Paul Steadman
24th April 2001, 11:13
To All Legit Koryu Instructors,
I have noticed a trend over the past 5 years here in Australia within the koryu community, where koryu shibucho have formulated what I term 'Generic Koryu Bujutsu,' programs in their dojo.
These programs utilise general Nihon-den jujutsu & bukijutsu techniques and are are based on the respective shibucho's experience, training in Japan and their insight into contemporary Australian society & culture.
The 'Generic Koryu Bujutsu,' class is usually used as a basic introduction to the sensei's respective mainline koryu art and acts as a buffer for his/her mainline art and is usually open to the public (read masses). The generic material taught is basic, functional and effective and is based on the sensei's mainline art and contains no karate + judo x aikido / kick-boxing = jujutsu formula (read nonsense)!
If a student of the generic bujutsu class shows promise and has been diligent in training, the sensei may invite the student to apply to become a member of the mainline ryu, on a trial basis. Membership is by invitation only and may require the potential monjin to furnish references and undergo an interview.
I was wondering if the above trend is evident in North America and Europe. I can recall one of the authors of D. Skoss' books does something similar (can't remember the name of the sensei). I believe that some sensei in Japan also teach a generic program along side their respective koryu arts.
I'd be interested in any feedback from koryu practitioners in Nth America and Europe. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your valuable time and assistance.
Regards,
Paul Steadman
I have noticed a trend over the past 5 years here in Australia within the koryu community, where koryu shibucho have formulated what I term 'Generic Koryu Bujutsu,' programs in their dojo.
These programs utilise general Nihon-den jujutsu & bukijutsu techniques and are are based on the respective shibucho's experience, training in Japan and their insight into contemporary Australian society & culture.
The 'Generic Koryu Bujutsu,' class is usually used as a basic introduction to the sensei's respective mainline koryu art and acts as a buffer for his/her mainline art and is usually open to the public (read masses). The generic material taught is basic, functional and effective and is based on the sensei's mainline art and contains no karate + judo x aikido / kick-boxing = jujutsu formula (read nonsense)!
If a student of the generic bujutsu class shows promise and has been diligent in training, the sensei may invite the student to apply to become a member of the mainline ryu, on a trial basis. Membership is by invitation only and may require the potential monjin to furnish references and undergo an interview.
I was wondering if the above trend is evident in North America and Europe. I can recall one of the authors of D. Skoss' books does something similar (can't remember the name of the sensei). I believe that some sensei in Japan also teach a generic program along side their respective koryu arts.
I'd be interested in any feedback from koryu practitioners in Nth America and Europe. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your valuable time and assistance.
Regards,
Paul Steadman