American Bokido Kai Iron Fist School
Jeonsa Kwan Tang Soo Do /
Shin Gan Ninjuka Taijutsu Training
Traditional / Modern / Streetwise Self-Defense / Wilderness Combat Survival
The knowledge that would eventually become martial arts is as old as the dawn of man. Early humans learned to hunt, fish, and farm the land to survive and used these same instincts to protect their family, tribe, and community. Martial arts would eventually grow from this survival mentality, become organized, and used to wage war as well as protect peace.
Literally meaning “skill with the body,” Taijutsu forms the basis for all understanding in the Bujinkan. By developing natural responses with the body during initial training, physical lessons are created and used as models for psychological and tactical instruction in advanced studies.Taijutsu
Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu are made up of methods for:
STRIKING - KICKING - GRAPPLING - WEAPONS
TUMBLING AND BREAKING FALLS
LEAPING AND CLIMBING
CONDITIONING THE BODY
MAINTAINING HEALTH
SPECIAL WAYS OF WALKING AND RUNNING
MEDITATION - MIND - BODY - SPIRIT
HYUNGS - KATAS - PHILOSOPHY - ETIQUETTE - HISTORY
Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu cultivates one’s resolve to persevere, where instinct supersedes technique and is sharpened with a set of principles outside the realm of pure physical might. To survive more powerful enemies, challenges, and even our own weaknesses, means acting spontaneously and in the most efficient and decisive manner to ensure our own and loved one’s existence. If we can utilize strategy to its utmost and not limit ourselves to a singular approach, we can see through the veil of adversity and turn seemingly hopeless choices into opportunities, learning there truly is no disadvantage.
Taijutsu is derived from (at least) nine separate martial lineages, each an authentic tradition. Proper training allows use of these ancient concepts to confront modern threats, making them as effective today as they might have been 500 years ago. By developing natural responses during initial training, larger, stronger, even multiple opponents can be defeated without reliance on brute force, speed, or strength. Instead, the student’s instincts of motivation, acuity, and balance are sharpened as tools capable of subduing even the largest adversary at a time of their greatest disadvantage. These instincts represent the three immutable principles of Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu: Initiative, position, and leverage. (We could also include “intuition” if we wanted to get fancy.)
Initiative: This concept represents the timing of motivational inclinations of common sense – the “ought” of moral obligation we all experience regarding self-and-others preservation. It is represented by the concept “SHIN,” “heart,” of shingitai-ichi, and epitomized by the question: When ought I act? By keenly expanding our sense of awareness through training, we can recognize and shape opportunity, and even make advantage through the “moment” – the intersection of motive, place, and action – of our preemption or response to conflict.
Position: This is the physical orientation of our directed movement. It is represented by the concept “GI,” “technique,” and exemplified by the question: Where ought I act? The art of maneuvering the body is not the same as simply moving the body, for it speaks to a tactical acuity gained through trained defensive mobility that offers no openings to an opponent.
Leverage: This third principle is the channeling and characterization of our maneuvering. It is represented by the concept “TAI,” “body,” and exemplified by the question: What ought I do? The tactics that shape our defensive mobility directly relate to this final concept for it speaks to “viability,” the life-preserving action of reconciling the ethical and tactical to apply techniques that cannot be denied.
Intuition: This aspect is represented by the concept “I CHI,” “harmonize,” and is exemplified by the broad question: How ought I …? Intuition here is necessary in the balancing, even juggling, of SHIN, GI, and TAI as we attempt clarity in the moment, equanimity of response, and sustainability of action for conflict and beyond in our daily lives.
Some popular martial arts attempt to mold student response to fit a stylized set of predetermined movements. Taijutsu works in the opposite manner, naturalizing movement by stripping away awkward tendencies, making practitioners acutely aware of their own vulnerabilities so they may close the very openings an enemy might take advantage of. In the Dojang or Dojo, we are known for replacing the static, imitation of techniques with a direct connection to the ebb and flow of martial principles in constant flux. This focus results in contextual tactical awareness for the protection of self and others and fosters the creative adaptability necessary to claim ownership of one’s capacities to “be” skilled today, instead of always training to “become” skilled.
The art’s principles also provide the foundation for weapons usage, where tactics and strategy are identical whether fighting unarmed or with any number of martial tools. This practicality prompts tens of thousands from around the world, many involved in law enforcement or military operations, to seek out training. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Defensive Tactics Program have both utilized Taijutsu principles as a basis for their instruction.
NOTE: We also train in Kung Fu for additional, Speed - Circular Movements - Evasive - Unpredictable. There will be more about Kung Fu training later...
American Tang Soo Do / Taijutsu Stretching
Stretching Theory
A Tang Soo Do / Taijutsu practice begins with stretching. The purpose is to gain the
flexibility needed to perform the art.
Olympic trainer Thomas Kurz in his excellent book "Stretching
Scientifically: a guide to flexibility training" writes, that there is three
kinds of flexibility:
1. Dynamic flexibility --- "performing dynamic movements within a full
range of motion in the joints" ... an example is alternately swinging
the arms up and down as far as they'll go
2. Static passive flexibility --- "assuming and maintaining extended
positions using your weight (splits), or using strength not coming from
the stretched limbs" ... examples include side split and lifting and
holding a leg with your arm
3. Static active flexibility --- "assuming and maintaining extended
positions using only the tension of the agonists and synergists while
the antagonists are being stretched" ... an example is lifting your leg
and keeping it high without any support
How do we get the necessary flexibility to perform the martial arts? By stretching.
The four main stretches are:
1. Dynamic stretching --- "involves moving parts of your body and
gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both."
2. Static active stretching --- "involves moving your body into a stretch
and holding it there through the tension of the muscle-agonist in this
movement."
3. Static passive stretching (relaxed stretching) --- "involves relaxing
your body into a stretch and holding it there by the weight of your
body or by some other external force."
4. Isometric stretching --- "Using positions similar to those in static
passive stretching and adding the strong tensions of stretched muscles,
you can cause reflexive relaxations and, subsequently, increases in the
stretch."
One other type is called Explosive Stretching.
Younger people have more natural flexibility than older people if they are
healthy. Body type and physical condition also dictate what stretches are
best for you. When I was a teenager I stretched about 10-15 minutes to warm
up. 30 years later, I take twice as long. I start with static passive
stretching, move into static active stretching and finish with dynamic
stretching. That prepares me to perform the range of motions necessary for
Bokido Kicking. I spend about 30 minutes on my stretching routine.
Practitioners recuperating from injuries or other physical problems may take
up to an hour. How quickly you stretch is not important. It's not a contest
to see who finishes stretching first. The important thing is to give your
body what it needs to be ready for an invigorating Bokido workout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Stretching
I recommend you stretch several times a week, not just when it's time to
practice Bokido. It will prepare your body to be ready for the tough
practice sessions. A good regimen is to do dynamic stretches each morning
and rotate static passive, static active and isometric stretches on the
afternoons or evenings when you don't have a workout.
If you are over 40 or have physical problems, you may want
to follow this sample stretching routine. If it doesn't work well for you,
add or delete the types of stretching that prepare your body for the workout.
Stretching is a very individual aspect of training.
Do what's best for you.
* Loosen up --- Rotate your joints. Start with your fingers, hands and
wrist. Rotate your elbows, shoulders and neck. You may be stiff at the
beginning, so don't move your joints too hard or fast. Give your body
time to loosen up. Move on to the trunk of your body by slowly twisting
from side to side while swinging out your arms. Bend your body forward
and backward carefully as you increase the length of motion. Continue
to twist and bend through your hips, knees, ankles and toes. This will
probably take you about 10 minutes.
* Warm up --- Now it's time to get your blood flowing faster through your
muscles. You can jog, shadow box or any other aerobic activity that
works. I like to use Forms to increase the blood flow. This
will probably take you about five minutes or even a little longer.
* Stretch statically --- Younger people can probably skip this part, but
I need it as an older martial artist. Here's what works for me. Sit on
the floor with legs stretched out comfortably. Slowly bend to your left
and place your chin on your left knee. Hold it for a few seconds.
Slowly bend to your right and place your chin on your right knee. Hold
it for a few seconds. Next, bring your feet together and slowly bend
forward and touch your nose to the floor. Hold it for a few seconds.
Repeat the bending to left, right and forward. Next, lie on your back.
Hold your right leg with both hands and slowly raise it toward your
right shoulder. Once you reach the maximum stretch, hold your leg with
your right hand and slowly roll to your left side until your right foot
touches the ground. Hold that stretch for several seconds. Roll to your
back and take your left leg with both hands and slowly raise it toward
your left shoulder. Once you reach the maximum stretch, hold your leg
with your left hand and slowly roll to your right side until your left
foot touches the ground. Hold that stretch for several seconds. Return
to a seated position with legs outstretched and repeat the former
stretching movements to the left leg, right leg and forward to the
floor. That series will take you about 10 minutes.
* Stretch dynamically --- Stand with your legs about 18 inches apart.
Swing your arms up and down in opposite directions about 5-8 times.
Fully extend your arms in front of you and swing your arms from front
to back to front in opposite directions 5-8 times. Make sure your hands
touch each other in front and back. Next, place your hands on your hips
and raise your right leg to the front smoothly 5-8 times. Raise your
left leg to the front 5-8 times. Raise your right leg to the side 5-8
times. Raise your left leg to the side 5-8 times. This will probably
take you about five minutes.
That should complete your basic 30-minute stretching warm-up to practice Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu.
Again, develop a warm-up that works well for your body.
Also I have created an aerobics program called "Bokido RPM Aerobics".
This is a separate program from the martial arts training or systems, that are a part of requirements, but can be incorporated into your regular training. This program is made up of martial arts basics, to give any person a good workout and also some self-defense training.
The next step is to begin kicking warm-ups.
Stretching Web Sites
* Stretching FAQ
* Stretching and Flexibility
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stretching Books
* Thomas Kurz --- Stretching Scientifically: a guide to flexibility training
* Master Hee Il Cho --- The Complete Master's Kick
* Master Hee Il Cho --- The Complete Master's Jumping Kick
* Sensei Jean Frenette --- Complete Guide to Stretching
* Sensei Jean Frenette --- Beyond Kicking
* Master James Lew --- Art of Stretching and Kicking
* Sensei Bill Wallace --- Dynamic Stretching and Kicking
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stretching Videos
* Master Hee Il Cho --- The Complete Stretch
* Master Sang H. Kim --- WTF Basic Stretching and Body Conditioning
* Master Sang H. Kim --- WTF Advanced Stretching and Body Conditioning
* Master Morio Higaonna --- Goju Ryu Warm-ups and Stretching
* Senseis Andy Hug and Michael Wedel --- Kyokushin-Kai Fundamental
Techniques and Conditioning
* Master Fumio DeMura --- Shito-ryu Karate Introduction
* Sensei Isaac Florentine --- Shito-ryu Karate Fundamentals
* Master David Lee --- Hung Gar Fundamentals
* Sensei Jean Frenette --- Ultimate Splits and Flexibility, Volumes 1-3
* Sensei Bill Wallace --- Super Stretching and Conditioning
* Sensei Christine Bannon-Rodrigues --- Kick Your Way to the Top!
* Sensei Matt Dorsey --- Explosive Flying and Jump Kicks
* Sensei Stuart Quan --- Kicking to New Heights
* Master James Lew --- The Art of Stretching and Kicking
Free Style Sparring Philosophy:
We practice sparring for several reasons. One is to understand the practical principles of the fighting arts of Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu, to see what might happen if we were pushed into having to fight a real opponent. Free style sparring is as close to a real fight as most of us will ever come close to. We learn how well our techniques would work against a real opponent. We sometimes learn that if the sparring had been a real fight, we would have lost. Losing a real street fight could mean serious injury or even death. We emphasize the importance of not getting involved in a fight unless our life or the life of someone else is in danger. Even if we win a real fight, we live in a society where an opponent might return with a weapon and cause us or someone else permanent injury or death. We see that happen every day in America. The wisest defense is not to fight, but if we ever have no choice but to fight, the training we experience in sparring will give us a "fighting" chance. The mere fact that sparring develops our reflexes to withstand an attack could stop a fight before it goes too far. Bullies are known to back down from people who stand confidently before their
insults and threats.
We also practice sparring to help our fellow martial artists improve their fighting skills. Instructors sometimes demonstrates better techniques by pausing a moment during sparring and describing them. Sometimes senior student demonstrates better technique by executing them during sparring so the effectiveness is evident to all. Our interest is to encourage and build up our fellow artists, not tear them down. We wish to help them be better, not better them.
Sparring is an important part of developing courage, control of power, tension and relaxation, speed control, and humility. It helps make us better people.
A word about focus of eyes, direction of line of sight. Learn to focus your eyes on your opponent's body mass, not on any one part of their body. Don't look at any one part of their bodies during sparring (i.e. eyes, hands, feet). Keep your eyes focused on the center of their body. That allows you to see all their movements at the same time. If your eyes move to one part of your opponent's attack, you will not see his whole attack.
Sparring Training:
Every aspect of training is preparation for sparring. We begin with proper stretching, punching drills, kicking drills, and hand and foot drills. Combination kicking and punching should be developed to a high level for sparring. You can also add to your basic training with weights, kicking and punching in a pool, kicking and punching a heavy bag, kicking a speed target, short-distance running (wind sprints, 100 and 200 yards) and longer-distance running (1-2 miles). Exercise is important in training for sparring. It builds flexibility, strength, focus of eyes, balance and endurance. You can develop internal power, external power and spiritual power through proper exercise.
Mental focus and control is also important to develop. Sparring as well as real fighting is as much mental as physical. You can develop your mind's ability to focus great strength and agility during sparring through meditation. Forms are where many beginners get their first taste of meditation. Forms do not exist solely for the physical purpose of completing them. Martial arts Masters build meditation into each form. It's evident that Tang Soo Do forms are done with meditation in mind. Concentrate on each movement and its meaning as a "martial" art and you are practicing meditation. Take the same concentration and focus into each aspect of the art. You can practice meditation while stretching, kicking, punching, practicing one step katas, free style sparring and all other aspects of Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu. After time, practice itself becomes meditation. You will be greatly rewarded as you continue to grow in Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu by emphasizing meditation in your workouts.
A note about when to start sparring, most Instructors will not allow a beginner to participate in sparring for several months. That's wise, because the student needs to learn the basics before using them in a combat situation. The Instructor will determine when they're ready.
A word about endurance, always practice two and three-minute all-out drills at home. Punch and kick hard, fast and continuously. Do not stop moving during the drill. You will probably find yourself tired and out of breath at first. As you get stronger and faster, increase the drills to five minutes. This will prepare you for real sparring.
Other good sparring drills include:
One student uses only kicking techniques while the other partner uses only hand techniques. Both may attack and defend but the drill limits their arsenal. It forces both to learn the importance of each set of techniques (feet and hands).
Both students are limited to using only hand techniques to attack and defend. It develops quick upper body movements that will pay off during later full-speed sparring.
The Instructor assigns each student one technique for attack. For example, one would use only a front snap kick while the other would use only a side snap kick. The idea during this drill is not to win or lose, but to learn how to use that one technique to its fullest advantage. You will also learn what techniques are the quickest and most effective during this drill. Students soon learn which techniques they would most like to perfect. Some of the best fighters use a small arsenal of basic hand and foot techniques and follow-up combinations that they've refined to a high degree of effectiveness.
Another drill is for each student to grab the end of a white belt and wrap it around one hand. At the Instructor's command, they begin to kick and punch at each other. Holding on to the belt means they can never get further away from each other than just a few feet. The students are not allowed to use the belt as a weapon. The belt is only meant for distancing. This drill will teach the students how to defend against an opponent's attacks at close range.
Attacking:
Attacking drills begin with hand and foot combinations. First, the student learns how to block with one hand and strike with the other while moving. The drills should move from repeating one combination technique over and over to varying the blocking-attacking techniques as the student moves across the training hall.
Next, the student learns how to block with hands or feet and strike with hands or feet. Start with basic repetitive combination drills and move to varying the blocking-attacking combinations. This will prepare the student to use many different combinations during actual sparring.
Here are examples of some basic attacking combination drills. They all begin from right back stance. Keep in mind that lead punches and kicks are often used to draw the opponent's attention toward your hands or feet and away from the more devastating second or third technique in your combination. That lead movement often allows you to get inside to the body with the second, third and fourth attack. The lead punch or kick is not exactly a fake because you can sometimes get through on the first movement, but your opponent knows the first attack is coming. What they don't know is how many attacks will follow. You can wear them down and get into the body if you have enough combinations ready in your arsenal.
Combinations in sparring will eventually become a natural extension of your meditation during sparring. The student will struggle to think of what they should do after their first attack. The benefit of combination drills is to give them options, but many students freeze up in real sparring and forget what they've learned. A patient Instructor will remind the student of their training and help them pull out the arsenal that lives within their mind and body. Within a relatively short time, the student will execute multiple attacks with ease. After time, it becomes instinct.
A few basic rules for non-contact sparring:
Sparring begins and ends with the showing of proper respect for Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu Instructors. The Instructor will ask both students to face him, call attention, then bow, then face each other at attention, then bow and then get into a fighting stance. The Instructor will then tell them to begin sparring.
We make light contact with blocks, but stop just short of making contact to the face or body with hand and foot attacks. Our attacks are spirited even though falling short of contact to our opponent's body, so we wear leg, foot or arm pads to absorb the shock of strong blocks.
Some Instructors will not allow students to punch or kick to an opponent's face for the first few months of sparring. That's because they lack the control necessary to stop their hands or feet before contacting their partner's head.
Kicks to legs are not allowed. The Instructor may allow advanced students to sweep a leg, but never to kick it.
Holding is not allowed!
Instructors can temporarily stop a match at any time he / she believes there is too much contact, someone has been hurt or the sparring is getting out of hand.
Students must always control their emotions during sparring. It is no place for showing off, anger or trying to hurt their partner.
The Instructor will end the match with commands to return to traditional ready stance, then stand at attention and then bow. After bowing from a distance, the students approach each other, shake hands and bow again. That is a demonstration of the respect for each other and that there are no hard feelings coming from the sparring. That should be true of the winner and loser of the match. Because our main purpose is to help each other, we do not even think about who won or lost. Our desire is to see everyone become a better martial artist.
> Remember to keep your hands up in a defensive fighting position at all times. Your opponent may block your attacks and counter with punches or kicks to your head or upper body. Keep your hands up to protect those areas.
More information on our Tang Soo Do and Taijutsu training will be coming soon!
