The Way Shed

The Dojo is traditionally the place to train in the Way

Attributes, Skills, & Measurable Performance Capabilities

TKB Framework at a high level starts with breaking down content related to training core Attributes of the body. For example, Strength as a top level attribute, that has subcomponents (Connected Strength, Elastic Strength, Raw Strength, Force Production, etc.) AND related attributes (e.g. Power being a measurable output of Mass times Acceleration - while the Purity of one’s Power may be measured by amount of Elastic or Connected Strength vs. Raw Strength that gets recruited into a Power issuance). Other attributes include (but not limited to) Balance, Endurance, Speed, Awareness, Adaptability, etc. The initial baseline will be updated this year and then over time will adjust based on active participant crowdsourcing, additional training and research, etc.

The development of Skills aligned to the TKB framework include high level concepts of Strength & Conditioning, Unarmed Combative Techniques, Unarmed Combative Drills, etc. Subset examples would include Body Connections, Barbells, Kettlebells (Strength & Conditioning) that would be linked the development of certain Attributes (e.g. Strength & Conditioning -> Strength, Endurance, Balance, Adaptability.; Unarmed Combatives -> Balance, Speed, Awareness). Additionally as criteria around Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced get further defined, recommended links between levels of specific Attribute and Skill progressions may become more defined.

The Attributes and Skills come together as Measurable Performance Capabilities whereby the goal is to create testable targets around volume, intensity, duration and apply them to specific exercises that combine the attribute training and skill development. Benchmark core capabilities that will also align modules and performance criteria to specific skill and attribute matrices - e.g. Strength & Conditioning (Skill) -> Strength (Level) -> Performance Criteria -> Weight + Reps + Time + Body Connection + Instrument (e.g. barbell, kettlebell, club, etc.) + Form. Another example might be - Unarmed Combative Drills (Skill) -> Strength (Connected & Elastic) -> Performance Criteria -> Taikyoku Kuzushi (Solo, Partner Standup, Partner Clinch), etc.

Training Plans should be programmed to measure and improve your performance capabilities, attributes, and skills. By taking a baseline measurement of your current performance in areas you want to improve, the training plan should then reflect the attribute and skill training that will result in improved capability performance by completing the plan. This becomes a lifetime series of measure, plan, train, improve activation to optimize an ongoing virtuous cycle of self-development and empowerment.

I am 50 years old as of Groundhog’s Day 2025, here’s an ongoing list of Key Training Pillars I lean into while fleshing out the Taikyoku Budoryoku no Tanrenhō open source modules:

This is The Way Shed, where most of the heavy work gets done.

Also, my home office and kitchen have easy to reach gear for accessory work. (Always tinkering, always programming and experimenting)

Look for #TheWayShednanigans hashtag on socials!

Note: The intended use of this site and materials is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to perform your primary training with a group under the oversight of a qualified instructor and or coach. Please also be sure to get your health checked out by medical professionals to ensure you don’t have any health conditions that would require you to modify your approach to training and fitness.

The modules elaborated upon here are considered open source content. Any detailed instruction or guidance should be performed in person and hands-on wherever possible by a qualified and authorized party. These materials are actively being workshopped and are expected to be refined over time.

At this time, there are no open study groups available to join as some of these baselines are still being workshopped. While still early in planning, there will be some open workshops coming in 2025 and 2026, which will be communicated here. Study group inquiries can be sent to the contact form at the bottom of this page.