Pedagogical

The Pedagogical Framework

The learning process in the KSR is divided into three stages:

• the basic techniques or "omote waza" (the exterior techniques);

• the advanced techniques or "ura waza" (the interior techniques) or "gogyo" (the five elements); and,

• the secret techniques or "gokui" (principles).

In the first stage, students learn the perfect technique, distance, angles, timing, and rhythm. If they conform to these standards, they begin with the study of the advanced techniques, which initiate them into the higher martial techniques. In the last phase, a level that can only be reached by few, the pupil is initiated into the essence of the martial art - the secret techniques.

The average student gets the certificate of ‘mokoruku’ (all basic techniques - the catalogue) after training intensely for approximately 10 to 15 years. After another 10 to 15 years of training, a serious student may be awarded the certificate of ‘menkyo’ (all the basics and the advanced techniques - the licence).

All techniques of the school are taught in "kata", i.e., each exercise is a succession of established fighting forms. These are executed according to an established pattern, however they employ a larger, thus safer, distance than normal. In the martial sphere, the advantage of this exercise form is that the techniques can be performed correctly and at full speed without the danger of wounding someone. In the mental sphere, kata steels the nerves. It teaches one to control emotions and it improves the control over the body in movement through training. This dedicated study of kata brings one's body and soul into a balance state. The constant repetition of the imposed exercises stimulates one’s stamina and the assists with the endurance of discomfort and pain.

The following weapons are those with which we mainly exercise:

• the sword, "bokken", "iaito", or "shinken"’

• the long staff or "bo"

• the halberd or "naginata"

• the short sword or "shoto"

• two swords (the long sword and the short sword) or "ryoto"

• the spear or "yari"

Students of the KSR are not allowed to participate in contests among each other or with strangers, until they are fully licenced. Drawing the sword is considered to be a serious matter and the term "shiai" (friendly contest), in the KSR-philosophy, means nothing less than "shi ni ai" (the only outcome of the battle is death). For this reason, I often point out to my students that martial art is no laughing matter since people have died to learning the lessons that are now being taught.