The Sogobudo or Sogo Budo (総合武道) is an martial art of synthesis, developed and worked out in the years 1990 by Loïc Bernard Sensei and Steve Gosselin Sensei. The heart of Sogobudo rests mainly on the synthesis of the Karaté, the Judo and the Aikido with the addition of various elements of the Kenpo, the Jujutsu and the Taijutsu, the whole supplemented with the contribution of the Russian Sambo and the Jojutsu. It is since the advent of the foundation of the Dojo Shindokan (心道館) in March 2003, that the exclusive teaching of Sogobudo really taken its rise. Before the creation of Shindokan, Sogobudo was only one principle of teaching based on a plurality of martial arts. But with the creation of Shindokan, Sogobudo became a single and taught martial art with whole share.
- " For all to include/understand it is necessary to know very little, but to seize this little of things should be learned much. " -
Significance of the " term; Sogobudo" (総合武道) can be perceived according to various levels of comprehension. The " term; Sogo" (総合) of two Kanji is composed (Japanese characters). First is " So" (総), it means: total, total, complete. Second is " Go" (合), it means: to adapt, link. The kanji " So" (総) is made up itself of several other characters. By separating the right upper part of " So" (総), the kanji " there is seen; Ko" (公) which results in: opened, public and official. The right lower part reveals the kanji " Shin" (心). This character also decides " Kokoro" 心 and means: spirit, heart and heart. The kanji of left is " Ito" (糸) and wants to say: bond or cord. The " term; Sogo" (総合) represents as a whole: the synthesis and comprehension.
The third kanji which composes the word " Sogobudo" is " Bu" (武), it represents with dimensions martial one. The character " Bu" (武) is composed of two others kanji. First is " Tomeru" (止), which is the root of the verb to stop. Second is " Sori" (戈) which wants to say lance. In the past the " term; Bu" 武 meant: to stop the lance. Today, the kanji " Bu" (武) results in: soldier, martial.
Finally, the kanji " Do" (道) means: the way, the way. Risei Kano, wire of Jigoro Kano (founder of the Judo), specified and translated this ideogram introduced by his/her father by: manner, with the direction to know to make, proceeded not to say method. The kanji " Do" (道) the kanji " replaced; Jutsu" (術) of the old martial forms, for example: of Jujutsu with Judo, Kenjutsu with Kendo, etc This change occurred when the shapes of engagements became more of arts of spiritual research. The kanji " Jutsu" (術) means: art, technique, method. As a whole, the " term; Budo " (武道) represents: martial arts.
Therefore, in short, the kanji which compose the word " Sogobudo" break up as follows:
総 " So " : total, total, complete;
合 " Go " : to adapt, link;
武 " Drunk " : soldier, martial;
道 " C " : way, way;
The " term; Sogobudo" (総合武道) means by definition: " Synthesis of the way martiale". One could also say: " Synthesis of the methods guerrière" or simply " Synthesis of arts martiaux".
1 - Origins of Sogobudo
During the many civil periods of war of Japan, year 900 to 1600 of our era, the warriors of the time, the Samurai, several martial arts practiced: Bugei. It was for them a pledge of survival to know several arts of combat, each one applicable in a precise situation. These various martial arts were associated with particular schools: Koryu Bujutsu or more simply, the Bujutsu. The authentic and true practice dedicated to several Bujutsu named Sogo Bujutsu. The " term; Jutsu" 術 (technical or method) was replaced with the wire of time by the " term; Do" 道 (way or way). This is why the modern practice of an integrated martial art, of a synthesis of martial arts, is named today: Sogobudo.
The large Masters founders of contemporary martial arts, Japanese Budo, such as Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan Karatédo), Jigoro Kano (Kodokan Judo) and Morihei Ueshiba (Aikikai Aikido) had already founded this principle in their practice. Their spirit of research, synthesis and analysis, is at the origin of the opening of Japanese martial arts on a world level.
The Sogobudo term was used about 1960 by Shigeru Egami (Shotokai Karatédo) to indicate teaching complementary to its Karate within an work group: Rakutenkai. The synthesis of Egami Sensei included/understood at its base, the teaching of Karate, the Judo, the Aikido, Kendo and Bojutsu. The result of this development gave place to the creation of the Shintaido by Hiroyuki Aoki, which was one of the pupils of Egami Sensei.
Another large Master of martial arts who devoted himself to this kind of practice, was Minoru Mochizuki (Yoseikan Ryu). Cumulating more than one about fifty daN (degrees) in several different martial disciplines, Mochizuki Sensei published several works under the title of " Yoseikan Sogobudo". Direct pupil of Morihei Ueshiba (founder of the Aikido) and of Jigoro Kano (founder of the Judo), the teaching of Minoru Mochizuki amongst other things included/understood that of the Aikido, Nihon Jujutsu, Kenjutsu (Katori Shinto Ryu), of the Judo, Iaido, Jodo and Kendo. His/her son, Hiroo Mochizuki (Yoseikan Budo), inherited the school of his father and the aspect of Karate, Nihon Kenpo and Chanbara added to it.
- " It is necessary to visit the world to evolve/move. In this way, one understands that martial arts do not belong to any nation and that the experiment is born from the division with the others . " -
- " I retained three things of my work with O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of the Aikido: to live free, nothing to impose on the others and to know to give . " -
Tetsuya Higuchi took again this principle in its teaching. It integrated the teaching of the Judo, Kendo, Taijutsu, Jujutsu, Iaido and Jodo (Shinto Muso Ryu). Moreover, Higuchi Sensei is a world authority as regards Taihojutsu: method of intervention and arrest of the Japanese Police force, based on a synthesis of martial arts which includes/understands the Judo, Kendo, Aikijutsu, Nihon Kenpo, Keibo Jutsu and Jojutsu. In addition to to have been trainer of the Japanese Olympic team of Judo in Kodokan, Higuchi Sensei was Master instructor of martial arts for the Département of the Metropolitan Police force of Tokyo and Kidotai (anti-riot section) during more than 25 years.
With an aim of perpetuating this tradition but also of being able to profit from the modern developments brought to martial arts, an new approach was created. It consists in using the traditional martial arts, applied to the reality of the current world by using the contribution of the methods of modern drive. The characteristic of this new approach, lies in the teaching of a single martial art which into just several others, instead of a traditional teaching based on the training of several distinct martial disciplines within same a dojo.
After several years of martial practice, Loïc Bernard and Steve Gosselin established the bases of a new martial art: Sogobudo. This new art is based on the integration of several martial disciplines and is taught like a single art with whole share. After several years of practice, of teaching and development, Steve Gosselin and Loïc Bernard developed a program of drive based on the martial principles. This progressive and structured drive makes it possible to the practitioners to evolve/move at their own rate/rhythm. It also makes it possible to integrate practitioners coming from other martial disciplines, without putting side their knowledge already acquired. The technical program of Sogobudo includes/understands the principles of the following martial disciplines: Karate, Judo, Aikido, Nihon Kenpo, Nihon Jujutsu, Nihon Taijutsu, Sambo and Jojutsu. The teaching of Sogobudo is characterized by the teaching of martial principles, by means of techniques of engagements imbricated, according to a particular progression. The technique in itself is not important, it is only one means, a tool of training. The assimilation of the martial principles on the other hand, is the gasoline even of Sogobudo. This characteristic differentiates current Sogobudo from old Sogobudo. It is what allows the adaptation in any circumstance. Although it takes as a starting point the teaching and the development carried out by Shigeru Egami as of the technical structure of Ryu ha (old schools) which composes Ninpo, Sogobudo of the dojo Shindokan does not have any direct link with Shotokai and/or Ninpo (Ninjutsu).
2 - The composition of Sogobudo
- " It is by its gestures and its actions that one recognizes the true value of a man… and still, is necessary it to be waked up to be able to recognize it . " -
- " I could never teach you all that I know, but you will be able to learn much more than all that I could teach you . " -
Japanese martial arts evolved/moved during time. Their meeting with given rise to another angle of incidence, authentic and single, of a complete martial art. The teaching of Sogobudo is carried out according to a special method, defined in four points. Into the wire of his training, the practitioner integrates new concepts into those already acquired to form a whole. One of the objectives of Sogobudo is centered on the diversity of the techniques which allow an adaptation in any situation.
Sogobudo includes four components which form a balance for a healthy and durable drive:
physical Conditioning
- " the technique alone is not effective, the union of the body and the Spirit is efficient and it is the study of the technique which supports this union . " -
It is by a practice adapted to our time, a contemporary practice, that this union of the body and spirit is made possible. While basing itself on the four components which form the balance of a healthy and durable drive, the man and the modern woman will be able to open out thanks to the made goods of the practice of Sogobudo. In its creation, Sogobudo preserves a traditional teaching and eliminates the nonsenses, vestiges of the past. It adapts to the reality of today. It is an applicable and realistic, very physical martial art but also supporting the spiritual aspect and the development of oneself. Lastly, teaching is done by means of martial principles, of a method of physical conditioning specific, techniques of engagements, exercises of breathing and meditation.
Sogobudo is a complete martial art. While popularizing, one could define it as being a " kind; Jujutsu moderne". It makes the bridge between the forms of last and the forms modern. The first principle of Sogobudo is the adaptability in all. It is necessary always to keep in mind that Sogobudo is an art of living… it is the art of a life.
- " the truths which one less likes to hear are often those which one has more the need to know. The good councils penetrate to the heart of wise whereas they do nothing but cross the ear of the non-believers . " -
The physical program of drive aims at a working of the practitioners:
cardiovascular Increase in the capacities,
Physical conditioning, Taiso, is conceived specific exercises making it possible to the practitioner to develop his martial qualities, as well mental as physical.
- " Each one endeavors to learn what he does not know, but does not seek to deepen what he knows already. It is from there that the great disorder comes. " -
The program of Sogobudo has a repertory of more than thousand (1000) technical martial, named and indexed. It is without counting the technical alternatives and the various types of entries Omote and Ura. Of this repertory, three hundred and sixty (360) technical was selected and distributed on five (5) ranks (Kyu) representing the stages before obtaining the black belt 1ier degree (Shodan). Hundred twenty (120) technical is obligatory for obtaining the belt black 1ier daN. The techniques are classified by families to standardize teaching and to direct the practitioners throughout their training. Sogobudo with preserved, just like already did it Shotokai, the old system of black belt spreading out 1ier daN with 5ième daN only.
Here some of the families of techniques which are integrated in the teaching of Sogobudo:
Displacements and dodgings - Taisabaki & Kawashi Waza ;
The techniques of Sogobudo were selected according to their effectiveness and of the spirit representative of integrated martial art.
Sogobudo aims at a self-defense which goes beyond the effectiveness.
The program defines in each rank the level of aggression and setting in situation to which the practitioner must be able to face:
Releases against seizures and threats;
Sogobudo recommends to avoid a crisis situation by an attitude of self-confidence and control by the verbal one. However, additional clause which the situation cannot be controlled without physical intervention, the practitioner will be able to act with accuracy and control according to the risk of the aggression. It is an martial art especially indicated for the members of the Special forces.
It is not a question to overcome but convince. The true victory ultimement, it is when our enemy becomes our ally.
- " the man fights with his Spirit. Its hands and its weapons are only one extension of its will, and the greatest error of our time is to believe that the equipment can replace the Spirit. " -
In Sogobudo, beyond the physical drive and of the martial techniques, it there with the Spirit. The Spirit is the heart of teaching. Sogobudo does not want to be an overflight of martial arts but a major comprehension of the martial principles. The " term; Dojo" mean " place of the éveil". The practitioner of Sogobudo seeks to discover in him new aptitudes and qualities:
Respect and sincerity;
Dojo is the term used to indicate the place or one involves oneself. The name of the school mother of the two founders names " Shindokan" , which can result in: School of the way of the heart. In this dojo, the practitioners are free to lay the stress on one of the aspects of Sogobudo according to their personal objectives and motivations.
When one has the full hands, one can nothing receive. It is initially necessary to empty our hands and to accommodate. The same applies to the Spirit. What one research is often more close that what one thinks.
- " That it is in the life or the study of martial arts, all is a question of balance. When a technique is learned, one receives, when it is taught, one gives. When one gives, one thus loses nothing, because in return, if our spirit is turned towards the sincere gift, one always learns a truth . " -
Japanese martial arts are taught today, mainly according to three ways:
In a traditional way, testimony of a cultural treasure of the warriors of antan.
People who devote themselves to an entertaining practice of martial arts, will be able to find a small exotic side coming from the East. They will be discovered aptitudes which they did not even know of them, as well as unsuspected qualities. While plunging itself in a traditional martial universe, the practitioner will be able to disconnect himself temporarily from daily reality and to thus be able to slacken and make the vacuum through a kind of active meditation. Slackened, it will be of it southerly wind more rested and will be able to take again its normal daily activities with more concentration and of assiduity. The contribution of the sporting aspect, will allow a sedentary practice these participants. The practical side, the self-defense, is not left with the rancart. Realistic techniques, having already made their evidence, will make it possible the martial artist to gain confidence in itself, because we know that it is not always easy to evolve/move in a world where violence is increasingly present. Finally, the physical exercise is always a benefit and is accessible to all, it does not matter the level of its physical shape.
These aspects all will be treated with Sogobudo. In more the practitioner the possibility will have of only tasting with various martial savors inside one and even teaching. It will not need to fit in various schools for that. Whereas the Japanese arts most popular remain in their respective crenels, such Karate with its techniques of strike, the Judo with its techniques of projection, the Aikido with its articular techniques, Sogobudo only explores with him these various fields. This characteristic will avoid the chronic risks of wounds of to a repetitive practice of exercises specific to these techniques of a specific field. A second advantage of this technical plurality is to make discover various facets from same all, that is to say martial arts in their globality. Sogobudo will retransmettra these aspects in an eclectic way with different approaches coming from more specialized martial arts. Thus a practitioner already aguerri with a particular martial practice, will find himself in already known ground in addition to discovering other avenues and being able to deepen and supplementing his martial formation. Or, it will be able to discover in its practice of Sogobudo, a new martial art and on these bases, it will have the possibility of fitting in a new school to perfect and look further into this aspect of Budo. In short, Sogobudo wants to be a popular traditional approach martial, accessible to all, as well the elite as with " Mister and everyone Madam ". It is a system which tests to be proof of more possible opening. One made there no distinction of style or federation. It is a kind of martial dresser or all and each one finds there its account by keeping best there.
-" You ask me why I carry a lantern this night, whereas I said to you that I had the gift to see clearly in the black? It is that if me, I can see the night… the others perfectly, them, cannot see me! " -
Shindokan Sogobudo
- " the courtesy of the heart is quite higher than those in the manners . " -
Shindokan is the name of the school mother of the two cofounders of Sogobudo. This dojo was established in March 2003 in the Vimont district in Laval, located in the Quebec province. Created originally by Loïc Bernard and Steve Gosselin, today it is under the control alone of Steve Gosselin Sensei, cofounder of Sogobudo, that the training is done; Loïc Bernard being withdrawn of the active teaching of this school. The contribution of the Aikido is much more prevalent from now on with the dojo. Shindokan Sogobudo current concentrates mainly on the synthesis of the Aikido (Aikibudo), of the Judo, Nihon Jujutsu and the Karaté the martial (Karatédo), aspects concerning Nihon Kenpo, Nihon Taijutsu and Sambo Russian having taken a less importance since the departure of Loïc Bernard Sensei. The name Shindokan is composed of three kanji (characters of Japanese writing).
心 " Shin " : heart, spirit;
道 " C " : sees, way;
館 " Kan " : building;
Significance of the name " Shindokan" results in " the School of the way of the heart ". Teaching in Dojo Shindokan, put of advantage on the personal development that the development of martial techniques. It is a style which is more accessible, easier of approach. The technical requirements are less low there. This choice was carried out by Steve Gosselin Sensei, with an aim of supporting the domestication of martial art and of creating in the practitioner the passion of martial arts. Shindokan is much more close to Budo (martial arts modern) that of Bugei or Bujutsu (old martial art).
Ishinkan Sogobudo
Held with a group of elite only, this approach is much more demanding physically and mentally. The purpose of it is to strengthen the body and the spirit. This style supports excellence by the going beyond of oneself. It makes it possible to build oneself even without external competitiveness. The higher technical criteria of Ishinkan ensure an effectiveness increased as regards personal defense. The contribution of Nihon Kenpo, Nihon Taijutsu and of Martial arts Russian (Samoz, Sambo and Systema) is much more present in this style. The military gymnastics applied Russian is paramount and omnipresent with the drive. Ishinkan is located halfway between the old forms and the modern practice. It is under the control of Loïc Bernard Sensei, cofounder of Sogobudo, that the training is done. Ishinkan Sogobudo concentrates on the synthesis of the Karaté (Karatédo), of the Judo, the Aikijutsu, the Nihon Kenpo, the Nihon Jujutsu, the Nihon Taijutsu, the Jojutsu, Keibojutsu, the Samoz, the Sambo and the Systema.
- " It is while rubbing and polishing an invaluable stone that this one takes value, in the same way, it is by testing the man that the latter improves and becomes a better being . " -
This old proverb correctly translates the deep gasoline of the thought of the creation of this school. The name " Ishinkan" mean: " School of the will authentique". The dojo is the place where you come to refine your spirit and your martial knowledge while sharpening your body and your directions, by the practice of Sogobudo. The name Ishinkan is composed of three kanji (characters of Japanese writing).
意 " I " : will, heart, spirit, thought;
真 " Shin " : authenticity, truth, reality, significance;
館 " Kan " : building;
In the dojo, you must take part in the creation of an atmosphere of harmony by adopting an attitude of respect, sincerity and humility. It is thanks to the label of the dojo that you can practice in full safety, discipline your driven back aggressiveness, your fears and develop the respect. With an aim of acquiring solid martial bases to be able to develop authentic qualities and human values, the practice of Ishinkan is demanding.
The practice of a traditional martial art, brings the odor of something come from another time, of another time. These ancestral arts convey values eternally positive for the man and the modern woman: the authenticity, integrity, perseverance, patience, the direction of the effort, the going beyond of oneself, will of engagement and progression, the direction of the effectiveness, self-confidence, courage, uprightness, modesty, sincerity, self-control, the respect, it not violence, the understanding, humanism, friendship, etc… These values form the tools and the reference marks necessary for a whole life to the individuals. If these challenges are taken up with heart, they will return to the man and the modern woman, the human quality of all that they are really. The practice of Ishinkan Sogobudo is not " facile" but it is realizable by that or that which tries hard of it. It is what makes its true value of it, from where the name of the style: " School of the will authentique". Initiation with martial arts caused by Shindokan Sogobudo, makes it possible to make them available and from touching people internally. It is from there that the gasoline comes from the message conveyed by " the School of the way of the cœur". By involving you within a framework different from your daily newspaper and somewhat exotic, you will discover much more than one simple physical-activity and method of self-defense… You will learn how to discover you yourself.
- " the archer has a common point with the wise one: when its arrow does not reach its target, he seeks the cause in itself of it . " -
Sogobudo uses the system of the belts of colors (Kyu ranks) and of the black belts (ranks daN). It is in England, in Budokwai, that the system of the belts of colors was developed but it is Mikonosuke Kawaishi (pioneer of the European Judo) which popularized in France the system of the belts of colors and Kyu to the use of the French Judoka. The system of Kyu functions in a way similar to the " classes" soldiers, it is a system countdown. A soldier of 1ière class is higher than a soldier of 2ième class. Thus, Kawaishi establishes an active system of the 6ième Kyu to the 1ier Kyu for the " soldats" in comparison with the system of daN, energy of 1ier daN to 5ième daN already establishes for the " officiers". The beginner carries a white belt (6ième Kyu) also called Mu Kyu (without rank), thereafter a yellow belt (5ième Kyu), then an orange belt (4ième Kyu) and so on to the belt chestnut (1ier Kyu). Thereafter it is the passage of the higher levels, the black belt (1ier daN), then girdles black (2ième daN) and so on. Sogobudo preserved the old system of ranks of black belts, spreading out 1ier daN with 5ième daN, the modern system spreading out 1ier daN with 10ième daN.
White Belt (Driven Kyu)
Reishiki - Label and way of doing in Dojo
Yellow Belt (5ième Kyu)
Taisabaki - Dodgings
Orange Belt (4ième Kyu)
Atemi Waza - Techniques of strike elbows and knees
Green Belt (3ième Kyu)
Uke Waza (Te Waza) - Technical of blockings with the arms
Blue Belt (2ième Kyu)
Atemi Waza (Te Waza) - Technical of strike hands and fingers
Belt Chestnut (1ier Kyu)
Atemi Waza (Ashi Waza) - Technical of strike jumped feet
Black Belt (Shodan)
Budo
http://www.jujutsulaval.com - " Dojo Shindokan Sogobudo, Canada (Quebec) "
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