KARATE KOLLEGE

Traditional Martial Arts for Teens & Adults Located in Social Circle, GA | www.IKKU.org

At Karate Kollege, we don’t hand out trophies – we forge character, discipline, and skill.

We’re not a daycare. We train martial artists who are ready to be pushed – mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Now enrolling Teens & Adults who want:

• Traditional Japanese Karate
• Real-World Self-Defense
• Mental Toughness & Physical Conditioning
• An Old-School, No-Nonsense Training Environment
• Call or Text KYOSHI MICHAEL at (404) 775-8163

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IKKU group photo in front of the helicopter after a long day of Kobudo

2018 4th Annual IKKU Weapons Choice Clinic

The 2018 4th Annual IKKU Weapons Choice Clinic took place on February 24, 2018. This years venue was a special location at the American Legion Hall in Duluth, GA. The event was hosted by Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin, Chief Instructor of Keishin Karate Kai. As usual, this popular event attracted a big turn out of 45 attendees from 10 Dojos. Participants gathered from both Georgia and Florida for this educational day of learning.

This was the 4th successful themed clinic offered by the IKKU in recent years. The format of the clinic was based on a principle of sharing traditional kobudo knowledge without boundaries. Typically a student must show a certain amount of proficiency before being taught more advanced and dangerous weapon. However, this special event allows participants to choose the weapons of their preference. This is considered a paradigm shift from traditional teaching methodologies to earn this type of weapons exposure. Participants were allowed to move from one weapon group to another throughout the day. Sessions included Kobudo Anatomy, Basics, Bunkai, and Kata as part of the agenda.

Kobudo Clinic Morning Session

For the morning session participants choose to ban together to drill Bo Basics. Hanshi Ron Downton, Assistant Director of the IKKU and Chief Instructor of Tora Shin Karate Kai led the morning session and lent his kobudo expertise to the entire group. Soke Joseph Ruiz, Founder of the IKKUU, was present, overseeing the floor, answering questions, and lending his expertise to the group when needed. Following a vigorous Bo workout, the session then transitioned into partner drills. Live partner bunkai was taught that corresponded to our IKKU Bo Combination drills. This was a great session, with Hanshi Downton teaching the finer points of Bo Kobudo Application to the group.

The big group prepares for Bo Basics during the early hours

Kobudo Clinic Afternoon Sessions

The afternoon sessions progressed into smaller breakout groups, all focused on individual weapons. Bo, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, Sai, and Eaku were all part of the event and nothing from the menu was omitted. With Basic Kihons and 18 Kata available to the group, everyone found something new and exciting to learn. With the vast amount of ad hoc instructors popping up all around, participants were able to practice one weapon and then move on to another in a sperate group. Small groups were worked both inside the facility and outside taking advantage of the warm February Georgia sun.

2018 Weapons Choice Kobudo Clinic Menu

Once again the IKKU has hosted this successful clinic with no injuries occurring. Not a bad record for the 225+ man/lady hours of weapons that were tallied for the duration of the event. The IKKU will certainly continue to hone and modify the clinic format in order to bring participants the very best in Traditional Okinawan and Japanese Martial Arts.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the Instructors who lent their time, knowledge and sweat to the participants in this endeavor of knowledge sharing. It is these type of leaders that help to make the IKKU such a strong organization. It is easy to see a little piece of Soke Ruiz in all these leaders.

Additional IKKU Information:

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-8 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post 2018 4th Annual IKKU Weapons Choice Clinic appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Participants at the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp in Carrollton, GA

The International Karate Kobudo Union held the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp from Jan 12-14, 2018. The event was set in Historic Carrollton, GA and hosted by Shihan Dai Billie Robinson, Chief Instructor of Robinson Karate Dojo and Yoga Center. There was a great turnout with approximately 35 attendees for the event. Participants gathered from across the Eastern U.S., including attendees from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maine. The IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union was represented with participants from 7 affiliated Dojos.

If you have an old soul or the knack for vintage, then this camp was probably just the one for you. From a peek back into the Pinan Series and a dive into Naifauchi series you’ll get plenty of new insights into some of the vintage kata that you only thought you knew.

Pinan (平安) Kata
Peaceful Mind

Set in the Historic Carrollton Area this helps to lend to a trendy and cool city vibe with the rustic setting from an old traditional Georgia time.

Soke Ruiz spent some time early Saturday morning teaching some of the Pinan Series of Kata. If you have not been a part of his Pinan Series of Classes then you really have missed a real treat. The Pinan Series Bunkai is where you see Soke Ruiz in his most rawest Karate form, which is the essence of Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ha. Considering Soke likely first began learning these kata early in his development it’s fairly safe to say that there is not too many kata that he has known longer than Pinan Shodan.

Hanshi-Sei Ruiz focused on Pinan Shodan and Godan for this short session. As the group worked the Kata on the floor, tweaks were made to both kata by Soke Ruiz, as he worked the floor. Additionally, Soke taught several of his Key Bunkai from both Shodan and Godan Kata to the group. Soke demonstrated each bunkai flawlessly as the attendees watched on in preparation for their own hands-on session.

There are 5 Pinan Kata created by Anko Itosu (1830 -1915). Itosu used these Kata as the basics to teach his elementary school class. Later Funakoshi helped to Standardize and Formalize the Kata for all students in the Okinawan School System. The Japanese to English translation of Pinan is Peaceful Mind. Supposedly the thought is that having known all these Pinan Kata and Bunkai, a pupil should have sufficient knowledge, skill, and confidence leading to a peaceful mind in a combative situation.

As far as can be accounted for the Pinan Series can very likely trace its roots back to a lost kata named “Chiang Nan”. The form became known as “Channing”, an Okinawan/Japanese approximation of the Chinese pronunciation. It is said that Itosu changed the katas name from Chaing-Nan to Pinan as he found ‘Chaing’ too difficult to pronounce.

There are 5 Pinan Kata created by Anko Itosu (1830 -1915). Itosu used these Kata as the basics to teach his elementary school class. Later these Kata were standardized and developed for students of all ages for use in the Okinawan School System. The Japanese to English translation of Pinan is Peaceful Mind. Supposedly the thought is that having known all these Pinan Kata and Bunkai, a pupil should have sufficient knowledge, skill, and confidence leading to a peaceful mind in a combative situation.

Pinan in the Elementary School System

As karate history and accounts go, most have not been written down over time, especially from the pre-1900 era. And when it comes to Kata origins the same can be true. The Pinan Series of Kata, which in all essence of the coined term “Modern Traditional Karate” is even shrouded in historical stories and legends of how the kata came to be and was further developed. And just think, the Pinan Series of Kata have only existed for approximately 110 years and we already have discrepancies in our records. As you think about the birth of karate from out of the shadows of secrecy and into the public eye, it began during this time period with Itosu tactically navigating his way through the political and school systems. The development of the Pinan Series in the elementary school was between 1902-1907 and at the end of this point, Pinan Shodan – Godan had been developed.

What? Shocked at what you are reading? Yes, that’s right. And you thought all our kata were hundreds if not thousands of years old? Guess again. The Pinan Series of Kata has only been in existence since approx 1902-1907, which puts them at approximately 110 years old. A common story of belief states that there was a shipwrecked Chinese Man staying locally in the Okinawan Tomari region. and he taught Itosu at some point in time in the 1800’s. Add Karate knowledge to Itosu’s skill set and you have the makings of “The Beginning”. Don’t forget that Itosu worked in the Education System, so he was armed with Karate knowledge and a fuel to teach and expand the pupil base.

Shihan Dai Matt Downton is shown here as class participants take advantage of his kata knowledge.

Because of the supposed length of the kata and the fact that Itosu had the desire to implement Karate into an Elementary School Program he had a couple of challenges to overcome, besides the obvious political nature. He and his students would be under the highest level of scrutiny. The main training kata he wanted to use was too long. He needed enough standardized material and resources to last for several years. His students would be young which meant his traditional training methods would have to be altered. A new standardized system would be needed. Itosu was able to achieve this from the years 1902-1907.

So instead of trying to teach just one long kata to a group of elementary school students, Itsou decided to take a new approach. He went through the painstaking process of dividing the kata up into sections and then integrating some of his other teachings into the recipe. What resulted is 5 completely different kata that would belong to the same family of katas named the Pinan Series or Peaceful Mind as it’s become more commonly known. Now 110+ years later and this series is still taught to traditional karate students from all over the world.

Karate in the Okinawan School System

Shihan Dai Mike Downton investing time with our youth in the organization.

By the year 1908 Itosu wrote a letter to the Prefectural education department that outlined his views on karate. Itosu asked the board to please allow for karate to be taught into the curriculum of all Okinawan schools. Itosu was awarded his request and karate became part of the education of all Okinawan children. Finally, karate had a glimpse from out of the shadows, and like the shot heard from around the world, Okinawan children had instant access to karate.

This spark would become the inspiration that would drive masters like Motobu, Funakoshi, and Mabuni to the mainland Japan in the 1920’s, to start the spread of Karate around the world. The Pinan Series would be honed, standardized and tested as Karate began its journey from out of the shadows. Later when Funakoshi took the Pinan Kata to Japan he then renamed it to Heian which was translated as “Peaceful and Safe”.

Naifanchi (ナイファンチ) Kata
Sideways Fighting Kata

Whether you call it Naifaunchi, Naifanchi, Naifunchun, Naihuanchi, Naihanchi, Tekki, Tetti, or Tetki,  it all boils down to just a couple of major tactics. And Yes, Sideways fighting is one of them since the Kata is set up for an onslaught of 45 degree angled attackers. This kata is named after the direction in which attackers are charging from – ” Sideways Fighting”. A practitioner will spend all of their time during the kata, either in a Shiko Dachi or either being transitioned from or into a Shiko Dachi. Either way you look at it, this kata is all about Shiko-Dachi, 45-degree angled attacks and strategically placing your back against a wall.

Soke Ruiz is shown here teaching Naifanchi Bunkai

This series of kata also has a shrouded history. Some speculate that “The Kata” was originally one long kata. At some point, over time the kata may have been modified and or broken apart into 3 complete kata forming Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan. There is also some confusion as to the originator of this kata. Some say Matsumura could be the originator. Most scholars seem to agree that Choki Motobu took a huge part in the development of Nidan and Sandan Katas as one of his books has a focus on Naifanchi.

Other stories have Gichin Funakoshi, changing the name of the kata to Tekki over time, which is said to be Japanese. Naifuanchi typically links back to the Chinese roots and Naihaunchi links back to the Okinawan roots. No matter what you call it, Naifanchi Kata is known throughout the world in the traditional karate circles.

During our time with Hanshi-Sei Ruiz, he focused on Naifanchi Shodan and Nidan for this short session. As the group worked the Kata, tweaks were made to both katas by Soke Ruiz, as he walked the floor. Additionally, Soke taught several of his Key Bunkai Sequences from both Shodan and Nidan Kata to the group. Soke demonstrated each bunkai flawlessly and with ease. The participants were then guided through the bunkai with Soke watching over and giving tutelage where needed. Occasionally an alternate or optional Bunkai would be provided just for fun.

Reflections

Camp came and went in a blink of an eye. For some, only 1-2  day participation could only be allocated because of other commitments. For those that attended, they received a blink back in time from some old Soke Ruiz Karate days. In addition, they received Master level tutelage on some of the foundational kata of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do as a whole. For those did not have the opportunity to attend then please note that you were missed and we hope to see you next year. And for all potential attendees, the Annual Camps are generally the largest IKKU events of the year, so be sure to put be placeholders on your calendar for our 2019 events.

We want to make sure all our friends make it out to our events so please help spread the news. Remember, great friendships are forged and folded like a katana being prepared for its future master.

Keep working hard in the dojo and we look forward to seeing you on the floor soon. OSU!

Additional IKKU Information

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-8 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors.

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Clinic participants are shown here performing Kabuki Sai

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, the International Karate Kobudo Union joined together for our annual 2017 IKKU Christmas Clinic and Celebration Dinner. The event was held in Dexter, GA and hosted by Kyoshi Kim Blue, Chief Instructor of Suansu Karate Kai. There was a good intimate turnout with approximately 26 attendees for the event. Participants gathered from across the Eastern U.S., including attendees from Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Maine. The IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union was represented with participants from 8 affiliated Dojos.

With the focus of this years Clinic being Kobudo, everyone armed themselves with Bo and Sai for the upcoming sessions.

Bo Shodan & Bo Nidan

Soke Ruiz showing Bo Bunkai during the Clinic

The morning session was comprised of multiple Bo Kata. Both Bo Shodan and Bo Nidan (also known as Tokumine No Kun) were taught and practiced intensively. For those that had previously been taught these kata, both were both fine-tuned with Soke’s oversight. Soke Ruiz and Hanshi Downton also spent time reviewing the Bunkai associated with these kobudo kata. Various Uke’s took their fair share of knocks and falls in sacrifice for the betterment of the group.

Participants that did not previously have these kata, broke away into smaller groups outside to drill their appropriate Bo Kata(s). As well, some participants spent time working Sai outside to take advantage of the spring-like unseasonal weather conditions. Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin invested the time in helping these Bo and Sai groups learn their applicable kata.

Kabuki Sai

The performing arts theater has been historically a very a popular entertainment event in Japan. Kabuki, like many Japanese and Okinawan Arts, has a rich history and traces its origins back to the early 1600s. During that time, the word Kabuki was translated as “unorthodox” or “eccentric”. Throughout the years the theater players were changed from young ladies to young boys and most recently, to groups of adult men which play both male and female parts of the show. Over time the original meaning of the word has evolved to become:  Ka (Song), Bu (Dance), Ki (Technique or Skill). Originally Kabuki was focused on short dances, but the art has now transformed into plays and dances, mostly set in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It’s not uncommon to see Kabuki theater performances of Samurai dueling in deadly fight scenes.

The story goes that Soke Shogo Kuniba upon watching a Kabuki Theatre performance admired a portion of the show which featured the Sai. His memory of the performance fueled his desire to develop a functional Sai Kata that mimicked the performance and could then be worked and taught to students. The kata has a memorable opening that mimics the lazy grasshopper stance from the Kabuki theater performance that Soke Shogo Kuniba attended. During the afternoon session of our clinic, Soke Ruiz taught this special kata entitled Kabuki Sai to a group of participants.

Please note that there is another Sai Kata named Namake Inago which formally translates to “Lazy Grasshopper”. Soke Richard Baillargeon taught this Sai kata to Seishin Kai Students back in the 60s. This is not the same kata, and should not be confused with Kabuki Sai. There is also an alternate spelling of Kabuki which is commonly spelled as Kubuki.

Additional IKKU Information

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-8 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors.

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Group Photo from the 2017 Kyoshinkai Annual Group Seminar featuring Hanshi Lenny Jordan of the KYOSHINKAN and Soke Joseph Ruiz of the International Karate Kobudo Union.

The 2017 Kyoshinkai Annual Group Seminar and festivities occurred on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at the ATCO Center in Cartersville, GA. This event was hosted by Hanshi Lenny Jordan, Founder of the KYOSHINKAN and provided instruction for adults, children, and teens. Participants for the event covered 5 states with 13 dojos being represented and included many senior level Sensei. The group was a collection of participants and dojos from both the KYOSHINKAN and the International Karate Kobudo Union.

Multiple empty hand kata with bunkai was taught in both the morning and afternoon session. Kobudo groups were also formed in the morning hours for those seeking specific weapon expertise with the highlight being the Eku Kata, Yamashita No Eku. Hanshi Lenny Jordan ran the morning sessions empty hand Karate and Kobudo classes. Hanshi Jordan taught Shorin-Ryu empty hand kata and bunkai to the group and provided explanation and comparisons vs the traditional Shotokan style. For Kobudo, some students worked in small groups with Tonfa inside the center. For the Eku Kata, Yamashita No Eku, the class was run outside the center in the parking lot to allow for plenty of room for Eku and Bo. The Eku kata was developed by Hanshi Yamashita and Hanshi Matayoshi.

The afternoon session featured Soke Joseph Ruiz, 10th Dan and Founder of both the Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do System and the International Karate Kobudo Union.  For Soke Ruiz’s session, Neiseishi Kata or “24 Steps” was the focus. Nisheishi, which is the Chinese name of the kata, is the equivalent of the Japanese Kata Nijushiho. Soke Ruiz was able to trace Niseishi kata back to its original Chinese roots and so it is included as a 3rd Dan requirement in the IKKU. Soke Ruiz spent time teaching the formal movement of the kata as well as provide the applicable bunkai to the group at large.

Following the events of the day, the group retired to a local Pizzeria to cool off and bond with new friends. Kicking back and reflecting on the day’s events is a tradition that continues since the days of Motobu, Chibana, Mabuni, and Funakoshi. Two organizations coming together to share knowledge and friendship is what traditional karate is all about. Exposure to a style unlike your own is a way to open your mind to new ideas and techniques while giving you a fresh perspective on the arts as a whole. The great masters of the past took time to network, break bread together and even share an occasional toast. We should continue this practice and honor where our traditional martial art roots began.

That is a wrap from the 2017 Kyoshinkai Annual Group Seminar and we look forward to what collaborative events can be forged together in 2018.

Additional IKKU Information:

Don’t forget our next upcoming event which is the 2017 IKKU Christmas Clinic and Celebration. The event is scheduled December 2, 2017, in Dexter, GA, hosted by Suansu Karate Kai at the Estate of Kyoshi Kim Blue.

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post 2017 Kyoshinkai Annual Group Seminar appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.