Midwest Karate Academy/Suibukan of Nebraska

Tadashi Yamash*ta-Sensei, has dedicated over 60 years of his life to the practice Okinawan Karatedo and Kobudo.

A highly respected man in all circles of the martial arts, Yamash*ta-Sensei is sought after for karatedo and kobudo seminars from all over the world.

He currently retains the rank of 10th degree black belt in Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo and 10th degree black belt in Zen Okinawa Kobudo. Sensei is also the President, Director and founder of the Yamash*ta International Budo Association which incorporates Yamash*ta Shorin-Ryu Karate, Yamash*ta-Matayoshi Kobudo and Sensei's Suikendo Fighting System.

OKINAWAN DOJO ETIQUETTE

Over the past 20 years, the use of the word "Oss or Osu" has become common in many Karate Dojos. However, most people only understand this as some type of "Japanese Greeting", NOT understanding its historical reference in Okinawa.

The term "Oss" in Okinawa, is considered a militaristic term that was used in Japan. In Okinawa, this term may be considered derogatory and insulting (even if they do not acknowledged as so, out of politeness).

If you are training in Okinawan Karate-Do, using this term in Okinawa, to an Okinawan or in an Okinawan Karate dojo, should be avoided, as it's not appropriate.

An alternative expression you can used is "Hai" which basically is an affirmation of yes, a greeting, or understanding or acknowledgement and much more polite in the Okinawan setting. You can also use the Okinawan (Uchina Guchi) language "Hai sai"

~ Bill George

Midwest Karate Academy/Suibukan of Nebraska updated their address.

Midwest Karate Academy/Suibukan of Nebraska updated their business hours.

7 Amazing Reasons Why Women Should Do Martial Arts Ladies, want to know the secret to getting strong and healthy? It’s simple – make the decision to pick up martial arts and train regularly.

Yamash*ta Suikendo

Suikendo is master Tadashi Yamash*ta 's personally developed style. The word Suikendo comes from the combination of the words “sui” which means water, “ken” which means fist and “do” which means way. “The way of the fist that flows like water” is the philosophy and the concept of this style.

As the body moves hands and feet practice multiple striking and breaking techniques imitating the sense of water falling from high above. The efficiency of this technique is based on the combination of hands and feet with the gravity centre with continuous ki, while the body remains loose. The essence of the techniques used in Suikendo are nothing more than the extract of a sophisticated study of the Shorin Ryu's kata.

Suikendo combines elements of combat, dance and breath. It can develop the physical ability and flexibility and gives a combat alert spirit.

We, the students of Hanshi Yamash*ta, usually refer to Suikendo as the jazz of the martial arts.

You are correct, sir.

Tadashi Yamash*ta Sensei is featured on the cover of "MASTERS" Magazine, in the brand new Winter 2021 issue!

Masters Magazine is a digital publication of the top martial art masters. The magazine is accompanied with a 1-2 hour DVD called FRAMES. This DVD consists of 1-4 video segments that include featured interviews with technical how to segments.

AVAILABLE AT: em3Video.com

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Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karatedo, the young pine forest’s karate, is one of the most authentic systems of karate. Its the natural offspring of Suri-te. In its transfer to mainland Japan in the early 1920's, we can say it was the foundation for the development of the most modern Japanese systems, such as Shotokan and Wado Ryu.

Shorin ryu and Goju ryu are considered to be the two most popular karate systems of Okinawa. They consist what we call today Okinawa’s karate. They are based on Chinese systems in combination with the fighting techniques of the inhabitants of the Ryu Kyu islands.

The fighting technique which was developed from the masters of shorin ryu includes warm up exersises, basic techniques (kihon waza), kata, prearranged fighting drills (gyakusoku kumite) and free sparring (jiyu kumite). The characteristic of Shorin ryu karate is the swift, fast techniques based on the strategy of evasion and in the same time attacking to sensitive spots of the body with multiple hits. The system is ideal for people who seek spiritual and physical fulfillment through an old fighting art which simultaneously is a perfect form of self-defense.

https://suibukan.com/content/45/kobayashi-shorin-ryu-karate-do

"Slow is smooth,
Smooth is fast!"

Tadashi Yamash*ta Sensei combines many progressive fighting tactics with traditional aspects of Karatedo and Kobudo.

Yamash*ta's system, known as Suikendo, translates as "fist flowing like water". This system of fighting allows the practitioner to simultaneously block and strike his opponent.

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CHIBANA CHOSHIN: THE INTERVIEW (1975) - Shorinryu Karatedoh Ernest J Estrada who is a practitioner of the Okinawan art of Shorin ryu Karatedoh and Ryukyu Kobudoh.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
~ Joseph Campbell

Sensei (先生)

"Sensei", pronounced sen-say, is in its most basic sense a covers-all Japanese word for a teacher.

The two characters that make up the term can be directly translated as "born before" and imply one who teaches based on wisdom from age and experience. It is literally translated as "person born before another" or "one who comes before".

The term applies to teachers from grade school level up to university professors. It also includes instructors such as dance instructors and training instructors at a karate dojo or other martial arts school.

However, the word ‘sensei’ is always used from the perspective of the student or trainee. A person would never call themselves ‘sensei’. Instead, they would use the professional term for their occupation, such as kyoushi (教師) for a teacher.

That’s because, in Japanese, ‘sensei’ is a title for addressing someone who is a master of their craft or has a specialized degree, including instructors, doctors, and even lawyers.

So, when going to train with your instructor, you would address Master Tadashi Yamash*ta as ‘Yamash*ta - sensei’!

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The "Seven Virtues of the Martial Arts" are mentioned in Master Sokon Matsumura's letter to his student, Kuwae Ryosei, in 1882.

They were taught by wise men and are contained in a book called the "Godan-sho".

1. Refrain from violent behavior

2. Always follow the way of gentleness

3. Forge a sound and fortified mind, body, and spirit, to be a capable person

4. Foster a virtuous character

5. Develop as a peaceful person of fortitude, to appropriately defend justice

6. Preserve peace and harmony

7. Strive towards prosperity

In this method, you will find the true way.
If you have an unconquerable calmness, you can overcome the enemy without force, with the ferocity of a tiger, and the swiftness of a bird.

(Artwork by Féodor Tamarsky)

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