by JOHN THURSTON » Tue Mar 23, 1999 7:42 pm
Bill and Moe et al:
We practice "Yakusoku" Kumite. I personally, still like to practice Kyu and Dan and 1-whatever, (especially 1 and three).
Yakusoku trade a bit of off Dan; the number nine sequence in Yakusoku being similar to number four in Dan. Number three in Yakusoku is very similar to number three, I think, in Kyu. Number seven ens as does numbxcept, perhaps, that Yakusoku "always" ends with a "clean" counter as does
Kyu, which makes it very "likable".
As for the forms, subject to other input, nobody has required anyone yet to my knowledge to teach any of the "Fukyu Gata" forms "sanctioned" in the Kyuhan (Kyuhon?).
They are not requird for promotion. Therefore to prospective Dan candidates they may as well not exist. I suppose they could be considered electives for an instructor seeking more material.
Weapons forms were to be selected as "electives", but no list came back from OKK as to which or what they might prefer. Therefore I work on Shushi No Kon Sho, (Mr. Takamiyagi did it at one camp and Tokumine No Kun (listed in Alan Dollar's book as a "traditional" Kobudo form and Tsuken Chita Hakku Sai. Neither these of any others are required for promotion yet.
Weapons forms are required in Isshin Ryu, for example, which borrowed (please correct me if I am wrong) and number of Goju Shorin kata plus "Sunsu" compiled by Master Shimabaku. Kusanku Sai is an example of one of their weapons forms adapted directly from one of their empty hand forms.
Also, there has been talk of a new form that might be required for 5th or 6th Dan. This, I assume, might be compiled by the OKK board members. Again, for purposes of the potential Shodan candidate, it might as well not exist. In fact for Godan candidates it doesn't exist yet. It is last on my worry list.
Personally, I don't have an objection to all this as long as no one seriously changes the eight kata passed to us that both sides of the thread practice.
I am not trying to be an "apologist", just passing on info.
The Kenyukai has their own Kumite as well.
Allen books are very good and I refer to them often. Allan Dollar's book is a must as well.
JOHN T.
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