The three roots of teaching martial arts

After years of teaching Ninjutsu, I've come to realize that mere technique training isn't sufficient. It dawned on me that explanations are crucial – not just any explanation, but a rich tapestry of them, covering a multitude of topics. This is where the concept of Mondo comes into play, a term I've adopted, inspired by the Zen dialogue between master and student. While I'm no Zen master, I am a martial arts teacher with an array of questions and perspectives. Discussing these, what I call Mondo, forms a critical part of my teaching approach.

At the start of each lesson, following the kata and warm-up, I engage in a brief, 3 to 4-minute dialogue with my students. This practice, spanning over a decade, has become an integral part of our training sessions. I encourage fellow instructors, to critically examine these Mondo (referred to as 'Yossi Sheriff Quotes' on this website). It's important to ponder, feel, and even disagree with them, as this process is vital for incorporating Mondo into our teaching curriculum.

The other two pillars of teaching in AKBAN are Kata and Randori. Kata, in Japanese, means 'form.' It's more than a mere habit, transcending the rigidity of compulsive behaviors. In Ninjutsu, kata are foundational structures that use awareness and neuroplasticity. Some of our kata are centuries old, carrying invaluable knowledge. They teach us precision, discipline, and the development of appropriate automatic responses to evolving situations.

Randori, or sparring – which I prefer to call 'jamming' – is where the predictability of kata collides with the unpredictable chaos of the real world, but in a controlled environment. It's our 'sandbox' for safely testing and integrating kata, applying our learned physical knowledge in unpredictable scenarios.

Kata, randori, and Mondo are deeply interconnected. Each element supports and enhances the others. Without kata, our vocabulary for handling diverse situations is severely limited. Randori, when executed correctly and safely, reinforces kata by instilling confidence in practitioners, assuring them of their ability to maintain composure even in extreme situations.

Mondo is essential for making sense of Ninjutsu's vast syllabus and its many variables. It aids in understanding, reviving, and even creating kata. Without Mondo, the intricate layers of Ninjutsu remain obscured, and our understanding of this rich martial art remains incomplete. As junior instructors, embracing these three roots – kata, randori, and Mondo – is crucial for a holistic approach to teaching and understanding Ninjutsu.

Go back to reading the other mondo in Yossi Sheriff Quotes