Martial Arts Study Group Outline #2

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Martial Arts Study Group – Study Guide #1

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Summary:

This book is one of the most detailed works on a specific Kata I have ever seen. Proving that Sanchin is simple if viewed from the outside and yet extraordinarily complex once you try to grasp all of the subtle elements of the form. The author does a great job breaking the Kata down into its most basic parts. Leading you through each step and giving you test materials to help examine your progress and understanding. The book covers everything from the root mechanics of the Kata to the mind set and breathing involved in its application.

The only problem with any book is not being able to see things in motion and get the feel for how they fit together. The author has some great illustrations but has apparently thought about that and has a separate DVD that goes into those details. These two works separately are great. Together and probably the next best thing to having Kris Wilder in your living room. Watch for the review of the the Sanchin DVD too.

Details:

This book is a step by step in depth study of the Sanchin Kata. The book is packed with information that goes into more detail than I have received from some instructors. It is amazing, Mr. Wilder does a very thorough analysis of the Sanchin Kata and its key stance, Sanchin Dachi. Having felt the power Mr. Wilder can wield I for one am eager to master the material.

Chapters:

1. The History of Sanchin Kata
2. Learning by Emulation and Repetition
3. The Mechanics of Being in the Moment
4. Measurement, Personal and Unique
5. The Roots of a Strong Tree, the Feet
6. Thighs
7. Hips
8. The Trunk of a Strong Tree
9. Movement Not Seen
10. Crescent Step
11. The Spine
12. Shoulders
13. Arms
14. The Fist
15. Knuckles
16. The Striking Arm
17. The Back
18. The Energetic and Mechanical Structure
19. The Iron Shirt
20. Rooting
21. The Mind
22. Ten-Minute Sanchin Kata
23. Implements for Sanchin Kata Training
24. Breathing
25. Turning
26. The Kata

Highlights:

There are two sections that stood out to me in this book. The first was the Chapter 21 on The Mind. The author gives us some really good information on the basic functions of the mind and how to apply them in practice as in combat. It is obvious that the author did a fair amount of research to get the material in the book just right. I for one really appreciate that diligence.

The second section that stands out to me was Chapter 22, Ten-Minute Sanchin Kata. I have seen this kind of training in the past but never was able to get a good explanation of the goal of the training. Some of the explanations I got were out right wrong and unrealistic. Things like conditioning the muscles to be tougher, etc… This section really made the ten minute Kata make a lot more sense.

Another thing that stood out to me in this book was that the material was well illustrated. The figures made the things mentioned in text very clear to me. There is still no substitute for seeing things in motion but they did help. Which leads me to concerns.

Lastly, I really liked how the author included suggestions for how to test each part of the mechanics of the Kata. When told some details about the spine he always added at least one way to test the point he he made. It provides needed feedback to the material to really learn it. This is a model I hope to carry forward into my work and one I rarely see in many martial arts books.

Concerns:

The biggest concern with this book as with any media. It is imperative to have an instructor or someone that can give you some feedback. Things like this can be learned without an instructor but I think it will take much longer. If you at least have a partner to work with they can give you feedback and guidance when or if you get stuck or when you get to the test it sections of the book. However, an instructor would sure be good thing to have handy. Having worked with the author in a couple of seminars there is no comparison between a book and the real thing. I will continue to work on this material until I feel comfortable enough to go back to him and have him pick it apart.

The book obviously cannot show you some of the subtle nuances to actual movement and timing. This can only really be done with something in motion. The author has obviously thought about that and has created a companion DVD that goes into the material in a visually in depth manner. Look for it, that will be the topic of my next review.

Respectfully submitted,

Nicholas Guinn
5th Degree Black Belt – Aikijutsu
4th Degree Black Belt – Shotokan Karate
December 6th, 2010
Owasso, Oklahoma, USA
Copyright 2010 by Nicholas Guinn

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The instructors present at the seminar: Kris Wilder, Iain Abernethy, Marc MacYoung, Al Peasland, Nicholas Yang, and guest instructor Rory Miller.

Crossing the Pond

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3 Biggest Mistakes (Podcast) by Iain Abernethy

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YMAA Catalog 2010

Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate
Available from: YMAA Publication Center, ymaa.com

The Way to Black Belt answers many questions that have taken me years to know to even ask. It also does a great job answering a few questions people have before they ever get started in the martial arts. For example, there is a chapter that outlines how to find a good instructor. The authors do a great job of outlining a process everyone can use to do exactly that, find a good instructor.

The tag line on the front of the book says “A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results” and they mean it. I would not call this an advertising slogan but instead a clear explanation of the kind of quality information that we can gain from each chapter. In addition to the great writing by these authors they also have some commentary and insights by some of the best martial artists alive today.

For people just starting to look for a good instructor the authors have outlined a great chapter on what to look for in a school. For those of us that have been in the martial arts a while they have a chapter called, “Understand the Strategy to Master the Tactics.” It goes in depth on some of the most important lessons on self defense like Hick’s Law and Boyd’s Law. As well as outline one of the most classic of questions, what is the difference between “Jutsu” and “Do”. Another great chapter even outlines goal setting and how to use it to assist you in the journey to black belt.

The book is absolutely worth the cost for almost any martial artist but will be particularly useful to students that are only now getting started. If you are already a student and feel like there is something missing. Read this book it may be able to point you in a direction that will be more productive in the long run. It is a great read and is very informative. Between chapters the authors have provided pictures to reinforce the message of the chapters. It has been a great read and a book I will be referring back to for a long time.

At $24.95 from ymaa.com. No matter what style of martial arts you intend to study this book will be a valuable asset in the journey to black belt.

Respectfully submitted,

Nicholas Guinn
3rd Degree Black Belt ? Shotokan Karate
5th Degree Black Belt – Aikijutsu
March 24th, 2009
Owasso, Oklahoma, USA
Copyright 2009 by Nicholas Guinn