Kake - wrapping the kakehimo. I need to practice this more. #kake #kakehimo #kyudo #kyūdō #kyudokan #kyudolife #kyudojo #kyudoka #budo #martialarts #martialartist #modernsamurai #dojo #nycdojo #hekiryuchikurinha #archery #archerypractice #japanesearchery (at New York Budo Association) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkPRZDPBdx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#Repost @hertkd ・・・ 昨日、私たちは究道館の本部道場へ行きました。 上手になりたいためにたくさんの稽古するになります！ 頑張ります！ Ayer fuimos a entrenar al Honbu Dojo de Kyudokan. Que emoción!! De siente la energía especial del Dojo apenas uno ingresa! A seguir entrenando! #karate #karatedo #karateka #karatedojo #okinawakarate #kyudokan #kyudokanargentina #karatekyudokan #nintaidojo #nintaidojoargentina #artesmarciales #defensapersonal #dojolife #dojolifestyle #karatelife #passaidai #okinawa #honbudojo #kyudokanhonbu #passaikata #okinawalife #okinawalifestyle #karateka #karatetraining #karatekeiko https://www.instagram.com/p/BsL8628l4cs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e17ohituax2f

Mawashi geri. . . . . . . . . . . #karate #kyudokan #geri #geriwaza #kick #kicking #roundhousekick #mawashigeri #shorinryu #training #demo

Jueves 3 de Enero, en el Año del Señor 2019 De Vacaciones Eternas, a el "Cielo de los Inmortales", Parte Nuestro Papá Eustaquio Guanti Padilla...Hasta Luego, Bachiche Guanti, "Muy Pronto Junto al Fuego No Volveremos a Encontrar" 🕯️🕯️🕯️♥️♥️♥️ Gracias a Todos, Sin Excepciones, que Nos Brindaron esa Vos de Estímulo y Aliento, para con Nuestro Patriarca Eustaquio Guanti-Padilla "Bachiche Guanti" ó "Papá Guanti" ...Hoy 3 de Enero del 2019, a Nuestro Patriarca, Nuestro Padre Papá Guanti, el "Gran Arquitecto Universal", Nuestro Señor de las Alturas, Dios, le Concede sus Vacaciones Eternas en el "Cielo de los Inmortales". ...♥️Gracias Papá por Todo lo que hiciste por tu Esposa, Tus Hijos, Tus Nietos; Familia y por Tu Prójimo, en Vida‼️ 🕯️🕯️🕯️ Gracias a todos los Amigos-Seguidores de Nuestros Espacios Informativos del Periodismo Alternativo; Compañeros y Colaboradores de la Universidad de Panamá; Colegas, Periodistas, Comunicadores Sociales Nacionales e Internacionales; por su buen Acto Humanista de Solidaridad, durante el tiempo que Nuestro Patriarca pasaba sus momentos en el Hospital 🕯️🕯️🕯️ Así, y en Especial, a todo ese personal de Médicos; Enfermeras, Enfermeros; Técnicos y Personal Administrativos tanto del Cuarto de Urgencia y Muy en Especial a todos el Personal de la Sala de Geriatría del Complejo Hospitalario de la Caja del Seguro Social de Transítmica, por ese Gran Apoyo y dedicación que no solo le Brindaron al "Viejo", en Vida, sino a todos nuestros Adultos Mayores que se encuentran en la Sala a sus Cuidados... Gracias por Todo y sigan en ese Concepto de la Humanización y Humildad y Buen Trato para Todos; y muy en especial la comprensión para los parientes de los enfermos que están con ellos.. ☯️🥋⛩️🌎🇵🇦 Así, También Agradecer a Toda esa Familia de las Artes Marciales y Karate-Do; De Nuestra Escuela Kyudokan, del Clan Higa, bajo la Inspiración y Dirección Técnica de Nuestro Sensei Óscar Masato Higa; De Todos los Maestros de la San-Ten y Dai-Chi; De Todos esos Maestros-Senseis-Sifus, Estudiantes y Escuelas, de la Gran Familia de las Artes Marciales a Nivel Nacional, como Internacional ; Escuelas en el Budo y Mística Marcialistas Gracias (en Panama, Panama) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsN5t_IHm3H/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b9n6crfgnev0

Tonight’s Keiko at the Koryu Kyudokan.. Last Thursday of the month means kobudo study.. Tonight’s study Tanbo.. Our study of kobudo is exactly the same as our study of Te.. For practical use in combat.. Never for aesthetics.. The original purpose of kobudo was exactly the same as the original purpose of Okinawa no bushi, for self protection.. A great practical painful study of a great practical tool..

Recently we decided to open our doors to 3 new students. When I say open I mean exactly that, the Koryu Kyudokan was formulated as a private dojo and we have never needed to either advertise or recruit new students to make monies, as quite simply we don’t need to..

We “opened” our doors to both bring new blood into the dojo and share the depth of study only my students get of the Koryu Kyudokan way..

I am glad to say those positions have been filled with maybe another one or two very interested parties wanting to come as well..

They have all started there journey with us and it’s looking to be a very exciting 2020 ahead..

We have our last seminar on Sunday which looks full and then it’s time to wind down the year and plan next years studies..

Apart from week in week out in the dojo we also have lots planned for others to join in as well..

I attach our last seminar of the year in case anyone wants on and the poster for the first seminar of 2020.

Great times ahead and a truly fantastic time to be involved in the Koryu Kyudokan way..

#karate #kata #bunkai #dojo #martialarts #karatejutsu #jfmdarasa #practicalkarate #karatedo #okinawa #okinawakarate #kobudo #selfdefense #okinawankarate #tanzanitedragons #tanzaniakaratefederation #martialartist #budo #ikigai #japan #shuridojo #shorinryu #kyudokan #taishinkan #jfmdojo (at Emirate Building, Sinza Madukani) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3-nyTeDfMo/?igshid=wl56cind2b2f

This mornings Keiko at Koryu Kyudokan.. A study of Nidan.. In particular the first three Oyo and the importance of correctly interpreting the turns in the kata.. I explained this morning that the actual movements or techniques in the kata are not necessarily set in stone as they may have to change to suit either the opponent or change as the attack unfolds, BUT the katas principles must remain, This mornings principles were Sen, critical mass/ Tokiho and the use of correct Nagna, hence our study on turns or rotations.. We also had a very in depth study of part of the kata’s shime waza with a look at the epiglottis and how to manipulate it to attain maximum effect as set within the kata’s Oyo.. A great start to a returning study of Nidan..

MOVING FORWARD BUT STILL LOOKING BACK... About 2yrs before Sensei passed away, We we’re in the middle of him critiquing my kata, when he suddenly stopped and asked me to put the kettle on as he wanted to share something very special and “secret” with me... So I make the tea and he begins to tell me about a dream or premonition he has had about my dojo !!! (At the time we were sharing a dojo, but had always previously had our own) He described it as a place off the main rd, a place you would have to park up and walk up to, a place that unless you knew we’re it is you wouldn’t know it was there at all, as there wouldn’t be any big banners advertising it, or signs lit up like something at Blackpool front and that only those invited would actually be able to find it... And in his words “ it will be a dojo based on the most traditional and beautiful dojo of Japan and Okinawa, A dojo we’re you go to practice and study karate, Kobudo and the Martial ways, NOTHING else, no children’s parties, disco’s or dance classes and such, just to make money, There won’t be T shirts for sale along with stupidly over priced merchandise and Gi’s, again just to make money(ripping of students as part of the coarse), NO this dojo will be about nothing more than the practice of the martial arts and NEVER EVER about making coin or supporting someone’s living” He went on to say that such a place will be the epitome of what he wanted for both myself and my students to be about.. Now almost five years later we have exactly a dojo and ethos that Sensei envisioned for us.. Those that use and have visited our dojo would convey that it is a very very special place indeed and for all the right reasons, the very same reasons Sensei wanted in a dojo to carry on his Michi.... And it’s from this dream or vision that the Koryu Kyudokan was born.. All that happened after Sensei passed only strengthened in me the need for the Koryu Kyudokan to continue with his Martial Ways..

Tonights Keiko at the Koryu kyudokan dojo.. Six clinch drills from Naifanchi.. dealing with that most deadly of distances.. Thursday we continue with the close quarter power creation from the kata but again from the same clinch drills..

This mornings Keiko at Koryu Kyudokan.. Sensei used to say “ Those that know will know, those that don’t will carry on in blissful ignorance” This morning was one of those classes.. A study of: The connection between the body, breath and essence.. Te Dum Te Te Dum A Un And the absolute nonsense of karate’s kiai... And of coarse as always the purpose of the study ? To create a better skill set to deal with violence....

This mornings Keiko at Koryu Kyudokan we used the concepts and principles of Kūsankū (クーサンクー、公相君) or Kūshankū(クーシャンクー), also known as Kwang Shang Fu and utilised them into our Mawashi Uke kata.. In actuality taking the effectiveness of our striking off the mawashi Uke to yet another level... Another deep Sunday study, designed as always to further progress our Michi ensuring that we never stagnate..

This mornings keiko at Koryu Kyudokan..

Principal based drill from Naifanchi..

We went through the whole kata picking out the principals in this kata that deal with the fact of the closest of ranges, the actual strikes were secondary to the understanding of range and distance..

The drill covered:

Tai sabaki

Of line striking

Kuzushi

Irimi

Limb control

Kyusho

Ti Gwa

Non compliance

Checking and clearing

Oyo

Henka

Toridai

A great little realistic drill from such a fantastic kata..

It’s what Sunday’s are for..

A simple keiko tonight at the Koryu Kyudokan..

A run through of our first 4 kata and there major Oyo.. Simply just topping up and keeping everything sharp..

One thing I did stress on though was the understanding that all our Oyo are back up techniques ..

Firstly and foremost we must have a chosen, worked on and hardened pre emptive strike and a extremely worked on reaction with an action technique.. everything else is a back up IF they are needed..

As always honesty is the best policy..

“I ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE I EXPIRE”..

The above quote is by the exceptional Hanshi Tino Ceberano and I wholeheartedly agree and aspire to do the same..

Since joining all the social media formats I have used them to share both my thoughts on the Martial Arts and the journey of our dojo’s study, Michi or path..

Along the way I have been fortunate to inspire others to follow in our way, both exactly as we are doing and adapting our way to suit there own needs, and that is exactly what I want, you see because my ultimate goal isn’t financial or egotistical gain ( sadly that’s mostly what I see in the martial arts world these days) it is my reward for my constant study and training when I/we inspire others to do the same, I would certainly not start bleeting that I am being copied or that someone is doing the same as me but repackaging it... of coarse if my end goal was financial gain then yes I would have something to say as it would be taking ‘business’ away from me, BUT my goal certainly isn’t that so I wouldn’t !!!!

And to be honest if I didn’t want my way to be taken on board and become part of others studies then I simply wouldn’t put it out there in the first place...

I would keep my way secret along with my Ego..

When Sensei was alive he used to have me plan and implement certain things he wanted to be put in place and always and I mean ALWAYS financial gain was the last thing on his mind, in fact he used to say to me that “people will be very sceptical and suspicious of our way as we give expecting nothing in return”

I didn’t used to understand what he meant but I do now..

The amount of so called martial artist that are only in the arts for what it can give them either financially or egotistical makes me quite sad, everywhere you look you see people charging unreal amounts of money to share in there way or little cliques of so called martial artist getting together to pat each other on the back and either give each other awards or quite senior ranks !!!

I am so honoured to have in my very small circle genuine martial artist whom are simply in the arts to develop both themselves and there students martial knowledge regardless of style or rank..

My question is this “ what comes after them ???? What kind of students will they develop and ultimately turn out, sadly they don’t realise they are killing the arts by bastardising them NOW for there own selfish needs..

I am so glad that I choose my students very wisely ( not one of my students are egotistical or financially motivated) I am so grateful to have people around me who share in my Michi and even more grateful to have my Uchi Deshi Aaron to take forward the Koryu kyudokan way when my time is up...

Two weeks before Sensei past away he set me what would become my final study task with him, I strongly believe he knew his time was close as the task he set me was simply “ study Shibumi and tell me your thoughts” below is my answer I sent to him and I think it speaks for itself...

My whole intention is to try and keep his ways alive through my own dojo, students and by sharing what we do expecting nothing in return...

inspiring others to do the same is the only reward I desire...

and of coarse to improve both my own knowledge and skill set and passing that on to others....

Shibumi

Shibumi is a word that’s often heard in Japan. But because the Japanese language is so rich in subtle nuances that arise from a Zen-like life style, it’s a difficult word to pin down in English.

“Austere,” “subdued,” “restrained” are terms that come nearest. Going back to persimmons, shibui means sharp and penetrating. But it also implies an insightful, calm feeling.

SHIBUMI

The word shibumi is as tricky to define as is the word Zen. In the novel, Shibumi, by Trevanian (Rodney Whitaker), a key character claims that shibumi is an indescribable quality, something beyond words. It is understanding rather than knowledge. It is powerful silence. It is simplicity. It is spiritual tranquility. It is being with no thought of becoming.

Shibumi, like Zen awakening, is not something to be sought after or achieved. It comes naturally, or it doesn’t come at all. It’s a matter of soaring through knowledge and touching down at simplicity.

Shibumi has to do with spontaneity. It implies creative restraint.

Shibumi (simplicity)

Shibumi is a Japanese word meaning refined simplicity, simple elegance and quiet perfection. It is a highly prized quality that few Americans and Europeans understand or appreciate. Shibumi has nothing to do with the flashy, decorative beauty admired in the west but refers to a clean, simple, restrained sense of distinction, refinement and taste. Shimbumi is strict, thrifty and without tournament.

You can see shibumi in every facet of Japanese culture. It is reflected in the simplicity of Japanese art, calligraphy, rock gardens and modest décor of their homes. However, nowhere is shibumi more strongly reflected than in traditional martial arts of karate. You see the simple atmosphere of the dojo. The gi and emblem and the effectiveness of the classical techniques.

It is hard to find shibumi in modern Western karate. Today’s karate-ka wears flashy uniforms use showy gymnastic movements, flurries of techniques but they are not tastefully refined according to tradition. A simple perfectly executed, killing or disabling blow that was perfected over years of repetition has a special beauty in its effectiveness that is shibumi. Today tournament competitors wear colorful costumes with their large emblems and monograms. These modern and younger masters compete with each other for higher ranks even wider, multicolored, striped belts. Meanwhile the traditional sensei outshines them all in a plain, white unadorned gi with one emblem, bound by a simple worn out black belt. This is shibumi.

Warriors (samurai or serious traditional martial artists) pursue shibumi in and out of the dojo. They strive to find that essence of quality, simple and elegant, in everything they do.

Warriors walk quietly into crowded rooms but people are still aware of his presence. These people stand straight and project a confidence and posture from years of disciplined training. Their minds are alert to the people and surroundings due to zanshin training. They do not join in cliques because “they stand alone” but they recognize, respect and gravitate toward one another. Only warriors understand other warriors. (Only karate people understand karate people. Everybody else thinks we are crazy).

Warriors are never the life of the party. They do not like to draw attention by talking about themselves or their accomplishments. A true champion never boasts, they are humble. They are not interested in small talk and speak only when they have something meaningful to say. When they speak their voices are steady but not loud, confident but not arrogant, bold but not disrespectful. They shake your hand with a nice grip (but not painful). They look at you in the eyes, and you feel an energy you cannot describe. These people practice the traditional martial arts, the way and shibumi. These people keep dignity, sincerity, humility, etiquette, perfection and character alive in the society as well as in the arts.

Developing shibumi is a slow process for the westerner. It is taught in the east early in childhood. You cannot fake it; it must come naturally from years of training. It is a combination of intense physical, mental and spiritual training and you must consciously practice shibumi every day. Learn to avoid the kinds of behavior that make you foolish and be a man or women of substance. Do not only look good on the outside; it is the inside that counts (do not only be a model). Face reality and do not deny everything. Know your limitations as well as your potential (realistically). Do not make excuses, do not fake it if you do not know it. Act your age, do not be someone you are not.

Practice good posture to show confidence and leadership. Practice grace in your movements to show an expression of physical and spiritual power – the product of strength, coordination and perfect balance

Last nights keiko at the Koryu Kyudokan

Koshi and Gamaku

Koshi means, "back; lower back; waist; hips; lumbar region." Gamaku is an Okinawan term, Uchinaguchi or hogan dialect, that refers to the musculature and core that surrounds the waist and connects the torso to the pelvis it’s general area is from Perineum to diaphragm, but the whole of the trunk, front, back AND sides.

The koshi and Gamaku are the main controllers of how power and shock is generated for karate waza.

To fully utilize the use of gamaku you need to use proper breathing, posture, spinal alignment, structure, relaxation, wave energy, centeredness, body-mind, centripetal and centrifugal force; sequential locking, relaxation, and rooting.

I made the point last night that in actuality gamaku isn’t a real tangible thing but more, one of the intrinsic levels of the martial arts, BUT it does have a very real physical result..

In reality any real violent confrontation happens at close range and it is imperative that we can create devastating power, without having to create distance to launch a massive momentive strike, the kata Naifanchi is based solely around these principles..

Once the use of the body, Koshi, Gamaku, momentum, breathing and use of mass, are done correctly it becomes irrelevant what you strike with, the striking limb simply becomes the transfer mechanism..

So last night we used a few of Aragaki Seisan’s tools and took them to that top 10% by adding the correct power source..

I did add that some need to spend more time on the makiwara, simply because, as the power and shock values go up, we must make sure the joints involved in striking must be strong enough to cope with the increase and not give at that crucial time.

A great class made even better by the fact that something we have been working on for a few years now came to fruition and without exception everyone got it, was a very proud moment indeed,

Massive leaps forward for my students and a little nod of chuffness from me..

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