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realistic, effective, practical, safe to practice and have solid basic techniques. Karate students often get beat in street fights by boxers because, simply stated, boxers generally have stronger training in basic techniques.” Bushidokan was designed for combat; the basic techniques beginning students learn in early training are merely conditioning tools for learning practical self-defense and reliable fighting skills that are integrated into training as they advance. Historically, whether in the ring or on the street, Bushidokan warriors have been a force to be reckoned with. Bushidokan’s combat tactics have been tried and tested in many diverse situations including, full contact world competition, and in life and death situations by citizens, law enforcement and elite military groups such as Green Berets, Rangers, Navy Seals and others. by Brent L. Anderson, Bushidokan Black Belt Owner of Ko Heichi Martial Arts |
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indication of their achievements. Seven stances, seven blocks, seven strikes, seven kicks, body conditioning, and development of coordination are all part of the initial training. ‘Nothing fancy here!’ And that’s just the point. Three words can sum up my philosophy of martial arts instruction, Basics, Basics, Basics! Bushidokan’s founder Jim Harrison, puts it this way, “Keep It Simple Stupid!” “Either way the reality of fighting (not the stuff you see in movies) dictates that a warrior develop a strong foundation of basic yet versatile techniques in which to build all other learning. Martial arts instruction must be, simple, |
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with blind allegiance to one particular set of techniques. You will find influences from multiple disciplines in Bushidokan training. Bushidokan is designed with a strong foundation of basics. These ‘basics’ lay the groundwork for the extensive self-defense tactics and hand to hand combat skills that have earned Bushidokan students worldwide respect. So exactly what is Bushidokan? Bushidokan is composed of three main martial art |
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components: Karate, Judo and Jujitsu. Add in large doses of kick boxing, realistic street fighting, military arts, weapons training, body conditioning and Jim Harrison’s philosophical influence and you start to get a pretty good picture of what Bushidokan is all about. Bushidokan pioneers lived by the philosophy of using what works and discarding what doesn't. Most martial arts and their related Self Defense |
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systems rely on one or two related methods of fighting such as, striking (punching and kicking) or grappling (throws, holds or locks and chokes). Bushidokan is considered an integrated system using striking, kicking and grappling techniques in a well-rounded versatile method of combat training. The ultimate goal of Bushidokan is to prepare its students for actual combat; however, the beginning ranks of Bushidokan are fairly traditional in nature. The stance, block, striking and kicking routines are formulated in a system that would be considered “Traditional Karate” by most. As a student advances into the higher levels of training he/she learns more of the practical arts of hand to hand combat. While earning rank in basic techniques students also learn fighting tactics and receive realistic self defense training. By the time a student reaches brown and black belt level there are no more formal tests to pass. To achieve brown and black belt status in Bushidokan requires the student to “prove” their skills in actual fighting. This is one reason there are so few black belts in the Bushidokan system. Basic training, as I like to call it, is structured in the same way many traditional karate schools teach their students. Students learn routines and achieve colored belts as an |
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Ko-Heichi, literally translated in Japanese means “High Flatland”. This name represents our highland location here in Eastern Wyoming. Bushidokan, “The Way of the Warrior School”, is the style of martial art taught at Ko Heichi. Following the tradition of Bushidokan instructors before me I maintain the high standards that my instructors , Mr. Watson and Mr. Katzer, expected from their students. Students earn their rank at Ko-Heichi Martial Arts. Before the term “Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)” became the latest buzz word in the world of martial arts, Bushidokan, has long been an advocate for versatile or eclectic training. Bushidokan was a pioneer in challenging the faults associated |
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Katana made by Cold Steel |
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Brent L. Anderson |
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FITNESS KICKBOXING
I have been asked many times over the years to consider doing a “martial arts based” fitness class but have been reluctant to do so. There are several reasons for my reluctance. First of all my passion is teaching people how to stay safe, how to fight, and how to defend themselves. I have no desire to be just another aerobics instructor. I have nothing against aerobics classes in general but I do cringe every time I see an aerobics instructor emulating karate kicks and punches in ways that actually have the potential to cause injuries in the class participants . Locking the elbow joint while striking in the air is just one example (a sure way to develop ‘tennis’ elbow). Since Cardio Karate, Tae Bo and others have become so popular there are now many instructors out there teaching (emulating) kick boxing and karate techniques that have very limited or no actual martial arts experience. Most have done nothing more than attend a seminar or watch a video to learn these combat moves set to music. That brings me to reluctance point number two, music and rhythm. I love music and I do have rhythm, however, tell my wife that I have rhythm and she might laugh at you. I am a fighter and have had the “rhythm” of a fighter drilled into me for two decades. Put that type of rhythm on a dance floor and it will surely look a little silly. Bottom line, I’m a fighter not a dancer. I finally put my reluctance to rest when I decided to do what I do best… real fighting and real kick boxing moves in a fitness class format. Ko Heichi Kickboxing is a great workout full of energy, fun, music and extreme calorie burning potential but don’t expect it to look or feel like just another aerobics class. You will be learning proper (i.e.: safe) martial arts techniques in a well rounded full body workout and each class will highlight some aspect of personal safety or self defense. The personal safety and self defense tactics taught in this class will not only help make you healthier but could actually save your life some day – and that’s something your average aerobics class will not do. Brent L. Anderson Owner, Instructor
Get Fit…Have Fun…Stay Safe! |
