Training with an Injury

Post By: Lee Phelan

Eventually one day it happens: you move incorrectly, have a lapse in concentration, or find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sure enough, you walk away with an injury. Hopefully it wasn't serious. Maybe all you need is some ice, ibuprofen, and Tiger Balm. But sometimes it is serious, and you end up having to take some time off or drastically change how you train.

Injuries for the most part are frustrating, painful, and reminders of our vulnerability. However, they can also teach us a great deal.

Being injured does not have to interfere with your training. Just about anything we do can be modified and adjusted. Techniques can be done one handed, sitting down, slowly, gently, or even mentally. This forces us to use our other abilities to accomplish an end result. Sure, you may feel silly at first. But in actuality you are enhancing your training and adding an element of realism as well. In an actual self defense situation, you may not have all your weapons available. You may end up injured in the exchange and have to improvise. Working around an injury allows you to work on other facets of training that may otherwise be ignored. Without muscle to compensate, balance and positioning become that much more important.

That being said, always follow the advice given by a doctor or other medical professional. If they tell you to take it easy and stay out of practice, do it. If a Sensei tells you to stop and treat an injury, do it.

One of the biggest lessons the martial arts have taught me is perseverance. No matter what challenges are ahead, continue fighting and confidently head forward towards your goals.    

Photo by: Akeeris

On drinking, Spitting and Sword

Post By: Sensei Kris

Welcome to the second part of my irregular series on the Isshinryu Code. In this feature, we’ll examine one of the strangest of the tenets:

The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft.

At first glance, one might wonder whether we are talking about martial arts at all. But I think this one line from the code nicely sums up a lot of what we do at Harp Karate.

First of all, we need to think more closely about “drinking” and “spitting”. Both deal with the same idea: are taking a liquid into your body (drinking) or expelling it from your body (spitting). If we replace the word “liquid” with “an opponent’s energy”, we get something interesting: The manner of taking an opponent’s energy and returning that energy is either hard or soft.

After a small amount of training, especially in circle attacks or sparring, we’ve experienced this. Sometimes you charge in at the person in the center in a direct confrontation (spitting hard). They respond by either meeting your charge with direct force like a block or a kick that catches you before you get too close (drinking hard) or by moving slightly and redirecting your energy (drinking soft). At other times, you try to be sneakier and attack the person in the middle more indirectly, such as a leg sweep while they are trying to reset after the last attack (spitting soft). They respond either by solidifying themselves against the sweep (drinking hard) or by allowing you to move them and then continuing that motion to their advantage (drinking soft).

We’re all used to sparring combinations. This tenet reminds us that there is a higher level of combinations – sort of a “meta-level” – where we think in larger terms about how we are being attacked and how we are responding to the attack. So here’s where my mathematician’s way of thinking comes into it. We have two ways of drinking and two ways of spitting. That’s 2 X 2 = 4 combinations of responding. To summarize them, we can

Drink hard and spit soft

Drink soft and spit soft

Drink hard and spit hard

Drink soft and spit hard

In sword, we refer to this by a more formal concept of yin and yang. Your partner attacks with the sword and you either block with yang (force against force) or yin (redirecting energy). Your counterattack after the block is either yin (following their movement) or yang (against their movement). Further, sword has eight basic strikes and eight blocks, so the combinations start to grow: eight strikes X 2 blocks (yin/yang) X 2 counterstrikes (yin/yang) = 32 combinations. When you factor in the three different distances that might be involved (close, middle, far) and how that affects the way you perform the technique, we suddenly get to around 96 combinations. Those on the Aiki side of the dojo are familiar with this combinatorial way of thinking (whether they realize it or not). But the karate side tends not to think this way too much.

At any rate, we’ve now got a lot of movements to memorize and practice. And to try and recognize which of those 96 you need at any given split second of a sword fight would result in “analysis paralysis” for most people. So the goal of our training is not simply to memorize all the movements and perform them perfectly. It is more subtle (did we ever think it wouldn’t be?). We need to think about the basic components of each of the movements – build our understanding and ability to perform them strong – so that we can use them as Lego blocks and build an appropriate response in the heat of the moment. This requires us to be fully present in the moment of each activity in the dojo and our personal training, aware of each of the facets (distance, the attacker’s technique, our block, our counter, etc.) so that we can develop a feel for what is actually happening that goes beyond what is easily seen.

So as you train in karate, Aiki, sword, automobile traffic, assignments, or whatever, think about how you take in the situation and how your give back. After all, it’s the season of giving! So drink up, everyone! (Or drink down, or…)

Photo By: Ken Smith

Interview with Sensei Terry

1. How long have you been training?

In January of 2012, I will have been training for 20 years … I wish I had started sooner!

2. What martial arts have you studied?

I began my martial arts training at Harp Karate, studying Sensei Harp’s interpretation of Isshin Ryu Karate. I took a stab at Aiki Ju Do, but it didn’t work for me … I love the concept and principles of Aiki, but I have physical limitations that prevent me from pursuing the art. No worries though … Aiki Ken Jutsu and Ken Ai Do provide me with many opportunities to expand my horizons. These sword arts add depth to my training.

3. What do you love most about the martial arts?

So hard to say … there is always room for improvement and growth … there is the feeling of confidence … there is the satisfaction in helping others learn … I have never found a negative aspect to martial arts training …

4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools? 

 I have never trained at another school, but I have visited some … at Harp Karate each student is an individual, valued for their individuality and trained with that individuality in mind. Each student is encouraged to work and progress at the pace that suits them best, and each student is backed by the support of all members of the dojo.

5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts? 

My sons joined Harp Karate while I was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in a battle against breast cancer. When I finished my chemotherapy, I decided I would “take karate” to regain my strength. My four year old son taught me to tie my belt! I soon discovered that one doesn’t “take karate” … okay … some do … but not me …I was hooked after the first few classes … after that I didn’t “take karate” …. I was on the road to becoming a martial artist.

6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo? 

I don’t think I can identify a proudest moment … there have been so many and there are so many more to come. The proudest moments so far have been when I have watched someone I have helped to train overcome all odds and attain their goals …

7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you? 

My brother was my first inspiration … then I joined Harp Karate and was inspired by many … Sensei Margot, Sensei Jennifer, and of course, Sensei Harp.

8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

As one of the senior members of the dojo (I’m old), I see my training continuing along the path I have been following … I work on making more of less

9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

When I enter the dojo whatever I practice is my favorite for that day … if I am the sensei I get to choose my favorite ,,, if I am not the Sensei, whatever I am assigned is my favorite for that time.

10. How have the martial arts changed who you are? 

The martial arts have made me an entirely different person …I am more confident (ok … confident at all) … I’m in the best physical condition I’ve ever been….I am happy and proud every day when I train and know that I have improved my life (and had fun doing it!) 

Famous People Who Are Also Martial Artists

This is a fun blog post!

Here is a list of 10 famous people who have trained in the martial arts:

Sean Connery: Kyokushin, also trained under Steven Seagal

Vladimir Putin: Judo Master

Bill Clinton: Taekwondo

Paul Walker: Brazilian Jujitsu

Criss Angel: Karate, Kung-Fu, Taekwondo

Theodore Roosevelt: Judo, Jujitsu

Madonna: Karate

Courtney Cox: Karate

Lucy Liu: Escrima, Silat

Abraham Lincoln: Wrestling

So keep training, who knows it may help you win the next election or land that movie role! Add any others you can think of in the comments.

Interview with Sensei Kris Green

      How long have you been training?

I started in 1991, but had to take time off for knee problems for a few years, then got back into it and had to take time off after getting hit by an SUV while riding my bike in a perfectly legal and responsible fashion. But I’ve been back solidly for almost 5 years now.

What martial arts have you studied?

I’ve studied karate primarily, with Ken Jutsu (art of the boken) coming second. But I’ve also learned and taught some Tai Chi (Yang short form). I’ve been exposed to techniques from Aiki, Jujitsu, and other styles, but only at a very surface level.

What do you love most about the martial arts?

It’s a lot of fun, it’s challenging and it keeps me fit. I’m in better overall shape now than in my 20’s. In fact, martial arts was the first activity that I both liked and had to work hard to improve. I liked that challenge. And the breaks I took for injuries really helped me see how much I was missing. Another benefit is providing me an outlet emotionally and spiritually; the self-discipline and self-awareness have been VITAL to getting where I am today.

How did you first become involved in the martial arts?

My first college roommate wanted to check out the karate club at school. It was Isshinryu-based and a lot of his high school friends had done Isshinryu. I stuck with it; he didn’t.

What is your proudest moment in the dojo?

I think that would have to be seeing and hearing the reactions to what Sensei Lee and I prepared for our second degree test. We really worked hard on those interpretations of the kata, and having everyone react the way they did was extremely gratifying.

Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

I hope to still be on my seigan, first of all. Second, I hope to be more patient and aware; right now, I get very impatient in sparring. I don’t like to wait for my opponent, even though that is extremely important, and always backfires when I don’t wait. I also hope to have helped a few students progress to their next level of training. I’m thinking about some of the green belts, in particular.

What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

I love Kusanku. I think that kata is really complex and has a lot of layers to it, as evidenced by the “strange applications” Sensei Lee and I demonstrated a our second degree test. I also like sparring a lot.

How have the martial arts changed who you are?

Believe it or not, I’m a calmer person when I practice regularly. My mental focus is better. I’m happier. In high school, I had a lot of nicknames that were related to my dour personality. Now I’m much more pleasant to be around.

Photo by: Kathleen Vona

Balancing Life and Training

Post By: Lee Phelan

It isn't always easy finding balance with life in general, but it can be particularly difficult in the martial arts. This is especially true while training for an upcoming test. Training too much can lead to burn out and a disruption of life. Not training enough can lead to the stagnation of progress. Aside from hitting your ideal amount of training, there are also things like work, school, family, friends, movies, video games, and other obligations all demanding a certain amount of attention. So how does one balance all of this?

Priorities and goals play a huge role, and are a personal choice. If your goal is to one day run your own dojo, or to become a master in the martial arts, then training moves to the forefront of your life. If your goal is to achieve a certain level of fitness, again, the priorities adjust. Other goals like achieving a specific belt rank have an end in sight, which again influences your priorities. For some people martial arts become a passion, while for others it is a hobby. Depending on your own priorities and goals, training takes on a very different level of importance. Priorities can change year to year, day to day, moment to moment. If you have a hectic work week packed full of meetings and demands, then work might end up being a priority for awhile. If a loved one is in need, then again, your priorities will change. Depending on your goal, you may adjust and fit in training somehow, or you may take a break from training until things are settled.

One simple yet eye-opening moment of enlightenment for me was when I realized my training did not have to take place at the dojo. At first training at home was weird, and slightly damaging (nunchaku and ceiling tiles don't mix). But eventually I came to enjoy being able to work on my own thing, entirely at my own pace.

We are lucky enough to live in a time and place where superb training is not necessary for survival. None of us need to know hand-to-hand combat in order to protect our loved ones or property from barbarians. However, the martial arts for many become a way of life. Consider your goals and priorities in order to get the most out of your training.

Photo By: Deena Hucko

Weapon of Choice

Post By: Lee Phelan

We are lucky to be able to train with a variety of weapons at Harp Karate. At green belt karate student can begin practicing with the sai, nunchaku, and the bo. Later are the tonfas. In Aiki Ju Do students learn the chujo, chojo, and dijo.  Once a student in either art reaches black belt, they can begin practicing with the sword.

At first I never liked weapons. The practical side of my brain would think things like: "When am I going to be walking down the street with a katana or bo in my hand?" However, I have now learned that weapons can teach us much more about balance, power, coordination, and body mechanics than I once thought. A weapon truly is an extension of yourself, and it can teach you a lot.

If forced to choose a favorite, I would have to pick the sword. For me it truly expresses our concepts of opposites. This is a very powerful weapon, even though it takes little in terms of physical strength to use it. At first the cuts and defenses seem simple, but they are complex with countless variations. It is also a very beautiful and elegant weapon, despite being so deadly and dangerous.

Think about your own weapon of choice!

Photo By: Rob Wiltshire