Autobiography Part 14: Continuing About Sensei Donn F. Draeger

Q: Please continue sharing your experiences with Sensei Donn F. Draeger.

A: Yes, this is clip number 14. I will continue with the story of Draeger Sensei, as well as my experiences visiting Japanese sensei like Ikida Honu. All of these experiences are interconnected. I'll share whatever comes to mind, but I will focus on Draeger Sensei again. His story is extensive because I spent many years with him.

Draeger Sensei came to Malaysia in the late 60s, early 70s, which is when I met him. I would bring him to the Chinese associations with the Kung Fu teachers. Draeger Sensei would demonstrate his sword drawing techniques. He always traveled with his sword and would demonstrate techniques from Eishin-ryū, Shintō Musō-ryū Jōjutsu. He would demonstrate for the Kung Fu practitioners if they asked him.

Sometimes, he would demonstrate on large stages, like the national stadium, where they held demonstrations of all martial arts. I traveled with him, bringing my Indian martial arts teacher, as well as Chinese and Malaysian martial artists. We would do big demonstrations for the public in my city.

One time, he brought his teacher, Shimizu Takaji Sensei, and some of his teacher's students. I had the opportunity to be graded in Jōdō (short stick fighting) for first kyū, brown belt, by both Draeger Sensei and Shimizu Sensei. They promoted me to first kyū in Shintō Musō-ryū Jōjutsu. They would often demonstrate together. Takaji Sensei walked very slowly, and Draeger Sensei would carry him onto the stage. He treated his sensei with the utmost respect. Once on stage, Takaji Sensei moved with incredible speed and energy, demonstrating his mastery. Draeger Sensei would also demonstrate manriki-gusari, a chain weapon with a metal weight. For training, they used a ball tied to the chain, as well as kama (sickle) and sword techniques. We used to watch these beautiful demonstrations.

Draeger Sensei was always willing to share his martial arts knowledge. When visiting other teachers, if they asked him to demonstrate, he would readily agree. I would always observe him during these demonstrations.

Draeger Sensei had many great qualities. I remember one time, we visited a Silat teacher, a master of a Malaysian martial art. Malaysia has many different Silat styles, such as Silat Cekak, which is good for demonstrations at weddings; Silat Gayong, Silat Harimau (tiger silat), and Silat Pulut. I would bring Draeger Sensei to meet these teachers, and he would interview them. He had an extensive knowledge of their martial arts, and he would ask very detailed questions. They were always surprised at how much he knew. I was around 21 or 22 years old at this time, in the late 60s and early 70s, and I was learning so much from this "living encyclopedia," as I called him. He knew everything about all the martial arts, and I was constantly absorbing this knowledge whenever he talked, trained, or demonstrated.

He also wrote books, which inspired me to do the same. Seeing him write so many books and conduct interviews influenced my own martial arts journey. It inspired me to travel to Okinawa, Japan, and other parts of the world, interviewing teachers and exploring every aspect of martial arts, especially Karate. I began writing my own books, inspired by Draeger Sensei. He truly inspired me and continues to influence me to this day.

I remember another instance. We visited a Silat teacher who was praising the beauty of Silat movements, implying that Japanese martial arts were too straightforward and lacked elegance. Draeger Sensei picked up a rose and showed its beauty. Then, he shook the rose, and all the petals fell. He then picked up a button flower, a small, round flower that is not particularly beautiful but very hardy. He flicked the flower with his finger, and nothing happened. He said, "This is Japanese martial arts. It's not pretty looking, but it stands."

Q: How did the Silat master react?

A: The Silat master was not happy and challenged Draeger Sensei to a fight.

Q: And you will continue that story in the next episode?

A: Yes. It's a very interesting story. Many people don't know about this, but Tambi knew about it. I'll tell you about this in the next episode. Goodbye for now.