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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Shinden Fudo Ryu - Gekkan

Just thought I'd add this. I saw the clip tonight, and thought it well-done. I like how Sean isn't blasting in with a kick to the uke; instead, he just places his leg there, almost like an obstacle, which folds the uke over. Very smooth.





Sean Askew performs Gekkan from the Bujinkan Dojo's Shinden Fudo Ryu Jutaijutsu.

4 comments:

Willard said...

It's an interesting mix of patterns to learn that collectively make up a martial discpline-
It may sound a little strange, or not but it reminds me of my earlier days as a line cook. I would make an effort to have the "Mis en place" or "everything in it's right place" in regards to where everything was located, which in analogy could be related to the human anatomy.
Learning the dishes was the beginning. After came the repetition of movements.. which I would always make an effort to replicate exactly from movement to movement, every to the point of counting my steps like a dance initially.
Once I learned the movements for each dish, then internalized it- time dissappeared when things became busy in the kitchen. I simply followed a modular series of programmed movements as the tickets came in.
Even if something unexpected came up, like a right hook, or running out of pancake mix- the rest of the pattern would provide a framework for my effort, and I wouldn't lose my place, no matter how many tickets.
Anyways- I beauty of motion contained in the practiced rhythms of the Corn Beef Ruben with Sour Kraut, when perfected, cannot be described.
It can only be tasted.

Trevor said...

Hey Craig,

I think I agree, at least to some extent--the only difference being that while the first step of martial arts is definitely to learn forms/katas/what-have-you so as to learn some foundational principles, ultimately a martial artist does not want to be trapped by reflexive movements and must let all of these learned movements go.

Eventually, a martial artist just want to "move-in-a-way-that-works." Hatsumi Soke talks a lot about being "half-assed" or that enlightenment occurs in the slip of the foot. I think he means, among other things, that we should not be caught up in doing our movements "just-right" and instead should just move with life. Just like when we ride a bike, or walk, or whatever.

And, yeah, I remember my days as not only a scullery grunt at Round Table, but later, too, and eventually figuring out the most effecient means of doing my job.

mmm..Corn Beef Ruben (maybe with some bacon for extra flavor?)

Willard said...

Trevor-

Hey man, been awhile, what, 15 years?

about that martial art, that makes sense- the internalization process of the forms, and the re-expression in the slipstream, or something. It's basically teaching a thought-process and not a physical one, so the physical can re-interpret the patterns by "slip of the foot".
I always sorts wanted to apply myself to some form of martial arts, or had a romantic notion about it at least, but, uh, now I'm an old man and I'll be happy if my goddman leg just heals up right so I can skate again.

Trevor said...

Hey Craig!

Yeah, like 15 years...

It's interesting that you mention being an old man: a Welsh senior instructor I've trained with found himself being run over by a tractor which broke his hips, both legs, some ribs, and a shoulder. He started doing massage and Bujinkan as a method of recovery. Now, he doesn't move so quick, is a little stiff, but still is walking and a shihan (10+ degree black-belt).

Also, you're totally right Craig--I like how you've said it: "re-expression in the slipstream."

I may use that at some point. :)