Martial Arts Seminar Kyusho: An Introduction to Pressure Points & Vital Points

This seminar is presented primarily for people practicing Aikido Yuishinkai in Brisbane but all styles & arts are welcome to attend.

What is Kyusho ?
Kyusho is the Japanese name for the study of vital/pressure points. It is traditionally taught only to practicing martial artists as an adjunct to their primary style. That is, it is not usually taught as a separate style, but can be incorporated into any martial art. The use of pressure points and vital points for atemi most definitely has a place in practical Aikido. Many respected senior Aikido sensei around the world practice and sometimes teach Kyusho. Probably the best known Kyusho practitioner in the Aikido world is American Gary Boaz (Aikido 4th Dan search on YouTube), but he is certainly not alone. Also, many Aikido Dojos take instruction in Kyusho from experts from other martial arts. Sadly, qualified Kyusho instructors are rare in our part of the world. However we have been fortunate to secure a date with American Kenpo and Kyusho 3rd Dan instructor Stephen Broadbent Sensei (see bio overleaf). The focus of this seminar will be on straight Kyusho; there will be no kicking, knockouts or anything dangerous. If you can handle being on the receiving end of a Nikyo or Yonkyo you can handle this practice. Stephen is a very effective martial artist and capable instructor, with an impressive knowledge of vital points and their use in self-defense.

Striking in Aikido
Some Aikido practitioners may not be comfortable with the idea of introducing aggressive atemi to their art of peace. Dont worry! Kyusho is not all about striking. Different nerve points respond to different stimuli, including touch/pressing, rubbing and striking (often very lightly), and at the seminar you will practice all three with a partner. As with the Nikyo and Yonkyo with which we are all familiar, any discomfort from the techniques you will practice will be very short-lived. If you need further justification However, Ueshiba Morihei Sensei himself, who was my master at one point, expressed himself in the following manner. He said, In a real fight, Aikido is 70% atemi and 30% throwing. Based on my own experience, I can say that this is precisely the case.
Gozo Shioda, founder of Yoshinkan Aikido In his book Aikido Shugyo

The Nuts & Bolts

Date Time Venue Cost Eligibility Dress Saturday, March 23, 2013. 10:30am 12:30pm (light lunch afterwards). John Gams Onami Dojo at Capalaba. $15 ($10 for Students & Concession Card holders). All attendees must be over 16 years and be practicing or have practiced a martial art. Any loose, comfortable casual wear is fine. GIs not necessary.

Directions to Dojo www.tinyurl.com/OnamiDojo

Got questions ?
About the seminar About Onami Dojo Bill Hely John Gam Sharma Wrightson Seminar@MartialArtsEvents.info john.gam@aikidocapalaba.com sharma.wrightson@aikidocapalaba.com

Full details are also online at

http://www.TinyURL.com/KyushoSeminar

The Onami Dojo is small, so numbers must be limited. To avoid disappointment be sure to enter this date into your calendar, and keep an eye out for e-mail updates on the event. If you havent registered to receive updates please send e-mail to Seminar@MartialArtsEvents.info with KYUSHO SEMINAR in the Subject line. Please include your real name, club and preferred email address.

Profile: Stephen Broadbent

Stephen Broadbent Sensei was born into a family of professional boxers and was himself trained in the pugilistic art from the ages of 7 to 20 years, at which time he broadened his horizons into other martial arts, most prominently American Kenpo, Chinese Dim Mak and Kyusho Jitsu from Japan. Steve Sensei is a full-time martial artist, and his qualifications include 4th degree black belt in Dragon Kenpo Internationally certified 2nd degree black belt in American Kenpo under master Graham Lelliott (USA). Ten years training in pressure point fighting under Master Ken Twaddell, with whom he continues to train to this day. Internationally certified 3rd Dan black belt in Kyusho Jitsu under Grand Master George Dillman & Professor Steve Stewart. Member of the International American Kenpo Association. Member of the Ohana Kenpo Association under 7th degree black belt Master Rich Hale. The portrait of Steve above was painted by Ed Parker Jnr, the son of the founder of American Kenpo.

This presentation will provide a rare opportunity for an introduction to something quite different to our usual Aikido training, yet very relevant. We look forward to sharing the event with you.
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