This past weekend was a great experience. Chris Hatch and I took a road trip to Valley Shore Martial Arts, and got to work with our teacher, Professor Kimo Ferreira and his friend Motobu Chosei, Soke. Saturday night we had an instructors’ workout with just a few folks and Professor Kimo, and then Sunday was spent learning from Professor Kimo and then Motobu Sensei and his excellent assistants.
Professor Kimo covered concepts and techniques from his Kempo Jutsu, and was his usual light-hearted self. We touched on everything from basic punch defenses against straight punches, hooks, double and triple hooks, grabs and more.
Motobu sensei performed a demonstration of his father’s version of the Naihanchi kata, and his black belts performed bo, katana and empty hand demonstrations. After the demonstrations, Motobu sensei taught the first five of his father’s self-defense techniques. Kiko Ferreira handled the translation duties ably, and there was no language barrier in communicating Motobu Sensei’s intent.
It was a great weekend, and it was a pleasure to see my old friends – Professor Kimo and his wife Kiko, Joe Rebelo – and to have a road trip with Chris. We don’t get out on the road as much since we’ve both been married, and especially since we’ve each gone and had a kid (or two in his case). It was also quite an honor to get to train with Motobu sensei again. He’s the real deal, and I’ve been impressed with him since the moment I met him. A special surprise was when Professor Nancy Cerio dropped in. It was wonderful to get to chat with her again.
I also had a great time with my new friends at Valley Shore – Keith Tubman did a great job putting together the seminar, and Hedy was great fun and took great care of us food-wise at the Whistle Stop in Deep River. It was also nice to meet Justin in person and to work with Bernard from Branford.
I thought of the weekend as a nice contrast of pure, classic Karate Kempo and modern Kempo Jutsu. The application has changed, but the values of structure, foundation and effectiveness sure haven’t.
Looks like it was a fun and informative visit a very good combination.
Absolutely. The layers of sophistication in the seemingly simple techniques that Motobu, sensei taught were mind boggling. I always look forward to working with Professor Kimo as well. Working with him has really made a change for the better in my Kempo. The fact that it was a fun trip filled with great people was just gravy.