JŌSHŌ ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS WELCOMES YOU
CLASSES
Kwanmukan Martial Arts
The Kwanmukan is comprised of four different martial arts that have been integrated and brought together in a cohesive manner under the philosophies and unifying principles of Hanshi Anderson’s teachings. These martial arts are: Karate, kobudo, judo, and aiki-jitsu. We use karate in a general manner to describe the style of our striking art; while we have a strong base in Japanese Shotokan karate, we also study and incorporate Korean Kwonbop and Northern Chinese Chuang-Fa (kung fu). Kobudo is the study of Okinawan weapons. Judo and aiki-jitsu are Japanese martial arts that focus on grappling, throwing and falling, joint locks, chokes, and other control techniques.
The beauty and strength of the Kwanmukan, and thus Josho Academy, is that we do not limit ourselves to just one type or style of martial art, but instead see the benefits and value in studying across styles and cultural interpretations. We understand the inter-relationships between these various martial arts and realize the strengths to be found in each one.
Classes are generally separated between those for kids (ages 5-12) and adults (13+). Kids classes are approached differently than those for adults. General physical development and movement are more the focus than the details of correct technique. Once we have a strong foundation of the former, we can begin to address the latter. While we still want to ensure our younger students are learning valuable discipline and attention, we realize that enjoying class and having some fun is also important. Kids need to be kept engaged. Thus, we incorporate games into the curriculum and maintain a lighter attitude than with the adult classes.
KARATE
Karate is a style of empty hand combat focusing mainly on striking with various parts of the body. While most will associate karate with Japan (the country that popularized it), this martial art began in Okinawa (along with influence from the Chinese martial arts) and then traveled to Japan in the early 1900s where it was systematized. It was later introduced to Korea where it underwent cultural changes and became the basis for Taekwondo as we know it today (separate from the much older Korean martial arts of Taekkyon, Kwon Bop, Subak).
Kwanmukan’s style of karate incorporates a strong Japanese Shotokan base, but also Korean Kwon Bop (Korean kung fu) and northern Chinese Chuan-Fa. In karate class, we focus not only on effective self-defense, but also physical, mental, and character development. While the physical training will help to strengthen and develop the body, the importance we place on detail and perfecting of technique (or striving for such) will develop focus, attention, and discipline. This is executed within a traditional Japanese martial arts setting that incorporates aspects of budo (the philosophical and ethical focus of the martial arts) in order to teach respect, humility, deference, and self-control.
Karate training can be broken down into four areas of focus: Kihon (basics – strikes, blocks, stances, etc.); wasa (partner work/drills); kata (prearranged patterns of movement); and kumite (sparring). At Josho Academy, we incorporate a rotating curriculum where classes focus on a different area of training each day
JU-JITSU/JUDO
Jujitsu was the method of unarmed combat utilized by the Japanese Samurai (Warriors) - in the event one became disarmed on the field of battle this method facilitated not only survival, but also the possible rearming of themselves with their own weapon or an enemy’s.
Translated as “gentle technique,” this martial art is far from gentle, but instead can be quite devastating. Here, “gentle” is used to describe the principles of this art’s techniques and application. Through an understanding of the human body, off balancing, and redirection of an opponent’s momentum and force, one can defeat a larger and stronger opponent without much effort.
Jujitsu encompasses atemi (vital stroke/strikes and kicks), nage-wasa (throwing techniques), ne wasa (grappling, joint locks, submission methods), shime wasa (choke-outs), and the understanding of weapons (it is recognized that in order to disarm an opponent of a weapon one must understand the application of said weapon).
Judo evolved from jujitsu in the late 1800s by Kano Jigoro, who wished to remove the more dangerous aspects of the art and reduce its focus on combat, and instead bring in more physical, mental, and character development aspects. Thus, he named his system judo (“gentle way”) in lieu of jujitsu (“gentle technique”). Judo generally focuses more on throwing and subsequent grappling within a competition framework than jujitsu.
At the beginning level students will first learn correct methods of falling (breakfalls) and rolls (rollouts). From there the student moves into fundamental throws, joint-locks, and choke-outs in cooperation with a partner. These classes are closely monitored to ensure the safety of the student at all times. Eventually the student will progress to randori (free movement or sparring) in the Judo tradition.
KOBUDO
Kobudo (or "old martial way") is the ancient Okinawan martial arts of weapons. In this class there is instruction in the following weapons from Okinawa as well as from other Asian cultures. These weapons are:
Rokushakubo - Six foot staff, also known as "bo" or staff
Sai - Short unsharpened dagger
Tonfa - Handled club
Nunchakun = Short 12" - 14" sticks joined by a rope
Cane - As taught by the Koreans
Weapons develop a greater sense of interval distance as well as ones surrounding area along with a strong perception of grip.
In this class the students will learn the fundamentals of each weapon graduating to basic manipulation, and developing more complex manipulations and dexterity. From there students move into partner work experiencing combat applications and then not only learning forms but their bunkai, or translations.
