Sobukan Dojo

New Sobukan hoodies are available now! They are good quality hoodies (uniqlo), thin enough to be worn under your gi, a jacket all year round. These ones are slightly cheaper than the last ones at $80. More sizes available within a fortnight, but limited stock, so please order as soon as you can.

Important dates

Grading

There is only one month until the grading! Please find a copy of the grading syllabus attached. More detailed syllabi are also available for adults. If you bring a USB I can copy kata and elements of grading criteria for you.

Sei practicing kata for his grading at Himeji Garden

Karate competition

We have been invited to participate in the Traditional Japanese Karate Network Championship 2015 on Sunday July 12 at the Magill University Sports Centre.

There are 4 events:

1. Non-contact kumite – kumite without actually hitting (the rules are quite different from what we practice)
2. ‘Flag’ kumite – a children’s game where you steal a flag from the opponent’s belt – similar to a game our children play!
3. Kata – solo demonstration of karate kata
4. Kata bunkai – group demonstration of kata and the application of moves.

In particular I am interested in adults competing in the kata bunkai event, and children may be interested in demonstrating their kata. The entry cost is $40 whether you compete in one or many events. Please let me know if you are keen on having a go!

http://www.downloadkarate.com/tournament

IBF Training Day

Pacey and I attended the IBF Training Day in May and helped to raise the profile of Kudo SA while raising money for Beyond Blue. Thank you very much to Kym Reid for his tireless efforts in arranging these events, which are a rare opportunity to develop contacts in the broader martial art community. Also thank you to all of the other instructors who donated time, money and in some cases even paid for their own flights to Adelaide for the event. Thank you to Pacey for assisting as my vict – oops, uke for the day and helping boosting interested in the Kudo competition format. The next IBF Training Day is being planned for October 25.

BJJ Championships

Sobukan champs!

Three Sobukan members, three chokes, three medals!

As you may be aware, Jay, Pacey and I competed in the BJJ SA Championship a few weeks ago. Despite having no experience in BJJ and this being their first ever competition, the boys put in a mammoth effort and all won medals. In fact, each of us choked out opponents to win by submission. I was very proud of our team beating the ground fighting specialists at their own game!

Jay won a bronze medal despite fighting in the 100kg category by submitting his opponent by choke from the half guard. He also competed in the open weight event and in both divisions only lost to the eventual gold medal winner! Jay has a big future in combat sports and I am keen to see how he performs at the Australian Championships.

Pacey won his very first fight by triangle choke submission against a very strong opponent. He was very unlucky not to submit his next opponent by arm bar and received the silver medal for his efforts.

I only had one opponent in the ‘Masters’ division, but managed to pull off a sode guruma jime from the mount to win Gold by choke.

The BJJ Australian Championships will be held in Adelaide this year, which only happens once every six years. Residents of Adelaide are able to compete in the Nationals this year even if they have not won the requisite medal at the State Championships. So anyone who is interesting in having a go is able to do so! So far, Pacey, Jay, Tristan, Daniel C, Aaron and Sei have also shown interest in competing. Any others?

Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo – Kudo competition

Thank you to everyone who participated in exhibition bouts at the Sports and Fitness Expo on Sunday 17 May. Also thanks to the Sobukan members and families who came to support and assist on the day. Despite the Judo SA Titles being much larger than expected leaving us running behind on the day, our members put on some very exciting and closely fought bouts. Sei and I were even live on TV on The Project’s ‘What’s On’ segment!

Additionally, two Sobukan members competed in the SA Judo Titles, both winning medals! Kynan won a silver medal and Liam won the gold! Congratulations to everyone for a great effort on the day.

Hoodies

We have some larger sized hoodies available for $90, and I am in the process of having a limited number (six each) of lighter-weight smaller adult and children’s sizes embroidered. These should be ready in 2 weeks. If you want one in time for winter, please be quick!

Kotowaza

There are a number of Japanese titles used in the martial arts, and far more are used in the West than in Japan! Japanese masters rarely demand that you call them by title; they will usually simply introduce themselves by their family names. If you respect them, you will call them sensei until you hear their appropriate title from others. To fail to call them ‘sensei’ is tantamount to placing yourself above the master in the hierarchy.

I am very proud of our dojo – today Pacey, Jay and I competed in the BJJ State Championships. Pacey and Jay came to Sobukan as beginners and have never had a BJJ lesson in their lives. Despite this, today each of us walked away with medals won by submission!

• Jay won a bronze medal for his submission victory (sode guruma jime) by choke in the 100kg novice division.
• Pacey won a silver medal for his triangle choke victory against a very tough opponent in the 70kg novice division.
• I won gold in the 76kg masters division by sode guruma jime choke.

Pretty impressive considering that we fought against competitors who dedicate themselves to the ground game. Groundwork is only about 1/4 of what we do at Sobukan. We fought under their rules and won. The National BJJ Championships will be held in Adelaide this year, and Adelaide residents are able to compete. If you are interested, please let me know!

Big thanks to Leo Arruda and the team at Arruda BJJ for training me, and for letting us fight under their banner!

Sobukan champs!

I just picked up the hoodies from the embroiders! These are good quality garments with proper embroidery (not screen printed). Currently only large and extra large (sorry, no kids sizes) available, but if they are popular I will run some more. I got a discount this time, so they will only be $90. Cash or direct debit is fine. They will be at the dojo tonight. Modelled below by some handsome bald guy, but head not in shot so as not to detract from the appeal of the hoodie.

We also have a few of the Kudo NHG masks and gloves left over. Any left will be sent to Kudo NSW, who are waiting for stock, so please be quick.

Please don’t bring cash or pay into my bank account. Please pay into the following account, and email evidence of payment to chris@sobukan.com.au. Please check availability before paying.

Kinetic Fighting P/L
BSB: 032 152
Account: 220826

Prices:
NHG Masks $250
Kudo gloves $40

Kudo NHG mask

We have had a very busy couple of months, and some great training sessions. May will be another jam-packed month, as we have the IBF training day, a BJJ competition, Kudo exhibition matches at Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo and a bit of a celebration in there too. June will be a little quieter, but no less busy as we prepare for a July grading.

Unfortunately we have had a couple of setbacks with booking the Gasshuku (training camp) and obtaining government approval for the Kudo rules which have delayed these events. More information will be available soon.

Sobukids have been really impressing me recently. The classes have been growing and the skill level of the kids is improving out-of-sight! Their discipline and concentration and mutual respect they have been showing sets a great example for new members. Great work, and keep it up kids! Thanks to Pacey, who has been helping with most of the classes.

Also a huge thank you also to Geoff and Pacey who ran classes on Saturday April 18 while I was on a family holiday.

Important dates in 2015

IBF Training Day

I will be teaching a Kudo session at the IBF training day, and many other quality instructors will be sharing their knowledge. This is a great opportunity to get some great and diverse training, meet likeminded people, and raise money for charity – all for just $40!

BJJ SA Championships

Pacey, Jay and I will be competing in BJJ at the SA titles on May 9. If anyone else wants to try out, please let me know ASAP as registration closes on May 3. Please come along and support your team members. A good result may qualify these guys for the Australian titles to be held in SA in August.

http://afbjj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85&Itemid=33

UFC

The UFC is coming to Adelaide for the first time on Sat May 10^th. While the UFC may not be everyone’s cup-of-tea and you may have no plans to become a professional mixed martial artist in the near future, it is an entertaining way to observe and analyse martial art techniques, tactics, counters and combinations. Few could argue the influence the UFC and MMA in general have had over the development of martial arts in the past two decades.

http://www.theaec.net/ConcertsEvents/EventDisplay.aspx?eid=2032

Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo – Kudo competition

We have been invited to participate in the Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo again this year! Unfortunately we were not able to get government approval for a Kudo competition on this date, but we will hold demonstration fights. We have about 25 people keen to participate and I will need people to help the fighters prepare, to be timekeepers, etc. Please let me know if you are available to assist.

As the Kudo competition was not possible, I have arranged for the Judo SA titles to be held in our place, but we will work our fights into their breaks. For those participating or helping out, please arrive at the Adelaide Showgrounds by 10am at the latest. Please wear your dogi if participating, or preferably wear Sobukan t-shirts and hoodies if helping out (if you have them). Participants and parents (and all children) get in free. http://adelaidefitnessexpo.com

Sparring with Raghu at the Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo

Don’t forget that all participants will require mouthguards and groin protectors, and preferably have their own gloves and shinpads. All coloured belts should have these for safety reasons. They are available from the Martial Arts Shop for approximately the following prices:

• Gloves: $10
• Shin pads: $17 – 20
• Mouthguard: $5
• Groin guard: $11-15

http://www.martialartsshop.com.au

Yagai geiko

Unfortunately Sunday 26^th April will be our last Sunday morning class for a while, as we have big events for the next few Sundays.

Kudo gear

Kudo NHG mask

I am now the national supplier for Kudo gear. We currently have some large and extra large NHG helmets and gloves for sale. Once these are sold we will order other sizes.

Please don’t bring cash or pay into my bank account. Please pay into the following account, and email evidence of payment to chris@sobukan.com.au. Please check availability before paying.

Pay to:
Kinetic Fighting P/L
BSB: 032 152
Account: 220826

Prices:

• NHG Masks $250
• Kudo gloves $30
• Kudo gi $100
• Kudo wraps $10 (not currently in stock)

Hoodies

I am in the process of having some Sobukan hoodies made. Rather than go through Cafepress, I have bought some quality hoodies and am having our club kanji embroidered on. These will be a little more expensive than Cafepress at around $100, but I have high expectations for a great product. I hope to have them within days!

Kotowaza

Do you know what to say during the bows in class? This has to be one of the more common Japanese questions I get. Please find the proper etiquette and translations below.

Important dates in 2015

Gasshuku training camp

Unfortunately we were not able to secure a booking for April 25-26 and the dojo is also unavailable that weekend. In the near future I would love to hold a training camp and maybe the dojo is the best option. Families would be welcome to bring sleeping bags and camp on the mats. Below is a draft schedule for the gasshuku. I am very open to ideas!

IBF Training Day

BJJ champion Kane Gehling

BJJ SA Championships

We have a couple of students who have expressed interest in competing in BJJ. If you wish to compete in the SA titles on May 9, please confirm with me ASAP as I will need to arrange team and individual memberships. A good result may qualify you for the Australian titles to be held in SA in August.

http://afbjj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85&Itemid=33

UFC

The UFC is coming to Adelaide for the first time on Sat May 10^th! As this is just in time for my 40^th birthday, I will be attending. While the UFC may not be everyone’s cup-of-tea and you may have no plans to become a professional mixed martial artist in the near future, it is an entertaining way to observe and analyse martial art techniques, tactics, counters and combinations. Few could argue the influence the UFC and MMA in general have had over the development of martial arts in the past two decades.

http://www.theaec.net/ConcertsEvents/EventDisplay.aspx?eid=2032

Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo – Kudo competition

We have been invited to participate in the Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo again this year!

I am still waiting on permission from the Office of Recreation and Sport and confirmation from the Kudo National Tournament Director to hold SA’s first Kudo competition at this event. We are cutting this fine, but it is looking more positive. For those interested, please work on your 3Cs: condition, combinations and counters.

Regardless of whether the competition is able to be held at this event or not, we will do a demonstrate martial arts throughout the day and I would love to have the whole club there, so please brush up your jujutsu, KU two-person drills, kata, kumite etc. Raghu and Pacey – we will need to work on our skit again!

Some other martial art groups will also share the stage to show their wares between our appearances.

http://adelaidefitnessexpo.com

Kids demonstrating at Adelaide Sport and Fitness Expo

Kudo seminar and grading with Paul Cale

On the last weekend of summer, Kudo SA representative dojo, Sobukan Martial Arts hosted Kudo Australia shibucho (branch head) Paul Cale for SA’s first Kudo seminar and grading.

Kudo is a Japanese gi-based Mixed Martial Art that focuses on kumite. It perfectly complements and reinforces that lessons that our Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu kata and drills provide.

25 participants from arts as diverse as Karate, Jujutsu, Judo, Krav Maga, Amok, Kenpo, MMA and Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu came together to learn from the former Commando and prepare for Kudo competition in Adelaide in 2015. I was very pleased that approximately half were from Sobukan.

The first day commenced with a discussion about the rules and background of the combat sport Kudo and the associated art of Daidojuku. We then drilled a number of combinations unique to Kudo including using the gi to mix strikes with clinches, off-balancing techniques, throws and submissions. We even got to explore some of the weaponry tactics that Paul shibucho has taught to special forces in Australia and the US.

Sunday March 1^st was SA’s first Kudo grading. Only two participants already held Kudo grades, Raghu (who had graded twice interstate) and myself. After 5 hours of basic training, ido keiko, uchikomi and kumite, 14 people were awarded new Kudo grades, nine of which are from Sobukan Martial Arts. Special mention should be given to the Purvis family, who boast SA’s youngest and oldest Kudo grades!

SA’s first Kudo tournament is in planning for May 17 at the Adelaide Sports and Fitness Expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds. 

Yagai geiko

We have had a few weeks off Sunday training, but this will start up again on 12 April in preparation for BJJ and Kudo competition in May!

T-shirts

Feel free to wear Sobukan t-shirts to training when it is too hot to wear a dogi, or when we have beach or outdoor training sessions.

Men:                       http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187466

Women:                 http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187460

Children:               http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187454

Kotowaza – Kurumono kobamazu, saru mono owazu

来るもの拒まず、去る者追わず

Don’t refuse those who come, and don’t chase those who leave.

This kotowaza is not specific to the martial arts, but holds a couple of lessons for us. If someone has taken the initiative in attack, it is generally futile to try to stop their advance. They will have momentum and the element of surprise to their advantage. Instead of trying to stop them, move off the line at the last moment. As you will have heard me say many times before: ‘Don’t try to stop the train; get off the tracks’!

The second part of the kotowaza offers another pearl of wisdom. If you have fought off an attacker, and they are escaping, let them go. Chasing them to exact revenge, or teach them a lesson will only lead to trouble. You then become the aggressor, and witnesses, police and a court of law may judge you guilty of assault. Don’t let emotions or ego enter the equation, and remember the Hakkoryu Jujutsu philosophy of idomazu, sakarawazu, kizutsukezu (don’t challenge, don’t resist, don’t injure).

挑まず、逆らわず、傷付けず

Technical lesson – 3-finger fist

Any jujutsu-ka worth their salt will tell you that the pinky finger is the most important one, but most karate-ka have forgotten this valuable lesson.

As you all know, I love the overlapping principles in martial arts: the lessons that ring true whether we are talking about striking, throwing, grappling or arresting. Studying these golden rules will improve your overall martial arts ability with great efficiency. A prime example of this is the 3-finger fist.

Incorrect way to make a fist

Lets start with the wrong way to make a fist – which just happens to be the way that almost all karate-ka do it. The image below demonstrates the conventional way of making a fist. Curl all four finger tips into the palm of the hand simultaneously, then lock the fingers in with the thumb. When I make a fist this way, I trap some of the meaty part of my palm against my fingertips, which forces my ‘door knocking knuckles’ rather than my punching knuckles forward. If I punch with this fist, I will inevitably hurt my hand! But that is not the main problem…

The correct way to make a fist is to start by curling the pinky finger, then the ring and middle fingers. The forefinger and thumb should only be closed immediately before impact.

Correct way to make a fist

Why??

When the forefinger and thumb are grasped, the muscles on the bicep side of the arm and forearm are employed. These muscle groups are antagonistic muscles when throwing a straight punch, and therefore premature tension will slow the punch down. The common analogy is driving a car with the handbrake on. Tension of the other three fingers employs the muscles that straighten the arm, and therefore work with the punch rather than against it.

Unnecessary tension in the elbow also tends to curl the arm during the punch, and the fist will often land pinky side first, rather than with the first and second knuckles. A relaxed arm also assists in quick, smooth transition during combination punching.

Not yet convinced?

Lets look at other gripping in martial arts. Judo has some of the most developed grip fighting in all martial arts. How do they grip each other? While difficult to demonstrate pictorially – you need to feel it – judo-ka grip the opponent’s gi with their entire hand, but concentrate their strength on the bottom three fingers. Looseness in the forefinger and thumb keeps the elbow loose, which allows the judo-ka to quickly repond to his opponent’s movements. A tight elbow locks your own balance into your opponent’s, making you vulnerable to every movement he/she makes.

One of the primary lessons in Hakkoryu Jujutsu is the ‘Loser grip’, learning to grip your partner’s wrist with the 3-finger grip, leaving the forefinger and thumb relaxed and extended. Gripping with the thumb and forefinger actually removes the power of most arresting techniques. Hakkoryu Jujutsu Soke sensei demonstrates in the image.

So why do so many people have it wrong? Good question!

There are different lessons for different levels, and subtleties left for advanced students. Sometimes the advanced lessons are withheld while the pupil demonstrates their loyalty, and other times they are simply not yet ready. I believe the concept of kime, often interpreted as full body tension on impact of punches in karate circles, is a beginners technique designed to protect the underdeveloped bodies of new students. However, as students left their dojo (or foreigners visiting Okinawa/Japan for short periods) without learning advanced teachings, these truncated, or simplified, lessons were perpetuated. Generally the faster an art spreads, the more of the subtlety is lost. This can certainly be seen with Aikido and Karate in dojo all around the world.

Important dates in 2015

Fire in the kitchen

On Wednesday 18^th February, we had an incident at the dojo. It seems that someone inadvertently turned on the stove with a plastic tub on top. The plastic melted and noxious fumes filled the dojo. Please take care when using the kitchen facilities, it was only due to Sean noticing the smoke that a more serious incident was avoided – Thanks Sean!!

Kudo seminar and grading with Paul Cale

Bookings and payment required now!

Saturday 28 February – Kudo / Daidojuku seminar

Sunday 1 March – Kudo / Daidojuku grading

Please note that there will be no regular classes at Sobukan or Karate-bu on Saturday 28^th February due to the seminar.

Kudo grading and seminar poster

What is Kudo?

Kudo is a Japanese gi-based Mixed Martial Art and a perfect vehicle for established martial artists to test and further develop all-round combative skills in a safer environment than ‘naked’ MMA. Kudo retains traditional budo values and combines strong kicks, punches, knees, elbows and head-butts with dynamic throws and slick submissions.

Protective equipment bridges the gap between safety and real fighting. It is arguably the world’s most explosive combat sport. This seminar is for ages 12 and over.

Saturday 28 February, 10:00 – 15:00 will be a Kudo seminar with the head of Kudo Australia, Paul Cale. Cost $60

Sunday 1 March , 10:00 – 15:00 will be SA’s first Daido Juku Kudo grading with Paul Cale shibucho! Cost $105, including Kudo Australia membership, value $40.

Participate in both days for a discounted cost of $150.

Yagai geiko

Recently a small group of Sobukan members interested in entering Kudo/BJJ/Karate/MMA competition have been meeting on Sunday mornings for conditioning training. This high-intensity training will test you, and we have enjoyed some lovely outdoor weather! We have been meeting at Goodwood Oval, but future sessions may be held anywhere: the beach, the military obstacle course, etc. If you are interested, please let me know.

Training camp

I am planning to hold a gasshuku training camp for all members, children, adults and families. We would start Saturday morning and stay until Sunday afternoon with training sessions throughout the days. Unfortunately the venue I had tentatively booked rejected our booking due to a 2-night minimum policy. Do you have any ideas for a good location? I have had a few suggestions, including our dojo, or Kensei’s dojo at Moana beach, but if you know somewhere good, please let me know!

Below is a draft schedule for the gasshuku.

T-shirts

Feel free to wear Sobukan t-shirts to training when it is too hot to wear a dogi, or when we have beach or outdoor training sessions.

Men:                       http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187466

Women:                 http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187460

Children:               http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187454

Kotowaza – Sessatakuma

切磋琢磨

I may have introduced this one to you before. Sessatakuma is a dojo mate who you constantly compete with to improve. You will brainstorm strategies to beat each other and help each other drill new techniques. By virtue of your (often informal) arrangement, you motivate each other to train more regularly, more intensively and more intelligently. The result is mutually beneficial and you both advance at a faster rate than you would by yourself. Do you have a Sessatakuma?

Technical lesson – Levels of competence

Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong!

There are four generally accepted stages of competence, and these roughly coincide with Shuhari, a Japanese concept that we often discuss. The stages are:

1. Unconscious incompetence – I don’t know what I don’t know
2. Conscious incompetence – I know what I don’t know
3. Conscious competence – I can do it when I concentrate
4. Unconscious competence – It is second nature

When most students enter the dojo for the first time, they bring a general notion of wanting to learn to defend themselves, wanting to improve their health and fitness and thinking that martial arts are pretty cool. The recent popularity of MMA and the accessibility of Youtube has has educated the general public about violence somewhat, but most people have little first-hand experience. The first lesson is to learn what they need to defend themselves against. Once they learn the concept of Habitual Acts of Physical Violence (HAPVs), the four stages of self defence (avoid, escape, negotiate, fight/physical defence) and the four exit points from a violent conflict (get out, knock out, choke out, arrest), they are ready to graduate to stage two. This correlates roughly with a yellow belt. 

Your confidence may actually dip around yellow/orange belt as you feel overwhelmed by the amount there is to learn. This milestone notifies that you have reached stage two, conscious incompetence. You are then exposed to a great range of techniques including bunches of punches, open hand strikes, elbows, headbutts, knees and kicks. You learn to clinch and dozens of throws, sweeps and wrestling takedowns. You are introduced to the positions, transitions and submissions on the ground. You also get an opportunity to experience traditional jujutsu locks and arresting movements. And you learn how to defend against knives, guns, sticks and all of the above! It all seems too much!! But gradually you build some confidence with the techniques, you know them and can do many of them in training. Unfortunately some students feel that they know enough at this stage. This happens around blue belt. Welcome to stage 3!

Bruce Lee advised us not to fear the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks, but to fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. Drill, drill, then drill some more! With practice, and plenty of repetition, you notice that techniques start to come a little easier. You now think less about the execution of the technique and more about timing, tactics and opportunities. You are countering techniques spontaneously. You still have more to learn, but you have now entered the final stage and are probably ready for your black belt test.

Kudo grading and seminar poster

Important dates in 2015

Kakizome

Thank you very much to Umehara sensei for conducting a kakizome calligraphy session at Sobukan on January 10. Under Umehara sensei’s patient guidance, a number of members were able to skilfully brush beautiful characters to illustrate a personal theme for 2015. Some included ‘improvement’, ‘learning’, ‘challenge’, ‘discipline’, ‘motivation’, ‘choosing path’, ‘kumite’ and ‘Kudo’, etc.

Grading

I thought this was going to be a small grading. We had 20 members testing for their next grades! Many passed their grading test outright, and a few will complete their grading shortly. All have demonstrated great commitment to their training and development, and have opened doors to their next stage of learning. Well done everyone, I am very proud of you all for your effort in preparation and courage to stand in front of the group and demonstrate your skills.

Kudo seminar and grading with Paul Cale
Saturday 28 February – Kudo / Daidojuku seminar
Sunday 1 March – Kudo / Daidojuku grading

Who is Paul Cale sensei?

1) Kudo Daido Juku Branch Chief (Shibucho) for Australia.

• Appointed Shibucho by Jukucho Azuma Takashi 9th Dan, the founder of Kudo.
• First ever Australian Kudo Black Belt and graded in Japan by the founder.

2) International Kyokushin Budokaikan Branch Chief (Shibucho) for Australia

• Appointed Shibucho by Kaicho Jon Bluming 10th Dan, the founder of the IBK
• Graded to Shihan in Kyokushin Budokaikan by the founder

3) Yoshinkan Aikido Branch Chief under the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation

• Bestowed with the dojo name Renshinkan by Soke Gozo Shioda 10th Dan, the founder of Aikido Yoshinkan

4) Additional Black Belts held in:

• Tomiki Aikido
• Kodokan Judo
• WTF Taekwondo

5) Graded to Brown Belt in BJJ by 6 time world champion Prof Robert Drysdale

• Graded to 4th level Brown Belt by Prof Richard Norton 4th Degree Jean Jacques Machado Black Belt

6) Founder of Kinetic Fighting Integrated Combat

• A Commando and veteran of multiple combat tours with Australian Special Forces
• Rewrote SF Close Quarter Fighting Course
• Creator of the Infantry Integrated Combat (IIC) Course and the Special Forces Integrated Combat (SFIC) Course
• Creator of Extreme Close Shooting (ECS) techniques

https://sobukan.com.au/kudo/

Yagai geiko

Recently a small group of Sobukan members interested in entering Kudo/BJJ/Karate/MMA competition have been meeting on Sunday mornings for conditioning training. This high-intensity training will test you, and we have enjoyed some lovely outdoor weather! We have been meeting at Goodwood Oval, but future sessions may be held anywhere: the beach, the military obstacle course, etc. If you are interested, please let me know.

This is what we did this week:

• Slow jog followed by stretches
• 400m sprints x 2
• 1 x min rounds of push ups, sumo squats, crunches, burpees
• 5 x 3min rounds on Thai pads
• More running
• 20 x pike chin ups
• Impact conditioning training – kicking and punching each other for 10 mins
• Pummelling, hip throws, arm drags
• Sprints pushing the car – approximately 500m
• Light jog
• 6 rounds of light sparring

Training camp

I am planning to hold a gasshuku training camp for all members, children, adults and families, at Aldinga Beach Holiday Park. We would start Saturday morning and stay until Sunday afternoon with training sessions throughout the days. We would hold multiple sessions throughout the day in kata, kumite, tegumi, jujutsu etc and also request Kensei to teach Iaijutsu (sword art) and ask Umehara sensei and Takumi to teach various aspects of Japanese culture, such as Japanese calligraphy, dance, games, language etc. Paul Tsiavlis (Marko and Christopher’s father) has offered to teach Amok knife fighting. There would also be beach, pool, and play time. There has been some interest in watching the Miyamoto Musashi movie, perhaps we could do that on the Saturday night. The camp would likely cost in the vicinity of $75 – 100 for the weekend per participant (might be able to find family discounts), depending on numbers and activities. Are you interested?

Below is a draft schedule for the gasshuku.

T-shirts for summer

Summer is here! Feel free to wear Sobukan t-shirts to training when it is too hot to wear a dogi, or when we have beach or outdoor training sessions.

Men:                        http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187466

Women:                                  http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187460

Children:               http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187454

Kotowaza – Fall down seven times, get up 8

七転び八起き（七転八起）

Nana korobi ya oki

I believe this was the very first kotowaza that I introduced a couple of years ago. It is one of my favourite Japanese sayings, and a timely reminder. Last month I wrote about goal setting. Setting, planning and executing goals is very important, but in order to succeed in your pursuit of challenging goals, resilience is essential. You must overcome adversity, and the best way to do so is to learn from setbacks and continue towards the goal. Easy wins do not make you stronger. When challenging yourself, you never lose. You either win or you learn. As Alfred said to Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins: ‘Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.’

Technical lesson – konohagaeshi/kotegaeshi

Incorrect hand position

Correct hand position

One of the most common ‘wrist locks’ is not actually a wrist lock!

Konohagaeshi (in Hakkoryu Jujutsu) or Kotegaeshi (in Aikido and many other jujutsu systems) turns the wrist to control an attacker to the ground. Most schools teach students to place the thumb on the little finger side of the back of the hand and twist the wrist to cause pain compliance in the attacker. However, this is not the optimum way to apply this technique, and offers the attacker an easy pathway to a rear naked choke. The correct way to utilise this technique is to allow the thumb to extend past the opponent’s middle knuckle and make contact with the base of the thumb – not the end of it! Turn the wrist over in a large arc, then straighten your arm and trop drop the opponent’s elbow to the floor using gravity and the weight of the arm. Maru-chon!

Keep your back straight. Leaning over will only reduce the effectiveness of the angle. Use the natural arc of the arm as it drops past your side. Your other arm can give the opponent a nudge to complete the destruction of their balance.

Ensure that the opponent’s hand never drops below their elbow – that will remove the effect of the technique and expose you to a counter.

Here is a step-by-step example:

1. Block a right haymaker punch with shuto uke and stick to the opponent’s arm.
2. Circle the opponent’s arm in an anticlockwise direction without gripping their arm.
3. When the arm passes your centre line, your fingers will cross the forearm, hook the base of the opponent’s thumb with your pinky, ring finger and middle finger. Your thumb will float past the opponent’s middle finger.
4. Continue the anticlockwise circle until the opponent’s hand is above their shoulder.
5. Straighten your arm so that the base of your thumb locks the opponent’s arm into position.
6. Drop the arm straight down in an arc towards your hip. Keep your back straight.
7. Use the other arm to topple the opponent if necessary.

Do:

• Relax
• Use the force of gravity and the weight of your arm
• Keep good posture
• Focus on the opponent’s elbow

Don’t:

• Force or rush the technique
• Squeeze or twist the opponent’s hand
• Try to hurt the wrist
• Let the opponent’s hand drop below their elbow

Happy New Year! I hope you have enjoyed a couple of weeks rest. We kick off again on Monday 5 January. I look forward to seeing you there!

Important dates in 2015

Kakizome

Umehara sensei will host kakizome from noon on Saturday 10 January. Kakizome literally means ‘first writing’ and is an opportunity for you to brush a Japanese character or word that symbolises your theme for 2015. Please give some thought to what theme you might like to choose and Umehara sensei and I will help translate them. Junior students are very welcome to attend the dojo for this ceremony, we might go out for some lunch afterwards.

In the past I have used:

2012 – 初心shoshin – beginner’s mind. Back to basics, to remember what it is like for students starting a martial art.

2013 – 養うyashinau – cultivate. To cultivate great martial artists.

2014 – 進むsusumu – progress. To develop all aspects of Sobukan dojo and our members.

For 2015 I have selected koujou, literally to ‘face or move up’, or to improve oneself.

向上

Grading

The first grading test of the year will be on Wednesday 21 January. Juniors will start from 6pm, but please be early in order to pay the $25 test fee in advance, and to get in some last minute practice. This should be a smaller grading, so we should wrap up more quickly than usual. If you are unsure of any of your grading requirements, please ask in the first lessons of the year.

There will be no regular classes on the night of the grading, but everyone is welcome to come and self-train. Partners will also be required, so advanced students can certainly assist, and beginner students should see this as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with grading test procedures. Photographers are also required!

Kudo seminar and grading

Paul Cale, head of Kudo Australia and holder of black belts in Kudo / Daidojuku, Judo, 7^th dan Kyokushin karate, 7^th dan Aikido and a brown belt in BJJ also heads the combat sports program (judo and boxing) for the AIS Olympic teams. He is a former special forces sergeant who trains US and Australian military units. You don’t want to miss training with him!

Saturday 28 February – Kudo / Daidojuku seminar

Sunday 1 March – Kudo / Daidojuku grading

https://sobukan.com.au/kudo/

Training camp

I am planning to hold a gasshuku training camp for all members, children, adults and families, at Aldinga Beach Holiday Park. We would start Saturday morning and stay until Sunday afternoon with training sessions throughout the days. We would hold multiple sessions throughout the day in kata, kumite, tegumi, jujutsu etc and also request Kensei to teach Iaijutsu (sword art) and ask Umehara sensei and Takumi to teach various aspects of Japanese culture, such as Japanese calligraphy, dance, games, language etc. Paul Tsiavlis (Marko and Christopher’s father) has offered to teach Amok knife fighting. There would also be beach, pool, and play time. There has been some interest in watching the Miyamoto Musashi movie, perhaps we could do that on the Saturday night. The camp would likely cost in the vicinity of $75 – 100 for the weekend per participant (might be able to find family discounts), depending on numbers and activities.

Are you interested?

Below is a draft schedule for the gasshuku.

T-shirts for summer

Summer is here! Feel free to wear Sobukan t-shirts to training when it is too hot to wear a dogi, or when we have beach or outdoor training sessions.

Men:                       http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187466

Women:                 http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187460

Children:               http://www.cafepress.com/sobukan.1265187454

Kotowaza – New Year’s greetings

In the lead up to, and including new years day, greet people with ‘yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai’. This can be shortened to yoi otoshi o for close friends.

良いお年をお迎えください

Once the new year has begun, greet people with ‘akemashite omedetou gozaimasu’. This is also often shortened to akemashite omedetou or even to ake-ome!

明けましておめでとうございます

Technical lesson – goal setting

A valuable lesson I have learned as a result of martial arts training is how to set and achieve goals. I believe the belt system is a great way to break a big goal into smaller, progressive parts. In addition to the dojo, I have applied this lesson successfully to language acquisition, university studies and work.

One of the most accepted goal-setting mnemonics is SMART. When considering your goal, ensure that it is:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Relevant

Time-bound

For example: ‘I will obtain my black belt at Sobukan by 31 December 2018’ fulfils the SMART criteria, whereas simply stating ‘I will get a black belt’ does not, as it is not specific enough, nor time-bound. Once you have decided upon your goal, consider using the GROW model to help you achieve it.

Goal                         Where do you want to be? Decide your goal according the abovementioned SMART criteria.

Reality                         Where are you? Consider your present situation, barriers, challenges and your strengths. You might wish to use the SWOT mnemonic (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).

Options                 How can you achieve your goal? Brainstorm options.

Way forward             Lets do it! Choose from your options, plan your success and implement it! Break your long-term goal into short and medium-term goals and calculate what you need to do to achieve them. Make allowances for setbacks (injury, illness, large bills, etc). Tell supportive people about your goal and implementation plan to build accountability. It is easy to fall behind if you only answer to yourself.

So back to our example: If your goal is to achieve a Sobukan black belt by December 2018, and you are currently an orange belt, you may plan to achieve your green belt by June 2015, your blue belt by June 2016, your brown belt by June 2017 and your black belt by December 2018. This timeframe is realistic and allows enough time for minor setbacks, but you will need to work out what to do on a daily and weekly basis. You may plan to attend 3 classes per week, practice kata and watch the syllabus videos on days off, and read one martial art book per month or search youtube once a week for martial art techniques. Purchasing KU DVDs and attending at least one martial art seminar per year is highly recommended. You may wish to compete in Kudo, Karate, Judo, BJJ or MMA as part of your preparation. You will need to schedule by when you need to learn each drill, and be proactive in asking for assistance in learning them.

Your goal need not be a belt colour or a competition result or even related to martial arts at all. However, without concrete goals people tend to achieve less. Proper goal setting can help you achieve financial, professional, academic, health, family, creative and/or social goals and improve your life. Fail to plan, and you plan to fail!