The Komuso System News

URGENT POST TO ALL MEMBERS

2010-05-05T11:32:00.002+01:00

I have just discovered the BNMAA and BBI, the association to which we belong, are no longer running due to serious problems with its officers. There were issues however, I was informed things were being handled by a new association titled MAC. It has since transpired that MAC is also defunct and I am investigating the implications for insurance etc.

We will need to join a new association and I will investigate this and inform you all shortly.

In the meantime training will continue as normal.

Regards,

Chris

Proposed Website Update/Rebuild

2010-05-05T11:28:00.003+01:00

Hi Guys,

It has been a while and time just keeps marching on. The new calender has been very successful in adding additional structure to our little club and in order to facilitate these changes I am currently looking to update our website.

This will include the online shop and hopefully give access to video footage, news etc.

If anyone has any ideas on how the new site should look please let me know.

Regards Chris

TKS Martial Arts Video Channel

2009-10-05T10:44:00.003+01:00

We have now finally created our own video channel on you tube. I have published a few items and a very amateur video advert. More items will be published soon including tourney footage and fight training sessions.

Here is the link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDOzLz4t0_M

Alternatively navigate to YouTube and type in TKSUKMA should take you straight there.

Best regards,

Chris.

New Term New Lessons

2009-09-07T11:18:00.006+01:00

Welcome back guys Lessons start again for the Autumn term. Thursdays from 8.00 until 9.30 at the Scout Hall see Map and a new session starts on a Sunday from 10.00 until 12.30 at the Martial Arts Academy, Emsworth Road Shirley, see Map.

Thursdays will be the normal blend of fitness, Syllabus and combat with a real focus upon grading this term. I want to be even more stringent about the way we practice for belt gradings to ensure the quality of the learning.

Sundays will be a similar idea however, more time devoted to syllabus training, form work and understanding between 10.00 and 11.30 with a fight training clinic between 11.30 and 12.30.

Also there will be a training course during the October half term to cover weapons combat. More details to follow....

All the best
Chris

Another on Bites the Dust!!

2009-08-30T00:49:00.003+01:00

Well the lads gone and done it!

Congratulations to Jacob and Laura who got married this summer. A superb reception, everyone had a good time, the bride was beautiful, the groom......well we all know Jake!

Seriously guys!! Congratulations to you both from all of us at the club.

'I can see whats happening,
and they don't have a clue,
they'll fall in love and here's the bottom line,
out trios down to two,
the sweet caress of twilight,
there's magic everywhere,
and with all this romantic atmosphere,
disaster's in the air,

and if he falls in love tonight,
it can be assumed,
his care free days with us are history,
in short our pal is doomed!!'

Timone and Pumba Disney's the Lion King

All the best for the future guys.

Chris and the gang at TKS.

TKS Training Questionnaire

2009-06-19T13:09:00.003+01:00

Please take the time to fill in this questionnaire. It is completely annonymous and the information will help me when planning out lessons etc.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?key=rVNZi3CXcanZ8DJBDRxdvpw

Many thanks,

Chris

Summer Traning 2009

2009-06-15T10:22:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys,

Just a quick note to let you know when where and how to train this summer. Summer training at the Scout Hall finishes on Thursday 23rd July. This will be our last lesson and the date for our final Tourney of the year.

I will be holding training sessions on Tuesday evenings at 'Deer Leap' as per last year. These sessions will start on Tuesday 18th August until Tuesday 1st September. Winter Training begins again on Thursday the 3rd September at the Scout Hall.

Our Next Grading will be on Thursday 16th July and is for all to attend. I will notify those of you who will qualify to take the grading. For the rest of you it is an excellent opportunity to catch up on syllabus training.

Best Regards and keep training,

Chris

Grading Success 2008

2008-11-19T13:05:00.002Z

Congratulations are due to all those who attended the grading a number of weeks ago now. The standard of all who participated was pretty good.

Special congratulations should go to; Erik, Dane, Penny & Gean Hitchcock for achieving their red belts, Dan G for Orange and last but by no means least Shannon & Sam Hitchcock for Green Belt.

Those of you who merely participated, your time was not wasted, as it was a good opportunity for me to assess your level. It is good to do this at each grading, as it enables me to see each of you performing at your best.

I would have preferred to feature your pictures here, unfortunately I am having trouble uploading at this time. As soon as they are I will update this article.

Finally there will be another grading in the new year for all those who are ready.

In the meantime I look forward to seeing you in lessons.

All the very best,

Chris

BNMAA World Championship Visit

2008-11-02T16:34:00.003Z

Richard Stubbs, Ian (the coach) and myself drove to the Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury for the British National Martial Arts Association World Championships.

The visit was to assess the suitability of their competition format and the quality of the competitors with a view to entering our own team/teams.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised; they offer sections for all age groups categorised by height and include light continuous, semi contact, kumite, Kata/forms, Judo and MMA. A little something for everyone. The rulings on contact are clear, as are the rules on scoring and referees applied these consistently. Not I hasten to add something I have always witnessed elsewhere.

There was a very good attendance with representatives from across the country.

Everyone I spoke to expressed there happiness about the competitions run by the BNMAA and everyone was friendly and helpful. In particular I spoke to Emma Elmes from Silver Dragons Freestyle World Champions (visit:www.silverdragons.biz for more info). Emma and her team teach XMA or Extreme Martial Arts and will be coming to visit us for a

training session in the new year. Also former World Champion Mark Noyce who is a blast from the past for me and someone else we will be seeing more of.

All in all it was an excellent day and those of you who are interested in trying out for our squad will be able to do so after Christmas.

Regards

Chris

End of Training for the Summer

2008-08-06T17:51:00.003+01:00

Last Thursday saw the end of training for the summer holidays. after an exciting year at TKS Martial Arts.

Both the Winter and Spring/Summer Tourneys were well attended with many examples of superb fighting spirit and skill. Andrew Richardson receiving the Honour of fight of the night and both Sam Hitchcock and Andrew achieving their Bronze Tourney Medals. I look forward to the next Tourney in December when I expect to see some new skills demonstrated by all.

We were joined by Sensei Richard Stubbs of Freestyle Goshin Jutsu in Hedge End. Richard, who I believe recently hit the grand old age of 40 recently, is a very experienced Martial Artist and is a welcome addition to our fold. The style itself benefits from arts as diverse as boxing, kung fu, Karate and Judo. The syllabus is no less rigorous than our own and I look forward to seeing them at our next event.

Sales on our online shop have been going well and increasing month on month. The proceeds from which have enabled the club to purchase well needed Mats and protective equipment for the members. It is planned that we purchase more at a later date once more appropriate storage can be found.

We have a waiting list for new members ready for September and this is due to our advertising/promotions campaign. We are involved in the Black Belt International/ Mac Donalds Kung Fu Panda Promotion and currently advertise in the Safeguard magazine, distributed throughout Hampshire Emergency Services, Doctors Surgeries and community centres. We have more planned including a new Club and venue for the new year.

Next year there will be a grading in October for all those who are ready, we attend The BNMAA Martial Arts World Championships in November and I am currently working with sponsors in order to form a Junior Squad to enter in the spring.

All in all a good year for us set to improve with more events open to all our members, more venues, equipment and top quality instruction.

Finally a big thanks to all of you who attended, helped out and generally gave us the benefit of your experience. Special thanks go to Paul Griffin and the BNMAA whose support and guidance have been greatly appreciated.

Winner of Power Rangers Competition Announced

2008-08-06T17:36:00.003+01:00

Erik Hitchcock was announced as the overall winner of the TKS Martial Arts Jetex Power Rangers promotional competition. The competition run in conjunction with the BNMAA and Black Belt International required pupils to Tidy their bedrooms each morning, Help parents with washing up, go to bed on time without argument and help with general chores around the house. The winners were selected from pupils who also demonstrated a superior attitude to training i.e. good listening, good discipline, good manners and excellent skills in training.

The prizes, provided by Jetex included; special edition martial arts belts, a power rangers suit, power rangers dvd of the brand new series 'Operation Overdrive', a 'Channel Your Energy For Good' certificate as well as a whole host of Power Rangers Toys and figures.

Other winners were Dane, Mitchell, Craig, and Sam all of whom received one of the Power Rangers Toys. Well done guys!!

Introducing Tony Terranova of Fighting Fit Martial Arts

2008-05-30T12:40:00.005+01:00

Background

Tony’s training in Shotokan Karate began in Coventry in 1983 under the direction of John Johnston. He also occasionally trained at Mick Jackson’s & Jeff Stansfield’s clubs. All these clubs were associated with the K.U.G.B (which was affiliated to the J.K.A.) It was during this time that he met and trained with his long standing friend and mentor Geoff Thompson. For reasons related to work and having to move to another area he stopped his formal training in 1992. He continued to do some bag work, weights, stretching and kata in his garage (when time and travel plans permitted); however Tony felt his training lacked the intensity and variety of formal classes (albeit he was keeping reasonably fit compared to general standards).

Pedigree

BCA level 1 instructor (graded by Geoff Thompson); BCA 3rd Dan (grade by Peter Consterdine) and 1st Dan Shotokan Karateka (graded by Sensie Enoeda), Jiu-Jitsu training (under the instruction of Sensei Ross Iannoccaro). Tony has also written articles for Martial Arts Illustrated, Shotokan Karate Magazine and several martial arts websites including; Geoff Thompson’s; Master Sken's; Iain Abernethy’s and newsletters for other websites such as Totally Fitness.com.

School of Hard Knocks

Tony says that going back to martial arts is one of the best things he has ever done. However some hard lessons were learned. Firstly after a 10-year break he found that many aspects of martial arts had changed. Many of the concepts that were ingrained in his early years "Truisms" were now considered to be today’s "Falsehoods".

Secondly, he had been mentally conditioned to train “with 100% total effort” as the training at the time he started learning Karate/martial arts was the school of hard knocks (old school!). These factors contributed to considerable problems for him in the first few months of his returning to training. In fact he was plagued with so many injuries that he nearly had to give it all up. He was a regular captain marvel “He was joints out of place man” with a resident seat at the physiotherapists and chiropractors clinics. People used to think he was the receptionist.

After researching he found that dynamic stretching is more beneficial.

Tony found that: (a) dynamic stretching prepares and programmes the nervous system for martial arts type movements; (b) specific strength exercises such as Hindu squats, Hindu push ups combined with intelligent weight training and floor exercises for developing the hip flexors all serve to prepare the body for combat training and (c) that isometric exercises should only be used to cool down (especially so the older you get).

After following a simple (daily) programme of specific dynamic stretches & a sensible weekly routine for the other exercises mentioned above he had no more injuries and was able to train in Karate, Ju-Jutsu, kick boxing and attend BCA seminars including Geoff’s level 1 instructor master class sessions.

The System

FFMA is a striking martial arts system that provides students with practical self protection, fitness development and a sense of well being. The system uses the following to enhance the students overall capabilities and general health.
Numerous pad and bag drills, sparring and many combinations of fitness and strength based exercises

FFMA sessions are designed to gradually strengthen students in an environment that is safe, friendly and interesting. The training incorporates a variety of techniques derived from many forms of martial arts including but not limited to;

Karate
Kick Boxing
Muay Thai
Mixed Martial Arts
Boxing
And other international systems

The sessions are drawn and researched from many different martial arts and collated to form cohesive, effective and practical workouts that incorporate kinetic and cardiovascular body movements. We respect all forms of martial arts and apply the functional aspects of each of these arts to give students a system that prepares them for the stresses of everyday modern living.

To find out more about Tony's System and training sessions visit http://www.fightingfit.gb.com/

Grading Success Well done guys

2008-04-27T13:45:00.002+01:00

Over the last two weeks we have combined kyu grading lessons with Tourney training. Dan, Steve and Andrew pictured above took and passed their Red belt grading. Well done guys this was one of the highest standard of grade I have seen for a while.

Mason, Shannon and Sam took their Orange belt grade last week and passed with flying colours. I have to say; the standard of technique and application was superb, your hard work has paid dividends. Fantastic let's keep it up!

More gradings will follow in the summer good luck to all.

Chris

Ian Checks Out Our Latest Partnership Club

2008-04-16T15:32:00.003+01:00

I Popped over to our latest partnership club in Hedge End last Sunday.

Despite my initial scepticism I have to say I was impressed. Richard Stubbs is the instructor there and he obviously knows his stuff. Chris had put him forward as a suitable partner and although he is usually on the money, he sometimes sees only the best in people.

I watched the class progress through a warm up and technique practice however, it wasn't long before I had to get my hands dirty. So I helped Richard demonstrate his set defences and supported him with the class.

My first impressions are good. I feel the class might benefit from some input regarding methods of training. As far as technique, style and skill are concerned , they need no help. I extend my hand to Freestyle Goshin Jutsu - welcome to TKS Martial Arts. Try this link to their site:http://www.ringtailrich.co.uk/karate.htm

Level One Fitness Test Success

2008-04-16T14:29:00.004+01:00

From the back Left to right - Penny, Steve, Dan (hiding), Andrew, Dane, Erik, Tia, Emily and Chloe.

Congratulations to all of those who passed their level one fitness test on Thursday.
The test was gruelling and is designed to ensure you have the required level of fitness to train.

Level 1 is the first of five levels. Although not required for you to achieve belt grading success, they are a measure of your level of fitness. Fitness is a fundamental pillar of the komuso system and will benefit your life details of the testsand there requirements will soon be published on our website.

Congratulations to all of you for passing your level one fitness test. Special mention to Penny who, I am convinced, thought she was going to expire. Never the less you did it Penny.

Well done All,

Chris & Ian

It's Been a While

2008-04-10T17:51:00.002+01:00

Yes I know I haven't written anything here for sometime ad I know how you all miss my literary diatribe.

Although I have been absent from the blog, I have been really busy, honest!!

Firstly and most importantly we have been joined by Freestyle Goshin Jutsu Club from Hedge End. The Instructor is Richard Stubbs who has been practising for around twenty five years. His syllabus is crammed with lots of practical technique and principles and they are most welcome to TKS Martial Arts. Hopefully we will meet some of his guys at the up and coming Tourney.

Secondly our schools program, which brings the Martial Arts into local schools, in order to improve self esteem, discipline and control of young people, has been strongly praised. The benefits to the youngsters involved include; improved confidence, self esteem, concentration and self control. The program is due to be extended this year to involve more and more schools.

Visitors to our website increased to over 20,000 last month and we are seeing an ever growing interest in the style. This can only be a benefit to those of us who practice. We are in the process of renewing the main website. It will include links to new partners, more style information, club times, charges etc. Plus more opportunites for progression in the style.

Together with Ian, TKS UK Chief Coach, we have re scheduled the fitness assessments to include five levels. Nine pupils took their first level last week and seemed suitably tested, certainly tired and not in the least bit sweaty, yuk!

Last week saw our first grading of the new year for those taking their first belt. We will find out the results this week, after the next batch of gradings for those taking there second belt. Good luck guys!!

Also this week we start our Tourney training sessions ready for the up and coming Spring Tourney. More details available on the Tourney Fighter Blog in the next couple of days.

More updates soon,

Train hard see you soon
Chris

Back in the Routine

2008-02-02T12:42:00.000Z

Tuesday night saw the return of bag work and conditioning. Three 0ne minute rounds on the bag followed by the same on the wooden man for warm up. Three two minute rounds on the bag followed by the same on the wooden man for starters.

This year I want to see more application of style particularly amongst higher graded members and to this aim the next section of training focussed on snake style knife work. Over the coming weeks I want to develop this as a regular Tuesday slot. We will always begin with bagwork etc but our main stay should be use of style and developing our abilities to deliver under pressure.

Tuesdays then will be your opportunity to fight using Tiger, Crane, Monkey or Snake style. This will be a process of development and I am keen that this training will be reflected in the coming Tourney.

Thursday was another successful evening; we worked a traditional set using group work, pad work and partner combinations. Again the emphasis owas on the development of syllabus technique in preparation for our March grading. Higher grades should still be working on developing their fighting skills and their knowledge of style during these lessons.

Thanks to Mike "Searching Monk" for his help with instructing, he has expressed an interest in developing his role here and I was appreciative of his efforts, particularly with the increasing size of the club. Thanks also go to Ian for his continued good work in coaching the juniors and helping out with the seniors.

Fight training set next Thursday see you then.

Chris

The New Year Starts and New Members Join Up!

2008-01-26T20:49:00.000Z

Well, with the new year, came new members, 9 new members for Thursday evenings to be precise and after some initial discussion TKS are to be joined by another club; details soon.

Training has been extremely busy. So far we have focused upon general training, conditioning, pad work, line work and sparring. For the new guys it has mainly been about basic self defence type movements and basic technique. For the not so new, it has been all about reviewing our practice and improving skills ready for an impending grading.

This year promises to be a busy year all round. Our first grading for some time will be held in March and if you want to grade you need to attend. The Spring/Summer Gathering in April looks to be an altogether larger affair, with lots of new fighters, the purchase of mats will add an extra dimension and the addition of armed rounds will ensure the adrenalin will flow freely.

Weapons will include knife, stick, sword and pistol (not the live shooting type, just replicas thank fully). The tourney has already had positive effects upon regular training and for those of you who are yet to experience one, they are the best way to test your ability to defend yourself.

On 23rd, 24th & 25th May, Black Belt International and British National Martial Arts Association are holding their international training weekend. All key members should attend, a number of you are up for awards and I would like you to take your coaching, first aid, health and safety and instructing certificates. It is also a superb opportunity to network with other martial artists from around the country, promote our system and perhaps attract others to our events.

There are Ladies Pamper days at these events, a bar, and the children can attend various training sessions just for them. All tickets will be at club cost price to ensure we get the best deals possible. (More on this Later)

Finally, training at my home is available every night and at various times, so if you feel the need to train, call me and we can arrange what is appropriate.

See you at training, take care.

chris

Tourney Ends This Years Training

2007-12-22T11:05:00.000Z

Thursdays Autumn and Winter Tourney, brought to a close, in spectacular fashion, this years training calender. All fighters displayed their fighting spirit, honour and skill.

The session started with a light warm up and stretching followed by light sparring to get everyone in the mood.

The tourney began with, for want of a better expression, the 'you looking at me rounds'.
Combat took place in a circle, each combatant took a turn stood in the middle whilst challengers stepped in to grab and punch them. It had been agreed that this would signal the start of each bout and combat could not take place prior to this happening.

Special mentions go to Andrew "Fluff" R (under18 section) who demonstrated superb fighting spirit and superior control, Shannon "Gentle Tiger", who swallowed all her fears and took on all comers with equanimity and grace.

Each combatant fought everyone in the circle without exception both junior and adult alike. I would like to personally thank all the adults who soaked up full contact technique from our juniors, encouraged them, ensured they were safe and fought with honour.

The second round of combat came next. The open rounds; one challenger stood in the centre of the circle, combatants were invited from outside to take on the challenger in ANY way they felt. The main theme of these rounds was to ensure you allowed the challenger to defend themselves with honour and not to hold back.

Special mentions to Steve 'new boy' Aldridge for his total commitment to this ideal. Given some more time in the style I think this 'young' man will be a force to be reckoned with. Also his daughters proved themselves as a major new force in the tourney. I am in awe of you all.

On average all combatants fought 16 jaw cracking rounds during the evening with some fighting as many as 22. Rounds lasted a minimum of 30 secs to a maximum of 2 mins. For the combatant in the centre; this meant on average, a fresh opponent every minute each intent on testing their ability to defend themselves to the limit of their skills.

The Tourney is the ultimate test of your fighting skills, pressure testing your courage, honour, fitness and ability. It is not for those content to talk a good fight, nor for those who believe intellectualising combat will prepare you for the rigours of real fighting. The Tourney is for those who possess the skill, honour and courage to put their ego's on the line and discover the truth. Truth about themselves, others and their style.

For all those who attended, who are no longer in doubt, who put themselves in the front., tasted the fear, bit the bullet and fought to defend themselves, regardless of the odds. I am in awe of you all.

The Spring and Summer Tourney will be held in April and anyone interested in attending should contact me during lessons or on info@thekomusosystem.co.uk.

Happy and safe new year to all.

Chris

Tourney Fighter Stats

2007-12-16T17:01:00.000Z

Only had a couple of forms in guys!!!

Fighter Stats now published online in Tourney Fighter (Follow Link Opposite).

Those of you who have not handed in your forms and you know who you are.

They need to be in on Thursday 20th December.

All the Best

Chris

Stepping Back to Move Forward

2007-12-10T18:27:00.000Z

With all the preparation for Tourney Fighting, over the last couple of months, we have spent less and less time on syllabus work. This has meant belt gradings have lost prime position in the running.

We should not forget the purpose of the Tourney was to create a 'testing ground' based in reality, for our methods. The syllabus contains all our methods, it contains our forms and these in turn contain our style.

For these methods to become useful, we must practice them again and again, until the techniques and how we move, are the same. Once a state, where the style and us are indistinguishable from one another, is achieved, we can let go of trying and striving to perform our art.

Unless this state of practice is attained, once under pressure, pumping with adrenalin, our methods/style fly out of the window and what is left is what our body knows best. You may be an experienced martial artist and so some of what you do will be reflected in your panicked response. However, you will not perform at your best in any situation where you have to think just to react.

It seems contradictory, but only when your body acts without thought can you think about acting.

So looking forward into the new year, we will continue with our reality based combat style of training but use this to practice the styles and methods that make up the Komuso System. Refocus our practice and move forward, in terms of our understanding of the style, so that we might better express our inner strengths.

See you soon

Chris

Its All About the Tourney

2007-11-30T10:47:00.000Z

Training last night began our first week of tourney preparation for juniors and seniors alike. We have been regularly training for Tourney fighting on Thursdays from 9.30 but this has only been for adults and senior members.

For the next few weeks the lessons will all be about the Tourney. We will practice how the Tourney will proceed, acceptable behaviour and levels of control etc.

The only real effective way of ensuring everyone understands the concepts and philospohy, is to train everyone using the format of the Tourney itself.

Also remember to pick up and fill in a Tourney fighters stats sheet. Your stats and details will then be published online in the Tourney Fighter e-zine (See Link on the right).

Fights during training sessions are not recorded you must enter the tourney to notch up your fight pedigree.

See you next week.

Chris

A Special Mention in Dispatches

2007-11-14T17:08:00.000Z

As many of you know we have been teaching The Komuso System to pupils at a local pupil referral unit. Many of these are pupils who, for one reason or another, have found main stream school impossible to manage.

Many present with learning or behavioural difficulties or simply find themselves in trouble. Last year we developed a program in order to develop their self esteem, self control and discipline. The guys have responded extremely well to the program and it has now been extended to all year groups. We are already seeing some very positive side effects.

A number regularly attend the Thursday evening session under the guidance of our club coach Ian. They are working hard toward their first grading and I have high hopes for there attainment within our system.

They demonstrate a level of control and discipline during training sessions beyond expectation.
It just shows that all children (it is often forgotten they are just children), given careful guidance and positive role models, will respond appropriately.

So to all the guys who train with me on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, you know who you are, WELL DONE you have my respect and admiration.

Chris

Fight Training Session

2007-11-14T16:29:00.001Z

Firstly let me apologise for not updating you guys earlier however, life tends to get hectic from time to time!!

Last Thursdays Session was superb. Welcome back to Pete!! (long time no see, great to see you back). The evening began as usual with warm up; calisthenics, stretching, silk weaving exercises (Bow Drawing Exercise and Dragon Spies it's prey, ducking and dipping for water etc) and lots of jogging.

Pad work focused on basic technique with an emphasis on accuracy and correct posture.

What was particularly interesting was the sanbon practice using punch kick combinations. Many of you were still mechanically reproducing technique. The simple practice of technique using the partner as a target, is a practice however, it is not the point of sanbon.

As mentioned previously here the concept of sanbon is; to strive to blend with the opponents movement, catching his timing and rhythm and using this to defeat him/her. We must continue with this ideal in order for our practice to extend beyond mere parroting of technique.

Light continuous sparring followed for one minute rounds interspersed with jogging on the spot and performing technique on the call. Everyone performed fantastically, trying their very best and in general the standard was high.

A word of caution however, controlling technique is of fundamental importance. We do allow contact but NEVER with juniors and never enough to cause injury. This type of contact is reserved for tourney fighting amongst the adults and even then control is most important.

To develop the kind of awareness and depth of understanding required by the system self control is paramount. Wildly exchanging blows, out of fear or simple lack of control, will not allow you to develop and will find you bereft of training partners.

This Thursday will be a traditional set, developing your understanding of our syllabus and preparing you for the next grading.

See you there !!!!

Chris

Timing in Sparring

2007-10-29T11:14:00.001Z

After a number of interesting conversations regarding 1st timing and Tourney fighting, I thought a brief discussion on the value of "sanbon" might be of help.

We practice "sanbon" as a method to understanding timing in combat. Your partner fires off three stepping punches, purposefully with the intent of hitting, at you. Your response, in this instance is to back off until the completion of the final technique and then to respond with your own set of three stepping punches.

This exercise can be reduced to a mechanically repetition of fairly basic technique if you wish. Although it maybe that complete novices could benefit from such a practice, this Unfortunately would somewhat defeat the purpose of the practice.

The idea is to blend with the opponents movement and to then seize the advantage from them. This can be achieved by landing your first strike before they can recover from delivering their final technique. Not striking before his technique is delivered but rather in the space between completion and recovery. You should then try to remain "ahead" of the opponents' timing and never allow them to regain the advantage.

This practice is an alive attempt at reproducing the types of movement in combat and teaches you how to apply timing to a situation involving more than a single, single path attack.

Now if we replace the step punch technique with any number of techniques (people usually attack with two or more techniques e.g. back fist, straight punch, turning kick). The same rules apply i.e. you strive to seize the advantage from your partner whilst they perform three consecutive sets of technique. Sanbon in this format becomes more "real". The concept here is to treat sets of technique or combinations as one, try to get the feel of your partners movement and then seize the advantage.

You can then start to apply the awareness of timing to your sparring in a free situation. You must research this deeply in order to progress beyond mere instinct.

Chris

Half Term Break

2007-10-24T18:51:00.000+01:00

Half term for me and a well deserved rest for you!!

Although the Thursday session is not on this week we did train on Tuesday. As usual we worked on body conditioning using the 6ft bag and the wooden man. Warm up consisted of 3 times 1 minute rounds on the bag, wooden man and jogging on the spot.

The main event consisted of three times 2 minute rounds of bag work, wooden man and then Jogging on the spot. The three bag rounds were separated into just hand work then just kicks and then hands and kicks in combination.

The wooden man was used to develop good bridging and body position, block strike combinations and was separated into three rounds. The first round involved entry/bridging to the upper arms, second to the middle arm and the final round utilising foot sweeps and low kicks against the leg to to bridge with opponents.

This type of training is invaluable for general fitness and conditioning the bag work develops power speed and endurance needed whilst the wooden man develops correct body/arm positioning and use of technique.

To cool "down" we practiced single path and double path defences with a partner.

Tuesday evenings is an open evening for anyone to attend and will continue in this format for some time.

Chris

Tourney Rules and Guidlines

2007-10-09T16:43:00.000+01:00

As promised here are the tourney rules;

The Rules. - Adults

You must wear a gum shield, knee and elbow protection, MMA style gloves and head protection. Or you cannot take part. You can wear additional protection it is your choice.

In armed bouts body protection should be worn to avoid unnecessary injury.

You can only enter the combat on invitation from either a combatant or the third man in the ring.

The Third man “chief” will only observe and ensure the combat progresses in acceptable manner. He/She may stop the combat at any time and at the end of bouts.

Scenarios will be set before the Tourney and they may be armed, unarmed single or multiple attackers.

Anyone who interferes with the combat other than the third man “chief” will be banished from the Tourney.

Anyone losing control in any way, seen as dangerous BY THE THIRD MAN “Chief”, will be banished from the tourney and will have to face a disciplinary committee of their peers to explain their behaviour.

Bouts will initially last 2 mins max.

You may yield from a bout by calling “yield” , Holding your arms above your head during bouts or tapping out in the traditional way. You must officially yield or you may be legally engaged again.

Rules – Juniors

You must wear Komuso system recommended head, hand, shin , elbow and knee protection. You must have a groin protector and gum shield. Or you cannot take part.

All rules are the same however the level of control is different.

Juniors must only practice semi/light contact.

Consistent excessive contact will lead to banishment from the Tourney.

Further Tourney Guidelines
Fouls:

1.Butting with the head.
2. Eye gouging of any kind.
3. Biting.
4. Hair pulling unless directed as part of a scenario.
5. Fish hooking.
6. Groin attacks which make contact.
7. Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
8. Small joint manipulation.
9. Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
10. Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
11. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
12. Grabbing the clavicle with excessive force.
13. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
14. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
15. Stomping a grounded opponent.
16. Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
17. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
18. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
19. Spitting at an opponent.
20. Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
21. Using abusive language in the ring.
22. Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
23. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the third man.
24. Attacking an opponent after the third man signifies the end of the period of combat.
25. Flagrantly disregarding the third man.
26. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury. 26. Interference by other members without direction from the third man.

The Komuso System Tourney panel reserve the right to add or remove rulings where such rules impact upon either the standard of combat or safety.

From Strength to Strength

2007-10-09T13:40:00.000+01:00

What a fantastic lesson last Thursday!! As you probably know it was our fight training session and our first introduction to tourney fighting.

Welcome back to Jasmin and Steve a baptism of fire for you guys. The lesson started with a fitness session followed by an extensive pad work set that left most of you gasping. The idea was for you to practice unusual combinations against the pads and develop combinations for use in the sparring set. The remainder of the session was filled with 11 rounds of continuous sparring interspersed with jogging on spot to keep the heart rate up.

Mentions in dispatches for Tom whose ever increasing confidence is a pleasure to watch, Steve who only joined us two weeks ago and got stuck in despite the unrelenting physical challenges of this type of practice, Mason who joined in with the tourney training after all the rest and finally Neil who surprised me with a spinning hook kick to the back of my head from nowhere!!!

The Tourney training began at 9.30 with an introduction to the rules and the equipment needed. Then the combat began!! Several very exciting rounds between all those present with no quarter given or received. We worked on fighting out of a standing neck crank, kicks against Tiger boxing and a free round or two.

Everyone said they enjoyed the session and judging from the orders for elbow/knee pads everyone is doing it again this coming Thursday. Well done guys it was a pleasure to watch!!

I will post the official Tourney rules here in next few days for those who could not make it.

Chris

New Lesson Times and Prices

2007-09-27T18:21:00.000+01:00

Continuing the Komuso System development and improvement we are now offering new lesson times to all.

The extra sessions are to ensure members receive adequate instruction within the system to achieve the high standards necessary to progress.

To attend lessons you must have up to date membership and insurance bring your cards with you. Contact Chris on; 07931354446 or email:info@thekomusosystem.co.uk

Tuesday Evening;
6.00 - 800
Home Gym
Open session bag work, wooden man, pad work and sparring
£5.00 per person

Thursday Evening;
8.00 – 9.30
Scout Hall Nursling
Open session traditional set & fight training set alternate weeks.
9.30 – 10.00
Tourney Training
£5.00 per person

Saturday morning; (Please book for Saturday sessions in advance).
8.00 – 12.00
Home Gym
Private individual & Group lessons.

Training in all sections of syllabus, fight training and boxing styles.
1 person £20.00 per hour.
2 persons £10.00 per hour each.
3 persons £6.50 per hour each.
4 persons max £5.00 per hour each.

Walk Soft Fight Hard

Be all you can be!!

2007-09-16T13:15:00.000+01:00

A successful first fight training session of the season completed. I used the time to observe your practice and introduce new training methods, concepts and plans for the future.

Interestingly just watching gave me time to assess the way in which most of you guys approach the sparring session. Listening to your views gave me valuable insight into how you feel about practice and highlighted some confusion about what Tourney fighting might involve.

The purpose of the System itself is; to quote the main website, " To forge the mind and body,
to cultivate a vigorous spirit and through correct and rigid training, to strive for improvement in the art of Komuso. To hold in esteem, human courtesy and honour, associate with others with sincerity and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself".

The system seeks to strengthen the character of its practitioners and through diligent training banish fear. Impart skills and understanding which enable practitioners to have the confidence and ability to face all situations.

Part of this process is to face our fears and you can face them in the Tourney.

Tourney fighting is an attempt to distill all this knowledge and provide an environment to test ourselves. Tourneys are not an arena for mindless, uncontrolled brawling rather an opportunity to utilise your skills to truly defend yourself. They are not about winners or losers, medals or trophies nor who is best or worst. They simply provide a place in which we can use our skills in a "live" situation, where you can know, without any doubt, what the outcome will be. That is you defended yourself, found skills that worked for you and did it with honour and courage against the odds.

The Tourneys will allow you to practice whatever part or parts of the style you can muster. The system covers such diverse methods of combat from grappling, knife work to sword and the Tourney allows you to make it work for you.

For the Tourney to achieve these ideals, to be a success and a value to training, you must provide a mirror for your opponents to reflect their skill. In this way you will have to be totally committed to the combat, fighting as hard as your ability will allow, giving no quarter and expecting none in return. This maybe in a light/semi contact environment (under 18s) or you may choose to allow for full contact. Whatever the agreement between combatants you owe it to each other to fight your hardest.

Scenarios will be set at the beginning of each round of fighting. A round will be when everyone has finished fighting within that scenario. The scenarios will be simple e.g. one opponent unarmed, two opponents, unarmed vs a weapon, weapon against weapon etc.

In order to enter combat in this way you will need to practice in the same way. I do not mean we should utilise Tourney fighting in lessons, rather we should be more committed in our approach to training. When performing a kata you should perform it as if fighting, when performing a technique perform it as if against an opponent intent upon causing you harm. You must be total in your approach to practice.

Practic in this way enables us to achieve a state of being out of reach to the ordinary. "There is only now!" and to live fully you must live it now.

walk soft fight hard.

Chris

AUTUMN & WINTER GATHERING

2007-09-08T19:25:00.000+01:00

2007

TEST YOUR SKILLS.
Pressure test your skills against armed and unarmed opponents, single and multiple attackers.

Join us at our first seasonal Tourney of the year.

A day of combat, food, drink and entertainment for all Komuso System Members & their families.

HONOUR, STRENGTH & UNITY.

BE A PART OF SOMETHING REAL

“Overcome your weaknesses and share your strengths”

DECEMBER 2007

Autumn Winter Session Begins

2007-09-03T20:21:00.000+01:00

Well Summer hols are over and it's back to the grind stone for some of us. Others of us have yet to remove our facial extremities from said sharpening tool however, whatever the case, training begins in earnest this Thursday 6th September from 8.00 til 9.30.

Lots to do, lots to talk about, lots to learn! Club Membership and insurance is now due. This will include insurance and membership of the British National Martial Arts Association and Black Belt International. Joining this governing body gives us lots of opportunities to progress, gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications and network with a large number of other Martial Arts Groups. Cost will be £30.00 per person.

The grisly spectre of uniform raised its slippery little head at our meeting recently and given the strong feeling amongst those who attended here is my suggestion.

We should have a standard training uniform for use at regular sessions:

Black contact Trousers, relevant T-shirt or vest and suitable martial arts footwear.

A grading/ceremonial uniform:

Mixed Gi Black Trousers and White Gi Top, girls may wear plain white t-shirts underneath and belt to denote grade.

Tourney uniform:

I think this should be both practical and suitable but not necessarily any of the above. So I intend to discuss this over the coming months.

For fight training sessions you will need membership/insurance and all required sparring equipment see website for details.

In November there is an international training weekend being held by Black Belt International, where all coaches/instructors can obtain first aid, coaching and instructing qualifications. This is a requirement and will help work toward your Komuso System Coaching/Instructing Licences. There are also many more courses available to members during this weekend and I will bring the details on Thursday. All courses will be subsidised by the club.

I have set a provisional date for our first Tourney in December. Dates are included on the forum calender. Log in to forum and click on calender icon for details. Also details of rules and equipment needed will be published here at the end of the month.

Ian and I are looking at new training regimes in order to better prepare you for the rigours of the Tourney.

Finally Thursday will be a traditional set and a gentle work into the new program.

Walk Soft Fight Hard

Chris

A Shift in Emphasis

2007-08-25T13:34:00.000+01:00

I am really quite excited! There has been some discussion on the forum relating to the up and coming "Tourneys". If you haven't read them yet, I suggest you do, as decisions could be made that you are uncomfortable or unhappy with.

Anyway! I have come up with some proposals for you. As has been stated both here and on the forum it is our intention that the "Tourneys" be held three times per year. These will coincide with the ends of school terms and should involve the whole family in a celebration of training and collective fighting skill. Although it is not my suggestion that your friends and families should be forced to watch the ensuing combat, I do feel they should be allowed to observe and support if they wish.

I am going to arrange facilities that enable the family to take part in other activities; drinking, preparing food, gossiping, and even training if they prefer. (Not actual combat) The aim of the day or days is to bring everyone together to test their skills and celebrate their training. The Komuso System should be an inclusive family of trust, fighting spirit and fun. The "Tourneys" should therefore be social occasions, when we can all meet, share experience and develop real defensive fighting skills that work for us regardless of age, gender or experience in LIVE situations.

For the combatants it will be a time to pressure test your skills in one on one, armed, unarmed and multiple assailant scenarios. The "scenarios" will be only loosely set, in so far as you might face an unarmed opponent, the types of attack etc will happen freely and the level of contact agreed between opponents. An additional experienced person will be placed in the arena as an observer/coordinator to ensure the safety of combatants and keep things moving. Check out the Forum for a discussion on this point. A list of rules etc will be published but it is likely they will be frugal and responsibility for safety will be placed in the hands of combatants. (see Forum Discussion Rules for Tourneys)

I am looking for "Tribal" type musicians to add atmosphere to the proceedings and an number of ceremonies to begin and end the combat. This will hopefully further unite combatants and increase the intensity of the occasion.

Also as we open new clubs we will name them, combatants can then represent their group in the Tourney. This will further enhance group spirit and ensure Instructors and Coaches keep training relevant, high quality and focused. Instructors and Coaches should share good practice and training methods/techniques to ensure the quality of the system as a whole.

Your training will now involve preparing for gradings twice per year and Tourneys three times per year. Gradings will continue to be rigorous tests of your knowledge of the system and Tourneys will ensure your practice is effective and useful.

Tourneys will not be point scoring tournament style events as this would be a move away from the principles of the system. Neither will they be an arena for personal vendettas or ego gratification, combatants who adopt this approach will be suspended from participating for one year. They are to be a forum for testing your skills, sharing your strengths and improving your weaknesses.

More information will be posted soon and details of our first Tourney will be available in September.

Online shop launch phase 1

2007-08-13T03:24:00.000+01:00

At last phase 1 of the TKS online shop was launched at some unheard of hour this morning. There have been a number of technical hitches which have delayed its opening and there are still some improvements to be made.

The shop offers all your favourite equipment and much more. With additional products being added in September including even more equipment, membership packages, seminar and course bookings online and an extended range of clothing and accessories.

All funds go toward improving our club facilities and providing improved service to our members.

all the best guys

Chris

Council of Elders (Some more elderly than others!!)

2007-08-10T20:01:00.000+01:00

Last night was our first meeting for sometime and I found it very useful. A number of new policies have been formulated and ideas for the direction the style should take.

All present agreed that membership should be charged yearly although an exact price has yet to be agreed. We are to join the British National Martial Arts Association and Black Belt International who provide a good deal on insurance and hold regular useful training seminars. After a long phone conversation with the guys at the BNMAA I was convinced that their ideology was in line with our own.

Memberships will be rolled out in September and full details given then. The subject of uniform raised its head and it was agreed that we should stick to one (even Lee lol) however I am still open to suggestions as to what form this should take.

Ian Hitchcock has agreed to fill the post of Senior Club Coach and will be taking care of your fitness needs. As well as organising training for coaches in other clubs.

Mike G our latest Black Belt is to train as an instructor and will eventually open his own club to increase membership within the system. He is already a respected member of our system and you can refer to him in matters of practice if I am unavailable.

All present agreed that our sparring sessions had become a little too gentle and in order that the system keeps it as real as possible we should organise regular tourneys. These will be held at the end of each school term and take the form of armed and unarmed combat with a level of contact agreed by participants. There will be no points system used as it is usually quite obvious who has the upper hand. Further details will be posted in the very near future.

Another important note was that we should ensure that meditation is more fully practised during lessons. Development of the mind, body and spirit is fundamental to our system and if we lose sight of this then we miss the point.

It was also raised that we need to open another club in the near future and so plans are underway to organise this. Also we are looking to raise funds in order to purchase/rent our own gym to create a base for the club. Some of this will come from fees, sale of equipment online and we are always interested in donations and sponsorship.

On a personal note I would like to see the system move forward with a more dynamic practice, encompass the warrior ethic more fully, create a family of combatants united in skill, use our skills to promote confidence and honour amongst young people and free people of fear.

In all this moving forward we should not forget our roots, the Komuso system is about self realisation, improvement and harmony.

Walk softly and fight hard!!

Chris

Back in Blighty

2007-08-05T17:13:00.000+01:00

Well I made it back from my French excursion, all in one piece and slightly tanned.

I will be contacting you all in the next few days to arrange a meet, so we can chat about the future of our system.

In particular I am interested in talking around ideas on pratice, more specifically lesson formats and lesson content, coaching certification and instructor training. I would also welcome your comments on uniform, fees, courses, promotion of the style, membership and any other points you wish to raise.

You can of course post a thread on our forum for further discussion.

Finally anyone wishing to train over the next week feel free to call.

Speak to you all soon.

Best wishes

Chris

End of Club Training Until September

2007-07-18T19:27:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys,

It's that time of year when all and sundry travel to distant lands, in search of sun, sea, sand and whatever takes their fancy. This year I am no different, travelling first to France and then Sicily, for three glorious weeks of exactly what takes my fancy.

This Thursday will be the last session at the scout hall until September. There is much on the horizon for the coming weeks. I have managed to sort out a suitable and relevant membership package for the club to include insurance etc and this will be available in September. The online shop is almost ready and although I had hoped to launch it sooner, there were, as is customary with such projects, teething troubles. Furthermore I have built a chat forum for you to post messages and discuss with other martial artists should you so wish.

I am back in the UK (pretentious huh!) on the 4th August for ten days and I would like to meet up with key members to discuss some plans for the future of the system. Your thoughts on methods of training, coaching, teaching, club uniform, promoting the style etc would definitely be gratefully recieved. Please remember this is not just my club and your wishes must be at the very least heard.

Finally I have been asked to teach the System within the Pupil Referral Units and schools throughout the area. This is to include special days and training sessions paid for by the LEA. This is a feather in our collective caps and I am extremely pleased to be asked.

See you guys on Thursday bring fight training kit should be a good one.

Cheers Chris

Thursday Lesson Plan

2007-06-28T10:07:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys!!

I am reasonably pleased with the way lesson formats are working out as in my previous post. This week we are still in with the traditional set. However, I would like this weeeks focus to be on formwork application.

For the more experienced grades this will mean isolating techniques fromTiger, Crane, Monkey and Snake boxing within an embu format. For those who are not quite so experienced this will involve practicing techniques from the forms upon a single path or double path attack.

If there is sufficient time at the end we will then continue with sparring practice and finish with a meditation.

This is the plan, we shall see how things pan out.

See you there.
Chris

Lesson Structure Improvements

2007-05-18T13:07:00.000+01:00

Interesting lessoon last night. We were on our second week of fight training sets, usually comprising warm up, pad work and sparring. This week however, we went from padwork straight to fight training.

Instead of using strike pads we practiced attack and defence combinations with our partners. and Sparring practice followed.

Sparring comprised of 1 minute light continuous rounds separated by a minute of jogging on the spot in a group timing. We completed 10 sparring rounds/10 jogging rounds each.

I for one thouroughly enjoyed the session, especially having regained the energy which eluded me last week.

This is a format which I would like to include in one of our fight training lessons.

Cheers Chris

The purpose of today’s training … is to defeat yesterday’s understanding - Myamoto Musashi

2007-05-08T14:32:00.000+01:00

There are two paths to progress;

One may enter through the path of principle ....-or-One may enter through the path of technique."
"Principle and Technique are firmly tied together. At the very heart of every technique lies a basic principle. Look beyond technique and discover the principle that gives it life."
"Technique is the hammer that drives the principle into our consciousness. Without technique - the principle has no way to express itself - it is just an idea."

YAGYU JUBEI - Edo Swords Master

Beyond Technique 2

2007-05-02T18:01:00.000+01:00

We are lucky in our system we are able to practice in several formats and a in variety of ranges. Whether it is sparring, embu, striking, grappling or weapons the system caters for almost all.

The danger is becoming distracted by all this and assuming these methods are the way in themselves. This is not correct. All point the direction and contain the means, but they are not complete. We should look at, beyond and through the method and identify just what we are searching for.

The third form contains some vital principles; those of first timing, joining and holding your own side. Once we attain an understanding of these, the means, method etc are less important.

Joining requires you to first move at the same time as the opponent ,to follow their breathing and finally to become one with your opponents breathing and movement.

If you can grasp the measure of joining with an opponent we can consider the idea of moving before; in order to intercept, strike or simply move from the opponent.

Moving before is essentially first timing although it is not enough just to strike out first. First timing is when you have divined the moment of inception of attack. If the strike was the word PUNCH then you have divined the moment prior to the P being pronounced. In other words you were sufficiently joined to move before the idea of attack was played out in motion.

When you can join effectively and have grasped the understanding of first timing you might then be able to hold your own side. By this we mean that the opponent is sufficiently wary as to be unable to deliver a strike. As each time the thought arises in them you interrupt the inception of attack. This can be achieved by attacking on the first timing, feinting attack or eventually simply by inference or body presence.

Body presence or confidence is developed over time with correct posture attitude and intention. Without such body confidence holding your own side will remain reliant upon your attacking at the moment of first timing. This is an important method however it is not the highest attainment. Rather we should seek to train beyond the methods so our opponents can find nowhere to strike and no time in which to perform such technique. Seek to move within the spaces of the opponents mind and not his movement.

Chris

Revising Lesson Formats

2007-04-25T14:35:00.000+01:00

Over the last month or so we have shifted our focus during lessons. Firstly we have moved away form line work and made use of pads when practicing technique. Secondly fight training has been included in every lesson.

I would like to see this lesson format (set) to continue, however this format does have its weaknesses. So in the interests of continuous self development, I would like to introduce a second more traditional format (set) to run in conjunction.

The proposal is that we train using two "sets", a "traditional set" and a "pad/shield set". The pad/shield set will comprise of;

Light Warm up,
Exercise/stretch
Technique rounds on Pads.
Fight Training
Form work
Meditation.

The Traditional set will comprise;

Meditation/Joining exercise
Light warm up
Exercise/stretch
Same timing line work/technique practice
Partner work
Embu/animal boxing/fight training
Form work
Meditation

We will train each set for two weeks and then swap to the other set for a further two weeks. This should enable you to progress in every sphere of training. Regular training in this way will develop your practice as a whole as well as increase your fitness levels.

Tuesday evenings will be used to focus on specific areas of your practice. I am looking to identify weaknesses in your understanding, so we can work toward greater self improvement. See you guys on Thursday, when we will start our first traditional set.

Chris

Be the Change you wish for in this world!

2007-04-17T12:45:00.000+01:00

Where does confrontation begin? How can we live confrontation free lives?

As children we develop or adopt viewpoints passed on to us by parents, peers and the media. These viewpoints and beliefs become the bedrock upon which we formulate our concept of self. As we mature these viewpoints are kept or disgarded dependent upon education, changing social attitudes and lif experience. However, key concepts of right and wrong etc often stay with us throughout our adult lives. A change in these would probably require a radical life changing experience. Concepts of faith/religion are often "inherited" from parents or learned early on in our education and so are absorbed into our personality.

Some ideas are so vehemently held, challenges to these beliefs are met with hostility and sometimes aggression. As a parent, I have become aware of the unconcious "indoctrination" of my children by; myself, family, friends, TV and media, friends and family. Some of which I am ok with and some of which I would rather not support.

In education we talk about "Modelling" pupil behaviour. That is, we should model the behaviour we expect from pupils, in the way we behave. How often do we pass on the concepts of turning the other cheek, not shouting, waiting in line, not demanding things, selflessness etc etc. Yet how often do we become instantly angered by our childrens behaviour, raise our voices and/or become intimidating toward wayward offspring, demand children stop what they are doing now!! and then tell them to do such and such. What are we truly passing on to our next generation?

A chap called Bill Rogers from Australia talks about, amongst other methods, the lowest level of intrusion. When a child is not conforming, to your values of behaviour, then necessarily the explosive "What the Bl**** H**** do you think you are doing", approach is an inferior strategy. Simply this gives you nowhere to go from here. The child instantly feels threatened and will either withdraw or challenge.

Neither outcome is a healthy option nor teach your child anything other than to shout when things do not go their way. Doubtless the child will have some implicit understanding, about what it is you expect, so a simple disapproving look may have sufficed. An explosive response can still be diverted calmly and without confrontation, "Why are you shouting at me? I am not shouting at you". The trick according to Rogers is allow yourself and the child "Ego Space" and remain in control.

"I am sorry I thought you were about to use mums scissors to cut shapes in the curtains and as you were not using them, perhaps you could give them to me to put away thankyou!". Rogers also suggests using the word thankyou after every request/instruction as a positive assumption of compliance.

Consequences for actions, is another useful strategy. Children need boundaries and will constantly seek to test these for reassurance. Children with no boundaries, soon spiral out of control, as they push ever further, in attempt to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Setting clear boudaries for behaviour, alongside clear consequences is fundamental. Consequences should be seen as a natural event, caused by their behaviour. You should set consequences which start at the lowest level; disapproval, must fit the actions and be a learning experience. Sending a child to his room for spilling a drink is ridiculous and giving disapproving looks for joy riding the neighbours car equally so.

In training we have a number of youngsters. Many are brought to training to learn discipline, self control and self confidence. They will look to the adult members for ques on how they should behave, what is acceptable and what is not. So I ask you all to model the behaviour we expect in the training hall. Do not hand out punishment for minor infractions of behaviour, shouting, threatening or physical torment. This is not the Komuso Way and will not be supported. Our school is one of tolerance and gradual re education of behaviour toward improvement. This is reflected in your own Martial Arts/Fitness training practice. Why would you expect more from a child, whose needs are just different. Children should be allowed to develop in whatever sphere they need and at a pace they can manage. I would not expect you to perform any part of our system to perfection, the second week you attended.

whoops!!

2007-04-12T17:53:00.000+01:00

Hi guys quick apology New lesson Times begin on Thursday 20th April and not 16th April as this is a Monday. Sorry if it caused any confusion.

Chris

New Lesson Times on Thursdays & Online Shop.

2007-03-30T19:41:00.000+01:00

Well here is the update I promised. As I mentioned in a previous blog the scout group wanted to reshedule our time on Thursday evenings.

I received a letter this week informing me that as from Thursday 16th April our sessions should now begin at 8.00. (Thats in the evening Lee lol).

I have contacted the Scout group and informed them we are happy to continue at the new time. My question for you guys to consider is; would you prefer the lesson to continue until 10.00 or finish at the usual time of 9.30?

Please let me know.

Also we are adding an online shop to the website in April. The shop will benefit from equipment from several suppliers with over two hundred products. We have been careful to select high quality goods in order to ensure our members benefit. All purchases of equipment will generate valuable funds for the club and be used to improve training facillities.

More soon

Chris

Black Belt Success

2007-03-16T12:47:00.000Z

Congratulations are in order for Mike, who took part in and past his Shodan/Black Belt test last weekend.

The test took three days and assessed his performance in every facet of the Komuso System syllabus.

He was helped on the day by fellow members, Lee, Aaron, Mike and Neil. A Big thankyou to all you guys.

Mike was awarded his Black Belt at last nights lesson in front of his peers.

Well done Mike you deserved the grade and the bruises.

More soon!

Chris

New Lesson Times

2007-02-24T13:24:00.000Z

Its been a while since I posted anything here and for that I appologise.

As promised earlier in the year I would like to offer students more opportunities to train, improve their understanding and increase their abillities.

So here goes!!

Training sessions are now available to all on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.00 pm until 10.00 pm.

Tuesdays are open to anyone from 6.00pm to 7.00pm particularly for juniors although adults are also welcome. The focus of training will be on improving syllabus technique and application.

From 7.00 - 10.00 is open to adults for advanced or supplimentary training. I will endeavour to focus on areas requiring improvement in your practice.

As you know mike is currently training for his black belt and this takes place form 7.00 until 8.00. Advanced students are welcome during this time however you may be asked to support him in his practice.

From March those wishing to take part in instructor training programs should attend between 8.00 and 9.00. Again all are welcome at these times and a deeper understanding of practice can certainly be gained from attending regardless of your intentions.

All Tuesday training will take place at my home dojo (hmmmm).

Thursday training will be from 7.30 until 9.30 at the Nursling scout hut as per normal.

It is likely this will change to 6.00 to 7.30 for juniors at my home and then develop the adult class from 8.00 to 9.30/10.00 at the scout hall. I am still awaiting confirmation from the scout hall commitee about their intentions regarding timing and will let you know accordingly.

Tuesday sessions will be charged at £5.00 per hour with a maximum of four students per session.

Instructor training is charged at the same rate however, support materials will carry an extra cost.

Private lessons are available upon request and some other week days are negotiable.

I am determined to improving the standards of instruction and learning within the club and build upon a reputation for quality martial arts and fitness.

Humble Appologies

2007-01-29T13:48:00.000Z

I do appologise to everyone for last weeks lesson, or lack of, unfortunately man Flu gripped my very soul!!!

Fear not however, I will be there this week and if memory serves it is a fitness assessment week.

See you Thursday!!

Chris

Searching 2

2007-01-15T19:50:00.000Z

Considering my previous musings regarding the development of the martial arts. I thought it it might be interesting to consider the development of martial practice and religious ideology. Although in the original article I asked you to consider the rationale behind the development of the martial arts in a buddhist context, might be for reasons other than spiritual growth, there has historically been a close connection between the two.

What was it the the old "masters" were searching for? Alternatively what was found in the deepest core of martial practice? Did they emerge from their training bereft of depth, of the sort only to be found within the contemplation of all things? Was it an exercise in theological exploration or simply a method, for the establishment of control, over a well trained military force. In thirty years of practice it has been my endeavour to marry the two seemingly opposing viewpoints and perhaps find answers to my own small questions regarding life.

Socioligists might argue, that those who face death at any given moment, will naturally seek solice in the established faiths of the day. Social constructivists point to the idea, that our reality is socially constructed and we attach meaning to the things we do. To give ones life to an ideal without meaning, without questioning the hereafter and a life beyond death, would not sit well with the psyche. It is therefore unsuprising, warriors attach themselves to religious practice in one shape or another.

Is this it then? Warriors of all shapes, nations and faiths merely investigate religious practice, in order to give meaning to their untimely death or the deaths of their comrades. There is no meaning other than this, simple delusion, a psychological defence to the horrors of war.

"Emptyness is form and form is emptiness"; quote from one of the sutras, the name of which, escapes me at present.

Well, I find it difficult to argue, with a body of "scientific evidence", from the field of sociology. Never the less, I am going to. In countless training sessions, the old boy bashed on and on about teaching the body, mind and spirit, to "listen", to "see" and to "feel". Forever he pointed toward a state of being, that experienced the world with, "a different eye". However, it was a view in the here and now, never beyond this moment, with nothing to do with death and everything to do with life. (With the obvious exception lol).

It is this, in my view, that completes the circle. I will elucidate further later as in my here and now there are children to put to bed and a lady to attend to. What else is there?

Chris

Searching

2007-01-14T15:54:00.000Z

If we are to believe the lore, most of our martial arts systems can be traced back to the Shaolin Temple. The Temple has been long hailed as a centre of martial wisdom and excellence. A place where secret techniques and deep undersanding of the human condition , are passed down from master to pupil, in a line extending back more than 1000 years. Many of the systems practiced today, are if not direct descendants, constructed from techniques borrowed from Shaolin traditions.

According to tradition an Enlightened Indian Monk travelled to the temple and upon seeing the poor physical condition of the Monks there, taught them a series of exercises. How this developed into a martial system has oft been a matter of conjecture.

My question is why? Why would they develop exercises and from there, martial arts? The Temple was, I believe, at that time a buddhist one, such developments would seem at odds with the doctrine.

Religions have historcally benefitted from the donations of their followers. They benefitted from the wealth, that came from powerful patrons, accompanied by the influence and power associated with such grand bed fellows. Religions through history, took steps to hold onto their accumulated wealth and it is likely the Shaolin Temple was no different.

Here in the west, we view the buddhist faith as a gentle and kindly religion, displaying few of the war like ways attributed to other religions. Maybe this is deserved and maybe it is not, one thing is for certain, the buddhist invasion into Tibet was neither passive nor kindly. The buddhist clergy actively saught poitical influence and warlike inclination, in its displacement of the indigenous Bon religion of Tibet. They took over Temples and forced out the Bon clergy in a witch hunt, having paralells with the spanish inquistors.

I have long been of the opinion, the motivation for learning martial skills at the Shaolin Temple, had little to do with enlightenment and more to do with protection of power and wealth. Viewed objectively, the Temple might have a different agenda altogether. Sending to India for a millitary strategist, to train monks in the arts of war, to protect their interests. Upon arriving at the temple, he found Monks in poor physical condition, totally unprepared for arduous military training, so he set about training them for the task.

Further more the Temple implemented a hearts and minds campaign, promoting the monks as magicians, performing amazing skills, undefeatable in combat the Shaolin monks, it seems could fly or walk through walls. Why would they need such skills for a life of quiet contemplation? Who would benefit?

I applaud their abillities, marvel at their acrobatic endeavours and am amazed by there prowess on stage. I have no doubt, as to the wisdom and understanding of the Temples Boxers, medical men, scientists and strategists, but I also believe their motivation for developing such expertise was not wholly altruistic.

After all an army needs all these skills too.

Chris

The Komuso System 2007

2007-01-07T13:33:00.000Z

2006 was a good year for TKS we moved to a new training hall with a greater training area, decent floor and pleasant toilets and kitchen. The implementation of the website and development of the training syllabus.

2007 promises to be as momentus. The newly evolved fitness training assessments continue in February for all those training for a level 1 certificate. Teacher training sessions will begin in february for those wishing to train as instructors . In march we have our first black belt grading session set for the weekend of 10th March this promises to be a tough challenge for those attending.

This month we have fight training on Thursday the 11th its focus being on the development of spirit,breathing, timing and management of distance for the lower grades. For those of 4th kyu upward the focus will be on embu, tiger boxing, crane boxing, monky boxing and snake. Thursday 17th will look at syllabus technique and form work with a special focus on meditative technique and relaxation.

I am interested in creating winter, spring and summer training regimes to reflect the needs of the body and mind during these times. Perhaps it might be an idea to have a party or at least a drink to mark the ends and beginings of each training regime. Let me know what you think!

More later

Chris

Who was served by this?

2007-01-02T15:24:00.000Z

I have tried to restrain myself from writing this. Particularly as it is only tenuously relevant, largely inflamatory and possibly dangerous.

Like most of you I guess, I watched with a mixture of disbelief, revulsion and morbid interest the execution of the former Iraqi leader. (I leave out his name purposefully to try to avoid un wanted attention from search engines.)

Now as with the majority I know very little about this man, other than media portrayals of an evil and vile dictator. I am not possessed with any knowledge of the man other than this and so judgement of his charachter actions etc, should I wish to make one, would be a little partisan.

It is not my place to judge this man nor am I qualified to measure his guilt, the involvement of other nations in his "crimes", the extent to which the media has accurately reported the events in his region, nor the legal system which is currently in place there.

I have a number of questions: What message has this execution sent to the rest of the world, our children, our friends and enemies? When in our "civilised" "democracy" did it become acceptable to "punish" crimes with death? How has this "punishment" helped those whose lives were perhaps terribly affected by the actions of this man? How has he suffered for his crimes? Who has suffered and will suffer?

I cannot help feeling it is the rest of the world that will bear what should have been his burden. Has It not created further reason for division in an already horribly troubled region . Does it not allow other nations to incur death penalties without fear of contradiction in the name of freedom? If so then whose definition of freedom is the true definition?

More improtantly it tells our children it is ok to respond with violence and death in the face of opposition. It was a sad day and a pitiful act of supposedly great nations.

I pity not the man nor judge his actions, but I pity the response from our great leaders, I pity the world he has left for I fear his death has not served it well.

Ghandi said "You should be the change that you want to see in the world".

So I renounce violence and death as a means to settle wrong and choose peace as my change for this year.

Chris

Members Area Testing

2006-12-23T19:29:00.000Z

I am aware that the link to the members area does not lead anywhere currently.

This is due to testing of active server pages and database connectivity on the server.

Do not worry the members area will be up and running asap.

I appologise for any inconvenience.

Happy Christmas

Chris

Muscle Develoment lots of Pain no Gain

2006-12-22T14:45:00.000Z

Did my weights last night.Had an idea of how to emulate the chin-up style exercise. I've got somereebok elastic resistance tubes that have handles one end and clips theother. I deduced that if I clipped them together, then hung then from apiece of wood spanning across the loft hatch opening, I could standunderneath them and do a 'lat pull-down' style exercise.

Unfortunately, by standing I was not getting enough resistance so I kneltdown. This indeed had the desired effect and the tubes were now very verytaught. So I commenced the movement 1rep, 2 reps, onwards till around the 20mark, really getting into the movement, feeling my muscles start to burn andthen SNAP….the clip snapped sending the tubes shooting down to the groundwith a great speed. At this point I would like to remind you where I waspositioned - directly beneath the tubes, to be more precise, my penis wasdirectly beneath the tubes.

Needless to say, even if the tubes were repairable, which they are not, Iwould never ever repeat this method of training. I know we are training toincrease the size of our muscles, and yes my muscle, although not one that Ispecifically train, has indeed 'swollen', the discomfort felt far outweighsany aesthetic or performance advancements that I may have achieved.That is all.

Lee.

What a Fantastic Grading

2006-12-16T12:07:00.000Z

Thursday evening saw our first grading at the Nursling hall. Sam, Shannon and Mason took their first grade, whilst Aaron, Odge, and Jack did their assessments in preparation for their next grade. Mike H took his 4th kyu grade and Lee took his 3rd kyu grade at last.

The standard of all was extremely high with notable performances from everyone who attended. A special mention goes to Sam and Shannon who were amazing. All passed and the assessments were very insightful. I will work with you now to create a plan to develop your practice further.

Well done guys you deserved your grades and the panel were very impressed by your skill level and application of technique.

Awards will be given on Thursday 4th January and I look forward to seeing you. Merry Christmas Guys, have a great time and stay safe.

Chris

A Finger Pointing to the Moon

2006-12-10T13:02:00.000Z

All through my training career I have been troubled by the direction I should choose for practice. Should I focus on improving technique, on efficacy in combat or application of forms?
Each time I have been assailed by doubts.

If my technique was not powerful enough or delivered with enough speed or my understanding was not deep enough, then my imaginary and often superhuman opponent would easil defeat me.

Yet each of these directions holds merits. No-one can deny that powerful well executed technique is effective nor that a deep understanding of the forms equips one with the flexibility to act appropriately in enumerable circumstances. Indeed speed enables you to beat the majority to the punch.

However, these are all distractions. Yes each must be honed as a craftsman would sharpen and care for his tools, but he does this in order to create something and not so he can stand by to admire how well looked after they are.

These directions are like a finger pointing to the moon, watch only the finger and you miss all that heavenly glory! (Thanks Bruce and whoever you might have heard it from). Our focus should be on harmonising with the opponent. Not thinking of winning, losing or competing just blending with their movements.

This is the truth about no mind. No thought for technique or style, technique or application just the act of harmony with another human being. The end result does not have to be an explosive confrontation where the martial artist demonstrates his killer skills. Why would we want that?

Perhaps sharing a pint would be preferable? Whatever the outcome if we think of this and that and what if then we will never achieve our true potential.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-08T08:53:00.000Z

Training times for Christmas are as follows;

The last training session 14th December 2006

Training recomences on Thursday 4th January 2006
Although it is a grading on 14th December all are welcome to join us see you then.

Chris

Training this week

2006-12-07T12:53:00.000Z

Preparation, preparation and more preparation. This week we need to prepare for next weeks grading. Even if you are not grading you might be taking an assessment.

I will inform all those who need to attend next week at the lesson this evening. Most of you know who you are.

Take care and see you tonight.

Chris

Website Update.

2006-12-03T19:25:00.000Z

Details of instructor training and distance learning program have now been posted on the website.

These areas give only the basic information and will be develped over time to incorporate other features.

I am currently building an online shopping area for you to purchase training resources, book courses, membership/insurance, e-books and possibly equipment.

Let me know what you think!

Chris

Appologies for Website Downtime

2006-11-29T21:40:00.000Z

Sorry but the website has been unavailable all afternoon. Apparently some unfortunate events with our ISP and some indonesian cousins.
Anyway normal service has resumed and I might even be able to add those pics now.

The Komuso System News

2006-11-29T13:34:00.000Z

Joining, Timing, Distance and Generally not Agreeing.

I have often talked about not agreeing to fight. This should not be confused with too scared to fight or allowing one's self to be beaten unceremoniously to a pulp.

By not agreeing to fight I allude, perhaps tenuously, to sparring practice. In sparring we bow to our partners and operate under some tacit agreement that we are going to exchange blows. This senairio is a free exchange and is not predetermined other than by rules such as "no striking to the groin, eyes, etc" , however it is flawed.

Sparring practice although valuable does not express the correct attitude for martial practice. It is unlikely you would come away from a sparring session without you or your partner having struck or received a blow. Indeed it is probable you might feel disappointed at such an un interesting outcome.

The same cannot be said for a real confrontation. It is likely you might feel quite relieved or even lucky to have escaped without injury. (There are exceptions I guess, but you guys need to chill).

Not agreeing means I will not allow you to enter my space without consequence, but if you choose to leave of your own volition I am happy. This requires some skills; maintaining and controlling the distance between you and your opponent, placing yourself in a favorable position to your opponent and being prepared to let loose should it be necessary.

We all have a personal space, our distance from others in relation to us, within which we feel comfortable. This changes depending on social situations etc, but generally we know when an interloper has moved to close. Very often knowing is not enough. Just as in sparring, we have an un written agreement in social situations. People are just as sensitive if you move out of the distance they expect you to be at, and this could be seen as a slur, a sign of dislike, mistrust or fear.

In martial practice maintaining distance requires a commitment. A personal commitment to act, when this space is compromised. How you choose to respond will depend on you.

Part of this not agreeing attitude involves the concept of joining with opponents, moving in time with them, feeling their rhythm so you might find the most opportune time to seize the advantage. Feeling the onset of their movement or catching their first timing is essential. Once you have their timing, rhythm, and control the distance, they are truly defeated.

There is much more to this. The principles of the third form are the basis of a not agreeing approach. These concepts are further developed in the animal forms each with its own particular angle.

Do not agree to fight, do not agree to get hurt, agree to disagree whichever you choose I wont argue whether I agree or not is another matter.

Chris

Gradings and Assessments

2006-11-24T10:03:00.000Z

There will be a grading and assessment evening on Thursday 14th December 2006. All pupils can attend, but pupils can only enter for a grading if they are invited.

All other pupils can enter for an assessment of their skills. This means they will perform as if entering for a grading and will recieve a written report about how they are doing and what they need to improve.

It is a good idea to attend for the assessment for your own self development. It will give you a clear understanding about how and where you could enhance your ability.

There is of course the added option for the adults to go for a drink down the local afterward first drink on me!! (Ow did I really say that? silly silly man!!)

Embu Formwork and Practice

2006-11-24T09:15:00.000Z

Interesting session last night. The juniors all seemd to respond well to the fitness tests and seemed to enjoy the whole pain thing. I will set new targets over the week end and then pass them back next week with certificates for juniors.

Embu means expression. The practice of Embu is used to express facets of your practice. The whole area of combat is slowed down to start with and participants should try to ensure their techniques flow smoothly from one to the next. You should try to work soley off the timing of your partner and not allow them the opportunity for retaliation.

Problems arise when an element of competition is introduced, we are not trying to win but rather seek to blend with the opponents movements to attain victory. If the focus is on a particular style then we should enable the partner to practice that system fully in order for learning to take place.

In a live combat situation then your focus would not be a particular style or method. You would use whatever worked and whichever method was appropriate for that situation. If your practice has not enabled you to express styles and methods in various formats, and has not allowed this expression to be learnt fully, your abillity to react smoothly and instantly will have not been developed sufficiently. You will not perform to your best.

Instructor Training Program

2006-11-22T09:09:00.000Z

I have at last come up with a format for the instructor training program. I plan to institute this as soon as is practical. The program should take the form of three separate certificates; Fitness and Exercise Coaching Certificate, Martial Arts Instructor Certificate and Meditation and relaxation Certificate Culminating in The Komuso System Instructors Certificate.

You can train for anyone of these in no particular order, but you must have completed the first three to a satisfactory level before you can apply for the final certificate. You must be of brown belt or above and be over 18. In addition those wishing to teach the Komuso system to juniors must apply for a CRB check through the local authority.

The details of this will be posted on the websote and if you want further information then please email me at info@thekomusosystem.co.uk.

Regards
Chris

Training this Week

2006-11-21T13:00:00.000Z

Fitness assessment time!! In order to ensure we get the most from each practice we will start this weeks session with a fitness assessment. You can record your results on your own sheet and then targets for improvement can be set.

As it is almost time for a belt grading, we will be focussing on syllabus training. In particular we should work through the relevant forms and their application.

Juniors and those taking 9th kyu will work with the pads and practice group/line work. Then performing first form in a group timing utilising correct breathing. Assuming we cover this in time we should then move on to practice the applications.

Higher grades will practice each form in turn and then apply the principles to EMBU. For example once the first form has been practiced this will be applied to Short Arm Embu.

See you there

Chris

2006-11-21T12:58:00.000Z

This months fight training featured attack training, Attack defence training and more than enough rounds of light continuous sparring.

I for one thoroughly enjoyed the session and when I eventually limped home felt as though I had achieved alot.

A Special mention to the juniors who did extremely well considering there ages and experience.

Next month I want to focus on other formats for the higher grades such as Tiger boxing and Crane boxing. Also Kime Embu and in an effort to regain some control in our practice some semi contact ippon kumite for all grades. Grading coming soon will post dates toward end of the month.

All the best
Chris

TKS Website is Go !!

2006-11-15T09:03:00.000Z

Well after much fiddling and a good deal of hair loss I managed to upload the website. There are a number of niggles that need sorting out, however the basic content is there.

The intention is to create a vehicle to communicate information about the style, its methods of practice and details for joining etc.

If there is anything you would like to see on the site either let me know in person or follow the link below and select the contact us section.See you soonChris

The Komuso System Uk Website

2006-11-09T14:29:00.000Z

With a little luck and lots of cutting/pasting the new website should be online on Monday 13 November. The website is part of my intention to promote the system more actively.

As it stands the site contains information about training with us, it describes the philosophy and ideals of the style as well as details of how to progress within the system.

Shortly I will produce DVDs for training at home. These will include technique, formwork and grading requirements. The DVDs are not intended to replace instruction rather as an aid to self development. It is my intention to sell these online as well as through the club.

I would value your opinions regarding these points.

Chris

2006-11-09T14:18:00.000Z

Oneness…..twoness…..more?

The Komuso system is essentially derived from a Buddhist/Taoist doctrine. This influences the way in which we practice and to a certain degree what we practice within the system.

The concept (some would say fact) that all things are one is a belief, which permeates the martial arts study in our school. We bow, practice technique and perform formwork in the same timing. The concepts of joining with the movements of our practice partner, capturing their breathing and body feeling are all an attempt to become one with them.

The problem is, for all intent and purpose, we are in fact separate. We act, think, feel and move independently. We contrive such actions and thoughts specifically to fulfil our own individual purpose. Within our society we are proud of our individual freedom and independence. We apparently speak freely, act freely and do as we choose.

We often present completely different facets of our personalities when in differing circumstances, indeed in differing company, even acting in radically different ways dependent it seems upon exterior influences. (I am not qualified to comment upon the human race in its entirety, but certainly in my experience it would seem to be a case for the majority). It might appear we are even sub divided within our selves.

Interestingly in the popular and indeed not so popular press it has been long lamented that man and nature are separate. We talk about humanity in terms of our terrible effect upon Mother Nature or how we have lost our connection to it. Is this dualistic viewpoint driving a theoretical wedge between the human condition and its apparent separateness from all else i.e. Nature an illusion?

Religion often used (in my opinion) to re enforce mans vanity, would put us on a pedestal, somehow better than nature, created in the image of something divine.

According to current scientific thought our DNA contains the “code” that ensures we grow into humans. We eat food from the planet, which is used by the body for growth, energy etc. This is the same for all creatures. During our lifetime and after the body dies our cells breakdown and return from whence they came. I will happily stand corrected but these same reabsorbed cells find their way back into the food chain. (Oh yummy I ate my ancestors).

Perhaps I should get back to the point, I do have one! It is difficult for me to view the human race as separate from nature or indeed in anyway superior to it. We are made from the same stuff. We are reliant upon nature’s “goodwill” for our survival. If we are an evil force, then it is a natural one, not at all separate from, just part of, nature. Yes we can act independently; although I might question that we do at all, none the less, to say we are in some way separate is naïve.

Perhaps here might be where I proclaim the Buddhist ideology had some greater wisdom than any other “ism”. Sorry to disappoint you. I think it states the obvious. To hold up becoming one with nature/humanity/ourselves ad infinitum as a goal requiring great effort is to deny the doctrine itself. We are already one with nature. To me it seems beyond question. This being the case what is that we are seeking?

Chris

2006-11-01T20:50:00.000Z

Overview

Training in Komuso Martial arts is a blend of ancient wisdom and modern sports science theory. The martial arts and philosophical base are as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago.

The training has been carefully designed to enable students to achieve their full potential in a safe and positive environment. Suitable for all age ranges Komuso develops good fitness & health, self confidence/control and provides a safe way to learn self defence technique.

Juniors have different needs to older pupils and this is catered for with a separate syllabus which culminates in a junior black belt grade. This takes less time to achieve and does not teach the more dangerous techniques.

The full syllabus teaches students to utilise the whole body and calm state of mind to defend themselves from much larger and even multiple aggressors. With an emphasis on a complete awareness of opponents, the system aims to blend with opponents actions and capitalise on their weaknesses in order to gain victory.

Exercise

In order to protect oneself the development of a strong body and mind is necessary. Apart from the practice of technique, which is exercise in itself, every lesson begins with a workout.

Designed to achieve high levels of performance, both in daily life and for training, the routine involves aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Especially chosen callisthenic exercises are mixed with yoga like stretching and toning exercises to give a complete body workout.

The routine is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels and exercises are both safe and effective. Komuso promotes a nurturing environment aimed at developing students potential.

Martial Arts

Komuso emphasises a keen awareness and understanding of others and the environment. Its philosophy is based on equality of all and training begins and ends by showing respect to each other. Students and instructors form a circle in order to bow. There is no separation or obvious rank order as it is felt that all members can learn from each other.

Training then takes the form of line work, bag/pad work, partner practice and form work.

Techniques are practised first in a line or ordered group. Usually no calls are made, rather the instructor leads the practice by example or a student is asked so the instructor may observe. The techniques are not practised against an opponent at this stage.

Bags or pads might then be used to increase stamina, focus and correct distance. The use of pads also develops power of delivery, confidence in technique and helps prevent joint injury.

Great emphasis is placed on the Bunkai or application of technique and is practised with partners. This develops good coordination and helps juniors to learn cooperation. Practising martial arts technique against a partner also requires self control and discipline.

Finally formwork is the practice of set patterns of martial techniques designed to impart particular knowledge to practitioners. All of the forms contain specific knowledge of one or more aspects of the martial arts. Form work develops stamina, coordination, control and self discipline.

Meditation

Practice of Komuso requires mental toughness, focus, awareness and a calm state of being. Several meditative practises are utilised in order to enable pupils to acquire these mental/physical attributes.

Meditation is often used to prepare for training or to contemplate the lesson at the end. Students who participate in this practice fully soon reap benefits and although it is not mandatory it is recommended.

2006-10-31T13:33:00.000Z

Welcome to Komuso system news!