Our study focusses on the pattern-practice (kata) of Araki-ryū’s close combat catalogue (torite and kogusoku), with additional emphasis on practical considerations, as most of Araki-ryū’s close quarters kata apply nearly “as is” to modern-day apprehension and ambush survival situations where edged weapons are involved.
How they are trained is our primary concern.
Our expression of Taikyoku’s innovative model allows us to explore new and divergent practice methods of these two aspects of the traditional curriculum. Close combat is violent, and involves intense interactions of physical force and opposing will. The modern tactical training term for this is force-on-force (FoF). Practice that does not include FoF has been decried as “empty forms” and mere choreography for hundreds of years.
This does not mean simply turning patterns into “freestyle fighting” however. Engagements are constrained by the tactical considerations present in the original patterns, which were neither self-defense or competition oriented. Study over time reveals a coherent and integrated system of solutions to common problems represented in a “situation-based” training model for combative engagements.
As a background in. grappling is foundational to our practice, we use a modified version (called kumi uchi ) that instills tactical awareness in striking and weapons-based environments.
We also practice some classical weaponr to integrate body organization, conditioning, and intent. As these have less direct application today, more freestyle fencing components are employed.
As the etiquette within the martial tradition conveys vital aspects of psychological preparation, 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.
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