Joslin Dojos

Thirty two years ago Dave and Ron Joslin opened their first Karate Dojo.

The date was Saturday, November 5th, 1977.

They have created a great tradition that continues to thrive.

I am proud to consider myself one of their students.

Seisan Stance Power

The power of Seisan Stance requires that the toes are pointing straight ahead.

I noticed that a slight lateral rotation of the lead foot gives you the ability to flow/pivot to the side when resistance is applied; trading strength and power for mobility.

Note: Sensei Bennati says he uses a slight pigeon toe.

No First Strike

There is no first strike in Karate.

What does this mean?

Danzan Ryu no Kihon

Principles of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

1. Yield to force
2. Do not rely on strength
   
3. Connect
4. Maintain your integrity
   
5. Seek the center
6. Get off the line
7. Lead the mind
8. Break frame
9. Maintain miai
10. To neutralize

Prof. Tom Ball at the 2009 Western Division AJJF Black Belt Seminar in Sacramento California.

My challenge is to understand these fundamentals it everything I do. Each and every technique has all of these principles so where I don't see the kihon I have more to learn from DZR.

Hanbo

Prof. Hager taught the Hanbo class at the AJJF Black Belt Convention this weekend. Several times she referred to the new book by Masaaki Hatsumi, Advanced Stick Fighting (2005). This is a follow on book to the one I am familiar with, Stick Fighting: Techniques of Self-Defense (1981).

Grip the stick with the finger without using the thumb. That way when you open your fist you retain the stick. :)

Think about and apply Kihon No Danzan Ryu in each art.

Work all the techniques, even the ones that you don't like or can't do.

Seiuchin Kata-Details

Seiuchin Kata details taught by Kyoshi Dave Joslin tonight and at the Black Belt Extravaganza on Saturday.

This kata is of Goju Ryu origin founded by Master Miyagi. The film The Karate Kid (1984) used Chinto Kata, also of Gojo Ryu, and honored the school by naming the Pat Morita character "Mr. Miyagi". Master Tatsuo Shimabuku learned these two kata from Chōjun Miyagi personally.

Look before catching and moving.

Ibuki breath is very important, exhaling 90% and closing with Hup! [In Wansu Kata the Hup! follows the final kia as part of the double shuto strike.] Complete the microcosmic orbit with the tongue. Although not said, closing the bottom of the circle is probably just as important, it comes naturally with the preceding kia.

Archer moves are done with dynamic tension. The rear forearm is parallel to the ground at forehead level with hand open/grab thumb down; back of forward hand is against arm close the the elbow. Simultaneously, exhale 90% of the air, keeping rear elbow at 90° lower the elbow to the side at 45°, forward hand comes down to short rib level palm down then to the side for a shuto to uki's short ribs. Hold with a Hup as described above.

The jumping spin into a one legged stance before catching an placing the foot down. By being on balance after the covering spin, heart/diaphragm/groin covered, one is able to move in any direction as appropriate (as opposed to always falling back to the right:) The raised leg is chambered like it is with Shoba Kon Ate; the chambering provides the momentum for the spin.

Deliberate Practice

I watched a conference presentation, Deliberate Practice in Software Development, at work last week and thought I would blog the key points that I believe pertain to martial arts (and music) training.

Presentation Summary
In the nature vs. nurture debate, researchers have declared nurture the winner. People who excel are the ones who work the hardest; it takes ten+ years of deliberate practice to become an expert. Deliberate practice is not about putting in hours, it’s about working to improve performance. It does not mean doing what you are good at; it means challenging yourself under the guidance of a teacher.

Deliberate Practice—activity that's explicitly intended to improve performance, that reaches for objectives just beyond one's level of competence, provides feedback on results and involves high levels of repetition.

• The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance. "Individual differences, even among elite performers, are closely related to assessed amounts of deliberate practice. Many characteristics once believed to reflect innate talent are actually the result of intense practice extended for a minimum of 10 years."
  
• The Rigorous Application of Deliberate Practice Methods in Skills Courses. “The push for action is sometimes powerful…. But unless one has the opportunity to think about what one is doing and to reflect on what went well, what went poorly, and why, the chances for a long-term improvement curve are slight."
  
• What it takes to be great. "Research now shows that the lack of natural talent is irrelevant to great success. The secret? Painful and demanding practice and hard work."
  

1. Feedback needs to be immediate.
   
2. Identify the skill to be improved.
   
3. A coach is needed to help identify problems and direct the practice.
   
4. Regular and intensive practice.
   
5. Don't do what is easy. Practice the things that are difficult and challenging.
   

Greatness isn't reserved for a preordained few but available to everyone, like the pursuit of happiness, while being restricted to those who put in the work year after year.

Lower Body Basics Names

9 Lower Body Moves of Isshinryu Karate with Japanese names and English translations. A few more kicks than are on the LBB list are also named.

Kicking Techniques, Geri Waza

1	Mae Geri	Front snap kick
2	Soba Konate	Crossover kick
3	Hiza Geri	Knee kick
4	Yoko Geri	Side kick
5	Soba Geri	Beside kick
6	Otoshi Geri	Drop kick
7	Mae Konate	Front thrust kick
8	Sokuto Geri	Forward angle kick
9	Mae Geri/Ushiro Geri	Front kick/back kick
A	Yoko Kekomi Geri	Side thrust kick
B	Ushiro Geri	Back kick
C	Mawashi Geri	Roundhouse kick
D	Ushiro Geri	Spinning back kick
E	Tobi Mae Geri Mae Tobi Geri	Jumping double kick Front flying kick
F	Tonbo Geri	Dragonfly kick
G	Kin Geri	Groin kick
H	Ryo Ashi Geri	Double foot kick

Original materials sourced from the Joslin East/West Karate Dojo hand outs and the Danzan Ryu Jujitsu boards. Note that these translations are my own using the Japanese Martial Arts Character Dictionary by Prof. Thomas R. Jenkins and have not been reviewed by my Sensei yet.

Upper Body Basics Names

15 Upper Body Moves of Isshinryu Karate with Japanese names and English translations.

Hand Techniques, Te Waza

1	Seiken oi tsuki	Straight punch
2	Jodan oi tsuki	Upper cut
3	Seiken gyaku tsuki	Reverse punch
4	Jodan gyaku tsuki	Reverse upper cut
5	Gedan barai seiken tsuki	Low block/straight punch
6	Chudan uke seiken tsuki	Middle block/straight punch
7	Tegata barai nukite	Open hand block/fingertip strike
8	Jodan tegata uke jodan tsuki	Open hand upper block/upper cut
9	Jodan uke seiken tsuki	Upper block/Straight punch
10	Ura uchi seiken tsuki	Upper block/back fist/straight punch
11	Gedan barai go den choku tsuki	Low block/5 straight punches
12	Chudan uke go den choku tsuki	Middle block/5 straight punches
13	Shuto Uchi Shuto Uchi	Low knife hand strike/knife hand strike
14	O-Uchi O-Uchi	Palm heel deflection/ 2 roundhouse punches
15	Hije no ato tsuki	Step back/elbow strike (bear hug break)

Original materials sourced from the Joslin East/West Karate Dojo hand outs and the Danzan Ryu Jujitsu boards. Note that these translations are my own using the Japanese Martial Arts Character Dictionary by Prof. Thomas R. Jenkins and have not been reviewed by my Sensei yet.

Japanese Terms

The instructors at the dojo have begun to expect black belt candidates to know the Japanese terms for things. The first new term to me, other than the names for the arts, was "koshi". Upcoming blogs with include the Japanese name for the basics.

Koshi is the ball of the foot. It is generally what we make bodily contact with when we kick.

I asked a few of the black belts what the term was and they all answered quickly. But when I asked them to spell it they didn't know for sure. Perhaps it has been a long time since they wrote it down in their notebooks.

Prof. Jenkin's Martial Arts Dictionary defines koshi as "ball of foot [tiger's paw]". There are seven different kanji for koshi listed plus Koshi=Confucius. Also note the there are three other kanji for ball of foot :)

In Jujitsu the term koshi is used to refer to the hip or waist.

Kusanku Kata

Kusanku was a Chinese emissary who lived in Nakashima-Yukaku, Okinawa. Master Sakugawa studied with Kusanku for six years before he created this kata in order to codify Kusanku's teachings. After their first encounter on the bridge it is said that Kusanku commented that Sakugawa need to learn the why of martial arts, not only the how.

Here is an old film (1960's) of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku performing the kata.

Sparring Tips

Double up techniques. Two back fists then a reverse punch. Two front snap kicks then a reap. However, a third repetition of a single technique will give the opponent an obvious target.

Soft focus eyes on opponent's mass. Avoid looking at your target, this is asking for a blocked technique.

I telegraph my intentions for both looking intently and taking a tentative step in that direction. Remember what Bob Karnes said, "Surprise yourself!" Move before you know what you are going to do.

From Tuesday night's class.

Nikyu Promotion

After demonstrating Chinto Kata Renshi Bennati promoted me to Nikyu, 2nd degree brown belt on July 7th, 2009.

I need to deepen my Zen Kutsu stances (Zen Kutsu Dachi). Also my right foot tends to turn out more then my left especially when the hip is hurting. This manifests in my seisan stance. I need to be mindful of the rear foot position in seisan stance, all katas.

When I got home I recorded myself doing the five katas. I did this a few months ago as well and plan on doing from time to time for my own edification. I see things that need to be cleaned up and can actually see improvements over time.

Self Defense at the Karate Tournement

I am not going to put my opinions of the Self Defense portion of the Karate tournament in writing. However, I talked to Nancy and we decided to enter next year and show them how it is done.

The most difficult part of the competition was figuring out something that wouldn't hurt my attacker. You see, the stuff that I do naturally will injure most people (that don't know how to protect their joints).

I ended up doing a ryo eri hazushi and takedown with uki pinned face down with a katate tori. Thanks to Mr. Rice who was a most excellent tough guy attacker.

Martial Arts for Kids

The best martial arts class for kids are the classes that they go to. If the child does not get to class it doesn't matter what the school's credentials are.

The parent starts the training by committing themselves to the classes. The parent delivers the child at the door several minutes BEFORE the scheduled start time; give the kid a chance to settle down and get ready for training. This shows the child that you respect the Sensei and value what they are teaching your child while showing the child how to be punctual. Stay at the dojo during class (don't treat it like a baby sitting service, your child will know). I recommend a podcasts and audiobooks while you watch the class.

Which school? You, the parent, will be spending several hours a week at this place so don't minimize your due diligence. The correct answer could very well be there isn't a place with classes that matches your schedules at this time.

Parents should ask around and see where their friends are going and also where there friends have stopped going. Ask why.

Parents should first attend/watch a class that their child would be attending. Leave the kids at home for the initial visit so you will not be distracted from your all important task of managing the development of the child. Arrive 15 minutes early and stay a few minutes after the class so you can experience the way the school is run. Your gut will tell you which schools will be good for your child, listen to your gut.

Talk with the chief instructor and the person (teenager?) who will actually be working with your child. Would you feel safe leaving your child is their care for the weekend? What is the instructor teaching? A parent should watch to determine this, do not base the molding of your child's mind on what you read in a brochure or on the web.

After making your choice(s) of potential schools attend a second class with the child. This time observe your child and dialog with them about what is happening.

At 6 years of age the style doesn't make much difference. The instructor is what is important, not the brand name.

Sankyu Green Stripe

I tested for my Sankyu green stripe tonight by demonstrating Chinto Kata. Next I work on Seisan Kata with Chinto Kata for two months then test for Nikyu.

Sparring, to many options

During sparring class last night I realize that I am having problems coming up with technique maybe because of me "free hand hits" training. With free hand hits most of the time striking is not an option because you respond without thinking when a hand is free and it automatically goes to a target of opportunity. I am stuck with to many targets of opportunity during sparring.

Sensei Marston suggested that I find a few combination moves that I like and practice them. Work at home and develop the moves then find someone at the dojo and ask to practice with them for a few minutes. Also during sparring workouts tell my partner that I want to work on these moves for a couple of minutes.

What I heard; develop a vocabulary of Karate strikes and kicks. After you know a few words put them together into three word sentences. Drill a set until it becomes second nature (learn the drill, do the drill, forget the drill). Sen sen no sen; learn to ask the questions that your words (strikes/kicks) can answer. She said you really only have a couple that work well for you and will use them all the time. Ah, master a tool and then find places and situations to use it.

Sensei Marston also suggested putting 1" tape targets on the punching bag and practice accuracy. Work the combinations for accuracy.

Martial Arts TV

Kioshi Dave Joslin has started a web broadcast covering martial arts in general and Isshinryu Karate in particular. Good opportunity to ask questions of Kioshi when the show is going out live. Check out the Archive, start with the March 3rd broadcast.

Here are the feeds from the March 3, 2009 show; Martial Arts Review.

Part 1 of 3

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Part 2 of 3

Attack targets you know the opponent will defend; face, groin, body. People tend not to defend their knees.

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Part 3 of 3

Empower yourself with a well formed fist/weapon. Empower yourself with a combat yell, kiai to remove fear and dought from your mind and place fear and dout into the opponent's mind. Multiple attacker situation discussed.

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Black Belt Candidate Rank Requirements

Two months after Ikkyu yo is eligible to test for white stripe by performing Seisan and Seiuchin Katas.

Two months after white stripe yo is eligible to test for green stripe by performing Naihanchi, Wansu and Sanchin Katas.

Two months after green stripe yo is eligible to test for Black Stripe by performing Chinto and Kushanku Katas. The black stripe denotes Black Belt Candidate status. At this point the candidate spends a year polishing their katas and gets ready for the Black Belt exam.

Ikkyu Rank Requirements

Two months after reaching Nikyu yo is eligible to test on the first third of Kusanku Kata for white Stripe. The third-way point of Kusanku is: Just after 2nd kneeling-Seisan stance/middle area block. Where you stand up and punch.

Two months after receiving white stripe yo is eligible to test on the second third of Kusanku Kata for green stripe. The second third of Kusanku is: After 2nd jumping crescent/back kick. Where you stand up and punch twice.

Two months after receiving green stripe yo is eligible to test for Ikkyu. Performing Kusanku Kata with proficiency. This is an official rank which is denoted by a additional red stripe. When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Ikkyu, yo is a 3rd degree brown belt and wears three red stripes on their obi.

Nikyu Rank Requirements

When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Sankyu, yo is a first degree brown belt and wears one red stripe on their obi. Note, Sankyu translates to third student level below black belt rank/class/grade, it is the first level of brown belt.

Two months after reaching Sankyu yo is eligible to test on the first half of Chinto Kata for white Stripe. The half-way point of Chinto is: Chicken head block/hammer fist strike.

Two months after receiving white stripe yo is eligible to test on the whole Chinto Kata for green stripe.

Two months after receiving green stripe yo is eligible to test for Nikyu. Performing both Chinto and Seisan Katas with proficiency. This is an official rank which is denoted by a additional red stripe. When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Nikyu, yo is a 2nd degree brown belt and wears two red stripes on their obi.

Chinto Kata

Chinto Kata
Background
Chinto with pictures
overview
The principle is pivot.

Sankyu Promotion

After demonstrating Wansu Kata and none stop sparring with Mr. Ripma (sp?) Kyoshi Dave Joslin promoted me to Sankyu, 3rd degree brown belt on January 13th, 2009.