Miyama-ryu Ju-Jutsu of Miami
Miyama-News
SHINAN ANTONIO PEREIRA:
"LIVING LEGEND OF THE " GENTILE ART "
By Carlos Velez II (1992)
In
the afternoon of January 25th I passed with one of the
greatest in the Martial Art of the United States. This fascinating man is a living
legend. I talk about Professor Antonio Pereira, the Puertorican Antonio Pereira,
Shinan of Miyama-ryu Combat Ju-jutsu.
In order to write of this boricua i would need a book but I am going to try to
make it short as possible. Pereira was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, the 27 of
November of 1922 and arrives at New York to the age of 7. Its training in
Ju-jutsu begins during World War II with the American troops in the Pacific in
1943. He returned to NY during the decade of the 50's, continuo practicing
Ju-jutsu and Judo with the Lefcoker brothers. It is in the 1960 which it opens
his dojo in East Tremont Ave, in the Bronx. Here by the next two years he will
teach what he knew. But even with the basic, he would need formal classes to
become a great martial artist. Its opportunity came when by mediation of
Nakabayashi a 7th Dan, he travel towards Japan in 1962. When he arrive at
the Kodokan Institute, he found an application in the bed and should
indicate he's Dan; he wrote, " nothing, a white belt." Pereira was 39
years old, was a man and was training with young man of 15, 16 and 17 years of
age, that already were Shodan and Nidan.
Sensei Kotani, that was the one in charge, when the examination came,they said
to test for Nidan, not Shodan. Pereira took its examination of Nidan and it
pass it. Taking advantage of every day of its 6 months in Japon, he study the
mayority of the Arts that the Institute offer. Did Aikido and Ueshiba gave him
permission to teach it in NY, returned with a certificate in Sosuishinryu
Jujitsu of professor Shitama Fukuoka. With those credentials Pereira to the
Bronx returns. Here the Professor says to me: " I return ready for a new
beginning. Now I Know what
I was doing. But being Hispanic I had everything against me. Imagen,
"trying to survive " with an Eastern Art. It was almost
Impossible." But Pereira occurred to the task of creating a new system of
Ju-jutsu, one that " filled " the necessities of its students. He
wanted a system of self-defense for the street, one for " our culture and
its people." Pereira her said to me: " we think, fight, eat, we hate
different, therefore our techniques are fit around that." And this is how
Miyama-ryu Combat Ju-jutsu was born, taking him 3 years in perfecting it.
Now he show me the book " Combat Ju-jutsu The Lost Art " written
by D'Arcy Rahming. In their content are 72 lessons of Miyama-ryu Ju-jutsu,
an introduction to vital parts of the body, throws and joint locking techniques,
history, theories and techniques of the Art of Combat Ju-jutsu. And much,
much more. This publication is the official text of Miyama-ryu Combat Ju-jutsu
and Rahming is a student of Professor Pereira. Professors Wally Jay and
Phil Porter recommend this book.
The Dojo, Tremont of Judo & Ju-jutsu School, have been 32 years in the
same location, in the 535 East Tremont Ave in the Bronx. " one has become
a historic monument, " says Pereira" indicating stability in the neighborhood,
They have pass around 25.000 students by the School. I have trained secret
agents of narcotics, agents of the treasure department, all the agencies of the
public and federal order that you can think. One of my favorite students
was Frank Serpico. We were friends."
I ask the Professor, why Ju-jutsu, why this style instead of other? He's
answer was: " Because is one of the most effective Arts in Combat in
existence, a complete Art that does not know limitations. Ju-jutsu it is a
Combat Art, on the contrary, Judo and Aikido, not. In Ju-jutsu you can
bite, shout, spit out, break, can destroy another human being.
Miyama-ryu is a Classic Martial Art , refined in the streets of the South
Bronx. Miyama-ryu is Combat Ju-jutsu."
We were speaking almost 3 hours. What an experience! Antonio Pereira,
the man that complete Martial Artist, a Professor and human being highly
respected. More important yet, due to the Martial Arts, he is a man in peace
with himself and the rest of the world.
Calmly he assures that " I walk with confidence and respect to people.
" Shinan Antonio Pereira, the one that have change the life of its students
for good and towards a positive change. Puertorican like me!!.....
9600 SW 8 St. local#51 Miami, FL. 33174
Tel: 305 229-3839 / 305 978-5595