Sensei’s Blog

I often get asked where the seitei forms came from and I usually say they are a standardized form of the koryu kata. This is close enough for my liking but perhaps a bit more detail for those who are interested. The ZKR iaido forms did and didn't exist before the kendo federation iai forms. … Continue reading Where did Seitei come from? – July 26, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Thinking about dueling inevitably brings out the question of using sharp swords for practice. One of my favourite sayings from many years ago is "Toy swords make toy swordsmen". My answer was always "Real swords make massive lawsuits". Not to mention the also real danger of being shot by police. A fellow who does jodo … Continue reading Running with knives – July 25, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

I'm reading the Reinhard Kammer Tengu Geijutsu Ron written by Chozan Shissai in 1729. That twice-translated book of a fellow who goes up to the mountains and listens to the tengu talking in the tops of the cedars. I happen to be amongst my own cedars in my log cabin of cedar with my dojo … Continue reading The Tengu amongst the cedars – July 19, 2014, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Whip-like movements in Okinawa Goju are Furitsuki and Furigeri for example. However, this characteristic of Goju Ryu is also seen in Tsuki waza such as Chuden Zuki. As apart of Chin Kuchi Kakin when the fist is reaches it’s maximum and/or makes impact, the tightening and release create a snap. What is important to understand … Continue reading Muchi mitai Ni – 鞭みたいに – Like a whip – Mike Chinadi

We tend to think that what we know is how it has always been. This isn't true, as they say, the only constant in the universe is change. And perhaps the speed of light for the physicists out there. ============= Research Journal of Budo Vol. 21 (1988-1989) No. 3 p. 41-48 ON STANCE AND FOOTWORK … Continue reading The Techniques of change – July 10, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Today we look at the development of waza, or rather, the intent of the waza in relationship with the sword schools through time. ========= AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY OF THE HISTORY OF BUDO TECHNIQUE Tamio NAKAMURA This essay presents a methodology which tries to look at the Budo history from a perspective of making of the … Continue reading Whither Waza – July 8, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

A while ago we had a seminar and "my sensei said" quite a bit a bit about being a senior. Specifically he was talking about how to keep learning while being a teacher. One thing jumped into my mind just now as I was looking at one of the old martial arts forums online where … Continue reading Don’t correct other people’s students – July 8, 2014, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

I just walked in from the back back yard, very deep lot, most folks don't realize we have a back yard and a back back yard, and am feeling a bit sheepish. I was doing one handed dumbell snatches (you guys would be doing them with kettle bells I'm sure, but me and my handlebar … Continue reading Read the label – July 4, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

This video looks at bunkai for the opening sequence of Seienchin (Seiyunchin) kata. It was filmed during a four day residential course in the UK. Seienchin (Seiyunchin) is not a kata that is part of my personal practise or teaching, but I believe that the principles of combat and kata transcend individual kata. We therefore … Continue reading Practical Kata Bunkai: Seienchin (Seiyunchin) Opening Sequence – Jul 11, 2014, Ian Abernethy

This is used to describe the stabilization of the body for a solid position by locking the joints in the body (ankles knees and hips) and gripping the floor with the toes ankles, knees and hips, and by gripping the floor with your toes. Chin Kuchi is the concentration or focus of strength and power, … Continue reading Chin Kuchi Kakin – チンクチカキン – Instantaneous tightening of the joints to focus a technique. – Yondan Essay,Mike Chinadi