Training with the Kyukushinkai in Tokyo

[Sal Jaber]

I just finished 6 days of shotokan karate, jujutsu, shorinji kempo and aiki-jujutsu training here in Tokyo, and surrounding areas. But there was one dojo that really captured my attention-the Kyukushinkai karate. Located in Shinjuku district of Tokyo is a small dojo headed by a group of yon, san and ni-dans. I have never seen karate-ka so powerful in my life. They live by the creed of kumite, kata and kihon in there style, and practice this creed in that order. In the short time I trained and watch this particular school. I was able to absorb many of their principles in my Uechi training, and I performed many Uechi katas while comparing conditioning drills. They were impressed both with my size and power, and my stance and movement. When the Sanchin kata was performed the difference was obvious. They perform Sanchin in the exact manner as Goju Ryu with hard breathing, and slow movements. I performed Sanchin in the" TYPICAL "way taught in most Uechi dojos. When the time came for checking the sanchin. I was checked by the senior yondan in the dojo. Despite the HARD kyukushin pounding. I was able to get through the Sanchin fairly easy while remaining relax throughout the kata. When it came time for me to check their Sanchin. Respect was shown, and I saw no need for this 300 lber to crush this probally 180lb yondan with blows I was sure he could not take. Before this gets any more boring I will end it with this. I am in Hong Kong, China to hopefully trained with Bob Campbell, and other Chinese martial artist. I will be in HK for two weeks, and then I am off to Bangkok for a week of training with the thai boxers, and some R&R. I will surely follow up with future post.
Sal Jaber
P.S. Bill G. and Bruce H. I miss you guys, and I will call you when I get back to Atlanta

[Dana Sheets]

Sal - sounds like you're having an amazing trip. Can't wait to hear more.
Dana

[Bill Glasheen]

Great stuff, Sal. Hey, where's your "Bornsinner" handle? You're not getting mature on us with age, are you?

The kyokushinkai ryu folks (through Mas Oyama et al) have quite the fighting reputation. They love to kick bootie, and they don't play nice. But I'm sure you held your own.

Enjoy your trip, and give Bob my very best when you see him. Write on.

- Bill

[HALFORD E. JONES]

A friend of mine from Singapore goes there to train on a regular basis. I wonder if he was there when you were. The late Mas Oyama had his dojo in Ikibukoro. His daughter was involved in karate at one time but I have not heard much about her lately. Please give Bob Campbell my regards and ask him if he remembers HALFORD JONES from when he was in the Philippines in the '70s? Another friend who knows him is Peter Freedman from Boston and a few weeks ago we were discussing Bob Campbell and others at a cookout. Have to dash. Make the most of your trip to Hong Kong. Check out some of the Wing Chun groups on Nathan Road if they are still there. Yours in martial arts, Halford at http://arnis.homestead.com