I joined Hakkoryu as soon as I bought a bicycle to make the trip. The honbu dojo was everything I imagined. It is hidden in suburbia, on the ground floor of the three storey home of the Soke sensei (Grandmaster). An inscription in stone informs you that you have found the dojo. The entrance is surrounded in a bonsai tree and stone garden, a passion of the Soke. Inside is a shiatsu clinic, staircase leading to the upstairs home, storage areas and of course, the dojo itself. The dojo is not large, a comfortable cosy size of approximately 50 tatami mats, ideal for 6 pairs of training partners. Swords, a shrine, drum, small statues, and numerous scrolls and artifacts from overseas adorn the walls and shomen. The Hakkoryu curriculum is displayed unpretentiously on the walls, but the names of the techniques do not disclose any of Hakkoryu`s closely guarded `secrets`. This dojo feels like the real deal.

Hakkoryu is not a secret society, but they will not accept just anyone as a student. Researchers from other jujutsu styles are frowned upon. Many shihan have been expelled for either mixing the style with outside techniques or for not conducting themselves within the expected behaviour codes. Shihan have a written set of regulations that they must abide by. Hakkoryu is not a democracy. The Soke has the power to expel anyone that displays less than the finest character.

Hakkoryu does not sell instructional books or DVDs, except for the texts available to students only. These texts are only useful as a reminder of the syllabus. They are not designed to teach the techniques. Hakkoryu strongly believes that the techniques can only be understood when felt, not when demonstrated or explained. I have to agree.

Hakkoryu believes that the style is a complete set of philosophy and technique that complement each other. The motto of Hakkoryu is:

挑まず、逆らわず、傷つけず。

This is not easy to translate, but to make a rough attempt:

Don’t challenge, don’t oppose, don’t injure.

It makes sense. If you don’t challenge or oppose someone who challenges you, many conflicts can be avoided. If you can defend yourself without hurting your attacker, you should avoid legal issues as well as revenge attacks by the attacker or friends or family. Defending yourself using violence is a beginners approach. There are never any winners when violence has to be employed. Defending yourself without resorting to using violence is a noble and ideal approach – if you have the skills to pull it off. Few systems teach the tools to be able to do this, and those that do teach non-violent defensive techniques often lack the realism in training to be able to perform the techniques under pressure. This is one of the many appeals of Hakkoryu.

For the above reasons, Hakkoryu does not support combat sports or competition of any kind. Hakkoryu does not teach attacking techniques, it claims to be a pure form of self-defence. You will never study a kick, punch, choke or any other move that may cause permanent harm to an attacker. While perhaps not my personal opinion, Hakkoryu believes that combat sports, and teaching students techniques that attempt to hurt another, breeds the potential for violence.

So what can you do in Hakkoryu? This is a little hard to explain, and keep in mind that I am no expert. Of course jujutsu uses locks, but Hakkoryu does not focus on submissions. Hakkoryu incorporates pressure point striking techniques, but these are never intent on injuring or disabling the attacker. The techniques revolve around breaking the balance of an attacker, then often either controlling with lock flows and arresting him, or throwing him. Hakkoryu shares this commonality with many other jujutsu styles. So what make it so special?

To be continued…

Anatomical manipulations

I `borrowed` this topic from Ozbudo, one of Australia`s best martial art forums. I was particularly impressed that the thread avoided using the phrase `pressure points` as I find this term quite limiting and often inaccurate. This is a topic that I have been very interested in lately. My studies of Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu and the Bubishi, Hakkoryu jujutsu and most recently Eastern medicine has opened up my eyes to a new dimension in the martial arts. This is probably old news to everyone else, but as it is a new discovery to me, I thought I should post it.

http://www.ozbudo.com/

First of all, I should state that I believe all martial art techniques to be anatomical manipulations. Whether seizing or hitting, we attempt to make the most effective use of our own bodies against our opponent`s body. The more different martial arts I study, and the more I learn, the more this great truth becomes evident. As we are all human, our bodies are constructed with the same components. When this is realised, styles lose importance and principles form the essence of learning.

Many books have been written on this topic, but to keep this short, I will focus on the use of manipulation of meridian channels with just two karate blocks, shuto-uke and kake uke. I must be frank and admit that for a long time I only saw these `blocks` as a way of defending against a strike. Now I realise there is much more. These two blocks could be considered almost enough to defend yourself in a confrontation!

Before understanding how to use these blocks to control an attacker, it is necessary to have a basic comprehension of meridian channels. As far as I am aware so far, there are 14 meridian channels that run throughout the body. Each has an associated body function. Much eastern medicine, such as shiatsu is based on manipulation of these meridians. Jujutsu is a dichotomy composed of satsu (killing) and katsu (life) techniques, both of which use the same anatomical principles. Six meridian channels run along the arms, the large intestine, small intestine, triple heater, lung, heart and pericardium meridians. Hakkoryu jujutsu uses its signature technique, gakun to manipulate these channels. It just happens that shuto-uke and kake-uke do an excellent job of mimicking gakun, once you know how to use it.

I think there is a general impression that pressure points are to be hit or squeezed. However, these blocks `cut` along the meridian channel using the edge of the finger. Shuto-uke works best when the fingers are spread wide. This creates the perfect angle for striking both the large intestine and lung channels when attacked by a hooking punch or any outside hand attack. It is easy to continue this motion to hook the wrist with a 3 finger grip, extending the pointer finger. A quick twist of the waist will control the lung channel and elbow of the attacker enabling the defender to quickly take them to the ground.

As with most karate blocks, kake-uke is comprised of two actions: raising the left hand vertically along the centreline of the body then hooking with the right (or vice versa). The left hand may be deflecting a strike or seize, or breaking the grip if the wrist has been seized. This motion is used to break the balance (kuzushi) of the attacker, setting them up for an attack to the small or large intestine meridians (depending on which hand the attacker used). Cutting down with the 3 finger grips enables the defender to control the attacker all the way to the ground.

I am yet to test these techniques against a crazed attacker high on crystal meth, but so far, I have been very impressed with my own experimentation with these techniques against karate, judo and MMA opponents. Importantly I feel that the next level of martial art knowledge has been opened to me and I am excited about learning much more about the human body. I would be very interested to know if anyone else uses the same or similar applications for these blocks? I understand this is explanation is difficult to follow, it is very difficult to explain or even show these movements – youtube will not suffice. These must be felt to understand.



Judo

My son and I started judo at the Shidokan on Saturday! It has been something I have been looking forward since moving to Japan in June last year. I visited the dojo shortly after arriving in Japan, but as my son was only two and a half he was too young to start. The minimum age is 4, but the sensei agreed to allow my son to start at 3 if I trained with him. He turned 3 two weeks ago, so we went to watch a class last week. My son said he wanted to do it, so we tried a lesson on Saturday.



First judo lesson



It was a long day. On Saturday morning we went to my son`s swimming lesson. After that we had a bite to eat then went to Judo at 3pm for the 1.5 hour kids class. My son didn`t make it to the end. He actually fell asleep on the back of the bike on the way to the dojo. He gave it a good go, got through the warm up conditioning exercises, did a bit of newaza (with me, too shy to wrestle the other kids), but was more interested in gulping water and leg kicking me in the last third of the class, so we left after an hour. Next week we will not have swimming so he might do better.

In the evening I returned to the dojo for the adult class. Everyone looked at me rather curiously. A couple of assistant instructors assessed me while I was sitting seiza and approached me with `you have been training judo for many years, haven’t you?`. All the sensei asked me was `you know ukemi, right?` and `what is your favourite throw?`. I told him I could do ukemi, which he was pleased about, but when I said that I don’t have a favourite throw he looked a little bewildered. I told him I have not done much judo and that if I have a strength it may be my newaza. He later indicated that this meant that he expected me to have `perfect` groundwork.

We did a few minutes of warm ups by ourselves before the class started, then without ceremony (including bowing in) we got straight into uchikomi and nagekomi (partner training with throws). I exchanged throws with a blackbelt of a similar size to me for half an hour. I was already knackered by this stage. Then we moved onto randori (judo sparring) – for a solid hour! I was exhausted, but invigorated and am still feeling the tight muscles two days later.

This was fun, but as I am not interested in sport judo, but rather wish to improve my basics, combinations, counters, newaza and kata as well, I quizzed the sensei afterwards on whether we would learn these. He assured me that I would learn them, but the classes focus on randori. He then gave me some good tips on my technique, and encouraged me by telling me that I was strong and would soon obtain a Kodokan black belt. I didn’t tell him that I am already graded to brown belt (1^st kyu) as the standards are different in Japan and I have not trained judo for a while.

Father and son

I believe judo is an ideal martial art for children, which is why I am encouraging my son to train. Judo was planned with amazing foresight and initiative. The system teaches good balance and standing and ground skills. Judo develops a great delivery system before actually teaching the more devastating techniques, such as striking and locks, which are only introduced in the dan grades. This gives students the opportunity to develop their character before learning how to hurt people too badly. It is relatively safe and provides students with a reasonably gentle manner to fend off attackers. In fact the throws are designed to plant students on their backs, so as not to injure. Judo also provides a great platform for learning other martial arts. Most judo clubs use training methods that are `better` than most karate clubs. (I will explain that statement later if you wish).

We will only be training on Saturdays, but I am looking forward to next week.

http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/higasio-miya_nakuradou/terasawadoujou5.html

Shidokan

Goal achieved!

As mentioned in a previous blog, one of my goals for the past 5 years or so has been to achieve a total of 10 (degrees) of black belts. I am pleased to say that I have now reached my goal!

Despite that fact that I only just got my 3^rd dan, I have completed the syllabus for Hakkoryu up to 4^th dan and this was awarded to me last night. For those who are still wondering why I have managed to grade so quickly, please remember that:

a)    Hakkoryu grades have their own standard and are based on mastery of a set of  approximately 20 techniques only;

b)    I am training one on one with some very good instructors five days a week at the Honbu; and

c)     Over a quarter century of training gives a handy foundation.

 

Of course, this means little to anyone except me, but now I have the following dan grades:

4^th dan Hakkoryu Jujutsu (graded by Okuyama Soke at Honbu);

http://www.hakkoryu.com/

4^th dan Arjukanpo Budo (graded by Vince Palumbo of ICMA and Brian Dossett of Combat Spirit International);

http://www.fighttimes.com/magazine/magazine.asp?authorid=172

1^st dan Doce Pares Pangamot (graded by Vince Palumbo of ICMA and SGM Cacoy Canete of Doce Pares); and

http://www.doceparesinternational.com/

1^st dan Shito-ryu karate (graded by John Boswell and Sadaharu Fujimoto of Shobukai Shitoryu).

http://www.shoubukai.com/top.html

Incidentally it is only recently that I feel confident that I am a black belt holder, rather than just owning a black belt. I now feel that I have reached an all-round level of competence that I feel proud of. I feel that my weaknesses in striking, clinch fighting and ground fighting have now been diminished to an `acceptable` level. I now feel that I have a solid foundation on which to build and specialise in a specific area or areas of my choice, rather than always have to balance training in all those ranges. My focus should now be on building skill and deeper understanding rather than achieving grades.

However, I still have some unfinished business before establishing a dojo in Australia. I am one belt short of obtaining my shodan in Judo and have not yet been graded in Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu.

I visited a judo club, the Shidokan, with my son this afternoon. We will be returning next Saturday for a trial lesson. The Shidokan is owned by 7^th dan Kodokan Judo instructor Yasuo Terasawa, who is also a bone-setter (physiotherapist). I plan to train with my 3 year old son in the kids class on Saturday afternoons, then return in the evenings for the adult class. It would be wonderful to receive my shodan in Judo in Japan, but I have no intent to compete at this stage of my life and in Japan I have heard it is almost impossible to grade without competing. At least I can continue to develop or maintain my Judo from Australia, and grade sometime after my return.

http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/higasio-miya_nakuradou/terasawadoujou5.html

As for Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu (a modern martial art based on intensive research into classical Okinawan martial art training methods), I have been leading a very small study group at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo three afternoons a week. As I do not have an experienced training buddy, it is difficult to continue to develop my own skills, but this is helping me keep the drills fresh in my mind and allowing me to experiment a little. I look forward to an opportunity in the near future to test for my black belt in this system as I have now been training in this for several years and feel quite comfortable with much of the syllabus.

http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/index1.html

This might sound strange coming from someone who has not run a club for 15 years, but my main goal in the martial arts is not to be the best martial artist, but rather the best martial arts instructor I can be. Once I have achieved the two goals listed above, it will be time to focus on this last stage. I am very excited about the prospect of teaching all I have learned and thank those who have contacted me to ask when I will be teaching in Australia next.

So… one goal achieved, many more to come. No rest for the addicted!

Self defence

There seems to be a lot of debate regarding the distinction between self-defence and martial arts. Many people think they are the same thing. Today I would like to introduce my approach to self-defence.

I like to take a broad approach to self-defence. Limiting self-defence principles to violent conflict neglects some of the most prevalent dangers to our lives and welfare. Depending on geographical, occupational and various other factors, the average person may probably only have to physically defend themselves against violent encounter a couple of times, if ever. More prevalent dangers include traffic incidents, disease and recently natural disasters. Therefore any self-defence program should involve the topics of awareness, diet, healthy lifestyle, alcohol and drug usage, swimming lessons (for children), first aid and disaster preparation.

From a violent conflict perspective, I advocate the following steps:

1.  Avoid danger

2.  Escape danger

3.  Fight your way out of danger.

Avoiding danger is the first and most important stage, yet probably the most neglected in martial art classes. Awareness and a common sense approach are required. Surprise is the single most decisive element in any conflict. The counter to surprise is awareness.

Simple rules include not walking alone in rough neighbourhoods, exercising caution in parks and car parking areas, not getting intoxicated in public, avoiding intoxicated people, etc. The Cooper colour codes are a universally accepted approach to awareness.
http://www.selfdefenseresource.com/general/articles/awareness-color-codes.php

Hakkoryu jujutsu summarises an effective process of avoiding succinctly: don’t challenge, don’t oppose, don’t injure. Following these simple rules will remove the grounds for most testosterone-based conflicts. A genuine, warm smile should be the first line of defence. Being considerate towards others is not only good practise for all human relations and success in life, it will prevent the cause for conflict. I suggest spending some time considering the root causes of most conflict and making a conscious effort to avoid those causes.

Escaping danger can be broadly divided in to two categories: running and negotiating. This stage represents the interview stage for both the attacker and defender. If an attacker has a pure intention to harm, he is unlikely to spend any or much time in this stage, but will rather employ a surprise attack. My suggestion in this stage is to control your ego. If the opportunity arises – or can be created – run. If this is not possible, try to talk your way out of the situation. While negotiating, try to appear passive and cooperative, but continually assess whether it is likely that you will be successful at negotiating your way out. If you believe a conflict is not likely to be avoided, I advocate taking the initiative and moving into the final stage before the attacker does.

Depending on the circumstances, your confidence in your ability to handle the situation etc, I suggest pre-emptive strike if a conflict is unavoidable. The first strike to land will generally decide the outcome of an encounter. This is the stage in which most martial art training is concerned with. Advanced martial artists may still be able to avoid violence, but I take a cautious approach. I want to escape before I am caught by surprise by weapons or ambushed by other attackers. My approach once I have determined that I must fight is: knock out, choke out or get out. This approach will not suit everyone, but I don’t want to take chances with my life and welfare.

The primary goal of self-defence is avoidance of danger, closely followed by escaping danger. The goal of combat sports is to defeat the opponent. The goal of martial arts is a fulfilling and positive life. These three arenas have a great deal of overlap, but are essentially different entities and should be considered as such.

Which are you training for?

Hakkoryu grading

Good news, I got my 3^rd degree black belt in Hakkoryu jujutsu last night. I think some of my contemporaries in Australia are wondering how I have been able to climb the ladder so quickly. I will take this opportunity to explain the grading system as it is quite different from most contemporary martial arts.

There are only four black belts grades, and no coloured belts or kyu grades in Hakkoryu. The only exception is the Soke sensei (grandmaster), who holds a fifth dan. After obtaining your fourth dan, it is possible to test for shihan (master) status. There are three levels of shihan, and all wear a purple, not black, belt. Purple is the colour of the emperor, and although the connections are not clear to me, Hakkoryu jujutsu and its counterpart Koho Shiatsu have connections to Japanese royalty.

Each grade has its own syllabus of approximately 20 techniques, and the grading system ensures that Hakkoryu practitioners learn these in the optimal order. Each technique represents a principle rather than just a single movement and therefore has infinite variations. Regardless of whether it takes weeks or years, once a student has `mastered` the entire syllabus and can demonstrate an ability to apply the principles within the technique they are ready to grade.

One shihan at the honbu (headquarters) obtained got his purple belt in half a year, but it usually takes several years, especially for students not training at the honbu. That shihan had a long history of training in Aikido, which fast-tracked his progress. I am hoping that my own martial art background will enable me to achieve the same goal within one year. This would give me at least a further six months of training in the shihan levels before returning to Australia. As mentioned below, important teachings are only revealed to shihan.

Students are taught a maximum of only three techniques in each lesson. Once they have practiced these techniques to a certain level of competency, they can learn the next three. While practicing each new technique it is important to review all other techniques learned before it and applying the newly learned principles to other techniques. As mentioned above the order of the syllabus is paramount and provides a great foundation. For example, shodan focuses on (amongst other things) posture, balance and datsuryoku (see blog Hakkoryu 3). Each grade has a theme. Students are not allowed to even view techniques above their grade, as it is considered essential that the student focuses on obtaining a strong foundation and it gives the instructors a chance to test the character of the student before revealing the hidden learnings. Each grade adds to what is learned before it in a highly structured and systematic layered approach.

All learning and practice is conducted one-on-one with a shihan. Each shihan will introduce different variations to the basic technique and will provide different levels of resistance. In any training session, you may train with up to four or five shihan, which can be confusing when each has a different approach, but allows great depth of learning.

The black belt grading tests are relatively easy. You need to demonstrate six perfectly executed techniques, three from a seated position and three standing. The grading itself might take just 15 minutes. You will not be allowed to grade if you are not ready, so most of the grading requirements are observed during regular training.

The shihan test is different. I am yet to experience it, but the grading is held over four or five days. Candidates live at the honbu with the Soke sensei and train several sessions per day learning the finer technical points and demonstrating their ability and character. It is also necessary to learn and commit to a strict set of rules, which I am currently translating into English. I will report more on the shihan test when I have first-hand knowledge.

The grading tests are not cheap. Black belt tests cost several hundred dollars, while shihan candidates will pay several thousand dollars. Successful candidates are then awarded the title of shihan, a makimono (scroll), certificates in English and Japanese permitting them to teach Hakkoryu and use the patented name, a montsuki kimono (Japanese formal dress), hakama (pleated split pants worn over a kimono or gi) and embroidered belt. Importantly, it is when you achieve shihan status that you are admitted to learn the hidden techniques, or secrets of Hakkoryu and are able to train directly with the Soke sensei.

Currently I am debating whether or not the investment into grading for shihan is financially viable, as the same money could set up a dojo or pay for my family to move back to Australia. I will keep you posted on this one, but I have fallen in love with Hakkoryu and am prepared to make sacrifices to learn the entire system.

Balance and sacrifice – to quit or not to quit?

I believe that the key to happiness is balance in all things. Health/fitness and welfare, work, family and human relationships, and personal goals and dreams are all important. If any of these things are neglected, it is difficult to be satisfied with life. These areas all require an investment in time. Time is a finite resource and must be allocated carefully. There is an opportunity cost involved with devoting time to training, and this must be considered to achieve a fulfilling life. An hour spent training may be well spent on developing the areas on health/fitness and welfare, and personal dreams and goals, but that area has been sacrificed from other areas such as family, work etc. Where do you draw the line?

Professional instructors are in the enviable and unique position of being able to invest in all these areas simultaneously if training with their family and friends, but martial artists able to make a living purely from their passion are few and far between. (Personally while I would love to work in the martial arts full time, I also like maintaining separation between my career and my martial arts.

Lately I have been spending a lot of time training, as I want to make the most of my time in Japan. In a perfect week I train four evenings, three or four lunchtimes and one morning per week. This obviously has an impact on my work and family. Of more concern than the impact on work is the pressure on my family life. My wife is very supportive, but would like me home more often, especially since my four hours of travelling to and from work every day means that I am rarely home. My son does not complain, but misses me. I have been reassessing my routine.

While in Japan, I really want to focus on what I cannot learn in South Australia. In particular, this means traditional jujutsu. I can do judo, MMA, BJJ and karate in Australia. Therefore I am considering taking a break from Purebred (Japanese MMA - Shooto and BJJ). I love these Purebred sessions, as they are very physical and are a great testing arena for techniques learnt elsewhere. Purebred is one of the pioneer clubs of MMA in the world and in particular Japan. There is great camaraderie, and a feel like I finish each session on a high. The closeness to reality in training and ability to mix it with professional fighters leads to great confidence in my own ability. I don’t want to quit, but to be honest I have been attending Purebred less and less often, due to the distance from home and the training times being a bit tough to make. Often I have been skipping Purebred for Hakkoryu, as it is closer, easier training, and I am closer to achieving my next belt.

I promised my son that he could start judo when he turns three. That is happening next week. I would love to train with him and judo would provide more motivation to train as I am much closer to achieving a black belt in judo than in BJJ (I am a brown belt in judo, blue belt in BJJ). Also judo is a very Japanese pursuit and well worth training in Japan. Judo will also give me the workout that I will miss if I quit Purebred. Therefore I think I will swap MMA for judo for a while.

Any advice??