Kodansha :

Beyond Technique

 

 

 

The Kodansha ranks Of American Goju-Kempo cover the Dan degrees of 4th to 10th degrees, in contrast to yudansha which cconsist of 1st to 3rd degree. Only the Kodansha degrees are independent teachers. They are divided into Kokoro and Iro Kokoro and carry the titles of Renshi, Shihan, Kyoshi and Hanshi.

 

KOKORO

The first section of the master degrees in American Goju-Kempo , are called Kokoro. Anyone observing will be aware of the mature consciousness that is visible in the general attitude ofthe Kokoro. Kokoro consist of the ranks from 4th to 6th Degree. The first degree of the Kokoro section (which is a part of the "Way") can be achieved at the earliest at age 30 years old. There is the presupposition of not only martialarts experience and prowess but also life experience. So a Bugeisha between the ages of 30 and 45 can attain 4th, 5th and 6th Degrees. The 4th ad 5th Degree title holders are addressed as Renshi. These titles are independent master degrees, which the mental maturity of the individuals corresponds. The embrace certain levels of self perfection, above the overcoming of prejudice and mercenary thinking at this stage.

 

Kokoro are the first level of Budo grades that one must show maturity and a higher level of consciousness. The Kokoro level practitioner has become part of that art which he/she practices. It is through his/her long experience in training and practice of the art tha he/she understands the that experience must now be searched and each and every lesson learned must be used in order to resist the last challenges to the perfection of character. At the Kokoro stage there is no more hesitation, no self pity, and no regret. The Kokoro is the perfect victim,

 

And knowing this, the Kokoro sacrifices a large part of his/her/ life to instruction. Through instructing the Kokoro expand his/her own life experiences. The Kokoro knows that the reward for his/her efforts lie in giving and that all further progress in th "Way can be achieved only though unconditional giving. In this giving without requirement the Kokoro tries to understand him/herself. That is what separates the yudansha from the Kodansha Kokoro.

 

    The Renshi has progressed beyond terms such as fight and victory. He has progressed beyond them and now looks to overcome illusion. Although he practices technique daily, like the Yudansh, he is in another realm altogether. This world free of "I" The Yudansha is still hanging on to fighting for victory, for progress, for comparison. The Yudansha does not, cannot understand that beyond that barrier there is a new world. The Yudansha need "I" in order to grow with it. Only when and if experience comes can he/she release "I"

 

On cannot reach this stage through the training of technique alone. If the Budoka relies only on technique and ignores the mental and "spiritual" discipline, he/she will drift into ignorance in relation to the teachings of the "Way" (Do). It is important to be able to see clearly the ideals of Do (i.e. Budo, Karate-do, Ken-do) and trust in them. This will avoid confusion. In order to attain the stage of the Renshi and the Shihan   it requires an identification with the "Way" that is perfect. And there must be a perfect realized relationship with the teacher. It is a guiding principle of Budo : it means a man of consciousness (Renshi & Shihan) should have a teacher who is his confidante. The teacher should be able to speak the truth to you without you feeling hurt. If you know these truths in your heart then you will have a realized and perfect relationship with your teacher.

 

 

Iro Kokoro    

 

 

The highest degree in Budo are called Iro Kokoro. These are the advanced degrees and contain the titles of Kyoshi (7th and 8th Degree) and Hanshi (8th Degree) ( In the art of American Goju-Kempo there is only one Hanshi in the system. While others in the sytem can reach 8th Degree they can only attain the title of Kyoshi. There is again only one Hanshi to the system. As you read on the reason should become evident.) Between the ages of 45 and 50 it is possible to attain the rank of Kyoshi. This title recognizes a high level of responsibility in the individual and the ability of clear realization of all external conditions and circumstances.

The title Hanshi is given for the highest perfection in the American Goju-Kempo System. At this time The Committee for Certification and Accreditation has awarded this title to Craig L Brooks Sr.

9th and 10th Degrees are awarded posthumously. They stand symbolically for absolute perfection which cannot be achieved during the human lifespan. The Hanshi balances his Awareness between the external and the internal and is somewhat like the zen Roshi. The Hanshi has mastered each necessary external obligation, has overcome the dependence of posessions and prestige and the fear of death. The Hanshi knows near perfection, and before his life is over , he strives to find someone to whom he transfer his art so that it will not die and indeed flourish. The task of the Hanshi is waiting until the pupil recognizes him . If the pupil has not overcome his Ego this is impossible. The Hanshi in unconcerned amusement with his perfectly overcome "I" and perfect humility always stands opposite to the uninitiated to deceive the complacent ones about the actual truth. The ability to recognize that the Hanshi has achieved the highest stage of internal development is not given to all people.

 

The Hanshi never contacts the Mudansha in order to instruct , or a pupil in order to improve him/her. He can observe instruction, but he does not say anything. Only one who is learned can see the singlemindedness of the Hanshi. If one has reached a certain level, entrance to the Hanshi is possible and inevitable.