Kempo & Taijutsu Programs
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A Typical Class
- Class begins with a call to Line Up. Students form two lines with senior ranks to the front.
- A call of Zokuji – Dachi (Japanese for “Mass Attention”) is given and students come to Attention. Announcements, if any, are made and the class is saluted in.
- 10 – 15 minutes of opening drills are practiced. These drills include focus – punching drills, kicking & footwork drills, Chinese breathing exercises, select Forms/Kata.
- After Opening Drills, a call of Hit the Bags is given. The class moves to work on heavy bags and partnered focus mitts to train on various kicks and strikes. During this time the Instructor moves from student to student, working with a Hands – On manner, checking each technique personally and giving advice, encouragement, and working with each on their individual level.
- The rest of the class, at least 30 minutes, is devoted to various programs. Monday and Tuesday classes focus on Self Defense & General Techniques. Thursday and Friday classes focus on Forms/Kata & Fighting (see below for details).
- At the end of the hour, class is recalled to Line Up. A time is given for any questions or for the Instructor to make comments.
- Zokuji – Dachi is recalled. Any awards or promotions are made at this time. The class is saluted out and class ends. A moment is taken to communicate with parents … the next class is ushered in.
Teaching Style
All classes are taught with patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm. The Instructor does not yell and scream in simulation of an Army Drill Sergeant. Students are not ridiculed or punished for making mistakes in Kata, messing up a Self Defense Application, accidentally dropping a weapon, etc. All students receive Hands – On assistance, instruction, answers to any and all questions, and counsel for those who just need someone to talk to. Shihan Nelson’s favorite saying is: “Here, in class, is where I want you to make mistakes … not out there in the Real World where your life could be on the line.”
This approach is not to be confused with a lax, carefree setting. Hanshi Nelson maintains a well ordered classroom and is clearly in control at all times. His class control is based on people skills, strength of personality, and respect contingency rather than a shallow approach based on intimidation and fear factor.
Hanshi Nelson has a growing reputation as an Instructor who not only believes in his students, but instills that belief on a personal level. He intentionally keeps his classes at a workable size so he can maintain this personal connection.
Calisthenics
The Head Instructor, Hanshi Nelson, is a strong advocate of fitness, strength training, is a practitioner & advocate of The Total Gym, and offers counseling on weight training, correct aerobics, and health in general. But common calisthenics (push – ups, jumping jacks, sit – ups, etc.) are Not a part of regular classes. It is Hanshi Nelson’s belief that a Martial Art class should be devoted to Martial Arts, not exercises you can do at home. There are plenty of vigorous, martial drills which will warm up the student in a most efficient manner.
Self Defense
Self Defense is the back bone of the entire class structure. All Self Defense Techniques are based on Real World Solutions to such assaults that one might actually encounter. Up to Green Belt the student is always Assaulted from a Right Handed perspective. This is to acclimate the student to quick – reflex action in the classroom. At the Green Belt level the student must show efficiency with both Right & Left Handed perspectives, a different Self Defense Technique from each side.
Self Defense solutions are not set patterns which all must follow. Students are shown such working solutions as which would work best for that person’s particular build and physical ability. A student which comes from a different Style/System may demonstrate a Self Defense solution they know or have devised for a specific assault. If the Instructor deems the solution is viable to a Real World Setting, it is allowed. If it is not viable, it will be Proven so all can see why it wouldn’t work.
Assaults include Grabs, Intimidation Assaults, Rape Attempt (Female & Male), Static Knife Threats, Living Knife Assaults, Firearm Assaults, Baseball Bat/Club Assaults, and more.
One, Two, and Three – Step Sparring, the popular method of Self Defense for tournament stylists, is considered unrealistic and an ineffective manner for teaching viable Self Defense Solutions.
All Self Defense Solutions are taught from the Counter, Catch, Carry philosophy of Kuhasu Jutsu. This philosophy considers that there are probably buddies around, therefore grapples, locks, holds, etc are taught … but the idea is to get up as fast as possible. In Hanshi Nelson’s words, applying a Tri – Angle Choke to an assailant could “… get the stuffing beaten out of you …” while you are laying on the ground holding the other guy.
Upon graduation to Intermediate Level Green Belt the student will be skilled in Self Defense against 36 Real World Assaults. Upon graduation to Advanced Level Brown Belt the student will be skilled in Self Defense against 72 Real World Assaults. Upon graduation to Adept Level 1st Black Belt the student will be skilled in Self Defense against 108 Real World Assaults. After graduation to Adept Level, the student begins study of Tactical Situations from a Law Enforcement and Military Perspective, as well as Self Defense against multiple opponents with and without weapons.
General Techniques
General Techniques represent a variety of specific moves, holds, locks, throws, and hand strike variations relative to the Kuhasu Jutsu & Jiu Ling systems.
All students are individually coached, tried, and inspected in the action and purpose of each and every technique, Self Defense Application, transitory movement, etc. by the Head Instructor, personally. In short, an Instructor cannot know if a student knows a technique unless the student applies such technique to the Instructor.
Forms / Kata
The majority of Empty Hand Forms, and all Weapon Forms are blended movements of Chinese, Okinawan, and Philippine martial systems, unified into a unique series of instructional patterns. While Forms/Kata are considered important aspects of training, it is known that such things change with time. The Forms/Kata are not the prime criteria for rank advancement and are treated as Textbooks for teaching important Techniques and Self Defense Applications. A selection of Classic, Ryukyu Kata are available for learning after Intermediate Level is reached, but are not required for advancement.
Sparring
Randori Te is the primary sparring method practiced at the Academy. Randori is translated from Japanese as Free Exercise and is the Judo and Jujutsu equivalent to Free Sparring. Te is translated from Japanese as Hand and also refers to the Traditional Okinawan Martial Arts. Randori Te is a term formulated by Shihan Nelson to identify the nature of Kuhasu Jutsu unarmed sparring.
Randori Te combines kick boxing, joint locks, sweeps, throws & Greco Roman style grappling in a continuous sparring engagement. Rather than points or submissions, students are coached concerning strategy, bigger & smaller opponents, what does & doesn’t work in reality, and improvisation.
The level of contact and intensity is determined by Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Adept levels of skill. At Novice Level students begin with Cornish Style Wrestling (look under Dictopedia of the Main Menu) in order to learn how the body works. As the student progresses in skill, a wide variety of takedowns, sweeps & throws, acupoint strikes, ground fighting, and police restraining techniques are learned to round out stand – up striking strategies. For more of Randori Te see Kuhasu System in the Main Menu.
Studies in 9 Animal Quan Shu, Fencing, Archery, Trap – Boxing, Shoot – Fighting, Escrima/Arnis, Bo & Jo Jutsu, & Jeet Kune Do are also included in order to establish a balanced approach to Defensive/Combative Arts.
Point Sparring is viewed as a form of sport contest, laden with unrealistic rules and protective measures, safe and fun for trophy seekers, but will not adequately prepare a student for Real World encounters. Point Sparring is offered in Tournament Training classes, only.
Kicks
Most kicks in most schools are taught from the tournament perspective of Scoring that Point. A hard, fast technique is usually emphasized which puts much stress on knees and hip joints. No wonder that competitors are considered Worn Out and Old after 15 – 20 years of regular competition.
At the Academy, all kicks are broken down and carefully instructed … so the practitioner can utilize them for decades to come. Correctly taught, a kick should never cause pain or stress to any joints. It is the muscles which should be worked, not the bones.
9 Animals
9 different Animal Systems, with their corresponding Elements, are studied from the very beginning. Tiger/Fire/West, Dragon/Water/East, Eagle/Heavens (Sky) /North, Snake/Earth/South, Monkey/Thunder/NW, Praying Mantis/Mist/SE, Phoenix/Tempest/NE, Leopard/Mountain/SW, White Crane/Balance/Center. These 9 Animal & Element Systems are studied for Philosophy, Combat Strategy, Strengths, Weaknesses, etc. Many Self Defense Solutions include Animal Movements.
Breaking
If your Breaking Technique hurts …… you are doing something wrong. Anyone who tells you different either doesn’t truly understand the principles, or are trying to make themselves look tough in your eyes.
Breaking large stacks of material can be fun, if performed correctly. But the true purpose of breaking is not for trophies … but to show an understanding, skill and focus of specific striking techniques. A well executed Break is testament to precision timing, focus, follow through, clean speed, and energy transfer. Individuals who sit on slabs of concrete, slap through pine boards from push up positions, or other similar movements are just putting on a show.
27 specific Breaking Techniques are taught in the Kuhasu Jutsu system. These are not irrelevant, trick techniques … but legitimate strikes, all of which are fully functional in a Real World setting.
Demonstration of Breaking Techniques at the Academy are not required until graduation to the Adept Level of Shodan. Each student is personally supervised and instructed by the Head Instructor. Rhythm, timing, and breathing drills are practiced long before a piece of wood is struck. And contrary to popular propaganda, endless hours of callous building exercises are not necessary.
*** Note: To answer a frequent question of concern from parents … NO! Hanshi Nelson does not encourage Punching Techniques for breaking, and students under 18 years of age are not allowed to do so under any circumstances.
Test / Revue Standards
· All Tests & Promotions are determined by Skill & Attitude, not by Time – in Grade, School Politics, or Tournament Participation.
· There are no Time Requirements for Color Grades(Yellow Belt) – Kyu 1 (Brown Belt, 2 Tips).
· Upon attaining a 3rd Tip on the Brown Belt there is a 3 month Probation Period before Testing for Shodan. At any given time the student must be able to demonstrate any technique, Form/Kata, or give proper discourse on any article of curriculum up to the Shodan Level … or lose the 3rd Tip. Upon which the student must wait a minimum of three months to re – qualify for the 3rd Tip.
· Tests consist of an extremely thorough program including written, verbal, and physical examination.
· Only Tests include a Fee. The Fee includes Certificate and Belt.
· Tests are administered for Solid Colored Grades, and for Dan Levels (Black Belt).
· Revues do not include written examinations, do not include a Fee, but are no less important as they determine whether a student is qualified to learn new material.
· All Tests and Revues are conducted by Appointment on Saturday, with the exception of White Belt, 1 Tip, which is conducted in regular class.
· Testers may invite friends and family, or test alone.
· Advanced Brown Belt Revues are conducted Privately. First Chance Revues are Free of Charge. Failure of the Revue and the student must pay for the Private Class Time to Revue again.
· No student will ever be subjected to Test or Revue until both the student and Instructor feels they are ready. This takes the stigma of Forced Advancement away from the Academy.
· Any student who feels they are being held back, and have no Disciplinary Actions against them, have the right to Challenge for Rank. This means the Instructor must Test the student before witnesses within the week. If the student passes, the Test is free of charge. If the student fails, the student owes double the normal Test Fee. If the issue is a Revue, then there is a charge of twice the former Test Fee. In addition the student must wait a minimum of three months before next Test/Revue. In the case of an Advanced Brown Belt, the minimum time is one full year.
· *** Note: All Tests & Revues are codified, catalogued, and written in text format so that any can see what the Test/Revue consists of. Any student at any time can request to see what their Overall Test/Revue score was. An Overall Score of 3.6 is required to pass any Test/Revue with no Failing Marks (less than a 2) in any category. All Categories are factored on a 0 – 7 Scale with Whole and ½ Point Scores. Category examples are Fundamental (Novice Level) Kicks, Intermediate Self Defense Solutions, Advanced General Techniques, Base Grappling, Randori Te, Weapons, etc. The Scoring System is:
Ø 0 = No Functional Skill
Ø 1 = Poor
Ø 2 = Fair, Needs more work
Ø 3 = Functional, Street Effective
Ø 4 = Good, Solid Technique(s)
Ø 5 = Very Good, Polished Technique(s)
Ø 6 = Excellent, Textbook Quality
Ø 7 =Perfection
Rank Structure
· White Belt (Beginner)
· White Belt, 1 Yellow Tip (Revue)
· Yellow Belt (Test)
· Yellow Belt, 1 Black Tip (Revue)
· Orange Belt (Test)
· Orange Belt, 1 Black Tip (Revue)
· Green Belt (Test)
· Green Belt, 1 Black Tip (Revue)
· Blue Belt (Test)
· Blue Belt, 1 Black Tip (Revue)
· Blue Belt, 2 Black Tips (Revue)
· Brown Belt (Test)
· Brown Belt, 1 Black Tip (Revue)
· Brown Belt, 2 Black Tips (Revue)
· Brown Belt, 3 Black Tips (Revue)
· Black Belt; Shodan (Private Test)
Beyond Black Belt
There is a Curricular Program up to and including Kudan (9th Black Belt). Each Dan Level past Shodan includes Weapon and Empty Hand Study, Advanced study in Self Defense, Cultural Study and Research, and Alternative Healing (Chi Gong). Students who pursue education and licensure in Western style massage therapies will recieve credit toward Alternative Healing criteria. A Thesis and Dissertation is required for each Rank beyond Godan (5th Black Belt). The individual needs be active in instruction, ongoing martial development and cultural progression.
Recognition as Shodan does not automatically award the individual with Instructor’s Certification.
For more on the Instructor’s Training Course look under Kuhasu System of the Main Menu.
For more details concerning Kuhasu Jutsu look under Kuhasu System in the Main Menu.
Accreditation Programs
Other – School/Style students who wish to transfer to the Academy, but keep their hard – earned grade/rank, may arrange an Accreditation Revue. Upon passing the Revue the student may continue wearing their Belt in regular class. A wide, red tip with a white center stripe on the left end of their belt is worn, however, to show a distinction so visitors know the difference between students who have come up under Kuhasu Kempo Jutsu, and those who haven’t.
The student may choose two methods of Advancement at this point. They may hold their grade/rank until their skills in Kuhasu Kempo Jutsu catch up, and then progress onward under Kempo Jutsu criteria … or they can progress on under American Freestyle Karate criteria.
Through regular classes students may Test for Dan/Kyu Levels in the arts of Kuhasu Kempo Jutsu, Kizoku – Ryu Taijutsu, Mayuge Bo – Jutsu, Montana Azule Escrima. Current Academy students who wish to add a Sport Karate grade/rank to their repertoire may do so as well.
Additional training for other American Freestyle Karate can be acquired through Private Lessons, Semi – Private Lessons, or during Tournament Training classes.
· American Freestyle Karate …… The following is criteria for American Freestyle Karate Test/Accreditation (to join the Academy):
Ø One Form/Kata per Dan/Kyu …… minimum number of Forms/Kata: 2 Novice, 2 Intermediate, 2 Advanced, 1 per each Dan Level up to and including Rokudan (6th).
Ø At least an honest attempt to explain Bunkai (it is understood by the Academy’s Training Cadre that very few schools teach Bunkai any more).
Ø 10 Self Defense Solutions per Dan/Kyu …… a minimum of 20 Self Defense Solutions at Novice Level, a minimum total of 40 Self Defense Solutions at Intermediate Level, a minimum of 60 Self Defense Solutions Advanced, and a minimum of 10 additional Self Defense Solutions per Dan Level up to and including Rokudan (6th). ***Note: It is understood that many schools are weak in Self Defense. If the student doesn’t have know enough applications, they will be submitted to Assaults from Academy curriculum and allowed to do their best.
Ø Point Sparring …… Although this form of sparring is considered impractical, American Freestyle Karate is a Martial Sport format. Therefore Point Sparring is considered the standard, not Randori Te. The student will not be penalized if they are not highly skilled, as it is understood that many Tournament Schools pass over many students in favor of the most talented competitors.
Ø Kicking Techniques …… this is more to determine a students versatility, not their power delivery. It is understood that few modern schools use heavy bags. Therefore prospective students are not judged harshly in this realm.
Ø The Academy’s intent in the Accreditation Test is not to embarrass prospective students, but to get an honest evaluation of where they are at in relation to the Academy’s programs. In this way we know just how to work with the student on a personal level.
Established Criteria is available for new students who wish to either continue progression (in American Freestyle Karate), or for current students who wish to cross – rank in this direction. Shihan Nelson is currently qualified to award up to 5th Dan Black Belt and Title of Sensei in this program.
· American Karate Jutsu …… This established format is primarily for Other – School/Style Black Belts who are interested in incorporating the Self Defense System of Kizoku – Ryu Taijutsu with their own Form/Kata structure. This could be an established Form/Kata structure, and eclectic one, or even one of their own development. Interested individuals need make contact with Hanshi Nelson to discuss training possibilities. American Karate Jutsu is a sub – system of Kuhasu Jutsu, therefore Hanshi Nelson is qualified to award up to Kudan (8th Dan Black Belt) and Titles of Sensei, Shihan and Hanshi in this program.
The term Karate (in American Karate Jutsu) supports the original Okinawan interpretation of China Hand, not the 20th Century Japanese interpretation of Empty Hand.
Tournament Training
Tournament Activity is not required at the Academy. Nor is Tournament Sparring taught in regular curriculum. For those who are interested in competing at tournaments, specialized class times are set aside.
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