Tensoku ryu

Tensoku-ryu bujutsu(天則�武術)"natural way" or "heaven's rule" is a martial art based on four different martial arts.


What is Tensoku ryu?

Tensoku ryu Bujutsu is the result of the intensive study of four different martial arts: Jujutsu, Modern Arnis, Non Classical Gung-fu, and White Crane Chinese Boxing. Tensoku Ryu integrates all aspects of these four core systems in order to understand and employ them better.

Martial arts systems

According to noted martial arts historian Donn F. Draeger , all martial arts are artificial. They are codified systems for learning a specific set of combative skills. Therefore, each system is limited by the knowledge and ability of its creator as well as the environment that it was developed in. Many martial arts were designed to combat a specific types of foes and so the historical context and premise of a system’s development must be researched and understood. As such, no system can legitimately claim to be 100% effective in every circumstance against every opponent and every weapon.
Training in a variety of martial arts yields numerous benefits. One such benefit is the ability to feel comfortable when working with (or against) artists from other systems. In addition, cross training in complimentary arts helps to develop existing skills and provide new ones. Another natural result of training in different martial arts is that eventually they will merge together. This is one of the greatest benefits of multiple arts. In seeing and understanding the commonalities among multiple martial disciplines, you actually enhance your ability in each individual system.

Principles of Tensoku Ryu

Tensoku Ryu's system emphasizes the following:
-Understanding natural laws
-Employing realistic bladework
-Traditional teaching
-Realistic Training

True Bladework

Throughout history, bladed weapons have caused more casualties than all other weapons combined ; at close range, very few weapons are their equal . One of the primary principles guiding Tensoku Ryu is the understanding of "bladework" (learning to properly use bladed weapons). In order to deeply study bladework Tensoku Ryu practitioners study Arnis in addition to the iai-jutsu part of Sosuishi-ryu. The study of Arnis provides an effective learning system to help practitioners undestand how to use and defend against the bladed weapons.

Traditional Methods

Despite a very progressive attitude toward training, Tensoku Ryu maintains a deep-rooted respect of traditional training methods. This includes, but is not limited to, kata, which are called anyo in Filipino arts. Forms are also employed in Gung-fu, but in a much more dynamic form (such as chi-sau). And, of course, kata are the foundation of White Crane boxing.

These forms allow training in very dangerous techniques in a controlled environment, which is imperative in developing proper technique. For example, it would not be safe or practical to apply a full power throat strike in a sparring situation. However, forms training allows students to train deadly throat strikes without risk of injury to participants.

Realistic Training

Another key aspect of Tensoku-ryu is realistic training. Realistic training means learning to fight in extreme environments, against a variety of opponents, using different weapons, and preparing for numerous scenarios.

Weapons

Always assume your opponent is armed. As such, know how to fight with/against:
-Bladed weapons (Knife, long/short sword, dos puntos, etc)
-Blunt weapons (Sticks, Bo/Jo/Pole)
-Projectile weapons (Handguns, explosives)

Opponents
One must be comfortable fighting against opponents of all shapes, sizes, and conditioning. As such, we seek out training partners who can provide this experience.
Students also train to deal with multiple opponents. Never assume that an opponent is untrained.

Environment

Most fights do not occur on a nice soft gym mat. They happen on concrete, in gravel, on wet grass, in the mud, ice, or sand, or any other place. Therefore, students train in diverse environments in order to prepare for these situations.
As such, the Tensoku Ryu dojo is literally the world. Students frequently travel to different locales to train in nature and to train in unorthodox environments. This may not be comfortable or convenient, but it is necessary.

Scenarios

Life presents an infinite array of possible scenarios in which combat could occur. Therefore, it is logistically impossible to stage each potential situation. However, by training in koryu (old martial systems), which advocates learning a small amount of foundational principles covering a multitude of attacks rather than thousands of techniques designed for only one attack each, the martial artist can be prepared for a multitude of scenarios and flow into his response without hesitation.

The key to proper training is variety and realism. Therefore, Tensoku Ryu students continuously leave the "comfort zone" in search of new challenges while using those experiences to hone their abilities.

Systems
For more information on each system, please visit the appropriate link:

Jujutsu

Modern Arnis (specifically Ernesto Presas' more classical style)

Jesse Glover's Non Classical Gung-fu (see also Bruce Lee for more information)

White Crane Chinese Boxing. (possibly one of the fundamental martial art systems, about 1500 years old)
 
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