Photos can be viewed @

The World Budo trip is now complete and can be viewed in full, together with photos at http://www.samurai-arts.co.nz/events_-_news!.htm

Report 7 from: Taiwan - Singapore – Malaysia

Taiwan
Following Japan, a visit was made to Taiwan for a few days. This visit was related to our business at Action Martial Arts Supplies and the need to keep close contact with our valued suppliers on behalf of Kiwi martial artists. Although some of our products come directly from Japan and some from Pakistan, the US and elsewhere, this provided an opportunity to keep our Taiwan suppliers informed about the particular needs of Kiwis within the martial arts world.

These discussions also increase our knowledge of the world scene for martial arts supply and it was found interesting that different countries have particular requirements. The USA for example is seen by our suppliers as price sensitive, so a great deal of lower quality product is sent to this market. Some suppliers have even withdrawn from the US market because it is uneconomic to sell there, and if they do sell there, they get a bad name because the quality they offer in order to meet the price level is so inferior, that it reflects poorly on their reputation. Europe, Japan and the UK markets are not so price sensitive and higher quality products are manufactured and dispatched to this market.

We at Action Martial Arts Supplies like to inform our customers of this point. “Action martial Arts Supplies ” try to strike a balance in order to provide high quality martial arts products at a competitive price. We avoid “cheaply-made” products because we believe it is not in the interests of our customers to provide low quality goods. We strive to provide good value for money, quality products and great service and to do this we in turn must cooperate with suppliers who have similar values.

Pro Budo is a great example of this. They manufacture high quality wooden weapons and uniforms in China but their biggest markets are in fact those who demand the highest quality – Japan, France, and UK.

Pro Budo quality must therefore be (and is!) at a level to support discerning customers in these demanding markets and to compete with other top end suppliers from Japan and elsewhere. It is important for us to visit Pro-Budo and similar suppliers to ensure that the interests of professional and amateur NZ martial artists are well catered for into the future. We want Kiwis to have the best.

Our Dojo Mat manufacturer and supplier was visited with a view to looking at their complete product range and possibly to including some aerobics and yoga exercise products within our portfolio of products. A major worldwide supplier of budo accessories (protectors, gloves, uniforms, weapons and so on) was visited and Dave spent the whole day at their distribution centre.

It was also interesting to note that some Taiwanese companies had collaborated with the world’s best-regarded athletic brands (we can’t disclose the brands for obvious legal reasons) to create a range of perceived top quality budo uniforms, only to find that once development was completed, these branded companies then took their business directly to China to reduce production cost. What this tells us is that buying a perceived top-branded uniform only guarantees the printing on the label, not necessarily the final quality of the goods. So when buying martial arts weapons and uniforms, judge your purchase on the product quality of the finished item, not just on the label printing.

Singapore
Business done it was time to move on to Singapore.
The objective here was for Dave to meet with Sensei Adam Wong. Dave met Adam when he came to New Zealand from Malaysia a year or so back to run seminars on a style of samurai-swordsmanship called Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Sensei Wong’s technique and training style impressed us as did the philosophy of Katori Shinto Ryu so this trip presented an opportunity to visit Sensei Wong and receive another exposure to a very traditional martial arts school.

This is an original form of Kenjutsu that originated in the 14th century well before the peaceful era of the Japanese Tokugawa Shogunate starting from 1603. In fact it is regarded as the first authentic style of Kenjutsu, with its founder Iizasa Choisai Ienao being born in 1387 more than 200 years earlier. Consequently it is a battle style of Kenjutsu as opposed to a form that is designed for maintaining law and order during peaceful times.

The techniques of Katori Shinto Ryu are all performed from either a standing posture (normal) or sometimes from a low posture of Iai-goshi (similar to Tate Hiza, a crouched position adopted by samurai scouting parties to remain concealed), but never from the kneeled seiza position. The reasoning for this is that Seiza is a position adopted when indoors, and the katana, (long sword) is never worn indoors. This traditional approach is adopted by many older styles of Kenjutsu (including Shinkendo) and contrasts with some of the sword styles which developed later.
While some aspects of Katori Shinto Ryu have parallels in Shinkendo (Which is the sword art developed by Toshishiro Obata based on Kashima Ryu, Toyama Ryu, Yagyu Ryu and Ioriken Ryu), the kamai (postures), the cuts and the defensive movements also have many differences. Because it is such an old art, consideration is made for the effects of wearing heavy armour where, for example the Kabuto (helmet and esp. the kuwagata) may prevent a standard jodan-kamai and therefore also may prevent a straight cut from this position. Thrusts are made to areas where the armour is thinner or where there is an opening and unlike Shinkendo, there are no direct blocking movements. All defensive movements also double as an attack. Almost every movement has more than one objective – for example, what appears to be a block, is also a cut that stops the attack before a block becomes necessary, and what appears to be a thrust may also stop or prevent an attack by keeping the assailant avoiding the kissaki (tip) of the sword. There is strategy in every move.

As an original school of Bu-Jutsu, Katori Shinto Ryu was not just about Kenjutsu. The school teaches the 18 arts of the samurai including the other weapon arts and the unarmed Kumiuchi or Ju-Jutsu techniques. These are on offer via Sensei Wong, but Dave’s main interest was in the Kenjutsu.

Dave’s visit to Singapore was cut short so to compensate, and to provide enough training a venue was attended that enabled training to continue during the night, beginning at 9pm.

Sensei Adam Wong is a very accomplished martial artist and has made it his mission to study this art from the Sugawara Martial Arts institute in Japan. As the surname “Wong” implies, Adam Wong is not a native Japanese, but he has phenomenal technique and has a very high level of understanding of Katori Shinto Ryu. The benefits are, that being non-Japanese, his English speaking skills are very good and combined with exceptional teaching ability Sensei can impart a lot of knowledge in a relatively short time. This trait also permits questions to be asked and a greater level of understanding to be reached whereas in Japan it is sometimes not considered the best etiquette to question your sensei.

Sensei Adam has invited Dave to go to Japan with him to study together with Sugawara Kyoshi at the dojo headquarters. Although very interested in doing this, he feels that he needs a lot of time one on one with Adam Wong Sensei in order to understand the art in more detail (and to substitute the earlier habits formed under previous training regimes) before accepting this kind invitation.

There may be an opportunity for Sensei Wong to come to New Zealand and run a seminar in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu sometime over the next year for those interested (please register your interest with Christine@action.org.nz) as we will need at least 50 people to attend the seminar to make it viable. Registration does not commit people to attend, it merely provides a list of people for us to advise when a seminar is pending.

Conclusion
After Singapore, Dave is due to fly home in the next few days, from the heat and humidity of the Northern Summer and training on the Equator, to a Kiwi mid-winter. Although travel and training comes at a considerable financial cost the benefits are too many to list. When he returns Dave will update the Samurai-Arts Website (in much need of an overhaul) to include references to the instructors and organizations met or revisited on this occasion.

We remind those interested that there is likely to be another overseas trip planned to the Jiu-Jitsu International Seminar in Germany in 2009 and once again we urge those interested to register their interest with me at Christine@action.org.nz . We further urge those wishing to become members of Jiu-Jitsu International to contact us. Although the JJI organization is generally based around Ju-Jutsu, it must be remembered (in the words of Sato, Meijin, 10th Dan and Chief Director of the Kokusai Budoin in Japan) “Ju-Jutsu is the Mother of all Japanese Martial Arts”. The European seminars have instructors from the arts of Karate, Aikido, Judo, CQB, Penkat Selat, and other arts so it is not confined to ju-jutsu exponents or ju-jutsu techniques. If you train a Japanese martial art, it is likely to have been derived in some way from Ju-Jutsu so students and instructors of all other arts will find great benefit from attending a JJI seminar in Europe and will be welcomed in the same warm way that Dave was welcomed.

Our next project is to get the new Lake Tarawera Dojo in New Zealand operational. This has taken months longer than planned but light is now appearing at the end of the tunnel. Initially it will cater for beginner classes for local residents but past students and those wishing to study Japanese Budo will be welcome to enquire about training in 2 – 3 months time.

We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you and thank you for taking the time to follow our world martial arts extravaganza. We hope the benefits will in some way flow into the Kiwi martial arts community. If we can be of help, please let us know.

Report 6 - Budo Training in Tokyo, Japan

Following an exhilarating time in the south of Germany and Switzerland, Dave finally arrives in one of his favourite countries - Japan.

Much time has been spent here training with Kokusai Budoin (IMAF), another organisation Samurai-Arts has had much to do with. In addition to Dave, Samurai Arts sent 2 senior students to the IMAF Masters Convention in Nashville Tennessee some years ago, where they had the privilege of receiving their Ju Jutsu Dan Grade examination before a panel of the highest ranked Japanese Shihan of various disciplines. A 1st Dan grading is nerve racking enough, without having to give your best possible performance in front of 8 of the worlds best Japanese Masters in addition to having many of Americas top Masters watching from the sideline.

This event was inspiring enough for one of those students (Sensei Stephen Albrow) to relocate to Japan to study with Kokusai Budoin for several years before returning to Christchurch to complete his Masters Degree in the Japanese Language. Steve is now married to a lovely Japanese wife - its amazing what benefits training in Budo can offer!).

It is hoped that time will permit another visit to Kokusai Budoin Headquarters in Tokyo on Saturday morning but this is not the major reason for the visit. Permission had been granted to visit a traditional school of Kenjutsu and Jujutsu. This school has Kuroda Sensei as its Master. Kuroda Tetzuan Sensei is unique in todays world where martial arts has become a consumer product available to the masses.

The school Kuroda Sensei runs is a traditional Ryu-Ha in the sense that it has been handed down from generation to generation. Its name is Shinbukan Dojo where many of the original 18 arts of the samurai are taught. The school has outgrown its original dojo, so to cope with the demand from so many students Sensei runs classes at several of the facilities available in Tokyo. Sensei`s main dojo is now the Omiya Budokan which is situated a distance outside of Tokyo. The main arts now taught are Kenjutsu, Jujutsu, Bojutsu and related weapon arts. Access is gained only by invitation from Sensei and this is usually following a recommendation from another member at the school. Sensei wants only those students who can be trusted with what he teaches and only those students who have a suitable character. These arts should not be devalued through miss-use and Sensei tries to ensure this happens by selecting those he teaches.

First impressions in Tokyo have to be of the size of the city, the order that prevails in a city of so many people, and the services that are provided for the citizens. There are 2 aspects to this - firstly the transport system that provides trains at monotonous regularity from almost every location to almost any other location. Secondly the dedicated Budo facilities that are available to the public. On this occasion it is a while since visiting Tokyo so the ticketing system and directions need to be re- learned and Dave made it to the hotel safely, and thanks to Sensei's accurate map and directions he also made it to the Omiya Budokan.

The first impact was to see the Omiya Budokan. It is a large, well maintained building in a semi-residential area and notably it is situated on a street called 'Budokan Dori'. In keeping with Japanese culture the building is impressive without being flashy. It is entirely functional. But this is just the outside. At the entrance students and instructors alike remove their shoes in the foyer, replacing them with indoor footwear. The entrance foyer is expansive and has polished wooden floors. There are dojos in every direction so advice must be sought from the reception area.

Yes, he was told, this is the correct place and Shinbukan is upstairs.
Upon going up the steps about 25 martial artists are encountered, all quietly sitting in seiza outside a large dojo. A question is asked and the newcomer is politely informed where to get changed into his dogi.

By the time he returns the number has grown to about 40, and Kuroda Sensei is now amongst them but at the dojo door, also sitting in seiza.
This kind of formality has never been encountered before, even in his 15 years studying under Obata Sensei, and the newcomer is slightly bewildered, but with 40 Japanese martial artists focussing their eyes on him, what is the correct etiquette and procedure? The answer is not known so Dave kneels in seiza and hopes he will no longer be noticed, but this doesn't work either. A senior student approaches the newcomer and asks him to introduce himself to the gathering. The senior student soon explains the procedure and Kuroda Sensei calls the newcomer to his side, where at last things become a bit more relaxed.

Interestingly, and Dave was aware of this beforehand, to train at Shinbukan it is necessary to become a fully fledged member 10000 Yen as well as paying the class fee of 4000 Yen. In total this comes to something like NZ$160 - $170.
This was willingly paid, but mention of it is made here for the benefit of novice students in NZ and Australia who are asked to pay their monthly class fees and it has been known for them to be paid under duress, or not be paid at all. This would not happen at Shinbukan. If you want to learn you first show your interest by paying the correct amount, in full, ahead of time. If you don't pay, the answer is very simple - you don't get entry to the dojo.
And this is the way it should be. There are no misunderstandings about what is required by any of the parties. It is not just a commercial arrangement, it is more than this. It is a sign that the student values participation in the organisation and values the training that is about to be received.

The formality, while unusual is the way Kuroda Sensei operates his dojo.
There is an onus on the students to turn up on time, fully kitted, and those who are late place a severe burden on those who are early. If one person is disorganised, the entire class suffers, so to remain friends with your colleagues and with the teacher, it pays to be on time. Unlike many conventional western Dojos, there was little apparent obligation to fit in with the students. Quite the opposite, the students had an obligation to fit in with the sensei and with the dojo itself, but it was done in a calm and controlled fashion with no arrogance whatsoever. People just knew their place, and their place was to a large extent determined by their actions.

It can be a stressful situation travelling to a foreign country, especially the home of Japanese Budo, not knowing what is expected or how to react, but going through these challenges and coming out the other side still with your dignity and self-respect intact is a rewarding experience. Even if, in the process, you lose these things, it is only temporary and you are better prepared for a similar situation in the future, providing you learn form the experience.
Now in the dojo, dogi on, fees paid and out of the limelight - what happens now.

The newcomer wasn't even sure what the class was as he hadn’t been told.
Typical formalities then pursued, but with roll-call. Dave was bottom of the list, but at least his name was now on the Shinbukan roll.

The dojo was one of many in the complex with exceptionally clean tatami about the size of
8 competition judo areas. It was immense and there was plenty of room for all 40 practitioners. The lesson was Kenjutsu, an art Dave was very familiar with.

While this might be the case, training in Iaido, Batto-jutsu and Kenjutsu had taught that there were many styles and what was in practice in one style is sometimes frowned upon in another. For example it is common in some styles of Iaido to do many techniques from the knees, while in older schools of Kenjutsu such as Katori Shindo Ryu there are crouched techniques but nothing from the knees. Kuroda Sensei showed nothing form seiza position either. Everything was demonstrated from a standing kamai, however this was only an introduction to the style. Grip, cuts and posture are different from many other styles.

Particularly frowned upon is the sword grip that uses the forefinger and thumb pointed down from the tsuka (ie forefinger and thumb not used for gripping). Sensei said that this is in fact a rude position for the hands to be in and is never adopted in Shinbukan. Luckily it is not a grip adopted by Samurai Arts students. The swing is also quite different to many styles with no snapping of the wrists. In fact the wrists do not adjust during the swing and remain in one position. Foot position is also slightly different. With these changes in posture, hand placement and body movement, the cut is naturally also different from that taught at many schools.

This is one of the benefits of studying several styles of swordsmanship, or other martial art. The strongest points of each style can be adopted, or at least the strengths can be analysed and understood. It is also interesting to study within differing styles where the forbidden in one style is the norm in another.

This was Kenjutsu, but Dave also attended Jujutsu classes under the same master. In typical Japanese fashion basics are initially stressed and Kuroda Sensei was particular about using the internal energy, body position and strength so that when attacked it is possible to effectively disappear and have nothing left to attack. The attacker essentially defeats himself without a lot of outside intervention. Numerous examples were demonstrated and practiced but these are difficult concepts to understand, let alone to apply.

Kuroda Sensei invited Dave to attend various seminars being arranged in Paris, California and elsewhere or to return to Shinbukan for further training. An invitation was also received to go to dinner at one of the senior students homes, so despite bewilderment at the outset, the training with Kuroda Sensei turned out to be a very positive learning experience, and something that can be passed on to Samurai-Arts armed and unarmed classes.

Photos of the experience will be posted on the Samurai-Arts website when he returns.

While in Japan, one of our missions is to make contact with new and old suppliers for Action Martial Arts Supplies. Dave has already had meetings with martial arts equipment suppliers with interesting developments. Once these take form we hope to be able to pass on more information.

In short, anybody contemplating a visit to Japan (or to the historic base of whatever martial art you learn) are encouraged to explore the opportunity fully. It can be a daunting task and it can be an extremely expensive task when airfares, accommodation, meals and training fees are accounted for. To make the most of this investment students are encouraged to discuss their venture firstly with their instructor, then with others who may have done something similar. If you have a world governing body or international association with overseas contacts, make use of these resources to ensure that your time and money are put to best effect. If you are heading towards a senior (Dan) grading this may also provide an opportunity to be certified directly with your parent organisation, but please seek approval from your sensei before taking this step.

Japan visit continues with more training over the next few days then on to Taiwan to visit suppliers.

Report 5 – Germany – Jiu-Jitsu International Annual European Seminar

On the Friday the instructors from various parts of Europe began to arrive for the weekend seminar. Kyoshi Jurgin Kippel (8th Dan, Based in the North of Germany) was one of the first, and Dave had met him previously at a military training camp in Switzerland and they already had a good raport.

Jurgin offered a tour of the Black Forest area which is close by (ski resorts etc) and Dave accepted. They were joined by Frank Nickel who is a 3rd Degree instructor in CQB and Krav Maga and is an instructor for the military Special Forces in Germany. This is a picturesque area of Germany bordering Switzerland and near the Rheine River.

Later in the afternoon on return to the dojo, Soke Richard Morris (10th Dan and founder of Jiu-Jitsu International) arrived. Soke Morris should be an inspiration to all martial artists. How many times in New Zealand do we have students who miss training because they have a sniffle or because there is a good TV programme on? As a contrast, and as a great leadership role-model, Soke Morris had recently come out of hospital recovering from very major surgery and was still under doctor’s supervision and orders to stay home.

Despite this he took time to fly to the seminar to teach and to support the organisation he founded as well as, supporting all who attended. Let that be an example to all of us, instructors, students and administrators – to get to the top you must have single minded perseverance and determination.

Top martial artists and instructors from around Europe and other parts of the world continued to arrive over the afternoon until the gathering consisted of the largest number of high ranked Ju-Jutsu masters likely to have been assembled in a single place and time. The atmosphere was awe inspiring.

Samurai-Arts have had a long association with Soke Morris as we represented JJI interests in New Zealand some 25 years ago. Instructors and students from Samurai-Arts had attended conventions in Toronto, Ottawa, France, UK, Scandinavia and elsewhere with Jiu-jitsu International and a strong relationship had been formed. Later, Jiu-jitsu International transformed into the World Kobudo Federation of which Soke Morris was a co-founder with Kyoshi Therien, but it is only within the last few years that Soke Morris made a move to concentrate his energy on Jiu-Jitsu International. A huge number of schools, instructors and students followed Soke’s lead and now make Jiu-Jitsu International the largest and most highly recognised Jiu- Jitsu body in the world today.

Because of this strong historical link, Soke Morris dedicated a lot of time to Dave on this occasion, with a view to bringing Jiu-Jitsu International back to New Zealand with vigor. Such a move is designed to support the art of Ju-Jutsu in New Zealand and to provide a path for higher learning in the field of martial arts for both instructors and students. This is something that Ju-Jutsu needs in our country, that is, to take the personalities, politics and individual ambitions out of the martial arts. Emphasis can then be placed back onto raising the standards of our instructors through access to the very best technicians in the world. When we raise the standard of our instructors, the standard of students also rises, and the arts become more attractive for new members.

Dave’s experience at the seminar reinforces the benefits of membership of an international governing body. The instructors of many different nations came together with a common purpose and instead of undermining each other; they choose to support one another and to grow the martial art they share. This is exactly the atmosphere at Rheinfelden in 2008.

In addition to Ju-Jutsu, the seminar attracted instructors from Karate, Aikido, Penkat Silat, Kali-Eskrima, Close Quarter Battle, and a range of other disciplines. The one thing they had in common was to support a common goal which was refreshing to see.

As well as technical excellence, Soke Morris spoke to the seminar about friendship and family. He sees all members of JJI as being part of a big family and that this is more important than anything else. Without the common purpose and desire to help each other any organisation is doomed to failure despite any other attributes it may have. This point was stressed.
Help and support each other.

Of course, once in the dojo and on the mat the aspect of brotherhood is stressed less than technical and physical ability and hard work. The dojo is where we sweat.

The seminar consisted of 20 training sessions whereby students were categorised by ability (rank) and rotated amongst the many instructors.

Dangerous high level technique was taught to those able to safely train at this level. More junior students were taught at a level appropriate to their grade. Dave got to train with most of the top level instructors at the seminar and described what he saw as “Technical Excellence“. The instructors were able to provide demonstrations of principle and technique of the highest order.

Some were absolutely brutally efficient, while others concentrated on concepts, principles and strategies. Some of the techniques were so simple yet effective that it had to be asked “why didn’t I think of that?” Most techniques were very physical and Dave reports during the seminar that there was lots of “happy pain” enjoyed by all. 2 days after the seminar he still reports feeling “happy pain”.

Technical excellence has already been mentioned but it cannot be stressed enough. Complacency in the martial arts and the desire to simply get another Dan grade can lead people to think that this is the purpose of martial arts training. This attitude only leads to instructors with Fat Heads and of limited ability. This doesn’t just harm us; it also harms our students who believe that because they are learning from a (xyz) Dan, they must be getting the best tuition when in fact they may not be. Soke Morris reiterated that one of the guiding principles of Jiu-jitsu-International is to maintain not just high standards, but in fact only The Very Best Standards. This was evident from the standard of instruction given at the seminar, the variety of technique and the prevailing attitude. This was an outstanding experience of excellence.

In NZ we have limited access to some of these things – in part we are a closed shop because of geographical isolation and lack of exposure to people who are better than ourselves. Dave is first to admit that he was exposed to a lot of people that are better than himself and has become a better martial artist as a result. He encourages others who want to have an enlightening Budo experience to enquire about joining Jiu-Jitsu International and to obtaining access to a worldwide circle of friends who will provide the “happy pain” we all need to improve ourselves.

If martial arts make better people, then this seminar in Rheinfelden, Germany is surely an example of it. Apart from great technique and exceptional ability on show, it is an example of people helping one another, cooperating, and becoming friends. It is also an illustration of great hospitality by the organisers who went out of their way to assist a visiting Kiwi in every way possible. Those contemplating such an event in the future (and there are regular JJI seminars in Europe) you should not feel reluctant to attend.

Kyoshi Jurgin Kippel has invited us to attend his October seminar in the north of Germany in October, and we have been invited to similar seminars in Portugal, Norway and Ireland over the coming months but time and distance must make us regrettably selective about which ones we attend. Next year at about the same time Samurai-Arts will be sending a delegation of students and instructors to the Rheinfelden JJI seminar so anybody feeling so inclined should contact Samurai-Arts or Action Martial Arts Supplies to enquire – send an email to christine@action.org.nz and I will keep a record of those interested. Start saving and planning now! You won’t be disappointed and you have a full year to prepare.

When Dave returns from this trip he will be re-vamping and updating the Samurai-Arts website and will include a Jiu-Jitsu International page with links to many of the European schools and instructors.

The visit to Germany has now come to an end and Dave departs for the long flight from Basel to Frankfurt and on to Tokyo, Japan. Here he intends to visit the dojo of Kuroda Sensei who runs a traditional family Ryu-ha (family school of Kenjutsu, Ju-Jutsu and samurai-related arts handed down from generation to generation). Dave was invited personally by Kuroda Sensei to visit last year following an introduction, but this is the first opportunity since that time.
So – off to the airport once more.

Next Report on traditional Bujutsu from Tokyo, Japan

Germany Report Phase 4

Onto the plane and another nights sleep lost as Dave flys from Canada to Switzerland, then just across the Rhine River to Rheinfelden-Karsau in Germany.

On arrival in Basel he was met by Renshi Oliver Gugel, Nephew of the legendary Shihan Alfred Gugel with Whom Dave had taken time to train with in France, Switzerland and Germany on previous occasions. Alfred Gugel regrettable passed away a year or so ago and the legacy of this unique and exceptionally effective style of Ju Jutsu is left to Oliver.

We went straight to his Dojo and Dave was impressed. It is a new facility with modern equipment and decor, but retaining a traditional ambience by virtue of the ancient writings, scriptures, armour and weapons that are within the dojo. Clearly it is a major investment.

There was a training session that night and Dave attended. An opportunity to teach was offered to Dave, but he declined. Dave has another saying that many martial artists seem to forget:
"You learn little while you are talking"

And the objective of the visit was not to show off, but to learn more, so the class was taken by Renshi Oliver, 6th Dan in Jiu-jitsu and Yako-Kobu- Jutsu.

The decision was a wise one. Sensei Oliver has developed all of the skill and knowledge displayed by his remarkable uncle. He demonstrated a number of techniques of his style which focuses on rapid submission of any attacker using a wide variety of movements but with economy of energy. The style is absolutely unique and originated from a Sensei Tobler last century. An article was prepared for the NZ Martial Arts Magazine when it was in printed form outlining the origins of the system after a previous visit to Shihan Alfred Gugel’s dojo by Dave for those interested. Copies may still be in existence. The style employs empty hand techniques, strong use of nerve centers, weapons in the form of tanb, hanbl etc and a strong emphasis on hojo-jutsu or tying techniques. These are not just restraint measures but rope is used as part of many defences ultimately creating an immobolisation and possibly something much more severe.

Dave was one of the first to arrive for the weekend seminar, but met with instructors from Finland , Paraguay, Portugal, France, UK (Soke Richard Morris, 10th Dan), Sweden, Ireland, and other nations as they progressively arrived.

The seminar begins in earnest on Saturday, continues Sunday and Dave is staying on for some extra tuition in this intriguing style of Ju-Jutsu.

One of Dave’s objectives is also to reunite with Jiu-Jitsu International. Samurai-Arts were a member of this worldwide group many years ago before it disbanded to form the World Kobudo Federation (of which we were also a member, and representatives for New Zealand). Jiu-Jitsu International has reformed recently to once again promote the art of Ju-Jutsu internationally and it is our objective to part of this growing organisation and to enjoy the companionship and knowledge of friends made some 25 years ago.

Our initial observation is that we will not be disappointed and are so far impressed with the reception and the skills displayed.

The seminar starts tomorrow so Dave will not be able to send reports for a couple of days but will do so at the first opportunity.

Canada Report Phase 3

So on arrival to Ottawa Dave was initially disappointed to find that training had to be postponed. Kyoshi had a prior commitment to attend a 4th birthday party, and invited Dave to come along with Kyoshi’s wife Christine who is also an accomplished black belt..

But this was no ordinary birthday party.

The Therien dojos are like a big family. It is one of Kyoshi’s senior instructors (Aline de la Rosa, the mother) who chose Kyoshi to be godfather of her daughter. This again shows the tremendous respect held for Kyoshi John Therien by his students and instructors. Aline De La Rosa was known to Dave already as he had met her at the conventions in Toronto, Ottawa and in Charlesville Mezzieres in France in years gone by. Aline had previously been a student of Alain Sailly who is well known to many Kiwi martial artists when we brought him to New Zealand for a series of seminars in the early 1990s. Also at the party were members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police SWAT team. This is an integral part of the Ottawa policing as Ottawa is Canada’s capital with many international diplomats who require special protection. And many of the skills gained by the swat teams are generated and trained at the Therien stable. In fact almost all of the attendees at the party were from a martial arts background so this provided a good reunion to the Canadian martial arts scene.

Dave therefore had to have his training postponed to the following day, but before days end Kyoshi Therien gave Dave a personal tour of Ottawa and surrounding districts.

Next Day - At the Dojo:

After his previous experience with Kyoshi in France Dave was not disappointed with the pressure point theory training.

Dave tells me that the points are known to many martial artists but what is not readily known is the correct application - and this is where Kyoshi Therien excels. His knowledge of Ju-Jutsu , physiology, and impact training through kick Boxing has enabled Kyoshi to develop a training program that focuses on applying energy to a variety of selected points during a dynamic combat situation. This may also throw some light as to why "The Iceman" retired as world champion unbeaten after 14 years in the ring. This is only guesswork on Dave’s part but in addition to an unrelenting training program, great skill and fitness, knowing where and how to hit your opponent for maximum effect may well be a contributing factor.

The training received by Dave meant training with Sensei Derek Marcotte, 3rd Dan, under Kyoshi’s supervision. Thanks must go to Sensei Marcotte for his great skill and willingness to act as training partner. Sensei Marcotte has recently purchased the Vannier Dojo as a business from Kyoshi Therien and it is growing strongly.

While at the dojo over several days, Dave sat in on a number of both kickboxing and Ju-Jutsu classes and was impressed with the attitude of both students and instructors, and also the genuine concern for students by instructors.

Dave has a saying that
"For every drop taken out of a bucket, 2 drops must be put back in"

This implies that to keep martial arts growing positively, those who practice them must be willing to contribute to their development.

Kyoshi Therien also adopts this philosophy as observed by Dave on his visit.
Kyoshi actively supports those around him - by starting dojos for them to manage and so forth. A further example of this was Kyoshi’s willingness to voluntarily provide Dave with names and contacts of his suppliers for uniforms and weapons. Kyoshi even made a call to his major supplier on Dave’s behalf to get things rolling. This act alone has potential to benefit not only Action Martial Arts Supplies, but in the broader sense, also Kiwi martial artists, as we endeavor to provide our customers with better products, service and quality.

Kyoshi additionally provided other business advice regarding the running of a professional dojo, marketing and other Budo related expertise that is appreciated.

This was the end of the Canada leg - now off to Germany.

CANADA REPORT - Continued #2

On arrival in Ottawa Dave was supposed to train and was initially disappointed to find that the session had to be cancelled. Kyoshi had made a commitment elsewhere, in fact to attend his God-daughter Miva's 4th birthday party. So Dave was invited along as well to enjoy the hospitality of the local population and to accompany Kyoshi and his wife Christine who is also a noted black belt.

But this was no ordinary 4th birthday party.

The Therien dojo is like a big family with several hundred students at each.
It was one of Kyoshi's senior black belt instructors who chose Kyoshi as godfather. This again shows the enormous respect and special relationship Kyoshi has with his students. Moreover, Aline (the mother of the birthday girl) was also a past student and black belt in the art of Goshindo, founded by Alain Sailly who Dave had previously brought to New Zealand to run seminars in Rotorua. Dave had trained with Aline in France and Canada previously so it was a pleasant surprise.

Also at the party were other instructors of the Therien dojo both from Kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu and a sizeable presence from the royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ottawa Swatt team. Being a capital city there is clearly a high level of security required and much of this expertise comes from Kyoshi John Therien and his team of instructors.

There was also a Cuban connection as Aline (Goshindo student) has an immigrant Cuban as partner, who has also taken up martial arts at the dojo along with members of the family from Cuba. Needless to say there was a mix of French, Spanish and English spoken and the food was also internationally representative including a specially roasted Cuban pig, and many smoking fine Cuban cigars. It wasn't martial arts training, but it was very interesting mixing and talking with such a wide range of top level martial artists on my first afternoon in Ottawa.

And they all want to come to New Zealand!

Despite the change in plans, the dojo training did come, and it all happened during a heat wave in Ottawa where temperatures stayed up in the mid 30 degree range - topping out at 37 Celsius. Different from a Kiwi winter.

Next Report: in the Therien Dojo. Visit this page in a week or so to hear about the Dojo.