Over the years I have heard many conversations about our right to use self-defense. I have been asked many times about having to register my hands with the government.  There have been lots of exaggerations in this area.  The fact is, in America, we have never had to register our hands.  I remember when a friend called to tell me how great his son was doing in the martial arts.  He had studied in the military overseas and had all the requirements for his right hand to be registered and almost enough requirements to register his left hand. I immediately invited his son to join our kumite or free sparring class, because I was pretty sure, with that type of background, that we would not have any trouble controlling him. I think it is always interesting when people share nonsense with someone who is a master in a certain area, whether it is music, law, or the martial arts. Anyone who has studied his or her art for a period of time would know better.

 This rumor may have started because Japan had a revolution in the 1500-1600's, and the Emperor put out a mandate that all weapons would be banned. As martial arts flourished later, his response was to register the hands of the martial artists.  That has never been the case in America.

 Most serious martial artists join a martial arts association.  There are many associations in the United States.  I'm personally president of the Universal Isshin-Ryu Association.  It's purpose is to standardize the rank of the martial artists within the schools that belong to the Universal Isshin-Ryu Association, and to make certain the students are following the guidelines that are necessary for their black belt and above promotions.  Of course, members also enjoy many seminars on a regular basis for the continuing education of our black belt instructors.  We promote many tournaments, the sport aspect of karate.  Many young men, women and children are enjoying competing in tournament play in the martial arts.

 A most enjoyable aspect of my 40+ years of training has been the friendships I have developed in the martial arts, such as Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, and many of the local competitors in the Knoxville and East Tennessee area.  I also have thousands of students who have studied with me over this period of time, and it is a pleasure to see them develop and mature.  The friendships are important, which is another reason for the associations. But we never join associations to register our hands.

 In today's legalistic society, I always advise my students to avoid street fights.  If there is a confrontation that develops into physical abuse, you can bet there will be a lawsuit; someone will go to jail until their bail can be posted, and there will be a trial with civil penalties.  It can be especially difficult for martial artists if, in fact, they have provoked the fight or confrontation.  My statement to students at all times is to never provoke a confrontation, but neither run from it.  If there is a bully at school or at work, invite him to your karate class.  That will either change his attitude or he won't last long in a karate class that is well instructed. 

There are a couple of simple, basic rules to follow if you are faced with conflict.  I would always use the one arm rule, which means that you stay at least his (not yours) arm's length away.  Only do what is necessary to subdue your opponent.  If you carry it past that, you are liable for lawsuit.  There is normally a lot of confusion where there has been a confrontation. If you were part of that confrontation, I would advise you to leave the scene as soon as possible.  If there has been an injury, someone will take care of that.  The reason for leaving is because the person that has been in the confrontation with you will have friends, or perhaps family, who will arrive at the scene and you will have to injure them, or perhaps they will injure you. It is best to leave the scene and call the police immediately.  Remember to never use any more force than is necessary.  At the same time, you must remain alert to all of your surroundings, and everything going on around you.  I would remind you that if you were the Christian or the moral person you should be, you would not be at places that create conflicts and problems.

 The best way to escape a problem is to solve it peaceably.

 Pete Mills, Ju-Dan

10th Degree Black Belt

Isshin-Ryu Karate