The ideal progression by T. Kase sensei

Newsletter 11/03                   

            (Editor’s introduction: In our last Newsletters we have referred to the stages and phases of our training and consequent development. The Academy’s syllabus provides a guide of ‘’measurement’’ of this progress. Just to complete this circle of discussion, T. Kase sensei himself provides below his conceptual approach, as it is reflected in a sensei’s interview in 1992. The text has been translated from French.)

            5 years of practice:  Allows obtaining of black belt (shodan) in karate do. But at this level you have only memorized the basic techniques. In Japan normally three years are required for that level but daily training is 2 to 3 hours. The black belt, first dan, is considered equivalent to the baccalaureate, which opens the door to higher studies.

            10 years of practice:  They will allow the practitioner to have good basic techniques in general. It is only after this level when someone may start instructing regularly, since it is very important that the instructor shows correctly the basic techniques which he has apprehended during these 10 years. It is beyond any discussion that someone cannot show correctly and with a rigorous manner if he has not reached this level.

            15 years of practice:  Having attained a perfectly formed body and a good physical condition, these 15 years allow on automatic application of the techniques not only in a mechanical way but with the development of spirit as well. The reaction block / counter attack become an instinct. This level more or less corresponds to 4^th dan.                       

            20 years of practice:  Understanding remains the expression in this period which corresponds to the 5^th dan level. The mental reaction comes at the same time with the realization of physical action. In this mental status the karateka remains always alert, like a sleeping animal which is alerted even to minor dangers. From that point, life is dedicated to karatedo, the way or the destiny cannot be changed.

            30 years of practice: After this evolution the action is as follows: the moment of decision the body comes to express the thought (Harmony mental – physical). Is it necessary to underline what these 30 years have implied? (regular training: kata etc). Counting of the years is alien to what has preceded.

            Towards 40 years; 8^th dan: This is the level towards the 6^th sense, a form of sensitive telepathy of the 4^th dimension, for the karateka who has reached this time of practice. It must not proper to consider that reflection only will allow progress. Practice and reflection are always indispensable.

The path to reach this progress is that where, at the beginning of karate do, the self defense aspect is dominant. The notion of the adversary is primitive. However in attaining this progress, you will realize that one must not kill but to help the other and to discover the way, Do. There is a transformation of the personality by understanding the partner, the adversary.