Our family style of Hakka Gongfu involves "Rucksack" running as both an "External" and an "Internal" practice method which builds muscle and joint power, bone strength, and psychological determination and indomitable spirt! As the pack weighs 56 lbs at its maximum weight (it can sometimes be raised to 76 lbs - but this is rare) - it is also a good indicator of developing and maintaining (skeletal) body-alignment - important for dropped body-weight and rebounding power found in the Internal method found in Taijiquan. When young, rucksack running is "External" - whilst for the older practitioner rucksack running becomes "Internal" - and has to be modified as a practice. Long distance running can be interspersed (or changed with) the shorter distances involved in circuits-training. Either way, the positive effects on the mind and body are absolutely the same: I have been pursuing a three-month circuit-training of five-days a week running three-time around the block (Monday-Friday) - carrying the 56 lbs pack. Running in urban environments is easier in one way as the surfaces tend to "flatter" than their "cross-country" (off-road) equivalents. However, running with a weighted rucksack is dangerous as when falling down the impact with the ground is magnified by the extra weight being carried. Falling upon grass, in mud or through water, for instance, is preferrable to falling upon concrete, as such a tumble "cushions" the fall. Yesterday (Monday), at around 830 am, I was slightly distracted whilst running over a broken piece of tarmacked pavement. This happened during the 66th run of my intended 70 - a training stint which will conclude this Friday (December 22nd, 2023). My legs were cut-out from beneath me and I fell onto my hands and knees - with the rucksack propelled upwards and over my right-shoulder. My palms soundly struck the pavement - saving me from a face injury - with my well-conditioned hands suffering no damage. Most the weight, however, entered the ground through my left-knee. My right-knee took about half as much impact. the friction (heat) between the surface-skin of my knees and the fabric of my running-trousers caused the surface-skin to "rub-off" - as can still be seen above. This is why I now have substantial knee-abrasions. A passing neighbour - who was astonished to see me tumble past him - stopped to help me up. This was not as easy as it might have looked - as I had to readjust the heavy pack, and rearrange my legs and knees to attempt an upward thrust from the ground in good order (from a kneeling on one-knee position). This I successfully achieved - thanking my Muslim neighbour for his truly caring attitude. This is why I replied "Peace to you - my friend"! I then reassumed my training - showing a "straight" and "committed" mind-set in the face of adversity - finishing that day's training. When I got home, my partner - Gee - carried-out her usual "nursing" function of repairing the war-wounds of her Hakka Warrior husband using the family Dit Da Jow to clean and dress the wounds. Today, I was up early to continue my training in the rain!
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I think that about 40 people from Hereford boarded a coach during the Spring or Summer of 1986 - and headed to Poole, Dorset - a journey of 134 miles in a Southerly direction! This journey took about 4 hours to complete and when we arrived we all booked into a hotel - with two-people per room. If memory serves me correctly, we trained on Saturday and Sunday - before returning back to Hereford on the Sunday evening. I am featured in this video in the photographs listed below. If it was 1986 - I would have either 18 or 19 years old depending on whether this event took place before or after the end of May! We all trained in Shukokai Karate under Sensei Tom Beardsley at the Hinton Leisure Centre - although occasionally I understand that Tom Beardsley also taught at a number of other places. (I once graded on a Saturday morning in a small school training hall I never saw before or after)! I left the style in 1987 - along with many others - when the direction of the style started to locally depart from that advocated by Sensei Kimura - whom I got to talk to on the Course. As part of my overall gongfu training - I thoroughly enjoyed my time training with Shukokai and I learned a tremendous amount about hard-hitting! When Kimura's Shukokai was at its peak in Hereford - it was a thing of considerable beauty - and I will never forget the military connection or the kindness I experienced. This is 'me' - a 'hard' and 'ferocious' warrior - on a secret gongfu mission to learn as much as I can about Japanese Karate whilst still in education, before returning to the practice of our family gongfu style! The above video was forwarded to me by my Goju Ryu Karate-Do teacher - Sensei Tony Smith 5th Dan - as I had no idea it existed! Although it is difficult to tell - I am either a 'Purple' or 'Brown' belt at the time!
These ideograms are written in Old Chinese Script - but pronounced using Japanese and Okinawan language. [square] brackets = Chinese pronunciations (round) brackets = Japanese-Okinawan pronunciations a) 補 (Ho) = [bu3] - increase, aid, repair, supplement, mend, compensate and nourish b) 助 (Jo) = [zhu4] - help, support, augment and assist c) 運 (Un) = [yun4] - transport, carry, utilise, revolve, buoyancy and fate d) 動 (Do) = [dong4] - move, act, alter, momentum and touch It seems that the four ideograms are deployed using two couplets: 1) 補助 (Hojo) = supplement and auxiliary [Buzhu] 2) 運動 (Undo) = sporting and competitive vigorous movement [Yundong] The following is a contemporary webpage from Taiwan (auto-translated into 'English' entitled '法規內容-教育部運動發展基金補助各級學校運動團隊作業要點') continuously uses the term '補助運動' (Hojo Undo - Buzhu Yundong) - which is used exclusively to refer to 'supplementary sporting exercises': The inclusion of the terms 'buoyancy', 'touch', 'transport', 'momentum' and 'fate' - all suggest an 'internal' management of the 'external' (physical) body (through the attainment of an 'effortless momentum'). Therefore, although this term is common-place in China - the mastery it refers to is certainly not common-place. On the one-hand, a man or woman might train to win a Gold Medal or World Title - but these achievements (as important as they are for the 'Nation') only fall inside the 'external' component of this term. On the other-hand, Karate-Do Styles such as Goju Ryu exemplify the principle of the 'internal' superseding the 'external' - even though a lifetime must be spent subsumed in the 'external' whilst attempting to understand this relationship and transition into the infinitely powerful 'internal' position. Of course, ultimately, both the 'external' and the 'internal' integrate into a perfect, functioning 'whole' - as can be seen during a perfect execution of a Kata.
Dear Tony (Sensei)
Exactly - well said. As you already know (these are really 'Notes' to clarify my own understanding - as I know you know) - real combat is fluid and requires an instantaneous adaptation. My view is that this ability stems from years of experience endlessly repeating the same movement - or patterns of movements (in a disciplined manner) - whilst participating in sparring (or various other types of fighting) - where all this ingrained activity comes out (due to necessity) and manifests in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways! Usually, simplicity prevails over the complex in such situations defined through 'immediacy' - and much of the modern 'Bunkai' is so very intricate and diverse that I doubt any of it could be realistically applied in the few seconds required to nullify an attack AND take away an opponent's ability to effectively respond. (Whilst holding one of their arms - the opponent still has a head, one arm and two legs free to respond - more than enough to be effective). When I think back to training with yourself in Hereford and Cardiff (and the Tensho Kata you demonstrated in Sutton) - I remember your weight being firmly 'dropped' (rooted) whilst you also seem to 'float' - like a cork bobbing about on the surface of the water! This manifestation is continuous and effortless whilst being retained whether you are standing still, moving (in any direction) or even sitting down. From this foundation your arms and legs are 'moved' depending upon the Kata, Basic or exercise being demonstrated. I suppose what you are saying is that modern Bunkai focuses too much upon the movement of the arms and legs - but tends to by-pass (or 'ignore') the need to be 'rooted' and to 'move' properly from this root. Thanks The funny thing is that component movements of the Islamic martial art of 'Chaquan' looks identical to our 'Hakka' Longfist Style - even down to the applications - but Longfist is generic and certainly not rare! It comprises hundreds (or thousands) of Northern Styles and is common-place (it has even penetrated a number of Southern Styles). We all approach these movements from our different lineage perspectives - but all traditions use the 'external', 'Internal' and 'Integrated' aspects of ancient Chinese science. My research suggests that the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) instigated a country-wide martial culture - probably through a specially constructed manual comprised of illustrations and basic directions. As the Qin Emperor expanded the model of the Qin State (originally situated in Northwest China) across the whole of the conquered territories of what is today considered 'China' (which excluded at the time the swamp-infested area of what is now Fujian province) - this 'unity' of culture spread over a massive geographical area and converted every village into a military barracks - and ordered that every local man, women and child became a 'soldier' serving the Qin State whilst having to train in a standardised martial art (both 'armed' and 'unarmed'). This makes Longfist over two-thousand years old - and pre-existing the arrival of Muslims in China by about 1,200 years! The Arab merchants constructed their Chaquan version of Longfist from what they saw around them in the areas of China they had settled within (possibly acquired from the families of the Chinese women they married). Of course, this specialised Longfist was then taught to non-Muslim Chinese people (for various reasons) over-time - so that today Chaquan is practiced by millions of ethnic Han people - as well as Hui Chinese-Muslims. Hakka gongfu is typically 'Confucian' with Buddhist and Daoist overtones. There are theories, however, that suggest the 'Qin' and 'Han' Dynasties may have been 'Hakka' - that is founded by displaced peoples who originally lived on the edges of geographical Northern China (before migrating Southward) and which had developed cultures that mixed 'Han' and 'non-Han' (Barbarian) cultural elements together. This history is disputed, but certainly DNA studies have linked (modern) Hakka women living within South China with (Evenk) women living today in Siberia. Certainly, our Spear Forms were originally practiced (in-part) whilst riding a Steppe pony and gripping and steering the animal with the legs - whilst keeping the hands free to wield the spear from one side to the other without striking the animal's head. Later, when ponies were nolonger available - the 'Horse Stance' was developed to take their place in training. The 'Horse Stance' used to prepare the practitioner by building the lower-body strength for riding a Steppe pony through 'holding' the stance for long periods of time. Today, most practitioners use this method for strength-building - but have no knowledge of the historical development behind its structure.
Dear Tony It turns out that the Wing Chun KO I forwarded earlier occured around 17.7.2020 in Guangzhou: I was a little confused as to who was doing the knocking-out (I still do not know their names or 'why' the fight took place) - as the termed used is '拳击爱好' (Quan Ji Ai Hao) - literally 'Fist-Striking Love Admire' or more succinctly - 'Fist-Hitting Enthusiasts' - which turns-out to be how Mainland Chinese people refer to Chinese practitioners of Western Boxing! As this is not my area of expertise within Chinese culture (I only discuss Boxing in English) - I was not used to seeing it! There is a movement within modern China that views Western Boxing as pragmatic and vastly superior to indigenous Chinese martial arts (which are interpreted to be ineffective and steeped in useless and pointless superstition). This attitude probably began with the British cannons and muskets of the First Opium War (1839) and was confirmed in the massive casualties inflicted upon the Imperial Chinese military forces by the modern armies of Japan, Russia and the West during the so-called 'Boxer Uprising' (1898-1901)! Invincible qigong (dao-yin) turned-out not to be that 'invincible' after-all - when (Chinese) human bodies were struck by cannon-balls, grape-shot and musket balls! Those who managed to close the 'distance' between competing armies (surviving the incoming fire) were usually so psychologically and physically debilitated that they were useless as a fighter upon reaching enemy lines - being easily killed. I have also read Chinese language descriptions of accomplished Chinese martial artists coming unstuck when confronted by well-trained (but quite 'ordinary') British Infantrymen fighting with bayonets (and no ammunition)! These tough working-class men just 'stood their ground' and kept to their basic training (lunge, penetrate, twist and withdraw)! Apparently, this British ability so impressed the Allied Japanese at the time that a special 'Bayonet Art' was established in the Imperial Japanese Army and may well have been the motivating force behind what would become known as the 'Banzai' charge famous throughout the Pacific War (1941-1945)! Although the Japanese would later give some flannel about 'Sanurai' charges and the like! I gather that the mass produced Samurai Swords of WWII often harmlessly bounced-off opponents - or snapped the first time they were used to strike! Interestingly, all the way through the above clip, the taller (Wing Chun) man is repeatedly landing 'training slaps' to the face of the shorter 'Boxer' - demonstrating where his opponent is 'open' in defence! This approach works in a disciplined training hall - where the point is collective self-improvement - but obviously NOT in a situation like this where the 'Boxers' are attempting to prove a point regarding effectiveness. If the Wing Chun practitioner had landed full-powered shots instead of slaps - the outcome might have been different.
This Senior Citizen silenced the crowd when she raised her leg above her head! Silence turned into awe when she assumed a perfect ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ (金鸡独立 - Jin Ji Du Li)! Awe turned into spontaneous applause when she assumed a graceful ‘Single Side Horse’ (一字马 - Yi Zi Ma) Splits! This demonstration of Taijiquan was performed by the 77-year-old Jiang Xuezhen (蒋雪珍) in a park near the ‘White Horse River’ (白马河 - Bai Ma He) - the venue for the 2021 ‘Dragon Boat Race’ held in Fuzhou (Fujian province), Mainland China! This elderly lady was originally an ordinary worker in a garment factory – but is now enjoying her retirement. Not only has she practiced Taijiquan diligently to improve her health and strengthen her weak body - but she also made a name for herself in West Lake Public Park (西湖公园 - Xi Hu Gong Yuan) teaching Taijiquan to the common people! Since her graceful and powerful appearance at the Dragon Boat Festival - Jiang Xuezhen's dazzling martial arts skills have aroused the interest of many citizens! Some citizens cannot help but wonder – if this older lady was a professional gymnast before? Was Jiang Xuezhen involved in a lifetime of athletic training and development? The answer to all these questions is a resounding ‘NO’! In fact, Jiang Xuezhen was an ordinary worker employed in a garment factory before retiring - and she had NEVER received any such specialist education in this area before. The advanced pliability of her body (and its ‘ligaments’) stem from the time of her retiring from working in the garment industry. Jiang Xuezhen had to retire from working in the garment industry at the age of 45-year due to a physical issue (for which she successfully underwent recuperative surgery). Jiang Xuezhen admits that this was a very confusing time for her both emotionally and psychologically! That is until one day, when she was walking to the West Lake Park (taking exercise), this lady encountered a group of people practicing Taijiquan! At that exact moment - EVERY movement of the Yang Style (the Beijing 24-Step Short-Form) she saw resonated with her mind and body - instantly attracting her attention! When Jiang Xuezhen returned home, she immediately made arrangements to purchase a Taijiquan instructional VCD – which she used to learn Taijiquan through watching carefully and copying the exercises! The next step involved Jiang Xuezhen seeking-out Taijiquan instructors who then corrected and adjusted her ‘Form’ whilst discussing explaining the history and purpose of each sequence - making the revitalising movements much more powerful and effective! Although it took a long time of committed and regular practice, the regular performance of the Taijiquan movements and sequences finally start to transform the natural state and condition of her muscles, joint, bones, ligaments and tendons. At the same time her overall health improved as her inner organs began to strengthen. These changes were so profound that her partner also began to regularly practice Taijiquan! Together, they founded the ‘West Lake Park Taijiquan Practice Group’ - which at the time of writing has at least one-hundred members! When giving a recent interview to reporters, Jiang Xuezhen stated: “It is said that with every inch the ligaments stretch – the lifespan is extended by ten years! This is why I stretch my legs every day!” Jiang Xuezhen went on to explain that when she first tried to lift her legs all those years ago – her ligaments were tense there was very little movement with pain! Jiang Xuezhen trained diligently between the ages of 45-60-years old, and then she found that one day ALL the tension in her body completely disappeared and she was able to drop down into the side-splits position – and stand with one leg held-up directly into the air! This is why Jiang Xuezhen is now able to assume the ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ and ‘Single Side Horse’ Splits with ease! After demonstrating her extraordinary Taijiquan skills, Jiang Xuezhen advises: “Concentrate upon an activity and pursue its perfection with diligence!” This is sound advice, as apart from being able to demonstrate her mastery of Taijiquan – Jiang Xuezhen is also a painter! Jiang Xuezhen explained that she liked to draw since a child - and has always kept one or two drawings of the Four Treasures in the study room at home - after retirement. When she was about 65-years old, Jiang Xuezhen accompanied her partner in the study of flower and bird painting in a university designed to cater to the needs of the elderly. After two years of meticulous flower and bird painting - Jiang Xuezhen turned to landscape painting. The landscape paintings provided by Jiang Xuezhen are truly inspiring – with the background and fore-ground scenery featuring lakes and mountains contrasting perfectly! The art of Jiang Xuezhen generates a unique beauty which is enhanced by an atmosphere which is experienced by the observer as being vast and hazy! Jiang Xuezhen describes herself as a very serious person. When she learns one thing, she spends all her energy on that single activity. In order to learn landscape painting well, she would only go out daily to practice Taijiquan, but rarely for any other reason. She would often spend a week focusing upon a single picture! Then, in order to match the landscape paintings with the beautiful ideograms that comprised the inscriptions, she also spent a year studying different Chinese calligraphy styles such as seal script, official script, and regular script. "If the font is not good-looking, and the inscription is not well-written, it cannot be regarded as a complete and perfect painting." Jiang Xuezhen explained. This is her true character. It has been nearly 30 years since Jiang Xuezhen retired – yet she has retained the eagerness to learn and perfect everything she turns her hand to! Today, in addition to Taijiquan and landscape painting, Jiang Xuezhen can also perform ballroom dancing! As if all these activities are not enough – Jiang Xuezhen also practices Shaolin martial arts! With her extensive knowledge base and engaging personality, Jiang Xuezhen has become something of an inspiration to the surrounding population – a cultural icon for modern China! [Source: Strait Metropolis Daily] Chinese Language Source: 花30年练太极,福州七旬老太一字马惊艳全场
高抬腿过头顶,一个爽快的金鸡独立瞬间赢得现场朋友的喝彩,随即她又在地上来了一个漂亮又利索的一字马,把节目推向了高潮……不久前,在福州白马河公园举行的端午节活动现场,一位老太的表演让不少市民自愧不如。这位老太就是福州77岁的蒋雪珍,原是服装厂工人的她,在退休后寻找到自我,不仅苦练太极拳改善了虚弱的身体,还在西湖公园“打”出了名堂,将太极拳教授给了更多的人。 60余岁练就金鸡独立、一字马动作 自从在端午节活动中的精彩亮相后,蒋雪珍的花式炫技引起了不少市民的兴趣,有的市民不禁疑惑问,这位老太太以前是不是体操运动员?其实,蒋雪珍退休前是一名服装厂的工人,之前也没有从事过这方面的练习,有着柔软的韧带的起因还要从她退休时说起。 45岁时的蒋雪珍因为身体原因动了手术后,便从原来就职的服装厂退休了。而突然的退休让将蒋雪珍手足无措,每日不知道该做些什么,陷入了迷茫。直到有一日,她散步到西湖公园时,看到了不少人在练太极拳,一招一式瞬间吸引了她的注意。抱着锻炼身体的想法,她购买了太极拳教学碟片,通过不断地的模仿练习学会了太极拳,在与太极拳老师的交流切磋中更精进了太极拳的动作。而在长期的锻炼后,蒋雪珍感到身体逐渐舒爽了不少,更是动员她的爱人一起到在西湖公园中练习太极拳。在30年间,不少市民自发向她学习太极拳,为此,她和爱人还成立了一个西湖如春太极辅助站,学员最多的时候达到了近百人。 “都说筋长一寸,寿延十年,每次运动后,我都拉拉腿。”蒋雪珍告诉记者,原先的她腿抬高一点腿都觉得筋绷得崩的紧,但在多年的锻炼中,她不断尝试拉伸韧带,到了60岁左右,才能可以做出金鸡独立、一字马的动作。 “专心做一件事,并要把它这件事做精” 除了一字马、金鸡独立、太极拳外,蒋雪珍还是一个画家。蒋雪珍说,她从小就喜欢画画,退休后在家里也时常备上文房四宝画上一两副。于是在她65岁左右,她的爱人便带她来到了老年大学里学习花鸟画,在两年的工笔花鸟设色学习入门后,蒋雪珍又转入山水画的学习中。在蒋雪珍提供的山水画作品中,湖和山相映衬的秀丽景色,在苍茫朦胧的氛围中有着独特的美感。 蒋雪珍自喻是个较真的人,学习一件事时,便将所以精力花在一件事上,为了学好山水画,她除了每日的太极拳练功外,便少有外出,常常花上一周的时间认真绘一幅画。而后为了给山水画配以好看的题款,她还用了一年的时间去学习了篆书、隶书、楷书等书体。“如果字体不好看,题款写不好就不能算是一幅完整、好看的画。”蒋雪珍说。 正是较真的性格,蒋奶奶在退休后的近30年间,不断地的保持好学的心,并将每件事做到精,如今的她除了太极拳、山水画外,她还会交际舞、少林武术,成了周围人口中“技能点满满”的潮人。 【来源:海峡都市报】 The traditional purpose of Karate-Do is said to be the development of the ‘Single Punch Precise Kill’ (一拳必殺) technique! This is because the historical origins of Karate-Do developed out of battlefield martial arts - specifically designed to kill and wound an opponent without mercy! The question for modern practitioners is whether this objective is suitable as a contemporary teaching device – and how should the technical inadequacies of the old ways be improved upon? It may well be the case that the potentially lethal elements of Karate-Do are retained (because they are inherent in the ancient martial techniques) - but that the ‘killing’ aspect should not be made the key point when teaching the public – and should be replaced by encouraging young students to develop their own minds and bodies whilst perfecting a virtuous character! Therefore, saving lives and helping others signifies a necessary shift in traditional attitudes when teaching Karate-Do to modern students. In fact, this is not a ‘new’’ attitude that I invented – but an idea taught to me by my father Miyagi Chojun. In-turn, this was an attitude inherited from Higaonna Kanryo (and his Chinese teachers). Although exactly the same ‘killing’ techniques are retained (and certainly not ‘removed’ from the art) - what is emphasised is character development so that clever ways of resolving conflict in the environment is utilised as a type of ethereal Karate-Do – that precedes any need to deploy potentially devastating physical techniques! The lethal reality of Karate-Do techniques, therefore, is ‘hidden’ within a deep and stratified approach to Goju Ryu Karate-Do, which is now embedded in the grading system involving coloured belts. If the practitioner does not suitably develop their mind (psychology) and body (physicality) - then they do not gain access to the ‘lethal’ nature of the genuine Goju Ryu Karate-Do techniques! Each practitioner must develop ‘trustworthiness’ before they are permitted to gain access to the deepest aspects of this ancient martial art! My father – Miyagi Chojun – maintained the emphasis of the ‘Hard’ (Go) aspect of Goju Ryu through the ‘Sanchin’ Kata which had been passed on to him by Higaonna Kanryo – but he felt the opposite element of ‘giving way’ was missing in the Style, or at least not very well represented. To remedy this, Miyagi Chojun developed the ‘Tensho’ Kata from a set of movements he had been taught in China from a White Crane Fist teacher in Fuzhou related in lineage to the Chinese teacher of Higaonna Kanryo. Bear in mind that ‘Tensho’ is NOT exactly the same as the Form (六機手 - Ro Ku ki Te) he learned in China and that Miyagi Chojun chose to modify its structure to assist the ‘balance’ of Goju Ryu Karate-Do methodology. This is where Miyagi Chojun developed the ‘Soft’ element of Goju Ryu which saw the Tensho Kata counter-balance the Sanchin Kata. When practiced together – the Yin (Soft) and Yang (Hard) energy within the mind and body is perfectly ‘balanced’! ‘Weaving Hand’ (機手 - Ki Te) is a principle found within the ‘Southern Fist’ martial system of China, and which relates to all the upper body movement of the extremities and the combat techniques which are expressed therein. Within the book entitled ‘Bubishi’ (武備志) (transmitted China to Okinawa) - there is an explanation of where the vital pressure points (経穴 - Kei Ketsu) are on the opponent’s body – and how the hand – used in the ‘open palm’ (開掌 - Hiraki Tenohira) position – can be used to ‘pierce’ these points and cause catastrophic damage to the opponent’s health! Higaonna Kanryo taught Miyagi Chojun how to ‘stand’ and ‘move’ through the ‘Sanchin’ Kata – and then Miyagi Chojun then developed ‘Tensho’ Kata to emphasis ‘Softness’ - but a ‘Softness’ with a lethal ‘hidden’ central element (involving pressure-point hitting)! The ‘Sanchin’ and ‘Tensho’ Katas are unique to Goju Ryu Karate-Do and are not found within ‘Shuri-Te’ (首里手) derived-traditions! These are foundational Katas that are taught to express the beginning and the end of the Goju Ryu Karate-Do training method! As this is the case, there are definite ‘breathing’ methods used when performing these Katas. The ‘Sanchin’ Kata employs what is referred to as a formalised ‘Yang Breath’ (陽の息吹 - Yō No Ibu Ki) - which sees the practitioner maintaining the ‘tightening’ of all the muscles around the bones throughout the entirety of the body – with the instructor continuously ‘testing’ to ensure this process is being adhered to correctly! Through these training methods, the practitioner learns how to shift and lower the centre of gravity, how to smoothly transition between various and different fighting techniques - all performed whilst breathing deeply and fully! Both myself and my father, however, teach preparation exercises which loosen and strengthen the body and focus the mind BEFORE any of these profound exercises are taught. This is important as students require a means of ‘entering’ the Style so that the Goju Ryu techniques are not experienced as a shock to the system. Correct preparation prevents unnecessary injury and conditions the mind and body so that the structures and processes become suitable for further and advanced training. This is the systematic application of the scientific process. Science does not stand still but provides opportunities for continuous and further development. Logic and reason must be brought to bear upon the established traditions using the old techniques and is immeasurable when providing a firm and dynamic foundation for further development! When I was young, Kano Jagoro (嘉納冶五郎) visited Okinawa (in 1927) and was very impressed in the rational approach that my father had incorporated into the structure of Higaonna Naha-Te (as it transitioned into Goju Ryu)! He even took elements of my father's training regimes and incorporated them into his ‘Judo’ training patterns! He agreed that logic and reason must be used within traditional martial arts as a means to ensure that these old ways are preserved and made relevant for survival within modern society! My father explained to Kano Jagoro that the structure of Karate-Do is similar to the physical structures of material objects – such as a house, a tower or a bridge, etc. If the design principles are not sound – the building and/or structure will not stand – and will not be able to fulfil the purpose for which it was made! The house will collapse, the tower will fall, and the bridge will give way! Kano Jagoro was impressed with this thinking and congratulated my father on his progressive attitude! Indeed, Kano Jagoro incorporated this type of thinking into his development of Judo technique! As for my father – Miyagi Chojun – he would later develop the ‘Gekisai’ (撃砕) Kata (Number One and Number Two), as a means to express the entire Goju Ryu Karate-Do path in just two short sets of movements which can be elaborated extensively when an instructor so chooses to do so! This was a substantial achievement which many other lineages of Goju Ryu misinterpret as being ‘simplistic’ or ‘beginning’ only Kata – but in reality, my father intended these Katas to be something much more important than this. If the ‘Gekisai’ Kata are closely examined, a whole new world of ‘meaning’ can be clearly discerned! This does not detract from the fact that the entirety of Goju Ryu Karate-Do is defined by the ‘Sanchin’ and the ‘Tensho’ Kata! When added together – there are ‘twelve’ (12) Kata preserved within Goju Ryu Karate-Do. The two ‘Gekisai’ are known as the ‘public’ Kata which are used to prepare a student for a more profound learning experience later on! Miyagi Chojun had a deep knowledge of geography and history as well as the Chinese Classics and was well versed in the different aspects of Eastern culture. I will never forget the image of my teacher - who used a dictionary as a pillow and would constantly look-up the meaning of words and think deeply about what he found! He was particularly knowledgeable about medicines and the physiology of the human body, and always studied Karate-Do from a medical point of view. This is why many of his acquaintances were also doctors. He studied Karate-Do from a modern and scientific point of view and designed its structure as a practical system! Indeed, modern Goju Ryu Karate-Do is designed around a scientific agenda which brings logic and reason to the practice of an ancient martial art! Although the techniques can be lethal if deployed a certain way – Miyagi Chojun ensured that the health-giving component of each technique was emphasised over its destructive element. An emphasis upon building a sound mind and a strong body replaced the destructive act of confusing the mind and harming the body of an opponent! Goju Ryu Karate-Do was maintained as a traditional fighting method with modern (medical) implications! 科学的空手道へ指導体系を確立 在来の空手道は、一拳必殺といわれるように、もっぱら実戦の場での殺傷の武術として発達してきたもので、術技のうえでも、現在の教育的見地からみれば、不適当な点もあった。 このため宮城長順は基本形―剛の形(サンチン=三戦)のほかに、「六機手」というものを研究して柔の形(テンショウ=転掌)をつくった。「機手」とは中国南拳の上肢の動作および技法のことを言い、沖縄に伝わった『武備志』のなかで相手の急所(経穴)を突く際の手(開掌)の使い方が述べられている。宮城長順はこの手法を研究し、鍛錬形としてテンショウを創始した。また、東恩納寛量から鍛えられたサンチンの立ち方と運歩法をはっきりと定義づけたのである。 サンチン、テンショウは首里手派にはなく、剛柔流空手道独自のものである。この基本形の鍛錬法においては、気息の呑吐法(陽の息吹)という形式化された独特な呼吸法があり、指導者による筋骨の締め方を伴う鍛錬法がある。こうした鍛錬法を通じて、「術技の変化」「気息の呑吐」「重心の移動」を体得するのである。 さらに宮城長順の創始したものとして、基本形・開手形に入る前に行う徒手体操式の空手道術技に関連した「予備運動法」と、柔軟で強力な体力を養成しながら空手道術技の上達を側面的。 に援助する補助運動法がある。この予備運動は修練上、非常に合理的な運動法であり、その重要性は計り知れないものがある。講道館柔道の創始者嘉納冶五郎が沖縄に来られ、そのとき師父が空手道の解説をしたのだが、嘉納師範は予備運動に非常に感心され、後の柔道体操に取り入れられたのではないかということを、私は師父から聞かされた。 また、教育的観点から、剛柔流空手道の普及形として、ゲキサイ(撃砕)第一、ゲキサイ第二の形を創始した。剛柔流空手道の形は、サンチン・テンショウの基本形と、二つの普及形を含めた十の開手形とを合わせ合計十二の形がある。 宮城長順は漢籍の素養はもとより、地理・歴史の造詣も深く、東洋文化にも通じていた。辞書を枕に絶えず辞書を繙き思索していた師父の姿が忘れられない。とりわけ薬種の知識、人体の生理に詳しく、常に医学的観点から空手道を研究していた。知人にも医者が多かった。そして空手道を近代的、科学的視点から考究し、練習体系として組み立てたのである。従来の空手道指導法を理論と実際に照らして修練の順序、方法を定め、武道として体育として、また精神修養の方法、健康法として、科学的に組織体系づけたのが剛柔流空手道である。
Miyagi Takashi [宮城敬] (1919-2008) – Miyagi Family Inheritor of Goju Ryu Karate-Do! (17.10.2022)10/18/2022 ‘I was born in Naha City during August 1919 (Taisho 10) and I am the eldest son of Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953) - the founder of Goju Ryu Karate-Do! My father taught me how to use my ‘hands’ (手 - Te) and ‘feet’ (足 - Ashi) during every moment of the day! He taught me where to ‘walk’ on the road, pavement or path – and where to place my awareness to stay safe! In a similar vein – he taught me how to hold an umbrella properly so that it looks innocuous but is really a ‘weapon’ that can be used in self-defence! For the Miyagi Family – Karate-Do was not only practiced in the ‘Dojo’ - but training of the mind and body continued throughout the entirety of our lives! My father – Miyagi Chojun – was a very popular person and knew many interesting and important people! He often told me about the famous people living in Okinawa - including military personnel and literary figures - who had come to live and work in Okinawa. Due to his wide range of associations, my father was well read, well-educated and took a general (and specific) interest in many different and varied subjects. As my father took me everywhere with him when I was young – I also met these people and often witnessed (and absorbed) the discussions as they unfolded! This is how my father ensured that I had a well-rounded education premised upon practical experience and intellectual stimulation! This is how I started the development of my mind and body and developed a sound foundation in the understanding of Karate-Do! I also understood exactly how my father thought about life and his general attitude toward Karate-Do! His personality clearly shone through during these interactions! As my father – Miyagi Chojun – believed that travelling expanded the mind, he advised me to travel to Kyoto and enrol for the Summer in a Martial Art College and study ‘Kendo’ (剣道). He respected Kendo and was very enthusiastic about me learning a different martial art! Indeed, through me experiencing Kendo training – I gained a far deeper understanding of Goju Ryu Karate-Do! My eyes were opened to a far broader view. I particularly benefitted from the Kendo technique of ‘Kakari Geiko’ (掛かり稽古). These are the techniques within Kendo which involve the development of a sound ‘defence’ - coupled with a penetrating and devastating ‘attack’. I used this experience (and knowledge) gained through my Kendo training in my later development of Goju Ryu Karate-Do! Shifu (師父) - we always referred to Miyagi Chojun by the respectful Chinese language term of ‘Master-Father’ - put a great emphasis upon ‘Preliminary Exercises’ (予備運動 - Yo Bi Un Do) that both ‘warm’ and ‘strengthen’ the bones, ligaments (joints), muscles and tendons! As these exercises are so demanding and arduous to perform and repeat – the ‘mind’ is fully developed as it is ‘calmed’ and ‘stilled’ over time! I took this crucial element of Goju Ryu Karate-Do training and developed it further so as to progress the Style. I developed what is referred to as ‘Hard-Soft Body Manipulation’ (剛柔体操 - Go Ju Tai Misao)! This is sometimes referred to as ‘Goju Body Mechanics’. This is a development within Goju Ryu Karate-Do that all of our students a) learn and b) perform – at the beginning of each public training session held in a Dojo. (The same situation applies to closed ‘private’ lessons where groups of students are training in a Dojo). Miyagi Chojun always followed the same training habits as his teacher Higaonna Kanryo (learned in China) - which involved the performing of the ‘Sanchin’ (Hourglass), ‘Shiko’ (Horse-Square) and ‘Nekoashi’ (Cat) Stances as ‘warm-up’ techniques. Miyagi Chojun was very strict when teaching these stances and would shout very loudly at the beginning of a training session to encourage the flow of energy and attentiveness of a student! The stance work teaches how to drop the bodyweight correctly, how to stand ‘still’ (rooted to the spot) and how to project the rebounding force forward and back correctly. Whilst practicing kata, Miyagi Chojun stated that each Kata possesses various (inherent) characteristics - such as how to stand, how to use the hands, how to use the legs and feet to kick correctly and how to move in any direction properly amongst many other important attributes. I was told to think carefully about what the concept of each individual Kata meant - and how each individual movement within each Kata should be accurately interpreted and performed. A defining aspect of Goju Ryu Karate-Do is that ‘distance’ is rapidly closed from ‘far’ to ‘near’ in a manner that exposes the opponent to danger whilst keeping the practitioner (traversing the ‘distance’) safely protect (through a superior technical positioning). This means that although there are variations and contradictions within the Kata movements of Goju Ryu Karate-Do – the emphasis is always upon ‘closing’ the distance and engaging the opponent with effective (and devastating) close-quarter-combat. The opponent is inundated and overcome with a variety of rapidly deliver and perfectly timed (powerful) martial interactions – involving the effective movement of the arms, legs and torso, etc. The movements, although ‘attacking’ - are delivered in such a manner that ensures the Goju Ryu Karate-Do practitioner is ‘safe’ whilst inhabiting the quiet ‘centre’ inherent within each set of movements. Quite often, words do not convey the totality of the defining principles of Goju Ryu Karate-Do – but words do serve an important supporting role in the teaching process. Obviously, individuals will understand what is said and taught to them according to their age, maturity and level of experience. This is why an effective teacher understands this and applies the teachings of Goju Ryu Karate-Do according to the level of awareness that a student brings with them into the Dojo. After-all, a good teacher is able to produce an equally good and effective student. When Master Miyagi Chojun passed away in 1953, I (Miyagi Takashi) was recognised throughout the Miyagi Clan in Okinawa as the true ‘Inheritor’ of the Goju Ryu Karate-Do ‘Lineage’. This is the ‘Family’ lineage which is separate and distinct from those other numerous ‘lineages’ transmitted ‘outside’ the family. The ‘Family’ transmission represents the ‘internal’ lineage – whilst all the other transmissions are representative of the ‘external’ lineage. This does not imply that one transmission is better or worse – but rather merely ‘different’. In the ‘Name Temple’ the pictures and the urns holding the cremated remains of the Miyagi Family are obvious for all to see (stretching back hundreds of years). I am part of this ‘Family’ transmission – whilst all those sharing in the ‘external’ transmissions have their own ‘family’ lineages that are separate and distinct (and all equally valid in their own right). Furthermore, it used to be that the ‘internal’ (Family) transmission was only taught (privately) within the family – whilst the ‘external’ lineages were public – but today, generally speaking, ALL ‘lineages’ are publicly taught to anyone who wants to learn. As for myself, I developed the ‘Komeikan’ (‘Transmitting Brilliance Training Hall’) during my time living in Tokyo to teach Goju Ryu Karate-Do (from 1951 onwards) to the general public as the only representative of the Miyagi Family. I have conveyed the teaching of my father – Miyagi Chojun – in a logical and correct manner, whilst also adding my own understanding. This is a process of evolution encouraged by both Higaonna Kanryo and Miyagi Chojun. Tradition is protected and conveyed through a process of continuous and relevant improvement.’ Japanese Source Article: 空手道剛柔流宗家として 剛柔流開祖宮城長順の長男として1919年(大正10年)8月那覇市に生まれた私は、幼少のころより師父の空手道人生と歩を一にしてきた。日常生活のなかで教えてくれた「手」の使い方、「足」の使い方、あるいは道を歩くときの注意、傘の持ち方等々、それら一つひとつが空手道における身体と精神の在り方の教訓であった。師父は人との交際も広く、沖縄在住の高名な方々や沖縄に来られた軍人や文人の方々について私によく語ってくれた。師父は、そうした広い交際をとおして、いわば教養人でもあった。私は常に師父の傍らに居ることで、その生活に溶け込んだ空手道精神と、その人生観、人格から多くを学ぶことができた。
私が京都の武道専門学校の夏期講習で剣道を修めたのも師父の奨めであった。この剣道修行は、私の空手道修行に新たな眼を開かせてくれ、掛かり稽古をはじめとした剣道の修練方法は、後の私の空手道指導法に大いに役立った。 師父の私への指導は、「予備運動」をまず徹底してやることだった。私はこの予備運動を「剛柔体操」と名づけ、 弟子たちの修練の最初に必ず行わせている。師父はまた、サンチン立ち、四股立ち、猫足立ち、前屈立ちなど立ち方をしっかり定義付け、非常にやかましく指導した。形の修練では、形の中にそれぞれ、立ち方、手の使い方、蹴り足の使い方、演武の方向などの様々な特徴があり、それらがどういう意味をもっているか、よくよく考えて修練するように言われた。 剛柔流空手道の形においては接近戦における妙技が至るところにある。これらはことばでもって十分に説明できるものではない。どう理解するかは修練者の武才というものもあるだろうが、やはり空手道の修練には良き師を得てはじめて真の空手道を会得するものであると思う。 私は師父宮城長順の死去により、空手道剛柔流宗家を受け継ぎ、空手道剛柔流宗家講明館を開設、講明館館長として東京において空手道の指導にあたってきた。私の指導法は、開祖宮城長順の指導法と指導精神を基礎に、戦後、私が考案した指導法の実際を取り入れて行っている。 Translator's Note: According to the HISTORY of the International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation - during 1952 Miyagi Chojun gave permission for his leading disciple Mr. Yagi Akitoku [八木明德] (1912-2003) to establish his own Dojo! The following year (in 1953) Miyagi Chojun formally passed the 'robe' and 'belt' to Yagi Akitoku confirming his status as the lineage inheritor of the Goju Ryu Karate-Do lineage. Yagi Akitoku is also known as Yagi Meibukan - as 'Meibukan' (明布馆 - Ming Wu Guan) which translates as 'Bright' or 'Pure' 'Warrior Training Hall' - as this is the name he gave his first Dojo and the manner in which his lineage of Goju Ryu was referred to thereafter. Whilst researching the various histories of Goju Ryu preserved within the 'International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation' (IOGKF) - I have never come across this man's name! Indeed, it was only whilst researching the history of 'Meibukan' on that Style's Hong Kong site (in preparation for translating this article) that I learned of Yagi Meibukan and the general attitude of respect that abounds for him amongst the martial arts community of China, Okinawa and Japan! I have 'Maria Manalastas' and her 2018 (Chinese language) article conveying her journey to Okinawa and her training in the Karate-Do of the MURASAKIMURA Dojo! She is a University student from the UK whose ancestry hails from the Philippines. As we have very close ties with the Filipino people - we welcome her interesting article - which I translate here! ACW (10.10.2022) Hello everyone! I'm Maria from the Okinawa Holiday Hackers Editorial Department. It has been four months since I came to Okinawa, and now I am experiencing the Karate-Do Dojo in the kingdom of MURASAKIMURA. There I met Mr. Kinjo, Mr. Kevin and Mr. Florian! Senior Instructor Kinjo (full name ‘金城 敬章’ - ‘Kinjo Hiroaki’) is the Head of the ‘International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation’ - that is the ‘Bright Martial Training Hall’ which is said to be the ‘true’ and ‘genuine’ inheritor of Goju Ryu Karate-Do tradition as founded by Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953). The ‘Hard - Soft’ (Goju) Style of Karate-Do – as led by Kinjo Hiroaki is a member of the ‘Yomitan’ Branch of the ‘Daoist Alliance’. Mr. Kevin Chaplin and Mr. Florian Poupard are Technical Instructors associated with the Okinawa Traditional Kobayashi Ryu Karate-Do and Kobudo Federation and the World Shorin Ryu Society, passing on their knowledge of Karate-Do to the world. It is slightly bewildering to gain access to such expert teachers so easily! Mr. Kevin Chaplin, for instance, is British and started trained at just 12-years old – he earned his Black Belt at 24-years old! How long does it take to earn a Black Belt? Well, that all depends on motivation and circumstance. With regular training and a high standard of commitment coupled with excellent instruction – a Black Belt can be earned in three or four years – but it all depends. Some people like to take their time and progress slowly but surely – focusing on different skills and on overcoming various weaknesses or shortcomings. Sometimes, individuals have no interest in grading and spend years working-out at the back of the Dojo! I am told that an old Black Belt sometimes fades to ‘gray’ and that there are various types of Black Belt all the way up to ‘White Belt’ again – an honour rarely bestowed in Japan and Okinawa (and only then usually by the Japanese Government itself – as such an individual becomes a ‘National Treasure’)! This means the student has completed the entire circle of mind-body self-cultivation and is beyond grading! As the practice is barefoot – I do not need to wear trainers. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! I am a student studying at a university in the UK. I am doing a one-year Internship in Okinawa, and I have been living in Okinawa, Japan since September 2017. Before coming to Okinawa, I thought about what I wanted to do, and thought of ‘Karate’ and ‘snorkelling’. Especially Karate for self-defence. The turbulent society here has granted me ‘opportunity’ and ‘result’! In the UK, I have also taken many Karate courses described as ‘Women's Self-Defence" - but no matter as they were all single-shot – and I have almost forgotten what I have learned before the next class. If you encounter an emergency, what skills should you use to deal with it? When asked this question I had no idea of the answer! I really want to learn about self-defence properly and to a greater depth. Even if it's just a little bit of good quality knowledge – such learning can make you feel more at ease! When I was a child, I was often taught that ‘even at noon, never go out alone, and definitely go out with someone you know’, but this attitude did not teach us about self-defence, which made me feel very insecure as a child. When traveling alone from England to the unknown land of ‘Okinawa’, I decided to development my abilities and make the most of this time. After I asked Mr. Kinjo and Mr. Kevin who teach Karate-Do in MURASAKIMURA, they said that the techniques are different depending on the Karate-Do ‘Style’. I was surprised and found a more attractive side to Karate-Do than just self-defence. There are so many more and different elements than simply nullifying an attack! It may be an exaggeration to describe this, but through the principles of Karate-Do training - we can connect to our lives and discover our own true value! We become self-aware through the process of concentrating upon our body posture and movement – as well as upon being aware of our state of mind! Awareness in the mind ‘expands’ throughout the body and a general sense of ‘Wholeness’ develops! I am able to see things from a ‘Beginner’s’ perspective – even though I have a little bit of experience. Prior to coming to Okinawa I had no idea that Karate-Do has ‘different’ Styles! Self-defence courses are very basic and do not bother with background information. The teachers charge a lot of money and spend a few hours showing the most basic movements. In the Dojo of MURASAKIMURA things are very different! Here, two ‘Styles’ share the training space harmoniously! This is the ‘Kobayashi Ryu’ Style (which moves sharply from left to right and right to left – whilst the ‘Goju Ryu’ Style uses big, circular movements which flow smoothly forward and back! In this Dojo the differences between Styles are respected and preserved – but this does not stop a positive interaction! Although the MURASAKIMURA Dojo is very strict – it is also very welcoming, and thousands of people visit every year! This led to the development of the MURASAKIMURA Hotel which is not very far from the Dojo! We must enter the Dojo with respect by bowing at the door and walking calmly to our training spot on the Dojo floor. We then must sit down in the Japanese ‘Zen’ style and ‘meditate’ so that the mind and body ‘relaxes’ before the in-depth technical training begins. Leaving the stresses and tensions of the world ‘outside’ is a unique quality of ‘Karate-Do’ - and is certainly a cultural attribute I could not find in my home country of the Philippines! As training happens all through the day – the type of training varies depending upon the time of day (and the type of Yin-Yang energy in the air). After meditation we loosen the body from bottom to top and work on strengthening. After that there is technical practice, Kata and sparring, etc. Although basic agendas are followed – sometimes individual students have come for a particular type of training and the teacher(s) separate the class into appropriate groups. From the tips of the toes to the top of the head and to the tips of fingers – every part of the body was systematically trained so that the next day I was as stiff as a board and thought my body was going to fall apart! The instructors are happy to share a joke or have a laugh – but do not over-step the line of respect or the training will take an unexpected turn! Although this Dojo is open to the general public - ‘special’ classes also are given for disciples and students who are looking to achieve a very high level in Karate-Do! This training is different and not for the faint of heart – although we were not allowed to see any of it. We were told ‘stories’ by other students although the instructors said nothing. One of my favourite areas of Karate-Do is the weapons training! I had never seen this in the UK and absolutely love all the different implements! This was the area I requested extra training within. One of the stories is that an Okinawan King once banned weaponry amongst the population – and so all the Karate-Do weapons look like farming tools! Every part of the Dojo floor must be regularly cleaned and maintenanced. The Okinawans (who follow many Chinese customs) say it is an ‘honour’ to do this! To make this system work, everyone must be polite and well disciplined! There are many different training paths being pursued at any one time – and rarely are you left alone. I personally like it when large groups all move together – punching, kicking and blocking their way up and down the hall! It takes tenacity to enter the Karate-Do Dojo every day and voluntarily submit yourself to the hard discipline of Karate-Do training! Teacher Kevin seems to have some doubts about modern karate. Nowadays, many people just want to learn the skills that appear in the movies or the movements that can get high scores in the competition. However, compared with those who just want to get the first place, the number of learners who aim to get a Black Belt has gradually increased recently, and the teachers are also very happy because of this. That's what I thought at first too (Can't you just learn the techniques that appear in the movies?) but as I wrote above, having a connection to everyday life is the beauty of karate. Whether it's karate or other fighting skills, you must never retreat when defending, you need to keep moving forward. Teacher Kevin said that this is how he learned. There are very few backwards Karate-Do skills, and so is our life. Although it is a very old-fashioned statement, just recalling the past will not help you, and will not change anything at all. But every next step, as much as possible, move forward and change according to what you want. You can learn a lot of life lessons from the techniques and movements of Karate-Do. Decide in advance what kind of Karate-Do you want to learn. I would recommend visiting the MURASAKIMURA Dojo and talk to the instructors who will be happy to talk with you about all your training needs. Original Chinese Language Source: Maria Manalastas
大家好!我是Okinawa Holiday Hackers编辑部的玛利亚。 来冲绳已经过了四个月了,现在我在体验王国MURASAKIMURA的空手道场。 在那边遇到了金城老师·Kevin老师·Florian老师。 金城老师(本名:金城 敬章)为国际明武馆刚柔流空手道联盟 读谷支部所属的金城空手道道场的馆主。 Kevin老师(本名:Kevin Chaplin先生)跟Florian老师(本名: Florian Poupard)冲绳传统小林流空手道‧古武道联盟 世界王修会内的技术指导员,向全世界传递关于空手道的知识。 不用怀疑,全部都是黑带保持者!☆ 可以这么简单的见到这么厉害的老师们,让我觉得有些难以置信….! 这次从英国来的的学徒们都是指名Kevin老师来传授武技! Kevi老师十二岁开始学习空手道,但也不仅一直在学空手道,也有在学习其他武术。在年仅24岁时就获得了黑带。 ((取得黑带到底要花多少时间呢?))这样想着就去问了老师,老师说快的话三年、四年,大部分的人在锻炼技术跟体力上反而会花上更多的时间。 黑带后,是灰带么? 一开始看到Kevin老师的腰带, ((这个是灰色么?原来还有这种颜色~之前都不知道~~~)) 想着,就赶紧去问老师。老师说:「拿到黑带后,不停地锻炼,它慢慢的褪色,然后就变成灰色了」原来还有这种不为人知的故事哦! 黑带不是终点,在这之后还不断地精益求精,这才是真正的强大!! 还有,在练习中是赤脚练习,不需要穿运动鞋。 Oh,在这之前忘了自我介绍了。 我是在英国的大学就读的学生。 正在冲绳进行为期一年的实习,2017年9月开始住在日本冲绳。 来冲绳之前思考了自己想要做些什么,想到了 “空手道” 和 “浮潜” 。尤其是空手道,特别想尝试。为了Self defence(防身术)。在这里动荡的社会…。 契机与结果 在英国我也上过很多次 “女子防身术” 的空手道的课程,但无论哪次都是单次式的,等下次上课的时候之前学了什么几乎都忘了。如果遇到紧急的时间,到底要用什么技巧来对应呢?当被这么问的时候,我连答案都说不出来。所以真心地想要再次学习关于防身术的技能。哪怕是一点点只是也好,能让自己安心一点。 小时候经常被教导 “就算中午也绝对不要一个人出门,绝对要跟认识的人一起出去” ,但却没有教我们关于自我防卫的知识,反而让儿时的我很没有安全感。 只身一人从英国漂洋过海来到未知的土地冲绳” 时,决定了解自身的能力,并且充分利用好这段时间。 询问了在MURASAKIMURA教导空手道的金城老师、Kevin老师后,他们说根据不同的流派技术也不同,让我吃了一惊,发现了比防身术更有魅力的一面。 这样形容或许有点夸张,但通过空手道的行动原理可以联系到我们的人生,进而发觉自己的价值。打破了自己是由身体的各个部位构成的认知,而是深切体会到了人体不仅仅是单纯的呼吸以及动作,而是通过身体所有的构造协作运行的。 (初学者的我也能理解)两个流派最大的差异是“移动的方向”。小林流是左右两侧大幅移动、刚柔流则是前后大幅移动。 虽然是不同的流派,但深刻体会到了流派间相互的尊重。 道场的导览 这里是MURASAKIMURA的道场哦! 很像是电影当中的场景吧!?光看到就让我超激动的。 MURASAKIMURA内也紧邻着 “MURASAKIMURA酒店” ,听说为了学空手道而来长住的客人也不少呢。 行过礼之后进入道场,首先从冥想开始。 充满紧张感的寂静,虽然自己一直想静下心,但因为自我意识太重而导致一直分心去关注别的事物,反而渐行渐远。像这般安静,在我的祖国菲律宾是绝对不可能会有的。 根据当天练习内容的不同,热身运动也不同 冥想结束后,接下来是热身运动。 Kevin老师和我说,空手道和其他的运动不同,是根据当天练习的内容,热身运动的内容和长度也不一样。有时甚至需要花30分钟来做热身运动。 由Kevin老师所带领的MURASAKIMURA的空手道达人,不管大家有没有经验都非常欢迎,十分亲切温和,但千万别被骗了(笑) 做好第二天自己身体会像玩具总动员的蛋头先生一样碎成一地的觉悟。 (隔天全身仿佛都要散架了…。感觉要死了。) 武器 热身运动结束后,进入道场时一直让我很在意的武器放置所。 从前冲绳的某位皇帝曾经颁布 “禁止使用武器令” 的条例,所以大部分武器看起来像是农具的样子。 Kevin老师稍微教了一下短拐的使用方法。短拐的拿法和角度不同,给对手给予的伤害也会不一样。「以最大的力量沿着手臂握着短拐」Kevin先生如是说。 将道场的空间运用到最大化,调节自己的脚步与攻击。集中在自己的手臂和脚需要摆在哪个位置,思考着是否比刚才的防御、刚才的攻击更加正确。 据说将防御·攻击的一个动作做到完美,需要花上一年。Kevin老师说光看一天下来花了多少时间在那个动作上,就能看出你的腰带是什么颜色。 让我重新见识到能够忍受日复一日的练习的坚韧以及注意到微小的动作的敏锐,这就是空手道的美感。 Kevin老师似乎对于现代的空手道有些疑问。 如今有不少人只想学在电影中出现的技巧或者在比赛中可以得高分的动作,对于动作的原理和意义知之甚少,因此陷入了低潮。但是比起那些只想得到第一名的人,最近以拿到黑带为目标的学习者也逐渐增加,老师也因此而很开心。 一开始我也是这么想的((不能只单纯地学习电影中出现的技巧吗?))但正如我上面写的,和日常生活有所关联才是空手道的魅力所在。 不管是空手道,还是其他格斗技的练习,防御时决不能后退,需要不断地前进。Kevin老师说他就是这么学习过来的。 几乎没有往后倒退的空手道技巧,我们的生活也是如此。虽然是很老套的说法,只回忆过去对自己没有帮助,根本不会改变什么。但是接来下的每一步,都尽可能的依照自己所想的前进,去改变。 从空手道的手法·技巧上可以学习到很多人生的道理。 事先决定学习什么样的空手道 可以在MURASAKIMURA上的课程中学习到空手道的基础、手法等。 在我的内心中曾经有着 “无法学习空手道的理由” ,但已经因为这次美好的邂逅而消失了。难得来到空手道的发源地,不学习不是很浪费吗? 想学看看、想了解空手道!在荧幕前的美女们! 不仅日文和英文,中文和韩文也可以对应。不来MURASAKIMURA这边学习基础空手道看看吗?穿着空手道服,光听着空手道的由来就会有自己变强的错觉♪ 刚学习空手道,或者是正在思考要不要学的帅哥们! 专业的空手道家,或者腰带持有者的你们。推荐你们前往MURASAKIMURA内见见Kevin老师们! 老师们有着指导世界各地学徒的经验,从身体·能力·目标·需求中找到适合你的方法。 在这里不仅仅是老师为你答疑解惑,你也可以一起交流自身的技术和经验,请一定要去MURASAKIMURA道场看看♪ |
AuthorShifu Adrian Chan-Wyles (b. 1967) - Lineage (Generational) Inheritor of the Ch'an Dao Hakka Gongfu System. |