WARRIOR

Ordinarily I don't do movie reviews here, but keep the travel and entertainment comments separate in the Bifocal Reviews blog that I share with my wife, Barbara. However, in this case I decided to break tradition and file my review here, as well.

WARRIOR--Directed by Gavin O'Connor/Starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton/screenplay by Gavin O’Connor, Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorfman from a story by O’Connor and Dorfman/139min/PG-13

Bifocal Reviews by Barbara and Gordon Rich

(G) I watched this whole film—some scenes more than once—and there is no question that Nick Nolte is a great actor. In fact, I would not be unhappy with any of the Best Supporting Actor category nominations winning the Oscar at this year’s event which includes Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hill, Nick Nolte, Christopher Plummer and

Max von Sydow. The movie as a whole was kind of a Rocky-Meets-Rocky’s Brother—story for me, which is O.K. I did like the fact that, as with the Stallone films of the Rocky series, part of the drama turned on a true knowledge of the Full Contact Fight game. One brother was a brawler, the other a strangler (I’m simplifying here). In the artificial environment of a UFC, single-elimination tournament that was center stage for the big showdown, literally anyone could win. I also liked Jennifer Morrison (of television’s HOUSE fame) in her role as the conflicted wife of one of the brothers. I give it a 2 ½. I was never bored, but I don’t think the audience is broad enough to carry Nolte to an Oscar.

(B) I knew that Nick Nolte was nominated for an award based on his appearance in this film, so I reluctantly decided to at least view his scenes. It was just Nick doing a good job at roles he does best. He is more like a character actor.  He does the drunk, who messes up, then tries to mend his ways.  Very reminiscent of his early Rich man Poor man TV series. Having viewed just a few scenes, that is all I can comment on.

I give Nolte’s performance two binoculars.

Ernie Reyes Sr. – Leading By Example

Take a look at my latest submission at WorldWideDojo's LEGENDS AND LEGACIES column. It is an inspiring interview with Ernie Reyes Sr.

Ernie Reyes Sr. – Leading By Example

The Cat--Gogen Yamaguchi--In Action

Here is some extremely rare video of The Cat giving instruction. The video ends with the now classic image of Gogen Yamaguchi under a waterfall. This is the image that I recreated for my Five Principles of Everything (Go Tao Chi) cover shot.

Gogen Yamaguchi--The Cat

Here is something that I found online. Thanks to Isaac Florentine for pointing me to this rare and valuable video series.

Triple play at Ted Tabura's Tournament of the Kings

 Remember this date...Sure this particular day has past. It's just that this day will probably be remembered for three reasons. First, it was a tournament in the spirit of bringing past and future together. We have Ted Tabura and all the people who volunteered their time to put on a great event, to thank for the first memory associated with this date. Second, it was Alfred Urquidez's birthday. He can tell you his age, if he feels you need the information. Third, it was the first competitive tournament for Alfred's son (and student) ADAM URQUIDEZ. And, no...Alfred Urquidez ISN'T dead. No, Alfred Urquidez isn't a recovered alcoholic and/or addict, and yes Alfred Urquidez does exist. 

Happy Birthday my brother. Ho (means Osss).

Bob Ozman: My First Karate Instructor

Below is the latest article found at WorldWideDojo.com, in my Legends and Legacies column. I hope you enjoy reading about Bob Ozman, my first karate instructor.
There were also three other archived columns posted at WWDJ, in various spots on the site. One was written for Karate Illustrated by me and Bob, about HIS main karate instructor, grandmaster Shimabuku, the creator of Isshinryu. I also had written about Johnny Atkinson (one of Bob's students, who was teaching for him when I first started lessons 48 years ago. Johnny passed away in the early 1990s, but the whole series shows the strong bond between martial arts students and their instructors. I hope you enjoy, and if you do, please let the publisher know by clicking "like" or dropping a note by email.
Thanks.

Bob Ozman: My First Karate Instructor


Bob Ozman: My First Karate Instructor

Bob Ozman/ my first instructor by Gordon Richiusa

I had the pleasure this week to interview Bob Ozman, a grand master in Isshin-ryu who studied directly with Tatsuo Shimabuku. Master Ozman was also my first karate instructor, fifty years ago April 2012. I will be 60 years old on that date and I was signed up for classes by my parents, on my 10th birthday. Bob Ozman was a lucky first sensei for me, as was his head instructor, Johnny Atkinson. Both men have made their ways into my next novel, THE PANDA CHRONICLES, which will be released soon. This novel is based upon the life of Rico Rose, an undercover detective known as The Panda, on the streets of San Fernando, a Los Angeles suburb. Bob Ozman was also Rico Rose's first karate instructor, which is why these characters have been named after my old sensei. Mr. Ozman has been involved with creating a new style of fighting he calls, MUSHIN-GI-TAI, which I will profile in my next Legends and Legacies column at WorldWideDojo.com.
For now, here is his MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE.