|
| |
|
| Kyu Shin Do Ryu Zen Judo Kwai |
|
| Dr Ray Pulman mail@judo-ni.co.uk |
|
This is probably the only traditional Judo school/club in Northern Ireland, if not the whole of, Ireland in this 21st Century, it is certainly the only Zen-Judo club here. Zen simply means 'good', we practice good Judo!
Any observer will note that there are those who come into Judo seeking to learn the “gentle principle”. They wish to learn a ancient noble art but are faced with a situation where technique is marginalised and contest emphasised. The perfection of technique, the knowledge of Judo history, etiquette, philosophy and terminology is almost immaterial; the emphasis is on winning contests!
In Kyu Shin Do the emphasis is altogether different for it seeks to encourage the study of the Ju-Do in an atmosphere of mutual respect and desire for perfection of traditional techniques. The gentle child who studies his art well, having dedication, may progress steadily through the rank structure and stand as an equal on the Judo mat with a man three times his or her size. Why is this? Because both are students of the martial art of Judo and both are respected and recognised for the quality of their art. The one is not despised because he is weaker or smaller, nor the other regarded because he is bigger and stronger. This whole concept is very different to what will be found in most Judo clubs today.
Traditionally, judo is a method of self defence, not involving great strength but depending on skill and on yielding to an opponent's attack in order to overcome him. At a deeper level it becomes a way of life as the disciplines of practice and the spirit in which it is undertaken are extended into daily living. Knowledge of these traditional methods is preserved in the purest form in the katas, which are a ritual demonstration of sequences of movements.
|
|
.