急所術国際師範會
Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai
International Association of Kyusho-jutsu Master Instructors
Press Release:
Patrick McCarthy Hanshi
Chairman
is a Japan-accredited 9th Degree Black Belt, and 5th generation student of Okinawan Karate with an impeccable lineage of Okinawan master instructors; starting with his teacher Kinjo Hiroshi and his teacher's teacher, Hanashiro Chomo, Itosu Ankoh who preceded him, and his master, Matsumura Sokon Uncle to Hohan Soken), — historically the tradition's most visible pioneer. A Canadian-born Australian migrant, McCarthy has studied the art of karate since childhood, and enjoyed an outstanding competitive background, before embarking upon a lengthy journey as a field-researcher in Japan, where he ultimately resurfaced as a best-selling author. Responsible for having developed the first academic undergraduate martial arts course anywhere in the world, McCarthy is best known for his discovery and English translation of the ancient Bubishi, of which he is regarded its leading authority.In an effort to help develop a definitive source through which to preserve, impart and gain authentic accreditation and worldwide recognition and accreditation, two of the leading authorities of the fighting arts (Hanshi Patrick McCarthy and Grandmaster Evan Pantazi), have come together to establish the Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai 急所術国際師範會 [International Association of Kyusho-Jutsu Master Instructors].
Evan Pantazi
Founder & Technical Director
arguably the most prolific exponent of the ancient art of Kyusho-Jutsu, American martial arts authority is internationally known for his cutting-edge research, catalogue insightful books, educational DVD's and hands-on instructional seminars. Regarded as a grandmaster he's traveled the world many times over spreading and his contributions to the art have truly set precedence. Researching the truth of Kyusho as well as dispelling the myth and mystery that surrounds this body of knowledge, Pantazi has designed the first true international Kyusho curriculum to enable others to learn in a logical progression that achieves high degree of success in minimal time.
Together, McCarthy and Pantazi are two of the most knowledgeable and sought after instructors anywhere in the world today. With them they bring unprecedented opportunity for any and all seeking to gain worldwide recognition and accreditation in this venerable art of Kyusho Jutsu.
Historical Record
Kyusho was once revered and secret knowledge by the masters of old passing the information hidden within their style to a particular family member or one trusted student. So well-kept was this secret that the true reasons within techniques and Kata were obscured and mostly lost as the styles proliferated. Since few of the elder masters passed on this valuable body of knowledge, it eventually became thought of as myth or legend.
Since its more recent discovery, it has spread and become well known in term, yet not as much in the applied skill, nor has it yet been accepted by the majority martial artists around the world. As this dynamic changes, more and more are not only accepting Kyusho, but also teaching this ancient skill, however as time keeps expanding the arts reach, the quality of the practitioners are for the most part stagnated and even degrading. It is becoming diluted with inconsequential and inaccurate theories or basic premises and those with less physical acumen.
With the advent of the internet as well as the proliferation of available seminars, people rush to learn and then perform presented static tricks to publicize themselves to boost their persona. People that attend one seminar, class or simply purchase videos and books, begin to make claims that they hold a specific "Rank" or "Black Belt" in Kyusho. Some are ranked in an art (like Karate), but the erroneously believe they have the rank in Kyusho as well, but a simple reading of their diploma will reveal they do not.
Another issue rising in prominence is passing on erroneous or insufficient knowledge is mistakenly added “other” ancient eastern traditions to compensate or attempt to explain the amazing potentials within Kyusho. This is stated here as erroneous as all writings of the actual masters, revealing Kyusho do not involve the acupuncture terms or theories (from historical documentation), this is a modern embellishment from improper understanding. The speculation arose initially from looking to ambiguous and cryptic drawings pointing to general target locations. Greater mistakes were made in translations or the meanings of the text that accompanied these drawings. As an example let’s look at the ancient text of the Bubishi, or these more recent personal notes and drawings of Fujita and Hohan Soken respectively below:
Although it is clear that the diagrams are depicting targets, when we look at the more modern translations of Fujitas drawings on the left and Sokens on the right, we see that there is no mention of acupuncture, simply named locations. Although it is easy to see how the error could have gotten started, when you look at these drawings as Eastern and match them with the Eastern practice of acupuncture, none of the associated text included supports this. In fact the actual writings are more western medical in approach.
To detail this further we can examine one such target labeled simply as “Bone” by Fujita, Keichu by Soken (and from the Bubishi as Wind Palace) – They all describe a Center point of the back of the neck (depicted in both drawings here). All three writings describe this as a Fatal target, (in Sokens the possible weapons to be used are also included) with two stating: Because of loss of both organs of sense and motor caused by the stimulation of brain nerves. There is no reference whatsoever in regard to Chi Meridians, Acupuncture or Eastern medicine.
Current Grades
The grading in Kyusho is also somewhat of a misnomer and prone to sensationalism mostly from error, or in some cases intent. Most people claiming to be ranked a “Dan” grade in Kyusho have actually only been ranked in ”Karate of Okinawan Origin” (albeit from a famous Kyusho practitioner) and hence the confusion. The next echelon is those ranked in the above mentioned Karate, in turn ranking in Kyusho without the lineage, without the prior ranking. Also an issue is the crossover martial artists given rank without skill or knowledge in that (or any), Karate being ranked in that for support, which in turn is promoted as a grade in Kyusho.
What is desperately needed is a true lineage and structured standard of grading and acknowledgement in the science and art of Kyusho as an entity unto itself. Kyusho is a body of knowledge and skill that is or can be in all Martial Arts regardless of style or attributes. As such accreditation in Kyusho alone will not impede or be determined by prior rank or association, but based solely on attained skill to carry on the tradition in true lineage and with internationally recognized criteria.
This new association: Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai 急所術国際師範會 [International Association of Kyusho-Jutsu Master Instructors], has been founded to offer all those looking for true lineage and standardized skill development and or assessment, international accreditation.
Hanshi Patrick McCarthy brings the research, historical documentation and impeccable lineage all the way back in history to Matsumura Soken (preceding family of Hohan Soken). Evan Pantazi contributes an already internationally known, documented and public curriculum and skill development program. This is not an organization for instruction or structure, but rather an independent accreditation board for any and all practitioners of Kyusho or those wishing to be.
All Nidan and above will be able to test others to one level lower than their current ranking.
Criteria
The basis of accreditation will not be based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, nor will it be based in Modern Western Medical terms, it will be solely based on actual demonstration of acquired skill and accuracy. The curriculum is publicly posted below to see and work with to gain accreditation.
Preservation
The goal of Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai 急所術国際師範會 is the accreditation of skilled Kyusho researchers of any organization, to preserve the lineage and knowledge as they were originally intended with truth, integrity and character that excludes propaganda. It stands to preserve and present the ancient accurately with a more open and understandable method for today’s world so that all Martial Artists can apply these ancient skills to their own personal benefit.
No Membership Required
The Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai is not an organization, nor does it require you to be in one so there are no member fees or even organizational rules, all we do is guarantee that the individual has the demonstrated a level of actual skill as opposed to perceived or theoretical. Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai is merely a skill verification process and board that verifies an individual has passed a standardized set of criteria, via actual hands on testing and subsequent ranking for successful individuals. Any applicant for any organization, or none at all may enroll for the testing, if they show an 85% or higher score through the 10 levels listed below, they achieve their Kyusho Black Belt. They will then be given not only the rank, but the curriculum for the next rank.
Time
The curriculum is designed to move through quickly and especially with those form Kyusho training or Kyusho organizations, they can apply faster as long as they can perform the hands on criteria during the test with the minimum percentage or better can pass the test. The rank is given for demonstrated physical skill, not theory or conjecture... if you can do it, you pass.
Invitation
We invite any and all to test your skills in actual testing procedures according to the worldwide standard curriculum for your Kyusho Black Belt grading.
In Person or Online Testing:
For online distance testing, test locations, or test information contact us - Click Here
Testing Locations - Click Here
$200.00 (USD) Register for testing and please note on payment Online Test or which location you will be testing at (please make note on payment which event you will be attending):
Kyusho-Jutsu Kokusai Shihankai Curriculum:
Applying Kyusho to a Kata with mobile Kyusho Targeting. You may use any Kata (only one per Dan Rank Testing).
Test consists of applicant performing the Kata (and filming of the full test), then describing in training speed individual Bunkai (minimum of 10 Bunkai required), using Kyusho in these Self Defense applications with Kyusho reactions (LEVEL 2 INCAPACITATIONS - Loss of motor function and ability to stand or altered conscious levels).. Then perform it with Kyusho reactions (LEVEL 2 INCAPACITATIONS - Loss of motor function and ability to stand or altered conscious levels) at higher speeds in freestyle sparring. To complete the Dan Rank, each of the Bunkai must be displayed in freestyle sparring applications.
Be Advised, it is important to know and have experience in the revival processes for the reactions/
Contact us:
If you have any questions contact us and we will work to help you. http://www.kyusho.com/support/
