Nowadays, Li aims to impart his understanding and experience of traditional martial arts to students during his classes - hoping they can master the essence of martial arts - and inherit and develop Chinese martial arts!
GLOBALink | Sports Geography: Henan in the Transmission of Chinese Martial Arts! (30.9.2022)9/30/2022 Twenty-five-year-old Li Yinggang is a Coach at Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School in Songshan, Central China's Henan province! He started martial arts practise at the age of 9 and shifted to free combat 3 years later. Students Practice During a Martial Arts Class Under the Instructions of Coach Li Yinggang at the Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School in Songshan, Central China's Henan Province - July 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Gang) Since he was 16 years old, Li has been taking part in the Professional Free Combat Competitions - always winning domestic and international title events several times - including two Golden Belts from the Chinese National Free Combat League! As Li Yinggang says - practicing traditional martial arts has helped tremendously in improving his free combat skills!
Nowadays, Li aims to impart his understanding and experience of traditional martial arts to students during his classes - hoping they can master the essence of martial arts - and inherit and develop Chinese martial arts!
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Open-Hands Are the Advanced-Guard, 手为先锋 (Shou wei xianfeng) Feet Are in Command; 脚为帅 (Jiao wei shuai) Closed-Fists Strike in Six Directions, 拳打六路 (Quan da liulu) Feet Strike in All Eight-Directions! 脚踢八方 (Jiao tī bafang) Chinese Language Sources:
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1706942614626933697&wfr=spider&for=pc https://www.sohu.com/a/523734355_121119510 Within the Chinese language encyclopaedias, the clothing worn by ‘Karate-Do’ practitioners is described as being the attire required when cultivating the ‘Dao’ (道) or ‘Way’. During the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, there are no historical records which support the idea that the white ‘gi’ clothing was worn by Karate-Do practitioners, or any strata of Ryukyu society for other types of activity. Within photographs taken before the Pacific War (1941-1945), most martial artists practice karate with the upper body being bear. In the book entitled ‘Fist Law – Brief Introduction’ (拳法概说 - Quan Fa Gai Shou) published in 1929, Chōtoku Kiyan (喜屋武朝德) states that the reason for training with the upper-body uncovered is to toughen the skin and the general externality of the body. When the Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito visited Okinawa in 1921, however, a demonstration of martial arts was arranged for him in the main hall of Shuri Castle. This was overssen by Funakoshi Gichin (aka ‘Rong Yiren’ [容宜仁]) who insisted that all those participating should wear a white shirt whilst in the presence of royalty (out of respect)! The white ‘gi’ which is commonly worn today when practicing Karate-Do originates from the clothing worn in the Kodokan during 1922 by Funakoshi Gichin when demonstrating Karate-Do on the Japanese Mainland. He ordered special White cotton cloth from the ‘Kanda’ (神田) area (famous for its ancient Shinto Shrines) - and hand-sewed a Karate-Do ‘gi’ using the general design of the training outfit worn by practitioners of Judo! This is the earliest recorded Karate-Do uniform in the historical literature. During 1934, in the magazine entitled ‘Empty Hand Research and Study’ (空手研究 - Kong Shou Yan Jiu) an advertisement appeared offering a pre-made Karate-Do uniform for sale! These products started selling in the early Showa period. As Karate-Do and Judo are very different martial arts that place different stresses and strains upon the material – the two types of ‘gi’ used for these activities has generally diversified into very different directions. The Japanese Kanji ideogram ‘着’ (Gi) refers to ‘wearing clothes’ and the act of physically ‘touching’ and/or otherwise ‘making contact’ (both actions of which appear to reflect the art of Judo precisely). The equivalent Chinese ideogram (which I can read) is ‘著’ (zhuo2): Top Particle = ‘艹’ (cao3) - literally refers ‘grass that is growing’ upward toward the daylight! Middle Particle = ‘耂’ (lao3) - an old man with long white hair and beard - bent over with age and wisdom! Bottom Particle = ‘白’ (bai2) - the colour ‘white’ or ‘brightness’ of the Moon! As the Kanji of ‘着’ (Gi) and the Chinese ideogram ‘著’ (zhuo2) convey an identical meaning, we appear to have a type of grass that grows and is weaved into a white cloth. This white cloth is then ‘holy’ and ‘sacred’ as it encompasses an activity that cultivates the respect owed to an old man – and the acquisition of the wisdom the old man already (and quite naturally possesses)! NOTE: Our gongfu teacher – Master Chan Tin Sang (1924-1993) - when I asked about the Karate-Do ‘gi’ - explained to me that the Karate-Do people are always training for death – death of the ego, death of their own body and the death of the opponent! He meant that the hard physical training always prepares the mind for non-attachment to the physical world (this achieves the death of attachment), whilst the Karate-Ka strives to face their own death (whether natural or unnatural) with equanimity. They train to purify their own minds and bodies so that they can produce the perfect punch or kick! Master Chan said the ‘gi’ is ‘white’ in colour because in Asia ‘White’ is the colour of ‘death’ and of ‘respect’. Indeed, when a Chinese person dies, those who follow the Confucian tradition of mourning and respect where a white, hooded outfit that is very similar in structure and design to the Karate-Do ‘gi’, or it can be (as designs differ). Furthermore, in China, I have seen senior Buddhist monks who wear black outer robes – often also wearing an inner white two-piece cotton suit very similar to a Karate-Do ‘gi’! I mention all this as I wonder if the people of Ryukyu followed the tradition of wearing white (Confucian) mourning clothes – which is a cultural habit thousands of years old in the Chinese-influenced parts of Asia! I was also once told that the Karate-Do ‘gi’ was once the normal dress for Tang Dynasty China – but apparently there is no evidence for its presence on Ryukyu prior to the 1920s! Chinese Language Source: Chinese Language Source:
https://www.baike.com/wikiid/4490447760925757721?prd=attribute&view_id=mzu72g70xog00 道服历史 在琉球王国时代,史料中没有关于空手道道服的记载。在太平洋战争之前的相片中,习武者大多是赤裸上身练习空手道。 在1929年发表的《拳法概说》中,喜屋武朝德提到赤裸上半身的目的是为了练习皮肤的强韧性。然而,在1921年日本裕仁皇太子访问冲绳之际,由容宜仁指挥的首里城正殿演武中,人们穿着白色上衣练习武术。 今日的空手道道服是1922年船越义珍在讲道馆演武之际,从神田的生地问屋买入白木棉地,参照柔道道服的风格亲手缝制出来的。这是文献上记载最早的空手道道服。1934年在《空手研究》中刊登了空手道道服的广告,并于昭和初期开始贩卖。由于空手道与柔道的差异,人们对空手道道服逐渐改良,成为今天的样子。 在今日的空手道道服中,传统派空手道的道服与全接触式空手道的道服有些许不同。 Translator’s Note: I discovered this Chinese language version of this article entitled 'Miyagi Chojun: Infinite Grace – Expressing the ‘Way’ of the Warrior!' - translated by Wang Biandou [王扁豆] - and uploaded on 8.6.2020 to the Chinese ‘Karate Academy’ Website - realised it had originally been written in the Japanese language and then felt compelled to translate its vitally important content into the English language! Therefore, I thank Mr Wang Biandou (王扁豆) for creating a Chinese language version I can read – and I thank the original author – Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Master - Nakaima Genkai (仲井真元楷) {1908-1984} for taking the time to gather this intriguing and compelling historical information together! I do not practice Karate-Do – but I am familiar with its basic physical structure and its broad history. My interest arises from my Chinese martial arts background and how the martial arts of China have spread (and are still spreading) across the world and through other cultures! Sometimes, it is the recording of what might seem like the purely ‘mundane’ in the present time – that might well cause a landslide of incredible interest in the future! I believe Mr Wang Biandou (王扁豆) has added ‘14’ explanatory footnotes to this text that are full of very interesting historical data relevant to the subject! I retain the Chinese language text so that my friends in China (and throughout the world) and enjoy the historical lesson contained within! ACW 27.8.2022) In the Spring when I was just entering the second year of middle school, my classmate Bunshun Tamagusuku asked, "Why don't we go to Great Master Miyagi to learn ‘Chinese Hand’ (唐手 Tang Shou) - (pronounced ‘Kara-Te’)?" Apparently, his uncle - Shinzato Jinan (who already trained) - had previously enquired as to whether he was interested in training. Through this association with Shinzato Jinan (and an offer of training in the martial arts), three other interested individuals came to me and expressed their hope to gain access to the Great Master! Therefore, our group of four potential Goju Ryu students consisted of: 1) Nakaima Genkai (Myself) 2) Bunshun Tamagusuku 3) Tatsutoku Sakiyama (aka ‘Tatsutoku Senaha’) 4) Kiju Nanjo (aka ‘Kiju Azama’) Shinzato Jinan was my neighbour. He had already graduated from Naha Commercial High School at the time, so he was also my senior. He lived in a rental house owned by Mr Yukii Kuniyoshi. One evening, three of us met with Shinzato Jinan outside the wooden gate of Mr Yukii Kuniyoshi’s house. Shinzato Jinan had a white cloth tied around his neck. The wooden gate was very large and possessed a strong iron railing running across its top! From this - Shinzato Jinan was performing ‘pull-ups’ using both hands – continuously lifting his chin above and below the iron bar! He taught us this double-handed exercise – and then taught us how to perform this exercise with only a single hand holding the rail! Later, we often met in the evening on the playground of Naha Jinjo Koto Shogakko (an elementary school). We did squats (for the legs), crunches (for the torso) and various other strengthening exercises using the metal climbing bars! Lifting and holding our bodies at different angles was often required! Thanks to the continuous training enforced by Shinzato Jinan – we could do somersaults and all kinds of rolls across an unpadded floor! Our minds and bodies were so strong that hitting into objects and one another caused very little, if any damage! We could drop suddenly to the floor and jump back-up – nothing hindered us! Not long after this, Shinzato Jinan entered the Police Academy and the four of us (listed above) decided to approach the Great Master Miyagi Chojun directly and enquire as to whether he would take us as ‘Kara-Te’ students! There was a problem, however, as due to the Confucian culture prevalent throughout Ryukyu I had to first ask my father’s permission before I entered the training system of another family’s martial arts tradition. When Shuri Castle was occupied by the Japanese Army, my father was only 10 years old – this was when the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished and became a Prefecture of Japan - during 1879 (Meiji 12). The Japanese government in 1872 (Meiji five years), however, had established the Ryukyu clan system as the first step in their plan to abolish the (Chinese) Ryukyu Kingdom and create the (Japanese) Okinawa Prefecture when he was only 3 years old. Since my father was born during such a transitional period, and given that our ancestors were from China, our family did not allow him to receive a Japanese-style education called ‘Yamato-learning’, so he did not go to school. But because of hard work, he had a strong body and flexible physique, and I have heard that he was a very good wrestler. He was very happy when I won a prize at the school sports meeting! In the spring of 1923, when I was 15 years old, I told my father that I wanted to learn ‘Kara-Te’ (Chinese Hand) from Great Master Miyagi Chojun. He gave me permission and said to me, ‘It would be great for you to learn ‘Tang Shou’ (唐手) with Master Miyagi!’. By that time Mr. Miyagi was already famous for ‘kara-Te’ - (which the Japanese had renamed ‘Karate-do’ [空手道 - Kong Shou Dao] but which we ignored at that time), so my father thought he was ideal to be my teacher. We, the people of Kume Village, Okinawa, are proud of our Chinese heritage. We believe that our ancestors came to Okinawa from China, so we respect not only Chinese literature and art, but also Chinese martial arts! In terms of culture and arts, we established a school called ‘Meirindo’, which functioned like a university educating young people. As for martial arts like kara-Te and other Fist Arts, etc., I think we practice individually, according to our own physical strengths and other conditions. This is a very ‘Chinese’ attitude very different to the Japanese culture. At that time, the "Meirindo" school held an annual cultural festival where there were performances involving great martial skills including the ‘Stick’ (棒 - Bang) (or ‘Bo’), the ‘Sai’ (鉄尺 - Zhi Chi, [Tesshaku/Tiechi], Thirteen / Sesan gongfu sets and ‘士壮镇’ (Shi Zhuang Zhen) [Chishokin] or ‘Scholar Strengthens the Town’ gongfu. There was also performances involving the use of the rattan shield/Tohai (籐牌 - Teng Pai) and ‘One Hundred and Eight/Suparinpei’ Naha Te. [3]. Most of these Chinese martial arts demonstrations included exactly the same content as Miyagi-sensei taught to us. [4] That is how Miyagi-sensei taught us. We had classes three times a week held at Miyagi-sensei's home (there was no purpose-built Dojo in those days) [5] – with these classes always beginning after regular school had finished for the day: 1) Monday - (3pm-8pm) 2) Wednesday - (3pm-8pm) 3) Friday - (3pm-8pm) This situation was very different to how Goju Ryu later developed and became famous – with proper Dojo being built in many places. After a while, my classmate Bunshun Tamagusuku (the nephew of Shinzato Jinan) dropped out, leaving only three practitioners from our original group. Goju Ryu training evolved around the practice of ‘Sanchin’ Kata or ‘Three Battles’ (三戦 - San Zhan) as it is known in the Chinese language. [6] This is why our training consisted of intense preparatory, supplementary and foot coordination exercises all designed to build the required physical and mental strength needed to correctly practice the ‘Sanchin’ Kata! Miyagi-sensei's explanation of these supplementary exercises is that they are designed to assist the learning of basic Kara-Te skills, as they assist the practitioner to understand the inner logic that is inherent within ‘Kara-Te’, whilst at the same time, our ‘Kara-Te’ skills should continue to be enhanced as our athletic ability and physical strength increase! Furthermore, the purpose of intense strengthening and toughening exercises is that a practitioner must not only warm-up the mind and body at the beginning of each training session, but through regular training must also prepare and build the mind and body so that it can perform the fundamental ‘Kara-Te' training skills correctly whilst using the techniques inherent in the ‘Sanchin’ (and other) Kata! Goju Ryu conditioning strengthens all the muscles of the body so that the body can be held ‘still’ like a mountain or ‘moved’ around like flowing water! If the muscles are trained regularly and properly, the body can move easily in any direction, or suddenly change direct as required! Miyagi-sensei said that by training in this manner we build a ‘Kara-Te’ physique. This is how we lay the foundation for effective ‘kara-Te’ by carrying-out preparatory and complementary exercises! After each training session, Miyagi-sensei would tell us various stories for two or three hours [7]. The themes of his stories included not only the history, purpose and development of the techniques of Kara-Te, but also discuss the world situation, the current state of the ‘Kara-Te’ world, the origins of ‘kara-Te’, his thoughts on ‘kara-Te’ and Buddhism, research on ‘Kara-Te’ and traditional Okinawan performing arts, and any subject or information he thought was relevant to support our learning process. We were only junior high school students at that time, but Miyagi-sensei taught us the truth about ‘kara-Te’, what kind of spirit a ‘kara-Te’ master should have, and the way of life that ‘kara-Te’ brings, that is, the Way (Dao) of True people or the Way (Dao) of virtue and morality. I still remember his bright face and sharp eyes in which I found the love and kindness of a true and great ‘kara-Te’ master! Now I will relay some of Miyagi-sensei's words to you. ‘If you only practice Sanchin Kata (三戦 - San Zhan) all your life, you don't have to practice any other Kata. Sanchin is the essence!’ [8] One day, I asked him, "How many times during your practice did you feel like you were doing well?" He replied, ‘I think I've only done well 1 time out of 30 of all my practice sessions.’ He was very young at the time, only 34 or 35 years old. I am still impressed by his words. ‘The position and placement of the hands at the end of the Sanchin Kata are the same as those found on Buddha statues.’ Miyagi-sensei often tells us this story. I think the gesture at the end of Sanchin Kata is the most beautiful prayer gesture. In fact, I see the same hand pose of Buddha statues in many temples. Miyagi-sensei said, ‘Rigidity is like a willow tree blown by a strong wind.’ Strong winds blow through the willow tree, and yet the willow tree never resists the wind, it remains impassive, but it is never broken or damaged. In ‘Kara-Te’, we must use the strength of our opponent. This is a skill that we must master through correct practice. [9] I think it was in 1926 when the National Budo Tournament was held in the outer garden of the Meiji Temple in Tokyo*. Shinzato Jinan, a disciple of Mr Miyagi, attended the meeting and performed ‘kara-Te’, which is an Okinawan martial art. At that time, an official suddenly asked him: ‘What's the name of your martial arts?’ Then he replied ‘Hard-Soft (interactional) style’. He later explained the matter to Miyagi-sensei, who approved this title. Since then, we have called ourselves the Goju Ryu. [10] Once I asked Mr Miyagi: ‘Teacher, do you have eyes in the back of your head? Someone said that even if we secretly follow you, you would immediately sense someone following you and quickly turn around to look for us.’ Miyagi-sensei replied, ‘No one has eyes in the back of their heads. But when I go down this road, in some cases, I feel a little weird. I think it's called the sixth sense. We should always be vigilant when walking around corners, walking on rainy streets, climbing up and down ladders, if you can practice hard and be habitually cautious, it will help in self-defence. After long-term ‘kara-te’ training, we can get what's called a sixth sense and notice if someone is following.’ ‘Learning karate now is like walking in the dark without lights. We have to grope and move forward in the dark.’ Miyagi-sensei also told me, ‘There are too many unreasonable things in ‘kara-Te’, and there are many things that I can't understand. So, when our ‘Chinese Hand’ masters were alive, we had to visit them and ask them a lot of questions. I think even when we did, it would be really hard to find out.’ I used to go to the home of Mr Chomo Hanashiro and Ankō Itosu, and listen to the stories their ‘kara-Te’ teachers told them. [11] In 1926 (the last year of the Taisho era), ‘Kara-Te’ masters from the ‘Minamiasahigaoka’ (南旭ケ丘) and ‘Wakasamachi-teki’ (若狭町的) areas Okinawa gathered and formed a club to study ‘Kara-Te’. The masters who participated in the club were: 1) Miyagi Chojun, 2) Kyoda Jūhatsu, 3) Motobu Chōki, 4) Motobu Choyu, 5) Mabuni Kenwa, 6) Taizo, 7) Shiroma Shinpan [12] On the first and fifteenth day of every month – the members gathered to worship the ‘Spirit’ (神 - Shen) of martial arts. I joined this club together with the following Kara-Te practitioners: 1) Maeyama Tatsunori 2) Kiju Nanjo 3) Kogyu Tazaki 4) Yagi Kamadashi At that time, Teacher Miyagi agreed to change the name of ‘Chinese Hand’ (唐手 - Tang Shou) to ‘Empty Hand’ (空手 - Kong Shou), and later ‘Chinese Hand’ was indeed gradually changed to ‘Empty Hand’[13]. Just as jiu-jitsu turned into judo, he was committed to developing the pure fighting skill of ‘Chinese Hand’ into ‘Empty Hand’. In 1925 (Taisho Year 14), when Kodokan judo master Jigoro Kano came to Okinawa, and we demonstrated Goju Ryu ‘kara-Te’ for him in a public hall in Naha City - Mr Miyagi explained it himself. The friendly meeting between the two founders of martial arts will light up the development of ‘kara-Te’ and bring good luck to the development of Judo! Japan created the "Foundation Gymnastics/Kenkoku Taiso" during World War II. In fact, this practice consisted mostly of ‘kara-Te’ kata, so it may be considered a variant of ‘kara-Te’. [14] As far as I know, Miyagi-sensei never tried to show off his ‘kara-Te’. Therefore, we also never talked about ‘kara-Te’ in school or outside of school. We kept in mind that we should not show ‘kara-Te’ to other people in public. When the judo teachers at Kodokan were on their way to Taiwan via Okinawa, they wanted us to show them ‘kara-Te’. We gave a demonstration at the training hall of No. 2 Middle School. After the Judo teacher left the school, Miyagi-sensei visited the No. 2 Middle School teacher Sochoku Nakachi and asked him, ‘How are my students doing?’ When Prince Takamatsu Miyazaki visited Okinawa, Miyagi-sensei appointed me as a representative of Goru Ryu to demonstrate Sanchin. At that time, I only wore a pair of shorts as I was practicing every day, and Miyagi-sensei did not demonstrate the Kata himself. The rhythm of ‘kara-Te’ is like wisdom blessed by the divine sky! It has the same rhythm as traditional Okinawan or Ryukyu dance. Let's continue to walk and grope in the dark to inherit the great rigidity and softness that Miyagi-sensei left behind! References: [1]^This text is a translation into the Chinese language from the original Japanese language article entitled ‘Kara-Te Master Miyagi Chojun’. Originally published in Aoi Umi Monthly, Issue 70, February 1978 (pp. 99-100), published by Aoi Umi Shuppansha. This special issue focused on Okinawan karate masters. "Aoi Umi Monthly" magazine has long since ceased publication. [2]^Nakaima Genkai had a high social status among the disciples of Miyagi Chojun. After the war, he devoted himself to the research and writing about Okinawan culture. It is said that around 1955, he was invited to attend a meeting of all the disciples of the Goju Ryu. At this meeting, Miyazato Eiichi was recognized by the majority and officially became the heir of Miyagi Chojun. [3]^Thirteen, Scholar Strong Town and 108 are the earliest known Naha ‘Te’ techniques, of which the name of Scholar Strong Town first appeared in the martial arts literature in the 186os. As now, these types have subtle differences according to different inheritances. Kyoda Jūhatsu once studied different sets of Thirteen techniques with Higaonna Kanryo and Higaonna Kanjun – but it was Kanryo’s Thirteen that was finally transmitted through the Higaonna lineage! [4]^According to the recollections of Yagi Meitoku, Miyagi Chojun only taught Sanchin, Thirteen, Seiyunchin and Suparinpei during the Taisho period - he only began to teach other Katas during the Showa period (after 1926). [5]^Probably the famous ‘Hanazono Dojo’ (花园道场) - ‘Flower Garden Way Place’ [6]^The training here is the most basic introductory training. It can be seen that it evolves around strength, endurance and flexibility, etc. This is also the tradition of Naha ‘Te’ and Goju Ryu. First, strengthen the physique and then exercise to develop the skills. There are differences in the teaching of Goju Ryu classes that focus only on developing specific skills. In addition, about the training system of Goju Ryu, you can check ‘Miyagi Chojuns Talks About Hard and Soft kara-Te’ in the historical archives for details. [7]^Combining the above, the actual ‘kara-Te’ training at that time was only about 2-3 hours, and the remaining 2-3 hours were taked with discussion time. [8]^What is expressed here, is that the Sanchin Kata is the firm foundation - which also has practical significance. Because from a technical point of view, Sanchin already contains the most basic maintenance framework, thrust skills, receiving skills and movement. [9]^According to the memory of Miyagi Chojun’s nephew - Higa Yunao - Miyagi Chojun was very good at moving, so this may not only refer to the basic movement – but include the highest form of ‘flowing’ (like water) from one place to another without losing power, posture or momentum, etc. [10]^Because of his age, Nakaima Genkai misremembered the time. This event should have happened around 1930. In addition, according to Kyoda Jūhatsu recollection, the name of Goju Ryu was thought up by Miyagi Chojun himself. [11]^According to the aforementioned self-report, he could not have had the opportunity to follow Miyagi Chojun to visit Itosu Ankō, because Itosu Ankō had passed away in 1915. Itosu Ankō was one of the most important masters in the history of ‘China Hand’ (唐手 - Tang Shou) - ‘Empty Hand’ (空手 - Kong Shou). His teachers were Nagahama Chikudun of Naha Te and Sokon Matsumura of Shuri Te. One of his disciples was Chōmo Hanashiro - who was said to have instructed Miyagi Chojun. This is a significant as Itosu Ankō is believed to have been the firt person to use the word ‘empty hand’ (in 1901). The ‘China Hand’ Research Club developed into the ‘Empty Hand’ Research Club! This was one of the most important associations in history, with the club mainly led by Motobu Chōyū - although master's from Naha, Shuri, Tori, Kume and other places exchanged their skills and teaching experience with each other. This promoted the standardization and modernization of ‘China Hand’ - ‘Empty Hand’! [12]^During the ‘China Hand’ Research Club gatherings, the participating masters would give guidance individually to whoever asked or approached them (rather than in groups), so that participating students at that time could learn the techniques of other styles and lineages – and not be limited to just their own style! [13]^Miyagi Chojun was one of the supporters of officially changing the name of ‘China Hand’ to ‘Empty Hand’, and it is his senior brother Kyoda Jūhatsu who clearly opposed it. [14]^This actually refers to a ‘Military Body Fist’ (军体拳 - Jun Ti Quan) style promoted by the IJA32 Army/Okinawa Défense Army in Okinawa during the Asia-Pacific War (1941-1945). Chinese Language Article: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/119288128
宫城长顺:恩泽无量,讲述人间之道的武人 王扁豆 入院观察,积极治疗 11 人赞同了该文章 关于我的恩师宫城长顺先生的回忆[1] 作者:仲井間元楷[2] 在我刚升入中学二年级的那个春天,我的同学 玉城本顺/Bunshun Tamagusuku 对我说:“为什么我们不去找宫城大师学空手道(唐手)呢?” 玉城的叔叔新里仁安曾问过他是否想学习唐手。 当时希望通过新里仁安跟随宫城长顺大师学习的人,还有前山達徳/Tatsutoku Sakiyama(当时叫瀬名波達徳/Tatsutoku Senaha )、南條喜寿/Kiju Nanjo(当时叫間喜寿/Kiju Azama)和我三个人。 新里仁安是我的邻居,当时他已经从那霸商业高中毕业,所以他也算是我的学长。他住在 國吉有纪/Yukii Kuniyoshi 先生的一所出租屋中。 有一天晚上,我们三个人在国吉先生房子的木门前遇到了新里仁安,他脖子上缠着白布。当时新里正在木质大门的栏杆上做引体向上,他向我们展示了他能把下巴抬到杠铃上方多高。 此外他还教了我们如何用一只手臂做引体向上。 后来,我们经常晚上在Naha Jinjo Koto Shogakko(一所小学)的操场上聚会。我们喜欢做各种仰卧起坐或单杠练习。幸亏有了新里仁安,我们现在可以做正向大回转、反向大回转、空翻等高难度动作了。 不久之后,新里仁安进入了警察学校。我们四个人(玉城本顺、前山達徳、南條喜寿和我)决定向宫城大师学习空手道(唐手)。 但在这之前,我必须先征得父亲的允许。 当首里城被日军占领时,我的父亲只有10岁,琉球王国被废除,并在1879年(明治12年)成为日本的一个县。 日本政府在1872年(明治五年)建立了琉球宗族,作为废除琉球王国和建立冲绳县计划的第一步,当时他才3岁。 由于父亲是在这样的过渡时期出生的,而且我们的祖先来自中国,我们的家族不允许他接受所谓“大和学问”的日式教育,所以他没有上过学。 但因为努力工作,他拥有了强大而灵活的体格,我曾听说他是一位很厉害的摔跤手。当我在学校运动会上获奖时,他感到非常高兴。 1923年春天,当时我15岁,我告诉父亲我想向宫城大师学习空手道(唐手)。他给了我许可,并对我说:“你能跟随宫城长顺大师学习空手道(唐手),那真是太好了!”。那时宫城先生已经以空手道(唐手)出名了,所以父亲认为他是我理想的老师。 我们,冲绳久米村人,为自己的中国血统感到骄傲。我们相信我们的祖先是从中国来到冲绳,所以我们不仅非常尊重中国的文艺,而且也非常尊重武艺。 在文化艺术方面,我们建立了一所学校,叫做“Meirindo”,它就像今天的一所大学,在那里教育年轻人。至于空手道、搏击等武艺,我认为我们是根据各自的体力和其他条件单独练习的。 当时“ Meirindo”学校文化节的节目里,有棒术/Bo,鉄尺/Tesshaku/Tiechi,十三/ Sesan,士壮镇/Chishokin,籐牌/Tohai和“一百零八/Suparinpei”的表演[3]。 空手道的大多数表演与宫城老师教给我们的一样。[4] 宫城老师的课程就这样开始了。我们一周上三次课(周一、周三和周五,放学后从下午3点到晚上8点),当时的训练是在宫城老师的家里[5],而不是像现在这样在专门的道场(训练馆)。过了一段时间,我的同学玉城(新里仁安的侄子)退学了,只留下了三个练习者:前山達徳、南條喜寿和我。 我们当时的训练包括了准备运动,补充运动和足部动作,一般都是围绕三戦进行的。[6] 根据宫城老师对准备运动的解释,通过这些锻炼,我们可以为像三戦等Kata之类的空手道训练做准备,准备运动具有热身的功能。 准备运动的另一含义是通过锻炼所有必要的肌肉来增强我们的体力,以便我们可以在任何情况下正确使用肌肉。简而言之,我们通过准备运动来建立“空手道体格”。 补充运动是一种学习空手道基本技术的训练,它有助于我们理解空手道的内在逻辑,同时,我们的空手道技术也将随着我们运动能力和体力的发展而不断优化。 我们就这样通过做准备运动和补充运动为空手道打下基础的。 宫城老师在训练结束后,会给我们讲两三个小时的各种故事[7]。他的故事主题不仅有空手道的技术,还包括了世界局势、空手道界的现状、空手道的起源、他对空手道与佛教的思考、对空手道与冲绳传统表演艺术的研究等等。 那时候我们还只是初中生,但宫城老师却向我们宣扬空手道的真理,空手道大师应该有着怎样的灵魂,空手道所带来的生活方式,即人的方式或道德的方式。我仍然记得他那明亮的脸和敏锐的眼睛,在其中我找到了一位空手道大师的爱和善良。 现在我将转述宫城老师的一些话给你听。 “如果你一生只练习三戦,就不必练习其他Kata。三戦非常的重要。” [8] 有一天,我问他:“您在练习三戦过程中,有几次感觉您自己的表现不错?” 他回答说:“我认为我在30次三戦练习中,只有1次表现出色。” 当时他还很年轻,只有34或35岁。 他的话,我仍然印象深刻。 “三戦结束时手的位置和姿态与佛像相同。” 宫城老师经常告诉我们这个故事。 我认为三戦结束时的手势是最美的祈祷姿态。 实际上,我在一些寺庙中看到佛像的相同手部姿势。 宫城老师说:“刚柔就像是被强风吹过的柳树”。 强风吹过柳树, 而柳树从不抗拒风,它虽然保持被动,但永不会被折断或破坏。 在空手道中,我们可以利用对手的力量。 这是我们必须通过实践来掌握的技艺。[9] 我想是在1926年东京明治神宫外花园举行全国武道大会的时候*。宫城老师的弟子新里仁安参加了这次会议,并表演了作为冲绳武术的空手道。 当时,一位官员突然问他:“你武术叫什么名字?” 然后他回答“ 刚柔(半硬软)风格”。 后来他向宫城老师解释了此事,宫城老师批准了他的称呼。 从那时起,我们就称自己为刚柔流。[10] 有一次我问宫城老师:“老师,你的后脑勺有眼睛吗?有人说,即使我们偷偷跟着你,你也会立刻发现有人跟踪,并迅速转过身来寻找我们。” 宫城老师回答说,“没有人的后脑勺有眼睛。但当我沿着这条路走的时候,在某些情况下,我会感到有些奇怪。我认为这就是所谓的第六感。我们在街角拐弯处、在雨中的街道上行走,在梯子上爬上爬下的时候,都要时刻保持警惕,如果你能努力练习,并且习惯性谨慎,会对自卫会有帮助。经过长期的空手道训练,我们可以获得所谓的第六感,并能注意到是否有人在跟踪。” “现在学空手道就像在没有灯光的黑暗中行走。我们必须在黑暗中摸索前进。”宫城老师还告诉我,“空手道里有太多不合理的东西,还有很多我无法理解的东西。因此,当我们的(唐手)大师们还活着的时候,我们必须去拜访他们,请教他们许多问题。我想即使我们这样做了,其实也很难找到答案。”我曾经和他一起去过 花城長茂/Chomo Hanashiro 先生和 糸洲 安恒/Ankō Itosu 的家,听过他们的空手道故事。[11] 1926年(大正时代的最后一年),来自那霸、南旭ケ丘和若狭町的空手道大师们聚在一起,成立了一个俱乐部研究空手道。参加俱乐部的大师有:宫城长顺、许田重发、本部朝基、本部朝勇,、摩文仁賢和, 田原Taizo、城間真繁。[12] 每个月的初一和十五,他们会祭拜武术之神。前山達徳、南條喜寿、田崎耕牛/Kogyu Tazaki,、八木釜出/Yagi,、喜纳正興/Seiko Kina和我也参加了俱乐部,并在那里接受训练。[13] 那时,宫城老师就赞成将“唐手”改为“空手”,后来“唐手”的确逐渐被改为了“空手”[14]。就像柔术变成了柔道一样,他致力于将纯粹的格斗技艺“唐手”发展成“空手道”。 1925年(大正14年),讲道馆柔道大师嘉纳治五郎/Kigoro Kano来到冲绳时,我们在那霸市的一个公共礼堂为他演示了刚柔流空手道,宫城老师亲自进行了讲解。两大武道奠基人的友好会面,将为空手道事业的发展点亮光明,同时为柔道事业的发展带来好运。 日本在第二次世界大战期间创建了“建国体操运动/Kenkoku Taiso”。事实上,这种练习主要由空手道的Kata组成,所以可能算是空手道的一种变体。[15] 据我所知,宫城老师从未试图炫耀过自己的空手道。因此,我们也从来没有在学校和校外谈论过空手道。我们牢牢记住,我们不应该在公共场合向其他人展示空手道。 当讲道馆的柔道师范在途径冲绳前往台湾时,他们希望我们向他们展示空手道。前山達徳、南條喜寿和我在第二中学的柔道训练馆进行了展示。 柔道师范离开学校后,宫城老师拜访第二中学的老师Sochoku Nakachi,并询问他:“我的学生们表现得如何?” 当高松宮宣仁親王访问冲绳时,宫城老师任命我作为刚柔流的代表展示了三戦,当时我就像每天练习一样只穿着一条短裤,而宫城老师并未进行展示。 空手道的节奏如同是上天祝福的智慧。 它和传统的冲绳舞或琉球舞蹈的韵律相同。 让我们继续在黑暗中行走和摸索,以继承宫城老师所留下的伟大的刚柔流吧。 参考 ^本文是原著《空手道大师宫城长顺》的翻译。最早刊登在由Aoi Umi Shuppansha出版的《Aoi Umi月刊》1978年2月第70期(第99-100页)。本期特刊主要介绍了冲绳空手道大师。《Aoi Umi月刊》杂志早已停刊。 ^仲井間元楷在宫城长顺弟子中社会地位较高,,战后专注进行冲绳文化的研究和著作工作。据传1955年左右,他曾受邀列席了全体刚柔流弟子出席的会议,在这次会议上宫里栄一获得多数人的认可,正式成为宫城长顺的继承人。 ^十三、士壮镇和一百零八是已知最早的那霸手型,其中士壮镇的名字最早出现在186X年的演武文献中。和现在一样,这些型根据不同的传承有着细微的差异,许田重发曾和东恩纳宽量和东恩纳宽裕学习过不同的十三,宽裕の十三最终只得以东恩流中继承。 ^据八木明德回忆,宫城长顺在大正时期只教授三戦、十三、制引战和一百零八,昭和年代(1926年后)才开始教授其他型。 ^可能就是著名的“花园道场” ^这里的训练是最为基本的入门训练,可以看到是围绕着力量、耐力、柔韧等内容进行的,这也是那霸手和刚柔流的传统,先强化体格再锻炼技巧,和现在普遍练技为主的刚柔流兴趣班教学有所区别。此外,关于刚柔流的训练体系,可以在历史消息中查看《宫城长顺谈刚柔流空手道》具体了解。 ^结合上文,当时的空手道训练实际只有2-3小时左右,剩下的2-3小时是聊天时间。 ^这里可能表达的是,三戦作为基本型,同样具有实战意义。因为从技术角度讲,三戦已包含了最为基本的维持构架、突技、受技和移动等内容。 ^据宫城长顺外甥比嘉佑直的回忆,宫城长顺非常擅长移动,因此这里指的可能不光是原地的引受、流受,还包括了通过移动施展的技术。 ^因为年代久远,仲井間记错了时间,这个事件应该发生在1930年左右,此外根据许田重发的回忆,刚柔流的名字是由宫城长顺自己想出来的。 ^根据前文自述,他应该没有机会跟随宫城长顺拜访过糸洲安恒,因为糸洲安恒在1915年就已经去世了。糸洲安恒是唐手/空手道历史上最重要的大师之一,他是首里手松村宗棍和那霸手长滨的弟子。花城長茂是糸洲安恒的弟子,据称曾指导过宫城长顺,也是可追溯的最早使用“空手”一词的人。 ^唐手研究俱乐部是唐手/空手历史上最为重要的一次结社,俱乐部主要由本部朝勇领导,来自那霸、首里、泊、久米等地方的大师们相互交流技艺和教学经验,促进了唐手/空手的标准化和现代化。 ^唐手研究俱乐部时期,参加的唐手大师会分别进行指导,所以有当时的学生不仅会学习单一流派的技术和型,还会学习其他流派的内容。 ^宫城长顺是将“唐手”正式改名为“空手”的支持者之一,明确反对的是他的师兄许田重发。 ^这其实指的是IJA32军/冲绳守备军在冲绳本地推广的一种“军体拳”。 The official Karate-Do class was held by Master Mekura Kenichi (铭苅拳一) (b. 1947) in Shanghai during 1988 – after he had respectfully approached the government of Mainland China with diplomatic support from Japan and Brazil! He stayed in China for twenty-five years teaching the Kobayashi lineage of the Shorin Ryu Karate-Do style. After spending a quarter of a century moving around and teaching throughout China – he retired aged 66 years and left China in 2013 leaving behind a great reputation amongst the Chinese people! Just nineteen years after the unconditional surrender of the Imperial Japanese in 1945 – the British Authorities of the colony of Hong Kong permitted a rich Japanese business man named ‘Mr Harada’ to open a ‘private’ Dojo in 1964 (teaching the Japanese Goju Kai style of Karate-Do) within an exclusive health club located along the coastline of Hong Kong Island! In other words, well within the living memory of Chinese (and other people) who were the victims of Imperial Japanese atrocities – the British Authorities in Hong Kong allowed a previous vehicle of Imperial Japanese atrocities (I.e. ‘Karate-Do’) to be ‘sold’ to the general public as a ‘leisure’ activity! Although the British Colonial Authorities operated a strict ‘racial’ and ‘cultural’ segregation policy throughout Hong Kong (with Chinese men used as labourers and Chinese women as prostitutes)! The way these exclusive health clubs operated was that ‘Members’ had the right to ‘invite’ any friend or colleague they wished providing the other Members did not protest. Therefore, the Goju Kai Dojo was intended for ethnic ‘Japanese’ only – but this principle was short-circuited by the fact that a young Chinese man named ‘Lin Jingfeng’ (林竞峰) [1947-2018] - was invited into the classes by a Japanese Member. As none of the Japanese Members protested – Lin Jingfeng was allowed to stay and over the decades became a highly skilled (Japanese) Goju Kai and then (Okinawan) Goju Ryu Karate-Do practitioner. In 1979, the ‘International Okinawan Goju Ryo Karate-Do Federation’ (IOGKF) was founded in the UK. In 1980, the Head Instructor of the IOGKF – Higaonna Morio – appointed Lin Jingfeng the IOGKF Branch Supervisor of all Hong Kong AND Mainland China Dojos (registered with the IOGKF). As Lin Jingfeng was a Cantonese citizen of Hong Kong - and given that he was well-known as a high-ranking Goju Ryu practitioner amongst the many distinct Chinese ethnic groups that lived on Hong Kong island, the boats surrounding the Hong Kong coast (the Dan-Ka boat people), and all the different Chinese clans living throughout the New Territories – the idea that he was chosen as the official IOGKF Representative (or ‘Supervisor’) of all the IOGKF Dojos in and around the Hong Kong region that comprised the British colony and/or ‘Protectorate’ of Hong Kong was logical and legal. The IOGKF, however, possessed no political, cultural or legal right to appoint Lin Jingfeng as the IOGKF Representative of Mainland China! The British Authorities controlled Hong Kong only – and possessed no authority whatsoever anywhere in Mainland China! Placing Lin Jingfeng as the ‘Representative’ of Mainland China in 1980, then, was an ‘empty’ appointment that possessed no real substance. Lin Jingfeng only became (by default) the IOGKF Representative of Mainland China in 1997 – when the British Colonial Authorities ‘handed-back’ Hong Kong to direct Mainland Chinese control! The 1964 Goju Kai Dojo was established upon Chinese soil, but it was a part of China that had been artificially and viciously excised from the direct political control of the Chinese Mainland because of British imperialist greed and militarism during the 19th century! Hong Kong was a part of Mainland China – but was not under the direct political control of the Chinese people in 1964 - and so the Goju Kai Dojo does not qualify as the ‘first official’ Karate-Do class established within a fully independent and functioning Mainland China! As modern Japan (which is a close ally of the US) refuses to acknowledge its atrocities and war crimes throughout China (and Asia) committed during the 1930s and 1940s – it is doubtful that any genuine Chinese government would permit Japanese businesses and Japanese ‘militarised’ leisure activities at any time throughout the 1960s! Foreign powers aggressive toward Chinese interests, however, (such as the British, the Japanese and the ‘Nationalist’ Chinese), then it is more likely that activities such as Karate-Do would be taught! The Japanese invaded and brutally suppressed the Chinese and aboriginal people of the island of Taiwan during 1895. This resistance fighting carried on for about five years before the invading Japanese managed to turn Taiwan into a Japanese-controlled Police State controlled through the use of regular ‘mass’ public executions through beheadings! Chinese language, religion and martial arts practice were outlawed – and replaced with a full Japanese education syllabus typical of that found throughout Mainland Japan! In 1901, the racist Japanese government changed the name of ‘Tang Hand’ (唐手 - Tang Shou) - referring to the various systems of ‘Chinese’ martial arts transmitted to (and preserved upon) the island of Okinawa - into ‘Empty Hand’ (空手 - Kong Shou) - a Japanese ‘joke’ which suggests a martial activity now ‘emptied’ of ALL Chinese historical influence and philosophical meaning! Later, the mediocre Okinawan Karate-Do practitioner Funakoshi Gichin (who was in the pay of the Imperial Japanese government) would invent the bizarre falsehood that this ‘empty hand’ Japanese art was somehow linked to the Heart Sutra – a text popular amongst a certain stratum of well-off Japanese people – which discusses the inherent ‘emptiness’ of all phenomena. As the Imperial Japanese Army had subdued the war-like Taiwanese (Chinese) people by 1900, and given that the mass atrocities had killed many of the most effective leaders and removed tens of thousands of Chinese militants, I suspect that the very first Japanese ‘Karate-Do’ class (albeit ‘enforced’) was held on the subjugated Chinese island of Taiwan at some point from 1901 onwards – the date that the Imperial Japanese government introduced Karate-Do training as a keep-fit sport into all Japanese schools! Certainly, photographic evidence suggests that the Japanese (colonial) social control mechanism not only involved the brutality of public executions (often using traditional martial arts to kill the condemned), but also mass exercise sessions in public – very similar to how Japanese business personnel still start their working shifts today! Although Japan controlled Taiwan for fifty brutal years – until 1945 – the criminality did not stop there as the brutality of the dregs of the ‘Nationalist’ regime ‘invaded’ Taiwan and started a massacre of ALL those Chinese people who supported the Revolutionary Forces that finally came to power in 1949! This is a further ‘Crime Against Humanity’ and a ‘War Crime’ similar in magnitude to anything the Japanese committed – who also paid so-called Karate-Do experts to ‘Reverse-Punch’ condemned people to death who were tied to posts! This is part of the ‘dark’ history of Japanese-controlled Karate-Do that requires exposing! Chinese Language References:
http://k.sina.com.cn/article_6470899233_181b21621001005qlr.html#/ http://k.sina.com.cn/article_6420892685_p17eb70c0d0010027gi.html?cre=newspagepc&mod=f&loc=4&r=9&doct=0&rfunc=100#/ https://baike.baidu.com/item/台湾日据时期/19314241?fromtitle=日属台湾&fromid=22925746 http://news.sohu.com/20051024/n227289887.shtml https://www.krzzjn.com/show-1208-76563.html Mr Mekaru Kenichi (铭苅拳一) (b. 1947) Mainland China's First 'Official' Karate-Do Teacher! (15.1.2012)8/23/2022 Translator's Note: Master Mekaru Kenichi was born in '旧大里' (Jiu Da Li) Village in Okinawa during 1947 (that is the 'Old Big and Wide' Village) - as the island was still recovering from the cataclysmic (1945) Battle of Okinawa! His surname '铭苅' (Mekaru) appears to be a District of Northeast Naha City (perhaps named after a tortoiseshell) - whilst his first names of '拳一' (Kenichi) possess a definite martial connotation meaning a 'Single Fist' or a 'Fist that Unifies', etc! Times were hard when he was young and life was difficult - but Mekaru Kenichi and his clan were held together by their Karate-Do mind and body discipline - knowing full well that its inner structure was historically from China! During the early days of his life, his biography relates how even as a young child he was holding the 'Horse Stance' and participating in general 'Tang Hand' training with no particular 'name' or 'style' association (a typical situation amongst many traditionally minded Okinawans at the time)! In 1958, when he was 11 years old, his family emigrated to the Sao Paulo area of Brazil to join the already substantial Japanese and Okinawan population already living their and doing well with lots of open space to build and plenty of work opportunities! During 1977, when Mekaru Kenichi was 30 years old, he met Mr. Kakazu Yoshimasa - who had come to Brazil to participate in an 'Open' fighting competition! Upon his return to Okinawa - Mekaru Kenichi followed him and became his martial arts disciple! When returning to Mr. Kakazu Yoshimasa's Dojo in Naha City, he was tasked with mastering the 'Kobayashi Ryu' (小林流) - style of Okinawan Karate-Do - a branch of the 'Shorin Ryu' (少林流) fighting style - which uses the Chinese ideograms that read 'Shaolin Lineage'. - as there is a belief that this style of Okinawan Karate-Do was originally linked directly to the Shaolin Temple tradition of China. Kobayashi Ryu was founded by Chibana Chōshin (知花朝信) [1885-1969]. His family practiced the 'Chinese Hand (唐手 - Tang Shou) - and refused the Japanese order to change the name to 'Empty Hand' (空手 - Kong Shou) for decades! Master Mekaru Kenichi became a very great Master of the Kobayashi Ryu style and was renowned for travelling the world and relentlessly teaching anyone who wanted to learned genuine, Chinese-based Okinawan Karate-Do! This led to him eventually entering China and working very hard to introduce the modern Chinese people to a martial art that belonged to them - but which had been transmitted to another culture hundreds of years ago! Master Mekura Kenichi dedicated 25 years of life to China before retiring and leaving a place in 2013 (aged 66) he had called 'home' for quarter of a century! The record books now show that Mekura Kenichi was the first person to introduce an Okinawan Karate-Do style (Kobayashi Ryu) into an independent and thriving Mainland China during 1988! ACW (23.8.2022) Master Mekura Kenichi Demonstrates 'Basic Kata Number One'! Mr Mekaru Kenichi first visited China in 1988 – where he is well-known for performing what would become known as his inaugural Karate-Do cultural exchange performance at the Shanghai Wushu Academy! The reaction from the thousands in attendance at the time was very appreciative and supportive! Since then, people from all walks of life in Shanghai became very interested in learning the martial art of Karate-Do, and this positive reaction gave him the idea of developing the teaching of Karate-Do in Shanghai! In 1990, Mr Mekaru Kenichi was introduced by the Brazilian President in a letter and recommended by the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai. With the help of Mr. Zhu Rongji (朱镕基) the Mayor of Shanghai at that time - he was contacted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal Commission for Sports - and entirely at his own expense, established China's first officially recognised Karate-Do training class held at the Shanghai Physical Education Training Hall. At that time, a large number of willing practitioners flocked in an endless stream to the classes, and the registration was extraordinarily high! To help with the training process, the Japanese government provided 300 Karate-Do training suits (termed ‘gi’) for free - for the newcomers to use! In Japan, karate is taught as part of the School Physical Education Curriculum! Therefore, Mr Mekaru Kenichi wanted to establish Karate-Do as a sport in China’s Primary and Secondary Schools and Universities in China, so as to popularise this martial art amongst the youth! In 1992, he taught for free and borrowed 100 further sets of Japanese Karate-Do uniforms for which he distributed for free. He founded the Fudan University Karate Association and opened the first Karate-Do training class to be held in a Chinese university and was hired as the Honorary President and Chief Instructor of the Association (which provided him with a small room to live, three meals a day and a small stipend). From this firm foundation, he opened a Karate-Do training course and served as the Head Coach for the Shanghai Metallurgical College. The following year, he aimed at establishing Karate-Do classes throughout the whole country yet again! This time he was successful, and he managed to establish fully functioning Dojos in Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Shenyang, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and other major cities – attracting the huge number of 80,000 ethnic Chinese students! Mr Mekaru Kenichi was appointed by the Okinawa Fist Study Association of Japan to promote traditional Karate-Do all over the world! He has taught in major cities in dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. After 20 years, the number of students around the world has reached 35,000! He has stated, however, that as China is the birthplace of Karate-Do – China remains the country with the most potential for development. In order to spread and develop Karate-Do in China, he would rather give up the materially superior conditions of other countries, relocate to a remote part of China for meditative study, and invest whatever money he could raise and donate it to the Chinese people - to be used for the promotion of Karate-Do! After years of hard work by Mr Mekaru Kenichi , the regular practice of Karate-Do has developed rapidly throughout China – a process which has proven especially strong in Shanghai. Today, dozens of colleges and universities, including Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade, Donghua University, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, and Peking University, have all established regular Karate-Do associations and offer Karate-Do courses (including medicine and weaponry). At the same time, many fitness clubs have also launched Karate-Do as a form of fitness exercise, training tens of thousands of students! On April 25th, 1999, China's first official Karate-Do body – the ‘Shanghai Wushu Association Karate Committee’ - was established through the authority of the World Karate-Do Federation! Through the introduction of Mr. Wang Zhaoji (王肇基) - the Director of the Karate-Do Committee of the Shanghai Wushu Association - Mr Mekaru Ginkari was hired as the first Consultant Head Coach. This appointment was confirmed at the inauguration ceremony, where enthusiastic Karate-Do students were called upon to hold a demonstration and competition! Mr Shimizu Seno - the Deputy Consul General of the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai - also came to the Shanghai Wushu Academy to watch the inauguration ceremony! At the invitation of Mr Mekaru Kenichi important members of the World Karate Federation and All Japan Karate Federation attended the inauguration ceremony – including director Arakawa Tong and director Hasumi Keiichi! These Karate-Do experts personally guided Chinese students in their Karate-Do practice – and helped explain the competition rules as established by the World Karate Federation! Everyone who attended, regardless of rank, ethnicity or origination, all chose to support China by joining the Karate-Do Committee of the Shanghai Wushu Association! During May 2000, following negotiations between Mr Mekaru Kenichi and the Japan Kyokushinkaikan - the first Sino-Japanese karate exchange competition (for college and high school students) was held (including full-contact sparring, Kata and weapons demonstrations), with many more high-spirited Sino-Japanese exchange competitions being held since then! During February 2001, Mr Mekaru Kenichi invited the All-Japan Karate Women's Champion to Shanghai to participate in the exchange competition with Shanghai karate students – to offer advice regarding practice methods, Kata performances and actual combat (self-defence) experience! Chinese Language Source: 铭苅拳一介绍
铭苅拳一介绍2012年01月15日 13:46:07 铭苅拳一先生于1988年第一次来到中国,在上海武术院进行了第一次空手道交流表演,当时反映极为强烈。鉴于上海各界人士对空手道十分感兴趣,在上海发展空手道的想法产生于他的脑海之中。 1990年,铭苅先生经巴西总统致信介绍及日本驻沪领事馆的推荐,在当时上海市市长朱镕基先生帮助下,由上海市体委外事处联络,在上海体育宫自费创办了中国第一个公认的空手道训练班。当时大批学习者络绎不绝,报名极为踊跃,全部免费借用了从日本带来的三百套拳士会空手道道服。 在日本,空手道是作为学校体育教育课程的。由此铭苅先生想在中国各中小学及大学内开展空手道运动,在学生中进行普及。1992年,他义务免费授课,并免费借用一百套日本空手道道服,创建了复旦大学空手道协会及开设了中国高校的第一个空手道训练班,并受聘为协会荣誉会长兼总指导;同时在上海冶金高等专科学校开设了训练班并担任总教练。 次年,他又把目标指向了全国,先后在成都、昆明、西安、沈阳、南京、杭州、青岛、广州、香港等各大城市办班传授武艺,学生总数8万人次以上。 铭苅先生曾受日本冲绳拳士会委派,到世界各国推广空手道。在美国、加拿大、墨西哥、巴西、巴拉圭、阿根廷、哥伦比亚、秘鲁、法国、西班牙、葡萄牙、意大利等数十个国家的大城市都任教过,历经20年,学生达3万5千人次。但还是发现中国是最具有潜力可发展的国家。为了在中国传播和发展空手道,他宁愿放弃其他国家的优越条件,来到中国进行考察,投入许多资金在中国空手道事业的开展推广方面,为了能使中国的空手道运动更好、更顺利地发展。 经过铭苅先生多年的努力,空手道事业在中国发展蒸蒸日上,特别是在上海。如今包括复旦大学、上海外国语大学、上海对外贸易学院、东华大学、南京理工大学、北京大学等数十所高校都成立了空手道协会,开设了空手道课程。同时许多健身俱乐部也已开展此运动,培训学员数万名。 1999年4月25日,经世界空手道连盟认可,中国第一个空手道委员会——上海市武术协会空手道委员会成立。在上海市武协空手道委员会主任王肇基先生的介绍下,铭苅先生被聘为首任顾问总教练,并在成立仪式上召集空手道学员举办了表演比赛。日本驻沪领事馆副总领事清水濑野先生也来到上海武术院观看了这次成立仪式。在铭苅先生的盛邀下,世界空手道连盟和全日本空手道连盟的最高干部局长荒川通和理事莲见圭一亲临上海庆祝空手道委员会的成立,观看、指导中国学生的表演比赛,并对世界空手道连盟的比赛裁判规则作了讲解。 上海市武术协会空手道委员会成立以后,铭苅先生在沪上的所有在册学员都加入了空手道委员会成为会员。 2000年5月,在铭苅先生与日本极真会馆的协商下,进行了首届大中学生中日空手道交流赛,以后又举办过多次中日交流赛。 2001年2月,铭苅先生又邀请了全日本空手道女子冠军来到上海,参加了与上海空手道学员的交流比赛,进行了练习方法、套路表演及实战比赛的交流。 阅读(274)|**(0) Sensei Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) was born on the 25.2.1920 - and as of 2022 - he is currently 102-years-old! Although he currently holds an 8th Dan Black Belt Grade - he gave-up wearing the White 'gi' uniform and coloured belts years ago as he focuses to an ever greater degree on the 'Chinese' spiritual and physical roots of the martial art he tells everyone should be known as 'Chinese Hand' and not 'Empty Hand'! His Dojo is open twice a week for two 24 hour stints - where students can walk in and out as they please. (During its 'closed' days, individuals and groups can attend through arrangement)! Sensei Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) does not teach all the classes (which are often directed by Sensei Masahiko Ando 8th Dan) - but can often be seen wandering in and out in a natural manner - very different to the average Japanese Dojo. At the conclusion of training, for instance, the teacher often sits with his students sharing a meal and a cup of tea with them - food that he has prepared himself! He describes his Karate-Do as being premised upon perfecting the following attributes: ・Concentrating unified power whilst performing and landing each technique. ・Unified power in generated within and expressed through the outer body. ・Karate is about gathering unified breathing power - and not brute strength. ・It is a martial art that includes throwing and joint-locking techniques. ・Okinawa Kobudo includes the weapons of Sai, Nunchaku and Bojutsu, etc. Shuri Ryu karate-Do is a traditional fighting system formed in Kyushu before the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) - which combines Okinawan Shuri-te (Shuri-Hand) and various elements of old Japanese martial arts. As is typical with many Okinawan martial arts - Shuri-Te has both Chinese and Okinawan influences. By combining these influence with Japanese fighting arts - a more all-round system was produced. This is the martial system that Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) has taught at the Hasshokan Dojo for more than half a century - where he has established a temple for storing important historical objects and documents relating to the theory and practice of the martial art of Shuri Ryu. This Dojo is located Japan's Kagawa Prefecture, situated within Takamatsu City. Shuri Ryu involves the alignment of the bones and joints, as well as the alignment of the mind, body and environment! The must become calm, expansive and all embracing - whilst the bodyweight drops through the aligned bones and joints before hitting the ground and rebounding upwards - creating a massive counter-force which is transitioned around the body through 'will-power' and 'intention' - so that it can be emitted through the relevant (attacking) anatomical weapons. The Shuri Ryu practitioner is 'still' and perfectly 'centred' - and yet can move with a surprising speed and agility whilst applying an explosive power which is enhanced by a profound relaxation of body and mind! By breathing deeply and fully all these attributes fall into place and the centre of gravity is 'dropped' - ready to stabilise, move and evade, or 'explode' with a surprising force! Chinese Language References:
https://www.sohu.com/a/319652408_120134390 https://www.cup.com.hk/2019/04/15/99-years-old-karate-master/ Japanese Language References: https://seisiyoukan.jimdofree.com http://don110510.blog.jp/archives/17067832.html https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/15123 Author’s Note: My view is that the change of name from ‘Tang Hand’ to ‘Empty-Hand' was a blatant act of Japanese imperialist aggression and was intended to render an art full of ‘Chinese’ influence – into a fabricated state ‘emptiness’ - that is ‘empty’ of any and all Chinese influence! I am told that within the Japanese cultural milieu, this change (initiated by the Japanese Authorities in Okinawa) is considered ‘funny’ and an obvious ‘joke’ - even today! The problem is that whilst the Chinese people readily understand and know this to be the case – the Western (and other Asian and non-Chinese) people do not understand this situation and actively participate in this anti-China ‘joke’ by uncritically practicing ‘Japanese’ Karate-Do – even though it is clearly a martial art with deep Chinese historical, cultural and political roots! I am not suggesting a boycott of Karate-Do, far from it - I am encouraging the spread and utilisation of ALL Chinese cultural activities - but whilst doing this I am suggesting that all those millions of people who practice Karate-Do (空手道 - Kong Shou Dao) or the older ‘Karate-Jitsu’ (空手術 - Kong Shou Shu) - remember that these arts are ‘Chinese’ in historical and cultural origin and should be known as ‘Tang Hand Way’ (唐手道 - Tang Shou Dao) or ‘Tang Hand Art’ ((唐手術 - Tang Shou Shu), etc. With regards to the Chinese ideogram ‘手’ (shou3), it denotes an ‘open’ hand with the palm clearly showing and the fingers spread. This denotes four-fingers and thumb with various explanations associated with its structure. Sometimes, for instance, this ideogram is confused with the very similar ‘毛’ (mao2) which denotes the wing of a bird (and is used to refer to ‘fur’ or the ‘hair’ of an animal). However, ‘手’ (shou3) is comprised of the central particle ‘于’ (yu2) which can be interpreted as an ancient wind instrument (possibly held to the mouth by the hand to be ‘blown’). ‘于’ (yu2) is also viewed as a simplified version of ‘於’ (yu2) - which denotes an object, or a thing placed in a definite position (sometimes also used to refer to a ‘crow’ or black-feathered bird). This ideogram also suggests a ‘sudden’ interruption in proceedings! Added to ‘于’ (yu2) is the particle ‘一’ (yi1) which on its own represents the number ‘1’ (one) or ‘I’ in Roman numerals! Therefore, ‘手’ (shou3) represents a hand and palm with fingers spread which is both ‘open’ and in ‘motion’ - whilst being both ‘creative’ and ‘decisive’. It can be ‘closed’ if required or any part of it (such as a ‘palm’ or an ‘edge’) can be used to influence the environment in the martial context! The hand is only ‘open’ whilst in transit. The hand is ‘moving’ in a ‘fluid’ and ‘effective’ many whilst not being ‘limited’ to the ‘shape’ or ‘form’ it has to ‘assume’ or temporally ‘occupy’ whilst expressing a bewildering array of martial shapes, expressions and forms! To counter the supposed ‘humour’ of Japanese imperialism – I would confirm that ‘Kara-Te’ is ‘full’ (and not ‘empty’) of Chinese cultural inheritance! I would further add that I am in support of ‘loving’ the Japanese people – and ALL the peoples of the world who practice and spread the art of ‘Kara-Te’! ACW (16.8.2022) Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868 – the Japanese Imperialist government embarked upon a rapid modernisation drive and an equally rapid expansion of Japanese political and cultural influence beyond its geographical borders! It is perhaps the greatest of ironies that Okinawa (Ryukyu) - an island nation politically and culturally associated with China for over a thousand years – possessed hundreds of highly trained martial artists (as well as thousands of amateur practitioners) - but did not possess a professional armed force dedicated to its own national defence! This is why the Japanese Imperial Army was able to land its forces unopposed in Okinawa in 1879 and the Japanese government was able to completely annex the island nation and separate and isolate its people from any and all Chinese cultural influence! The Japanese language replaced the Chinese language (and superseded the Okinawan dialect), and Japanese history replaced Chinese history. Despite these successes, however, the Japanese Authorities had to tread carefully as Qing Imperial China protested and threatened to send troops to the area – whilst the robust Okinawan people were more than capable of defending themselves against the over-zealous Japanese police and military! Japanese Master Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) Practices Shuri (首里) Ryu Karate-Do - and is 99 years old! As of 2019 He Has Been Practicing for 65 Years! He Lives in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, He Says He No Longer Wears a Gi (White Uniform) or a Coloured Belt. He is Currently an 8th Dan and Still Teaches Students! His Approach to Teaching Karate-Do Seems Very 'Chinese' in Essence! According to conventual thinking, within the Okinawan dialect (which is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese and indigenous languages), the Chinese term ‘唐’ (Tang) used to refer to the Tang Dynasty and for centuries taken to mean the country of China – is pronounced ‘Kara’. The Japanese Authorities substituted the Chinese ‘唐’ (Tang-Kara) for the Kanji Japanese equivalent of ‘空’ (Kong-Kara). The name of the martial art appeared to stay the same on the surface – ‘Kara-Te' - but changed completely beneath the surface! This was an act of blatant imperialist domination on behalf of the Japanese themselves, and despite such people as Funakoshi Gichin playing along with it (pretending the change had something to do with the philosophy contained within the Buddhist Heart Sutra), its only purpose was the complete eradication of all Chinese cultural influence upon the island! This process saw ‘唐手’(Tang Shou – Kara Te) - or ‘China Open Hand Martial Art’ - become instead the Japanese art of ‘空手’ (Kong Shou – Kara-Te) or the ‘Empty Open Hand’ - despite these many martial systems often incorporating the extensive use of traditional martial arts weaponry! Despite this change, the problem the Japanese Authorities had was that very few of the prominent martial arts Masters on the island took any notice of the ‘new’ name and continued to teach their martial arts as being distinctly ‘Chinese’ in origin, nature and expression! It was not until 1936 (the 11th year of the Showa era) that this matter was resolved. Japan had begun military hostilities in China during 1931 and was gearing-up for a more serious and widespread confrontation with China. To assist this process the Japanese government had been propagating extensive anti-China propaganda and informing the Japanese people not to associate themselves in anyway with Chinese culture. It did not take long for this negative attitude to infiltrate Okinawa and influence the martial arts community. In the Okinawan city of Naha, a symposium of many of the country’s leading martial artists was held to decide upon a distinctly ‘Japanese’ cultural expression for their respective martial arts. All the ‘Kara-Te’ Masters discussed this matter and unanimously decided to change the name of their martial art from ‘唐手’(Tang Shou – Kara Te) to ‘空手’ (Kong Shou – Kara-Te) - with each ‘denying’ or ‘rejecting’ any historical or cultural link with China! Despite Japan losing the Pacific War (1941-1945) it had started with the US, and the Second Sino-Japanese (1937-1945) it had started with China (Japan actually began hostilities in Manchuria during 1931) - the situation regarding ‘Kara-Te’ did not change. Indeed, the post-1945 US government facilitated the spread of ‘Kara-Te’ around the world as a means to eradicate and obscure all Chinese martial cultural influences throughout the West! Despite Japanese Imperialism killing millions throughout Asia during the 1930s and 1940s – the racially motivated change of ‘Chinese Hand’ to ‘Empty Hand’ was allowed to hold fast despite making no historical or logical sense whatsoever! This is even true amongst reasonably intelligent Westerners who would otherwise protest about any form of racism should they encounter it! Indeed, Okinawan people should throw-off the cloak of Japanese and US oppression and reclaim their martial arts as being ‘Chinese Hand’ - whilst remaining proud of this fact!
Translator's Note: The earliest editions of this story appear on the Chinese language internet on December 30th, 2019. This story is then circulated around and through the Chinese language media for at least another six months to a year. There appears to be two dates that are distinct - but which are 'merged' - during the reporting of this story. The two dates are as follows: a) 'September 16th, 1989' - when Lin Weigong made the official announcement that he had discovered the name of the Chinese Master of the 'Whooping Crane Fist' - that is 'Xie Chongxiang' (謝崇祥) [1852-1930]- also known as Xie Ru Ru (謝如如) and 'Ru Ru Ge' (如如哥) - who was the teacher of the Higaonna Kanryo [1853-1915] (from Okinawa) during the 19th century. b) 'June 9th, 1990' - a black marble "Monument of Achievement" was raised in the southwest corner of the Fuzhou New Sports Centre by the Japanese and Okinawa Karate Association in memory of the Chinese Master Xie Ru Ru (謝如如) also known as 'Ru Ru Ge' (如如哥) - the Chinese teacher of the Okinawan Master Higaonna Kanryo! Therefore, the year '2019' marks the 30th Anniversary of the announcement of the discovery of 'Xie Chongxiang' (謝崇祥) - whilst the year '2020' marks the 30th Anniversary of the raising of the black marble stele - and I believe the confusion (and conflation) of these two dates is the reason 'why' the news story continues to be associated with two different years (2019 and 2020). As not all of the historical data is present in any one single text (as the authors assume their readership already possesses a working knowledge of the story at hand), I have borrowed from at least three versions and have weaved a coherent historical narrative together. There was around eight months between Lin Weigong's historical announcement - and the Japanese - Okinawan Karate Association (representing 'Goju Ryu') organising the fund raising, commissioning, construction and transportation of the black marble stele - which is inscribed using Japanese language ideograms. The primary pictures in this article feature the stele and are dated from 1990 and 2000. The main stone tablet (and supporting base stele) both commemorate - with great respect - the eternal friendship that exists between China and Japan. This very close and fraternal relationship is embodied (and epitomised) through the creative (historical) interaction that took place between Xie Chongxiang and Higaonna Kanryo! May this interaction between the cultures of these two countries be forever fruitful! ACW (15.8.2022) In the summer of 1988, the relevant Departments of Okinawa Prefecture Government hosted a banquet in Fuzhou to thank the Deputy Secretary-General of the Fujian Provincial Government and Director of the Provincial Tourism Bureau - Nan Jiang (南江) - and other leaders including the well-known and respected senior academic - Lin Weigong - (Editor-in-Chief of People's History of the Fuzhou Local Chronicle Committee) who sought out the roots of the "Thirty-Six Surnames of Fujian People" in the Ryukyu country. He has made unremitting efforts and contributions to the search for roots and ancestors in Okinawa for many years. On September 16th, 1989, after months of arduous research, Lin Weigong made the breakthrough that everybody had been waiting for - that he had discovered the Chinese teacher of Higaonna Kanryo! This led to a great outpouring of enthusiasm and excitement in both Okinawa and Japan - culminating in the idea of constructing an engraved monument to honour the Chinese ancestor whose martial arts style eventually evolved into style of Goju Ryu Karate-Do in Okinawa! Therefore, on June 9th, 1990, in the southwest corner of the Fuzhou New Sports Centre, a solemn black marble "Monument of Achievement" was raised. It is a monument erected by the Japanese and Okinawa Karate Association in memory of the Chinese Master Xie Ru Ru (謝如如) also known as 'Ru Ru Ge' (如如哥) - the Chinese teacher of the Okinawan Master Higaonna Kanryo - who developed a style of Karate-Do - that evolved into 'Goju' (Hard-Soft) Ryu. His full name was 'Xie Chongxiang' (謝崇祥). Thirty-Years Ago - "People's Daily" Overseas Edition - "China Sports News" and Other Reports! Investigative Report Published in "Fujian Local Chronicle". The Chairman of Fujian Wushu Association Liu Zhonglu (刘中路) and Lin Weigong (林伟功) Cooperated to Publish a Report in "Chinese Wushu". The Inauguration Ceremony of the Outstanding Monument Held at the Fujian Provincial Sports Centre (1990). Wen Fushan (温附山) Vice Governor of Fujian Province - and VIP Leaders from All Walks of Life in China, Japan and Okinawa - Attended the Ceremony Took a Group Photograph in Front of the Monument. The Name on the Tablet - Decided by the Historical Investigation team - is that of 'Ru Ru Ge' (如如哥) as the Martial Arts Master in Fujian Who Taught Higaonna Kanryo! From the left in the front row of the photograph: Lin Weigong (林伟功), Lin Xuanzhi [林萱治] (former Deputy Director of the General Office of the Fuzhou Municipal Government and former Director of the Municipal Local Records Office), Fang Baoyan (方宝炎) (the Great Master of Whooping Crane Fist - 鸣鹤拳 [Ming He Quan]), Huang Qiquan [黄启权] (former director of the General Office of the Municipal Party Committee, Director of the Municipal Office of Local Affairs), Wen Fu Shan [温附山] (Vice Governor of Fujian Province), Head of the Japanese and Okinawan Delegation - Yuika Tokashiki (渡嘉敷唯贤) - (President of the Japanese and Okinawan Karate Association). In the back row are the Directors and Deputy Directors of the Provincial Sports Commission, as well as leaders of relevant Departments and other members of the Japanese and Okinawan delegation. Lin Weigong (林伟功) was hired as a Special Consultant by the Japanese and Okinawan Karate Association to investigate the origins of Goju Ryu Karate-Do in China. The picture shows the esteemed Presidemt - Yuika Tokashiki (渡嘉敷唯贤) and Lin Weigong - taking a photograph together in front of the monument. A Photograph of President Yuika Tokashiki and Lin Weigong - Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Fujian Provincial Surname Origin Research Association, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Fujian Provincial Committee, and Head of the Liaison Office. The above pages are written in Japanese script and list a number of 'names' of honourable Japanese people who have contributed finance, time and/or expertise to the arrangement, construction and raising of the stone monument(s). These names include Moriyoshi Niizaki, Tomoyoshi Nakayoshi, Chuichi Uehara, Takakatsu Nakamura, Yasuhide Gibo, Antetsu Takehara, Yuki Dochu, Nobuichi Ishii, Koji Sugimoto, Noriko Sugimoto, Maki Sugimoto, Masashi Deni, Hiromi Miyagi,,Koji Miyagi, Hyakuna Ason, Hanashiro Seimei, Onaha Tsutomu, Nakazato Masayuki, Gakiya Hiroshi, Kamiesu Choho, Hirota Nakaima and Kosuke Kamiya, etc. Chinese Language Articles:
https://www.it610.com/article/1225060581883613184.htm https://88db.com.hk/QnA/Lesson-Instruction/空手道與褔建南拳的歷史淵源-剛柔流空手道的創造人在福建/1867 https://www.xuehua.us/a/5ebf28f07b5409df8eabbe2f?lang=zh-cn Selection of Important Extracts: 老故事|30多年前林伟功受福建省政府之命为日本刚柔流空手道寻根 老故事|30多年前林伟功受福建省政府之命为日本刚柔流空手道寻根1988年夏,日本冲绳县有关部门在福州设宴感谢福建省政府副秘书长兼省旅游局局长南江等领导及为琉球国“闽人三十六姓”寻根的总查证人林伟功(福州市方志委人物志主编)等多年为冲绳寻根觅祖作出不懈努力及所做的贡献。 1989年9月16日,有關專家再次對謝如如是否做了進一步的論證,最後一致認為:謝如如(宗祥)確系日本沖繩剛柔流祖師東恩納寬量當年在福州所拜的中國武術師傅,並於1990年6月9日在福州市新體育中心西南角,矗立著一座莊嚴肅穆的黑色大理石“顯彰碑”,是日本沖繩空手道總會為紀念日本空手道剛柔流祖師東恩納寬量的中國師傅謝如如而立的紀念碑。這是中日武術界傳統中有源流方面影響的明證。 席上日方高野代表在再次致谢之余,提出希望请南江秘书长再安排林伟功主编将寻找日本刚柔流空手道中国鼻祖担当起来,南江秘书长给予接受,并让林伟功主编正式接受任务。宴后,在市方志办主任林萱治、黄启权的支持下,林伟功开展了艰辛的调查论证,发表了报告,并在副省长温附山的主持下通过论证会,确认福建省鸣鹤拳一代宗师谢如如是日本刚柔流鼻祖东恩纳•宽量的师傅,1989年取得圆满成功,并在省体育中心建立了显彰碑。 Dear Tony
It is interesting how the inner and outer body develops in relation to each fully rounded system, style and school, etc. Each lineage, although comprised of diverse elements from various and very different historical and/or cultural backgrounds, are welded together by a dominant founding-figure, so that a central (interpretating) ethos makes sense of it all! Therefore, if an individual practices a particular system for decades, the inner and outer 'frequency' of how their psychological and biological processes operate - takes on this exact ethos to the exclusion of all other alternatives. In other words, an individual becomes the epitome of the very martial tradition they have committed their life to following! Their thought and physical processes all start to manifest in a specific manner. Health is optimised - even when accidents happen or genetic illnesses appear. A transcending awareness starts to operate whereby the body (regardless of its state or function) is perfect just as it is regardless of conventional issues of health, well-being, ability or disability, etc. This is the mind transcending the body, with the body learning to operate through and around its own limitations, hindrances and obstacles. From a martial perspective, the job is done with efficiency and through the path of least resistance. This is particularly important for the experience of the ageing process - whereby a certain type of inexperienced strength and vigour gives way to a far more profound depth of understanding that is so powerful and exact that it lifts up the physical body (regardless of its state) like a cork floating on the ocean. The young people do not understand this and cannot predict its movement - hence their youth renders them susceptible to defeat through not paying attention and not applying the learning experience. Furthermore, although all aged Masters from different traditions no longer conflict and are well aware of the uniqueness of one another's path, they themselves also appreciate that their own style has bestowed upon each a specific frequency of functionality. Although they can progressively exchange technical information and advice - they also know the true meaning of 'lineage' and how it is like a flowing river from the past to the present, and from the present to future! I suppose we all get used to our own particular frequency of current! |
AuthorShifu Adrian Chan-Wyles (b. 1967) - Lineage (Generational) Inheritor of the Ch'an Dao Hakka Gongfu System. |