About

 

Our study focusses on Araki-ryū’s close combat catalogue (torite and kogusoku), in an innovative model that allows us to explore diverse practice methodologies. 

Most of Araki-ryū’s close quarters kata (pattern-practice) apply nearly “as is” in modern-day tactical and protection situations involving edged weapons. How they are trained is our primary concern. 

Close combat is violent, involving intense interactions of physical force and opposing will. Thus elements of opposition *must* be included in practice for it to properly prepare the practitioner for an actual encounter. The modern tactical training term for this is force-on-force (FoF). 

Practice that does not include FoF has been appropriately decried as “empty forms” and mere choreography for hundreds of years. However, force on force does not mean simply turning pattern training into “free fighting.” Instead a system of coherent and integrated solutions to common problems faced in control tactics and edged weapons combat is presented and repeatedly tested through opposition in training.

Grappling ability is foundational to our practice, and we use a modified version (simply called kumi uchi ) that instills tactical awareness in striking and weapons-based environments.

We practice some classical weaponry to integrate body organization, conditioning, and intent. 

As traditional etiquette within the martial tradition, rather than being empty ritual, often conveys vital aspects of psychological conditioning, essential elements are retained in our study

A standard judogi or aikidogi, white or unbleached, with a white belt is our usual practice wear. 

(top) Craig Douglas  of Shivworks at his Edged Weapons Overview. 

(bottom) Araki-ryū’s Kyoten no Itami by 16th generation shihan.

 

Instructors:

Chris Leblanc in Portland, OR and Brandon Uttech in Seattle are both certified by Ellis Amdur as Taikyoku Araki-ryū instructors.

Chris served in a highly decorated law enforcement career for over 28 years, working Patrol, SWAT, and Training assignments and instructing Control Tactics, Patrol Tactics, and Active Threat Response among other topics. 

He holds black belts in Judo and Brazilian Jiujitsu, and has been recognized as a Multi-Disciplinary Tactics instructor by Craig Douglas of Shivworks. 

Brandon has studied striking, grappling, and weapons based martial arts over the last 4 decades and holds black belt ranks in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do. 

He also trains extensively for multi-day extreme endurance challenges and tactical events.

Contat at pnw.taikyoku.arakiryu@gmail.com for inquiries.