Internal

The internal martial arts represent an evolutionary point in human history. Unique features the internal arts such as the use of highly efficient mechanics, the development of internal energy and effectiveness through a focused, but tension-free method which allows elements of consciousness and refinement to merge with physical self-defense discipline. These arts, when correctly taught, open the mind to awareness of new possibilities. Through the study of these methods, skills develop that are employable in daily life such as the use of subtleness in conflict resolution, the understanding of the relationship of how the way that one thinks affects one’s bioenergetic field, the power of choosing not to be “in fear” and the power of softness to defeat a hard attack.
The internal martial arts can be challenging. They are much more than a method of fighting and to master them requires more than form or physical strength. Penetration into the secrets of internal boxing necessitates the merging of spirit and Will with internal energy which opens the individual to the secrets of “soft power” attributes which involve not only mechanical skills but an inner journey to the essence of being to discover one’s inner reservoir of courage, truth and the calling to act in a noble way.
Of all the combative arts, the authentic internal arts are the most difficult to study. In these arts, success is not only measured by objective measure such the ability to defeat one or more opponents, but includes less concrete goals such as the degree of peace, inner harmony and self-healing that one gains from practice.
The Internal Arts are not only for the young. For many, one of the most attractive features of the internal arts is that they can be practiced for one’s entire life. In contrast, arts that rely on torque, being repeatedly thrown, forceful contact, and the snapping of one’s joints during exercise tend to be limited to a youthful and strong participant and carry with them the inevitable promise of future pain and discomfort as one ages.
The sects of Chinese martial arts that became known as “internal” are most notably those going by the names Ba Gua (Pa Kua), Hsing I (Xingyi) and Tai Chi (taiji), (however, there are a few others which can correctly be categorized as “internal”). Internal martial arts are characterized by effortless power, grace, compassion, dignity, respect, honor, internal energy, aspirations toward evolved thinking, and mastery of Mind, Breath and most importantly the ability to demonstrate soft Power.
Do some research and see where these arts and our own Gojuryu are interwoven.

KUMITE USED IN SANSEI

Sanbon Kumite: Three steps or three attacks sparring. Teaches the student MA AI- distancing, blocking and countering at the same or at a later time. This can be interpreted as SEN-NO-SEN or GO-NO-SEN. (respectively initiative in attack or initiative in defense).

Nihon Kumite: Two-steps or two attacks sparring. Teaches RI AI, rhythm and timing, using stopping attacks such as SEN or SEN-NO-SEN .

Ippon Kumite: One-step or one attack sparring. This fighting method teaches the student self-defense techniques such as blocking, throwing, sweeping, grabbing the opponents arm, leg etc. The fighting positions are natural, high and relaxed. The defense is based on the attackers' principle of IKKEN HISATSU (to kill or knock down with one blow) This means that for a first attack there must be a definitive block and counter- attack excluding any possibility that allows the attacker to continue his first attack with follow-up techniques. Based on this theory, the defender should throw or sweep his attacker, because any off-balancing techniques minimize the attacker's chance of continuing his attack .

Taoshi Waza: Takedown techniques can be done in any type of Kumite

Kihon Kata Kumite: Basic formal sparring, which is prearranged and is mandatory from the International Sendo-Ryu Karatedo Federation. This form of sparring is practiced with one to three steps with three to five attacks, blocks, counterattacks, takedowns, and immobilization on the ground. This is where the Kawashi (evasions) and Nagashi (sweeping blocks) are emphasized.

Jiyu Nihon Kumite: Free two-attacks sparring.

Yaku Soku Nihon Kumite: Prearranged two-attacks sparring.

Yaku Soku Kumite: Prearranged sparring. This type of sparring is the most advanced, as well as the most important to be used before the

Jiyu Kumite - free sparring method. In Yaku Soku Kumite, the instructor can establish any type of technique to be used or other possibilities for countering or escaping techniques. Once, however, the technique has been prearranged, no other possibilities may be used. This type of method develops strong self-control.

Jiyu Kumite: Free sparring (see Judging Rules for Kumite and Kata.)

The new organizational movement for 2009

What is Change?

KORYU-KORYU-KORYU

Change Is.....
Change is something that presses us out of our comfort zone. It is destiny-filtered, heart grown, faith built. Change is inequitable. Change is for the better or for the worst, depending on where you view it. Change has an adjustment period which varies on the individual. It is uncomfortable, for changing from one state to the next upsets our control over outcomes. Change has a ripping effect on those who won’t let go. Flexibility is the key. Even a roller coaster ride can be fun if you know when to lean and create new balance within the change. Change is needed when all the props and practices of the past no longer work. Change is not comforted by the statement ‘just hang in there’ but with the statement ‘you can make it’. We don’t grow in retreat, but through endurance. Change isn’t fixed by crying, worrying, or mental tread milling. Change is won by victors not victims; and that choice is ours.
Change is awkward -- at first. Change is a muscle that develops to abundantly enjoy the dynamics of the life set before us. Change calls our own strength beyond anyone of us. Change pushes you to do your personal best. Change draws out those poised for a new way. Change isn’t for chickens. Change does have casualties of those defeated. Change will cause us to churn or to learn. Change changes the speed of time. Time is so slow for the reluctant, and yet it is a whirlwind for those who embrace it. Change is more fun to do than to be done to. Change seeks a better place at the end and is complete when you realize you are different.
Change is measured by its impact on all who are connected to it. Change is charged when you are dissatisfied with where you are. Change doesn’t look for a resting-place; just the next launching point. Change is only a waste to those who don’t learn from it. Change happens in the heart before it is proclaimed by our works. Change chaps those moving slower than the change itself. If you can change before you have to change, there will be less pain. Change can flow or jerk, depending on our resistance to it. Change uses the power invested in the unseen to reinvent what is seen. Change is like driving in a fog – you can’t see very far, but you can make the whole trip that way.
Change is here to stay.

How we will be dealing with change, both from the perspective of an organization and on the individual level. There are three different aspects, including: adapting to change, controlling change, and effecting change. A proactive approach to dealing with change is at the core of all three aspects. For this organization, change means defining and implementing procedures and/or curriculum to deal with changes in the organizational environment and to technically profit from changing opportunities.
Successful adaptation to change is as crucial within this organization as it is in the natural world. Just like plants and animals, organizations and the individuals in them inevitably encounter changing conditions that they are powerless to control. The more effectively you deal with change, the more likely you are to thrive. Adaptation might involve establishing a structured methodology for responding to changes. Withing the next few months many changes will take place organizationally. These changes are important for the the World Sansei Koryu Gojuryu Karate And Kobudo Organization to flourish. 2009 Marks the 30th. year of the organization's founding. Its been my life's work at a non stop philosophy.

When you cultivate a garden for it to flourish you need to eradicate the weeds, there is no other way for that garden to grow and flower. The same goes with organizations that have a clear agenda of positive and traditional values. I would rather belong to an organization with few quality people than one with hundreds of so called members. Look for change in 2009.

My political view (No one ever bailed me out)

MY GENERATION

Fortunate Son

Some folks are born made to wave the flag,ooh, they're red, white and blue.And when the band plays "Hail To The Chief",oh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no senator's son,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no fortunate one, no,Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,Lord, why don't they help themselves? oh.But when the taxman come to the door,Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no millionaire's son.It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no fortunate one, no.Yeah, some folks inherit star spangled eyes,ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,And when you ask them, how much should we give,oh, they only answer, more, more, more, yoh,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no military son,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no fortunate one,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no fortunate one, no no no,It ain't me, it ain't me,I ain't no fortunate son, son son son

Yes more rules to live by

Strategic Leadership


I have wtitten before about the importance of Leadership Philosophy. It is the statement of what you believe in and the principles that guide how you make your decisions in life.


Yes more rules to live by


Be passionate:


If you are to be passionate about actualizing your dreams, be prepared to face failures and disappointments. These are the pre-requisite to winning the battle of complacency and normalcy. Living in a comfort zone buffered by routines of predictable tasks will not stretch your capacity to attain greater success.
While you seek ways to breathe passion into every aspect of your life, resist the temptation to compete your progress with others. Our ancient forefathers have passed down the "survival of the fittest" strategy from generations to generations, with the aim to make us survive strong in the growing competitive world. This so-called survival tactic, adapted to our modern version, is known as "rivalry competition". It happens when we see someone as a threat to us and we begin to take a series of actions to ensure we are always "better off" than them. Be cautious not to be caught by this modern day catastrophe. Achieving your dreams passionately is a personal venture, never to be competed, and compared with, another individual, who is as unique as you are, but was never created to sabotage your destiny.

Don’t be afraid of taking risks:
What are you so afraid of? Why are so many of us afraid to take risks including myself? In order for our dreams to come true, we must take chances. There is no way you can fail if you truly follow your heart. Sometimes it may take a very long time for success, sometimes you may fall down off the ladder, sometimes there may be blocks; but if you truly believe in yourself then you Will have a happy ending.
I have had many ups and downs these past couple of years but I had to teach myself to always be happy no matter what. I can choose to be happy, even in the darkest of times, and so can you. My faith has been tested but I never gave up or stopped believing. I don't want anyone else ever to stop believing in themselves either. If you're at a point in your life where you need to make a life changing decision, go with what your heart and your dreams tell you. Don't be afraid to take risks; if you truly feel in your heart that you're following your life's path, and then you Will succeed in the end.
After I made the vow to "always be happy", I found myself being able to face negativity a lot better. There will always be downfalls, but if we choose to be happy and believe in ourselves during those times, we will wind up back on our feet before we know it. I know in my heart that even though there is set backs at times, they are only temporary. In the end after all is said and done my dreams will come true. And so will yours if you follow your heart.
Remember, situations and incidences that go against your dreams are only temporary and will go away in time. It is only what is in our hearts that lasts forever.

Always have a curiosity for learning:
"Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it. "--Sudie Back
Intelligence is proportional to curiosity. Highly intelligent people tend to have a great deal of curiosity about things in general and also tend to spend a lot of time learning, starting from an early age. Even if they don't do a lot of formal studying, they are still observant and thoughtful about the world around them. In that way they are always thinking and learning. Also, intelligent people enjoy thinking and using their brains.
Conversely, stupid people are the opposite. They have a great LACK of curiosity and they hate to learn anything. They spend as little time as possible learning. They also dislike thinking. I've known some stupid people and I've observed this about them. They prefer not to learn how to do things. If something requires the least bit of mental effort, they prefer to have someone else do it for them, rather than working on increasing their own knowledge, skills, and mental abilities.
Perhaps being more curious and thoughtful contributes to making you more intelligent. I can't imagine someone with a 200 IQ who dislikes thinking and has no curiosity. It seems like people with extremely high IQ's also have an extreme amount of curiosity. Perhaps nurturing your own curiosity is one way of raising your intelligence.

Respect others:


It is something everyone wants, not many have, and few want to give. Most people would appreciate "just a little bit," and most should give just that. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, this does not happen. Perhaps this is because the concept of respect is not understood. What exactly is respect? To esteem anything is to evaluate it positively and hold it in high regard, but evaluation gets us into trouble because while we sometimes win, we also sometimes lose. To respect something, on the other hand, is to accept it. The dictionary defines it as an act of giving particular attention or high or special regard. This does not explain what it is; it only outlines what it may .

Be upfront with each other:

It is always best to get things out in the open instead of letting them simmer unsaid. Along those lines, be open about your personality and ask your team to help you overcome your weaknesses. For instance, I know I can be a little too strong willed at times and need my close friends to call me out when it happens! None of us are perfect and we need the help of friends/dojo brothers and sisters to help us get better.
Be decisive – If your gut tells you it is the right thing to do, then make the call and be decisive. There is nothing worse than debating for the sake of debating when someone in the room has the problem already nailed. And keep in the mind, that person in the room with the best gut isn’t necessarily the highest ranked person either.
Be each other’s best advocates – Our organization needs to advocate for each other at all time. Sansei is a place when a strong reputation can snowball into better things and if we have each other’s backs, our organization will come out on top every time. Another part of this is always supporting each other to the outside world. We can disagree all we want in our Dojos, but when it comes to outsiders, we should appear to be one team supporting each other.

DON'T MANIPULATE

KATA-KATA-KATA

Peter Urban wrote in The Karate Dojo. “Katas are the distilled, concentrated, wisdom, understanding and experience of hundreds of great Karate Masters, translated into a language of rhythmical movement, breathing and peak awareness. When one begins to understand them, one glimpses a new world of internal riches.”

I have wondered how many who have read this statement ever took to time to consider if they understand what it is saying. “Distilled, concentration, wisdom, understanding and experience. . . .” How can all of this be hidden in a few cuts or punching and kicking movements? To find the answer one must first understand the “Content and Process” of a kata.
Some Sensei’s stress that kata is a tool for training in preparation for a real life encounter. Other Sensei’s lead the students to believe that all kata should, above all else, look esthetically pleasing to the eye regardless of the legitimacy or understanding of the movements. These instructors will even base their promotional process on the fact that the student can walk through or in other words give a good athletic performance of a particular kata without making a mistake, end at the same spot as they began and if in fact the student performing the kata has won a kata competition, the Sensei feels even more justified in promoting the student. The teacher will promote the student even if the teacher knows for a fact that the student could never use the Kata’s movements in a legitimate self-defense scenario. I have witnessed students, who without question, certainly lack the speed and power necessary to neutralize an attack, easily pass a test because they had a good memory and therefore were able to perform the kata without forgetting any of the movements. On the other hand I have witnessed students fail a test simply because they did not end at the same spot where they began their kata, a modern requirement for kata performance.
While we must always strive for perfection in our movements, we must also look at all aspects of the kata. What is the kata being used for? What importance do we place on the practice of kata? Does the kata teach a student everything they need to know about defending a true life encounter? Is the importance of returning to the circle strong enough to fail a student, when a true life encounter would seldom if ever return to the same spot? Until we ask ourselves these questions and many more, it becomes difficult for us to tell a student why they have failed a test when a fellow student, who the failing student can easily out maneuver, has passed. We must above all else have a definitive answer as to what we wish to accomplish through the establishment of clearly defined goals.

The following is an exert from the book "Unante, The Secrets of Karate" written by Sensei John Sells. "To summarize, a kata is both performed and experienced. It is not good enough simply to have a "pretty" kata. Karate is, above all, a martial art. The "martial" must be manifested in kata. Power should be exuded, focused and unleashed in burst of quick, yet manifestly potent techniques. If kata is karate, then it cannot be lacking any of the characteristics that make karate work. Kata is not a separate form of karate, but an integrated training drill, as well as an expression of skill." The above statement stresses not only my thoughts on kata, but the thoughts of numerous other martial artist who train specifically for real life encounters as opposed to the performance of "pretty" kata.

Sanchin

SANCHIN




"Three Battles or Conflicts"

Sanchin translates as "3 Battles" or "3 Conflicts". This has many meanings. First it refers to the struggle to control the body under physical fatigue. With fatigue the mind begins to lose focus and thus the spirit begins to diminsh as well. Therefore Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perseverance and other mental attributes. The Chinese refer to this as Shen (spirit), Shin (mind) and Li (body). Another possible interpretation refers to the "Three Burners" of the body as decribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine. And the third is the 3 struggle, Birth, Survival and Death.
One of two "heishu " Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in all of Karate. In contrast, it is probably the single most valuable training exercise in Goju-Ryu. Like the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin ( Samm Chien in Chinese) can be found in several Chinese arts, particularly the southern styles including four styles of Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Tiger Boxing, Lion Boxing, Dog or Ground Boxing and Monk Fist. Sanchin has such aspects as deep, diaphragmatic breathing found in many internal arts as well as external attributes like mechanical alignment and muscular strength.
Because many martial artists have little or no understanding of the true history and nature of the Chinese arts from which Okinawan Goju-Ryu has its roots, Sanchin has become little more than an isometric form performed with dangerous tension and improper breathing techniques.
The original Sanchin that Higaonna Sensei learned from RuRuKo (1852-1930) was performed with open hands and with less emphasis on muscle contraction and "energetic" breathing. With the changes brought about by Emperor Meiji (Meiji Restoration Period 1888-1912), Higaonna Sensei changed the open hands to closed fists as the martial meaning was no longer emphasized. Later Miyagi Sensei would again alter the Kata in pattern alone.

Tensho

Tensho kata is considered the masterpiece of Miyagi Chojun, Sensei. It is derived from the Chinese Hsing called rokkisho (six-machine-palm). We are not sure what this kata looked like when Miyagi Sensei first observed it, but the accepted meaning is rotating palms, therefore he must have seen something that resembled the rotation of the hands and prompted this description.
In older times it was thought that Tensho was taught as a companion kata to the “harder” or “go” of Sanchin kata specifically for older or less physical karate-ka. This, however, I find to be unlikely. Tensho can be as physically demanding as Sanchin in many respects. First of all, the breathing system can be even more demanding, as the first two moves after the morote no kamae are done slowly with deep, continuous breathing which demands a great deal of breath control.
The actual movements of the hands reflect a possible source from the Hakutsuru. Also, it is possible that Higaonna Kanryo Sensei’s Kakufa [ha] is another source from which Miyagi Sensei drew. In any case, no matter what the source or sources, the Tensho kata was not meant to be an amelioration of Sanchin, nor was it meant to be “soft” in the sense that it is the opposite of Sanchin.
Though it sounds contradictory, Tensho does represent the “ju” of goju. It does so by using the gentler movements of the open hand and circularity. However, the open hand is still held firm throughout all movements. It would be a grave error to assume that Tensho is a “soft” kata. It is one of the three “heishu” gata of Goju Ryu, the other two being the Sanchin of Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, and the modified Sanchin of Miyagi Sensei. Heishu means “closed”, that is, the body is held in a state of tension throughout the execution of the kata.
Conversely, the kaishu (open) gata are all the other kata of Goju Ryu, and they are done with the tension or “kime” at the precise moment of impact of the techniques. The open aspect refers to release of body tension to develop greater speed of movement and power in all techniques. Movement is strained when the body is tight, thereby reducing effectiveness. Although, because of the defining principles of hand motion, in the proper execution of Tensho, the elbows are paramount. The proper movement and placement of the elbows is essential to the proper movement of the hands. This concept cannot be adequately addressed in this paper. It must be the subject of a class or seminar. However, your immediate Sensei has been through this lesson on many occasions and can, and probably has shown you the proper use of the elbow in Tensho.
Tensho also has two methods of application, although it is most often done as a defensive kata. The offensive version utilizes certain “uke” movements as “uchi” techniques. As an example, the kake uke and ura kake uke become finger tip eye rakes.
Unfortunately, Tensho is often neglected in teaching mixed classes since it is considered sandan level. I feel it needs to be taught to all brown belts (senior division) and should be taught as a companion to Sanchin. Tensho, like Sanchin, if done with regularity and intensity will reveal a deep understanding of our system and will ensure the commitment to our maintaining the integrity and tradition of Okinawan Goju Ryu.

Speed

develop your speed

Conditioning
Power development
Technique improvement
Chambering
Speed training

Condition, including flexibility, strength and agility training, is a prerequisite for speed training. The completion of basic conditioning is signaled by a level of fitness that allows the athlete to begin the more intensive exercises that develop explosive power. Once the target muscles start to develop, begin working on skill refinement. Each skill should be examined to eliminate unnecessary movements and increase bio mechanical efficiency.
With highly refined movements and strong muscles, you can begin adding speed to each technique. Start skill loading gradually and observe your body's reaction. If you can add speed and still maintain semi-refined movements, continue to increase your intensity. Eventually you will reach the final stage of speed training in which you can execute skillful movements at high speed.

The four types of speed

Perception speed can be increased by repeatedly exposing yourself to situations that require instant analysis. Law enforcement officers do this by participating in mock confrontations that require them to quickly analyze who demands to be responded to and how. The best drill for developing perception speed in martial artists is sparring.
Kumite teaches you what an attack looks like before it happens. Sparring also teaches you to be alert at all times by placing you in imminent physical danger. Alertness is one of the keys to perception speed. You cannot analyze the situation if you do not realize it exists.

Reaction speed is improved by a two pronged approach. First, you have to be aware of what types of situations may arise in any given environment. In sparring, your opponent does one of several things which are predetermined by the rules of the sparring match. You know in advance what is allowed and what is not.
In a self-defense situation, you also have some idea what to expect. You can reasonably expect your assailant to try to harm you in some way. You do not expect him to start singing songs or reciting poetry. By estimating what to expect from the given environment, you narrow down your choice of possible responses.
Second, you have to have experienced an identical or similar situation before. If you have been attacked hundreds of times by a front kick in sparring, your reaction becomes almost reflexive. If you are sparring for the first time, your reaction time is longer because you must formulate a response without a basis for comparison. If you have practiced self-defense techniques in a realistic way hundreds of times, you are much more well prepared than if you spend all of your time beating up a stationary heavy bag.

Execution speed is the type of speed that most martial arts training focuses on. Executing techniques like kicks and punches with speed takes up a large part of the intermediate and advanced stages of training. Execution speed can best be improved through attention to detail. Shifting into a ready posture at the last minute wastes time. Begin each movement with a ready and relaxed posture. If you are going to punch, have your hands up and ready. If you are going to kick, shift your weight to supporting leg and relax your kicking leg. Shifting your weight and positioning your hands can take more time than the actual striking or kicking. Anticipate what is necessary and be prepared.
When you learn a new skill, practice slowly at first to train your muscles in the correct execution of the movement. When you can execute with little thought about the segments of the movement, speed up gradually. In speeding up the movement, take care not to loose the precision you learned in the beginner stage. Strong basics are essential for speed training.
Observing the laws of motion is also important to execution speed. If you flail your arms and head wildly about when kicking, your kick will be slow. If you stabilize your posture, your kicking speed will increase. If you punch with your arm, your punching will be slow. If you punch from your hips, your punching speed and power will increase. If you spin with your upper body tilted to one side, you will lose kick, however, creates a continuous circle of whirling force, increasing the speed of the second kick.
Finally, relax to create speed. Tense muscles have more difficulty responding to your intense demands than relaxed muscles. Relax just prior to the movement and maintain a minimum amount of tension during the movement. Relaxation conserves energy and lessens the amount of force necessary to move your body quickly.

Recovery speed is the result of execution speed. The old adage "what goes up must come down" applies in other directions as well. If your fist shoots out in a punching motion, it must return along the same path to be efficient and effective. If you execute a side kick and drop your leg to the ground immediately following impact, you will be off balance and in danger. You must re chamber the leg and then return to a natural stance.
If you do not execute the recovery portion of the technique, the action becomes "dead." It does not have the dynamic quality associated with speedy movement. It also increases the risk of joint injury tremendously. A fast strike or kick that ends in a locked out position is a common case of knee and elbow injuries.
A complete technique has an initiation, execution, impact and recovery. Each phase must be executed correctly to create dynamic speed.