PHILOSOPHY ANDÂ TECHNIQUES
In Hampshire, Ron has used his martial arts knowledge and skills to help children who have special educational needs, such as speech and language difficulties.
KYUSHINDO PHILOSOPHY
Kyushindo was an ancient and defunct Japanese religious philosophy which Abbe Kenshiro Docho came across during his academic studies whilst at the famous Budo Senmon Gakko, or 'Special Teacher Training College'. Upon his experience of Satori or enlightenment, at the age of eighteen, he found this revelation to coincide with the old writing, from this idea he developed a new style of Judo and two years later became Grand Champion. Upon graduating from the College he spent the next twenty years in research and development of the principles, before declaring a new system. During this time he became a master, not only of Judo, but Aikido, Kendo, Jukendo and several of the other traditional martial disciplines.
Because of his fame as a Budo master people have very naturally assumed Kyushindo to be a theory of martial discipline but in fact martial discipline is only one application of Kyushindo. The various techniques of traditional Budo create the ideal opportunity for study of Kyushindo principles in a basic form which is to be applied in everyday life.
The very limited field of martial disciplines is too narrow an application to make the principle of Kyushindo clear and can be no more than the means employed to attain a far higher goal. The theory of Kyushindo has application in any study, or activity that can be named simply because it does not deal with the form and technique of anything, but with the fundamental principles which such forms and techniques represent. The principle may be likened to the hub of a wheel from which an infinite number of spokes or forms radiate. The task of perfecting an art by the laborious process of studying each 'form' is doomed to failure because the possible variations are endless. By discovering the central principle it can then be applied in any direction at will. This is the meaning of Kyushindo, which is evident in its name.
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KYU: To desire, or to search after something. The translation of study is partially correct but lacks the stronger spirit of very deeply yearning towards a thing.
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SHIN: Heart, mind, spirit, the essential essence of anything. In Kyushindo the meaning of Shin is the true and fundamental nature, as opposed to the superficial appearance.
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DO: A way, or a path. Do is never used as the 'way' a thing is done, but as a far-reaching and all-inclusive direction.
Kyushindo means in simple terms:
The way of longing for knowledge of the fundamental nature of anything.
It is this longing and desire to penetrate to the very heart of a thing which results in perfection of action due to complete unity with its underlying principle. Under this principle to know any one thing in its absolute entirety is automatically to know all things, for everything stems from the same source and exists under the same order of behaviour. The more one properly understands the workings of this principle in one application, so the more one is awakened to the nature of other things.
KYUSHINDO was the central statement for Abbe's personal approach to martial arts, Loosely translated it means the SEEKERS WAY TO THE ESSENCE OF THINGS or the TRUTH. He felt that there were three fundamental principles within Kyushindo which should be reflected in the Martial arts and in his outside life.
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All things in the Universe are in a constant state of motion (Banbutsu Ruten).
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This motion is rhythmic and flowing (Ritsu Do).
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All things work and flow in perfect harmony (Chowa).
Kyushindo has also been interpreted as:
"The search for the perfect way"
"The search for the truth"
(Parts of this page derived from a handout given by Master O'Tani Tomio)
KYUSHINDO KARATE TECHNIQUES
Romsey Kyushindo Karate, practices techniques from a smaller syllabus than most other Kyushindo Karate clubs. A copy of the cadet and adult syllabuses plus a training manual is available to purchase, at nominal cost, for every student upon registration so each student knows what they should be able to perform. (A free copy can be sent by e-mail by sending a request to Ron Hancock at hancron@virginmedia.com) What follows is a brief overview of what a student at Romsey Kyushindo Karate will learn and practice. NOTE that children will work from a reduced syllabus and will not be shown dangerous techniques or those that have a risk of injury if performed without co-ordination and control.
Stances: The student will learn stances that Karate is practiced from, whether it be static, in the case of formal technique, or dynamic in the case of Kata, Sparring and Line techniques.
Footwork: Kyushindo Karate aims to be a highly mobile style with a lot of emphasis placed on avoidance. The student should be able to move correctly in all directions and various exercises are shown to achieve this.
Blocking: Students are taught how to block against punches and kicks. Advanced students are introduced to circular methods of blocking and deflection which do not rely on strength.
Striking: Students are shown how to strike with punches, kicks, open hands, elbows and knees. Advanced students are introduced to the concept of striking while the body is in a relaxed state to achieve the advantage of speed over strength. The concept of simultaneous defence and attack is also pursued. Continuous shouting (Kiai) is not practised during techniques, but students do get to occasionally practise this, primarily for self defence training.
Kata: Kyushindo Karate historically contains around 25 Katas, but the Romsey syllabus up to Black Belt only teaches 6 of these along with 3 weapon (Jo, sword and short stick) based Katas unique to Romsey. Black Belts are taught more katas taking the total to 13 by 3rd Dan.
Throwing Techniques: Kyushindo Karate incorporates throwing techniques so Judo breakfalls are taught to all students to prevent injury during practice.
Self-Defence: The club teaches standard self-defence techniques but emphasises awareness and avoidance of dangerous situations rather than relying on just technique. Learning a martial art does not automatically make you proficient at self-defence. For children, learning at Romsey can help the victim of playground bullying. The gratuitous violence of the street aimed towards adults is best countered by knowing the tricks and tactics of the attacker (deceptions, distractions, set-ups) and using techniques to counter this (pre-emption, distance control, shock). A Kyushindo student should try to anticipate and avoid situations and places where violence can occur.
Techniques on the move: The student will learn to perform line techniques, which involve a pre-arranged set of techniques performed whilst moving. Shadow boxing is also used to co-ordinate the performance of techniques, and the student is encouraged to use all known techniques and apply them to all directions, rather than following a set pattern of moves. Bagwork is also used in training using kicking shields and focus mitts. Adults students are advised to purchase bag gloves for prolonged striking against training aids (juniors do not perform continuously against bags and focus mitts and usually only do one or two techniques as target practice rather than power generation and stamina training).
Sparring and Free Fighting: Free fighting is not practiced by students under 17 or those with less than 3 years training. This training will also require the use of protective wear for hands, shins and groin. Light sparring is practiced by all to give the student a feeling of facing a moving opponent but is usually limited to hand techniques. Kyushindo Karate is not a competitive style so sporting Karate techniques are not practiced.
Advanced Techniques: Kyushindo Karate incorporates take-downs, locks, releases, escapes, pressure points and ground fighting awareness into its syllabus. Written exams are part of the Black Belt grading which include First Aid, Kyushindo history, philosophy and social responsibility. Adult Black Belt grades are required to deliver a project for 2nd to 3rd Dan.
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If you’re a parent looking for a children's karate club then Romsey Kyushindo Karate is a great environment for your child. For more information, contact us on
kyushindo@hotmail.co.uk.