THE HOSHINKAN EXPERIENCE

Hoshinkan Jutaijutsu is not a quick-fix self-defence course. The Hoshinkan experience is more consistent with a trade apprenticeship, with four progressive phases of training that, with hard work and dedication, lead to a trade certification - represented by a black belt. This certification is akin to the ”journeyman licence” that enables the martial tradesperson to ply his knowledge and skills in the “real world”, with ongoing guidance, support and professional development opportunities provided by the international Hoshinkan community.

IN THE BEGINNING

Newcomers to the art - or “candidates” – wear a white obi (belt), and are coached by senior members on dojo etiquette, safety protocols and fundamental techniques. During this initial ”break-in period” (typically, 4 – 12 weeks), candidates become acquainted with the instructor and dojo members (and vice versa), and decide if they would like to continue their journey on the warrior’s path as a member of the international Hoshinkan community.  

Upon acceptance into the dojo (“training hall”), the student enters the first of four progressive training phases, called the Student Godai Levels – each corresponding to an element of the Godai conceptual/philosophical model of eastern metaphysics (a nod to the art’s traditional Japanese roots):

PHASE ONE: EARTH (8th & 7th kyu)

   * The earth element (chi) represents matter in a solid state.

The Earth phase of training emphasizes stability, physicality and confidence, and is characterized by strong rising, sinking and corkscrewing movements, and techniques that jam, lift and drop an oppoenent. Students at this level are introduced to basic nutrition and athletic conditioning theory; conflict psychology and physiology; breathing and relaxation techniques; defensive posturing, positioning and movement; basic break-falls, stance recovery and precision jumping skills; striking and strike defence techniques; defences against common chokes, holds, ground and impact weapon attacks; as well as simple takedowns, and ground control tactics. 

PHASE TWO: WATER (6th & 5th kyu)

   * The water element (sui) represents matter in a fluid state.

The water phase of training emphasizes emotion, responsiveness and creativity, and is characterized by adaptative ebbing and flowing movements, and techniques that unbalance and envelop an opponent. Students at this level explore basic meditation and visualization techniques; intermediate athletic conditioning exercises and protocols; adaptive movement, rolling and vaulting tactics; defenses against throws, positional ground controls (pins), and edged weapon attacks; as well as intermediate strikes, takedowns and ground controls (positional controls).  

PHASE THREE: FIRE (4th & 3rd kyu)

   * The fire element (ka) represents matter in an energy-releasing state.

The fire phase of training focuses on vitality, ambition and aggressiveness, and is characterized by linear, penetrating movements, and techniques that shock, overwhelm and consume an opponent. Students at this level study military strategy and leadership concepts; advanced athletic conditioning exercises and protocols; aggressive movement, escape, evasion and pursuit tactics; defences against tackles, leg takedowns, joint submissions and dislocations, and ballistic weapon (firearm) threats; as well as advanced takedowns, and ground controls (joint submissions).

PHASE FOUR: WIND (2nd & 1st kyu)

   * The wind element (fu) represents matter in a gaseous state.

The wind phase of training emphasizes reason, compassion and benevolence, and is characterized by elusive, circular and spiraling movements, and techniques that redirect, lead and control an opponent. Students at this level are encouraged to focus on family and community, and to participate in community service intiatives. Techniques and tactics studied at the wind level include: First aid and CPR (certification); stealth, cover, camouflage and concealment; defences against ground attacks (chokes), multiple attackers and flexible weapon (garottes, ropes and chains) attacks; blending and sacrifice throws, and advanced ground controls (chokes and carotid controls). 

PHASE FIVE: SPIRIT (1st - 10th dan)  

   * The Spirit element (ku) represents sub-atomic potential – the source of all elemental manifestations.

Instructor (Shidoshi) Progression (1st – 5th dan)

   * Understanding & Communication; Independence, Experimentation & Expression; Spontaneity & Mastery.

Senior Instructor (Shihan) Progression (6th – 10th dan)

   * Vision, Intuition & Potential; Connectivity & Universality; Virtuosity.

 

 

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