This training camp number 41 with SST was a real trip in the laboratory, which was quite exciting!. The trip was a combination of a Jokokan International board meeting and training camp in the martial arts laboratory.
The Jokokan organization is aimed exclusively at the elite. Where the organization Shindenkan is the modern adapted version, which addresses both the elite and the exerciser, as a result of this "martial arts laboratory". Shindenkan can function as a kind of incubator for development and self-realization, which is the original essence of martial arts, through several different martial arts and martial art systems, which overlap and replace each other at an ever-increasing level of demand.
The purpose of these incubators is to "meet people where people are". Which also means that if you are there for a short time, you get less than if you are there for a long time. At the same time, you can train in four different "main greenhouses" with "subhouses", which are overlapping and alternating, with ever-increasing requirements, which thereby seek to meet each member's needs, talent, motivation and willingness to complete. A path and journey from martial arts to the original martial art - for those who want to go through a lifetime.
Both Jokokan and Shindenkan therefore use both the newer dan degrees and the old densho degrees to meet the modern form of communication, understanding, needs and branding. A path and journey from Kyu and dan degrees overlapping and replacing the old original densho degrees.
It is important to point out that none of these "main greenhouses with subhouses" are better than others. But at the same time, it is important to point out that there is a big difference in requirements for meeting level and thus degrees. We therefore have official and unofficial partners and members, who ”omote = outer” mainly refer to one “main greenhouse with subhouses”, but “Ura = inner” themselves train on a higher-lying “main greenhouse”. This is within all modern and ancient styles, which were originally one. This one is essentially still evolving. This is the martial arts laboratory, which crosses all boundaries - because there are none.
Throughout recent times, we have collaborated with some Okinawan karate grandmasters of the 9th dan and 10th dan degrees regarding the communication and development of the essence of koryo karate-do, so that there is room for everyone, - the elite as the exerciser.
For this we have used five important kata; Naihanchi and Yumibari (Seishan), as the main basic and essential kata, as well as Koryo Passai, Koryo Kusanku and Koryo Chinto. All kata were minutely reviewed in their koryo (ancient/original) essence and aim, and the conclusion was the same; kata level expresses the practitioner's level and understanding. The same kata can be performed by both a black belt and a grandmaster and it can look the same to many. But soon there will be a difference like night and day for those who understand. Because this also depends on the observer's level and understanding.
Which also means that a martial arts grandmaster will lose on points in a tournament against a martial arts grandmaster, but win in a real fight in a split second. This is a fight that makes no sense as few will admit they don't know as much as the belt and reputation suggests. But this does not mean that one is more correct than the other, because it is still up to the individual practitioner or observer to judge what is best for themselves. Life's responsibility is and will always be your own and is therefore entirely up to the individual person. Which precisely reflects the organization's Shindenkan purpose.
The same happened with Aikijutsu, Kenjutsu, Yawara (jujutsu), kotodama ("universe energy & balance"), meditation, ki (energy) and the body's function and training throughout the phases of life.
It was the third training camp in Japan in 2009. My 55th trip to Japan and 41st training camp overall with SST. It was a pleasure, a privilege and incredibly life-affirming.
