What Is Handwerker-Ryu?
Handwerker-Ryu is an inevitable progression of my martial journey as it would be for anyone else nowadays who has studied under different instructors and different styles. As your studies deepen and progress you end up developing your own personal style within the style(s) you have studied.
Like many people, I began my studies in Tae Kwon Do. This was a good start, but not being a sport focused person, the competition aspect of the school and the art began to sour me. Then an instructor of mine turned me on to Master George Dillman and his Okinawan art which focuses on pressure points. I found this self defense style intriguing and was my primary center of my studies ever since. Ryukyu Kempo and its elements of Kyusho Jitsu and Tuite’ form the base of Handwerker-Ryu. This is the source of the kata, along with some of the theories of kata break down. However, many of the kata I originally learned as I progressed up the ranks have not made it into my curiculum.
Through my pressure point studies, I was introduced on to Modern Arnis, developed by Remy Presas. Professor Presas once said that Modern Arnis was the art within your art. This holds true with Handwerker-Ryu. Arnis is taught as part of the art, not separately. I feel that it is very important that empty hand stylists know a weapon. I chose the short stick and the style of arnis because of its practicality. Most places you go there will be something in your environment that can be used as a stick. Along with Bram Frank’s modular knife system, these two additions are priceless.
The basics of Jujitsu (Small Circle and Gracie) are also incorporated. Martial artists should know how to roll and fall as well as be familiar with ground fighting; even if it is to the level of surviving just a couple more seconds. I also pull some theories, techniques and training drills from Krav Maga, Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi and my security training to fill in the cracks where necessary.
As a traditional piece, I have added the samurai sword and fundamentals as taught through Kenjitsu. The sword is not a practical weapon when placed next to a handgun or rifle of today, but it is an elegant and classical weapon that students should know the basics of.
Handwerker-Ryu is a complete style covering empty hand, stick, knife and ground training. However, it will never be completely complete. I am and always will be a student of the martial arts. Just as I have grown into my own style so will my style continue to grow.
© 2012, Handwerker Productions & Training, LLC