sorry will not return for awhile

GOING CRAZY!!!I AM HOSPITALIZED WITH PNEUMONIA!

Just being a bit sentimental (**;)ちょっとだけセンチになったかな。

Tonight I was enjoying listening to Japanese Oldies on You Tube.
This is one of favorite songs and as I hummed along all my karate students began to flow through my mind. I won't try to translate the lyrics tonight.
But the message is each and everyone is important with thier own qualities and it is such nonsense to compare them. I guess that's why I love sharing my time with my Pokemons in Makiki and Yokhama.
今夜はユーチューブで懐メロをたにしんでた。この歌は好きな一つ。一緒に口さみんでいたら空手の生徒の顔が頭の中でオンパレード。まー今夜は詩を翻訳はしないが。でもメッセージは一人ひとりが大事そして一人一人その人にしかない良さがある。だから比較したり、競技で順位を争わせるのノンセンス。だから自分は「ポケモン達」とマキキや横浜道場で時間をすごすのが好きである。

Tradition, is it necessary?

Who am I ?  I am a 60 years old third generation  American of Japanese ancestry  United States citizen.

Where do I live? I live in Honolulu, Hawaii (50th State).

Who are my parents? Dad is a 2nd Generation American of Japanese ancestry. Mom is a native Japanese who is a bona fide US citizen.

How has Japanese tradition in influenced your life? Hmmmmmmmmmmm (**;)

Is adhering to Japanese traditions necessary in Budo? HMMMMMMMMM (**;)

What does not exist in American traditions that cannot replace Japanese traditions espoused in Japanese martial arts? HMMMMMMMMMMMM (**;)

Are the traditional ethics, discipline, philosophies non-existent in American traditions?

Are white pajamas with colored belts necessary to practice karate? Does appearance make that much of a difference in pursuing the core contents of the art? Does a Tokaido Gi make you better than a Walmart Gi?

Is it necessary to read Hagakure, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, Bubishi to follow your elected path? Cannot Whitman, John Edwards, Thoreau make do as well? Why do we need to go foreign?

What's wrong with "Made in USA"?

Why do we do things just for tradition's sake?

Fufufu. Too much spare time makes my mind mischievous! (^^)

HAVE A GOOD DAY Y'ALL!!!!!

LIVE THE MOMENT!

An informative demonstration

Aloha, all
Thought I'd upload the link to a demonstration that took place a while back.
As a matter of fact Tony missed this when he visited Hawaii (^^). We did go the Karate Museum display at University of Hawaii.
Relaxing at Borders outside  lanai after my morning rehab session. The area where Tony and I worked out is right across the street and the tip of Diamond Head peeks out from the forest of high rises.
Now that the University is out for the summer, the lanai is empty and no need to wait for a table!
Perhaps I'll start record of my rehab sessions....it is quite amazing what I am finding out about my own body! Although rather late, the importance of balance in all things keeps hitting me in the head!

http://olelo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=30&clip_id=20679

Save Travel to my Fellow Budo-ka Sempai Sloan!!

This week we will be wishing safe travel to our friend and fellow budo-ka Jim Sloan. He and his family will be moving to Sedona, Arizona for new jobs in the health fields. Sempai Jim has dedicated his live to the fight arts and power lifting. A true man of budo, he claims no titles, and knows well both the ground game and standup game. The photo is Jim with Sempai Matt, and Jackie and our newest addition to the dojo, Brady, a rather large eight grader ( R-Brady, Matt, Jim, Jackie-L). Over the past two years we have trade Oyo, Kata, goshin-jitsu, a few black and blues, and many moments of enlightenment . Please note, Jim teaches with a white belt. Its always shoshin no moderu The only thing that tops Jim’s training, is his good nature. He truly understands and lives the life of bushido. OSU!! Sempai Jim…Thank you for what you have given us!! You will be missed!

When you have time please read this Blog on a Nurse's experience with the Tsunami Relief

The blog really makes you you "feel" the pains following the tsunami disaster.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fworld%2F2011%2Fmay%2F08%2Fjapan-tsunami-nurse-blog-comfort-survivors&h=fa8eb

Figure 46 from the Bubishi Text

Figure 46 from the bubushi text, I think this looks much like the next movement from Seiunchin kata. Now I know I am not the first to say this, but it does seem to fit very nice into the second Oyo, that I believe you taught me for first movement. Thoughts Roushiichi?

May 7, 2011 One Point Lesson Vol 1 Part 2

Today's One Point Lesson is on Mawashigeri or Roundhouse Kick. Everyone's favorite to see on all the action movies, perhaps second to the Ushiro Mawashi Geri and Kakato Otoshi. This drill is to help you develop or balance, muscle control and accuracy with the ball of the foot. Now, you can also do this drill with the top of the foot as well. There is some debate as to which part of the foot is more destructive. Of course that is if you want around barefoot or in flip flops all day, you may want to think about it. But personally it becomes a moot point when you have shoes on. Ladies may be careful when wearing high heels! (^^)
***Note: You may notice the bottoms of our feet are pretty black! That is some the fine soil that manages to get into the hall. The hall is swept and mopped but the feet still gets "dirty". One day We will have mats to practice on! But if my memory is correct, folks used to practice out on the yard back in the old days! Feet can always be washed! (^^)

Mawashigeri Drill #1

Application of theYama Uke as seen in Seiunchin Kata

Today we look at the Yama Uke and its application. My interpretation is that it can be used as a redirect into a shoulder joint control. In this case we defend against a punch. By shifting our position forward as in the Kata we avoid the punch and we redirect the attacker's punch with the arm placement and end up with a shoulder control lock. Part one is done in so-called traditional stance, albeit Yachi attacks  from a Kyokushin style Kumite stance while Take attacks from the traditional Zenkutsu stance.

Yama Uke Application Part1



Part 2 takes a look at a drill from a more natural stance. The uke (receiver) takes a Negotiator stance (NS) with one hand covering the head and the rear hand covering the heart area. Naturally the NS is meant to deescalate confrontation, therefore open palms. If you would notice that a major minor adjustment of the hands cam turn it into a Yama Uke while shifting the position forward and diagonal the the attack. This drill is gear to work on your reaction time and body placement.

**IMPORTANT NOTE** Mastery of Kata and any Drill rests with repetition, constant repetition. As you can see both Take and Yachi have not done this drill. As a matter of fact it their first time. Their timing is off initially and both tend to use their arms to "force" the attacking punch away. There is no need for it. If your arms as properly placed in the Yama Uke position, then the punch will be redirected and you can smoothly turn it into the shoulder joint lock. One of the difficult things we have to train ourselves to do is to move forward against an attack and also push something away from us, as it more natural to step away from an attack and to "ward off" an attack. Only repetitious drilling will make us comfortable with moving in and controlling an attacking limb close to your body.

Yama Uke Application Part 2



        Well, I hope to see some other applications from Yokohama and New York! (^^) For fun with a bit of seriousness, try this with a blade thrust. As in this presentation start from a traditional stance to get a feel for the Kata, then gradually move it into a more natural stance. Once you feel comfortable with the kihon then it is time to explore with varying angles;position of the body and hands; usage of the hands, i.e. one hand strikes as one hand defects; usage of the legs, i.e. Taiotoshi. The variations are endless! (^^) But to master any it's 一に稽古、二に稽古、三に稽古！Practice! Practice! Practice!

Mahalo to Take and Yachi for providing the action without any rehearsal. But then in real life nothing is rehearsed!



Part 2 of the premiere of One Point Lesson (^^)

Whew! Looks like the other vids are now loading. The order is messed up but beggars can't be choosy.
Note: The applications shown on this blog are basic, there are additional variations, i.e. changing of angle, different use of the Shotei Uke or Uchi and the target area of the Shuto uchi.
おおお！ようやくなんとかアップロードできた。順番はメチャメチャだが、贅沢は言えない。仕方は基本だが、いろいろなバリエーシオンは在る。たとえば角度を変える、掌低うちまたは受けを使うか、手刀の当てる場所とか。

Variations of Seipai Opening Movement

      I am pretty sure that more variations exist out there in Karate World (^^). What is important is to have an open mind and to diligently train in whatever version you have been taught by your Senseis. There really is no right or wrong. Train hard and understand you Kata. Ensure that your Bunkai and Oyous are on the realistic side rather than on the Razz Ma Dazz side. We all know and understand that in real life an attack is not choreographed. But never the less, the waza we practice in the Kata, its theories and applications should be applicable to attacks in real life. You may not move exactly in the same manner but the original application is still there.

空手の世界にはもっと違った動きがあると思う。大事なのは視野を広くもって自分先生から学んだ型を切磋琢磨する事。正しい、間違ってるは無い。稽古に励んで型を理解しよう。分解と応用は現実性も保ってあまり派手な解釈は避けよう。現実での攻撃は踊りのような振り付けはない。だが、型で学んだ技、そのセオリーと応用は実戦使える。型どうりに動かないかもしれないが本来の応用は生きていると思う。

Take's Gitokukai Goju Version

           In this sequence Take applies a descending Shuto strike into the neck area while stepping back to off balance the attacker.The securing of the had n grabbing the lapel is just one of many options, rather than securing it can be used as a Shotei Uchi, knocking away the aggressor's hand.

この場合武は下ろし手刀を首の根っこに叩き込みながら下がる。相手を崩す。相手の手を固定するのもひとつのやり方、掌低うちで叩き落してもいい。

A little bit of reality awareness

Just a little bit of reality check. Timing of the application is critical. Better not to get grabbed!

ちょっとだけ現実にもどろう。タイミングが非可決。

Yachiyo's Kyokushin application

     Yachi's Kyokushin version. Of course there are several out there (^^) Some use the Mawashi Shuto Uchi others use the Haito (Back of Hand). The opening sequence changes depending on which is used. For the Haito the arm takes a horizontal arc towards the head, while the Shuto Uchi is done in basic form.

やちの極真バージオン。他にも違ったのはあるだろう。回し手刀を使えば、輩刀を使う。最初の動作でどちらを使うによって変わる。輩型は水平に動く、手刀打ちは基本通りに打つ。

      

Roushiichi's Application

      Now the version of the Nukite against the throat. Whereas Take and Yachi both use the overhead circular motion of the attacking hand, mine is straight into the target area. As I mention in the vid, not all of us practice nukite in a jar of pebbles, makiwara or sandbag, For most, I would say the chances of our fingers getting injured are pretty good　thus the shift to a throat grab.

喉を的にした抜き手。武とやちは上からの円の動機をしたのと比べ、この場合は直線に出る。ビデオにも語ったが、砂利、巻きわらやサンドバッグで指を鍛えて以内人もいるだろう。その場合自分の指を負傷するのが高い。まー喉は柔らかいが。それで喉輪に変更・応用。

Message to William Shihandai and Tony Sensei!

Time for Tony's Nihongo Lessons! (^^)

      Needless to say, what was shown on this blog is only a part of a sequence, there is always a follow-up to the initial movements. That is why Kata is so interesting to me. You can take a movement on its own or several movements from a sequence of moves. For instance, add the second and third moves of  Seipai to this initial movement (which ever version), How does it flow? Well that's for y'all to find out!

Off to a second opinion on my back spasms. It is a killer just to lie down and get up. That lightning bolt of pain and the contraction of the muscles makes me want to cry! (**;) Got to get it fixed so I can practice!



GRAND PREMIERE OF KIMURA DOJO ONE POINT LESSSON!

It's finally starting!
ようやく始まり始まり！

Well, I've finally started the much awaited (????) One point lessons series. Camera setbacks, injury setbacks, earthquakes and tsunamis have made it challenging to get the action stars and the all important director together for a shoot. No scripts, no rehearsals (after all why should you need rehearsals when you're showing what you practice), all impromptu. Sorry no Tony Ja, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee (who else have I missed) type action scenes. Just plain 'ol karate. Many thanks to Tamura Sensei, my REAL Boss Yachiyo for their assistance. Its really Butsuke Honban.
ふー。皆が待ちに待ったワンポイントレッスンが’始まる。カメラの故障、怪我、地震、津波、放射能騒動などにアクシオンスターと監督の確保に悩んだ。脚本無し、リハ無し、マー日ごろ稽古しているのにリハは必要ないが）ぶつけ本番。悪いが、トニージャー、ジェットりー、ジャキージャキーチャン、ブルスーリーなどのアクシオンシーンはありません。ただのか・ら・て。
田村先生、自分の姉御おや親分のやちよのｋ協力には感謝。本当のぶつけ本番。
We hope to improve the quality as we go along. Now we are just showing kihon no kihon. basics of basics. There are many variations to the basics we show, a slight change in angle. positioning of limbs, advanced interpretations. All endless, which makes Kata a fascinating workout. I have not included the "real-time oyos" or for some "reality moves". I'll live that up to you to figure out the applications and adaptations of the bunkai to fit your "reality checks" Of course if you follow the correct path there should be not need for you to experience whether your version of reality checks work or not.
品質がは上げて行きたいと思う。今は基本の基本。基本も角度の変化、体の位置、上級解釈などで変化する。無限だから型は面白い。「実戦的」「現実的」は読者の方で研究してください。基本分解をどの様に時分が持っている現実チェックに持って行くか。まー武道の道を歩めば現実性を経験する必要はないが。
 Remember Budo, the path of stopping conflict. That has many interpretations as well (^^) I hope you enjoy.
忘れないでほしい。武道は戦いを治める。まーこれも解釈が様々だが。
楽しんで下さい。

The one point lessons are divided into Beginner lessons and Joukyu/Yudansha lessons. Hope it uploads!

The fifth try!!!!!! Persistance! Persistance!

For the Shoshinsha

Gomen nasai! Sorry Folks, having trouble uploading the second portion. I have absolutely no idea why its not working. Will keep trying but let me close this one as is.

ゴメンなさい！第二部がアップロードしない。なぜだかは見当がつかない。まー今回は第一部だけにしておく。

 Hmmm. right after we made the video, I ended up with severe back muscle spasms! (**#). Couldn't even get out of bed all day. Finally at 8PM managed to get into a sitting position then on to standing. Now Ｉcan walk very slowly. Went to get an assessment from a Chiropractor this morning, tomorrow I'll see my regular Doc and also see a specialiist and then decide on what to do. Last time I experienced such severe pain was a few years ago on New Years when I got hit with a double whammy of gout. The pain however was worst than when I dislocated my right hip when I was 21! At least I can move right now! (^^)
今回ビデオを収録した後急に発作的な背中の筋肉の痙攣に襲われた。今までに無い激痛。強いてこらべれば、何年前の正月痛風騒動より痛かった。一日中ベッドから起きられなかった。ようやく午後八時頃に座った大勢がとれそこから立ってほんの少しアパート内を歩いた。今朝はカイロに行き診断、明日は主治医に診断してもらって、専門医の診断も受ける。その後どの様に治療するかきめる。今回の痛みは２１歳と時服関節脱臼した時より痛かった。まー今動けるからほっとした。