Edo Machi-kata Taiho Jutsu

If you are reading this blog I have to assume that you are interested in / actively training in - the martial arts.

So let me start this blog by asking, why did you get into martial arts?

For me it started when I was a kid.  I wanted to be like Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe. 

Latter I wanted to kick ass like Steven Seagal.  I’m sure many of you reading this have similar stories (if you are honest with yourselves).

Martial Arts are cool, and they are fun.

As I became a Police Officer, and then a SWAT Operator I become more interested in the practical elements than the cool and fun aspects of training.  Martial Arts were designed for guys with a job to do just like mine.  I became (am still) very interested in what worked then, why it worked, and how it is applicable today.

But even with that relatively small specialized focus, martial arts are still cool, and they are still fun.

It used to drive me crazy that more Law Enforcement and Military Operators didn’t train on a regular basis.  Hell I’ve probably ranted about that on this blog 50 times.   It used to drive me crazy until I realized I was an addict.  Luckily for me I’m addicted to something that is beneficial, but I’m addicted all the same. 

Looking at it that way I was mad that non addicts were not addicted to what I’m addicted to.

So where am I going with this?

Recently I received an email asking me about the Edo Machi-kata Taiho Jutsu organization.  I am the Regional Representative for United States of America (Midwest Region) of this organization.

As I was answering the question I realized that I have never really wrote about it here.

Here is a link to the website:

http://www.e-budokai.com/

This is my approach to the Organization.  This organization does not dictate which approach you choose to take.  It encourages members to train in what ever aspects of Taiho Jutsu they are passionate about and share that training with the rest of the organization.

The aspect of Taiho Jutsu I’m most passionate about is modern practical application for Law Enforcement and Military.  Others focus on ancient weapons techniques like the Jutte used in Kenjutsu to arrest sword wielding samurai with out killing them.

Edo Machi-kata Taiho Jutsu is dedicated to researching, preserving, and disseminating information about traditional Japanese arresting arts and implements.

Members include a diverse group of martial arts enthusiasts with interests ranging from traditional Japanese styles to modern law enforcement arresting techniques.

All martial arts practitioners, instructors, students, and scholars interested in studying taiho jutsu are welcome.

Some taiho jutsu techniques have been adopted and modified for more contemporary law enforcement applications. Based on martial art styles from the Japanese feudal era, modern forms of taiho jutsu are frequently an essential part of training programs for many police agencies today. Law enforcement officers in countries around the world often rely on modern taiho jutsu to safely arrest and detain suspects.

Some of the things I like best about this organization is that it has no strict curriculum.  As I mentioned before this organization does not dictate which approach you choose to take.  It encourages members to train in what ever aspects of Taiho Jutsu they are passionate about and share that training with the rest of the organization.

When we get together I can learn some Kenjutsu, the Goshin Jutsu Kata from Judo, or evasion techniques form Tomiki Aikido or Nihon Jujutsu.  I can take what I feel is applicable to what I do and bring that back to my students.  Likewise Kenjutsu, Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu instructors can learn some of the combatives that I teach.  They can see the roots in their arts and bring that Oyo waza or practical application back to their students.

I usually pick up something or get a new perspective on other things I’ve been doing for a long time.  Bottom line even if I don’t it is a reminder that martial arts are still cool, and they are still fun. 

Also because there is no strict no strict curriculum no rank is offered.  That way the organization avoids the politics and bullshit power struggles that all too often destroy martial arts organizations.  There is no rank, so there is no power.  I don’t tell the Kenjutsu guys how to run their business.  Nor do people who have never arrested anyone in their life tell me how to do mine.  We remain a group of guys that have a common interest in Japanese martial arts and enjoying exchanging what we know with each other.

Addicts seeking out other addicts if you will.  Instead of trying to understand why others don’t train or trying to force others to train.

Because there is no strict no strict curriculum and no rank is offered no fees are charged either.  If you are interested in Japanese martial arts and you want exchange your expertise with other Budo parishioners look into joining.

Membership

Petitions for membership must include a detailed outline of martial arts experience as well as a brief statement explaining why you are interested in traditional Taiho jutsu.

Completed membership petition forms may be submitted via e-mail to the director or printed and mailed to the appropriate regional representative.

Please fill out the membership petition from this link

http://www.e-budokai.com/members/Membership%20Petition.pdf

If you live in the Midwest send it to me at

kasey.keckesien@ci.mounds-view.mn.us

If not find out who your Regional Director is and tell them Kasey sent ya

Train hard, Train smart, Be safe