DallasKenpo.com - Chamberlain Studios of Self-Defense

Professor Cates is well known to many of our dojo members as the Judo instructor of Clark Sensei, the head of Jiyushinkai Aikido. Professor Cates and his wife master Mary Cates will be conducting a 3 day workshop on the weekend of August 25-27th, 2006. There will be 3 hours of instruction on Friday night, 6 hours of instruction on Saturday (broken up into two 3 hour sessions with lunch in-between) and a 3 hour Sunday morning workout. Below is a segment from one of our e-mails describing the content of the workshop...as you can see we will be busy!

We will cover practical and effective principles of martial arts, which are the foundation of the Neko Ryu

Goshin Jujitsu System, exemplified by the feline species, "The Cat". That is the natural movement, relaxed power, strategy and cunning of the revered house cat, of course. (We will emphasize training techniques and tips on how to extend your martial arts career for a lifetime without chronic injury. Also we will include adversarial psychology, and extended ki development, Kodokan Judo, Tachiwaza (standing techniques) and Newaza (grappling techniques) as they relate to other martial arts disciplines.)

The areas of concentration we would like to put in front of you for your thoughts and ideas. Let us know if you have any special requests as well....

1.      Judo throws, falling and rolling, Grappling mat work, Submissions (chokes, arm bars, pins) and Counter-techniques.
2.      Principles and concepts of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu.
3.      Principles of Ki, extension of Ki, kuzushi, and follow-ups.
4.      Successful principles and techniques for longevity in the martial arts: Geriatric Judo.
5.      Instruction on edged weapons defense.

When:    Friday, August 25th, 6:30pm-9:30 pm
              Saturday, August 26th, 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm
              Sunday, August 27th, 9am-12pm

Cost:     $120 per participant, $25 spectators. Pre-register at: 214-351-5367   CSSD Members: $95 and $15.
              At the door: $145 and $45. Space is limited.
              Bring a group of 6 or more people and get the members rate!

Limited overnight stays available at the dojo or the dojo house, call for information.

This is a rare opportunity to train with one of the world’s best...take it!

Biography - Professor Ernie Cates

Ernie Cates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ernie Cates is the creator of Neko-ryu Goshin Jitsu, holding a tenth degree black belt (Ju Dan). Professor Cates was awarded the title of Professor from the U.S. Judo Association of which he currently holds an eighth degree black belt (Hachi Dan) in Kodokan Judo. He also holds a seventh degree black belt in Taiho J u-Jutsu (Police Tactics) and a seventh degree black belt in Goshin Jitsu (Self Defense Tactics). Professor Cates was recognized by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council as Soke (or founder and head of family) for the Neko-ryu system making the system a recognized and validated martial art.

Professor Cates has been inducted into the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame; the International Association of Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the World Head of Family Sokeship Council International Hall of Fame.

Professor Cates is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Captain. During his career in the Marines, he was the 1956 Okinawa Judo Champion, the overall All Marine Corps Judo Champion from 1959 to 1963 and the All Marine Corps Judo Champion from 1959 to 1965 in his weight division. He was also twice the USMC Inter-service Grand Champion in Judo. Professor Cates is currently the only American ever to be awarded the Japanese Ambassador's Cup in Judo which he received in 1962. Professor Cates has taught over half a million U.S. Marines in hand-to-hand combat. Professor Cates has served as Captain of the Eastern United States USMC Team Championships and the Southern U.S. AAU. Professor Cates also trained Dan Severn for the Ultimate Fighting Championships.

During a military tour of Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, at the University of Hue he trained Ngo Dong in Judo, and helped Professor Dong add Judo techniques to the art of Cuong Nhu.

Professor Cates also served as a law enforcement officer and taught police recruits in tactical training at the Mid-Michigan Police Academy while serving as a deputy sheriff in Shiawasi County, Michigan. The mid-Michigan Police Academy is located in Lansing and serves as a training ground for all of Michigan's Law Enforcement drug task force entry teams. Professor Cates has trained Federal, State and local law enforcement officers throughout the United States, and has been chosen to instruct nuclear facility and private security personnel. Professor Cates has also served as the Michigan State University Judo Team Coach.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Cates"

Category: American judoka

This interview was conducted 6 March, 2006 at the Burlington Martial Arts Center, Burlington, NC

Grandmaster Cates was a close personal friend of Master Bohan and as you will read, Bohan Sensei was one of his first students when he opened the now famous Jacksonville, NC dojo. The dojo was co-operated by Grandmaster Don Nagle. Grandmaster Cates, or Professor Cates as he is more commonly called, runs a Ju-Jitsu dojo in the rear part of the Burlington Martial Arts Center owned by Master Dan Glover in Burlington, NC. His students and associates read like a who’s who in American Martial Arts. He is as active as ever and trains and teaches five times a week. I am truly honored to have been able to interview him and greatly appreciate his taking time to sit with me for this interview. H. P. Henry

Q1. When did you first realize that the martial arts would have such a profound impact on your life?

A1. "Age 14, I trained in Ju-Jitsu under my neighbor and his sons in Marion, IA."

Q2. You ran a dojo in the late 1950’s in Jacksonville, NC outside the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, can you tell us a little about it (date it opened/location/size/etc.)?

A2. "I opened Shotokan Dojo of Judo, Jujitsu and Karate Dojo during the summer of ’57. I was a nidan and my partner was my student Jim Giles, Ikkyu.. The location was 220 N. Bridge St. in Jacksonville, NC. I was a basic one floor storefront and the mat size was 12’ x 20’. My early students included Don Bohan, Ed Chapman, Ed McGrath, Ron Duncan, Lt. B.T. Burke and Gene Rodriguez."

Q3. You seem to have always had a close relationship with the Isshinryu Community, why is that and what is your opinion of the Isshinryu Karate system?

A3. "I knew Shimabuku Sensei socially while stationed in Okinawa from ’55-’57, he was a friend of one of my judo instructors Agana Sensei. I met, Don Nagle, at a demonstration given at one of the base clubs, we became life-long friends. When my partner at the dojo Jim Giles transferred to Parris Island in late ‘57, Don (Nagle) became my new partner. When I was stationed in Okinawa, Isshinryu was not a recognized system of Martial Arts. Shimabuku Sensei had only a few students and none from my recollection were Okinawa. I t should be noted that Karate and Judo at that time was part of special services and I was assigned to special services for duty. Also, I was named as the USMC representative for the Okinawa Sports Council, in other words I had much greater access to the martial arts community. I thought then and I still think now that Isshinryu is an excellent system, Nagle and I shared a number of students back then. Dan Glover for example, one of my senior students and the Soke Dai of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu is also a high- ranking Isshinryu karate-ka. I have always worked closely with the Isshinryu community and they with me."

Q4. How is your system of Neko Ryu Ju-Jitsu different from some of the better known Ju-Jitsu systems such as Danzan-Ryu?

A4. "Mine works! (Laughs). Neko-Ryu is based primarily on Goshin Jitsu and Kodokan Judo. It was developed in 1962 and the three originators were myself, Kotani Sensei (the last of the living tenth dans, and my sensei at the kodokan), and Nakabashi Sensei who had been the combative measures instructor at the Japanese Naval Academy. Consequently, I sponsored Nakabashi Sensei’s visa into the U.S. as a consultant for USMC hand-to-hand combat."

Q5. Cross training is more widely accepted now than it was say 20 or 30 years, what is your opinion of cross training?

A5. "Don Nagle and I initiated cross training at the dojo in Jacksonville, NC. He (Nagle) insisted that his students learn to fall and have basic throws. Don played Judo to broaden his knowledge of martial arts. I insist on cross training with my students.

Not to cross train cripples the martial arts, without it you can become a mechanic, but never an artist”. - E. Cates 2006"

Q6. I understand you helped train UFC champion Dan Severn, what was that like?

A6. "This was a very positive experience for me; Dan Severn is truly a warrior and a gentleman. The whole thing went well and was fun. To be honest, we weren’t all that influential (laughs). Dan was a five time Greco-Roman wrestling champion, so his groundwork skills were pretty substantial. We were contracted to work with Dan in Detroit prior to his fight with Shamrock. We immediately became friends and he has since reciprocated by attending our functions teaching ground fighting."

Q7. Of all the Judo players that have come up through the ranks throughout your career, who was the most naturally gifted judoka in your opinion?

A7. "Three people come to mind. Hayward Nishioka, Toshioki Seino, and Pat Burris. Pat Burris was the only junior I had in my class, the rest were adults."

Q8. As a career U.S. Marine, have you ever been a hand-to-hand combat instructor? If so, what was the curriculum you taught like?

A8. "Yes, I was a Hand-to-Hand Combat instructor for the Marine Corps. I developed and taught a program for the USMC and naval personnel as far back as 1955. I was a Hand-to-Hand Combat instructor at Parris Island (Marine Corps Boot Camp) for five years. Neko-Ryu techniques are currently being taught to Marines throughout the Marine Corps. The curriculum I taught was basic, easy to learn, and extremely effective."

Q9. You were awarded the prestigious Colonel Biddle award while in the Marine Corps, can you tell our readers a little about this award?

A9. "Drexel D. Biddle was an eccentric millionaire who actually had a movie made about him called, “The Happiest Millionaire”. Biddle wasn’t a Marine in the usual sense; he was given his commission and rank to colonel by congress and didn’t follow the normal process of promotion. He trained, outfitted, and armed a special unit and offered them to the USMC, this is how rank and such came about. The award was developed by Biddle’s son and family, and was awarded each year to the All Marine Judo Champion. I was awarded this trophy five times in a row, 1959-1964."

Q10. I know you had a close personal relationship with Isshinryu Karate Pioneer Don Nagle; did the two of you train a lot together? If so, what are some of the principles of fighting that you taught to him, and what did he teach you?

A10. "Yes, we trained quite often. I taught him standing Judo and ground fighting which he later used in his Law Enforcement career. We sparred a lot; it was different than what goes on today. It was more like randori than kumite. “What I learned from Nagle was to crowd him and work to the right”."

Q11. I understand that your wife is also an accomplished martial artist in a Vietnamese style of fighting, can you elaborate?

A11. "Mary is actually my second wife, my first wife Pat died a few years ago. Master Mary, 7^th Dan is the senior black belt in the Vietnamese martial arts of Cuong Nhu. An early Judo student of mine created Cuong Nhu named Ngo Dong. I taught him during my tour in Vietnam ’66-’67 while attached to Psychological Operations. Grand Master Dong migrated to the U.S. and enrolled in the college that my wife Mary was working at in 1970. She trained with him up until his passing in 2000. I lost track of Dong after I left Vietnam and we met up again in 1990. He by then had developed Cuong Nhu and had a following of students around the country. Cuong Nhu is a very strict, broad based curriculum of effective techniques from seven styles of martial arts"

Q12. What can a new student to your dojo expect to see on their first night of training?

A12. "They’ll see a room full of martial artists practicing hard with a great amount of enthusiasm. It’s our philosophy that if your willing to pay large amounts of money to go through a martial arts boot camp and be miserable, your to dumb to be a martial artist in the first place."

A13. "Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ) is the groundwork of Kodokan Judo. Brazil has the second largest population of Japanese nationals. What the Gracie family teaches and demonstrates is far superior in its effectiveness than basic BJJ. The Gracie’s excel at two things, they are the best grapplers that I know of, and their marketing is second to none. I admire them in all aspects of their martial arts careers.

Kodokan instructors introduced Sambo, to the Russians in the 30’s. The Russians changed the emphasis of the game as well as the name. It’s basically Judo with an attitude!"

A14. "Taiho Jitsu is merely police tactics that are taught by the Kodokan to the law enforcement personnel. The movements are mostly defensive and they stress apprehension techniques as well."

Q15. You’ve met, known or trained with some of the best Judoka in the U.S., can you give a one-word response to the ability of some of the better-known Judo practitioners/coaches?

Wally Jay- One of the few true Martial Artists. Under-rated in his contribution to Judo. I’ve never heard him (Jay) say a bad thing about anyone.

Hayward Nishioka- Extremely gifted, well coached by Ken Kunuiki, one of the finest ever.

Ben Campbell- Excellent Martial Artist. He has my respect as a martial artist and as a man"

Q16. Have you had much interaction with European Judo? If so, what are their strong points?

A16. "Power Judo! It’s what probably ruined Judo in the U.S.. They introduced drills to the Judo curriculum and got away from the Kodokan style of Judo. In 1964 we (U.S.) were ranked 4th in the world, and by ’72 we were ranked towards the bottom and have stayed there. Here’s the one instance that cross training worked against us."

Q17. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would you like the title to be?

"There has been so much creative history and literary license taken by those people who weren’t there."

A18. "I stretch before and after each workout. My power work is done on the bench and not with isometric exercise. I always grapple with my students and I use a drill I call “snake and blanket” extensively. In this drill the blanket covers, wedges and pins and the snake maneuvers free and escapes. 10 minutes of this equals 20 minutes of calisthenics."

Q19. Your son “Moose” Cates has been identified as your successor to the Neko-Ryu Ju-Jitsu system, can you tell us a little about his background?

A19. "He’s 44 years old and I’ve been training him since he was a year old. He has a lot of natural ability. I feel confident that Neko-Ryu will flourish under his leadership. He is also a big advocate of cross training."

Q20. After 58 years in the martial arts, what is in your opinion the most significant change that has to take place for the martial arts to survive?

A20. "Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of verbal sparring on the Internet. Most of the time it’s by someone who chooses to stay anonymous or uses a synonym. Either way the respect I once saw for those who paved the way is now being challenged at every step and its usually by someone who wasn’t there nor would they be able to handle that type of training environment. The Internet is not the mat and some of these paper tigers will never understand real martial arts and real martial artists. The superiority of a martial art is not proven by words on the Internet, enough said.

Secondly, people need to continue training, no matter how old or injured they become, they need to train. Too many Black Belts are sitting on the sidelines and observing rather than participating."

Q21. Ronald Duncan, one of the pioneers of Ninjutsu in the U.S., was once a judo student of yours, what do you remember of him as a student?

A21. "Ron Duncan was and is a quiet, humble, polite, and extremely hard working martial artist of great ability. He cross- trained constantly. He took advice from everyone and I never heard him criticize anyone. I’m proud of the fact that I was influential in his learning process."

A22. My initial instructor was Matsamoto Sensei in Okinawa, he taught me the principles. He w

as a kind, gentleman strict on some areas and verbal about others. He wouldn’t let people Makekomi in the dojo and wouldn’t tolerate racism or anger. The mat in his eyes was a micro world and you would experience various emotions throughout your training sessions.

A23. "From what I remember it was a hot day. The location was at the World’s Fair in N.Y. City. We had plastic covered Tatami mats. The first match-up was Toshioki Seino. He took his place on the mat and received 2nd degree burns on the bottoms of his feet. The plastic covered mat had been in the sun all day. He (Sano) was the best we had and because of this incident he never played Judo again. Judo was in its infancy and the promoters didn’t understand how to hold a trial. After the S

ano foot burning accident, the mats were taken inside and allowed to cool. The rest of the trial was held in an amphitheater. There were bad calls throughout the event and one referee was actually relieved after making a bad call during one of my matches."

A24. "I love the Martial Arts with all my heart, especially for what it’s given me. I’ve had a real good life. My wife and I, do most of our research practicing in the living room so training for me never ceases.

Additionally, it angers me that within the Martial Arts we have so much squabbling and stupidity under the cover of anonymity. If someone has something to say, say it and don’t hide under some code name on the Internet. A good friend of mine was recently attacked on the Internet and the attacker left this disrespectful and disgraceful statement on a message board without a name attached. This has no place in the Martial Arts.

Professor Ernie Cates Seminar August 25, 26 27, 2006

Biography - Professor Ernie Cates

Ernie Cates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Professor Ernie Cates Seminar
August 25, 26 27, 2006