TRAINING AND METHODOLOGY

TAISO - Warm-up and preliminary exercises as Mokuso - meditations or breathing exercises are the same as in many other martial arts practices.

KIHON WAZA- Basic techniques are similar to other classical Japanese Karate styles. The deep, strong positions such as : Kiba Dachi, Fudo Dachi, long Zenkutsu Dachi were maintained from Shotokan for the purpose of making stronger legs. They are mainly used during basic (KIHON) training and sometimes in Kumite. From Wado-Ryu were maintained the special body-shifting (Tai Sabaki) techniques and the torso turning (Kawashi) in order to avoid an attack to the body. From Goju-Ryu, the strong breathing method (Ibuki) was maintained, and from Shito-Ryu was maintained the beauty of changing different high and low positions, especially in Kata.

Main differences are in the blocking techniques (Uke Waza). They consist mainly of parries: sweeps and absorbed blocks rather than hard blocks. However, the hard blocks are not completely excluded.

SENDO-RYU uses ridge-hand block (Haito Uke) rather than knife-hand block (Shuto Uke). Some differences can be observed in punching techniques (Tsuki Waza) as flowing roundhouse punch (Nagashi Mawashi Zuki), etc...and new kicking techniques have been introduced such as: Snap-thrust side kick (Yoko Geri Keage Kekomi), back roundhouse side kick (Ushiro Mawashi Yoko Geri), etc...In KIHON, the realistic and economical ways of walking and body-shifting are taught.

KATA- Formal exercises of SENDO-RYU are very realistic, non-sophisticated and easy to understand and to put into practice as in BUNKAI KATA. Following any block there is an immediate counter. The KATA line - Embusem - is more difficult because of many turnings.

TANTO KATA - Knife Kata - Formal exercises with/against knife attacks.

KATANA KATA -Sword Kata - Formal exercises with/against sword attack