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Shinkenkan Dojo 真 剣 館 道 場
Ryusyokai England 琉 翔 会 英 国
Karate Note Pad Blog
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okinawakarateuk@hotmail.com
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Recommended Reading
By Michael Clarke
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By Gichin Funakoshi
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"Karate Training & Transmission"
As we now commence training again for another Year, I do honestly believe that it is a time that we
should all be evaluating our own Karate training or teaching methods.
1; Are we practising our Karate as often as we should do?
2; Are we training as hard as we really should do?
3; Are we training in the Style or System of Karate that we have unconditional belief in?
4; Are we with a Dojo/ Sensei that trains and guides us in the direction that we honestly wish
to go in?
5; Are we surrounded by good quality training partners and fellow students who push us to
improve?
6; Are we 100% satisfied with our practise and understanding of Karate training in all areas?
Yobi Undo, Kata, Kumite, Imi, Machiwara practise, etc, etc…. (No one should answer Yes
here!).
There are so many questions that as serious Karate ka we should take the time to think over, as for
the sake of a few changes and tweaks here and there, it may be quite surprising what a vast
difference this can have on your own personal Karate training, together with the enjoyment and
benefits gained. It is your precious time; it is your Karate, so one must use/do this wisely.
Any Karate Ka who researches the way that the Sensei have transmitted their art on Okinawa
through the generations, or the way in which students have practised Karate, will find that the
following guide is not to far away when concluding how Karate was passed on from Sensei to
Student on the island, obviously of course there were and are some exceptions to the rule, but
generally this is a good little marker.
1; Students are encouraged to focus on their own studies.
2; Students work hard together and learn from each other.
3; The Teacher will provide regular guidance and correction to their students.
4; If class sizes are over 15 or 20 students, standards will not be improved or rise, regardless
of the teaching and training methods used. Cutting the class sizes will makes no difference
and standards won’t rise if the class size still remains over 20 or 15 students. Standards will
only be improved and achieved through lowering the Student numbers to below 15.
These are the measures now known and proven to increase performance in the Dojo, sorry, in all
areas of instruction and teaching transmission.
You may be thinking that I’m making my own claims and statements here, but you would be wrong, in
fact this is analyzed evidence gathered from thousands of studies involving millions of students all
around the world.
Sorry I forgot to mention… This information is from a paper that was recently released by academics
at Durham University, who looked in to the most effective and efficient ways of teaching and the
different measures used, concluding that all schools should seriously consider introducing thus
methods to improve their overall standards.
Did the Okinawan Karate Sensei and Dojo of old not know this all along?
(Wednesday 4th January 2012)
should all be evaluating our own Karate training or teaching methods.
1; Are we practising our Karate as often as we should do?
2; Are we training as hard as we really should do?
3; Are we training in the Style or System of Karate that we have unconditional belief in?
4; Are we with a Dojo/ Sensei that trains and guides us in the direction that we honestly wish
to go in?
5; Are we surrounded by good quality training partners and fellow students who push us to
improve?
6; Are we 100% satisfied with our practise and understanding of Karate training in all areas?
Yobi Undo, Kata, Kumite, Imi, Machiwara practise, etc, etc…. (No one should answer Yes
here!).
There are so many questions that as serious Karate ka we should take the time to think over, as for
the sake of a few changes and tweaks here and there, it may be quite surprising what a vast
difference this can have on your own personal Karate training, together with the enjoyment and
benefits gained. It is your precious time; it is your Karate, so one must use/do this wisely.
Any Karate Ka who researches the way that the Sensei have transmitted their art on Okinawa
through the generations, or the way in which students have practised Karate, will find that the
following guide is not to far away when concluding how Karate was passed on from Sensei to
Student on the island, obviously of course there were and are some exceptions to the rule, but
generally this is a good little marker.
1; Students are encouraged to focus on their own studies.
2; Students work hard together and learn from each other.
3; The Teacher will provide regular guidance and correction to their students.
4; If class sizes are over 15 or 20 students, standards will not be improved or rise, regardless
of the teaching and training methods used. Cutting the class sizes will makes no difference
and standards won’t rise if the class size still remains over 20 or 15 students. Standards will
only be improved and achieved through lowering the Student numbers to below 15.
These are the measures now known and proven to increase performance in the Dojo, sorry, in all
areas of instruction and teaching transmission.
You may be thinking that I’m making my own claims and statements here, but you would be wrong, in
fact this is analyzed evidence gathered from thousands of studies involving millions of students all
around the world.
Sorry I forgot to mention… This information is from a paper that was recently released by academics
at Durham University, who looked in to the most effective and efficient ways of teaching and the
different measures used, concluding that all schools should seriously consider introducing thus
methods to improve their overall standards.
Did the Okinawan Karate Sensei and Dojo of old not know this all along?
(Wednesday 4th January 2012)
"Following the Way of Funakoshi & Miyagi - I just Wonder"
A few days ago I had made arrangements to train at another Karate Dojo. A Special little Dojo that I
knew would offer an experience and a training environment that would be refreshingly dissimilar to
training in my own Dojo, whilst bringing about a beneficial evening of Karate practise. So yesterday
evening I set off on my 30 minutes or so car journey to the Dojo, arriving a few minutes earlier than
our arranged meeting time of 7pm.
Upon arrival I quietly made my way through the side gateway to the rear of this Karate Ka’s family
home, not wishing to disturb others within. As I walked down the pathway towards the Dojo that is
inaudibly situated at end of the rear family garden, I could see that there were no lights on in the
Dojo. It is actually still very dark and bitter cold in England at this time in the evening, so just for a
brief moment thoughts of incorrect arrangements being made did cross my mind, fear not, as I
approached and got closer I could hear the familiar sound of controlled breathing, whilst seeing a
glimpse sign of movement through the thatched blinds of a Karate Ka practising under dim candle
light, it was Sanchin!
I politely waited outside for a few moments until I knew that the kata had been completed, I then took
my shoes off, knocked the door and quietly entered. I bowed to the Dojo Shomen, brief greetings
were exchanged, a quick change in to the old Keiko Gi, and then an evening of practise between two
Karate Ka commenced.
We begun with Yobi Undo, moved on to Sanchin kata and then even more repetitions of Sanchin
kata, the same with Tensho and Saifa katas too as we repeated things over and over again. I did
smile at one point as my training partner for the evening spoke up, “I am going to have to open a
window, there is no air in here I just cannot breath”. “Of course please do” I said “it is of course your
Dojo”. I was actually also very grateful to feel the cool fresh air enter the Dojo. We then spent the
last half hour or so going over Ippon kumite techniques as taught to me by my teacher. Two hours
had now passed from when we had first begun, but it actually seemed like a few minutes in all. We
had both worked hard and pushed each other as we practised.
After bowing out to the Shomen and to each other, my training partner hurried off to make us a pot
of tea, so I made sure that the Dojo was all clean and tidy, I was the guest it was my duty. We then
both sat in the Dojo for half a hour drinking tea, talking Karate and generally putting the world to
rights. I raised the point yet again of the beautiful Dojo floor that we had just trained on, and were
now sitting on, I say it each time I visit this Dojo but in all the years of training I have never trained on
a better surface, it’s exceptional! All was now over for the evening, we had worked hard and we had
done our best, which is all we can do. We said our farewells and I departed, returning home some
three hours after I had first set out for an evening of training.
You may be wondering where I am going with this post or what point I am trying to make here,
especially so considering the heading. The thing is the simpleness, the humility, and that no matter
how much people try and change things to suit or wrap things up, this is what true Karate is all
about. The Karate practise!
What I did not previously mention is that the Dojo I was invited to, visited, and had an excellent
evening of train in was that of a friend and a student, one who has only trained in Karate for around
5 years or so, and holds his suit together with a brown coloured belt. Some may be surprised by this,
but why? As what did get me wondering as I travelled my journey home was how many so called
Karate Ka or teachers miss out on wonderful training experiences like this solely due to inflated
egos, status and fame? They lose sight of what Karate is all about. No money changed hands on
this evening, the guy was not training for anything special like a grading, and there was no special
preference or treatment asked or given for my many more years in Karate practise, of course I
offered guidance at times as is only natural, but that was all.
I just wonder how many of those Karate Ka who claim to follow the ways, or maybe even worship the
teachings or likes of say Funakoshi or Miyagi, truly do these teachers of past a service, by honestly
and truly simplifying things to this level, without having to have other motives or thoughts that
complicate things or distort the true teachings and value that Karate has to offer.
I was richer for the experience of yesterday evening, and duly honoured and happy to have received
the invite to accompany this fellow Karate Ka for training. Is this not what the Karate of Okinawan
Sensei like Funakoshi and Miyagi is really all about, practise and training? A photo of these
teachers at the front of the Dojo, or claims of practising their style will do them no service at all if the
Karate practised is not true and honest.
(Saturday 7th January 2011)
knew would offer an experience and a training environment that would be refreshingly dissimilar to
training in my own Dojo, whilst bringing about a beneficial evening of Karate practise. So yesterday
evening I set off on my 30 minutes or so car journey to the Dojo, arriving a few minutes earlier than
our arranged meeting time of 7pm.
Upon arrival I quietly made my way through the side gateway to the rear of this Karate Ka’s family
home, not wishing to disturb others within. As I walked down the pathway towards the Dojo that is
inaudibly situated at end of the rear family garden, I could see that there were no lights on in the
Dojo. It is actually still very dark and bitter cold in England at this time in the evening, so just for a
brief moment thoughts of incorrect arrangements being made did cross my mind, fear not, as I
approached and got closer I could hear the familiar sound of controlled breathing, whilst seeing a
glimpse sign of movement through the thatched blinds of a Karate Ka practising under dim candle
light, it was Sanchin!
I politely waited outside for a few moments until I knew that the kata had been completed, I then took
my shoes off, knocked the door and quietly entered. I bowed to the Dojo Shomen, brief greetings
were exchanged, a quick change in to the old Keiko Gi, and then an evening of practise between two
Karate Ka commenced.
We begun with Yobi Undo, moved on to Sanchin kata and then even more repetitions of Sanchin
kata, the same with Tensho and Saifa katas too as we repeated things over and over again. I did
smile at one point as my training partner for the evening spoke up, “I am going to have to open a
window, there is no air in here I just cannot breath”. “Of course please do” I said “it is of course your
Dojo”. I was actually also very grateful to feel the cool fresh air enter the Dojo. We then spent the
last half hour or so going over Ippon kumite techniques as taught to me by my teacher. Two hours
had now passed from when we had first begun, but it actually seemed like a few minutes in all. We
had both worked hard and pushed each other as we practised.
After bowing out to the Shomen and to each other, my training partner hurried off to make us a pot
of tea, so I made sure that the Dojo was all clean and tidy, I was the guest it was my duty. We then
both sat in the Dojo for half a hour drinking tea, talking Karate and generally putting the world to
rights. I raised the point yet again of the beautiful Dojo floor that we had just trained on, and were
now sitting on, I say it each time I visit this Dojo but in all the years of training I have never trained on
a better surface, it’s exceptional! All was now over for the evening, we had worked hard and we had
done our best, which is all we can do. We said our farewells and I departed, returning home some
three hours after I had first set out for an evening of training.
You may be wondering where I am going with this post or what point I am trying to make here,
especially so considering the heading. The thing is the simpleness, the humility, and that no matter
how much people try and change things to suit or wrap things up, this is what true Karate is all
about. The Karate practise!
What I did not previously mention is that the Dojo I was invited to, visited, and had an excellent
evening of train in was that of a friend and a student, one who has only trained in Karate for around
5 years or so, and holds his suit together with a brown coloured belt. Some may be surprised by this,
but why? As what did get me wondering as I travelled my journey home was how many so called
Karate Ka or teachers miss out on wonderful training experiences like this solely due to inflated
egos, status and fame? They lose sight of what Karate is all about. No money changed hands on
this evening, the guy was not training for anything special like a grading, and there was no special
preference or treatment asked or given for my many more years in Karate practise, of course I
offered guidance at times as is only natural, but that was all.
I just wonder how many of those Karate Ka who claim to follow the ways, or maybe even worship the
teachings or likes of say Funakoshi or Miyagi, truly do these teachers of past a service, by honestly
and truly simplifying things to this level, without having to have other motives or thoughts that
complicate things or distort the true teachings and value that Karate has to offer.
I was richer for the experience of yesterday evening, and duly honoured and happy to have received
the invite to accompany this fellow Karate Ka for training. Is this not what the Karate of Okinawan
Sensei like Funakoshi and Miyagi is really all about, practise and training? A photo of these
teachers at the front of the Dojo, or claims of practising their style will do them no service at all if the
Karate practised is not true and honest.
(Saturday 7th January 2011)
"Flowing Water of a River Never Competes with Anything"
The title “Flowing water of a river never competes with anything” is of course the well known statement
and kanji scroll of Meitoku Yagi Sensei. It is a saying that has varying definitions, whilst offering the
serious Karate Ka a valued lesson for guidance, but only if they take the time to gives thus the deep
thought and consideration it deserves.
Strangely enough I have been reminded of this saying, in similar ways, but on two separate occasions
over the past few days.
The first instance was by a Karate Ka friend who I spoke with last Sunday, during our conversation it
came as no surprise to myself when he told me that he was presently laid off from his Karate training
due to a bad back, with him being in that much pain he has been forced to receive treatment from a
Chiropractor. I then mentioned to him, just as I have done on several previous occasions and
meetings, that the way he is training it was only a matter of time before he caused himself an injury. Of
course we can all get injured, I know that. However, I do believe that he's pushing his luck and needs
to do his Karate more naturally aligned, relaxed, and flowing. Not always so firm, hard, rigid and tense
as he practises like things are moving like rusty old cogs that are grinding and out of time. I know I’ve
been there! 1988 to be precise, in my case I put it all down to youthful enthusiasm and poor guidance,
but either way it resulted in months of treatment from an osteopath. This may sound strange, but it
was a good experience that I am pleased that I experienced, as this made me revaluate my training on
many fronts and change direction in my Karate training. In my friends case though he’s in his 50’s.
I also mentioned to my friend that I believe his Karate will actually become more effective than what he
is presently doing now, even though he probably believes otherwise. It’s just like the natural power
and force of the flowing river, he has no need to feel the force and the power, the opposing force or
opponent should do just that. I also mentioned that in the long term he is on the road to considerably
hindering his own health through Karate training, as just like most things with Karate, at times there is
a very fine line between good and bad, effective and ineffective, real and imitation, unfortunately
though he is crossing it in these areas. Trying to be effective through tension is actually a road to
being more ineffective (Was it Egami Sensei who said that the only time the body should be rigid is in
death), and instead of Karate practise being beneficial to his health, it is actually going to be
detrimental to it. Not nice words to hear I accept, but hey he knows me……….
The footage that I’ve put up here is of the well renowned Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei of the Shotokan
way of Karate. I actually came across this whilst browsing on you tube and instantly thought that it fits
well. Plus it brought back a few memories too, as coincidentally I was actually sat there right at the
front all those years back to personally witness this demonstration first hand. I’m not 100% sure of the
event details as I was travelling all over the place to attend courses during this time, but I believe it
was around 1990 and filmed in London, maybe Harrow, with the Uke of Kanazawa Sensei being the
ever formidable Terry O’ Neil Sensei.
I trained under Kanazawa Sensei on many occasions back then when he visited the shores of the U.K.
Usually at such big events. This may sound strange, but I never did see Kanazawa Sensei in the same
way that I believed many others around him seemed to, and probably still do I suspect. This is not
defamatory, quite the opposite in fact as I have always had nothing but the highest regard and
respect for this excellent Sensei of Karate, and would jump at the chance to train under him again if
the opportunity ever presented itself. Some areas of his training though were not for me and never
really struck a chord at all, especially the over exaggerated movements. Maybe it was just my lack of
understanding and I missed the point.
The thing with Kanazawa Sensei is that there are many areas of his persona and Karate that just can’t
help but impress and inspire you, he is a man of Karate that we could all learn many lessons from.
From my observations he always seemed to have a relaxed friendliness and calmness about him,
unlike many other Japanese who I trained with at this time. But..... Within a split second he could
switch movements on at full speed to produce a dazzling display of effectiveness. For fluidity of Karate
movements there are few better examples than Kanazawa Sensei who is still doing his stuff in his
eighties. The memory I have of this Demonstration has stayed with me to this day, I remember
thinking, how does a man in his sixties move around like that? I for one wanted this longevity that
Karate training had to offer, and yes I still do! And it’s all to do with training in Karate correctly and
naturally. Ho, and safely and wisely whilst acting your age of course..
Enjoy the lesson of the flowing water theory from Kanazawa Sensei.
(Thursday 19th January 2012)
and kanji scroll of Meitoku Yagi Sensei. It is a saying that has varying definitions, whilst offering the
serious Karate Ka a valued lesson for guidance, but only if they take the time to gives thus the deep
thought and consideration it deserves.
Strangely enough I have been reminded of this saying, in similar ways, but on two separate occasions
over the past few days.
The first instance was by a Karate Ka friend who I spoke with last Sunday, during our conversation it
came as no surprise to myself when he told me that he was presently laid off from his Karate training
due to a bad back, with him being in that much pain he has been forced to receive treatment from a
Chiropractor. I then mentioned to him, just as I have done on several previous occasions and
meetings, that the way he is training it was only a matter of time before he caused himself an injury. Of
course we can all get injured, I know that. However, I do believe that he's pushing his luck and needs
to do his Karate more naturally aligned, relaxed, and flowing. Not always so firm, hard, rigid and tense
as he practises like things are moving like rusty old cogs that are grinding and out of time. I know I’ve
been there! 1988 to be precise, in my case I put it all down to youthful enthusiasm and poor guidance,
but either way it resulted in months of treatment from an osteopath. This may sound strange, but it
was a good experience that I am pleased that I experienced, as this made me revaluate my training on
many fronts and change direction in my Karate training. In my friends case though he’s in his 50’s.
I also mentioned to my friend that I believe his Karate will actually become more effective than what he
is presently doing now, even though he probably believes otherwise. It’s just like the natural power
and force of the flowing river, he has no need to feel the force and the power, the opposing force or
opponent should do just that. I also mentioned that in the long term he is on the road to considerably
hindering his own health through Karate training, as just like most things with Karate, at times there is
a very fine line between good and bad, effective and ineffective, real and imitation, unfortunately
though he is crossing it in these areas. Trying to be effective through tension is actually a road to
being more ineffective (Was it Egami Sensei who said that the only time the body should be rigid is in
death), and instead of Karate practise being beneficial to his health, it is actually going to be
detrimental to it. Not nice words to hear I accept, but hey he knows me……….
The footage that I’ve put up here is of the well renowned Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei of the Shotokan
way of Karate. I actually came across this whilst browsing on you tube and instantly thought that it fits
well. Plus it brought back a few memories too, as coincidentally I was actually sat there right at the
front all those years back to personally witness this demonstration first hand. I’m not 100% sure of the
event details as I was travelling all over the place to attend courses during this time, but I believe it
was around 1990 and filmed in London, maybe Harrow, with the Uke of Kanazawa Sensei being the
ever formidable Terry O’ Neil Sensei.
I trained under Kanazawa Sensei on many occasions back then when he visited the shores of the U.K.
Usually at such big events. This may sound strange, but I never did see Kanazawa Sensei in the same
way that I believed many others around him seemed to, and probably still do I suspect. This is not
defamatory, quite the opposite in fact as I have always had nothing but the highest regard and
respect for this excellent Sensei of Karate, and would jump at the chance to train under him again if
the opportunity ever presented itself. Some areas of his training though were not for me and never
really struck a chord at all, especially the over exaggerated movements. Maybe it was just my lack of
understanding and I missed the point.
The thing with Kanazawa Sensei is that there are many areas of his persona and Karate that just can’t
help but impress and inspire you, he is a man of Karate that we could all learn many lessons from.
From my observations he always seemed to have a relaxed friendliness and calmness about him,
unlike many other Japanese who I trained with at this time. But..... Within a split second he could
switch movements on at full speed to produce a dazzling display of effectiveness. For fluidity of Karate
movements there are few better examples than Kanazawa Sensei who is still doing his stuff in his
eighties. The memory I have of this Demonstration has stayed with me to this day, I remember
thinking, how does a man in his sixties move around like that? I for one wanted this longevity that
Karate training had to offer, and yes I still do! And it’s all to do with training in Karate correctly and
naturally. Ho, and safely and wisely whilst acting your age of course..
Enjoy the lesson of the flowing water theory from Kanazawa Sensei.
(Thursday 19th January 2012)
Shin Gi Tai "Karate Training for Body, Mind, and Spirit"
By Richard Barrett
& Garry Lever
& Garry Lever
Anyone viewing this website will notice that there are a few books listed on the right under the heading
“Recommended Reading”. I do not say these words lightly or commend these works without first giving
them much deep thought and consideration. I don’t boast, but I do consider myself to be well read up
on the Martial Arts, having read more or less anything that I could find over the past few decades. I
am actually one of those kinds of people who will always be reading through a book of some
description, budo related or otherwise. So… On that front I will from time to time do a brief review here
on a few of the books that I personally consider to be of value to the serious Karate Ka, which will also
be a strong hint to my own students to go out and purchase a copy.
Shin Gi Tai is the latest book by Sensei Michael Clarke Kyoshi 7th Dan, of the Shinseidokan Dojo.
I am going to be completely honest here in that despite having already read a few brief reviews on this
book, together with previously seeing its subject list of contents, strangely enough upon arrival it
pleasantly surprised me as it was not at all like I had expected. Maybe it was a perception coming over
from the cover and book on "Hojo Undo" by the author, which of course is excellent with its endless
number of photographs and detailed descriptive drawings, built off a basis of thorough explanations
on the subject over 200 pages. Where by almost instantly "Shin Gi Tai" stood out as having a
different feel about it with its fewer photographs and close on 270 pages packed full of detailed writing.
Upon commencing reading I couldn’t help but get a feeling that reminded me of how I felt when I first
read the authors work “Small Steps Forward”, in that you instantly become engrossed in and
attached to the book as you feel like you are directly sat there, eagerly listening to the each and every
word of someone who has been there before you, and is now openly passing over their knowledge
through their past experiences, whilst offering you many valuable words of guidance and advice to
help you along the way in Karate. From the first chapter on “The Dojo”, the Karate Ka of all levels will
obtain much insight as they gain a deeper understanding of the detailed positioning of the layout of
the Traditional Karate Dojo in Okinawa, even small details like taking ones shoes off prior to entering,
and not leaving your socks inside shoes either, then turning them around again to face back towards
the outside as you place them down, all is explained in great detail.
An area that is repeatedly emphasized and thoroughly explained throughout this book is the different
distinct ways that people can and do practise Traditional Karate, even if they don’t always realise it
themselves: Kyogi as a Sport, Kenko for Health or Budo as one truly absorbs the Way. It is quite
surprising that many Karate Ka do not know or understand which type of Karate that they practise, or
they believe that they follow one way, as in Budo, but in reality they do another. This book will both
explain thus and confirm things for you!
The author is without question a leading authority who speaks from a deep understanding on the
subject of Karate, a long standing Karate Ka who has returned to Okinawa for further guidance time
and time again since the early eighties. He does though give you so much more than just tell you what
he has done himself, Michael Clarke Sensei is very honest, truthful, and at times blunt and to the point
with his writing style, to me he comes across as a father figure who you just can not help but having a
deep respect for as you take in his advice and listen to his words spoken. There are no frills,
fanciness, clever talk, or sales seminars offered or associated with Michael Clarke Sensei, what you
see is what you get, good plain honesty. Just like any good father figure, he will always be firm and
truthful and tell you how it is; regardless of if you are happy to hear or read the words spoken. I for
one highly respect and prefer this way! The reader will most certainly learn a great deal as they are
taken through the author’s journey in Karate and the maturity spoken from his own understanding and
many years of no nonsense hard training in Traditional Okinawan Karate, at the same time he openly
explains that there are many differing technical variations contained within Karate training methods.
I have seen it written that this book is for the more experienced or advanced exponent of Karate. But, I
would have to strongly disagree! Serious Yes!... I would say that this is a work that is long overdue
and will be a highly valuable aid to all serious exponents of Karate, be they a complete beginner or
one with many years experience behind them. To the point that I will be advising all of those who enter
my Dojo to purchase “Shin Gi Tai” as a training reference guide, as I honestly believe this work will
give all students an instant better understanding of the Art that challenges them. I can honestly say
that I so wish that I had a book like this at hand many years ago when I started upon my journey, or
even that I'd read it prior to visiting Japan and Okinawa the first time around.
Please don’t feel daunted or put off by the thought of facing 270 pages, be thankful of them as you will
come to appreciate each and every page, as at the end you’ll be hoping that there were more, whilst
quietly putting this book aside as a future reference tool on varying subjects. Personally, I particularly
liked Chapter 6 on The Future for Karate, which contains; From Whence we Came: Okinawa.
Music, Textiles, language, Ceramics, Architecture, Cuisine, The Nature of Karate, Why we
Train, Modern Trends & We Stand Alone Surrounded by Many. This one chapter alone just
shows how detailed this great work is, and how much time has been taken on accurately documenting
the valuable information contained within.
Over the years I have seen so much of the same written on the subject of both Budo and Karate, to
the point that at times things border on being just imitation, copying or rewording of material, primarily
due to peoples lack of real personal training or understanding on the subject of Karate. Some also
seem more concerned with the hype surrounding authors, or the type of paper that the books words
are printed on, or maybe even the quality of glossy photographs that are contained within, together
with scolding things due to the grammar because the writings do not come from, or to the liking of a
scholar. How sad that such people really miss the point and the true value of substance at times, I just
wonder if the same people would disregard a detailed scroll on Ti training that had been left behind by
Kanryo Higashionna, ho... due to it being penned by a commoner on a roll (scroll) of toilet paper? I
for one very much doubt it!
"Shin Gi Tai" is the real deal, it is honest, to the point, and full of substance, a great work that should
be in the library of all serious Karate exponents, Student and Sensei alike. Of which, I for one highly
recommend this book and would sincerely like to openly thank Michael Clarke Sensei for sharing his
understanding and writings with us.
(Saturday 28th January 2012)
“Recommended Reading”. I do not say these words lightly or commend these works without first giving
them much deep thought and consideration. I don’t boast, but I do consider myself to be well read up
on the Martial Arts, having read more or less anything that I could find over the past few decades. I
am actually one of those kinds of people who will always be reading through a book of some
description, budo related or otherwise. So… On that front I will from time to time do a brief review here
on a few of the books that I personally consider to be of value to the serious Karate Ka, which will also
be a strong hint to my own students to go out and purchase a copy.
Shin Gi Tai is the latest book by Sensei Michael Clarke Kyoshi 7th Dan, of the Shinseidokan Dojo.
I am going to be completely honest here in that despite having already read a few brief reviews on this
book, together with previously seeing its subject list of contents, strangely enough upon arrival it
pleasantly surprised me as it was not at all like I had expected. Maybe it was a perception coming over
from the cover and book on "Hojo Undo" by the author, which of course is excellent with its endless
number of photographs and detailed descriptive drawings, built off a basis of thorough explanations
on the subject over 200 pages. Where by almost instantly "Shin Gi Tai" stood out as having a
different feel about it with its fewer photographs and close on 270 pages packed full of detailed writing.
Upon commencing reading I couldn’t help but get a feeling that reminded me of how I felt when I first
read the authors work “Small Steps Forward”, in that you instantly become engrossed in and
attached to the book as you feel like you are directly sat there, eagerly listening to the each and every
word of someone who has been there before you, and is now openly passing over their knowledge
through their past experiences, whilst offering you many valuable words of guidance and advice to
help you along the way in Karate. From the first chapter on “The Dojo”, the Karate Ka of all levels will
obtain much insight as they gain a deeper understanding of the detailed positioning of the layout of
the Traditional Karate Dojo in Okinawa, even small details like taking ones shoes off prior to entering,
and not leaving your socks inside shoes either, then turning them around again to face back towards
the outside as you place them down, all is explained in great detail.
An area that is repeatedly emphasized and thoroughly explained throughout this book is the different
distinct ways that people can and do practise Traditional Karate, even if they don’t always realise it
themselves: Kyogi as a Sport, Kenko for Health or Budo as one truly absorbs the Way. It is quite
surprising that many Karate Ka do not know or understand which type of Karate that they practise, or
they believe that they follow one way, as in Budo, but in reality they do another. This book will both
explain thus and confirm things for you!
The author is without question a leading authority who speaks from a deep understanding on the
subject of Karate, a long standing Karate Ka who has returned to Okinawa for further guidance time
and time again since the early eighties. He does though give you so much more than just tell you what
he has done himself, Michael Clarke Sensei is very honest, truthful, and at times blunt and to the point
with his writing style, to me he comes across as a father figure who you just can not help but having a
deep respect for as you take in his advice and listen to his words spoken. There are no frills,
fanciness, clever talk, or sales seminars offered or associated with Michael Clarke Sensei, what you
see is what you get, good plain honesty. Just like any good father figure, he will always be firm and
truthful and tell you how it is; regardless of if you are happy to hear or read the words spoken. I for
one highly respect and prefer this way! The reader will most certainly learn a great deal as they are
taken through the author’s journey in Karate and the maturity spoken from his own understanding and
many years of no nonsense hard training in Traditional Okinawan Karate, at the same time he openly
explains that there are many differing technical variations contained within Karate training methods.
I have seen it written that this book is for the more experienced or advanced exponent of Karate. But, I
would have to strongly disagree! Serious Yes!... I would say that this is a work that is long overdue
and will be a highly valuable aid to all serious exponents of Karate, be they a complete beginner or
one with many years experience behind them. To the point that I will be advising all of those who enter
my Dojo to purchase “Shin Gi Tai” as a training reference guide, as I honestly believe this work will
give all students an instant better understanding of the Art that challenges them. I can honestly say
that I so wish that I had a book like this at hand many years ago when I started upon my journey, or
even that I'd read it prior to visiting Japan and Okinawa the first time around.
Please don’t feel daunted or put off by the thought of facing 270 pages, be thankful of them as you will
come to appreciate each and every page, as at the end you’ll be hoping that there were more, whilst
quietly putting this book aside as a future reference tool on varying subjects. Personally, I particularly
liked Chapter 6 on The Future for Karate, which contains; From Whence we Came: Okinawa.
Music, Textiles, language, Ceramics, Architecture, Cuisine, The Nature of Karate, Why we
Train, Modern Trends & We Stand Alone Surrounded by Many. This one chapter alone just
shows how detailed this great work is, and how much time has been taken on accurately documenting
the valuable information contained within.
Over the years I have seen so much of the same written on the subject of both Budo and Karate, to
the point that at times things border on being just imitation, copying or rewording of material, primarily
due to peoples lack of real personal training or understanding on the subject of Karate. Some also
seem more concerned with the hype surrounding authors, or the type of paper that the books words
are printed on, or maybe even the quality of glossy photographs that are contained within, together
with scolding things due to the grammar because the writings do not come from, or to the liking of a
scholar. How sad that such people really miss the point and the true value of substance at times, I just
wonder if the same people would disregard a detailed scroll on Ti training that had been left behind by
Kanryo Higashionna, ho... due to it being penned by a commoner on a roll (scroll) of toilet paper? I
for one very much doubt it!
"Shin Gi Tai" is the real deal, it is honest, to the point, and full of substance, a great work that should
be in the library of all serious Karate exponents, Student and Sensei alike. Of which, I for one highly
recommend this book and would sincerely like to openly thank Michael Clarke Sensei for sharing his
understanding and writings with us.
(Saturday 28th January 2012)
The Understanding of Pain - "Itai" Yes it Hurts!
The understanding of, and the effects of Pain, is one area of training that I feel many Karate Ka fail to
understand clearly, or they can so easily be ill prepared for at times of unwanted conflict. Pain in many
ways is a bit of a taboo topic, especially so amongst decent Budo Ka and the good and more
respectable people of this world, maybe it’s because pain is usually associated with us or a loved ones
being hurt or suffering due to ill health or disease. Let’s be honest here, it is not nice to either
experience or witness the effects of pain.
I am not going to over elaborate here but I will briefly touch on a few areas surrounding this very
subject.
No one likes Pain! Some people do of course have a much higher pain thresh holds than others, this
is fact. But in truth no one really likes pain and everyone will have a breaking point too, even though
some people may believe otherwise, or even try to fool others in to believing otherwise. An opponent /
attackers ability to withstand pain may also be raised further due to a variety of factors like anger,
aggression and adrenalin, or the influence of substances like alcohol or drugs. All of which is well
known and documented. In the Dojo as Karate Ka all we can really rely on is regular bouts of partner
work and hands on hard training, together with conditioning, all of which will most certainly raise ones
ability to take a little pain or discomfort. I'm not saying that we should always follow the Rugby saying
"The harder you get stuck in, the less you get hurt". There is a moderation required to good training
and a fine lined balance is required, this is where a good Sensei comes in.
Understanding Pain! As a practising Karate Ka the understanding of pain is essential and of vital
importance, one needs to look at this from two directions at least; to firstly understand the feeling of
pain for oneself, and also the effects that pain will have on any possible attacker. An understanding
that should always come about gradually and quite naturally, especially so through quality guidance
and training with a variety of training partners and training equipment like pounding the machiwara for
example, so experiencing things first hand, and hands on, is always a good place to start. But things
must always be gradual and done in a safe controlled way as is possible. People need to understand
me here; there is a fine line between hard training, brutality and bullying, of which the later have no
place in true Budo or any good Dojo of worth. I have found over the years that those individuals, who
are more than happy to dish out pain to others, are rarely so happy to receive it back upon
themselves, especially so in the same or of higher dosage.
What is of paramount importance here is knowing that pain is the bodys natural way of telling us that
there is a problem, or that there will be if we don’t stop, change path, or understand the reasons
behind the pain. Put simply, if we touch something that is red hot it hurts, this of course makes us pull
away instantly, or if we don’t we burn ourselves and cause damage to our body. Or in martial terms, if I
get hold of your arm in a firm lock to the point of snapping your elbow, you either surrender or I snap
the elbow. The effectiveness in applying the lock correctly together with the pain administered and the
intent of the attacker will of course decide the outcome and final conclusion. (Please don’t misinterpret
this type of pain as one gets when they push themselves during exercise).
Body or Limb Disablement, Bypassing Pain! An effective strike or a very firm heavy restraint as in a
Lock or Choke etc, is often the only way to end or put a stop to some situations. Yes! Fight stopping
techniques! Where by pain is not necessarily an issue or the intention here, but to end the
confrontation instantly. Basically, people can and will at times come back even if they are in
considerable pain, but rarely if the body or a section of the body has either been damaged or taken
out of action. As an example; it could be anything from a stamped out knee to unconsciousness from a
knock out.
Pain Reaction! This is an area that is often over looked and very rarely understood or respected by
many Karate Ka, but to me it’s of primal importance and an area that I always give serious
consideration to when training. Creating pain upon an attacker/opponent will cause varying responses.
Hopefully it will put an end to the situation. However! A vicious or ferocious response must always be
prepared for, as if it comes it may feel like you are fighting a raging tiger, as most adults will normally
react in a similar way to that of an animal in serious danger. There is nothing more dangerous than a
badly hurt or injured animal (or human) who has much more fight left in them. What I’m talking about
here is an attacker taking (receiving) the so called perfect punch or shot, then coming back at you with
a vengeance.
“If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be defeated in a hundred battles; if
you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not
know your enemies nor yourself, you will be defeated in every single battle”. Sun Tzu
At times when viewing peoples training or their interpretations of moves to be found within Karate
Katas, it can be easy to see that there is little or no thought for the lack of cooperation, serious
response, or the ferocious fight back of the opponent. To the point that I wonder if these Karate Ka
realise that there will always be at least two people in the fight, and not just themselves, because If
anyone honestly believes that they can give someone a half hearted strike to finish them off, or maybe
just place a lock or hold on someone nicely or with ease, then they are both living and training in cloud
cuckoo land! I am also of the belief that the Okinawan Karate Ka of old are/were fully aware of this and
were not over in favour of grabbing hold of the opponent until he/she has been struck with some kind
of blow first, in many ways parallel to the blow before throw theory of old Ju Jutsu.
True Karate training must always be based off courtesy and respect for others, whilst being safe,
continually challenging with longevity in mind, but on top of that it must always be intelligently based,
realistic and totally honest. To understand the true response or actions of the opponent is paramount
to success at times of conflict, the same in being thoughtful of the effects of pain. Creating pain by
whatever means, will more often than not create a ferocious response and reaction from the opponent.
So be prepared for the pain reaction!
Remember.... "To Hurt people is Easy, to Help them is much Harder"
(Sunday 5th February 2012)
Machiwara - Makiwara
The four pieces of footage that I've put up here, show us very clearly the varying ways that Karate Ka
can utilize the way that they train with the Machiwara.
I would say that the method demonstrated my Mikio Yahara Sensei is reminiscent of the more
modern fundamental Shotokan and defined Japanese way of using this training tool, with long big
decisive strikes, more often than not being applied with both the fist and knife hand strikes. Not my way
these days if I’m being honest, but I did enjoy my time doing thus. However, I am in no doubt of the
power, ability and effectiveness of the Karate of Yahara Sensei who is phenomenal. Ho,,, and well
known for let us say using things for purpose too.
Masanobu Shinjo Sensei I would say demonstrates a variant and the fundamental way of practise
that was done on Okinawa of old, and a way of practise that still continues to this day. I have mind
images of many past teachers like Itosu and Funakoshi using the Machiwara in a similar way to this.
And lastly, both Michiko Onaga and Masaji Taira move on from the fundamental way of using the
Machiwara to the point that higher levels of training have developed for the usage of the Machiwara
through much thought, a deeper understanding and many hours of experimentation and hard training.
With an emphasis on Tenshin being an area that is certainly evident here.
If you are wise and open minded in your Karate training you will not set out to have a preference of
either Machiwara method demonstrated, you will just try and obtain a deep understanding of each step
or method, and more importantly a true feel for the Machiwara itself. But what is clear to see is that
there is so much more to the Makiwara/Machiwara than just pounding it or obtaining calluses.
(Sunday 12th February 2012)
can utilize the way that they train with the Machiwara.
I would say that the method demonstrated my Mikio Yahara Sensei is reminiscent of the more
modern fundamental Shotokan and defined Japanese way of using this training tool, with long big
decisive strikes, more often than not being applied with both the fist and knife hand strikes. Not my way
these days if I’m being honest, but I did enjoy my time doing thus. However, I am in no doubt of the
power, ability and effectiveness of the Karate of Yahara Sensei who is phenomenal. Ho,,, and well
known for let us say using things for purpose too.
Masanobu Shinjo Sensei I would say demonstrates a variant and the fundamental way of practise
that was done on Okinawa of old, and a way of practise that still continues to this day. I have mind
images of many past teachers like Itosu and Funakoshi using the Machiwara in a similar way to this.
And lastly, both Michiko Onaga and Masaji Taira move on from the fundamental way of using the
Machiwara to the point that higher levels of training have developed for the usage of the Machiwara
through much thought, a deeper understanding and many hours of experimentation and hard training.
With an emphasis on Tenshin being an area that is certainly evident here.
If you are wise and open minded in your Karate training you will not set out to have a preference of
either Machiwara method demonstrated, you will just try and obtain a deep understanding of each step
or method, and more importantly a true feel for the Machiwara itself. But what is clear to see is that
there is so much more to the Makiwara/Machiwara than just pounding it or obtaining calluses.
(Sunday 12th February 2012)