Posted ByMaster Roshambolla on March 23, 2001 at 00:01:45:
Roshambo-fu (or Roshambo-jitsu) is the occult (as in "hidden") martial aspect of inner rock paper scissors study. As a martial art, it is effective in all ranges, strikes, throws and trapping. The grappling aspect (seen in the streetfights of South America) is effective to the point where I do not feel comfortable discussing it here. There can be no harm, though, in describing the hand strikes. They are based, of course on the hand positions, and correspond as in "Spiritual Roots" (rock=spirit, paper=body, scissors=mind)
ROCK-the "rock fist" is very similar to Western Boxing. However it is a "spirit fist", and also akin to Shaolin LongFist.
SCISSORS-The "scissors strike" is a devious attack, and focuses on attacks to the eyes, throat, groin, and nerve clusters. Those proficient in Scissors have undergone the grueling "iron finger" conditioning. It is a mental attack, and easily defeated by the more potent spirit fist. It will cause great damage to the body (paper.)
PAPER-Can be used two ways-as a karate chop, and as a block and counter to the spirit fist. Those adopting such a defensive stance are prey to the focused attack of the scissors strike.
Those who doubt any of this, may look at such a famous match as the southeastern regional of 96. That was when "Wee" Willie Carcosa shocked his opponent,and the RPS world by leading with an uncharacteristicly aggressive Avalanche. His opponent, Steve "Mad Dog" Perkins was seen to stumble back. He actually dropped into a modified paper stance, as can be seen in the footage. This would only be natural for a roshambo-jitsu adept.
Kung Fu practitioners greet each other with a rock-fist concealed by a paper-hand. This is symbolic of spirit and body in perfect accord, and transcendence of the mind. However, you need look no further than popular media to see roshambo-fu based entertainment. In 1994's Pulp Fiction, in the "Twist" sequence, actor John Travolta's character can be seen using the beginning of the "gazing through scissors" kata. His partner, Uma Thurmon's character, responded with the beginning of a "gazing through paper" kata. As scissors=mind, this indicates defeat(scissors>paper.) This is a ploy, as she shifts to the "mashed potato" which is very similar to an Avalanche rock-fist attack. The best source of such scenes, however, are the early 3 Stooges movies. The fight choreographer for these early movies, Theodore Kalesky, was an adept. One need only recall the multiple scenes where all 3 would act out clashing rock-fists (demonstrating conflicting spirits), or Moe's incessant scissors attacks (indicating his scheming mental nature, also signified by his "bowl CUT"), or even Curly's paper-hand "sacrifice" block against such a scissors attack. They almost made "paper clipping" a household term.
I will close this message by stating that I will now restrict my messages to the occassional match report, unless asked a question, or otherwise provoked. (Please withhold your cheers, those of you who are no doubt rejoicing!) I will also consider accepting occasional unsanctioned challenges in the Washington DC area (though I have no desire to enter any sort of competitive local circuit.) Thank you for your time.