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Dedication
This book is dedicated to two very special teachers, Thomas and Barbara Driscoll. I am very thankful to have two of the most wonderful parents any son could hope for. They taught me many things throughout the years.
They taught me to be kind and compassionate towards other people. They taught me that hard work and having goals and dreams defines a successful person. But most of all, they taught me to have respect for all that I come in contact with. Respect seems to have become a forgotten quality these days. For all that you’ve done, and all the incredibly important lessons you’ve taught me, I thank you. I love you, Mom and Dad.
This book is also dedicated to the memory of
Thomas Mayer 1939-2007
Every once in a while, someone comes into your life for only a short time, but leaves a dramatic impact. Thomas was that type of person. He was one of the most courageous, intelligent, and insightful people, that I have had the pleasure to meet and spend time with.
I miss you, Thomas.
Jeff Driscoll
Foreword
Iam very honored to be writing the foreword to this text. The reader of this book will gain a better understanding and insight into its author and his experiences in the arts. Jeff is the eternal student. He makes great sacrifice in his journey to attain knowledge and understanding of these arts. Pay special attention to his writing on “Budo.”
There are many misconceptions in the arts regarding “Budo” and what it truly is. By reading this text you will understand its true meaning. “Budo” is not represented just in the actions of a man; it is his spirit.
Based on his experience and study of a variety of arts, Driscoll Sensei has reached a high level of accomplishment in many ways. You will see which arts he has gravitated to and you will understand why. He chose to explore arts that matched his spirit, strength, and passion and those that were well suited to him as a practitioner that is why he has been so successful. Not all arts are right for everyone. Driscoll Sensei has chosen well and knows the way of the warrior.
Bruce Juchnik, Hanshi
CHAPTER 1
What is Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo?
Philosophy
Kosho literally means “old pine tree.” Shorei translates as “school of encouragement.” A traditional ryu is a school of thought pertaining to an art form. The origins of Kosho Shorei Ryu as we know it today stems from the meditations of a Japanese Buddhist priest named Kosho Bosatsu. This name, literally translated, means “Old Pine Tree Buddha.” This is a general name that sheds little light on the true identity of the man. But the name is less important than the result of his meditations.
Around the year 1235 AD, this priest meditated under an old pine tree. As a priest, his Buddhist studies taught him pacifism, which were an apparent contradiction to the destructive arts in which he was also trained. It was this contradiction that caused him to seek a place where he could meditate. As many monks before him, he chose the old pine tree where, it was believed, the spirit of the Buddha had fled.
It was during this period of meditation that he was enlightened. The revelation led to his discovery of universal laws and natural principles pertaining to our existence and the resolution of conflict. The Sei Kosho Shorei Kai International encourages students to move toward this same enlightenment through studying natural law.
Kempo means “Fist Law.” This is the Kosho Shorei Ryu form of martial arts; but it is much more than the law of the fist. The predecessors of Kempo are Chuan Fa, in China, and before that Vajra Mukti in India. Kempo’s philosophy is to study and understand man’s relationship with nature.
Kempo is the study of natural law pertaining to mankind. Kempo does not just deal with the physical arts; it also deals with the spiritual side of oneself, and mankind’s understanding of itself.
Traditionally, Kempo students have studied much more than the physical martial arts. They also study philosophical classics, including the I Ching: the Book of Changes. They study the five elements and the In and Yo (Yin and Yang in Chinese). They understand the principle of balance, and how one can, through understanding balance, exist harmoniously with the whole of mankind. Within their own realm, in their own reality, they learn how to adjust their reality, behavior, or physical presence within others’ perception of reality. Primarily, they study themselves: Body, mind, and spirit. This microcosm leads to the understanding of all things.
Kempo, therefore means study, and practice, and the discipline of study and practice. The understanding of this philosophy, the embodiment of this practice, and the reality of this study prepares the Kempo-ka for possible conflict. In this study, defending one’s self becomes very easy.
Kosho is a way of life and an understanding of the process of life. Understanding the process of a fight is the key. Techniques used in a fight are only a small part of that process. What happens before that point is of primary importance.
Kosho Ryu warrior-monks and other practitioners have used the study, and the practical application of this study, successfully throughout history. In the late 1500’s, 5,000 samurai attacked Shaka-In, the temple grounds on which the now-famous old pine tree still stands. Using Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo, the 400 monks living and training there engaged in combat against the onslaught, successfully protecting some of the most important artifacts and property of the temple grounds, including the famous old pine tree itself.
The martial prowess of the Kosho Shorei monks was well known among the Japanese at the time, and was feared by many Daimyo as well as their swordsmen. It was the practice of this philosophy of study that gave the monks their edge. This philosophy was adopted by many of Japan’s greatest and most famous swordsmen, including Musashi Miyamoto.
The success of Kosho Ryu today is apparent in the large numbers of students and teachers gravitating to these studies. Many teachers with decades of experience are reexamining their training based on the uniqueness and startling pertinence of what they see in a Kosho Ryu seminar.
Many of these teachers and students have said that the combat-effectiveness of