AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS is an autobiographical account of the life of its author Master Percy Brown nicknamed "Twenty-Five." Master Percy Brown is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served as a machine gunner during the Vietnam era. His studies in Martial Arts began before entering the Marine Corps and continued after.
The book examines the difference between learning fighting techniques and Martial Arts. The author feels that his training under three Korean Grandmasters is a blessing because of the spiritual connection absent from his training in American schools. The author believes that an examination of the differences in the philosophies gives a better understanding of the meaning of Martial Arts.
The author's belief is that spiritual development and discipline were the focus of the Korean Grandmasters. When the author asked to join Grandmaster Shim's school, The Grandmaster asked him why he wanted to study Martial Arts. His answer was "I want to be a good fighter." "No since being a good fighter if you're not a good man." Was the Grandmaster's response.
Martial Arts Master Percy Brown was born in Montgomery AL during the era of segregation. In his youth he marched with Doctor Martin Luther King junior. He was attacked and robbed by a grown man at the age of 7. This incident caused him to begin studying Martial Arts. At the age of seventeen he joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a machine gunner during the Vietnam era.
Master Percy Browns martial arts studies continued after his service in the United States Marine Corps. In 2013 Master Percy brown was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame/Hall of heroes. In 2016 he received a certificate in appreciation for dedication to the Martial Arts and for significant contributions to furthering peace, harmony, and universal happiness. The certificate was presented by Grandmaster Hee Il Cho, president and founder of the Action International Martial Arts Association.
