Interviews with Nishioka Sensei
Q. How does training in koryu differ to other, more widely available, martial arts such as karatedo, aikido or judo?
I think I can answer this question as follows:
In your question you asked about 'koryu', but I would like to replace 'koryu' with the art that I am involved in. That is Shimizu Sensei's style of Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo, Seiryukai Jodo. I would also like to replace the 'generally well known' martial arts with the more popular form of Jodo nowadays, ZKR Seiteigata Jodo. (Jodojo: Even though both types of Jodo don't have the same popularity as other arts like aikido, the ZKR form of Jodo has greater following than Seiryukai Jodo.)
The 'ko' in the Japanese word kobudo means 'old' or 'a long time ago', which contrasts with the word 'shin' which means 'new' or 'present day'. If we just say "old" or "new" it seems as natural consequences. However, with some thought, I think one will realise the meanings of tradition and/or patrimony.
Therefore, I think your question about 'koryu' and 'well known arts' is similar to the question:
How does training in Shimizu Sensei's Seiryukai form of Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo differ from the Zennihon Renmei Seiteigata Jodo?
So the thing which is clearly different about koryu is that the aim of training is to take over your teacher's form (kata) and spirit (Seishin). It is not simply a training course for becoming physically stronger. Consequently, if we liken it to the flow of a river, koryu has its forefathers as the river has its source. In koryu that source is called the 'ryu so'. It is always with 'ryu' in the name of koryu. Organization is a good way for the popularisation and diffusion of an art, but there is a fear to wander from the fundamental elements. When one chases the variety too strongly, these fundamentals can be forgotten.
Without the clear existence of a teacher, and without paying close attention to training personally, training in an abstract Dan or title system can damage the quality of your basics. In order to learn, I think it is important to maintain the attitude of 'chasing' the good basics. Naturally one wants to be stronger and more skilful, and this is important. But one must study kata diligently. Contained within kata are the elements left from Bujutsu, which carried the real risk of life and death. To decide what must be learnt from kata is a difficult issue.
Kata clearly does not teach how to bring down the opponent, or how to kill and wound.
Instead, one should find the way to survive and protect oneself. That is, to find the true meaning of self defense. It is an important issue to be conscious of the differences between koryu and sports in which winning and losing are decided.
The characteristic feature of studying koryu is to keep 'looking for a teacher'. That is like saying that any person, not just one's own teacher, may impart an important lesson to you if you are looking and keep your mind open. This is like the saying, 'All for one and one for all'.
Kiri-otoshi and other discussion - Jodojo Nov 04
Interview with Nishioka Sensei - Jodojo Sept 04
My Thoughts on Honte and Gyakute - A discussion by Nishioka Sensei. Jodojo 11 Apr 04
Knowing the ‘suigetsu’ by the round stick. – Jodojo 10 Feb 04
What is the opinion of SMRJ about fighting with multiple enemies at the same time? – Jodojo 18 Oct 03
What are the essential elements of kata practice? - Jodojo 18 Oct 03
How does training in koryu differ to other, more widely available, martial arts such as karatedo, aikido or judo? - Jodojo 16 Oct 02
What do you think training in the traditional Japanese martial arts means in today's world? What kind of attitude do you expect a person studying kobudo to have? - Jodojo 6 Sept 02
Interview with David Dangerfield, Jan 02
