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| Divisions |
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| Karatedo | Nihon Jujustu | Iaido |
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Karatedo |
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The word Karatedo is a combination of three Japanese characters, kara (empty), te (hand) and do (way or path). The "way of Karate" is a means of physical, spiritual and moral development based on protracted training.
Karatedo practice is divided into three aspects: Kihon (basic training) emphasizes stances, breathing, basic blocks, hand techniques and kicks. Kata (forms) is the heart of karatedo and enables the practitioner to fully grasp the meaning of basics, breathing, concentration, balance, coordination and focus. Kumite (sparring) allows practitioners to apply methods of attack and defense in a dynamic manner that enhances timing, speed and control. Through hard training, practitioners seek to foster a spirit that strives for truth and respect for others.
The history of Karatedo can be traced to the Ryukyu Islands that stretch from Taiwan to Kyushu (the southern most island of the Japanese mainland).
Lying at a confluence of trade routes, the culture of Okinawa was greatly influenced by China, and later Japan. Early development of what was known as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand) or Tode (Chinese hand), featured adaptation of indigenous and Chinese methods of combat. In the early 1600s, forces from mainland Japan subjugated the Ryukyu Kingdom and instituted a complete ban on the possession of weapons and the practice of martial arts. From this era until modern times, training in ancient forms of Karatedo was extremely secretive. In addition to developing the body as an instrument of self-defense, tools, farming & fishing implements and other common items were utilized as weapons.
The Karatedo Division has been led by some of the greatest names in Karate, including Hinori Otsuka, Meijin Karatedo 10-dan and founding member of IMAF, Gogen Yamaguchi, Hanshi Karatedo 10-dan, Hirokazu Kanazawa, Hanshi Karatedo 10-dan, Kazuo Sakai, Hanshi Karatedo 10-dan. And Tandanori Nobedtsu Hanshi Karatedo 9th Dan. |
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| Nihon Jujustu |
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Traditional martial arts form one of the cultural properties of Japan. Depictions of warriors in combat utilizing the classical weapons of the sword, bow and lance, as well as un-armed measures, known collectively as Jujutsu, can be found in ancient scrolls dating from the dawn of Japanese civilization.
Japanese history features extensive periods of warfare, and the subsequent development of the bakufu, military government, which began with the Kamakura era (1192 - 1333), and ending with the Meiji restoration (1868). Throughout this period the samurai held great influence politically and culturally, which lead to the establishment of numerous schools of martial studies. This unique cultural heritage forms the basis of both ancient and modern Japanese martial arts practiced throughout the world today.
What is Nihon Jujutsu?
Nihon Jujutsu is a modern system of self-defense and physical exercise based on techniques commonly found in ancient and contemporary styles of armed and unarmed combat. Regular training includes physical conditioning, evasive movements, striking, throwing and immobilizations (joint locks and other methods of restraint). The training employs a systematic approach to self-defense that effectively develops speed, balance and power through graduated exercises.
The philosophy of Nihon Jujutsu is to develop the individual in both mind and body through daily practice focused on achieving balance and peace. Physical balance is enhanced through regular training, while the philosophy dictates that all means of self-defense must be used in socially responsible ways. Thus, specific measures exploit anatomical weak points, allowing for a response appropriate to the circumstances, and are designed to control an assailant with a minimum of injury.
"All forms of traditional Japanese martial arts are in fact lifelong pursuits, the full benefits of which can only be realized after many years of dedicated practice. To gain proficiency in any one area requires endless study and commitment, and it is through this very process that numerous unanticipated benefits occur. As such, traditional Japanese martial arts constitute much more than methods of combat, rather, they comprise a means of developing discipline, knowledge, soundness of mind and body, all of which in turn, serve to enrich other aspects of one’s life."
- Shizuya Sato, Hanshi 10th Dan NihonJ ujutsu, Hanshi 9th Dan Judo |
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| Iaido |
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Iaido, the way of the sword, is a martial art that began as on offshoot of Kenjutsu, arts of swordsmanship. It was developed as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks in 15th and 16th century Japan.
The purpose of Iaido was to slay an opponent with one stroke of the sword immediately after unsheathing it. In order to create such a defensive system, situations and circumstances of surprise attacks were studied to devise a systemized way to utilize the sword efficiently against many forms of attack.
What is Iaido?
Iaido is a method of wielding the sword, one of the Japanese martial arts which has been practiced from ancient times until present day. The i in Iaido refers both to the existence of the body and that of the spirit. The ai refers to adaptability, the impromptu execution of movements whenever and wherever a appropriate response is necessary. The do refers to the path or way taken by its practitioners.
The practice of Iaido requires a calm spirit, extreme concentration and skill. Every motion, such as the movements of the arms or legs and body, must be perfectly coordinated.
The physical practice of Iaido includes drawing, parrying and cutting motions, as well as various methods of returning the sword to the scabbard. Training focuses on Kata, pre-arranged forms that are designed as defenses against an imaginary opponent, and each form teaches several principles of correct sword handling.
"Even though you may devote yourself completely to it with all your heart and soul, it is very difficult to master Iaido completely. It is possible, though, to move one step at a time toward the ultimate goal through practice."
– Katsuo Yamaguchi
Iaido is a traditional Japanese martial art practiced as means of character development and one of the IMAF divisions.
The Iaido Division has been led by some of the greatest names in the art, including Tsugiyoshi Ota, Meijin Iaido 10-dan, Katsuo Yamaguchi, Meijin Iaido 10-dan, Tadao Ochiai, Mejiin Iaido 10-dan, and Kenji Tose, Hanshi Iaido 10-dan. |
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