Waking Dragons: A Martial Artist Faces His Ultimate Test [Paperback]

"What I love about this book (apart from the fact that it is written beautifully - rare in a martial arts book) is the fact that it is about me. And it is about you. It is about all of us. Don't be fooled by the title of the book - this is about much more than match-fighting thirty fresh opponents, this is much more than looking into the belly of karate, this book is about facing the inner opponent, it is about going into the belly of fear itself... ...It inspired me, and I know it will inspire you." --Geoff Thompson

"On the surface, training to face 30 fighters, each one fresh, one after the other, in full contact combat might be viewed as a purely physical endeavour. Indeed most, if not all, who set out on this incredible journey view it this way, at least at first. It's also true that some complete the task simply on a physical level. However, the greater benefits of this unique test are readily available to those who choose to fully accept the challenge and immerse themselves totally in the task. Goran Powell is one such fighter and in this book, he has openly and skillfully articulated what others may have felt, but were unable to put into words." --Gavin Mulholland

Don't let the cartoonish cover fool you, this tome is as serious and substantative as any martial arts book that I have ever read, and I've read hundreds. It retells the author's pinnacle karate achievement, completing a 30-man kumite during which he successfully fought against 30 progressively skillful opponents in consecutive full contact bouts.

Despite the fact that this feat is rarely undertaken, let alone pulled off, by even master martial artists, I found that the accomplishment is far less important for the reader than the way in which he got there.

His martial training began as a child with judo where he learned the fundamentals of fitness, balance, timing, and attitude. As a young man he switched to Kyokushinkai karate, taking on a full contact style that demonstrated the benefits of disciplined training and a strong spirit. Later on, tae kwon do taught him to relax, conserve energy, and flow with his techniques. Switching back to Goju Ryu karate he refined his posture and balance, learned the value of kata, and developed a refined sense of awareness. The sum of these experiences helped him develop the quintessential martial virtue, an indomitable spirit necessary to take on and overcome nearly any challenge, even the brutal 30-man kumite. He compares this spirit to a pilot light. No matter how battered and beaten you may become, with the right mental attitude your pilot light can still burn brightly. No opponent can never reach in and blow it out.

The author's journey is one in which we can find great wisdom, information that all martial artists should know regardless of the length of their experience, the style they practice, or whether or not they ever intend to compete in full contact events. He makes full use of his formidable writing skills and martial knowledge, aptly demonstrating how he learned and grew through various trials and tribulations in a way that is entertaining, easy to read, and, thankfully, never self-aggrandizing or preachy. He demonstrates how he discovered the secrets of quickness and power, patience and perseverance, body mechanics and technique, in a way that anyone can truly appreciate, relate to, and learn from. Very highly recommended. --Lawrence Kane

"What I love about this book (apart from the fact that it is written beautifully - rare in a martial arts book) is the fact that it is about me. And it is about you. It is about all of us. Don't be fooled by the title of the book - this is about much more than match-fighting thirty fresh opponents, this is much more than looking into the belly of karate, this book is about facing the inner opponent, it is about going into the belly of fear itself... ...It inspired me, and I know it will inspire you."

"On the surface, training to face 30 fighters, each one fresh, one after the other, in full contact combat might be viewed as a purely physical endeavour. Indeed most, if not all, who set out on this incredible journey view it this way, at least at first. It's also true that some complete the task simply on a physical level. However, the greater benefits of this unique test are readily available to those who choose to fully accept the challenge and immerse themselves totally in the task. Goran Powell is one such fighter and in this book, he has openly and skillfully articulated what others may have felt, but were unable to put into words."

Don't let the cartoonish cover fool you, this tome is as serious and substantative as any martial arts book that I have ever read, and I've read hundreds. It retells the author's pinnacle karate achievement, completing a 30-man kumite during which he successfully fought against 30 progressively skillful opponents in consecutive full contact bouts.

Despite the fact that this feat is rarely undertaken, let alone pulled off, by even master martial artists, I found that the accomplishment is far less important for the reader than the way in which he got there.

His martial training began as a child with judo where he learned the fundamentals of fitness, balance, timing, and attitude. As a young man he switched to Kyokushinkai karate, taking on a full contact style that demonstrated the benefits of disciplined training and a strong spirit. Later on, tae kwon do taught him to relax, conserve energy, and flow with his techniques. Switching back to Goju Ryu karate he refined his posture and balance, learned the value of kata, and developed a refined sense of awareness. The sum of these experiences helped him develop the quintessential martial virtue, an indomitable spirit necessary to take on and overcome nearly any challenge, even the brutal 30-man kumite. He compares this spirit to a pilot light. No matter how battered and beaten you may become, with the right mental attitude your pilot light can still burn brightly. No opponent can never reach in and blow it out.

The author's journey is one in which we can find great wisdom, information that all martial artists should know regardless of the length of their experience, the style they practice, or whether or not they ever intend to compete in full contact events. He makes full use of his formidable writing skills and martial knowledge, aptly demonstrating how he learned and grew through various trials and tribulations in a way that is entertaining, easy to read, and, thankfully, never self-aggrandizing or preachy. He demonstrates how he discovered the secrets of quickness and power, patience and perseverance, body mechanics and technique, in a way that anyone can truly appreciate, relate to, and learn from. Very highly recommended.

I looked at the huge line of fighters still to come. It coiled around three sides of the mat like some great white dragon waiting to devour me, and suddenly the task ahead seemed impossible.

The Thirty Man Kumite is one of karate's toughest tests, reserved for senior black belts with years of experience. One person fights a line-up of thirty fighters, one after another, full contact, moving up the grades and facing the strongest, most dangerous fighters last.

This is a compelling account of the Thirty Man Kumite and the lifetime of martial arts that led to it, charting the development of mind, body and spirit over many years and offering a rare insight into the true purpose of the martial arts.

This book is a true account of Goran Powell's Thirty Man Kumite and the lifetime of martial arts that led up to it. He explains what he learned at each stage and how he put it into practice for his ultimate test. The book touches on concepts such as chi, `soft' techniques, Zen and the idea that `it's all in the mind'. A story of personal development, self-knowledge, overcoming fear and spiritual growth.

Goran Powell has over 30 year' experience in the martial arts and holds a 4th Dan Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. He lives and trains in London with DKK (Daigaku Karate Kai).

The Field of Truth

It’s one of those perfect English summer days: hazy sunshine, lush green trees and soft grass underfoot. We’re gathered in a scouts’ camp in the glorious countryside outside Portishead, just south of Bristol. In any other circumstances, we’d be kicking back and relaxing, throwing a frisbee or cracking open a few beers. But there’s work to be done, and it isn’t tying knots or collecting firewood. This is a karate camp.
The instructors have told everyone to meet on the small field near the entrance. They have taken to calling it The Field of Truth. They have a mean sense of humour.
No-one knows why we’re here, except Carl and me. I was told in confidence several weeks ago, and I managed to keep my mouth shut, which wasn’t easy. Carl knows too. In fact, he’s been thinking of little else for the past few weeks. Or more likely months. He’s about to attempt the 30 Man Kumite.
He’ll fight 30 people, one after another. They’ll be the highest ranked fighters in our association. Every fight will be ‘full-contact’. It will last one minute. No gloves. No shin pads. No headguards. Full-power punches to the body are allowed, plus sweeps, throws, and kicks to the legs, body and head. No face-punching. No strikes to the joints or groin. Carl will get a two minute break after 10 fights and another one after 20. If he’s knocked out, or knocked down and can’t continue, he will fail his test.
There’s a small huddle of spectators on the Field of Truth. They are looking on curiously as 30 fighters line up along the far side of the field. Carl is warming up in the middle, alone with his thoughts, steeling himself for what lies ahead.
Nobody really knows what to expect. Many fighters in the line up have not met Carl before. He’s been away for a while. To the uninitiated, it looks like a massacre is about to occur. But I’m not so sure. I know Carl from the old days. I remember him winning medals at knockdown tournaments (heavyweight division). I remember him training with the British squad. I know what he’s capable of with his kicks. As I take my place at the head of the line up, I’m glad he’ll be fighting 29 people before me.
The instructors call the proceedings to order. There’s no great ceremony. We take a simple bow and the first fighter is called out. They begin. After a few seconds, Carl catches him with a head kick. It’s perfectly controlled, because this is a grading, not a tournament. If it had been, the guy would be out cold. Instead, he collapses to his knees, badly dazed. After a short break the instructors get him on his feet, but for the rest of the fight, he stays well away from Carl.
The second fighter comes up and is promptly knocked down too. A pattern is beginning to form, and the line-up doesn’t like what it’s seeing. Carl is making it look very easy to take someone’s head off. Some of the less experienced fighters are starting to look decidedly nervous, wishing they were back in their tents, or better still, back home with the Sunday papers like every other normal human being.
Carl’s plan is working nicely for him, and I begin to wonder whether he’ll be troubled at all during his line up. But even the best-laid plans can go astray.
Carl has already been training hard for two days, and the afternoon heat is intense. The sweating is causing his body to lose salt, which can bring on cramps. As early as the third fight, he begins to clutch at his hamstrings in pain. It looks like he's pulled a muscle.
The instructors stop the fight for a few seconds and give him the chance to stretch his legs. Then he’s forced to continue. Meanwhile, the fighters in the line up are taking no chances. They’re badly spooked by what they saw earlier, and they’re all going in hard to avoid getting picked off. This is bad news for Carl, and his real test is just beginning.