More Knife Hand

This is not the Chito Ryu version, but certain elements are the same.  Again, from Iain Abernethy:

Hen Shu Ho

These are a little fast for easy viewing, but here are Chito Ryu Hen Shu Ho 1-10:






Here are all of the Hen Shu Ho. It is interesting to note that virtually all techniques demonstrated here end with a takedown.

Knife Hand - Three Videos from Iain Abernethy

Seisan Bunkai, and call for Bunkai Submissions

The video below is a bunkai from the Isshin Ryu version of Seisan. While the Chito Ryu version employs a double block rather than a single at the beginning of the sequence, the idea of blocking, grabbing, and pulling is the same. This is important to note: Not all moves in a kata are strikes or blocks, or strikes and blocks alone. One should examine grappling, locks, and using the body as a fulcrum to manipulate an opponent when considering bunkai.

I would like everyone who reads this to think about bunkai. Spend some time doing a little research on youtube, and see if you can find a video which demonstrates a particular bunkai for a kata which we do in our style, or for a series of moves in a kata from another style which is similar to something we do in our style. To be clear, this does not have to be a Chito Ryu person doing a Chito Ryu kata - as we see blow, Seisan is a kata in our style, but it is also a kata done in Isshin Ryu, and the moves here are very similar to ours. Please leave a link in the comments section if you are so inclined. If you don't have a link to share, please at least be thinking of bunkai for your next test kata. When test time comes, you will most likely be asked to demonstrate for the test board!



Thanks Tim

Dojo Kun

Dojo Kun are rules governing conduct of students training in a martial way.  The following is from O'sensei Chitose's book, Kempo Karate-Do:

     1.  Always maintain respect for courtesy.

     2.  Always have a serious attitude.

     3.  Always use polite language. 

     4.  Always maintain a high spirit.

     5.  Always maintain a high level of cleanliness. 

     Those who study Karate-Do must take these five principles to heart. 

New Podcast - the 10 Minute Dojo

There is a new link on the sidebar to the "Ten Minute Dojo" podcast, by Lee Taylor from the UK.  Each episode is around 10 minutes or less - a nice format for people who don't normally listen to podcasts or don't want to commit to the time required to listen to a lengthy discussion. 


I found the latest episodes (14 and 15)to be very helpful and insightful regarding overcoming depression and anxiety.  Worth a listen.

Master Wang Reveals His Secrets

This is "Article 2" in the Bubishi, also known as the Laws of Wisdom.  Master Wang was the second master of a Chinese fighting style known as White Crane Gongfu.

1. Let anger be your enemy.
2. Remember, an empty vessel makes the most noise.
3. Patience is the foundation upon which security and long life rest.
4. Know well your station in life.
5. Trustworthy reputations are only gained from virtuous merit.
6. Success is the fruit of the strong and wise.
7. Delay is the best remedy for anger.
8. Those who will be enlightened are the ones who live moderate lives, consume natural foods, and pursue the wisdom of the sages.
9. Remain honest in your heart, true to your discipline, and refrain from overindulgence, and you will enjoy great rewards in life.
10. Mind your manners and your own business.
11. Discretion is the better part of valor.
12. The barriers of human achievement lie only in the mind.
13. An idle mind is a demon's workshop.
14. Justice exists for those who live according to the Way, as these are one and the same.
15. Be happy without cause and make the best of what you have.
16. True friendship knows no boundaries.
17. It is a humble virtue to be wealthy and not affected by it.
18. Cause and effect are mutually consistent.
19. Despair is the conclusion of fools.  Tomorrow's success is built upon yesterday's failures.  Live in the here and now.  Do not seek more, but learn to enjoy less.