Matrix I - 10 x 10 Martial Arts Matrix

This matrix is the beginning of five matrices which describe the various elements of the Integrated Martial Arts System.  It mixes basic elements of Judo, Karate, and Aikido along with some esoteric principles.  The concept is simple for training.  Select items from the matrix and mix them up so the student can move seamlessly between the disciplines.  We often do something hard and aerobic and follow it with something soft and restful so a rhythm is set up.

We normally spend a year on a matrix so it is somewhat mastered.  As we learn each technique we yellow off the box in the matrix.  Each year we add a new matrix to learn and review all of the matrices at the end of the year.  The idea is to make them so much a part of you that during  free-sparring you naturally pull techniques as the situation arises.

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The Circle of Life Kata in column 6 above is a mixture of wisdom of the ages consisting of 65 principles.  Each principle is connected to a geometric figure to making it easy to remember.  The kata is performed by stepping on each corner of the figure such as a diamond and reciting the principle and doing a movement that illustrates the principle.  For example in the medicine wheel there is a principle called leaning into the risk.  We stand at that corner and lean forward as say "I lean into the risk".  This means that we push our comfort zone.  We don't jump into the risk which could be dangerous we lean into it which means little actions everyday that forward our progress which we might feel uncomfortable doing.   The purpose of this exercise is to commit the principles to memory and then apply them in everyday life.  The circle is shown below with the geometric figures and principles.  Many of the principles are abbreviated to one or two words to fit on the page.  They represent whole sentences and are used as memory joggers to pull up the entire principle.

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"We have heard you are enlightened, is that true"? asked the students.  It is true the master Kyogen answered.  "Tell us, how do you feel?"  the students asked.  "As miserable as ever," replied the enlightened Kyogen.