Local Mushin Karate instructor Eric Forsythe travelled to Galway for a weekends training in the Koryu Uchinadi (KU) Kenpo Jutsu system of karate. To paraphrase what KU is “ it is established as a pragmatic plethora of terribly ambiguous and highly dysfunctional style of traditional karate, KU is a modern interpretation of Okinawa’s historic combative-like principles. A completely systemized, cohesive, and coherent method of learning/teaching, delivered in a traditional atmosphere, honouring both its culture and pioneers, Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu is both an art and a science”. Renshi Ante Braanbacka, 4th dan and chief instructor of KU Finalnd who completed a college program for martial arts instructors under the tutelage of Hanshi Patrick Mc Carthy (8th dan).
Training commenced on Saturday 13th Septemeber 2008 at 10 a.m and lasted through
to 5p.m both days with an hours lunch each day. 12 hours of KU drills and practices
was enough for people to travel far and wide with people as far away as Belgium
participating.
The format of the day was:
- 2 person dills that are applicable to KU with specific emphasis on body
dynamics and hip movements
- grappling
- examination of the taisabaki (body movement) kata
- open session and also a review of the 2 days content
The two-person drills are based off of what’s called the Habitual Acts
of Physical Violence (HAPV) theory so it means all the drills are practiced
from close proximity to your partner, receiving impacts that are going to happen
in a civilian self-protection environment. Drills from standing, on the ground,
locks, take downs, grabs, receiving of various forms of impact were all demonstrated
and worked on. The transition from one drill to another and the free flowing
manner in which these can be applied was fantastic, along with the use of body
dynamics and the use of the hips to develop that extra means of generating power
on your shots was emphasized.
The two days of teaching were a credit to Renshi Ante’s approach and his method of delivering the material. It is hoped that Renshi Ante will be making a quick return to our shores, however, the material that he delivered will give each participant plenty to work on until his return.
Special thanks must go to NUIG karate club for hosting Renshi Ante Branbaacka and the invitation. I can say with certainty that all who attended got great benefit from his knowledge, approach, and means of applying the drills and kata and it is hoped that it will not be too long before he is over again.
If anyone is interested in learning applied and pragmatic karate you can contact Eric on 90 604769 or visit our website at www.mushinkarate.com. Alternatively, you can come to our classes, which are on Monday nights from 7 p.m to 8 p.m in St Lukes School, Twinbrook for adults and advanced juniors and a Wednesday night from 7 p.m to 8 p.m for all others. Everyone welcome.