Zanshin

My primary art is, and always will be Wado ryu karate, but when I get the time I train in Daitoryu aiki-jujutsu. I understand what you are saying though about Daito dojos outside of Japan not being exactly "the real deal", as there seems to be a lot of "study groups" that have cropped up. As you say perhaps they have attended a course, paid their money and got the certificate. I have been lucky, as the club I belong to is part of Okabayashi Shoguns Hakuho-kai, and the instructors of the club are direct students of his. I also play around with a bit of Itto ryu kenjutsu and have even dabbled in Batto-Jutsu (Iai-Jutsu) thoroughly love it, but wish there was more time to learn more. ahh well!!

The "management of fear" is being discussed in another e-group I belong to. The gist of it is not so much about overcoming fear, but rather how you teach yourself to use fear to your advantage. One of the guys posted some work he did on this and it’s an interesting read. http://kirkhamsebooks.com/MartialArts/MartialArtsArticles/OverComingFearInSelfDefense.html I don’t think it’s necessarily the complete answer, but it may help some people.

Hi Dan, That's a very interesting question and, (as a Wado boy that does "Pinan" as opposed to ""Heian" Godan) if I may be permitted to participate, I think its very important to first understand why you are doing the jump, and then try to perfect how to do the jump, and then how to land it, so you are in the best position to move into your next technique. Bear in mind that the Pinan/Heian katas were developed as a way to practice and hone the movements and techniques that you would do later in the senior katas. So in effect they do not have an "absolute" bunkai (but then again no Kata does). Get your feet up and out of the way as quickly as possible. Its not so much about achieving height on the jump, its about how quick you can whip you ankles out of the line of attack. Knees up to chest!! How you achieve this is up to you. You must watch how your sensei moves and emulate him. Some styles do an exaggerated the back swing of the preceding urazuki, to generate inertia, but personally I don’t think that’s the way to go, as in my eyes that’s not the best martial approach. Then, I think that the most important part of this section of the kata is training your body to land "lightly" in an efficient way (don’t let your behind touch your ankles), so that you can spring into your next technique. This teaches you agility. Which is the reason to train in this Kata in the fist place. Then we move on to Kushanku / Kanku Dai … OMG!!

Indeed, with one very simple movement. Mind you looks easy. Its flippin hard to perfect though.

I have been training in the same art for over 20 years, and still I dont think I have brushed the surface. Personally, I don’t think it’s about the number of different techniques that you might pick up from the various different MA that you may choose to train in, it’s how you train your body and mind to work in order to best deliver the techniques. As Brian is at pains to say every time a topic like this comes up, a kick is a kick and a punch is a punch. For some though, I guess cross training and "collecting" as many martial techniques is their take on becoming a better martial artist.

Have found this on you tube. Not a great example of Wado or Kenjutsu for that matter, but sort of helps clarify what we are talking about. Watch the "shidachi" (the one that delivers the fatal cut) turn out of the line of the "uchidachi' (person who receives the fatal cut), by removing his left hip out of the line of the cut. The technique shown (without the Hakama) is a "sort of" version of Wado's Kihon Gumite number one. In general, I agree with the premise that there are no martial techniques that are unique to any given style but, teaching strategies or methods/reasons of practice do vary. In this case, the formation of Wado's "Nagashi-tsuki" comes as a result of the "pedagogy" that Otsuka sensei developed when he created Wado-Ryu. When you bear in mind he was a master koryu (old school/battle-field) Ju-jutsu-ka (and consequently an accomplished swordsman) even before he had heard of the Okinwan art of To-de (karate), there is no wonder that he applied his processes of learning to the Wado curriculum. It doesn't make it any better or worse than the next style, but guaranteed, the wado person will move differently as a result.

uraken = backfist shomen = front uchi = strike backfist strike, to the front? Shomen=your posture at the point of doing the technique, or your target area IE your oponents front/shomen?

Seiken=Forefist Gyaku-tsuki=reverse puch. The first is your weapon, the second is the way you use it.

Hi jaedeshi. I think it’s not so much deflecting an incoming technique, but more about moving the "seika tanden" just enough out of the line of attack and using the kinetic energy (forward motion) of your attacker to increase the effectiveness of the application. In Itto-Ryu kenjutsu, I believe that the technique would be called "Uke-Nagashi". Although I am very much a junior in this, so will stand corrected. Going back to your original point, Nagashi-tsuki is so fundamental to Wado that it is practiced as part of our Kihon waza, as well as in our yakusoku kumite. It can also be seen in many of the wado katas and is frequently practiced as “kaisetsu " or extraction of techniques from kata against an opponent. If you are after a karate that employs this to its greatest effect then wado is the one.

Perhaps it depends who you train with. If you are one of few dan grades in a club of kyu grades, then I suppose that’s a different feeling than being a first dan in a club of more senior dan grades. Sure you have achieved a lot, but your still a bit rubbish really... compared to how could be you could be. Technically I think dan grades are as good if not better than those of days gone by. Whether they are as hard?? Well that’s another matter.

This technique I have seen in styles of karate and never in any jujutsu styles. It probably a karate technique. Also I will say that its a technique that is probably not used or explored enough. Aside from learning the technique in a standard yakusoku (pre-arranged) kumite I never saw instructors teach it other than that. Hi jaedeshi, Nagashi-tsuki is a technique which is quite unique to Wado-Ryu karate (as I understand it). It literally means floating punch and has its origins in Kenjutsu / defence against the sword. The correct application of the technique is very subtle, and probably best described as a turn sideways against and attack as opposed to "Taisabaki" (body shift off the line of attack) that most martial arts employ. Nagashi-tsuki is commonly called “evasion punch” because of the way that it simultaneously “evades” an incoming technique whilst delivering a offensive counter strike. The key to making the technique work is timing. This falls into the category of “Sen-no-Sen” or (vertually) simultaneous defence and attack.

Did a "Bato-jutsu" session this weekend with my new Stainless Steel Iaito. I am new to Iai-Jutsu so I was all fingers and thumbs, but still it felt good. Sound investment me thinks.

I also train in Aiki-Jujustu and when I started, was asked to take my foot off the gas, when doing many of the attacks, but the difference was that the guys there were, and are, very respectful (which is of course reciprocated) and they teach me a lot. Personally I think you learn as much from your fellow students as you do from the instructor or at least you should do if all egos are removed. Mind you this is as part of a Koryu group where the lowest grade of anyone there is nidan. I’m afraid it doesn't put your friend in a good light as an instructor if he lets his seniors behave like this. Clearly he has a problem at his club.

He should be afforded the respect you would give any martial artist. Rank is of no consequence. Bob on Ps1, I couldn't agree more. Hmm! with all due respect killer, that's not showing a lot of respect IMO. If I have understood correctly, you are saying that you went in as a (percieved) beginner in MA (because that’s what etiquette says you should do), but in fact because you have trained in karate and have a Dan grade in it, this gave you an edge, and that you were in fact too much for the senior grades to handle. That’s a shame Killer, as maybe if you had gone in with an open mind, perhaps those brown and black belts could have taught you something.

Yes gensei, I think you are right to stress this. Visitors from others styles can wear their BB if they want however in my experience most do not. If they want to train regularly/seriously in Wado, they would not wear their BBs.You sum it up in a nutshell when you say "Wado movement". No other karate ka move quite the same way as a Wado ka, and for my money that’s why cross training in Wado and another form of Karate is going to be very hard, so really I think it’s all or nothing really. Dobbersky - whilst I train hard and try to be true to my art, I am sensei in the dojo only and a reluctant one at that . Quite frankly people can call me what they want as long as it isn't rude. On this board plain old Zanshin will do. Cheers anyway.

its missing an l off the end. Should be: https://www.certainvictory.com/certain_victory.html

Hi Dobbersky, I should imagine that your Wado sensei asks you to take the warm up because you are an experienced Karate-ka more so than the Wado kyu grades. If they are resentfull of this then it is their problem not yours. Thats down to him, his house his rules. I will often allow kyu and Dan grade students from other Karate styles to train with their existing belts for a period of time, but eventually they should really be graded to to their correct wado standard. Usually this involves a significant downward shift in grade. We often have students start with us from other Wado groups and the same rule applies to them. Quite frankly I am a bit like your sensei by the sounds of it, in that I couldn't really care what colour belt someone wears. It's their Karate that counts. With respect, thats an odd statement to make. On the one hand you are saying belt colour is not importatnt, but on the other, you want your Kohais to know that you are actually are better than them. I understand what you are saying about your ability being perhaps better than your grade (and therefore in sparring it is important that they are aware of this), but surely they will pick this up pretty quickly when you start fighting. Its your job as the more experienced martial artist to take your foot off the gas peddle a bit if you feel it is required. Could this be why they you are picking up a feeling of resent from them? Well maybe, but I like to think of it as being "its the karate-ka that makes the Karate" Probably not a good idea as it will start to smell really bad long before it turns black

Dobbersky, I don’t think a Wado dojo would honour your grade just like I could not expect to start training in Ashihara without starting back at white belt. As an experienced martial artist, you would probably show more "aptitude" towards it and progress more steadily than an absolute beginner in Karate and you are right, at the end of the day you need to feel that you have earned that Dan grade. Wado is one of the more "complex" karate styles and not easy to master, but very rewarding when it slowly starts to slot into place. Don’t get hung up on grade my friend, there will always be someone better than you no matter how black your belt is and keep training, it will come.

Depends what school of Kenjutsu I think. It is my understanding that the cord or "Sageo" can be wrapped arround the Obi to act as a anchor for the Saya but that was not it only purpose. The Chord was also used to tie up prisoners (hojo-Jutsu) and also tie back the sleves of the Kimono.

If you are Just started Iaido you dont want a "Shinken" (or live blade). You would be better off with an "Iaito" (or training sword). This are not rasor sharp so if you make a mistake you will not cut your fingers off. The main thing is get one that is the correct size and weight for your height and build. "Hi Ire" Shinkens are ones with groves in for the extremely advanced Iado-ka. as opposed to "Shinogi" (without groves) which are specifically made for "tamashigeri" or cutting.

There is none, if all you want out of your MA is a self defence and/or sporting application. And that doesn't make you less of martial artist. My take on the whole "Karate originated in China" thing is a little different in that I believe the individual cultures through which the Eastern Martial arts travelled, added specific and unique qualities a long the way. Furthermore, I don't think that the "Migration" through China into Okinawa and then Japan etc., was quite as black and white, in terms of the "Evolutionary" process that this conjures up. Like most countries, Japan already had it well established indigenous martial systems that were codified long before the art of To-de started to emerge out of Okinawa. I am not qualified to talk about the Okinawan Karate styles, but I do know that Wado is more Japanese than it is Okinawan (due to its Jujutsu parentage). My feelings are that when Ohtsuka created Wado by blending Okinawan Karate with his Shindo Yoshin Ryu knowlege, he created something that was completely new at that point. It did not exist before. He did it using a uniquely "Japanese" / Koryu flavour. (Just out of interest, whilst Funakoshi changed the names of a lot of Katas from Chinese to Japanese to make them more palatable, Wado's Ohtsuka converted them back into their original Chinese names.) So getting back to the point, for me at least, I am learning a specific type of Karate with a unique school of thought. Understanding the terminology (what it means and not just using it for the sake of it) is (in my view) key to getting the most out of it. I agree with you, it is not necessary, if all you want to do is become a technician. If you want more depth and become skilled in a particular traditional school, it is priceless. I think that (knowing what I know now), if I was given the option at the beginning of my career as to whether I wanted to be taught exclusively in English, I would still chose to be taught using Japanese terms (as long as these are correctly explained). Horses for courses I suppose.

If you want to do traditional Karate in a competition, anywhere outside the states, it is usually done under WKF regulations. Their criteria for performing Kata is aligned with all of the major karate organisations around the world i.e. JKA, ISKA, JKF etc. I have read many a topic on other forums about "NASKA" (North American Sport Karate Association??). Which, I gather is treated with some derision in America. It seems these are the guys that promote what is ultimately "gymnastics" in the name of Karate. Now each to their own of course, but to me that aint karate, and getting back on topic, I wouldn't consider for a moment taking part in a competition which is labelled as an XMA (which I take it means Extreme Martial Arts). Anyway, rant over, if you want to compete, do it on a level playing field. Ask your Sensei maybe for info on competitions within your group/style.

really? thats really disgusting. i knew people try to fade them by 'shaving' them or hanging them off the back of a car and dragging them, or washing them but i have never heard of them getting ordered not only do i question the character of those purchasing but i question the character of those selling the belts and creating such a website. that's terrible. Hmmm I agree. Just out of interest, have they got a web site

Just because something seems like a good idea to alot of people, doesnt mean it is. Like alot of things in TMA, it seems that most will teach the terminology in a different language because "thats what i was taught", and the reason their instructor taught them this way is because thats how they were taught. So they are doing it because thats how its always been done, so it must be right? When logically, the best way to teach a person something is to relate it to them in a language they are familiar with. Actually, your logic is sound, and in the most part I don't disagree with you but, the op asked the question, and the survey said.... most people prefer to use Japanese.Granted; communication between people is best done in their own tongue particularly if you are explaining very technical aspects of an art. To be honest you could never grasp the finer nuances of Wado if it wasn't explained to you in your own language, so I do take your point. Is using Japanese in a lesson of westerners completely useless then? No, I don’t think so. As said by others, it is the language of the art in much the same way as French is to dancing. Doesn't make it any better or worse, but most correctly trained dancers would still know what an "arabesque" was without having to look it up on Google!.... Don’t do it, you know you will!

Thats cool, do you feel you get a lot out of it? you learn that you don't have as much power, so you learn to manipulate your attackers body through locks and the theory of two cirlces. i definately feel that it is worth it, and sensible because im actually injured in my left ankle and need a surgery, so im sitting alot and one demo we had, i did a sitting break and a sitting self defense scenario and just having that injury made me realize the worth of sitting self defense, because you don't always have your feet or your body weight. That’s exactly the way I look at it. In Daito Ryu a lot of techniques are first practiced in Idori. If you can learn to move and perform techniques from sitting/kneeling then they will be ten times easier when you come to do them standing up. It removes the option of being able to use a lot of excess strength and makes you rely more on good technique timing and movement. It also has added benefits of allowing you to train with an injury (as you say), and you can do throws safely because you’re that much closer to the floor in the first place. At our Wado dojo we will often spend time just moving forwards and backwards up and down the Dojo in Idori as it is said to be one of the best exercises to improve Juntsuki. Well I think you are right Brian in that it is practiced in Aikido (which of course also came from Daito), but it was practiced by the traditional Jujutsu Koryu centuries before Aikido was established. It has its origins because of the way that the Samurai were required to stay seated (Seiza) all the time they were in their master’s house. Consequently a system of fighting was developed to be able to deal with an opponent who sought fit to have a go at you when you were on your knees. It is also very physically demanding to train and move on your knees. Great fun though and brings a wealth of advantages.