NKJU/NKJUI is an umbrella organization. In that, we will accept all legitimate forms of martial arts. This enables us to cross-train and learn from each other, with the understanding that no one style is the best. NOTE: Mc Dojos need not apply.
As Kaicho, I will not allow NKJU/NKJUI to become complacent. We will continue to build off the kihons, perfect our waza and adapt them to our generation, and at the same time follow traditional Martial Arts values.
First, I want to ask everyone, especially the old timers who are still teaching, maybe the head of an organization, or are just attending clinics and camps. What do you see as the biggest problem we are facing today within martial arts? Specifically in Karate? Other styles I know have issues, but it seems to be more prevalent in Karate. You can contact me by email.
“KARATE GAPS”
I have been actively training in martial arts since 1973. Over these many years, I have seen and been involved in many martial arts systems. Suppose I were as complacent as many martial artists I have met over these years. I would not be able to make the following statement. “Karate has many gaps,” and I am certain there are also gaps in other martial arts. But since I am a karateka, I will keep this karate-specific Information.
The statement I just made should make everyone ask themselves. How did these gaps occur?
“The Beginning”
The U.S. declared war on Japan on December 8th, 1941. After the surrender of Japan in 1945, service members and contractors in large numbers began studying martial arts, with many having only a few years of training. After returning home, some of these servicemen and contractors began introducing martial arts in the U.S., with some appointed to serve as a representative in the U.S. under a specific Kai.
Richard P. Baillargeon was one of these. He opened a school in Valdosta, Georgia, in 1964 under the SSKU, “Seshin Kai Karate Union,” headed by President Shogo Kuniba. Mr. B., as we called him, broke away from the SSKU in 1974 and formed the NKJU. “National Karate Jiu Jitsu Union.” On February 1989, Mr. B passed, and I became Kaicho.
In 1973 the Kung Fu Craze began, followed by the Bruce Lee movies and 1984 Karate Kid. This brought about an explosion of martial art schools, with many instructors without formal training. Over time a few of those who trained in Japan realized they had what I like to refer to as Karate Gaps. These students began to understand that what their teachers knew could not be learned in just a few years. Martial arts was a way of life to these teachers and would take a lifetime to learn.
NKJU has, over the years, been filling in many of these karate gaps by understanding the application of the many moves within Karate. Through experimentation within those applications, we can begin to see what works and what does not. By understanding those two points, we can start filling in karate gaps, and following the same process, NKJU has corrected many karate waza that have worsened over time.
NKJU has no secret technique, art, or forms. The Information has always been there. The problem is that many teachers and students have not been aware of these gaps, and those who may be familiar with these karate gaps will not change because they have become too complacent in their ideology. It’s important to remember that we can learn from our mistakes. “That is if you are willing to do so.”
Looking at the picture below, how many errors do you see? Send me an email explaining what you see. I will compile all I get and post it in the next bulletin. Your name will not be posted unless I have permission from you. This individual is an instructor. Monkey see, Monkey do.
What makes NKLJU/NKJUI Unique from most other organizations is we teach you what works and what does not. No showboating, no made-up moves that may look good but are not practical. You learn the technique and the application and why the technique works. NKJU/NKJUI has teachers, not instructors, and there are differences between the two. Our teachers will introduce you to a limited amount of pain. To feel is to believe. Otherwise, it’s just been a performance.
As Kaicho of NKJU/NKJUI. I will tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear. If something I say hurts your feeling, so be it. It’s better to live a life of truth than that of a lie. In the end, Self-preservation is what matters. I took up martial arts to learn to defend myself, as I know most of you have. Along the way, I was faced with many physical and mental challenges, which only strengthened my resolve. The most awakening time was when I discovered that much of the training I received was incomplete. Under my direction, I want NKJU to be about filling in those karate gaps, and helping others to become aware of any problems within themselves or their Kai that have become complacent over the years.
NKJU does not believe you can become a successful martial artist through videos or books. They do have their place. The fact is, nothing can take the place of an experienced teacher. You can learn Kata through a video if you understand your Kihon. On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu cannot be learned adequately through a video. There are too many subtle moves, and understanding “Shin Gi Tai” is essential here. “Mind, Technique, Body.” Only through hands-on application can you truly appreciate how Jiu-Jitsu works. The same can be said about learning to fight. It’s hands-on training taught by an experienced teacher.
NKJU/NJUI is critical in its instruction, limiting it only to the student’s capabilities.
As I stated earlier, NKJU has no secrets, you might call something a secret, but in fact, it’s something that you don’t know. Robertson Davies said it best. Secrets “Everybody likes to tell, and Everybody does tell.” You don’t know what you don’t know.
In my next bulletin, I will get into what I feel is one of the most significant gaps in martial arts. That being perception, awareness, eye, and body mechanics. If you don’t understand these four words’ importance and how they interrelate. Then you, in essence, are spinning your wheels.
Roy D. Davis III Kaicho
davisroyiv3@gmail.com
