The TBCI was formulated to cover all the Japanese disciplines. An overview of each is given below.
The true emphasis of Judo is found in its Martial Arts origins and its philosophical roots. The goal of its study is to encourage human development, good moral fortitude and understanding. These principles need to be encouraged by teachers, and go hand in hand with the actual techniques of Judo. One should not be taught without the other, as they are as one.
Judo taught within the TBCI fully upholds these original principles, but through following and forwarding the principles of KyuShinDo, a philosophy first outlined by Kenshiro Abbe Docho. The study of KyuShinDo is a medium for the true conduct of life. The emphasis is on encouraging students, to realise their full potential through correct teaching of technique. This same principle is applied throughout all the disciplines taught within the TBCI.
The nature of the Judo taught is Classical, using competition only as a small measurement of the student’s progression. This allows the whole sphere of what Judo is about to be attained whilst keeping true to its original precepts and keeping the student safe. Only by doing this can Judo be the useful tool for the student to discover oneself and to progress on many levels, following principles and ideals that can give one fortitude at all stages of life and human endeavour.
Aikido as an art was founded by Morihei Ueshiba from Aikijutsu and Aiki-budo in 1942, the first time the word was used. He believed that a less martial approach to self-defence was more beneficial to personal development. Using his earlier training in many Martial Arts, he developed an art which is both beautiful to watch due to the flowing movements and extremely effective. Blending with an attacker rather than meeting force with force, became a very powerful defence when combined with a technique.
The Tokushima Budo Council aikido clubs adopts the same principles in training and teaches students to be non-aggressive. Students are taught to respect one another regardless of their grade and young aikidoka and those more proficient, are encouraged to train together.
Those less physically fit are not excluded from training. Aikido is truly an art for everyone; providing students with a sense of well-being together with the ability to defend yourself should the need arise.
Iaido is both a mental and physical discipline. Its simplest description, is the art of drawing a sword, striking an opponent and then returning the sword back to its saya. All performed in a continuous and fluid motion.
Training is by the study of a series of Kata forms. These forms consist of sequence of movements that simulate combat situations. Each Kata form goes through four main movements. These are, the initial draw and cut (Nukitsuke), the finishing cut (Kiritsuke), the symbolic shaking off blood from the sword (Chiburi), and then the re-sheathing the sword (Noto).
The study of Iaido goes beyond the technical mastering of the sword (Katana). It becomes the understanding of a long tradition that has its roots in the culture of the Samurai of Japan. It is a physical discipline, which embodies both spiritual enlightenment and mental awareness. As such Iaido helps cultivate understanding and personal development; a far cry from its original intention, which the student needs to take on board as well.
For many centuries the Japanese military elite; the Bushi, practiced the ancillary art of Jujutsu alongside their primary Arts of Kenjutsu (sword), Sojutsu (spear)and Naganata Jutsu (halberd) . Jututsu predominantly revolves around empty hand, or weaponless techniques, and utilises an opponents’ own strength against themselves. The skilled Bushi by necessity had to be able to defend themselves in any confrontation no matter the combination of weapons involved; this could have even included empty hand Vs weapons. It must also be emphasised that true Jujutsu is not only a means of thwarting an adversary in the most efficient way possible but is an art where perfection is strived for through lifelong study and self improvement.
Jujutsu within the TBCI continues this tradition and is consequently a comprehensive and multi-faceted art. Its syllabus comprises of methods of offence and defence and includes throws, joint locks, strikes and strangulation, to name but a few. The empty hand curriculum is augmented with defence's from weapons. These are then utilised in both defence and attack.