Traditional/Classical Training/Practice

Written on this more times than can remember. Today, while reading through some of my favorite blogs I read a post by Patrick of the Mokuran Dojo blog titled, "What is Classical Judo?"

Needless to say I had a comment which you can read at his blog but while working out at lunch this flash of inspiration came to me from the subconscious most assuredly triggered by the blog posting so I thought I would post my thoughts here for your review.

Traditional/Classical = Esoteric/Exoteric

You can view the way of traditional/classical practice as exoteric or external. It can be a strict and uncompromising adherence to the exact practice of the styles creator to every single physical movement is to remain as it was taught. Kihonteki, kata, and kumite shall be done with the same techniques, exactly, and the same enbusen, exactly, and with absolutely no deviation, period. forever!

You can also view the way of traditional/classical as esoteric or internal where the outward practice is naturally adjusted for the person as a unique individual where strict adherence to form and function is only a fundamental and the practitioner is encouraged as time goes by to adjust and conform the practice/training to suit them both physically and psychologically, etc. What remains intact with out deviation is the spirit of the original master of the style.

We are all human and flawed. There is no way each and every individual can retain "exactly" the form and function of every single move taught by the styles creator. Look at the video's on Isshinryu by the original first generation practitioners, i.e. Mitchum, Advincula, Nagle, etc. You will also see deviations in all the various video/8 mm of Bushi Tatsuo Sensei as well. They all took the same lessons from Shimabuku Sensei but each and every one to the last does the kata different. Look at their students, they also do it different than their teachers.

Those aspects I would consider the important traditions or classics of a style are not physical in nature. It is like Bushi Tatsuo Sensei ken-po goku-i, chinckuchi, gamaku, body mechanics, alignments, and fundamental bunkai (not necessary to keep exact either but the concept is traditional to karate-do).

All the fundamentals that are unique to your style and come from the spirit of practice of the creator. It seems we get caught up in the belief that the kata and such "MUST REMAIN" exactly intact as to the original that we forget the true spirit of practice and training. To me tradition is learning all you can about the style, its creator, his/her customs and culture and beliefs all of which contributed to his creating the style to begin with so maybe our growth will achieve something unique and creative others will want to learn and practice and pass along to their descendants.

My sincerest thanks to Patrick Parker, Mokuren Dojo Sensei and blogger for stimulating thoughts and ideas!