Featured Culture:
Martial Arts Legends
The image you see to the right was to be from the 4th Magazine, which was never published (yet two articles and a third (click Elivs) along with a new Letter from the Editor appear here.
The 3rd magazine (a variation of which is below) was also never published as seen. 10,000 copies were printed, many never to return. Some are still available through online sites. Click images to see full vintage articles This is why we have shared this information, as it allows the writers to tell their stories, to be reflected upon historically.
Letter from the Editor: 7/31/2018
You might have noticed some familiar faces in and among our Featured Culture this month; which by now you know the theme to be: ... Celebrity through the Martial Arts.
As a first public surprise, I introduced the would be, 'Cover' and Story (Dreams from Berlin) which was never released.
From that same issue, also 'never released' is an article (below) from Master Tom Saviano, President of the White Tiger Kenpo Karate association.
What? Who? Why is that celebrity? Breaking it down simply...
First, he (Tom) is a modest person despite his World Class and prowess, second Tom Saviano (among others) was instrumental in helping not only move the magazine forward; but also introduce me to many celebrities who helped to shape the 'contemporary' culture of the martial arts world.
I happen to know, as <spoilers> I started KickBoxX Magazine, hiring everyone in it...approving, writing, or authorizing each and every article, paying everyone or trading event coverage for new articles. I left my own company, because of the cover story (and cover) that was never published. I stand by those actions to this day, even though it cost me dearly, my life has changed forever through these efforts.
You see, it was not about Arnold as the celebrity, or the political figure. It still is not. One Road Many Paths is non-political and non-religious nor supported by any such platform. Common to all, and things of the greater good are the always focus, which is why I have chosen to release what I had. The cover story was about Arnold taking the time away from his premier because a young boy called out to him for an autograph. He stopped his red carpet walk and did just that.
Also, he pulled from theaters a movie of his called 'Collateral Damage' from theaters when actual damage happened to real buildings at that time. He didn't do it for celebrity. He was already one. Then there was his family who started the Special Olympics (who just celebrated their 50th year.)
(see and hear the role Eunice Kennedy had that changed world: https://youtu.be/pHdTvBEZi3Q)
During all those dinners, breakfasts, lunches, birthdays and celebrations don't you think they discussed the nature of such things causing their hearts to change to match these emotions? Of course they did. Anyone and everyone should applaud them for it. And if no one does, then do we not all 'need' people like this in the world to create positive energy to allow others to gather it? We are truly the result of our efforts, even if they are not recognized. What price integrity? We'll explore that topic more later, in the meantime, please visit the Featured Culture section of our website to let the celebrity of what those authors are saying come through.
Then there are all of those efforts which remain, including all of the people and lives who they touched. Olympian are they not? On the topic of which, of note; it was also Tom Saviano and one of his students, Keith Hackney who fought and got the ancient sport of Pankration to the Olympics.
Back to celebrity, here are the short version highlights which I would like to share:
Elvis Presley
Bruce Lee
and Muhammad Ali
Bruce v. Ali who would win is still all over the internet today. The articles on Bruce Lee (which were purposely shared as scanned images rather than searchable text so that one might actually read them as if a magazine) show much new information about the Sid Campbell/Bruce Lee early years and reflections from legend Bob Wall.
KickboxX was started featuring Tom Letuli on the cover (his dear friend, Chuck Norris is featured on the 3rd/final magazines cover.) Due to his passing, I waited 6 months before releasing the magazine out of respect for his loss. With circuitous likeness, I 'Re-leased ' the 3rd unpublished issue (w/Chuck) after just recently learning of the passing of Claude Davis, sparring partner of Ali.
Let the stories be told, shared...and remembered.
Didn't we forget someone? Yes...Elvis.
Elvis had a few martial arts instructors
Master Rhee
Jeff Speakman
Mike Stone and
Master Ed Parker
Master Ed Parker had a student named
John McSweeney
who trained Master Tom Saviano
who trained Keith Hackney
who fought the Giant (https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/union-county/2015/12/23/manny-yarborough-rahway-gentle-giant/77847208/) the biggest man in sports.
Or was that Rick Roufus vs Akebono?
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Roufus)
Legend, celebrity, memory, history...or are we actually carrying culture forward? Take your pick.
Thus...this is not just 'Celebrity' to be causal. I am showing you these things, as contemporary, cultural history history. What, did you think we were just going to talk about national cultures....? Hope you were surprised...and inspired...and continue to be...and now, from...'The Issue I had to quit for you to see...'
“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” Bruce Lee
(Editors Note: The above was written just today after meeting again with Tom. His submission below, was dated in the email (12/12//2010 which I was to use releasing it as a ten year issue then went back to consulting the DOD for a while) although I recall it to be included in the never released 4th issue. Which puts it nearly 10 years prior. Some things remain timeless...)
ORIGINS Master Tom Saviano on Celebrity
When the publishers of KickBoxX first informed me of this issues' theme – I thought, “Celeb's will be easy...” Wrong! It seems to me that we as a society have more celebrities than we need. A rock group has one hit and they become “Celebrities – a Martial Arts student wins a tournament or two in their own city and they become World Champions which then qualifies them as “Celebrities...”
In my whole life I can not say that I've met as many celebs as I have during the last decade – Every one is famous (a legend in their own mind. Let me explain just exactly what a true celebrity is:
“A famous person, or a renowned person of notoriety.”
Some great examples that come to mind are name like Elvis Presley, Michael Jordan, Robert DeNiro or any person that has dedicated themselves to a lifetime of earning the title of celebrity.
When these people walked into a room everything stopped. A true celebrity is known for an accomplishment that is unusual. And while a great entertainer, athlete or actor is considered to be a celebrity – the title cannot be given to oneself but must be awarded to them by their peers or followers.
Many of us have chosen a certain path to follow. In my case – the path has been decades of Martial Arts training, competing, teaching, coaching and officiating. I've been very fortunate because I've met and become friends with many 'real' celebrities. Not all of them have became lifetime friends but none the less – I was in the company of such notables as Grandmasters Ed Parker, Al Tracy, Helio Gracie, Ron Van Clief and a few other we known celebs. As I prepare this column I can't help but recall a few close and personal friends that are celebrities in the truest sense of the word. These people are well known because they really are the movers and shakers – the people that have carved a path, no, carved a passage – a passage large enough to allow hundreds of martial artists past and present, to follow them into the future. Men like Master's Fred Degerberg, Joe Gangi, John McSweeney, Steve Abbate, and others who have paid their dues through decades of helping build not only their own Mart Art systems – but helping to instigate the growth of Martial Arts and N.H.B. (No Holds Barred) fighting here in the United States and around the world.
These men and countless others are the real celebrities because they do it for the love and honor of their chosen paths.
I've been fortunate enough to conduct Marts Arts seminars throughout the United States – and I'm always amazed at how some local yokel insists on being considered a celebrity. But then I'm always pleased to find someone else, the quiet reserved professional that just does what needs to be done to help the growth of the Martial Arts as a whole.
I can only hope that some young and impressionable Martial Arts students will read these words and realize that all of the loud, boisterous, self-proclaimed celebrities who aren't even worth naming should not be copied, but ignored.
If you must emulate someone – look around and take notice of the people that do not force their inflated titles and other loud claims upon you. These quiet men and women are to be truly respected for in my opinion, they are the 'true' celebrities. I hope to someday celebrate the popularity of an up-and-coming Martial Artist that may be quietly building a reputation on their deeds rather than loud words – a reputation that will follow them throughout their lives. These individuals are tomorrows “Celebs.”
GRANDMASTER Tom Saviano
His Philosophy:
“The simplest thing any instructor can do is to teach his students a method by which they can defend themselves. That’s the ‘Physical’ side of the martial arts. The ‘mental’aspect is a bit more complex; requiring patience, perseverance, respect for others and the knowledge they possess comes only with time and proper guidance.”
The System:
Tom Saviano created his White Tiger fighting system by combining Southern Chinese, Northern Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan fighting arts. Rather than the usual focus put on direct strikes, this system is composed of circular blocks, linear and circular strikes, grabbing, throwing, sweeping and joint locking techniques.
