Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do Newsletter

Transcription

1 Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do Newsletter Inside this issue: Denmark seminar 1 Denmark seminar 2 Denmark seminar 3 Nottingham seminar 4 Seminars 5 Order Form 6 The New Honbu Dojo The new Dojo is now fully operational, with Cardio and Pilates classes in addition to the regular karate classes. The new Dojo has an extra large training area, proper locker rooms with toilets and showers, and also includes a large steam room for easing those aching bodies after training. Massage facilities are also available. There is a kids room, lounge, viewing gallery, refreshment area and new office suites. Remember that the HQ Dojo will be delighted to welcome you for a visit. Just if you are interested in coming for a few days Back to the future With Vince Morris A report on the first Vince Morris Seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark Many years ago, in the mid 1970s to be exact, I first spent some time in Denmark as a post graduate Ph.D studying and translating a very boring Icelandic Saga. I was immediately entranced by the country and its friendly people, who considered my lame attempts to master their tongue complete lunacy! My travels since never took me back to Denmark, so when Ole Nielsen invited me to present a seminar in Copenhagen I jumped at the chance to renew my connections. I want to record my thanks to Ole, and to all the others who took part, and who ensured that my memories were more than lived up to. The following article is written by Michael Lund one of the seminar participants. My thanks to him for his contribution. Wake up call Within the realms of traditional karate there is no way around the holy trinity of Kihon, Kata and Kumite. To grasp the concept of the Kata part though can be difficult for many karateka, including the author of this article. This was about to change for the approx. 70 karate and taekwondo fighters who showed up for the seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark. At 11 o clock we all line up and bow to Vince sensei. We are then introduced to some facts about karate, points which were very hard to disagree with. That modern sports karate with its long range techniques is not very suited for self-defence purposes and many karateka haven t got the faintest clue about the true use and intention of kata bunkai was the essence of Vince sensei s introduction to Kissaki-kai karate. It was mentioned however, that it was still very important to focus on the correct technique through kihon training but that we should incorporate more close range techniques in our arsenal. After this wake-up call and a very exciting introduction to the origins of the Kata, their use and history we started the training. Kata the new old way We started with a short introduction to a better defensive stance for street self defence, namely sanchin dachi with open hands and palms turning towards the opponent. As everything else told

2 Page 2 1st Copenhagen Seminar 2005 us until now, it made very good sense! As opposed to normal The unforgivable crime is soft hitting. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly. ~ Theodore Roosevelt People who are rather more than six feet tall and nearly as broad across the shoulders often have uneventful journeys. People jump out at them from behind rocks then say things like, "Oh. Sorry. I thought you were someone else." ~ Terry Pratchett "A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." ~ Albert Einstein karate training where we train a whole kata and polish it to perfection, this seminar focused on making us understand the concepts behind the technique sequences. So, rather than walking through various Kata we simply picked sequences from Nijushiho, Bassai-Dai, Gojushiho Dai and Heian Nidan (and possibly others but I don t remember them). Vince sensei then explained that the technique sequences were founded on the attacks that were most likely to happen from violent but untrained attackers such as grabbing the clothing, and attacking with a right swing. Suddenly the kata came alive with effective and flexible ways of dealing with attackers. Many of the sequences can be found in other Kata as well but with a different focus or strategy depending on the master that created the kata. A common feature of all the sequences was their simplicity and effectiveness and they were often very brutal. Humour and pain Kyusho jutsu (manipulating points on the body where a small amount of pressure evokes a great deal of pain) plays an integral part of Vince sensei s seminars. Thank God it s not the No touch K.O type but a more pragmatic

3 Page 3 History & Background use of these points to help the attacker to get to the floor. As in the original Kata many of the pressure points are used to unbalance the opponent until a decisive technique can finish him off. Author Michael Lund (left) Vince sensei showed his demonstrations on the seminar participants, but his dry wit helped the poor victims to smile while attacking him. I am certain that nobody had any doubt about the effect striking these points had on the body. All in all, this seminar was the most rewarding that I have ever attended. Vince Morris showed great professionalism and deep knowledge on this very exciting subject. Combine this with a warm personality and a body language that could be daunting and very funny wit, you have a combination that spells seminars you attend again and again. I for one will be there again next time! Michael Lund Nihon-Do Shotokan Karate SKIF-Denmark New York Master Class The second in the Master Class series of seminars presented by American Samurai magazine featuring Vince Morris -,this time co-presenting with US gold medalist and senior coach Tokey Hill took place in New York recently. The first seminar section presented by Tokey, had everyone sweating as they practiced their attacking kumite footwork, & after a short break Vince introduced Kata as effective nonsporting kumite. A full report and photos will follow in a later issue, but here is a short note from Bill Bly, the editor of American Samurai: I must say I think the weekend seminar was fantastic. Tokey you did a great job with the first class and really fired everyone up. We must give kudos to your staff for organizing this event, especially Christina as she is a real trooper who works hard in the trenches. You have a great family spirit at this dojo.. Vince did a great job giving meaning to the kata like most had never seen. The youngsters especially seemed quite animated about the information. Even as they were dismissed they continue working the techniques as they were leaving. Guests such as Doc Stricevic, Meril from Turkey, Nick Adler, and George Ashkar showed their support. I know we can do more in this area. I managed an interview with Tokey and he stresses the importance of working to-

4 Page 4 gether and forget about styles, organizations and politics. This has been a big part of the mission at American Samurai. Each of you could have held your own seminar and had a good turnout from your own group but these efforts get groups together and those that did not come missed out that is the message to others! ~ Bill Bly. Nottingham Seminar As if Denmark and New York were not enough, Vince also flew down to Sensei Ridgeley Abele s weekend symposium of seminars in south Carolina (report in later Issue) and then back to the UK for a seminar in Nottingham. Niju defense GB point strikes The missing link Well, last Sunday s seminar in Nottingham was a bit different: There were hardly any bunkai dissections of kata and instead techniques were used merely on their merit of complying with the rules of combat. One nagging problem facing all Kissaki instructors had been: How do we get our students to safely train to act competently in a fighting situation without the use of the artificial sports karate restrictions (which condition the wrong actions for a street encounter)? It is absolutely essential that students get used to fighting under stress but the safety factor is a major problem and this has, in my view, been a shortcoming of the Kissaki syllabus. However, what I saw last Sunday seems to be the solution: We started off training techniques individually and on a one-to-one basis. After that we got into teams of three with one defendant and two attackers and again practiced the same as well as new techniques. So how is this different from normal Kissaki partner training? You need to work twice as hard despatching two opponents rather than just one Techniques have to be much faster This particular seminar was important on two counts: firstly Vince spoke at length at the manner in which Kissaki techniques should be incorporated into the regular training and ranking syllabus. He emphasized the need to analyse the reason for including techniques based upon function and reality rather than upon what had been traditionally handed down. He spoke about the need to omit certain practices very early in a training regime, especially those which contravened the Rules of Combat (gohon kumite for example.) Vince explained that in the New Year the revised training & ranking syllabus will be disseminated, so that all Dojo will be able to get help finish & run in what should be taught in order to comply with the Kissaki-kai philosophy. This will not dictate what must be taught, but will act as a source-book of accepted techniques. Vince asked again that all instructors consider carefully the reason for teaching each technique, and to be willing to step out of the comfort zone of familiarity. You have to use more effective techniques as no2 opponent won t hang around It is messier and therefore more like a street encounter You need to keep your awareness of opponent number two And how is it different from (refereed) kumite? You can use real techniques whilst keeping the force controlled and your partner can help with some compliance in showing the appropriate reactions. - Thigh pads are a must though ;-) All sorts of attacks and scenarios can be played out: from a close in hook punch, bear hug to knife attacks etc. In a way I found the two-against-one scenario required much more gut-reaction and un-pre-meditated responses, which again make it more like a street encounter and less like a staged exercise. This training can be used at all levels and in a range of forms from pre-arranged defences for beginners to free defence for advanced students. For me it seems like the missing link between partner exercises and the real world and could be used as a substitute for sport kumite. Eva Bayerlein 3rd Dan Nottingham

5 Page 5 KISSAKI-KAI KARATE-DO Kissaki-Kai Karate Marlton Professional Arts Building 55 Route 70 East & Maple Ave Marlton, New Jersey USA Phone: Fax: kissaki@comcast.net "Learn as if you will live forever; live as if you will die tomorrow." -- Gandhi Forthcoming Seminars USA October 21st Arizona Contact: Mike & Cathy Anderson Goshin Karate & Judo Academy 6245 E Bell Rd #120 Scottsdale, AZ Phone fax Goshinkarate@aol.com Visit the USA Dojo Why not think about coming to the USA next year to spend a few days training in the Honbu Dojo and taking time for sight-seeing and shopping in New York & Philadelphia! Flights can be very inexpensive and if you wish you can live in the Dojo to save on expenses. Come as a group with friends & family - dojo members - we will be delighted to see you and you will find a warm welcome from all the Honbu Dojo members. There will also be a 3 day summer Camp in Ghent, scheduled for the end of August. This is always a terrific event for everyone, and a great opportunity to see a little of Europe. Finally, there will also be a USA Summer Camp, details to be announced later. Don t miss these events! Video Reviews Bassai Dai - The Kata & Essential Bunkai USA January 21st 2006 Bassai Karate Academy Contact: Jerry Bomay / Anna Paul: apaul@riverview.net 490 Quarterline SE Newaygo, MI phone (231) St. Lucia 27th Nov - 2nd Dec Training seminars for Drug Squad Officers, Coastguard & PM s Bodyguard team. There will be a Black Belt test at the UK seminar to be held in February Details follow. I just watched your new DVD, "Bassai-Dai". As usual, the only criticism I ever have about your tapes/dvds is that at some point it ends. I just wish it would go on for hours. It was great. My style, Shorin Ryu, does the kata a little bit different than Shotokan, but close enough that I understood what was going on. The bunkai was fantastic. When I watch your stuff, it is like a veil removed from my eyes when I see realistic applications for the moves. (unsolicited testimonial from purchaser.)

6 Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do Newsletter October 2005 UK Address: Po Box 17, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 4BY Phone: USA Address: Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do, Marlton Professional Arts Bldg. Route 70 East & Maple Ave, Marlton NJ Phone Page 6 Order Form Books Videos & DVDs $/ No You can order by mail or by with a credit card. The amount will be deducted in US $ of items Zanshin Indispensible reading for all who want to integrate body & mind Kyusho Secrets II* Book Now 240 pages, extra chapters, Principles of combat, point charts, Kata bunkai etc Rules of Combat Book The development of Warrior Tactics! For all who need to really understand the basis for survival in combat! Videos & DVD s (* denotes DVD available) Bassai Dai Video/DVD Latest seminar showing major bunkai & principles of Bass Dai Nijushiho Video/DVD The new video/dvd showing the major bunkai from the Kata Extreme Self-Defense Paladin Video The video from Paladin - firearm & edged weapon defenses Empi video/dvd The major techniques of the Kata Hostage Defence video/dvd Covers firearm & Knife defences from hostage situation. Police Training Bunkai Sampler 5 Latest video, covers Flinch reflex, bunkai from Heians, Empi etc Kissaki-Kai Karate Introducing essential Kissaki concepts & bunkai training Seminar Sampler 1 Includes the truth about blocks, covers many of the Heian Kata Seminar Sampler 2 Background with examples from many Kata including Unsu, Gankaku etc Martial Mind video/dvd Deals with fear, increasing speed & power, the martial way, meditation Seminar Sampler 4 The Ura (secret) bunkai to Tekki (Naihanchi), Meikyo and others Cop Combat video/dvd The latest video from Police Academy - real combat training Kanku-Dai video/dvd Shows the Kata and the Ura bunkai to the major techniques Manstoppers video/dvd A collection of guaranteed manstopping techniques plus gun & knife defence Aragaki Seisan video The full Kata, bunkai and essential combat principles Rules of Combat video/dvd How adding the rules makes technique far more effective! TOTAL European orders payable to PBS. However they can also be ordered and paid for by credit card via the US kissaki@comcast.postage will be net. Payment deducted in US dollars. Most items posted from Europe. Rest of world via US. $/ Items Make Payable to: PBS (Euro.) Kissaki (USA) (add $3 / 2 P&P) Europe. UK - PBS. PO Box 17, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 4BY England USA - Kissaki-kai. 9 Brandywine Drive, Marlton, NJ USA Orders can be mailed to these addresses.