Fighting Arts

Fighting Arts:
A Natural and Beautiful Art Form

by K. Leigh Wisotzkey

Fighting is as natural and beautiful as the birth of a baby, considering when a baby is born, it fights to leave the mother’s womb, to take its first breath of air, and to focus newborn eyes in a world of bright light. Why then, would people shy away from a fighting arts system, rather than recognize it as the beautiful martial arts form that it is?

Sanuces Ryu Jiu-jitsu, a fighting arts system developed by Dr. Moses Powell Grand Master, is a unique martial arts system that readies students for combat, rather than simply teaching form. But don’t let the harsh sound of the word “combat” close your mind. After all, being able to defend yourself in a life-threatening situation is not considered violent when you compare it to the daily social and economic battles we fight for our own self-preservation.

On February 17, Dr. Moses Powell will conduct a two-hour Sanuces Ryu Jiu-jitsu seminar in Harrisburg. Ngozi, Inc., Universal African Fighting Arts Systems and The Federation are proud to present this seminar as part of Black History Month to give the Harrisburg community the opportunity to see a bit of history through exposure to this African American living legend of martial arts. Participation in this seminar is open to anyone of any experience or interest level in martial arts (even brand new), as well as to anyone who prefers to attend as a spectator.

As a martial arts legend, Dr. Powell shares that spotlight with the likes of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. The pages of Black Belt magazine have long carried Powell’s familiar face as a martial arts great. In the area of achievement, Dr. Powell has many to his name: He was the first martial artist ever invited to perform at the United Nations. He was a featured demonstrator at the 1965 NY World’s Fair. And, he was the first Afro-American martial artist ever to teach the fighting arts to the FBI, the Secret Service, the DEA, and many police departments around the country. In the area of experience and study, Dr. Powell brings over 40 years of experience and study in fighting arts and has taught his Sanuces Ryu Jiu-jitsu system to a half million students all over the world.

For those unfamiliar with martial arts, it may come as a surprise to find accomplished martial arts instructors as peaceful in demeanor as they are. According to Professor King Ogun Ali Muhammad, Founder & Chief Instructor of the Universal African Fighting Arts Systems, Dr. Powell is “taught by a higher consciousness/spirit.” He also says, “High Priests of martial arts seek that level,” and seek to be “in harmony with the Universe.” Muhammad’s association with Dr. Powell goes back 25-30 years and he holds a 7th degree black belt in Powell’s fighting arts system. As a student of fighting arts, Professor Muhammad attests that this study is of health, mind, and spirit. “A good martial artsman wants to be in harmony, respectful, and humble,” he says. Martial arts teaches discipline, focus, and control of ego. The fighting arts aren’t designed to give the student a false sense of confidence, but “can help save your life if you have to.” Muhammad says he tries to maintain a “peaceful, loving state.”

In regards to the upcoming seminar, taught by Dr. Powell, Professor Muhammad encourages all to attend. “It is important for our children and adults to know and learn our black living legends. We shouldn’t wait for them to die in order to acknowledge them; we must honor our black living legends - this is the thread that keeps our culture alive.” In addition to stressing the significance of this event in celebration of Black History Month, Powell’s seminar is significant in the martial arts world. Muhammad adds, “Each seminar participant will have visual, hands on instruction and a chance to show their skills. We are expecting martial artists from various parts of the region to experience Dr. Powell’s mastery.”

For those considering study in fighting arts, Dr. Powell’s seminar is a perfect opportunity to “learn from the master” or to simply observe what makes fighting arts an art of nature and beauty. This quote by Dr. Moses Powell speaks volumes to that theory: “You can’t take a man and teach him to be hard and rigid, when he must flow like a stream.”

The Sanuces Ryu Jiu-jitsu Seminar with Dr. Moses Powell will be held Saturday, February 17th, at 1:00 - 3:00 PM at the Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church Family Life Center, 2430 North Third Street, Harrisburg. Grand Master Training Participant cost is $35.00 (wear loose clothing). Spectator Fee - $15.00

* No video taping allowed

For more information about the Sanuces Ryu Jui-jitsu martial arts seminar, or about any of Ngozi Incorporated classes, call 717-232-8803 for more information.