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1 November 2009 Vol.12 No.5 Inside this issue: B e lgium S um mer C amp Belgium Camp Report 01 Belgium Camp Report 02 Belgium Camp Report 03 Police & Special Forces Training - Antwerp Flash News! Technical Note It makes you think! Forthcoming Seminars NEW Heian DBL DVD 07 Order Form 08 Why Kissaki-kai? Kissaki-Kai teaches effective defensive karate Kissaki-Kai promotes reality in training Sport & Fun are not forgotten! Family atmosphere No Politics Not Style dependent. Recognized world-wide International Dojo Report by Gerry Smullen Chief Instructor Ireland Falcarragh Karate Club Members, and Chris McFeely from Claudy Karate Club attended the 2009 Kissaki Kai Belgian camp at the town of Nazareth near Ghent in Belgium on the 3 rd - 4 th October The Chief instructor of Kissaki kai Sensei Vince Morris was full of praise for the Belgian Kissaki Kai Organisation and Sensei Guy Janssens team from the Nintai dojo, for organising the training camp in the excellent new Sport hall facility in Nazareth near Ghent. In his welcome sensei Morris reminded all attending of the Kissaki kai creed, that there should be mutual respect and personal responsibility on those who attend and partner you in attack scenarios; these are the good people who will help you hone your skills and whose development you can also help. This year the nationalities attending came from France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and a strong UK contingent mainly from the south west English clubs of Sensei Don Came the Kissaki Kai Chief instructor in the UK. A grading examination also featured outside the regular training schedule, with two members of the Belgian Nintai dojo, Daniel (san) Colpaert and Rudi Bellon both attaining Nidan, while Boris Deraeve advanced to Sandan rank. The training camp started each day at 9am with 40 minute cardio workouts, followed until 5pm by a series of seminars taken by Sensei Vince Morris, with sensei Guy Janssens and sensei Don Came on respective days taking seminar slots on various aspects of Kissaki Kai. During all the sessions, typical self-defence scenarios were employed in conjunction with the Kissaki kai rules of combat, principles to enhance practical and plausible interpretations of the Bunkai of various Kata. Some of the scenarios outlined by Sensei Guy Janssens showed that particular Bunkai is not only practical, gruesomely potent and as effective as it is sim-

2 Page 2 November 2009 ple, but that you could kick yourself (metaphorically speaking) for not even stumbling across it before, even after 30 years of training. I find myself and others saying at many Kissaki kai events: If only we d been shown/told this years ago - it s not a stupid block but a deadly technique! The first two hour Seminar with sensei Vince Morris covered self protection strategies, against unprovoked attacks of various types. The second was based around defensive strategies against attack scenarios, and how these are related to one or another of the commonly practiced Kata. The explanations of the relationships of personal protection principles, to the strategies within Kata and Kata Bunkai alone were worth the trip! Sensei Vince Morris in his first session emphasised (a) the importance of readiness in the mind (b) physically developing the initial flinch response to survive that every healthy human possesses to initially help survive unprovoked attacks and (c) that learning should consist of smart sweat, i.e. drilling hard with focus, vigour and enthusiasm to a purpose or specific target, not just stupid sweat ( i.e. sweating for the sake of sweat). Sensei Don Came began his seminar section with flow-drills to enhance speed of reaction in various Bunkai. As with all the waza, practice involved an array of devastating counters ranging from teisho (palm-hand), knifehand, elbow and knee strikes to the various pressure/vital points, with the occasional strike in a proposed combinations ending the encounter early. (Jodan age uke/ Gedan barai suddenly starts to take on a realistic purpose). These were applied in succession and this was only the most basic level one application, which nonetheless possessed natural flow and real-life applicability to incapacitate an attacker. All the seminar sessions included taking the opponent down to the ground then being convincingly immobilized on the ground, but not as in MMA fighting, where both are on the ground! Concepts that explain the Kata Bunkai are the foundation of the practical applications that are taught by Kissaki kai, with simple workable methods that even-up any greater weight, size, reach and weapon disadvantage, based on principles and smart strategies, not replication of exact techniques, as per any particular style s Particiapnts from Ireland Kissak-Kai version of the Omote-waza (the outward appearance) or any particular style variation. The techniques in any given Kata have be changed over the years - deliberately, by accident, by personal preference or due to personal ease of performance, or perhaps for numerous other reasons. Therefore principles, not the Omote waza, are important. The core of Kissaki-kai is based on the principles that karate was, and is, mainly concerned with development of a student s personal defensive system, not the prettiness of the waza (the outward appearance). Developing the outward appearance and correct sequences in any given Kata is a laudable to an extent, with pride in performance and appearance. However, paying little or no attention to the meaning of the techniques should be condemned, and not understanding what you are doing is simply nonsensical. In Kissaki-Kai, reference to "The Rules of Combat" (i.e. the basic components of any given common acts of violence) avoids all the unrealistic scenarios as seen in some Dojo such as: (i) Basing Kata bunkai on unrealistic sports Karate techniques performed well, but at distances that could only apply in sport, not real life. (ii) That use attacks that no real attacker would ever use, (iii) That supposes unrealistic starting positions beginning in a zenkutsu-dachi or the like, (iv) That base a Bunkai on techniques that only a trained Karate-ka or martial artist would do, or have trained to perfect (e.g. Mawashi Jodan etc.), (v) That use responses, blocks or whatever, that don t completely control or safely defeat an attacker. (The full series can be found in sensei Morris book Rules of Combat Everyone knows some of these truths; some of the many rules that govern the Common / Habitual acts of Violence (as sensei Patrick McCarthy, for example refers to them) but they choose a different path in training and just ignore them. Everyone knows this happens, but not everyone says so! Overall, the Belgian camp proved to be both a physically and mentally demanding experience, while being enjoyable and a part of an ongoing learning process..

3 Volume 12. Issue 5 November 2009 Page 3 Since joining Kissaki-Kai, its concepts - with their simplicity and effectiveness - Sensei Guy Janssens instructing have added a new lease of life in Karate terms to the Falcarragh Club s training. It's obvious to me that different karate styles are just interpretations of the same basic thing (i.e. how to defeat an aggressor quickly and safely). Everybody with background in competitions knows that 20 to 30 years ago you could tell in karate competitions what style a person trained in, not these days. Now we can never look again at how some bunkai applications we were taught in the recent past, were based on being effective in sport but not in real life! Check them out on the internet (lots on YouTube etc.) and understand the truth, that they don t work, (not without a totally compliant partner.) No-one this year, or a hundred years ago, was attacked from a starting position of Gedan barai, or by four people from a straight punch (Junzuki) position so why pretend that s what the technique is really for? No-one in that small village in Okinawa - Naha, Shuri or Tomari or wherever many years ago envisaged a day, when world karate organisations would be squabbling, about karate as a sports issue - about logos, ties, or style interpretations, Olympics etc.) What they trained in they used, out of necessity, to survive bad situations. Today the reason to train has not changed. (Or has it? If it s trophies you re after it has!) The difference between Sport as a healthy pastime and what karate was and is are so obvious! When I first saw Kissaki-kai and its basic concepts, which looks practical and feels right, it is refreshing! Just like opening your eyes for the first time. Gerry Smullen has been a member of Kissaki kai from The Falcarragh Karate club have affiliated to Kissaki kai, in The club background is Wado Ryu; For information contact: Technical Note Sensei Vince Morris People often ask where I get the ideas from which I use to analyze the bunkai of the Karate Kata. Obviously, the research takes many forms and uses many sources, including old Ju-Jutsu technical manuals. Look carefully at the image - from an old manual published some six years after Ju-Jutsu was introduced into England - Jiu-Jitsu and other methods of Self-Defence. (192?) by Percy Longhurst. If you can picture the initial Kissaki opening stance, inviting a left jab from the attacker, then visualize a simultaneous mawashi-uke and shift to a position of advantage to the outside, then you can clearly see the opening move from the Kata Heian Nidan (Pinan Shodan). Gleaning knowledge from a great variety of sources continually reinforces the usefulness of the Rules of Combat which, when added to the original explanation or static picture of the technique, vastly increase the effectiveness of the waza.

4 Page 4 Sensei Morris and Janssens and officers participating in the two-day Officer Protection course at Antwerp Police academy Two officers practice the Kissaki arm-lock for Handcuffing Sensei Vince Morris begins the training by emphasizing the use of correct procedure, awareness and assessment of the situation Sensei Janssens shows the TW points used to gain compliance Law Enforcement Training Services Int. The value and effectiveness of the Kissaki-Kai based defensive techniques and the application of the rules of combat can be clearly seen by the fact that after 13 years of field testing and usage, the Belgium Police Force have incorporated many of them into the National Officer Training Manual. Above sensei Morris and Janssens teach 30 Police trainers on a recent Academy course in Antwerp.

5 Volume 12. Issue 5 November 2009 Page 5 "One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter!" An exciting, roller-coaster, nerve-wracking ride across history and continents, Vince Morris's novel sets the question - "Is murder ever justified?" The innocent die; human life is simply expendable - Who says? The British Intelligence forces and the IRA; The Ends justify the Means! This explosive journey of betrayal charts the twists and convolutions of fate which forces the IRA master bomber and the British secret agent into a violent confrontation with each other and the worlds which made them. This nail-biting story drags the reader into the chase and the terror, but it also opens a small window onto what forces shape their ends! Violent and explicit, the final twist is...? This fast-paced, exciting read will soon be available from the web store: A great idea for a present! Watch for Publication soon! All members of the former Kissaki-Kai London & South Essex Dojo who wish to confirm their grade status should info@kissaki-kai.com Fees for membership and insurance for many students did not reach the secretary, and after almost 3 years of trying to regularize the situation, regretfully the Dojo membership has been terminated and no grades conferred in this period are currently recognized. All memberships and insurance can be obtained through the UK Chief Instructor, sensei Don Came info@karateacademy.org.uk

6 Page 6 November 2009 Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do It makes you think! When you re ready for the real thing! Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do 55 East Route 70 Marlton NJ USA Phone: info@kissaki-kai.com A Lie runs round the world before Truth has got it s boots on! - Terry Pratchett Walk softly - but carry a big stick! - President T Roosevelt Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength." - Frances de Sales Forthcoming Seminars USA - Vince Morris 7th Nov. in Clarkesville, Georgia lovellskarate@yahoo.com Phone: "Civilize the mind but make savage the body." - Chairman Mao I have a high art, I hurt with cruelty those who would damage me." - Archilocus, 650 B.C. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. - Lao-Tzu Unique distance learning Master Class available to all members! Each month a new topic will be addressed and available for download. The 12 monthly segments will include: Download of regular monthly training video Download of FREE archive video Download of FREE newsletters View regular Kissaki TV Q & A podcasts for members Books & DVDs at discount Concentration upon specific aspects of Kissaki-Kai and include real-life examples for emphasis. How to train for maximum effect. tors to serve as a class template. Precise help and analysis of taisabaki, mawashi-uke, frisbee uke, flinch reflex, striking, chokes, etc. Covers all the essential elements plus the 5 levels of combat. Regular Kissaki Kai TV - Send in your questions to be answered on web TV. The 12 volumes provide an unique reference for instructor and student alike. On-line membership just $29.99 a month! Detailed analysis of precisely how a technique should be performed for best results. Not just the techniques, but how to incorporate them into dojo partner training. A complete blueprint for instruc- I recently joined the distance learning site. The program is great I feel I have finally found what I had been looking for in the martial arts! 2nd 12 editions concentrate on The 5 Heian/Pinan Kata Bunkai, Analysis of Police Camera fights & presents Dojo examples of correct defenses, the 5 Kissaki Levels of Training! Plus ADVANCED Kata Bunkai

7 Page 7 November 2009 The Heian Kata - Essential Bunkai - Double DVD Set New Double DVD SET For the first time in one double DVD set collection! All the essential bunkai of these five important Kata together with training advice and the vital, vulnerable points of the body are presented in an easily understood manner, by sensei Vince Morris, one of the world s acknowledged foremost experts on the real defensive combat principles of Kata. Sensei Morris considers the Heian Kata not to be just a collection of techniques devised for young people, but as representing the culmination of Master Itosu s work in designing a powerful and effective system of karate which stands as a tribute to the genius of this Okinawan sensei. This double DVD collection will set the record straight! - Unmissable! Order from: All New 2 DVD Set These important Kata are now explained in detail, showing the main bunkai and setting them in the context of reality, not Dojo compliance.

8 Page 8 November 2009 Item The Secret Art of Pressure Point Fighting Order form - Books, DVDs,& Pads Description An overview of vulnerable points, how to use them in real defense combat How Kyusho works, debunking the mythology, Tactics and Strategy No of items $ Total LETS Defensive Tactics Manual Kyusho Secrets II Book Rules of Combat Book Course book for trainers and students in all aspects of control and defense 118 pages, coil bound. Now 240 pages, extra chapters, Principles of Combat, point charts, kata bunkai etc. The development of warrior tactics! For all those who need to really understand the basis of survival in combat! The Heian Kata DBL DVD set All the practical and effective defensive waza from the bunkai of these Kata Karate s Secret Throws DVD Understand the role of Nage-Waza in defensive combat Kanku-Dai Revisited! - 2DVDS Latest DVD - Two Volume DVD set of the important Kata Kanku-Dai Tekki Shodan DVD Filmed at seminars in the UK, Canada, and USA this video/dvd offers an insight into the powerful defensive kata Tekki Shodan Bassai Dai DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata Nijushiho DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata Empi DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata Extreme Self-Defense - Paladin Video Focusing on firearm and edged weapon defenses. Only available in VHS video format Rules of Combat DVD How adding the rules makes techniques far more effective Aragaki Seisan DVD The full Kata, major bunkai & principles Manstoppers DVD A collection of guaranteed manstopping techniques plus gun & knife defense Cop Combat DVD The latest video from Police Academy - real combat training Hostage Defense DVD Covers firearm and knife defenses from hostage situation. Police training Martial Mind DVD Deals with fear, increasing speed & power, the martial way, meditation Bunkai Sampler 1&2 double DVD Bunkai Sampler 4&5 double DVD No1: The truth about blocks, covers many of the Heian Kata. No2: More background with examples from Unsu, Gankaku etc. No4:The Ura (secret) bunkai to Tekki (Naihanshi), Meikyo and others. No5: Covers Flinch reflex, bunkai from Heians, Empi etc Thigh Pad x1 Thigh pads are essential for realistic training! Thigh Pads (pair) Buying a set will save you and your partner precious time Please add postage cost for postal/cheque orders only Total UK Payment: by credit card or PayPal account on our secure online shop at $3 4 USA Address: Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do, 819 Marlowe Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ info@kissaki-kai.com USA Payment: by check (payable to Kissaki Kai) or by credit card or PayPal account on our secure online shop at If not specified, we will send you a DVD. Please let us know if you wish to receive PAL or NTSC format, or a VHS tape instead. Due to the exchange rate $ prices have been adjusted and non prices at the online shop may vary slightly in line with currency fluctuations. Your Address: