Iaido

Iaido 

to be in the present moment

do one thing at a time 

Reference to the Hips- engine area of the body

 Reference to the Hips- engine area of the body

Shotokan : -exaggerate the hips

-learn big movement first

-exaggerated hip movements are influenced and exercised due to hanmi posture.

-learn small movement with training

- should learn to contain hips by not showing so much movement but still have the same power if not more.

-You develop efficiency and better timing when hips and transitioning movements work together

Goju: -contain the hips

-small movement

-due to shomen posture for mostly all the goju techniques, the exaggerated hip movements are not exercised.

-hips are not stressed except for when gripping or contracting in your stances.

Cross training- do Shotokan and your goju will look different, and vise versa.

Be able to switch between the two to where nobody can distinguish your major/minor. If the big (engine) contains the small, and the small contains the big, you will learn to use the hips in a different way, and should realize that they are one in the same.

Explanation: Coming from a Shotokan major, going into Goju I had to learn to contain my hips from exaggerated movements. I desired to be able to look Goju when I'm doing goju and look Shotokan when doing Shotokan.

The more I trained myself not to show too much hips in Goju, and began to learn to contain the big in the small, I realized that I could get the same power if not more in a much more efficient time. 

It also made my Goju look different and made me much faster because I understand and know how to exercise the hip principles, even though they are not stressed in this particular style. And again, practicing Goju made my Shotokan look different and feel different because I learned to contain the big in the small. 

Between transitions also referring to contraction and expansion), I began to develop speed, power, timing, quickness and explosiveness.

TY 8/5/12

Karate and Pressure Points

With the knowledge of pressure points, one can strike these targets and use it as self defense. The human skull and face are very sensitive areas, along with the neck, torso and arms. 

 Starting with the head and the face, a strike to the head can lead to lose consciousness, severe headaches, immobility in the arms and legs, vomiting, lose of bowel control, and even a concussion which is very dangerous.  Hitting to the face, for example the nose, leads to uncontrolled nasal leakage, severe shock, double vision and semi-permanent to permanent vision problems. 

It can cause permanent deformity and broken bones. Common broken bones in the face include, the jaw and the nose. One can perform these strikes by striking the top of the head with a hammer fist and (empi) elbow strike. In the temple, the strikes that can be used are empi uraken, tettsui, shuto, haito. Strike towards the ears include, haishu, and tettsui. Strikes to the nose with, uraken, haito and, empi are used. Striking can also be done under the nose with teisha, hiraken, nake dakaka. Last but not least, the jaw with siken, uraken, kakuto and empi. 

 Moving on with the neck, the neck contains an important artery called the carotid artery. If the carotid artery gets damage, it can cause trauma to the body. 

This artery wont get damaged with a simple touch but with a blunt force. Striking the carotid artery can restrict blood flow to the brain, and lead to neurological injuries. Bleeding from the brain is also a possibility when striking the neck. Some of these strikes include, shut, tettsui, wan, emmpi and can are used when striking towards the carotid artery. Empi, shuto, and kakuto are used for the back of the neck. Empi, tettsui, and wan for the side of the neck. For the throat, ippanken, nakadak ken, and kakuto are used. 

 Another target is the torso. Direct hits to the torso down the center leads to trauma of the central nervous system. It puts the heart in shock temporarily and immobilizes the body due to lack of breath. A strike to the torso also increases blood pressure and causes irregular heart beats. Blurred vision, nausea, lack of motor function and uncontrolled bowels are also some of the after side effects when striking the torso. 

Seiryuto, tettsui, and empi strikes are used for the collar bone. Strikes such as seiryuto, teisho, wan, and hiraken can be used when striking the shoulder seam. For the sternum point, seiken, tettsui, and empi are used. Seiken, tettsui and empi, are used for the solar plexus. Ippon ken, nakkadaka ka, kakuto, and empi for the kidneys. Siken, maigeri for the stomach. Seiken, and maigeri for the bladder and mei geri and kakuto for the hip seam. 

 Last but not least, the arms. The arm contains a nerve called the triple warmer which is located in the triceps, two fingers above the elbow joint. One of the advantages of recognizing this pressure point is that it can be used for joint manipulation. There is also another pressure point located on top of the forearm and on the wrist. If done correctly, one can control the other person's movement. 

Strikes towards the biceps that are used are, seiryuto, empi, tettsui, and wan. For the triceps, seiken, empi, and wan. Strikes towards the deltoids include, empi, seiken, and haito. Brachioradialis strikes include, nakadak ka, wan, seiryuto. Strikes for the back of elbow are, ippon kei, and seiken and for the hand, strikes are, ippon ken, nakadaka ka and seika.

Hermen Orosco

Striking Crane

Spirt First - Technique Second

 Spirit first technique second 

in between both is  distance and timing 

one cannot exist without the other

Kime to Zanshin

 When the punch or block goes out and your intentions of mind and technique becomes Kime (focus of mind and focus of technique). 

Allow your mind and technique to become Zanchin, (Lingering mind and technique). Allow the next physical technique and mind of technique to transition back and forth from Kime to Zanshin and with the next technique Zanshin to Kime. 

Do not hold on to either for to long, because you will miss the next one.

Ten No Kata

  

It is still a manner of debate whether Funakoshi himself or if his third son,Gigo Funakoshi,developed Ten No Kata. Ten refers to “sky” or “universe” therefore Ten No Kata is generally referred to by either “Kata of Heaven” or “Kata of the Universe”. 

It was developed to help improve a karate ka’s basic technique or kihon,since it is the goal of karate ka to perfect their basic technique. At least,that’s what I believe. Ten No Kata can be practiced in a small space by anyone of any level of martial arts training,making it an excellent exercise to do everyday because it is so easy. 

Ten No Kata is broken into two parts,Omote and Ura. Omote can start from Heikō dachi or from Heikō dachi with Naiwan Kakiwake Uke.  You will always strike with your right hand first,after that you do the same on your left.  All technique on your left side end with Kiai. This applies to all twenty moves. 

In Ten No Kata Ura you will need a partner, because Ura isn’t really kata, it’s just one step kumite. Your opponent starts with Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai and attacks with three sets of Chudan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to middle of the body) and also three sets of Jodan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to the head). 

He does this for both sides and the defender must apply the appropriate block and counter techniques from Ten No Kata. 

                         List of Techniques 

Remember,all strikes begin with the right hand. So if you want to do Gyaku Zuki,your left foot should be out. It is also important to remember to render courtesy even when practicing by yourself. 

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Oi Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Oi Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai, Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Uchi Uke, Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi.  Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step back into Kōkutsu Dachi Shuto Uke, then switch I into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Nukite,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step back into Kokutsu Dachi Jodan Shuto Uke, then switch into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Uke Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai. 

Step back into Sochin Dachi Jodan Soto Uke,the switch to Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side. 

Ryan Chapman, 

San Kyu

Jojutsu

"maruki o motte suigetsu o shire”

 “take a round stick, and find the solar plexus”

Shingi ichinyo Spirit and technique are one

Preparation is having the right intent behind the technique
Transition is the physical technique
Execution is having a strong spirit inside the technique

1/23/19/jrg/©

Shin gi tai Spirit Technique Body

Be full of Spirit
Have a polished technique
Have a fit body
Most important have the right spirit

Spirit of Compassion
Spirit of Protection
Spirit of Justice
Spirit of Humility
Spirit of Serving
Spirit of Teaching
Spirit of Humanity
Spirit of God
Spirit of Grace
Spirit of Prayer

1/25/19/Jrg/©

Ten No Kata - Kata of Heaven

Ten No Kata (Kata of Heaven)

It is still a manner of debate whether Funakoshi himself or if his third son,Gigo Funakoshi,developed Ten No Kata. Ten refers to “sky” or “universe” therefore Ten No Kata isgenerally referred to by either “Kata of Heaven” or “Kata ofthe Universe”.

It was developed to help improve a karateka’s basic technique or kihon,since it is the goal of karateka to perfect their basic technique. At least,that’s what I believe. Ten No Kata can be practiced in a small space byanyone of any level of martial arts training,making it anexcellent exercise to do everyday because it is so easy.

Ten No Kata is broken into two parts,Omote and Ura. Omote can start from Heikō dachi or from Heikō dachi with Naiwan Kakiwake Uke. You will always strike with yourright hand first,after that  you do the same on your left. All technique on your left side end with Kiai. This applies to all twenty moves.

In Ten No Kata Ura you will need a partner, because Ura isn’t really kata, it’s just one step kumite. Your opponent starts with Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai and attacks with three sets of Chudan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to middle of thebody) and also three sets of Jodan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to the head). He does this for both sides and the defender must apply the appropriate block and counter techniques from Ten No Kata.

List of Techniques
Remember,all strikes begin with the right hand. So if you want to do Gyaku Zuki,your left foot should be out. It is also important to remember to render courtesy even when practicing by yourself.

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Oi Zuki,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Oi Zuki,and Yoi.

Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and

Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai, Chudan

Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Uchi Uke, Chudan Gyaku

Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Kōkutsu Dachi Shuto Uke, then switch I

into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Nukite,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Kokutsu Dachi Jodan Shuto Uke, then
switch into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Uke Chudan Gyaku

Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Sochin Dachi Jodan Soto Uke,the switch to

Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on
your left side.

Ryan Chapman
San Kyu

Aikido Center Line

Friday Night Aikido 

In an instant two separate center lines.
In an instant only one has the center line.

In an instant the other does not have the center line. 

jrg11/2/18©

The Spirit & Essence of Traditional Karate-Do

The Spirit and Essence of Traditional Karate-Do

The thin line between trying to do a perfect technique and our own imperfections. 

jrg/05/27/17©

Kumite and the Sprit of Shotokan Karate Do

Kumite and The Spirit Shotokan Karate Do

After an intensive training session. Find an equally or higher skilled partner to test your skill and understanding of kumite principles and use kumite techniques.

 jrg/05/27/17©

Every Breath Counts

In your daily life
every breath counts

In your daily karate training
every breath counts

When you pray
When you meditate
every breath counts

When you move
When you sit and be still
every breath counts

When there is breath
the technique comes from
A spiritual place
This is Budo

jrg/02/02/17©

Using the preparation for down block in each of the Heian Katas

The preparation for down block gedanbarai  can be found in each of the Heian Katas. Here is a basic  application using the preparation for down block as the primary blocking technique in each of the Heian katas.

 

 Click the link for video⤵

https://youtu.be/V8M_vD84WqE

Dojo Kata is not competition Kata

There are many people who started their karate training in the last 5 to 8 years who only know competition sport karate. These sport karate competitors have only been taught sport karate style katas. Very fast movement, long drawn out pauses. Robotic transitions and not showing any fight or bunki in the kata. When they see a kata not done in this (sport competition) manner they think there is something wrong with the way the kata was performed.  It's simply doing Kata in the Dojo.
                                     jrg,ccdk,6/17

Understanding Kata

The study, understanding and use   of Kata application when applying to self-defense.

Think of Kata as a coded physical language that has to be translated to be completely understood. As in all languages there are many dialects and accents.

                                     jrg,ccdk,6/16

Kata and Self Defense

Think of Kata as self-defense against one or two opponents Think of each individual movement of kata as a singular fighting technique, that may draw from the previous movement or help set up the next movement.
Know that techniques change principles do not change

                                jrg,ccdk 6/16

Budo

Budo:
A discipline that integrates Practical Technique of Combat (bu)
Mental Alertness and a
Spiritual Presenceas a way of life jrg11/12/16©

The effects of striking to pressure points

Using hammer fist from the kata sifa to strike the top of the head causes the brain to suddenly and violently slam against the interior bony structure of the skull. The result of such a blow causes dizziness and possibly blackout.  When this trauma occurs, the brain simply cannot maintain its normal functioning and shuts down causing unconsciousness or partially shuts down causing a feeling of being dazed, until cellular functioning can recover. "Mild brain injury" refers to the extent of loss of consciousness 30 minutes or less and length of amnesia 24 hours or less, not to the functional effects.

Using the thrust punch from heian shodan to strike the solar plexus. Striking the solar plexus can have a varied effect, but basically the most common effect of a well-placed solar plexus strike is a muscle spasm of the diaphragm. This causes the reaction of the person not being able to "catch their breath" or breathe deeply. Other residual effects include items such as damage to the ribs at the base of the sternum; possible heart bruising. A blow to this region can also affect the celiac plexus itself, possibly interfering with the functioning of the viscera, as well as causing great pain perceived to come from the viscera (as the viscera nerves run through this plexus). It carries pain “messages” from the pancreas, liver, kidney, gall bladder, spleen and bowels. It may also temporarily halt visceral functioning.

Using the front kick from gekki sai ich to strike the lower stomach can cause damage to muscle, tendons, ligaments, and genitals. Hernias from muscle tears and weakening. Also striking the lower abdominal can cause some one o urinate on themselves. Your insides are literally being forced backward, into an unnatural position. In addition, they are relatively sensitive and the nerves in your torso tell your brain that you are in pain. Next, the force of the punch is forcing your diaphragm to expel air; hence the term "knocking the wind out of someone." This causes you to gasp for air, making it difficult to breathe. Oh, and let's not forget about your inflexed muscles. They feel the brunt of the guy's fist too, causing even more pain.

Using the foot sweep from Gekisai ich  to attack the legs can cause the person the become unbalanced and lose their footing which will leave them open for other attacks. Such as takedowns various hand strikes to the head nd body and aiki jistu controlling techniques.

Andrew James Moreno, Sensei CCDK

Recourses used

The Karate Dojo by Peter Urban

My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoushi

Conversations and training

Dr. Balfour Wright, Hanshi

Ricado Johns Sr, Hanshi

Jeff Ghee, Shihan