There's a concerted effort to delete the Ashida Kim page from Wikipedia. The justification given is a lack of sources (though the true reason seems to be that Wikipedia's founder wanted it removed). The only serious sources on him that have been found are an article from a small magazine, his publisher's web site, and some court documents unearthed at the site that is automatically filtered here. There are passing mentions in various books that cite him as an expert on ninjutsu. (Yes, that's nuts.) Does anyone know of an article on him in Black Belt or the like that documents some basic facts? It has to be from a regular, printed source such as a newspaper or magazine or book--not just something from a web site or something obvious from reading one of his books.
Ashida Kim--Sources?
- Thread starter arnisador
- Start date
Milt G.
Purple Belt
Hello,
I have his book; "Secrets of the Ninja" (1981) in front of me.
There seems to be nothing about Mr. Kim from a biographical standpoint whatsoever. Very unusual in a book, or any media it seems.
It is an interesting book. The photos amateurish, even by the standards of the day. It is an interesting, though basic, read. I remember getting it when new and enjoying it on some levels. Thank heaven, it did not give me the impetus to become a "Ninja".
Hope this helps some, but fear it does not. Feel free to e-mail me if you need anything from the book.
So, why do they want to delete his entry in Wikipedia? Because of the lack of substantiating historical background pertaining to him? I think he wrote more then one book.
I think they should keep him in. If for no other reason that he is a "personality" of the martial arts that helped students in their interest of his ellusive art on a wide scale.
How many of todays "seniors" have done that?
Best of luck in your search.
Milt G.
mguinette@comcast.net
Archangel M
Senior Master
Who In Martial Arts DOESNT know who Ashida Kim is?
I think he has to stay.
I think he has to stay.
xJOHNx
Purple Belt
There was an article about him in Martial Arts Inside. The interviewer fired some questions to which 12 to 15 masters in different arts responded. Not such a deep article (just basic questions), But it's him allright.
It was the edition with Chris Crudelli on the front page. Nov. 2008, Vol. 21, no.6.
Hope this helps you out.
It was the edition with Chris Crudelli on the front page. Nov. 2008, Vol. 21, no.6.
Hope this helps you out.
kaizasosei
Master Black Belt
When i was a kid i actually took ak seriously. Really caused me much grief and wondering that the kuji mudras described were different but i tried all ways and trusted the japanese sources more anyhow. All the chinese terminology was interesting and the ideas in ak books are thoughtprovoking, i guess.
I dunno, don't really seem to need too much ak in my life as i have discovered plenty of other legit stuff.
It seems to me that people like ak are setting themselves up just to get taken down. I saw a documentary once and it wasn't near as interesting as the books i remember. Although the books also seem to build up to something...but it never seems to quite get achieved, whatever it is. Now i think the stealth is cool in a way but without the mindset it is a bit suspicious.
I dunno, don't really seem to need too much ak in my life as i have discovered plenty of other legit stuff.
It seems to me that people like ak are setting themselves up just to get taken down. I saw a documentary once and it wasn't near as interesting as the books i remember. Although the books also seem to build up to something...but it never seems to quite get achieved, whatever it is. Now i think the stealth is cool in a way but without the mindset it is a bit suspicious.
Yeah, they have some pretty strict rules on that--too strict in some regards.
That's just the kind of thing I need! Thanks!
Been there!
xJOHNx
Purple Belt
A cruel and unforgiving site. Doesn't come up in google either. Maybe they have some ninja disguise techniques as well..
http://www.martialartsltd.co.uk/
If you can't find it, I'll try scanning it.
http://www.martialartsltd.co.uk/
If you can't find it, I'll try scanning it.
sgtmac_46
Senior Master
Ah, I had thought you meant Martial Arts Insider! If it's not inconvenient for you to scan it, I'd really appreciate getting an e-mailed copy. I'm of the opinion that deleting it is ludicrous--he's a fraud, but it's helpful for people to be able to look that fact up and know!
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
You know I have not heard about or even thought of Ashida Kim since the last time he was brought up on MT and likely I will not think of him or hear about him again until the next time he is brought up, he simply is not that important to me.
But on that note Ashida Kim will never go away, Hell there are 12 pages worth of threads (do a search for Ashida Kim) that are either about him of mention him here on MT that range from February 2002 to today (September 14, 2009)
But on that note Ashida Kim will never go away, Hell there are 12 pages worth of threads (do a search for Ashida Kim) that are either about him of mention him here on MT that range from February 2002 to today (September 14, 2009)
why not just call him and let him know you're trying to do a legit article on him? He might be able to give you a starting point.
xJOHNx
Purple Belt
I'll try, it is glossy paper though. I'll see to it in the weekend.
Unfortunately he wants the article on WP removed, so I doubt he'd cooperate. I'd like to see it stay for 13 year old martial arts enthusiasts who would otherwise risk getting off to an unfortunate start...
sgtmac_46
Senior Master
That's part of it, but the bigger issue is that WP founder "Jimbo" Wales wanted the page removed, but nominated it via the regular process and was defeated. This is the seventh attempt to remove by butt-kissers who want to please the big boss by finishing the job he started.
