The issuing of a "Hamon" [破門] is a solemn occurrence. Within Confucian culture this is nothing less than an "Expulsion" Order. Sensei Higaonna Morio was excluded from his own Organisation by a Kabel of Europeans and Japanese (the Japanese racially discriminate against Okinawans as not being truly "Japanese" - but rather "Chinese" - which is the actual origin of most of these people and their culture martial or otherwise, others arising from cultures throughout South-East Asia). There is another, more telling effect of a "Hamon". This involves the annulling of all "Grades" issued by Higaonna Sensei - either in his name (or in his person) - and ALL "Grades" issued by his subordinates (and their subordinates) fanning-out through society and time.

​This means that not only are the five subject to the "Hamon" Order hereby (automatically) deprived of their "Grades" (both historically and existentially) - but also the hundreds (or thousands) of "Grades" issued (personally) by themselves or by their Students (and their Students) are also hereby (automatically) "Dissolved". This "Hamon" Order will effect the lives of thousands of people whose lineal association with Higaonna Sensei is now "Wiped-Out" for all time. This is the price the five accused have to suffer for their "Disrespectful" behaviour - and their unwillingness to "Reform" when being given the chance to do so by Higaonna Sensei. Their Students are also subject to this punishment for NOT defying their Teachers - and coming to the aid of Higaonna Sensei when the "Offences" where being committed!

In reality is that these individuals, who have not shown any respect toward Higaonna Sensei in the past, will not show any now. They will simply continue to "Claim" the Grades Higaonna Sensei granted to them - and go about their careers acting as if these Grades originated from some other Karate-Do Authority. I have seen this pattern happening in the UK for decades (since at least the 1980s) involving, Wado Ryu, Shotokan, Shukokai and Goju Ryu, etc. Those "Excluded" practitioners either associate themselves with a different Karate-Do Teacher (to whom they share NO historical association) usually for a fair price (usually a Teacher from a different Style - "antagonistic" to the Style doing the excluding) - or they simply "invent" their own Style - and declare themselves an overnight "Master". 

Translator's Note: I have translated this text uploaded as a post on the Russian language Telegram Channel representing "Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do" (Окинавское Годзю-рю каратэ). It involves an important document issued by Higaonna Morio Sensei after his return to Okinawa after his very successful visit to Russia.

破 = po4 - smash, tear, cut, break, destroy, and remove

門 = men2 - gate, door, entrance, sect, school, and family

Within Chinese Confucian culture, "Po Men" (Jap: "Ha Mon") refers to a Teacher expelling an individual from a Family Style of Gongfu for the offence of "Disrespect". This is the Western equivalent of being "Disowned" - but means that no-one associated or related with the Teacher (or his Style) can have any further interaction with the accused. Furthermore, the accused is no longer permitted to claim he knows the Teacher, or has ever trained in his Style. Their career in this respect is over. To all intents and purposes, the accused is "Dead" to the accused - and anyone associated or related to the accused. Obviously, this is a very serious offence to be accused of. ACW (6.11.2024)

"Today, information has arrived from Okinawa that Higaonna Sensei has released a 'Hamon' regarding five of his former students:

Nakamura Tetsuji

Ernie Molyneux

Henrik Larson

Yamashiro Katsuya

Jorge Monteiro

Hamon - this is extremely rare and very traditional ceremony for the schools of martial arts in Japan.

Higaonna Sensei waited patiently for two years, giving these people a chance to remember about their place and sense of duty, but, finally, Higaonna Sensei decided to put an end to this era of poor behaviour and disrespect by issuing the 'Hamon'. In Japan, 'Hamon' is very rare and is not something that is used lightly or often, as it denotes unforgivable disrespect.

Many outside of Japan (Okinawa) do not comprehend the seriousness of this injunction. In fact, the 'Certificate of Hamon' is issued by the Head Teacher of the School, when a student(s) previously accepted into the family - has been involved in actions that are so reprehensible (and disgusting) that the O'Sensei has no choice but to permanently 'exclude' (delete) this individual(s) from his family lineage. 

"The 'Hamon' is issued to inform all "friends, family, members and acquaintances" that the accused no longer has any ties to the School, the Teacher or his Lineage. The Grades and Honours achieved by such individuals are permanently annulled - and their presence completely expunged from the School's Genealogy."

​Russian Language Text:

https://t.me/Go_Goju_Ryu/785

Сегодня с Окинавы пришла информация о том, что Хигаонна Сэнсей выдал Хамон в отношении пятерых своих бывших учеников:

Накамура Тетсуджи

Эрни Моленью

Хенрик Ларсон

Ямаширо Кацуя

Джордж Монтеиро

Хамон - это чрезвычайно редкий и очень традиционный обряд для школ боевых искусств Японии.

Хигаонна Сенсей терпеливо ждал два года, давая этим людям шанс вспомнить о своей части, но, наконец, решил положить конец этой беспокойной эпохе, выдав Хамон. В Японии «Хамон» выдается очень редко и не является чем-то, к чему относятся легкомысленно. По сути, Сертификат Хамона выдается наставником - главой школы, когда ученик был вовлечен в действия, которые настолько отвратительны, что у Сэнсея нет иного выбора, кроме как вычеркнуть этого члена из его родословной. Хамон выдается для того, чтобы информировать «друзей, семью, членов и знакомых», что получатель Хамона больше не имеет никаких связей со школой, учителем и его наследием. Он полностью исключается из генеалогии школы.

破門 (Хамон) - дословно означает сломать врата. Те самые символические врата-мон, через которые ученик входит в школу.

Dear Tony

​Interesting. A very intriguing and fascinating clip - and interpretation. much appreciated.

The accompanying (original) Russian-language text (in English-translation) says this - might be useful:

​The Russian word "кайтеном" (kaytenom) appears to be rendered as "Kaiten" within phonetic English. I found this Russian-Language Aikido text (fed through a translator below) which discusses the Japanese martial arts technique of "Kaiten nage" (Rotate-Throw):

​Therefore: Japanese "Kaiten" (кайтеном - kaytenom) = 回転

回 (Kai) = turn, go back, retrace steps
転 (Ten) = circuitous, winding, revolve

​In this instance, a  spiralling 180° - about-face (half a circle) - transition. Chinese people refer to the "回転" (Kaiten) ideograms as "Hui Zhuan" - an evading-turn that radically re-directs the opponent's energy.

The above is a video on Bili Bili designed for Goju Ryu practitioners in China (or Chinese language speakers around the world). Essentially, Chinese language subtitles have been affixed - with Okinawan-Japanese concepts (cultural interpretations) translated into Chinese philosophical terms. This was uploaded on September 7th, 2022 - but I have not encountered it before. The direction of breathing is explained (stating there are two methods) - with 'kime' (決め) emphasised. This is written as '决定' (Jue Ding) in the Chinese language. 

​决 (決) = jue2 (ki) - certainty, dredge and kill

​定 (め) = ding4 (me) - steady, fix and stabilise

​Interestingly, within Buddhist philosophy the Chinese ideogram '覺' is also catalogued (within modern Pinyin) as 'jue2' - and is related in structure to '决' (jue2) which is used above in 'kime'. This means the ideograms share a common root and depicts a related meaning. Whereas '决' (jue2) suggests a mind-enforced control over the body - '覺' (jue2) refers to the achievement of 'enlightenment' through the mind 'waking-up' - a state achieved only through following the utmost disciplined paths of bodily control. Perhaps the two variants of these ideograms are related. I would suggest this is the case on the grounds that '定' (ding4) - the second ideogram used within 'kime' - is also used to translate the Sanskrit term 'Samadhi' - which refers to a method of 'fixing' the awareness of the mind in one place (preventing the surface mind from moving about without control) - and thereby achieving a permanent 'stillness' of mind (which allows for the perception of 'emptiness'). Again, the physical body is subject to the utmost discipline (through the Precepts as taught in the Vinaya Discipline). 

​The breathing is 'Daoist' in nature and involves a basic filling-up of the dantian with qi (inward breath into the lowest area of the pelvic girdle) - which is then redistributed throughout all the regions of the body (through the outward breath). The retained tension 'pulls' the qi into the dantian - and the maintained muscle tension 'extracts' the accumulated qi into the extremities (both breaths meditated by the awareness of the mind). The 'advanced' breathing is only hinted at and involves the microcosmic circulation of the qi. Qi is breathed into the dantian - which triggers the flow of qi up the Governing Vessel (which runs through the spinal column) and over the top of the head to the upper palate of the mouth. The tongue touches the upper palate with completes the circuit between the Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel - which starts in the tongue, flows down the front of the body and through the grown and around to the perineum - where the Governing Vessel begins. The Sanchin breathing strengthens and maintains this Daoist breathing. 

I discovered this rare video-clip on a Chinese language (social media) video-sharing platform. It features Goju Ryu (刚柔流) Karate-Do (空手道) Master - Higaonna Morio - (东恩纳盛男先生) demonstrating the two Kata developed by Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953) entitled:

1) 'Geki Sai (击碎) Dai Ichi' - Hit & Destroy Number 1
2) 'Geki Sai (击碎) Dai Ni' - Hit & Destroy Number 2

Or 'Geki Sai' Kata 1 & 2. This name means to 'Hit' and 'Destroy' and these two Kata were developed around 1937 to prepare the minds and bodies of college students for military service. Although there are many versions of the history behind the development of these Kata - one theory suggests that the technical principles are derived from the 'Arahant Fist' (羅漢拳 - Luo Han Quan) Style of Shaolin 'Southern Fist' (南拳 - Nan Quan) Chinese gongfu!

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! 

During May 1915, Miyagi Chojun and Nakamoto Hideyoshi (仲本英炤) - the latter also being a prominent Okinawan martial artist – travelled together to the Fuzhou area of China’s Fujian province! By this time – the Grand Master Ryo Ryo Ko – had long been deceased. As the ‘Chief Disciple’ of Higaonna Kanryo, however, Miyagi Chojun attempted to gain access to the surviving family and martial lineage descendants of ‘Master Liu’ (刘氏 - Liu Shi). This is described as Miyagi Chojun attempting to successfully ‘gain entry’ to the ‘Liu Gate’ (师门 - Liu Men) - despite Master Liu having been deceased for quite some time.  ​

Miyagi Chojun, however, discovered that most of the members of the ‘Liu’ family (and his martial ‘lineage’ disciples) had moved out of the Fuzhou area – due to warfare. Those still living in the area were elderly people of the same generation as Higaonna Kanryo. The Senior (elderly) ‘Liu’ disciple still remaining (and who could remember Higaonna Kanryo) led Miyagi Chojun (and his group) to the Tomb (墓 - Mu) of ‘Master Liu’ (ルールーコウ- Ryū Ryū Ko) so that the ritual of Confucian ‘respect’ (拜祭 - Bai Ji) could be correctly performed. After this duty was completed – Miyagi Chojun was then taken to the place where Higaonna Kanryo used to practice martial arts.  ​

During October 1915, Higaonna Kanryo gathered his students and disciples together in Okinawa and formally announced that ‘Miyagi Chojun’ was chosen as his official ‘lineage’ descendent and successor! Miyagi Chojun spent thirteen-years training under Master Higaonna Kanryo’s guidance (1902-1915). As the teaching of Higaonna Kanryo was so strict – Miyagi Chojun was the only student to train for such a long and sustained period of time! This made Miyagi Chojun the ‘Chief’ disciple amongst the many that trained – and the ‘Leading’ disciple of the Higaonna Naha-Te tradition! Miyagi Chojun remained entirely loyal to Higaonna Kanryo until his passing – and then preserved his memory without hesitation.  ​

During 1916, as the ‘lineage’ inheritor of Higaonna Kanryo – Miyagi Chojun experienced his first occasion of ‘hosting’ visitors from Fuzhou! These people were Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa to pay their respect to the ‘lineage’ of Higaonna Kanryo (which had been transmitted from Fuzhou to Ryukyu). As ‘lineage’ inheritor – the respect expressed for Higaonna Kanryo (when not directed to his Tomb or living Higaonna family members) was directed toward Miyagi Chojun himself – who was responsible for all the arrangements of these visits.  ​

On July 2nd, 1917, Miyagi Chojun (accompanied by ‘Wu Xiangui’ [吳賢貴] as translator), left Okinawa to visit Fuzhou to carry-out further research into the local martial arts practiced there. This included the ‘六机手’ (Liu Ju Shou) or ‘Rokuki’ (‘Six Weaving Hands’) technique - which later evolved into the ‘Tensho’ (転掌) Kata – translating as ‘turning’, ‘evading’ or ‘entwining’ - ‘hands’. Miyagi Chojun also began to study the Chinese manual entitled ‘武备志’ (Wu Bei Zhi) or ‘Military Preparation Record’ at this time. He also started to develop various patterns of martial movements to assist students in their daily practice.  ​

Chinese Language Source: ​

​Dear Tony

Interesting that no one has been chosen to replace Lin Jingfeng as a IOGKF Representative for China! This looks to me like a situation has developed over a) the IOGKF refusal to recognise Lin Weigong's 1989 (Xie Chongxiang) research and b) the bizarre comment Lin Jingfeng made stating that there is no evidence of Goju Ryu originating in Fuzhou! I believe this is why no new official IOGKF Representative is being currently allowed in China. The IOGKF are boxing clever by 'doing nothing' - which prevents them being 'banned'. I also noticed a Chinese netizen stating that Lin Jingfeng is not the first or only Chinese person to attempt to popularise Karate-Do in China. I will look into this!

For your records.

This is the educational site of Lin Jingfeng (d. 2018) which although published in the Chinese language - also presents in English. 

沖繩剛柔流空手道 沖繩古武道
Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo

It contains many of the old Okinawa Goju Ryu photographs we were discussing (and more) together with dates and quite often the names of those featured. It follows the law of China but ignores the 1989 research carried-out by Lin Weigong which was endorsed by the Fuzhou Wushu Association and the Japanese Goju Ryu Association (Goju Kai?) - which resulted in the raising of a memorial stone in 1990!

Lin Jingfeng states in a 2012 interview (carried-out in China - which I have translated into English) that during 1980 he was sent to Fuzhou by his Master (Miyagi Anichi) to seek-out the Chinese martial origins of Goju Ryu - but found 'nothing' - suggesting the following conclusions:

a) No person(s) living in the Fuzhou area practices any form of physical martial arts.

b) No person(s) living in the Fuzhou area possesses any knowledge relating to the practice of physical martial arts.

c) No person(s) living in the Fuzhou area possesses any memories of the practice of physical martial arts.

In the official biography of Lin Jingfeng included on the above website (and repeated on websites throughout China) - this episode is entirely omitted. Instead, the preferred line pursued by the IOGKF is this:

'1979年 国际冲绳刚柔流连盟 （IOGKF） 在英国正式成立。1980年 联盟委任林竞峰先生作为它香港与中国地区的代表和支部长。1980年 林竞峰先生去冲绳参加了连盟成立后的第一次合宿训练。1981年林竞峰先生取得连盟五段资格认定 （由东恩纳盛男先生主持考核，由东恩纳盛男先生与宫城安一先生联名签发）。'

'During 1979 the International Okinawa Goju Ryu Federation (IOGKF) was formally established in the UK. In 1980, the Alliance appointed Mr Lin Jingfeng as its Representative and Branch Supervisor for Hong Kong and China. In 1980, Mr. Lin Jingfeng went to Okinawa to participate in the first resident training programme held after the establishment of the Alliance. In 1981, Mr Lin Jingfeng was awarded his 5th Dan by the Alliance (The Grading was presided over by Higaonna Morio and the Certificate signed by Higaonna Morio and Miyagi Anichi).'

What a busy year 1980 was have been for Lin Jingfeng! With all the developments and accolades he was receiving at this time, how long did he spend in Fuzhou and who did he speak to? Whatever the reality of the matter, (as I might discover more data at a later date), this situation does not look good and feels very odd. On the one hand the IOGKF is superficially appearing to tow the legal line by being careful how it and its members behave in China - and yet deliberately challenges the government of China by 'defying' and 'questioning' the conclusions of one of its best academic experts (Lin Weigong) regarding Fuzhou language, history and culture! This is a very interesting situation which I will continue to investigate.

Thanks


Adrian


PS: In 1973, Lin Jingfeng resigned from the International Karate Organisation (IKO) and the Goju Kai Dojo in Hong Kong - and travelled to Okinawa. In 1974, Lin Jingfeng was introduced to Miyagi Anichi who accepted him as a student. The first few weeks of training evolved around Miyagi Anichi 'correcting' all the technical errors Lin Lingfeng had been taught in Hong Kong. This suggests that the earliest Dojo (1964) in Hong Kong was from the Goju Kai lineage of Japan - but at some point in its history - the control of the Hong Kong Dojo switched to IOGKF. Unless, of course, there is more than one such Dojo - but as Hong Kong is small, I doubt this. Perhaps it is a simple case of Lin Jingfeng returning to Hong Kong (c. 1979) and teaching the IOGKF version he had learned in Okinawa and abandoning the Goju Kai lineage - but again, this would seem odd. What this observation might do is explain why certain individuals state that Goju Ryu Katas taught in the Hong Kong Dojo are 'different' to those encountered outside of China! In other words, Goju Kai Kata are different from Goju Ryu (Okinawan) Kata! 

In fact, there are not many records about the deeds of Higaonna Kanryo (东恩纳宽量 Dong En Na Kuan Liang) – a situation compounded by the fact that Mr Miyagi Anichi (宫城安一 - Gong Cheng An Chi) asked for confidentiality. Therefore, people outside know very little, but this is a situation we intend to change when the ‘Higaonna Kanryo Memorial Hall’ (纪念馆 - Ji Nian Guan) is finally completed and opened, by making available further biographical details that were previously ‘secret’. Part of this historical project is to highlight and confirm China’s vital (cultural) contribution to the origination of the ‘Goju Ryu Karate-Do' (刚柔流空手道 - Gang Rou Liu Kong Shou Dao) style of Okinawan martial arts - or the ‘Hard-Soft School Empty Open-Hand Way’. Indeed, we should be proud about this association between Okinawa and China and make this fact better known amongst the people. Furthermore, many of us in Okinawa are of ethnic Chinese descent and we should be proud of this fact. Needless to say, without the effort and sacrifice carried-out and experienced by Higaonna Kanryo – there would be no Goju Ryu Karate-Do in this world! 
​
The ethnically Chinese ‘Shen’ (慎) family of Okinawa changed their family to ‘Higaonna’ (东恩纳 - Dong En Na). This is correct as the family of Higaonna Kanryo were of ethnic Chinese descent and were one of the many Chinese families that migrated from China to settle in Okinawa (Ryukyu). Higaonna Kanryo was the 10th generation descendent of the Chinese people who originally migrated to Okinawa (Ryukyu) from China – and the name of his father was ‘Higaonna Onna’ (东恩纳宽用 - Dong En Na Kuan Yong).  

Why Did the Higaonna Family Change Their Family (Surname)? 

Why did they change their family (surname) from the Chinese-sounding ‘Shen’ (慎) to the Japanese-sounding ‘Higaonna’ (东恩纳 - Dong En Na)? Legend states that after Japan annexed and occupied the Ryukyu Islands – all the ethnically Chinese people were forced to change their family (surnames) to Japanese-sounding equivalents. The new Japanese government control made it illegal for ethnic Chinese families to continue to use their ancestral names. This is when the Chinese ‘Shen’ (慎) family changed their name to the Japanese-sounding ‘Higaonna’ (东恩纳 - Dong En Na) surname. However, despite this new Japanese policy – many ethnically Chinese families living in Okinawa (Ryukyu) publically presented their family (and ‘first’) names in the Japanese language (for official, commercial and legal reasons) - but carried on in secret giving their children ethnically Chinese family (and ‘first’) names so that they would not forget that they were of ‘Chinese’ ethnic and cultural origin! Therefore, the ‘Chinese’ name given to ‘Higaonna Kanryo’ was ‘慎善熙’ or ‘Shen Shanxi’!  

What Was the Real Reason Higaonna Kanryo Travelled to China to Learn Martial Arts?
​ 
The Shen family was engaged in the maritime business and possessed a fleet of ships that collected, transported and delivered trading goods between the many Ryukyu Islands. When Higaonna Kanryo was aged around 13 years (and four months) old, his father – Higaonna Onna – was killed by a knife-blow whilst engaged in a dispute with an individual in a tavern. After this, the family business was taken over by relatives. Although still young, even at 13 years of age, Higaonna Kanryo was already a well-built youth! He had heard that Chinese martial arts possessed the ability to kill enemies with a single blow and so he naively thought that if he could travel to China – learn these deadly arts – and then return to Okinawa to take revenge on his father’s killer! Travelling to China in those days invariably meant travelling to ‘Fuzhou’ (the capital city of Fujian province), a process which was legally difficult and depended primarily upon the weather! As the boats depended upon sails – and given that there were no motorboats in those days – the weather had to be just right before any journey could begin. The wooden boats of those days were very ‘light’ and built for in-coast travelling at speed. There were not very robust and not suited for the wide-open seas. If a storm was encountered at any point on the journey – certain death was almost ensured! All these difficulties existed even if the legal documents to travel to China could be cleared by the Japanese and Chinese Authorities! All these difficulties formed barriers between Higaonna Kanryo and his wish to travel to (Fuzhou) in China! 

Higaonna Kanryo, however, did eventually manage to achieve all these objectives using determination and a logical approach to planning. He took-on one task at a time and achieved everything in the correct order. This is how he eventually achieved his objective of successfully sailing from Okinawa to Fuzhou! Upon arrival, Higaonna Kanryo secured a place of residence in the ‘Ryukyu Pavilion’ (琉球馆 - Liu Qui Guan) - a ‘Hotel’ and ‘Hostel’ situated in Fuzhou but paid for and administered by the Ryukyu government. This establishment catered for the everyday living requirements of visiting Okinawan travellers. After he settled down and became familiar with the local culture, Higaonna Kanryo started to enquire if anyone knew of a martial arts teacher who would be willing to take-on a new apprentice? Of course, this was not an easy task as most Chinese martial arts lineages were ‘closed’ at that time and highly ‘secretive’. Fathers usually taught sons and outsiders were not permitted to learn family martial arts! An ‘outsider’ was not only a foreigner from another country – but any Chinese person originating from a different name-clan! Higaonna Kanryo was 15 years (six months) old and an ‘out-of-towner'! As a result, he searched for nearly a year but could not find a teacher. The person in charge of the Ryukyu Pavilion knew of his painstaking efforts and eventually decided to introduce him to a local 40-year-old person known publically as ‘Liu Long’ (刘龙) - (also referred to as ‘Gong’ [公 ]) a well-known and well-respected martial arts teacher! (This is a ‘transliteration’ - see Note 1). 
​
This Liu Long (Gong) was very famous in the marketplace. Although he was highly skilled in self-defence, he did not make a living by teaching martial arts. It seems that teaching martial arts was a matter of honour (not profit) for this Master, and this made his teaching method rather strict. He earned his living through the business of transporting building materials. After Higaonna Kanryo was introduced, he was given the task of carrying bricks and tiles during the day to make a living, and only practiced martial arts at night. The tiles and bricks were heavy and had to be moved by hand from the storage area to the dock, and from the dock onto waiting barges (large, wooden boats). A working day lasted between 8-10 hours of continuous muscular effort! Higaonna Kanryo could lift one or two hundred kilograms of bricks and tiles each time and walk with this load up and down steps and across narrow planks of wood without dropping the load or losing his footing! A strong adult male would find this type of work difficult – how much more so would a youth of 15 or 16 years old! This was tremendously hard work – as can be imagined - but this kind of physical training laid a sound foundation for a wide range of martial arts techniques! 

As the working environment was next to the river, Liu Long (Gong) possessed a house (and workshop) which were built by the river. This comprised of a two-storey construction made of bamboo with Liu Long (Gong) living on the upper floor with his family and Higaonna Kanryo living on the next level down. This lower level was about 2-3 meters up from the water surface, and possessed a floor made of bamboo branches which left many gaps! This meant that every night a cold wind blew through the structure arising from the water-surface just beneath the bamboo floor! This created a very cold floor that was often near to freezing – a situation which made lying down and properly sleeping a very difficult task! To survive the cold, Higaonna Kanryo would get up and practice the ‘Sanchin’ (三战 - San Zhan) or ‘Three Battles’ dynamic tension exercise until dawn – when the coldness would begin to pass! This may well explain why Higaonna Kanryo’s ‘Sanchin’ Kata was considered so good! (See Note 2).  ​

Note 1: 

It is believed that ‘Liu Long’ (刘龙) is his real name, with the designation ‘Gong’ (公) being honorific. From the Fuzhou language that spread to Okinawa – his name is used whilst describing his fast feet – which phonetically transliterates as ‘ka gin ka ryu ryu’ (‘Really fast feet of Liu Long’). This suggests that ‘Liu Long’ (Ryu Ryu) is his real name – and not ‘Liu Longgong’. However, this does not exactly corelate to ‘Ryu Ryu KO’ (如如哥 - Ru Ru Ge). 

Note 2: 
​
Higaonna Kanryo’s ‘Sanchin’ Kata was declared to be ‘excellent’ after he returned to Okinawa! This came about after a local martial artist named ‘Hucheng’ (湖城) challenged Higaonna Kanryo – stating that his ‘Sanchin’ Kata was superior! The allegation was that Higaonna Kanryo’s ‘Sanchin’ Kata was inferior is some way and this created a great controversy throughout Okinawa! Many local martial artists were eager to see this matter settled once and for all. Therefore, a doctor (and his medical assistants) from the Okinawa Prefectural Hospital was invited to help with the investigation. He was given the task of deciding from a medical point of view, which version of the ‘Sanchin’ Kata generated the greater strength!  
​
This led to Higaonna Kanryo and Hucheng demonstrating their respective versions of the ‘Sanchin’ Kata in-front of a panel of medical experts! The performances were examined by the medical doctor who paid close attention to the length of time each inward, outward and transitional breath took, the capacity to take-in and expel ‘air’ (气 - Qi), and the consistency and firmness of muscular ‘tension’ (力 - Li) achieved. The full breathing and muscular tension had to be maintained whist stepping forward and back, and whilst changing the positions of the arms and hands, etc. The medical results proved that the ‘Sanchin’ Kata as performed by Higaonna Kanryo was several times more impressive (and effective) than the version exhibited by ‘Hucheng’. The doctors were surprised to witness the length and depth of each inward, outward and transitional breath made by Higaonna Kanryo as well as the extent of ‘qi’ energy he was able to accumulate and circulate! Furthermore, the doctors checked and confirmed that Higaonna Kanryo was able to ‘retract’ his testicles into the lower abdomen during his performance of the ‘Sanchin’ Kata – and retain this ‘retraction’ with no difficulty whilst stepping in different directions! This is an ancient martial arts ability that is rare in the modern age and is termed ‘吊裆藏阳功夫’ (Diao Dang Cang Yang Gong Fu) or ‘Hanging Groin Concealment Positive Energy [Yang] Martial Self-Cultivation). This (internal) ancient martial arts method was developed to protect a male practitioner from being kicked (or otherwise ‘struck’) in the testicle area of the groin. When all these abilities were fully investigated and verified, the skill-level of Higaonna Kanryo was declared to be obviously of a far superior level! Indeed, the people of Okinawa were (and are) very proud of the ‘Naha Te’ (那霸手 - Na Ha Shou) style of martial arts Higaonna Kanryo practiced and taught. (‘Naha Te’ is considered the foundational forerunner to the ‘Goju Ryu’ [刚柔 - Hard-Soft] style of martial arts that was later developed by his disciples – specifically ‘Miyagi Chojun’ [宮城 長順]). Of course, ‘Naha’ is a famous city situated to the South of Okinawa.  ​

Fifteen years later, Higaonna Kanryo had developed from a robust boy to a very strong and mature male martial artist! Due to the increasing international tension of the time, foreign powers began to invade and occupy China, and Liu Long feared that there would be wars. He advised his disciple – Higaonna Kanryo – to return to the relative safety of his home in Okinawa to avoid the danger. Before he left, however, Liu Long transmitted the essence of the martial arts style to him and gave him full permission to transmit this style to others! As Higaonna Kanryo was very loyal to his teacher – Liu Long – he was very reluctant to leave his side and return to Okinawa! Higaonna Kanryo only obeyed Liu Long’s instruction with a sincere regret! When he returned to Okinawa, Higaonna Kanryo had to take-over his father’s business of operating water freight and could not yet teach the martial arts to others that he had learned in Fuzhou (China) - although he continued to practice in private. Eventually, however, his ship sank in a typhoon and this business came to an end.  

Although it was common knowledge that Higaonna Kanryo had travelled to Fuzhou to train in Chinese martial arts as a means to enact revenge upon his father’s murderer – time passed, and he took no action against the killer! Instead, the now older and more mature Higaonna Kanryo was a strong role model who upheld the law and was respected by the entire community! He seemed to show no interest in his father’s murderer and simply went about his day! Months went by and nothing happened. Meanwhile, the murderer of his father was aware of this situation and as time went by his mental state became ever more restless and apprehensive. He had no idea when Higaonna Kanryo would take action or make his move. From his perspective – the psychological and physical pressure became almost unbearable! This prompted the killer to visit the home of Higaonna Kanryo and knelt down outside his front door and bowed his head to the ground! He begged for forgiveness and explained that both he and his father were drunk, and both had got into an alcohol-fuelled brawl which ended in the latter's death. He further explained that it was his father who drew his own knife and attacked him - and that he was forced to defend himself! He took the knife off his father and accidently stabbed his father with it – who died from the wound! He was arrested tried by the Okinawan Authorities – who agreed upon the details of the case (confirming that it was an act of ‘murder’ carried-out in ‘self-defence’) and returned the knife to the Higaonna family (as it was their property)! The individual concerned was sent to prison and had served his time. After listening to this story, Higaonna Kanryo agreed with this explanation and stated that this individual should no longer worry about the expected consequences of his actions! Higaonna Kanryo stated ‘Okay, I believe you. Forget about it!’ Many people had gathered to watch what they thought would be a good but one-sided fight – thought this was an anti-climax whilst others thought it was a good moral lesson concerned with proper virtuous action! Children in Okinawa were taught this lesson in their schools with this episode becoming widely known! The reaction and demeanour of Higaonna Kanryo was considered historically significant and a superb demonstration of ‘good’ behaviour versus ‘bad’ behaviour.  
​
There are many stories regarding Higaonna Kanryo but they differ in detail from those passed-on by Miyagi Chojun. There is a legend that Liu Long (Gong) made a living by weaving bamboo wares, but when Higaonna Kanyro was young, he did not understand this and only remembered the career that Liu Long (Gong) had taken-up later in his life. The ‘Yi Mou’ (一缪) biography suggests that the teacher of Higaonna Kanryo was the ‘Whooping Crane Fist’ (鸣鹤拳 - Ming He Quan) named ‘Xie Chongxiang’ (谢崇祥) who was also known as ‘Xie Ruru’ (谢如如). This is a story past down by the descendants of Master Xie Ruru – with some Goju Ryu practitioners believing this is the case. The problem is that according to a number of stories the age difference between Liu Long (Gong) and Higaonna Kanryo is at least 20 years. Whereas the difference between Xie Ruru and Higaonna Kanryo is only 1 year. Liu Long (Gong) died at least 15 years before Xie Chongxiang (who died in 1930). When Miyagi Chojun went to China to pay homage to Liu Long (Gong) in 1915 – Liu Long (Gong) was already dead (the exact date is unknown) – whereas Xie Chongxiang was still alive at this point. This has led to a number of disrespectful stories developing regarding Goju Ryu practitioners not knowing who their Chinese ancestral Master was and where the respect should be directed, etc! As there is a doubt about which name should be engraved upon the ancestral gravestone – there is a joke about Goju Ryu practitioners ‘waiting’ for a tomb stone to appear! These disrespectful attitudes often emerge from people who are jealous of the excellent standard of martial art technique found within the Katas of the Goju Ryu system! 
​
Having said all this, it is also important to state that Higaonna Kanryo was born and brought up on a boat and did not receive any formal education. In addition, he went to Fuzhou, China to learn martial arts for 14 years (and 5 months) - and worked and practiced every day. As this was the case, it was impossible for him to receive any formal cultural education. As a consequence, Higaonna Kanryo had a very limited ability to read and write. This meant that he could not record his experience in writing whilst living and training in China! Miyagi Chojun was Higaonna Kanryo’s only ‘inner disciple’ (内弟子- Nei Di Zi) and when his name was transmitted to Miyagi Chojun – it was only in the local colloquial dialect – and even then, only phonetical! All the other ordinary students training under Higaonna Kanryo did not even receive that information! Originally, when Miyagi Changshun went to Fuzhou to pay homage to Liu Long (Gong), he had Liu's name. He discovered his date of birth - and the date of his death - which were all recorded on his tombstone. It is a pity that all the information was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. Mr Shang Anyi (上安一) states that if a lineage is not clear – then it should not be taught as fact. (This is a common attitude found within tradition Chinese martial arts). A problem has been caused by the very success of Higaonna Kanryo’s travelling to China and learning a system of traditional Chinese martial arts! Not only did he transmit this to Okinawa in a clear and concise manner, it has been successfully passed on in a technically pristine state! Goju Ryu has blind spots and vague details in its history - yes – but it has spread far and wide and has influenced the development of many other martial arts styles, schools and systems! There is a central truth to its transmission – just as there is a body of accrued material that is difficult to prove or disprove! It is an ongoing project as many people in China and Okinawa strive to clarify this matter! It is beyond question that through Higaonna Kanryo’s efforts – a hundred flowers of cultural influence have blossomed! Surely, Higaonna Kanryo would have found this truly unexpected!  ​

Source: 

Miyagi Chojun (宫城长顺 - Gong Cheng Zhang Shun) Transmitted to Miyagi Anichi (宫城安一 - Gong Cheng An Yi) 
​
Miyagi Anichi (宫城安一 - Gong Cheng An Yi) Related to Lin Shifan (林师范) 
The History of Goru Ryu Karate-Do - By Higaonna Morio (东恩纳 盛男 - Dong En Na Sheng Nan) 

Original Chinese Language Article: 

https://tieba.baidu.com/p/1307549295 

东恩纳宽量的简史 
2011-12-03 12:10 
有关东恩纳宽量的事迹其实记载的不多,加上宫城安一先生要求保密,所以外面的人们所知甚少,我们希望在东恩纳宽量纪念馆落成之际把部分资料解密,让大家了解多些这位对刚柔流空手道的成立起了重大作用的中国华侨,作为中国人我们亦应感到自豪。没有他,这世上可能没有刚柔流空手道。 
 
慎氏家族改姓为东恩纳的原因 
东恩纳宽量是移居琉球的中国人慎氏家族的后裔,传到他已经是第 10 代了,其父名东恩纳宽用。 

为什么他们会由姓慎改为姓东恩纳呢？传说当年日本占领琉球后,迫使所有定居在冲绳的中国人归化琉球及不准使用中国姓氏,于是慎氏家族改姓为东恩纳,但其每一个后代子孙都必拥有中国名字,以示不忘中国之本。故此东恩纳宽量亦不例外,他的唐名(中国名)叫慎善熙。 
 
东恩纳宽量到中国学武的真正原因 

慎氏家族是从事海运事业的,拥有船队运输各种物资往来冲绳岛各个岛屿。当宽量13/4 岁时,一天,他父亲宽用在酒馆内与人争执被人用刀杀死。宽用死后,家族生意被其他亲属接管了,当时宽量还是一个大孩子,整天在想着为父报仇,听说中国武术可以轻易的把敌人杀死,便天真地想到去中国学武,希望学成回来便可为父报仇 … 但当年要去中国（福州）并不容易也不简单,除了手续繁复外,还要看天气、风向等各种因素稳定后船只才可以开航的,原因当年并没有机动船,那些去中国福州的都是木制的帆船,如果遇到大风浪可以说是九死一生十分危险的,宽量搞了一年多才能以到中国求学为理由,拿到去中国的渡牒批文等有关的官方文件,达成去中国（福州）的梦想。 

去到福州后,便在琉球馆（琉球政府办的旅馆）安顿下来然后便四处打听寻师学艺,然当时学武也有一点隐闭,对一个 15/6 岁的外地人来说实非易的,结果他找了近一年还找不到,琉球馆的负责人知道他的苦心,介绍他给当地一位 40 来岁,武功高强的老师刘龙(公)(译名)注 1。这位刘龙（公）在坊间是十分有名,虽然武艺高强,但并非以授武维生的,授武好像是他的业余爱好而且教学也相当严格。他是经营运输建筑材料生意的。宽量入门后,便安排他白天在做搬砖运瓦的工作以维持生计,晚上才练武。 
 
当年运输砖瓦的工具是用一些较大的木船,搬砖运瓦上船可不是一件轻松的工作,每天 8-10 个小时,每次挑一两百斤的砖瓦,整天不停的在吊板上搬上搬下就算成年人也会感到吃力,何况一个仅十五六岁的大孩子？其辛苦之处可想而知。但这样的肉体磨练却为宽量的练武奠下良好的基础。 

因为作业环境在河边,刘龙（公）的住家和工场都建在河边上,一栋两层高,用竹建成的房子,刘龙（公）跟家人住在上层,宽量就住在下一层；下层离开水面约 2-3 米高,用竹枝拼成的地板是会有很多缝隙的,每到深夜,冷风由竹地板下吹上来,宽量被冻到不能安睡,终于他找到一个驭寒的方法,便是起来练‘三战',一直练到天亮。 这可能是他的‘三战'注 2 那么出众的背后原因？ 

注 1 
推测 刘龙 是他的正名,‘公'则可能是一个尊敬语。由一句流传到冲绳描述他的脚法快的福州语：“ka gin ka ryu ryu”（脚真快刘龙）中可以推测到他的名字是刘龙。并不是刘龙公,更不是什么‘如如哥'。 
 
注 2 
这事发生在宽量回去冲绳后的--- 一位姓湖城的武术家向人扬言自己的‘三战'比宽量的高明,结果引来争论,其他练武的人们亦感兴趣,故找来冲绳县立病院的医生来帮助考察,希望从医科学角度判断那一位的‘三战'比较强。 
 
于是湖城及宽量一齐在医生们面前演示他们的‘三战',在众医生的检验下,发觉宽量除了在运气时的肌力,技术及呼吸法都胜湖城几倍外,更令医生们吃惊的,宽量每在运气时,竟可把睾丸同步吸入小腹内（古代武术家因怕跟人交手时被踢中裆部,故会去练这种吊裆藏阳功夫）,结果当然是判宽量的‘三战'技高一筹。见宽量的武功如此高深,冲绳人都引以为荣,把他所教的武功尊称为那霸手（= 现代的刚柔流）,视之为代表那霸（城市名字）的武术。 
15 年后,宽量已由一个大孩子变成一个武功高强的成年人,因时局日催紧张,列强开始入侵中国,刘龙恐会有战乱,着宽量离开福州返去冲绳,并谓自己毕生所学的全部已授予宽量,亦希望宽量把他所教与的武功流传下去,宽量本不愿离开福州,但因为刘龙的坚持,唯有告别恩师返回冲绳。 

返回冲绳后宽量并不是第一时间去授武,而是做回父亲的老本行经营水上货运（后因船只遇到台风沉没,生意亦告结束）。 

知情人都知道宽量到中国学武是为了报杀父之仇,当他回冲绳后,大家都抱着将有好戏看的心态来看待,但一直等了多个月,还未见宽量有任何行动,当年杀死他父亲的人更寝食不安,不知何日宽量会找上门来,终于,他受不住这种压力,自动登门去到宽量家里,在门外跪下向宽量解释当年因大家喝了酒而争吵,是你父亲拔刀刺我,混乱中反被我刺死的,官府亦判我为自卫杀人,而且刀是你父亲带来的··，宽量很平静的看住此人并说：“好,我相信你,此事算了罢！”,在旁边堆满了准备看好戏的人群一方面觉得没趣,另一方面都赞赏宽量的明白事理,后来还把今次的事件用来教育子女,要学宽量般明事理,懂分黑白. 
 
坊间对宽量的事迹有多种传说,但与宫城长顺传下的有分别,举一个例,有传说刘龙（公）是从事编织竹器为生的,而不知道那是他因年纪已老才改行的后期事业。 

另一缪传是说宽量的师父就是鸣鹤拳的谢如如 谢崇祥）相信是他的后人自编自说的故事,有关的传说资料都显示出刘龙跟宽量的年龄相差最少有二十多年,而不是他们传说的宽量的师父就是谢崇祥,因两人的年岁只相差 1 岁,而且刘龙去世的年期比谢崇祥最少早 15 年,因宫城长顺去拜祭刘龙（公）时是 1915 年(刘是 1915 年之前已去世的,正确日子不详）,而谢崇祥还未死,他是 1930 年才去世的。 
 
这个资料不但给那些想利用宽量事迹的灰色地带来吹捧自家武术的打了一记闷棍,还大大的讽刺了那急不及待的“立碑”笑话。真的是一起‘伪造师承,强迫入门兼立错碑'的武林大笑话。 
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话说回头,宽量因自小在船上生话,并没有受过什么文化教育,加上后来去了中国福州学武整整 14/5 年,每天干活练武,更没可能去接受文化教育,所以他的文化水平很低,正因如此,他无法把在福州的经历用笔写下, 以至后来连师父的名字都是用口语（拼音）来传述给宫城长顺（他唯一的内弟子）,其它普通的弟子根本无从知悉。 
 
本来宫城长顺去福州拜祭刘龙(公)时是有把刘的姓名,出生日期及忌辰等从墓碑上记录下来的,可惜所有的资料都在冲绳战役中被毁灭了,加上安一先生说如非认可传人是不应把流派的历史传授（这是传统武术的一惯做法）,但却做成今天刚柔流空手道的历史存有灰色地带及很多由其他人创作的穿凿附会小道传说,刚柔流发展到今天,因盛名所致,做成百花齐放,真伪莫辨、版本众多,实始料不及。 
 
资料来源： 
宫城长顺传述给宫城安一，宫城安一师范再传述林师范 。 
刚柔流空手道史 - 东恩纳 盛男著 ​