DOJO

Information on the principals of Ichikawa karatedo

The True Essence of Sosui Ichikawa Budo - Karate

PART 1

1. KIHON
2. KATA
3. HENTE
4. KAKUSITE (Hidden Waza)
5. TENSHIN
6. CONTROL OF STRENGTH IN THE FORM OF PHYSICAL POWER (1st Level)

PART 2

1. MAAI
2. CONTROL OF BREATHING (2nd Level)
3. CONTROL OF POWER (2nd Level) (Ki)
4. RHYTHM
5. ATMOSPHERE

PART 3 - TAKO

1. HAND, FOOT, KNEE, AND BODY TAKO (1st Level)
2. INTERMEDIATE TAKO (2nd Level)
3. FLOW TAKO
4. REVERSE ARTICULATION

PART 4 - KAMANTA (Wrapping Waza) (1st Level)

1. CHOKE
2. THROW
3. KICK
4. PUNCH
5. TWISTING

PART 5

1. TELEPATHY
2. WILL POWER

PART 6 - WAVE

1. HORIZONTAL
2. VERTICAL
3. REAR
4. SMALL OR LARGE

PART 7

1. BOUNDING
2. PIVOTING
3. CROSSING

Teachings of Grand Master Sosui Ichikawa

The First Thirty Years of Training (10-10-10)

First Decade
The first 10 years of training are dedicated to the Body. At this point in training, one is a student. Workouts are hard, physically demanding in order to develop speed and power. Katas are at the first level of form.

Second Decade
The second 10 years of training are devoted to the Mind. The student is now a disciple. The focus of training shifts to the understanding of waza, kata, and most importantly the heart and mind. Katas are orthodox form.

Third Decade
The third 10 years of training embrace the Spirit. The disciple has become a teacher. During this time training takes aspects of unification of "Body, Mind and Spirit" with meditation, ki-waza and kokyu waza. Katas are energy forms.

Dojo Kun of Sensei Sosui Ichikawa

  1. The dojo is sacred. Karate begins with bowing and ends with bowing.
  2. Achieving progress with kata requires diligent practice, skillful analysis, and correct understanding of all of the katas.
  3. When practicing kumite in the dojo it is necessary for each student to grasp the exact meaning of the katas that have been taught. In this way the meaning can be applied to kumite.
  4. It is imperative that we follow the katas, which our ancestors have created, and teach them without change.
  5. The secret essence of karate consists of:
    1. Tenshin - measurement of correct standing position
    2. Hente - a change in technique that is applied after, as a replacement for, or as a continuation of the original technique.
    3. Kokyu - study of controlling inhalation and exhalation.
    4. Ki - to learn and to control energy through proper training.
    5. Tako - to learn to control your attackers' force with your touch.
    6. Dokushin - to learn to read and direct your attackers" movement with your mind.
  6. It is strictly observed that there is no rule in our ancestors' karate to take the offensive.

Six Principles of Kata

  1. Kata must be alive and done with feeling
  2. Kata must be performed with true fighting spirit
  3. Kata should be done with changes in application of power
  4. Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing
  5. Kata should be done with variations in timing
  6. Kata must be performed with the proper balance