Shotokan Karate Blogs » Scott Middleton

Kenshusei Report (part 2 of 4)

Scott Middleton — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:45:00 +0000

The theme of the first Kenshusei Report is on Tachikata. Sensei Richard Amos specifically noted that all of the stances practiced within the boundaries of Shotokan should be detailed.Doryoku,Scotthttp://C:\Documents and Settings\mids\My Documents\Tradi... Related posts:

Kenshusei Report (part 1 of 4)

Scott Middleton — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:49:00 +0000

In his efforts to embody and promote the true spirit of Karate-Do, Masatoshi Nakayama (1913- 1987) created a 2-3 year full time instructor's program. Originally the intention of this program was to send qualified instructors throughout the world to ensure that the true essence of Karate was being passed along. Sensei Nakayama certainly succeeded in this ambitious undertaking, as the first graduates of the late 50's and early 60's have spread Karate to every corner of the globe. In the 50 year history of the instructors course that Sensei Nakyama established, the Japan Karate Association has graduated just over 100 people.

As is the case in so many things the Japan Karate Association (JKA) has splintered and eroded over time. The untimely death of Sensei Nakayama in 1987 created a ripple effect that was felt throughout the world of Karate. Many instuctors left the JKA and as a result many new genuine international Karate organizations were established. Many of these organizations use the instructor's program that was established by the JKA and Sensei Nakayama in 1957, as a model.

The World Traditional Karate Organization (WTKO) is headed by some of the most respected and influential instructors in the world of Karate. Sensei John Mullin 7th Dan (Executive Chairman) along with Sensei Richard Amos 6th Dan (Chief Instructor) are the pillars of the WTKO. Sensei Richard Amos lived in Japan for nearly 10 years and is the 2nd non-Japanese to complete the JKA instructors program. Using his invaluable experience as a template, Sensei Amos has created and oversees the WTKO instructors program.

There are many "instructors" throughout the world that take on the responsibility of developing students. Although some of these "instructors" are passing along the correct technique and spirit of Karate to others, there are many more that are not. The severe training and commitment required to complete any legitimate instructors program regardless of the organization, will limit the number of participants. For those that are willing expose themselves to the hardships of the instructors program, their Karate along with their students will most surely excel.

In the subsequent three entries to Watashi no Karate Michi, I will post my Kenshusei reports. At the WTKO 2009 Summer Camp in New York City, the theme of these reports were assigned to myself by Sensei Richard Amos. These reports are one of the requirements and are a prerequisite for completion of the WTKO instructors program.

Doryoku,
Scott

Explanation of posting delays

Scott Middleton — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:17:00 +0000

The recent lack of postings to my blog, Watashi no Karate Michi is misleading. The decrease in postings would surely be enough evidence to convict me of not being “involved” in Karate. For some practitioners their “involvement” in Karate could be aptly coined “fair weather“. They choose only to train when they are at their best mentally and physically. The tone of my words should not be confused with cynicism. Many recreational pastimes are good for the health and well being of those who choose to participate in them. If I could handle the stress of playing golf, I surely would not play in anything but “fair weather“.

I have chosen to follow the path of Karate, as a way of living my life. The physical struggles that I endure everyday “rain or shine” gives me the confidence to overcome any hurdle. In this spirit lies the true benefit of Karate. See the posting Nin-May 21st, 2009.

Since the last posting on July 7th-2009, my priorities have been on the following.
1. Attending the 2009 WTKO Summer Camp, in New York City.
2. Submitting an article to “The Shotokan Way“. http://www.theshotokanway.com/
3. Writing 3 Kenshusei (trainee instructor) reports. These papers were assigned to me in New York City by Sensei Richard Amos at the 2009 WTKO Summer Camp. Note: Amongst one of the prerequisites for completion of the WTKO Instructors Program.
4. Traditional Karate of Brandon’s fall registration.
5. Organization of the November 7th and 8th, 2009 Traditional Karate of Brandon fall seminar (Sensei Richard Amos).

I look forward to posting #2 and #3 at the appropriate time.

Doryoku,
Scott

2008 WTKO Summer Camp (part 3 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Event: 2008 WTKO summer camp
Date: July 5th and 6th-2008
Location: WTKO Honbu Dojo (#206 east 63rd street-New York City)

July 5th-2008

Class #1: 11:30 to 12:30 (Sensei Richard Amos-6th Dan)
The role of the inner thighs and armpits are often neglected in strict Kihon (fundamental) training. The connective nature of these area’s became apparent through various drills with a partner. In all backward steps and turns the toes of the Jiku Ashi (support leg / foot) must move from the beginning of the movement.

Class #2: 2:00 to 3:00 (Sensei Fred Serrichio, 7th Dan)
Partner training that utilized soft circular techniques.

Class#3: 3:15 to 4:15 (Sensei John Mullin, 7th Dan)
The essential theme of this training session, was the slow performance of basic Kihon, Kata, and Kumite.
1. Kihon- Oi Zuki, Age, Soto, Uchi, and Gedan Uke
2. Kata- Jutte
3. Kumite- Gohon Kumite (5 step sparring)
Sensei Mullin stressed the importance of isolating only the muscles that are required for the technique, and eliminating unnecessary tension. Speed and power should always follow slow motion training.

Note: Examination of Dan grades followed. I was humbly graded to the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt). The grading panel consisted of Sensei Amos, Mullin, Serrichio, and Maeda. Details of the grading are described below:
1. Tokui Kata- Jutte
2. Examiners choice of Kata- Chinte
3. Each grading panel member asked specific questions regarding various techniques in Jutte and Chinte. Some questions required a personal opinion while others required application against an attacker.
4. Jiyu Kumite against two opponents followed.

July 6th-2008

Class #4: 10:00 to 11:00 (Sensei Richard Amos, 6th Dan)
The ability to apply fundamental techniques is essential to progress in Karate. The guiding principles that are used to create techniques must be adapted to sufficiently apply them in self defense. Amos Sensei stressed the following points for Gyaku Zuki (reverse punch) from Jiyu Kamae (free posture):
1. Angle of the front leg, is not 90 degrees as it is in strict fundamental.
2. Do not lock punching arm, but rather create distance with the body.
3. Heel of the back foot may rise for mobility

Class #5: 11:00 to 12:00 (Sensei Eiji Maeda, 5th Dan)
The Kata Empi in detail.

Class #6: 12:00 to 1:00 (Sensei John Mullin, 7th Dan)
Tai Sabaki and partner training.

Doryoku,
Scott

2007 WTKO Summer Camp (part 2 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:50:00 +0000

The subsequent two blog posting’s highlight my training experience at the WTKO summer camp. The proceeding words are a poor representation of the actual “experience“. Their is no duplicate for the actual sensations that one is exposed to during training. Ichigo Ichie is a Japanese phrase that poetically translates to “each moment only once“. Although the moment is lost forever, from the detailed journal that I keep, reflection is possible.

Event: 2007 WTKO summer camp
Date: July 7th and 8th-2007
Location: WTKO Honbu Dojo (#206 east 63rd street-New York City)

July 7th-2007

Class #1: 11:30 to 1:00 (Sensei Richard Amos, 6th Dan)
The essential theme that consumed the entire class began with the opening technique, Choku Zuki or straight punch. Amos Sensei critiqued the attendees that we must have the ability to “use” our Karate. The essential elements that were stressed:
1. Prepare quickly in all techniques.
2. Think of the beginning and not just the end.
3. All techniques are alive from the beginning.
Choku Zuki, Age, Soto, Uchi, and Gedan Uke were practiced from forward and backward. Emphasis was placed on the compressive (starting in a “half way” prepared position), and exploding into the technique.
Bassai Dai was studied to conclude the training. The connection of the Waki no Shita (arm pits), and Uchi Momo (inner thighs) were stressed.

Note: The elements of this one class, has been the central theme of my own personal training for over 2 year’s now.

Class #2: 3:00 to 4:30 (Sensei John Mullin, 7th Dan)
Kizami Zuki and Gyaku Zuki combined with Yori Ashi (sliding of both feet).
Heian Shodan and Jion were studied in detail. Emphasis was placed on rotating on the heel during all backward turns. This “activates” the Uchi Momo (inner thighs).

Note: I make it a habit to monitor my weight before and after training session’s when ever possible. After a light lunch and plenty of fluids to rehydrate my weight was 8 pounds lighter than before the above two classes began.

July 8th-2007

Class #3: 9:30 to 11:00 (Sensei Fred Serrichio, 7th Dan)
Light and relaxed circular motions against partners.

Note: Serrichio Sensei has experience training in Aikido. Advanced aspects of Irimi (to enter your opponents space), and Kokyu (breathing) were incorporated.

Class #4: 11:00 to 12:30 (Sensei Richard Amos, 6th Dan)
Oi Zuki (stepping punch) training. Various exercises were practiced with a partner to isolate and correct the following:
1. A punching arm that is connected to the body.
2. Moving from the center.
3. Driving leg.
4. The punching / pulling hand in motion throughout the step.

Doryoku,
Scott

WTKO Summer Camp (part 1 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Hot, humid, clammy, sweltering, sticky, and stuffy. These are only some of the analogies that may be used to describe the temerature in New York City, during the month of July. Even a thesaurus may be hard pressed to produce words that would sufficiently describe training in these conditions 3 to 5 hours a day.

Annually in the month of July, the World Traditional Karate Organization hosts a summer training camp at its Honbu Dojo (commonly accepted as: headquarters or main training hall). This is an opportunity for all traditional Karate practitioners to receive world class tuition, from some of the most respected and sought after Shotokan instructors in the world.

During the next two posting to my blog, I will relate my experiences training at the WTKO summer camp.

Doryoku,
Scott

Sutemi (part 3 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:16:00 +0000

“You can abandon your body, but never let go of your honor”.
Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

The willingness to “sacrifice” is the fundamental character trait for those that choose to pursue the perfection of Karate. The June 4th, 2009 blog posting, described “Sutemi” as the mental ability to “sacrifice” the body during a life threatening self defense situation in order to achieve victory. In certain situations this is instinctual for all of us, but the indomitable spirit (Fudo Shin) obtained through the correct training will only hone this ability. The definition of Sutemi presented in the 2nd posting of this series may be described with a different interpretation.

The cultivation of Sutemi and Fudo Shin:

The newsworthy stories that are reported from time to time of super human strength, and heroic feats are proof of our own inherent abilities. Throughout history our forefathers have dealt with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in daily life. Hunting for food, growing crops, travel, disease, and building shelter are only a few of these obstacles. Our lifestyle has placed filters that keep us from dealing with any hardship that make life hard or uncomfortable in any way. The struggles that our ancestors dealt with on a daily basis are done by someone else, and society does not reap the “benefits”, from these hardships.
Pursing the perfection of Karate is an arduous journey, that requires sacrifice. Without hardship and struggle the practitioner will not be successful in their endeavour. The dedication and commitment to the pursuit of perfection, will have a positive impact on all aspect’s of the practitioners life. In conclusion to this series of postings is a statement. The Karate practitioner that pursues perfection must be willing to sacrifice “themselves” physically and mentally, to be successful.

Doryoku,
Scott

Sutemi (part 2 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Sutmei is comprised of two Kanji characters, and the dictionary definition is described below:

Su(teru)- to throw away, abandon, discard, or to cast aside.
Mi- ones own body, meat, flesh, ones social standing, or ones own position.

To reach the summit of our selves is the goal of Traditional Karate. The physical movements of Traditional Karate’s training, aids in the development of the bodies muscles and joints. This the first step of creating the body to become a weapon, that can deliver “Ichigeki Hisatsu” or “one technique to destroy our opponent“. Through this arduous journey our charachter is polished through the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of our plight.

This blog entry (and the subsequent one to follow) is dedicated to describing how Sutemi is a required personality trait for someone that dedicates themselves to the perfection of Karate. Japan’s feudal warrior the Samurai, were constantly in the environment of dealing with their own certain death, in the service of their lord’s. During Shinken Shobu (“A fight to the death with a live blade” / see the May 13th, 2009 blog post), the Samurai had the unwavering mindset to “sacrifice” their own body so they would have the possibility to cut down their opponent. This “Sutemi” mindset is what defines a Traditional Martial Artist, and is only possible through the correct training. Few may be able to relate to the mindset of the Samurai, so another possible scenario is: A parent that without hesitation throws themselves into the path of an oncoming car, to protect their child from a certain death. This is the Sutemi mentality.

In the May 13th, 2009 blog posting I stated that the use of use of protective equipment in tournaments and Dojo training will not develop the “mentality” of the practitioner. Fear of injury often dominates and cripples the mind of the Traditional Karate practitioner. If we attack with this fear in our mind, we have already defeated ourselves. Creating the “risk free” training environment is popular and inevitably fiscally rewarding for studio’s that teach Modern Karate. The use of protective equipment eliminates the possibility of injury, with the consequence of the practitioner not having to face, and ultimately overcome themselves. Facing our true self, and working hard to overcome the weaknesses we discover will have many benefits beyond self defense.

Doryoku,
Scott

Sutemi (part 1 of 3)

Scott Middleton — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:28:00 +0000

What character traits define an individual that devotes themselves to the perfection of Karate?

Before attempting to answer this ambiguous question, a reflection upon the following may be of use:

Who is answering? A member of the public, a novice, or a devoted practitioner?

“A member of the public” may have only experienced Karate through movies, yellow page ads, or a friend that once “took some lesson’s“. These experiences form an opinion that is steeped in tall stories, ignorance, and mystery.

The Karate “novice” has taken the first step’s on a long journey. If the novice has found a teacher that regards teaching Karate as a way to increase their annual income, their journey into Karate may be paved with belt’s, badges, trophies, and sales pitches. Unfortunately most often these “Sensei” have an excellent business sense. The adage “empty vessels make the most noise” is appropriate here. If the novice is fortunate enough to stumble upon an instructor that will “make them face themselves“, the journey will be completely different. Typically the novice begins this journey with only believing Karate to be physical in nature. This adolescent opinion is not an abomination but natural and a requirement of learning.

The “devoted practitioner” views Karate from a perspective that reflects their own unique personality. Hockey is a game that many enthusiasts enjoy, from the fan, to weekly scrimmage games, to the “professional” hockey player. It is all a matter of degrees of “devotion“. The “devoted” practitioner that takes lesson’s twice weekly for some self defense, physical activity, or stress relief is “devoted“, to a degree. The degree of devotion significantly increases for the “professional” Karate practitioner.

Note: The “professional” Karate practitioner is not defined by earning their living from teaching others.

So what character traits define an individual that devotes themselves to the perfection of Karate? In my own opinion I will answer this question, in the next two subsequent postings.

Doryoku,

Scott

Shotokan Karate Magazine

Scott Middleton — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:54:00 +0000

This year the Shotokan Karate Magazine has reached a milestone, the 100th edition. Since 1984 SKM has globally provided Karate enthusiasts with a quarterly magazine full of insightful technical articles, and revealing interviews from masters of the Shotokan style.

The nucleus of SKM is the editor John Cheetham, a devoted Karate practitioner. Integrity is always displayed by Mr. Cheetham, in not being swayed by the winds of politics, that often blow through organizations. Publishing the “sizzle” and not the “steak” is seen in the infinite kicking and punching sport magazine’s that clearly aim at a wide audience (MMA, Kick Boxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do). These here today and gone tomorrow magazines clear objective is to “sell” the Martial Arts. SKM has proven for the last 25 year’s that quality truly does stand the test of time.

For information on subscription and back issues to the Shotokan Karate Magazine follow the following link:
http://www.shotokanmag.com/

Doryoku,
Scott