Ask The Master Kyoshi John Venson, Chief Instructor of Just for Kicks, was born on Grand Master Sokon Matsumura’s birthday (July 7th). He is an Internationally Certified 8th Degree Black Belt and resides in Chicago where he has been teaching for over 27 years. His chain of Martial Arts schools are traditional Okinawan Karate Dojo’s which teach the classical principles of the Shuri-Ryu Martial Arts System. For a complete biography on Kyoshi John Venson please visit his website www.justforkicks-karate.com

Questions: When I saw you at Master Fairbanks tournament in Ohio, you said we could write to you about any martial arts questions. I’m interested in the rank in Sumo Wrestling. Do you know anything about that? Answer: I remember meeting you at the convention center and discussing Sumo when you found out we had spent considerable time with some Sumotori when we were in Japan.  The ranking system of Sumo is a little more complex than Judo or Karate or Tae Kwon Do.  I’ll try to capsule it, without making the answer too lengthy.  Sumo is divided into five rank levels, most of which have additional levels within. Level One - Apprentices     1. Recruits (maezumo)     2. Beginners (honcho) Level Two    - Dans     1. First Step (jo-no-kuchi)     2.  Second Step (jo-nidan)     3. Third Step (sandamme) Level Three    - Senior Dans or Second Rank Seniors (maku-shita)             Level Four    - First Rank Division Contenders (juryo) Level Five    - First Rank Division     1. Senior Wrestlers (maegashira)     2. Order of Champions (sanyaku)         A. Pre-Champions (komusubi)         B. Junior Champions (sekiwake)         C. Champions (ozeki)     3. Grand Champions (yokozuna) The Grand Champion level is the veritable Hall-of-Fame for Sumo.  Many consider it a sixth level of Sumo, although it is actually the highest level of the First Rank Division.  Grand Champions are privileged to wear their hair in an elaborate ‘top knot’ called ichomage and they are escorted to the ring when they fight by an attendant and a sword bearer.  If you’re ever in Japan, don’t miss an opportunity to see a Sumo Wrestling Tournament.

Questions: Can you summerize the 7 methods of Kogeki? Answer: I think you’d like for us to “summarize” the Kogeki Hoho movements, which are used for efficient and effective positioning when advancing and retreating in fighting situations.   Last Summer, Keith, from Queens, NY asked a similar question.  These movements are practiced in many martial arts systems in various methods.      They are:         Walking         Crescent step         Step & Slide         Spring Motion         Foot Displacement         Front Cross Step         Rear Cross Step

Question: What are the forms of the Shur-Ryu System what are the theories they are supposed to develop?

Answer: I believe your questions are inquiring about how Shuri Ryu (not Shur-Ryu) help in one’s development as a martial artist. Forms in the Shuri Ryu system are divided into three sectors. Although all forms in each sector will address the needs of the others, the sectors, specifically will address the student’s needs as follows:     • Basic forms, Wansu, Anaku, etc. help the student address physical development, power, balance form display, and speed.     • More advanced forms, like Dan Enn Sho, Bassai Dai, etc. help the student address mental and physical coordination.     • Higher advanced forms, Ten Sho Onaihanchi, etc. helps one understand and develop inner strength and precision timing.

To have your questions answered by Kyoshi, please email them to us at editor@artofthewarrior.com. For the complete answers to these and other questions subscribe today to Art of the Warrior, Martial Arts Magazine.