San Sai Do

The Way of Three Elements as practiced by the San Sai Ryu, San Sai Dojo.

By Hanshi, Dr. Philip M. Scudieri PhD.

Background and Philosophy:

For centuries oriental philosophers believed there were five elements comprising the universe. They were: fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. The San Sai Ryu, or Three Elements Style, uses two of those elements to help transmit and illustrate the physical and strategic methods contained within the style. They are: fire: hi and water: mizu. The concept of void, or kara, was adapted as the third element to explain the more intuitive and psychological aspects of combat strategy. Using a descriptive and seemingly ambiguous language also acts as a code should an adversary witness a duel, practice session, or a battle.

The methods of karate, tae kwon do, kenjutsu and aikijutsu as taught by Philip Scudieri and the Itto Tenshin Ryu comprise most of the technical and strategic methods of the system.

San Sai Ryu, like the Tenshin Ryu is a traditional martial arts style. To be considered a traditional ryu you must have at least two generations. Webster’s dictionary defines traditional as, “passing down of beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example without written instruction.” This method of transmission was popular with many ancient ryu and is still practiced by some gendei (post 1600 ad) or modern systems.
 
Students receive a license, or menkyo, to teach after a certain amount of time and training has passed. The menkyo or scroll is presented to the receiver to verify his or her expertise. This is very different from the dan, or colored belt, system in most martial arts today. In the San Sai Ryu, the dan system is used for karate and the menkyo system for swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and aikijutsu, (a form of unarmed combat based on sword techniques.)

There are three pre-black belt levels, or kyu, in the menkyo system
sho kyu / first level
chu kyu /middle level
jo kyu / upper level.
The student is referred to as a mudansha.

The first actual menkyo recognition is referred to as Kyosei. This is approximately a second degree black belt in our system The kihon, or fundamental transmissions, of the actual ryu are now taught to the receiver. No traditional style actually teaches the strategy of the style until black belt or yudansha level. Before then, as mudansha you are only doing warm ups and basic kihon or fundamentals.

Next is Renshi or Forging Person. This approximates a 4-6th degree black belt.  Application and consistent practice of kihon are the order of the day with thousands of repetitions.  The Renshi leads class and forges the students by hard work and discipline. Many believe that this where the heart of the ryu is actually formed.

The next level is Kyoshi or instructor. This person has at least twenty five years of hard work in and instructs the class. This would approximate a 7th - 8th degree black belt. This level is where the secrets of the ryu, or hiden, are transmitted to these most trusted members. In the era of the Samurai, the hiden would only be taught to the highest ranking military commanders.
     
All teaching comes from the Hanshi. This is 9th – 10th degree black belt level and the age of 50 plus years. The Hanshi can be the headmaster or founder of a ryu. Being a founder does not automatically make him or her tenth degree black belt. They are outside the rank system. A Soke is the inheritor of a ryu, usually in the Hanshi’s family. If there is no one available to continue the teaching, a son or daughter may be adopted to carry on the ryu. The term Soke is widely misused by many contemporary instructors.

One philosophical aspect of the San Sai Ryu, as taught to me by my teachers, is not just to win. Surely in the Sengaku period or Era of the Warring States, (mid-1300) winning would be an axiom. Today, should we only subscribe to “winning” we would be a competitive sport type club or an anachronism. The reasons people train today vary from self-defense to healthy exercise, maintaining historical martial traditions and sporting competition.
 
One unique tradition going back hundreds of years, still practiced by the San Sai Ryu is the Deshi - Sensei relationship. This practice is rarely seen in martial arts today. The title sensei is often used to denote an instructor in any “way,” like flower arranging, (ikebana) or calligraphy, (shodo) not just martial arts; however, the sensei – deshi relationship is very close and special. In effect you say, "Here I am, I don’t really understand what’s going on and won’t for several years; so, do with me what you will." This type of attitude and commitment is known as nyunanshin. The sensei now helps guide you through life.

The Dojo and Ryu

The Delaware Budokan, or “House of the Warriors,” is Honbu Dojo of the San Sai Ryu. The word Honbu designates primary or head dojo. A Ryu is sometimes referred to as a school. However, as written in kanji it implies, “teaching through time.” Many ryu disappeared in antiquity, due to the sensei not finding a suitable student to transmit his knowledge too, or all members were killed in duels or military service, and no living dependents were available. One important factor: If your principles and techniques did not work, your school would disappear.

The Delaware Budokan is a traditional Shinto style dojo, or “Way Place.” Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan and one of its beliefs is that all the elements and all living things have a spirit residing within. For a structure to be described as a budokan at least two arts must be taught there. As we are relating these philosophies and religions to martial arts, we use them in the broadest and historical sense.  To the San Sai Ryu "spirit" can be translated to mean anything from determination, confidence, to what one might refer to as "good vibes."

Dojo refers to the meditation room in a monastery. By this definition, your typical modern “dojo” located in a store front or shopping mall would qualify more as a studio or school. The idea is, when you go to a dojo you give up your self to the "Way or Dao." This path is represented in the teaching. Joining a dojo is not just a learning process but a complete giving over of your self to the “Way,” on several different levels. This is a major difference from most modern schools of martial arts.
  
It has been taught in many Traditional and Koryu Dojo, (ancient) you don’t learn to fight or defend your self, but "learn how to die." In the past many members were lost in duels, battles and through the rigors of life. Learning to cope with this eventuality became paramount in learning how to accept violent death on a mental, spiritual, and physical level. Going into battle in 14th century Japan, or anywhere for a matter of fact, was a fearsome event. You had a 2 out of 3 chance of dying before you even stepped out onto the battlefield. One: you win, Two: you loose, Three: you and your opponent die. Even if you should survive you could be wounded and die of many things like blood loss, shock, infection etc. These are a few reasons philosophies such as Zen; a sect of Buddhism where you “kill the ego” on a psychological level, was adopted by the Samurai in 1191. With training, meditation and discipline they learned to be strong in the face of death.

Heiho or the "Way of Strategy"

A swordsman in 14th century Japan was not called a swordsman, but was referred to as a heiho-jin or strategist, unlike an archer who was referred to as a bowman, or a person who wielded a spear a spearman. In Europe weapons evolved and tactics and strategy changed. This did not happen in Japan. By maintaining the same weaponry for century’s you had to develop the strategies to the highest level. If two equal opponents met in a duel, the better strategist would usually win.

Firearms became the norm in Europe, but were shunned by many of the Japanese warriors; especially the Samurai, who believed you should face your opponent. Also, a low born peasant, as Japan was a class system, could kill a life long trained Samurai warrior with a rifle in only an hours training. We can see there is little use for learning to use a sword in today’s modern world. Firearms are a far better way to defend your self.

San Sai Do takes principles of combat and applies them to life situations. Even today, in major corporate business‘s in Japan a book of strategy titled, Go Rin No Sho, or Book of Five Rings, by the famous sword master Miyamoto Musashi is studied and digested by leading business corporate executives. Today, martial arts have penetrated every culture and are practiced by members of all religions. The Delaware Budokan, as stated, is a very traditional Shinto style Dojo but its members are 90% Christians. 

Dr. Jigaro Kano in the late 19th century introduced Judo, a derivative of combat jujutsu to the masses and had it put into the school systems to promote discipline, pride in country, and good physical health. His structure was called the Kodokan, or lecture hall, instead of Budokan, or warrior house. Today, judo is a major international sport and has been a part of the Olympics since 1964. Dr. Kano also invented the color belt ranking system and is considered by many the most influential martial artist of the 20th century.

Dr. Ginchin Funakoshi introduced karate, or empty hand fighting, to Japan in the early 20th century. He first taught upper class citizenry karate and then put it into the school systems. His motive was to implement his and Jigaro Kano’s similar philosophy. These legendary pioneers helped improve the image of all martial arts. For the first time karate was not proprietary of unarmed peasants fighting Samurai oppressors, outlaw gang enforcers, and weekend brawlers at the local sake bar.
 
The Korean Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do is a compilation of several indigenous martial arts circa late 1950s. This art has a strong influence in the techniques of San Sai Karate. Tae Kwon Do, or “Way of Smashing with the Hands and Feet,” is a very modern art and considered a sport by many. These proponents point to several appearances in the Olympics and the extreme modification of its combat techniques. However, Tae Kwon Do has an illustrious military history as exemplified by the famous Blue Dragon and White Tiger Divisions during the Korean War.

Tae Kwon Do originally used three Confucian edicts and two Buddhist edicts in its moral code or Tenants. These were set down by the countries greatest Buddhist monk and scholar Won Kang, approx 1300 years ago. In 1971 I began seventeen years of training in Tae Kwon Do under Grand Master Cha Soo Young, attaining a third degree black belt. Cha was a Major in the ROK Armed Forces, from 1951 to 1961, and instructor of the White Tigers and Blue Dragons. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor three times, for bravery, and was awarded three Purple Hearts. Peter S Cha, as he was later known, was principle advisor to the 1984-88 Olympic committees. When Cha retired in 1958, as All Asian Champion, he had a record of 97-0.

These were the original tenants he taught.

1. Be loyal to your king
2. Be obedient to your parents
3. Be honorable to your friends
4. Never retreat in battle
5. Make a just kill

 Today, 37 years later they have been replaced by:

1. Courtesy
2. Integrity
3. Perseverance
4. Self-control
5. Indomitable spirit

So we can see an evolution of philosophy and direction within the martial arts.

Many martial arts schools today participate in fund raising events such as: car washes, kickathons, and other civic activities. Some studios transport students, have computers, and homework stations and even academic tutors for the children. As noble as this may sound, in Koryu (ancient) and most Traditional dojo, these activities are considered to weaken the spirit of the dojo.

In San Sai Do Karate the modern dan and belt (obi) system developed by Dr Kano is used. Originally the colors just showed seniority. However, in the Sai San Ryu the belts denote a natural process or Dao. They can also mean a job well done and seniority.

First   

White belt: This represents innocence like new fallen snow. You are pure and ready to receive instruction.

Second: The yellow belt. This represents the second level of accomplishment. As the sun rises the snow melts and the green grasses and foliage appear not unlike the new knowledge learned by the aspiring student.

Green Belt: the greens of the earth have appeared their roots beginning to dig deep into the earth for sustenance and knowledge.

Brown Belt: you are learning the kihon or fundamentals of the ryu. Much like our lives and activities all depend on the fact that the earth is under all of us, our buildings, homes and vegetation..

Red Belt: The practitioner adds fire to the mixture. This level places more emphasis on how intense and quickly the waza (technique) is performed and accurately executed. The burning desire to be our best is now driving us forward as we pound our bodies and minds into sharp honed weapons, not unlike the sword smith who pounded a piece of iron into an exquisite sword.

Blue Belt:  Water. After the pounding and fire, the iron is ready to be quenched in water. The concept of blending or yielding energy within an attack to accomplish victory, (katsu) is referred to as Aiki. Aikido or the “way of harmony” is a martial art developed by Ueshiba Morihei. Ueshiba blended techniques of Daito ryu Jujutsu and the Omoto-kyo religion.

In San Sai aikijutsu, an aiki or blending situation is created by any means, then from a blending spirit you go to dominating spirit. This type of technique and concept was used and still is used by law enforcement and the military world wide. On a psychological level we learn to avoid conflict by flowing with or around the problems in our daily lives. This method can relieve stress, refocus our intensions and find solutions.

Black Belt: Void.  At this level all colors and teachings are absorbed. This rank is referred to as Shodan, or first teachings. In the San Sai Ryu you are qualified as a beginner. Now the actual methods of the ryu will begin to be passed on to you. In the West, black belt is often considered a high rank. This is erroneous.

The Katana

The katana is a curved Japanese sword used from the eighth century to World War Two. “To refer to a katana as a Samurai sword would be about the same as calling the Colt 45 revolver a cowboy gun.”

The katana were made by makers who believed they left part of their spirit in the blade. The maker and his staff would dress in white clothing for purity and pray to the gods while the work would go on for days. The katana used by the San Sai Ryu and the Tenshin Ryu tend to be are very long and fairly heavy. They are usually signed with the makers name and what province they were made in.

Blades from the modern era, primarily WW2, come in metal saya or scabbards. Their tsuka or handles, hand guards or tsuba, have the mon or logo of the Japanese Showa (chrysanthemum) Emperor Hirohito. In the San Sai Ryu these blades are refitted with wood saya (scabbards) and more classical fittings.
 
The fact the blades have a history from hundreds of years ago or may have been carried by fighter pilots in the cockpits of their aircraft, contribute to reasons these blades are desirable. We believe by using these older blades we are carrying on a responsibility to the previous owners who may have died with it in their hands or with it took many enemies’ lives. We are also keeping alive cultural traditions and maintaining a cultural treasure.

These katana are not ever used to strike another, but are used in kata. A kata is a prearranged number of movements to simulate a combat scenario. The blocking, striking and cutting techniques get more complex and difficult as you progress through your training. The kata becomes your library of techniques and doing them repetitively adds discipline, strength, stamina, and focus. These are very desirable qualities and help to make everyday activities easier
 
On another level, kata turn your mind inward. This is called Iaido, or "way of the sword." Iaido is perhaps the most philosophical of all Japanese martial arts. In the words of authors Draeger and Warner in the Japanese Sword “Iai-do is an art that enables the exponent to contrast the concept of "life" with a "life worth living." It is a system of character building that can be explained in the elaborate terms of intellectual education, or physical education, but its purpose stated in simplest possible terms is to build a spiritually harmonious person, possessed of high intellect, sensitivity, and resolute will.”

The most obvious difference between Iaido and Kenjutsu is that Iai starts with the sword still in the scabbard or saya. Kenjutsu starts with the sword drawn. In Iaido the blade still sheathed allows the option of action or restraint. In kenjutsu, once the blade is out, winning becomes paramount.

Iai is contemplative solo practice while kenjutsu uses partners. Many contact drills with a wooden sword, called a bokken, are practiced. These kumitachi, or “fighting sword,” drills as they are called are done with high speed and deadly power. The wood bokken is used not because it’s safer but because we do not want to damage our blades. Through the inherent danger in these techniques one gets to the heart of this art quickly.

 One last thought to fill out the equation.  

Buried deep in the primal human psyche there is something driving us all. It is also found in the animal kingdom through the blood thirsty triumph of the slaughter. It’s a rejoicing and exaltation of pride after defeating an enemy... called……Glory.

Reishiki or Etiquette

In a traditional dojo there are often many formalities. According to Lovret Sensei in his book The Students Handbook he states:
“There are three basic reasons for Reishiki in a dojo: safety, learning enhancement, and power.” These arts were combat arts and in any version there is a certain amount of danger.

San Sai Dojo

A traditional dojo is usually very small, simple and clean, with lots of natural wood and natural finishes. There are no flags, trophies, posters, or rock music. Proper etiquette, from how you put on your keiko gi, (training clothes) how you tie your knots, walk on the floor, and handle your weapons is explicit. The main reason for this is safety.
 
In ancient days people would travel long distances and needed a place to worship and train. They would place a small shrine in a tokonoma or alcove. The participants would then attach a rope to four trees making a square, for a sacred area to pray and train in. Here is where men and Gods walked together, they believed.In the San Sai Dojo, each corner of the structure has a section of tree trunk to represent this tradition.

The Kamiza is a raised platform at the front of the dojo for teachers and guests. Kamiza means Spirit seat. There is a small shrine on a shelf sitting within two small tree trunk sections to form an alcove. The shelf that the Shinza sits on also holds two small white bottles and two cups for sake or rice wine. These are to entice the Gods to come and partake in the event. A Rin, or bell, is also rung 3 times to let the Gods know you are beginning the event and rung at the end to signify its end. As the sound of the rin dissipates into the air so the event fades into history. There is also an incense holder with sand from the Katori and Kashima Shinto Shrines in Japan plus a small amount of sand from all the incense burners in the Tenshin Ryu and San Sai Ryu. These two famous temples were where the various swordsmen would meet and socialize, practice etc. The shrine or Kamiza is simply a focal point for the dojo.
 
Facing the Kamiza, the area to the right is called the joseki, or “upper,” section for senior students. To the left is the shimoseki, which is for newer and lower ranked students. Each part of the floor in a traditional dojo has a designated spot. Behind the joseki is where the weapons racks are located in our dojo. Symbolically and for safety, the most trusted students can watch them and keep them from inexperienced practitioners.

Part two next issue: Application: