instructional DVD"s this coming Sunday. The first set will be on "Complexes", which are a fantastic series of drills that will help develop explosive speed, power and continuity of movement. They were originally taught to me over 20 years ago by Sensei Tadashi Yamashita. Yamashita sensei has what I consider to be the fastest hands I have seen and I believe so much of that is contributed to these "complex" training drills. I"ll keep you posted as to when they are finished and available. Keep in mind too that these drills are for the reasonably advanced martial artist who wants a way to take their already well established skills to another level.
Cheers all.
Richard.
4/20/2007 6:45:12 PM
Hey, if you get a chance, go check out "The Condemned" which opens this coming Friday in theaters in the US. This is the movie I worked on as Fight Coordinator and stars "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. I feel really good about all the fights I had a chance to choreograph and would love to know what you think of the movie.
Rich.
4/20/2007 6:37:07 PM
Well, I"ve just returned from a brief trip back to Dallas to do some voice over work for Chuck Norris" World Combat League. This show was for the final match up between Houston and Los Angeles. The fights are fantastic and if any of you out there has the "Versus" cable channel you should check it out. I also had a chance to catch up with my Jiu Jitsu coach, Mr Jean Jacques Machado. JJ is doing so well and told me the school will be moving to a new location this year with tons more mat space and a ring and a few other "goodies". I can"t wait for that. I also caught up with my buddy Lou Selceda and Big John McCarthy at Big John"s new academy out in Valencia. Lou is a JJ Machado Black Belt and has been teaching BJJ at Big John"s school for some time now and is getting some great young students in the process. I have been teaching BJJ with Lou also whenever I am in LA. Now I am back in Oz it is back to training and a start on a new 3 DVD instructional tape series on my "Complex training Drills" that have been getting a lot of attention on my recent seminar circuit here. I"ll keep you updated as to how it progresses.
I have also been invited as a headliner guest at the Martial Arts Super Show being held in Las Vegas again in the first weekend of July. I am very excited at the opportunity to attend what I am told is a "huge" event. Then, the following week in Las Vegas I will be teaching some seminars at Chuck Norris" UFAF convention. I can"t wait for that as I have such a history with the UFAF convention which I have been teaching at annually for over 25 years. The aspect I love most about teaching and attending Mr. Norris" convention is that the level of respect and commitment from all the instructors and students attending is absolutely second to none. This is so important as there are so many "modern" schools that are losing touch with the etiquette that is synonomous with the true teachings of the Martial Arts. Anyway, that"s it for now. I"ll check in again soon.
Rich.
4/18/2007 11:23:44 PM
Hi all,
This is a message to any actors out there who are in the Los Angeles area and need a great opportunity to get a scene down on tape for your demo reel or to show prospective casting Directors what you can really do. My dear friend and Director extraordinaire, Mr Adrian Carr, is conducting a 2 day On Camera Workshop that will allow any of you with a polished scene to finally get it on film and edited in the most proffessional manner possible. I have known and worked with Ade for over 25 years and can state without hesitation that he is one of the most gifted and passionate film makers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. If you feel you have a scene or monologue polished and ready for camera, go to the following website for more details on this once only opportunity. www.TallordersProductions.com. I promise you won"t be disappointed.
Rich.
3/27/2007 10:15:42 PM
I just wanted to share with you a recent experience I had involving a wonderful DVD set by Eckhart Tolle called, "Stillness Amidst The World". What a truly rewarding viewing experience it was and continues to be, watching and listening to Eckhart"s lectures on "The Power of Now".
Now, the experience I wanted to share involves what I call our tendency to "filter" and accept or not, information based on "the packaging" presented. In this instance, my wife Judy and I had purchased the DVD"s and I had put one in the player with the view to watching it whilst she was out. Anyway, I probably watched about 5 minutes of it before turning it off. When Judy arrived home, I mentioned that I was thinking of returning the DVD set due to the "ordinary" nature of Eckhart"s appearance and initial intro of the lecture. A week later I had forgotten about it until Judy remarked how great the DVD was and implored me to sit and watch it again. Well, to cut an already long story short, I figure we have probably watched the whole lecture at least 20 times and it has become one of my favorite lectures.
My point is, how many times do we accept or more importantly, not accept wonderful opportunities for knowledge based on the "packaging" of the source. I know that so often for me, the importance of a "title" or "letters" after one"s name, or how the "presenter" of whatever information is dressed will so often dictate how open I am to listening and receiving this information. In other words, I believe that we get so caught up with our own "filtering" due to past experiences that we miss the opportunity to -"empty our cup and taste somebody else"s tea". To be totally "in the moment", without clouding our perceptions with our own past or future "stories" and experiences, as Eckhart calls it, and miss receiving the possibility of some wonderful insight delivered by an "ordinary" soul right in front of us, is something I will strive to do as much as possible in my life.
Cheers from Richard.
3/27/2007 10:15:03 PM
Hi all,
Been awhile since I have posted a blog so here goes. I have been conducting quite an extensive seminar tour of Australia which has been very enjoyable for me. I have been to most of the aussie states and have just returned from teaching in Christchurch, New Zealand. The focus of my classes has been on BJJ grappling and so called "street survival techniques for the real world".
In one way it surprises me how much of a demand there is out there for techniques designed for the survival of a full on attack involving intrapersonal aggression, and at the same time it disturbs me that the psyche of so much of the general populace is that we feel we have such a need for these kinds of survival skills brought on by so much daily violence perpetrated by those minority "sociopaths" who, for a variety of reasons, find it a necessary part of survival in their daily lives.
The barrage of reports in the daily media of violent assaults involving home invasions, kidnappings, road rage or whatever brings me to the point of and defense of these types of seminars and the so called "violent" nature of some of the techniques we as martial artists are involved in in our daily classes. Again, I bring this up in reply to a certain criticism of some in society who view what we do as almost contributing to this culture of violence.
I remember a story that involved a Master and his student in a beautiful garden where the Master was lovingly pruning his roses whilst the student looked on with a quizzical look on his face. Finally the student could not help but ask his Master about something that was troubling him. He said Master, I"m confused. On one hand we learn all these "war like" techniques designed to maim and kill and on the other hand we are told not to use them. The Master"s response was simple - " It is better to be a warrior in the garden, than a gardener at war". In other words, we often do not have a choice as to when violence may be brought to our doorsteps, and if that time comes, and God knows we hope it doesn"t, then we need to be warriors with warrior skills. This is the point I make to my students. We are, or at least should not be, taking the violence to other people. You can choose to be a pacifist all your life in regards your overall behavior in society, but what if the time comes that you are in a life threatening situation involving maybe yourself, your family or loved ones. Don"t you think that in this situation it would be better to be a warrior than a gardener. Don"t we have a right to personal survival and the survival of loved ones when confronted by the "sociopath" who has no regard for your physical well being? I honestly believe we do and feel proud that in such a situation, I can and would take the role of the warrior and would feel just as proud that any student of mine could also assume the "Sheepdog" role against the "Wolf" whose only intent is to wreak havoc on the weaker of the flock.
I would love to hear any comments on this philosophy in this blog.
Take care and we"ll chat soon.
Richard Norton.
2/28/2007 4:41:05 PM
I am so incredibly saddened by the death of an old friend, Billy Thorpe this week. Bob Jones and I had just last week gone to see Billy play at the Doncaster Hotel and we had such a great time. I have never seen Billy looking or sounding better. We chatted on for an hour backstage about old times and especially, all the "new" times to come. Billy was still so full of passion for the things he had planned for the future. His Morroccan music and the planned concert with the Morroccan orchestra and concert tour here in Oz. We exchanged emails with the promise of making sure it wasn"t so long this time before catching up again. As a bit of history, I had known Billy since the late 60"s and early 70"s when I was working doors and Billy was playing with The Aztecs. Then there was the infamous Sunbury Pop Concert. Billy also was a student of ours in Zen Do Kai.
You know what is great though? Billy was the supreme example of someone who has lived every day of his life with incredible passion and a lust for life. I guess what more can you ask for.
My friends, all I can say is that we can all take a page from Billy"s life and tirelessly try to live our own lives with passion and treat every day as though it could be our last as the only moment that is real is the one we are experiencing right now. Waiting until we are 60 or 65 and retired before we start "living" is not where it"s at.
It is all up to us and the decision we choose to make as to how we will live the rest of our lives, however long or short that may be.
Rest in peace my old friend.
Sincerely,
Richard.
2/18/2007 9:44:41 PM
I have just returned from Sydney where I conducted a number of seminars on complexes and real street survival tactics. I also tauught a seminar on BJJ. I must say I had a wonderful time with the various students and particularly my friend, Dr George Adams, who arranged the seminars. I also got to see my good friend Fari Salievski which is always great. It is particulary heartening to me when I see students and instructors of various styles daring to step out of their comfort zones and participate in areas they are not necessarily comfortable with. It really does take courage to, as I call it, unfold your arms and be found out for what you don"t know. In other words, dare to participate. I remember when I had my first BJJ intro with Rickson Gracie and later with the Machado Bros. I remember wrestling some Brazilian kid who was around 16 years of age and had trained for 11 years. I know I outweighed him by heaps and was at least 2 times as strong. Yet he tied me up in so many knots it was ridiculous and seemed to be giggling and going to sleep at the same time. Now as a "stand-up" fighter" I could have walked away with justifications like, " well, I could have done this and I could have hit him with that". Instead, I had to "check my ego in at the door" and acknowledge that I felt like a baby on the floor and that I had to learn this art. Some 18 years later I am still at it with my coach, the legendary Jean Jacques Machado. What I try to tell people that come to my seminars is that we need to continually search for new knowledge and that to never look at it as -"Instead of, but as well as". It is not about the ending but all about the journey. This is why I have spent my life training with as many different styles and masters that I can and why I so applaud all of the people that took time out of their weekends to attend the seminars and "taste somebody else"s tea".
Thanks to all of you and I look forward to some more classes and training time with you in the very near future.
1/19/2007 2:34:42 AM
Firstly, I hope the New Year has started off in fantastic fashion for you all. I am starting to crank up the New Year with seminars and classes. I had a great time last week teaching at my friend Vince and Claire"s school called Ultimate Martial Arts academy. We pretty much kept it basic with the emphasis on the use and execution of Muay Thai elbow strikes and shin kicks. The students at Ultimate are great to work with because like their instructor, Renshi Vince, they are hungry and open enough to learn whatever knowledge comes their way. As I have always said, it is not about the finding, but the journey, and that so often means having the courage to step outside of your own particular comfort zone and dare to participate in an area you are unfamiliar with.
I"ll also be starting up again with some classes at my another friends Dojo run by Frank Monea. There we will again focus on areas involving "complexes", both empty hand and with weapons, Jiu Jitsu and real life street defence scenarios.
Incidently, if any of you out there reading this have schools and are interested in the idea of me coming to your school to teach a seminar or two, please drop me a line and let"s see if we can put it together. We can focus on whatever training areas you like.
So, until next time, stay well, train hard and dare to be the best.
Richard.
1/6/2007 12:25:44 AM
Hi again all. Sorry for the delay in posting a new blog but I have been in transit going back to Australia to visit family. It is good to be home again. I trust you all saw the New Year in in good fashion.
So what"s news. I am presently in the process of writing a book or two. One will be for Martial Artists wanting to break into the film business, whether as an actor, Stunt performer, fight coordinator or whatever. The book will give all soughts of info from choosing an agent and headshot, to how to make an effective demo reel and how to find the right path to networking your way onto movie sets. Importantly I will give advice on how to break down a script and choreograph an action fight scene for camera. This is all in the very early stages at this time but I will diligently work to get it all done.
Whilst in Australia I will be teaching a number of seminars which I am always excited about. As a follow up I have also started the process of making some instructional DVD"s on various subjects such as real life street techniques and traditional training complexes for developing explosive speed and power. I have been so fortunate over the past 30 years to have trained with so many legends of the martial arts and I am anxious to pass on so much of the knowledge I have attained over those incredibly informative years. Anyway, I"ll keep you informed as to the progress of these endeavors.
Until then, enjoy the start of a great 2007 and may all your dreams and aspirations come to pass.
Warm wishes, Richard.
12/9/2006 11:00:42 AM
I wanted to thank all the students and Master Fariborz himself for inviting me along to the Team Karate Dojo to teach a seminar on Thursday evening. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you all and was particularly energised by the enthusiasm of all there to get on the mat and learn some new techniques and most of all, have some fun doing it. I"ve always said it is so easy to accept mediocrity in our lives and not want to step out of our comfort zones and dare to try something different. By just being there the other night, you as students of the arts have shown that you are more than willing to "dare" to participate and to "taste somebody else"s tea".
Thanks again and I look forward to many more session"s with you guys at Team Karate.
Sincerely,
Richard Norton.
Another group shot with my Adelaide friends.
