What is Kyu-Shin-Do ?
The theory of KYU – SHIN – DO What is KyuShinDo ?
And more precisely what it isn’t !! Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1915 – 1985 by Henry Ellis Kyu = Desire – Yearn – Sphere – Circle – Search – Study. Shin = Heart – New – Spirit – True – To be true to ones self. Do = Way or Path , a way of life or self discipline . I honestly believe that Kyu-Shin-Do has lost its true path in Britain and has become many things to many people.
What is KyuShinDo ? and more Precisely what it is not !
Kyu = Desire – Yearn – Sphere – Circle – Search – Study.
Shin = Heart – New – Spirit – True – To be true to ones self.
Do = Way or Path , a way of life or self discipline.
I honestly believe that Kyu-Shin-Do has lost its true path in Britain and has become many things to many people. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei came to Britain in 1955 at the invitation of the London Judo Society ( LJS ). He considered the Judo that he saw to be too concerned with strength, also too physical and hard. It was his intent to introduce his theory of Kyu-Shin-Do to the British Judoka. They in turn found it hard to understand that if they followed his teaching of Kyu-Shin-Do Judo which he himself had studied from as early as 1940 their own Judo skills would become stronger by technique rather than strength. Abbe Sensei would often say when speaking of KyuShinDo that “one must have the right mind “. On one occasion he lined up 31 Judoka dan grades, he walked along the line and informed each Judoka what technique he would use, and whether it would be left of right handed. Abbe Sensei then proceeded to throw each and every single one of the 31 students just as he had said. It is worth being reminded that Abbe Sensei was 40 years of age at that time.
Discover Your Animal
For Centuries Eastern martial artists have used the study of animals in their arts. How is this relevant to the modern martial artist? And, more importantly, what animal are you?
In Shuri-Ryu Karate, after attaining the rank of black belt, karateka are traditionally awarded a animal spirit. This animal spirit is based on character traits displayed by the karateka both before and after their promotion. There are many different animals used, but for this article we will limit them to the original Shaolin five. These animals include the snake, tiger, crane, leopard, and dragon.
Identifying a karateka’s animal is not just a trivial pursuit. The use of animal characteristics is an additional tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of both ourselves and others. Constant evaluation of ourselves and possible threats surrounding us is a key skill in being a thorough and effective martial artist.
Master Robert Trias, the founder of Shuri-Ryu Karate, identifies certain characteristics and abilities associated with these animals.
* The snake possesses breath strength, and is characterized as a serpent waiting for its prey. An exceptionally short and quick style patterned after the snakes forked tongue that strikes at the opponent’s eyes and throat.
* The tiger possesses bone strength characterized by the strength and swiftness of its ripping movements. A strong style that uses short and powerful thrusts and lunges.
* The crane possesses spiritual and muscle strength and is characterized as a graceful bird standing calmly and patiently on one leg waiting to take off or strike. A soft and fluid style that is patterned and imitates the wings of a bird.
* The leopard possesses inner and outer strength and is characterized by the abilities of its powerful claws to penetrate in and around small openings. A very explosive style patterned after the flat paw of the leopard.
* The Dragon possesses body strength and is characterized as a powerful yet flexible serpent that floats and emerges from the sea. A strong floating and sweeping style. 1
So what exactly “is” KFM?
KFM or “Keysi Fighting Method” is causing quite the stir in Hollywood with both Batman Films (Batman Begins & The Dark Knight) to their credit as well as the upcoming James Bond film, “Quantum of Solace.” But what is the buzz all about?
KFM: The Buzz and the Bat
No doubt, “The Dark Knight” opening this summer will rival if not exceed box office sales as well as the “buzz” of the first film, given the success of “Batman Begins.” This film introduced many, myself included, to a new fighting system known as KFM or Keysi Fighting Method. But what about this system caught the attention of Hollywood and why is it seen as such a great compliment to the Batman character and franchise?
KFM was founded by Justo Dieguez and Andy Norman and is the result of their own personal journeys and investigation over 20 years. While www.keysikfm.com carries a great deal of information as to the method and philosophy of KFM, here are some points of “uniqueness” I personally found when coming into KFM from a traditional martial arts mindset.
First, KFM readily admits it is not a “Martial Art” in the traditional sense of the word. KFM is utilized in health clubs, on university campuses and by (health) personal trainers throughout Europe just as much as by martial arts schools and martial arts instructors. It sees itself as a “curriculum,” not necessarily a “school” in and unto itself. Therefore anyone, martial artists or non-martial artist, can learn KFM and teach the curriculum however they wish in whatever environment they wish. It is simply a street defense system designed to give those who are looking for more “practical” solutions to their concerns regarding personal safety and survival versus extended years of training with belts, tournaments, etc as part of the experience package.
So You Want to be a Ninja…
Probably no martial arts personna has captured the fascination and imagination of so many as the mysterious “ninja.” But what makes someone a “ninja?” Is it their martial arts ability or something else?
Say the word “Ninja” to any American and images of silent assassins, clad in black, come to mind with ominous overtones. While that image can intimidate, more often it fascinates and entertains– thanks to Hollywood. But have we really been given the right impression of these ancient warriors? What was it about their particular brand of martial art that has so endured time to provide such a lasting impression in the minds and psyches of so many? What does it really take to be a Ninja?
First, the number one thing that embodies Ninjutsu is “deception.” This is the root of Ninjutsu as well as the chief tool of the Ninja. How is this achieved? It can be done through disguise, distraction and misrepresentation, all of which the Ninja were quite familiar with as part of their early training.
Tae kwon do is an Art
Wikipedia defines art this way: “Art refers to a diverse range of human activities, creations, and expressions that are appealing to the senses or emotions of a human individual.” This is absolutely true when defining Tae kwon do.
Art
When you think of mortal combat, does the word art come to mind?
Of course not.
Martial arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.
Sometimes parents are mistaken and believe that allowing their kids to study martial arts will cause them to become aggressive, picking fights. In actuality, just the opposite is true. Fundamental martial arts training has a core that has a very different outcome than a parent might suspect.
All martial arts have an external component and an internal component. Think of the Chinese yin-yang symbol which literally indicates that everything has an opposite. The earth has sky, fire has water, and good has evil.
What is referred to as external martial arts is what most people are familiar with. This is the action you enjoy on the movie screen and on television. It’s the sometimes violent or even deadly, hard hitting power that one can learn to use to overcome an opponent. But remember, that what you see on the screen is only what Hollywood deems glamorous.