Copyright © IJCMAS ICMAUA. All rights
reserved
# 2.
2003
The international
Journal of Combat Martial Arts and Sciences ICMAUA
Current articles:
Michael Mason’s
Tae-Pung Do: The Way of the Hurricane: Mason (01.2003)
Oriental Therapeutic First Aid: Monasingh (03.2003)
This is the philosophy of my School. School Kayten Ryu - Ancient Warriors: Pizzato (04.2003)
What is Aikido: Garcia-Ortiz (05.2003)
KOKORO: The Spirit: Craig l. Brooks (06.2003)
American Goju-Kempo Syllabus. 10th Kyu-2nd Dan: Craig
l. Brooks (07.2003)
Learning The Mastery Of Self:
analogies for brown belt studies: Street Combat Kenpo dynamics of motion; when
does the line become circular and circle become a line?: Reginald Hoover (08.2003)
Freestyle
Ju Jitsu: Dave Baker (08.2003)
Musha-ryu Ninjutsu: Scott Ealey
(12.2003)
Michael Mason’s Tae-Pung Do: The
Way of the Hurricane
By
Dr. Michael A. Mason, Ph. D.
Copyright
© Michael A. Mason 2003. All rights
reserved.
In this article, I will attempt to give a brief description and understanding of the art of Tae-Pung Do.
Literally
translated, Tae-Pung Do means “Way of the Hurricane”. With the hurricane as the
frame of reference, we look into many aspects of the martial art and the
martial artist as relating to the hurricane. This can best be explained by
beginning with an understanding of the internal aspects and philosophies of
Tae-Pung Do.
Within the hurricane, we see three primary
elements which combine to make the complete hurricane. Therefore with this in
mind we must analyze these components. They are as follows:
1.
The eye of the hurricane: An amazing phenomenon
whereby the eye is completely calm despite the actions of the hurricane as a
whole
2.
The warm air: This directly surrounds the eye of the
hurricane
3.
The cold air: Directly surrounding the warm air
4.
The total hurricane, complete with all components
As we look at these different areas, we are able to see how
each correlates into an aspect of the martial arts as they should pertain to
the particular martial artist. Now let’s give a definition of the four parts as
they pertain to the martial artist in particular.
1.
The eye of the hurricane: The personality, always calm
regardless of what else is happening
2.
The Warm Air: The spirit and values of the martial
artist
3.
The Cold Air: The calculating mind of the martial
artist
4.
The total Hurricane: The body of the martial artist
We see with this that the personality of the martial artist,
his/her inner self, should always remain calm. Many times in a fight situation
a person will begin to get nervous or anxious. This should never affect the
personality of a martial artist, this should remain controlled. The warm air
represents the spiritual values of the martial artist. When we look at values,
we are talking about something that is living for values can only be held by
living creatures. This being the case, it becomes logical to look at the warm
air as representative of the values of the martial artist. The cold air is the
mind of our martial artist. Not something that in and of itself is life, but
something that is a mechanism for calculating and figuring. The cold air
represents this raw knowledge that is impartial, unbiased and non-living. And
finally, when we put it all together, we come to the total hurricane, the body
of the martial artist which contains the Personality, Spiritual Values and
Intellectual Concepts.
As we go through life, we look at many people who in Tae-Pung
Do we would consider to be unbalanced hurricanes. A person resembles and
unbalanced hurricane when they have not grown their spiritual values in line
with their mind. For example, a person may have a value against being argued
with. If this value is not in line with the mind, then the person could easily
take the smallest debate or objection very personal and even react in a very
defensive manner. As we look at the hurricane, this is when the warm air and
the cold air collide, causing the hurricane to be unleashed.
It is always important to remember that in Tae-Pung Do when
we are referring to anything, we understand that there are two aspects of it.
The first aspect is the potential and the second is the actual. As martial
artists we deal with these concepts all the time. Do we train in martial arts
only for the battle that is actually happening or going to happen? Or, do we
train in the martial arts for the battle that may potentially happen? In almost
all cases we would find that we are training for the potential. Therefore, when
referring to a Tae-Pung Do-ist we must understand that the ideal TPD-ist is a
balanced hurricane in and of themselves. Without outside influence this person
is capable of maintaining themselves in a fashion that is without anger and
without frustration, always in control and always a hurricane in potential.
While the actuality of a martial artist at anytime may be calm, the potential
is there to actually become the ‘hurricane’. This hurricane becomes actual only
when the values of the martial artist are assaulted. A very simple example of
this is the value that most all people have on Free Will, the right to choose freely
what you do and think. If this is challenged we become very angry and
distraught. If someone tells you what to think then they have taken away your
control, your free will. When this happens we see the martial artist as a
hurricane change from potential to actual. This is the point of combat, the
beginning of battle. At this point the martial artist has many weapons at
his/her disposal.
1.
Rain
2.
Gusting Winds
3.
Hail
4.
Lightning
5.
Flash Flood
6.
Thunder
7.
Tornado
8.
And finally, attack by debris
For me to go into each of these attack methods would be a
very in depth discussion. However, if you keep in mind the aspects of how each
of these things works, then you have the basic aspect of how a Tae-Pung Do-ist
would fight. It is by putting these things together that we find a power that
is nearly inescapable.
Oriental Therapeutic First Aid
By
Dr. Stephen Michael Monasingh
Copyright
© Stephen Michael Monasingh
2003. All rights reserved.
There are 14 Channels of energy (Meridians) in the human body : Lung; Large Intestine; Stomach; Spleen; Heart; Small Intestine; Urinary Bladder; Kidney; Heart Governor (Blood Circulation; Heart and Sex Organs); Triple Warmer (Respiration; Digestion and Genitourinary Functions); Gall Bladder; Liver; Governing Vessel (Physical Energy); and Conception Vessel (Sexual Energy).
|
Basic
Ailment |
Area |
Location |
|
Headache,
Hangover, Sleepiness |
Head |
Left side
of head, 5 Suns Northeast of ear opening and Right side of head, 5 Suns Northwest
of ear opening. |
|
Coughing |
Throat |
Soft area
between clavicles. |
|
Coughing |
Torso |
Midway
between soft area between clavicles and Solar Plexus. |
|
Acid
reflux |
|
Solar
Plexus |
|
Trapped
Gas |
|
Between front
and back sternum at either side. |
|
Constipation |
|
On
outside of 2nd abdominal muscles south of Solar Plexus. |
|
Pain in
the Knee |
Leg |
Southwest
point of right knee cap/ southeast point of left knee cap. |
|
Pain in
the side of the Leg |
|
Ball and
Socket joint and midway between Ball and Socket joint and knee on the outside
of leg. |
|
Pain in
the Calf Muscle/Kidney malfunction |
|
Left Calf
Muscle : midway between vertex and lower point of right lobe; Right Calf
Muscle : midway between vertex and lower point of left lobe. |
|
Stomach
Tonification |
|
Vertex of
shin and instep, 2nd toe line |
|
Headache |
|
Left
outer ankle at southeast point. |
|
Hernia |
|
Outer
edge of tip of great toe nail. |
|
Cramp in
the Forearm |
Arm |
Index finger
line, 2 Suns from elbow joint toward wrist. |
|
Runny or
Stuffy Nostril |
|
Thumb
line on edge of forearm, 2 and 1/2 Suns from wrist joint toward elbow. |
|
Intestinal
|
|
Palm facing
downward, middle finger line, 2 Suns from wrist joint toward elbow. |
|
Low Blood
Pressure |
|
Thumb
line on edge of forearm, 1 and 1/2 Suns from wrist joint toward elbow. |
|
Pain in
the Neck/Cramp in the Arms |
Back |
Between 2nd
and 3rd vertebrae south of base of neck. |
|
Anti-tetanus |
|
2 Suns
north of Coccyx. |
|
Haemorrhoids |
|
Tip of
Coccyx. |
To locate acupressure point, imagine the
compass for direction. North is always at the top and East, to the right.
The
joints of the index finger are referred to as “Suns”. E.g : one joint = one
“Sun”. The length of the patient’s index finger join (“Sun”) MUST BE USED FOR
MEASUREMENT! [Not that of the person administering the treatment].
To apply treatment, locate acupressure
point and depress firmly. Massage in a small circle without leaving point, in a
clockwise direction for tomification or in an anti-clockwise direction for
sedation.
DO NOT MASSAGE ACUPRESSURE POINT FOR ANY
LONG PERIOD! When the acupressure point is massaged, the Central Nervous System
is triggered and this message is relayed to the internal organ which may be
malfunctioning.
*******
DISCLAIMER
: THE AUTHOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE COMPLETE HEALING BECAUSE EACH INDIVIDUAL REACTS
DIFFERENTLY TO TREATMENT.
School Kayten Ryu - Ancient
Warriors
By Adriano
Pizzato
Copyright © Adriano Pizzato 2003. All rights reserved.
Mugei Mumei no Jutsu, or rather... No name no art. An art that creates
itself, free from conventions or traditions, that express its essence in the
ancient way, walking the way of free living, thinking. Spirit essence, free to
act in the complete respect of persons and things. Walking with the companions
the ancient path of the warrior, mystical man and excellent fighter if it is
necessary, for his/her sense of responsibility, conscience, knowledge and
respect of the Sacred Rules. Ready to lower in the obscurity, to climb in full
light without remaining blinded in both cases. A lot of time later this path
would have been known as the Shadow Path or the Way of Silence. This path will
never have name and never be an organized art: it will have to remain always a
free and long living thing, without confinements and without human rules that
reduces it to a “tight path”.
The Black Shadows Group of the Kayten ryu attends lessons in the dojo
and in external places, in the green of the valleys that surround
Philosophy of the school
If you don't know yourself, you will live in company of the doubts and
uncertainties for the rest of your life and every thing will be seen by you
with fear, and in this cases you will feel your impotence while who is near to
you will feel sorrow and pain by you. If you know yourself and don't know the
other once, you will have good probabilities to succeed in everything but
working briskly! If you know yourself and even the other once, if you know how
to maintain you humble and correct, all the doors will be opened wide and the
world will be your friend! These few rules, passing through many ancient
people, have actually reached us. This path is hard to walk but if it is
crossed despite all its traps, life it will be an adventure worthy to have
lived! The ancient warriors are back! If you want to join us, you will be the
welcome! There's nothing more to say, only to work and to still study and then
to work and to study again. if you desire to exchange your opinions, to ask
information, o ideas to propose, you can do it sending an e-mail or on our
special forums. The strength. It is not important if you are weak or strong,
you will have your strength, because every being has her proper one and always
remember that even a baby using his/her strength is able “to win a giant!”. The
5 elements are your physical strength.
1) EARTH: it transforms your body in a stone and it transforms your
feet in the roots of a tree and when you strike you have to be the rock that
rains from the sky and produces a crater, and never withdraw!.
2) WATER: be soft and evasive in the movements, to the speed of your
adversary oppose a weary calm and move you in semicircle until you won't find
the moment for strike.
3) FIRE: be the fury of the flame! Your movements have to be irregular
and quivering as those of a flame! You won't produce damages to your adversary,
but you will disorientate him and remember: never withdraw!.
4) WIND: it instigates your speed in the three directions in front of
you, if you will be precise and determined the impact will be avoided because
your cold determination to strike the target. and to never withdraw!.
5) VOID: when you will reach this phase, you will see the things from
far and you will know how to act and as a baby it learns first the vowels then
the consonants to compose the words, with the words he will form a sentence of
sense: 4 elements are the words, the 5th or rather the void, the sentence of
sense. But remember that you will always have to be reach of humility, or you
will loss everything this that you have acquired.
The Spirit. As for the Strength, Also for the Spirit you have
disposition of the 5 Elements:
1) EARTH: determined but not in stubborn sense, the stubbornness dull
door to the ruins, the determination supported by the wish for victory.
2) WATER: Excellent to avoid conflicts or to deceive the adversaries
but pay attention to the risk of eternal indecision that is able to bring to
the defeat!.
3) FIRE: be careful to use it! From the euphoria of the victory it is
able to conduct you to the defeat! Happiness and anger in this element are as
near as the two faces of a coin.
4) WIND: are able to
dominated the three preceding elements, but be objective and not to let pick
you up from the senses of executes or ideal when know very well as are the
things, in few words not think to much but act!
5) VOID: when you will have
reached this,you will be in peace with yourself and with everything around you
and through use of the preceding elements you will know how to composed as The
said first the sentences of sense, then you will be able to read who is close
to you, but you will never have to take advantage of it for your personal
affairs. A good ancient warrrior had to know how to race his “alternative”, and
to know how to exploit to the maximum one his intellect and his technique. It
learns to fight and to not win for being superior to your neighbor but to know
yourself well.
He who practice this art
has to know absolutely himself: his weapons are his intellect and his
techniques. The weapons are considered temporary helps, and as such to trust
them and to think that can resolve the situations, it means to take big risks.
The spirit is calm anymore, the technique is
precise anymore. To win an adversary violence is not needed, but to learn the
art of the separation or rather “to see all and nothing.” It is necessary to
understand the thing it doesn't concern yourself as, and to avoid emotional
involvements. This way you can let also evolve in your favor a negative
situation.
Dark the techniques are raw
less you have probability to win. Care about putting you in safe today, to win
there is always time. Always act as if you are alone.
The study of the 5 elements
will indicate to you the path always you have to cross.
Even if you had to leave
the road, try to hold you near to it and never lose it of sight.
The obstacles have to be
removed, avoiding them you will find again them on the street of return.
Preserves a little beat of your fear, it will make you wise.
Do more experiences that
you are able, even from the meaningless things you draw great teachings.
The degrees serve only to
inform your adversary if you are an interesting target or not. The mistake that
you have made today avoid to make again tomorrow, or the lead on your shoulders
will be double.
Be always yourself and not
copy from the others, since these will similar to you but they will be never
you. When you fight in training with one companion of yours, try to see in him
yourself, because if you will be hard, he/she will answer to your hits hardly,
if you will use lightness you will be repaid with this. When you take a hit not
to try to return him, you would take other twenty ones to give one: if the hit
has entered in your guard, there are two reasons, the first one you have been
wrong, the second, your companion was better than you. A lot of times walking
along the hard path of the knowledge there will rise doubts or uncertainties,
but it is a path and it is normal that it is in this way, walking on and on you
will reach the peak, and you can help the others.
By Jorge Luis Garcia-Ortiz
Copyright
© Jorge Luis Garcia-Ortiz. 2003. All rights reserved.
Aikido is a non competitive martial
art form that utilizes striking techniques, all forms of joint locks, throws,
takedowns, chokes and strangulation techniques, a study of weapons including
knife, sword, and staff and other techniques to enable the Aikido student to
learn classic forms of Self-Defense, while build character, improving physical
fitness and incrising confidence, focus and awareness.
Aikido is an art involving
strikes, throws and joints techniques, focusing not on punching or kicking
opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to
throuw them away from you. Aikido places great emphasis on motion and the
dynamic of movement. Practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking
for, wheter it is Self-Defense techniques, spiritual enlightenmemnt, physical
health or! peace of mind.
Who
Develop the Art and a Brief History
O'sensei Morihei Ueshiba was
born in Japan in 1883 and as a young, reportedly frail child often watched as
his father received abuse from criminals fighting for control of local
politics. He resolved to improve his abilities and began to study various
Martial Arts and physical conditioning system in order to strengthen himself
and learn to fight. The study included such areas as Yari (spear), Tachi
(sword) and several styles of Jujutsu (empty or bare-handed grappling
fighting). He is reported to have received certificates of mastery and teaching
authorizations in several of the systems he studied although some historians
believe that the exact authorizations are less than clear.
What is certain however was
his study of Aiki-Jitsu with Sokaku Takeda and his eventual breaka! way from
him to began teaching a Martial Arts form that was originally called Aikibudo,
and that later evolved into what we today refer to as Aikido.
Technically speaking Aikido
has it's foundational beginning in the various Martial Arts forms that Ueshiba
studied. This includes the joints manipulation of Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, the
strikes and dashing your opponent to the ground of various schools of Jujutsu
(such Kito Ryu), and the concepts of the Aiki involving blending and kuzushi
(off balance) combined with broad expensive movements of several of the weapons
arts. Some writers attribute many of the techniques that Ueshiba later
developed to sword movements and strikes although this foundation is not quiet
clear as others.
What
is the Ki in Aikido ?
O'sensei Ueshiba beleive quiet
definitively in the power of Ki. Ki has been loosely d! efined as universal
energy that interlinks all living things. Sort of an early view of Gaia,
although somewhat more complicated and personal than that. The methaphysical
aspects of this belief in Ki and the properties attributed to it is much in
debate even today.
One school of thought holds
that it exists, is palpable and influences all around us to the point where
control of opponent can be maintaine without touch simply by control and
manipulation of his "Ki". A more rationalist approach is to explain
Ki as sense of focus, concentration power, timing, forestalling and blending
with attack, all combinated with the ability of flawlessly execute the
movements and techniques of the art form.
As example of the difference s
in these viewpoints regarding the concepts of Ki or energy for example can be
seen in the conduct of various schools of Aikido. Some focus extensively on the
meditative aspects of Ki, building focus and relaxation. Other schools spend
conside! rable class time training in Ki development exercises that may or may
not have an immediate obvious relationship to practical Self-Defense concepts.
At the Combat Aikido, student
are educated in concepts of Ki, but class focus is more toward precision of
execution and effectiveness in motion.
Zanshin (awareness in all
directions) and mental focus is therefore a natural by-product of such
practice.
KOKORO: The Spirit
By Craig l. Brooks
Copyright © Craig l. Brooks. 2003. All rights reserved.
The Hara:
There is an area just below the belly button, that area
centered just below the belly button. It is called in Japanese the
"hara". It is believed by the Japanese that this is where the source
of life is stored . This source of life is called 'Ki'. The hara is where ki is
generated, stored and restored. This energy can be used for health and healing
or for martial arts purposes. For the Japanese the hara is the area in which
vitality and reason resides. It is said by some, that hara kiri, the Japanese
suicide of disembowelment, is in actuality the sacrifice of a vital energy
source in the name of honor. A tradition still practice by some in
What is Ki ?
What is ki ? The are a multitude of answers to that
question. Most people say it is energy, and I guess that is true. But for the
martial artist this energy must be trained and focused. And in the training and
focusing of the ki it becomes something more than chaotic energy. It will
eventually become "Kokoro" - spirit, soul, mind. Now the question has
changed. Now the answer is changed and we must define our terms into
comprehensible and useable knowledge.
What is Spirit ?
I will tell you what I was taught and what I believe.
There are two parts to the spirit - Haku and Kon . Haku is that part of the
spirit that resides within the body. It has its own physicality. When the body
dies Haku returns to the earth. Kon , however does not reside in the body and
does not have its own physicality. When the body dies Kon returns to heaven or
the ether. *( this is not an article for the atheists) When Kon and Haku are
unified it is called Kokoro. Kon and Haku are interactive and interdependent.
They should be kept in balance. Here is a slightly more detaile explanation of
Haku and Kon.
HAKU:
To develop Haku it is necessary to be physically
active, This physical activity should bring you,into contact with other people
and beings. Life energy is made stronger by contact with other life. Mountains
and rivers are also sources for "energy exchanges". Nature as a
source for sensual and experiential energy exchanges is an almost bottomless
treasure trove. The old masters would send their best students into mountains
to practice and meditate. They knew this would build the students's Haku.
KON:
Kon controls the Haku. Within Kon we find the
emotionality of our beings. We find the feelings of joy, anger, pleasure,
sadness and the concepts of good and evil. To live a life of quality the Kon
must be developed. Kon give direction to Haku. Kon is developed within the
context of your environment. Interaction between family, friends, etc. flows
into the Kon and has either positive or negative re-enforcement value.
Challenges and difficulties can help to develop strong Kon. But too much pain
and shock can injure Kon. The commission
of hateful and cowardly acts will befoul Kon. There is a term called
"Samu". Samu is the action of weeping or cleaning up. To remove dirt
and maintain your surroundings cultivates your Kon. When you remove the dirt
and disorder from your heart and mind your Kon benefits even more. Because Kon
and Haku are interactive and interdependent, Haku benefits also. Because Kon
and Haku unified are Kokoro. The Spirit soars.
A Word of Caution;
There are some instructors who in supposedly helping
their students develop "Warrior Spirit" and toughen them up have
their students practicing painful and crippling techniques. The call it Budo.
If you are in constant pain and crippled by the techniques being shown to you
by an instructor
It is time to leave. In fact RUN! Most likely he
doesn't know what he is doing. An advance belt ranking is supposed to mean that
the wearer has teaching experience. Your sensei shoul respect your limitations
even while trying to expand some of them. If you are training hurt all the
pehaps it is time to move on. The body must be given time to heal . The Haku
must be healthy and vibrant.
The same is true with the mental training that you may
receive. If you are hearing stories about levitation and teleportation or
killing without touching; start looking for another instructor. If all the
pictures on his wall are Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, be cautious. If he tells
you his poison mind poison hand classes are "special and cost extra"
it a definite giveaway. The point is if an instructor is telling you something
that sounds absurd - it probably is. Check out his claims Get online .
Mizu No Kokoro - A Mind like Clear Water
The budoka has unified his Kon and his Haku and his
spirit is calm and clear. It is like the smooth undisturbed surface of a
mountain lake. It reflects everything that occurs in its surroundings. The
budoka who embraces this spirit will realize he can recognize the acions of his
opponent and take correct actions for dealing with him. The spirit or mind must
be at rest. If it is not it is like a mountain
Physical and mental exercises for the Budoka must be
practiced in a unified manner. One should not be stressed over the other. They
are in fact interactive and interdependent. Training that deals exclusively
with the physical will quickly reach its limits. Technology can assist but only
to a small degree. The non physical spirit must also be trained. Clarity, mizu
no kokoro, will impact positively on the actions of the Budoka. The physical
senses can only define the physical. The spirit however can recognize that
which may be undefinable.
Tsuki No Kokoro A Mind Like the Clear Moon
The light of the moon shines equally upon everything.
Clouds that block the moon stop the light from shining on everything. The
Budoka must be like the clear moonlight aware of the totality of his/her
opponent. Not just the physical parts that are apparent weapons, i.e. hands and
feet but the total body. By developing this quality your consciousness will
immediately be aware of your opponents weaknesses .
American Goju-Kempo Syllabus
10th Kyu-2nd Dan
By Craig l. Brooks
Copyright
© Craig l. Brooks. 2003. All rights reserved.
Taking a Belt Rank Test
Anyone who has taken a
belt test at the Budokan will tell you it isn't easy . However, Preparing for
and taking the test for whatever rank, is pretty simple and straightforward.
First of all, at the Budokan even though we test for the Mudansha grades on the
second Saturday of every month the student must receive a notice of a summons
by the board that he/she will be tested. At the Budokan we give about a week's
notice. I know that that's not much time but the student is expected to
demonstrate his knowledge at any time. If the Sensei has tapped you to attend a
promotional testing he is confident that you have the necessary skills to
progress to the next belt level.
There are however three
sure ways to fail the test.
1. To draw blood from
another karate-ka during a kumite match. It shows a disregard for the safety of
your sparring partner and is totally unacceptable
2. Stopping during a kata
and giving up.
3.Being disrespectful to
the judges and Sensei. It is important to remember all Reishiki and proper ways
to adress those that are your seniors.
REMEMBER: If you make a mistake the judges will give you
another chance as lon as you have not violated the above three tenets!
10th KYU.
Plain White Belt- There are no requirements for 10th kyu except the desire to
learn.
9th KYU.
White Belt w/ one green stripe. To become a 9th kyu the student must be able
to:
1 Count to ten is
Japanese.
2. Identify Jodan, Chudan
and Gedan areas of the body.
3. Demonstrate the
folloiwng stances (dachi) Heisoku, Shiko-dachi, Zenkutu-dachi and sanchin
dachi.
4. Demonstrate advance and
retreat stepping techniqhes using the previoulsly mentiond stances. From the
YOI position demonstrate the following basick techniques five timesa using each
hand or foot Straight punch, rising block, middle level block, downward
sweeping block, front snap kick, side snap kick, side thrust kick.
5 Moving basics. The
following techniques are to be performe from the midlle guard position (chudan
kamae) a. Lunge punch using zenkutsu dachi. Turn and repeat. b.Rising Block
using sanchin dachi. Step back and repeat. c. Downward sweeping block step back
and repeat. using shiko dachi. d.Front snapping kick using zenkutsu dachi turn
and repeat. e. Side snap kick using shiko dachi. Turn and repeat. f Side thrust
kick. using Shiko dachi. Turn and repeat .
6. SPARRING- Demonstrate
three level sparring.
7. Kata- Execute Taikyoku
gedan and Taikyoku chudan.
8 Demonstrate Ukemi. -
Front , left side , right side, and back fall.
8th KYU-
White Belt w/ 2 green tabs-
KIHON:
1. Stepping or lunge punch
turn and repeat . Zenkutsu dachi.
2.Rising block (same as
above)
3. Middle level sideways
block (chudan yoke uke) Sanchin dachi. step back and repeat.
4. Downward sweeping
block-shiko-dachi turn and repeat.
5. Vertical elbow strike
backfist strike with the same arm. Zenkutsu dachi turn and repeat .
6. Foot sweep w/ knife
hand strike. Heiko dachi turnand repeat.
7. Starting in sanchin-dachi
execute a middle sideways block while simultaneously initiating a front thrust
kick. Moving into Zenkutsu-dachi execute a vertical elbow strike followed by a
backfist and a downward sweeping block. finishing witha reverse punch.
KUMITE. Three Level
Sparring
1. Age Uke,using Sanchin
Dachi, Zenkutstu-dachi- Shiko-Dachi.
2. Chudan Yoko Uke using
the same three stances.
3 Gedan barai. same
stances.
KATA
1.Taikyoku kakeuke.
2. Taikyoku Mawashi uke.
3 Gekisai dai ichi
KATA BUNKAI Gekisai Dai
Ichi, first level.
1. Rising
Block>stepping punch to the head ( age uke>jodan zuki)
2. Downward sweeping block
(edan berai)
3. Middle level sideways
block>front snap kick>elbow strike (chudan yoko uke>mae
geri-keage>hiji ate)
4. Foot sweep> knifehand
strike( ashi barai>shuto uke)
5. Middle level sideways
block>double punch(chudan yoke uke>morote zuki).
7th Kyu-White Belt w/three
green tabs: (At this point It must be pointed out that when a candidate is
being tested for a higher belt rank he is still responsible for being able to
execute and explain Kata, Kihon and Bunkai for all the previously attained
ranks. In fact, the candidate may be called tested on everything they are
supposed to know.)
KIHON - New technicqes
1. Mae-geri > gyaku zuki zenkutsu
dachi
2. Yoko-geri keage > uraken
zuki.Heisoku dachi > Shiko dachi.
3. Yoko-geri kekomi > uraken uchi
(same as #2)
4. Chudan yoko uke > mae-geri >
hiji ate > uraken >gedan berai. Sanchin dachi > Zenkutsu dachi.
5. Age Uke > oi zuki
>rotate on the front foot 270 degrees(Sanchin Dach)>gedan berai (Shiko
dachi)
KUMITE:
Sandan gi (three
levelsparring). Age uke/ Chudan yoko uke/Gedan berai
KATA :
Gekisai dai ichi
Kihon Kata Dai San
KATA BUNKAI OYO (Gekisai Dai Ichi) 2nd
level.
1. Age uke>chudan soto
uke >gedan tettsui
2. Gedan berai > osae uke > age
zuki
3. Chudan uke > mae-geri >hiji ate
> uraken > gedan berai.
4. Pivot on one foot >
Osae uke > ashi uke > Shuto ucho.
5. Otoshi uraken uchi >
age zuki > gyaku zuki.
The test for 7th Kyu will
be given using japanese terms with the English translations, For all remaining
rank tests only Japanese terminology will be used.
6th KYU Green
Belt:
KIHON
1. Sanbon zuki (zenkutsu dachi)
2. Age uke > chudan
yoko uke > gedan berai (Sanchin dachi)
3. Ashi berai > jodan
yoko shuto uchi,(hachiji dachi)
4. Hiki uke>gyaku shotei
berai.(Sanchin dachi)
5. Gedan berai > gyaku-zuki. (Shiko
dachi > Zenkutsu dachi.)
6. Toro guchi(neko ashi dachi.
7. Mae-geri> gyaku zuki z(enkutsu
dachi)
8. Yoko
geri-keage>uraken(bensuko>shiko-dachi
9. Yoko-geri kekome gyaku zuki.
10. Mawashi geri(zenkutsu-dachi)
11. Age uke.>oitsuke
execute 270 degree turn on rear foot> gedan berai(sanchin>shiko)
KUMITE
Sandan Gi
Kata
1. Gekisai dai ichi
2. Gekisai dai ni
KATA BUNKAI OYO
1.Age uke>age zuki>gedan berai takedown.
2 .Gedan berai > osae uke > age
zuki
3.Chudan yoko - uke >kake >
mae-geri>hiji ate > tettsui uchi > takedown > gyaku zuki.
4. Step thru>nagashi
uke > ashi berai>kote uchi>shime waza
5. Hiki uke>hiki
uke>mae-geri> takedown.
6. Ura uke > shotei
uchi.
5th KYU:
Green belt w/ one black tab.
KIHON
1. Sanbon zuki>gedan berai (sanchin)
2. Age uke>chodan yoko
uke>gedan berai>gyaku zuki (sanchin)
3. Ashi berai>tettsui
uchi>tsukami hiki (grab and pull>yoko ura zuki(hachiji dachi)
4. Hike uke>gyaku
shotei berai(sanchin)
5. Gedan berai>gyaku
zuki(Shiko-dachi>zenkutsu-dachi
6. Toroguchi(Neko
ashi-dachi)
7.Mae-geri>gyaku
zuki(zenkutsu-dachi.)
8. Sukui uke/gedan shotei berai>mae-geri
(zenkutstu dachi)
9. Yoko-geri
keage>uraken(bensuku-dachi>shiko-dachi
10.Yoko-geri
kekomi>gyaku-zuki(bensoku>zenkutsu)
11. Mawashi geri>gyaku-zuki(zenkutsu
dachi)
KUMITE
1. Sandan Gi
2. Ippon Kumite: Jodan oi-zuki/chudan
oi-zuki/mae-geri (Migi & Hidari)
KATA
1. Saifa
Sanchin I
KATA BUNKAI OYO. Saifa; ist level
1. Hiji ate > shotei
osae uke > jodan uraken.
2. Sukui uke > gedan shotei berai
> hiza uchi > mae-geri.
3. Morote gedan uchi.
4. Tettsui uchi > tsukami hiki >
yoko ura zuki.
5. Haito uchi.
JIU-JITSU AND
SELF-DEFENSE:
It is at this level in
American GojuKempo the students learns why they were taught Ukemi (falling
techniques). The techniques the student learns will come close to qualifying
him/her for belts in Jiu Jitsu.
A. Atemi Waza (vital
points techniques
1.Vital points to the
body.
2.
B. Kensetsu-waza (Joint
locking techniques.
1. Arm lock(ude gatame)
2. Arm trap (ude garami)
C. Osae-waza (holding
techniques)
1.Scarf hold and
escape.(Kesa gatame)
D. Nage waza (throwing
techniques.
1.Advanced foot sweep(de
ashi harai )
2.Major outer reaping
throw(osoto gari
4th KYU;
Green Belt w/ three stripes
KIHON
1. Haito uchi > uraken
uke > morote shotei uchi(neko ashi dachi)
2. Toroguchi (neko)
3. Ushiro Geri (Zenkutsu
dachi)
4. Sukui uke/harai uke>mae geri
(Zenkutsu dachi)
KUMITE
1. Sandan gi; Ageuke/chudan yoko
uke/gedan berai
2. Ippon kumite; Oi zuki jodan/ chudan
ou zuki / mae-geri / yoko geri kekome / mawashi geri. (techniques to be done on
right and left sides)
KATA
1. Saifa
2. Sanchin
KATA BUNKAI OYO; Saifa 2nd
level
1. Hiji uke>Kake
uke>age zuki
2. Harai uke>hiza
ansetsu geri
3. Jodan morote
uchi>chudan morote tettsui uchi.
4. Uchi berai>189
rotation>tettsui uchi
5. Gedan berai step
through>180 rotation shime / bensoku geri.
JIU JITSU &
SELF-DEFENCE
A. Atemi waza - vital
point techniques
1. Nose - hana
2. Ear - mimi
B. Kensetsu Waza - Joint
Locking Techniques
1. Pressing wrist lock -
Kote jime.
2. Elbo press - ude
osae/BR>C. Osae waza - Holding techniques
1. Reverse scarf hold - o
shiro kesa getame.
D. Nage waza - Throwing
techniques
1. Major hip throw - O
Goshi
2. Major inner reap - O
uchi gari.
3rd KYU Brown
Belt with one Black stripe
KIHON
1. Sanbon zuki>gedan bera (Sanchin
dachi)
2. Chudan morote uke>gyaku zuki
(Sanchin dachi)
3. Age Uke>chudan yoko uke>gedan
berai>gyakuzuki (neki ashi dachi)
4. Hiji ate>osae uke> uraken uchi
(musubi dachi.shiko dachi
5. Toroguchi (neko ashi dachi)
6. Shotei harai uke/sukui
uke>mae-geri (zenkutsu dachi)
7. Mae-geri>gyaku zuki>gedan berai
(zenkutsu dachi)
8. Yoko-geri keage>uraken>gyaku
zuki (zenkutsu dachi)
9. Yoko-geri kekomi>uraken>gyaku
zuki (shiko dachi>zenkutsu dachi)
10. Mawashi-geri>gyaku zuki>age
uke (zenkutsu dachi)
11. Mawashi-geri>ushiro geri
(zenkutsu dachi)
KUMITE
1. Sandan Gi; Age uke/chudan yoko
uke/gedan berai.
2. Ippon kumite; Oi zuki jodan/chudan oi
zuki/mae-geri /yoko-geri kekome/ mawashi geri
KATA
1.Gekisai dai ichi
2. Gekisai dai ni
KATA BUNKAI OYO : Saifa 3rd Level
1. Kote jime>hiji
ate>uraken uchi> kote kime w/takedown
2. Sukui uke>kake
uke>shuto uchi>mae-geri
3. Morote hiki
uke>chudan morote zuki
4. Uchi berai > 180
degree turn > Hiji ate > tsukami > age zuki
5. Ura uke
JIU JITSU & SELF
DEFENCE.
Improve on techniques
already learned
2nd KYU
Brown Belt w/ two Black stripes
KIHON
1. Age uke>gyaku
zuki>chudan yoko uki>gyaku zuki~gedan berai> gyaku zuki (sanchin
dachi)
2.Jodan hiki uke>chudan
sukui uke harai uke> nukite (Neko ashi dachi)
3. Osae uke>uraken uchi(Heiko dachi)
4.Sukui
uke>kake>mae-geri>nukite )take a full step back) >mae hiji ate
>osae uke >uraken uchi>(shiko dachi>>>neko
ashi-dachi>heiko dachi.)
5.Kake uke> yoko geri
kekome>Shotei uchi (Sanchin)
KUMITE
1. Sandan gi-- Jodan hiki uke>chudan
sukui uke>gedan berai
2. Ippon Kumite: same as
sankyu.
KATA
1. Seiunchin
2 Sanchin II
KATA BUNKAI OYO:
Seiunchin, 1st Level
1. Sukui uke> nukite
2. Hojo chudan uke >
gedan berai
3. Harai uke
4. Chudan yoko
uke/gedanberai
5. Morote kuri uke
JIU JITSU & SELF
DEFENCE
a. Atemi Waza - Vital
points
1. Windpipe-Hichu
2. Groin - Kinteki
Kinsestu Waza - Joint
Locking
1. Elbow Lock-Wake Getame
2. Major Outer Press - O
Soto Osae
Nage Waza - Throws
1. Knee Wheel Throw - Hiza
Garuma
2. Foot Throw - Sasae Zuri
Komi Ashi
3. Floating Hip Throw -
Uki Goshi
1st KYU -
Brown Belt w/ three Black stipes
KIHON
1.Improve and perfect all
that you have learned in this area.
KUMITE
1Sandan Gi - Jodan hiki
uke/sukui uke /harai uke
2. Ippon Kumite- Jodan oi
zuki/chudan oi zuki/maegeri/yoko geri kekome/mawashi geri/ushiro geri
KATA
Improve Sanchin and Seienchin
KATA BUNKAI OYO - Seiunchin 2nd Level
1. Morote gedan berai>mae-geri<2.
Nukite>hojo uke>mae-geri
3 Fumikomi>kakato geri>
Chudan yoko uke/gedan berai
6 Morote kuri uke
JIU JITSU & SELF
DEFENCE
A. Atemi Waza
1.Forearm nerve-shakutaku
2. Eye - me
3. Knee - hiza
B.Kensetsu Waza
1. Circular Wrist Lock -
kote mawashi
2. Inward wrist lock - kote hineri
3 Outer wrist lock - kote
gaeshi
4. Leaf turning wrist lock
- Kanea gashi
5. Hand mirror - te Garami
6. Arm wing lock ude
hankea gatame
C. Nage Waza- Throws
1. Minor outside reaping
throw - ko soto gari
2.Minor inside reaping
throw - ko uchi gari
3. Shoulder throw - seoi
nage
4. Elbow drop - hiki
otoshi
The Budokan America
Standards Committee has established minimal time in grade and age
requirementsfor all Black Belt Dan requirements for promotions at the Budokan
America. The time in grade requirements are fairly universal.
Rank, Minimum Age, Minimum
Time in Grade at previous Rank.
Shodan-1st Degree-16yrs
old- 12 mos
Nidan 2nd Degree -18yrs
old- 2yrs
Sandan 3rd degree- 20 yrs
old -4yrs
Yondan, 4th degree-25 yrs
old-5yrs
Godan,5th degree-30yrs
old-5 yrs
rokudan, 6th degree-36 yrs
old- 6yrs,
Shichidan 7th degree
-40yrs old-6yrs.
Hachidan 8th degree-50 yrs
old-10 yrs.
9th and 10th degrees are
ranks awarded posthumously.
The Black Belt Ranks
O.K. You've made it this
far and some of your questions have been answered. But now you've got even more
questions. And these questions are coming from someone who's been involved in
the Martial Arts for at least two years! But that first question has been
answered. "What do I have to know or do to get a Black Belt?" This
site is dedicated to you. I hope I can impart some knowledge and clarity on the
subject matter(s) . For now lets just stop and take a look at where we are; how
far we've come; and how far we are going. This site is for you. When you tie on
that Black Belt you will truly be a student of American Goju-Kempo and of the
founder and Chief Instructor of that system. Craig L. Brooks,Hanshi You will
become a member of the Black Belt Brotherhood . That means you are one out of one-hundred.
For every 100 people that start almost any Martial Art only one males it to
Black Belt. You are special.
It is Martial Arts like
American Goju-Kempo that the Value of the Black Belt is appreciated. The Belt
hasn't been cheapened by "grandfathering" or "feel good
awards." If you are wearing a Black Belt from American Goju-Kempo then you
worked hard for it . You probably even shed Blood for it. AGK is taught in a
traditional manner. The emphasis is on discipline, correct technique, respect
for others, respect for yourself and respect for what has gone before you. No
one of these aspects is mor important than the other. They are part of the
foundation of Your art. If any part of that foundation is weak then it is all
weak. You have spent the last two years or more learning that; it is a part of
you. That is why you are special. Not because you bring to the table
outstanding fighting abilities. But because you have persevered and you
comprehend. You are not and cannot be the same person who walked into the Dojo
sometime ago "looking to get in shape." Now you are a practitioner of
Budo - the
BLACK BELTS: What they are
and what they are NOT.
In the Martial Art of
American Goju-Kempo there are two things you will not find at the Black Belt
level:
1. A Black Belt under the
age of 18. and
2. An Instructor who has
not been "licensed" by the Certification and Promotions Board.
First, you will not find a
"Junior Black Belt" in our school because we accept no students under
the age of 16. There is a minimum time in which you can attain your first
degree and that is two years. We do not accept students younger than 16 because
I decided twenty years ago that the Dojo was not a daycare center and that my
instructors and instructors-in-training were not baby sitters. Black belts do
not necessarily have the training or ability to deal with children and their
unformed personality trials and tribulations. More than that they should not be
held hostage by a parent who thinks their child should be a black belt or win a
trophy. I don't make a lot of money that way but it allows me to teach the way
that I want and need to teach.
Second; Black Belts and
Instructors are not the same thing. Not every Black Belt is qualified and
certified to instruct. In some schools and styles the assumption is that once
you attain 1st degree you may instruct. With American Goju-Kempo nothing can be
further from the truth. Twenty years ago AGK realized that while some of its
Yudansha were quite gifted and accomplished as Martial Artists they were bust
as instructors, In fact I've seen some normally very nice people turn into
tyrants when they tried to instruct. It made me reexamine my own style of
instructing. I thought maybe they're doing that because I did it to them. I am
pleased and proud to say this turned out not to be the case. There are just
some people that cannot instruct . In fact they should not instruct. This led
to a problem. How do you hold a talented and gifted Budoka back from attaining
rank because they are not good teachers ? There are many different reason for a
person not being able to instruct or rather convey the art to someone else.
After all, if it were that easy we's all be Grandmasters. Legitimately! The
most common reason I found was there just was not enough time for the person(s)
that were not professional Budoka to train properly as instructors. And too
there were those that just did not have the aptitude or attitude to become
sensei. And yet these people as I stated previously were talented and gifted as
martial artists. They were only deficient in one area.
After a few years of
trying to figure out how to keep that certain group of people involved in a
meaningful manner with the school and the art I took a page out of Martial Arts
history. If we look back to the early Japanese ryuha we see that instructors
were licenced as Shoden. Their "Licenced" ranking progressed up
through Chuden. Mokuruko, and Menkyo. The ultimate license was Menkyo Kaiden -
The License of Total Transmission. There was however no standard method or
criteria for issuing these licenses. The criteria varied from school to school.
It is much the same today. in fact many schools do not license at all.
Historically, the Menkyo
ranks were designated by handwritten letters or "certificates" from
the founder or the Licensing master. The higher ranks those of 6th degree and
above were given a densho - scrolls of illustrated manuscripts of techniques
and "secret instructions. Some Densho used coded memory aid for the tansmission
of advanced techniques. These documents were meaningless to the
unitiated,especially to those outsiders of the ryuha.
American Goju-Kempo has
adapted the Menkyo licensing system and created a Menkyo belt system for thos
who pursue an Instructor's License. and Dan ratings for those that do not . At
the 1st Degree level the Dan belt is called Sho-dan the Menyko is called
Sho-mokuroku. There is another distinction made in that the licensed Belt is
marked with a red stripe on the end of the belt while the Dan degree is a plan
black belt. It is permissible for Dan ranked students to have their belts
embroidered with their name an rank on them.
SHO-DAN BELT SHO-MOKURUROKU BELT
As the student advances in
rank The belt remain s plan Black .Up until fourth Dan At this stage the Dan
grades stop. The Yondan or fourth degree black belt can advance no farther. The
4th Mokuroku however becomes a low master , entitled to be called
"Renshi" or "Master". These belts look like this: This belt is Black on the inside and is also
use for 5th Degree Renshi who is a "High Master."However when worn by
a 5th Degree Renshi the red half of the belt is worn on top.
The Belt rankings for the
last three Degrees are as follows:
6th & 7th Mokuroku
8th Mokuroku
Those Black Belts that
hold Menkyo are given the following honorifics:
1st degree-sho-mokuroku is
adressed as Sempai. In fact all Black belts are adressed as "Sempai"
by the Mudansha. Sempai means anyone senior to you.
2nd Degree - Ni-mokuroku
is adressed as Tesshi. This is a junior teacher. The Tesshi and the Sempai are
not licensed to instruct on their own. They work under the supervision of a
full instructor.
3rd Degree - San-Mokuroku
is a full sensei and adressed as Sensei or Shidoin.which also means teacher.
The 3rd degree instructor can promote up to Shodan-Ho, which is a temporary
rank between 1st Kyu and 1st Degree Black Belt. The 3rd Degree Sensei can teach
up to 1st Degree and issue a temporary certificate. But all Black Belt rank
promotions must be certified by the Board of certifications and promotions.
4th and 5th Degree
Yon-Mokuroku and Go-Mokuroku are Renshi or Master ranks. 4th Degree is low
Master while 5th degree is high Master. They are adressed as "Master"
or "Renshi" Take not that the word "Master" does not
connote a position of superiority but one of accomplishment.
6th & 7th Degrees -
Roku-Mokuroku & Shichi-Mokoroku- are "Shihan" ranks. Shihan are
Master instructors which means they may teach the 4th & 5th Degree
candidates.
8th Degree-Kuruzaime also
called Kyoshi - Teacher of Teachers. Also Hanshi which is the title given to
the head of our system. Hanshi is a "Shogu", a teaching title, given
in recognition for contributions to the Art. While there can be other 8th
degree black belts in the American Goju-Kempo System, there is only one Hanshi.
In the Martial Art of
American Goju-Kempo the solid red Belt is reserved for the Kaiso or Founder of
the style. This does not mean that he is the most accomplished practitioner of
thestyle merely the founder of that style. Kaiso does not mean the exact same
thing as SOKE which while used to connote founder usually means Grandmaster. At
this time there is no Soke of American Goju-Kempo. The 10th Degree belt which
is also solid red is not to be given to anyone living, it is a posthumous
award. 10th Degree connotes perfection. In AGK we are seeking always to perfect
some aspect of ourselves. This osearch ends only in death. All practitioners of
American Goju - Kempo are awarded Ju-dan when they pass away.
The Black Belt Syllabus
Black Belt Katas
The Katas needed for the
various Black Belt ranks are as follows:
1st Degree - All Taikyoku
Kata: Jodan I & II, Chudan I & II, Gedan I & II, Kakie uke I &
II, Mawashi I & II. Gekisai-dai-ichi, Gekisai-dai-ni, Saifa. Sanchin I
& II, Sepai. Sanseiru. Shisochin.
Sepai
2nd Degree - Kururunfa, Seisan
3rd Degree - Supuranpei.
In the American Goju-Kempo
system once the Yudansha have attained 3rd degree thy must then study and earn
at least a Shodan in a "hard" or external style(e.g. Shotokan or Tkd)
to Qualify as a 4th degree master. For fifth degree they must study and gain a
mastery of the basics of a soft Chinese art (e.g. White Crane) There are of
course other requirements to all of these ranks. In fact the 4th and 5th Degree
Masters will also be Black Belts in Jiu Jitsu.
Requirements for 1st
Degree:
SHO-DAN - 1. For
Second Degree there is a minimum prerequisite amount of time from the time of
receiving First degree befor you can apply to test. That time is two years.
Befor applying to the Board for testing the candidate must satisfy his
instructor that he as improved upon the skills he acqiured getting to 1st
Degree. The requirements for Sho-dan and Sho-mokuroku are straightforward and
simple.
1. There is a Minimum time
between receiving 1st Kyu and testing for your 1st Degree. That time is 12
months. If a student is exceptional he/she may be awarded a Sho-dan Ho ranking
by his instructor This will be an Instructor"s certificate signed by the
instructor but not certified by the Board. The Ho rankings go up to Yon-dan Ho.
2. The techniques and Kata
that you have learned thus far must be perfected so that they are done smoothly
and without major fault and/or hesitation.Those Kata are as follows:
1. Taikyoku - Jodan,
Chudan, Gedan, Kake-uke & Mawashi Uke.
2. Gekisai -dai-ichi, Gekisai-dai-ni.
3. Saifa
4. Seiyunchin
4. Sanchin I,Sanchin II
5. Sanseiru
6. Shisochin
7.Sepai.
The candidate for Sho-dan
must also demonstrate the Bunkai for thes Kata.
The candidate must also
demonstrate proficiency in Sanbon-gi ( three step sparring.) with open hand
uke, Ippon Kumite (one step sparring. Jiyu orfree sparring and Kakie. The Black
Belt candidate must also demonstrate and explain the differences in the
"hard" Uke waza and the "soft".
The candidate must also
write a paper on any aspect of AGK he/or she wishes. These papers are to be
maintained in a folder for future reference by the student and the instructor.
It is at the 1st Degree
level that the student begins to learn Atemi-waza.- vital points. In the
American Goju system this is part of the very essence of self-defense. You have
learned how to punch and strike. Now you begin to learn where. The candidate
must sign an agreement before he/she is taught "Atemi-waza" . Once it
is signed by you it will be witnessed by us and a copy returned to you for your
files. Your copy will include a registation number and a password so you can
access Atemi-waza pagesThe information provided in these pages is only
available to registered students of Budokan
The 1st Degree Black Belt
candidate must also demonstrate proficiency in the following Techniques:
1. Kansetsu waza -Joint
locks
a. Kote Mawashi-Circular
wrist lock
b. Kanoa Gaeshi-Leaf
turning wrist lock.
c. Ude Henkan Gatame-Arm
Lock or Arm wing Lock.
2. Shime waza - Choking techniques
* Choking techniques are usually taught earlier in Jiu Jitsu, beginning about
6th Kyu (green belt) level. In the AGK system the core of the training is Goju
Karate and Shorinji Kempo. Therefore the emphasis is not on Jiu Jitsu
techniques per se, although by the time a student of AGK reaches 4th Degree he
or she will be "accomplished" in that art and in Shime waza.
a. Kata juji jime-Cross
collar lock
3. Nage waza-Throwing
techniques
a. Ko-soto Gari-Minor
ourside reaping throw
b .Ko-uchi Gari-Minor
inside reaping throw.
SHO-MOKUROKU: The
student/canditate for a teaching license has a mor difficult time ahead. He/she
must not only demonstrate extremely proficient physical skills but the
candidate must also demonstrate a deep understanding of the philosophy and the
principles of American Goju-Kempo. On top of all of this the candidate must
learn how to transmit what he/she has learned to another. The instructor
candidate will spend most of his/her class time working with a 3rd Mokuroku
practitioner. In addition there will be instructors clinics and forums that
will be mandatory before submitting to an examination by The Board of
Certifications and Promotions.
The Menkyo candidate will
also begin training in Iaido and Kendo. It is my belief that there is a greater
appreciation and understanding for the Code of Bushido when the Budoka studies
the "samurai" arts. The course of study is open to all students but
it is mandatory for all Menkyo candidates.
The Course in Iaido is
like the rest of AGK straightforward and simple to understand. The Candidate
will first familiarize him/herself with the History, the lore, the ritual and
the care of the blade. While practice will be done primarily with wooden bokken
the student must obtain a decent inexpensive sword with which to practice. In
the beginning all sword kata will be with the bokken. however the student will
need real steel in order to understand and respect that which has been called
"The Soul of the Warrior." The Anatomy of the Katana is part of the
examination for the Sho-mokuroku. answers must be given unhesitatingly, just as
any Kata or technique. At this level the demonstrations for the examination
will be done with a bokken. Respect for the Blade is learned and this link to
Hawaii Kendo will show how it is done. Iaido and Kendo as stated before give
the practitioners that "Samurai" feeling. I believe this feeling or
that of practicing the arts of the Shaolin monks is indispensible when becoming
a "Sensei."
Requirements for 2nd
Degree:
Ni-Dan -
1. There is a minimum time
requirement of two years from the time hr/she receives 1st Degree before the
candidate can apply for 2nd Degree. The candidate must apply after the
anniversay date.
The Canditate mus demonstrate
knowledge and prficiency in Kata Seisan and Kururunfa and their Bunkai. Alsi
Sanchin III.
The Candidate must show a
marked improvement in the Juho techniques already learned and gain proficiency
in the following.
A. Kansetsu -waza- Joint
Locking techniques
1. Yubi Gatame - Thumb Lock
2. Hiji Gatame - Elbow Lock
3. Soto Ude Gaeshi - Outward Elbow Twist Lock.
B. Shime waza - Choking
techniques
1. Gyaku-jiji jimei-Reverse Cross
C. Nage waza - Throwing
Techniques
1. Koshi Guromakoh - Hip Wheel Throw
2. Tsuri Komo Gosho - Lifting Pulling Hip
Throw.
Anyone interested in
learning more abour some of the Judo/Jiu Jitsu Techniques stated on this pag
should take a look at one of the most informative and thorough martial arts
sites in the web. Its webmaster is Neil Ohlenkamp sensei, the site is The Judo
Information Site. The site is required reading for all students of the Budokan
America and of American Goju-Kempo.
NI-MOKUROKU While we ar
supposed to be discussing 2nd Degree teaching requirements the following
discussion is meant for all the degrees up to 5th Mokuroku. At 2nd Degree the
Instructor candidate must learn more than Kempo. Actually in American Goju -
Kempo, what he will learn is part of the system. It is a prerequisite that all
candidates for 2nd Degree and above take a Red Cross First Aid Course or the
equivilent and a CPR course and receive certification. All Instructors are
required to keep their certification current. I have been in martial arts
"studios" where the instructor didn't know how to properly handle a
bloody nose or a sprained ankle. This is unconscionable! If you are to be an
Instructor you must learn how to care for your students .
Instructor candidates will
also be expected to become "certified" as weight room trainers. This
Instruction is given twice a year and is offered as an extra by the School.
School Certification is good in any AGK Dojo. If the candidate chooses he / she
can take their certification elswhere e.g. local YMCA or Center or at a
Balley's etc. Asth Instructor candidate advances in rank so will his
requirements to become certified in different areas of instruction. Sport Yoga,
Endurance Sports training, and at 5th Degree Certified Personal Trainer. That seems
like a lot to ask of a person beside knowing the Waza of American Goju-Kempo
but it is necessary. The average Martial Arts school has a variety of equipment
in it. Most have a set of free weights. What most schools do not have however,
is a certified weight trainer. Someone who knows how to train the student
safely and get results. We are presently training people in these specialties
and will be offering this same training and certification for other sensei.
Learning The Mastery Of Self:
ANALOGIES FOR BROWN BELT STUDIES: STREET
COMBAT KENPO DYNAMICS OF MOTION; WHEN DOES THE LINE BECOME CIRCULAR AND CIRCLE
BECOME A LINE?
By Reginald Hoover
Copyright
© Reginald Hoover. 2003. All rights reserved.
Let
us first examine the question of what does the brown belt mean in martial
studies? This question can be answered in many ways; by many brown belt
practitioners and 1st degree black belts alike! In the karate martial arts of
Okinawa and Japan, the question can be answered according to defining basic
kata; training to develop flexibility in static stretching abilities; becoming
student instructors; assisting the sifu/sensei/teacher/master in the
development of children’s programs within their respective dojos; providing
encouragement to the lower ranking students within their styles; and searching,
searching, searching for the way of creativity within themselves to identify
with, not only being a practitioner of their respective style taught to them by
their teachers; but searching for the trademark identification with which they
will be associated as a true traditional practitioner of their style! Indeed
the brown belt student faces an identity crisis within himself and his/her
respective style of martial study. Not only does he/she face the process of
developing the basics of their styles, but developing them on a level of skill
application that what, (in hope by their respective teachers) will surpass the
skill levels of those training in other styles. This internal dilemma of
pleasing the master/sifu/sensei/teacher pits the brown belt practitioner
against himself in the learning process of martial skills development. Though,
this is the best the martial community has to offer the student of the learning
process in producing a student of virtue. A warrior of the martial way!
Let
us now examine the question of, does this same approach of teaching apply to
the brown belt practitioner of martial studies which rely on the Chinese
influence in training? The answer is an obvious yes! In this case the brown
belt practitioner is pushed even further to the point of pleasing the
sensei/sifu/teacher/master in basic, intermediate, and advanced skills
development. Thus, not only is the brown belt practitioner searching for the
insights of his/her martial system; they are searching for the understanding to
an end result of self - mastery in their application of these offensive and
defensive skills. This in turn leads one to the issue of why the brown belt
practitioner has to be broken in spirit and built-up on a solid foundation of
martial virtue. The practitioner’s quest of self – mastery can only begin on
this solid foundation to insure the brown belt progression in developing
humility as a black belt practitioner! Thus, this general description is common
in all martial arts systems, (both traditional & non-traditional) Japanese,
Okinawan, and Chinese. Therefore bringing us to the question behind this
article. When does the line become circular and circle become a line? This
lecture will address this very complicated analogy of simplicity within the
martial study of Kenpo Karate; aka Ch’uan Fa, Quanfa, Shaolin Kenpo/Kempo,
Kenpo Jiu Jitsu, Kenpo-Jujutsu, Kenpo- Ju-Jitsu, Kenpo Jujitsu. Since the
American Kenpo or EPAK system has what is considered by it’s practitioners a
concise set of rules to answering the above question. It will not be included
in this street fighting analogy of physically expressive skills application!
The common thread which holds all Kenpo/Kempo Styles together, (which use the
Chinese influence as primary in their training methods) is their ability to
combine linear and circular upper and lower extremity motion in such as way as
to economically fail a violent street attack. Providing that these Kenpo styles
are not just competition oriented; but train their students in reality based
street-wise offensive and defensive skills. For the brown belt Kenpo
practitioner; the question of circularity and linearity can be a very difficult
one indeed! As under-belts they train in basic organized ways of applying
technical skills in defeating an opponent, whom is either punching, striking,
kicking, grabbing, or choking them. These techniques seem to be very effective
for them to defeat a gamed attacker. They are proven methods of defense and
work very good for the lower ranked belts in the streets. Yet, they do not
exemplify the trademark of the true Kenpo practitioner of self - mastery! They
are only the prerequisite in becoming a physical skillfully expressive street
combat master of the art! This quest begins at the rank of brown belt, and
never ends in accomplishment of physical skills development. Examining the
circle should reveal to the brown belt a series of straight lines placed
together at very short minute intervals to form a smooth curvilinear shape of
continuous trajectory; infinite in distance, while finite in trajectorial
intent. In this manner the circle can be as small as the tip of a needle or as
large as our universe and other unexplored galaxy’s both within and outside of
our solar system.
Now,
let us explore to circular and linear aspect’s of street combat motion for the
brown belt kenpo practitioner in violent confrontation. We will begin with the
galaxy, universe explanation. This methodology should reveal several concepts
of circular and linear combined blocking, striking, breaking, grappling,
trapping, and throwing motions to the beginning practitioner of martial virtue.
1.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce a combined blocking
& linear strike to attacker’s upper extremity with the same natural weapon,
or hand etc; Example: Left Outward Block, Left Hammer-fist Strike To The
Attackers Face.
2.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce a blocking &
striking one-two combination, circular blocking with one hand and linear
striking with the other; Example: Left Outward Block, Right Palm-Heel Strike To
The Attacker’s Nose.
3.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
continuous multiple blocking and striking combinations; Example: Left Outward
Block, Double Left- Right Palm-Heel Strike To The Attacker’s Left & Right
Upper Ribcage and vise versa.
4.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce linear breaking strikes
with the other natural weapon; Left Outward Block & Trapping Of The
Attacker’s Left Wrist And Right Palm-Heel Elbow Break Of The Attacker’s Left
Arm.
5.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
combined sandwich striking. Eample: Left Outward Block, Left Linear Hammer-fist
Strike To Attackers Right Temple Combined With A Simultaneous Right Looping
Forearm Smash To The Attacker’s Left Side Of The Neck. Thus, Sandwiching The
Attackers Head Between Both Strikes.
6.
Etc, etc, etc,!
These
simple analogies should reveal further intermediate progressions of dynamic
circular and linear motion combinations to the brown belt kenpo practitioner.
Let us examine these progressive motion concepts within the galaxy, universe
description;
1.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
block eye raking with the same natural weapon:
2.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
block eye raking with both natural upper extremity weapons.
3. The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce continuous multiple
blocking & eye striking combinations without using the same combination
twice.
4.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce linear eye gouging with
the other natural weapon.
5.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
combined sandwich blocking strike eye gouging.
6.
Etc,etc,etc!
The
intermediate analogies thus, reveal further advanced progressions of dynamic
circular and linear motion combinations to the kenpo advanced kyu stylist.
Therefore, examining these basic advanced progressive conceptual methods within
the galaxy, universe description reveals;
1.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
block eye raking claw transformations with the same natural weapon.
2.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
block eye raking claw transformations with both natural upper extremity
weapons.
3.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce continuous multiple blocking
and eye strike clawing rake combinations without using the same combination
twice.
4.
The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce linear eye clawing gouge
raking transformations with the other natural weapon.
5. The circular blocking is wide in scope and can produce circular and linear
combined sandwiching blocking eye clawing gouge raking transformations.
6.
Etc, etc, etc!
Thus,
the brown belt stylist is revealed to the actual street combative motion of the
kenpo art; or fist law! However, this revelation is just the beginning of the
journey along the road within the martial way of kenpo self-mastery! The brown
belt must also face many other transformations of self, as well as adding the
natural weapon’s lower extremities into the street combative equation in
bringing some closure to the question of continuous yielding and adaption under
an infinite number of aggressive violent circumstances. The learning process
must become infinite itself for the brown belt to experience physically expressive
self-mastery of his/her new found martial way! IT is along this
All Rights Reserved ©™ Of Black The Dragon Clandestine Combatives
Institute Of The Dragon Kenpo Karate Consortium
Freestyle
Ju Jitsu
By Dave Baker
Copyright
© Dave Baker. 2003. All rights reserved.
Freestyle Ju Jitsu is an adaptation of traditional
Japanese Ju Jitsu, combined with elements and techniques from other fighting
arts and styles. The training principles contained within the grading syllabus allow
the student to develop self-defence techniques to combat against any armed or
unarmed attackers. The student will train in a range of traditional
self-defence methods, as well as Freestyle sparing and weapon techniques.
The
traditional basis of Freestyle Ju Jitsu originates from Aki-Jitsu, Judo,
Samurai, Kempo Ju Jitsu Spirit Combat and Shadlin Kempo and has its own Kobudo
System. Freestyle Ju Jitsu is a system, which expands on individual’s strengths
rather than producing a programmed response pattern. Each student is encouraged
to develop the elements of Freestyle Ju Jitsu, which works best for him or her.
This will be dependent on each student’s strength, size, speed and application
to training.
Freestyle Ju
Jitsu has a ranking system like most Martial Arts and has its own Title Ranking
system this applies for both Ju Jitsu and Weapons for more details see the
title section
What is it?
Practical JuJitsu (also under PJJ) is a new and open
independent System of Ju Jitsu that first started in April 2003 by David Baker
(Head Instructor) and was opened by Practical Martial Arts (P.M.A) under
Matthew Sylvester (Founder of P.M.A) Dave is the Director and UK Head
Instructor for Practical JuJitsu.
The idea behind PJJ is that anyone from any system can
train and grade with (or under) PJJ, for the grading requirements for PJJ are
deferent from other systems, for it has minimum amount of techniques to be
shown than set Kihon to do, this way it is down to the candidate what they
show, for example: - some systems say show us 6 arm locks, 3 wrist locks and
certain throws etc, in our system you must show say any 10 Locking Techniques,
any 5 Throw etc, this way if the candidate does not like a technique for it
does not suit them (or some reason) then they can show you a practical
technique that they are good at and like, this way it is down to the candidate
to reach those requirements for each grade.
Although
PJJ is a English teaching and specking system (no Japanese) the names for the
Instructors and Belt Ranks are in Japanese, although this is down to each of
the Instructors if they wish to use the Japanese this is fine, if not then
that’s o.k to.
Practical
JuJitsu has a ranking system that in the main uses Kyu grades and Black Belts,
now it does have its own colour belt system but this is not important, for Ju
Jitsu do use deferent coloured belts so if the colour does not match this means
all you use is the Kyu rank you are.
Kyu Ranks
7th Kyu
Yellow Belt
6th
Kyu Orange Belt
5th
Kyu Green Belt
4th
Kyu Purple Belt
3rd
Kyu Blue Belt At this level
the candidate gains the Title of Sempi
2nd
Kyu Dark Blue Belt Title Sempi
1st
Kyu Brown Belt Title Sempi
When a candidate
goes for their Black Belt Grading they move to Shodan Ho then after a year and
the requirements are met they will be promoted to 1st Dan, plus when
they gain higher ranks their belt can be deferent if they wish.
Black Belt
Ranks
Shodan Ho –
Black Belt no tabs Title Sensei / Instructor
1st
Dan – Black Belt 1 tab Title Sensei / Instructor
2nd
Dan – Black Belt 2 tabs Title Sensei / Instructor
3rd
Dan – Black Belt 3 tabs Title Sensei / Instructor / *Head Instructor
4th
Dan – Black Belt 4 tabs Black/Red block Title Sensei / Master / Renshi
5th
Dan – Black Belt 5 tabs Black/Red block Title Master / Renshi / *Kancho
6th
Dan – Black Belt 6 tabs Black/Red block Title Senior Master / Renshi / *Kancho
7th
Dan – Black Belt 7tabs White/Red block Title Professor / Kancho
8th
Dan – Black Belt 8 tabs White/Red block Title Professor / Kancho
9th
Dan – Black Belt 9 tabs White/Red block Title Professor / Kancho
10th
Dan – Black Belt 10 tabs White/Red block Title Professor / Soke
* This is
only if they are one of the Head Instructors for PJJ or if they have gained it
outside PJJ
Practical JuJitsu has 4 levels of
Instructors these are
Instructor Title
Sensei Minimum
Rank Shodan Ho
An Instructor is a candidate that
helps in the teaching in a class, but is not the main Instructor.
A candidate for Instructor must have
the appropriate insurance which ever that may be for the club.
An Instructor reports to the Senior
Instructor of that Dojo
Senior Instructor Title Sensei Minimum Rank 1st Dan Black Belt
A Senior Instructor is a candidate
that open’s up a club with/or under the name Practical JuJitsu.
A Senior Instructor will be that Dojo
Head Instructor and is in charge of all Kyu Gradings and depending on the candidate’s
rank up to 2nd Dan gradings for that club.
A Senior Instructor Reports all
grading info and anything else to the County Senior Instructor
A County Head Instructor is a
candidate that wants the responsibilities of running Practical JuJitsu for that
County.
This includes running of high ranking
gradings, Seminars, courses and any problems that Senior Instructors can’t
handle even if it is just to pass it on to the Head Instructor.
The County Head Instructor should
pass on information to the Head Instructor.
Head Instructors Title Sensei Minimum
Rank 3rd Dan
A
Head Instructor is in charge of the overall running for Practical JuJitsu and
there will only be one per Country.
Musha-ryu Ninjutsu
By Scott Ealey
Copyright
© Scott Ealey. 2003.
All rights reserved.
The
Ninja dates back before the 16th century, and lives on today in the hearts of
passionate martial artists who value the gift of life. Musha, (meaning
warrior), is the name of our art style; symbolizing that we are prepared in a
situation dished out to us in this world today. Unlike many other Ninjutsu
schools, (ryu-ha), we don't focus only on the traditional
Ninjutsu techniques. If one secludes himself/herself from the advantages of
learning other martial arts, one has limited themself into believing
that their style. Learn from all styles and implement new styles to hand
new situation as they arise: new ways.
The
Musha Ryu style of Ninjutsu, (a.k.a. Warrior art of the Ninja), was formed by
the founder of the Musha Ninja Brotherhood, Soke Scott Terence Ealey. He developed
this style by combining his decade of experience in multiple martial arts,
(including Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, Karatedo, Karate Bo, Eskrima, Kendo, Aikido,
Judo, and Military stealth tactics), and of course traditional Ninjutsu. Now he
pursues a new goal The goal to bring talented young individuals together to
express themselves through martial arts, and fraternize with other young
individuals to become the ULTIMATE FRATERNITY... The Musha Ninja! Grandmaster
Ealey, was indoctrinated, and licensed to teach his art by the American Secret
Association of Ninja, and the Bodoki ryu Ninjutsu Clan.
THE
When
the sunrise comes and goes,
We
know that our time is near,
We
must block all mighty blows,
We
must face the Face of Fear.
When
we fight we fight with God,
Fighting
Evil Night and Day,
With
our brothers at our side,
We
will go the