Glossary      Acknowledgements      Testimonials

The Esoteric History & Mythology of
Flowing Dragon Swords.

“The Legend of Flowing Dragon Swords”

In China, many years ago, there lived an Overlord, who was both Great Warrior and Holy Man. This Overlord had the care of many lands and peoples. So he trained his warriors to be the most skillful swordsmen in all the Provinces. The peoples of this land revered and appreciated these swordsmen and bestowed many accolades and tributes upon them. And so it came to pass… that after enjoying this status for many years … the swords of the warriors started breaking regularly in battle … and they began to experience something quite foreign to them… Defeat.

It is said that this Overlord, --- this (warrior/holy man), retired to a cave in the mountains to ponder and meditate on this… Further, it is said that he spent many years in this cave, but that when he returned, he brought with him this game.

And then it is said…For the reason, he determined that his warriors were losing the battles and their swords were breaking, was that they had started to feed their Dragons and not keep their practice.

FDS-Glossary of Terms

Acknowledgement - The act of acknowledging; to avow; to declare openly; recognition.

Bokken - The main Wooden Sword used in the basic practice of Flowing Dragon Swords; usu: Black or Brown.

A Japanese Wooden Martial Arts practice weapon shaped like the “Katana”, about 40 inches long with a slight, graceful curve, a retaining ring and removable hand-guard called a “Tsuba” (pronounced “Suba”, the “T” is silent).

Opponent/Teacher - Its Paradoxical origin has three main aspects:

Paradox - A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.

Metaphor - A figure of speech in which a term is transferred from the object it ordinarily designates to an object it may designate only by implicit comparison or analogy.

Joseph Campbell - Professor of Comparative Religion at Sarah Lawrence College for nearly 40 years, died at the age of 83 in 1987; wrote “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” ”The Masks of God ,” The Historical Atlas of world Mythology,” and many others.

Professor Campbell’s Interviews with Michael Toms; (available on CD, and audio cassette from New Dimensions Radio at www.newdimensions.org), and Bill Moyers; “The Power of Myth” (available on CD, DVD, audio and video cassette, also in book form). Find out more at www.jcf.org

Dragons (High & Low) - The word “Dragon” does refer to both the Mythological Beasts as well as the more specific yet equally metaphorical parts of our ego which do not serve us; Those parts of our internal dialog which separate us from others with thoughts or feelings of either, “better than” or “not as good as”, and all Fears and Desires.

Slaying and/or Embracing our Dragons -These are metaphorical expressions in our practice meant to empower the “Opponent/Teacher” (the Player) to give their attention to the points of disconnection, as realized-physical-manifestations in the present moment, of when we are not present with one another. The “Embracing” refers to a deeper more advanced , if you will, principal of not necessarily needing to rid ourselves of these dragons as much as recognize them and our reactions to them, while pursuing balance.

Kokyu or Kokyuing - From the Aikido use of the same term:
Breath – more specifically, “Breath Power” or “Breath powered”, from inside of us (also: Breath-filled or Breath- full).

Stilling Play -From a term used for a hovering bird or “Raptor” as it hunts. Its correlation to our Practice comes from the extraordinary depth of connection and fixed eye gazing in an FDS Game when two O/Ts are locked nearly motionless; yet the perceived energy is powerful and palpable, as if the wings inside were hovering at the sight of the prey – of the self.

Appendage Weapons -
“The Sword is an Extension of the Arm”
“The Arm is the Sword”

These quotes, from different Martial practices, give us clues.
They are used in our practice to metaphorically describe the hands and feet of both Opponent/Teachers, in a version of the advanced play of our Game. Played only with mutual consent and understanding – and added gradually. This understanding comes from “empty step/empty hand” training from additional practices such as Tai Chi, Qui Gong, Aikido, or Unique life experience. The Hand or Foot may be placed, with respect, on the body of the opponent/teacher, and then, only then, filled with energy, never forced.

Acknowledgements

As of January 2005 the following individuals are in training, or are already serving as Teaching Assistants and are to become Teachers of the FDS Practice:

Bio's of Teachers in Training Follow:

Rev. Karuna Gerstein, CFDSI:
is presently Richard’s most accomplished and well rounded FDS Advanced Player, and Serves as Assistant Instructor of the FDS Practice in Northern California and was certified by Richard and Yvonne in late 2007. She has been studying since January 2005. (RS)

Karuna Gerstein is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Spiritual Director, Dream Worker, Chaplin, and founder of "A Gift for Life", www.agiftforlife.org, Embracing Life by Exploring Death, elder advocate, end-of-life counselor, bird/raptor enthusiast, massage therapist, a writer, poet and the first certified instructor on the west coast.

Karuna is passionate about building bridges, living her life fostering connection instead of division. Her journey has taken her from young Catholic girl with aspirations for ministry through spiritual explorations in Buddhism, Native traditions, Sacred Dance, and Judaism. She has arrived at a place where she considers herself truly Interfaith, exploring and honoring all ways that guide us to the deepest parts of Life. Karuna is a student of Richard Squeri, practicing Flowing Dragon Swords; Bob Noha, practicing Tai Chi; as well as various teachers of Eastern and Western meditation practices.

Jeffrey Schmidt:
Has been a dedicated and caring advanced student; his grasp and openness to this practice, profound love and sensitivity are the makings of a fine instructor. (RS)

Jeffrey Schmidt owns a successful marketing and advertising company and has studied spiritual principles and practices nearly his entire adult life. He has woven the most productive of these practices into both his work and daily life. He has a passion for the environment and a great love of animals, especially dogs. Jeffrey is known to enjoy a good game of foosball or basketball and entertains lively religious and political discussions with his close friends. He and his wife live in Sebastopol, California.

Flowing Dragon Swords practice has deepened his ability to make a positive contribution to both his business and home life. He has assisted Richard and continues to grow in his practice.
Please see: www.schmidtcreative.com

Dr. “John-Jack” Erbaugh:
If life truly blesses you, there are a few extraordinaire elders who come into your life. This man calls me Teacher and allows me to call him my dedicated student and it is I who am the honored pupil. To be in his presence and enjoy a profound friendship with this learned and exceptionally vital man is to understand one of the great joys of life. (RS)

Dr. “John-Jack” Erbaugh started out as a dreamer; through high school, college and med school. Upon graduation from med school, he had a sudden change of direction after discovering that a residency in ophthalmology and his dislike of the mechanical aspects of it, was not what he wanted. This led him to abandon it completely for psychology and psychiatry.

But the spirit was still missing, and it didn’t appear until decades later, when he tried folk and sacred circle dancing. This was the foot in the door to making what he calls, “Soul-Level” connections.

For this level of connection to be possible, it required a series of intensive practices. For John Jack this meant: technology-assisted meditation, Pilates and Alexander training, Radiant Breath work, Neuro-Muscular Integration (NIA), and of course Flowing Dragon Swords, as well as many spiritual retreats. The end result of all these practices is a constant awareness and appreciation of what is going on deep within the “body-mind” across the transpersonal bridge.

“Essential in all these practices is the escape from acquired pain, into the joy of living. One practice that leads directly to the exhilaration of the spirit and the joy of connecting with another has been the study and practice of Flowing Dragon Swords. There seems to be no end point and no limit to this delight.” – Dr. John Jack Erbaugh

Malika Harville: (Teachers in training, Bio coming soon)

Rebecca Smith (Teachers in training, Bio coming soon)

*Patrice Ryan:
Has been a FDS Teaching student who does not shy away from challenges, her strength and love are unquestionably important in how she lives her life and maintains her FDS practice. When she has the opportunity to bring the same passion she has for life, to her teaching, she will make us all better for her presence. (RS)

Patrice Ryan has been a lover of animals, nature and music her entire life. Her heightened sensitivity to her environment and the living beings in it allow her to see the world in a unique way that many, may never have the opportunity too. This skill gives her the ability to excel at her craft of photography. Patrice also has extensive experience in sales and business having worked in the wine industry and alternative energy industry for many years.

Patrice's growing understanding of her abilities as a teacher, bring a loving patience to her life and to her pursuit of Flowing Dragon Swords. She loves to hike, bicycle, dance and ‘jam’ on guitar, harmonica and mandolin. Family means everything to her. She’s got a well developed sense of humor and takes great pride in her Irish heritage. Patrice lives in Sebastopol with her life partner Julie Terry.

*Julie Terry:
Has been connected to Flowing Dragon Swords, on a parallel path of life, long before she began her practice. Julie is another example of the proof that … there are many different Ferry Boats to the same shore” (Joseph Campbell). Julie’s gift of presence in FDS practice as well as her everyday life interactions will make her a fine and wise teaching assistant and it won’t be long before she’ll be able to add this accomplishment to her moniker. (RS)

Julie Terry has been an entrepreneur and business owner for 25 years. She designed and built a line of high end, hand carved furniture for fifteen years, which was marketed nationwide. She currently has a thriving business in real estate finance. Julie has always had a deep commitment to living in accordance with the higher principals and values – and brings those values and principals to her business pursuits as well. Julie has made a studied of the healing arts and is certified in several types of bodywork. Nature is the great equalizer and when life gets overwhelming, nature is her cure. Animals are her joy and relief, offering unconditional love and adding pure joy to her life. Julie lives in Sebastopol, California with her life partner Patrice Ryan.

Flowing Dragon Swords has added one more venue for Julie to practice the art of connection and observation at a very deep and subtle level. The movement of the game reminds her of the fluidity that is the goal of every interaction.

Authorized {teachers in training} of the Practice of Flowing Dragon Swords In the Eastern Untied States are:

 

(Note – The version taught in the East, has grown and expanded we will be in-servicing soon, please keep an eye on this sight for events posted in your area. Posted September 2006)

For Persons 14-100 years
Chas Lankford
Matt Stevens
Pamela La Regina

For Young People 14-18 Years
Dave Lasala
Michael Smith
Kenyon Adams

All the above mentioned wonderful persons are in the
New Haven, Connecticut and New York City Areas

Friends, Mentors, Teachers

Family


Author’s Note;

Much of the tenor and philosophy contained in
Flowing Dragon Swords is owed mainly to two extraordinary persons, the first is Joseph Campbell, whose lectures and teachings continue to this day to have profound effects on my life as well as many others and the second is:
Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei), especially from his;
“The Art of Peace”
(as translated by John Stevens)
“Their writings are still opening me up, and are fresh each day.”
(RS)

**Special Thanks to my Dear Friend, the Extraordinary Calligrapher, Writer and Artist for the Logo and Title Lettering as well as many other Gifts :

Pamela LaRegina, of Supercalligraphics at
www.Supercalligraphics.com

Special Acknowledgement and gratitude for the:
Photography Featured on this site goes to
Ms. Patrice Ryan & Ms. Laurie Binder

Testimonials about the Game:
Flowing Dragon Swords

In a world that is filled with paradoxes that we struggle to ignore, the practice of Flowing Dragon Swords gives us a mirror we can face, to learn about the paradoxes in ourselves; and through this gentle practice, facing the paradoxes in our own lives, we can better face the paradoxes in the world with more compassion and tolerance.  Flowing Dragon Swords truly turns the sword into the plowshare.

When I started the practice of Flowing Dragon Swords in January 2005, I had no idea how I would change.  As an Interfaith Minister, and life long heart-pilgrim, I thought I was open to learning about myself, and could anticipate the dark and light places.  Flowing Dragon Swords, and the deepening of my game and practice has taken my exploration to profound levels I never knew before.  I have learned things about myself, and myself in the world, in ways that I don’t believe I could have learned in any other practice.

Immediately, I understood the concept of connection in the game, but I had no idea how deep the possibilities were.  I found myself putting into practice the art of the game in my everyday life.  How do I meet people in the world, not just those I care about and want to be with, but people I don’t know, or don’t particularly like?  I found myself making deeper more intentional eye contact with more people, and the response has been amazing.  Often, without any verbal prompting, people in the store will greet me warmly and genuinely; conversations seem deeper; my attention to and with people in every context seems more connected, stronger.  I find myself not as easily distracted when engaged with someone – at a gathering, in the store, on the street, at a restaurant, or in my home. 

The mirror that is before me with each game I play has helped me to uncover “Dragons” with more gentleness, compassion and grace. (Dragons are parts of my ego, which limit my realizing the true connection to myself, others and the Divine).  Because in the game there is no winning and losing, “death” is of who I am, into who I can become.  By embracing these Dragons, and embracing the death of myself as disconnected, space is created for the Truth of connection, the Truth of Oneness to be revealed again and again.  Through the movement of the game, I can feel myself re-membering me – the physical me, the emotional me, and the spiritual me.  I re-member through the physical movement-- thus restoring the connection, which in turn: restores joy, curiosity, Love, openness, strength, and the pure knowledge of the fact that we are not separate at all.

In my work, as a hospice Chaplain, I experience an intensity of the practice of Flowing Dragon Swords, everyday. Meeting each person wherever they are, emotionally and spiritually, without agenda is vital to end-of-life spiritual work and to the practice of Flowing Dragon Swords – both involve; listening/speaking, leading/following, opening & reaching. And this “meeting of the other”, is connecting deeply, while balancing the honor, integrity; reverence, and respect, of the continual  reach for “I-Thou.”

Even though my practice of Flowing Dragons Swords has not been a long time, not nearly as long as my dear friend, teacher and founder, Richard Squeri, Jr., I am committed to continuing this as a vital spiritual practice for myself while helping to teach others to discover this for themselves.  I believe Flowing Dragon Swords can and will change the world.  In a way it already has – it has changed my world.  If, as Krishnamurti says “You are the whole world” then each one of us is -the whole World, and we can meet each other, connect and then one day people of all varieties will play this game and realize they aren’t so different after all.

by Rev. Karuna Gerstein, CFDSI
Interfaith Minister, Spiritual Director,
Dream worker, Chaplain,
Assist. FDS Instructor /Certified Flowing Dragon Sword Instructor

 “Crossing Swords with Richard Squeri”

I was 16 the first time I crossed swords with Richard.  I remember the day well because it was one of the first few times that I realized that I could follow my own path.  It’s strange how connecting with another soul brought that about, let me explain.  I come from a rough background, so it was no surprise that I turned out as a bit of a delinquent.  I had pretty much shaped myself into a tough guy who was too cool for just about anything positive.  In reality I was riddled with fear and anger, using drugs and alcohol addictively.

Richard was a teacher and counselor at a “druggie” alternative school that I had landed myself in.  I have always had an interest in Martial Arts so Richard and I had something to talk about.   I remember discussing the concept of “Chi” or “Ki”.  It was sometime shortly after that that Richard brought out his swords.

Now, you have to realize that it only takes a few minutes of talking with Richard to know that he is good people.  I’ve had people who have met him briefly ask me if he was for real or if he was just a master of first impressions (I assure them he is like that all the time).  But, when Richard and I crossed swords I could absolutely feel the positive energy and genuine goodness flowing, the kicker being that I couldn’t immediately tell if it was coming only from him or flowing from me as well.  It was undeniably beautiful.

Richard and I have played many times since then, our game has evolved nicely.  He counters my speed and aggression with gentle altruism and constantly forces me to stay within the flow.  It’s quite refreshing.  But enough about Richard.

I share the game with many of “my” people.  In the movie “The Bronx Tale”, one of the main characters explains a test he gives all of his potential girlfriends.  He opens the car door for them and then observes if they reach over to unlock his door.  I like to cross swords. 

It is very intimate.  Every individual has their own energy, but more importantly, every pair has its own combination or chemistry.  It can be surprisingly unpredictable.

I have never had a bad experience crossing swords, even with people I had concerns with.  I’ve had people who were initially very tense and stiff (and probably quite skeptical), completely give themselves to the flow with only a few games under their belt.  You can literally watch the stress melt from their faces.  As they begin to shake off the tension and pre-occupation of their day you can see them begin to trust their instincts more.  They begin to find their feet or forget them (I’m not sure which it is), regardless their movement becomes more graceful.  That is an invigorating sensation!  I’m no doctor, but I’m fairly certain this is creating new neurological pathways within the brain and central nervous system.  I have no doubt that nurturing focus, grace, and an empty state of mind is beneficial on many levels.

Personally, it has had life changing effects.

Chas – Padawan to Richard Squeri, Jedi master

Flowing Dragon Swords; the LaRegina report

When my good friend Richard Squeri, Jr., introduced me to the Flowing Dragon Swords game I embraced it with enthusiasm immediately. Three things preceded the experience that made it possible for me to love it so quickly.

First, Richard and I have known each other for about three decades, during which time we have worked together in several ways; on a theatrical level as members of the Spontaneous Theater Company, as compatriots in the realm of the martial arts, and also working with kids, sharing our mutual love of the art of calligraphy and other things.

This love of calligraphy is my second example.  Though I am a professional western calligrapher, I can see the correlation between it and Chinese calligraphy and martial arts.

 Thirdly, as a student of t'ai chi ch'uan (I am a member of the Cheng Man Ch'ing lineage,) and in particular, a student of the sword form, I already had practice with the sword.

Therefore, when Richard brought the game to me, I was open and ready to learn.
What amazes me as much as anything is that one does not need all this preparation to appreciate and benefit from the game. I have watched Richard introduce it to people so beautifully that they accept it without trepidation and begin learning and enjoying it in no time.

 My favorite memory is of Richard working with a bunch of young people on the Branford Green here in Connecticut. Both of us were there demonstrating the Flowing Dragon Swords game as part of a festival.  Richard and I played first to entice onlookers to give it a try. (As I am a female, it was helpful for me to be working with him because it made it less intimidating for other women.)

The young people that gathered around were dressed in leather jackets, metal accessories, various body piercing, and other signals that identified them as like-minded friends. My sense is that they were broadcasting their intention to appear powerful.

I believe that their idea of power was to be "tough." Certainly none of them wanted to be humiliated by playing a silly game such as this. Yet Richard somehow managed to get one of them to play. The young man began by being as tough as he could; by being aggressive and uncooperative.

 I watched Richard turn this person's whole attitude around in short order. This young man became tamed, so to speak, and softened and even wound up having fun. His new found ability to exert self-control was empowering.

The combination of qualities that Richard employed in this situation included his great knowledge and experience of the game, patience, confidence, and genuine sincerity. He was relaxed, cheerful and encouraging.

Flowing Dragon Swords is a game that takes one's full concentration. It requires skill, spontaneous decision making, respect for other, sensitivity, letting go of tension and ego, and creative action. The more awareness one brings to it, the better it gets. It has a certain intimacy to it because of how tuned in you must be to your partner. Yet it also commands a kind of respect for your partner that is due in part to the fact that it may be a game but it is also fencing, which means that if you are not fully alert to what is happening, you just might get "killed."

There does not seem to be a limit to the depth of this game; it has this in common with other art forms. One grows by playing it and this is true on many levels. It is physical, mental and spiritual. It inspires philosophical thinking and heartfelt discussion. It is a way to practice generosity. It teaches one about oneself and about others. Though a martial art, it is a way to practice Peace.

Pamela LaRegina
Calligrapher, Advanced-
Student of Tai Chi
www.supercalligraphics.com