Kuroda Tetsuzan sensei showing the benefits of kata practice

This video was taken some time ago. It demonstrates the benefits of classical kata practice in Samurai Koryu. You see two views of solo kata and then the application in two man kata with Sensei's enormous efficiency of movement. This type of deep programing is fundamental to high level koryu.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei has passed. One of the great swordsman and teachers of the modern era. He was a friend, mentor and teacher for 25 years, may he rest in Peace.

[@TexasThunder.338]

That last move was perfect. Very cool to witness a real master.

[@ronin6016]

Beautiful flow, very smooth, elegant and efficient, great video, thank you for sharing

[@Stridercondor]

R.I.P Sensei.

[@crimedog7576]

This is nearly inhuman, given his age. So incredible, and that seems to be a very effective kobudo. Pre edo, likely even pre sengoku. I've never seen this particular ruyha but its clearly a logical, effective form, which screams actually used in combat, to me.

[@Thomasari]

Damn sooooo fast move.

[@cosmicmindpowerlifeforce840]

Jesus he fast 😮 i nevers see that before

[@alanfreeman7374]

Lightning quick...

[@MCShvabo]

That is superhuman...

[@TONEDEAFSOUND]

rest in peace

[@alf9638]

RIP sensei.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

A good man, an outstanding teacher and a once in a generation swordsman.

[@papageorgio123123]

is there a specific name for his style ?

[@velerof1fyt993]

kata practice and good body conditioning

[@MacEwanMouse]

He is just ridiculously fast.

[@mjk778899]

I saw in the comments section (not sure if it was this video) about how you don't spar or do randori. I think you said that it could interfere with correct programming of the technique. That may not be the exact way you worded it but anyway. Can you elaborate on that or do you know of a video or online resource that could provide more incite? I would like to understand that better. Thanks

[@SystemOfStrategy]

mjk778899 It is a lot to go into detail in a post however let me try. We are constantly programming our mind and mind /body connection. The best programing is done with a very slow, very detailed and very conscious training over an extended period of time. If this programming is done properly it leads you into another world, as Kuroda sensei would say. Sparring has value at certain levels of function. I have personally done a lot of it in my life. It does not however program in the same manner, too many variables, too much stress, etc. for good programming. It can teach some valuable lessons however. A bit of an analogy, when people ask me about getting their children started in Martial arts, I tell them that grappling is the root of the tree of Martial arts. It is very good to have have that "root" system. It is not however the fruit of the tree. You need a good root system to have good fruit however no one comes to the tree for the roots.

[@mjk778899]

SystemOfStrategy Thanks for taking the time to answer and good analogy. I wish there was a place near were I live that taught classical bujutsu. I guess I'll have to go to Japan one day because it seems real hard to find here in the states. Thanks again for the posting this and your other videos on system of strategy.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Yes, not very different in many aspects. More serious consequences for failure...

[@Gilmaris]

There are similarities to playing an instrument, but there are key differences. For example, when rehearsing alone with your instrument, you actually do produce sounds. When practising kata, you are not actually fighting. Even sparring has that limitation, but sparring is at least much closer to fighting. The main similarity of rehearsing alone with a musical instrument and practising kata, is that neither will prepare you for the stress of actual performance. Actual combat is a stressful situation, and surety of technique in the safe quarters of your home can go right out the window if you have never faced stress. I say this as both a singer and as a martial artist. The first time I sang before an audience, it was thankfully in a choir, so I could remain somewhat anonymous. But I found that nerves prevented me from using my voice the same way as I had so often done at practice. I knew what to do, but I simply couldn't. My voice was timid and shaky, especially on the high end of my register. Similarly, the first time I sparred with swords - after three or four years of MSR Iaido and not having sparred a second - I was wasting energy because I was almost hyperventilating. I was actually surprised at myself. It was mostly due to wearing protective masks, which I was totally unaccustomed to. This was longsword sparring, by the way. We used shinai. I also felt a bit like a fish out of the water at first because now it occurred to me that I knew all the techniques, but when to apply them? In solo kata, this or that happens, but you have to imagine it for yourself. Now I can't imagine anything, now things are really happening, and I was annoyed with myself for being so passive. Kata had prepared me in _some_ way to react, but had not at all taught me to take the initiative. Practising Iaido kata I found I had good technique - but only sparring actually taught me anything about fighting. Here's the thing about programming techniques through kata: the sensei can only gauge if it _looks_ like you've got the idea. If your technique looks good and flows smoothly, if it seems like your intention is where it ought to be. But he cannot see into your mind to see if you understand the application of the techniques. And without ever sparring, neither can you. Kata has its uses. But it can never replace sparring. Nor can sparring replace kata, but a focus on sparring will produce a better fighter than a focus on kata. Even boxers practice kata, in a manner of speaking, when they work out with the mitts, the heavy bag or the speed bag. But it is unheard of to forego sparring. If nothing else, sparring teaches you that you are not invincible, that you _can_ lose. And certainly in contact sports, it teaches you what it feels like to take a beating. Valuable lessons, all. Most people find their first sparring session rather humbling. I certainly did, both when I trained kick-boxing in my youth and when I turned to sword play later.

[@myblacksunshine1]

In Kuroda Sensei's book(Kenjutsu Seigi）, I read that in Yasuji Kuroda period(his grandfather) they do little sparring using shinai

[@kokovas]

How to apply class in his dojo?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

What are you asking?

[@danarief]

Sensei William, is he your Sensei?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Daniel Arief Yes