The sound of koto

Fuyuki Enokido with the koto

Being a martial artist I not only practice the arts but include some of Japan’s values in my life. I’m not the type of person who can turn up for class, train and forget about it all till next week.  I find the culture and history fascinating even if it’s to just get an insight into how people used to live their lives during the times of war and peace. 

When I heard there was a going to be a display of koto playing in Manchester I jumped at the chance to see what Japan’s national instrument had to offer myself. I had not seen the koto played before, I had only heard it on the TV so I knew what it should sound like but as I found out, that is only the half of it.

The Japanese Embassy had generously funded a free 40min concert which would be performed by Fuyuki Enokido and was held at ‘Manchester Metropolitan University’. Around 60 people turned up and we were treated to 4 songs played on the koto with explanations given by ‘Japan Society North West’ member, Yuko Howes, before each.

We were made aware that Fuyuki had played in over 30 countries and had just been touring Europe since May. She had come from London after performing for the Japan Olympic team and Japanese members. She was to return to Japan at the end of August.

Once the music began you realised that the sound really was a small part of her performance. You could see the passion and concentration in the musician and every note was played with full concentration and perfection but just as we do in traditional martial arts ‘Etiquette’ was one of the most important factors.

One song named ‘Blessed from Heaven’ was in dedication to Fuyuki’s great aunt who passed away last May. She had taught Fuyuki to play since she was 3 years old and explained how she had to retire due to her backbone and thumb being ‘fused’ due to the amount of playing. The message in the song was given that when her aunt passed, Fuyuki felt that she would be in deep despair until a soul appeared and said not to regret any actions, to listen to the voices coming from heaven and to continue to play till the light fades away. Rather a strong message but containing a lot of meaning.

Fuyuki with her audience

After her display autographs were available and questions answered to wrap up a short but very good performance, and all for free!

Many thanks must go to the Japanese Embassy for funding the event, the Japan Society for organising and advertising and also to Fuyuki Enokido for giving her time.

Please feel free to check out the following websites to show your support for these types of events.

Bukido dojo                                www.bukido.yolasite.com

Japan Society North West             www.jsnw.org.uk

Fuyuki Enokido                            www.fuyuki52.com

You can find out more about David's kobudo instruction by visiting: http://www.bukido.yolasite.com
E-mail David at: macca23@sky.com

‘Furious 5’ International Seminar, Bolton 2012

I have been lucky enough in my short time in the arts to have trained with some of the best instructors around and I have also taught at many small courses / seminars all over the UK but when I was invited by Sensei Andrew Wilshaw, head of the Nippon Traditional Kobudo Association, to teach at the annual seminar I was slightly nervous but honoured to do so. Last year the event brought well over 250 participants to the dojo with instructors from all over the world teaching many different arts and this year looked like it would be just as good.

There would be two Grand Masters teaching this year. Grand Master Jack Hogan 10th Dan of Hogan Karate Association USA, teaching Kyusho and Grand Master Joe Hess 10th Dan from the USA, who would be teaching the ‘Joe Hess Back-Up System’. Unfortunately Joe could not make the trip due to unforeseen circumstances but Grand Master Bill Thurston 10^th Dan of the Dark Star Martial Arts System Canada would take his place and be teaching ‘Knife defences’ from the Pilipino systems. Also on the bill would be Master Joao Fernande 6th Dan from the Algarve who would be teaching Traditional and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. Master Jorge Remidgo also could not make the seminar so Sensei Pedro Braz kindly took his place teaching Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, also myself teaching Traditional Okinawan Kobudo.

Due to the size of the course it would be run over two days, Saturday being for cadets and Sunday for adults. Each day would be 4 hours with the groups being split up into smaller groups of 20/25 and working with one instructor before changing. On Saturday the seminar would be held at ‘Bolton School’ in a large sports hall with photo and signature opportunities for the cadets. Grand Master Hogan was teaching the pressure points of the lower arm while Grand Master Thurston was working on multiple punching. There was a matted area for both Master Fernande and Sensei Braz to teach Ju-Jitsu with myself teaching the basics of handling the Jo, working with Kihon (basics) and simple defences from ‘Shomen Uchi’ (head strikes).

After training on Saturday we had been invited to a meal, kindly donated by Ian Harrison at ‘The Crown Inn’, just outside Bolton. It was an 8 course meal spread over the night and gave everyone from the seminar some social time to meet with other members.

Sunday was the day for the adults and was held at ‘Bolton Arena’. This gave the instructors time to show off their talents and step up the tuition. Grand Master Hogan was teaching Kyusho points to the head and arms, Grand Master Thurston was teaching ‘Street Fighting’ using rapid punches and knife defences, Master Fernande and Sensei Braz were teaching many locks and strangles / chokes on the mats and I was teaching more advanced Jo, concentrating on the finer details including hand position on the weapon and ‘Maai’ (distance) to an attacker with reference to ’Uchi and Ukes’ (Strike and blocks).

The day went down really well with many good comments from all who trained and taught. We finished the day off with a display of knock outs and revivals with Grand Master Hogan demonstration a ‘No Touch Knock Out’. Something, which will be discussed for many years to come I’m sure!

It was a great weekend’s training, something that I could recommend to everyone to try for the experience but I know unfortunately these days there are not many chances to train with so many artists on one day, and with people from all over the world but I loved every minute and look forward to the next one.

You can find out more about David's kobudo instruction by visiting: http://www.bukido.yolasite.com E-mail David at: macca23@sky.com

Isle of Man Shodan Grading and Kobudo Course.

It goes without saying that gradings are an important step in a students martial arts path, many schools organise theirs in different manners and the gradings as we all know vary in difficulty from school to school and also on the grade being attempted. I have witnessed many gradings from all different arts but I was particularly looking forward to this grading I had been invited to, due to the discipline and respect in which this dojo displays.

Sensei Adrian and Rik Ward from the Shosha Dojo, Pontefract were to conduct a Shodan grading for Daniel Howard and Meghan Hodgson of the Shosha, Isle of Man dojo that is run by Sensei George Gawne at the Cronk-Y-Berry School in Douglas.

I travelled with both Adrian and Rik and arrived in Douglas by ferry to be met by George, we were then taken to our hotel for the night where we prepared for the grading the following morning.

Once arriving at the venue it was clear to see the clubs passion as all the members of the dojo had come to support and participate in the grading of the two candidates.

The room was then prepared (mats laid, tables and chairs prepared etc.) and the grading began with an introduction from all three sensei’s before a full ceremonial bow, warm up and then getting straight into fitness and stretching work.

This was followed by all the basic techniques from previous grades showing correct focus, balance and co-ordination, as basics should be performed with heart and finesse. This was then preformed onto pads to show the power of the techniques.

The grading moved onto pre-arranged sparring to show how the blocks and strikes could be used together in combat, the students have to arrange these themselves to show their knowledge of how these techniques work. Then we moved onto free sparring to show the fighting aspect of the art and their fitness, stamina and ability to adapt to differing sizes of opponent.

Two parts of the grading I personally found very interesting was a ‘special’ section in which the candidates were allowed to demonstrate something from which there art is special to them. Whether it be fighting, kata/forms, terminology, weaponry, history ect. This section is designed to let a person’s best attributes shine. Daniel started this section with free flowing pad work concentrating on kicking, as this was his favourite part of the art. Meghan choose some self defence techniques as she is planning on furthering her studies and has used her knowledge to adapt to ‘look after’ herself.

We then moved onto the gruelling ‘lineout’ section of the grading. These are continuous 30-second rounds of fighting designed to bring out the ‘inner self’ of a person. Every 30 seconds your opponent is changed for a fresh person. This not also tests personal fitness but your ability to control adrenaline rushes within the body and try to keep a calm mind. 1 vs. 1 and 2 vs. 1 scenario’s are used in the punishing tests. Both fighters did exceptionally well lasting over 15 rounds each (7min 30sec!) That does not sound a lot but when the students in the line up are fresh and really wanting to spar then it is quite physical especially when every so often there is a 2-man attack for 30 seconds!!

The last section of the grade was destruction, This is a part of gradings and martial arts that has gone into decline due to certain reasons but sensei Adrian Ward assures me this is still the true method of showing that power and technique are delivered properly. This section is always the last for obvious reasons

After the grading the panel went sent away to discuss how the candidates preformed and were both awarded with full passes to Shodan status. Adrian from the Shosha dojo added:

“As usual it was an honour to be involved in the Shodan grading of Sensei Gawne’s students, Meghan and Daniel. I never tire of visiting the Shosha dojo on the island; Sensei Gawne is an excellent ambassador for the art on the island and his students do him proud. This trip was special as master Dave Macintyre was in attendance and it was interesting to see his views from a different field off the arts. Sensei Macintyre commented on the destruction tests which I feel are not only a test of power and technique but in my mind an exercise in mental attitude, something which I feel is being lost in certain areas of the arts in the grading syllabus. The session on the Sunday with sensei Macintyre was as usual second to none it was a pleasure to stand in line with the rest and learn from the best.”

George also commented:

" Both Meghan and Daniel have trained hard over many years to reach the level they have now at and I am extremely proud of them both.

“On the morning of the grading I was equally as nervous as the students, as there was nothing more I could do to help them with what lay ahead during the grading.

“When Master Ward announced the students’ promotion to Black Belt, I felt an enormous sense of satisfaction and relief! Meghan and Daniels basic training was completed and now the true journey begins."

The evening was then concluded with all members of the club meeting for a social gathering and a meal, giving chance for all family members to meet and discuss with other members. It was great to see everyone’s camaraderie, working and sharing together as a close budo family.

Our ferry was due back to England on Sunday evening so it would have been a waste not to use the Sunday to train! I had organised a Kobudo session to give all members some training in a different art. We planned on teaching some Okinawan Jo and Filipino Eskrima but some members also wished to learn some Iai-do and nunchaku. We started the session with kion (basics) with the Jo before moving onto Ippon-Kumite (one-step sparring) and kata (forms).

The session was split into junior and senior members learning different kata. After a small break we continued with some Eskrima focussing on 4/6/8/10 point Sinawali partner work.

A few bruised and blooded knuckles later it was time to wrap up what has been a tiring but very enjoyable weekend’s training.

We plan to return again in August to do another weekends training on

Kobudo and Kenjutsu.

Anyone wanting details please feel free to contact any of the dojos direct or through myself.

Again thanks to everyone for making this, another special weekend with the arts.

David Macintyre

You can find out more about David's kobudo instruction by visiting: http://www.bukido.yolasite.com
E-mail David at: macca23@sky.com

In search of Chi

Another post from guest blogger Gary Morris...


Since commencing karate training at an early age I have continued to be intrigued by the degree to which we in the West are able to truly embrace the real essence of the martial arts. 


These come predominantly from the Far East - from a time and culture which remain distant from us and which are only glimpsed at in historical texts or films. It raises the question as to whether we can truly become ‘authentic’ martial artists or if it is something we are to some degree ‘just playing at’. We are after all extracting and focusing primarily upon the practice elements, a mere fragment of what the arts are all about.


In order to explore this theme we need to consider the contextual issues implicit within the development of many of the martial arts. These were created within feudal times, as a means of actively waging warfare or as a means of protection and defence. If we take for example the Japanese and Okinawan martial arts we can reflect upon a culture that has endured many centuries of almost perpetual civil war. The martial arts practised at this time can be regarded as distinctly different from the approach taken at the cessation of conflict where learning and development adopted more of an internal and spiritual pursuit. This approach forged a closer association between the martial arts and Zen Buddhism.


We can only speculate what it must have been like living in Japan through the centuries. This was a country torn apart through continued civil war, in a place known locally as “the land of tears” on account of the perpetual presence of suffering from battles, earthquakes and other natural disasters. The existential views and contextual perspective was very different from anything we can easily conceive. Life was regarded as transient and fleeting and a commonly accepted philosophy was that “I might die today”. This was regarded as Karma, something to be simply accepted.


It highlights the meditative and introspective quality which was sought as a means of coping with all the sadness and misery so often encountered. Here was an escape from the brutalities of life with appreciation and enjoyment of the beauty inherent within nature or artistic expression. This is where the sunrise, a Haiku reading, the blossoming trees or an exquisite piece of calligraphic writing could captivate the imagination and stimulate all of the senses. We can also consider the perfection sought within a Chado (tea ceremony) or the careful contemplation of Ikebana (flower arranging) as highlighting the extent to which inner enlightenment and spiritual development was sought.


Across all of these pursuits we can observe a fine attention to detail, a sense of careful reflection, a rich degree of expressiveness and the development of a sense of inner contemplation. These same elements can be viewed within Myamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings. In this text, the famed swordsman offers many philosophical lessons including the messages:


“If you practice diligently from morning till night, the way of strategy I teach, your mind will spontaneously broaden.”


“You should examine this point well.”


These extol the virtues of careful and tireless endeavour as a means of working towards self enlightenment. 


My attraction to the martial arts began way back in the 1970’s and included some of these wider aspects. Like most other kids of that era, I found the explosive and graceful power of Bruce Lee captivating. Enter the Dragon provided a role model that many of us could dream of emulating yet knowing instinctively that this would be an unrequited dream. For me though an even more appealing and engaging example came from the TV series Kung Fu starring David Carradine as a wandering Monk (a concept actually conceived by Bruce Lee). Watching this show today it can feel contrived and all a little implausible yet still containing some intriguing concepts. Here was something far deeper than a mere external process of showy techniques and hinted at the hard to discern and quantify element of chi.


Chi can be regarded as a number of concepts dependent upon which context or culture it is being viewed from and includes qualities such as inner strength, calmness, self-discipline and respect. In Japanese arts it can be encapsulated in Zanshin, a term which embraces various states of awareness.


A recent TV series Mind Body and Kick Ass Moves showcased some truly amazing and inspiring exponents. Watching these examples it is hard to know what is genuine and what isn’t. We are well used to magicians baffling us with their tricks yet aware on another level that these are just illusions. How are we therefore to understand and accept these Eastern “tricks” as authentic without really experiencing or understanding them? I have only had fleeting and brief experiences with some of these from various exponents on courses across the country but am convinced that it is worth exploring.


One of my longest and dearest ambitions is to one day visit Japan and start to gain a much wider appreciation for the arts I am involved with. This is borne out from conversations with other martial artists who have visited the countries their style comes from (i.e. Japan, China or Korea) and who report a deeper sense and feeling about their arts. I am sure that our learning and understanding cannot penetrate further than a surface level although maybe we can attain a deeper appreciation for what it is all about.


I remain committed to learning and teaching more about chi even though most students appear unconcerned about the inner qualities, instead more desirous of developing their practical techniques. Even simple aspects such as starting and finishing a class in Seiza with students given time for quiet meditative contemplation are important. This enables them to slow their thoughts down, control their breathing and detach themselves from some of that day’s issues. It offers one of the interpretations of Kara (“empty”) which when combined with Te gives the unarmed combat interpretation. Here though, another view is offered - “empty” of fear and aggression. It is only a start and something which could be taken to infinite lengths - yet is a journey I feel worth pursuing.

You can find out more about David's kobudo instruction by visiting: http://www.bukido.yolasite.com
E-mail David at: macca23@sky.com

Motivation and learning in the martial Arts

This month I have invited guest blogger,  Gary Morris, to write a post. Here's Gary's profile:

My martial arts training commenced in 1978 with karate as my chosen art. After moving to London from Oxford I attended a variety of different classes training in shukokai, wado ryu, shotokan and kyokushinkai styles. The move up North brought me into contact with my “true” senseis - Nisar Smiler, Dave Macintyre and David Macintyre. I am a member of David Macintyre’s Bukido Kobudo weapons club where my passion for learning is continually stimulated through the expert tuition received and the wide variety of weapons practiced with. I currently run my own Wado Ryu / Shukokai karate class (Sonkei Karate) with a particular emphasis upon the traditional Japanese / Okinawan values of respect and self discipline.

Motivation and learning in the martial Arts

As a martial arts instructor I have long been fascinated by the vast difference in how students apply themselves and the very individual learning styles they bring. One question in particular intrigues me and this relates to motivation. Firstly, we can consider the attractions for any given art and secondly (and perhaps more significantly) what holds and engages students with it. Having decided we want to learn a martial art we are greeted by a bewildering array of styles and arts to choose from. It feels like visiting a market place with clubs and instructors touting for business, advertising their wares through a myriad of routes including posters, leaflets, demonstrations, internet sites or even personal doorstep visits!

The choice of club to join might also be influenced by geographic location, media influences or some other pertinent factor. Most senior martial artists I know have sampled many different clubs and styles before finding the one that best suits them. For myself, the martial art that first lured me was karate although it took over 10 classes and 4 different styles at locations across the country to finally find the instructors I wanted to train under. 

In my experience the drop-out rates for those learning karate is significantly high with most leaving after only a handful of lessons. Talking to students about this I learnt that it “just wasn’t for them” or “not what they expected”. What is maybe more surprising concerns those students who appeared to be enjoying their training and then leave after persuading their parents to buy a gi and other expensive training gear. What did they expect though?

Many come to the dojo inspired by watching Jackie Chan, the Ninja Turtles or Kung Fu Panda, having witnessed explosive and dynamic techniques, flying kicks and shattering strikes. They might also have played video games, where after a relatively short space of time they find themselves embroiled in combat, warding off multiple attackers. Coming to the dojo there is the hope of emulating their screen heroes and that these skills will be quickly mastered and realised. What they find instead is that learning is slow and that instant gratification is not to be attained.

What is it though that facilitates moving beyond this point and setting more realistic achievements for oneself? A starting place might be with the motivational theorists such as Abraham Maslow although it is the point about gratification which is worth exploring further i.e. “What return do I get for all of the time and energy invested”. This is especially salient when the initial enthusiasm and energy start to dwindle and progress seems slow. It is also not helped by the advent of winter nights, a particularly gripping storyline in Eastenders or Champions League football.

Anyway, it is worth considering the various internal and external drivers which help to maintain enthusiasm and engagement with continued learning. There may be a process of trial and error with some students or even offering a broad enough “menu” to satisfy the learning styles of the wider group be they reflectors, activists, theorists etc.  For some, sparring and pairs work gives a feel of instant application and a testing out of one’s abilities, whilst others prefer to focus upon their techniques through applications such as kata.

It is interesting to consider the grading system which awards belts for continued progress and attainment of skills - this is mainly a Western concept/need. I am sure other instructors have witnessed the renewed interest and passion for learning amongst students when a grading is approaching and the enticement of a new coloured belt (especially black) proves motivation enough. Take away the grading system and the number of students remaining would most likely plummet. Ask a number of students what their primary goal is and they will indicate the attainment of a black belt – as if this was the pinnacle, the Holy Grail which would enable a process of self actualisation to occur.

I always remember a fable told by an old sensei about two students who were asked why they wanted to join his class. Student A stated that he wanted to get his black belt. He was given a black belt and told he had fulfilled his goal and could now go home. Student B announced that his intention was to learn karate. He was beckoned into the dojo and asked to join training. The lure of the black belt is a powerful motivator although has a major drawback in that having achieved it, the passion for continued learning for a number of students diminishes. Having achieved this notable status symbol the drive to keep working hard and focus upon the minutiae of techniques is simply not there. The problem here is that the main motivating factor lay in an external source and not from within.

It is a shame as it is hoped that martial artists appreciate the responsibility that is inherent within the Dan grade of putting something back into the art, namely by helping others learn. This is vital, especially if we want our arts to stay alive – there a number of styles and techniques which have reached the end of their lineage and simply died out, at best preserved in part through writing or diagrams. For me the primary motivational drivers were internal. 

The award of 1^st Dan was merely an occasion to move from the top of one ladder to the bottom of another. The more I learn the more I realise I still have to learn and after 30 years training my appetite remains undiminished. The joints and bones might be creaking a bit now and I can see the kicks getting lower but nonetheless I have a lot more to achieve and pass on. For this reason, it is the core of “switched on” students who I have most time for within my class. I would rather have a smaller class of these students than a large number of ambivalent and unfocused ones. It is the small core group who will after all pass on the learning that we give to them.

You can find out more about David's kobudo instruction by visiting: http://www.bukido.yolasite.com
E-mail David at: macca23@sky.com