Bruce Tegner

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Bruce Tegner (1929–1985) was an American author and martial artist who practiced judo and jujjtsu. Bruce authored several books on self-defense, including Bruce Tegner's Complete Book of Self-Defense Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Savate, Yawara, Aikido, and Ate-Waza. In all, he published some 80 titles in the United States.

Bruce's parents were also martial artists who began teaching Bruce judo and jujutsu at the age of 2. By the age of 21, Bruce had already won California's State title and began writing books on judo, jujitsu, aikido, tai chi, and kung fu. He included three types of training in his books: Sport, Classical, and Self-Defense.

In one of his books, the model posing for the techniques was Ricky Nelson, famous singer and co-star of "Ozzie and Harriet" tv show, who went on to win his black belt under Bruce's instruction. James Coburn was another celebrity pupil.

One of Bruce’s main contributions to self defence was that he dispelled a lot of the myths about the martial arts and brought realism to the fore again. One of these myths was the myth of the “Black Belt as a superman”. In his book Bruce Tegner’s Complete Book of Self-Defence he wrote, “Contrary to popular belief, the first black belts were not deadly killers; they were skilled sportsman.”

He also dispelled the myth that only athletes should practice the martial arts. In fact, he challenged the widely held (at the time) fact that martial arts required athleticism. Who, he asked, is more vulnerable to assault – a little old lady or a strong young athlete? As a result, his self defence method relied very little on strength and athleticism.

Bruce also loved to keep it simple. Rather than have an answer for every attack he taught a few simple moves that the defender could adapt to many different situations. As Bob Rosenbaum, one of Bruce Tegner’s Jukado Black belts explained, “He told us there are no pat answers, and that the most important weapon we have is the mind.”