Δευτέρα 22 Φεβρουαρίου 2010

What is Jōdō?

Jōdō (杖道) is a Japanese martial art in which we study the use of a stick (jō) against a sword (katana).
It is told to be created by Muso Gonnosuke who saw the techniques in a dream after he was defeated by Miyamoto Musashi. On their second meeting, Muso Gonnosuke won by using the new skills he had developed.

This is how Shintō Muso ryū Jōjutsu was founded.

Today we are practising the standardised form of All Japan Kendo Federation. It was initialised by Shimizu Takaji of the original style founded by Muso Gonnosuke after the second World War. This became known as Seitei Jō. Similar path has happened to Kendō, Iaidō and Naginatadō.

The standardised Jōdō consists of twelve basic techniques and of twelve basic katas. The basic techniques, called kihon waza, are executed alone (tandoku dosa) or against a swordsman (sōtai dosa).

The stick used in Jōdō is 128 centimetres (4 shaku, 2 sun and 1 bu) of length and 2.8 centimetres (8 bu) in diameter.

Jōdō is practised against a swordsman but for safety, the sword is made of wood, thus bokken is used by the opponent. The person using the stick is called Shijō, the person with sword called Uchidachi.
The techniques used by the swordsman are similar to the ones used in Kendō kata.

As a discipline of Budō, Jōdō cultivates its practitioners mental skills. A Jōdōka learns etiquette, manners and well controlled behaviour which helps in everyday situations.

The 12 names of the Zen Ken Ren Jōdō:

  1. Tsukizue
  2. Suigetsu
  3. Hissage
  4. Shamen
  5. Sakan
  6. Monomi
  7. Kasumi
  8. Tachi otoshi
  9. Rai uchi
  10. Seigan
  11. Midare dome
  12. Ran ai
by http://paazio.nanbudo.fi/martial-arts/jodo/what-is-jodo-and-other-yudansha-questions

Κυριακή 14 Φεβρουαρίου 2010

What is Kiai

Variation from http://www.horindojo.co.uk/Articles/What%20is%20Kiai.pdf

When asked “what is Kiai”, I would think that most students of modern martial arts would answer with something like; “a shout of power”, “a fierce yell”, or something similar.

The term Kiai is a compound of two Kanji (Chinese characters).
The first Ki has a meaning of ‘mind’, ‘will’ or ‘spirit’.
The second Ai is a contraction of the verb ‘Awasu’, to unite.

So you can see from this meaning that ‘Kiai’ is more that just a shout, it is the ability to concentrate the whole of one’s being – mind, body & spirit in a single unified action. The vocal part of Kiai does not start in the throat but instead should erupt from deep within the pit of the stomach or the Hara.

Kiai wo kakeru (to utter Kiai)
To attack your enemy with Kiai exactly at the moment when your enemy has no Ki in their Saika Tanden (hara).

Fukushiki Kokyu
The art of deep, diaphragmatic breathing

There are also esoteric meanings behind Kiai, these have an effect on specific moves & the coordination of weapons, spirit, and body. The main of these being
Yo no Kiai
In no Kiai

Yo no Kiai can be subdivided into;
i) Kiai of winning = Yaa!
The use of this Kiai is to make the enemy feel that they have already lost.
ii) Now attacking Kiai = Aa!
The use of this Kiai is to make the enemy feel one has found their weakpoint. The enemy will not then be able to use full power as their hearts have been unstabled.
iii) I already know your next technique kiai = Towa!
This makes the enemy feel that one knows their intentions, thus destroying the desire in your enemy to continue.

In no Kiai, is most famously used for the Toate no Jutsu (techniques of striking from a distance), In no Kiai is silent in application but still has the ability to defeat your enemy. Deeply research the understanding of how sound interacts with action!!

Other Kiai used in training involves the use of Kiai in conjunction with Kime (or focus), each time a Kansetsu waza (locking techniques) is used on an enemy it is accompanied with a low deep belly Kiai of “Uuhhmm”, this is to add emphasis to the control of the techniques and to counter any resistance offered by your enemy. This type of Kiai is very important for Ju Jutsu training.

It is said; “If the mind be kept one & undivided it will accommodate itself to ten thousand varied circumstances. That is the reason why a superior person can keep their mind empty & undisturbed”.