SEN-I JUTSU ROLLS IN,
SHAFFER'S DRAGONS
ROLL OUT!!!!! 

A FULL EXPLANATION OF SENI -I JUTSU, IS ON THIS SITE

 

  For the last ten years we have been cross training different disciplines and styles in and out of our dojo. We eventually began to bring those different disciplines into one cohesive system called; Dragon Sen-I Jutsu. This is not news to the people who have been closely associated with our dojo or read the articles on this site. Over the years keeping Isshin-ryu and Sen-I both in our training has been a monumental balancing act. We pulled it off because everyone was already black belts and had the fundamental skills and versatility to do so. During that time we won countless kata and kumite trophies at Isshin-ryu and open tournaments. Last year we had one kata grand and five kumite grand's. All but two were point tournaments. Then the black belts voted not to go to point tournaments, which virtually leaves us out of “Isshin-ryu only”, tournaments. They also voted not to do Kata at open tournaments, as there was a noted lack of appreciation for Isshin-ryu kata. So it really left us six of one and a half dozen of the other. Then came the Isshin-ryu Cross Training Alliance where we associated and trained with like minded people.  It would seem that the road less traveled in our area is the integrated martial arts training (or cross training). But this is where we found the most enjoyment, satisfaction and support.

 

  A year ago we opened up a new dojo in Greenville. We had been in Anderson for the entire time of our existence, but the Greenville opportunity was too good to pass up. My black belts drive right at an hour each way, two to three times a week. Jason Anzur drives it four times a week. This is why I listen to them. It is OUR dojo not MY dojo. We have attracted a very good group of 40 new students. I have all adults except for six kids. Only four of them wanted karate. The rest mma type training. I just couldn’t cut loose of my Isshin-ryu roots. So we have taught them both and have done a pretty good job of it, thanks to my black belts.  Side by side it worked fairly well, as we set up belt tests for both Isshin-ryu and Sen-I to make sure we were getting the whole of the two messages across. Up to 4^th kyu it was ok and then the differences began to show. First of all, to properly learn jujitsu and striking and all the peripheral techniques, it requires a lot of time. To teach Isshin-ryu precisely with Kata, bunkai, budo, and chin-na takes a lot of time.  The stances, punches, kicks, footwork, and clinch (chin–na), are all different from Isshin-ryu.  I had a conflict of interest as well as a time management situation. Unless someone could come three to four times a week, there was not enough time to do everything both systems called for. It was a little of lots everything some nights, and some nights, a lot of very little. Worse, all the info wasn’t consistent enough to insure proper understanding from the students. I could have had different nights for the two styles, but only one student remained interested in karate over Sen-I. When I asked last night who wanted to do karate only, a little 7 year old, who comes once a month sometimes, and has been on seisan for six months, wanted to stay with Isshin-ryu. So commercially for students appeal and retention, it was no contest. I had one guy tell me karate is for kids. We know Isshin-ryu is not, but which way is your dojo going? Are you getting mostly kid business? To be honest, I was tired of teaching kata, only to have to teach the same thing to that person who forgets, or doesn’t come often enough over and over. Plus, I have my own personal opinion regarding kata. I believe some of us got into the habit of promoting someone whenever they could learn another kata. I don’t want to say anymore about that, as I just personally found it not to fit into my personal preference of teaching street fighting. I could make an argument for both sides of that, but in the end, I decided to go this direction. There is of course a major place for it in karate if that is all you are teaching. Just not in what I teach. I am however, leaving Seisan in for the first belt promotion (and the little girl). It is a teaching method to start someone out on footwork, coordination, and training motor skills for combinations. It also has some basic street applications that a new person can use. But after that, no more kata. When the student receives their black belt in Sen-I, they may begin a study of Isshin-ryu. Particularly the ones who now hold some kyu rank in Isshin-ryu. We are probably through with Isshin-ryu tournaments as they now stand. No Isshin-ryu tournament directors seem interested in anything but traditional sparring. It is a dilemma as we have friends, even tab holders, who have tournaments.  It is you people I hope will understand. We will come to your dojo for a work out and have you in ours any time you say. But we won’t go to a point tournament.

 

  To cut to the point, we have decided to make Dragon Sen-I Jutsu, our dojo system and identity. After 45 years, I feel like I am leaving home. But I must say with no disrespect, that I feel like it will be a better home. It is better for me and my students. My black belts are free to continue to practice Isshin-ryu if they desire additional rank. We have a, ”closed to students,” advanced two hour class.  I do some teaching, but mostly it is a time for all of us black belts to train with just each other. It is our free time to enjoy want we do uninterrupted. It is always a great night. It is called personal injury night, as I don’t put any limits on the contact. We do kick boxing, boxing, grappling and mma fighting. The bag is a must as are strength and co-ordination drills. That leaves little time for anything else. They all have keys to the door and are free to do what ever on their free time.  

 

  There is much to do. Change the school name, a different uniform, pads and alter traditional responsibilities like bowing, terminology, and rank designation.

 

  We are not discarding Isshin-ryu in it’s entirety. As I said, all of my black belts are Isshin-ryu and of course, so am I. We will just be spending the majority of our time on Sen-I. We also have lots of Isshin-ryu friends that we will be in close touch with. The Isshin-ryu Cross Training Alliance will stay in tact and continue to offer all things Isshin-ryu and all martial arts, as it has been for the last two years.

 

  One last comment and observation on Isshin-ryu There is nothing wrong with Isshin-ryu. It is the best KARATE, available. It has a long and rich tradition of hard trainers and fierce fighters. Isshin-ryu is incapable of hurting itself, as it is the proven product of some of the best martial arts practitioners throughout history.

 

  We may still attend some Isshin-ryu events, if we are invited, and if there is continuous or full contact, or grappling competition. It also depends on if the usual suspects are going to be there and if we should take a jar of Vaseline if they referee or judge. However, all events will be limited to Jams and a few competitions to test our skills. The best events are Monday thru Saturday at the dojo, visits with and from friends, and just training. I never ever feel negative, frustrated and waste time, unless I spent too much time away from the dojo on unproductive events, or around unproductive people.

 

  So come one, come all Isshin-ryu, jujitsu, Bando, or whatever, trainers.  We love for our friends to visit to teach, train, spar, roll, or what ever suites. We have no obligations, except to our training.