Hojo Undo Open Course

​Sunday 18th November

I arranged a Hojo Undo (Supplementary Training) course at the OTGKA Honbu Dojo, in Peckham, London.  The course ran for 3 hours and in that time the people experienced an array of training aids. 
For some it was their first time that they had utilised these implements.

We started with Chikara Ishi (Strength Stone) over 10 disciplines, which is called Chishi Kata, it was a complete eye opener for some. Then it was to Tetsu Sashi (Iron Lock) most exercises, if not all, are concentrating on grip and the forearm. Next they tried Nigiri Gami (Gripping Jars) and I explained in detail the history, reason and benefits of each apparatus.

After a water break most were feeling the fatigue, and then it was to the Kongo Ken (Diamond Ring). This apparatus was invented by the Hawaiian Wrestlers and its shape was modified by Miyagi Chojun Bushi.  If you would like to see the original Kongo Ken then go to Youtube and put in Kings of the Square Ring, there you will Tony Inoki training with it.  See link below, from 42 minutes, starting with footage of Goju Ryu push ups.

Next they were introduced to Makiwara (Rolled Straw). However, in today’s society we use leather, due to Hygiene and Health and Safety. In the old days in Okinawa many seniors after punching the Makiwara would go to the side and Urinate on their knuckles because there was no Antiseptic so the urine would act as a Antiseptic. Today with have more advanced methods.

Due to the pressure on the grip through all the disciplines, I also introduced Dexterity Balls (Handiness Balls) with the greatest respect I made it look easy due to many practice, some people felt confident starting, but it soon came apparent that it was much harder then anticipated.

To conclude I promised no Karate – Do, but I could not resist finishing with Sticky Hands, all seemed to enjoy the finish.

To conclude all appetites were replenished, a good day had by all. My special thanks to the contingent from Kyokushin Kai, Lee Jackson, Louise Fenney and Michael Humphries.

There was a suggestion to repeat these courses 3 times a year, so I will incorporate them in my Calendar for 2019.

George Andrews