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| Shinseido Shorin Ryu: The Way Born of Truth and Reality |
| A description of the basic training methods |
| Introduction |
| The Shinseido training programme has been developed over a very long period of time and through a great deal of intensive research and development. The present schedule represents a carefully arranged progressive package that will lead to an ability and competence second to none. Basic training, (white through to black belt) training is aimed at learning the comprehensive self defence form called Shinsei no Kata, the thirty three step classical form called Seisan (Born of Three) and the fundamental forms of Matsumura Shurite. Every programmed sequential movement and technique learned has been designed to lead onto the next in a way that will make in depth understanding accessible to anyone with patience and an ability to work consistently towards an end. |
| It has to be said that training in Shinseido is not really designed to meet short term needs, although anyone who trains in Shinseido, even for a short time will benefit. Rather the aim is to produce complete Shinseido practitioners and teachers. The overall training programme is based on a ten year training plan which is broken down into smaller more easy to assimilate modules. |
| Using the supportive notes provided, start with the first technique on the 10th kyu syllabus and work through each successive step until you are able to perform them without referring to the notes. |
| The basic training comprises the fundamentals of the system, combinations of those techniques in a long series called undo, waza or kata depending upon their length and nature, and then the applications of those exercises in pairs practise. Set a realistic target for learning these exercises, this will depend upon how much time you can devote to your Shinseido training. The general aim and orientation of the system in its initial stages is that students learn the requirements for each successive syllabus every three months. However, this is by no means a fixed target and students are encouraged to work at a rate that suits them. Try to resist moving onto the next exercise until you are able to do so without forgetting those that you learned before. |
| As regards grading examinations within Shinseido, you will be asked to demonstrate successive techniques according to the official Shinseikai syllabus. Providing that you demonstrate a technique correctly, you will be asked to demonstrate the next one on the list. If, however, you do not demonstrate a technique correctly, the examiner will terminate the grading examination. This may seem harsh, but you must be philosophical about this approach. Shinseido is not a game, it is a serious and difficult art-science. In order for Shinseido activities and promotions to hold the respect of organisations world wide, the examinations have to be approached in a positive black and white manner. You may feel nervous, you may make a silly seemingly inconsequential mistake, you may think the examiner/s are being picky, or even unfair, but unless the technique meets the criteria laid down for the system, you will fail the examination. Remember, that your examiner’s were once beginners too. Your training experience is cumulative, what you don't gain on one occasion, you may well make up on the next. Progress is directly linked to the amount of work you put in. Best wishes. |
| Every aspect of Shinseido training and progression has been carefully considered and ordered over a period of more than two decades. Today, the student can make steady and sure progress through a progressive classical system that is second to none. The initial white belt step is very important, for it is essential that good foundations are laid. You will be surprised how quickly each successive step can be learned. The average progress rate rather depends upon how many training sessions you attend every week and how much time you are able to devote to practise In between lessons. The hours you spend in the dojo are automatically logged because there is a direct correlation between dojo training time and progress made despite the fact that some people seem to have a natural aptitude for learning karate and others (like myself) have to struggle. Some steps are very easy while other steps are not. The material is not presented in order of difficulty but according to the natural laws of Shinseido practise. In reality, it does not matter whether you work through each successive step or skip from one to another within each successive grade level. Whichever way you choose to progress, make sure that you revise regularly so that the learning process is cumulative. You will have the opportunity during each lesson that you attend to run through the steps that you need to learn in order to attain your next rank. If you want to ask questions or have any difficulties you must ask your teacher to help. The Shinseido teacher's responsibility is to perpetuate the system, before anything else. By teaching you and helping you to progress he or she is trying to ensure that at least one person will pass the teachings onto the next generation. The reality is that it takes many hundreds of students to produce just one teacher. It is a little like a fish laying hundreds of thousands of eggs to ensure the continuation of the species, for the reality is that most eggs will succumb to predators, disease or accident. As a student, your responsibility is to learn, ask questions and to work consistently and tenaciously towards attaining the black belt. The way will be hard. Sometimes you will feel like giving up because there seems to be no end to learning. Every time you reach the top of the mountain you will see another higher mountain ahead of you. You will come to accept that there is no end to learning. It would appear that not everyone is capable of attaining the black belt rank, yet I do believe that through patience and determination you can win through. |
| Don't forget though, and I make no apology for repeating myself, do ask questions. Do practise regularly, because a little and often is far more beneficial than the rare prolonged training session that is very often resorted to, shortly before a grading examination. Keep your notes carefully and record the dates (perhaps in pencil to start) on which you feel confident that you can remember a particular requirement, what it means and how to perform or effect it. Remember that the your teacher is genuinely concerned that you succeed and will be monitoring your progress every step of the way. |
| I wish you every success. Good luck! |