We were privileged to enjoy the company and instruction of Sensei Jeff Day over the last three weeks. Jeff Day Sensei visited and taught in San Diego, Redlands and Santa Cruz, California.
Internal Martial Arts and Tai Chi Seminar
We started the visit with a weekend internal martial arts and Tai Chi seminar, which Sensei Paul Billimoria and Sensei Jeff Day organized. The seminar was set in beautiful La Jolla, as well as in other picturesque locations in San Diego.
We studied and reviewed the Tai Chi form which, , although from a different lineage, is closely related to the Yang style of Tai Chi short form.
We also worked on several power generation and limb manipulation techniques. It was both challenging and rewarding to lock joint and issue power using not just our hands but also our hips, shoulders and torso.
Trainings at the Full Potential Martial Arts dojo in Carmel Valley, San Diego
After returning from teaching in Redlands, at Sensei Karen Levin’s dojo and privately, we had the opportunity to host Jeff Day Sensei at class at the Full Potential Martial Arts dojo in San Diego.
We worked on power generation (Fa-jin), on Okinawan stepping techniques (Matsumura stepping), and on a variety of Okinawan kick defenses. Although the legs were tired and sore after the classes, our bodies and heart were warm.
Seminar in Santa Cruz
I had the pleasure of traveling with Jeff Day Sensei to teach a seminar at Sanford Martial Arts in Santa Cruz, California. Sensei Rod Sanford is a seasoned martial artist, and one of O-Sensei Richard Kim’s top students at the Butoku Kai. Sensei Sanford is also well known as an expert on use of force by police departments, and extensively trains law enforcement in defensive tactics as part of California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
The dojo in Santa Cruz is absolutely beautiful. It is large — over 3,000 square feet — and very nicely decorated. Best of all, the students are kind and extremely hospitable.
During the two day seminar we worked on Okinawan flow drills, kick defenses, power generation and kobudo (traditional Okinawan weapons).
My deep thanks to Sensei Rod Sanford, Sensei Louis Jemison, Sensei Sean Sanford, Judie Radcliffe and everyone else who hosted us in Santa Cruz! I am looking forward to seeing you soon!
More Training in San Diego
To seal off the trip, after returning to San Diego Sensei Day taught Iaido (Japanese long sword).
Iaido is the arts of drawing the sword and cutting the opponent. The particular style of Iaido swordsmanship we practice is called Omori ryu.
Many thanks to Sensei Jeff Day for visiting us, and for sharing your vast knowledge and deep love of the martial arts!
We hope to see you soon!
Looks like a lot of fun! I wish I could train with you in San Diego!
Sounds like a great set of martial arts seminars!
I miss training in San Diego with you guys!