The most common Japanese expression used to describe the bodies “Center” is Seika Tanden. It is therefore regretful that most instructors and senior practitioners of Karate cannot provide even a cursory explanation of Seika Tanden.

The Japanese word Seika is made from combining two Kanji characters (Japanese language symbols) and can be translated into English as “below the navel“.
The translation of Seika may appear to be obvious and straightforward to the Karate practitioner, but requires some further clarification. The average instructor or senior practitioner may explain that the location of the bodies “Center” is located approximately four finger widths below the navel. Unfortunately the novice will assume from this explanation that the bodies “Center” is located on the skins surface. It can be more correctly stated that the bodies “Center” is located four finger widths below the navel in the “core” of our body. Think of the Seika Tanden being located inside of the Hara (See the August 16th, 2010 posting on the Hara).

The semblance of the letter “X” and the human body may allow the Karate practitioner to comprehend the crucial role of the bodies “Center“. The upper and lower points of the letter “X” may be thought of as our hands and feet, while the intersecting lines may be likened to our bodies “Center“. Unfortunately the majority of Karate practitioners are entirely consumed with the furthest points of the letter “X“, the hands and feet. This is ignorantly rationalized by concluding that these are the points of the body that hit the opponent. Peeling away these superficial layers of Karate technique will expose how the hands and feet are influenced and enhanced by the bodies “Center“.

In the third posting of this series I will translate and explain the most common phrase used to describe the bodies “Center“.

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton

The Japanese word Hara is commonly translated into English as “abdomen“. This cursory examination of the word Hara fails to capture the significant role that it plays in many of the Japanese arts.

While referring to Hara in the Martial, Spiritual, or Therapeutic arts of Japan it may be assumed that the lower abdomen is being referenced. Karate, Aikido, Chado (The way of tea), Ikebana (Flower arrangement), and Shiatsu (Therapeutic finger pressure) amongst other arts follow this ideology.

It is my personal opinion that the word Hara is to general of a term and should not be used to characterize the crucial role of the abdomen. Hara more accurately describes an area of the human body that ranges from the base of the sternum to the top of the pubic bone.

In the next three postings to Watashi no Karate Michi, I will detail information and explain common terms that more accurately describe the bodies “Center“.

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton

The name Watashi no Karate Michi was chosen deliberately after a considerable amount of contemplation on my behalf.
I have devoted most of my life to pursuing excellence in Shotokan Karate. The Karate path I have chosen to follow is not wide with appealing curves and scenic bends. The road I have taken is straight, narrow and paved with hardship.
The Japanese phrase Watashi no Karate Michi can be translated as “My Karate path“. The practitioner of Karate must appreciate the significance of the Japanese word Michi.

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton

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,

Scott

http://C:\Documents and Settings\mids\My Documents\Traditional Karate of Brandon\TKB- Kenshusei Report #1.zip

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

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

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

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

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