Shudokan Martial Arts Association

2012 SMAA Dues

2012-01-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

Please remember that 2012 SMAA dues should have been paid on January 1. We hope everyone is having a Happy New Year!

A Note from Ecuador

2011-12-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

The image above is of the iaido group of Neil Estrella Avecillas, an SMAA member in

Ecuador

. You can click on the image to enlarge it.

Mr. Avecillas writes, "The training here with my sensei and my partners always begins by paying proper respect to the martial tradition we practice. My sensei is strict about not allowing us to do something that disrespects the dojo or anything else. Courtesy is the most important thing during the practice, and our practice always begin with kihon ("basics"): footwork, arm work and leg work, which are important forms of fundamental training for beginners. "

"The style that is practiced by all beginners, intermediate, and advance students is the Seitei iaido of the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei. The intermediate and advanced students practice forms of koryu iaido ("ancient iaido") in addition to this style. The practice of kata is very important, and during the kata we always keep in mind that the technique has to be done perfectly. We avoid repeating kata mindlessly like a robot; before beginning a kata we visualize an imaginary opponent, and that opponent is the manifestation of one of our defects that we want to eliminate. For this reason and others, kata requires all of one's concentration and strict attention to details."

Thanks to Mr. Avecillas for the information about his iaido practice in Ecuador and the photo. We welcome SMAA members to submit their own images of budo training for this blog.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all our members for supporting the SMAA in 2011. We hope you have great holidays and a Happy New Year!

Missing an Issue of the Journal?

2011-12-08T11:19:00.001-08:00

If you do not receive the new issue of the journal within the next week or so, please write to hedavey@aol.com. There are usually two reasons members fail to get the journal: forgetting to pay annual dues and forgetting to let us know about a new e-mail address. Please remember that dues should be paid on or before the first day of each year, and we can't send you seminar information, newsletters, and our magazine if we don't have a working e-mail address. Your help with both issues is appreciated.

Swenson Sensei

2011-12-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Troy Swenson Sensei! Swenson Sensei, assistant editor of the SMAA Journal, just received nidan in the SMAA Jujutsu Division. Swenson Sensei devotes quite a bit of his time to editing and formatting the raw text he receives into what members eventually see in the SMAA Journal. He does this for free, and this is true of all SMAA officials as our group is a federally tax-exempt nonprofit corporation.

SMAA officials donate their time to the organization (although they may receive honorariums for teaching at SMAA events and be reimbursed for expenses). None of the leaders of the SMAA profit financially from their involvement in the group--a distinction that sets the SMAA apart from other martial arts associations.

As the result, the public and members can be assured that SMAA rank cannot be "bought" as is sometimes the case with other groups. They can be certain that the Directors and Advisors are working for the SMAA out of a genuine love of budo and koryu bujutsu.

Journal

2011-12-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

SMAA members will be receiving the new issue of the SMAA Journal any day now. This issue features a great article on the SMAA Europe Seminar that took place a few months ago. Suzuki Kunio Sensei, 8th dan in Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship and SMAA Senior Advisor, came from Japan to teach in England.

This issue also has part two of Teaching Karate-do to Children by Joe Rippy Sensei and Bill Kelch Sensei, along with Nippon Jujutsu: Origins, Myths, and Misconceptions by H. E. Davey. Jay Mijares Sensei contributed part one of a fine article called Shu Ha Ri, a fascinating account of his experiences studying Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu iaido with Guy Power Sensei. And Wayne Muromoto, a 6th dan in the SMAA Jujutsu Division and Takeuchi Ryu jujutsu expert, wrote Niko Niko Sensei about Takenouchi Tojuro Sensei, the 13th headmaster of the Sodenke Takenouchi Ryu.

The topics covered in the SMAA Journal and the information offered, along with the way in which articles are presented, is different from what is found in most mainstream martial arts magazines. If you want to read hard to find information about truly classic koryu bujutsu and gendai budo, join the SMAA and start receiving this important magazine today. Associate membership is just $20 (US) per year. Membership information can be found at www.smaa-hq.com.

Dues

2011-12-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Your SMAA dues for 2012 should be paid on or before January 1, 2012. Please send a check or money order to our headquarters in Michigan. You can also pay online with a major credit card. Drop by http://smaa-hq.com/payments.php and you can conveniently make your 2012 payment. All dues go to sustain the operation of our nonprofit organization.

Free Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts Classes!

2011-10-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, November 3 the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts will offer an introductory class in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with an introduction to Saigo Ryu martial arts. This event is FREE to SMAA members. The classes will take place at 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California, right across the bay from San Francisco.

The martial arts class is not required, and it will follow the Japanese yoga program, which starts at 7:00 PM. Since the Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu training will refer to principles of mind and body unification covered in the Japanese yoga class, everyone will want to participate in this first part of the evening. You can read more about both subjects at www.senninfoundation.com.

Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook. Preregistration is needed and easily accomplished. Just leave a voice mail at 510-526-7518. Give us your name and phone number, then indicate that you would like to participate in one or both classes. Let us know if anyone else is coming with you, and we'll see you on Thursday. Please arrive a few minutes early for general registration.

The classes will be taught by Troy Swenson Sensei, who has been studying and teaching at the Sennin Foundation Center for several years. He has teaching certification in Japanese yoga, and he received a black belt from the Shudokan Martial Arts Association Jujutsu Division. He is also the assistant editor of the SMAA Journal.

Don't miss your chance to learn how Japanese yoga and/or martial arts can help you realize better health, deeper calmness, and enhanced concentration in everyday life.

New Issue of the SMAA Journal

2011-10-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

The new SMAA Journal is out and packed with fun articles and photos. We’ve got some great excerpts from Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship, Nicklaus Suino Sensei’s latest book. You’ll also find a report from London about SMAA Senior Advisor Paul Martin Sensei’s seminar on the art and appreciation of the Japanese sword, and a detailed article about using the esoteric aiki principle in aikido, jujutsu, and other martial arts.

If you have not yet received the latest issue of the journal, it probably means we don’t have a current mailing address for you. Please send your correct e-mail address to hedavey@aol.com.

Not yet an SMAA member? You’re missing out on a great quarterly journal, one that’s packed with hard to find information about rare martial arts. Membership is just $20 (US) per year, and you can easily join at www.smaa-hq.com.

SMAA Europe Seminar with Suzuki Kunio

2011-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Bu

2011-10-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

"Martial" or "military." The Chinese character for "bu" has two components. One indicates a weapon, while the other means to stop or lay aside. Thus, bu has a different connotation than the direct English translation.--H. E. Davey, Shihan/7th dan and Co-director of the SMAA Jujutsu Division

Hayashi Sensei Teaching Aikido in Utah

2011-09-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Hayashi Sensei is a direct student of the famed Saito Morihiro Sensei, himself a senior student of the founder of aikido. Hayashi Sensei has received a sixth-degree black belt in aikido from the Aikikai World HQ in Tokyo.

She is one of the highest ranking female aikido teachers in the world. The SMAA is honored to have her as a member.

She is seen here teaching aikido in Utah (USA). Click on an image to enlarge it.

Thanks to Max Roach Sensei for the photos.

SMAA Europe Seminar

2011-08-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

The SMAA Europe Seminar is currently taking place under the direction of Suzuki Kunio Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor. Suzuki Sensei, a resident of Yokohama, is a direct student of the founder of Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship, and we're happy to have him in the UK. Thanks to the SMAA members in London for their help with this important event. We should have photos and an article an upcoming issue of the SMAA Journal.

Discover the World of Authentic Japanese Budo and Koryu Bujutsu

2011-08-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Don't miss your chance to be associated with some of the top teachers of modern budo and koryu bujutsu in the world today! International seminars, a great quarterly journal, membership certificates, rank certification, and member discounts are just a few benefits of SMAA membership. Dues are very reasonable and go to support our nonprofit organization. Drop by www.smaa-hq.com for more information.

SMAA Journal

2011-07-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of the SMAA Journal has been sent to members. If you do not receive this issue, it's most likely because your e-mail address has changed, and we don't have your current information, or you have not paid dues. If you fail to receive the new issue, send e-mail to hedavey@aol.com. If you'd like to get our quarterly publication, join the SMAA at www.smaa-hq.com. Associate membership is just $20 (US) per year.

Articles on classic judo in Japan, how to study budo, the esoteric principles behind kiai, the art of the Japanese sword, and ancient martial arts in Aizu are featured. Authors in the new issue are Wayne Muromoto, H. E. Davey, Nicklaus Suino, Paul Martin, and Mark Colby.

Free Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts Classes!

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 14 the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts will offer free introductory classes in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with a free introduction to Saigo Ryu martial arts. The classes will take place at 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California, right across the bay from San Francisco.

The martial arts class is not required, and it will follow the Japanese yoga program, which starts at 7:00 PM. Since the Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu training will refer to principles of mind and body unification covered in the Japanese yoga class, everyone will want to participate in this first part of the evening. You can read more about both subjects at www.senninfoundation.com.

Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook. Preregistration is needed and easily accomplished. Just leave a voice mail at 510-526-7518. Give us your name and phone number, then indicate that you would like to participate in one or both classes. Let us know if anyone else is coming with you, and we'll see you on Thursday. Please arrive a few minutes early for general registration.

The classes will be taught by Kevin Heard Sensei, who has been studying and teaching at the Sennin Foundation Center for nearly 30 years. He has Soshihan teaching certification in Japanese yoga, the highest level possible, and he received a sixth degree black belt from the famed Shudokan Martial Arts Association's Jujutsu Division. He is also a member of the elite SMAA Board of Advisors.

Don't miss your chance to learn how Japanese yoga and/or martial arts can help you realize better health, deeper calmness, and enhanced concentration in everyday life.

A Note to SMAA Members

2011-06-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

We have recently become aware of at least one other martial arts group that uses the acronym “SMAA.” Please note that the Shudokan Martial Arts Association is not affiliated with any other group or organization that uses SMAA to identify itself. Though we do not believe any careful observer would confuse our thoughtful, traditional approach with that of another organization, we suggest that you be sure to type in “Shudokan Martial Arts Association” when seeking information about our association. Our website can be found at http://www.smaa-hq.com/, and our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ShudokanMartialArtsAssociation.

JMAC Celebrates Five Years

2011-06-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Nicklaus Suino Sensei's Japanese Martial Arts Center will be celebrating his fifth anniversary, and SMAA members are invited to attend. Suino Sensei is the SMAA General Manager. Here's all you need to know to take part.

Where: Japanese Martial Arts Center
3853 Research Park Drive, Suite 110
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

When: Saturday, June 25, 2011
Starts at 3:30 pm

What: Celebration of five years at JMAC
- Promotion ceremony for successful test candidates
- Activities
- Potluck

The JMAC annual potluck has become world famous among those "in the know." Each year, the JMAC members have raised the bar by bringing better and more exciting dishes from their home cultures or old family recipes. Drop by and visit with other SMAA members. You can contact Suino Sensei for more information at shudokan@smaa-hq.com.

Iwasaki Soke

2011-05-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

Iwasaki Hisashi Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor, is the Soke (Hereditary Headmaster) of Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu. One of the highest ranking martial artists in Japan, he teaches and preserves a very rare and esteemed form of ancient bujutsu.

Suiei-jutsu is the age-old Japanese martial art of combative swimming. Unlike modern budo, such as judo, karate-do, or iaido, the old martial systems (koryu) were often sogo bujutsu. A sogo bujutsu incorporates a number of martial disciplines that are linked by a set of unifying principles as espoused by the art's founder. While not all bushi, or "warriors," studied every one of them, generally speaking there are 18 classical martial arts that often comprise bujutsu. Although the exact arts that made up the bugei juhappan, or "18 martial arts," varied according to martial system, and sometimes according to historical period as well, suiei-jutsu is often described as being one of them.

While not as widely practiced as swordsmanship, samurai swimming was often a part of the bushi's training. It was natural for the Japanese warrior to develop swimming skills in that the sea surrounds Japan, and combat could therefore potentially take place in water. Eventually, swimming and engaging an opponent in water reached a high level in certain clans of warriors. Depending on the speed, size, and depth of the water that was near a particular clan, different skills were developed. For example, some ryu of suiei-jutsu featured methods for swimming under water, while others focused on swimming in fast moving rapids.

Suiei-jutsu served various purposes, ranging from allowing the bushi to silently sneak up on an enemy, to floating for long periods, to fording strong rivers. Bushi needed to be able to swim while wearing armor, carrying flags, weapons, and banners; and they needed to be able to use a bow and arrow while almost submerged. Some ryu also featured grappling while in the water.

At present, suiei-jutsu is seldom taught in Japan. Most of its contemporary practitioners are studying it as a means of recreation, as a way of maintaining their health, and as a method of disciplining their minds and bodies. But make no mistake, the small number of suiei-jutsu teachers that are still extant have not forgotten the martial origins of this rare art form, and they are also preserving it as an important cultural property of Japan.

Iwasaki Soke is one of the people responsible for preserving suiei-jutsu, and he lives in Kyoto.

Ohsaki Sensei

2011-05-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ohsaki Jun Sensei offers a knowledge of traditional budo and Japanese cultural arts that is of great value to the SMAA. He brings over 50 years of martial arts experience to our association.

Ohsaki Sensei was born in 1948 in the Shibuya section of Tokyo. He was interested in budo as a child, and at the age of seven he started to study Kodokan judo. His instruction began at the Hatagaya Keisatsu Dojo, one of the numerous dojo sponsored by the Tokyo police department. These keisatsu dojo, or police dojo, are infamous throughout Japan for the severity of their training. His initial training began with soji, the ritualistic cleaning of the dojo. For some time, he was only allowed to clean and watch his sempai ("seniors") practice. Eventually, having proven his sincerity, he began learning safe falling techniques (ukemi) and later throwing and grappling methods.

In time, he completed college, became an automotive technician, married, and had two sons, one of whom has trained for many years in kyudo (the martial art of Japanese archery). He is presently the owner of an automobile repair facility. His judo training continued successfully throughout most of his life.

Eventually, Ohsaki Sensei also began a comprehensive study of traditional jujutsu and classical Japanese weaponry, which he has excelled in for many years. A member of the Kokusai Budoin's prestigious kobudo, or ancient martial arts, division, he has demonstrated Nippon jujutsu at the Kokusai Budoin Sogo Budo Taikai. This important budo exhibition takes place early each spring in Tokyo. (Japan's Kokusai Budoin promotes all traditional Japanese forms of budo and bujutsu, and it is active in a large number of countries throughout the world.) Besides budo, Ohsaki Sensei has extensive training in Japanese forms of meditation and healing arts, along with a comprehensive background in shodo, the art of Japanese calligraphy.

Otsuka Soke

2011-05-29T23:37:00.001-07:00

Otsuka Yasuyuki Sensei, the current Soke (Headmaster) of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu, is a member of the SMAA Board of Advisors. Meifu-Shinkage Ryu is based on Katori Shinto Ryu, one of Japan's oldest forms of koryu bujutsu. Meifu-Shinkage Ryu specializes in the use of shuriken (throwing stars and darts) and the fundo kusari, a weighted chain. Otsuka Sensei, a published author of budo books, is one of the highest ranking martial artists in Japan and one of very few people in the world teaching an authentic system of shuriken-jutsu. His desire to join the SMAA points to the value of the work our group is doing internationally to promote and preserve genuine Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu. He lives in Ichikawa-Shi, Chiba, Japan and teaches throughout Japan, Europe, and the USA.

The SMAA is active around the world and lead by both Western and Japanese martial arts experts. Otsuka Sensei joins a number of prominent martial arts teachers in Japan, who actively support our association and validate the ranks issued by the SMAA. Their presence in the SMAA speaks volumes about the importance of our group and the degree to which it is respected in Japan, the birthplace of budo and koryu bujutsu.

Suzuki Sensei

2011-05-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Suzuki Kunio Sensei, Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship Hanshi, eighth dan, and SMAA Senior Advisor is one of the highest ranking teachers of traditional martial arts in Japan, if not the world. He is a direct student of the late Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei, founder of Nakamura Ryu, tenth dan, and a former Living National Treasure of Japan.

Suzuki Sensei lives in Yokohama, and we are honored to have him on our board of advisors. He joins many other prominent martial artists in Japan, Europe, and the USA, who serve the SMAA without pay. Their devotion to budo and koryu bujutsu is the hallmark of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association.

Suzuki Sensei first started in budo with the study of Wado Ryu karate-do, training under legendary experts in Japan. He rose through the kyu ranks, eventually earning black belt degrees in Wado Ryu before deciding to devote all his efforts to Japanese swordsmanship. He has become one of the highest ranking teachers of iaido (battodo) in the world.

In addition to his training in budo, Suzuki Sensei has received high-level teaching certification in the ancient art of the shakuhachi flute. Long associated with Zen meditation, the shakuhachi is one of Japan's most important cultural arts. Suzuki Sensei feels that the study of such arts can aid martial artists in having a deeper understanding of budo. This viewpoint is shared by many of the leaders of the SMAA, which is why experts in Japanese yoga and meditation, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, brush calligraphy, and other disciplines can be found among members of the SMAA Board of Directors and Board of Advisors.

Suzuki Sensei's desire to join the SMAA validates the unique and important work our association is doing to promote and preserve genuinely traditional Japanese martial arts and ways. The presence of people like Suzuki Sensei and Omi Koji Sensei (former Japanese Finance Minster and member of Japan's House of Representatives) among our leaders gives added weight to the ranks that our members can receive from the various SMAA divisions. They also serve to further emphasize the international nature of the SMAA and our group's close ties to Japan and the classical Japanese martial arts community.

SMAA Journal

2011-05-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

We hope everyone is enjoying the latest issue of the SMAA Journal. However, some of the e-mailed journals bounced back to us. Please make sure we have your current e-mail address. If you have a new e-mail address, send it to hedavey@aol.com. We want all of our members to receive every issue of the journal.

What is the SMAA?

2011-05-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

About the Shudokan Martial Arts Association

The Shudokan Martial Arts Association (SMAA, Shudokan Budo-Kai) was founded in January 1994 by a group of martial artists who were concerned with promoting and safeguarding Nihon budo and koryu bujutsu--the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan. The original members of the SMAA were Karl Scott Sensei (karate-do seventh dan, aikido sixth dan), Nicklaus Suino Sensei (judo sixth dan, iaido seventh dan), H. E. Davey Sensei (jujutsu seventh dan), and the late Walter Todd Sensei (judo eighth dan, aikido sixth dan). From the original core group, the association has grown to include many of the preeminent practitioners of martial arts in and outside of Japan such as:

Otsuka Yasuyuki Soke (Headmaster of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu shuriken-jutsu)

Iwasaki Hisashi Soke (Headmaster of Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu)

Sawai Atsuhiro Sensei (Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu)

Suzuki Kunio Sensei, (Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu iaido, Wado Ryu karate-do)

Ohsaki Jun Sensei (Kodokan judo and Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu)

Cynthia Hayashi Sensei (Aikikai aikido)

Stephen Fabian Sensei (Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu, Toyama Ryu iaido)

Hunter Armstrong Sensei (Owari Kan Ryu sojutsu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu, Shindo Muso Ryu jojutsu)

Guy Power Sensei (Nakamura Ryu battodo)

Herb Wong Sensei (Shorin Ryu karate-do)

Mr. Dave Lowry (Shindo Muso Ryu jojutsu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu)

Mr. Wayne Muromoto (Takeuchi Ryu jujutsu, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido)

And many others.

The SMAA is a small, fraternal organization with a decidedly noncommercial outlook on modern budo and koryu bujutsu. It includes separate divisions for karate-do, aikido, judo, traditional jujutsu, iaido, and goshin-jutsu (modern self-defense systems stemming from budo or bujutsu). Both associate membership (without rank) and regular membership (with rank) are available to individuals sincerely interested in researching and training in the classical martial systems of Japan. Regular international seminars, e-mail newsletters, a quarterly journal, a blog, access to this website, and examinations for dan/kyu ranking are benefits of membership. All members are bound by the SMAA Code of Ethics.

The leaders of the SMAA all have close ties to the martial community in Japan, or they live in Japan. Although they are reimbursed for their expenses, they receive no salaries. Their rewards lie in the friendships that are born within the SMAA and the exchange of knowledge that takes place as the result of SMAA membership.

What's in a Name?

Shudokan means "an Institution for Cultivating the Way." (Do, or "the way," refers philosophically to discovering the right and natural way to live. It is the same character found in budo--the "martial way;" sado--the ""way of tea," i.e. the tea ceremony; shodo--the "way of Japanese calligraphy;" as well as the names of various Japanese fine arts.)

It is interesting to note that no martial connotation is found in the appellation Shudokan, no reference to karate-do is contained in the name, and the name is used on occasion by schools of Japanese cultural arts that have no connection to budo. Actually, any "do" form, ranging from judo to karate-do to iaido, or even fine arts such as shodo, could be considered a vehicle for cultivating the way.

The SMAA Mon

The emblem on this web site is inspired by the mon, or Japanese family crest. This general design was a collaboration between Michael Donnelly Sensei, H. E. Davey Sensei, and Kevin Heard Sensei. It was eventually incorporated into an official SMAA insignia, complete with English and Japanese lettering, that is used on SMAA uniform patches and other SMAA merchandise that members can purchase at our online store or via the online payments section of this website.

The SMAA mon has symbolic significance. The circle motif represents the martial artist's never-ending progress toward perfection, as once we start to travel on this circle, our path never stops. Notice as well the eight rings surrounding the central circle. Eight in Japanese martial culture has connotations of infinity, while the center circle symbolizes the individual martial artist, who resides in sea of limitless possibilities. He or she can only move in eight fundamental directions, whether attacking or defending (happo sabaki). Attacks can only be launched against the budoka from eight basic directions as well. And one's opponent can also be unbalanced at eight essential angles (happo kuzushi). Moreover, when wielding a sword or other weapon, the path of the sword will travel in one of eight primary directions (happo giri).

From judo to aikido to kenjutsu, the eight-way concept is a common and important idea. Yet, the eight circles are linked, thus indicating possible angles of movement that fall between the eight basic angles.

In this simple design, we're confirming an infinite potential available to individuals on the never-ending path toward perfection via modern budo and ancient bujutsu. In addition, the mon serves to remind SMAA members of the essentially circular movements of the arts they practice and the eight basic angles of evasion, attack, unbalancing, and weapon movement that are universal for most martial studies.

Objectives of the SMAA

To promote and aid in the growth of Japan's traditional martial arts and ways.
To assist the public in achieving spiritual growth and physical development through budo and koryu bujutsu training.
To further friendship and understanding between Asian and Western martial artists.
To establish goodwill and harmony among martial artists of various systems.
To offer Western martial artists access to legitimate budo and koryu bujutsu organizations and teachers in Japan.
To give practitioners of authentic budo and koryu bujutsu recognition for their years of devotion to these arts.

Meifu Shinkage Ryu Seminar in Japan

2011-05-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

From May 20 through May 23, Otsuka Yasuyuki Soke taught a special international seminar on Meifu Shinkage Ryu. The event took place in Japan, with participants coming from Japan, the USA, Spain, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Denmark.

Otsuka Soke is a member of the SMAA Board of Advisors and the current headmaster of Meifu Shinkage Ryu, a martial system specializing in the use of ancient shuriken throwing weapons. He is one of very few people in Japan still teaching this rare martial art.

Want to join Otsuka Soke in the SMAA? Just drop by www.smaa-hq.com for membership information.

Paul Martin Becomes SMAA Senior Advisor

2011-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Paul Martin Sensei has been appointed to the elite SMAA Board of Advisors. Martin Sensei is a Japanese sword specialist. A native of England, he lived in Japan for many years, where he studied kendo, iaido, and several forms of ancient swordsmanship, including Ono Ha Itto Ryu. But his main area of speciality is the study, history, and appraisal of the Japanese sword as an art object. He is one of the world's foremost scholars of the Japanese sword, and we're honored to have him as an SMAA member.

Martin Sensei has studied under top sword appraisal experts, sword smiths, and sword restorers in Japan for numerous years, and this is to say little of his budo background. He maintains a fascinating website www.thejapanesesword.com and he is the author of The Japanese Sword Guide to Nyusatsu Kantei, which can be purchased at his site. He has been featured on the BBC, BBC Radio 4, the History Channel, Los Angeles JATV, and Japan's NHK TV. He has been interviewed in Tokyo Metropolis Magazine, The Daily Yomiuri newspaper, and Asahi Weekly in Japan. You can see video of many of these interviews at the site above.

Martin Sensei will be contributing articles for the SMAA Journal about the Japanese sword as an art object, its valuation and appraisal, and its history. He provides a unique perspective on the sword and budo, as he is both a martial artist and a sword scholar.

Kevin Heard Receives Sixth Dan

2011-04-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Kevin Heard Sensei, a member of the SMAA Board of Advisors, was recently approved by the SMAA Jujutsu Division for promotion to rokudan. This makes him one of the highest ranking jujutsu teachers in our association.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Heard Sensei has been studying Japanese cultural and martial arts for nearly 30 years. He holds teaching licenses in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a form of Japanese yoga, as well as related healing arts. He also holds the rank of menkyo chudan (a traditional teaching license roughly equivalent to fourth through sixth dan in modern ranking systems) in Saigo Ryu martial arts.

Heard Sensei and his wife were the first official members of the SMAA, joining not long after the group was launched by the late Walter Todd Sensei, Nicklaus Suino Sensei, Karl Scott Sensei, and H. E. Davey. He is also the former assistant editor for the SMAA Journal and the former webmaster/creator of the SMAA website. He currently holds Fuku-shihan teaching certification from the SMAA Jujutsu Division.

He has also received rank and teaching licenses from the Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo divisions of the Kokusai Budoin, an elite international martial arts federation headquartered in Tokyo. He has demonstrated aiki-jujutsu several times at the Kokusai Budoin Sogo Budo Taikai, held annually in Tokyo. He was, moreover, a featured instructor at the first SMAA Seminar & Conference ever held, and he has taught at SMAA events in Michigan as well.

Mr. Heard earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of California at Berkeley. After working in the software development industry, he returned to the University to become Director of Computing and Information Services for UCB's School of Information. His professional interests include UNIX/Linux system administration, building information systems based on open standards, open source software, and privacy and security in the digital age. He is co-author of Mastering Netscape SuiteSpot 3 Servers (Sybex).

The SMAA Directors and Advisors congratulate Heard Sensei for attaining this high rank.

SMAA Europe Seminar with Suzuki Kunio Sensei

2011-04-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Great news! John Evans Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor, will host an official SMAA Europe Seminar in London this summer. The featured instructor will be Suzuki Kunio Sensei, Hanshi and eighth dan in Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship. Suzuki Sensei is one of the highest ranking martial artists in Japan, if not the world, and he is a direct student of the founder of Nakamura Ryu. He is also a member of the elite SMAA Board of Advisors and one of several SMAA officials living in Japan. This is the first time Suzuki Sensei will teach at an SMAA event.

SMAA members will receive a 10% discount on this two day August event. Attendance is limited, so get your registration form and fee in early. Don't miss your chance to study the art of the samurai sword with one of the top teachers in the SMAA. Here's all you need to get started:

SMAA Europe Seminar

Subject: Nakamura Ryu battodo

Teacher: Suzuki Kunio Sensei, Hanshi/eighth dan

Dates & Times: 20th /21st August, 10am -5pm (both days)

Location: City of London Academy, Islington

Prebend Street, Islington London, N1 8PQ

Cost: £120 (including test cutting materials)

Contact: E-mail John Evans Sensei at info@battodo-fudokan.co.uk for registration materials.

The Art of the Japanese Sword DVD

2011-04-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Art of the Japanese Sword

The Japanese sword … prized as much for its exceptional beauty as for it’s deadly cutting ability. It has endured for a thousand years as the pinnacle of Japanese culture. Now you can enter a world rarely seen by outsiders, and experience the true story of the Art of the Japanese Sword. The story is told in the swordsmiths own words, separating the myth from the fact, and following the swordsmiths dream of creating a masterpiece beginning with the quest of making an ancient steel to forging a blade equal to those of the Kamakura, a medieval period that produced the greatest swords in history.

For the martial artist the Japanese sword is a precise cutting weapon and symbol of the samurai. For the collector, it is an art form whose beauty is derived from its deadly function to cut. As our story of the Japanese sword unfolds, we bring together all the artists and craftsmen whose skills turn it into both a modern work of art and awindow into the past. Packed with never before seen footage, filmed throughout Japan with the very best swordsmiths and craftsmen who are the absolute masters of their art … the art of the Japanese sword filmed by Jon Braeley in association with Paul Martin. Paul Martin, a leading Japanese sword expert and SMAA member, was given unrestricted access to film inside the forges, workshops and Shinto shrines and museums. Featuring Japan’s top swordsmiths: Kawachi Kunihira, Matsuda Tsuguyasu and Manabe Sumihira and many more.

Price $24.95 + $3.99 p+p. All regions, 85 mins long. Available from http://www.thejapanesesword.com/

SMAA Member Wins Silver Medal

2011-04-08T02:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Brianna Campbell, a young American member of the SMAA, who recently won a silver medal in international judo competition at the Jita Kyoei Cup in Lima, Peru! Although the SMAA stresses judo as a traditional martial art, members of the SMAA Judo Division are free to compete, and many members are top judo atheletes. Join the SMAA at www.smaa-hq.com.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts go out to our friends and teachers in Japan, which was recently hit by a large earthquake and tsunami. We hope all our friends are OK, and we hope you will donate to help people in Japan. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can go to http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/.

SMAA Karate-do Division

2011-03-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

Shimabukuro Eizo, Shorin Ryu karate-do 10th dan

and teacher of Karl Scott,

SMAA Karate-do Division Director

Herbert Wong, karate-do 8th dan and

SMAA Senior Advisor, with his teacher

Shimabukuro Eizo

Suzuki Kunio, SMAA Senior Advisor

and Wado Ryu karate-do expert

Karate-do is a martial art developed in Okinawa from indigenous fighting methods and Chinese martial systems. It is primarily a striking art using punching, kicking, as well as knee and elbow strikes. Grappling, joint locking, throws, and chokes are also taught in some styles (ryu). Karate-do means “the way of the empty hand,” although its original meaning was “Chinese hand.” Traditional karate-do contains elements of physical, mental, and spiritual training.

It was introduced to Japan by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei (1868-1957), where it developed sport aspects. Today, karate-do is practiced in nearly every nation, and a large number of Okinawan and Japanese versions have been developed.

The SMAA Karate-do Division is open to any form of classical karate-do, which has a linage that can be traced to a Japanese founder. This division is lead by Karl Scott Sensei (SMAA So-shihan and seventh dan). Scott Sensei has a lifetime of experience in Shorin Ryu and Shudokan karate-do. He trained in Okinawa under Shimabukuro Eizo Sensei (Shorin Ryu tenth dan), and in the USA under Ichikawa Isao Sensei (Doshinkan tenth dan) and Walter Todd Sensei (Wado Ryu, Shotokan, and Shudokan). Among the notable members of the SMAA Karate-do Division are Tom Kosslow Sensei, a seventh dan in Wado Ryu, Joseph Rippy Sensei (Wado Ryu sixth dan), Herbert Wong Sensei (Shorin Ryu eighth dan), Suzuki Kunio Sensei (Wado Ryu), and Hunter Armstrong Sensei of the Goju Ryu.

SMAA Jujutsu Division

2011-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Stephen Fabian, SMAA Jujutsu Division Director

H. E. Davey, SMAA Jujutsu Division Director

Kevin Heard, SMAA Board of Advisors

Ohsaki Jun, SMAA Board of Advisors

Wayne Muromoto, SMAA Board of Advisors

Jujutsu, the “art of yielding and gentleness,” is a collective name for Japanese martial systems including unarmed and armed methods. It is often regarded as the oldest Japanese martial art. Jujutsu developed among the bushi, samurai warriors of feudal Japan, for defeating armed and armored opponents, predominantly without using weapons. Due to the ineffectiveness of striking an armored attacker, methods emphasized immobilizations, joint locks, chokes, and throws. These techniques used an attacker's energy against him, rather than fighting it.

There are numerous variations of jujutsu, with a variety of different approaches. Jujutsu ryu (“systems”), however, all utilize grappling to a greater or lesser degree. Along with jujutsu, numerous older styles (koryu) use weapons. Many jujutsu ryu also include philosophical and meditative aspects.

The SMAA Jujutsu Division is lead by Stephen Fabian Sensei (SMAA Shihan and seventh dan) and H. E. Davey Sensei (SMAA Shihan and seventh dan). Fabian Sensei lived in Japan for several years, where he studied Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu directly under the 18th and 19th generation headmasters of this system. Davey Sensei began Saigo Ryu as a child and trained in Japan and the USA under top jujutsu experts.

The SMAA Jujutsu Division is open to bona fide forms of traditional and ancient jujutsu, which have a lineage that can be traced to a Japanese founder. Senior members of this division include Wayne Muromoto Sensei, Kevin Heard Sensei, and Ohsaki Jun Sensei.

SMAA Judo Division

2011-03-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Nicklaus Suino, SMAA Judo Division Director

Suino Sensei can trace his judo lineage to

Ito Kazuo, 10th dan

Ito Kazuo was a top student of Mifune Kyuzo,

10th dan and judo legend

Suino Sensei, judo 6th dan, performs okuri ashi barai

Kodokan judo, meaning “gentle and pliable way,” is a modern Japanese martial art and sport, which originated in the late nineteenth century. It was created by Kano Jigoro (1860-1938).

Its prominent feature is its competitive aspect, where the objective is to throw the opponent, immobilize the opponent with a grappling technique, or cause the opponent to submit via locking the elbow or a choke hold. Strikes (with the hands and feet)—as well as weapon defenses—are included, but only in prearranged forms (kata), and they are illegal in competition.

Traditional judo, as advocated by the SMAA, encompasses all of these elements, along with a study of judo’s spiritual basis and its philosophical application to life. The SMAA Judo Division is lead by Nicklaus Suino Sensei, who began judo as a child, and who studied in Japan under leading judo exponents. His lineage can be traced from Sato Shizuya Sensei (ninth dan) to Ito Kazuo Sensei (tenth dan) and Mifune Kyuzo Sensei (tenth dan), and finally to Kano Sensei himself.

Suino Sensei’s SMAA judo rank is Shihan and sixth dan. The SMAA Judo Division has members throughout North America and in Japan. Prominent members include Mark Colby Sensei of the Kodokan and Ohsaki Jun Sensei, who has over 50 years of budo and judo experience.

SMAA Iaido Division

2011-03-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dave Lowry, SMAA Board of Advisors

Nicklaus Suino, SMAA Iaido Division Director

Suzuki Kunio, SMAA Board of Advisors

Wayne Muromoto, SMAA Board of Advisors

Iaido focuses on the drawing and use of the traditional Japanese sword. It is widely regarded as a form of moving meditation, and it’s practiced in several nations.

In the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten, Hayashizaki Jinsuke (Minamoto no) Shigenobu is credited with establishing an art in the sixteenth century that is practiced as iaido today. However, about a century before his birth, iaijutsu was developed by Iizasa Ienao, creator of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Both older and modern versions of iaido and iaijutsu can be found within the SMAA Iaido Division, which is lead by Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Shihan and seventh dan) and Guy Power Sensei (Shihan and seventh dan). Suino Sensei and Power Sensei both lived in Japan for several years, where they studied under top iaido experts.

Suino Sensei’s background is in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, while Power Sensei practices Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu. The SMAA Iaido Division, however, is open to any form of iaido with a legitimate lineage that can be traced to a Japanese founder.

Among the prominent members of the SMAA Iaido Division are Suzuki Kunio Sensei (Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu), Paul Martin Sensei (Onoha Itto Ryu), Mr. Dave Lowry (Yagyu Shinkage Ryu), Hunter Armstrong Sensei (Yagyu Shinkage Ryu), John Evans Sensei (Toyama Ryu and Nakamura Ryu), Wayne Muromoto Sensei (Takeuchi Ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu), Nyle Monday Sensei (Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu and Toyama Ryu), and Stephen Fabian Sensei (Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Toyama Ryu).

SMAA Aikido Division

2011-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Hayashi Sensei

Aikido is a dynamic martial art and form of spiritual training created by Ueshiba Morihei Sensei (1883-1969). It focuses on nonviolent throwing and pinning techniques, and in some systems the use of the sword and staff is included as well. In many aikido schools, it is practiced in a noncompetitive environment.

Since Ueshiba Sensei’s death, a number of high ranking aikido experts have created their own versions of this martial art. The SMAA Aikido Division is open to all genuine forms of aikido with an authentic lineage that can be traced directly to a Japanese founder.

This popular division is lead by Karl Scott Sensei, SMAA Shihan and sixth dan. Scott Sensei studied aikido for numerous years under several notable and talented teachers, including Tohei Koichi Sensei (tenth dan), Kai Kuniyuki Sensei (ninth dan), Shiohira Hideki Sensei (seventh dan), Toyoda Fumio Sensei (sixth dan), and Walter Todd Sensei (sixth dan).

Cynthia Hayashi Sensei is one of the prominent members of the SMAA Aikido Division. She is a direct student of the famed Saito Morihiro Sensei, himself a senior disciple of the founder of aikido. Hayashi Sensei received a sixth-degree black belt in aikido from the Aikikai World HQ in Tokyo. She is one of the highest ranking female aikido teachers in the world.

2011 SMAA Dues

2011-03-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the SMAA members that got their 2011 dues in early! If you have not yet paid this year's dues, please remember to pay annually on January 1. We'd like to avoid sending late dues notices as this costs our nonprofit association time and money. Your help with this is appreciated and you can now pay online at www.smaa-hq.com.

SMAA Jujutsu Division

2011-02-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

The SMAA Jujutsu Division is devoted to traditional Japanese jujutsu. All lineages must be traceable to a Japanese founder, and training must be conducted in a way that is historically and culturally authentic. Among the members of this division are Steve Fabian Sensei, 7th dan (Hontai Yoshin Ryu), Wayne Muromoto, 6th dan (Takeuchi Ryu), and other expert teachers of Nihon jujutsu. Learn more at www.smaa-hq.com

SMAA Budo Experts

2011-01-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

Some of the top Japanese and Western teachers of budo and koryu bujutsu in the world can be found in the SMAA. What's more, a number of advanced experts in other Japanese art forms, such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and Japanese yoga, are among the members of the SMAA Board of Advisors. Find out more at http://www.smaa-hq.com/.

Dues

2011-01-08T12:46:00.001-08:00

Winning without Fighting

2011-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

‎"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill."

- Sun-Tsu

Traditional budo teaches three ways to win:

1. To win after fighting

2. To win before fighting

3. To win without fighting

Each way of winning represents a more elevated level of skill. Of the three approaches, the last is the most effective. It is also the least understood and practiced.

Want to experience real Japanese budo, as described above? Join the SMAA. Drop by www.smaa-hq.com. Membership fees are more than reasonable and there are many benefits to membership.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

We hope all of the fans of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association Facebook page and the SMAA Blog have a very Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the SMAA members throughout the world for their interest and support in 2010. Thanks as well to all our friends for supporting this blog. We hope everyone has very Happy Holidays and a great New Year.

2011 Dues

2010-12-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

SMAA members:

Membership fees need to be renewed on or before January 1. Please send your yearly contribution to our headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Members receive discounts at SMAA events, our quarterly journal, and they are eligible to receive kyu/dan rank from our various divisions.

New Book

2010-11-14T09:07:00.001-08:00

SMAA member Max Roach recently had a book published called Japanese Swords: Cultural Icons of a Nation. We just got a copy of the book, so we haven't had a chance to read it yet, but the photos and presentation are great. You can check out the book's Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Japanese-Swords-Cultural-Icons-of-a-Nation/128441140520277

I'd like to have one of the leaders of the SMAA come to my dojo to teach and/or conduct testing. How do I do this?

2010-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Just contact the SMAA HQ, and let us know which teacher you would like to study with. We will then pass your request on to that instructor.

Many of the Directors and Advisors are willing to teach seminars an...d conduct testing for low fees--in some cases just for the cost of their expenses--to help spread high quality traditional budo. Each teacher has his or her own ideas about payment, but it is often easier to bring a top SMAA sensei to your dojo than you might think.

Members find that belonging to the SMAA offers many important and tangible benefits. However, perhaps the most important benefit is a chance to experience genuine Japanese budo, budo that has not been watered-down or Westernized, and such opportunities are more rare than the public might imagine. Moreover, competent teachers of these classical disciplines are equally rare to find outside of Japan, and we hope SMAA members will take steps to learn from the accomplished sensei in our group.

I'm a member, and I have not received a copy of the journal in some time. Why is this?

2010-11-07T12:13:00.001-08:00

Did your home address or e-mail address change? Did you let us know well in advance that you would be moving? If not, this can easily explain why you are not receiving anything from us. If your e-mail address changes, please promptly ...send the new address to hedavey@aol.com.

Have you made your annual donation to the SMAA, which is due on January 1 of each year? Since we are a small, traditional, and fairly non-commercial association, we cannot send copies of the journal to members who are not contributing to the financial maintenance of the SMAA.

July 2010 SMAA Michigan Seminar

2010-10-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

Nicklaus Suino Sensei, SMAA Judo Division Director and sixth dan, offered a special summer event focused on traditional Kodokan judo. He taught the following judo throws:

• Seoi Nage (“Shoulder Throw”)

• Harai Goshi (“Sweeping Hip Throw”)

• Uchi Mata (“Inner Thigh Throw”)

• De Ashi Barai (“Advancing Foot Sweep”)

• O Soto Gari (“Major Outside Reap”)

Suino Sensei showed how these techniques can be used effectively in competition, but also in self-defense. Instruction was offered for both beginners and advanced judoka.

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Who: Nicklaus Suino Sensei—http://smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=3

What: Kodokan judo

When: July 16, 17, and 18, 2010

Theme: “Judo: Five Throws You Absolutely, Positively Can’t Live Without”

Schedule: July 16 (7:00 to 9:00 PM), July 17 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:30 to 7:30 PM), July 18 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:30 to 5:30 PM, Dinner/party from 5:30 PM on)

Thanks to the SMAA members that participated. SMAA Seminars are always a great way to make new friends and learn from some of the top budo experts in the world. And as always, SMAA members receive special discounts at these events.

2010-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have dojo charters or dojo memberships?

No.

We deal with every member as an individual, and we collect only modest dues from each member. Members need not pay any sort fee, annually or otherwise, to have their dojo registered with the SMAA. In short, we recognize individuals not schools.

2010-10-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

I visited the dojo of a person claiming to be affiliated with the SMAA. Can you help me verify his level of teaching certification and rank?

Yes. We have accurate computer records of our various members, past and present, as well as the ranks that each person has received from us. We cannot, on the other hand, verify ranking that one of our members may have received from another organization.

Help Briana Campbell

2010-10-21T21:49:00.001-07:00

One of our young SMAA members, Briana Campbell, has been selected as a competitor to represent the USA at an international judo competition in Lima, Peru next month! The competition is the 2010 Jita Kyoei Cup and International Regatas Lima Cup, November 12-14.

The cost to send Briana and her father to Peru will be substantial. We hope you'll consider helping to support Briana's efforts by making a donation toward her travel expenses. You can donate to the Shudokan Martial Arts Association [SMAA], which has agreed to support this fund-raising project.

To donate, please visit http://smaa-hq.com/payments.php and click on the "donate" button under "Donation for Briana Campbell."

The SMAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, so your donation is tax deductible. To receive a letter from the SMAA acknowledging your donation (for your taxes), please be sure to include your complete name and address in the "special instructions to the seller" field.

Who can qualify to be a Regular Member of the SMAA?

2010-10-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Otsuka Yasuyuki Sensei, Soke of Meifu Shinkage Ryu

and SMAA Senior Advisor

Regular Members are individuals that have received dan or kyu rank from our group. To receive such rank, you can be tested by an SMAA certified teacher that you are studying under, who will help you submit the necessary paperwork and fees to the SMAA HQ, where a final determination will be made regarding your rank and/or teaching certification. This is the simplest way to join the SMAA as a Regular Member.

If you are not studying directly under an SMAA teacher, you can visit the membership information section of www.smaa-hq.com to learn about the qualifications for receiving rank and/or teaching certification. While there, you can download a membership application, which you will need to send to the SMAA HQ, along with an examination fee, a resume, photocopies of past rank certificates, and information about yourself and your training history. A DVD or videotape of you performing budo will also be needed.

Depending on what association certified your past rank, an in-person examination may be required. This is often the case for individuals that have not received previous ranking from a recognized Japan-based association or a Western group that is directly affiliated with these types of Japanese organizations. Examples of recognized budo associations are the Kodokan for judo or the Aikikai for aikido.

Does the SMAA endorse martial arts instruction provided by Associate Members?

2010-10-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Mr. Dave Lowry, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu expert,

author, and SMAA Senior Advisor

We greatly value the support of the Associate Members of our group. Nevertheless, since we have not certified them as teachers, we have not authenticated their backgrounds, examined their technical prowess, or tested their accurate understanding of budo history, philosophy, and theory. As the result, we cannot endorse or vouch for their statements or activities.

Again, anyone can join the SMAA as an Associate Member and learn more about budo and koryu bujutsu from our teachers, journal, blog, seminars, and website. This includes people that have never studied a Japanese martial art and teachers of martial systems of American, Chinese, Korean, or other origin.

Who can qualify to be an Associate Member of the SMAA?

2010-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Suzuki Kunio Sensei, iaido Hanshi/hachidan

and SMAA Senior Advisor

The short answer is that anyone who sends in a membership application and yearly dues can join the SMAA as an Associate Member. They will receive our quarterly journal, seminar discounts, access to our website, and an Associate Member certificate. They do not, however, receive (dan or kyu) rank certificates or teaching certification from our group.

About the SMAA

2010-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

When the SMAA was first created, it was launched with the objective of educating the public about the true nature of authentic forms of Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu. Since accurate information about these Asian arts was (and still is) often unavailable and/or incorrect in the West, we wanted to certify competent, knowledgeable teachers of genuine Japanese martial arts, and we wanted to offer factual written information about the bona fide history, philosophy, and techniques of traditional budo via the SMAA Journal and our website.

Because our objectives are educational in nature, we have always had an open door membership policy--anyone interested in learning more about budo and koryu bujutsu can join our group. However, it is important to note that there are two distinct levels of membership in the SMAA--Associate Member and Regular Member.

SMAA California Seminar

2010-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

John Evans Sensei just taught a seminar in the San Francisco Bay Area that focused on Nakamura Ryu sword arts and tanren, a yoga-like synthesis of Japanese spiritual disciplines. Thanks to all the SMAA members that participated, including Bill Kelch Sensei, who came all the way from Tennessee to train with Mr. Evans.

We hope to see everyone at the next SMAA event this November in the Bay Area. It will focus on Japanese healing arts and martial arts, and it will be taught by SMAA Primary Director H. E. Davey. For more information, send e-mail to hedavey@aol.com.

Otsuka Yasuyuki, Soke of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu shuriken-jutsu and SMAA Senior Advisor, Teaching in the USA

2010-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

More Photos of Otsuka Soke

2010-08-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Want to see more cool photos of Otsuka Yasuki Sensei demonstrating shuriken-jutsu? Drop by www.facebook.com/ShudokanMartialArtsAssociation and check out our new Facebook album devoted to Otsuka Soke, SMAA Senior Advisor. We've also got some nice videos of him and his students throwing shuriken and using the fundo kusari, a weighted chain. Become a fan of the SMAA Facebook page and keep up on all the latest SMAA events, news, videos, and photos.

Otsuka Yasuyuki Soke joins the SMAA

2010-07-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

Great news! Otsuka Yasuyuki Sensei of Japan has joined the SMAA. Otsuka Sensei is the current headmaster (soke) of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu, a system focusing on ancient samurai weapons. In particular, throwing stars and darts (shuriken) and the weighted chain are featured in this ryu. Otsuka Soke is now a member of the SMAA Board of Advisors.

Otsuka Soke is the creator of Japanese language books and DVDs on this art, and he's widely known in Japan as being one of only a handful of people left that practice shuriken-jutsu. Otsuka Soke is one of Japan's top martial artists, and his presence in the SMAA indicates the value teachers in Japan place on this association. He is one of several revered Japanese sensei that are members of the SMAA.

You can also be a member of this elite association. Join today at www.smaa-hq.com.

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 4

2010-07-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Above are miscellaneous images from the June SMAA California Seminar. Attending the seminar were:

* H. E. Davey (SMAA Primary director, Co-director of the SMAA Jujutsu Division, and SMAA Journal editor)

* Kevin Heard Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor)

* Ann Harue Kameoka Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor)

*Troy Swenson Sensei (SMAA Journal assistant editor)

You can view a photo album with more and different images at the SMAA Facebook page.

Attendance at SMAA events is deliberately kept small to insure high quality instruction and the prices for our seminars are always reasonable. We've got more events coming up in 2010, in the USA and other countries, and if you've never been to an SMAA Seminar, you're missing out on a lot of fun and high-level budo training. You can read more about upcoming seminars at our Facebook page, on this blog, in the latest issue of the SMAA Journal, and at www.smaa-hq.com. We hope to see you at one of our future events.

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 3

2010-07-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Once students at the seminar had a chance to try unarmed Saigo Ryu techniques, H. E. Davey showed how similar techniques could be applied while holding a hanbo. The hanbo is a three-foot stick, and in Saigo Ryu it is used to create additional pain and leverage. Saigo Ryu hanbojutsu techniques are thus related to the art's jujutsu movements and the two disciplines are typically taught in conjunction with each other.

June SMAA California Seminar--Part 2

2010-07-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Students at the SMAA California Seminar practiced Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. SMAA members of all ages participated. Pinning methods (katame waza) and throws (nage waza) were taught on Saturday and Sunday. Sitting techniques (zagi) and standing techniques (tachi waza) were both covered, as were techniques for dealing with more than one opponent. H. E. Davey, SMAA Jujutsu Division seventh dan, stressed how to yield to an attacker's force for greater effectiveness and how coordination of mind and body can result in more effective martial arts techniques.

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 1

2010-07-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone had fun at the SMAA California Seminar in June. Training on Saturday and Sunday kicked off with instruction in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga. Stretching exercises for health and meditation were featured, but H. E. Davey, the primary instructor at the seminar, especially emphasized how to coordinate mind and body in any activity. Coordination of mind and body, as taught in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, aims at helping people realize their full potential in daily life, but many of this art's principles can be applied to the martial arts, resulting in greater balance, coordination, and power. How unification of mind and body related to budo was one of the main subjects covered at the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts, where the seminar was held.

SMAA California Swordsmanship Seminar: September 10-12, 2010

2010-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Seminar Instructor

John Evans holds seventh dan in Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship and was the first foreigner to train intensively with Nakamura Taisaburo Sensei in Japan where he lived for 11 years. He is the head teacher of the Fudokan school in London and his book Kurikara – the Sword and the Serpent will be released by Blue Snake Books in December. He is a senior adviser with the Shudokan Martial Arts Association.

The fluidity of Nakamura Ryu Battodo requires considerable skill and great power in the lower body to master the necessary transfer of momentum from one cutting movement into the next. This ability is learnt through correct tanren or conditioning which binds together internal and external power. This seminar will focus on the use of the tanrenbo to cultivate this ability and its application in kata, tameshigiri, uchikomi and kumitachi. Shibori tanrenbo can be purchased for use in the seminar. The tapered handle of the shibori tanrenbo develops correct tenouchi without muscular strain.

Lecturer (Saturday)

SMAA member Paul Martin, who is presenting the lecture and Q & A session on Saturday afternoon, is an accomplished martial artist and expert on the Japanese sword. In 1993 he joined The British Museum in London, eventually achieving his goal of joining the Department of Japanese Antiquities.

Paul left the British Museum in 2003 and relocated to Los Angeles, where in 2005 he curated an exhibition of modern Japanese swords (hailed by the Los Angeles Japanese Consulate General “as the first exhibition of its kind in America.”) at The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena.

In October 2006, he became the first non-Japanese to win the NBTHK Tokyo Chapter kantei kai (sword appraisal meeting). He continues to study the Japanese sword as well as kendo, iaido, Ono‑ha Itto Ryu kenjutsu, and battojutsu in Japan.

Schedule

Friday, September 10

19:00 – 21:00 Lecture on tanren and demonstration of its applications

Saturday, September 11

11:30 – 13:30 Tanrenbo and abdominal breathing

13.30 – 14.30 Lunch break

14.30 – 15.30 Lecture and Q and A with Paul Martin on swords for tameshigiri

15:30 – 18:00 Tanrenbo training and kata

Sunday, September 12

09:00 – 13:00 Tanrenbo training kumitachi and tameshigiri

Seminar Fees

Seminar and Shibori Tanrebo $220 (SMAA members $180)

Seminar only $160 (SMAA members $120)

Friday lecture and demonstration only $15

All seminar booking and enquiries: info@battodo-fudokan.co.uk

For enquiries about SMAA membership: shudokan@smaa-hq.com

Kurikara – The Sword and the Serpent

The Eightfold Way of The Japanese Sword

by John Maki Evans

(To be published by Blue Snake Books in December 2010)

This book sets out the eight components of training essential to complete Japanese swordsmanship. This is not a manual of a single system but indicates the principles that underlie all sword schools giving practical examples and anecdotes from the author’s wide experience. Battodo is currently the fastest growing Japanese sword art and the author was the first foreign student to train closely with Nakamura Taisaburo, widely acknowledged as the master of this field. This book also explains how inner power is necessary to achieve mastery such as Nakamura Sensei’s and how it can be systematically developed. This systematic approach is based on the authors training in Mikkyo (Japanese Vajrayana Buddhism) and shugendo (mountain asceticism).

This seminar is sponsored by the Shudokan Martial Arts Association

What is the SMAA?

The Shudokan Martial Arts Association (SMAA) is an international coalition of enthusiasts dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu. The SMAA is a nonprofit corporation, headed by an elite group of high-ranking Japanese and Western instructors whose backgrounds encompass many decades of studying and teaching the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan.

Who can join?

The SMAA invites all individuals who are interested in traditional Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu to apply for membership. There are two levels of membership in the SMAA: full members are eligible to apply for rank and teaching titles; associate members receive all the other benefits of membership, but do not receive rank or titles.

Location of the Dojo

The Alameda Aikikai Dojo

2025 Clement Avenue

Alameda, California 94501

USA

We hope to see many SMAA members at the lecture/demonstration and or the weekend seminar. Don't miss your chance to learn the art of the Japanese sword from one of the world's top experts!

SMAA California Seminar in June

2010-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

On June 26 and 27, the SMAA will offer a special seminar in conjunction with the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts. The featured instructor will be H. E. Davey, SMAA Primary Director and SMAA Jujutsu Division Shihan/seventh dan. The theme of the weekend will be “Japanese Yoga & Hanbo-jutsu.” Instruction will be offered in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a form of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with Saigo Ryu, a traditional martial art emphasizing jujutsu and several weapons, including the hanbo—a three-foot stick. The event will take place in quaint Albany, California, just across the bay from San Francisco. Instruction is open to anyone above the age of thirteen.

Through Japanese yoga, martial artists and average people alike can learn to manifest their full potential in a wide variety of situations. Instruction will emphasize how unique mind and body unification principles created by Nakamura Tempu Sensei in the 1920s lead to enhanced concentration, calmness, relaxation, and willpower in both life and budo. Since Mr. Davey will be showing how these principles relate to budo, attending the Japanese yoga and meditation training is required for this event.

Saigo Ryu training will focus on the wide variety of dynamic throws and distinctive immobilizations that can be performed with the hanbo. Think of it as “jujutsu with a stick.” Sign up soon to enjoy fun and vigorous training in a martial art that’s seldom taught in a seminar format. This is a rare opportunity to practice an authentic system of traditional hanbo-jutsu as it’s been taught in

Japan

But more than this, the SMAA California Seminar is your chance to learn how unification of mind and body principles can lead to greater power, balance, and grace in hanbo-jutsu and other martial arts as well. Discover how coordination of mind and body leads to effortless effectiveness in self-defense and daily life.

Classes will be offered in a time-honored Japanese atmosphere, and Mr. Davey’s classical dojo is traditional in appearance and intimate in size. Attending these classes as special guest teachers will be at least three SMAA Senior Advisors: Kevin Heard Sensei, Ann Kameoka Sensei, and Ohsaki Jun Sensei. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly suggested.

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Book your flight and make your hotel reservations early. Plenty of time has been built into the schedule to allow for sightseeing and fun.

Mr. Davey and the various attending instructors look forward to offering you a life-altering experience in June, an event that will present new ways of approaching budo and daily living. The various attending SMAA officials are hoping to make new friends and meet old training partners at the SMAA California Seminar.

When:

Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27

Where:

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts

1053 San Pablo Ave.

Albany, CA 94706

USA

www.senninfoundation.com

http://senninfoundation.blogspot.com/

Who:

H. E. Davey (Featured instructor for Japanese yoga/meditation and Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/davey.php)

Kevin Heard Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/heard.php)

Ann Kameoka Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/kameoka.php)

Ohsaki Jun Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/ohsaki.php)

Schedule:

Saturday, June 26

8:45 to 9:45 AM (Introduction to Japanese yoga and meditation principles. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)

10:00 to 11:30 AM (Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu. Wear a white gi.)

11:45 AM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Sunday, June 27

8:45 to 10:15 AM (Meditation in Japanese yoga, martial arts, and daily life. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu. Wear a white gi.)

12:15 PM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Cost:

General Public—$60 for all Japanese yoga and martial arts classes

SMAA Members--$40 for all Japanese yoga and martial classes (Save $20!)

Hanbo—$14.99 with tax included.

Housing and Meals:
Albany is located in the East Bay, across from San Francisco, and next to Berkeley. Restaurants are widely available, as are hotels.

A Holiday Inn can be found in nearby Berkeley, just minutes from the dojo (http://www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/bekca?&cm_mmc=mdp=true, Telephone: 1-877-863-4780).

The Hotel Durant is also located in Berkeley (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/durant/, Telephone: 510-845-8981).

Motels for almost every budget can be found by searching the Internet, so be sure to check around for the best possible deal.

Registration:

Space is extremely limited for all sessions. Contact Mr. Davey soon to reserve your place. The SMAA, the Sennin Foundation Center, and H. E. Davey reserve the right to close registration at any time, once all available spaces have been taken.

A registration form was e-mailed to all SMAA members. If you do not have Internet access, we can also mail you a form. All fees and a completed registration form must be received by the Sennin Foundation Center two weeks prior to the seminar. It will not be possible to register after this date. Checks or money orders should be made out to Sennin Foundation Center. It will not be possible to register in person at the first class.

Map:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=1053+San+Pablo+Avenue&city=Albany&state=CA&zipcode=&submit=Get+Map

Visitor & Tourist Information:

Albany, California Visitor Information: http://www.albanychamber.org/

San Francisco, California Visitor Information: http://sfo.web.infoseek.co.jp/

Airports & Transportation:

San Francisco International Airport:

800-435-9736 or 650-821-8211

http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp

Oakland International Airport:

510-563-3300

http://www.flyoakland.com/index2.cfm

Rentals car are available at both airports.

Contact Information:

H. E. Davey

hedavey@aol.com

510-526-7518

SMAA Aikido Division

2010-05-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

The SMAA has separate divisions for many of the traditional Japanese martial arts. Each division is lead by one or more Directors, each of whom have 20 years or more experience and the minimum rank of sixth dan (or a classical equivalent).

Aikido Division

Southern Michigan Martial Arts Summit

2010-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

SMAA official Nicklaus Suino Sensei will be a featured instructor at the Southern Michigan Martial Arts Summit on May 23rd. This event will not feature traditional Japanese budo, but instead will be a energy packed day of practical self-defense instruction. Details available at http://portfolioannarbor.com/SouthernMichiganMartialArtsSummit.html

SMAA California Seminar (2)

2010-05-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is the second SMAA Seminar that will take place in California in 2010. Don't miss your chance to learn Japanese yoga, healing arts, and traditional martial arts from one of the founding members of the SMAA. H. E. Davey is a seventh dan in the SMAA Jujutsu Division and one of three SMAA Primary Directors. Here's all you need to know:

When: Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21

Where:

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts

1053 San Pablo Ave.

Albany, CA 94706

USA

www.senninfoundation.com

What: Japanese yoga, meditation and healing arts; Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu

Who: H. E. Davey--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=2

With attending SMAA Senior Advisors:

Kevin Heard Sensei--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=11

Ohsaki Jun Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=18

Ann Kameoka Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=13

Theme: Students will receive instruction in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. The focus will be on Shin-shin-toitsu-do’s unique massage-like healing techniques. These healing arts are especially useful to martial artists, who often suffer from sprains and strains.

Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu training will use of many of the principles of mind and body unification practiced in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, and it will focus on dynamic throwing and pinning techniques. Don’t miss your chance to learn a rarely taught system of authentic Japanese jujutsu, while you explore the connection between Japanese healing arts and martial arts.

No prior experience is needed in any of the above-mentioned arts. It is important, however, not to miss the first classes on November 20, which will introduce the basics of these disciplines.

Contact Information: hedavey@aol.com, 510-526-7518

Cost: General public—$60 for all Japanese yoga/healing arts and martial arts classes, SMAA members—$40 for all Japanese yoga/healing arts and martial classes

Registration Deadline: A registration form will be e-mailed to all SMAA members. If you do not have Internet access, we can also mail you a form. All fees and a completed registration form must be received by the Sennin Foundation Center two weeks prior to the seminar. It will not be possible to register after this date, and space is limited. The Sennin Foundation Center reserves the right to close registration at any time when the maximum number of participants has been registered.

SMAA Australia Seminar

2010-05-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

This will be our first SMAA seminar in Australia. The featured instructor is John Evans Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor and Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship seventh dan. Don’t miss your chance to learn Japanese swordsmanship from one of the world’s leading experts in Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu iaido. Check out Evans Sensei and what he teaches at http://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/.

Where: Melbourne, Australia

Who: John Evans Sensei—http://smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=10

What: Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu sword arts

When: September 24, 25 and 26, 2010

Theme: “The Art of the Japanese Sword”

Contact: Telephone—0208-533-5553 (Great Britain), E-mail—info@battodo-fudokan.co.uk

SMAA Michigan Seminar

2010-05-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Nicklaus Suino Sensei, SMAA Judo Division Director and sixth dan, will be offering a special summer event focused on traditional Kodokan judo. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn the following judo throws:

• Seoi Nage (“Shoulder Throw”)

• Harai Goshi (“Sweeping Hip Throw”)

• Uchi Mata (“Inner Thigh Throw”)

• De Ashi Barai (“Advancing Foot Sweep”)

• O Soto Gari (“Major Outside Reap”)

Suino Sensei will teach how these techniques can be used effectively in competition, but also in self-defense. These are skills that can benefit people in every martial art, and extensive prior judo experience is not needed, as instruction will be offered for both beginners and advanced judoka.

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Who: Nicklaus Suino Sensei—http://smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=3

What: Kodokan judo

When: July 16, 17, and 18, 2010

Theme: “Judo: Five Throws You Absolutely, Positively Can’t Live Without”

Cost: General Public—$75, SMAA Members—Only $60!

Schedule: July 16 (7:00 to 9:00 PM), July 17 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:30 to 7:30 PM), July 18 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:30 to 5:30 PM, Dinner/party from 5:30 PM on)

Contact: Telephone—734-645-6441, E-mail—shudokan@smaa-hq.com

Location:

Japanese Martial Arts Center

771 Airport Blvd, Suite 1B

Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USA

Map: http://www.japanesemartialartscenter.com/location.php

Website: http://www.japanesemartialartscenter.com/

Free Classes

2010-05-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

On May 6, 2010 the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts in California will offer introductory classes in Japanese yoga and martial arts. The Japanese yoga class, which will start at 7 PM, will feature yoga and meditation principles. It will be an introduction to how these principles of mind and body unification can help us in Japanese yoga and daily life.

The class is free to both Sennin Foundation members and SMAA members. The instructor will be Kevin Heard Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor, who has been studying Japanese yoga, healing arts, and martial arts for over 25 years. He has a Shihan teaching license in Japanese yoga, a very advanced rank.

Following the Japanese yoga training, Heard Sensei will present an optional introduction to Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art. Since he will incorporate Japanese yoga principles of mind and body unification in the martial arts practice, participation in the preceding Japanese yoga instruction is required. Heard Sensei has an advanced teaching license in Saigo Ryu, and he has received a fifth-degree black belt from the Shudokan Martial Arts Association Jujutsu Division (www.smaa-hq.com).

If you and/or your friends would like to participate, please call 510-526-7518 (PM) to register. Then, drop by 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California at 6:45 PM. If you are not already a Sennin Foundation member, you will need to fill out a registration form and waiver. Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook.

After the class, you will have a chance to purchase related books and CD-ROMs, and you and/or your friends can also make arrangements to join the Sennin Foundation Center if you like. We hope you will make plans to attend this special event.

Suino Sensei Iaido Video

2010-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool YouTube video of Nicklaus Suino Sensei performing Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnnmiv1fkWM

Suino Sensei is a seventh dan and one of two Directors for the SMAA Iaido Division. He studied iaido in Japan with Yamaguchi Katsuo Sensei, tenth dan.

2010 SMAA Utah Seminar

2010-04-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

These are images from the 2010 SMAA Utah Seminar. Click on the photos to see a bigger image. The instructors were Nicklaus Suino Sensei, who taught Kodokan judo and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, and Cyndy Hayashi Sensei, who taught Aikikai aikido. To get all the latest SMAA seminar information and member discounts, join the SMAA. Visit www.smaa-hq.com.

"The Best of the SMAA Journal" CD-ROM

2010-04-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

To celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2009, the SMAA created a special CD-ROM that contained a sampling of some of the best stories and articles to appear in the SMAA Journal since 1994. We mailed this free of charge to everyone in the SMAA as a way of showing our appreciation to our members. Although our anniversary has past, it’s still not too late to get a copy of this CD-ROM, which is packed with hard to find information about budo and koryu bujutsu. For $8.95, plus $3.00 shipping and handling ($5.00 outside the USA), we’ll send you The Best of the SMAA Journal. Send your check or money order to the SMAA HQ. Supplies are limited to the number of CDs remaining.

A Note to Members of the SMAA

2010-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

We have recently become aware of at least one other martial arts group that uses the acronym “SMAA.” Please note that the Shudokan Martial ArtsAssociation is not affiliated with any other group or organization that uses SMAA to identify itself. Though we do not believe any careful observer would confuse our thoughtful, traditional approach with that of another organization, we suggest that you be sure to type in “Shudokan Martial Arts Association” when seeking information about our association. Our website can be found at http://www.smaa-hq.com/, and our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ShudokanMartialArtsAssociation.

The Sennin Foundation is on Facebook

2010-04-08T08:17:00.001-07:00

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts has a new Facebook page. This is the dojo of H. E. Davey, editor of the SMAA Journal. Want to learn more about traditional Japanese systems of yoga, martial arts, healing arts, and fine arts? Become a fan of the Sennin Foundation's Facebook page and get all the latest news and photos. Just drop by www.facebook.com.

SMAA Utah Seminar

2010-04-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

The recent SMAA Utah Seminar was a big success, and we'll have photos for everyone soon. Thanks to the SMAA members from California, Utah, Michigan, Colorado, and other areas that supported this event. And a big thanks to Nicklaus Suino Sensei and Cyndy Hayashi Sensei for teaching all the classes in iaido, judo, and aikido.

SMAA California Seminar (1)

2010-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

SMAA California Seminar (1)—June 26 and 27, 2010

When: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27

Where: The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts
1053 San Pablo Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
USA
www.senninfoundation.com

What: Japanese yoga & meditation, Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu

Who: H. E. Davey--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=2
With attending SMAA Senior Advisors:
Kevin Heard Sensei--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=11
Ohsaki Jun Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=18
Ann Kameoka Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=13

Theme: Students will receive instruction in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. The focus will be on unification of mind and body in action. Exercises will help participants to achieve deeper calmness, balance, and coordination in budo, but also in their daily lives as well.

Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu training will use many of the principles of mind and body unification practiced in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, and it will focus on the hanbo, a three-foot stick. Hanbo-jutsu, as practiced in Saigo Ryu, features dynamic throwing and pinning techniques using the hanbo for additional leverage and pain compliance. Think of it as “jujutsu with a stick.” (Hanbo can be purchased from the Sennin Foundation Center.)

No prior experience is needed in any of the above-mentioned arts. It is important, however, not to miss the first classes on June 26, which will introduce the basics of these disciplines.

Contact Information: hedavey@aol.com, 510-526-7518

Cost: General public—$60 for all Japanese yoga and martial arts classes, SMAA members—$40 for all Japanese yoga and martial classes (save $20!), hanbo—$14.99 with tax included.

Registration Deadline: A registration form will be e-mailed to all SMAA members. If you do not have Internet access, we can also mail you a form. All fees and a completed registration form must be received by the Sennin Foundation Center two weeks prior to the seminar. It will not be possible to register after this date, and space is limited. The Sennin Foundation Center reserves the right to close registration at any time when the maximum number of participants has been registered.

Suino Sensei & Traditional Judo

2010-03-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is the Director of the SMAA Judo Division explaining and performing classical Kodokan judo. Nicklaus Suino Sensei, and other members of the SMAA Judo Division, teach judo as more than a sport. For Suino Sensei, judo is a profound form of personal development that is also effective for self-defense. Suino Sensei will be teaching authentic Kodokan judo, as devised by its founder, at the upcoming SMAA Seminar in Utah. This is traditional judo as Suino Sensei studied in Japan.

More Images of Quinn Sensei

2010-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Quinn Sensei is a direct student of Nawa Yumio Sensei, the 10th generation Headmaster of Masaki Ryu. He received high-level teaching certification from Nawa Sensei, and he is the founder of the Masaki Ryu Bujutsu Kenkyukai.

Quinn Sensei is one of only a handful of people--anywhere in the world--licensed to teach Masaki Ryu. He lives in Virginia, where he teaches this time-honored martial art. The images above are of Quinn Sensei and Nawa Sensei on NHK TV many years go in Japan, Quinn Sensei at Nawa Sensei's grave, with members of the Tokyo Masakikai after training, and demonstrating Masaki Ryu kusarigama-jutsu. Visit www.smaa-hq.com to join the SMAA and start learning more about koryu like Masaki Ryu.

Images of Quinn Sensei

2010-03-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

John Quinn Sensei is a new member of the SMAA Board of Advisors. Quinn Sensei lived in Japan for over 20 years where he studied karate-do, jodo, and forms of koryu bujutsu ("old-style martial arts"). In particular, Quinn Sensei is expert in the ancient Masaki Ryu. The Masaki Ryu is perhaps best known for its use of the manriki kusari (weighted chain) and kusari-gama (chain and sickle).

The images above are of Quinn Sensei in his youth and today. Also included are photos of his teacher Nawa Yumio Sensei and Sano Morikazu Sensei (Masakikai Shihan).

SMAA Teacher has Book Published

2010-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kyle Kurpinski, a third dan in the SMAA Jujutsu Division, just had his first book published. How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution has been getting great reviews. Kurpinski Sensei also has a Shidoin teaching license from the SMAA Jujutsu Division, and he is a contributor to the SMAA Journal.

You can read more about his new book and him at http://www.kylekurpinski.com/.

E-mail

2010-03-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

SMAA members, please make sure we have your correct e-mail address. Without this address, we can’t e-mail you the SMAA Journal, and you won’t be able to receive our periodic "SMAA E-mail Updates." Do you have a new e-mail address? Have you sent it to hedavey@aol.com?

2010 Dues

2010-03-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

SMAA membership dues should have been paid on the first of January, 2010. Please make a point of sending your payment to our Michigan headquarters. Prompt payment helps the SMAA to run smoothly, and it reduces the amount of labor and cost associated with sending late dues notices.

An Article by Sawai Atsuhiro Sensei

2010-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

AUTOSUGGESTION IN JAPANESE YOGA & BUDO

My teacher Nakamura Tempu Sensei was the founder of the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. One of his central teachings was the use of autosuggestion to alter the subconscious mind and thus change negative habits. I learned various forms of autosuggestion directly from Nakamura Sensei, and I’d like to explain how they can help you to become more effective and cheerful in your daily lives as well as more powerful in your martial arts practice. But first, you’ll need to know a bit about the nature of the mind.

The Conscious Mind and the Subconscious

When we think in everyday life, this thinking takes place in our surface waking consciousness. We can call this surface awareness the conscious mind.Elements in surface consciousness are influenced by elements that are kept in the subconscious mind. The subconscious lies deep beneath the covering of the conscious mind, and we’re not typically aware of the workings of the subconscious during our waking hours. During our sleep, however, the subconscious rises to the surface and the conscious mind is moves into the background. This is why a number of authorities claim that dreams are a manifestation of the subconscious. More than just the motivator for our dreams, the subconscious is a kind of storeroom for most of the elements in the mind. If the elements stored in the subconscious are negative in nature, the conscious mind cannot think positively. If elements stored in the subconscious are positive, the conscious mind thinks positively. In short, the subconscious records past experiences, events, and especially feelings. The elements stored in the subconscious constantly influence our conscious thoughts, emotions, and actions. Even if we consciously try to be positive, we cannot easily do so if negative elements are in the subconscious. Elements in the subconscious minds of many people are negative, and this influences their conscious minds. As the result, they tend to think pessimistically. They are inclined to take a negative attitude toward anything. They are easily angered, complain often, and are fearful of even small matters.

Suggestions

“Suggestions” are sometimes defined in psychology as something that enters the mind and has an impact on it. Such suggestions are received by the conscious mind and recorded by the subconscious mind. When we see, hear, or say something repeatedly, these suggestions have a large impact on the subconscious. A happening that is dramatic or traumatic also has a great impact on the subconscious. Whatever is stored in the subconscious tends to have an unconscious influence on all of our conscious actions. There are many sources for these suggestions such as spoken words, letters in books we read, our behaviors and that other people. Any phenomena around us produce some suggestions that are recorded by the subconscious. We should be aware of what kind of suggestions we receive in everyday life. Such awareness is necessary, because both positive and negative suggestions exist. A positive suggestion influences the subconscious to be bright, cheerful, energetic, and brave. Negative suggestions do the opposite. Those who are weak in mind are inclined to accept negative suggestions and reject positive ones. Those who are strong in mind are not negatively swayed by discouraging events.

The purpose of the various forms of autosuggestion, or jiko anji, is to create a positive, vigorous, and powerful mind. Many people do not understand the nature of the mind. They may have accumulated numerous negative elements in their subconscious minds. These negative materials in the subconscious produce many negative habits like smoking, pessimism, insomnia, and others. Fortunately, you can readily grasp the relationship between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind if you receive clear instruction and information about this topic. So it is important to realize that we can easily change negative habits into positive ones. And this will allow you to quickly adopt a more positive mental attitude, which is also extremely important for success, health, and happiness.

I’d like to offer you four simple methods of autosuggestion:

1. Renso Anji

2. Meirei Anji

3. Dantei Anji

4. Hanpuku Anji

Renso Anji

Renso means “to think of things one after another.” Anji means “suggestion.”In Renso Anji we simply think of positive things one after another as we’re about to fall asleep. From the time we get into bed, until we are asleep, we must not imagine anything negative. In other words, avoid thinking of something that makes you angry, fearful, or sad. The surface consciousness blurs and the subconscious arises and becomes more active, when you are sleepy. So autosuggestion is easiest and most effective at this time. (Any suggestions we receive right as we’re about to fall asleep penetrate the subconscious more directly, in that they don’t need to filter through layers of waking consciousness.) When you are sleeping, the conscious mind is resting and the subconscious is active.

So, as previously noted, dreams are reflection of the workings of the subconscious, which is why some psychiatrists analyze dreams to understand the subconscious motivations of their patients. When we are falling asleep, we easily accept any suggestion into the many depths of the subconscious, because right before sleep, the conscious mind and the subconscious are in a process of transition. The most ideal time to positively influence the subconscious is, therefore, the moment before we fall asleep. If we think of positive matters one after another, they will enter the subconscious easily. And the content of our subconscious will gradually become more and more positive. In a few days or months, many people find themselves changed. One example of such a change can be found in the nature of their dreams. Why not have happy dreams instead of unhappy dreams? Budoka (“martial artists”) can try running through the movements of a kata, or prearranged “form,” as they’re falling asleep. Try to see yourself performing the kata dynamically and correctly. Although they are more highly educated than in the past, many people in modern times hold on to negative feelings like anger, fear, and sorrow. As the result, they weaken the mind’s power. Even rich people, who eat gourmet dinners, are often plagued by insomnia stemming from their fears and sorrows. Simply being well-educated and wealthy isn’t enough to guarantee happiness. For such people, the situation will not change until they change the nature of their minds. One way to do this is to change the nature of what they think about before falling asleep. Then they will sleep well. Deep sleep is very important. Sleeping lets us receive a great amount of ki, or “life energy,” from the universe. The time when we sleep is the time when we relax completely, and in a state of deep relaxation, the universe and the individual are closely united.

Meirei Anji

We can create a stronger form of autosuggestion by using a mirror just before falling asleep. It’s called Meirei Anji. Meirei means “ordering or commanding.” Anji means “suggestion.” In Meirei Anji, we utter a single simple sentence, which serves as a positive suggestion. Shortly before we speak this command to the subconscious, we watch our face in the mirror, or more exactly, we look at our reflected face between the eyebrows. Then, we speak to our reflected image and strongly order ourselves to become what we want to be. Examples of positive suggestions for Meirei Anji are:

“Your confidence will become strong!”

“You will not be worried about your illness!”

“You are not afraid to fall in jujutsu!”

You need not speak loudly, but you should be very serious at the moment you make this suggestion to your subconscious. Just one suggestion is good and effective. If you use many suggestions, they may confuse the subconscious. Quality is more important than quantity. Say it just once, then immediately go to sleep. Intensity is important. I hope you will soon feel the effects of Meirei Anji, but even if you don’t notice sudden results, I advise you to continue to practice it every night. Just as it took time to develop negative habits, it may be some days before you feel the effects of Meirei Anji. We have acquired bad habits over many years. It is unrealistic to expect these harmful habits to be gone instantly by using Meirei Anji. A French psychologist taught Nakamura Tempu Sensei this form of autosuggestion using the mirror. But he suggested we do it as often as possible during the daytime. Nakamura Sensei modified it and advised us to do it before falling asleep, because it is psychologically the most effective. Furthermore, Nakamura Sensei was skilled in shodo, Japanese brush calligraphy. Students, who want to improve in shodo, can use a sentence like this:

“You will become fond of shodo.”

This is more effective than “You will be good at shodo.” If we come to like something, we study it harder and naturally become good at it. Children that wet the bed during sleep can use a sentence like this:

“You will wake up when you want to urinate.”

People who want to correct their stuttering should not say, “Your stuttering will be gone.” Rather they should say, “You will not care about stuttering.”

A person’s psychological state and ability to speak are closely connected. If we stop worrying about stuttering, we often stop stuttering. The same can be said of many problems in life. We create problems by worrying about them. People who are ill should not say, “You will recover from the illness.” They should say, “You will not worry about your illness.” This is not to indicate that you shouldn’t get medical treatment, it is more an indicator of the psychosomatic effect of the mind. The mind controls the body; positive mental states have a very real impact on our health. The sentence we use for this autosuggestion should be an imperative form, not a prayer or a request. For example, “Your confidence will be strong” is an imperative sentence. “Please make my confidence strong” is more like a prayer or request.In addition, we must order ourselves (the face in the mirror) to change. We should use the word “you” instead of “I” in Meirei Anji for this reason. Don’t be impatient in practicing this method. Be diligent and keep going. I promise that the time will come soon when you can recognize the effectiveness of this method for changing your personality and habits.

Dantei Anji

Dantei means “affirm.” Dantei Anji compliments Meirei Anji. When we get up in the morning, we can respond to the previous night’s order that we gave our subconscious. We can, in short, affirm the previous night’s command we spoke to our face in the mirror. We need not use a mirror in Dantei Anji. Your sleepy face isn’t perhaps the best image of yourself or the first thing you want to see in the morning. If your suggestion the previous night was “Your confidence will become strong,” then upon waking say aloud, “My confidence has become strong.” In this way, we affirm the previous night’s suggestion.

Hanpuku Anji

You can repeat the same suggestion even during the daytime. Frequent repetition of a single suggestion is very effective, and you can do this mentally or out loud, with or without a mirror. Hanpuku means “repetition.” Again, work on only one suggestion at a time. Once you’ve boosted your confidence or stopped smoking, go onto a different suggestion.

Nakamura Tempu Sensei was a skilled budoka, with advanced training in judo and kendo. But his specialty was Zuihen Ryu batto-jutsu, a classical form of swordsmanship. Although his Shin-shin-toitsu-do is not a martial art, the methods of practice have been influenced by budo, and they can easily help budoka to become stronger and more effective. His methods of autosuggestion can aid budoka in overcoming slumps in training, remembering kata, and developing composure when engaging an opponent. Since the early 1900s, thousands of people in Japan have learned and benefited from these four forms of autosuggestion. I’m one of those people. Now that my colleague H. E. Davey Sensei is writing books about these methods and teaching them across the USA, I’m hoping many of you will achieve the same happy results. To learn more about Shin-shin-toitsu-do, pick up a copy of Davey Sensei’s book Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation. Japanese Yoga can be purchased at http://www.senninfoundation.com/, and I’m confident that it will help you improve your martial arts practice.

About the Author: Sawai Atsuhiro Sensei is a direct student of Nakamura Tempu Sensei, founder of the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. He holds the highest teaching credentials issued by the Tempu Society. He is also Professor Emeritus of English for Kyoto Sangyo University, and a Senior Advisor for the SMAA.

Sawai Sensei holds a Shihan certificate in Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu, the ancient samurai art of swimming and combat in water. This is the top rank in Kobori Ryu, and he has also studied Hakko Ryu jujutsu.

SMAA Web Site

2010-03-12T17:06:00.001-08:00

The SMAA web site, www.smaa-hq.com, is being updated. We've added lots of new photos of high-ranking SMAA experts, and we'll be adding new online articles soon. Check it out, and be sure to let your budo friends know about the benefits of SMAA membership.

John F. Quinn Becomes SMAA Senior Advisor

2010-03-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

John Quinn Sensei has been appointed to the SMAA Board of Advisors. Quinn Sensei lived in Japan for over 20 years where he studied karate-do, jodo, and forms of koryu bujutsu. In particular, Quinn Sensei is expert in the ancient Masaki Ryu. The Masaki Ryu is perhaps best known for its use of the manriki kusari (weighted chain) and kusari-gama (chain and sickle).

Quinn Sensei is a direct student of Nawa Yumio Sensei, the 10th generation Headmaster of Masaki Ryu. He received high-level teaching certification from Nawa Sensei, and he is the founder of the Masaki Ryu Bujutsu Kenkyukai.

Quinn Sensei is one of only a handful of people--anywhere in the world--licensed to teach Masaki Ryu. More information about Quinn Sensei and Masaki Ryu will be published soon in the SMAA Journal, at this blog, and at the SMAA Facebook page.

The SMAA Board of Directors and Board of Advisors are honored to welcome Quinn Sensei as our newest Senior Advisor.

Facebook

2010-03-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

The SMAA now has its own Facebook page! We will have a link to Facebook from www.smaa-hq.com in the near future.

Creating your own Facebook profile and page is free and easy. Drop by www.facebook.com for more information and visit the SMAA Facebook page. Become a fan while you're there, and get the latest SMAA info, photos, and more.

Online Payments at www.smaa-hq.com

2010-03-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

SMAA members can now pay for their annual dues and promotions online at www.smaa-hq.com/payments.php. Just drop by the SMAA website and use a major credit card or your PayPal account to make safe and secure payments. The SMAA is constantly striving to make your membership experience more meaningful and convenient.

The online payments section of the SMAA website is for members only.

Paul Martin Book

2010-02-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

SMAA member Paul Martin Sensei has a new book out on the Japanese sword, its history, appreciation, and appraisal:

The Japanese Sword Guide to Nyusatsu Kantei is a handy little booklet that is beneficial to sword enthusiasts of all levels. It has basic information on sword classification, explanations on the important rules of etiquette and handling, and explains the rules of nyusatsu kantei: a pastime in which participants try to appraise the maker of a sword. It also includes charts listing the mainline smiths (in both kanji and romanji) for easy navigation when taking part in nyusatsu kantei.

$12 + pp

This book should be of interest to SMAA members involved with Japanese swords and swordsmanship. Check it out at Martin Sensei's website www.thejapanesesword.com.

Paul Martin Joins the SMAA

2010-02-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Paul Martin Sensei has joined the SMAA. Martin Sensei is a Japanese sword specialist. A native of England, he has lived in Japan for many years, where he has studied kendo, iaido, and several forms of ancient swordsmanship, including Ono Ha Itto Ryu. But his main area of speciality is the study, history, and appraisal of the Japanese sword as an art object. He is one of the world's foremost scholars of the Japanese sword, and we're honored to have him as an SMAA member.

Martin Sensei has studied under top sword appraisal experts, sword smiths, and sword restorers in Japan for numerous years, and this is to say little of his budo background. He maintains a fascinating website www.thejapanesesword.com and he is the author of The Japanese Sword Guide to Nyusatsu Kantei, which can be purchased at his site. He has been featured on the BBC, BBC Radio 4, the History Channel, Los Angeles JATV, and Japan's NHK TV. He has been interviewed in Tokyo Metropolis Magazine, The Daily Yomiuri newspaper, and Asahi Weekly in Japan. You can see video of many of these interviews at the site above.

SUZUKI KUNIO JOINS THE SMAA--Part 4

2010-02-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

SUZUKI KUNIO JOINS THE SMAA--Part 3

2010-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

In addition to his training in budo, Suzuki Sensei has received high-level teaching certification in the ancient art of the shakuhachi flute. Long associated with Zen meditation, the shakuhachi is one of Japan's most important cultural arts. Suzuki Sensei feels that the study of such arts can aid martial artists in having a deeper understanding of budo. This viewpoint is shared by many of the leaders of the SMAA, which is why experts in Japanese yoga and meditation, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, brush calligraphy, and other disciplines can be found among members of the SMAA Board of Directors and Board of Advisors.

The images above show Suzuki Sensei at an older age in San Diego, California. Click on them to see a bigger image.

SUZUKI KUNIO JOINS THE SMAA--Part 2

2010-02-01T14:55:00.001-08:00

You can click on the images above to enlarge them.

SUZUKI KUNIO JOINS THE SMAA--Part 1

2010-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Suzuki Kunio Sensei, Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship Hanshi, eighth dan has join the SMAA as a Senior Advisor. Suzuki Sensei is one of the highest ranking teachers of traditional martial arts in Japan, if not the world. He is a direct student of the late Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei, founder of Nakamura Ryu, tenth dan, and a former Living National Treasure of Japan.

Suzuki Sensei lives in Yokohama, and we are honored to welcome him to our board of advisors. He joins many other prominent martial artists in Japan, Europe, and the USA, who serve the SMAA without pay. Their devotion to budo and koryu bujutsu is the hallmark of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association.

SMAA Aikido, Judo, and Iaido Seminar!

2010-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

2010 SMAA UTAH SEMINAR

We’re happy to announce the first SMAA event of 2010. An extraordinary SMAA seminar in Utah will take place on April 2, 3, and 4, 2010. Special discounts will be available for SMAA members, who are up to date on their annual dues.

The seminar host is Max Roach Sensei, an SMAA certified teacher of iaido and aikido. Roach Sensei hosted the first SMAA Seminar & Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah back in 2005, and it was an outstanding success.

The featured instructors will be Cyndy Hayashi Sensei and Nicklaus Suino Sensei. Cyndy Hayashi Sensei, an SMAA member, will teach Aikikai aikido. Hayashi Sensei, sixth dan and an instructor at Aikido West in California, began training at Aikido of San Francisco in 1977. She trained there under Frank Doran Sensei, Robert Nadeau Sensei, and Bill Witt Sensei. She then traveled to Japan to practice with the legendary Saito Morihiro Sensei. After returning to the USA, she trained and taught at the Aikido Institute of Oakland and at Aikido West in Redwood City. She later became a dedicated student of Frank Doran Sensei. She has taught seminars in the U.S., Israel, and France.

Nicklaus Suino Sensei will be teaching Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, which he learned from the late Yamaguchi Katsuo Sensei, tenth dan, and classical Kodokan judo, which he learned from Sato Shizuya Sensei (ninth dan) and the late Walter Todd Sensei (eighth dan). Suino Sensei studied budo extensively in Japan for several years. He has received Shihan teaching certification and a seventh dan from the SMAA Iaido Division, and he holds the rank of Shihan/sixth dan in judo. He is also the SMAA General Manager and the Co-director of our iaido division. Moreover, Suino Sensei is the author of several popular books on budo and iaido.

For more information about lodging, transportation, class times, SMAA member discounts, and fees, contact Roach Sensei. Here’s all you need to start making plans to attend the SMAA Utah Seminar, which is partly sponsored by the Aiki Atlas Foundation:

When:

April 2, 3, 4

Where:

Yama Oroshi Dojo

115 North State St.

Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647

USA

Who:

Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido and Kodokan judo)

Cyndy Hayashi Sensei (California Aikido Association)

Contact Information:

Max Roach Sensei

roach.max@gmail.com

801-577-0029

We’re looking forward to seeing many new faces, and old faces as well, in beautiful Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Attendance is limited and may sell out; so be sure to contact Mr. Roach soon to reserve a place. Don’t miss your chance to study with two of the top teachers of traditional Japanese martial arts living outside of Japan.

SMAA KAN GEIKO!

2009-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

What:
Kan Geiko means “Winter Practice,” and it’s a long-established exercise in traditional Japanese budo. Often involving periods of extended and intensive training during the coldest time of the year, it’s designed to challenge, strengthen, and purify both mind and body. The SMAA Kan Geiko will offer high-level instruction in Kodokan judo, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, and Sato Ryu Nihon jujutsu. You can experience all three arts or choose to focus on just one.

When:
Sato Ryu Nihon jujutsu training will be offered on December 16, 17, and 18. Practice will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM each day.

Kodokan judo training will be offered on December 21, 22, and 23. Practice will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM each day.

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido training will be offered on December 28, 29, and 30. Practice will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM each day.

Where:
The Japanese Martial Arts Center (JMAC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Who:
Nicklaus Suino Sensei will be the featured instructor for all three martial arts. Suino Sensei is a well-known budo author, the leader of JMAC, and the General Manger of the SMAA. He holds the following SMAA ranks: seventh dan iaido, sixth dan judo, and fourth dan jujutsu. He received extensive training in these three martial arts while living in Japan for several years.

How Much:
SMAA members will receive special discounted rates for this event. The SMAA member cost is $60 per subject. You can choose to practice all three arts, two arts, or just one art.

Registration:
You can get more information about the SMAA Kan Geiko by contacting Suino Sensei at (734) 645-6441 or via the SMAA website.

November SMAA California Seminar (6)

2009-12-03T15:15:00.001-08:00

These are the final images from the SMAA California Seminar. It was one of the last events in the SMAA 15th Anniversary Seminar Series, a special series of seminars offered across the USA and Europe to commemorate the 15th birthday of the SMAA. It was very successful, and everyone that participated had a great time, while they learned more about traditional Japanese budo.

November SMAA California Seminar (5)

2009-12-03T15:02:00.001-08:00

Kevin Heard Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor, was presented with several awards at the SMAA California Seminar. First, he received a plaque and piece of Japanese calligraphy in honor of his 25 years of studying Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu and related weapons arts under H. E. Davey. Mr. Davey is the author of Brush Meditation and The Japanese Way of the Artist, and the brush writing he gave to Heard Sensei can be seen above. It is the character mu, "nothingness," painted in abstract sosho script on handmade Japanese paper. (You can click on any of the images in this blog to get a bigger picture.)

Second, Heard Sensei, SMAA Jujutsu Division fifth dan, received a special plaque from the SMAA honoring him for his many contributions to our association. Mr. Heard is the past webmaster for our home page, the former assistant editor of the SMAA Journal, a leader in our jujutsu division, a past instructor at various SMAA seminars, and he continues to help with the production of certificates and various administrative tasks within our group.

Kyle Kurpinski Sensei, SMAA Jujutsu Division third dan, was presented with a SMAA Jujutsu Shidoin teaching license. Kurpinski Sensei is a past contributor to the SMAA Journal.

November SMAA California Seminar (4)

2009-12-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

H. E. Davey taught a Saigo Ryu technique called Katate Tori Aiki Nage. As students became more proficient in the technique, he showed how the size of the movement could be reduced to result in a more difficult, but much faster, throw. At an advanced level, aiki nage requires only minimal movement to knock an opponent to the ground. It is a sophisticated technique that allows the neutralization of an attack without the use of great strength and without producing severe injury to the attacker.

Want to learn more about traditional Japanese jujutsu as depicted above? Visit www.smaa-hq.com. The SMAA has a number of prominent teachers of authentic Japanese jujutsu in the SMAA Jujutsu Division, including Stephen Fabian Sensei (Hontai Yoshin Ryu), Kevin Heard Sensei (Saigo Ryu), Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Sato Ryu), Mr. Wayne Muromoto (Takeuchi Ryu), and others.

Shudokan Martial Arts Association

2012 SMAA Dues

A Note from Ecuador

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Swenson Sensei

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JMAC Celebrates Five Years

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Meifu Shinkage Ryu Seminar in Japan

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The Art of the Japanese Sword DVD

SMAA Member Wins Silver Medal

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

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July 2010 SMAA Michigan Seminar

Help Briana Campbell

﻿Who can qualify to be a Regular Member of the SMAA?

Does the SMAA endorse martial arts instruction provided by Associate Members?

Who can qualify to be an Associate Member of the SMAA?

About the SMAA

SMAA California Seminar

Otsuka Yasuyuki, Soke of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu shuriken-jutsu and SMAA Senior Advisor, Teaching in the USA

More Photos of Otsuka Soke

Otsuka Yasuyuki Soke joins the SMAA

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 4

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 3

June SMAA California Seminar--Part 2

June 2010 SMAA California Seminar--Part 1

SMAA California Swordsmanship Seminar: September 10-12, 2010

SMAA California Seminar in June

SMAA Aikido Division

Southern Michigan Martial Arts Summit

SMAA California Seminar (2)

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2010 SMAA Utah Seminar

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The Sennin Foundation is on Facebook

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