Part 6/6 - Dan Inosanto and Diana Lee Inosanto Interview

Who was the most influential person in Guru Dan’s life besides Bruce Lee? Amos Alonzo Stagg. Not a karate man – he was a football player. The father of modern football. The most winningest coach in American football. He was really inspirational. Didn’t know who he was or understand how much until Guru Dan was out of college, out of the military and had been teaching for a number of years.

What people don’t realize is that Guru Dan was responsible for kicking off the controversial, but most important training program working with the Dallas Cowboys in the 70’s. Dr. Bob Ward brought martial art training into professional football. He was a genius. He took the sensitivity drills and stick drills to the Dallas Cowboys and realized how important it was for the football players. He was the one who pushed it. Dr. Bob Ward gives credit to Guru Dan and Tom Landry talked about Coach Stagg being his inspiration. It all comes full circle. Guru Dan being part of the first program in the NFL utilizing martial arts in the football training. The NFL wouldn’t have seen the value of martial arts in football if not for Bob Ward and Guru Dan. Training attributes are important. Dr. Bob Ward brought in jugglers to teach the players how to juggle a football. Anything that helps build strength, speed, stamina, skill, strategy, spirit, suppleness – that is what’s important. All these are basic attributes you can give a football player or any athlete. Anything that will enhance training is beneficial.