Haiku

In my usual informal style....

Seeking the Way -
Great Lion, illuminated;
Grandmother Moon.

The Path of Martial Arts

Ohtsuka wrote that the aim of martial arts is to achieve peace through harmony.

Martial arts are not merely sports, although competition can be an important part of your life especially if you're young. It can be a good motivator and is a chance to use up some of that boundless energy young people have. But there comes a time when sport is not enough. Either you're not so fit as you used to be, or there's no real challenge or enjoyment any more.

Not everyone wants to compete. Most people want "fitness" and "self defence". Both, I think stem from fear. Seeking fitness is a fear of death, self defence is the fear of fear.

There's nothing wrong with acquiring such skills. Physical exercise is a positive experience and, as one of my students put it, it's an insurance policy for the future. Self defence skills are very useful too of course, but if that's what you're into be careful.

Many karateka become obsessed with finding effective techniques, making up all kinds of scare stories and scenarios to (theoretically) test themselves. The ongoing quest for "bunkai" stems from this, along with perhaps justifying practices they don't really have a full understanding of.

As we develop and mature in martial arts we become better people. Our fears and shadows are conquered and we no longer have a need to study self defence. Martial arts training takes on a new significance, whether it's art for art's sake, or a more profound journey into self-discovery.

Through physical practice, mental stimulation and introspection we can reveal the Budo Way, not as a means of competition, or feeding our ego-fears, but as a path to attaining inner peace in a world filled with chaos and darkness.

I guess Ohtsuka was right, wasn't he?

Ni Sei Shi

Wado Ryu Ni Sei Shi. Some subtle differences between later versions which look more like Shotokan's Nijushiho. The final technique at the end looks like a very painful wrist hold!

Ohtsuka Demonstrating Wado Ryu

Three Strategies in Wado Ryu

Wado Ryu, as we have seen, contains a number of methods of movement, and ways of attacking using those methods. Three strategies you will hear about are Nagasu, Noru and Inasu.

Nagasu
Body evasion techniques. The classic example is Nagashizuki, where you slide slightly forward then pivot to evade a straight punch. You can apply this to the inside or outside. Ippon Kumite Jodan 3 demonstrates this.

Noru
Blending with the attacker's movement. For example, in soto uke (outer "block") we receive the attacker's strike and redirect it off-centre and allowing it to continue in the same forward direction. This is different to standing there smashing your forearm into his!

This is a good example of the phrase "use your opponent's force against him". It can be seen in Ippon Kumite Maegeri.


Inasu
This one is all about counter-attacking just as your opponent begins to attack. For example in Kihon Kumite 1 you receive the first punch, then "feel" the second punch coming in (from your partner's body movement). As soon as you register this you move in, twist and hit left.

Okinawan Shogen Ryu

There's more videos of this group on Youtube.

Dojo Etiquette

Why have dojo etiquette? It's a topic often debated in karate circles. Is it merely a novelty item, a foreign cultural habit, or does it serve a real purpose?

In recent years I have lightened up on etiquette, but now (as I grow older and wiser!) I can see the benefits of doing it. Here are some ideas:

• It meets people's expectations to see bowing and so-on
• If students leave town to continue training they need to know about it
• It provides a common framework for behaviour
• It can contribute to a safe learning environment
• It's part of the "whole package". There are lessons on awareness and historical context to be learned
• It's good manners - Karate begins and ends with courtesy
• It gives students a sense of belonging
• Training becomes a "special" experience (see my post on sacredness here)

Excessive etiquette or mindless bowing and grunting isn't too effective. It is often used as empty posturing by those who wish to show off. Many clubs in the West have such rules as "always refer to your instructors as Sensei outside the dojo", which I find a bit odd.

In our club we bow to training partners when we pair up, and at the conclusion of training. We bow upon entry and exit to the dojo, and we bow when doing a formal demonstration, such as kata, gradings, and when engaging in kumite.

At the start and end of class we line up in grade order and perform a simple ceremony which consists of sitting into seiza, then making a single seated bow. We say "Dojo Rei" as it applies to all of us training together for mutual benefit, and it pays respects to the Dojo and those who have gone before.

I understand if people don't engage in this type of etiquette, and that's OK. Different people have different motivations and in some situations you might assume such activities are not required. I used to think that way, but now I believe the positives outweigh the negatives.

Kuzushi

Kuzushi has a basic strategy in Wado Ryu. It means to unbalance your opponent to place him in a weak position. If you're out of balance you're going to have a hard time fighting back!

There are many techniques that aid this. Common ones would be foot sweeps, leg traps, low kicks, trips, throws, control of joints and so on. Once your opponent if off-balance you are now open to use any number of techniques to defeat him.

These techniques appear in kata in the form of stances, changes in angle, stepping and sliding movements, as well as some of the hand/arm positions. The trick is to maintain a good posture to generate the power necessary to unbalance your opponent.

It's not just a physical technique though. Thinking about strategy again, you can use the idea to mentally disarm your opponent. This again gives you an advantage. You can achieve this by use of a Kiai, body language, feints, etc. In the street you might need to verbally disarm an attacker, or out-posture him.

Physical methods of distracting your opponent (other than the use of feints) also include breaking up the rhythm, or by limiting his sight, or taking the wind from his sails!

Think about your kata, pairs work drills, and any situational information you may know. There are plenty of opportunities for practice with a partner (in Wado Ryu, for instance, have a look at the Kihon Kumite). Pre-arranged drills, freeflowing drills and sparring all contribute to developing this skill.

Gayatri Mantra

Is the spiritual path part an essential part of training? If you're a pragmatic type, or a competitor then the answer is probably "no". Also, historically, Okinawan karate developed as a fighting art, not a means to salvation.

However if you follow a spiritual path then everything you do - eating, drinking, washing dishes, sweeping leaves - it's all sacred. Yes, even your training. Anything can be spiritual if you wish it to be. If martial arts aren't spiritual to you then they are not. If you think they are, then they are! How this manifests is in your approach to training, and especially your conduct and etiquette in class.

I would like to post this video of the Gayatri Mantri for the spiritual scamps out there. This version of the chant is very soothing.

What is Wado Ryu Karate? (Part 4)

This little series of articles has presented a very brief overview of Wado, and hopefully it will give you a bit of its flavour. Wado is indeed a unique art with its own distinct philosophy. As I wrote in Part 1, wado is not simply shotokan with high stances and boring kata!

Of course if you wish to really understand wado ryu then you must do some training in it. Find a good teacher and put a few years aside for study :)

There are some excellent articles about Wado Ryu on the net, and I've posted a few in recent blogs. If you read everything I've written in the last week there should be plenty of research material for you to gain an understanding of the art.

In the meantime I would like to present the following links because I think they are worth studying in depth:

http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/commentary.html - The Writings of Hironori Ohtsuka
http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/ohtsuka.html - About the Founder
http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/budo.html - Wado Ryu and Japanese Budo (martial arts)
http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/philosophy.html - Wado Ryu philosophy

Finally there's an in-depth article on Naihanchi kata here:
http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/naihanchi.html

All of these articles are available at:
http://www.wadoryu.org.uk/index.html

What is Wado Ryu Karate? (Part 3)

Continuing our theme of "what is Wado Ryu?"

"Ten, Chi, Jin, No Ri-Do Ni Wasuru" -- Hironori Ohtsuka
-- Heaven, Earth and Humanity. Reason and Truth. Peace and Harmony

There is a discussion on the Wado Ryu poem here:
http://www.nihon-hungary.eu/wado-ryu/en/index.php



“When you practice Wado Ryu as a martial art, it not only means committing yourself to the way of Wado Ryu, but also committing yourself to a certain way of life, which includes hard training, overcoming obstacles in life and finding the way to lead a healthy and meaningful existence in the time you have on this planet. Through this way of life, you can reach the centre of WA and lead a life of wholeness.”
-- Hironori Ohtsuka


"Every day happy day, happy day every day."
-- Shiomitsu Sensei

"Ohtsuka Sensei says that if Wado Karate was a soup, then the Karate part of Wado would just be like a pinch of salt!" -- Iwasaki Sensei


"In Budo there is Judo, kendo and karate. But our karate is unique because it is a combination of Okinawan karate and the jujitsu that Otsuka Sensei learned. So it is very different from Shotokan, Goju, or Shitoryu. It has its own unique beauty."
-- Takashima Sensei

What is Wado Ryu Karate? (Part 2)

Wado Ryu is based around nine core kata and ten kihon kumite pairs works. The nine kata are:

• Pinan Nidan, Shodan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan
• Naihanchi
• Kushanku
• Seishan
• Chinto

Over the years additional kata have been added to the syllabus, and one or two have been taken out. But the above kata represent the complete art.

Wado is a blend of Karate and classical Jujutsu, not merely in the techniques, but in the principles of the arts. How we move, perform techniques, attack and defend all have a unique flavour. The ideas are not unique to Wado of course (all styles know about body movement for example), but in Wado it is an essential part of training. There are some basic techniques that are unique to Wado.

In an interview, Iwasaki Sensei said:

I believe that the most important principle of Wado-Ryu is to 'disconnect your power'. It is essential to take off your power before the technique is completed. that is why Wado Kata has real power, it is not just a dance like some Kata competitors make it today. In Wado, you do not hold on to the Kime. This is called 'Nuki', and it is very difficult to master. You must not have any tension at all. You can see it in other Japanese Martial-Arts such as Kendo and Jujitsu, even in Aikido which has very sophisticated Tai-Sabaki techniques even though many western practitioners make 'Mudan-Ugoki' too which means they continue to hold on to power too long after it is necessary! this is what makes Wado so very different from Shotokan or Goju or any other Karate style. When it is not understood, you think it looks weak, but an experienced eye can see what it is. You should withdraw all power from your techniques before they are complete. The technique must move from power to no power very quickly. Thats why older peoples Kendo or the Grandmaster's Karate is so special to see. But it is not really possible to master until about 5th dan. Watch western boxing, they do not hold on to any power at all! Unfortunately, some Wado teachers did not understand this principle and so went their own way. It looks like Wado on the outside but inside it is not Wado principle. In Japanese Martial Arts, there is never any unnecessary tension.

He discusses other principles of Wado too. You can read the full interview here:
http://www.wadoworld.com/articles/iwasaki/iwasaki.html

Many of the movements in Wado are similar to Japanese sword fighting (that's the Jujutsu side of the style). Basic ideas include Nagasu, Noru and Taisabaki. There is an excellent article on these subjects here:

http://www.bournemouthwadoryu.co.uk/fundamentals/

In Part 3 I will post some quotes/comments about the nature of Wado Ryu.

What is Wado Ryu Karate? (Part 1)

The style of Karate that we practice at our club is Wado Ryu, one of the "big four" styles of Karate in the UK (the others being Shotokan, Goju Ryu and Shito Ryu).

Wado Ryu is not simply Shotokan with high stances and boring kata. Let's get that out of the way first! Wado is a blend of Okinawan (Shuri-te) Karate and classical Japanese martial arts (Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu). The system was founded by Hirononri Ohtsuka.

You can read an interesting article about the history and development of Wado here:
http://www.wadokai-southwest.co.uk/kyokai_karate_club_founder_history.htm

The name Wado Ryu means the "Way of Peace/Harmony School".

The term Wa means Peace or Harmony. It can also refer to an old name for Japan, hence Wado could also be known as the Japanese Way. It is the first style of Karate that was developed in Japan.

There's an article about Wa here:
http://www.orientaloutpost.com/shufa.php?q=harmony


Ohtsuka wrote that:

"The fundamental meaning and original aims of martial-arts is the promotion of Peace. To bring peace to society and to guard against it's loss so that human beings can enjoy a happy life. We must strive for peace in a world where it is increasingly difficult to achieve. We must not simply rely on God's mercy to achieve it but must strive as individuals, with all our will, to attain it. Immense spiritual and physical power is required so we will not surrender to the difficulties and barriers which lie before us on this journey The hard training in martial-arts aims to foster this dauntless, indefatigable strength which is why the beauty of martial-arts training is beyond the vicissitudes of mundane affairs."

You can read a letter he wrote here:
http://www.useasternwado.com/OpenLetter.htm

Therefore, the purpose of training in martial arts is to develop discipline and promote peace, both inner peace and within society as a whole.

In Part 2 I'll discuss some of the basic characteristics of Wado Ryu.

Ten No Kata

Ten No Kata was developed by Funakoshi Sensei. It contains fundamental techniques that can be practiced by anyone in a little space, and is especially suited to beginners. It is a popular starter kata in Shotokan. On the face of it, it doesn't seem to be a kata, more a sequence of basics (no, wait - there is a difference!) The kata can be trained alone, or with a partner as a sequence of ippon kumite.

Whilst the kata doesn't form part of our syllabus (or wado in general...) it is an interesting idea, and it doesn't take much effort to use this idea to formulate your own sequences. That way you can train in basic techniques without needing lots of space. You can create sequences on the spot - there's no need to remember them, just use it as an exercise in its own right. Very useful for warming up, or as a training aid for investigating the more subtle movements of basic technique.

Here's a video of Ten No Kata. The name, by the way means Kata of the Universe, or Kata of Heaven (Ten means heaven).

Training Monday 11th January Cancelled

Training on Monday is cancelled due to conditions around the school.

We're hoping to re-open on Thursday 14th January.

Our Syllabus

I spent a lot of time last year looking at our syllabus, and after a lot of experimentation we've come up with something that works for us.

The idea of a syllabus (or grading syllabus) is to offer some structure and guidelines for training and progression. It is not a complete list of every single technique, idea, movement, combination etc etc etc - because there are unlimited variations of all movements!

Our grading syllabus contains a few key techniques for each grade which students would be expected to know. It is a guide to where they should be focussing their training. It is not a black-and-white list of every possible technique. Therefore our syllabus might look a bit lacking compared to some "big list" syllabuses I've seen on the internet.

For example, in wado ryu the progression of basics is quite logical. We've also incorporated a small number of combinations that are reflective of the art. I've removed a lot of combinations because karate is not a memory test, and there's no need to just pile on endless more techniques.

By all means practice variations and themes, but there's no need to be graded on everything.

The new syllabus reference sheet will be available shortly. For now, here's a list of kata that we have:

Core Kata
Pinan Nidan, Shodan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan
Sanchin
Tensho
Naihanchi
Kushanku
Chinto
Seishan
Passai

Additional Kata
Niseishi
Wanshu
Rohai
Jitte
Jion
Ji'in

Information About Wado Ryu Karate

Here are some general links about Wado Ryu Karate:

http://www.wado-ryu-karate.com/

http://www.wadoworld.com/index.html

http://www.wado-ryu.org/main/index.asp

http://www.wadokai.org/index.html

Basic Information About Karate

Here are some links containing some basic/generic information about karate:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate

http://www.karatethejapaneseway.com/karate_underground/index.php

http://www.karateforums.com/

http://www.all-karate.com/

Japanese Karate Terminology

Here are some sites containing Japanese karate terms...


http://www.cope.co.za/karate/terms.htm

http://web.mit.edu/~isshinryu/www/vocab.html

Serious Training

Sometimes I read articles about how it is to train "seriously".

I learned that serious people are out of balance. They are grumpy, miserable sorts - the kind that rise to the top in political groups, or get jobs that involve wearing suits. I learned that serious people are doomed.

I understand what writers are trying to say, though. More descriptive words to describe training might include "sincere", "integrity", "focused", "with intent", "with spirit", or "honest".

Scary words huh?

I like the bit about being sincere in training. It can be a tall order sometimes. But I'm working on it.

What is Total Karate for?

The purpose of this blog is to write down some thoughts regarding my own training, and to share resources with the people I train with. If anyone else finds it useful then that is great too. If you don't like it, don't read it. Simple.

The Journey

Last year was interesting. Although we had some good training, with hindsight it wasn't the best. I've had a lot to think about and changes to make, which is why I took a time-out from all this stuff.

I need to clear out my junk, physically and internally.

Often, martial arts are compared to a journey. My own training has certainly been a journey, I've seen all sorts of things, some good, some bad, some indifferrent.

But, like many journeys sometimes you call it a day, and its time to come home. With regard to my training I realised I had a yearning to come home, to understand what my training was all about and what I need it for.

I once heard some sound advice. "Stick to your chosen art, stay away from the hype and the trends. Work your traditional art for long enough and the treasures will be revealed".

I finally understood that advice. Not an intellectual understanding, but a deeper feeling.

My training became jaded. The club suffered for it. At one point I was chasing multiple rabbits and catching nothing. Too much choice is a hindrance, and you spend all the time looking for the Next Big Thing instead of concentrating on what you have got. If you think it's bad enough in martial arts, take a look at the music gear world...!

The last 10 years has been a wonderful journey. Positive or negative doesn't matter, it's the experience that counts. But now I'm back home, I know what I want and it's time to go training.