Jon Bluming, one of Europe’s first MMA fighters
ByHere’s a blast from the past but still relevant today: Jon Bluming talking frankly and freely about Judo, Kyokushinkai and debunking some of the myths that are still making the rounds today.
You might not enjoy this video if you practice either of those arts…
For those who don’t know him, Jon Bluming was one of the first in Europe to mix martial arts and fight effectively with them, both in competition and on the pavement. He took the striking from karate along with the throwing from Judo. But that doesn’t really do him justice. He was first and foremost a tough-as-nails street fighter. What’s more, he routinely took on challengers and fought all comers. For some more background, check out this video:
Some people might get annoyed by Bluming’s words and that’s fine. But the fact remains: he was there then and chances are, they weren’t. Everything they know about what Mas Oyama really did or didn’t do, they learned from a book, video or other sources. Bluming didn’t, he was there… So it’s hard disputing what he has to say.
Also, I first started reading his column in a Dutch magazine twenty years ago. Back then, he already had that no-nonsense approach and called a spade a spade. Given the amount of revisionist history there is in the martial arts, it’s nice to see somebody call “Bullshit!” when he sees it. And the funny part is this: nobody ever comes out and proves him wrong. I wonder why…
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Jon Bluming is one of the giants in the history of martial arts in the west.
I totally agree. But outside of Europe, and especially in the US, few people know him. Which is a shame.
Hi Wim,
Thanks for this post…I had seen some of this footage years ago, but could never remember the gentleman’s name. What an incredible martial artist and literal living piece of martial arts history Mr. Bluming is…to have personally known Mas Oyama and Donn Draeger!
Very much enjoy your blog,
Thanks Peter and thanks for your support.
Wim, I remember reading about Jon in Black Belt and other magazines. Always thought he was one of those legends like Don Drager who went to Asia to study and bring back the real stuff.
I can’t find this out online but there was one of the early European Judo guys who was working as security somewhere and killed a man with a blow to the temple..and had a lot of regrets about it. Do you know if it was Jon or someone else?
The story rings a bell but I’m not sure if it was Jon or somebody else. No idea, sorry.
I liked his autobiography book when I read it. Really great, especially about time in Korean War (non-PC, too). :)
Non-PC, that’s Mr. Bluming all the way. :-)