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Where does the term 'Fuseki' come from? From the book Shibumi by the author Trevanian, Fuseki is part one of the book and is a 'State of Play' in the strategic board game go. The term denotes the start of a battle, fight or game, a point before the game begins when each player has all options open and available to them. Like the system, it aims to give the student all the options within combat or life to enable them to choose their particular tactic or path at whatever level they choose. How was the system created? Although a modern eclectic style, Fuseki draws from a number of classical styles and is carefully constructed to aim to achieve what its name implies, the making available of all options for the student to be able to deal with any combative situation. For this reason the system is constructed from Twelve Programmes which cover the whole spectrum of combat arts. The programmes are not grades, but categories from which each grade is constructed. Students of Shodan (1st Dan) grade should have an extensive knowledge of programmes 1 to 9, Nidan (2nd Dan) and Sandan (3rd Dan) grades should be able to demonstrate knowledge of all twelve programmes of the system. Details of the 12 programmes, are found on the home page of this website. From which styles were the 12 programmes developed? Fuskei has been devised and constructed from nearly 30 years of study and experience in a number of Martial Arts. The system is drawn primarily, although not exclusively from five arts and two self defence systems, all of which have been studied by the ITC Chief Instructor and founder of Fuseki to a senior level. These arts form the basis for the twelve programmes of study within Fuseki, which cover all the ranges, and applications of combat.- A list of these core systems is found below :-
What is the I.T.C.A? The Institute for Traditional Combatives, was founded by its chief instructor Martin Smith 6th Degree Black Belt, on the 1st October 1993. The Institute has been affiliated to many of the UK’s leading Martial Arts bodies including, the Amateur Martial Association, the National Association of karate and Martial Arts Schools and the British National Martial Arts Association. All grades taken and held by members of the Institute are therefore fully recognized both nationally and internationally.
Are there gradings in Fuseki? The Fuseki Martial Arts System has a full grading syllabus consisting of 10 kyu grades (14 for juniors)and subsequent Dan grades which students' progress in, the other core elements of the curriculum can be taught to students in isolation on a private tuition basis if requested. All grades are registered by the ITC and fully recognized nationally and internationally. Is it just another "bit's and bob's" system? All the systems and arts that Fuseki draws from have been studied by its founder to senior Instructor level. He has also had the great privilege to study under some of the leading teachers (and often founders) of each particular system and from these in-depth studies of almost thirty years continuous, training and twenty years teaching it can be said that the system has both a firm foundation and a lineage of excellent standing. What does the system emphasise? Fuseki is a combat form designed primarily for practical self-defence. This being the case and the fact that the system draws from a wide scope of arts; its aim is to achieve a combat efficiency for the practitioner as quickly as possible, covering applications to a wide range of situations, but at the same time exposing the student to many benefits inherent in the traditions of the world's great martial arts. Is Fuseki only suitable for men? We have been extremely pleased by both the numbers and standards of the women who train and grade in Fuseki. Both men and women of all ages are actively encouraged to train in the system, especially as it is a well-rounded self-defence system, which can develop confidence, and are of benefit to everyone. When do you start to spar? Unlike a number of martial arts clubs we do not encourage what is termed "free sparring" until students have achieved a good understanding of the basic techniques within the system. This we find enables people to gain confidence and the required skill level to be able to spar safely and effectively. Prior to free sparring, you will work on a number of drills and series of techniques designed to develop the required skills to handle numerous situations. Do you enter competitions? Fuseki is not primarily a sporting system, however some of our students have competed. Although many of the techniques we train, have to be curtailed for competition students are free to compete in competitions if they wish, although we do not actively pursue the sporting side of the martial arts. What about martial arts etiquette? Although a modern progressive system, Fuseki is founded on traditional martial arts principles of, good etiquette, and respect to all who train in the arts. A uniform is worn with a belt to signify the participant's grade. Respects are paid at the start and end of each session in keeping with most traditional arts. The ITC seeks to develop martial artists of technical, practical, and high moral standards, not merely having the ability to fight, but also be a better person. All students and Instructors within the I.T.C. must always endeavour to uphold the rules and conditions of conduct, together with the Institutes codes of practice and principle codes of etiquette and studies that underpin the fabric of the Institute’s curriculum.
What if I have studied other martial arts? Because the system covers a wide range of techniques and applications, the fact that you have studied other arts will not be a hindrance. In fact will no doubt be a bonus and you will find that what ever you have done in the past, to what ever level, will be of benefit to your study of Fuseki and you should find little difficulty adapting to the system. |
