OBC KM1-2 November 2025
By Jesper Hjorth, 55 years old, 3.kyu, Yakami Shinsei-ryu Taijutsu & Karate-do (the multi-track martial arts system), 2.kyu, Bujutsu Kodosokukai Jikitai Karate-do (Original gl. Original Okinawa Karate-do), 2.kyu, Bujutsu Kodosokukai sports karate-do (Gensei-ryu heritage from 1965 and comparable degree to Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Taekwondo, Judo, Jujutsu, Kendo, etc.)
Rarely have I been so exhausted and yet full of energy!
I have rarely been so exhausted and yet so full of energy as after this fantastic course, which was challenging both physically and mentally. Before the course we were asked to submit a minimum of three questions, and these were to prove to be important for the course of the day.
The day started with an introduction to the program, and gradually the outline of a common thread emerged, derived from the questions sent in: How one can influence the direction one moves, and how one's choices and omissions lead one in certain directions. Thus, my perception of the common thread of the day emerged as being: "You make a choice, and with that choice comes a consequence."”
The program started with a warm-up in the form of Kata-Fit 1S, where the higher graduates assisted by showing correct execution, giving explanations, corrections and a few ”traps” 😉. A good start to the day, with an important lesson: You can only do your best. This meant that there was room for those who were still learning Kata-Fit to have peace and quiet to learn, while the more experienced practitioners had the opportunity to be corrected and remedied for any habits that had crept in. It gave the opportunity for immersion and to feel and reflect on which muscles and stretches each exercise was intended for. A physical and mental workout that gave insight into balance and centering of the body.
This balance and centering was carried over to the subsequent activities. Both in Jujutsu 1 and not least in Jujutsu 2, where several practitioners were allowed to test their limits – after a reminder that there is always a consequence. You must therefore be clear-headed and resolute when you first engage in close combat in Jujutsu. A good learning experience for everyone who was ready to test their limits.
After some intense hours, where both physical and mental limits were challenged, and where the common thread ran through both exercises and the answers to the many questions, a break was clearly needed. And what better way than to slowly be led into meditation? It was comfortable to lie on your back, while your thoughts were set free, and your body was allowed to relax. Personally, the experience was liberating, as my spine ”popped” as a result of complete relaxation.
Then we started the weapons training. I can't count how many times I've had trouble centering Ken or Kotachi over my head – but in keeping with today's theme, a single illustration was enough for me to understand how simple it really is to center Kotachi correctly. Imagine if I hadn't participated in this particular course; I might never have cracked that nut. As always, weapons training immediately reveals your balance and centering, which I think is super cool. The form of the day is revealed instantly.
After lunch, today's program continued KM-2
We started with Taichi, where the common thread of balance was continued. The slow movements require – in addition to balance – an understanding of weight shifting, which leads to body control. An exercise that looks simple from the outside, but is demanding and requires strength for the practitioners.
Throughout the day, the level was raised, and when we tackled Kenjutsu and Kotachi, centering in particular became a focal point. Could we ”hit” the center on our opponent, and if so, did our weapons meet correctly in the air? The day's focus and training resulted in several practitioners having success with centering – and the success was marked by the characteristic ”click”.
At the end of the day, we were divided into smaller groups to discuss and reflect on the many good and profound questions that had been asked before the course. The dialogue was lively, and there were many good angles and reflections. To round off, Kimu-Sensei gave his input and reflections on the topics the groups had covered.
As I began to write, it was one of the most exhausting and yet energizing days I have had in a long time. I experienced both exhaustion and the feeling of being completely drained of energy – at the same time being full of energy. An energy that continued in the days that followed. It was an absolutely incredible, fantastic day.
