The Missing Link concept replaces the Dan grading system with an own approach to individual development, research and learning within the community. Instead of counting up the number of Dan degrees, the Okuden and Kaiden MasterLevels require the applicant to add knowledge and ideas to Missing Link Martial Arts. A full blown thesis, accompanied by practical training, is the basis for every next grading. The grading itself happens during a dedicated workshop, the decision of success is being taken by the community, not some far removed masters. There is no political grading in Missing Link, just research work, teaching and serious training.
During the Founder Circle Seminar in Meerbusch two experienced masters attempted new Okuden MasterLevels: Daniel Schmidt approached the Okuden Level in "teaching" with a dedicated concept how to use Japanese language and traditional knowledge to analyze and structure Karate techniques and principles. Based on this research, he added an Okuden Level in "Kata" with a detailed journey into names, meanings and the Kanji of the Shotokan kata - combined with practical teaching advice how to use this knowledge in practical training.
Michele Sirigu was rewarded an Okuden Level in "Health/Philosophy" for an excellent w0rk covering Pain and how to cope with it both in acute situations and long term, connected to the question of fear and stress.
Both works will in future be available in the Missing Link Online Resources - just like any other MasterLevel or Kuro Obi thesis.
Congratulations to Daniel and Michele for outstanding work and impressive presentations (and a weekend of sweat and exhaustion at the Founder Circle Seminar).
Real-World Lessons for a Functional Karate System (Part 2) Author: Tony Bolton In Part 1, we looked at the mechanical and strategic gaps in modern training. But a fight is not just physics; it is physiology and psychology. When the conversation stops and violence begins, you are not fighting the opponent in front of you. […]
There is a curious obsession in traditional martial arts, and karate in particular, with the way you stand. Not with how you move, not with how you get somewhere, but with the precise frozen moment at the end of a technique — the stance. The angle of the foot. The bend of the knee. The […]