MARTIAL ARTS INSIDER – INTRODUCTION
This blog is titled, “Martial Arts Insider” because it is intended to open the door to the participants giving access to experienced and seasoned viewpoints and information on the Martial Arts. As the originating author I hope to be only one of many who will use this forum to present their knowledge and wisdom to the entire world making use of the Internet media in this new “Information Era”.
The wisdom of Solomon as given to him by the LORD (THE ONE TRUE MASTER) and recorded in Proverbs 21:21
I personally invite other established Master teachers to submit their individual writings for review that may contribute to these ends and to be offered here objectively and openly.
This blog is dedicated for the purpose of the advancement of the various disciplines included under the general title, “Martial Arts”. It is significant to note that the term, “Martial Arts”, has been typically linked to the orient. However, it is probably even more significant to note that every social group in the history of humanity has demonstrated a propensity for both the need and the development of some type of discipline that focuses on the ability to defend themselves against various threats, both socially and personally.
One might sub-divide the social realm even further to recognize the difference between threats to a particular society from within (criminal in nature) as contrasted with external threats to the continued existence of the society examined (by external enemies). It seems a logical conclusion that it is a natural and innate phenomenon for any individual to attempt to protect himself/herself even at the most primitive level. As a result, various disciplines of “martial activity” have arisen in many modes, in every society, since the dawn of civilization.
The point of this introduction to present the viewpoint that the general subject matter of our potential examination is, therefore, likely to be somewhat large and encompassing. Therefore, we will attempt to address the continuing development of “Martial activity” in the many cultures of the world, not simply those that originated in the orient.
My intention in instituting this blog is ultimately to provide a simple yet open platform for the exchange and sharing of ideas, concepts, principles, methods, and even technical information that potentially will expand our study and the further development of the “Martial Arts”.
History, when viewed accurately, can also be a great “Schoolmaster”. As it has been said by the late, great Winston Churchill, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” If we sincerely seek to advance our knowledge and the success of our activities, we are foolish not to examine both the successes and failures of ourselves, and even our most revered predecessors. Our purpose in this blog should not be to disparage, unfairly critique, nor slander our colleagues and/or predecessors.
To keep it real, however, we need to be critical in a 
constructive manner if we are to learn from the errors, lack of success, or mistakes in judgment the present generation has made as well as those who have worked to blaze the trail before us. Although I have now brought attention to the “constructively critical” part, it is even more important to share our positive insights and successes. And lastly, I hope by objectively responding to relevant questions that we can humbly serve those who simply are curious or seek to expand their personal perspectives. So, I implore those interested in participating to govern themselves to exchange and share their own views and experience with honesty and integrity along with the appropriate level of respect and dignity necessary for positive interaction.
As students of the Martial Arts and as students of life, let us begin together to explore the depth and wealth of information already available with respect to the history, the practices, the philosophies, the techniques, and multitude of other benefits that have been and continue to be derived from the Martial Arts activity in so many cultures and in so many modes.
I look forward to seeing you online.
“…. And That’s The Way I See It!”®
Shihan Ric Pascetta
Stephen R. Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) said, “There are certain things that are fundamental to human fulfillment. The essence of these needs is captured in the phrase 'to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy'. " You have certainly lived, and you have loved and been loved, you have learned as much as you have taught, and now you choose to leave the legacy of your knowledge, experience, and inspiration to others. Well done my friend, well done!
I was proud to have been your student at one time in my life, and some of the lessons learned, those even beyond fighting techniques, have stuck with me always. The one I remember the most was your lesson on trusting yourself. You told me that overkill comes from overskill, and overskill comes from overdrill. In other words, there is a time to simply believe in who you and are what you are capable of. I used this philosophy as I returned to college after 17 years of carrying an A.A. and was able to achieve a B.A. with honors from Rowan University.
Keep inspiring, keep teaching, and keep sharing things from your experiences that will enhance the lives of others. I am doing the same in my own small way with my tennis site and hands-on tennis instruction, and we both know how rewarding this can be. I hope our paths with cross again before we both move on to that great dojo in the sky where we all repeat, "loyalty to the master, everyone works, nothing is free, the sensei's word is law."
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Hi Ron,
It's great to hear from you after many years and see that you are doing quite well. It gives me great pleasure to hear that some part of your martial arts training has impacted your life in an significant way. To have played even a small role in that gives me great satisfaction. One of the lessons that has made a a difference for me is the realization that our legacy is less about our professional success and more about the lives we've touched, that relationships are the substance of life, lasting beyond what we are even aware of, and everything else will pass. My best wishes to you and I too look forward to yet another opportunity to meet face to face. Best of luck with your blog.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to have known Shihan Pascetta and recently reconnected with him on facebook. In fact I was hoping to visit with him the next time I was in the North East. May the Lord send healing angels to his family and may is family know he was very respected withn the martial arts community. I always remember him with a gentle smile, a kind word, and a great heart. You will be missed sir, with much love and respect, David Sgro
Master Ric was a great Champion and Role Model for young adults. He taught us discipline, honor, perseverance and respect. His legacy of teaching strong values, and his great accomplishments will live on for generations to come. No one can say he didn't live life to its fullest. It was my great honor and privilege to have known this great champion. We can all be proud of life lessons he taught and the values he added to our families and community. May the Lord wrap him in calm peace and tranquillity forever.. with all our love and affection, from John Keller and Bani Lariche.
I have known Ric many years ago when I served as Shaliach, and Emissary for Israel at the South New Jersey Jewish Community. Together we made a great program with visiting Arab Karate students from Meisser, Israel somewhere in 1997 or eight. I searched for Ric many times during the years, but lost contact. He was a true gentlemen and artist, not only a Martial Artist. May his soul rest in peace, and his great deeds be always remembered,
Sincerely,
Nachum Katz
Israel
Master Ric hosted me & my team of British upstarts for a month at his Dojo in Blackwood NJ in 1988, just before we set off on our epic cycle/sparring journey across your fantastic nation (NY to LA in 33 days). Alongside spending countless hours training my students physically, he spent many more hours preparing me psychologically. My sternum still aches if I think hard enough about the midnight full contact Chi Sau matches I fought with him & my heart now grieves that he will not get to share in my two sons planned for repeat of my 3,000 quest across America next year (June/July 2013). God bless Ric, I hope to cross hands with you once more, once I reach the other side. Master Neil. S. Axe
I had the absolute honor of having been taught by Master Ric in 1973. His teaching skills were outstanding and none of his students were average – they each became excellent intheir own way. God Bless Him and Keep Him Near To Our Hearts. Bill Dougherty
My name is Bob Grablow. I trained with Sensei Pascetta in 1972. I now live in Ohio . He and his Mother were two of the nicest people I ever met. He was a major influence in my life. He asked me to read one of his favorite books. It was Physiology Of Self Esteem by Nathaniel Branden. He would discuss this book in depth after class In Turnersville. I am very sorry see he had been ill and passed.
Respectfully
Bob Grablow
Love the point about all cultures having some form of martial arts. The ancient Hawaiians had Lua and the Greeks had Pankration which is still practiced by many modern MMA competitors.
Like Bruce Lee so wisely advised: “Absorb what is useful, Discard what is not, Add what is uniquely your own.”
It’s an excellent initiative to have some essential self-defense moves that can be effortlessly learned. With the increasing number of criminals in our civilization today, there is no superior way to guard yourself and the ones you love than to be expert in self-defense techniques. Knowing how to protect yourself will not only spoil an assailant attack, it could also be a lifesaver.
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Great person period!
Better late than never.
RIP Rick.
I need to be learn martial arts to protect myself. Thank you for the information
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I did not know Ric Passed (now being June 2019). When I lived in South Jersey, I would visit Ric's school in the 70"s many times and he and I would train and talk martial arts in general and Goju. He called me one day to discuss a promotion he was about to receive from Sensei Urban and I met him at his school. I think in those days his school was just off of RT 130, South of Cherry Hill, NJ in a nearby strip mall. I believe he was Sandan (3rd) then. I left the area shortly after that day for Chicago, and now reside in Raleigh, NC. Ric was dedicated, a real pleasure to train with, and a true Goju Ryu student. I have often thought of him when I revisit the South Jersey area, but to my disappointment did not re-visit. Ric RIP.
Grandmaster Steve Denty, 9th, American Bando Association, Sandan Goju Ryu., BJJ