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PRIVATE LESSONS WITH SHIHAN SENSEI
A.K.K.F. PRIVATE LESSON PAGE
LEARN-DEVELOP-PROGRESS-ENJOY
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"In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years.”
SO THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS A SAMURAI SWORD?
YES WE ALL THINK WE KNOW, HOWEVER, WHAT MAY SURPRISE YOU IS THE JAPANESE SWORD WHICH YOU CALL A SAMURAI SWORD IS NOT THAT...
IT'S THE SWORD OF JAPAN AND IT HAS MANY NAMES, MOST OF WHICH DO NOT TRANSLATE INTO ENGLISH WORDS AND THEREFORE JUST TO SIMPLIFY THINGS WE AMERICANS CALL THIS SWORD, A SAMURAI.
OK, LET'S BREAK IT DOWN:
TYPES OF JAPANESE SWORDS:
Japanese sword blades were/are made in a variety of lengths. The blade is classified by its length. A daito (long sword),either a tachi or katana, is over two shaku (one shaku equals approximately 12 inches or 30 centimeters) in length. A shoto or wakizashi has a blade length between one and two shaku. A tanto blade is normally under one shaku in length. The length of a sword blade (nagasa) is measured from the tip of the kissaki in a straight line to the mune-machi.
MAJOR PARTS OF THE BUKE-ZUKURI KOSHIRAE
The buke-zukuri style of sword mounting is the most common type seen today on antique Japanese swords. It is also called the uchigatana or katana style. A set of swords consisting of a long sword (daito) and a short sword (shoto) which are mounted in identical koshirae are referred to as a daisho. Daisho or daito could only be worn by samurai or higher rank, whereas the short sword (shoto or wakizashi) could be worn by merchants, tradesmen and craftsmen. This accounts for the increased value of daito (katana or tachi) versus shoto and for the greater numbers of shoto (wakizashi) found today. Swords in buke-zukuri mountings are worn edge up with the saya thrust through the obi (waist band)
INTRODUCTION TO THE SAMURAI SWORD
First of all, it is important to understand that the beginning of sword training will incorporate a boken;
A boken (sometimes spelled) bokken is a wooden Japanese sword that is used in sword training. Boku means wood and ken means sword, hence the name. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other Japanese swords such as the wakiashi and tanto. Bokken is really the term used in the west to describe the weapon, as the word is synonymous with bokuto in Japan, which is most often used to describe it there.
A wakizashi is a Japanese sword with ties to feudal times. Samurai often utilized it as a backup weapon and wore it as a companion to the katana (a bigger Japanese sword). When worn together, this tandem of swords was called daisho (meaning large and small).
The blade on a wakizashi is between 12 to 24 inches long. Along with this, it was often used to decapitate a samurai’s defeated enemies, as its smaller size was perfect for one handed use. The size of the blade also allowed samurai to bring it with them everywhere, even when they felt the need to leave their larger katanas at the door of an establishment. It is also said that the wakizashi was used indoors because of its size. In addition it was well established that it was used for ritual suicide. (Seppuku)
When practicing the use of the sword, it is important to wear the proper uniform. This uniform will consist of a top (Judo gi is recommended) White, blue or black). The bottom must always be a Hakama. (Black only).
The A.K.K.F. requires the following uniform code:
Head Sensei or Shihan, Black top, Black bottom
Assistant Sensei’s, Blue Top, Black Bottom
Students, White Top, Black Bottom.
Also remember that under the hakama you must wear black pants.
The Hakama should reach below the ankles, almost touching the floor.
SOME BASIC INFORMATION
Origins of the Samurai Sword
Before 987, Japanese swords were straight with no curvature. As the military class grew, and the need for a better weapon grew, the distinct curvature of the Japanese sword began to develop. Traditionally, Samurai are mounted cavalry men. When mounted on a horse, the sword is worn with the blade facing down (as opposed to un-mounted use where it's more practical to have the blade facing up - for faster drawing). This made it easier for mounted Samurai to draw their sword, and it also provided a much stronger "downward" cutting angle from atop a horse. Thus, the Samurai sword was born out of necessity of the mounted cavalrymen.
According to legend, the Japanese sword was invented by a smith named Amakuni Yasutsuna (c.700 AD), along with the folded steel process. In reality the folded steel process and single edge swords had been brought over from China through trade. The Samurai sword as we know it today started to take shape throughout the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD).
Birth of the Katana
But it wasn't until the 15th and 16th centuries, where the Katana came to be a widely used weapon. Until then, battlefield Samurai didn't use the tachi (cavalry sword) as their primary weapon. Lances, spears, and bows and arrows were the primary weapons of the day. It wasn't until close-quarter combat and unarmored combat became rampant that the Katana took hold as the weapon of choice.
The tachi and the Katana are very similar. The only difference being that the Katana is specifically designed for for two hands where the tachi is only practical as a one-handed weapon. Also, the Katana is worn with the blade facing up. This created a faster draw in close-quarter circumstance where speed is of the essence.
During the Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan was on a new course in history. The young Emperor Meiji was in a hurry to bring in the new modern world that had been shut out for over 200 years. In the process, the old ways had to be swept away. This meant doing away with the proud Samurai culture that had made Japan what it was. All swords were confiscated, the Samurai class was forcefully dissolved (everyone became equal citizens of the state), and it became illegal for anyone to wear a sword.
Even though the swords and status of the Samurai were dissolved, the spirit of the Samurai lives on to this day. The Samurai sword especially symbolizes a past lifestyle that the Japanese are very proud of today. The Japanese sword lives on through a variety of sword arts like Kendo, Iaido, Bujinkan, Jinenkan, and other various Kenjutsu styles.
THE JAPANESE FAN--TESSEN
Here is the correct pronunciation in japanese of the fan TESSEN pronounced Tes—sen
The following is a brief description.
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•Tessen were folding fans with outer spokes made of heavy plates of iron which were designed to look like normal, harmless folding fans or solid clubs shaped to look like a closed fan. Samurai could take these to places where swords or other overt weapons were not allowed, and some swordsmanship schools included training in the use of the tessen as a weapon. The Tessen was also used for fending off arrows and darts, as a throwing weapon, and as an aid in swimming.
Tessen were folding fans with outer spokes made of heavy plates of iron which were designed to look like normal, harmless folding fans or solid clubs shaped to look like a closed fan. Samurai could take these to places where swords or other overt weapons were not allowed, and some swordsmanship schools included training in the use of the tessen as a weapon. The Tessen was also used for fending off arrows and darts, as a throwing weapon, and as an aid in swimming.•Tessen - The Iron Fan
Tessen - The Iron Fan•By custom and necessity, the tessen, or fan, was an item almost always carried by the Japanese Samurai.
By custom and necessity, the tessen, or fan, was an item almost always carried by the Japanese Samurai. A tessen was usually held in the hands or stuck in the Samurai's belt (or obi). On formal occasions, the samurai were always required to have a tessen in their possession. This was a grave matter of etiquette that had to be followed.
Translated directly into English, tessen means "iron fan.", Not a surprising description, as a tessen was constructed of solid metal ribs. It could either be folded or held stiffly open. Durable and solid, the tessen was more than a tool to cool one down or hide one's face...
When not engaged in official duties of protection or battle, the samurai would often keep his host of arms stored away. Also, according to custom, whenever a samurai visited a superior, he was required to leave his weapons with an attendant.
The tessen, not being an official weapon, could be kept in his possession. In such cases, the tessen often came in handy, if the Samurai warrior needed to suddenly defend himself.
Carrying the tessen ensured that the Samurai was never totally disarmed. To one who did not know, the tessen was a seemingly innocuous fan. But it could easily be pulled out by the Samurai to defend himself in times of need.
In fact, there are several documented incidents of highly skilled Samurai successfully defending themselves against brutal sword attacks using only a tessen. This lovely, ceremonial fan, often beautifully decorated, could be a deadly weapon.
SCORING EXTRA POINTS IN WEAPONS DIVISIONS WITH THE SWORD
STUDENTS, IF YOU EVER LEARNED ANYTHING ABOUT TOURNAMENTS AND IF YOUR COMPETE WITH A SWORD, YOU WILL EARN MORE POINTS WITH THE FOLLOWING:
WEAR A HAKAMA AND A NICE TOP:
WEAR A FAN IN YOUR OBI AND LEARN HOW TO USE IT.
HAVE A SWORD THAT FITS YOUR SIZE. (NOW THEY HAVE LIGHTWEIGHT SWORDS) FOR TOURNAMENTS.
MOST TOURNAMENTS DO NOT LET YOU USE REAL SWORDS.
EXTRA BENIFITS.............WEAR MAKE UP, PUT ON FAKE PONY TAIL OR IF YOUR HAIR IS LONG, MAKE A PONY TAIL. (OR PUT YOUR HAIR UP AND USE RUBBER BANDS TO HOLD IN PLACE)
DO NOT KIAI ON EVERY OTHER MOVE, KIAI ONLY ON KILLING TRUSTS OR SLICES.
DO NOT KIAI USING JUST YOUR VOICE (MOUTH) use gruntal sounds....WEAK AND SCREECHING KIAI'S ARE NOT TO BE USED IN SWORD FORMS.
MAKE YOUR PRESENTATION IN JAPANESE IF YOUR INSTRUCTOR CAN TEACH IT TO YOU, OR GO ON-LINE AND FIND OUT THE WORDS YOU NEED.
EXAMPLE: WATASHI-WA ONOMEI JOE BLOW.... MEANS MY NAME IS ....
WATASHI-WA KATA DES...KATANA KATA SHODAN... MY KATA IS, SWORD FORM SHODAN, OR WHATEVER THE NAME IS.
THIS WILL SHOW THE JUDGES YOUR A PROFESSIONAL AND READY TO PERFORM.
ASIAN TYPE FAN
. EMERGENCY SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR A.K.K.F. STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
First and most important you need to make up a survival kit.
You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
•WATER, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
WATER, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation •FOOD, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
FOOD, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food •Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both (crank lights are best)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both (crank lights are best)•Flashlight and extra batteries (crank is best) no batteries needed.
Flashlight and extra batteries (crank is best) no batteries needed.•First aid kit (BUY ONE AT A LOCAL STORE)
First aid kit (BUY ONE AT A LOCAL STORE)•Whistle to signal for help
Whistle to signal for help •Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in -place
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in -place •Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.•When you go shopping, save the plastic bags your food is in. (great for sanitation)
When you go shopping, save the plastic bags your food is in. (great for sanitation)•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities •Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) •Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
•Prescription medications and glasses (very important)
Prescription medications and glasses (very important)•Infant formula and diapers
Infant formula and diapers •Pet food and extra water for your pet
Pet food and extra water for your pet •Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container •Cash is best, start saving small bills, one’s five’s and ten’s, nobody will change large bills and there are those who will scam you if possible.
Cash is best, start saving small bills, one’s five’s and ten’s, nobody will change large bills and there are those who will scam you if possible.•Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a WATERPROOF, portable container
•Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information.
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information. •Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. •Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. •Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. •Fire Extinguisher also get a can of lighter fluid. (easy to start fire if needed)
Fire Extinguisher also get a can of lighter fluid. (easy to start fire if needed)•WOODEN Matches, lighters that don’t need fluid... Disposable type.
WOODEN Matches, lighters that don’t need fluid... Disposable type.•Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items •Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, pocket knife.
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, pocket knife. •Paper and pencil. Keep full charge on cell phone,
Paper and pencil. Keep full charge on cell phone, •Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children •Always keep your gas tank full.
Always keep your gas tank full.REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU THINK, HAVING A GUN AND GOOD KNIFE IS THE BEST WAY TO DEFEND YOURSELF. IN THE EVENT THERE ARE LOOTERS OR CRIMINALS TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE UN-EXPECTED MAY HAPPEN.
WE RECOMMEND A 12 GAUGE PUMP SHOTGUN, A SMALL CALIBRE REVOLVER FOR WIFE AND KIDS. ALSO A LARGE CALIBER LIKE A 9MM OR 45 FOR THE MAN OF THE HOUSE OR THE WOMEN WHO IS TRAINED. IN ADDITION, TAKE A COUPLE MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS, SWORD, CHUCKS, AND KAMA.
NOTE:ITS ONE THING TO WRITE ABOUT THIS, BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOU PREPARE A KIT IN A CARRY BAG OR SUITCASE AND HAVE ALL OF THIS STUFF READY TO GO.
IT’S DIFFICULT TO CARRY THE WATER, BUT HAVE IT READY JUST IN CASE YOU MUST LEAVE.
WATER PACKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SURVIVAL STORES, AS WELL AS, FREEZE DRIED FOODS. JUST BE PREPARED IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR HOME. Also Lowe’s sells 3 day survival kits for two, $49.00 it comes in red and black back pack. Great deal.
MARTIAL ARTS DICTIONARY
A.K.K.F
11/01/11
The following words will help all students and A.K.K.F MEMBERS to better understanding their reasons and goals:
1.Training: the general word means the systematic development of the body or mind for the purpose of acquiring proficiency in martial physical or mental pursuit.
Training: the general word means the systematic development of the body or mind for the purpose of acquiring proficiency in martial physical or mental pursuit.2.Practice: putting into action what you have learned in theory, in order to gain skill and facility: karate practice; daily practice of kata’s and bag work.
Practice: putting into action what you have learned in theory, in order to gain skill and facility: karate practice; daily practice of kata’s and bag work.3.Exercise: this is primarily physical action to gain strength and vigor. By extension, it becomes practice to maintain a facility already acquired: a martial artist who trains with technique as a daily exercise.
Exercise: this is primarily physical action to gain strength and vigor. By extension, it becomes practice to maintain a facility already acquired: a martial artist who trains with technique as a daily exercise.4.Drill: this is a systematic and rigorous practice under a sensei or shi-han; the object of a drill is to be so proficient that the desired action becomes virtually automatic: fighting drills and bag work insure instant and automatic action in real situations.
Drill: this is a systematic and rigorous practice under a sensei or shi-han; the object of a drill is to be so proficient that the desired action becomes virtually automatic: fighting drills and bag work insure instant and automatic action in real situations.5.Discipline: in this sense, adds to training the idea of the control often self-control—needed to achieve proficiency in the arts. Discipline strongly suggests dedication and firm commitment. You can have talent to spare, but if you lack the discipline to practice the four to eight hours per week you have nothing.
Discipline: in this sense, adds to training the idea of the control often self-control—needed to achieve proficiency in the arts. Discipline strongly suggests dedication and firm commitment. You can have talent to spare, but if you lack the discipline to practice the four to eight hours per week you have nothing.6.Respect: to give it is better than to receive it… you respect a person for what they have accomplished and their behavior and ways in which that person treats you and others.
Respect: to give it is better than to receive it… you respect a person for what they have accomplished and their behavior and ways in which that person treats you and others.7.Retain: this is the staying power of memory that often comes to mind involuntarily or without effort: having the ability to hold onto facts or details that one is trying to learn: in a private lesson how much can you retain? During your training of techniques do you retain 75% of what your have been taught?
Retain: this is the staying power of memory that often comes to mind involuntarily or without effort: having the ability to hold onto facts or details that one is trying to learn: in a private lesson how much can you retain? During your training of techniques do you retain 75% of what your have been taught?8.Fight: this almost speaks for itself… it conjures up the following; action, battle, bout, clash, engagement, fray, skirmish, struggle, but most important it’s your will to win and continue to win in all your endeavors in life.
Fight: this almost speaks for itself… it conjures up the following; action, battle, bout, clash, engagement, fray, skirmish, struggle, but most important it’s your will to win and continue to win in all your endeavors in life.9.Confidence: able to face all things with confidence…it is a conviction of one’s own worth or an unselfconscious certainty of succeeding at whatever you do. Confidence also gives you poise, which stresses steadiness and balance and gives you a calm sureness of manner able to cope with any contingency: this all gives you self-assurance.. Self confidence.
Confidence: able to face all things with confidence…it is a conviction of one’s own worth or an unselfconscious certainty of succeeding at whatever you do. Confidence also gives you poise, which stresses steadiness and balance and gives you a calm sureness of manner able to cope with any contingency: this all gives you self-assurance.. Self confidence.10.Knowledge: learn these and you will acquire more knowledge about yourself and your surroundings.
Knowledge: learn these and you will acquire more knowledge about yourself and your surroundings. THE SWORD
WOULD YOU LIKE PRIVATE LESSONS IN YOUR HOME OR AT AKKF HEADQUARTERS?
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND CHOOSE THE SHIHAN OR SENSEI YOU DESIRE
909-917-1490
