M. P. Schaefer

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M. P. Schaefer took an interest in old style martial arts, particularly from Japan from a dream he had around the age of five. There was no one in his area available to teach at that time, so he studied various arts and style through books and practiced on his own off in the woods at first. From Middle School through High School he joined the dojang (dojo) of a Korean military style. In college he trained in Aikido and Tai Chi Quan styles.

The benefit of training in the woods with rocks and trees is that it toughens your body and mind. The benefit of studying from books is that you pick up more information on the origin and history of the style and those who practiced it. You also find out more about the culture, philosophies, and religions that influenced it's development.

In this case, some of the styles he was interested in utilized gadgets and weaponry that was considered high-tech at the time and engaged primarily in espionage work. So he became interested in science, as well as codes and ciphers, and was certified as an Electronics Technician before graduating High School. They used pressure points and raw medicines to heal themselves and weaken opponents, so he studied acupressure; massage; medicinal herbs; Oriental Medicine; and acupuncture, and eventually received a master's degree and a couple of medical licenses. They had been influenced by the martial traditions; philosophies; and religious traditions not only of Japan, but those from China; and even further away from India. So he studied many of those as well.

Now, over 30 years later, he's sharing what he's learned with the rest of the world.