Kenji Ushiro

Karate and ki

Ushiro Sensei teaches a style of Okinawan Karate called Ushiro Karatedo. He is a also a 7th dan Kyoshi of Iaido in the All-Japan Kendo Federation. Ushiro sensei has been teaching and coaching a great number of people all over the world using his original method of "Ki" that maximizes our potential ability. "Karate and Ki" is a milestone of life, many readers say. We are very honored to present Ushiro sensei's point of view and thoughts to a worldwide audience through the English translation of Karate and Ki.
The text has been translated as faithfully as possible from the Japanese version and many new photos have been specially added to this English publication.


One of the unique characteristics of Ushiro sensei's karate expressed in Karate and Ki is the ability to neutralize an opponent.
Ushiro sensei can neutralize his opponent before an attack or technique has been executed. Karate and Ki and details the principles and conditions for developing this ability. Ushiro sensei is one of few who can truly win before fighting by controlling Ma (distance) and harmonizing with his opponent at any point in an engagement. This concept of neutralization can be very valuable for all martial art practitioners as it helps explain how to harmonize with and throw an opponent without the use of physical power.

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The first priority in marital arts is "enter your opponent"

The following text is from part two of "Karate and Ki". Here Ushiro Sensei talks about the importance of “entering”. 
“Entering your opponent” means that you control your opponent both physically and mentally making them unable to attack you.

Entering your opponent is the first priority in the one strike, one kill world of martial arts. Once you enter, your opponent will become weak and your one strike will be strong with destructive power. Hence, the significance is different from sports-based martial arts where your strike is suppose to "hit" your opponent. While it is commonly believed that hitting makiwara and sand bags strengthens your striking power, the actual result is contrary. For this reason, you do not do such training in martial arts. A powerful strike is just one example, but is shows the difference in the way of thinking and practice process between sports-based and traditional martial arts. Your opponent's body will unconsciously be able to read your attack when your brain is creating an order to attack. This is because you are giving away the targets that you are aiming at your opponent. However, when you create ma (space, distance) to enter your opponent first, then your opponent is unable to read your intention of attack and defense. In martial arts practice, you must enter your opponent first. The ultimate goal of sports is timing. But timing is only beginner's level in martial arts. The important thing is to "enter". If you misunderstand this, you will never make progress no matter how many years you spent practicing.

"There is no progress in self satisfaction"

People who aim for the real arts will change. That is because they will not be satisfied with where they are and will seek something deeper. Once your goal is set toward absolute truth, you can walk the path no matter what people say. People will admire your world. You have to carry with you a bigger, deeper, and more dignified charm. Developing this charm means you are changing. Once you change, you will have confidence. By having confidence, you will be relaxed. There is no progress in self-satisfaction. To truly achieve in martial arts is like endeavoring to climb a great mountain like Everest. If you are only aiming for a smaller mountain, then your work and your daily life will remain at this lower level. As a baseline, we must dedicate our lives to work. Only through dedication and true commitment, will you naturally stand out compared to others.
“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences” (Sir Winston Spencer-Churchill, 1936)

Profile

Kenji Ushiro is a business executive, accomplished engineer, and one of the top martial artists of his generation. Born in 1949, Ushiro Sensei is an 8th dan and Hanshi of Shindo-ryu Karatedo, and a 7th dan and Kyoshi in Iaido under the All-Japan Kendo Federation. He was Head of the Technological Research Institute of Yoshimura Electric Co.Ltd. and Managing Director in 1986.

He became President of Kaga Components Co.Ltd. in 1997. In 2004, he founded his own school, UK Jissen Juku. After retiring from the corporate world, he has devoted himself to teaching not only Karate but practical principles he has derived from Karate to professional sports athletes, coaches, university and high school students, as well as business people.

He teaches students of all ages both in Japan and internationally exercising his own revolutionary teaching method. Ushiro Sensei's mastery of ki, as expressed through his karate, is at a level rarely seen in the world of martial arts. He is a highly sought-after instructor in Japan and author of several books on martial arts. His second book, "Karate and Ki," has recently been released in English.

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