Category: Lineage

Social Dominance Theory in Martial Arts

5/15/2019

And then he was an 8th...

Recently, I had the honor of attending my Sifu JR Diaz’s promotion from 7th Degree Black belt to 8th Degree Black belt. This was such a dignified and emotionally charged moment, that most of the attendees were left in tears and speechless.

Sifu Diaz has been a pivotal force in all of our lives; and I purposefully use the word force because he is a force of nature on and off the mat. Over 40 years of a fully dedicated life to Kenpo Karate, Eskrima and his students, now personified in the 8 red stripes on his belt.

My Sifu after being promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate.
(Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Sifu Jesalyn Harper, (Right/Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Right) Sifu Marty Zaninovich

I later asked my Sifu, if he had ever thought he would make it to 8th Degree Black when he first started?
He smiled and told me,
“No, it never crossed my mind. I just wanted to do karate”.

Some systems do not have a belt ranking to distinguish mastery. However, no matter what system or style there is still a hierarchy established.

A hierarchy is essentially defined as an organized group of individuals functioning in specific ranks. Obviously the Instructor being the boss due to wisdom, time and experience. With all Martial Arts being military based, it’s natural to have some kind of system in place.

But this aspect to Martial Arts goes psychologically deeper...

Back in 1999, 2 researchers came up with a theory called Social Dominance Theory. This theory explains how a social group dictates who’s the boss and who is the subordinate. Typically these dominant and subordinate roles are determined by gender, race, age, finances or other characteristics such as experience.

Sifu Diaz back circa 1999

An example of this is a belt system. A student in a belt system starts off as a white belt, as time goes on and they develop experience/knowledge, they slowly climb the ranks until they reach black belt. Thus, the hierarchy is determined upon time and experience.

Sifu Diaz explains,
“It takes time, knowledge and active participation in the system to become properly seasoned for your next rank. Its like sharpening a sword, if you don’t work and sharpen the blade, it will eventually become dull. It is the same for the martial artist, if you don’t challenge yourself you will become dull.”

(Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas

Sifu Diaz and I are part of the Parker/Planas lineage. Sifu Diaz has studied Ed Parker American Kenpo through Grand Master Huk Planas for 37 years. He has studied with Guro Ed Planas in Karboan Eskrima for 19 years, has trained with and been a close friend of Sifu Marty Zaninovich for over 40 years and was a dear friend and student of Frank Trejo from 2004 until his passing in 2018.

In our lineage of Kenpo Karate, there are not only study requirements to fulfil for promotions but time limitations. For us, once we achieve black belt there is a mandatory 4-6 year term between promotions. I was recently promoted to 1st Degree Black belt; I will not promote to 2nd Degree for at least 4 years and that is if I meet all the other requirements.

Sifu Jesalyn Harper getting kicked after First Black Promotion

These requirements set the standards to establish a pecking order. Yet, these ranks or even titles in a system are not just about creating a dictatorship. These positions come with the responsibility of guiding further generations in the exploration of the art without deteriorating it.
I have heard my instructor recite time and time again,
“We don’t want people running amok!”

Sifu JR Diaz "running amok" with student's at True Lineage Kenpo Karate in Toledo, Oregon.

To be more specific, he explains,
“There needs to be a ranking system or a pecking order to ensure that everyone is following guidelines,rules and principles for that system, for any system. When a system is established and proven, someone needs to make sure lower students don’t change the material.”

The truth is, when we reach an expert level in our martial arts, we are really starting the system all over again.

Everyone recognizes Shodan as a first degree black belt title, the literal meaning is beginner. This title is crucial for the growth of any expert level student.

Sifu Diaz explains the dynamics of a Shodan,
“We don’t have to worry about that pressure a student takes upon themselves as they grow through the art to reach black belt. As a black belt you can now focus more clearly and clean up your techniques, forms and general knowledge.”

Seminar with (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Grand Master Ed Parker, (Right/Center) Sifu David Perez, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz

It is this philosophy that works as a Checks and Balances System for the Social Dominance Theory. As “baby black belts” we are experts, but we still have so much more to learn. It takes advanced Instructors knowledge and patience to guide their students through it.

This guidance not only causes an advanced student to acknowledge their strengths and their weaknesses, but in turn allows the student to grow and reach a true level of mastery.

While it is so important at any rank to continue our studies, it is also just as equally important to contribute that study and knowledge to the future generations. By passing the knowledge on in turn, we are subconsciously contributing to the application of the Social Dominance Theory.

Therefore, the Social Dominance Theory in Martial Arts is not only determined on what belt you are wearing, but how much knowledge you are dedicating to the future of the art. If you want to take this topic even deeper on a spiritual level, its judged by how many student’s lives you have literally touched.

Grand Master Frank Trejo touching student Josh Valdes' life.

The late Grand Master Frank Trejo is known for the Ghost Patch in Kenpo. For those that are not familiar with its story; the patch was designed by Sifu Trejo in memory of the late Grand Master Ed Parker. Sifu Trejo would not allow anyone to wear the patch if they had not trained with him…
more specifically in his words,
“I have to lay hands on them.”

I never understood the full significance of this until his passing. The logic wasn’t to ensure more students or more money; it was to leave a piece of him behind in that student.

The “touch” is nothing more than a spiritual thumb print left behind on our souls.

The "finger prints" on my soul.
First row: (Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz. Second row: (Left) Sifu Marty Zaninovich, (Right) Sifu Jesalyn Harper

We can analyze every aspect of the Martial Arts Systems and say they apply to Social Dominance Theory or some other psychological phenomenon, but the truth is the passing on of knowledge from one generation to the next is more deeper and more spiritual than any Doctor of Psychology can define.

I, as a student, am proud of my accumulated fingertip smudges all over my soul and I am proud to leave touch and smudge my prints on future students.

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Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp... The Ultimate Family Reunion

4/18/2017

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My primary Martial Art system I study is American Kenpo.

Because of American Kenpo’s large following, many people ask who my instructor is or what lineage I am? A lineage in American Kenpo is no different than a style is in Kung Fu, a Heya to a Sumo wrestler, a team to a MMA fighter or in layman’s terms for a non-Martial Artist--your family.

My senior instructor is Senior Master of the Arts Huk Planas, a 10th Degree Black Belt.

Sifu Huk Planas (left) and Grand Master Ed Parker (right)

Sifu Planas began training in Kenpo in the late sixties with Steve Labounty and Tom Kelly. In 1969 Sifu Planas moved to Pasadena, CA and began to work for Grand Master Ed Parker. He was promoted through Grand Master Parker up to his 7th Degree Black belt in 1985. My instructor Senior Professor JR Diaz currently holds a 7th Degree Black belt under Sifu Planas. Through this association our group as well as myself, continue to study with Sifu Planas and his Parker/Planas Lineage.

My instructor (left) back when he was a brown belt with Sifu David Perez (center) and Sifu Planas (back right)

My friend and instructor Sifu Marty Zaninovich was a 1st Degree black belt in the early 80’s

When he attended a seminar by Mr. Parker,
“I was totally captured with his teachings……..After I attended, I asked (about joining the Parker Lineage), then was referred to contact Mr. Planas.”

Sifu Zaninovich or Sifu Z discussed the change with his good friend and fellow black belt, David Perez. They had their first lesson with Sifu Planas in a park in Sacramento, CA.
Sifu Z remembers,
“This was a very eye opening experience we’ll never forget. That lesson opened a whole new thought process that we were about to engage in. What an awesome journey that continues with something new to learn all the time!!!”

Sifu Z (right) and Sifu Planas (left)

Sifu Planas has 17 countries around the world that study under him.

Sifu Z is a 9th Degree Black belt under Sifu Planas and travels the world now. Sifu Z has had the privilege of traveling to and teaching in many of those same schools under Sifu Planas.

A common discussion with many students he says is,
“There has always been a lot of questions from many practitioners and Instructors in the US and Europe of what the people and talent is like from each perspective group?"

"My response is; they’re awesome and train very hard. No difference in either group.”

Regardless of Town, City, State or Country, the Planas requirements are the same without compromise. It was on a teaching trip to Sweden that Sifu Z and Ingmar Johansson a Swedish Kenpoist also under Sifu Planas and a 6th Degree Black began discussing this very topic.

Sifu Z (Far left) Sifu Planas (Center) Sifu Johansson (Far right)

They came up with the idea of having a International event in honor of Sifu Planas and his lineage.
Sifu Z explains,
“I called JR. Diaz that exact moment and asked if he would be willing to facilitate in gathering a team to help coordinate the event. He did on the spot; Jesa Harper (Kenpo Girl), Gino Martino and several others.”

After the Event Committee was formed, plans for the event were underway.

This event is anticipated to be one of the most exciting developments in the Parker/Planas Lineage for 2017.
Sifu Z explains,
“To this day we are fully entrenched with the preparation for the event; J.R. Diaz was and is so correct with his recommendations.”

The event is scheduled to take place at the Westgate Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Westgate has hosted international events and has earned a well deserved reputation for accommodating Martial Arts seminars.

Students attending can look forward to an atmosphere of sharing, learning, networking and participating in a historical event.

Sifu Z can’t stress the importance of these events enough,
“It brings unity and a tighter bond within our Parker/Planas group and collectively creates fluid boundaries for us all.”

Participants can not only look forward to staying at the Westgate Resort, but can attend a variety of classes by Parker/Planas Lineage instructors from around the world. There is also a banquet scheduled for all participants to dine and get to know each other.

Events like these remind me of family reunions.

Bonds are created and ones already established are strengthened, only to deepen our commitment and studies. Nonetheless, it will be a privilege to honor our patriarch who has held us all accountable to train and teach a higher level of Kenpo.

For those who have never attended such an event, I strongly encourage students to attend events like this. Remember, the past is the past and the future is always uncertain, but the present is called so because it is a gift. The time we have with our senior instructors is a gift that some have not have.

All information such as schedule, list of instructors, classes, prices and merchandise can be found on the Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp website.

Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp Website

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KENPO GIRL

Social Dominance Theory in Martial Arts

And then he was an 8th...

My Sifu after being promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate.
(Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Sifu Jesalyn Harper, (Right/Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Right) Sifu Marty Zaninovich

Some systems do not have a belt ranking to distinguish mastery. However, no matter what system or style there is still a hierarchy established.

But this aspect to Martial Arts goes psychologically deeper...

Sifu Diaz back circa 1999

(Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas

Sifu Jesalyn Harper getting kicked after First Black Promotion

Sifu JR Diaz "running amok" with student's at True Lineage Kenpo Karate in Toledo, Oregon.

The truth is, when we reach an expert level in our martial arts, we are really starting the system all over again.

Seminar with (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Grand Master Ed Parker, (Right/Center) Sifu David Perez, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz

This guidance not only causes an advanced student to acknowledge their strengths and their weaknesses, but in turn allows the student to grow and reach a true level of mastery.

Grand Master Frank Trejo touching student Josh Valdes' life.

The “touch” is nothing more than a spiritual thumb print left behind on our souls.

The "finger prints" on my soul.
First row: (Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz. Second row: (Left) Sifu Marty Zaninovich, (Right) Sifu Jesalyn Harper

I, as a student, am proud of my accumulated fingertip smudges all over my soul and I am proud to leave touch and smudge my prints on future students.

Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp... The Ultimate Family Reunion

My primary Martial Art system I study is American Kenpo.

My senior instructor is Senior Master of the Arts Huk Planas, a 10th Degree Black Belt.

Sifu Huk Planas (left) and Grand Master Ed Parker (right)

My instructor (left) back when he was a brown belt with Sifu David Perez (center) and Sifu Planas (back right)

My friend and instructor Sifu Marty Zaninovich was a 1st Degree black belt in the early 80’s

Sifu Z (right) and Sifu Planas (left)

Sifu Planas has 17 countries around the world that study under him.

"My response is; they’re awesome and train very hard. No difference in either group.”

Sifu Z (Far left) Sifu Planas (Center) Sifu Johansson (Far right)

After the Event Committee was formed, plans for the event were underway.

Students attending can look forward to an atmosphere of sharing, learning, networking and participating in a historical event.

Events like these remind me of family reunions.

Jesalyn Mae Harper

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Categories

KENPO GIRL

Social Dominance Theory in Martial Arts

And then he was an 8th...

My Sifu after being promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate.(Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Sifu Jesalyn Harper, (Right/Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Right) Sifu Marty Zaninovich

​Some systems do not have a belt ranking to distinguish mastery. However, no matter what system or style there is still a hierarchy established. ​

​But this aspect to Martial Arts goes psychologically deeper...

Sifu Diaz back circa 1999

(Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas

Sifu Jesalyn Harper getting kicked after First Black Promotion

Sifu JR Diaz "running amok" with student's at True Lineage Kenpo Karate in Toledo, Oregon.

The truth is, when we reach an expert level in our martial arts, we are really starting the system all over again. ​

Seminar with (Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Grand Master Ed Parker, (Right/Center) Sifu David Perez, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz

This guidance not only causes an advanced student to acknowledge their strengths and their weaknesses, but in turn allows the student to grow and reach a true level of mastery.

Grand Master Frank Trejo touching student Josh Valdes' life.

The “touch” is nothing more than a spiritual thumb print left behind on our souls.

The "finger prints" on my soul.First row: (Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz. Second row: (Left) Sifu Marty Zaninovich, (Right) Sifu Jesalyn Harper

I, as a student, am proud of my accumulated fingertip smudges all over my soul and I am proud to leave touch and smudge my prints on future students.

Huk Planas World Gathering Kenpo Camp... The Ultimate Family Reunion

My primary Martial Art system I study is American Kenpo. ​

My senior instructor is Senior Master of the Arts Huk Planas, a 10th Degree Black Belt.

Sifu Huk Planas (left) and Grand Master Ed Parker (right)

My instructor (left) back when he was a brown belt with Sifu David Perez (center) and Sifu Planas (back right)

My friend and instructor Sifu Marty Zaninovich was a 1st Degree black belt in the early 80’s ​

Sifu Z (right) and Sifu Planas (left)

Sifu Planas has 17 countries around the world that study under him.

"My response is; they’re awesome and train very hard. No difference in either group.”

Sifu Z (Far left) Sifu Planas (Center) Sifu Johansson (Far right)

After the Event Committee was formed, plans for the event were underway.

Students attending can look forward to an atmosphere of sharing, learning, networking and participating in a historical event.

Events like these remind me of family reunions.

Jesalyn Mae Harper

Archives

Categories

My Sifu after being promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate.
(Left) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Left/Center) Sifu Jesalyn Harper, (Right/Center) Sifu JR Diaz, (Right) Sifu Marty Zaninovich

Some systems do not have a belt ranking to distinguish mastery. However, no matter what system or style there is still a hierarchy established.

But this aspect to Martial Arts goes psychologically deeper...

The truth is, when we reach an expert level in our martial arts, we are really starting the system all over again.

The "finger prints" on my soul.
First row: (Left) Grand Master Frank Trejo, (Center) Grand Master Huk Planas, (Right) Sifu JR Diaz. Second row: (Left) Sifu Marty Zaninovich, (Right) Sifu Jesalyn Harper

My primary Martial Art system I study is American Kenpo.

My friend and instructor Sifu Marty Zaninovich was a 1st Degree black belt in the early 80’s