Final instructions of Antonio Pereira – The founder of Miyama Ryu

On July 16, 1999, after 56 years of service to the self-protection community, “the Guardian of Lost Art”, Antonio Pereira, expired and passed away. Master Pereira was my combat teacher for the last 18 years. Much of what I write and teach comes directly from the things he taught me or the paths he started me on. The world lost one of its most talented and active minds in the self-protection community.

I had the opportunity to visit him on his deathbed. His wife told me that I was one of the few people she asked because she didn’t want anyone to see him as an invalid. I admit that it was hard for me to see someone I considered wise and powerful brought down by time and disease. Master Pereira simply asked me to ensure that the achievements of all advanced practitioners of his art were known. He thanked me for accepting his discipline. He was extremely graceful and couldn’t help but reflect on some of his most popular statements, some of which I’ve tried to capture in this article.

“For a technique to be effective, it must also be simple.” Having fought in World War II for five years in the jungle, he knew that in a self-protection situation you won’t be able to perform complicated techniques. This is the fundamental principle of Miyama Ryu. A lot of modern gear misses the point of simplicity and adds non-survival components.

We are not fighters, we are defenders.” If you really want to understand how not to be a victim of violent crime, this fact is key. Maestro Pereira believed that your mentality and physical techniques should work for you no matter your size, physical conditioning, or strength. He taught the difference between sports martial arts and self defense, he was a recognized expert in both and for this reason his peers called him the ‘Keeper of the Lost Art’.

“What if? It will be answered in time.” As a teacher of the arts of self-protection, the “what if” question comes up constantly. It is usually in relation to a scenario. So, for example, if you are teaching someone how to avoid an attacker coming at you with a knife, the student might ask what if he has a weapon. Maestro Pereira always tried to focus on what we were learning and doing at the time. His idea was that to save your life you must be able to fully concentrate on what was happening at the time.

Master Pereira taught me many things. I will continue writing, teaching and expanding on them. In 1998 he appointed me as one of the successors of his system with the mandate to spread it worldwide. I hope I am worthy of the task of carrying on his legacy as one of today’s “Keepers of the Lost Art.” Protect yourself.