sensei8

I don't mean to interrupt, please excuse me for inviting myself to the conversation. Having said that, we test every testing candidate on every single technique per rank, with no exceptions; providing that their request to test has been approved by the Hombu. This is why our annual testing cycle at the Hombu is two-weeks long!! So, for us, it's not an unusual process.

Btw, I've really enjoyed reading your blog; well written across the board!!

In General Terms: Kihon Kata [Empty and Weapons] Kumite [Gohon, Ippon, Sanbon, Kiso, and Jiyu] 1-3 Step Kumite Tuite [This is the staple of Shindokan] Kyusho Jitsu Bunkai/Oyo Tameshiwara Tegumi Hojo Undo Self-Defense [includes a very deep resistive methodology/ideology and training] Japanese/Okinawa Terminology [However, the Hombu is considering to phase that portion out, but I doubt that it'll ever happen] A written examination and/or paper [Higher Dan grades require MUCH more] Various addition requirements that are very rank specific Etc.

You can see Hojojitsu in movies, like "The Transporter" with Jason Statham, just to mention one. Please let us know how the seminar went for you.

Yes, we did indeed have a pretty good time training together! When you and I trained together, you had no preconceived notions, I know I didn't. As a matter of fact, the other Nanadan's and Hachidan's tell me that they've experienced the same thing as I've experienced from time to time. However, because of my position, I suppose that comes with the territory! I'm spit-balling here. Seems the higher the rank the more guarded they become towards Greg and I for some reason(s). It's not like we're going to strip their rank away or something if they mess up.

Welcome to KF; glad that you're here!! I, too, wish you a steady recovery!!

I love it because its possibilities are endless by ones imagination. However, its effectiveness is questionable because your opponents going to be very combative against being tied up. Nonetheless, I believe that it transitions excellent with Tuite and the like minus the rope or whatever else one can use. Try it, you'll enjoy it!!

I don't think it's necessary because of it being a free-market. However, to use a governing organizations "brand", will require a letter of approval from them, and this letter must be filed accordingly and appropriately. EDIT: Spelled "filed" incorrectly: "filled"...I'm a dork!!

It isn't going to be on university property, I intend to rent a space at the nearby sports centre. when I say 'for my university' I mean that I'm only going to promote, advertise, and poll for interest within the community of my university. I really just want a very casual tournament, ideally suitable for people with varying levels of experience. I see, my bad...sorry!

Great article, Greg; my hat's off to you!! I echo what everyone here has said thus far; solid, and I wholeheartedly thank you for your insightful words, through and through!!

Great article, Heidi...EXCELLENT!! Thank you for it!! Those MAists who are more concerned about rank than knowledge are those who are looking for the doors quite immensely. In that, those who value knowledge above rank aren't looking for said doors. IMHO!! It's quite a step you've taken by walking away from your governing body; a step not all would try. I commend you on being that proponent for yourself as well as your students. Being associated with a governing body is important...or is it? I know a 5th Dan in the ATA who's a very solid MAist, through and through, but because this CI doesn't have more students, the road to 6th Dan, which this CI is mostly deserved of, isn't being considered for any testing cycles until enrollment numbers are improved. HOGWASH!! That's absurd!! Money, is at the root of this! Knowledge, and improved knowledge should be paramount!! But, said governing body see's it quite differently, and I'm not surprised. Honorable traits are more important than rank...more important than governing bodies...more important than where one lines up during class...more important than any outwardly identifier...more important than anything, including knowledge and MA betterment!! Kowtowing to the governing bodies should be quite limited. However, if one wants rank, one has to kowtow to the governing bodies in mind, soul, and spirit, and in that, one has to act and think just like the governing body demands. If not, no rank!! Dai-Soke said once... "Governing bodies have their rules and regulations. If students aren't compliant, then they're thrown away like trash. If students break the rules, they're banished. What I believe needs to happen before a student is asked to leave, those who make the rules need to leave first!!" Our Soke absolutely refused to join any and all Governing Bodies in Okinawa because he wanted to walk, and trip, if need be, on his own path!! He and Dai-Soke left Okinawa for the USA, and shortly thereafter, Soke founded the SKKA. He always touted that it was his best decision, overall!! You've my undying respect and support!! You've chosen YOUR path; and it's not a misguided path!! Of all, these two paragraphs both hold some powerful conclusions and truths!! I bow to you Heidi, now and forever!! Be yourself; be true to yourself!!

To my way of thinking, these are the absolute reasons why this kata was described by Otsuka sensei as - "very deep"! Great to try to find applications like this and, I mean no disrespect when I say this - but don't overlook the core reasons to practice the Kata in solo form. Kata is kata - fighting is fighting. K. Yes, absolutely... Great response, K. I concur, all the way around!!

We teach the kata first, then the Bunkai/Oyo second. However, I do like how you do it; it's solid!!

What is the "snap" and "power" in the style you train in?? That's where I'd concentrate your article on because there's no ambiguity on how your style defines either!! I'd start with that! After that, ambiguity will be everywhere because of how the different styles of the MA will define either of them. Good luck in your research!!

Ditto!!

Thank you, one and all!! I'm glad you liked the OP. I'm still at awe in that I'm the most Senior, of everyone in Shindokan. I remember there was a time when I was still a white belt and everyone outranked me. More importantly, I'm in awe of the ENTIRE Shindokan student body; hard training and dedicated in everything they do both on and off the floor. Nearly 50 years later, I'm the most Senior in Shindokan. Strange how things turn out.

Yes, they do!! But, some dojo's take longer than others. However, the kid gloves stay on most of the time. Yes, they do!! However, the higher ranks won't move unless I direct them. I might be loosened up, but others aren't. I joke with them a lot; right from the start. It'll still freak them out when they see me line up at the very last in the protocol line-up. However, the younger students will get a kick out of it, and they ALL will start talking to one another. Yes, I can't teach them if I don't interact with them. Having said that, I'll interact with them on and off the floor, however, some maxims I won't violate. The tension relaxes, but it's still there from time to time. Depends on what's occurring on the floor; apprehension sets in from time to time, and I believe that that's the newness what we're training in, and they want to do their best. I'll mess up, on purpose, a kata, and make a big deal about it by grapping my throat or pulling my hair or hanging myself with an imaginary noose. Kids and adults laugh, but at times, it's still a nervous laugh. Having said all of that, those students that know me, and have been on the floor with me for some time, they're already fine. Those who haven't been on the floor with me but for a short time, they're on pins and needles. I can please some of the people some of the time, but I can't please all of the people all of the time. It's students who try to handle me; that's a mistake because I don't like being handled. Conversations end abruptly, when I'm near, this hurts...it cuts deeply. I do all that I can to lessen the anxiety and the like, but sometimes, the air is so thick with it that I can't breath. I've told everyone to relax and let's all just train. Don't treat me like I'm all that and a bag of chips because I'm not. Do I know Shindokan...YES!! On and off the floor, I'm quite comfortable!!

I've thought about it, but, to be perfectly honest, I've no idea on how to even start a blog. Remember all, I'm not the smartest when it comes to that sort of stuff!! Not an excuse, just reality to me!!

Ditto!!

Have you gotten the permission of the University to run a tournament on their property?? First thing is first, imho.

Wouldn't ukemi be more like landing, instead of flying...?? ...And sort of crash landing at that...? Just learning how to "crash land" with minimal damage done as possible...? Absolutely!!

Wouldn't ukemi be more like landing, instead of flying...?? Well, Brian, you got me there!!

At home, for the most part, I'll run through all empty-handed Kata's and drill my wooden dummy!!

Now, that's a very solid article!! I enjoyed quite a lot across the board. When it comes to defending myself, do I worry about what's proper and acceptable force and the like, or, do I just defend myself?? This is a personal question, imho.

Solid post!!