Sensei Next Visit!

Late Nishihira Sensei "playing" with Sensei 2003!

Sensei and several students will visit us again for training in August.

Training will be from Friday 9th August until Mon 12th August when they return to Italy.

Full details to be published soon, there will be training each day.

Jim

John Capewell Sensei Visit - From Australia!

We have just arrange a weekend visit from John Capewell Sensei and his wife.

John has trained with both the late Nishihira Sensei, and Toma Sensei in Okinawa. And is a long term student of Ted Sensei.

Training will take place Sat 13th, Sun 14th and Mon 15th July at our Dojo.

We will train 3 hours each day, with the rest of the time will be spent showing off Sussex and relaxing with our visitors.

My thanks as always to my wonderful students who enable these things to happen.

More details soon.

Jim

An image of Bushi Matsumura?

This is a lithograph made from pictures taken in the 1853 Admiral Perry visit to Ryukyu.

Further Information here

Personally I feel there is a high chance the chap on the left is Sokon 'Bushi' Matsumura.

Jim

Sokon 'Bushi' Matsumura Memorial

The inscription on the memorial reads:

HERE LIES MASTER SOKON MATSUMURA (1809 - 1899). The originator of Okinawan Karate and Shurite. He was born in Yamagawa, Shuri. His Chinese name was Seitatsu Bu. He called himself Unyu, or Takenaga. He was excellent in martial arts from childhood, and won a worldwide reputation of a great master. He was remarkable for both wisdom and valor, devoting himself to the spirit that both literary and martial arts are one.

He served three reigns as a personal guard of the Royal descendants of King Shoen; the seventeenth, King Shoko; the eighteenth, King Shoiku and the nineteenth King Shotai. December in the 12th year of Heisei (2000 AD) Descendants of the Matsumuras. THE BU FAMILY TOMB OF THE MATSUMURAS. Raised on an auspicious day in November in the year 2000.

Trip to Milan to see Sensei and Bushido Academy!

On Friday 15th Feb, myself, Jim B, Scott and Jamie are off to Italy to train with Sensei.

We make 2 trips each year and train for 4 days.

The chance to visit the Honbu is open to all Shoshinkan UK students, the training is demanding but very rewarding.

We will cover a huge amount of material, and as always in great detail. Seito Matsumura is hard, make no mistake about that!

Our Italian friends really look after us, and we hope they can visit us in the summer again.

I was fortunate enough to be asked again to teach Tegumi (Hand Wrestling) on the Sunday seminar, Sensei then followed with TuiTe (Catch Hand). We had a great time and several students traveled in to train.

Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, Uckfield, East Sussex, UK.

Martial Arts Beginners class and New Website!

We are pleased to announce that we will have a new beginners class starting 7th Jan 2013, every Monday night 8.30-10pm at the dojo, in Uckfield, East Sussex.

We are looking for an additional 3-4 long term, serious students. You need to be 18 plus to train. Our small dojo also trains on Thursday nights, 8.30-10pm- Thursdays are for those with some  experience, but no one gets upset if you turn up on the wrong night, get changed and train! 
Shoshinkan UK was established in 2006 and provides long term, authentic, classical training to those interested. We have regular additional training, visits to Italy to see Sensei and visits from Italy by Sensei and his students.

Students from other arts are always welcome, if you have an interest in classical Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, thats what we do!

Thanks to Jim B we also now have a Dojo website:

www.shoshinkanuk.org

Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, East Sussex, England

Meloni Shihan & Italian Students Visit UK 2012!

Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo 

14/15 July 2012, Framfield Village Hall, East Sussex, TN22 5NR, England                   

Sat 14		Sun 15
10-10.30	Kihon Punch/Kick Mechanics	10-10.30	Kihon 4 Directions
10.30-12	Naihanchi Ni/Passai Dai	10.30-12	Pinan Ni/Rohai
Lunch		Lunch
12.30-2	Bo Kata & Renzokuwaza	12.30-2	Sai/Tonfa Kata
Break		Break
2.30-4	Tuite Methods	2.30-4	Kyusho Methods

Kata trained with Bunkai, Strategies and Principles explained.

Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, Uckfield, Sussex.

Update: The course went very well, thank you all who supported- we look forward to Sensei and Bushido Academy students visiting again soon!

Ryukyu Period Sai - The real thing!

I'm often searching the net for all things and information about Ryukyu, sometimes you find something of real interest!

Link here

If your pockets are deep enough you could own this piece of history!

General Info

Well forged, massive and powerful style. Hemp line is wound around the holder, fixed with lacquer-like sticker. This is strong and one can grip it easily. 

So-jyutsu is old bujyutsu of Ryukyu (former Okinawa) There are several styles of So-jyutsu : Sai of Tsukeshi Tahaku, Hamahika, Chatanyara, Jigen, Tawada, Hamagoten-yaka-a, Hantaguwa, Kojyo. During Ryuku Kingdom period, Ufuchiku (Head of Police station) and Chikusaji (detective) held the sai, they used it in order to arrest the criminals or leading a crowd.Well fabricated simple design, calm color of iron as many years pass. Armor with high value of appreciation.

Okinawan Karate Presentation- History & Culture

I was so pleased to find this, and thank Goodin and Nakata Sensei for their efforts. These gentlemen are amongst the most experienced and connected men in our field, in the western world.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HawaiiKarateMuseum

Anyone with a genuine interest in Okinawan culture and history, with an emphasis on the late Ryukyu Kingdom period should listen and take in the information presented.

I found the information shared to be very well researched and useful to those of us who have a passion for such things.

Italy March 2012 Trip!

Myself, students Scott and & Jim jetted off to Milan in the middle of March 2012.

We trained with Meloni Sensei and the students of Bushido Academy Italy for 4 days.

As always we covered lots of material, particualr focus was given to Tsuken No Kon (Chikin No Kon) Bunkai Renzokuwaza, Nishihira No Kata & Renzokuwaza.

On the sunday Sensei led a lecture/demonstration and practical session on KyushoJutsu - very interesting and real fun with a kumite session involving paint on our fingers!

This is the first time some of my students have come to the European Honbu, so I'm very pleased and proud of them. It is always very hard work, but great friendship is shown - we are very lucky.

I also went over the Shoshinkan syllabus with Sensei, and made some very minor adjustments.

We visited central Milan to see the sights, ate well and were, as always look after fantastically.

We await our Italian friends coming over in June 2012.

Ryukyu 1880 Picture

There aren't many images of the Ryukyu kingdom around, here's one that is apparently from 1880 (after the restoration circa 1868).

Have a good look and see what you can spot!

What is Okinawan Karate and KobuJutsu then?

I have been asked several times to give a definition, I shan't attempt that!

However based on over nearly 30 years practice of different “types” of our art, and exposure to some fine Sensei I have come to the conclusion that training (to me) can be defined, generally as;

1. Kata – the classical forms passed down the Ryu from teacher to student (containing the Kyusho and Tuite fundamentals as well as many other things!).

2. Junbi & Hojo Undo – exercise for Physical and Mental Tanren (conditioning, for resilience, application and general good health).

3. Kihon Waza - Repetitive Basic technique to acquire skill, not always on air!

4. Kumite - Partner Drills fixed/semi fixed and free including Tegumi (basic grappling).

5. Kobudo– Weapons Art’s, Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Kama and others)

6. Dojo Kun – Training place rules / philosophy (including Reigi - courtesy)

Also, and this is a significant point if you’re calling what you do “Okinawan” have a clear, solid link to Okinawa and Okinawan's - of course other Karate and Kobujutsu can be just as great, Japanese, American, English - even TKD! There's good, OK and bad in all.

My point is labeling what you do as Okinawan deserves a connection to the Okinawan people, art and culture. (And no, I haven't been to Okinawa, but my Sensei has and continues to go regularly).

Visit us in Uckfield, East Sussex to train. We are a friendly, dedicated dojo.

Makiwara- Karates true 'Kime' Device?

Here is one of our Makiwara installed in one of my students home dojo where we work out from time to time.

Makiwara is not for everyone of course, however IMO it is an important tool to at least experience for a few months.

I have found once used it changes our concept of Kime significantly, body mechanics/alignment and concepts of acceleration/mass are really 'taught' using the Makiwara.

The main thing to train is Seiken Tsuki, be sure to keep the body in correct alignment, and the elbow down strike with the 2 large knuckles.

However various Tsuki, Uchi and indeed Uke and Geri Waza can all be worked on Makiwara, and it is VERY different to the heavy bag (of course another important tool, for different reasons).

The trick with Makiwara is little and often, this not only prevents injury but allows a gradual adjustment in technique to achieve improved energy transfer.

We are producing a limited number of Makiwara to our very well researched and tested design, these are available to karateka whom are interested along with free advice to get you going.

I shall produce approx 6 every 3 months moving forward, maybe a few more.

I thank Jon Arthur, my friend who made the Makiwara in the picture for allowing me to be involved in his design and testing, Jon will also act as consultant to the new Makiwara when we get going.

Please email james@neetersolutions.co.uk to find out a little more and discuss your requirements.

Shoshinkan Presents

Giuseppe Meloni Shihan Of Bushido Academy Italia

Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and KobuJutsu

21/22 May 2011, Uckfield, East Sussex, England

Naihanchi Shodan or Ndani, Nishihira Renzoku Waza, Nishihira Bo, Rohai, Soken Sai, Kihon  Waza, Kyusho/Tuite Waza were trained.

Bunkai, Strategy & Principles Explained

optional local Indian Meal Saturday evening £15 all you can eat advance please, strictly limited places available.

£35/day or £60 for weekend in advance, Lunch & Green T provided both days.

Contact Jim, james@neetersolutions.co.uk payment in

Thank you Sensei for a great weekend!

Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, East/West Sussex.

Training Trip To Italy - Jan 2010

Im just back from seeing Sensei again to train at his dojo and learn a little more about Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate & Kobudo.

I had 5 days in Milan and we worked very hard, as always!

Sensei and my Sempai made more corrections to my kata, we worked alot of Kihon and Kumite practice, I also confirmed the 'formal' versions of all kata to Shodan for our dojo, and corrected my Chikin No Kon kata in line with Nishihira Sensei method.

Sensei hopes to visit UK in July 2010, and I will be going to Italy a couple more times before the end of the year.

As always all students and good friends are welcome to join in these training oppertunities, it's very rewarding.

Thankyou Bushido Academy Italia-Ciao!

Jim

Training Trip To Italy March 2009!

I have recently returned from a trip to train with Giuseppe Sensei in Italy, and what a few days it was!

As always we trained very hard, and I was looked after by my friends.

On the sunday Sensei had organised a seminar where I taught around 30 fellow martial artists - Sensei then taught some Tuite methods which were very interesting.


The karate was top quality, and I have now formed an important direct link for myself and dojo with Giuseppe Sensei accepting me as a direct student for Seito Matsumura Karate/Kobujutsu.

I enjoyed training with all the students, my Sempai and Sensei and look forward to our next trip to Italy in June/July, and to our Italian friends coming to England in October.


Thankyou Bushido Academy - Ciao Ciao !


Jim

A Great loss.....

http://www.cw-fc.com/karate/articles/about_kosei_nishihira.htm

One of my greatest disapointments is not being able to have made the trip to Okinawa in time, to meet Nishihira Sensei before he passed, his karate is inspiring to me and I aim to do my best and practice hard what little I know about it.

Rest in peace Sensei.

I now hope that I can simply learn from his surviving Senior Students as best I can, and teach this to my students,


Jim

Talking................Training

I have recently been thinking about the different types of people who train martial arts (scary.....) and possibly the reasons why (scary as well!).

One of the traits I have noticed over the years is there are generally three 'types' of people who train, those who talk alot when they should be training, those who train to much, and should have a chat now and again and those who find a nice balance between the 2.

Clearly there is no rights or wrongs here, I proberly talk and train to much for most peoples tastes! But my point is at least I do indeed train alot...............

My general view is that most of us talk to much in training time, there is time in the pub after dojo time to go into real detail or off at real tangents, obviously the nature of karate does mean we talk during training, but lets try and make it relevant to the training!

This way we get more useful work done, and everyone moves forward.

Jim

Our Italian Friends Have Visited Us In England !

Group training at the Shinseido honbu, Sevenoaks, England.

I am pleased to announce that Giuseppe Sensei, his wife and student Mari Sempai and Mauro Sempai have visited the UK, August 2008.

We arranged a series of training sessions over 4 days, Thu 14th (2 hours), Fri 15th (2 hours), Sat 15th (4 hrs) and Sun 17th (6 hrs), the sessions were split between our dojo in Uckfield (Thu, Sat) and the Shinseido Honbu in Sevenoaks (Fri, Sun).

Many aspects of the late Nishihira Sensei Shorin Ryu Seito Matsumura Karate & Kobudo were covered with Giuseppe Sensei, Mauro Sempai and Mari Sempai leading the training.

The whole event was superb, with an extremly high level of friendliness, skill and knowledge coming from our Italian friends.

We also visited Brighton (Fish and Chips on the pier no less) and had a group meal in Uckfield.

My thanks to all those involved in making this happen, particulary to Scot (a student of mine) & Anna (his wife) and my long suffering wife Monique for all the hospitality shown.

Ciao !

Jim

Okinawan History - Social, Political and Cultural

Anyone who knows me in relation to karate will tell you I have more than a passing interest in the history of Okinawan karate, whilst this book is not specific to karate at all, it does outline historical aspects of Okinawa, looking at the social, political and cultural aspects.

Personally I find this book the best easily available to get a “picture” of where our art came from, and to assist my understanding of the main influences of its development.

It's a tough read (I'm no academic), but I'm on about my 5th read through and I always pick up interesting information.

If you are seriously interested in the history of Okinawa, then this book IMO is the best available to give a broad outline and understanding of the Island people.

Here is the book on Amazon

Also here is some good online “general” history of Okinawa, well worth a look!

Jim

 

Seito Matsumura Friends In Italy, Europe!

Giuseppe Meloni Shihan, Myself and 3 of his Senior Students- Aldo, Marco & Mauro Senpai.

I am just back from my family's holiday in Italy, I had been invited to visit to the Bushido Academy (in Milan, Italy) to meet and train with Giuseppe Sensei, a Senior Student of the late Nishihira Sensei.

We arranged to meet at 8.30am on Sunday 25th May, Giuseppe Sensei and Mari very kindly drove over an hour to pick me up.

From our first handshake I was welcomed and treated like an old friend, we arrived at the dojo where we trained for several hours, I was invited to lead training and after a couple of hours Giuseppe Sensei did the same, we covered kata, worked Nishihira Sensei Kumite drills, some Kobudo kata and Kumite, some Tegumi concepts and bunkai from the Pinan Kata as I work it.

The standard of karate at the Bushido Academy was extremely high. We also adopted an 'open' dojo in relation to filming, so I have more video to help me along in my research of the system.

After a good workout I was honoured with some gifts and we all went to lunch at a local (and excellent Chinese eatery), I was treated to lunch, and then dropped off back to my family.

Many aspects of Nishihira Sensei karate was discussed and demonstrated throughout the day.

My sincere thanks go to Giuseppe Sensei and his students, I really do look forward to further training with the group both in Italy and England, UK.

Ciao !

Jim

Words Of Matsumura?

Sokon Matsumura's letter about Martial Arts, written May 13, 1882

To:
My wise and young brother Kuwae Ryosei


You can only understand the true way of the martial arts through determination and continuous training. It is quite interesting to note that the martial arts and the methods of scholarly study parallel each other at a fundamental level.
When examining the methods of scholarly study, we find there are three distinct elements or methods:

The first method is the study of powerful words, skills needed in communication and the pursuit of high-paying positions.

The second method is the study of comparing the wisdom of traditional literature, and instilling a sense of duty by way of example.

Despite the fact that these two methods are both unique, they fall short of comprehending the true essence of the way. They encompass only a superficial comprehension of scholarly studies, so they should be regarded as incomplete.

The third method of literary study is a complete method. By understanding this third method is how we can understand the true way. Some of the things that it teaches us how to do are the following:

(1) To gain a more profound understanding(2) To gain strength from our weaknesses(3) To become more sincere(4) To become more righteous(5) To better control our emotions(6) To have more peace in our homes.

This is a doctrine that can be applied to not only our country, but to the whole world. Therefore, only this study is a complete one.

If we investigate the martial arts, we also see that there are three distinct divisions or elements in them:

The first method, or division, is more like a game of psychology and tactics. It actually has no practical application in fighting, but it is more like pretty dancing. It is quite superficial.

The second method is nothing more than physical exercises. Its only goal is to win. In this there is no virtue. The practitioners of this method are contentious. Many times they bring injury to others and to themselves. Very often they cause dishonor to come upon members of their family.
The third method, in contrast, is always performed with conviction. The practitioners of this third method gain a solemn enlightenment, free of strife and depravity. It promotes loyalty among family, friends and country. It also promotes a natural demeanor, which develops a gallant character.

If you have an unconquerable calmness, you can overcome the enemy without force, with the ferocity of a tiger and the swiftness of a bird.

Some traits of this third method:
(1) It prohibits intentional violence
(2) It rules the actions of the warrior
(3) It edifies
(4) It promotes virtue
(5) It promotes peace among the people
(6) It produces harmony in society
(7) It brings about prosperity

These are called the "Seven Virtues of the Martial Arts." They were taught by wise men, and are contained in a book called the Godan-sho.

Thus, the true way of the martial arts has more than one element in it. A wise man does not need the first or second methods. All he needs is the third method.

In this method, you will find the true way.

This unconquerable strength will deeply influence your judgment in recognizing opportunities and in taking appropriate action. The circumstances will always determine what the correct approach is that you should take.

It might seem like I have no respect for the other two fighting methods, but my conviction is rooted immovably in the doctrine of the third method. I have revealed my words to you. There is nothing left secret or hidden in my mind, nothing held back. If you accept and heed my words, you will find the true way.

Signed:
Bushi Matsumura, May 13, 1882



enjoy, Jim !

Karate - My Art, is a very interesting compilation and translation of Motobu Choki O'Sensei works, presented by Patrick & Yuriko McCarthy.

If you have a genuine interest in 'old style' Okinawan Karate then this small book is an absolute must have!

Avalaible from here - http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/motobu_choki_book.htm

McCarthy Sensei does a wonderful job in giving us a glimpse of the good stuff!

Jim

Okinawan Information Links

Love it or hate it Youtube allows many of us to see and hear things we other wise never would, please take a look at the various RyuKyu clips avaliable at -

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=ryukyu&search_sort=relevance&search_category=0&page=1

for lots of historical and current okinawan news and information visit -

http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/eng/ryukyu/

a good place to start getting information on the Historical RyuKyu Kingdom Period is here -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%ABky%C5%AB_Kingdom

Jim

Okinawan Cultural Events In England, UK

Myself and various friends visit a London University to attend gatherings of Okinawan people and their family's and friends. The focus is on music, sanshin practice.
The music was very interesting, a very casual approach and very much a social occasion. Obviously alot of skill is involved with this instrument, I particulary enjoy the singing!
We discuss many aspects of Okinawan culture, history and traditions and are honoured to be part of the group.
Towards the end we are sometimes asked to show some of our karate,
Our particular thanks to Hisano and James who I have spoken to for a while to arrange these meetings, I hope to attend each 1/4.
If you would like to join us please contact me to discuss arrangements, we also tend to train somewhere, visit the local Oriental bookshops and blag our way into a rather nice library!
Write up in the okinawna Times re one of our visits -
http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/kaigai/kaigai20070407.html
Jim

Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Uckfield, East Sussex, UK.

Secrets Of Long Healthy Lives !

One of the most significant things I have learned from my Senior's is to treat our karate as a true life preservation system.

The begining of this process for me was to purchase The Okinawa Way/Program book and begin to try and understand it's truly life saving contents.

If you do nothing else buy this book, study it's contents, act on the information given!

It gives solid practical methods of obtaining excellent physical, mental and spiritual health - now that is 'good old' karate.

The Okinawan people live long, active healthy lives and we can learn much from their historic culture and lifestyle,

Here is a nice supporting documentary on the subject - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7te6UwgSOY

Jim

HOHAN SOKEN SENSEI - KOBUDO

Here we see the late Master with the main weapons (Left to Right, Bo, Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, and Tonfa) used in the Shorin Ryu Seito Matsumura Karate & Kobudo.

I am very proud to learn this line of kobuJutsu, it is direct and very interesting method.

We also work defense against knife and clubs in the dojo for practical self defence work.

Jim