Black Belt Quest - The End of the Beginning...

I have been training Genbukan Ninpo Taijutsu under Zeb Glover for almost 10 years and last year had the great honour of testing for my Shodan or first level Black Belt in front of Grand Master, Shoto Tanemura Soke.

At the beginning of my journey with Ninpo, at the age of 17, getting my black belt felt like an incredible feat, something far off but also something that would make me in someway special. As the years progressed and the good times and bad passed and the bruises accumulated, the idea of becoming a black belt started to change. The more I progressed and enjoyed learning, the more important just making the next training session felt. At times this small aim was hard, fitting training in with a busy life in the modern world can be a real challenge, but what I have noticed is that the more I put into my training, the more I get out. This may seem obvious in the sense of learning and developing a skill but it applies at a more subtle level too. On the days where dragging my sorry 'behind' to the Dojo for a couple of hours of exercise (not to mention receiving throws and locks) seems like a huge endeavour, so the feeling of accomplishment increases after the class. In this way one learns the benefit of hard work.

With this in mind I hope you can understand that when the time came to take my Shodan test, the physical side of the test was not some huge event for me. The lessons learned over the last 8 and a bit years (at the time) had taught me to deal with each challenge as it comes and never to over or underestimate its importance. It is, what it is and when its right in front of you, its time to get on with it.

Max, my training partner (and great friend) and I both performed well and passed our tests.

That is not the end of the story.

What I was not expecting was the incredible sense of gratitude towards Zeb my teacher and Tanemura Soke for their investment in time and for sharing this beautiful art with me and the world.

The first time I put on my black belt I didn’t feel the swell of pride and the sense of invincibility the 17 year old Karl was expecting. I felt a huge sense of responsibility and honour at being deemed worthy to begin my career as a martial artist.

Begin?

Genbukan Ninpo is a traditional Japanese martial art. This means shodan is a beginner!

I have trained for 10 years and have conditioned myself mentally and physically to begin learning a TRUE martial art. Now I am ready for the training to begin in earnest.

The highest level in Ninpo is 10th Dan or Grandmaster (Soke) and there is only one of these at a time, I know I will never achieve this rank, but does that mean I have nothing to aim for?

The lesson I have learnt is this...

It doesn’t matter what you can achieve in 9 years or 90, it's what you do today.

I'm going training later, how about you?

Ninpo Ikkan

Karl Stone

(Ninpo Shodan)

TARA GRANT

Everyone at Myojo Dojo would like to wish Tara Grant all the best for the birth of her first child.

As you can see in the photo, Tara is still training even though she is 'heavily' pregnant!

Tara, who is graded as 3rd Dan in Ninpo, has been training with us for over 10 years and runs the Kids Class too. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for her commitment and dedication to the Dojo and it's members over the years. Thank you!

We hope that you enjoy Motherhood and we're sure you'll make a great Mum!!

Congratulations!

Ninpo Ikkan

AMATSU TATARA TAI KAI - IRELAND 2009

The Amatsu Tatara Tai Kai 2009 was introduced by Martin O’Reilly and he spoke at some length of ancient cultures across the world all having a legend of good defeating evil, light against dark – he also spoke of the monuments and landmarks that cultures such as the ancient Egyptians left – what was their intended message with these monuments? What were the ancients trying to tell us?

Whilst visiting Egypt in August this year, our Egyptian guide, who had a doctorate in archaeology, explained that the Pyramids at Giza were in alignment with certain planets and stars. He explained too, that the geometry of the great pyramid was such that the air within it de-ionises naturally and funnels upwards from the tip of the pyramid; also that within the inner chambers of the pyramid food substances stay fresh, metals stay sharp and do not rust, that in effect the pyramids aid the mummification process and preserve the artefacts placed within them.

What then were the ancient Egyptians aiming to achieve? We can only guess at the purpose of these great monuments, but it would appear that they were not only preserving the material remains of their kings and queens, but also realigning the energy of the earth itself when one considers the de-ionised air that emits from the apex. This could be described as similar to the process of acupressure or shiatsu for the planet – realigning and healing the Earth’s energy / Ki.

Tanemura Soke, who is the 58th Grandmaster of the Amatsu Tatara Bumon Shumon lineage, spoke of much during the 3 days of Amatsu-Tatara lectures and I will not attempt to provide a summary here, but rather encourage you to attend and participate in a lecture if you have the opportunity in the future. However I will aim to describe what was for me the ‘key’ message. Soke asked us, or urged us to ask ourselves: ‘Why are we born – what is our purpose here in life?’ If we are to use our time correctly whilst alive, we must realise what it is that we must do.

This question can feel overwhelming, but Tanemaura Soke suggested a good place to start is by cleaning up our approach to life and our own personal body/mind/heart.

We can do this by the following means:

· Training in this martial art.

· Eating and sleeping well.

· Good virtues – but not so that we get recognition or praise or something material in return for our ‘good deed’. Also you cannot force kindness on someone as this is counter-productive, the best way is discreetly or anonymously.

· Reflecting on your actions, thoughts and emotions – ideally at the end of each day and acknowledging anything negative. Don’t worry if you have had negative emotions such as anger or jealously that have in turn led to negative actions, instead acknowledge them and think about how you might have gone about things more positively. Make amends, if you can, and endeavour to learn from this scenario so that you do not repeat yourself.

· Most importantly we need to have gratitude and regularly make space to give thanks (inwardly and outwardly) for this life.

Visiting the beautiful ancient monuments at Tara, County Meath, Ireland with Tanemura Soke and other students from all over the world was extremely special and also gave more insight into Tanemura Soke’s purpose, not only is he cleansing his own soul / energy, he is helping others to do so too.

It was whilst visiting the monuments that the initial introductory comments made by Martin began to fully make sense, Tanemura Soke’s energetic focus and attention at these specific ancient sites was great to experience.

When we were standing on the mounds at Tara a fellow student commented that she was unsure what to do with herself - a natural reaction perhaps!

Yet we do not need to feel unsure and overwhelmed, it is enough for us to focus on our own lives and in so doing we will influence everything around us positively.

It is also enough to be outside on a hill, under a dramatic sky, in the fresh wind and observe the beautiful landscape, in the company of others and give thanks.

TARA GRANT

MYOJO DOJO - SANDAN

JAPAN DAY DEMO

Well done and thank you to Tara, Simon, Max, Liz, Anra and Masa for creating a great Demo at the Japan Day Exhibition in Hove.

It seems that everyone really enjoyed it and you put on a good show!

Tara, Simon and Max performed a variety of Ninpo and Jujutsu techniques and Liz showed some Self Defence applications to common attacks.

It was great to see these done with such a good intensity and energy!

KO RYU (Old School)

Tara and Simon can be seen here training in two different Ko Ryu Ha (Old Schools) of Jujutsu.

Tara is studying kata (techniques and principals) from an Aikijutsu school and Simon is training a kata from Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu.

Although both these schools are quite different from each other, they both have many 'control & restraint' type concepts for controlling an opponent without always having to only use blunt trauma (strikes/kicks) to protect yourself. These kata were popular in the Edo Period of Japan, when carrying a sword was banned and un-armed techniques became more frequently used. Very interesting schools when studied in depth.

Sweaty!

Glad to see everyone worked up quite a sweat after completing the CrossFit workout at the end of the Ninpo Class. Nice!

The Workout was:

Run 250m

75 x Double Unders

25 x Kettlebell Swings

25 x Jumping Pull Ups

25 x Burpees

...for time

CONGRATULATIONS!

Well done to Karl and Max who passed their Kokusai Jujustu tests of 5th & 4th Kyu last night.

A very tidy yet spirited demonstration of the techniques.

Great effort guys!

Ninpo Ikkan

A CROSSFIT CERTIFICATION STORY – By Neil Geoghegan

On Sept 26^th & 27th 2009, Neil Geoghegan travelled to CrossFit N.Ireland in Lurgan for the second UK CrossFit Level 1 Certification. Here is his story...

After a lengthy flight delay on Friday night, I eventually made it to Lurgan at 00:15 tired and weary and ready to collapse, just the ideal preparation required for a CrossFit Level 1 Cert!

Arriving at CrossFit N.Ireland the following morning, excited and unsure as to what to expect, I strategically positioned myself in the front row of seats. After the CrossFit trainers had been introduced, we got started with a lecture on “What is CrossFit”. In case you're wondering, the short answer is, “Constantly Varied Functional Movement Performed at High Intensity”.

The next lecture focused on “What is Fitness” or more specific “What is Crossfit’s definition of Fitness! You are only as fit as you are competent in the following 10 skills, cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. CrossFit develops improvement in each of these skills.

The next lecture introduced the first three of the nine basic CrossFit functional movements, the Air Squat was first up, next was the Front Squat, then the Overhead Squat. The mechanics of the Air Squat should be mastered before progressing onto the Front Squat, and likewise with the Overhead Squat, the later two are later incorporated into the two Olympic lifts, the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch.

Once we had been drilled in the Squats it was time for a little treat, a group session of Tabata Squats, 20 secs of Squats followed by 10 secs of rest performed 8 times.

Next up was the Shoulder Press, the Push Press and then the Push Jerk. As with the Squats, the Shoulder Press should be mastered before progressing onto the Push Press, and then the Push Jerk, the later incorporated with the Front Squat into the Clean and Jerk.

Above Pat Barber of Crossfit HQ drills us in the Shoulder Press.

The final three movements covered began with the Deadlift, and learning to lift a load safely off the floor, next was the Sumo Deadlift High Pull and then the Medicine Ball Clean. Again the Deadlift should be mastered before progression onto the Sumo Deadlift High Pull and then the Clean. The Deadlift cannot be understated it is the fundamental movement in the two Olympic lifts, the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch, and the ability to execute it correctly greatly enhances capacity in these lifts.

After a well earned rest it was time for another little treat, a WOD which goes by the name of Fran. Thrusters (Front Squat & Shoulder Press) and Pull-ups, performed in rounds of 21-15-9 reps. Click the link below to see Fran demonstrated by the current CrossFit Games Champion Mikko Salo.

http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_MikkoIrelandFran.wmv

The second day began with lectures on Nutrition before moving onto Program Design, next up was a refresh of the Push Jerk and the Medicine Ball Clean, after this we had a quick introduction to the Glute Ham Developer or GHD a piece of equipment that can be used to perform Hip Extensions, Back Extensions and Sit-ups using a full range of motion.

The final practical of the weekend saw us taken through the progressions for the Kipping Pull-up, the Muscle-up and the Snatch, before another little treat. An AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 10 mins of, 7 Sumo Deadlift High Pull, 7 Push-ups and 7 Box Jumps. A final Q&A session followed before finishing and collecting our Level 1 Certificates.

A fantastic weekend meeting new friends and developing some new aches and pains, going up a down stairs, and trying to get up from a chair an increased challenge in the days after.

Regular CrossFit training has not only benefitted my general fitness levels, but also has greatly increased my core strength, both of which have transferred over to my Ninpo training. It feels as if I am more robust especially when being thrown a lot, which is the case at the moment with training the Kukishin Ryu Patterns!

I would advise anyone who is interested in CrossFit to try some classes at CrossFit Hove, and maybe sometime in the future to attend the Level 1 Cert to progress your understanding of the CrossFit methods.

There is also an upcoming 'CrossFit Intro Course, at CrossFit Hove, on Sunday March 21st 2010.

Email Miles Key for more details: CrossFitHove@gmail.com

Neil Geoghegan

Upcoming SHIATSU INTRO COURSE

What Is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is an ancient Oriental system of healing and Medicine. It uses touch, pressure-points and gentle stretches to relax, re-balance, heal and revitalize a person’s health. It is a therapy with roots similar to Acupuncture, with the understanding that every part effects and reflects the overall balance of a person. By connecting on the energetic level, with the aim of harmonizing the person’s Ki (energy/life force), Shiatsu is equally effective for treating physical, emotional and psychologically related conditions.

What Will You Learn On This Course?

This Introductory Course is designed to give you a basic understanding and practice of the fundamental skills and theory of Shiatsu, whether you intend to use it as a hobby or as an introduction to ‘The Shiatsu College Professional Training Program’.

We will cover plenty of basic Shiatsu techniques and sequences, simple exercises and meditations to develop ki and our awareness of it. Also we will explore the concept of ki & pressure points and have a glance at yin/yang and 5 elements theory.

What Conditions Respond Well To Shiatsu?

Shiatsu can treat a wide range of specific and complex conditions, or be simply enjoyed for its relaxing and preventative qualities.

Some examples:

• Tension & stiffness of muscles and joints

• Stress, depression, anxiety and fear

• Back problems

• Sport/physical injuries

• Fatigue, tiredness and insomnia

• Headaches and migraines

• Digestive, Respiratory and Immunity disorders

• Menstrual and menopausal problems

• Arthritic and rheumatic conditions

What to wear:

Please wear appropriate clothes such as warm, loose layers of clothing

and a pair of socks.

Date:

March 28th 2010

10am - 4pm

Venue:

The Wilbury School of Natural Therapy

274 Dyke Road
Brighton
BN1 5AE

Cost:

£65

For Bookings Contact:

The Wilbury School

Tel: 01273 552766

Email: courses@wilburyschool.eclipse.co.uk

For More Info:

Email: info@safespace.org.uk

REAR FLOOR CHOKE ESCAPE

Here's Liz training a rear floor choke escape. Nice job!
Good to see everyone's faces again after the extended festive and snow holidays!

Keep the good energy going...