Dojo History
In the late 80's I joined the Detroit branch of
the Grand Rapids dojo which was headed by
Sensei Michael Dantuma, who was going to law school at Wayne State.
Sensei Michael
Dantuma is a life-long friend, and senior student, of Sensei Allen
Mayne,
Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), the Head Instructor of the Grand
Rapids Shibu Dojo. I
made that decision because I believed that it was the best way to accomplish several of my personal goals, which
were:
- True to the Original Way. I wanted to
drive to Lansing to attend Sensei Iha's classes periodically, and to
bring that knowledge home and practice it. It was important to me, that
I was not taught one way at a home dojo and another way by the master
instructor, Sensei Iha. This dojo has always encouraged this practice.
- Physical Fitness and Conditioning. I
wanted a physically demanding workout. In the "Ten Articles of Karate,"
Anko Itosu makes numerous references to physical strength, health, and
longevity. Today, modern medicine echo's these thoughts with the
promotion of aerobic exercise, which is something that is accomplished
at this dojo.
- Effectiveness and Skill. While everyone
knows that when learning a new technique, you must practice it at half
speed, it is also true that in order to become proficient at a
technique, full speed practice must also be done. Again, this is
something that occurs in this dojo.
An experienced observer can quickly tell when the mix
of half speed and full speed practice is not in proportion. The
techniques of someone who practices too much at full speed will become
sloppy, including excessive movements, choppy hard movements, and
excessive tiring. The techniques of someone who practices too much at
half speed will become ineffective against real or simulated real
attacks, and ultimately someone who practices in this manner could not
defend oneself. The key to effective training, and the art of
friendship and cooperation, is the ability to determine the right
mixture of half speed and full speed training.
After Sensei Michael Dantuma graduated from Law school,
I
became head of the Detroit Branch of the Grand Rapids Fuku Shibu Dojo,
and
remain the head of this Fuku-Shibu Dojo today. For over 15 years, I
have maintained my personal goals outlined above and taught students in
this way. In 2009, due to political issues at the Hombu in
Lansing, I have left the beikoku Association.
Jim Hoffer, Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
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