Los Angeles 2017 Seminar
Seminar Report
copyright © 2017 Tony Sgherzi, all rights reserved
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Going over some key points about one of the positions: migi-gedan
Sensei Tong’s Los Angeles 2017 seminar was a great success. Over a three day period, he patiently taught some of the fundamental aspects of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. Commencing with the teaching of some of the basic kamae used in kata, Sensei patiently went over the required body postures.
Working on kurai: chudan
Kamae such as Chudan, Hasso, Raito, and Seigan were taught in detail. Besides emphasizing proper hand and foot position, proper ma-ai was emphasized. Seminar participants worked on kamae under the watchful eye of Sensei Tong with the participants receiving corrections as needed.
The first kata: Itto Ryodan
When basic proficiency was established, Sensei Tong commenced teaching the first five basic-level Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kata. Since Sensei Tong brought Hector Bravo, head of Tokumeikan’s Mexico study group with him, it was much easier to study the flow of the kata.
Beautiful form on the second kata: Zantei Settetsu
As expected, teaching and learning both the shidachi and uchidachi side of the kata took time. Since repetition is the key to success, participants were given ample opportunity to work on both sides of each kata under the supervision of Sensei Tong. Finally, Sensei Tong and Hector Bravo demonstrated the advanced form of the first five kata.
Working through the third kata: Hankai Hanko
The participants were left with a good, basic understanding of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu with sufficient information and knowledge. What they learned will keep them busy for a long period of time as they work on continually perfecting their Yagyu Shinkage Ryu skills.
Tony Sgherzi
Toku Sword Arts
Los Angeles, California
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Here is the testimonial from Tony Sgherzi of Toku Sword Arts:
“Having the opportunity to train with Sensei Doug Tong was a great and informative experience. Besides being an excellent practitioner and teacher of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, Sensei Tong also has extensive experience and knowledge of the koryu arts in general having studied Ono-ha Itto Ryu and Katori Shinto Ryu. His outstanding knowledge of the history and philosophy of these koryu arts brings Sensei Tong’s teaching to another level – a level not generally seen.
Sensei Tong is a thoughtful, patient, respectful, and very competent teacher emphasizing precision, accuracy, and detail. He is focused on transmitting his knowledge to you and is more than willing to share that knowledge with anyone who is interested in learning.
Whether a novice or experienced practitioner of the koryu arts, it would be a mistake to pass up the opportunity to train with Sensei Tong.”
Tony Sgherzi
Toku Sword Arts
Los Angeles, California
Great days of training in the California sunshine!
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Toku Sword Arts is Tokumeikan’s study group in California. If you are interested in joining this growing group, please email Mr. Sgherzi at: Toku Sword Arts