Little John and Robin Hood

[Conquistador]

I am sure that most Ninpo people know of the book by Masaaki Hatsumi and Quintin Chambers, "Stick Fighting".In the intro they speek about England, "the home of my ancesters by the way" and the staff.As we know Little John whiped Robin Hood with a staff if my history is correct.In the intro they say that the staff was essential to a young mans education in England.I was wondering is the English staff arts still alive.To my self Robin Hood was like a English version of the Ninja.Thanks

[Brad Ellin]

Maybe I´m wrong, but didn´t Robin Hood beat Little John? Or is that just the Hollywood version?

[Shaolin Dragon]

English Martial Arts, as they are known, are alive, but not particularly widespread, although living history (e.g. re-enactments) is also a good place to look.

As for Robin Hood, the Hollywood version is just an amalgamation of the many different legends that have grown up around the character over the past centuries and may or may not have relevance to the real character (assuming that there was one - or even several people upon whom one character is based).

Something similar has happened with the Arthurian Legends; the Hollywood vision bears very little resemblance to the original tales, and certainly none to any reality the Legends are based on (Most King Arthur films feature knights in shining armour - 5th Century??)

[Shaolin Dragon]

http://www.geocities.com/puckrobin/rh/realrob.html

This is a great site for anyone who is interested in pursuing the truth behind the Robin Hood Legend.

Prince of Thieves????
An American Robin Hood, a Muslim best buddy, and a Scott playing the Norman king of England (who incidently could barely speak a word of English). What a load of tripe. Alan Rickman was the only thing worth watching in it. (rant over)