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A Complimentary Way
The goal, purpose, or mission of Shogerijutsu Karate-do is to share, rather than just teach, the basics blocks (with blending technique), strikes (especially elbow), kicks(usually low, usually a knee), and Karateka type takedowns found in most external styles, and at the same time encourage fluidity through less rigid movements. I created this style back in 1992, gave it its current name in 1995, and my goal has always been to help the student along their journey from "rigid" or "external" to "relaxation" or" internal" martial art application. The more I learn about internal principles the more they will take the place of the external.
The emphasis will not be merely on technique, but rather the application of non-yielding, fluid technique while defending oneself in a life or death situation. That is why the symbol of a man blocking while kicking along side the complimentary pair of Yin/Yang is chosen to represent Shogerijutsu. Shogerijutsu Karate-do when translated for this style will mean "the essence of kicking technique". Which means there is a Tae Kwon Do(TKD) influence (no not the high kicks - just to the mid-section and below) so far as to follow setup a strike or to knockout. Shogerijutsu, from Intermediate through Advanced has many knee/shin/elbow strikes. And at its highest level, it guides the student toward the internal aspects of the Martial Arts. Since the purpose of this Art is to achieve the Internal benefits, many of the actual fighting techniques are not addressed, however, the principle of "first-strike" without retreat, as the major mode of defense is taught instead, as are the basic strikes, blending techniques, and standard target zones. I feel that by teaching a person to end a situation quickly, without using the standard or traditional "bait and switch" or "block then punch" method of Karate-Do, it creates a more harmonious situation where there is neutrality since you are not meeting "force with force". This is creates a better situation for the attacker and the person defending themselves, since regardless of who wins, it is best to have the situation over quickly, efficiently. For the longer a situation is allowed to continue, the more variables that can come into play, taking control away from those who feel that they have control. But this is common conflict resolution, resolution that I hope is part of every style of Martial Art, be it External or Internal.The best way to practice Shogerijutsu, is to practice it while pursuing rank or achievement through another External Style. Since Shogerijutsu teaches less rigid movements, never deviates from the basics, and is one of the few Karate Styles in America that introduces one to the Internal Arts at the highest level. If such training were to lead to practicing a traditional Chinese Internal Art (Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan) at a later time, then Shogerijutsu is the style to be in. At its Internal level Shogerijutsu Karate-do is no longer the external manifestation of hand and leg strikes, rather it becomes a total incorporation of all things within a person, both External and Internal. At this point the person is at the Shintaido (Way of the Complete Body) level, a point in their training where they can manipulate their chi on a small level exhibiting large a powerful burst of Energy or Chi with the smallest of physical movement over and over with every strike. This is fa-jing. Shogerijutsu Karate-Do, when placed into the arena will all the other styles of Martial Art, is meant to compliment, as opposed to eliminate, contrast, or add to - that which already exists in those other styles. The tradition of pitting one style against another is old-fashion, fruitless, and has no true meaning in the modern age in which we live. It is not about if Tae Kwon Do is better than Karate, or if Aikido is better than Jujitsu or Judo, and so on. It actually comes down to the instructor and student relationship being a positive one; as they both come to understand and respect each other's expectations, contributions, ability, skills, goals, methods, and strategies. This is what defines a successful Martial Artist, not the name of a style or what it encompasses. A Martial Art (MA) style is just a tool, like a hammer that can be used by almost everyone, but with different qualitative and quantitative results.
In regards to the following structure or outline, once an understanding of any current Phase is proven, along with advanced application of the previous Phase, a student then progresses to the next phase of training. The following phases (which are not all inclusive) show what is generally demonstrated to students (with no prior MA knowledge) under the Shogerijutsu Karate-Do system:
I have been going solo for so long, it would not hurt to have some constructive criticism, if not direct influence. If you feel you can contribute to what I teach please let me know. I have an Internal Instructor, but I am also on the lookout for someone to help with the grappling aspects or theory behind some of the jujutsu(be it very basic) of what I teach. ---- Chris Butts
Phase One - White Belt through Green Belt 2nd Stripe (Average Time: 6 to 8 months)
Teaches the following basic techniques as found in most external styles:
Phase Two - Green Belt 2nd Stripe through Blue Belt with Stripe (Average Time: 4 months)
Counter-Attack Self Defense Methods consisting of:
Phase Three - Brown Belt through Brown Belt with Second Stripe (Average Time: 8 months)
Advanced concepts covering hands-on application of:Phase Four - Provisional Black Belt through 1st Dan (Average Time: 9 months)
This is the Black Belt Level of Shogerijutsu and it is structured around the student learning the basic principles (and not necessarily techniques) of an Internal Martial Art, such as Taijiquan. This phase also includes the First Part of the Instructor Training.
Phase Five - Stops at 2nd Dan (Average Time: 6-12 months)
This is the Second Part of the Instructor Level of Shogerijutsu and it is structured around teaching the fundamental principles of this Martial Art discipline as learned in Phases One through Four.
The above overview is just an example for it perhaps will change over time. The rank requirements document can be downloaded by clicking here, as it shows more detail regarding the general path student takes while practicing Shogerijutsu-Karate-Do.