Hoshin Roshi Ryu Imazuma Dojo

SYSTEM OF PROGRESSION

The first step of the journey, this level will hold a focus on the very basics which are designed to help beginning students build the framework necessary for the levels of higher development, both personally as well as in the Warrior-Arts. This level is not about a student's ability to demonstrate their prowess, but other things which have more meaning when the "long-haul" is really of concern. It is said that the best Black Belt is truly a white belt at heart. That is why it so important for instructors to really observe a beginner. If one can truly look with some depth at the individual, it takes very little time to recognize what will motivate, inspire, or annoy an individual to make progress in any level of their lives. When a teacher sees and understands this, he is able to truly identify with the tools he will need to forge each student into a true Warrior and enlightened Human Being. That is the true essence of the true Warrior Path.

At this level of introduction the student studies proper behavior and etiquette, the school salutation and some basics to challenge the body and mind. Students at our school are not automatically accepted into Hoshin at this level. In the days of old, a potential student often was forced to endure sometimes harsh tests to prove he was worth teaching. After passing the test, they might be accepted. Our grading structure is designed to reflect the days of old as well as to remain progressive to the cutting edge.

Development toward this stage is where one's foundation has actually been built. The rest of the following levels are less of a struggle for the most part once the real foundation has truly been laid. After this it is up to the student to find within themselves what it will take to truly design their own Palace/Fortress that can become a most valuable tool on their path toward Warrior-Enlightenment. Earth element basics include: empty-hand solo sets, drills, forms, sparring, and energy cultivation for healing. The Earth level is our root. As with each level certain Universal Principles or Natural Laws apply which help govern each frame of mind as well as our total existence. The ROOT LEVEL is a very important part of any individual path of training.

A red level Hoshin student is able to effectively defend themselves in any situation in which an attacker might choose to grab, punch, or kick the defender; as well as unarmed defenses against a club, staff, knife, and sword (not that many people use a sword these days). They will understand all the principles of this level for health and self-defense. At this level the student learns to train the physical aspect of our being to build a solid foundation for further levels of training.

Once a student has been initiated into Hoshin, the real work begins. This is the level of the Water Element. At this level all the solid basics become more fluid and less static. Students learn to master more angles of footwork on the octagon and apply these angles of escape and evasion to counter an attack and place themselves in the best possible position to ensure their success in any self-defense situation. The first two weapons, sword and staff are introduced. These teach the student not only the use of and defense against classical weapons and their every day improvisational substitutes, but to instill certain concepts applied to general movement.

A students empty-hand skills also continue to mature, as more punch counters and variations are learned, as well as circular kicks and advanced shielding concepts. Some reversals and variations of techniques learned at the previous level are also taught. As the first level was learning to be solid and neutral, at this level of the water element it is escape and evade with an attitude of fluidity and adaptation. It is here that one discovers how to understand and train the emotional aspect of our being with a strong emphasis on healing.

Advancing forward to the level of the fire element students move into advanced angles to disrupt an attackers angle of movement and their initial attack before it escalates. They are introduced to the short stick (kali-escrima) and knife applications and counters. The intent at this level is dynamic and pro-active. Attacks are stopped before they start and total control is established before an attacker has finished the first move. With lightning fast strikes to vital areas coupled with intense mental focus, a student experienced at this level now has the necessary experience to neutralize, evade, or jam basically any attack directed toward them.

Students at this level now possess a basic proficiency in four weapons that have common substitutes which could be used against them in a real-life encounter. Advanced techniques for protecting the body from strikes are also shared. All students must walk across a bed of hot coals barefoot to pass this level. A special testing ceremony and party is held during the summer on the coast for this event alone. It is here where one learns to master the mental aspect of our being and apply this natural force to enhance their self-protection skills, health and daily living.

The green level is symbolized by the wind element. At this level students begin to study advanced physical disruptions; as well as being introduced into the arts of disrupting the body's energy systems and the mind field. Characterized by effortlessness and floating around any attack, methods of the wind warrior are very subtle yet profound, especially with energy disruption at its core. Flexible weapons and the palm sized stick are introduced, which are two of the most subtle and practical (while potentially less destructive) of the six basic weapons

A more intense approach to healing of self and others is taken at this level, as well as a deeper look into the same concepts and methods applied for enlightened self-defense. One proficient at this level is able to control any attacker without permanent damage to either person. It is also here where any defensive methods used should be able to be made to appear accidental. This level yields understanding of the mysteries of the heart or spirit aspect of our being.

The void is the level of emptiness and creativity. If one is an artist such as a painter, they usually prefer an "empty" canvass to begin creating their designs. This blank canvass can be likened to a white belt - the first level of emptiness. After learning to master each individual color, then one achieves the next level of emptiness, which can be likened to the void or a black belt. Black can be seen as the presence of all colors mixed together, suggesting a practitioner has mastered all the elements in their earlier studies. True creative freedom must come from a quiet place of emptiness. If the cup is already half-full, then it is not going to yield a fresh sense of what is newly created. This kind of emptiness allows us to truly be calm and in the moment. This is the secret of the masters and they key to really getting more out of life.

It is this level where students truly go from the platform of a phase-one to a phase-two student where instead of techniques that are more "fixed" in their application, students become free to speculate possible options and what to do if one thing does not work and how to be adaptive in any situation - to "go with the flow". It is here one is free to examine "what if" possibilities that may be encountered in any real life scenario.

Also at this level concepts are introduced that take the student to the deeper internal levels of the combative arts. Advanced points for striking and control, advanced energy cultivation and disruptions are taught. The student learns the shadow side of life and how to recognize and manage negative forces to transmute these energies for a positive outcome. In the Hoshinjustu system there are 5 degrees or levels of black belt, and various titles may be given at these levels as well.