Hakkoryu 3

What attracts me so much to Hakkoryu is the absolute lack of physical strength that is required. If you can stand/sit up straight and have enough upper body strength raise your arm, then you can apply Hakkoryu techniques. This means that anyone can apply this system effectively. The elderly, disabled, children and women can all be as effective as the muscle bound gym junkie. It is also ideal for police and security workers. The lack of attacking techniques, and its effectiveness in controlling attackers make it a moral, legal and safe choice.

脱力

An important concept in Hakkoryu is datsuryoku, written in Japanese above. Datsu (or nugu) means to remove or to take away. Ryoku (or chikara) means power. Therefore, datsuryoku refers to the power of removing all muscular strength. In fact, using muscular strength actually compromises the biomechanics of the body. This makes the techniques much less effective and also leaves you vulnerable to counters. I couldn’t comprehend this at first, and it is still a concept I struggle with. Whenever a technique does not work for me I tend to try to force it. Usually the reason the technique did not work in the first place is because I wasn’t completely relaxed when applying it. Therefore attempting to power through the technique makes it more ineffective.

The power of Hakkoryu techniques rely on basic physiology, physics and biomechanics. Eastern medical concepts from shiatsu form the basis for many techniques. All techniques follow the same basic principles: perfect posture, connectivity of the joints, breaking balance, datsuryoku and a few `secrets` I will not divulge in today`s blog. The techniques appear mystical, even magical in their effectiveness, but the principles are all very scientific.

Other jujutsu styles I have trained in also use the same principles, but Hakkoryu seems to take these to another level. In judo, BJJ and other Japanese (and Filipino) jujutsu systems I have trained all claim not to need muscular strength, but I am yet to see anyone apply these techniques as softly yet as effectively as a Hakkoryu shihan (teacher).

The techniques themselves probably most closely resemble aikido moves, as the two systems have a similar history. Both Okuyama Ryuho Shodai Soke Sensei (the founder of Hakkoryu) and Ueshiba Morihei O Sensei (the founder of Aikido) were senior instructors of Daitoryu Aikijujutsu, the system of arguably Japan`s most influential jujutsu practitioner, Takeda Sokaku. Before his death, many instructors left Daitoryu Aikijujutsu to found their own styles. This was largely because Takeda had grown too old yet his son was too young to head the organisation with authority. Both Okuyama and Ueshiba learned other systems and outgrew Daitoryu.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeda_S%C5%8Dkaku

The biggest differences between Hakkoryu and Aikido probably lie in the teaching format, training methods and movement. Aikido trains with a compliant partner, while in Hakkoryu your partner tries to imitate an attacker more realistically and will resist the technique to varying degrees. Aikido uses flamboyant footwork, whereas Hakkoryu technique should all be able to be applied on `half a tatami mat`. There are many more differences, but these are probably the main ones I hear.

To be continued…

Purebred

Not much of a post, I know, but I just got back from BJJ at Purebred. I have been going less and less recently as I have been focusing on earning my teaching qualifications at Hakkoryu, but... what great fun!!
I miss hitting the mat and doing some good old fashioned rolling.

After the technique class I did half hour of straight rolling with a purple, brown, black, then a white belt. After hardly doing any BJJ over the past 2-3 months I was surprised at how well I went. I only got tapped once (by the brown belt), but I am pretty sure they took it easy on me. Having said that, the only person I tapped was the white belt, but I finished with plenty of juice left in the tank and looking forward to the next session.

Sunday 6th February brings the Saitama prefectural BJJ tournament and the club manager asked me to come along, either as a competitor or specatator. I will opt for the latter, I am certainly in no shape for a competition at the moment.

Anyway, I had loads of fun and even tried some Hakkoryu jujutsu techniques, with varying success. I look forward to going again sometime soon, but have plans on Saturday which is my next Purebred class, so I may have to wait until next Thursday again. Roll on!!!

I am pleased to report that it has been a great week of training. While I have been battling a cold, and therefore reluctant to train at the hard-core Purebred gym this week, I have done three Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu (KU) and four Hakkoryu sessions. Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu is a reproduction of classical Okinawan karate – plus alpha http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com. I will discuss this in more detail in future blogs. Regrettably Saturday marked probably my last training session Jan Spickermann, my KU training partner from Germany, who soon leaves Japan. Thanks Jan, it`s been good fun.

Unfortunately the Omiya Budokan was booked out again, and Jan and I resorted to training outside in the freezing cold. We managed to get through quite a lot of content, practicing the first two stages of uke waza (quadrant drill), all of kansetsu waza (locks) and the standing 2/3rds of shime waza (chokes). This adds up to well over 100 different techniques. KU has a range of drills that catalogue approximately 400 of the techniques a well-rounded martial artist should have been exposed to. These drills are an excellent way to retain a broad library of techniques.

On Friday karate student and large personality Appsy, participated in my embassy KU study group. Appsy is a student of local Goju-ryu karate instructor/historian/researcher/interpreter and good guy Joe Swift. These classes focus on the tegumi and nyumon drills, but also touch upon the auxiliary drills, like the ones mentioned above. My regular training partner enjoyed training with someone new, and I think Appsy enjoyed the session as well. My regular training partner George plans to visit the Mushinkan karate club soon. It would be great to arrange more regular exchange with Mushinkan.

Saturday night and Sunday morning training marked a significant milestone for me. As mentioned in a previous post, I had been having trouble with a certain technique, mune osae dori. I am pleased to say, that with the help of a half dozen shihan, I have managed to figure out my error. I am now confident enough to test for my 3^rd dan in Hakkoryu.

http://shuhari-martialarts.blogspot.com/2011/01/ya-oki-nana-korobi-fall-7-times-get-up.html

Interestingly mune osae dori can be found in the kata Chinte. Many other Hakkoryu techniques can also be found in kata. The first move of Pinan yondan is ayadori, and several can be found in naifanchin shodan. The relationship between jujutsu and karate is becoming much clearer to me and training in these systems is mutually beneficial. I have learned to fight in a much more relaxed fluid state, enabling me to keep up with the young MMA athletes at Purebred, despite advancing age, receding hair and expanding belly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmLQq_q_YMg

For the past couple of weeks, I have been teaching/demonstrating/discussing the similarities between KU/Okinawan karate and jujutsu after Hakkoryu classes. Many of the students and instructors of Hakkoryu have a background in other systems, and those who do not are curious. Hakkoryu frowns upon cross-training, but even the grandmaster`s son has been participating in my mini-lessons.

It wasn’t my intention to teach karate at Hakkoryu. I just want to learn jujutsu. I was honest with the club that I cross-train, and everyone pretty much left it at that, except for one of the young shihan who had been asking me to punch him in the stomach to test his ability to withstand the power. Most of the other shihan would oblige him, but I always declined until a week or two ago. I figured nothing good could come of hitting him, but eventually gave into the pressure. The shihan, doubled a cushion over his stomach and pleaded with me to punch him. I obliged with a half-assed punch, but my relaxed style seemed to intrigue the grandmaster-in-training and the other shihan. Now, as soon as we bow out of a class, I get flooded with karate questions! This has gained me respect within the club and I hope that it may lead to being given permission to teach the two side-by-side in Australia in the future.

Hakkoryu part 2

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…

Hakkoryu jujutsu

八光流柔術

I have been meaning to write about Hakkoryu Jujutsu since I started this blog, but I don`t know how I can do it justice in just a few paragraphs. Therefore, I might have to split this topic into multiple blogs.

If karate was my first love in the martial arts, jujutsu is my true love, long unrequited. Over the years I have dabbled in a few styles of jujutsu, and have graded in Pangamot Filipino jujutsu, judo and Brazilian jujutsu, but had never found the jujutsu I had longed for. There are a few good Japanese jujutsu clubs in my hometown of Adelaide, but none truly captured my heart. I returned from Japan several years ago and intended to join the Hozan Tsutsumi ryu dojo of arguably Adelaide`s most respected jujutsu instructor. Unfortunately, and eerily, on the night I visited he lost his fight against cancer. My brief stints training at interstate jujutsu only whet my appetite, but I was to remain hungry for some time.

So why didn’t I train in jujutsu last time I came to Japan? At that time I asked many people about jujutsu and I kept being referred to BJJ clubs. It seems that no one had heard of Japanese jujutsu in Japan! When I first arrived, I did not have the language skills to find a good club online. Also, at that point in my life, I wanted to train hard. I searched for MMA clubs and at that time after a short stint at the Kyokushin kai honbu (HQ), I elected to train in BJJ and shooto with BJJ president Yuki Nakai and Muay Thai at the local kickboxing gym.

This time, before returning to Japan a few months ago, now armed with the necessary Japanese language skills to research online, I found two appropriate options:

1.    Daitoryu Aikijujutsu, http://www.daito-ryu.org/; and

2.    Hakkoryu Jujutsu http://www.hakkoryu.com/ or http://www.hakkoryu.jp/.

To be honest, my first choice was the more famous Daitoryu. However, the honbu for Daitoryu is in Chiba, while the honbu for Hakkoryu is in Saitama, only a bike ride from my wife`s parent`s home. It is also only a few kilometres from Purebred, the original MMA gym in Japan http://www.purebred.co.jp/. I trusted that it must be fate and my decision was made and has not been regretted. I triangulated the area between Purebred, Hakkoryu HQ and my family residence and found an apartment smack bang in the middle. I moved in three days after arriving in Japan – the real estate agent said it is the quickest move they have ever seen. I saw the townhouse on Friday and moved in on Saturday.

To be continued…

守破離

I have had a couple of rewarding days of training. My main training partner/student from the embassy has improved a great deal. After only a few very short months of irregular training, he has developed his striking skills to quite an impressive level. While I still haven’t mastered Mune osae dori, last night I covered the last techniques in the Hakkoryu 3^rd dan syllabus with the head instructor and was given an indication that I am doing quite well.

守破離

However, today I feel that I should discuss the name-sake of this blog.

Shuhari is not a common term, even in Japan, but many avid martial artists will already be familiar with it. Shuhari is not exclusive to martial arts, originally being used to describe the pursuit within different Japanese cultural arts, such as the tea ceremony. Nowadays (or perhaps just in my circles), Shuhari appears most often in martial art conversations.

Shuhari describes three broad categories of mastery. The concept is that all students will proceed through these stages in this order, but certainly not all students reach the second or third stages. In fact, it would be fair to say that a large proportion of martial artists never progress past the first stage. Certainly in most systems, a shodan black belt would not be expected to have surpassed the first stage, and a black belt grading may actually require the practitioner to be in this stage of learning, as it shows a commitment to the basics and loyalty to the style.

The three stages of learning each are represented by one chinese character (kanji), as follows. Each character has at least two ways, of reading it, depending on the context.

守 Shu (Mamoru)

破 Ha (Yaburu)

離 Ri (Hanareu)

The first character 守 means to protect or obey. In this context, it refers to learning the basics exactly as taught, loyalty to the system, and protecting tradition. This stage of learning could be termed rote learning, the copy-cat stage. While this sounds negative, it is a necessary foundation to any form of learning. We can`t write a novel if we haven’t learned how to spell or string words together. Martial art instructors who tell us that they teach exactly as their teachers taught them have remained in this stage of learning.

破 refers to breaking traditions, researching, exploring, improving on the basics. I think of this as the `Bruce Lee – Jun Fan` stage. In this stage we adapt what we have learned to suit our own individual physiology, personality etc. This is the stage in which we objectively critique what we have learned. The following Matsuo Basho expression advises us not to follow the footsteps of past masters, but rather to seek for what they searched. This explains the second stage of learning well.

師の跡を求めず、師の求めたるところを求めよ

離 is the final stage identified in this progression, but it must be noted that the path is not a one-way street. It is common to take steps forward and backward. It is often said that once reaching `end` you will again find yourself at the beginning, only to know it for the first time. In this stage you will forget technique, and your body should move automatically according to the principles behind the techniques you have accumulated, creating new techniques as you move. Think of past masters Ueshiba Morihei, Kano Jigoro as examples of individuals who may have reached this level of transcendence. To use Bruce Lee again, he may have been considered to have reached this before his death.

Bruce Lee also spoke about this learning process when he said (to paraphrase), that at the beginning a punch is just a punch, a kick just a kick. After studying for some time you realise that there are many ways to kick and punch, but finally you realise that a kick is just a kick and a punch is just a punch.

So, which stage am I at? Good question. I guess it depends on the system, and sometimes on the day! I know that I am aiming for the　final stage! This blog won`t have a proper ending without that!

Further information on Shuhari can be found at the links below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari

http://www.shuhari.com/site/view/27855_ShuharisMeaning.pml

Nana korobi, ya oki – Fall 7 times, get up 8.

I have just spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday completing the 3^rd dan grading syllabus for Hakkoryu Jujutsu (I will discuss Hakkoryu in detail in the near future). I should feel relieved, but instead I am feeling very frustrated with myself. I have the 3^rd dan requirements pretty much down pat, but continually failed to pull off a 2^nd dan technique – which is of course a prerequisite for, and leads into several of the 3^rd dan techniques. How is it that I could execute this technique properly for the past few months, and now have so much trouble with it? I had several high ranking instructors assisting me with mastering this technique, yet still only had intermittent success.

The technique is called Mune osae dori, a defence to a simple grab of the clothing at chest level. Sure, I have learned a bunch of ways to defend this prelude to a violent attack, but the Hakkoryu way is to defend attacks without any strikes (except for soft distractions or pressure point strikes) or injuring the attacker in any way. It looks for a higher level of self-defence. I will discuss this, and Hakkoryu in more detail in the future. The technique is simply to hold the hand in place, break the attackers balance then control them in a flow of locks. Here is an official video of the technique.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhQ_ga_Qlc4

I understand the basic body mechanics behind the technique. So why can`t I do it? Here is the technique: First, keeping correct posture (a work in progress), you encapsulate the offending hand in a shape that resembles a 3 sided square, with the hands and chest forming the sides of this shape (not the 2 sided triangle I had been using). This grip keeps the attackers wrist straight in line with the rest of the arm, allowing the lock to simultaneously control the wrist, elbow and shoulder. A poor grip will result in the wrist only being locked. Next is to break the balance of the attacker by lightly revolving the arm or elbow. I have mastered this section of the technique. The next part is to slightly expand the hara while releasing all muscular tension in the arms (except a small amount of tension in the little finger), allowing the weight of the limbs to execute the lock. This is not working for me. And the more trouble I have, the more strength I tend to use, leading to a vicious circle.

Muscular tension is the enemy of efficient jujutsu. Attempting to force a technique by using any strength at all will lead to unnatural structural biomechanics. Any tension in the arm will cause the shoulder to rise, which renders most techniques ineffective. Using muscular strength will stiffen the elbow joint, leaving the executor of the technique extremely vulnerable to counters. Tension in the wrist opens you to the simple yet excruciating gakkun technique, which I will explain someday. Anyway, the moral of the story is to remain completely relaxed, and trust in the technique and gravity to succeed. I know this. But for some reason, this weekend I couldn`t do it!

I will focus on trying to master this technique. I previously had another technique, tekagami that I was having similar issues with. Now it is probably my most effective move. Once I have determined the cause of my failure, and correct my error(s), I know it will give me a deeper understanding of the system, leaving me a better martial artist and more qualified instructor. But for this weekend, I guess I need to just be content with one step forward, two steps back.

On a brighter side, the Hakkoryu instructors have shown a great deal of interest in my perspective of karate, or striking, and have been asking a lot of questions and requesting many demonstrations. Many Hakkoryu techniques can be found in karate technique and kata, if you search for them. The past few Hakkoryu sessions have all ended in a few minutes of Chris`s Karate Corner. All good. Like I said: `Teach anyone, learn from everyone`.

Okinawa

I just got home from fulfilling a life-long dream. Ever since I started karate as a primary school student, I have always wanted to train in Okinawa - dont ask me why I didn`t do this earlier...

First of all, a big great THANK YOU to Bryson Keenan for an introduction to the Jundokan, arguably Okinawa`s most famous and respected traditional karate dojo (Goju ryu) and also to Sensei Patrick McCarthy for loads of advice on getting the most out of my short stay.

I found the dojo finally thanks to the GPS system in my rental car and called to request the opportunity to train. The Kaicho`s wife asked me to call back later when the main man was available. I did so and was given permission to train.

When I arrived at 5pm the next day, the only other person present was a stocky black belt of around 50 years of age. I addressed him as sensei, but he corrected me saying he was a mere student. I think he was a 6th dan.

I changed into my judo gi as I did not have a karate gi in Japan (I bought one this morning at Shureido), feeling a bit silly and conspicuous being the only white fella in a white belt and a judo gi in the mecca of Goju ryu karate do. However, everyone was very welcoming and friendly, especially after name-dropping Bryson Keenan, who (along with fellow Australian Goju ryu instructor Michael Clarke) they have loads of respect for.

There were only a handful of people present, all black belts of course. I was introduced to Higa Sensei, an 8th dan master. He proceeded to take me through a warm up that left my knees the consistancy of jelly, got me working the hojo undo, including plenty of chiishi and those stone kettle bell things that I cannot remember the name of.

Following this, I worked on two person drills, such as kakie and muchimidi with the blackbelt I met upon arrival. He was very strong, but also seemed pleased with my level of power and technique. We had a fun, friendly rivalry happening.

Next I pounded the makiwara for approximately half an hour. My knuckles soon turned purple and were all squishy the next day, squeaking like squashed cotton wool. I have never done much of the makiwara before, tending to favour bags and pads, so I really felt that.

We then spent an hour or so going through kata, just Gekisai daiichi and daini. At 7pmish, Higa san handed the baton to Kinjo sensei, who continued to drill me in the above mentioned kata as well as further two person drills, a little more makiwara for another couple of hours. At around 9:30pm we finished up as the dojo had now emptied. I took a few photos as reminders and gave my thanks and asked how much I should pay for the privilege of more than 4 hours of private lessons with two 8th dans at the world`s most famous karate dojo. Nothing. FREE.

I left with the biggest smile on my face. I can‘t say that I had a life changing experience, but I got more than I expected out of my time and have now ticked another box of things that I must do before visiting the old masters.

Introduction - it all starts here!

I should have started blogging years ago. In fact, I wish I had started a journal of my martial art experiences 25 years ago, as I have a memory like a goldfish. As it happens, it is only at the encouragement of total strangers from a martial art forum that I am writing this blog now.

I have doubts. Do I have time? Does anyone care? Is my fairly mundane life interesting enough to find content to write about? I don’t know the answer to any of the questions above, but – here goes.

Please let me introduce myself. I am an Australian father and husband currently living in Japan. I harbour an incurable lifelong fascination with the martial arts. In particular I love Japanese (and Okinawan) martial arts. I love the aesthetics of a black belt on a white gi, the health and fitness benefits of training, the sore muscles/knuckles/bones after a great session, the life lessons that martial arts training can teach us if we are willing to listen. I hope explore why I love martial arts so much in future posts.

I have listed my grades in my `about me` introduction. Hopefully this list of my grades will give an idea to readers as to my martial art journey so far. It will also explain some of my ideas, biases, and direction. I can be quite opinionated, and I will not apologise for that, but I will state that I have no intention of offending anyone.

You will see that I am an avid cross-trainer. I strongly believe the benefits of cross-training outweigh the negatives.

My personal philosophies are to:

1.      Teach anyone, learn from everyone; and

2.      Eliminate my weaknesses, develop my strengths.

Cross-training is a great way for me to live by the above mottos, especially to eliminate my weaknesses.

Following is a timeline of my journey so far:

1985/1986: Started Shito-ryu karate as a primary school student with John Boswell.

Around 1992: After trying several clubs, I came across an amazing martial artist at a local competition. After winning the kata and open full contact karate events, he smashed a pile of concrete bricks on the second attempt after breaking his hand on the first attempt. I immediately started cross-training with Vince Palumbo at the International Combative Martial Art Academy in Arjukanpo (freestyle budo), Pangamot (Filipino combat jujutsu), kickboxing and occasionally escrima.

1993: I travelled to Japan on my 18^th birthday to train in Karate. This experience has had a profound impact on my life ever since. In this year, I earned my first black belt, in Shito-ryu karate. I was also recognised as a black belt in Arjukanpo.

1994: Disillusioned with `traditional karate`, I quit training in Shito-ryu to focus on more sport combat related systems. I began regularly teaching classes in Arjukanpo/karate at the ICMA and briefly opened my own karate club at the Deborah Kaye Centre of Performing Arts in Salisbury, SA.

1999: I was awarded my 3^rd dan in Arjukanpo. After the shocking passing of my training friend, Tony Donahue, who was taken by a shark, I re-evaluated my own mortality and reassessed my own direction in life. I moved to Japan to pursue my dream of training in the mecca of martial arts. I initially joined the Kyokushin Karate So-honbu in Ikebukuro, and they immediately started training me to compete in the East Japan Karate tournament. However, I quit this system and started training in BJJ/Shooto with MMA legend Yuki Nakai and Muay Thai at Oguni Gym, which was run by Kyoji Saito, but the trainers were from Chakuriki in Bangkok.

2004: I returned to Adelaide to complete university studies. I stopped off for my first stint training Muay Thai in Thailand on the way. After arriving in Adelaide, I worked as a self-defence instructor for Street Smart at educational institutions to support myself while studying. I continued to train/teach at the ICMA on an irregular basis and taught morning fitness based martial art classes at the WEA in Adelaide. I joined SABJJ for Brazilian Jiu jitsu classes several nights a week.

2005: I earned my black belt in Pangamot, awarded by Vince Palumbo and living martial arts legend Cacoy Canete.

2006: I joined Street Defensive Tactics and trained for two years in Krav Maga under Graham Kuerschner and Brazilian Jiu jitsu under Gustavo Toledo with Brazilian Top Team. This was probably the most enjoyable training I have ever had, due to the high calibre of martial artists and the friendly atmosphere at these clubs.

2007: I finally earned my blue belt in BJJ and 4^th dan in Arjukanpo.

2008: I started training in judo under Michael Headland at the Adelaide University Judo Club. My love for Japanese martial arts once again won me over and I quit Krav Maga to focus on judo. Former world BJJ champion Leonardo Arruda arrived from Brazil and commenced teaching at the ICMA. I left BTT to train BJJ at the ICMA.

2009: A neck injury sustained in February while training in Shooto at Purebred in Japan complicated my training for the next 18 months. A doctor told me I would never grapple again. Wear and tear on my knees left my hobbling for months before acupuncture sorted it out – in the short term. During this time I discovered Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu (KU), a martial art based on classical Okinawan training methods as well as more modern MMA training. KU is based on historical research and recreates Okinawan karate before its transition during the early 20^th century. My interest in Karate was relit. I felt that I had completed my first circle, only to arrive at the place I had started.

2010: I returned to Japan in June. Currently I am teaching KU based Karate at the Australian Embassy during my lunch breaks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, training twice a week at Purebred in Shooto and BJJ, and training 3-4 times a week in Hakkoryu Jujutsu, an original and amazing system that I cannot give justice in a few sentences to. In the near future, my son turns 3 and I have promised him that he can start judo. I may have to take a break from Purebred in order to accompany my son to his training in Judo. Which is fine with me, I am one belt short of achieving my black belt in Judo.

So here we are. I hope to share much more with you soon.

Chris