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SEICHO JUTSU
Sweeping the Nation
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There is no wonder why this dynamic and unique art is flourishing
around the world.
Its founder Grandmaster Daniel Verkerke has been teaching
internationally in Asia, Europe and North America for three decades.
Seicho Jutsu literally translated means "The Art of Growing".
Referring to the growth and development of oneself, physically,
mentally, and spiritually. In studying Seicho Jutsu there are no
limitations, because growing is a continual process for the
evolution of oneself and this art.
The foundation for this incredible art is called the "Emblem
Theory", which is one of the most democratic foundations in
existence, and can be applied from any practitioner regardless of
martial form, art, or style being studied. It also can be practiced
with or without a training partner. Practicing the emblem theory
teaches the principals of correctly moving ones body in such a
manner as to be able to successfully avoid or redirect the force of
an attack or confrontation, while simultaneously launching a
counter.
This understanding of body movement is applied with kicks, strikes,
grappling, throws, locks, chokes and even all forms of weapons. The
"Emblem Theory" is not limited to only teaching physical techniques,
it is also integral in teaching the philosophical and spiritual
aspects of Seicho Jutsu.
Seicho Jutsu can be used defensively or offensively. The Defensive
aspects are completely Non Violent and are instrumental for Law
Enforcement, Hospital Staff, Private Security, Correctional Officers
and Public Education. The defensive side to Seicho Jutsu is used in
"N.V.S." the Non Violent System which is now being used by the
Sheriffs Department in PA. under the direction of Deputy Sheriff and
State Representative Edward Rose.
The Offensive side to Seicho Jutsu reflects a very aggressive no
nonsense control and conquer reaction, best suited for real combat
in a theater of war. It is important for the practitioner to be
aware of their environment, because there is a big difference
between reacting in a state of war, as compared to communities in
our public society.
Seicho Jutsu's International growth is also attributed by the
amazing video library with over 20 DVD's featuring Grandmaster
Daniel Verkerke. These DVD's cover everything from Basic's to
advanced, including weapons training. This allows the students no
matter where they are in the world to see the art first hand
undiluted.
Grandmaster Daniel Verkerke was also one of the Pioneers of
Freestyle Martial Arts.
In the early 1980's he founded the Canadian, American, and National
Freestyle Martial Arts Organizations and published the "Freestyle
Book of Philosophy". The Freestyle concepts to studying martial arts
spread quickly and eventually became what is now known as Mixed
Martial arts.
In the 1990's Mr. Verkerke became the International Vice President
for the Circle of Masters based in NJ. He later accepted a position
as the Canadian Ambassador and International Communications Manager
for the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, known as the first
and foremost Grandmasters Council in America.
Seicho Jutsu was introduced to Asia in the early 2000's. This was a
great way of giving back to the culture that provided so much
influence and inspiration for all martial arts across the world.
Grandmaster Daniel Verkerke was honored by the enthusiastic
reception and acceptance for the "Art of Growing" known as Canada's
Martial Art.
On his seminar
tour in 2003 Mr. Verkerke introduced Seicho Jutsu to the Nanyang
Wushu Federation in Malaysia through a series of seminars. This
sparked much attention which led to Mr. Verkerke receiving the
"Grandmaster of the Year Award" at the 1st Black Belt Hall of Fame
held in Malaysia. The officials were so impressed with Grandmaster
Verkerke's demonstration they later honored him with the appointment
of Canadian Ambassador for the International Martial Arts Research
Institute. As the Canadian Ambassador, Mr. Verkerke continues to
travel to Malaysia and enjoys sharing his art by incorporating
techniques within the Wushu forms.
For those interested in learning an art which has no limitations and
covers all aspect of personal awareness including philosophy and
spiritual development, Seicho Jutsu is the art for you.
After reviewing
the wealth of information this website offers it will become
obvious to why Seicho Jutsu is sweeping the Nation.
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Step up your learning curve with Grandmaster
Daniel Verkerke
Martial arts have
developed in various Countries, but it is undoubtedly the Asian
Countries which provided the greatest growth and inspiration for the
development of these arts.
In today's Martial Arts
culture it is out of respect and acknowledgment that martial arts outside of
Asia still use Asian terminology. Teaching the history of a technique should
be part of the instructions. This also demonstrates respect for where the
technique originated.
Even as a Canadian martial
art we use the Asian words Seicho Jutsu. This is not just an acknowledgement
of the Asian influences in our art. It is also because the greater mass of
the martial arts population on an International level use and understand
Asian terminology.
Seicho Jutsu is distinctively
a Canadian art. This is why the founder did not want to use names of known
Asian arts such as Karate, Kung Fu, Hapkido, Kempo, Judo, Tae Kwon Do.
The founder felt it just
would not be right to be teaching his own system
/ art using the popular names of
existing arts to gain greater acceptance.
While studying Seicho Jutsu
all techniques are taught in English, unless the techniques are of a
different style. For example many Seicho Jutsu techniques are counters and
reversals to Asian based martial arts. We must first teach the Asian
technique as it was taught originally, adding the style and Country of the
technique. If the technique had a Japanese name, we would explain the name
and translate it. We give credit where credit is due.
What separates Seicho Jutsu
is our defenses against these other martial arts systems. Even though we may
teach aspects of other arts, they are only the starting point to learning
Seicho Jutsu.
Our Canadian martial art is
not a sport, nor a system of dance routines that judges ones level of
development. Our main concern is teaching and guiding one to a greater
development of oneself on all levels. The thought of competition, this is
better than that, or our lineage goes back 3000 years is irrelevant to the
reason we study.
The physical application not
only develops one physically, but also teaches one to be aware of every
movement as well as cause and effect of every action
- reaction. These concepts once
understood through physical techniques can be applied to everyday life.
The mental application using
theories and strategies have been in use with every army that has been to
war. It is the awareness of these strategies that prevent one from falling
susceptible. The theories of motion through emotion makes one aware of the
physical changes our bodies go through while we are emotionally unbalanced.
When one becomes aware of these strengths and weaknesses, one will learn to
use them for oneself, not against oneself.
Our philosophy and spiritual
enlightenment will open ones eyes to a greater understanding of life and
spiritual development which can be directed towards anyone's own personal
belief.
We study for the advancement
and awareness of ourselves. We acknowledge, respect and pay tribute to other
arts which have inspired us, but do not fall into their categories.
HISTORY
When Seicho Jutsu was
developed there were no color belts as there is in most martial arts.
Students trained in track suits. There were 4 stages of training, and still
is at the personal school of the founder GM. Verkerke.
Stage 1) Basics of the Arts
Stage 2) Techniques of the Arts
Stage 3) The Way of the Art
Stage 4) Masters techniques
Because some of the training tended to tear clothing apart, the use of
martial arts Gi's were adopted. It has always been the intention to have a
personal uniform created for Seicho Jutsu practitioners, but it has never
been a priority. We have the design, but have yet to strike a deal with a
manufacturer. We are fine making use of what is available.
In keeping with the individuality the practitioners only wore gray belts.
This was because no other martial arts systems used gray belts in the early
1980's. Why wear belts some may ask? The answer is easy. It wasn't to hold
up their pants, only to keep the jackets closed. When some one pulled you by
your lapel, instead of ripping your jacket, it was just pulled out of your
belt. The use of these uniforms were for practicality, not for wanting to
look like other martial arts styles.
A student would wear a black stripe on the end of their belt to indicate the
stage of training they attained. After a number of years went by some other
martial arts added gray belts to their systems.
Since there is no comparison or equivalent to the Seicho Jutsu curriculum
under other martial arts styles, the use of gray belts slowly faded out. The
first stage "Basics of the Arts" requires more training than most Black
Belts in any other style, so this became more or less ones first grading.
After this it is very hard to find the equivalent degree of Black Belt in
comparison with our other 3 stages of training.
To further state these differences. The system was created with 4 stages of
training in 1981 and still has only four stages of training. Some of the
schools broke down the Basics of the art into sub categories to make it
easier for junior students to conform to other styles. This was just to make
things easier to participate with events of other martial art styles.
After the 4th stage there is a new beginning. The levels of development are
all personal and can not be compared or acknowledged by any others who have
not been before you. To attain higher levels in Seicho Jutsu is only known
by oneself.
Even in today's Martial Arts world of 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12,… . Degree
Black Belts NO one is certified with a higher level than 4th stage in Seicho
Jutsu. This does not mean training stops at the 4th stage. Like stated
before, 4th stage is a new beginning in ones personal development.
Questions and Answers
If you have any questions about Seicho Jutsu your welcome
to submit them to:
seicho@bushido.org
they may be posted below.
Q) If there are only 4 levels of
Seicho Jutsu why does the founder have a 10th Dan?
A) The founders 10th Dan is not in Seicho Jutsu, throughout the years his
skills have been recognized by many great Masters and Grandmasters. He has
also been studying Ninjutsu and other forms of martial arts his entire life.
To deny this would not be honest and actually show disrespect to the
teachers who honored him with their recognition. Actually there are Asian
based martial arts systems, that have now adapted Seicho Jutsu techniques
and theories to their curriculum. Ranks are not as important as the people,
knowledge, self growth and understanding taught in Seicho Jutsu.
Q) Since the Kama is traditionally a Japanese weapon, not only that but
highly unpractical in today's world. Why do they teach the Kama in a Canadian
art such as Seicho Jutsu.
A) The techniques taught in the Seicho Jutsu Kama system were first
developed with a claw hammer in Canada by GM. Daniel Verkerke. These
techniques can be applied with axes, hatchets, garden hoes, crow bars and
tire irons. The use of the Kama for these techniques was only first adapted
in 2001. This was meant to share these techniques with other martial arts
styles. It is the techniques and understanding of body movements which are
most important. Once learned, this can be applied with any of the tools
listed.
Q) How did GM. Verkerke manage to be graded to a 9th dan in Ninjutsu with
Grandmaster Mc Eaddy in relatively a short period during the 1990's.
A) Grandmaster McEaddy was reviewing Seicho Jutsu and was amazed to see many
of the parallels in technique as well as philosophy, so he contacted GM.
Verkerke and invited him to visit and share there mutual understanding and
interest . This was the beginning of a long lasting mutual relationship
which resulted in the expansion of both systems. Since GM. Verkerke was an
exceptional martial art Master with over 20 years training, including 10
years teaching experience at the time, it did not take him long to adapt to
the differences between systems. In relationship between systems,
experience, techniques, spiritual development and philosophy GM. Verkerke
proved himself worthy of this certification 4years later in 1994. In the
year 2001 GM. Verkerke received his 10th. dan for his continued work and
development of all aspects of the art.
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