black arts
Grandmaster Gus Michalik and the Black Arts System of Unarmed Military Combat (Black Arts)
March 15, 2006
I am writing to give a medical assessment of the Black Arts which is one element of services offered by HSTI.
The black Arts are primarily based on the art of Dim Mak which has foundations in ancient Chinese Acupuncture theory. Acupuncture theory describes a life force which circulates through distinct ‘invisible’ pathways in the body. Strikes to points along these pathways are known to disrupt energy from the life force resulting in illness or death.
These ‘invisible pathways are actually branches of to autonomic nervous system which control the basic essential functions of vital organs. The energy described as Dim Mak is actually electrical current that carries messages throughout the nervous system. Thus, interruption of current through severe compression or stretching of a nerve from forceful strike or holds will create intense pain and dysfonction of organs that are regulated by the automatic nervous system.
The branches of the autonomic nervous system travel throughout the body including the limbs, head, neck, and trunk and can be traced back to the spinal cord, where they often insert at points in close proximity to nerves that communicate with, and regulate vital organs. The close convergence in the spinal cord of the branches of the autonomic nervous system with the vital organs is what makes specific sequential strikes to the nervous system so deadly. Forceful strikes to the limbs, head, neck, and trunk can indirectly trigger damage to the internal vital organs.
Personally I have studied traditional martial arts for many years achieving a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Currently, I am preparing for my Black Belt grading in Wado Ryu Karate. However, in addition, I have completed a Black Belt in the Black Arts with Grandmaster Gus Michalik. With regard to the application of these fighting styles in combat. I have not seen self-defence techniques as lethal as those taught in the Black Arts. The techniques require some understanding of acupuncture theory which is part of the Black Arts curriculum, but do not require any previous martial arts experience nor do they require superb physical conditioning to be effective. The techniques can be learn relatively quickly and with practice can be far more effective in combat than the techniques employed in sporting application of traditional martial arts.
The Black Arts are particularly effective in close quarter combat. Emphasis is placed on distance control. Specific footwork is utilized in combination with strikes or holds applied to the limbs, head, neck, or trunk to attack the autonomic nervous system creating intense pain while closing distance on the attacker. The closing of distance greatly reduces the chance of injury due to the attacker strikes. Depending on the self-defence situation, Grandmaster Michalik may utilize principles of Dim Mak alone or in combination with joint locks and throws from Korean Hapkido (a self-defence branch of Tae Kwon Do), or Japanese Ju Jitsu. It is the strikes and holds to the autonomic nervous system in combination with closing the distance that separates the Black Arts from sporting applications of traditional martial arts. Traditional martial arts require open space and often strike from long distances-a situation which is often not realistic in combat situations.
However, if a confutation should begin at distance, the Black Arts techniques strive to close distance using avoidance, deflection, blocking, and striking in combination with footwork to attain proper position and control.
In summary, I feel that the Black Arts combine scientific Knowledge of the autonomic nervous system from ‘western’ medicine in combination with acupuncture theory from ‘Eastern’ Oriental medicine. The result is the most effective martial arts training for military personnel who may encounter life threatening situations in combat. Testimony to the Black Arts success is the students from around the world who have studied over the years with Grandmaster Michalik.
Sincerely your,
Larry Takeuchi M.D.,M.Sc., FRCPC
Director, Critical Care Medicine Residency Program-Mc Master University, Hamilton, Ontario
Director, Regional Critical Care Program-Mc Master University, Hamilton, Ontario
Director, Critical Care Response Unit- Central South Ontario
Associate Clinical Professor, Dept. of Anesthesia- Mc Master University, Hamilton, Ontario
Assistant Chief, Dept. of Anesthesia- St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario
Chair, Education Committee- Canadian Critical Care Society
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