THE SANSEI PAGE: A complete Martial Art

Friday, June 13, 2008

A complete Martial Art

A COMPLETE MARTIAL SYSTEM

According to Asian thought, a Martial Art style or system must have the following elements in order to be considered complete: a diverse repertoire of Attack and Defense Techniques, Aesthetic and Artistic Refinement, Health Exercises including the practice of qigong, Healing Techniques, and a theoretical framework which embraces both Philosophy and Moral Code. With literally hundreds of styles, Asian Martial Arts are easily the most diverse and complex; each possessing unique characteristics, all coming from a rich cultural legacy.
The vast knowledge found in these Arts is due to the contributions of many generations of leading exponents who dedicated their lives to the perfection of their Art.
Asian Martial Arts trace their origin and development to three primary sources: the military, family clans, and religious sects. Styles and forms were created from and/or named after various influences, including the creator’s name (Hong Family Boxing, Chaquan); animals or nature (Tiger, Crane, Mantis); philosophical principles (Taijiquan, Baguazhang); or location (Guangzhou Wing Chun, Wudang, Northern Shaolin). However, regardless of their origin, they all share similar traits unique to Asian Martial Arts.

I. Self-Defense and Combat techniques in Sansei cover all possible fighting ranges: Long, Medium, Short and Close (Touching) ranges and consist of the following approaches:

· Striking and Kicking Techniques
· Body Conditioning Exercises
· Joint Locks and Counter locks
. Power Generation Training
· Pressure Point Attacks
· Forms
· Throwing and Grappling
· Weapons Training
· Sensitivity Training
· Sparring

II. Artistic and expressive movements serve to develop the innate sense and appreciation of aesthetics that is within us all.
Traditional Karate training satisfies this inherent need while maintaining a functional perspective in combat.
Every movement demands precision and accuracy for proper execution. Discipline of both mind and body are developed as one strives towards perfection in thought and movement. The high degree of concentration and body awareness required to perform these patterns also serves to consolidate and refine the martial skills that are being practiced.
When the practitioner is able to harmonize the physical, mental and internal aspects of his training, his movements will take on a new quality. They will become effortless and graceful with power flowing naturally through the body.
It is at this point that true training begins to develop.

III. Traditional healing methods are an important part of Sansei.
These include:
· Acupressure (Tuina) · Qigong Healing
· Acupuncture · Five Element Massage (health and healing systems)
· Bone Alignment Therapy · Moxibustion and Cupping
· Chinese Herbs and Medicine · Bone Adjustment and Spinal Manipulation
· Diet and Nutrition · Treatment of Traumatic Injuries
· Health Meditation Exercises · Resuscitation and First Aid Techniques
· Human Anatomy and Physiology Training · Remedial Therapeutic Exercises
· Energy Balancing Methods · Traditional Oriental Therapeutic Modalities
Health Qigong and therapeutic exercises are those, which promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
They are integral in Karate and include methods such as:
.Respiration Techniques
·Meridian Activation Movements
·Sound Vocalization
·Dynamic Meditation Movements
·Physical Movements

IV. Sansei has been strongly influenced by historical, philosophical and religious teachings. They serve as the ethical guidelines for martial techniques, mental training and principles of living and conduct for the Karate practitioner.
By studying these precepts, insight may be gained on the culture and its Martial Arts. When these teachings are fully understood by the student, correct moral conduct and proper etiquette will naturally develop. Furthermore, he or she will gain a positive outlook on martial training as well as in his or her daily encounters in life.
Major focus of philosophical study include theories from the following:
· Confucianism
· Chinese Martial Arts History and Philosophy
· Daoism
· Classical Chinese Military Strategy
· Buddhism

Sansei

WORLD SANSEI KORYU GOJU-RYU KARATEDO

世界三世紅竜の剛柔の龍は組織空手道

http://www.koryugojuryu.com/

www.silvercupmiami.com

(International Old-Style Karate Goju Association)

Established 1979

The New Path

A tree reaches past your embrace grows from one small seed.

A structure over nine stories high begins with a handful of earth.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

TAO 64

This passage from a manuscript written centuries ago holds true today. The Kokusai Koryu Gojuryu Karatedo has grown geometrically since its inception in 1979. It has grown from a small group of students to its current existence as a world re-known organization.

The mission of the World Sansei Koryu Gojuryu Karatedo is to promote excellence in its members. Students becoming members in the organization will grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Karate provides knowledge that will last the lifetime of the student. Discipline and preparedness learned in the Dojo will allow the students to perform at higher levels, giving them a competitive edge, both in school and in the workplace. The student that accepts the Karate way sets himself or herself forever on the path of excellence.

SANSEI

WORLD SANSEI KORYU GOJU-RYU KARATEDO

(International Old-Style Karate Goju Association)

Established 1979

WORLD SANSEI KORYU GOJU-RYU

KARATE & KOBUDO ORGANIZATION

The “Crane” is our symbol, which represents simplicity, beauty, nature, character and the essence of life; it characterizes the goodness that our organization represents by our membership, and our commitment to family and community involvement.

As a Taoist representation it's yang side also represents its dynamic striking ability, smooth, flowing, lighting fast, effortless, with unyielding, unforgiving accuracy

The red interior represents health, strength, physical energy, passion, courage, protection. The color of the element of Fire, Red is associated with blood (and thus, life and death), and intense emotions.

The black outline represents the banishing of negativity.

The white represents Protection and Purification.

The symbol is a reminder of natural law, the order of life and the wisdom you need to live it.

The World Sansei Koryu Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Organization's name and logo are owned by the Organization. Members are cautioned to use them only for the purposes of demonstrating rank certification and certifying students who are in good standing within the Organization.Membership in the World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Organization is an honor and privilege! A lifetime of hard work, dedication, and study from the Founder allows the Organization to exist - and it has for 31 years! The Organizational Hombu needs support and cannot sustain itself on its own. The Organizational fees are but a small token of one's loyalty towards this Organization. All members who desire to remain in good standing with the Organization will have their dues paid in full each year and will be posted on the international website. All members are expected to hold the highest standards of respect and dignity. As a member you are encouraged to take full advantage of the services of the Organization. You may elect to use any service we offer at any time.We are all equal under the Arts. The only special consideration given to any member will be the respect afforded to one's rank. This privilege will be given to each member by another. It is only proper that one’s accomplishments in the Arts be recognized.To acquire an accurate understanding of Loyalty, one must understand the meaning of the word Loyalty along with what Loyalty actually represents, both culturally and symbolically.

The World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karatedo Organization's “oath of allegiance" relates to words such as loyalty, commitment, adherence and faithfulness. Loyalty is an actual act of truce between people. Those who believe in our ideology would "Be Loyal" to them. The act of Loyalty is formalized by a special handshake in the way of holding forearms.

Once this Loyalty in understood , it symbolizes support and devotion towards each other. It is also noted that there are no contracts, no formal agreements, only a simple handshake . That in itself emphasizes a simple trust and belief in each other more than anything else.

This Karate Association follows the same path and ideology as one can expect from its title "Loyalty". Its Karate teachings very much parallel the same virtues of loyalty, honesty and commitment; and it promotes supporting and helping each other to achieve the same goals and objectives in Karate-Do.This Karate Association can be viewed as a "way of life" to help promote a unique perspective of life - the wisdom to perceive the benefits of adopting a nonviolent attitude, the virtue of being patient and the tranquility of possessing peace in our lives.

World Sansei Gojuryu Karate-do Organization was founded by Manny Saavedra, currently the Head Instructor of the Karate Association with one major goal in mind: to enrich the quality of life of its practitioners and to develop a strong sense of camaraderie, solidarity and team work among members ... all in the Way of Karate.