It is said that around 1926, the ethnic Chinese man named ‘Go Genki’ (呉賢貴) or ‘Wu Xiangui (1886-1940) – migrated to Okinawa and became a Japanese citizen. My view is that the name ‘呉賢貴’ (Wu Xian Gui) is a transliteration of this person’s chosen Japanese name – and is not his given ethnic ‘Chinese’ birth name. I believe this is true despite many Western scholars treating this transliteration as if it were his ‘true’ and ‘genuine’ ethnic Chinese name. Furthermore, Japanese language historical texts state that this Master of Fujian ‘White Crane Fist’ (白鶴拳 - Bai He Quan) married an Okinawan woman surnamed ‘Yoshihara’ (吉原 - Ji Yuan) - and that he took this surname as his own. This surname is common in Japan and the Ryukyu Islands and has more than one origination. This name literally translates as ‘Lucky Origination’ - and although one branch is linked to the Japanese imperial house – many others are simply linked to ‘good’ and ‘pleasant’ places. If Go Genki took this name, then he would have been known as ‘Yoshihara Genki’ or ‘吉原 賢貴’ - if these names (and facts) are correct. Go Genki is believed to have taught Miyagi Chojun the ‘Open Hand of the Crane’ exercise. This is recorded within Japanese language texts as '鶴の手'. The first and third ideograms - '鶴’ (he4) meaning ‘Crane’ and ‘手’ (shou3) meaning ‘Open-Hand’ - are of Chinese language origination, whilst the second character (‘の’ - ‘no’) is entirely ‘Japanese’ in nature. This phrase can be read in the Japanese language as: a) 鶴 (he4) - Crane = ‘か’ (Kaku), ‘つる’ (Tsuru) and ‘ず’ (Zu), etc. b) の (no) - Hiragana Character – ‘Belonging to’, 'Possessing’ and ‘Pertaining to’, etc. c) 手 (shou3) - Open-Hand = ‘ず’ (Zu), ‘て’ (Te) and ‘手’ (Te), etc. As this training method has been transmitted into the practice of modern Goju Ryu Karate-Do - the above concept can be compared to its contemporary counter-part – namely that of ‘Sticky-Hands’ generally referred to as ‘Kakie’ (カキエ). This analysis reveals a startling correlation in that ‘Kaku’ (か) - Japanese for ‘Crane’ - shares the first particle of ‘Kakie’, namely the Katakana particle of ‘カ’! This is said to be linked to the Chinese language ideogram ‘加’ (jia1). This ideogram is composed of two particles: Left Particle = ‘力’ (li4) - meaning a ‘plough’ used to cultivate the land. The foot presses down so that the plough may ‘cut’ into the soil whilst being firmly rooted. Right Particle = ‘口’ (kou3) - referring to an ‘open mouth’ which is calling-out encouragement to the oxen pulling the plough! During the Heian Period of Japan (794-1185 CE), however, the Chinese ideogram ‘加’ (jia1) was modified and reduced to only the left-hand particle – forming the Japanese Katakana letter of ‘カ’ (and the Hiragana letter of ‘か’). Interestingly, the Japanese term ‘Kaku’ (meaning ‘Crane’) is written as ‘か’ (mirroring the ‘Hiragana’ letter) - but in this instance it is a direct conjunction of the Chinese ideogram - 鶴 (he4), taking on a more specific and direct meaning. The Chinese ideogram - 鶴 (he4) or ‘Crane’ - is comprised of the following constituting particles: 1) Left-Hand Particle: 寉 (he4) - Archaic – Meaning ‘Crane’ and ‘Bird’. The Japanese equivalents for reading this Chinese particle include ‘か’ (Kaku) and ‘つる’ (Tsuru) - all referring to a ‘Crane’. 2) Right-Hand Particle: 鳥 (niao3) - ‘Bird’ and ‘To Breed’ Birds. The Japanese equivalents for reading this Chinese particle include ‘か’ (Ka) and ‘とり’ (Tori) - all referring to a ‘Bird’ and/or ‘Chicken’. The Japanese term ‘か’ (Kaku) - although a recognised conjunction of the Chinese ideogram 鶴 (he4) (meaning ‘Crane’) - is used today to refer to a ‘Mosquito’ (although an archaic interpretation also refers to a ‘deer’). Perhaps the association between a ‘Crane’ and a ‘Mosquito’ refers to both being flying creatures that are known to be ‘dangerous’ due to their ‘biting-stinging’ capabilities. What links the Japanese term ‘か’ (Kaku) - or ‘Crane’ - to the Goju Ryu Karate-Do practice of ‘カキエ’ (Kakie) - or ‘Sticky-Hands’ - is the Japanese (Katakana) language particle of ‘カ’. This corresponds to the ‘Hiragana’ particle of ‘か’ (also pronounced ‘Ka’ when discussed as the sixth syllable of the gojuon order). In and of itself, ‘カ’ (Ka) indicates a ‘question’ or a ‘sense of doubt’ when used with general Japanese language discourse – although it is also used as part of hundreds of other concepts, from Buddhist enlightenment to a glowing fire and many others! Whatever the case, when ‘か’ (Kaku) is used within the context of Goju Ryu Karate-Do - the particle ‘カ’ (Ka) forms an important constituting element of the Japanese word for ‘Crane’. In this instance, the fighting abilities of the Crane are emphasised. The Crane is defined as a large, long-legged bird of the Gruidae family – which can be dangerous because of its fierce squawking and deceptive movements – coupled with the use of its long and sharp beak, its strong kicking and its dangerous ability to powerfully deflect blows through the use of its wings. The alternative Japanese term for ‘Crane’ - ‘つる’ (Tsuru) - does not refer to the Crane’s fighting ability – but rather the length of its slender legs, body and beak. This is because ‘つる’ (Tsuru) is linked to a description of a ‘vine’, ‘string’ or ‘twine’, etc, - referring instead to the slim dimensions of the ‘Crane’ rather than any combative or fighting abilities it may possess. (Indeed, ‘つる’ (Tsuru), due to its association with ‘fishing’ and ‘hooks’, etc., also carries the meaning of ‘to hang’ - as if ‘hanging’ from a hook – perhaps referring to a ‘Crane’ as it soars through the sky – or perhaps as it stands upon one-leg – giving the impression that its solid stance has some other supporting device). As the practice of ‘カキエ’ (Kakie) is said be ‘Crane-like’ - then it is logical to assume that the practice of '鶴の手' (Kaku No Te) - or ‘Open-Hand of the Crane’ - must be directly related to the practice of ‘カキエ’ (Kakie). I suspect that as the Master to Disciple transmission was traditionally premised upon physical action and spoken instruction, the Chinese practice of ‘鶴の手’ (which could be pronounced in China as ‘He De Shou’ or more succinctly as ‘He Shou’) was passed on in Okinawa as ‘Kaku No Te’ - which was then transformed into ‘Kakie’ (カキエ) overtime – being finally written down through the manner in which the description of the practice had evolved. The original emphasis upon the ‘Crane’ as a noun – was transformed into an emphasis of the dynamics of the practice itself (as a ‘verb’). I believe the clue to this association is the inclusion of the Japanese particle ‘カ’ (Ka) in both ‘か’ (Kaku) - or ‘Crane’ - and in ‘カキエ’ (Kakie) - ‘Sticky-Hands'.
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Dear Nick The footage and graphics contained in the following (Chinese language) video are very interesting when it is understood that the bones are aligned, the bodyweight is dropping into the ground (rooting) and a rebounding force is rising. The mind is calm and expansive whilst the joints, limbs (and sections of the torso) are 'rounded' (concave and convex). When the joints are 'rounded' the ligaments and tendons are relaxed and extended (like a drawn bow-string). Although the muscle are relaxed and released from any unnecessary tension - there is a natural 'torque' (twisting tension) - again, similar to a bow-string that is drawn with just the right amount of tension - and no more. This is important as most people are far too 'tense' and 'rigid' as a habit. Once the awareness penetrates the centre of the bones and all this is achieved - this advanced understanding spreads all over the body and is held in place by an expanded awareness. It can then be reproduced in any and all Form movements and in any self-defence situations. The bodyweight drops down through the centre of the bones (stimulating the bone marrow) and 'rebounds' up from the ground - also through the centre of the bones - and can be emitted through any part of the body. This power production can then be augmented by the localised speed of a limb or position (angle) of the attacking body-part. A perfectly timed blow can be massively magnified in power by catching an opponent 'running in' onto a punch or kick, etc. Here, in this beautiful Shaolin (Europe) video we can see how the bow is correctly 'drawn': All this is achieved through holding the '站桩' (Zhan Zhuang) - or 'Standing like a Stake' - ('Holding the Ball') position. Although I focus upon the 'rounded' structure of this exercise - its name traditionally derives from a foundational 'stake' or 'pile' (shaped like a 'rounded' Western telegraph pole) that was driven deep into the ground (or sea-bed) which served as an anchoring (and firm) support for a building. There is 'rootedness' (dropped bodyweight) and there is expanding 'stabilisation' (rebounding and rising) power! This is an analogy worthy of further consideration - as it is this psychological and physical 'roundedness' that makes all this ability possible!
Lu Zijian comes from a famous martial arts family situated in the Yichang area of Hubei province - a family which contains many long living members: Grandfather - Lu Zhengde [吕政德] (1840-1913) - 73-years-old Grandmother - Wu Meihua [吴梅花] (1842-1945) - 103-years-old Sister - Lu Zimei [吕紫梅] (1888-Still Alive) - currently 125-years-old! Brother-in-Law - Li Fengfang [李丰方] (1878-2001) - 123-years-old During his long life, Lu Zijian mastered all aspects of the 'Wudang' (武当) tradition (training for three generations - or sixty-years - under various Masters) - specialising in 'Longfist' (長拳 - Chang Quan) - and eventually inheriting the Wudang Bagua Zhang (八卦掌) lineage. In 1945, a US Military General took exception to Lu Zijian's good reputation (as he had killed both Japanese and Nationalist thugs over the years - many of the latter working for the US)! The General sent his personal Bodyguard - 'Tom Newham' - to teach Lu Zijian a lesson - but things did not go according to plan. The Americans had been making anti-Chinese statements and this fight took place in front of Chiang Kai-shek's mansion (situated at the foot of Huangshan Mountain) on the South Bank of Chongqing. Lu Zijian beat Tom Newham to death with a single palm strike as taught in the Baguazhang System. Chiang Kai-shek was furious about this (for political reasons) and announced that Lu Zijian was dismissed as his Bodyguard! Previously, Lu Zijian had been in trouble in 1929 when he openly opposed Chiang Kai-Shek's plan to 'ban' TCM and introduce a US-controlled medical insurance system in China!
Translator’s Note: The antics of Master Ba Baoguo has been unfolding since around 2002 – and it has done so in both the UK and China! Although he has served in the PLA and has had genuine martial arts training experience – in his later years he developed a very controversial business persona that has been lucrative and very successful (mimicking as it does – its Western fighting ‘hype’ counterpart). His fame began not in China, but between 2002-2007 when he lived in the UK and attracted hundreds of Western people to his particular brand of martial arts! He then exported this business success back to China where his fame spread on the internet (which I shall write about in a subsequent article). Of course, it goes without saying that I reject all attempts to ‘racialise’ this subject and that I believe in the legal notion of being innocent until proven guilty. I do not know Ma Baoguo and have never met him, but I think that both sides of an argument must be fully aired if the notion of freedom of thought is to be maintained. What follows is my English language translation of the original Chinese language article that appeared in the People’s Daily during 2020 – just after a 68-year-old Ma Baoguo was knocked out by a much younger man in China – following a ‘filmed’ challenge match! (Indeed, watching this ‘match’ on video-sharing platform Bili Bili was the first time I had encountered Ma Baoguo and I was curious to investigate the background to this martial madness)! ACW (15.11.2022) Ma Baoguo - who calls himself a ‘Master’ and ‘Inheritor’ of the ‘Hunyuan’ (浑元) ‘Xingyi’ (形意) Taijiquan (太极拳 ) tradition - has become famous today. It is said that his ‘achievements’ in ‘martial arts’ have become respected worldwide - but recently his thunderous words have been popularized – and the circus that now surrounds him has become known as the ‘Ma Baoguo phenomenon’! From becoming popular in the UK and then on the Internet in China - to participating in commercial performances and then filming so-called inspirational films – the Ma Baoguo ‘brand’ has garnered considerable commercial success! Some of the words and deeds used by Ma Baoguo (and his surrounding ‘team’), however, are nothing other than fake grandstanding and theatrical bluffing. In the final analysis – his entire performance is nothing but a farce. Although Ma Baoguo continuously states that he is promoting traditional martial arts, in fact his antics are only hurting the traditional martial arts he claims to uphold! Ma Baoguo often rebukes young people for not caring about traditional martial arts - but he himself often acts with no integrity – and does not produce any words or deeds that demonstrate ‘respect’ for traditional martial arts! The series of farces surrounding Ma Baoguo are ‘funny’ (acknowledging that there is a certain ‘comedic’ element to his show business) - but with regard to the reputation of traditional Chinese martial arts - ‘laughing’ is simply not good enough! If an individual relies upon grandstanding, then popularity may well follow, with an expansion of business territory achieved through cheating and deceiving! This is not an acceptable attitude to take within China! What kind of moral values is this approach advocating? What do the people behind Ma Baoguo intend to achieve? Anyone with a discerning eye knows that all that Ma Baoguo does is designed for nothing more than commercial interests. A number of internet platforms support Ma Baoguo because he is popular, and his activities generate a high frequency of traffic! This is the primary commercial value to Ma Baoguo’s antics. Of course, in the background there are often ‘hidden’ commercial interests that reward people like Ma Baoguo with large sums of money – even when it involves direct threats to his health (as suggested by him voluntarily submitting to being knocked unconscious by a younger man when aged 68-years old)! Whatever the reasons, this type of cultural corruption is not to be permitted within modern China. Whilst making an honest living is perfectly acceptable – pursuing a path which corrupts and damages Chinese culture - is not! Chinese culture cannot function correctly if such ideas are allowed to proliferate! Everyone has the right to practice martial arts and express their own opinions and ideas - but if they deviate from the true spirit of Chinese martial arts and attempt to deceive the public - then such people are no different from liars. Chinese society should not tolerate such behaviour and must encourage the exact opposite! Ma Baoguo can think what he wants about Chinese martial arts – but his financial exploitation of the public must stop, and he must not allow pointless threats to his health just to accumulate more profit! Chinese Language Sources: 马保国闹剧,该立刻收场了
《 文摘报 》( 2020年12月03日 01 版) 以“浑元形意太极拳掌门人”自诩的马保国,如今知名度蹿升。按说他“武术”的“造诣”世人皆知了,但最近他的雷人雷语却被热传,这已然是“马保国现象”。 从网络蹿红,到参加商演,再到接拍所谓励志电影,马保国已包装出相当的商业价值。 马保国的一些言行,实际上就是哗众取宠、招摇撞骗,说到底是一场闹剧。口口声声弘扬传统武术,实际上做的都是伤害传统武术的事。斥责年轻人不讲武德,他本身却毫无正大光明、谨言慎行、尊崇敬畏传统的武德。 对围绕马保国所发生的一系列闹剧,不是一笑了之那么简单。如果靠哗众取宠就可以风生水起,靠招摇撞骗就能拓展商业版图,这是什么样的价值取向?马保国背后的人到底想干什么?明眼人都清楚,无非就是商业利益。推波助澜、炒作放大马保国的一些互联网平台为什么?无非是流量至上,背后还是利益。然而,无论平台还是资本,蹭热点、找卖点的前提,都是遵循公序良俗,弘扬正确的价值观,否则就会沦为浅薄而拙劣的商业游戏。 人人都有习武的权利,也可以表达自己的观点和想法,可是如果背离武术精神,没完没了在公开场合信口开河,这就与江湖骗子无异。而这样的人受追捧,值得我们深思。 (人民日报客户端11.28) Dear Tony
This is a very small snapshot of the gongfu videos available in China. The family styles are rugged, unpolished, and historically practiced and passed on in secret. Only recently has Chinese culture changed to accommodate routine public display. These arts were never wiped-out and the genuine Masters do not live in Taiwan. Although different, these arts look similar in their rawness to the genuine Hakka arts designed for communal health and defence - and not sport or leisure, etc. In other words, how your teaching of Gpju Ryu came across to me in Hereford. It is difficult to say whether an art is 'external' or 'internal' - as a genuine art includes both aspects 'integrated' (zagong) at essence - with practitioners choosing to emphasis which aspect suits the situation. Many Taiwanese practitioners take-on an 'aggressive' tendency to match the tone of their government - and therefore appear 'external'. It is the expected thing. Master Zhao Ming Wang often holds seminars in Beijing for Daoist self-cultivation - and hundreds of Taiwanese attend all pledging their loyalty to the Mainland - so I suppose it is a case of swings and roundabouts! The 'Double-Daggers' remind me of 'Sai'! Many Fujian Gongfu Vidoes (YouKu) Traditional Martial Arts Yongchun White Crane Fist 007 Basic Routine - Guan Gong Removes Boots (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts Yongchun White Crane Fist 006 Basic Routines - Great One-Thousand [Da Qian] (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts Yongchun White Crane Fist 012 Basic Routines - Double-Daggers (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts Yongchun White Crane Fist 014 Basic Routines Equipment Hooked Sickle Spear (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts - Dragon Respect Fist (Long Zun Quan) 002 - 108 Forms (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts Yujiaquan 001 Yu Family Fist (Fujian) Traditional Martial Arts Yongchun White Crane Fist 016 Basic Rake (Tiger Form) - (Fujian) Many Thanks Adrian PS: Three extra videos from different Styles: Bench Vs Staff Single Jian (Gim) Traditional Wushu Xingyiquan 013 Paired Practice - Close-Quarter Cannon-Striking Body-Shot Law - Featuring Zhang Jisheng (张吉生) - jìn Gairuì (靳改瑞) This is a ‘Summary’ of my research regarding the ‘internal’ (within the ‘Miyagi’ family) and ‘external’ (outside the ‘Miyagi’ family) transmission of Goju Ryu (which is NOT complete by any means) - but which provides a basic (historical) framework (post-1945) which is often obscured by the insular nature of the existing lineages. As someone of part Chinese descent, and whose family suffered at the hands of Japanese Nationalism during WWII in China – I do not in any way support or condone Japanese Nationalism or the racism and fascism that permeated Japanese culture between 1868-1945, etc. As a historian, however, I find it interesting to study and clarify how an aspect of exported Chinese martial culture developed in another country! Lineages, by their very nature, tend to only recognise their own transmission structures whilst inherently refusing to recognise a) the ‘existence’, and b) the ‘relevance’ of other (similar) lineages. This is because traditional martial art ‘lineages’ originating from within China, Okinawa and Japan – have either grown out of actual families (associated with specific ‘Clan’ surnames), or monastic, religious or spiritual associations and/or other special individuals, etc. This is a Confucian tradition that traces reliability and strength through its preserving structures - as those institutes that are replicated (continuously) from one generation to the next. Indeed, the present generation of teachers link the past (of the tradition) not only with the present – but also with those practitioners yet to materialise in the future! This is a grave duty and responsibility within the Confucian tradition that permeates many daily aspects of everyday culture through many Asian countries. Although ‘content’ and ‘interpretation’ can vary widely between teachers representing the same tradition – there is no reason why there should be a difference in ‘quality’ between ‘internal’ and ‘external’ transmissions as this designation is genealogical in nature and does not correspond in any way to ‘external’ (Yang) and ‘internal’ (Yin) mastery within the martial art being transmitted. A thumbnail transmission map of Fuzhou White Crane Fist, Higaonna Naha-Te and Goju Ryu Karate-Do may look something like the following – at least in blueprint: Xie Chongxiang [謝崇祥] (1852-1930) - Fuzhou White Crane Fist Master (this identity is disputed). Higaonna Kanryo [東恩納寛量] (1883-1915) - As a ‘foreigner’ from Okinawa (and being from ‘outside’ the ‘Xie’ family) he inherited an ‘external’ lineage of this White Crane Fist martial art during 1881. Higaonna Kanryo was in China between 1867-1881 (this dating is disputed). Miyagi ‘Internal’ Family Lineage (1915-1980) Miyagi Chojun [宮城長順] (1988-1953) - Miyagi Chojun inherited an ‘external’ (that is a lineage of Naha-Te ‘outside’ the Higaonna family) during 1915 – just prior to the death of Higaonna Kanryo. Between 1915-1953 – Miyagi Chojun invented and developed Goju Ryu Karate-Do. Miyagi Takashi [宮城敬] (1919-2008) - This is the eldest son of Miyagi Chojun who inherited the ‘internal’ (that is ‘inside’ the Miyagi family) lineage of Goju Ryu Karate-Do and started teaching during 1951 (in Tokyo). During 1955, on the 3rd Commemoration of the passing of Miyagi Chojun (October 8th) - Miyagi Takashi founded the ‘Transmitting Brilliance Training Hall’ (講明館 - Ko Mei Kan). He transmitted this ‘internal’ Miyagi lineage to his eldest son - Miyagi Toru [宮城徹] (b. 1947). In-turn, Miyagi Toru has already (formally) passed this ‘internal’ Miyagi family lineage to his second eldest son – Miyagi Manabu [宮城学] (b. 1980). Goju Ryu ‘External’ Transmissions (1935 Onwards) Japanese language sources state that at the age of 14-years old (in 1923) - a Japanese national (and former soldier) named Yamaguchi Minoru (b. 1909) – met a Capenter from Okinawa named ‘Marutani Takeo’ [丸谷武雄] who taught him ‘Karate’. In 1929, Yamaguchi Minoru founded the ‘Goju Ryu Karate-Do Kempo Dojo’ on the site occupied by the ‘Shinsengumi Garrison’. During the same year (1929), Yamaguchi Minoru entered the Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto) - to study law. Here, he founded the ‘Karate-Jitsu Study Group’ - with ‘Karate’ being written as ‘Tang Hand’ (唐手 - Tang Shou). The ideogram for ‘Jitsu’ (術) referring to a ‘war art’. In 1931, Yamaguchi Minoru invited Miyagi Chojun to Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto) - and began many years of receiving instruction. Between 1935-1936, Miyagi Chojun returned to Mainland Japan and transmitted his Goju Ryu Karate-Do system to a number of interested Japanese students living within Kyoto (and other places). Whilst teaching at Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto) - Miyagi Chojun continued to instruct ‘Yamaguchi Minoru’ {山口實実) to whom he would eventually grant the first name ‘Gogen’ [剛玄] (Strong Mystery) and transmit the ‘external’ lineage of Goju Ryu Karate-Do around 1937 – giving permission for ‘Yamaguchi Gogen’ to teach Goju Ryu Karate-Do throughout Mainland Japan! In 1950, Yamaguchi Gogen established the ‘All Japan Karate-Do Gojukai’ - with Miyagi Chojun agreeing to be honorary Chairman. During 1951, Miyagi Chojun awarded Yamaguchi Gogen a 10th Dan Black Belt grade – with the rank of ‘Hanshi’ (範士) - or ‘Master’. During 1952, Miyagi Chojun transmitted an ‘external’ lineage of Goju Ryu Karate-Do to Yagi Akitoku [八木明德] (1912-2003). It is said that Miyagi Chojun granted permission for Yagi Akitoku to open his own ‘Dojo’ to teach Goju Ryu Karate-Do – and that this is the only ‘external’ (or ‘outsider’) Dojo that Miyagi Chojun allowed to be founded during his lifetime. According to this history – a ‘belt’ and ‘training uniform’ was transmitted by Miyagi Chojun to Yagi Akitoku (which reads very similar to the ‘robe’ and ‘bowl’ being transmitted by Zen Masters to their disciples). During 1957, Yagi Akitoku founded the ‘Brilliant Warrior Training Hall’ (明布馆 - Mei Bu Kan) in Okinawa. (As an aside – it is interesting that the ‘Komeikan’ and the ‘Meibukan’ both make use of the Chinese ideogram ‘明’ [Chinese = Ming – Japanese = Mei) - which translates as ‘bright’, ‘clear’ and to ‘understand’, etc. This suggests that this Chinese ideogram possessed an important meaning and association to Miyagi Chojun. During 1955, a group of students who had trained with Miyagi Chojun during his lifetime, gathered together in Okinawa to ‘vote’ for a new representative of the ‘external’ (that is, ‘outside’ the Miyagi family) Goju Ryu Karate-Do tradition. This group chose ‘Miyazato Eiichi’ [宮里栄] (1922-1999). Through his student ‘Higaonna Morio’ [東恩納盛男] (b. 1938) - Goju Ryu Karate-Do spreads throughout the world! According to Chinese language historical records, Higaonna Morio was associated with ‘Miyagi Anichi’ [宮城安一] (1931-2009) who although possessing the same Clan surname of ‘Miyagi’ - was not directly related to Miyagi Chojun with whom he trained from 1948-1953 (exclusively so - between 1949-1951). It is said that both Miyagi Anichi and Yagi Akitoku were friends who were accepted together as disciples by Miyagi Chojun during 1948. Whilst being called ‘Miyagi’, however, Miyagi Anichi would have inherited an ‘external’ lineage of Goku Ryu Karate-Do – if indeed any such formal transmission took place. Conclusion Obviously, all the sons of Miyagi Chojun would have had an equal and consistent martial arts education, and all could clam an equal right to representing an ‘internal’ Goju Ryu Karate-Do lineage (with this right extending to the Miyagi male off-spring in the traditional model and their male and female off-spring in the modern system). Even within the traditional system this would be consider true – with the caveat that Miyagi Takashi (the eldest son) would possess the authority to decide important issues. Furthermore, the Miyagi family probably taught many people from outside their family – with some of these people possessing the right to claim an ‘external’ Goju Ryu Karate-Do lineage. By the time of the passing of Miyagi Chojun (in late 1953) at least two Goju Ryu Karate-Do lineages had been established: a) Miyagi Takashi (1951) - ‘Internal’ (Tokyo) b) Yagi Akitoku (1952) - ‘External’ (Okinawa) This being the case, an interesting question is why did a group of Miyagi Chojun students-disciples (who had trained with Miyagi Chojun during his lifetime), choose NOT to recognise the authority of Miyagi Takashi (his eldest son) and Yagi Akitoku – a very well-established ‘external’ disciple? By choosing ‘Miyazato Eiichi’ as a contemporary Goju Ryu Karate-Do ‘authority’ - a ‘new’ external martial lineage was generated – a lineage not created by Miyagi Chojun during his lifetime or the Miyagi family after his death. Having said all this, however, the intended ‘lineage’ of Goju Ryu Karate-Do may not be as straightforward as implied above, as it is well-known that Miyagi Chojun’s best ‘disciple’ was ‘Shinzato Jinan’ [新里仁安] (1900–1945) - who obviously was not from the ‘Miyagi’ family. As ‘Shinzato Jinan’ died during the final days of WWII – Miyagi Chojun had to make other plans with regards to preserving and transmitting Goju Ryu Karate-Do. Again, Chinese language historical sources state that it was Miyagi Chojun’s other (external) disciple ‘Seiko Kina‘ [嘉纳正兴] (1911-1994) - who was also permitted to teach students in his own right during Miyagi Chojun’s lifetime!
This Senior Citizen silenced the crowd when she raised her leg above her head! Silence turned into awe when she assumed a perfect ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ (金鸡独立 - Jin Ji Du Li)! Awe turned into spontaneous applause when she assumed a graceful ‘Single Side Horse’ (一字马 - Yi Zi Ma) Splits! This demonstration of Taijiquan was performed by the 77-year-old Jiang Xuezhen (蒋雪珍) in a park near the ‘White Horse River’ (白马河 - Bai Ma He) - the venue for the 2021 ‘Dragon Boat Race’ held in Fuzhou (Fujian province), Mainland China! This elderly lady was originally an ordinary worker in a garment factory – but is now enjoying her retirement. Not only has she practiced Taijiquan diligently to improve her health and strengthen her weak body - but she also made a name for herself in West Lake Public Park (西湖公园 - Xi Hu Gong Yuan) teaching Taijiquan to the common people! Since her graceful and powerful appearance at the Dragon Boat Festival - Jiang Xuezhen's dazzling martial arts skills have aroused the interest of many citizens! Some citizens cannot help but wonder – if this older lady was a professional gymnast before? Was Jiang Xuezhen involved in a lifetime of athletic training and development? The answer to all these questions is a resounding ‘NO’! In fact, Jiang Xuezhen was an ordinary worker employed in a garment factory before retiring - and she had NEVER received any such specialist education in this area before. The advanced pliability of her body (and its ‘ligaments’) stem from the time of her retiring from working in the garment industry. Jiang Xuezhen had to retire from working in the garment industry at the age of 45-year due to a physical issue (for which she successfully underwent recuperative surgery). Jiang Xuezhen admits that this was a very confusing time for her both emotionally and psychologically! That is until one day, when she was walking to the West Lake Park (taking exercise), this lady encountered a group of people practicing Taijiquan! At that exact moment - EVERY movement of the Yang Style (the Beijing 24-Step Short-Form) she saw resonated with her mind and body - instantly attracting her attention! When Jiang Xuezhen returned home, she immediately made arrangements to purchase a Taijiquan instructional VCD – which she used to learn Taijiquan through watching carefully and copying the exercises! The next step involved Jiang Xuezhen seeking-out Taijiquan instructors who then corrected and adjusted her ‘Form’ whilst discussing explaining the history and purpose of each sequence - making the revitalising movements much more powerful and effective! Although it took a long time of committed and regular practice, the regular performance of the Taijiquan movements and sequences finally start to transform the natural state and condition of her muscles, joint, bones, ligaments and tendons. At the same time her overall health improved as her inner organs began to strengthen. These changes were so profound that her partner also began to regularly practice Taijiquan! Together, they founded the ‘West Lake Park Taijiquan Practice Group’ - which at the time of writing has at least one-hundred members! When giving a recent interview to reporters, Jiang Xuezhen stated: “It is said that with every inch the ligaments stretch – the lifespan is extended by ten years! This is why I stretch my legs every day!” Jiang Xuezhen went on to explain that when she first tried to lift her legs all those years ago – her ligaments were tense there was very little movement with pain! Jiang Xuezhen trained diligently between the ages of 45-60-years old, and then she found that one day ALL the tension in her body completely disappeared and she was able to drop down into the side-splits position – and stand with one leg held-up directly into the air! This is why Jiang Xuezhen is now able to assume the ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ and ‘Single Side Horse’ Splits with ease! After demonstrating her extraordinary Taijiquan skills, Jiang Xuezhen advises: “Concentrate upon an activity and pursue its perfection with diligence!” This is sound advice, as apart from being able to demonstrate her mastery of Taijiquan – Jiang Xuezhen is also a painter! Jiang Xuezhen explained that she liked to draw since a child - and has always kept one or two drawings of the Four Treasures in the study room at home - after retirement. When she was about 65-years old, Jiang Xuezhen accompanied her partner in the study of flower and bird painting in a university designed to cater to the needs of the elderly. After two years of meticulous flower and bird painting - Jiang Xuezhen turned to landscape painting. The landscape paintings provided by Jiang Xuezhen are truly inspiring – with the background and fore-ground scenery featuring lakes and mountains contrasting perfectly! The art of Jiang Xuezhen generates a unique beauty which is enhanced by an atmosphere which is experienced by the observer as being vast and hazy! Jiang Xuezhen describes herself as a very serious person. When she learns one thing, she spends all her energy on that single activity. In order to learn landscape painting well, she would only go out daily to practice Taijiquan, but rarely for any other reason. She would often spend a week focusing upon a single picture! Then, in order to match the landscape paintings with the beautiful ideograms that comprised the inscriptions, she also spent a year studying different Chinese calligraphy styles such as seal script, official script, and regular script. "If the font is not good-looking, and the inscription is not well-written, it cannot be regarded as a complete and perfect painting." Jiang Xuezhen explained. This is her true character. It has been nearly 30 years since Jiang Xuezhen retired – yet she has retained the eagerness to learn and perfect everything she turns her hand to! Today, in addition to Taijiquan and landscape painting, Jiang Xuezhen can also perform ballroom dancing! As if all these activities are not enough – Jiang Xuezhen also practices Shaolin martial arts! With her extensive knowledge base and engaging personality, Jiang Xuezhen has become something of an inspiration to the surrounding population – a cultural icon for modern China! [Source: Strait Metropolis Daily] Chinese Language Source: 花30年练太极,福州七旬老太一字马惊艳全场
高抬腿过头顶,一个爽快的金鸡独立瞬间赢得现场朋友的喝彩,随即她又在地上来了一个漂亮又利索的一字马,把节目推向了高潮……不久前,在福州白马河公园举行的端午节活动现场,一位老太的表演让不少市民自愧不如。这位老太就是福州77岁的蒋雪珍,原是服装厂工人的她,在退休后寻找到自我,不仅苦练太极拳改善了虚弱的身体,还在西湖公园“打”出了名堂,将太极拳教授给了更多的人。 60余岁练就金鸡独立、一字马动作 自从在端午节活动中的精彩亮相后,蒋雪珍的花式炫技引起了不少市民的兴趣,有的市民不禁疑惑问,这位老太太以前是不是体操运动员?其实,蒋雪珍退休前是一名服装厂的工人,之前也没有从事过这方面的练习,有着柔软的韧带的起因还要从她退休时说起。 45岁时的蒋雪珍因为身体原因动了手术后,便从原来就职的服装厂退休了。而突然的退休让将蒋雪珍手足无措,每日不知道该做些什么,陷入了迷茫。直到有一日,她散步到西湖公园时,看到了不少人在练太极拳,一招一式瞬间吸引了她的注意。抱着锻炼身体的想法,她购买了太极拳教学碟片,通过不断地的模仿练习学会了太极拳,在与太极拳老师的交流切磋中更精进了太极拳的动作。而在长期的锻炼后,蒋雪珍感到身体逐渐舒爽了不少,更是动员她的爱人一起到在西湖公园中练习太极拳。在30年间,不少市民自发向她学习太极拳,为此,她和爱人还成立了一个西湖如春太极辅助站,学员最多的时候达到了近百人。 “都说筋长一寸,寿延十年,每次运动后,我都拉拉腿。”蒋雪珍告诉记者,原先的她腿抬高一点腿都觉得筋绷得崩的紧,但在多年的锻炼中,她不断尝试拉伸韧带,到了60岁左右,才能可以做出金鸡独立、一字马的动作。 “专心做一件事,并要把它这件事做精” 除了一字马、金鸡独立、太极拳外,蒋雪珍还是一个画家。蒋雪珍说,她从小就喜欢画画,退休后在家里也时常备上文房四宝画上一两副。于是在她65岁左右,她的爱人便带她来到了老年大学里学习花鸟画,在两年的工笔花鸟设色学习入门后,蒋雪珍又转入山水画的学习中。在蒋雪珍提供的山水画作品中,湖和山相映衬的秀丽景色,在苍茫朦胧的氛围中有着独特的美感。 蒋雪珍自喻是个较真的人,学习一件事时,便将所以精力花在一件事上,为了学好山水画,她除了每日的太极拳练功外,便少有外出,常常花上一周的时间认真绘一幅画。而后为了给山水画配以好看的题款,她还用了一年的时间去学习了篆书、隶书、楷书等书体。“如果字体不好看,题款写不好就不能算是一幅完整、好看的画。”蒋雪珍说。 正是较真的性格,蒋奶奶在退休后的近30年间,不断地的保持好学的心,并将每件事做到精,如今的她除了太极拳、山水画外,她还会交际舞、少林武术,成了周围人口中“技能点满满”的潮人。 【来源:海峡都市报】 The traditional purpose of Karate-Do is said to be the development of the ‘Single Punch Precise Kill’ (一拳必殺) technique! This is because the historical origins of Karate-Do developed out of battlefield martial arts - specifically designed to kill and wound an opponent without mercy! The question for modern practitioners is whether this objective is suitable as a contemporary teaching device – and how should the technical inadequacies of the old ways be improved upon? It may well be the case that the potentially lethal elements of Karate-Do are retained (because they are inherent in the ancient martial techniques) - but that the ‘killing’ aspect should not be made the key point when teaching the public – and should be replaced by encouraging young students to develop their own minds and bodies whilst perfecting a virtuous character! Therefore, saving lives and helping others signifies a necessary shift in traditional attitudes when teaching Karate-Do to modern students. In fact, this is not a ‘new’’ attitude that I invented – but an idea taught to me by my father Miyagi Chojun. In-turn, this was an attitude inherited from Higaonna Kanryo (and his Chinese teachers). Although exactly the same ‘killing’ techniques are retained (and certainly not ‘removed’ from the art) - what is emphasised is character development so that clever ways of resolving conflict in the environment is utilised as a type of ethereal Karate-Do – that precedes any need to deploy potentially devastating physical techniques! The lethal reality of Karate-Do techniques, therefore, is ‘hidden’ within a deep and stratified approach to Goju Ryu Karate-Do, which is now embedded in the grading system involving coloured belts. If the practitioner does not suitably develop their mind (psychology) and body (physicality) - then they do not gain access to the ‘lethal’ nature of the genuine Goju Ryu Karate-Do techniques! Each practitioner must develop ‘trustworthiness’ before they are permitted to gain access to the deepest aspects of this ancient martial art! My father – Miyagi Chojun – maintained the emphasis of the ‘Hard’ (Go) aspect of Goju Ryu through the ‘Sanchin’ Kata which had been passed on to him by Higaonna Kanryo – but he felt the opposite element of ‘giving way’ was missing in the Style, or at least not very well represented. To remedy this, Miyagi Chojun developed the ‘Tensho’ Kata from a set of movements he had been taught in China from a White Crane Fist teacher in Fuzhou related in lineage to the Chinese teacher of Higaonna Kanryo. Bear in mind that ‘Tensho’ is NOT exactly the same as the Form (六機手 - Ro Ku ki Te) he learned in China and that Miyagi Chojun chose to modify its structure to assist the ‘balance’ of Goju Ryu Karate-Do methodology. This is where Miyagi Chojun developed the ‘Soft’ element of Goju Ryu which saw the Tensho Kata counter-balance the Sanchin Kata. When practiced together – the Yin (Soft) and Yang (Hard) energy within the mind and body is perfectly ‘balanced’! ‘Weaving Hand’ (機手 - Ki Te) is a principle found within the ‘Southern Fist’ martial system of China, and which relates to all the upper body movement of the extremities and the combat techniques which are expressed therein. Within the book entitled ‘Bubishi’ (武備志) (transmitted China to Okinawa) - there is an explanation of where the vital pressure points (経穴 - Kei Ketsu) are on the opponent’s body – and how the hand – used in the ‘open palm’ (開掌 - Hiraki Tenohira) position – can be used to ‘pierce’ these points and cause catastrophic damage to the opponent’s health! Higaonna Kanryo taught Miyagi Chojun how to ‘stand’ and ‘move’ through the ‘Sanchin’ Kata – and then Miyagi Chojun then developed ‘Tensho’ Kata to emphasis ‘Softness’ - but a ‘Softness’ with a lethal ‘hidden’ central element (involving pressure-point hitting)! The ‘Sanchin’ and ‘Tensho’ Katas are unique to Goju Ryu Karate-Do and are not found within ‘Shuri-Te’ (首里手) derived-traditions! These are foundational Katas that are taught to express the beginning and the end of the Goju Ryu Karate-Do training method! As this is the case, there are definite ‘breathing’ methods used when performing these Katas. The ‘Sanchin’ Kata employs what is referred to as a formalised ‘Yang Breath’ (陽の息吹 - Yō No Ibu Ki) - which sees the practitioner maintaining the ‘tightening’ of all the muscles around the bones throughout the entirety of the body – with the instructor continuously ‘testing’ to ensure this process is being adhered to correctly! Through these training methods, the practitioner learns how to shift and lower the centre of gravity, how to smoothly transition between various and different fighting techniques - all performed whilst breathing deeply and fully! Both myself and my father, however, teach preparation exercises which loosen and strengthen the body and focus the mind BEFORE any of these profound exercises are taught. This is important as students require a means of ‘entering’ the Style so that the Goju Ryu techniques are not experienced as a shock to the system. Correct preparation prevents unnecessary injury and conditions the mind and body so that the structures and processes become suitable for further and advanced training. This is the systematic application of the scientific process. Science does not stand still but provides opportunities for continuous and further development. Logic and reason must be brought to bear upon the established traditions using the old techniques and is immeasurable when providing a firm and dynamic foundation for further development! When I was young, Kano Jagoro (嘉納冶五郎) visited Okinawa (in 1927) and was very impressed in the rational approach that my father had incorporated into the structure of Higaonna Naha-Te (as it transitioned into Goju Ryu)! He even took elements of my father's training regimes and incorporated them into his ‘Judo’ training patterns! He agreed that logic and reason must be used within traditional martial arts as a means to ensure that these old ways are preserved and made relevant for survival within modern society! My father explained to Kano Jagoro that the structure of Karate-Do is similar to the physical structures of material objects – such as a house, a tower or a bridge, etc. If the design principles are not sound – the building and/or structure will not stand – and will not be able to fulfil the purpose for which it was made! The house will collapse, the tower will fall, and the bridge will give way! Kano Jagoro was impressed with this thinking and congratulated my father on his progressive attitude! Indeed, Kano Jagoro incorporated this type of thinking into his development of Judo technique! As for my father – Miyagi Chojun – he would later develop the ‘Gekisai’ (撃砕) Kata (Number One and Number Two), as a means to express the entire Goju Ryu Karate-Do path in just two short sets of movements which can be elaborated extensively when an instructor so chooses to do so! This was a substantial achievement which many other lineages of Goju Ryu misinterpret as being ‘simplistic’ or ‘beginning’ only Kata – but in reality, my father intended these Katas to be something much more important than this. If the ‘Gekisai’ Kata are closely examined, a whole new world of ‘meaning’ can be clearly discerned! This does not detract from the fact that the entirety of Goju Ryu Karate-Do is defined by the ‘Sanchin’ and the ‘Tensho’ Kata! When added together – there are ‘twelve’ (12) Kata preserved within Goju Ryu Karate-Do. The two ‘Gekisai’ are known as the ‘public’ Kata which are used to prepare a student for a more profound learning experience later on! Miyagi Chojun had a deep knowledge of geography and history as well as the Chinese Classics and was well versed in the different aspects of Eastern culture. I will never forget the image of my teacher - who used a dictionary as a pillow and would constantly look-up the meaning of words and think deeply about what he found! He was particularly knowledgeable about medicines and the physiology of the human body, and always studied Karate-Do from a medical point of view. This is why many of his acquaintances were also doctors. He studied Karate-Do from a modern and scientific point of view and designed its structure as a practical system! Indeed, modern Goju Ryu Karate-Do is designed around a scientific agenda which brings logic and reason to the practice of an ancient martial art! Although the techniques can be lethal if deployed a certain way – Miyagi Chojun ensured that the health-giving component of each technique was emphasised over its destructive element. An emphasis upon building a sound mind and a strong body replaced the destructive act of confusing the mind and harming the body of an opponent! Goju Ryu Karate-Do was maintained as a traditional fighting method with modern (medical) implications! 科学的空手道へ指導体系を確立 在来の空手道は、一拳必殺といわれるように、もっぱら実戦の場での殺傷の武術として発達してきたもので、術技のうえでも、現在の教育的見地からみれば、不適当な点もあった。 このため宮城長順は基本形―剛の形(サンチン=三戦)のほかに、「六機手」というものを研究して柔の形(テンショウ=転掌)をつくった。「機手」とは中国南拳の上肢の動作および技法のことを言い、沖縄に伝わった『武備志』のなかで相手の急所(経穴)を突く際の手(開掌)の使い方が述べられている。宮城長順はこの手法を研究し、鍛錬形としてテンショウを創始した。また、東恩納寛量から鍛えられたサンチンの立ち方と運歩法をはっきりと定義づけたのである。 サンチン、テンショウは首里手派にはなく、剛柔流空手道独自のものである。この基本形の鍛錬法においては、気息の呑吐法(陽の息吹)という形式化された独特な呼吸法があり、指導者による筋骨の締め方を伴う鍛錬法がある。こうした鍛錬法を通じて、「術技の変化」「気息の呑吐」「重心の移動」を体得するのである。 さらに宮城長順の創始したものとして、基本形・開手形に入る前に行う徒手体操式の空手道術技に関連した「予備運動法」と、柔軟で強力な体力を養成しながら空手道術技の上達を側面的。 に援助する補助運動法がある。この予備運動は修練上、非常に合理的な運動法であり、その重要性は計り知れないものがある。講道館柔道の創始者嘉納冶五郎が沖縄に来られ、そのとき師父が空手道の解説をしたのだが、嘉納師範は予備運動に非常に感心され、後の柔道体操に取り入れられたのではないかということを、私は師父から聞かされた。 また、教育的観点から、剛柔流空手道の普及形として、ゲキサイ(撃砕)第一、ゲキサイ第二の形を創始した。剛柔流空手道の形は、サンチン・テンショウの基本形と、二つの普及形を含めた十の開手形とを合わせ合計十二の形がある。 宮城長順は漢籍の素養はもとより、地理・歴史の造詣も深く、東洋文化にも通じていた。辞書を枕に絶えず辞書を繙き思索していた師父の姿が忘れられない。とりわけ薬種の知識、人体の生理に詳しく、常に医学的観点から空手道を研究していた。知人にも医者が多かった。そして空手道を近代的、科学的視点から考究し、練習体系として組み立てたのである。従来の空手道指導法を理論と実際に照らして修練の順序、方法を定め、武道として体育として、また精神修養の方法、健康法として、科学的に組織体系づけたのが剛柔流空手道である。
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!
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AuthorShifu Adrian Chan-Wyles (b. 1967) - Lineage (Generational) Inheritor of the Ch'an Dao Hakka Gongfu System. |