An Overview of Karate - Otoshi Gedan Uke analysis by RT

The original book 'Genwa Nakasone's 1938 Karate-do Taikan. ' was translated by Mario McKenna

The Otoshi Gedan Uke is from the Shorin Kusanku Kata. The technique was changed by Shimabuku Tatsuo in his Kusanku kata.

 

Greetings – Victor San, interesting that the technique I often muse about may be a continuation of the technique, recently discussed. See section "Karate-do kata and their meaning by Shiroma Shipan"  Pg 109-110 Figure 76-79, Otoshi Gedan-uke ,

read the explanation on pg 110.

 

 ( it is the better part of a page.) for those that do not have the book.

The squatting uke although the technique is not discussed in relation to the kata, but , more in terms of a fundamental method.

Romney^..^




Regarding otoshi Gedan-uke "I did learn it from Carl Long's Shorin Ryu but never really liked it (translation - IMO not a large man technique). On the whole I believe Shimabuku Tatsuo's replacement is a more meaningful technique."

 

Please indulge me on this , I would like to look past Physical or even mentality of personal preference, to look at the merit of the movements and descriptions based on our understanding of how Mundane situations work, and how principles may be employed to deal with these occurrences, and how this affects our kata performance of techniques similar in kind.

 

I picked this technique because I believe it is little understood, and most people have no good explanation for it nor can they effectively use their rendition in any effective way , yet many practice it regularly,

 

And I was SURPRISED to see that it is listed as fundamental .  

 

 
I have wondered/suspected that this movement was/is related to Uki-otoshi  at least as a application, it seems to use the same principles, I think the description in the book , may be a mundane application that emphasizes the potential cutting or reaping movement of the leg, which is later seen in movements like Dragon Whips it tail. keeping in mind that this is a fundamental movement , which to me implies it is the seed, of prototype for a myriad of variations .

looking at the movement as used by Shimabuku sensei, the power comes from the turn of the hips as we drop, the leg can still cut the leg out from under the opponent, and it later culminates in what appears to be a block, and strike on one knee.
I believe that the way most IR practitioner do this movement is a bastardization of the movement , because they do not use the entire middle section of the transition, For example – see   
photo 34-35-36 –

 

It appears as if the technique takes place in these photos and the turn between 35 and 36 is a simple change in orientation.


If one looks at this technique as a form of Uki-Otoshi as above, then the middle or transition between these movements is a major part of the technique and greatly affects the way that we do the transition between photo 35 and 36.


When I first learned Kusanku I was taught to pivoted after the kick and drop to the knee, now after photo 34 I step down , drop to shikodachi and then begin to transition or turn, In this manner the leg can be used to cut the legs of the opponent as we drop back and down , and then turn which is really doing Uki-otoshi and changing directions. SO back to

 

If you look at photo 3 and place both feet on the ground in shikodachi , then photo 4 place the right knee on the ground (instead of the left) as you turn the torso, you would have the way I perform this movement in Kusanku. IMO the real change in Kusanku is not the posture or the technique , it is combining it with the turn and ending on the knee.

Varieties of Taira Shinken Koudo in Japan and Okinawa

 The following videos allow a very interesting for both Inoue and Akamine were students of Taira  Shinken.  Inoue in Japan and Akamine in Okinawa. While both had the same source you can see how different they became in time. 

 

Remember Tatsuo was also a student of Taira. Taira frequently shared a bit of his kobudo kata with other Okinawan Karate Instructors to spread the art.

Ryukyu Kobujutsu | 琉球古武術 (Documentary in Japanese)
This episode of the Budokan Koryu Video Series is about Ryukyu Kobujutsu. Most of it is filmed at the original dojo of Motokatsu Inoue (2 December 1918 – 1 January 1993; a.k.a. Gansho) in Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Some of the Kata and Kumite are performed by Motokatsu Inoue himself. This documentary is entirely in Japanese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOCBhQcP4LM

 

EISUKE AKAMINE DOCUMENTARY - Pt. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBT1AGCCQSM

 EISUKE AKAMINE DOCUMENTARY Pt. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y4SXM-62iU

 

MORIO HIGAONNA = HOJOU UNDO MAKIWARA and Mawashi Uke

 

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPYWyXKKqQ0

 The secret Goju Ryu Techniques Part 1 - Mawashi Uke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a_kA5GaWd0

 

Self-Defence Aikido VHS - Toshishiro Obata

Renowned martial artist Toshishiro Obata, uchi deshi (live in disciple) under the late Gozo Shioda, relocated from Japan to America in 1980 and began development of a research organization called the "Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai" or abbreviated as Aiki-buken. While Mr. Obata was uchi deshi in Japan, he also taught at the Yoshinkan honbu dojo, universities, the Metropolitan Riot Police and the Japanese self-defense army.

Obata created the Aiki-buken to accurately rebuild concepts and techniques from the older styles of Aikibujutsu and Edo Torimonojutsu used during the feudal times of Japan. This is an ongoing process including the softer styles of modern Aikido.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6evcDQWl99A

 

One Chinese approach to grappling

 擒拿教學  Grappling teaching
Late Strike Trick - Take-the-Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2uTLbLbuAo 

 

After exp;eriencing far too many karate arguments on the internet I made my opinion known

 

 

The problems experiences on this list aren't the fault of one person, regardless of how extreme an example it may manifest.

There are and have been many parties all vying for bottom dog, and succeeding magnificently.

The larger problem in Isshinryu in general is far too many people choose to remain lurking and express only the Jerry Springer audience mentality, let the show roll on and the blood flow.

But extreme examples might make the point. Consider the many difficulties within the Catholic Church at this moment (I'm not opening a religious discussion, just making an analogy). The individual wrong doers and those in charge are being called out, as well they should be. But, there are also many others who looked the other way and knew things were happening and by omission allowed much wrong to continue.

There isn't any one person which can make a list succeed. Nor can any one spokes group make Isshinryu a success either.

There is absolutely nothing we experience that isn't a repeat of past performance from Okinawa and Japan. But the real issue isn't that there are those who dislike each other. The real issue is it doesn't make any difference in the long run.

Funakoshi's camp detested Motobu, and the reverse was true too. Outside of their wasting their time and effort on a feud, it made no difference in the long run. All they did was waste there energy on NOTHING. https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/search?q=Mabuni+bunkai+question

Discussing who's toughest, bravest, or has the better credentials, is worth diddly. It's as little consequence as what training methods you choose. There is and will be diversity and none can stop that nor are any of us good enough to prove otherwise.

But you know not saying anything is saying something, saying that YOU don't really care what Isshinryu represents itself as.

I don't see any victory here, I still see a contest of wills and too many simply taking notes.

And you know what the saddest thing is, what a waste. We all have different experiences. I'm not a friend or confident of Rich, but I have put time on the floor with him. Personally he's a nice guy and trains like hell. I'd like to imagine if I had the chance to meet most of you I'd have the same impression.

And nothing bantered in this vast space of a list changes that fact either.

You know most of us went through a lot of hard sweat to obtain the small amount of success we've enjoyed. Its a shame we as a group aren't willing to continue to sweat and make something work.

But as I stated, as I was trained and as I train others, I care about everyone.  I'm simply sorry not enough of you seem to have had the great experiences I've shared.

Victor Smith
Bushi No Te Isshinryu

Patrick McCarthy's 36 HAPV

 When just joined the old Cyberdojo I found Patrick McCarthy used to make constant reference to this list he developed, such that he taught a defense against each of these techniques. He referred to them as hiss 36 HAPV.

It has been a very long time since I have heard them referenced and thought some might find this interesting.


Where I am mentioned below, I had been talking about the 15 groups of self defense techniques taught by Tatsuo Shimabuku. I remember Patrick saying he never heard of them so I sent him a copy. I had been suggesting others had taken the same approach to training their students.


This is one of the lists (the 36 HAPV or the Habitual Acts of Physical Violence) that is under discussion. Victor and Dan have their own list that they have developed or grew up with. The 36 HAPV is a McCarthy development.


1. Straight kicks
2. Angular-type kicks
3. Straight punches
4. Circular punches
5. Downward strikes
6. Upward strikes
7. Knee and Elbow strikes
8. Head-butt/Biting and spitting
9. Testicle squeeze
10. Augmented foot/leg trips
11. Single/double-hand hair pull from the front/rear
12. Single/double-hand choke from the front/rear
13. Front neck choke from rear
14. Classical head-lock
15. Front, bent-over, augmented choke (neck-hold)
16. Half/full-nelson
17. Rear over-arm bearhug (plus side variation)
18. Rear under-arm bearhug (plus side variation)
19. Front over-arm bearhug (plus side variation)
20. Front under-arm bearhug (plus side variation)
21. Front/rear tackle
22. One-handed wrist grab (same and opposite sides-normal/reversed)
23. Two-handed wrist grabs (normal/reversed)
24. Both wrists seized from the front/rear
25. Both arms seized from the front/rear
26. Single/double shoulder grab from front/rear
27. Arm-lock (behind the back)
28. Front arm-bar (triceps tendon fulcrum up supported by wrist)
29. Side arm-bar (triceps tendon fulcrum down supported by wrist)
30. Single/double lapel grab
31. Single/double-hand shove
32. Garment pulled over the head
33. Seized and impact
34. Single/double leg/ankle grab from the front (side/rear)
35. Ground straddle
36. Attacked (kicked/struck) while down

While I can understand teaching to the attack, in reality there is really no correct answer, for there are many correct answers.

To my way of thinking the better answer is to slowly develop the correct answer of working to eventually understand that any technique can end any attack, understanding how to enter the space around the attack and then delivering the chosen technique. It is best said as One Answer for Every Attack. Of course you would have every technique you have studied that could become the One technique.  Just to make yourself unreadable.

8 Poems of the Fist

Andre Quast wrote this piece from his own research on the Bubishi.

 

 

It adds more meaning as this formed Shimabuku Tatsuo's Isshinryu Code of Karate.

I put something together on the "eight poems of the fist. I used the following sources:

- Miyazato Ei'ichi: Okinawa-den Gôjû Ryû Karate-dô. Jitsugyô no Sekaisha Kan, 1953, p.35:
- McCarthy, Patrick: Bubishi. The Bible of Karate. Charles E. Tuttle Company, Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo, Japan, 1995.
- Ôtsuka Tadahiko (transl.): Okinawa-den Bubishi. Tôkyô, Bêsubôru Magajin-sha 1991.
- Ôtsuka Tadahiko (transl.): Chûgoku Ryûkyû Bugeishi. Tôkyô, Bêsubôru magajin-sha 1998, pp. 278 and 318 (identical).



When Miyagi Chôjun's disciple, the late Shinzato Jin'an, participated at the Meiji Shrine Taikai in the year 1930, Shinzato performed a Karate Enbu. When at this occasion he was asked about his styles name, he had problems to answer the question. So he reported the incident to Miyagi Chôjun. Thereafter the styles name "Gôjû-ryû" was chosen. Why and how Miyagi Chôjun Sensei chose this antagonistic term as the name of the style from the Chinese book called Wbèizhì, read as Bubishi in Japanese? This book represented the written tradition of the southern Chinese branch of Shaolin-boxing called White Crane Gate (J.: Nan-ha Shôrin-ken Hakutsuru-mon. Ch.: Nánpài Shàolínquán Báihèmén),  from Fujian-province in S.E. China, which had been transmitted to Okinawa.


Respecting the Chinese language in which it was originally written, Wbèizhì basically means "Account of Military Preparation," but the more subtle possible meanings in the Chinese language would also allow reading it as "Account of preparing defenses" or – quite fitting - "Account of preparing the boxing skill".


This Book contained the "Eight Sentences on the Main Points of Chinese Boxing," or "Eight Poems of the Fist." The Gôjû of the styles name stems from the third phrase, which reads Hô Gôjû donto, with Gôjû being the philosophic principles of the martial art per se. Gô and Jû are inseparability and constitute one body. It represents the cosmic dual forces of Yin and Yang, and thus all things in nature, within this world. The styles name Gôjû is truly appropriate and should be considered. The eight sentences are the following (translated by from McCarthy, Bubishi, 1995, p. 159-160):


1. The human mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. Our blood circulation parallels the solar and lunar cycles of each day.
3. Inhaling represents softness while exhaling characterizes hardness.
4. Adapt to changing conditions.
5. Response must result without conscious thought.
6. Distancing and posture dictates the outcome of the meeting.
7. See what is unseeable.
8. Expect what is unexpected.

 

Andreas Quast
Goju-ryu/Ryukyu Kobudo
Mudansha
Duesseldorf, Germany

While this translation is a bit different from the Isshinryu Code of Karate, it is close enough to add a bit of texture.

 

Recollections on my own Bubishi study

 One can wear many hats during a life of research/study into the origins of karate. If you have followed my blog you can readily understand what I mean.

Starting in the late 1980s and through the remainder of the decade I was probably one of the most prolific commentators of the Bubishi on the net.
 

I read many versions, noting many similarities and differences.  My friend Joe Swift obtained many Japanese works on the Bubish (of course I could not read them but I did look at the pictures.  I translated a french version of Roland Habsetzer's Bubishi for Patrick McCarthy, I ever contributed an introduction to his 2nd edition. I have made friends from literally around the world because of my efforts. Many of them made contributions to my efforts.

Some observations.

1. While I never said anything derogatory about any of the authors of those books, just writing on them made individuals not like my efforts, believing I was discounting different authors. I never did that.

2. Eventually I realized each edition of the Bubishi came from different sources. One example were each book had the chapters in different orders.

3. Almost all of the Bubishi editions had different drawings. This of course most likely goes war back in time for the Bubishi was never a book, rather a loose leaf collection of notes. When others were given the right to obtain a copy, in most cases they were not authors and went to local copyists to produce a copy of the Bubishi. Human nature of the copyists may explain how the drawings changed over time. That continued to the modern authors for many of their illustrations are also modern renderings of the older drawings. Over time it is likely those drawings changed slightly each time, showing the drawings doing something different as time passed.

4.The original Bubishi was written in much older Chinese. It is quite unlikely the original Okinawans could not read what was written. That possibility exists even to today. Whichever text was used for the current translation efforts, may not even be the original as the copyists of the years might have made inadvertent changes.

5. In my opinion the Bubishi the was not a text to train beginners.  see it likely that it was a collection of notes for a senior student as a was to remember some of the aspects of their training, notes for personal reference. Not with all the details of the training, just enough to jog one's memory of the training for personal use.

6. There is no reason to assume the collection of Bubishi articles came from the same training program, it is just as easy to assume the articles may have been gathered from many sources over the years. Ones having nothing to do with someone's training, more as useful to have. Leaving it an assumption to treat is as an explanation of one training program.

7. We have no clear answer how it came into Okinawan hands.  I have seen multiple versions of an answer. We just know that it did. In time trusted senior students were given leave to make their own copies

8. It is possible that the Bubishi actually was primarily a text for a medical practitioner as over 1/2 the book is about how a healer would address a variety of injuries. Use of herbs and a variety of ways to heal an individual. (Personally I would not assume to try to do these suggestions) Even to suggesting certain strikes cause instant death, then in another section suggesting how to cure that death strike.

9. Back when I began my Bubishi studies, a variety of instructors from many systems offered their opinions on how the 48 self defense technique drawings from the Bubishi might be found in their systems kata. One of them a Goju instructor shared his opinion of those techniques found within the Goju kata. Others did the same thing and I shared their opinions on a blog site I formerly used. However as time progressed fewer shared their opinions and even fewer commented on my Bubishi postings. Then one day Ernest Rothrock allowed me to present my research on the Bubishi by giving his Pittsburgh students a clinic. He had not seen the Bubishi prior to that. As he was very heavy in the Chinese systems he studied I was most interested in his opinion.

When I finished that clinic he asked to look at my Bubishi (It was the first McCarthy edition. He thumbed through the 48 self defense techniques then gave me his opinion. What he told me was "These techniques are just basic techniques found in many Chinese systems." Then to prove his point, he gave the book back to me and said randomly select a technique and he would show how it was used. Each time I did so, he instantly showed me that appllication, technique after technique. I was impressed and told him he could  give clinics on this. Ernie responded he was not in the business of supporting karate systems. (grin) His demonstration was video's for me and as I left he gave me those videos. However as they were filmed on small cassette VHS tapes and I did not have a player for them, I have never viewed them. I have those tapes in my room to this day.

10. While my research continued for a decade I am unaware of any instructor who actually based their program on the Bubishi. I am aware of several instructors who have taped their own intrepretation of what the Bubishi showed, but I have no idea if they actually based their program on those description.

11. My own opinion is that it is most likely most instructors obtained a Bubishi, looked at the pictures then placed in on their dojo shelves to point to if anyone asked. IMO most of those Bubishi are still sitting on those shelves gathering dust.

12. Every modern author added additional material to their published Bubishi. Often it was nor clearly explained that those chapters were their own opinions of what the Bubushi should mean.

For example almost everyone went on about Chi and into great detain about the Chi striking points. None of which was in the Bubishi itself. Perhaps they were right, and the Chinese author(s) already felt those senior students who read the book were already familiar with that material and thus it was hon in the original.

For myself I am finished with my Bubishi research. I never taught this to my students for I did not feel I added anything to their own studies. Nor did I recommend they should get a Bubishi and study it.

However I would like one day to see an actual copy of the Bubishi. Unencumbered by any other opinions. I do not read Chinese, but I would enjoy seeing it. I always can look at the original drawings.

Goju-Ryu avec sensei Zenei Oshiro

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf-aoMvPQBY

 

Joe-san on Oshiro Seisan kata

I miss discussions like this

Seinsei OSHIRO kata Seisan
This video is about Seinsei Zenei OSHIRO: kata Seisan filmed during a workshop under the aegis of the OGSE and the UAM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZR9Ugm4nv4

> I would like to know some knowledge about Oshiro Seisan,
how it differs from for example Kyan-sensei's version and what is its lineage.



I have only ever seen/read this in the 1930 "Kenpo Gaisetsu" (by Miki Nisaburo and Takada {Mutsu} Mizuho). I have never seen it performed "live" so to speak. However, from the book, it seems virtually identical to the Kyan version(s)... and also very similar to the "Matsumura Seisan" as described in Sakagami Ryusho's 1978 "Karatedo Kata Taikan."


I have talked to Kinjo Hiroshi about this kata as well.


Kinjo was a direct student of Oshiro Chojo and he knows this kata. According to Kinjo, Oshiro learned this kata as well as the Oyadomari no Passai from Iha Kodatsu of Tomari. Hence, Kinjo feels that it should be called Tomari Seisan and NOT Oshiro Seisan.

Hope this helps?

Joe Swift

Older Karate throwing techniques

 

Various early karate authors showed that Okinawan Karate also incorporated various throwing techniques.Some of which can be found in kata. Others indicate other training must have been involved. Suggesting there is far more depth to how karate was studied in the past.


Sadly I would suggest few today keep this tradition alive. I am not suggesting I did either.


A while back my good friend and fellow karate enthusiast Joe Swift wrote an article for Fightingarts.com on http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=77



In the article he various photographs from early books on Karate to show the throws.


Never content to understand what was discussed by Itoman Seijin,  I have added judo throws that I felt matched these throws. Any errors are my own mistakes.


Joe presented some examples of throws from some of the pre-war Japanese language texts on karate in order to clear up the mis-perception that there are no such techniques in modern karate. I thought I would add to the discussion by translating a small section on throwing techniques by Itoman Seijin that was published in his 1934 book, Toudi no Kenyu or The Study of Tang Boxing. I apologize to the reader that the photos are not the best quality, but they will still provide the reader with the general idea of what some of the throwing techniques in karate consisted of. Also Mr. Itoman does not present photos for all of the throws discussed in the text.


 
Toudi no Kenkyu by Itoman Seijin Types of Throws (pp. 88 – 89)


1. Nose (pronounced NOSAY) Nage (Riding throw) – Nose nage resembles Judo’s koshi nage, koshi guruma, and uchi mata. That is to say, the technique relies upon the opponent being positioned on your hip to throw.

2. Se Nose Nage (Riding the back throw) – Se Nose Nage is similar to Judo’s ippon Seiyo Nage.

 

3. Ten Nage (Heaven throw) – With ten nage, you seize and lift the opponent above your head and throw him to the rear.
 

4. Kata Nage (Shoulder throw) – Kata nage is the same as Judo’s kata guruma.

 

5. Ushi Nage (Bull throw) - Ushi nage is similar to how a bull uses its horns to throw a person behind them. That is you place your neck between your opponent’s legs and throw to the rear.

 

6. Ne Nage (Ground throw) – Ne nage is the same as Judo’s sumi gaeshi and tomoe nage.

 

7. Ude Nage (Arm throw) – Ude nage consists of taking your left hand and seizing the right side of your opponent near his stomach and placing your right hand at on the left side of your opponent’s upper back. Twist and throw.

8. Kubi Maki Uchi (Twisting the neck strike) – Kubi maki uchi consists of scissoring the opponent’s neck with your forearm and throwing them like Judo’s uchi mata or maki goshi.
 

9. Oi Otoshi Nage (Shoulder drop throw) – When seized from behind by an opponent, drop your hips, lunge forward and use your shoulder(s) to throw him.
 

10. Furi Sute Nage (Swinging sacrifice throw) – Furi sute nage is similar to Oi otoshi nage (9). When you are grabbed from behind by an opponent, drop down and to the side to throw him.

Now you can compare them with the 9 throws found in Funakoshi, Gichin (1925). Karate Jutsu (唐手術) (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2014-11-29.

https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/search?q=Funakoshi+throws

This does suggest that all Okinawan karate-ka did not follow the same throwing curricula.

BNT Isshinryu Kata possibilities for the 3rd Dan

In my school I only had 3 degrees for black belts. What follows in a simplified description of what those Dan ranks mean.

Shodan for the first 2 years training as a black belt.

Nidan life time training focusing of what the individual felt most important for themselves.

Sandan life time training for those nidans who chose what was more important for themselves and also choose to study the entire nidan curricula. At which point additional challenges were available  to keep them pushing themselves for life.

Instructor was not a Dan certification. It was a separate training program, minimum qualifications were being a Sandan, having at least 15 continuous years training with me, and undergoing a additional training program at least 5 years long, among which they have developed a student from White belt to Shodan. Only then would they be authorized to develop their own program.


The role of an additional kata study is not because they need more kata, rather the role of the kata is to continually push themselves keeping their mind fresh and growing.

NO Tomari No Rohai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_w9qwWi1Dw

 
A partial version of the Tomari No Rohai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIBgQj_Hgdk

 
Gohakukai Tomari Rohai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8elbtgefTQ

 


Aragaki Sochin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW93zVdDIcI

 

Okinawa karate Kyudokan Sochin YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzCq29u4S68

 

 


Mabuni Menwa Seipai book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aBWlHn5k4Q

Kei Miyagi Hanshi - Seipai kata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG-ju8xyk5I

Hiagonna Seipai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQLLPqRh2Yc

 

Masters - Matsumura Orthdox Gojushiho, Goju Seipai 1:29 - 2:30, Isshinryu Black Belt Kobudo Tokomeeni No Kon 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2hByTbv474

For the  3rd Dan, these kata studies are not meant for self defense as  much as to keep pushing oneself.

A discussion about RANK a long time ago

 

Michael Wm Garner U.S. Traditional Martial Arts Society

 
I personally attempt to hold HIGHER requirements, than what I deem as the average standard, for my students, my school, and myself - that is all I can truly control --- No one I am aware of has publicly attempted to insult me … HOWEVER …

Tell me, PLEASE, is it Martial Arts (MA) Tradition to publicly condemn others for a RANK or TITLE they have been given when it does not directly affect you, your school, or its activities?

• When I was very young, my parents taught me, for the most part, if you can’t say something good about someone else, it’s best to say nothing at all.

• Later, I was taught Traditional MA Etiquette dictates that those who publicly attempt to belittle fellow practitioners not only do a disservice to the MA community in the eyes of the public, but set a bad example for others, nullifying no one’s legitimacy more than their own.

• I plead with ALL those we are still able to hold in high regard to maintain the dignity of titles such as Sensei, Sifu, or whatever is bestowed, and not throw them into an ever-increasing list of “restricted words.”

• Words don't change a reputation; people earn their own reputation.

• I choose to allow CLOWNS to follow their calling.


Victor Donald Smith No one is perfect, I have heard Okinawan instructors who speak in disparaging ways about other Okinawan instructors, I then imagine how they would speak towards these folks.


Michael Wm Garner Agreed, Sensei Smith, however I just believe that revealing one’s own standards is more productive and more Honorable than simply putting down another’s. That was a major part of the reason for my formation of the US TMAS and this facebook group.


IMHO, One problem is NOT ALL MARTIAL ARTS ARE EQUAL, as much as many of us would wish.


Many years ago, the MA pioneer Donn Draeger Sensei taught us that there are 100s, maybe thousands of "JUTSU" that were never meant to be COMPLETE MARTIAL ARTS that the "-DO" arts were. THAT is one misunderstanding; * a single subject of study will only take a small portion of time to learn than the number of subjects required for a complete system. *

Another major misunderstanding is that a child could or ever even should be meant to be holding a leader's rank in any WARRING activity or even ONE-ON-ONE battling tactics.


I believe that * a NOVICE is ANYONE having less than one year -or- approx 4hours X 4 weeks X 12 months = approx 200 hours. * An INTERMEDIATE is what the average adult that can learn to perform during the second year, & and * ADVANCED or Brown Belt is a passing 3rd year student. *


A Black Belt has proved he or she wishes to become a lifetime student & has learned to demonstate the basics of a system with the Proficiency you expect within your system. *


An "instructor" should have 2 to 3 times the experience of a new black belt AND should be continuing study under a "Master Level" instructor. *A Grandmaster is a Master Instructor who has come to lead so many students to the level of Master that he or she needs a Distinction to maintain a style's standards and Leadership. That's just my take, but of course, every single person who claims a rank higher than mine or took a class before I myself started knows better ,,,

Victor Smith
I of course, only speak for myself. For many reasons I have  not joined any Association, just stay with my instructors the past 40 years. Personally we hold the highest organization is the dojo, as older Okinawan instructors held. I share and try to learn as I am able.

For our program it takes young people 7 to 9 years to reach shodan, about 4 for adults, both programs have one set of standards.

 For the young 100% graduate high school and then move on as they have more important things to do for their lives. The Sho-Dan has reached the beginner level. Their training then continues for life. Instructor is an entirely different designation requiring at least 15 years of training and accomplishment before they may be recommended. Then they spend roughly 5 years in mentorship. Then the learning continues for life.

In the dojo rank standards while kept by the instructors. Nobody cares as we all know where we are. So far there are 2 others who have reached instructor level and today they run our program where I supervise their efforts and focus on the beginners to start them right.

I am well aware that all programs are not equal, several of my friends programs are lifetime efforts. Speaking for myself we are not a commercial program though I am not against said programs. At different times I paid plenty for unique instruction,  and at times friends offered same for free.

I personally deplore those programs which are leading good individuals into suspicious programs.

Something unusual to consider Yang T'ai Chi Chaun Chin Na

It was in the mid 1980s when I discovered the books of Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. I was already practicing the Yang Long Fist T'ai Chi Chaun. But I was just taught the form and not is use for combat. At the time that was not my interest. However Dr Yang began to write about the uses of T'ai Chi for self defense and I took note.

When his books started showing his chin na I found much of it similar to what Tristan Sutrisno was showing me as the applications of his art.

When I showed him the book, he immediately began flipping pages and picking various applications then showing his version. He was most impressed at how much it was what his father taught him.

Then when I got Dr. Yang's two books on Advanced Tai Chi I was most impressed at the description of how Chin Na was categorized by him.

1.       How that movement could be used to down an enemy.
2.       How that movement could be used to strike in a cavity (I understood that as a vital point)
3.       How that movement contained chin na control over an opponent’s attack.

I bought many of his VHS tapes on Chin Na as well as other topics.

Here is his Tai C'hi ChinNa video, it has a lot of valuable information demonstrated.

Tai Chi ChinNa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWbaEEEEcVQ 

 The original YouTube video was deleted but here is a foreign version of the video.

 

Of course there is much more to the story. See the following older posts on that.

 

https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/2019/10/dr-yang-jwing-ming-memory-of-man.html

 

https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/2014/11/further-clinic-memories.html

https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/2020/03/another-look-at-potential-use-of-chin.html

I suppose pride is the right term

 I just received a call from Charles Murray.

 

He told me last weekend at the Isshinryu tournament in Tennessee, John Ingram took him aside after the opening banquet and informed him that he has been promoted to Nana (9th) Dan in Isshinryu Karate.

Here is a photo of the promotion.

 

With him are Wayne Ellis, John Ingram, Judy and Reese Rigby and Al Bailey. 

 

I began my Isshinryu studies with Tom Lewis (and always will be my sensei. But when I moved to Scranton eventually I was joined there by Charles Murray and he continued my Isshinryu studies training me until I became an IKC black belt.

 

While in Salisbury, Md, one of my seniors was Al Bailey. I trained at the IKC Princess Ann, Md dojo of Wayne Ellis. I also traveled many times to train at the IKC Dover, Del dojo of Reese and Judy Rigby. My IKC seniors always were the best.

Then for something really different that also makes sense as a way to practice Tonfa.

Bazooka striking with Tonfa (Tunfa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z4vfc16QAg

Reminds me of Bando stick drills from the 1983 Bando Summer camp. where they used logs for impact striking with short sticks.

 

When striking with a short stick (on Tonfa) you really need practice to realize the role of the striking impact in your practice.

The use of flex when teaching youth

 When teaching youth (and for that matter everyone) it can help to add some 'flex' to your program.

So at times I expose them to some advanced techniques, such as a Chinese approach to multiple striking, where one strikes presents an opening to another strike.

Jing Do 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSJyJI2q-mI

 Jing Do 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIYicuVOyxg

 Jing Do 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iTauCAsvyc

 Jing Do 1,2,3,4 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPp5V6MVgMA

Then this is the way I introduced my students to another form of multiple striking via a simplified 3 count strike pattern (that much later becomes a 5 count strike pattern).

For younger students I change the strikes in our Kata Sho to the 3 count strike pattern. This is what they look like.

Sho 1 with 3 count striking
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqHaGlsQUbw


Then sometimes fun happens:

 Green Belts Rear grab defense with Giggles      

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxRlfK-wkDk 

No two classes were ever alike!!!

Running Cadence 1.2.3.4 in the dojo

 

Unfortunately this video is no longer available

I offer this one instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cADYu1qruHI

TIME TO TAKE A BREAK AND HIT THE STICKS

 

Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa with Sammy Davis Jr.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsLmg4tfO1U

Then decide, who is the best?

 

On the Higaonna sensei kicking technique

Back in the mid 1980's after training with many different styles I began to realize there was more to be done with kicking. This was well before Youtube, VHS  tapes were beginning to be sold on various martial arts. I worked to develop various dan training kicking exercises to address this. I did not believe they were appropriate for Youth or Kyu students, all of who had more important studies.

Basically I felt enough was not being shown how kicking  could destroy an attacker's lower body. The kicking techniques shown below are demonstrating that destruction. I should add in practice, take great care when working with a partner.

 

Higaonna sensei various kicking techniques
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoUXVJDS6aM

 

Romney Taylor
Victor-san most of these techniques are Interwoven into the curriculum I learned.

Of course the basic kicks are in the chart exercises Which are taught first, then as simple self defense  we teach, how to use these kick for distraction if  grabbed in a bear hug from front or back.

The kicks are used to distract the opponents mind  (with pain) from their grip (hands) , and then various  Escapes are taught depending on if the bearhug Is from the front , back , over the arms or under the arms.

The distraction methods using kicks are:

Stomp on the long bone of the foot:

Kick the shin
Back the shin
Push against the knee
Kick to groin , Knee or kick to groin from front.
Hands to groin (Haito , shuto, grab).

If anyone cares to discuss them I can complete the lists of techniques taught and what they represent (why these Particular methods are taught).

Okinawan Karate kata feature mostly low level kicks, in addition to implied kicks with stepping. The kicks work in conjunction with the hand movements to form the 'technique.' Kicks may be delivered before the hands or after the hands, either way they are complicit in bringing the opponent into the strike, lock, or throw through 'kuzushi' (unbalancing/destabilizing). These are dangerous techniques to practice with a partner and should only be attempted under the supervision of a knowledgeable instructor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz2LQY4Da6g