SUIGETSU RYU KARATE JUTSU

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2013

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WELCOME Training for 2013 has come to an end. It was a year that held some wonderful moments for us all. Once again, as a small, non-commercial doujou, we have flourished in bujutsu training and enjoyed numerous exciting adventures along the way. This year, we trained with friends, senior practitioners and teachers from around the world. Some of our students successfully completed dan testing in the Japan Karatedo Federation Goju Kai. In fact, we had a 100% pass rate in all 2013 testing. It is no overstatement to suggest this was a direct result of the very high level of training in our doujou. Already, our junior students are working hard to develop the skills, techniques and mindset that will likewise give them the opportunity for international recognition in the future. With this in mind, it is fair to say that our doujou is certainly one of the most rounded in Brisbane. Each year our students are becoming more adept in a variety of combative methods. Whether we are standing up, rolling around, somewhere in between, or with a wooden tool in hand, our students are fully resourced. That is why our chief instructor has been very proud of the breadth and depth of karate, taijutsu and hishigijutsu being produced by our students in 2013. Is it really any wonder why, when leaving the doujou from the last session this year, everyone was already looking forward to the first session back in 2014?

TANBO Our tanbo techniques come from Shinto Tenshin Ryu. Tanbo (above left) refers to the tool length. While its size should be tailored to the individual, in our school it is about 39cm. Tanbo history varies with whom you ask, though Yuji Ikeda Sensei (Mugen Juku) believes it may have emerged from (or in consideration of) the wakazashi saya (short sword scabbard). The tanbo is a highly versatile tool for applying pressure to exposed nerves, usually running beside bones. However, because of its larger size, it is also useful for interception and percussive techniques. This includes circular striking or thrusting movements. Like most kobujutsu tools, the power and finesse of the tanbo is linked to the ‘softness’ of the handler. In this way, we are readily able to harmonise tanbojutsu with principles of Goju Ryu Karate and vice versa. Whether it is striking, thrusting, pressing, locking, crushing or strangling, the tanbo is certainly a tool worth being accustomed to.

“I CALL NINJUTSU THE METHOD OF AWARENESS. THUS, ALWAYS AT PEACE, THE SHINOBI DOES NO KNOW SURPRISE.” - TAKAMATSU TOSHITSUGU 33RD SUCCESSOR: TOGAKURE-RYU NINPO

SUIGETSU RYU KARATE JUTSU

OUR GUESTS - GOJU RYU KARATE DECEMBER 2013

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GLENN STEPHENSON SHIHAN We were pleased to have an end-of-year visit from our good friend Glenn Stephenson Shihan (6th dan). He is the Australian Head of Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai and is the current Australian President of the Japan Karatedo Federation Goju Kai. Our chief instructor was fortunate to have several private training sessions with Shuji Tasaki Shihan before he passed away. Tasaki Shihan was Glenn Shihan’s teacher. Watching him teach at our doujou, it was interesting to note the similarities between them on the night. The session had a nice balance of technical focus, physical intensity, mental development and good old-fashioned fun. Brisbane brought the perfect weather! Training started with Sanchin kata. The importance of posture and stance position was emphasised. Sanchin stepping movements were also explained. For the senior students, the correct breathing, technique timing and tensioning of power was taught. Gekisai Ichi and Ni and Saifa kata were also covered. Naturally, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the kata applications and kata kumite drills. Our doujou is a member of Seiwakai Australia. Of the numerous people associated with Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai, who are based in Australia, Glenn Shihan has opened the path to Japan for almost all of them. As was the case under Tasaki Shihan, his passion keeps us proudly part of this school, within the Japan Karatedo Federation Goju Kai.

June was working hard to improve her Sanchin kata under Shihan’s excellent guidance.

December 2013

Shihan taught some valuable kata lessons to our group, with everyone from green belt through to 2nd dan black belt benefitting.

December 2013

SUIGETSU RYU KARATE JUTSU

WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY

DECEMBER 2013

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SUIGETSU RYU KARATE JUTSU GUIDING PRINCIPLES Anyone who practices bujutsu gains experience from the first day. Every experience is unique, even between people practicing the same methods, under the same teacher. Likewise, every experience is meaningful. There is no ‘correct’ or ‘right’ way. There is only one way - your way - and it can only be chosen and followed by you if it is ultimately going to make sense to you. Bujutsu training can allow us to become progressively more equipped with technical fighting skills; improve our physical abilities; or develop our mental control. In saying that, everyone develops differently through training. When we understand, we can apply. With successful application, we gain belief. With self-belief, comes confidence. With confidence, we can look inward and truly understand ourselves through bujutsu. After years of practice, clarity will emerge about the more useful training approaches and methods for development. Quality teachers guide their students with easily understood knowledge, logic, expectations, attitudes and technical approaches. Students should never be left guessing or expecting deeper/secret/higher level epiphanies. It is only ever about more practice! Our chief instructor wrote these guiding principles at the Todaiji, in 2011. Inspired on a moment of reflection, they summarise a philosophy on bujutsu and its applicability to everyday life:

Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) - Nara, Japan

• The truth lies in training. Be relentless. • First train your body, then train your spirit.

Development must be structured. • Explore all techniques. Principles must be

known and do not change. Application must be your own.

• Do not let rank or status define you, nor let it define how you interact with others. All people are first your equal.

• Unspoken respect is easily understood and should be coveted.

• Know arrogance and ego. Seek to control your own and how to identify and deal with it in others. Never let these impede your Way.

• Do not be limited by rules of engagement, but quickly understand how they define your opponent.

• Know strategy and then tactics. Rather than surprise, speed and strength, pursue awareness, quickness and timing.

• Be clear on your purpose. Act with resolve.

• Knowledge will only become useful with understanding. Wisdom starts with common sense.

“A WELL-TRAINED SHINOBI LOOKS LIKE A VERY STUPID MAN.” - NATORI SANJURO MASATAKE FOUNDER: KISHU RYU NINPO

DECEMBER 2013

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TESTING RESULTS The second half of 2013 saw the achievement of some significant milestones. Two of our most dedicated students showed what hard work, patience and strong mental resolve can deliver. Simon Smith was deservedly awarded nidan (2nd dan black belt) as he continued to display leadership in the doujou, both technically and in his sempai capacity to our members. William Watson, just prior to his 60th birthday, impressively passed his shodan (1st dan black belt) test, including full jiyu kumite requirements. After 8 years of constant training, William reminded us that the path to black belt is indeed an individual one, ultimately determined by the efforts of nobody else but ourselves.

WHERE TO FIND US

“EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE COMPETENT, APPEAR TO BE INCOMPETENT. THOUGH EFFECTIVE, APPEAR TO BE INEFFECTIVE.” - SUN TZU AUTHOR: SUNZI BINGFA

Doujou Street Location Presbyterian Church (rear hall) 28 Macgregor Street, Wilston, Brisbane

CONTACT US Email: suigetsuryukaratejutsu@hotmail.com Internet: www.suigesturyu.com © Suigetsyu Ryu Karate Jutsu