SAMA DOJO MANUAL
§ At first, all arts will be presented slowly and simply with great care to avoid injury. As the understanding of the art increases, so may we increase the speed of execution.
"When nothing seems to help, I go look at a stone-cutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before."
-- Jacob Riis,
Danish-American social reformer
§ New arts will be continually introduced, relationships with other arts noted and notes taken, but also there will be constant review of previously learned arts and a likelihood of new insights in their applications
Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts (SAMA) is an American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF) dojo, focusing on Danzan Ryu Jujitsu tradition. This is not a sport or a form of casual entertainment, but rather a thinking person's self-defense system which uses an aggressor's power against them. Some of the techniques used are escapes, holds, joint locks, bone breaks, strikes, chokes and throws.
SAMA does not rule out any part of any other martial art if it is useful in the defense of one's self or a loved one, or in defense of the defenseless. It all adds up to extremely dangerous knowledge that will not be taught to just anyone; a student must show the proper attitude which includes courtesy toward others, humility, and the willingness to teach others in our classes, but not to teach anyone outside the dojo. SAMA students must swear not to use their dangerous knowledge except in dire circumstances involving defense.
Master Seishiro Okazaki, created the martial arts system known as Danzan Ryu. SAMA uses his system and especially appreciates the Esoteric Principles that he published, some of which are paraphrased below:
* The primary object of practicing these arts is the perfection of character. One should never use these arts against anyone without sufficient justification.
* One must be appreciative of the love of parents, the enormous debt to one's teachers, and mindful of one's obligations to the general public.
* The cultivation of courage, moderation, stability and positive contributions to one's family and community is central to the personality of a true martial artist.
* One must not be erratic but strive for moderation and guard against obsessive self-interest.
* A practitioner of these arts should not fear the strong nor despise the weak. In the case of the weak, do not arrogantly underestimate your opponent. With respect to the strong, remember, when a boat is set afloat on water, it may be moved more easily.
* Honesty is the foundation of all virtues; amicability is the essence of success, working pleasantly is the mother of health; strenuous effort and diligence conquer adverse circumstances.
* Only by cultivating a receptive state of mind, without preconceived ideas or thoughts can one master the secret of reacting spontaneously and naturally without hesitation and without purposeless resistance.
* The secrets of these ancient arts can only be suggested, they require a lifetime of study.
CLASS RULES AND ETIQUETTE
COSTS AND PRIVILEGES, ATTENDANCE AND CLASS TIMES are outlined on the home page.
A new student may begin classes at any time; he or she will be helped by more experienced students (a jujitsu tradition).
It is OK to bring friends to observe classes provided permission is obtained first.
Class begin with formal stretches and warm-ups followed by rolls and falls drills. The class will then be opened by the person-in-charge. The typical class sequence begins with a focused study of certain arts demonstrated by an appointed person--usually Sensei, and then practiced by the group, after which, smaller divisional studies groups will be formed to work on Kata requirements for their next advancement. At the end of class the person-in-charge will close class. During the time that class is officially in session participants must obtain permission from the person-in-charge to leave or enter the mat, and at other times it is expected that one bows the "wall of honor" (Shoman) to show their respect. The wall of honor displays the American flag and honored teachers. On our wall they are; Master Seishiro Okazaki, Professor Bud Estes, Professor Lamar Fisher, and Shihan-Professor Jane Carr. The procedure follows tradition and has no religious or political connotations. It also helps in maintaining order.
During various drills and the execution of arts, no one will be asked to do anything they may feel is dangerous for them or uncomfortable. It often happens that a more experienced student or the instructor will caution a person against trying a particular technique because they feel the student is not yet ready execute it safely. At any rate, there will be no competition among participants, and each person is encouraged to enjoy the experience and to proceed at a pace comfortable to themselves. As previously mentioned, there is no "free fighting" at the lower rank level, but instead, a slow acceleration of the application of Kata and variations to Kata as one's increasing skill level will safely allow.
SAMA is dedicated to the pursuit of good health and practical self-defense; and as already mentioned, classes begin with slow stretches and proceed after that with great care. Persons who wish to immediately launch into a frenzied cardio workout will be disappointed. SAMA acknowledges that people have diverse capabilities and talents as well as previous injuries; also, advancing age is considered.
Always remove jewelry and spit out gum before class, and turn off cell phones. Never wear shoes on the mat.
UNIFORMS - Sweat clothes are OK for starters, but eventually you will want to invest in a uniform which SAMA will have available for purchase. Keep your gi (uniform) clean but do not wash the obi (belt). Everyone should have a "gi bag" to carry the rolled up uniform, notebook, pen, breath mints, band aids, tape, etc.
SAMA may buy back your resalable uniform at a percentage of the new price.
The SAMA and AJJF dress code for Kyu ranks (White Belt through Brown Belts) is all white uniform and an obi appropriate for the rank held. Shodan (Black Belts) should wear black pants. Persons training with SAMA that have earned Black Belt ranks in other systems may wear black pants to indicate their achievement + the obi with color and marking indicating the appropriate SAMA rank. The SAMA patch should be worn over the heart with the dots set in the horizontal position. Sensei is the only person (except for invited visitors) that may wear all black at this dojo.
NOTEBOOKS - Notebooks are a critical part of learning the intricacies of martial arts; in the Danzan Ryu system there are six Kata lists that are displayed on our walls which consist of 154 arts, each with its unique Japanese name. In addition, all the arts have many variations. Also, there are a number of lists that are not displayed such as knife and gun escape arts, blocks, parries, strikes and kicks. We also employ Judo arts not on our official lists. (See more detail on notes on the "Advancement" page).
All experiences should be written down and associated with the name of the art. Proper names form inputs to cognitive processing; in the case of a martial art technique, if you have been trained to complete the entire art and also to recognize its name, then you can instantly visualize its execution. When arts are combined, knowing their names makes the learning process infinitely faster and easier. Notebooks are to be used as home study and should be reviewed sometime before class and brought to class for taking notes on the spot. A second binder should be kept for notes that have been revised.
Notes should include the date that you received the instruction and from whom, the name of the art and everything you can remember about it: What was the purpose of the art? How did it begin? How was it executed? What kind of fall (if appropriate) did Uke have to take? What safety precautions should be taken? Notes should be completed in such a way that you could teach others proper techniques from them.
Maintaining a notebook in these martial arts is required for advancement and to help you to remember through review, what you have been taught.
Notes are kept in various ways; the first as a full record drawn from memory and research and kept in a safe place, while the second is a “memory jogger,” a “cheat sheet,” consisting of the name of the art, the English translation and a condensed version of “how to do it” which are brought to class for reference.
You could organize your main notebook something like this:
1. The name of the list that you are describing, such as YAWARA, the name of the instructor and the date
you received the instruction.
a. It is normal to describe the art right-handed to eliminate confusion in your notes.
2. A discussion about how to execute the arts; such as:
a. More effective when accompanied by a Kiai which immobilizes your opponent for a
moment.
3. The name of the art, such as KATATE HAZUSHI ICHI and its English translation; single hand escape
one.
a. A memory jogger such as, “escape from an outside wrist grip.”
b. A complete description of what is considered “Kata”- how the art is executed which, like a story, will
have a beginning, middle and an end.
c. Variations to the art.
Other items that need to be included and brought to class each include:
1. The information covering what you are expected to learn for your next rank.
2. Test sheets (Personal Kata Performance Forms) which cover the arts in your area of study.
3. Jujitsu cheat-sheets which provide an English translation for each art on the lists and a brief memory-jogger text condensed from your main notebook.
SHARING - The self-defense techniques that you learn in SAMA classes are not to be shared with the general public. If a friend is really interested, they can be persuaded to come to class and check it out. Your personal notebook is not to be copied by others; you may use your notes to help fellow judokas discuss techniques and develop their notebooks.
THE BOW - The Jujitsu bow is a salute showing respect but not subservience. Bow slightly before initiating a technique with your Uke (partner), or to someone else you wish to acknowledge. It is expected that you will bow to the wall of honor (Shoman) upon entering or exiting our mat or any dojo. When class is in session, you must have the person-in-charge bow you on or off the mat. When the class is opened or closed the class will bow twice, once to each other and once to the wall of honor.
AUTHORITY - In matters concerning Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts, Sensei has absolute authority.
SITTING - Sitting properly is important for safety and showing respect. The first and preferred way is called "saze" where you sit on your heels with your toes pointed back. For some, this position is difficult to maintain for any period of time; an alternative would be to sit with your legs crossed in a position called "anze." In a kneeling position or during a throw, it is important that you do not perch up on your toes and risk a painful injury. For people with disabilities, any safe and comfortable way of sitting will be fine and will not show disrespect.
ATTENTION - While friendliness and humor are always welcome, there are times that silence is necessary and full attention paid to the person-in-charge. When a demonstration is being conducted it is customary to sit seize in silence for safety and to show respect.
SOBRIETY/ILLNESS/PROHIBITIONS
* In the dojo, remarks and/or jokes that make someone else uncomfortable are not
allowed.
* Dojo-sponsored celebrations are held on certain occasions and may include festivities with food and alcoholic drink, but never alcohol before class. Smoking and illegal drugs are prohibited any time.
* Never subject others to infectious diseases such as a cold or flu-stay home. It is always courteous to inform Sensei if you will not be attending class. If you have an injury you are encouraged to observe and take notes.
CLEANLINESS AND CLOSENESS - Because of the required close contact in the execution of Jujitsu techniques, uniforms, bodies, fingernails and toenails must be clean, and breath mints are an excellent idea. People soon learn to work closely and forget about common touching prohibitions or male/female shyness; everyone is treated with the same respect in Jujitsu.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TORI AND UKE - Tori is the person applying the art and Uke is the recipient of the art. Uke should be passive and not counter, anticipate, or resist the application of the art in order for Tori to learn and practice the technique. Techniques must be applied slowly at first and Tori must be consistent in the speed of delivery in order to prevent injury. In the case of throws, Uke should somewhat proactive, at first, in helping Tori to execute the throw, and as Tori becomes more skilled at the art, less helpful. Uke plays an important part in Tori's learning experience; an experienced Uke is a very valuable person on the mat and must be proficient at taking falls and understanding the art.
Tori will inform Uke as to the nature of the art to be performed and what response is expected. Most arts are learned right-handed, initially, for the sake of being able to explain them in notes, but martial artists should strive to be ambidextrous. To disengage from arts such as Yawara that involve standing maneuvers, a step-drag is often appropriate with defensive hand stances for the face and lower body which is called "jigotai."
When engaging Uke for a throw, it often begins with "kumikata." That is, grasp Uke's left collar with your right hand and the bottom of his right sleeve with your left hand, and vice-versa for Uke.
SUBMISSION - When a limit is reached, such as in a joint lock art, Uke must slap the mat, himself, or Tori to indicate submission; Tori must stop immediately. Uke should "tap out" long before an injury becomes probable, or even possible. The object is to accomplish the technique while using the least amount of strength. Roughness in the training for these arts is very bad technique, dangerous, and must be avoided.
Aggression is never tolerated in class or in public. The martial arts learned in the SAMA dojo can be not only be dangerous, but deadly as well. The arts are to be used only in dire circumstances that require defending one's self or loved ones. A person well trained in the mental and physical aspects of Jujitsu have nothing to prove to themselves. Additionally, never let the aggressor know that you have skills-let it be an unpleasent surprise.
TYPICAL SAMA CLASS - Classes will strive to begin and end on time. Before the opening of class you may bow yourself on and off the mat as you please. Typically, before the class opens officially, there will be formal stretches and warm-ups to promote health and spirit, and to avoid injury. The warm-ups are included in the usual two hours allotted for class.
The person-in-charge will sit near the wall of honor and students will be arranged according to rank. First the person-in-charge will lead the group with a bow to the wall of honor and then to each other, both bows showing respect. The class will end in the opposite sequence.
Typically, after opening a discussion will follow to outline what arts will be singled out to be demonstrated and practiced by the entire class. After those subjects are covered the group will break up into mini-classes to study arts within their division, often the ones required for their next rank.
ADVANCEMENT - There are six Kata lists with twenty or more items on each list; they are entitled, Yawara, Nage, Shime, Oku, Goshin, and Shinin. In time, a student will be expected to know the names of the arts and variations of most of them. In addition to the lists on the wall, there are other lists that cover subjects such as rolls and falls, Atemi (strikes), blocks and parries, knife and gun control, escapes, and so on. Also, we study traditional resuscitation techniques called "Kappo." Students are encouraged to take Red Cross resuscitation and first aid training as well.
No one is required to advance in rank; advancements in rank do not come automatically with proficiency in the required techniques; there are unspoken character-related requirements as well which focus on the student's spirit and intent. The Sensei must weigh all the factors before awarding an honor such as an advancement in rank.
TESTING - A student may request to be tested for a grade in the area he or she is studying. Tests are always voluntary and only on the items the student requests. The demonstrations can be accomplished in front of the full class (which promotes the notion that we empathize with and help one another), or it can be done in other ways determined by Sensei. Testing forms can be used to keep track of grading; this procedure gives the student a real idea of where he or she stands skill-wise in the eyes of the test-giver. A student will be better able to assess the level of their skill and what areas to concentrate on for improvement. Testing is an integral part of the steps in the non-competitive and self-fulfilling endeavor to advance in rank.