10 Keys of Control

As we follow our opponent’s energy we must find a way to neutralize or deflect then change or reverse their attack. We do this with the 10 keys of control. Most people think of physical direction. There is up and down, left and right or any angle in between as well as forward and backward. If we add in the dimensions of space/ time, and creation through intention we approach a level of control of any situation that transcends blocking, punching and kicking to rudimentary and vulgar forms of interaction. Juppo Sessho is a means of training our awareness to be everywhere, linking our physical body to the universe. We must first receive our attack from a neutral place of no mind. Being soft we adhere to our opponents raising energy with automatic motion and peripheral awareness. We relax and allow our waist to turn, our joints to sink and a unity to form. As we follow the intention of our attacker we appear and disappear with artistry and precision, stepping consciously with peaceful or wrathful gaze. By borrowing and sinking we momentarily root to deliver power of central equilibrium. Using the energies of spiraling and explosive force we uproot and open, we split and we interrupt. The transference of power is only after drawing in your opponent both mentally and physically we borrow their strength and as if shooting an arrow or like a dog shaking water, strike, throw, or cut case by case.

Taking the Martial Path

One of the conflicts that arise in taking the martial path is that at some point there is realization and even an impulse to shrink from the violence we see in the human condition. Although we are trained to perform violence when required and confront death in order to transcend the limits of worldly existence there is a dramatic moral crisis that is central to developing the faith needed to perform our sacred duty. There is a paradox that interconnects disciplined action and freedom. We must explore within ourselves concepts such as duty, discipline, action, and knowledge to allow for our ultimate understanding of phenomenal existence. Our freedom lies in disciplined action that is both performed without attachment to the action itself while being dedicated with loving devotion to those we hold dear. How can we continue to act in a world of pain without suffering and despair and enable ourselves as warriors to control our passion and become men of discipline? The real battlefield is the human body, where within this material realm we struggle to know one’s self.

Introduction of the Author Leon Drucker

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leon Drucker and I have been studying Martial Arts since 1964. My Judo Black belt was received in 1971 by the Legendary Judo Master Professor Takahiko Ishikawa. My 46 years of martial arts experience includes training in Kodokan and Kosen Judo, Jujutsu, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, and Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. I have studied Koryu Bujutsu and Budo Taijutsu both in the U.S. and Japan. I have also been licensed to teach Ninpo Taijutsu, (The Art of the Ninja) having received my masters license in 1995 from Grandmaster Hatsumi personally. Today I am one of the most senior instructors of traditional Japanese Kobudo (Old Style Warrior Arts) outside of Japan and one of the very few instructors of Kosen Judo in the world. I have been teaching Mixed Martial Arts (Ultimate Fighting) at my school in Milford, NH for over 18 years. My coaching has produced some of the top fighters in New England including several MMA Champions. I have also cornered, coached and advised a who’s who of MMA Veterans and Champions. I was one of the first martial artists sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing Commission as a referee, judge, corner and cut man for Mixed Martial Arts. My School Myofu An Dojo is also headquarters to the International Kosen Judo Federation.
During my last trip to Japan in April to train with some of the last masters of Kobudo and Kosen Judo I was promoted to Renshi and asked to specialize in one particular area of study. Since most of my expertise is in Nei Waza or ground fighting I have decided to focus on training the next generation of nei waza experts through the formation of the International Kosen Judo Federation, Seminars and Blogging.
The blog also gives me an opportunity to tell my story. This is the true story of my 46 year journey through child abuse, heroin addiction, dysfunction and violence to mastery of the martial way. Each encounter whether negative or positive can be an opportunity for us to reevaluate our path, make changes if necessary, or provide us with that missing piece of the puzzle that can move us closer to the great mystery of why we are here. If we allow ourselves the time to reflect we can see that indeed every encounter is sacred and could hold the key to deep understanding of who we are and our place in the great universal intention that we are all part of.