SENSEI'S INFORMATION BOARD

Page #1

#02---8/24/08

"What is Martial Art"

"Mind Body Spirit"

This Article is taken from "History" on our web page. "History" was researched and written so brilliantly and with tremendous insight by Joseph Sayers (3 Dan).

Joseph is an educator of history .

In today's Martial Arts studies "Mind Body Spirit" is one of the integral teachings that are essential for one to become a complete Martial Artist and not just someone who knows technique.

Because Martial Art training is for the Self,it is the individual who chooses his or her values, truths and beliefs.

*Some sentences have been deleted or altered for this article.

In the Beginning

“In the beginning there were martial arts”…..
    
  
     I am not brazen enough to equate my thesis with that of Genesis.  However, this statement may not be too far of a stretch.  I think that it is important to establish a definition as to what a “martial art” is.  Not an easy task by any stretch of the mind.  For the purposes of this thesis, the term “martial art” will be used to describe the interaction between groups through the development of mind, body and spirit.  The history of martial art is the story of how each of these elements begins to move closer and closer to each other so that one cannot be spoken about with out the mention of the other two. 

     To facilitate negativity and engage in violence is simplistic and primal in nature.  It is only when an individual is successful in controlling those primal urges that true inner peace can occur.  The story of the martial arts is most closely associated with that of the Eastern world.  The history of the Western world is filled with examples of the study of warfare (Alexander the Great), intellectual development (The French Enlightenment) and physical perfection (as seen in Renaissance sculpture).  The major difference is that the Western world has each area independent of the other.  This separation is probably why the Western mind, no matter how educated, found it very difficult to appreciate or even understand Asian cultures.  Similarly, the Asian cultures saw Western man as a barbaric undisciplined creature incapable of achieving any significant level of spiritual, intellectual or physical perfection. Many of these prejudices still exist even today, although possibly not as glaring. 

     It is within the Eastern world where the concepts of mind, body and spiritual perfection were infused within society.  The three concepts were essential for a more perfect state of being.  Also, it established the basis for an orderly society with clear roles.  When one examines ancient Japan, society was very clearly laid out.  Observers of this world see a society resembling a triangle with the highest point being the Emperor and the base being the masses. Occupying the middle, the Samurai, Ronin and Shogun.  Bushido (the way of the warrior) was the code of ethics guiding the warrior class.  Many of those values, honor, respect, integrity, creativity, loyalty, are mentioned time and time again as marketing tools for modern martial arts programs throughout the United States.  Unfortunately, these values are only represented in written form more often than not.  Failing to live the values seems to be a combination of being too difficult and a general lack of understanding of the true meaning of each value.  The common denominator with martial artists seems to be their ability to integrate and live these values both in and out of the dojo setting.

*****

No matter how you may excel in the art of te,
And in your scholastic endeavors,
Nothing is more important than your behavior
And your humanity as observed in daily life

                                                    (Nagamine, 1976)

"Our Ranking System".

#01---7/5/08

Thank you for your positive feedback!

This is the first of a monthly series!

“The Dan Ranking System” (This is a short synopsis that I hope will be helpful.) Entered 7/15 08
 When it comes to our ranking system, it is quite simple, and something to be very proud of. It is not for the making of an individual’s "inaccurate superiority complex" or egotistical arrogance. It is a sign of great ability, understanding, leadership and being exemplar. It has always been used in our dojo as a way for all to achieve a new goal and a tool by which to empower an individual. It is also a system that is used to establish a position of seniority along with responsibility, which has to come from within the individual as something they accept, and authority which can be, and is, delegated. You cannot delegate responsibility, only authority! For those who move up the ranking system, the individual must demonstrate not only ability, but the willingness to accept more responsibility within the system. Our ranking system is based primarily from a military stand point. Ability, responsibility and authority are all a part of each level and have to be understood in order for the individual to progress and work within the system. This is also true from the individuals moving up in the Kyu system from white belt to brown belt. The lower black belters up to 3rd and even 4th Dan experience the need to become more qualified and to be exemplar in all aspects of their training in order to achieve a higher standard for themselves and to guide the way for the lower belts to aspire to.
               As a ranking black belt (5th Dan and above) that has the authority to promote, you are only authorized to promote to two ranks below your rank (lower Dan's can promote, but only authorized by a senior who is overseeing that dojo).  Our GOJU system is based on 1st to 10th Dan with 10th being the highest. There can only be one 10th Dan in our system. If that 10th Dan has named an individual that will become the successor in the system when he or she passes, it is usually established and understood by all concerned. Most times it is in writing so there are no misunderstandings. In the event that that does not take place, then the next highest rank in line which is the most senior rank, naturally inherits that position.

7/27/08 - Members please go to the members area and go to the Gallery to see a slide show from our June 2008 Black Belt Promotion.