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:)
Recently I tested by DvD for my To-Shin Do Red Belt. The training period
between the time I was promoted to blue and to red was only 4 months, but I don't feel I rushed it. I mean, before I
started the To-Shin Do Go Shin Taijutsu curriculum, I'd already been heavily exposed to the method of backing away at an angle,
and counter attacking, and was pretty good at it.
I'd say my training was done backwards, because the FIRST Long Distance Program I studied
and got licensed in was the kihon of the Classical Togakure ryu Ninja Taijutsu techniques. Said curriculum, 'steeped'
in classical Gyokko ryu footwork, conditioned me to not move directly backward, and so when I learned the curriculum, it only
took some slight adjusting before I understood exactly what was necessary to succeed. I must admit though, I am not
usually satisfied just knowing a strategy or mimicking it, but I have to feel as if I had to use it, it'd be natural.
When I came across doing some boxing w/ my uncle, unconsciously I started using a higher up, quicker version of this classical
Gyokko ryu footwork (similar to what's shown on the videos).
Also, the ura and omote gyakus, I fell in love w/ back when I was training classically,
and so they came natural for my elemental training. The biggest challenge was to become EVEN BETTER. So I partitioned
some of To-Shin Do's most advanced instructors for advice and drill ideas. They were, (as expected), wonderfully helpful
and had a wealth of information at their disposal. Each response was original too, based on their experiences.
In a way, I happily feel like I have an upperhand in BEING a Long Distance Student because of that experience. Can't
say I don't dream about attending a dojo regularly, though. :)
Back to what I was orignally saying...I trained in Anshu's classical material for 1
and a half years before I felt vaguely comfortable w/ testing. Then I waited another 6 months before actually taping
it. That said, I saw it helped and yet hurt me during my training. One thing that was hard, as trying to break
the classical kamae and waza I was used to (or at least the classical application of said kamae and waza). After that,
everything just kind of fell into place. Earth element's deceptively strong power and stability surprized me, and was
new to me...I spent much time on it. Now I'm studying fire, I think it likewise haves the same effects as earth.
I'll need some time. With it. :)
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Gotta' Problem, or Are You Telling Us How YOU'RE
Trainings Going...Tell Us HERE!
I might describe my job in a little more detail here. I'll write about what I do, what I like best about it, and even some
of the frustrations. (A job with frustrations? Hard to believe, huh?)
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