Training
Methodology
Daito-ryu is primarily an unarmed combat system. Techniques are organized into different levels of increasing complexity. Students systematically progress from level to level, beginning with the first level, hiden mokuroku ikkajo. Learning techniques is primarily through kata: pre-arranged two-man exercises. Kata allow practitioners to safely practice techniques. More importantly, kata are repositories of highly developed martial knowledge. As skill level increases, practitioners can extract more and more of this martial knowledge from the kata (relaxation, utilization of breath, timing, proper distancing, etc.). Learning kata is a complex process. It is essential that a student be taught by a qualified instructor. As is typical of traditional training, there are no formalized competitions or contests. Takumakai has adopted the dan ranking system. All ranks are issued from Takumakai in Japan.
Yushinkan is small by design in order to attract and keep serious students; to keep the quality of training high; and to create the camaraderie necessary for such training. The dojo is open to anyone genuinely interested in learning Daito-ryu.
A Typical Class
Class begins with seated meditation and bowing. The meditation is to create the proper mindset for practice; the bowing is to show respect to the art, each other, and ourselves. A short warm-up consisting of both general and Daito-ryu-specific exercises follows. Often these exercises are simplified movements designed to improve a student’s understanding of balance, timing, and energy flow. Most of class is spent in two-man exercises. These exercises are usually the formal kata, but may also consist of application techniques/exercises. The majority of techniques are concerned with joint locking, pinning and throwing, with striking being subservient to these goals. Striking in the boxing sense is not practiced. Students of all skill levels practice together. All students are exposed to basic and advanced techniques. Students are often separated into groups to practice rank-specific kata. Class ends with seated meditation and bowing.
