Miyagi Takashi [宮城敬] (1919-2008) - Great Sacrifices During the Battle of Okinawa! (15.10.2022)10/16/2022 Translator's Note: This short historical text can be found in its original Japanese language form on the 'Komeikan' website linked both above and below. This is the website of the Miyagi Family Goju Ryu Karate-Do association based in Okinawa. This translation is a 'quote' from a publicly viewable section of this website that would overwise be limited to the vagaries of universal translators - and all the contextual 'errors' such devices entail. If you find this content interesting - please contact the 'Komeikan' association directly on info@goju-karatedo.com. ACW (15.10.2022) ‘A few years before I went to war – I received direct instructions from Miyagi Chojun (my father). This was in the form of a set of clear and concise directives. He said “Remember everything I have taught you regarding the development of the mind and body. Do not forget any part of it.” I took this as a formal “transmission” during a very difficult time. Due to the war – death was on the minds of everyone – such was the destruction. Through these words I was entrusted with the future of Goju Ryu Karate-Do. Amongst my father’s best students was ‘Jinan Shinzato’ (新里仁安). My father – who was considered a ‘Great Master’ in his own right – thought very highly of Jinan Shinzato and had him sent to Tokyo to teach martial arts in his name at the Dai Nippon Butokukai. When my turn came to go to the Front, my father advised me that if anything happened to him – I was to consult with Jinan Shinzato (I referred to him as ‘Uncle Jinan’). Jinan Shinzato, however, was killed during the war in its final year (1945)! Miyagi Chojun was greatly upset and disappointed by the death of one of his best Goju Ryu Karate-Do students! Even after the war, Miyagi Chojun continued to teach at the Okinawa Prefectural Police Academy and to profoundly mentor his disciples. Considering the great losses inflicted upon us during the Battle of Okinawa - I know that in private Miyagi Chojun suffered a considerable psychological and emotional trauma! The sheer destruction involved in the war had eradicated decades of great and sustained effort in developing and transmitting Goju Ryu Karate-Do! We had to re-build out of the bitter ashes of defeat... When the war ended, I was demobilised from the Imperial Japanese Army and lived in Tokyo. I kept in regular contact with my father (Miyagi Chojun) through writing many letters and postcards. My father (Miyagi Chojun) always propagated an attitude of positively looking toward the future and in creating continuously improved conditions for the development of Goju Ryu Karate-Do! He expressed an intention to travel to Tokyo and visit me – but during the following year a tragedy occurred. Miyagi Chojun died of a heart-attack on October 8th, 1953 (Showa 28). He was 65 years old. His passing was truly a great loss to the Okinawan Karate-Do world!’ Original Japanese Language Source: 沖縄戦での大きな犠牲 私は出征する数年前、師父長順から言い渡されたことがある。サンセールーの形の指導を受けたときである。「これまで教えたことはおまえの体のなかにしっかり覚えておくように」と。戦争の不安がよぎったのだろう。そのときの師父のことばが剛柔流空手道を私に託した遺言のように思えるのである。師父の弟子のなかでも新里仁安は師父の信望も厚く、大日本武徳会へ演武者として派遣するなど実力があった。私の出征時に、師父は「もし自分に万が一何かあった場合、仁安(私はジルウおじさんと呼んでいた)に相談するように」と言ったことばが思い出される。しかし、その仁安は終戦の年に戦死し、師父の落胆の大きかったことが推察される。 師父は戦後も沖縄県警察学校で教えながら、門弟の指導にあたった。しかし、沖縄戦での大きな犠牲と損失を考えると、師父は精神面でも大変だったと思う。戦後復員して東京に居た私と師父との交流は、何回となく手紙やはがきのやり取りになった。空手道に一生を捧げてきた師父は、「空手道の将来」が絶えず念頭にあったのだと思う。私宛てに書をしたため上京する意思を示したが、その翌年、1953年(昭和28年)10月8日に心筋梗塞で急逝した。満65歳であった。空手道界において誠に大きな損失であった。
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Translator's Note: According to the HISTORY of the International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation - during 1952 Miyagi Chojun gave permission for his leading disciple Mr. Yagi Akitoku [八木明德] (1912-2003) to establish his own Dojo! The following year (in 1953) Miyagi Chojun formally passed the 'robe' and 'belt' to Yagi Akitoku confirming his status as the lineage inheritor of the Goju Ryu Karate-Do lineage. Yagi Akitoku is also known as Yagi Meibukan - as 'Meibukan' (明布馆 - Ming Wu Guan) which translates as 'Bright' or 'Pure' 'Warrior Training Hall' - as this is the name he gave his first Dojo and the manner in which his lineage of Goju Ryu was referred to thereafter. Whilst researching the various histories of Goju Ryu preserved within the 'International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation' (IOGKF) - I have never come across this man's name! Indeed, it was only whilst researching the history of 'Meibukan' on that Style's Hong Kong site (in preparation for translating this article) that I learned of Yagi Meibukan and the general attitude of respect that abounds for him amongst the martial arts community of China, Okinawa and Japan! I have 'Maria Manalastas' and her 2018 (Chinese language) article conveying her journey to Okinawa and her training in the Karate-Do of the MURASAKIMURA Dojo! She is a University student from the UK whose ancestry hails from the Philippines. As we have very close ties with the Filipino people - we welcome her interesting article - which I translate here! ACW (10.10.2022) Hello everyone! I'm Maria from the Okinawa Holiday Hackers Editorial Department. It has been four months since I came to Okinawa, and now I am experiencing the Karate-Do Dojo in the kingdom of MURASAKIMURA. There I met Mr. Kinjo, Mr. Kevin and Mr. Florian! Senior Instructor Kinjo (full name ‘金城 敬章’ - ‘Kinjo Hiroaki’) is the Head of the ‘International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation’ - that is the ‘Bright Martial Training Hall’ which is said to be the ‘true’ and ‘genuine’ inheritor of Goju Ryu Karate-Do tradition as founded by Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953). The ‘Hard - Soft’ (Goju) Style of Karate-Do – as led by Kinjo Hiroaki is a member of the ‘Yomitan’ Branch of the ‘Daoist Alliance’. Mr. Kevin Chaplin and Mr. Florian Poupard are Technical Instructors associated with the Okinawa Traditional Kobayashi Ryu Karate-Do and Kobudo Federation and the World Shorin Ryu Society, passing on their knowledge of Karate-Do to the world. It is slightly bewildering to gain access to such expert teachers so easily! Mr. Kevin Chaplin, for instance, is British and started trained at just 12-years old – he earned his Black Belt at 24-years old! How long does it take to earn a Black Belt? Well, that all depends on motivation and circumstance. With regular training and a high standard of commitment coupled with excellent instruction – a Black Belt can be earned in three or four years – but it all depends. Some people like to take their time and progress slowly but surely – focusing on different skills and on overcoming various weaknesses or shortcomings. Sometimes, individuals have no interest in grading and spend years working-out at the back of the Dojo! I am told that an old Black Belt sometimes fades to ‘gray’ and that there are various types of Black Belt all the way up to ‘White Belt’ again – an honour rarely bestowed in Japan and Okinawa (and only then usually by the Japanese Government itself – as such an individual becomes a ‘National Treasure’)! This means the student has completed the entire circle of mind-body self-cultivation and is beyond grading! As the practice is barefoot – I do not need to wear trainers. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! I am a student studying at a university in the UK. I am doing a one-year Internship in Okinawa, and I have been living in Okinawa, Japan since September 2017. Before coming to Okinawa, I thought about what I wanted to do, and thought of ‘Karate’ and ‘snorkelling’. Especially Karate for self-defence. The turbulent society here has granted me ‘opportunity’ and ‘result’! In the UK, I have also taken many Karate courses described as ‘Women's Self-Defence" - but no matter as they were all single-shot – and I have almost forgotten what I have learned before the next class. If you encounter an emergency, what skills should you use to deal with it? When asked this question I had no idea of the answer! I really want to learn about self-defence properly and to a greater depth. Even if it's just a little bit of good quality knowledge – such learning can make you feel more at ease! When I was a child, I was often taught that ‘even at noon, never go out alone, and definitely go out with someone you know’, but this attitude did not teach us about self-defence, which made me feel very insecure as a child. When traveling alone from England to the unknown land of ‘Okinawa’, I decided to development my abilities and make the most of this time. After I asked Mr. Kinjo and Mr. Kevin who teach Karate-Do in MURASAKIMURA, they said that the techniques are different depending on the Karate-Do ‘Style’. I was surprised and found a more attractive side to Karate-Do than just self-defence. There are so many more and different elements than simply nullifying an attack! It may be an exaggeration to describe this, but through the principles of Karate-Do training - we can connect to our lives and discover our own true value! We become self-aware through the process of concentrating upon our body posture and movement – as well as upon being aware of our state of mind! Awareness in the mind ‘expands’ throughout the body and a general sense of ‘Wholeness’ develops! I am able to see things from a ‘Beginner’s’ perspective – even though I have a little bit of experience. Prior to coming to Okinawa I had no idea that Karate-Do has ‘different’ Styles! Self-defence courses are very basic and do not bother with background information. The teachers charge a lot of money and spend a few hours showing the most basic movements. In the Dojo of MURASAKIMURA things are very different! Here, two ‘Styles’ share the training space harmoniously! This is the ‘Kobayashi Ryu’ Style (which moves sharply from left to right and right to left – whilst the ‘Goju Ryu’ Style uses big, circular movements which flow smoothly forward and back! In this Dojo the differences between Styles are respected and preserved – but this does not stop a positive interaction! Although the MURASAKIMURA Dojo is very strict – it is also very welcoming, and thousands of people visit every year! This led to the development of the MURASAKIMURA Hotel which is not very far from the Dojo! We must enter the Dojo with respect by bowing at the door and walking calmly to our training spot on the Dojo floor. We then must sit down in the Japanese ‘Zen’ style and ‘meditate’ so that the mind and body ‘relaxes’ before the in-depth technical training begins. Leaving the stresses and tensions of the world ‘outside’ is a unique quality of ‘Karate-Do’ - and is certainly a cultural attribute I could not find in my home country of the Philippines! As training happens all through the day – the type of training varies depending upon the time of day (and the type of Yin-Yang energy in the air). After meditation we loosen the body from bottom to top and work on strengthening. After that there is technical practice, Kata and sparring, etc. Although basic agendas are followed – sometimes individual students have come for a particular type of training and the teacher(s) separate the class into appropriate groups. From the tips of the toes to the top of the head and to the tips of fingers – every part of the body was systematically trained so that the next day I was as stiff as a board and thought my body was going to fall apart! The instructors are happy to share a joke or have a laugh – but do not over-step the line of respect or the training will take an unexpected turn! Although this Dojo is open to the general public - ‘special’ classes also are given for disciples and students who are looking to achieve a very high level in Karate-Do! This training is different and not for the faint of heart – although we were not allowed to see any of it. We were told ‘stories’ by other students although the instructors said nothing. One of my favourite areas of Karate-Do is the weapons training! I had never seen this in the UK and absolutely love all the different implements! This was the area I requested extra training within. One of the stories is that an Okinawan King once banned weaponry amongst the population – and so all the Karate-Do weapons look like farming tools! Every part of the Dojo floor must be regularly cleaned and maintenanced. The Okinawans (who follow many Chinese customs) say it is an ‘honour’ to do this! To make this system work, everyone must be polite and well disciplined! There are many different training paths being pursued at any one time – and rarely are you left alone. I personally like it when large groups all move together – punching, kicking and blocking their way up and down the hall! It takes tenacity to enter the Karate-Do Dojo every day and voluntarily submit yourself to the hard discipline of Karate-Do training! Teacher Kevin seems to have some doubts about modern karate. Nowadays, many people just want to learn the skills that appear in the movies or the movements that can get high scores in the competition. However, compared with those who just want to get the first place, the number of learners who aim to get a Black Belt has gradually increased recently, and the teachers are also very happy because of this. That's what I thought at first too (Can't you just learn the techniques that appear in the movies?) but as I wrote above, having a connection to everyday life is the beauty of karate. Whether it's karate or other fighting skills, you must never retreat when defending, you need to keep moving forward. Teacher Kevin said that this is how he learned. There are very few backwards Karate-Do skills, and so is our life. Although it is a very old-fashioned statement, just recalling the past will not help you, and will not change anything at all. But every next step, as much as possible, move forward and change according to what you want. You can learn a lot of life lessons from the techniques and movements of Karate-Do. Decide in advance what kind of Karate-Do you want to learn. I would recommend visiting the MURASAKIMURA Dojo and talk to the instructors who will be happy to talk with you about all your training needs. Original Chinese Language Source: Maria Manalastas
大家好!我是Okinawa Holiday Hackers编辑部的玛利亚。 来冲绳已经过了四个月了,现在我在体验王国MURASAKIMURA的空手道场。 在那边遇到了金城老师·Kevin老师·Florian老师。 金城老师(本名:金城 敬章)为国际明武馆刚柔流空手道联盟 读谷支部所属的金城空手道道场的馆主。 Kevin老师(本名:Kevin Chaplin先生)跟Florian老师(本名: Florian Poupard)冲绳传统小林流空手道‧古武道联盟 世界王修会内的技术指导员,向全世界传递关于空手道的知识。 不用怀疑,全部都是黑带保持者!☆ 可以这么简单的见到这么厉害的老师们,让我觉得有些难以置信….! 这次从英国来的的学徒们都是指名Kevin老师来传授武技! Kevi老师十二岁开始学习空手道,但也不仅一直在学空手道,也有在学习其他武术。在年仅24岁时就获得了黑带。 ((取得黑带到底要花多少时间呢?))这样想着就去问了老师,老师说快的话三年、四年,大部分的人在锻炼技术跟体力上反而会花上更多的时间。 黑带后,是灰带么? 一开始看到Kevin老师的腰带, ((这个是灰色么?原来还有这种颜色~之前都不知道~~~)) 想着,就赶紧去问老师。老师说:「拿到黑带后,不停地锻炼,它慢慢的褪色,然后就变成灰色了」原来还有这种不为人知的故事哦! 黑带不是终点,在这之后还不断地精益求精,这才是真正的强大!! 还有,在练习中是赤脚练习,不需要穿运动鞋。 Oh,在这之前忘了自我介绍了。 我是在英国的大学就读的学生。 正在冲绳进行为期一年的实习,2017年9月开始住在日本冲绳。 来冲绳之前思考了自己想要做些什么,想到了 “空手道” 和 “浮潜” 。尤其是空手道,特别想尝试。为了Self defence(防身术)。在这里动荡的社会…。 契机与结果 在英国我也上过很多次 “女子防身术” 的空手道的课程,但无论哪次都是单次式的,等下次上课的时候之前学了什么几乎都忘了。如果遇到紧急的时间,到底要用什么技巧来对应呢?当被这么问的时候,我连答案都说不出来。所以真心地想要再次学习关于防身术的技能。哪怕是一点点只是也好,能让自己安心一点。 小时候经常被教导 “就算中午也绝对不要一个人出门,绝对要跟认识的人一起出去” ,但却没有教我们关于自我防卫的知识,反而让儿时的我很没有安全感。 只身一人从英国漂洋过海来到未知的土地冲绳” 时,决定了解自身的能力,并且充分利用好这段时间。 询问了在MURASAKIMURA教导空手道的金城老师、Kevin老师后,他们说根据不同的流派技术也不同,让我吃了一惊,发现了比防身术更有魅力的一面。 这样形容或许有点夸张,但通过空手道的行动原理可以联系到我们的人生,进而发觉自己的价值。打破了自己是由身体的各个部位构成的认知,而是深切体会到了人体不仅仅是单纯的呼吸以及动作,而是通过身体所有的构造协作运行的。 (初学者的我也能理解)两个流派最大的差异是“移动的方向”。小林流是左右两侧大幅移动、刚柔流则是前后大幅移动。 虽然是不同的流派,但深刻体会到了流派间相互的尊重。 道场的导览 这里是MURASAKIMURA的道场哦! 很像是电影当中的场景吧!?光看到就让我超激动的。 MURASAKIMURA内也紧邻着 “MURASAKIMURA酒店” ,听说为了学空手道而来长住的客人也不少呢。 行过礼之后进入道场,首先从冥想开始。 充满紧张感的寂静,虽然自己一直想静下心,但因为自我意识太重而导致一直分心去关注别的事物,反而渐行渐远。像这般安静,在我的祖国菲律宾是绝对不可能会有的。 根据当天练习内容的不同,热身运动也不同 冥想结束后,接下来是热身运动。 Kevin老师和我说,空手道和其他的运动不同,是根据当天练习的内容,热身运动的内容和长度也不一样。有时甚至需要花30分钟来做热身运动。 由Kevin老师所带领的MURASAKIMURA的空手道达人,不管大家有没有经验都非常欢迎,十分亲切温和,但千万别被骗了(笑) 做好第二天自己身体会像玩具总动员的蛋头先生一样碎成一地的觉悟。 (隔天全身仿佛都要散架了…。感觉要死了。) 武器 热身运动结束后,进入道场时一直让我很在意的武器放置所。 从前冲绳的某位皇帝曾经颁布 “禁止使用武器令” 的条例,所以大部分武器看起来像是农具的样子。 Kevin老师稍微教了一下短拐的使用方法。短拐的拿法和角度不同,给对手给予的伤害也会不一样。「以最大的力量沿着手臂握着短拐」Kevin先生如是说。 将道场的空间运用到最大化,调节自己的脚步与攻击。集中在自己的手臂和脚需要摆在哪个位置,思考着是否比刚才的防御、刚才的攻击更加正确。 据说将防御·攻击的一个动作做到完美,需要花上一年。Kevin老师说光看一天下来花了多少时间在那个动作上,就能看出你的腰带是什么颜色。 让我重新见识到能够忍受日复一日的练习的坚韧以及注意到微小的动作的敏锐,这就是空手道的美感。 Kevin老师似乎对于现代的空手道有些疑问。 如今有不少人只想学在电影中出现的技巧或者在比赛中可以得高分的动作,对于动作的原理和意义知之甚少,因此陷入了低潮。但是比起那些只想得到第一名的人,最近以拿到黑带为目标的学习者也逐渐增加,老师也因此而很开心。 一开始我也是这么想的((不能只单纯地学习电影中出现的技巧吗?))但正如我上面写的,和日常生活有所关联才是空手道的魅力所在。 不管是空手道,还是其他格斗技的练习,防御时决不能后退,需要不断地前进。Kevin老师说他就是这么学习过来的。 几乎没有往后倒退的空手道技巧,我们的生活也是如此。虽然是很老套的说法,只回忆过去对自己没有帮助,根本不会改变什么。但是接来下的每一步,都尽可能的依照自己所想的前进,去改变。 从空手道的手法·技巧上可以学习到很多人生的道理。 事先决定学习什么样的空手道 可以在MURASAKIMURA上的课程中学习到空手道的基础、手法等。 在我的内心中曾经有着 “无法学习空手道的理由” ,但已经因为这次美好的邂逅而消失了。难得来到空手道的发源地,不学习不是很浪费吗? 想学看看、想了解空手道!在荧幕前的美女们! 不仅日文和英文,中文和韩文也可以对应。不来MURASAKIMURA这边学习基础空手道看看吗?穿着空手道服,光听着空手道的由来就会有自己变强的错觉♪ 刚学习空手道,或者是正在思考要不要学的帅哥们! 专业的空手道家,或者腰带持有者的你们。推荐你们前往MURASAKIMURA内见见Kevin老师们! 老师们有着指导世界各地学徒的经验,从身体·能力·目标·需求中找到适合你的方法。 在这里不仅仅是老师为你答疑解惑,你也可以一起交流自身的技术和经验,请一定要去MURASAKIMURA道场看看♪ Karate is mentioned just once, and even then, more or less in haste, and certainty not in any historical depth! This is disappointing from a book comprising of over 550 pages! Professor Mitsugu Sakihara provides a fascinating 'Afterword' and about ten-pages of corrections, deletions and other necessary 'errata' clarifications. Again, with a ground-breaking book of such historical scope and ambition - this type of 'correction' by an Asian academic fully armed with the latest research is nothing to be ashamed of - as a vast majority of the historical wealth presented within this books stands up to Japanese and Okinawan academic scrutiny! Of course, we must all be careful to correctly discern 'fact' from 'fiction', 'truth' from 'myth' and 'lies' from 'truth'! I present this data to add the over-all research into the fascinating history of Okinawan Karate-Do - much of which originates in Southern China, indigenous Okinawan martial culture and it would seem - the fighting arts of South-East Asia (Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, etc) or even Indo-China (Vietnam)! George Kerr's research into the origin of Karate-Do is not referenced (so we do not know where he acquired his information) - but he is of the opinion that 'Karate' was brought back to the Ryukyu Islands by Ryukyu sailors visiting (and training in the martial arts of) South-East Asia and/or Vietnam - and not China! I have heard a similar idea expressed in some Japanese and Chinese language articles - but only in as much as suggesting 'some' Karate-Do techniques (such as the 'round-house' kick) originated within the martial culture of South-East Asia - but not the complete system! Whatever the case, to consider all the available data - the data must be made available to all - and freedom of thought will do the rest!
During 1942 - as the Second World War was still raging - Miyagi Chojun travelled to Ritsumei University on Mainland Japan where he served (specifically) for the first time as a ‘martial arts’ instructor. This was part of the Japanese Government’s psychological and physical preparation of young men for conscription into the Imperial Japanese Army, Navy or Airforce, etc. Following the defeat of Imperial Japan in late 1945 – an era of ‘Occupation’ unfolded! As the old Administration had collapsed there was a need for a ‘new’ police force that could keep order in this very different cultural climate. From October 1946, Miyagi Chojun was appointed the ‘Head’ martial arts instructor at the Central Police Academy serving the Prefecture of Okinawa! Here, he trained Police Officers in self-defence. During 1947, Miyagi Chojun was appointed ‘Karate-Do’ instructor at Naha City Police School. Beginning in 1948, Miyagi Chojun began to guide and train disciples in his own dojo. Miyagi Chojun chose as ‘inner’ disciples (after the war) such suitable people as ‘Miyagi Anichi’ (宫城安一), and Aragaki Shuichi (新垣修一) amongst many others. In 1951, Miyagi Chojun began to openly accept students to train in Karate-Do at the dojo in his home. On the evening of October 7th, 1953, Miyagi Chojun continued to teach all aspects of Karate-Do late into the night. Miyagi Chojun died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning of October 8th, 1953. Chinese Language Source: 宫城长顺先生生平介绍(转载)
运动 2018-12-03 16:15111阅读 · 4喜欢 · 0评论 1942年 宫城长顺先生最后一次到立命大学作武道指导。 战后1946年10月,宮城長順先生在冲绳县新政府的警察学校任命空手道教官对警官进行指导。1947年宫城长顺先生又被任命那霸市警察学校的空手道教官。 1948年开始,宮城长顺先生开始在自己家中道场指导和培养弟子,此时宫城长顺先生接收了宫城安一先生作为他战后的第一个内弟子,随后又收了新垣修一先生等人。1951年宫城长顺又开始在家中道场公开收学生教空手道。宫城长顺先生1953年10月7日传授空手道至深夜,宫城长顺先生死於 1953年10月8日凌晨。 作者:猫爷习 https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv1652712/ 出处:bilibili Translator’s Note: As a forensic translator of (written) Chinese language texts into contemporary (British) English – I am trained to place the modern (Mainland Chinese) Pinyin in brackets next to the Chinese ideograms together with a ‘word for word’ (succinct) translation in English. These ‘Goju Ryu’ texts are a little different as they involve a Chinese language text which is itself a ‘translation’ from the original Japanese! This being the case, unless the Okinawan individuals involved are deliberately writing in the Chinese language (as many sometimes opt to do) - nothing is added for the general reader once the Chinese ideograms are deciphered using Japanese pronunciation - if the Chinese pronunciation is also added! This being the case, I have used a slightly different approach involving ‘selective’ further elaboration as a means to retain the ‘flow’ of the extract in English. Furthermore, as I am becoming more familiar with the primary Japanese and Chinese language sources surrounding this subject, I am now appreciating how different historical accounts vary quite radically despite the events under question not happening that long ago! For instance, in other accounts Miyagi Chojun develops the Geksai Katas in 1937 to coincide with the official start of the Japanese war in China – whilst in this text he develops these Katas in 1940 – for no apparent reason! In another account, Miyagi Chojun learns the basis of ‘Tensho’ during his 1936 visit to Shanghai – whilst in this account he learns this during his visit to Fuzhou in 1917! Most other accounts state that Miyagi Chojun visited Fuzhou in 1916 – whilst this account states that martial artists from Fuzhou visited Miyagi Chojun in Okinawa to ‘mourn’ the passing of Higaonna Kanryo in 1916 – which sounds much more plausible to me. I am left considering how many of these differences in historical interpretation boil down to faulty or incorrect translations from Japanese and Chinese language sources into English – brought about by a general lack of understanding concerning these primary languages. Once errors of interpretation are made and then published in the West they circle (like Haley’s Comet) – with readers being unable to break the cycle by checking the primary sources for accuracy! This might well be complicated by misconstrued Western sources being re-translated back into the Chinese and Japanese languages – thus ‘legitimising’ these errors as if they are true and original! We must carefully pick through all the available data and slowly but surely establish the most likely timeline and realistic historical narrative! ACW (1.10.2022) During 1933-1934 Miyagi Chojun (宫城长顺) worked within the ‘Dai Nippon Butoku Kai’ (大日本武徳会) - a ‘Nationalist’ martial arts association closely linked with the Imperial Japanese Government. This organisation was abolished in 1946 by the Occupying Allied Forces following the defeat of Japan at the end of 1945. Between 1895-1945, however, this organisation was the over-arching Japanese Governmental Department responsible for ensuring that all martial arts training throughout the Japanese Empire conformed to a certain technical standard of ‘effectiveness’ and ‘aggression’. People living in Okinawa had no choice but to conform to its dictates. Around 1934-1935 – Miyagi Chojun was appointed the ‘President’ of the Okinawan Branch of this organisation for Life (although this post was abolished in 1946) and awarded the title of ‘錬士’ (Ren Shi) or ‘Refined Warrior’. He used his status to popularise his style of Goju Ryu and managed to get this style registered with the Japanese Government – a move that helped other Karate-Do styles to also become registered and accepted in Japan. During 1934, Miyagi Chojun wrote a text entitled ‘Ryukyu Fist Law Tang Hand Way Historical Developmental Overview’ (琉球拳法唐手道沿革概要 - Liu Qiu Quan Fa Tang Shou Dao Yan Ge Gai Yao). This might translate into the Japanese language as a book referring to ‘Ryukyu Kempo Kara-Te Do – Historical Overview’. Miyagi Chojun uses the ‘Chinese-Hand’ ideograms of ‘唐手’ (Tang Shou) to express the term ‘Karate-Do’ - instead of the post-1901 ‘Empty-Hand’ (空手 - Kong Shou) ideograms. During 1935 - Miyagi Chojun was granted the ‘Sports Person of Merit’ Award issued by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. He presented for the first-time in public – the information recorded in his 1934 ‘Tang Shou’ text - during a lecture he gave in Osaka during 1936. The ‘Dai Nippon Butoku Kai’ awarded Miyai Chojun the title of ‘教士’ (Jiao Shi) or ‘Doctrinal Warrior’ during 1937 – Miyagi Chojun was one of the first person to be granted this title – alongside other Karate-Do practitioners such as ‘Konishi Yasuhiro’ (小西康裕) and ‘Ueshima Sannosuke’ (上鳩三之助), all of whom were empowered by the Japanese Government to arrange and hold Karate-Do competitions. This development ‘normalised’ the practice of Karate-Do in Japan and elevated Karate-Do onto the world stage of sport. This was the due to many years of hard-work carried-out by Chojun Miyagi, Mabuni Kenwa (摩文仁賢和), Otsuka Hironori (大塚博紀) and Funakoshi Gichin (船越義珍), etc, amongst many others. As well as propagating Goju Ryu Karate-Do in Mainland Japan – Miyagi Chojun also taught Karate-Do in Hawaii (USA) between 1934-1935! This came about through an invitation via the ‘Ocean State Times’ (洋國時報社) issued by ‘金城珍荣’ (Jin Cheng Zhen Rong)! Whilst visiting Hawaii – Miyagi Chojun encountered for the first time the numerous pieces of bodybuilding (and body-conditioning) equipment used by the local Hawaiian people during their indigenous martial arts training! So impressed was he that he decided to incorporate one of these devices into his teaching of Goju Ryu Karate-Do in Okinawa! This was the ‘金剛圈’ (Jin Gang Quan) or ‘Metal Strength Elongated Ring’ ('Kongoken'). After returning from Hawaii in 1935, Miyagi Chojun then travelled to Japan to teach once again at Ritsumeikan University. At that time, those training in Goju Ryu Karate-Do at Ritsumeikan University under Miyagi Chojun included ‘Yamaguchi Gichen’ (山口刚玄) and ‘Cao Ningzhi’ (曹宁柱). During 1936, Miyagi Chojun travelled with Aniya Seisho (安仁屋正昌) to Shanghai in Mainland China. During this visit, Miyagi Chojun visited numerous (and varied) martial arts schools in China. This included a visit to the well-known ‘Jing Wu Athletic Association’ (精武体育会 - Jing Wu Ti Yu Hui) situated in Shanghai. Due to his status, Miyagi Chojun gained an audience with the Grand Master of the Jing Wu Athletic Association - ‘Zhao Lianhe’ (赵连和)! Here, both Masters participated in a positive exchange of views! During 1937 - ‘Yabu Kentsu’ (屋部宪通) passed away. In April 1938 – Miyagi Chojun accepted the post of ‘Karate-Do’ Instructor at the Okinawa Prefectural Normal School – replacing ‘Yabu Kentsu’. During 1940 – Miyagi Chojun developed the two ‘Katas’ named ‘Gekisai Dai Ichi’ (击碎第一 ) and ‘Gekisai Dai Ni’ (击碎第二). Chinese Language Source: 宫城长顺先生生平介绍(转载)
2018-12-03 16:15 大武德会是第二世界大战之前负责全日本武道教育管理的机构,而1933年~1934年间 宫城长顺先生等人争取到的不光是让日本社会正式认可空手道,同时也是开通了让各空手道流派能正式传入日本的途径。作为空手道的代表人物 同期间(1933年~1934年间) 宫城长顺先生被大日本武德会任命冲绳县支部的负责人,一直到二战结束大日本武德会终止为止。 从此宫城长顺先生通过大武德会更积极的推 广刚柔流以及其他流派的空手道。1934年宫城长顺先生成为了武德会的终身成员同时被该会颁发“錬士”资格。就在这年,宫城长顺先生写了“琉球拳法唐手道沿革概要”。此文章他在1936年大阪的一次演讲中呈献於世。 1935年,宫城长顺先生被文部省(教育部)颁发“体育功劳者”表彰。 1937年宫城长顺先生接受了大日本武德会颁发的“教士”资格,成为第一批被日本武道界认可持有教士资格的空手道家(同批的有小西康裕先生,上鳩三之助先生)。 大日本武德会颁发给宫城长顺先生(和其他空手道家)的各种荣誉与头衔不但代表了宫城长顺先生(与其他空手道家)在空手道界的地位,同时也是空手道在日本武道界里逐渐被推广开并且被认可的迹象。这是宫城长顺先生,摩文仁賢和先生,大塚博 紀所先生,富名腰義珍先生等,多个空手道先驱者多年努力后的成果。 宫城长顺先生除了在日本推广刚柔流空手道以外,在1934 年~1935年 宫城长顺先生受报社“洋國時報社”金城珍荣氏的邀请去了美国夏威夷推广空手道。在夏威夷他看到了当地人练武的器具,决定将它纳入剛柔流的系统内。这器具就是补助运动中的的金刚圈。1935年从夏威夷回来后,宮城長順先生又到了日本的立命館大学授课,而当时立命館大学的空手道社員包括了山口刚玄与曹宁柱。 1936年 宫城长顺先生(与安仁屋正昌同行)去了中國上海,拜访了中国各门派的武术,并且拜访了“精武体育会”,与总教练赵连和氏交流。 1937年 屋部宪通先生去世后,在1938年 4月 宮城長順先生接受了沖縄県師範学校空手師範一职接替了屋部宪通先生。1940年宫城长顺先生又先后创了击碎第一和击碎第二。 作者:猫爷习 https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv1652712/ 出处:bilibili Translator’s Note: This version of history is different from the 1989 declaration in China that ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ (the ‘teacher’ of Higaonna Kanryo) was in fact ‘Xie Chongxiang’ (謝崇祥) [1852-1930] - known locally as ‘Ru Ru Ge’, ‘Ru Ru Shi’ and ‘Ru Shi’, etc. In many texts, this well-known White Crane Fist teacher is known as ‘Xie Ru Ru’ (谢如如). The ‘International Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation’ (IOGKF) - formerly led by Higaonna Morio (who has recently rescinded control) – does not accept this research. This is because this organisation has a different version of historical events – which I present below in English translation. For those fully aware and accepting of the ‘Xie Chongxiang’ identification – the following will explain ’why’ the IOGKF does not adhere to this narrative. From a purely historical perspective, the discrepancies of interpretation are interesting. An important contextual point to bear in mind is that by 1915 - it would have been thirty-four years since Higaonna Kanryo left China in 1881 - with Ryo Ryo Ko presumably ‘dying’ not long after this date. The glaring contradiction is that in 1915 - Miyagi Chojun (whilst visiting Fuzhou) - was shown the 'Tomb' of 'Ryu Ryu Ko' whilst 'Xie Chongxiang' was still alive! ACW (30.9.2022) During May 1915, Miyagi Chojun and Nakamoto Hideyoshi (仲本英炤) - the latter also being a prominent Okinawan martial artist – travelled together to the Fuzhou area of China’s Fujian province! By this time – the Grand Master Ryo Ryo Ko – had long been deceased. As the ‘Chief Disciple’ of Higaonna Kanryo, however, Miyagi Chojun attempted to gain access to the surviving family and martial lineage descendants of ‘Master Liu’ (刘氏 - Liu Shi). This is described as Miyagi Chojun attempting to successfully ‘gain entry’ to the ‘Liu Gate’ (师门 - Liu Men) - despite Master Liu having been deceased for quite some time. Miyagi Chojun, however, discovered that most of the members of the ‘Liu’ family (and his martial ‘lineage’ disciples) had moved out of the Fuzhou area – due to warfare. Those still living in the area were elderly people of the same generation as Higaonna Kanryo. The Senior (elderly) ‘Liu’ disciple still remaining (and who could remember Higaonna Kanryo) led Miyagi Chojun (and his group) to the Tomb (墓 - Mu) of ‘Master Liu’ (ルールーコウ- Ryū Ryū Ko) so that the ritual of Confucian ‘respect’ (拜祭 - Bai Ji) could be correctly performed. After this duty was completed – Miyagi Chojun was then taken to the place where Higaonna Kanryo used to practice martial arts. During October 1915, Higaonna Kanryo gathered his students and disciples together in Okinawa and formally announced that ‘Miyagi Chojun’ was chosen as his official ‘lineage’ descendent and successor! Miyagi Chojun spent thirteen-years training under Master Higaonna Kanryo’s guidance (1902-1915). As the teaching of Higaonna Kanryo was so strict – Miyagi Chojun was the only student to train for such a long and sustained period of time! This made Miyagi Chojun the ‘Chief’ disciple amongst the many that trained – and the ‘Leading’ disciple of the Higaonna Naha-Te tradition! Miyagi Chojun remained entirely loyal to Higaonna Kanryo until his passing – and then preserved his memory without hesitation. During 1916, as the ‘lineage’ inheritor of Higaonna Kanryo – Miyagi Chojun experienced his first occasion of ‘hosting’ visitors from Fuzhou! These people were Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa to pay their respect to the ‘lineage’ of Higaonna Kanryo (which had been transmitted from Fuzhou to Ryukyu). As ‘lineage’ inheritor – the respect expressed for Higaonna Kanryo (when not directed to his Tomb or living Higaonna family members) was directed toward Miyagi Chojun himself – who was responsible for all the arrangements of these visits. On July 2nd, 1917, Miyagi Chojun (accompanied by ‘Wu Xiangui’ [吳賢貴] as translator), left Okinawa to visit Fuzhou to carry-out further research into the local martial arts practiced there. This included the ‘六机手’ (Liu Ju Shou) or ‘Rokuki’ (‘Six Weaving Hands’) technique - which later evolved into the ‘Tensho’ (転掌) Kata – translating as ‘turning’, ‘evading’ or ‘entwining’ - ‘hands’. Miyagi Chojun also began to study the Chinese manual entitled ‘武备志’ (Wu Bei Zhi) or ‘Military Preparation Record’ at this time. He also started to develop various patterns of martial movements to assist students in their daily practice. Chinese Language Source: 作者:猫爷习 https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv1652712/ 出处:bilibili
宫城长顺先生生平介绍(转载) 1915年5月,宫城长顺先生与仲本英炤氏前往福州,以首席弟子的身份福州拜见刘氏师门后人。在福州宫城长顺先生发现刘氏门人因战乱大多已迁离福州,唯独留 下几位与东恩纳宽量先生同辈份的上年人。门人领着宫城长顺先生一行人去到刘氏( ルールーコウ,Ryū RyūKo)之墓拜祭以及去昔日东恩纳宽量先生习武之旧址。 1915年10月,東恩纳寛量先生临终前向门下学生正式宣布宫城长顺先生为他的继承者。宫城长顺先生在东恩纳宽量先生门下一共十三年,直到东恩纳宽量先生过世为止,是东恩纳宽量先生门下学武时间最久的弟子也是東恩纳寛量先生的首席弟子。 其师过世后,1916年里宫城长顺在冲绳正式以继承人的身份首次接待了来访的福州的武术家。1917年7月2日,宫城长顺先生带着吳賢貴氏作为翻译回福州去视察研究当地武术。包括对六机手,武备志等的研究在此事开始。大概此时他也开始设计练习时的预备运动(准备运动)。 Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953) – the founder of Goju Ryu Karate-Do - was born in Naha City on April 25th, 1888. The Miyagi family was of the ‘noble’ (ancient ‘Ryukyu’) class and was very wealthy due to supplying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to the Ryukyu Royal Family. This meant that the Miyagi family members were travelling continuously backwards and forwards to imperial China – and possessed continuous ‘official’ clearance from a) the Okinawan Authorities, b) the Japanese Authorities and c) the Chinese Authorities. For most ordinary people this bureaucracy was almost impossible to navigate – and even if navigated successfully – it usually applied to only a ‘single’ return journey! It was this established trade routes between the Ryukyu Island and Imperial China that Miyagi Chojun would use to facilitate his travelling to Mainland China (which might well give credence to his 1915, 1916 and 1936 visits – with ‘1916’ often being the most disputed visitation). The Miyagi family were known locally as a ‘White Silk Seal’ (素封 - Su Feng) - or very wealthy - family. This is written in the Japanese script as そほうか’ - and refers to a family with large land holdings and substantial wealth assets. Miyagi Chojun’s father was named ‘Miyagi Chosho’ (宫城長祥) - who was the third of three sons born in his generation of the Miyagi family. Unfortunately, Miyagi Chosho died early on – and when Miyagi Chojun was three years old (during 1891) he was adopted by relatives from the primary branch of the Miyagi family (which possessed no male heir). Therefore, from an early age, Miyagi Chojun became the official heir – legally designated to inherit the entire Miyagi family fortune! According to biographical details supplied by Aragaki Ryuko [新垣隆功] (1875–1961) - the mother of Miyagi Chojun took him to a neighbour to begin martial arts training when he was eleven years old (during 1899). When Mr Aragaki Ryuko recalled his earliest memories of a young Mr Miyagi Chojun - he described him as an active and competitive child who often caused trouble with other children! Aragaki Ryuko, however, also recognised that Miyagi Chojun was also very talented when it came to fighting! Furthermore, although young, he exhibited a very serious attitude when training in martial arts and retained a sense of utmost discipline! Even when tired – he would never give-up and would always continue to try and move correctly and without error! Aragaki Ryuko carefully observed the behaviour of Miyagi Chojun for three-years to ensure that what he was seeing was correct. Only after this period of character-testing did Aragaki Ryuko stake his own reputation on recommending Miyagi Chojun for training with Master Higaonna Kanryo (1853-1915)! When Higaonna Kanryo accepted this youth as his ‘disciple’ - Miyagi Chojun was aged fourteen-years-old (during 1902). This means that Miyagi Chojun trained with Higaonna Kanryo between 1902-1915. This equals to thirteen-years – with two-years (1910-1912) taken-out for Miyagi Chojun’s military service in the Imperial Japanese Army (in Kyushu). Higaonna Kanryo was very strict and demanded very high levels of self-discipline and commitment from his students! He trained his students so severely that the purpose was to make those with weak characters ‘choose’ to quit training because they found it ‘too difficult’. Higaonna Kanryo would say that everything they needed was provided for their training right outside their front doors – and that they did not have to travel, seek out or attempt to communicate or negotiate! If, after all this pampering they were still unable to commit themselves to serious training – what good were they? Higaonna Kanryo would continuously advise students to go home and take-up a less demanding pastime! He wanted to see if they possessed the courage to come back the next day and face his wraith for them daring to defy his instruction! Miyagi Chojun kept returning and setting himself the daily task of using all the provided body-conditioning equipment surrounding Higaonna Kanryo’s home – whilst showing ‘respect’ NEVER giving in to the provocation to give-up! The more intense Higaonna Kanryo’s pressure became – the ‘calmer’ Miyagi Chojun’s mind would become and the ‘better’ his martial technique would manifest! This impressed Master Higaonna Kanryo – who said his teachers in China were just as hard upon him as he was upon his own students in Okinawa. As a consequence, Miyagi Chojun developed a very powerful (and ‘rooted’ to the ground) martial technique so that he was able to strike with considerable force through a ‘hardened’ and ‘toughened’ body structure that could be ‘relaxed’ inbetween bouts of required ‘tension’! Furthermore, when required, his body could absorb, deflect and redirect all incoming power from the blows of others! Chinese Language Source: 宫城长顺先生生平介绍(转载) 剛柔流实际的创立人是宫城长顺先生(1888-1953)。宫城长顺先生生于1888年4月25日,於那霸市出生。宫城家是以进口中国药材供应琉球王府御用的经商家族,琉球时代上等位阶士族的后裔,在那霸闻名的素封家 (そほうか,指拥有大土地,大資産的家族),宫城长顺先生的父亲是宫城家三男宫城長祥,早亡,三岁时宫城长顺先生被属于无亲子的亲戚领养并且从小被指定为宫城家业的继承人,家道富裕。
宫城长顺先生11岁开始由母亲带他到其邻居泊手师父新垣隆功先生(1875-1961)门下习武。(新垣隆功先生便是国际冲绳刚柔流空手道连盟IOGKF范士新垣修一先生的祖父,而且新垣隆功先生是位曾经在公开比武中打赢了本部朝基的冲绳空手名人)。新垣隆功先生回顾起年幼的宫城长顺先生时,描述他是个好动并且好胜的孩子,时常与其他孩童闹事。但新垣隆功先生见宫城长顺先生天资过人,习武认真,3年后,即宫城长顺先生14岁那年推荐他到东恩纳宽量先生门下习武。在东恩纳宽量先生极度严格的训练下,宫城长顺先生的性格逐渐变得稳重谦恭。 学生时期的宫城长顺先生每日下课后便跑步十几公里到达其师父之住处训练。并且他将沿途各种大小的石头当成举重或者击打的训练器具。据老一代的前辈描述,宫城长顺先生在学校里体育方面表现出色,特别是体操单杠运动的好手,他也曾经是学校中的柔道好手,但因为出手过重而最后校方要求他退出柔道训练。宫城长顺先生年轻时在也经常参加冲绳的摔跤赛事,但出手重并且经常使用些摔跤之外的技艺最后导致其他摔跤手不欢迎他参与赛事。因他养父临终前劝他别为了摔跤与他人结仇,宫城长顺先生放弃了摔跤。 作者:猫爷习 https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv1652712/ 出处:bilibili After graduating, Mr Miyagi Chojun worked in a local Okinawan bank for one year. This was the ‘147 Bank’. After working hard for one year – the Elders of the Miyagi family were of the opinion that the family finances were secure – and they ordered Miiyagi Chojun to pursue a career as a full-time martial arts practitioner-instructor. This decision was premised upon the fame Miyagi Chojun had already built-up as a young man on the island for his psychological and physical toughness – and how he had managed to survive the severely ‘strict’ martial arts training of his teacher – Higaonna Kanryo! Master Higaonna Kanryo was very strict, and his training was so difficult that many young men could not stand it for long – despite being full of youthful vigour! Everyday Miyagi Chojun would run 12 kilometres per day to reach Higaonna Kanryo’s home for training – often carrying heavy rocks along the way! He would also stop occasionally to punch and kick certain rocks designated by his teacher! So strong did this make Miyagi Chojun that when he wrestled – his movements were far too strong and powerful for many of his opponents to stand! Bones were broken and joints dislocated – resulting in Miyagi Chojun being expelled from the Okinawan Wrestling Classes! During 1908, Mr Miyagi Chojun was married and settled down to family life. The Miyagi family business consisted of importing very high-class Chinese medicines which were then provided to the Ryukyu Royal Family. Then, during 1910, Miyagi Chojun was conscripted for two-years into the Imperial Japanese Army – with his military training taking place in Kyushu – Mainland Japan. The tough training under Higaonna Kanryo had moulded the mind and body of Miyagi Chojun – making him both strong in appearance (and ability) but humble in attitude. Before he left for his military training, Higaonna Kanryo taught Miyagi Chojun the ‘Stick Law’ (棒法 - Bang Fa) - possibly the skilful use of the ‘club’ or ‘truncheon’! He also taught Miyagi Chojun how to ‘Attack Correctly with the Open-Hand' (手攻击 - Shou Gong Ji) for future self-defence requirements! Although Okinawans are often discriminated against by the Japanese during military training – as Mr. Miyagi Chojun possessed excellent hand-to-hand combat skills (and unusual physical strength) - he was assigned by the Japanese Officers as the ‘Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor’ of his squad! After a year of military training, Mr Miyagi Chojun was promoted to the rank of ‘Corporal’ and applied for transfer to the Medical Unit. Here, he learned an in-depth knowledge about human body structure – a profound understanding of biology that assisted his ability to apply scientific knowledge to martial arts training methods later during his life. During that year Miyagi Chojun also joined a local Judo Club to assist his all-round fitness and training development. During November 1912 - Miyagi Chojun completed his military training and returned to Naha City to continue his martial arts training under Higaonna Kanryo. After returning to Okinawa a ‘Party’ was held during which Miyagi Chojun was ‘attacked’ for no reason by a famous Okinawan martial artist known as ‘Motobu Choki’! Miyagi Chojun, without hesitation, swiftly applied an over-powering strength that immediately subdued the attacker with ease in front of many witnesses! This matter was highly publicised at the time (1913-1914) when Miyagi Chojun was 26 years old! Chinese Language Source: 宫城长顺先生生平介绍(转载) 剛柔流实际的创立人是宫城长顺先生(1888-1953)。宫城长顺先生生于1888年4月25日,於那霸市出生。宫城家是以进口中国药材供应琉球王府御用的经商家族,琉球时代上等位阶士族的后裔,在那霸闻名的素封家 (そほうか,指拥有大土地,大資産的家族),宫城长顺先生的父亲是宫城家三男宫城長祥,早亡,三岁时宫城长顺先生被属于无亲子的亲戚领养并且从小被指定为宫城家业的继承人,家道富裕。 作者:猫爷习
学生时期的宫城长顺先生每日下课后便跑步十几公里到达其师父之住处训练。并且他将沿途各种大小的石头当成举重或者击打的训练器具。据老一代的前辈描述,宫城长顺先生在学校里体育方面表现出色,特别是体操单杠运动的好手,他也曾经是学校中的柔道好手,但因为出手过重而最后校方要求他退出柔道训练。宫城长顺先生年轻时在也经常参加冲绳的摔跤赛事,但出手重并且经常使用些摔跤之外的技艺最后导致其他摔跤手不欢迎他参与赛事。因他养父临终前劝他别为了摔跤与他人结仇,宫城长顺先生放弃了摔跤。 作者:猫爷习 学校毕业后,宫城长顺先生在当地一所银行里就职一年 ( 一百四十七银行)。一年后他家族长辈认为家族财力足以支撑他的武术事业并且要求他辞掉银行里的工作。宫城长顺先生1908 年左右结婚,1910年被征召到日本九州进行两年的军训。在走之前,东恩纳宽量先生教了他一套棒法以及贯手攻击的正确方式作为来日防身之用。军训中虽然冲绳人常被日本人歧视,但是因为宫城长顺先生徒手搏斗技艺和体力超群,因此被军官器重指派为所属小队的徒手搏斗指导员。一年之后宫城长顺先生升级为下士,申请调到医务部队服役,在此他学习了许多与人体结构有关系的知识,对他后来设计各种训练运动大有帮助。这一年内他也加入了当地一个柔道馆的训练。1912年 11月宫城长顺先生完成了军训后回到那霸继续在东恩纳宽量先生门下进行空手道的训练。 回到冲绳后,在一次的聚会上宫城长顺先生受到冲绳著名的打架好手本部朝基的挑拨时瞬间用他过人的力量将本部朝基制服。后来此事被在场的其他人宣传出去,而此时的宫城长顺先生大概26岁 (1913~1914年左右)。 作者:猫爷习 https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv1652712/ 出处:bilibili Dear Tony
I thought I should report this observation (and discrepancy) to aid overall research purposes involving the 'Ryuei Ryu' School of Okinawan Karate-Do - which I first encountered a few days ago (within Chinese language sources) - suggesting that this style might share the same foundational Chinese master as Goju Ryu - namely 'Ryu Ryu Ko'! a) Ryu (劉) - 'Liu' (Surname as in 'Liu Longgong') b) Ei (衛) - 'Wei' (Guard) c) Ryu (流) - 'Liu' (Lineage) The first ideogram '劉' (Liu) is identical to the Japanese use of modified Chinese characters to express the name of Higaonna Kanryo's teacher 'Ryu Ryu Ko' as expressed in modified Kanji (劉龍公). Ryuei Ryu (劉衛流) Wikipedia (English) States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryūei-ryū 'In China, a former guard to the Chinese embassies in the Ryukyu Islands introduced Nakaima to a Chinese boxing teacher known as Ryū Ryū Ko, who also taught to Sakiyama Kitoku and, according to some sources,[citation needed] Kanryo Higashionna many years later. Nakaima was accepted, trained for 7 years and received a certificate of graduation from the master. He was trained in a variety of arts and skills ranging from combative techniques to Chinese medicine and herbal healing remedies. Before leaving China, Nakaima traveled to the Fujian, Canton, and Beijing areas, where he collected a number of weapons and scrolls in order to further his experience in the martial arts.' This statement is contradicted by the following Japanese language version of events: Ryuei Ryu (劉衛流) Wikipedia (Japanese) - Fed Through Translator - States: https://ja-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/劉衛流?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc 'In China, a former security guard at the Chinese Embassy in the Ryukyu Islands introduced Liu , a Chinese martial arts teacher , to Nakaima. [ citation needed ] Nakaima was accepted, trained for 7 years, and several years later received a diploma from Kanryo Higaonna and others and masters. He is trained in a variety of arts and skills, from combat techniques to herbal medicine and herbal remedies. Before leaving China, Nakaima traveled to Fujian , Guangdong and Beijing to collect weapons and scrolls to further his martial arts experience.' Just to be on the safe side, the Japanese text in question is this: '仲井間は受け入れられ、7年間訓練を受け、数年後、東恩納寛量らとマスターから卒業証書を授与。' I asked a Japanese-speaking colleague to check EXACTLY what is being said and she confirmed that the sentence states that 'Higaonna Kanryo (and several other masters) "signed" a certificate of merit which was then presented to "Nakaima Norisato"'! This just goes to show how Wikipedia misrepresents knowledge around the world and between languages. The (wrong) English version suggests 'Ryu Ryu Ko' personally 'signed' a certificate and handed it to 'Nakaima Norisato'! If this were true (and assuming Higaonna Kanryo and Nakaima Norisato shared the same Chinese teacher called 'Ryu Ryu Ko') - then all we have to do to confirm the Chinese identity of 'Ryu Ryu Ko's' is 'read' the signature! The Japanese language history, however, states that the certificate in question was not from 'Ryu Ryu Ko' - but rather was issued by other Okinawan masters - including Higaonna Kanryo (this might be where 'Ryu Ryu Ko' is first written as '劉龍公' - as this 'Japanese' representation could not have arisen in China). An interesting side issue is 'why' such a collective certificate would be issued by other (often 'competing') martial arts masters? On the face of it, it would be much more likely be a master issuing a transmission certificate to student - than other 'masters' issuing 'confirmation' or 'legitimising' certificates to one another! Whatever the case, I apologise for the muddled history - but can only report what I find! Thanks Adrian PS: The Japanese language description of how the name of this style 'Ryuei Ryu' came about (which is lacking in the 'English' version) is as follows (I have checked and double-checked the data): 'It is said that 'Ryuei Ryu' was created by taking the surname 'Ryu' (劉 - Liu) from the founder 'Ryu Ryu Ko' - and the first ideogram 'Ei' (衛 - Wei) from 'Eikatsutatsu' - the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese name '衛克達' (Wei Ke Da) 'Nakaima Norisato' was known-by whilst studying in China (which translates as something like 'Guard Able-Accomplisher'.' (始祖・劉龍公の「劉」と仲井間憲里の唐手名である衛克達の「衛」を取り、「劉衛流」としたとされる。) Higaonna Kanryo (1853-1915) travelled from his home in Naha City (Ryukyu) to Fuzhou (Fujian province) between 1867-1881 CE. There is no existing (corroborating) evidence that supports the idea that this journey took place either in what is today called ‘Okinawa’, or what is still known as ‘Fuzhou’ in China. Numerous Revolutions, invasions and wars are blamed for the lack of material evidence in China – whilst the 1945 Battle of Okinawa is blamed for all the historical evidence being destroyed in that place. Of course, this observation assumes that such ‘evidence’ existed in the first place. What are the details that can be stated with reasonable assuredness?
1) A man named ‘Higaonna Kanryo’ existed. 2) He was born during the year 1853 CE. 3) He died during the year 1915 CE. 4) His primary disciple was Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953). 5) What we ‘know’ about Higaonna Kanryo derives from Miyagi Chojun. 6) The ‘nine’ martial ‘sets’ or ‘patterns’ attributed to Higaonna Kanryo possess a certain similarity to the various styles that comprise the ‘Southern Fist’ (南拳 - Nan Quan). 7) The name of his ethnic Chinese martial arts teacher in Fuzhou (Southern China) is said to be ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’. 8) Despite most of the martial ‘sets’ looking like various forms of ‘Southern Fist’ styles that nevertheless maintain ‘Northern’ looking ‘Horse Stances’ - the gongfu art that ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ specialised in is said to have been Fujian ‘White Crane Fist’ (白鶴拳 - Bai He Quan) - with the ‘Sanchin’ (三戦 - San Zhan) or ‘Three Battles’ Form – which Higaonna Kanryo altered by changing finger-strikes to closed-Fists, etc. 9) This ‘Southern Fist’ collection of Chinese martial arts was integrated with Ryukyu ‘Ti’, ‘Di’ or ‘Te’ (手) i.e., ‘Hand’ - and formed ‘Naha Te’ (那覇手). Higaonna Kanryo’s strand of ‘Naha Te’ formed the foundation of Miyagi Chojun’s ‘Goju Ryu Karate-Do' (or ‘Hard-Soft’ Empty-Hand Way) - registered as a ‘Japanese’ martial art during 1936. Although most of the above can be disputed, the reality of most of it lies in the existence of a) the graves of Higaonna Kanryo and Miyagi Chojun – and b) the techniques preserved within the movements of Goju Ryu Karate-Do. A central point of contention is ‘who’ was ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’? Although this issue has been solved within Mainland Chinese academia in 1989 (as Ryu Ryu Ko being the Chinese martial arts Master of ‘Xie Chongxiang’ [谢崇祥] 1852-1930) - this is not the case in the West or within a number of Japanese and Okinawan martial lineages (that refuse to accept the authority of ethnic Chinese historians). Why this is does not concern me here, but what I am concerned about is the lack of ‘logic’ (and ‘inverted’ thinking) surrounding the issue of ‘who’ Ryu Ryu Ko was. a) Ryu Ryu Ko = the Okinawan ‘phonetical’ pronunciation of an ethnic Chinese martial arts teacher living in Fujian province. b) As Higaonna Kanryo could not read, write or speak the Chinese language (despite being a descendent of ethnic Chinese migrants to Ryukyu in 1392 CE), he did not possess the ability to correctly hear, pronounce or write the ‘Chinese’ name of ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ - but could only ‘approximate’ its sound. c) Higaonna Kanryo did NOT bring back any written evidence of the name of ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ using Chinese language ideograms. The fact that the Fujian dialect was used to pronounce this name is immaterial as ALL Chinese ethnic groups use exactly the same ideograms to record their names in written form. d) Higaonna Kanryo’s ethnic Chinese surname is ‘Shen’ (慎) as pronounced in the Beijing dialect - but elsewhere exactly the same ideogram is pronounced (and ‘phonetically’ spelt in other languages) quite differently: i) Guangdong (慎) = ‘San’ ii) Hakka Dialect (慎) = ‘Sum’ (Sixian) and ‘Sem’ (Meixian, Guangdong) iii) Eastern Min – Fujian (慎) = ‘Seng’ iv) Southern Min – Fujian (慎) = ‘Sin’ or ‘Sim’ (Hokkien), ‘Sim’ (Teochew) and ‘Sim’ (Peng'im) ‘Sim’ e) The people in the Fuzhou area used to speak only the ‘Southern Min’ dialect. Given that Higaonna Kanryo’s Chinese name was ‘慎善熙’ (Shen Shanxi) - he may well have been known as ‘Sim Sianhi’ in the local dialect. The pronunciation shifts and the phonetic representation alters as the names traverse the hinterlands of China – but the foundational Chinese ideograms stay exactly the same. Higaonna Kanyro’s Chinese name means: Surname: 慎 (shen4) = 340th Surname included in the book entitled ‘Hundreds of Chinese Clan Names’ (百家姓 - Bai Jia Xing) - and means ‘Those Who Become Prominent Through Being Cautious’. This surname may have originated with the ‘Mohist’ scholar known as ‘Qin Huaxi’ (禽滑釐) who lived during the latter part of the ‘State of Song’ (宋國 - Song Guo) [1046 – 286 BCE]. As the scholar – Mozi (墨子) lived between 468 - 376 BCE – Qin Huaxi must have existed at some point between 376 – 286 BCE. Later, the title of ‘慎子’ (Shen Zi) was conferred upon Qin Huaxi (or ‘Cautious Scholar’) and this is thought to be the origin of this surname. First-Name = ‘善’ (shan4) - ‘Virtuous’ First-Name = ‘熙’ (xi1) - ‘Glorious’ What of ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’? There are no Chinese ideograms available from the time of Higaonna Kanryo’s visit to China. As ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ is a phonetic representation in Okinawa (now a Prefecture of Japan) - the Okinawans have used modified (or ‘distorted’) Chinese ideograms to represent these phonetic symbols. The three modified ‘Kanji’ Japanese ideograms used are ‘劉龍公’ or ‘Liu Longgong’. To an experienced reader of the Chinese written script, it is obvious that these three ideograms are not correct Chinese ideograms – and therefore cannot be representative of a genuine Chinese name. This situation has derived from the Japanese people ‘altering’ the structure and meaning of the Chinese ideograms that once formed the historical foundation of the Japanese system of reading and writing. In the West it is common for scholars and general readers alike to incorrectly assume that the above three Japanese ideograms represent the Chinese spelling of ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ - and that Higaonna Kanryo brought these ideograms back with him from China – when in fact none of this is true and is a product of a general ignorance in the West of the Chinese and Japanese languages. (Technically speaking, it is the altered structure of the second ideogram - ‘龍’ [long2] - which modifies the interpretation of the other two ideograms and confirms the ‘Japanese’ character of the entire expression). These three characters were ‘assigned’ by Japanese speakers to ‘represent’ the sound of the name of ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ to fellow Japanese speakers: 1) ‘劉’ (Liu3) = ‘Ryu’, ‘Riu’ or ‘Ru’ in Japanese phonetic representation. Although this ideogram is found in China, in Fuzhou (when used as a ‘surname’) it is more likely to be pronounced as ‘Lau’ and not ‘Liu’ as continuously asserted by various other non-Chinese sources. Correct Historical Sequence: a) ‘Ryu’, ‘Riu’ or ‘Ru’ - b) ‘劉’ (Liu3) Incorrect Historical Sequence: a) ‘劉’ (Liu3) - b) ‘Ryu’, ‘Riu’ or ‘Ru’ 2) ‘龍’ (long2) = ‘Ryu’, ‘Ryo’ or ‘Ro’ in Japanese phonetic representation. Added to these definitions can also be the historical designations of ‘Ryou’ and ‘Rou’. When used as an ideogram in China, this structure refers to a ‘dragon’ or ‘serpent’, etc. In the Hokkien dialect of Fuzhou, this ideogram can be pronounced as ‘geng’, ‘liang’, ‘ngui’ and ‘liong’ depending upon context and exact location. The idea that this ideogram is pronounced ‘long’ in Fuzhou is incorrect. Correct Historical Sequence: a) ‘Ryu’, ‘Ryo’, ‘Ro’, ‘Ryou’ and ‘Rou’ - b) ‘龍’ (long2) Incorrect Historical Sequence: a) ‘龍’ (long2) - b) ‘Ryu’, ‘Ryo’, ‘Ro’, ‘Ryou’ and ‘Rou’ 3) ‘公’ (gong3) = ‘Ku’, ‘Ko’ or ‘Kou’ in Japanese phonetic representation. When used as a Chinese ideogram refers to something being ‘public’, ‘equitable’ or ‘fair’. In the Hokkien dialect, this ideogram is likely to be pronounced ‘kang’ and ‘kong’ - and not ‘gong’ as usually asserted. Correct Historical Sequence: a) ‘Ku’, ‘Ko’ or ‘Kou’ - b) ‘公’ (gong3) Incorrect Historical Sequence: a) ‘公’ (gong3) - b) ‘Ku’, ‘Ko’ or ‘Kou’ It is impossible for Higaonna Kanryo to have brought back the name of his ethnic Chinese martial arts teacher expressed in a ‘Kanji’ (Japanese) modified script! To assume that he did this is illogical and counter intuitive and yet such an assumption underlies many Western, Okinawan and Japanese attempts at constructing historical narratives that diverge from those advocated by the Mainland Chinese scholars. Interestingly, only in ‘Putonghua’ are the Chinese ideograms ‘劉龍公’ pronounced as ‘Liu Longgong’! In the Hokkien dialect it is more likely that ‘劉龍公’ would be pronounced as ‘Lau Gengkang’ or perhaps ‘Lau Nguihong’, etc, nothing like the ‘Liu Longgong’ contrivance found throughout non-Chinese literature! Therefore, through this application of basic logic it can be proven that ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ historically preceded ‘劉龍公’ - whilst many (if not all) extant Western narratives continuously assert that ‘劉龍公’ historically precedes ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’! Finally, having discussed this matter with a number of ethnic Chinese speakers, it is generally believed that it is unlikely that a person would be named ‘Dragon Public’ (龍公 - Long Gong) as ‘Ryu Ryu Ko’ would have been if his Chinese name was written as ‘劉龍公’ or ‘Liu Longgong’. The word order is transposed and the concept highly unlikely as dragons in China are ‘elusive’ i |
AuthorShifu Adrian Chan-Wyles (b. 1967) - Lineage (Generational) Inheritor of the Ch'an Dao Hakka Gongfu System. |