Learning Doesn't Stop

  We named our school/Dojo KenShuKai, this translates as study/training club. Taika (additionally, and after 15 years of operation, LOL) named it RyuShinkan (which roughly means Place of the Heart of Okinawa).

   

  Our primary concern, has always been focused towards increasing our own knowledge/understanding of what Taika has/is showing to us. As that information is being assimilated into our curriculum, it doesn't (always) have to be totally understood (as to why it works) by our students (during it's initial instruction). In numerous ways, that knowledge should become apparent through further instruction/practice.

   

  Though Taika doesn't always provide (detailed) explanations as to why/how many of his techniques work, we find it to be worth investigating (even if for no other reason than our own curiosity). Those investigations (more often than not) provide us with additional training/instructional information for teaching those techniques to our students.

   

  It was through this research (on our part), that we developed our “Basic Tuite Principles” (Theory). These principles have proven very productive for conveying the necessary understanding of technique (Tuite) application. They are by no means the end-all of instructional methodology, but from the Feed-Back received from other association members who have been utilizing them, they would appear to provide an (additionally) effective method of conveying application principles.

  

  When attempting to research an application, we initially attempt to determine the reason that the motion/technique works. This is (usually) began by confirming the validity of our application principles (the Basic Tuite Principles). This is our starting Theory.

   

  A theory tells us the what and the why but not necessarily the how. A good deal of our research is into that how. A knowledge of the theory or system helps us to make accurate predictions of what will happen in the future or as a result of a specific experiment. There will be some generalizations and assumptions, but these are made using the best, most complete knowledge to date. The theory or results acquired through our own experience will help guide our research. Further experimentation is conducted based upon conjectural statements and propositions--the Hypothesis. Rigorous experimentation and independent research (by others) helps to validate (or disprove) the theory, or will help define and/or further refine explanations.

   
  At the present time, our Basic Tuite Principles are still in this (experimentation and independent research) stage of testing, being done by both ourselves, and by others within the association. So far, the feed-back that we have received has been very positive.
There have been some minor clarifications required, but over all, most of the principles have been easily understood and applied. Not realizing the level of interest that would result, we have additionally decided to record a higher quality video (to help clarify any misunderstood concepts) to put on the RyuTe Forum (accessible only to RyuTe association members). 
    

  Our Research into Kyusho is being done similarly. Unlike a simple limb/joint manipulation (Tuite), Kyusho creates a plethora of reactions/responses from it's implementation. The number of (application) variables, are numerous for each instance/example.

 

  We have only discovered a few, that are limited in their response/effect from different methods of application. Our student's generally begin with those locations that are on the arm's, followed by the legs, the neck and the body (front and back). The generally (mis)understood belief, is that every location creates some kind of horrific response. Many of these locations will only create a retraction/retreat of the limb being stricken (with, or without additional pain influencing that response).

    

  Not every location being struck (including those strikes being performed upon the neck) will cause/create a loss of consciousness. This seems to be the biggest fallacy that the charlatans are promoting. Knowledge of these locations does by no means, makes one invincible. Without the knowledge and ability to perform the execution of the systems fundamental techniques, any of this knowledge is (basically) worthless.

     

  One blog that I read (and usually enjoy) has recently posted a blog about the validity of these kyusho points. Their implication is that they are (all) false. I can only assume (from reading that post) that they are attempting to base their belief from the various BS/Blow-hard's that promote various ridicules beliefs about ki/chi and mental powers/beliefs that have no basis in fact or reality. That same blog asserts that all of it, is (somehow?) linked to mass hypnosis (of some sort).

    

  I suppose that in some cases that might be considered a legitimate reason, but if/when confronted with complete skepticism, I'm afraid “mass-hypnosis” is an invalid argument. I myself was a complete skeptic/disbeliever. I gave Taika the opportunity to prove it to me (the first time). That was all I needed. His strike was neither hard, nor violent. There was a slight disorientation, and I awoke on the floor. After a few moments I could again stand up (not that I felt 100%, by any means). I was only out for (maybe) a “5-count”, but it was plenty to prove the potential for learning his methods.

    

  I've stated before that Kyusho is not our main area of study (only another piece of it). Tuite, and the Atemi striking and defenses are where the majority of our study/practice is done. Like the Tuite, we are working towards developing a “list” for Kyusho principles as well. This (of course, LOL) is much more difficult to do than the Tuite. Given the numerous variables, and individual differences (between people), it's proving interesting to formulate common “standards”. Oh well,...what else have we got to do? LOL.