MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House Of The Pure

Considering Sensei and Kobudo? Controlling the Effects of Strikes The Indomitable Shinjos Risk and Injuries in Contact Fighting Interview with Fred Lohse Fred Lohse with bo. Courtesy of Jim Baab. THE INTERNATIONAL WEB BASED MARTIAL ARTS No 8 DECEMBER 2006 MAGAZINE AS A PDF DOCUMENT MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts No 8 DECEMBER 2006

MISSION STATEMENT Column 2 Meibukan Magazine is an initiative of founders Lex Opdam and Mark Hemels. Aim of this web based We want your help! magazine is to spread the knowledge and spirit of the martial arts. In a non profitable manner Meibukan Magazine draws attention to the historical, spiritual Feature 2 and technical background of the oriental martial arts. Starting point are the teachings of Okinawan karate- Karate and Kobudo? do. As ‘House of the Pure Martial Arts’, however, Fred Lohse takes us on a journey through the history of karate and kobudo in Meibukan Magazine offers a home to the various au- thentic martial arts traditions. an effort to explain why the two are actually inseparable. FORMAT Interview 9 Meibukan Magazine is published several times a year Interview with Fred Lohse in an electronical format with an attractive mix of subjects and styles. Each issue of at least twelve Lex Opdam interviews Goju-ryu and practitioner Fred pages is published as pdf-file for easy printing. Published Lohse. editions remain archived on-line.

Readers of the webzine are enthousiasts and practi- tioners of the spirit of the martial arts world wide. Physical Health 17 Risk and Injuries in Contact Fighting PRODUCTION The closer we come to modeling the reality of a military or self-defense Editor in chief situation, the more likely we are to sustain (or cause) serious injuries. Lex Opdam Joshua Landa on the risk and injuries of contact fighting. Contributors Editorial Board Fred Lohse Matthew Jones Lex Opdam 21 Iwan Meij Joshua Landa History Alan Dollar The Indomitable Shinjos of Art director Marc van Dam Iwan Meij Gil Gillespie Alan Dollar tells the tale of one of the most dynamic and renowned names Kevin Secours of traditional Okinawan Uechi-ryu karate. SUBMISSIONS 30 Meibukan Magazine is pleased to submit views, con- Review cerns and experiences on any subject matter IF re- Karate Masters by Jose Fraguas. lated to the mission statement expressed by the Meibukan Magazine. Therefore articles, photographs Mind over Muscle - Writings from the Founder of by Jigoro Kano. and illustrations are welcome, although Meibukan Magazine is selective and can not guarantee that sub- missions will be placed. Submission can be mailed Feature 31 to our P.O. Box by floppy, CD or DVD, or can be sent to our e-mail address. Sensei: some considerations Is a martial arts instructor a spiritual leader? A leader of a community? Should COPYRIGHT/DISCLAIMER he be? Or should he merely disseminate the most effective and correct fighting

© 2003-2007 Meibukan Magazine. technique as promulgated by his respective art? Gil Gillespie on the interpretation All materials on the Meibukan Magazine website and Meibukan Magazine pdf-files (including without limitation all of "Sensei." articles, text, images, logos, compilation, audio, video, and design) are Copyright by Meibukan Magazine. All rights reserved. The downloadable Meibukan Magazine pdf-files may be Feature 34 downloaded, printed and distributed for personal use only. Only with explicit permission in writing from the Meibukan Magazine and the original copyright holder may the Meibukan Controlling the Effects of Strikes Magazine or (part of) articles be used for other than personal use (e.g. educational, research purposes, commercial use, a.o.). Kevin Secours explains that although pain for the practicing martial artist may Every Meibukan Magazine pdf-file has a unique ISSN number (1572-5316) and is registered by Law. be inevitable, suffering is optional.

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House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 We want your help! Karate and Kobudo? The 8th edition of our magazine is a fact. Although the business of our daily lives gives us but few possibilities, we are glad that we can present another In talking to many practitioners of the , one edition to thousands of international readers. Our often hears two separate terms used; karate and kobudo. One is web statistics show that our PDF editions are well visited and downloaded and therefore we can also the unarmed practice common to the island, the other the adopt that these are read. Also we get daily arts. On the surface, this separation makes sense; it's a very easy registrations of people who have put themselves on the mailing list for the announcement of every division to make since the difference between holding something new edition (by means of our website). We are and not holding something is pretty obvious. Since the translation delighted that our aim, spreading the knowledge and spirit of the martial arts on an international for karate means "empty hand", the separation seems even more level by means of the Internet, is met. obvious. However, although this separation makes sense on the

We want to thank those who have declared their surface and is a common idea in Okinawa, in , and here in the mental support by sending us positive e-mails. West, I would suggest it is an artificial one, one that comes out of a We appreciate these responses and want to let you all know that we feel strengthened in our specific set of historic circumstances, and is not actually mission. representative of the Okinawan martial heritage.

Because of changes in work and home situations, - Frederick W. Lohse III - the editorial board of Meibukan Magazine has been reduced since the last two editions. For Mei- bukan Magazine this means less capacity on different fronts. Therefore we have to put more effort by means of time and energy into the search Conceptually, separating armed and un- In the past, the leading figures in the for interesting articles which would qualify for a armed arts is rather unusual worldwide. Okinawan martial traditions practiced, and possible publication in our magazine. While many of the Japanese Shin-budo taught, a variety of techniques. Looking at The general appraisal of an article (checking of are extremely specific in their choice of the various figures of Okinawa’s martial facts/sources/persons etc. and aptitude), the contact tools- Judo is empty handed, uses past, this becomes immediately obvious. with the authors and copyright holders, the preparations of those articles which are effectively only a shinai (bamboo practice sword), Kosaku Matsumora was known for his placed, demand more time than most people Kyudo uses only the bow- these arts skill with the bo (staff) (Nagamine, 2000, imagine. We are always searching for good resemble the Western sports of fencing, p. 34). In the 1866 demonstration at the material, be it already published or new material. Often we have a mixture of both since our aim is , or more than they do departure of the last Chinese Sapposhi, not to be newsworthy in the first place but to be most martial arts. They were designed, Seisho Aragaki, who went on to be Kanryo helpful in providing serious martial arts material to the interested. Both new and old material are much like their Western counterparts, to Higaonna’s teacher, demonstrated a variety fine for our magazine and when we ourselves have fit a specific need. Elements of practice of armed and unarmed techniques ranging time and energy we also actively create and that were deemed unnecessary to their from empty hand to tinbe (shield & machete contribute to it. goals were eliminated. Hence, Judo does or short spear). The famous Yara Chatan Because we only have a few hands for the job to not contain many of the armed or striking passed down both Chatan Yara no Kusanku search/investigate interesting material, I want to techniques common to many traditional and Chatan Yara no . Perhaps most call upon our readers to provide us with references/ links to serious and thorough non-commercial styles, Kendo includes no unarmed telling, the single greatest legacy of one articles which could be suitable for publication in training or understanding of the spear, of karate’s most famous exponents, a man our magazine. halberd, or thrown as many clas- who was nicknamed for his karate, “Tode” It is difficult to explain in short what kind of sical Japanese arts do, and so on. Their Sakugawa (Kanga Sakugawa), is the bo material Meibukan Magazine is looking for, but specific designs enable focused study of that bears his name, not his karate. now that the first 8 editions of our magazine have appeared, I believe that the articles published so a particular set of techniques, a practice far give a clear indication of the type of material designed for self-development, sport, fitness, we are interested in. or some combination of these. However, If you are in a position to provide us with material, in more traditional martial arts the dif- the most convenient way for us would be if you ferentiation between armed and unarmed could supply us with a weblink or even a Word arts is often vague, at best. The classical document by email concerning the article that you think would fit in our magazine. Ideally, Japanese arts, Chinese arts, Philippine arts, provide us with information of where and when Indonesian arts, all mix armed and unarmed the article is/was published (webpage or magazine), who the author is and -if possible- how to reach techniques, usually in the same system, him and possibly the copyright holder. Even if using the same tactical concepts. Histori- you only have a weblink that you think could be cally, in looking at the Okinawan arts, the interesting for our magazine, please feel free to mail us by our submission email. Of course we can same applies. not guarantee we will place the article(s), but we will certainly take the effort to study the material While today karate and kobudo are often attentively. considered separate practices, this is a Lex Opdam relatively new phenomenon on Okinawa. Editor in chief Kanga Sakugawa

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 2 on a huge number of Okinawan kata, was founded his organization, the Goju-ryu “The classical Japanese arts, Chinese arts, enough of an expert in kobudo to be one Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei, Seiko Philippine arts, Indonesian arts, all mix of Shinken Taira’s main teachers; he Higa, who had also studied with Shinken armed and unarmed techniques, usually obviously considered the armed arts im- Taira, Shinpo Matayoshi, and Kenko in the same system, using the same tactical portant enough to preserve as well. Taira, Nakaima, included kobudo in the title even concepts.” the founder of the Society for the Preser- though there are no weapon kata in the vation and Promotion of , Goju system. Other Goju teachers also Obviously, the pioneers of what was to also learned from Jinsei Kamiya, a noted considered kobudo essential to their become Okinawa’s karate and kobudo did Goju-ryu exponent. Ginchin Funakoshi, the practice- Seikichi Toguchi added rhythm not see the two as separate arts. The lea- founder of , also practiced ko- bo and various kobudo kata to his Shorei- ding teachers practiced and taught both. budo, as the famous picture of him using kan, and Meitoku Yagi added Gekisai and This continued on into the next “gene- sai (a forked metal truncheon) demon- Saifa practiced with sai. Zenryo Shima- rations”. Kanryo Higaonna is said to have strates. In the early days, he also taught buko taught Tokumine no kon along with been skilled with a variety of Chinese some bojutsu, though this dropped out of Kyan’s karate. Kenko Nakaima’s Ryuei- weapons. Along with his karate, Chotoku most Shotokan practice. (McMahon, ryu has always included armed and un- Kyan passed down the bo kata Tokumine 2001.) Conversely, his student Shinken armed kata. Hohan Soken was known for no kon, a kata he considered an important Taira also taught karate. During the late his Matsumura style karate, but also for his part of his legacy. The noted bo masters Meiji period and right into the post-war deep knowledge of a number of weapons. Masami Chinen and Modem Yabiku both era, the Okinawan arts were undergoing Seikichi Odo’s Okinawa Kempo includes studied Itosu style karate. (See Hokama, massive change. They were being ex- a variety of armed kata, taught, as in all 2005.) Indeed, virtually every legendary ported to Japan and becoming something these systems, as part and parcel of the Okinawan bushi is known for both armed new in the process, while on Okinawa they karate they accompany. and unarmed skills. This is, with a little were being re-examined and renamed. examination, not surprising. In earlier With each generation, there had always “Throughout the history of the Okinawan times, the martial arts were not practiced been change and crossfertilization arts, karate teachers have taught and primarily for self-development, or sport. between styles and teachers. However, They were practiced for self-defense, or in this period there came to be a more practiced kobudo, and kobudo teachers combat. In that light, any martial artist focused approach to codifying sys-tems, have taught and practiced karate. The would need to be able to use, and be able naming them, and creating clearer lineages two have never been seen as separate to counter, not only unarmed attacks, but and lists of kata to go with them. Never- specialties, at least until recently.” a variety of weapons. Over time, this ap- theless, throughout this process the conflation proach to the practice of the martial arts of armed and unarmed techniques con- Throughout the history of the Okinawan has changed, starting during the Meiji tinued. As people developed new systems arts, karate teachers have taught and period (1868-1912), and intensifying in the and named them, they usually included practiced kobudo, and kobudo teachers post-war years. However, in general the both armed and unarmed kata. Isshin- have taught and practiced karate. The two majority of late Meiji and early Showa era ryu’s founder Tatsuo Shima-buko included have never been seen as separate special- (1926-1989) Okinawan martial artists also a variety of karate, bo, sai, and (right- ties, at least until recently. Starting some time intrinsically connected armed and unarmed angled baton) kata. The late Juhatsu in the early part of the last century a sepa- practice. Kyoda considered armed techniques ration began to develop, at least in many important enough to add bo and sai kata people’s minds, between Okinawa’s armed The founder of Shito-ryu, , to the Tou’on-ryu he named after his and unarmed techniques. Some of this known for his efforts to preserve and pass teacher Kanryo Higaonna. When he change probably grew out of the existing training environment. While virtually all the old masters practiced both, different peo- ple were known for different things. While Chojo Oshiro practiced karate, people came to him to learn the bojutsu he was most famous for, and while people would go to Itosu to learn karate, they would perhaps not seek him out for the kobudo he knew. In each generation there would be teachers that were better known for different skills. In time some of these tea- chers’ students also became known for their teachers’ skills, creating lineages that held certain knowledge, more or less loosely. This is a general tendency however, and I would suggest that the real reason Eisuke Akamine with bo and Shinken Taira with tonfa.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 3 for the increased separation between teacher in the public schools. Itosu Ankoh armed and unarmed techniques was a started teaching in the school system in “To quote a senior practitioner of Uechi- particular set of historical influences on 1901. In developing his karate to make it ryu and student of Shinken Taira, the development of the Okinawan arts in more useful for the school system, he Katsuhiko Minowa: "karate and kobudo the early and mid 20’th century. changed the art as he had learned it, crea- are like two wheels on an axle".” ting simpler kata (the ) and In looking at the Okinawan arts that have focusing on group drills. It is also said that model of training. This process of develop- the least connection to the armed tech- he made the practice safer, concentrating ment continued with Chojun Miyagi. niques of the island perhaps the starkest on its physical education elements. Al- separation is in the -te based Goju- though later he also taught in the schools, As Miyagi took over the mantle of Naha- ryu1. While a number of Goju teachers Higaonna and his karate initially lost out te’s leading instructor, he also was parti- have incorporated armed techniques into to Itosu in getting the public acclaim, and cipating in what amounted to a sea-change their teaching, the base system as founded perhaps recompense, that accompanied in Okinawa’s martial arts. With things like by Chojun Miyagi is almost unique on the public school position. Morio Higaonna admission into the Butokukai, the change Okinawa in its complete exclusion of wea- relates that it is possible Higaonna was of the characters from “Chinese Hand” pon techniques2. Since Goju is so stark in not paid for teaching in the school system to “Empty Hand,” and the model of Judo this respect, examining some aspects of and that the principal asked him to focus to go by, it may have seemed there was a Goju’s development in this period can shed his teaching on “physical, intellectual, and clear path for Okinawa’s arts to follow some light on how this separation may into the future. Miyagi, along with a have become more common in the Okina- number of other notable karate figures, wan arts in general. knew Jigoro Kano and had trained some Judo. He also saw the popularity of that While Miyagi sensei’s teacher Kanryo art, its clear goals, organization, and deve- Higaonna was said to also be skilled in lopment from older arts and its value as a Chinese weaponry, he is not known to have method of physical and mental training. passed any of this down. Among his stu- He wanted Okinawa’s art, his art, to show dents, Kyoda sensei went on to include bo the country its value as well, to promote

and sai kata in his system, though it is un- Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. the system his teacher had taught him, and known who he learned them from, while Seiko Higa (1st row left), Seikichi Toguchi (1st row perhaps to preserve the art in a changing right), Ryugo Sakai (2nd row right), late 1950s. Miyagi did not. Higaonna’s history may world. have some bearing on why Miyagi, who moral education” (Higaonna, 1995: 21- considered himself Higaonna’s heir, did not 22). He also relates that it may have been Of all the actions he took to help move include armed practice in his system. while teaching at the school that Higaonna Okinawan karate into the Japanese main- “closed the fist” as a part of moving his stream, one of the most telling was his Kanryo Higaonna began teaching his Naha- karate from a purely fighting art to one also participation in the meeting that proposed te in Okinawa around the start of the 20th focused on health and moral develop- formally accepting the name change, and century. At that time, the school system ment. (See Higaonna, 1995.) his support for this change (see McCarthy, on the island was undergoing a series of 1999). While much has been made of the deep changes brought about by the Meiji While Kanryo Higaonna left nothing political and historical aspects of this, the restoration. Among these changes was a written about his feelings regarding the name change accepted by many karate new focus on physical and moral educa- development of karate in the schools, one teachers in 1936, from the characters tion (with a strong nationalist component) can imagine that he was disappointed that Chinese Hand (CD) to Empty Hand in the schools. Judo and Kendo were both Itosu’s karate, not his, was accepted. In (ED karate), is truly symbolic of a much standard subjects in schools in Japan, and the years ahead, Itosu continued to push larger change in the common under- were seen as ways to develop these traits. for his karate, bringing it to the attention standing of the art. In its basic translation, On Okinawa there was a push by a num- of the Ministry of Education, publishing the character used for the term “te” or ber of important teachers to have the local his 10 precepts, and eventually having it “ti” (D) means hand. In that sense, it is art, karate, become nationally known for thrive through his student, Funakoshi, who easy, and logical, to conflate it with a its benefits, and to have it included in the became the premier Okinawan teacher person’s hands, and so with empty handed school curriculum as well. Higaonna taught in Japan. Watching this take place, it is technique. However, in the Okinawan in the Naha Commercial High School star- easy to see how Higaonna might mimic martial vernacular, the term has a different ting in 1905, but was not the first karate some of the changes Itosu made, focus- meaning. It refers to technique, and is ing his art more on mental and physical almost a general term for the martial arts, education, and perhaps away from purely armed and unarmed. As an example, in “…it is a formal movement away from a martial application. If nothing else, at some Matayoshi kobudo certain weapon kata term roughly meaning "Chinese based time in this period, he “closed the fist” in are referred to as “ti”, as in Guwa no ti, or fighting techniques" (toudi) to "Unarmed the system, a change considered to be a Guwa technique3. The name change to fighting way" (karate do).” move towards a less directly combative “Empty Hand,” therefore is an even larger

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 4 shift in the Okinawan arts than it appears worked so hard to develop4, it has certain much more natural extension of the trai- if one is thinking of it only as a move be- elements of it as core to its organization ning in general.) tween two terms for unarmed combat. and practice. One of these is the complete Instead, it is a formal movement away absence of armed techniques. While I do The changes happening in the public from a term roughly meaning “Chinese not argue that Okinawan Goju-ryu lacks presentation of much Okinawan karate based fighting techniques” (toudi) to true martial content, as many sport karate were also taking place in a larger arena “Unarmed fighting way” (karate do). By styles do, I do see the absence of armed of increasing formality. Before the 20th shifting the emphasis away from the more technique as an expression of Miyagi century, there were essentially no formal general Okinawan term to the more Japa- Chojun’s work to develop his karate as systems of toudi on Okinawa. Various nese “te”, the meaning is limited, empha- both an extension of the training he had teachers became well known, took students, sizing the concept of the hand. This name received and as a modern Japanese Budo, and these students passed on their teachers’ change in essence redefines the art, complete with a clear syllabus, a defined knowledge. Students would train with various removing the armed techniques that had set of warm up and preparatory exercises, teachers, going to one famous for his bo always been part of the larger art entirely. and both kata for school children and public work, another for his kempo, another for classes (the Gekisai) and the classical kata his (sickle), and so on in their search In the minutes of the meeting discussing that had been passed down to him. for knowledge. Most of the founders of this name change, Genwa Nakasone makes today’s systems did this- Chojun Miyagi it very clear that a major reason for the “…the attitude that weapon training also trained with Gokenki and Todaiki, for name change is “consideration of karate example. In the push to become a Japanese brings is markedly different from the do’s development as a Japanese budo.” Budo, formal names for systems, and then (McCarthy, 1999: 60) Much as Judo left attitude that sport karate creates. Using codification of what these systems con- armed techniques behind, the new karate a weapon is a constant reminder of the tained, became necessary for acceptance did as well. While Miyagi stated that the dangers of practice, and the deadly nature into the Butokukai. Through this process, classical forms must be preserved, he also of the techniques studied.” if a teacher did not know certain weapon worked hard to develop a newer Okinawan skills, or did not want to teach them, these budo. As a part of this, he participated in A deeper examination of the development would then not become part of his “style”, an effort to develop a generic “Okinawan of Goju-ryu is well outside the scope of or ryu, and his students would not learn Karate” after the model of Judo and Kendo- this article. However, this brief exami- them, or consider them part of the art. a Shin-budo put together from older arts nation serves to shed light on one way in Hence some schools contain no weapon in a new, organized, and focused package. which the separation of the armed and techniques, and with students encouraged To this end he supported and helped unarmed techniques on Okinawa came to stay within one “ryu,”5 cross training develop some of the proposed “unified” about. Looking at another good example became less likely. In the long run, this led kata, now known as the Gekisai kata, of karate’s development in this period – to ryu devoted entirely to weapon arts, wrote about the importance of the spiritual the rise of Ginchin Funakoshi’s Shotokan partially as a reaction to the lessening of – we see similar trends. Funakoshi brought these practices in the larger Okinawan karate to the mainland, received a good martial community, and partially since deal of help from Jigoro Kano in the pro- these teachers taught weapon skills and cess, and worked hard to popularize the formed a school teaching them. However, art. In doing so, he primarily taught Itosu’s as this stylistic formality increased in the karate, a karate already prepped for a early 20th century, it added another impe- larger public audience, and continued to tus to the increasingly liminal nature of the change it. He also took his karate deeper Okinawan weapon arts. into the model of a Japanese Budo, in the process dropping the weapon arts he So, the name change creates a change in practiced and initially taught and focusing how the art is seen- it formally becomes on the spiritual and physical education an unarmed art- and codification creates aspects of it, as well as identifying it some incentives to limit access to weapon closely with the “national spirit” of Japan. training. Added to this, some of the main

Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. With his and Miyagi’s karate being the practitioners and teachers of the art work Ryugo Sakai and Seikichi Toguchi, late 1950s. primary models for the Okinawan arts on to push a model of it related to the Japanese and physical education aspects of training the mainland, karate there developed Shin Budo, with clearly defined boundaries as opposed to the purely fighting aspects almost entirely as an unarmed practice. and a set of values that emphasize spiritual (see McCarthy, 1999), and traveled exten- (One could also perhaps say that this is and physical training as much as or more sively to promote his art, both around Japan one reason why sport karate then deve- than connection to earlier combative tra- and as far away as Hawaii. loped primarily on the mainland- with no ditions. At the same time, Japan and Okinawa weapon training in the practice, the mind- were changing. There is little need for While Miyagi’s Goju-ryu does not exactly set weapons bring to training is excluded, armed hand-to-hand combat skills in the resemble the education-based model he making a shift to sport practice seem a modern world. Soldiers use guns, and

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 5 civilians are mostly unarmed. It is easy to karate training in the west. Not only did cannot understand karate if you do not see the potential usefulness of karate as westerners start training karate well after understand weapons.” I agree. But, one a means of self-defense. Training with the name change formally shifted its name may ask, why? archaic weapons is however, a little dif- to “empty hand” and these trends had had ferent- it is harder to justify it in any prac- some time to work themselves out in Okina- First, I would say that the mindset of any tical terms in the modern world, and Meiji wa and Japan,6 but in many cases they martial training is crucial. There is much Japan was nothing if not focused on moving learned in mainland Japan, where the main said these days about the difference between into that modern world. Part of making systems – Shotokan and its descendants sport karate and classical karate. I think the Okinawan arts relevant to the rapidly like Wado-ryu, Japanese Goju-kai, Shito- these definitions are somewhat fluid, hard changing culture of Japan and Okinawa ryu, and so on – don’t include much if any sometimes to pin down. However, the atti- was removing the elements that seemed weapon training. On Okinawa some tude that weapon training brings is marked- most incongruous with the push towards westerners had instruction in weapon ly different from the attitude that sport “modernity.” Again as was the case in techniques, but most of the first gene- karate creates. Using a weapon is a constant the development of Kendo and Judo. It rations also trained for a limited time, reminder of the dangers of practice, and does not, on the surface, seem as relevant, usually a short tour of duty on the island, the deadly nature of the techniques studied. so weapon training perhaps seemed easy giving many of them little time in which to I am not a big fan of the “its so deadly we to push aside. get past the earlier stages of unarmed can’t really practice it” school of talk. training. Even if they did have some That’s because often talk is all it is. To be “Doing hard, fast pair work day after day training in kobudo, the weapons them- “deadly” you need lots of training; you selves were harder to come by back home, need to be fast, precise, strong, and deter- entails risk, and if you don't have some as were people to train them with. So it is mined to do damage. You also need to fear of injury you do not really understand even easier to see how in the west weapon know how to do the “deadly” damage. the risks involved.” training could have come to be seen as a Weapon training brings many of these separate, less common, and less important elements to the forefront. In doing pair This incongruity is then coupled with cer- part of the tradition. work, and armed or unarmed you cannot tain logistical issues. One is simply the amount really train without doing pair work, the of time it takes to develop anything resem- However, it is not separate, not less impor- danger is apparent. Unless you are going bling mastery of a variety of armed and tant, and historically not less common. While so slowly the training is useless anyway unarmed skills. With karate being promo- on the mainland many karate styles deve- or are so far away that only the weapons ted as a “way,” like Judo or Kendo, it also loped without armed techniques, on Okina- touch (useless again), a mistake can lead becomes something people pursue as a part wa senior practitioners have always to serious injury or even death. Unarmed of a larger life, a method of self-cultivation. maintained a connection to both. As noted training is much more forgiving – one can As a part of a larger life, the time needed above, as new systems developed they take a decent , even to the face, to develop a full skill set becomes even included weapon training, and even in the with minimal damage – a split lip, loose or harder to invest. Weapon training usually case of systems like Goju-ryu, most major broken teeth, a broken nose, etc. However, comes after some skill in unarmed techni- exponents pursued instruction in kobudo, a decent stab with the sai into the body que is developed. It is not for new students, and maintained it in their practice. Given might kill you, and will certainly require and in larger classes with students training the incentives not to –logistical pressures, immediate emergency medical attention. for a shorter time, particularly in settings a push towards a defined budo model, This difference, if you are training hard like the universities where karate was systems codified not to include it, and a nom- and fast, creates a certain mindset. It initially popularized in mainland Japan, it clamenture that excludes it – why has may never even come up. With students kobudo training remained so central to the engaged for reasons of fitness or self- Okinawan arts? cultivation, it is not even necessary. Weapon training also requires much more space In short, because the empty hand arts are than empty hand training, is more dange- incomplete without it. To quote a senior rous, and has added equipment costs. Take practitioner of Uechi-ryu and student of all that, and with the art potentially Shinken Taira, Katsuhiko Minowa: “karate redefined not to include it, it is easy to see and kobudo are like two wheels on an axle” how weapon training may have come to (McKenna, 2006). I agree, and would further be seen as a separate, and less common, argue that karate and kobudo are not part of the Okinawan martial tradition. separate arts. Their connection for the One not for all practitioners, but only for earlier generations of Okinawan martial those who chose to go into the arts in a artists is clear, as is the importance of wea- certain way. pon training for most of today’s senior practitioners. They are all parts of Okina-

By extension, then, it is also easy to see wan “ti.” Making the point even clearer, Courtesy of Jim Baab. how it is even less well integrated into Ryugo Sakai said to me in 1992: “you David Nauss, Fred Lohse, bo versus sai, Cambridge 2002.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 6 changes. Moving between them also makes one shift the focus of intention. You “It's easy to forget the huge variety of things can see when someone is using a bo but the body can do, and weapon training helps thinking of their body- their intention is in refine the sense of options open, helping their hands and feet, not where the weapon to keep the practitioner using the proper is. Shifting one’s focus out through the weapon tool for the task at hand, armed or unarmed.” is a mental exercise in itself, one that teaches a great deal about range, intention, and timing. you about making sure you use the same precision in your unarmed technique, as Coupled with that is the process of develo- well as again teaching you about shifting ping targeting and precision. The striking your focus to where it needs to be instead

Courtesy of Jim Baab. surfaces of most weapons are much smaller of where it is habitually. Kumi waza. than that of, say, an . To hit properly requires attention, and proper intention. It you need to know where the weapon is going, The variety of weapons practiced is also requires trust in both self and partner. It quite precisely. While in unarmed pair work a teaching tool. One counters a bo attack eliminates competition, unless you want a general punch to the body might be accep- with a kama differently than one does with to train in a dojo full of cripples. You can’t table (if not desirable), in weapon training an (oar). Each weapon has a different get lazy and let an attack in, and if your a general is not really effective, or range, as discussed above. They also have partner is training properly and making his safe for your partner. Nor is it possible when different characteristics- some cut, some attacks fast, hard, and as close to his tar- the surface area of the striking weapon pierce, some bludgeon, some, like the gets as possible, you can’t get lazy, ignore might be less than 1 centimeter in diameter. body, can do a variety of these. Some can a single attack, or safely make random At the same time, the path the weapon take an attack directly and some require movements. You also need to deal with fear. Doing hard, fast pair work day after day entails risk, and if you don’t have some fear of injury you do not really understand the risks involved. The risk is minimized through proper training, but never goes away. You need to accept and train past it to progress. These elements combine to create a mindset that is, in my opinion, that of classical karate, or toudi- a fighting art, not a sport. I believe it is focused and facili- tated by weapon training, in a way un- armed training can’t really match. At the same time, weapon training emphasizes a number of crucial physical elements that are easier to miss in unarmed practice. Proper ma’ai, or range, is essential to all techniques. But in unarmed practice, the differences in range are sometimes hard to see. Variations in height and reach of partners, and the variety of attacks with different ranges from shoulder bash to fully extended , come quickly and are sometimes very subtle. The larger diffe- Houhan Soken. rences between weapons, and their vastly different utility at different ranges, makes travels is also crucial. While I might treat dodging or redirection when used to the practice of proper ma’ai very clear, someone with a slightly wild punch as a defend. These options are determined by and easier to understand. Moving between training opportunity, I won’t do pair work their physical qualities, and changing be- them then helps develop a sense of how with someone who can’t really control tween them teaches a sense of how to use range shifts, and how you can use those where their weapon is going. It’s too - different options in a way that is again harder gerous. In developing skill, you need to be to see with unarmed practice, since all the able to control both the target and the path options are always there. For example, “The larger differences between weapons the weapon takes to get there, very cleanly. it’s hard to grab with a tonfa, but pick up and their vastly different utility at different This then leads to being able to put the nunchiyaku (2 section flail) and suddenly ranges, makes the practice of proper ma'ai weapon where you want, when you want, a whole set of seizing techniques becomes very clear, and easier to understand.” in the way you want. In turn this can teach available. It’s easy to forget the huge

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 7 variety of things the body can do, and into what he saw as a new world. “One can, if planted properly, take a strong 5 weapon training helps refine the sense of The impetus for this, a combination of Confucian or mawashi geri (round kick) to ideology emphasizing respect for the teacher, options open, helping to keep the practi- the leg. One cannot take a strong strike nationalist sentiment also emphasizing loyalty and tioner using the proper tool for the task at respect for elders, and commercial incentives that hand, armed or unarmed. with the bo there and stay standing. That became more relevant after the war, is a complex difference alone changes the practice.” issue, and outside the scope of this article. 6 Finally, weapon training also helps train Indeed, while there was never a complete dis- continuation of weapon training on Okinawa, the body movement and mechanics. The bo, popular karate, and have been treated as unarmed arts had grown so much more popular for example, is stiff. If the body is also such by most all of the island’s famous that the founders of both of the main lines of kobudo stiff, little power will be transmitted martial artists. They also carry an aesthetic, instruction on Okinawa today, Shinken Taira and through the weapon. It will move slowly a beauty, all their own. For various histo- Shinpo Matayoshi, stated a desire to preserve and promote Okinawa’s armed traditions as one reason and inaccurately, and the more strength rical and cultural reasons, the unarmed for opening their dojo. In some ways, it is possible poured in, the less effective the strikes will aspect of Okinawa’s arts has come to the to see the “decline” in the kobudo noted by both become. This is, pretty much, the same in fore in recent decades, with this shift being karate training. However the bo, and other particularly emphasized by the formal weapons, make this immediately clear. name change away from a general martial They teach pliability of form, quick foot- moniker (toudi) to the term “empty hand” work and agility, and evasion in a way that (karate). However, the weapon arts, while is slightly harder to do in karate training. currently less popular, teach certain con- One can, if planted properly, take a strong cepts central to the larger martial ethos of sweep or mawashi geri (round kick) to the island, and so form an element of trai- the leg. One cannot take a strong strike ning that is essential to truly understan- with the bo there and stay standing. That ding these arts. They are as much toudi Shinpo Matayoshi throwing sai. difference alone changes the practice. as any unarmed practice. men as instead a change in an existing balance: a Together these and other things amount Much as my teachers do, I believe that vast increase in one portion of the art instead of a decline in another. to an added dimension in training. The one can not really practice Okinawan ka- different emphasis creates small but rate if one does not practice kobudo. It’s References noticeable differences, ones that help not that I don’t like karate or think it has Higaonna, Morio. (1995). The History of Karate: develop certain skills more easily. While great depth. It does. It’s just that alone it is Goju Ryu. Great Britain: Dragon Books. some are physical, most are mental – shifts incomplete. Or, perhaps, as Shinpo Mata- Hokama, Tetsuhiro. (2005). 100 Masters of Okinawan Karate. Okinawa: Ozato Print Co.. yoshi said to me, it is just that “karate, yes, Translation by Joe Swift. it is one of the weapons in the Okinawa McCarthy, Patrick. (1999.) Ancient Okinawan kobudo.” Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi. Boston, MA: Tuttle. McKenna, Mario. (2006). Karate and Kobudo. Ar- chives section, May 2006, Karate and Kobudo Blog. Notes McKenna, Mario. (2006). History of Uechi Ryu. 1Naha-te was a Meiji period term for Okinawan Meibukan Magazine, Volume 7, pp. 21-23. martial arts that developed in the Naha area of McMahon, Bob. (2001). Shoto Bojutsu. Privately Okinawa. These include Goju-ryu, Tou’on-ryu, published pamphlet. and Uechi-ryu. Uechi-ryu is also notable in its Nagamine, Shoshin. (2000). Tales of Okinawa’s exclusion of armed techniques. However, it came Great Masters. Boston, MA: Tuttle. Translation by to Okinawa well after the development of most of Patrick McCarthy. Courtesy of Fred Lohse. the other systems on the island; Kanbun Uechi Fred Lohse, Sakai Ryugo, Kagoshima, 1992 did not start teaching until 1924, and Uechi-ryu was not taught in Okinawa until as late as 1949 Fred Lohse, is a 5th degree in focus, intention, and conception that are (see McKenna, 2006, History of Uechi-ryu, p. 23). black belt in Goju-ryu karate and challenging but rewarding. Its not that they Since armed techniques are often taught later in can’t be developed through unarmed prac- many Chinese arts, it is interesting to speculate Matayoshi kobudo, and has been tice alone – they most certainly can. It’s just that Kanbun Uechi may have missed out on more training both for over 20 years. that weapon training forms, in some ways, than the Suparinpe he supposedly did not learn, He lived in Japan from 1990- but there is no evidence to make this anything but a shortcut or training assist that carries across speculation. 1992, and has master's degrees weapon and body, helping develop a more 2Even systems founded by people like Juhatsu Kyo- in Japanese Studies and fully rounded and more capable martial da and Shoshin Nagamine include armed techniques. International Education from artist. 3Methods for using a guwa, or kue, an Okinawan and Japanese farming hoe. A number of the kata in Harvard University. He trains and the system use this nomenclature. They include: teaches karate and kobudo with In short, historically the weapon arts of Kama no ti, no ti, Tsuken Akachu no Eku Kodokan Boston, in Boston, Okinawa were practiced along with the di, and Nunti no ti, among others. 4 Massachusetts. You can find out unarmed arts, as part of a continuous body Perhaps in part because of an ambivalence on his of knowledge. They are as intrinsic to the part. We will never know, but I imagine he was in more about the dojo at: some ways caught between wanting to preserve www.kodokanboston.org. martial culture of the island as its more the tradition he valued so much, and bringing it

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 8 Interview with Fred Lohse

Fred Lohse is a practitioner of the Okinawan martial arts and chief instructor of the Kodokan dojo in Boston which is dedicated to training of Goju-ryu karate do and Matayoshi kobudo. A path in the martial arts that began with curiosity and evolved into discipline, overcoming obstacles and gaining insight. An introduction to a martial artist who embraces both armed and unarmed diciplines. - By Lex Opdam -

Mr. Lohse, although we have met and Ryugo (a student of Sensei Higa and arts except from movies and books. Pro- trained with each other in the past in the Sensei Matayoshi in the 50s and early bably due to popular images, I was inte- USA and the Netherlands, would you be 60s), as well as made periodic visits to the rested in trying it out, but I’m not sure I so kind as to introduce yourself to our Kodokan honbu dojo to train with would still be practicing if I did not happen readers? onto a good teacher. Yes, I would be happy to. I was born in From the first day in the dojo I knew I “life is for living, not just thinking about Massachusetts, and much to my surprise was hooked. The practice was so different live there now. I have worked as a teacher the possible future” than the images in the movies, and so and school administrator, and now work much more interesting. as a contractor in the Boston area. I started Matayoshi Shinpo. While living in Japan I training Goju-ryu karate and Matayoshi also had the opportunity to practice Jigen I can imagine that your growing interest kobudo in 1986, under Kimo Wall, while a Ryu Heiho in the dojo in Kagoshima, and especially in this early stage of your real student at the University of Massachusetts. Ufuchiku kobudo under Masada Kei’ichi. exposure towards martial arts when I then spent some time traveling, and entering Sensei Kimo Wall’s dojo would returned to the states to do graduate work change to a different kind of catalyst for at Harvard University in Japanese Studies further and deeper study and practice. and International Education. Since then, I What did it mean to you when you started have been training with Kodokan Boston, with the martial arts and what does it mean and on occasion with Gakiya Yoshiaki. We to you nowadays? Could you express in run a small dojo here in Boston, practicing what way martial arts affected your life? Goju-ryu and Matayoshi kobudo, and I When I started, it was just for curiosity, consider myself lucky to have some great and to have a way to work out. It soon training partners and to have had such fantastic and generous teachers.

Sensei Kimo Wall formed his own orga- nization in 1970 and called it Kodokan or ‘School of the Old Way’ to honor his tea- cher Matayoshi. In the years that followed, he founded several schools in and outside the United States and began teaching in 1981 for the Physical Education Depart- ment of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. You entered Sensei Kimo Wall’s Kodokan in 1986 while you were a student. Did you ever encounter the martial arts before this

Courtesy of Kimo Wall. time and what was your attraction to the Kimo Wall. martial arts? After college, I moved to Japan and took I had no martial arts training before that, a job working for the Ministry of Edu- except that in high school I used to “spar” cation. I lived there for a little over two with a friend who did Uechi-ryu. We years, and practiced Higa lineage Goju- played around, but there was no method ryu and Matayoshi kobudo under Sakai to it. I knew nothing else about martial Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Ryugo Sakai and partner, Toguchi dojo, late 1950s.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 9 process has introduced kata Sensei Seikichi Toguchi created- Geki me to people I would ha dai ni and Kaku ha dai ichi. From there otherwise not have it was work on the classical kata and some met, taken me places I work with applications of them. It was a would never have university dojo, and so most of the dojo gone, and helped me members had 4 years or less of training. learn things about Therefore there was less emphasis on classi- myself, others, and cal applications and more on basic kata our world that have and application, basic skills like punching, helped me grow as a and throwing, and so on. The person. In general, it connection between kata and application has made my life more was made very clear, from the first day. interesting, and fulfil-

Courtesy of Fred Lohse. ling place. Besides, it’s Fred Lohse, David Nauss, Kimo Wall, Liu Chang'i, Mike Piscitello, fun. Watertown 1996. became an important part of my schedule, Could you describe the way you were but I doubt I could have said why, except instructed by Sensei Kimo Wall in the first that it was fun. Difficult, painful, and ex- few years while being a student at the hausting, but fun. Nowadays it is still hard University of Massachusetts? Were there to explain, and the main reason is that it is separate lessons in Goju-ryu and Mata- still fun. I enjoy going to the dojo, and enjoy yoshi kobudo and what focus did the les-

the practice. It has taken a very large place sons have concerning kata and ? Courtesy of Fred Lohse. in my life, and I feel like there is still so The training I started with would be Fred Lohse, tonfa, Amami Oshima, NHK television demo, 1990. familiar to most Okinawan Goju-ryu “One didn't practice to "stay in shape," students. We trained 5 days a week, and Also, like the Higa dojo on Okinawa, we sometimes informally on weekends. Sensei did essentially no jiyu kumite, and we never but stayed in shape to practice.” Kimo ran every training session, assisted did any sport application. In fact, my first by a few seniors who had more expe- exposure to sport karate was in Japan- I much in it for me to learn. When I started, rience than us college students. In the last had never really seen it before, and was I needed the discipline (though I doubt I year I was there, classes were run by his very disappointed. would have said that then!) and the senior student, Sensei Giles Hopkins. We The kobudo was less formal. Not every- discipline still adds a great deal to my life, did warm-ups, calisthenics, lots of basics one was interested, and training was either as does the desire to be continually lear- and paired basics, lots of basic kata, and a done during regular classes, after class, ning and growing. The process of pushing lot of work with paired sets Sensei Kimo on weekends, or on our own. Again, the myself to learn, of overcoming obstacles designed for Geki sai and a couple of the focus was on kata and paired sets, much like injuries, time constraints, and so on like the karate. has taught me a great deal about what one can do if the desire is there. The Japa- You have lived in Japan for two years and nese terms seishin tanren and keiko sort trained in different dojo’s while being there. of sum this up. They are difficult to ex- Were there big differences in instruction on plain, but in general refer to the ideal that a social/cultural level when comparing the the sometimes difficult or painful daily push martial arts training you were exposed to to engage is more important than reaching in the USA and Japan? any far-off goal. This reminder that life is This is a huge question. The short answer for living, not just thinking about the possible was that in the dojo, there were few dif- future, is a good one. ferences. Sensei Kimo taught in a tradi- On a more straightforward level, I have tional manner, and his instruction was very also made many great friends and done similar to what I had in Japan. There were some very interesting things because of some differences, of course. Since I was the practice, and I feel in general that trai- training with adults in Japan (many with ning has made me a more connected and 20 or more years experience), not college aware person. Because I have focused so students, and since Sensei Sakai did not much time over the years on training, and use Sensei Toguchi’s kata, we focused al- researching what we do, it would be easy most entirely on supplementary training, to say I was too focused on one thing, and I body conditioning, basics, , classical have certainly sacrificed other things to kata, and application of the classical kata. do it. Nevertheless, I have found that this Courtesy of Fred Lohse. Like many dojo in Okinawa, there was Fred Lohse, kama, Kagoshima 1991.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 10 in rank, juniors don’t standing of and ability with the content, usually question though this methodology is more similar their seniors. to an old-fashioned apprenticeship than This is normal in ma- most modern pedagogical theories. ny work and social environments, where ‘One didn’t practice to “stay in shape,” the senpai-kohai but stayed in shape to practice.’ This concept is very concept is very unfamiliar in most Western clearly understood. martial arts dojo’s. What is your own This means that opinion on this matter and what expec- students will work tations do you have when teaching martial on what they are arts to others in connection to this con- taught instead of cept?

Courtesy of Fred Lohse. constantly looking Yes, it is a different concept. The idea is Mr. Higo, unknown, Matayoshi Shinpo, Fred Lohse, Okinawa 1990. to what is next. that karate is martial arts, not a health club. also very little emphasis on calisthenics It also means that one does not ask The training is very physically demanding, during class training- we were expected questions unless given the opportunity, but in practice one does pretty much only to keep fit and use supplementary equip- though Sensei Sakai was somewhat un- karate or kobudo. This can, at different times, ment outside class time. One didn’t prac- usual in that he would occasionally encou- be more or less aerobic, emphasize strength tice to “stay in shape,” but stayed in shape rage questions, usually after a long training more or less, and so on. It certainly helps to practice. session. Of course training was very challenging While there are other differences, mostly “students will work on what they are physically, but through karate technique, due to differences in culture, the final thing taught instead of constantly looking to not simple exercises. The instruction was that struck me was the reason most people very detailed, and I also noticed that as my had for training. While our training was what is next.” language skills improved, my ability to very hard, sometimes painful, and focused receive instruction did as well. on application, I never met anyone in keep one in shape, but three sessions a One thing I did notice is that, perhaps again Okinawa or Japan who said they had star- week is not enough to keep one in really because it was an adult dojo, there was ted training for self-defense purposes. The good shape. A student is expected to little military-style discipline, like I have martial arts are one element of a larger maintain physical form. For strength seen in many American dojo. We would set of social constructs in Japan. These training, aerobic training, flexibility training, each start when we got to the dojo, and “ways,” like chado or shodo, are pursued and so on, the student is expected to see there would only be a short group warm for discipline, self-development, and his or her weaknesses and improve on up when sensei formally bowed in and connection to traditional values, as much them in their own time. The dojo is there started class. Then Sensei Sakai would or more than for their content. This atti- to practice the art, and the student has to have different people work on different tude was central to practice, in that a be physically prepared for this. If they are things, instead of training us as one group. certain significance was attached to ritual not, they can participate, but they will be Sensei Matayoshi often taught the same and form of practice. Personally, I believe limited in how well they can learn, how way. You would spend a good deal of time that these forms often lead to better under- they progress, and what they can do in working alone, with one partner, or just a couple of people. Instruction was very detailed, and very personal. There was also less attention to class time. Training started when the first student arrived, sometime between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, and finished with senior kata, application, or a lecture, sometimes as late as 11 PM. I feel that, in general, in Japan the discipline is expected to come from the students, so instead of pushing students who are going soft, the teacher will let them do as they will and focus on the students who are trying hard. Interestingly enough, you might say it is more individualistic. There was also less questioning. In Japan the concept of respect is very clear. The stu- dents might ask questions if given the opportunity, but even when people are close Courtesy of Fred Lohse. Fred Lohse and Masada Keiichi, Kama Uchionbo kumi waza, Kagoshima 1992.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 11 the dojo. This is pretty much how we train and want to see other people enjoy what requires additional insurance and liability here. Training is demanding, and some you do- you need to teach others to have coverage, and we have decided not to pay activity outside the dojo is pretty much es- people to train with, and to maintain your for that, and not to assume those liabilities. sential to improving, so that each training art. I wound up teaching classes on occa- session does not just break you down. I sion in my dojo in Japan, when none of You mentioned the sempai-kohai relation- try to keep in shape outside class, and in a the senior teachers were present, and I ship. What do you expect from the students good week will train or work out 2-3 times have been asked to do an occasional se- in the Boston Kodokan dojo where you instruct and what kind of obligations in a spiritual sense do you have/feel towards your students and/or fellow martial artists as human beings and as part of society? Well, another big question. As for what I expect of the students, that’s simple. I expect them to respect and listen to their seniors and treat their juniors well. I also expect them to train hard, and take charge of their own progress. As for my obliga- tions, that is more difficult to say. I feel I have a responsibility to understand what I am teaching as best I can before teaching it, to be honest with my students and trai- ning partners, and to push myself to keep improving. I also believe it is necessary to teach responsibly. This means not to do anything that will damage a student, to treat

Courtesy of Fred Lohse. each student as a person not just a face in Tsuken Akachu no eku di, Kagoshima 1991. the dojo, and to have a plan for imparting besides our classes. At other times, with minar by people who are interested in what what we do, not to be random with the various demands from work and family, I we do. Over time, I have found I enjoy the students. We don’t live in Japan, so some won’t do anything outside of class, if I even process of opening our art to someone who of the social structures around the sempai/ make all our classes. I have the same ex- is interested, and motivated. kohai relationship would be dysfunctional pectations for myself that I have for the I’m not interested, however, in teaching here. However, one element in that ideal students, and feel a need (for many reasons) professionally. I think it makes keeping an that does carry easily is that the teacher to try to keep my general physical level open mind about your training and kee- has much more responsibility than the stu- up. I certainly feel I need to be in better ping your focus on your training, not how dent: the student just has to show up, do shape! to keep the bills paid, difficult. Besides, I what he or she is told, and work on their don’t really want my avocation to also be own to try to understand it. The teacher Could you tell us something about the my vocation. Now, we run classes 3 times has to keep improving him or her self, guide small Kodokan dojo in Boston that you a week, for 2 hours, and the dojo is run as the student responsibly through the material, run together with some other students of a non-profit: no one gets paid anything to Sensei Kimo Wall and tell us your moti- teach (actually, the teachers pay dues as vation to start teaching martial arts? well) and is open to adults who are inte- The dojo was started by a few friends from rested. We don’t have children’s classes. college, who wanted a place to train. They started it while I was living in Japan, and I Is there a reason for not having children’s joined when I moved back to the area. I classes? wound up doing some of the karate and Yes, actually a couple. First, children’s classes most of the kobudo teaching over time. require a special skill set and require that somewhat different material be taught. The goals of the class are different. Since none “The idea is that karate is martial arts, of us have taught children, we don’t really not a health club.” have the skills involved. At the same time, children’s classes require time, and a great There was no real motivation for this other deal of effort. We all have full time jobs, than wanting to have a place to train, and and rent training space by the hour. There- to share. As my friends and I kept training, fore, we prefer to train with adults, and we wound up teaching new students. I be able to train and push ourselves physi- think it just happens if you keep training cally. Finally, in the US teaching children Courtesy of Jim Baab. David Nauss, Rich Cassidy, Cambridge 2001.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 12 Walter Higa (no relation to Higa Seiko- the name is common in Okinawa), the fa- ther, was a contemporary of Higa Seiko under Sensei Miyagi. He immigrated to Hawaii around 1930 with his family, as contract worker in the sugar cane and pine- apple industry. Sam Higa learned from his father.

“The teacher has to keep improving him Courtesy of Kimo Wall. Kimo Wall, Chuck Brotman, bo versus sai. or her self, guide the student responsibly have a plan, and in general keep each through the material, have a plan, and in student’s best interests in mind. general keep each student's best interests On a different level, I don’t think that the in mind.” martial arts impart any special respon- sibilities outside the dojo except perhaps On Okinawa Sensei Kimo Wall started an extra need to control one’s temper, and studying under the well known masters Courtesy of Jim Baab. David Nauss, Fred Lohse, Cambridge 2002. not to be violent. Well, perhaps also a res- Seiko Higa and Seiko Kina and later on ponsibility to preserve and keep alive the after the death of Master Seiko Higa in of training, with more application and arts we practice. But while it may not create 1966, he would receive instruction from advanced concepts in the seniors class. Per- a set of new obligations, martial arts trai- Master Seiko Higa’s son Seikichi. In the haps the biggest difference was that the ning does not take away any of the obli- dojo of Master Seiko Higa not only Goju- dojo was open every day, and training ran gations one has as a member of society. ryu was taught, but also kobudo by the from early evening till late in the night. Being honest, honorable, and responsible famous Master Matayoshi Shinpo. It was Training under Sensei Matayoshi was for your actions, among other things, are in this dojo that Sensei Kimo Wall re- different in those days. Sensei Matayoshi part of what any human being should do, ceived his main Goju-ryu and kobudo had recently returned to Okinawa, and and any disciplined practice should rein- practice. Could you tell us something of was reconnecting with many former trai- force those ideals, not pretend to put some- the experiences and practices of Sensei ning partners and students of his father. one above them. Kimo Wall on Okinawa in the 60’s? Sensei Kimo used to drive him around the I can relate some of what I know. Training island (since he had a car) to meet people. Sensei Kimo Wall (William James) started under Sensei Higa was done much as it He had not yet started his dojo, or finalized his Goju-ryu karate in 1949 in Hawaii was years later. There were two classes- a formal syllabus. Training was sometimes when he was six years old and continued the regular class that ended at around 9 in the dojo of Sensei Higa (though Taira his study of Goju-ryu on Okinawa in 1962. PM and a seniors class that started then. Shinken also taught there) where Sensei Did he ever mention to you who his first Kata, application, , etc. were the bulk Matayoshi was living, sometime outside Goju-ryu teacher was and in what way he was taught until he moved to Okinawa in the service of the Marine Corps? He studied under Walter Higa and his son Sam Higa, who ran a store and the dojo in his town. On Oahu there was also Mitsugi Kobayashi. He said that the classes were identical to those in Okinawa- junbi and hojo undo, kihon, kata, and kumite. In the Higa lineage there is no jiyu kumite, and that was also the same. That dojo is no longer open, I believe.

As I recall Mitsugi Kobayashi trained un- der Yukiso Yamoto (a Judo and teacher) and while he was on Okinawa in the 1950’s also studied Goju-ryu under Seiko Higa, one of the most senior stu- dents of Chojun Miyagi. What connection did both Walter Higa and his son Sam have? Were they connected to Seiko

Higa? Courtesy of Jim Baab. Fred Lohse, Cambridge 2002.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 13 the dojo, and sometime outside in other places. Sensei Kimo would often train du- ring the day, when he was not at work on base, and so often trained one on one. Sen- sei Matayoshi would at times focus on one weapon for a month or more at a time, training every day. I also know that in kumi-waza Sensei Matayoshi would cover many techniques that are not in the kata.

What do you exactly mean with techniques that are not in the kata? I mean that there are many techniques with each weapon that are not in the kata- counters, throws, etc.. Particularly for the less common weapons like the tinbe or sansetsukon, the kata form a base, but would have to be much, much longer to

“one thing I think is often difficult for Courtesy of Fred Lohse. Japanese or Okinawan instructors is that Fred Lohse, David Nauss, bo versus sai, Cambridge 2003. it is sometimes very hard to communicate He did teach Sensei Higa’s students, but to already have access to the inner circles with their Western students.” I don’t know for how long, or exactly how. of Okinawan karate society in the 1960’s. I don’t really know how the two teachers I can relate some of what Sensei Kimo contain all the information. Also, some interacted, except that Sensei Matayoshi has shared with me. He came to Okinawa weapons like the kyushaku bo or was living in the dojo when he came back with a number of years of Goju-ryu training did not have kata. from Japan, and Sensei Taira had been and a written recommendation to Sensei teaching there before that. They were Higa, as well as experience in the Oki- You mentioned that kobudo master Taira both friends of Sensei Higa. I believe that nawan culture from his home dojo and Shinken also taught in the dojo of master in those days there was much more sharing the town in which he lived in Hawaii. This Higa. Did he teach especially to the karate between different teachers than now, but gave him a number of advantages that students of master Higa and in what way I was not there and so cannot really say. not every serviceman training in Okinawa did he interact with master Matayoshi’s in those days had. He was very active in kobudo instruction and visa versa since What kind of relationship did Sensei Kimo the dojo, helped with things like rebuilding both were teaching at the same dojo but have with masters Matayoshi and Higa? it after a typhoon and such, and with his also both taught differently? Although he was a foreigner, he seemed work schedule was able to spend a lot of time in the dojo and with Sensei Mata- yoshi. He became close to both the Higa and Matayoshi families, and I know these personal relationships were, and are, very important to him. Other than that, I can’t really say much about his personal rela- tionships.

I can imagine, since you are a practicing Matayoshi kobudo artist, that it was an honor and pleasure to train under Grand- master Matayoshi himself? It certainly was. Sensei Matayoshi and his students were very generous to me, and the dojo in those days, with so many seniors concentrated in one place, was an amazing place to visit as a student. I consider myself lucky to have been able to train under Sensei Matayoshi, and the senior members of the dojo when I visited

Courtesy of Fred Lohse. there. Lest I be mis-interpreted, I have Kenichi Yamashiro, Shinpo Matayoshi, Fred Lohse, Kodokan dojo, Okinawa 1995.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 14 Courtesy of Jan de Wit. Sansetsukon kata, The Netherlands 1997. never been a “top student” of his- most instance. There are a number of things that would of my training has been under Sensei In any case, Sensei Matayoshi was a be important, at least to me. The most im- Kimo, Sensei Sakai, and Sensei Gakiya - fantastic teacher, with an amazing depth portant thing in any dojo is the atmosphere. but due to my introductions, instruction, and breadth of knowledge about the A dojo must be welcoming, the people and experience in the system, I was able Okinawan martial arts. He was very kind, and the expectations of the students to train in the Kodokan when I visited generous with what he taught, and was Okinawa, and receive more than just basic always willing to take time to explain “A dojo must be welcoming, the people instruction in the system from Sensei something, and to take questions from a kind, and the expectations of the students Matayoshi. Of course, language ability sometimes impertinent gaijin. He seemed helped here as well- one thing I think is to encourage similar behavior in his high.” often difficult for Japanese or Okinawan seniors, and I was treated very well in instructors is that it is sometimes very hard those days by Sensei Gakiya, Sensei high. People should enjoy being there. Of to communicate with their Western Yamashiro, Sensei Itokazu, Sensei course the training must be hard, but if students. While the base of training is Komura, and Sensei Nagai in particular. the teacher or seniors are domineering, pretty physical, there is a great deal of He was also a very nice guy. Very funny, mean or surly, or the “feeling” of the dojo instruction that is verbal- imagine trying very quick, and a gentleman. Again, I seems bad, then it does not matter how to learn soccer or how to swim from a didn’t know him that well, but well enough good they are- it is not a good place to coach you could not understand, for to wish I had had more time to spend in train. Karate and kobudo are about life Okinawa in those days. long practice, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to dedicate yourself to an unhealthy In the article ‘Karate and Kobudo’ you environment. have written for this edition of the After that, as far as training goes, there Meibukan Magazine, you clearly show the are a number of things I would suggest connection between karate and kobudo. one look for. Credentials are a mixed bag. What would you personally advise people Some very skilled practitioners in the West in our Western society who are looking no longer have a direct connection to a for an Okinawan martial arts school in specific dojo in Okinawa, while some high-

Courtesy of Jim Baab. which to practice and study? ly ranked and well connected people have Sansetsukon bo kumi waza, Green StreetStudios 2003.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 15 Meibukan Magazine is searching for serious and reliable submissions for their SPECIAL EDITIONS

Please do not send full articles with the first contact. Send an email with a synopsis of what you are proposing! If it is of interest, we will contact you to send the actual material. Include in your email a short summary of your background and credentials. Courtesy of Fred Lohse. Ryuichiro Sakai, Fred Lohse, Ryugo Sakai, Ryudo Nagata, Kagoshima 1992. very poor skills. Therefore, I would look surprisingly for me that means both armed MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE for a connection to Okinawa on the part and unarmed techniques are taught, both P.O. Box 8, 6663 ZG, Lent, Netherlands Email: of the dojo, one with many years of history, include a full range of kihon, kata, and pai- [email protected] Ameibukanmaga.org not just a couple of years as part of a large red work, and the seniors are skilled in both. Meibukan Magazine wants to present articles related to a main subject in every “Some very skilled practitioners in the One of the difficult things in the West is Special Edition. We are looking out for that there is something of a lack of good submissions which have a diversity in West no longer have a direct connection kobudo instruction. However, there are articles that vary from history, leading to a specific dojo in Okinawa, while some people, masters, philosophy, science, some teachers who learned in the 60s and interviews etc. which should give the highly ranked and well connected people 70s still teaching, and a number of younger reader insight and information on the main have very poor skills. ” teachers studying with good kobudo subject and are applicable to our mission instructors now who are passing on the statement. The author(s)/organisation(s) who provide organization. However, I would also make art. Particularly with the kobudo instruc- the submission for a special subject are sure both the teacher and the senior tion, I would be sure to check on the tea- also welcome to promote their students demonstrate good skills, and cher’s connection to his martial lineage, organisation/school and are welcome to attitude. The seniors in some ways are and length of study. Finally, I would look submit an article about their organisation. more important, because if the teacher is at how the dojo is run. If it is an Okinawan Such an article must be strongly related to the main subject. After submitting the good but cannot teach, there is limited art, the customs and language should be articles as described above, and after an opportunity in the dojo for a student. I would part of training. The classes should be or- agreement with Meibukan Magazine for also look for a well-rounded dojo. Not ganized but not overly rigid, the students possible publication in a Special Edition, should know how the dojo works, they the author(s)/organisation(s) are welcome to submit promotional material like book/ should demonstrate proper reigi, or eti- DVD reviews (from the publisher or an quette, and the dojo should be proud of its independent known writer). In principle connection to their teachers, and to Okina- there is no limit towards the number of wa and its martial heritage. book/DVD reviews, but depending on the amount of articles and author(s)/ organisation(s), Meibukan Magazine will decide the exact amount of promotional material that will be placed. Lex Opdam, Editor-in-chief of For more details go to Meibukan Magazine www.meibukanmagazine.org interviewed Fred Lohse in September 2006. At the moment we are looking for in-depth articles about Uechi-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and others.

For more information on the Kodokan dojo please visit: www.kodokanboston.org/index.html Courtesy of Jim Baab. Fred Lohse, David Nauss, bo vs sai, Cambridge 2003.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 16 Risk and Injuries in Contact Fighting As martial artists, we face difficult choices as we train. The closer we come to modelling the reality of a military or self-defense situation, the more likely we are to sustain (or cause) serious injuries. Thus, it is important to know whether the benefits of contact training outweigh the risks involved. - By Joshua Landa, MD -

Contact can mean many different things. explanation of used ring is not very realistic and does not accu- There is a difference between a light by practitioners of the Chinese martial art of rately mimic a self-defense situation that punch with gloves to an elbow to the face, : one is likely to encounter. Thus, this relatively a controlled hip on a mat to a body- gentle approach to sparring contrasts starkly slam into the chairs. In addition, it can Pushing Hands is a simplified form of with the method used by modern practi- occur in a variety of situations ranging from sparring popular with students of Tai tioners of mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazi- friendly competition in a martial arts club Chi. Lacking the punches and lian Jiu-Jitsu, and other high-contact arts. to a professional fight. In this discussion, common in the practice fighting of many These styles have become popularied by all of these scenarios are considered, but external martial arts, Pushing Hands a wave of no-holds-barred (NHB) competi- it must be remembered that details matter. is a gentle sport of control where success tions, most notable the Ultimate Fighting The unifying theme, however, is greater is achieved by upsetting the balance Championship (UFC), where contact during training and competition of one’s opponent. Typically, partici- arts, in particular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, became leads to both faster and more realistic lear- pants begin facing one another, each a household name after the accomplish- ning while increasing the risk of injury. in a bow stance. Each participant has ments of the Gracie family and their style. his or her outside hand on the elbow An excellent example of this trade-off of their opponent and the inside hand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not always a particu- comes from a French study that looked at on the wrist. As the match begins, the larly “gentle art”. For instance, Carlos Gra- previously injured judoists and their abi- pair use their hands to push against one cie, one of the earliest practitioners of the lities, and reached the surprising conclusion another, seeking to control one an- style of Jiu-Jitsu that eventually became that the judoists with prior injuries deve- other’s energy. Sudden or forceful sho- what today is known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, loped “improved sensory and cognitive ving is taboo. The victor should be the once issued the following challenge: “If adaptation abilities.” Most astonishingly, pusher of the greatest skill, not the you want to get your face beaten and well the worst injuries were associated with greatest brutishness.2 smashed, your… kicked, and your arms greater improvement in balance. The article concluded, “Although high-level It is hard to imagine that this type of sparring causes many injuries to the participants. “The unifying theme is the theory that Thus, this method can be increasing contact during training and viewed as a good way of competition leads to both faster learning practicing martial arts, as it and increased risk of injury.” allows the practitioners to practice skills and techni- sports develop specific physiological and ques that might be useful in sensorimotor abilities involved in balance a self-defense situation with- control, they also increase the risk of inju- out causing serious injury ries.”1 However, this study did not follow the during training. Additionally, people who quit judo because of similar the practice probably helps injuries. Moreover, it did not consider moti- the practitioner learn to re- vation. Otherwise, how to explain the need main calm, and also to con- for workers’ compensation or sport medicine? trol internal energy. Both of these qualities are certainly Different schools have approached this important in any fight or issue of contact in different ways. Some self-defense situation. At embrace intense full-contact fighting, while the same time, however, the others shy away from all competitive dissociation from fear asso- training. For instance, note the following ciated with this type of spar- Courtesy of Iwan Meij. Common fighting sports injury locations and injuries.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 17 Arizona Senator John ceived than if they occurred while the McCain, are against injured person had simply been walking down Ultimate Fighting. As one the street. author put it, the senator It would be ideal to know the precise injury was “horrified at the rate in contact fighting. Unfortunately, so ground fighting, kicks, and far as I can tell, no one knows the real num- head butts seen in such bers of injuries. Instead, everyone seems to competitions. It was be arguing anecdotally rather than objec- ‘barbaric,’ he said. It was tively.

Courtesy of Iwan Meij. ‘not a sport.’ He sent Schematic of subdural hematoma, a known injury risk in boxing. letters to all 50 governors “Full contact is employed as a method of broken, contact Carlos Gracie at this asking them to ban ultimate fighting. The training under more "realistic" conditions. address…”3 Gracie’s invitation makes outcry against ‘human cockfighting’ apparent not only the aggressive training became a crusade, and like many cru- Although hurting the partner is not the goal, methods of practitioners of Brazilian Jiu- sades, it was founded on misunder- the methods are intended to simulate the Jitsu, but also the attitude and general standing.”5 Ultimately, Ultimate Fighting lack of cooperation one would expect from approach towards fighting that, at least for may prove to be no more dangerous than a real opponent or attacker. (Roy Harris)” some, they embody. boxing, where known risks include sub- dural hematoma. A properly located strike A search of “Martial Arts Injuries” in Pub- Full contact is employed as a method of to the head (or a series of less accurate Med Plus (a major Internet search engine training under more “realistic” conditions. blows) can cause tearing to the bridging that searches for topics in clinical medicine Although hurting one’s partner is not the veins that connect the brain and the sinuses across a large number of major research goal, the methods are intended to simulate that carry blood away from the brain. This journals) yielded only 107 articles. Of the lack of cooperation one would expect condition is thought to be the most com- these, I was unable to find even a single from a real opponent or attacker. Thus, mon cause of fatalities in competitive article that compared the injury rates of Roy Harris, an expert in several martial boxing6, 7, and is a risk in other contact different martial arts to one another. And, arts including , Karate, and sports as well. in the articles about individual martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, writes in his article there is not even unanimity about what Effectiveness in Fighting that “sparring Other injuries associated with martial arts, the most dangerous techniques are. is one of the best tools to develop the timing boxing, judo, and similar sports are broken of your techniques. For when you spar, bones, ligametous injuries, sprains of For example, when used by law enforce- you truly do not know what your opponent the shoulders and ankles, and assorted infec- ment officials, the has been will do, so you must respond accordingly. tions. True, such injuries in combative trai- implicated in several deaths8. There was You must develop your reflexes.”4 ning situations, while elevated over non- also a study described a 29-year-old man contact training, are comparatively rare. But who developed an embolic stroke after In other words, while punching bags don’t they do happen, and they are (or have the “neck holding maneuvers” at a martial arts hit back, sparring partners do. The concern potential to become) very serious injuries. class9. There is a small but existent risk of that some have with such training, however, And, due to the nature of the sport, boxing embolism (dislodgement of a small blood is that this more aggressive approach may or martial art injuries attract far more clot) that can result in a stroke from carotid lead to serious injuries. Some people, like attention due to the way they were re- massage, a technique in which a physician

Images of subdural hematomas.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 18 massges a carotid artey in the neck for American Journal of Medical Associa- therapeutic reasons. Nonetheless, most tion (JAMA) puts boxing deaths at a authorities believe that a choke, released in rate of 0.13 per 1,000... UFCs (ultimate a reasonable time, is a generally benign fighting competitions) have been technique unlikely to cause lasting dama- around since 1993 with an average of ge. Indeed, one study recorded that, “while 7 fights per event and 5 shows per year. professional boxers may show brain func- The total number of UFC matches has tional impairment in comparison to normal not exceeded 180 in 5 years. Conserva- subjects, judoists do not.”10 A second study tively speaking, if there were 20 addi- confirmed these findings, concluding, tional NHB organizations since 1993 “There is no evidence of permanent central with roughly the same number of fights

nervous system functional changes due to as the UFCs, the sum of all MMA fights Courtesy of Iwan Meij. judo practice and choking.”11. Although a worldwide in 5 years would be under Location of the Carotid Arteries that get constricted during a choke. third study raised the concern that 3,780 and there’s already one accounted “choking in judo may induce subclinical death. While it may be too early to tell, striking arts such as and karate. electroencephalographic perturbations” 12, MMA risk for death appears to be at least Although deaths occur in , as in there was no evidence that any of these two times higher than that of boxing.”13 boxing, sprained fingers and toes, cuts and changes were at all relevant since there was bruises on the head, face, and neck, and no docu-mented loss of function in this Kodi’s calculations take into account a num- bloody noses are the more typical injuries. study either. ber of assumptions that may or may not Ultimately, one makes one’s decisions be true, and his analysis has far too few based on the best available information. Similarly, NHB competitions have been a numbers to be statistically valid. However, In terms of sparring activities, practitioners focal point for public concern. Therefore, his calculation is an interesting approxi- and teachers must fairly assess whether one would expect them to be well studied. mation and the fact that there has been the benefits of rigorous sparring, which This has not happened, at least in the me- even one death in an NHB match is alar- are self-evident to most practitioners in dical journals searched by PubMed Plus. ming, considering there have been rela- developing essential fighting skills, are In popular media, however, Brian Kodi tively few of them. worth the injuries that are sustained while gives an excellent approximation of the training. Additionally, it is useful to deter- issue. He writes regarding the death of Dou- The concrete data that does exist in the es- mine what increases training benefits while glas Dredge in a NHB competition that: tablished medical literature mostly relates to minimizing injuries. Thus, to give some striking arts, perhaps due to the medical examples, the use (or non-use) of protec- “In his landmark paper that followed over community’s longer-term interest in boxing. tive gear, regulations regarding strikes to 15,000 international martial artists over As is the case with boxing, most of the certain areas of the body, specific require- known studies show that striking arts result ments of “tapping out”, and other details 18 years, Birrer showed that while overall in high injury rates. In his landmark paper should be investigated both for effective- injury rates were low, sparring was that followed over 15,000 international ness in training and risk of injury. responsible for an incredible 74% of the martial artists over 18 years, Birrer show- injuries in taekwondo and karate.” ed that while overall injury rates were low, This said, the existing information tends sparring was responsible for 74% of the to be anecdotal rather than objective, and Mr. Dedge’s death inevitably brings up injuries in taekwondo and karate.14 sometimes polemical rather than scientific the issue of safety in NHB. MMA (mixed in tone. Injuries sustained in full-contact martial arts) events are inherently Another grimly titled study, Morbidity and fighting arts, in particular martial grappling dangerous. Death, which is not uncom- mortality in the martial arts: A warning, arts and professional MMA competitions, mon in many other “safer” athletics, is chronicled a series anecdotal injuries repor- have not been well catalogued in peer-review- inevitable in NHB. Those who tout NHB ted over 10 years during the course of martial ed medical and scientific research methods. as a safer sport than boxing should arts activities. There was even one video- Nonetheless, there is evidence of increased take note of the following: Kevin Neuen- recorded fatality that the authors believed risk of brain and joint injuries, with brain dorf, a media and public relations “demonstrate(s) the danger inherent in injuries more common in striking sports assistant at USA Boxing, the governing participation” in such activities. They also while joint injuries are more common in organization for U.S. amateur boxing document the potential for serious neuro- grappling sports. There is also anecdotal says that in 1992, the last year for logical injury.15 evidence to suggest that participation in tour- which he had complete statistics, USA naments and contests leads to a higher risk Boxing put on 23,528 bouts, and there Only one study of Muay Thai , of injury than does participation in friendly were 87 insurance claims for injuries a sport and martial art centered on com- non-competitive training. The injury rates and two for deaths. And these are only petitive fighting, was found. Muay Thai in MMA are not known, but the limited amateur bouts. The number of pro kickboxing has an injury rate of between data available at theis point shows that they boxing fights around the world very 2 to 14 per 1,000 participants per year.16 are probably comparable to boxing and likely far exceeds this number. The This is a rate is similar to injury rates in other wrestling competitions.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 19 Addendum: Footnotes 1 Since the original publication of this report, Perrot C, Mur JM, Mainard D, Barrault D, and Perrin PP. Influence of trauma induced several additional studies of injuries by judo practice on postural control. Scand regarding full contact arts have been J Med Sci Sports. 2000 Oct;10(5):292-7. published. In particular, it has been found 2Copied from www.taichitom.com/push- that the most common cause of stoppage hands.html. 3 Would you like to of a series of televised MMA bouts was Published in a Brazilian newspaper ad, circa 1920s. 17 write or share a serious blunt trauma to the head. Another study 4Roy Harris. Effectiveness in fighting. From of 4 MMA manuevers showed the bjj.org/articles/harris-effective-ness.html. article or interview with potential for certain moves to place signi- 5Article originally published on Slate at ficant stress on the cervical spine18, though slate.msn.com/default.aspx?id=46344. Meibukan Magazine? 6 whether this is clinically relevant is not Lampert PW and Hardman JM. Morphological changes in brains of boxers. clear. There are also newer studies on tae- JAMA. 1984 May 25;251(20):2676-9. Don’t hesitate and kwondo and karate, which show that 7Dominguez OJ Jr. The injured coach. Emerg prevention is essential and newer rules may Med Serv. 2001 Jul;30(7):102. feel free to write us! 8 prevent some injuries, as well as a study Koiwai, EK. Anatomy of a choke. Journal of Forensic Sciences, March 1987 on muay thai, which may have a higher 9McCarron MO. Patterson J, and Duncan R. Stroke without dissection from a neck holding manoeuvre in martial arts. Br J “Injuries sustained in full-contact fighting Sports Med. 1997 Dec;31(4):346-7. 10 arts, in particular martial grappling arts Rodriguez G, Vitali P, and Nobili F. Long-term MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE effects of boxing and judo-choking techniques and professional MMA competitions, P.O. Box 8, 6663 ZG, Lent, Netherlands on brain function. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1998 Dec; Email: have not been well catalogued in peer- 19(6): 367-72. submissions2007 @meibukanmagazine.org Ameibukanmaga.org reviewed medical and scientific research 11Rodriguez G, Francione S, Gardella M, Marenco S, Nobili F, Novellone G, Reggiani E, Meibukan Magazine is pleased to submit methods. Nonetheless, there is evidence and Rosadini G. Judo and choking: EEG and views, concerns and experiences on any of increased risk of brain and joint injuries” regional cerebral blood flow findings. J subject matter IF related to the mission Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1991 Dec;31(4):605- statement expressed by the Meibukan 10. Magazine. Therefore articles, photographs injury rate than previosly thought19. While 12Rau R, Raschka C, Brunner K, and Banzer and illustrations are welcome, although much more research is needed, it is reassu- W. Spectral analysis of electroencepha- Meibukan Magazine is selective and can lography changes after choking in judo (juji- not guarantee that submissions will be ring that the growing interest in MMA has placed. Submissions can be mailed to our produced some studies on the subject. The jime). Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998 Sep; 30(9):1356-62. P.O. Box by floppy, CD or DVD, or can practitioner of full contact fighting must 13Death and MMA, Brian Kodi, April 20th 1998. be sent to our e-mail address. be aware that there are significant risks bjj.org/editorials/19980420-death/ 14Birrer RB. Trauma epidemiology in the Meibukan Magazine is a non-profit with these sports. However, at this time, periodical. We do not generate financial these risks still have not been shown to equal martial arts. The results of an eighteen-year international survey. Am J Sports Med. funds and therefore can not pay for any or exceed the risks involved in other more 1996;24(6 Suppl):S72-9. contributions. widely sanctioned contact sports such as 15Oler M, Tomson W, Pepe H, Yoon D, Branoff Together with the publication of your boxing. R, and Branch J. Morbidity and mortality in article, we offer you world wide publicity the martial arts: a warning. J Trauma. 1991 for your name and biography. If you have Feb;31(2): 251-3. your own website, we will be happy to 16Gartland S, Malik MH, and Lovell ME. Injury add your url to the pdf-edition in which Joshua Landa is a student of and injury rates in Muay Thai kick boxing. your article is published. various martial arts including Br J Sports Med. 2001 Oct;35(5):308-13. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Ryukyu 17Buse, GJ. No holds barred sport fighting: a kempo. He also holds a black 10 year review of mixed martial arts competition. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Feb;40(2):169-72. Do you want to share your belt in Chung do kwon Review. taekwondo. Since graduating 18Kochhar T, Back DL, Mann B, Skinner J.Risk thoughts and opinion about medical school at the University of cervical injuries in mixed martial arts. Br J our magazine and its Sports Med. 2005 Jul;39(7):444-7. content? Please mail us of Pennsylvania in 2004, he has 19Gartland S, Malik MH, Lovell M.A ([email protected]) review 2007 review2007 been a resident in orthopaedic prospective study of injuries sustained during and let us now what you think. surgery at New York University competitive Muay Thai kickboxing. Clin J Sport Med. 2005 Jan;15(1):34-6. Received messages will not go and the Hospital for Joint public and are used only for Diseases. He is currently taking our own reflections. an extra year in his residency as This paper was published previously in a research fellow specializing in the journal of combative arts, EJMAS the biomechanics of orthopaedic 2004. Reprinted with permission. ejmas.com/jcs/2004jcs/jcsart_ surgery. landa_0804.htm

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 20 The Indomitable Shinjos of Okinawan Uechi-ryu Karate

At the 1984 karate demonstration commemorating the third anniversary of the death of Seiyu Shinjo, Grand Master Kanei Uechi spoke these words of praise: "It already has been three years since the great loss to our Association. Unfortunately, once Seiyu Shinjo became seriously ill, modern medicine could not help him. He worked actively as a teacher and as a board member of the Uechi-ryu Karate Do Association. Karate was not recognized by society during the 1940's to 1970's. Mr. Shinjo made great efforts to popularize, develop, and organize karate. Moreover, I could say that he was one of the persons who made the greatest strides toward karate becoming internationally known as a cultural inheritance of Okinawa. He was instrumental in making the Uechi-ryu Karate Do Association, one with an international stature. There are many of Mr. Shinjo's students actively teaching Uechi-ryu karate all over the world. I can rely on Mr. Kiyohide Shinjo, son of Seiyu Shinjo, to carry on his father's will." - By Alan Dollar -

The Shinjo family is one of the most dyna- last name, Shinjo, can also be read Ara- karate expert of the time, from Motobu, mic and renowned names of traditional shiro. Okinawa. Okinawan karate. Three generations of Seiryo Shinjo was a small, agile man who Shinjo men have helped mold the history Wakayama, Japan became known for his incredibly fast of this unique karate style. The history of Seiryo Shinjo (formerly called Seizan kicks. Hisaguwa Seizen (fast kicker Sei- this karate family parallels the growth of Shinjo) was born on Ie-jima, June 10, 1908. zen) was the nickname given to him by Pangainoon and Uechi-ryu karate from His father, Shinjo was a well-known his peers. Seiryo was a quiet, gentle man the time Kanbun Uechi first taught martial bo [six-foot staff] expert on Ie-jima. Seiryo who would not quarrel with anyone. Kan- arts outside . traveled to Wakayama seeking employ- bun grew to like him very much and they With the exception of Kanei Uechi, no one became the best of friends. Kanbun felt has had more influence on the develop- “With the exception of Kanei Uechi, no comfortable with Seiryo and Tsuru. Their ment of Uechi-ryu karate and the Uechi- house was the only place he could relax one has had more influence on the ryu Association than Seiryo, Seiyu and and express himself. It became a gathering Kiyohide Shinjo. In the Japanese dialect development of Uechi-ryu karate and the place for Seiryo’s friends including Kanbun, their names can be pronounced Kiyoshi, Uechi-ryu Association than Seiryo, Seiyu who was present for the birth of their Kiyoyu and Kiyohide, respectively. The and Kiyohide Shinjo.” daughter, Sayako. Sayako Shinjo later mar-

ment in 1923, one year before Kanbun Uechi. Seiryo found a job with the same company that Kanbun later would, the Himomaru Sangyo Kabushki Kaisha, a boseki factory. He worked at a different location but eventually heard stories of Kanbun and that he was now teaching. He introduced himself to Kanbun, and requested permission to become his stu- dent. Kanbun checked on Seiryo’s background and observed his character before accepting him as a student.

Seiryo Shinjo entered the Shataku dojo early in 1927. He and his wife Tsuru, whom he had met in Wakayama, were married later the same year. Tsuru is the

Courtesy of the Shinjo family. daughter of Seisho Toyama, a famous Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Kanbun Uechi. Seiryo Shinjo.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 21 One evening Seiryo and Kanbun talked so late into the night that Kanbun went to sleep there. Kanei Uechi (called Sandee at that time) became alarmed the next morning when he found his father gone. He feared Kanbun had been in a fight with rival karate men and lie beaten or dead somewhere. He searched the many rivers and water- ways that surround Wakayama, to no avail. Courtesy of Alan Dollar. Tsuru Shinjo described her home as being very similar in size and appearance to Kanbun Uechi's “In Japan he always taught explosive house and dojo in Wakayama. individual moves from a kata, ikyodo, but ried Ryusen Tomoyose, the oldest son of never demonstrated the entire kata.” Ryuyu. Ryuyu Tomoyose was Kanbun Uechi’s first student in Wakayama. As evening approached, he pondered Courtesy of the Shinjo family. where his father might be and went to Master Seiyu Shinjo. Tsuru Shinjo died in March 1996, in Kadena, Seiryo’s house. He found Kanbun and Okinawa. She was eighty-eight years old. Seiryo seated around a small table, still Meat was scarce in Wakayama. There She spoke with vigor and humor about her deeply engaged in conversation. was a law in Japan that prevented the life around the karate men. She said the Tsuru Shinjo, who was very frugal, occa- killing of cattle because of their importance men would gather at her house and talk well sionally managed to obtain beef, which she in farming. Kanbun did not eat meat, but into the night about karate and women. would salt and store under the house. liked the tendons and cartilage. He Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Seiyu Shinjo (left) spars as Kanei Uechi looks on.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 22 war ended shortly after his military training began and Seiyu was released from duty. Seiryo became ill with a respiratory pro- blem toward the end of their stay in Waka- yama. He had to quit his karate training.

The harsh conditions in Japan after the war facilitated the decision to return to Okinawa. The Shinjo family traveled with Seiko Toyama and Kanbun Uechi. Seiyu was leaving the only home he had known.

Return to Okinawa and Ie-jima island The group was interred in a prisoner of war camp for six months, when they retur-

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. ned to Okinawa. They lived in tents and Hokonoto, a monument to those who died on Ie-jima Island during the war. fought starvation and depression. To lift believed eating them made his tendons Seiyu, and other new students performed morale [sic] in the camp, Kanbun demon- strong. Tsuru often gave Kanbun the cleanup and other duties around the dojo. strated karate. It was the only time his sinew from the meat she stored. The first three months of training consis- students saw him perform all the katas in ted of doing Sanchin steps across the dojo. their entirety. In Japan he always taught The Shinjo’s first son Seiyu, born July 10, Holding his arms in the proper position was explosive individual moves from a kata, 1929, was named after Ryuyu Tomoyose. added to the stepping, the following three ikyodo, but never demonstrated the entire Seiyu was born premature, at seven months. months, and was so small his mother com- pared his head to the size of a teacup. He The rambunctious young man complained caught diphtheria when he was three daily to his father that they had done the years old and beat death by only ten same thing in class again. Seiyu remained minutes, according to doctors at the hos- pital. Seiyu was never sick, even with a “On November 3, 1951, three years after cold, after that. the passing of the great karate master, Kanbun became fond of the exuberant young Seiyu, who pleaded for years with Ie-jima Island produced a modern day his father to let him study karate. Seiyu karate legend named Kiyohide Shinjo.” became a student at Kanbun Uechi’s Te- bira dojo in 1939. He was ten years old. determined to learn karate. Eventually Seiryo began teaching his son at home, in addition to Kanbuns teachings. Seiyu Shinjo was exposed to an unprecedented learning opportunity for nine years. Classes at the elementary and high schools were taught in shifts, so children could work. Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Seiyu went to the Miyamae Shogoko Seiko Toyoma began training at Kanbun Uechi's elementary school, only a few hundred Wakayama dojo one year before his life-long friend Seiyu Shinjo. yards from the Tebira dojo. He later atten- ded Wakayama Kogyo (Technical High kata. After release from the camp, Seiko School) at night, He trained in the morning Toyama moved to Naha. The Shinjo fa- sessions at the Tebira dojo and worked at mily and Kanbun Uechi relocated on Ie- a job making pots and pans during the day. jima Island. The high school is still in operation today. Wakayama was relatively undamaged Seiyu Shinjo met and married Yoshi Ko- during the war and many buildings of that hama there in 1947. They built a house on era remain. the property of the Shinjo family, a few hundred yards from the home of his pa- Seiyu Shinjo was drafted into the war rents. Hokonoto, a monument to the people effort by the Japanese military. He who died on Ie-jima Island during World attended pilot school, including kamikaze War II, now occupies the site. Members

Courtesy of the Shinjo family. (divine wind) pilot training. Fortunately the of the Shinjo family still live on Ie-jima Kiyohide Shinjo.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 23 Seiyu Shinjo stayed in Naha and at twenty-six years old, opened the Asato Uechi-ryu dojo in 1955. It was the fourth Uechi-ryu dojo established in Okinawa. Three years later the first black belt promo- tions in the Uechi-ryu system were awar- ded. Seiyu Shinjo was promoted to Godan (fifth degree).

“Seiyu Shinjo stayed in Naha and at twenty-six years old, opened the Asato Uechi-ryu dojo in 1955. It was the fourth Uechi-ryu dojo established in Okinawa.”

The Kadena era of Uechi-ryu karate The land on which the Asato dojo stood was appropriated by the government for

Courtesy of the Shinjo family. a new thoroughfare (Highway 58) Seiyu Shinjo's Asato (Naha) Uechi-ryu dojo, established in 1955. connecting the southern and central parts Island, which has a current population of had grown up as brothers, worked for three 5,500 people. years as security guards for the Okinawan Kanbun lived less than a mile away, where railroad (Nihon Tetsudo Koyogo). They he died on November 25, 1948. The Shin- worked the night shift preventing theft jos were the only ones present. They con- from the train yard. Okinawa was impo- tacted Kanei the next day and using a verished after the war, and American relief small sabani boat, assisted him in returning was slow in coming. Some people took his father’s body to Okinawa. what they could to survive.

On November 3, 1951, three years after Seiryo and Tsuru Shinjo soon moved to the passing of the great karate master, Ie- Kadena, a small village at a focal point in jima Island produced a modern day karate the road between Naha and Nago to work legend named Kiyohide Shinjo. in the laundry shop owned by Seiryo’s The Shinjo family moved to Naha in 1953. parents. The laundry business was boo- Seiyu Shinjo continued his karate training ming because of the occupying American under Kanei Uechi. The two men, who forces. Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Kiyohide Shinjo at twelve years old with his father. of the island. In 1960, Sieyu Shinjo and his family moved to Kadena, and opened the Kadena Uechi-ryu dojo. His second son, Narahiro, was born the same year. The Shinjo dojo has operated at the same loca- tion for thirty-five years as of this writing. The Kadena Shubukan is the only one in which three generations, grandfather, father and grandchild have learned karate in the same dojo.

“Kiyohide did not like karate practice for several years, and probably for good reasons. ”

Kiyohide Shinjo began karate training, not by his own choice, when he was ten years old. Kiyohide did not like karate practice Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Seiyu Shinjo's Asato (Naha) Uechi-ryu dojo, established in 1955.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 24 played at being sa- ordered his son to fight the belligerent murai warriors. Ki- Americans. For many years, the challengers yohide kept a keen beat the skinny young Okinawan. As eye on the setting Shinjo Kiyohide’s size, strength, and karate sun, as a reminder ability increased, so did his dislike for to return to the dojo American servicemen. In time, he won on time. He misjud- every fight, with great pleasure. ged the time and arrived home after Kiyohide was promoted to Shodan (first- class had already degree black belt) in 1968, eight years after begun. He put on his he began training under his father. He esta- gi (uniform), slipped into the dojo, and “He became a legend in Okinawa in the joined the group ex-

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. ercise. He was not process and is often called "Okinawa’s Kanei Uechi with Uechi-ryu's most winning competitor, Kiyohide Shinjo. called on all night to Superman."” for several years, and probably for good perform individual kata, as the other reasons. Six o’clock in the evening was students were. He knew his tardiness had blished karate clubs in high school and col- the starting time for karate class and Kiyo- been noticed. After all the students left, lege. He also studied kendo for seven years hide’s favorite television variety show, Seiyu Shinjo went into a rage over his during that time, earning the rank of Nidan. Golden Hour. His father would grab him son’s lack of responsibility. Mr. Shinjo took By 1969, the Shinjo family was complete by the ear and forcibly lead him into the a large knife and cut the gi top down the with three daughters and four sons. The dojo. Seiyu was a hard man concerning karate. He also maintained the uncompromising, and sometimes inhuman, standard of training established by Kanbun Uechi. As the young man became accustomed to the

“During the first few decades after World War II, intoxicated servicemen often found their way into the dojo, challenging the Okinawans to fight.” training regime he was given the added responsibility of cleaning the dojo for thirty minutes before class began. On one occa- sion, when Kiyohide was fourteen years old, he and some friends went to the river after school. They cut bamboo swords and Courtesy of Alan Dollar. Tournament competitors prepare to fight to keep the championship flag and cup in the Kadena dojo. back and ripped it from his son’s body. Shinjo’s oldest child, Toshiko, born the night He did the same to the belt and pants, of Uechi Kanbun’s death, died as a young telling his son that since he did not take child. Five of Seiyu’s children are Uechi- his karate training seriously, he no longer ryu black belts, as are his brothers, Seiho had to practice. The incident passed and and Kiyoshi. Kiyohide was allowed to resume his trai- ning. Tournament history In 1968, The Uechi-Ryu Karate Shubukai From dojo defender to Okinawa held the first annual Uechi-ryu tournament. tournament champion. It included kata (forms) and kumite During the first few decades after World (sparring) competition for black belts. War II, intoxicated servicemen often Shinjo Seiyu was the organizer and direc-

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. found their way into the dojo, challenging tor. Kiyohide placed third in kata in this Shinjo Kiyohide and Takamei Takayasu, the Okinawans to fight. Shinjo Seiyu often inaugural tournament. defenders of the Shinjo legacy.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 25 Courtesy of Alan Dollar. Four generations of Shinjo karate men take pride in the day's performance. At the third annual tournament in 1970, Kiyohide is a graduate of Okinawa Kokusai 1988. The Kadena dojo won the cham- Kiyohide won both kata and kumite University, majoring in law. He married pionship in fifteen of the twenty tour- competition. He continued to do so for a Michio Nakamura in 1977. Their first sons, naments! record nine years. He became a legend in Shuichi and Kiyohito were high school Okinawa in the process and is often called karate champions each year they were in Narahiro is often lost in the shadow of his “Okinawa’s Superman.” school and competed in the National High famous brother. Narahiro also inherited School Championships in Japan. his father’s vigor and relentless approach The annual Uechi-ryu tournament was held in two parts. Kata competition was held in the Futenma dojo under the watch- ful eyes of Uechi Kanei and all the style’s sensei and sempai (seniors). Sparring competition was conducted the following week.

“The Uechi-ryu tournament ran un- interrupted for twenty years until the break up of the Uechi-ryu Association in 1988.”

In 1978, the eighth year of Kiyohide’s championship reign, the first All-Okinawa Championship Tournament was held. The champion of this historic sparring event, open to black belts of all karate styles, was

Shinjo Kiyohide. He soon retired from Courtesy of the Shinjo family. The All-Japan Sports Festival (Kokutae) was held in celebration of Okinawa's Reversion to Japan in competition due to his father’s ill health. April 1972.

They are a bright future for the balance to karate and is every bit as accomplished of traditional karate and the competitive as his older brother. He has also traveled aspect that has developed since karate internationally, teaching and demonstrating was introduction into Japan. Uechi-ryu karate.

Shinjo Narahiro, Seiyu’s second son, pla- In August 1995, Narahiro placed fourth in ced first in kata in five of the eight Uechi- kata in the All-Okinawa World Pre- ryu tournaments following his brother’s Tournament. He repeated the feat by retirement. The Uechi-ryu tournament ran placing fourth in the Okinawan Karate

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. uninterrupted for twenty years until the and Kobudo World Tournament in August The championship flag remained in the Kadena break up of the Uechi-ryu Association in 1997. dojo for two decades.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 26 as part of the reversion celebrations. Massive demonstrations of Okinawan karate and dance (odori and eisa) were performed. The Japanese Government gave every karate participant a new dogi. The patch on the gi was patterned after the Olympic torch.

Shinjo Seiyu was adamant about increa- sing public awareness of Uechi-ryu karate and expanding its practice in America. To this end, he was one of the first sensei to open his dojo to American servicemen. He performed many demonstrations, for Okinawans and Americans, to propagate Uechi-ryu karate. Courtesy of Alan Dollar.

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. The Uechi-ryu Karate Association had Nahahiro Shinjo placed fourth in the August developed and refined its rank structure 1997 Okinawa Karate and Kobudo World Shinyu Gushi………… since the first promotions in 1958. In 1972, Tournament, an event that had 1,750 partici- pants. April 1972. Shinyu Gushi, born May 25, the association awarded Shinjo Seiyu the 1939, first began karate training title of Shihan (master instructor), cer- Kiyohide was promoted to Yondan and in the Oroku dojo under tificate number six. Seiyu and his father, received Shihan certificate number thirty- Saburo Uehara. As a high school Seiryo, were promoted to Hachidan (eighth- one from Uechi Kanei in 1974. He was pro- student, Mr. Gushi wanted to start a karate club at his school. Sensei Uehara was against the idea, wishing to keep his instruc- tion more secret. Mr. Gushi discussed the situation with the more progressive thin- king Seiyu Shinjo, who suppor- ted the idea. Impressed by Mr. Shinjo’s stu- dents and his goals for Uechi-ryu development, Mr. Gushi joined the Asato dojo in 1956. After Shinjo Seiyu moved to Kadena, Mr. Gushi trained in Wakasa under Itokazu Seiko. For ten years, he taught class and performed demonstrations at the Naha Gin- za dojo. He opened his own dojo in Oroku in 1985.

He is currently the only Okina- Courtesy of the Shinjo family. Tsutomu Nakahodo breaks a 2x2 pole over the arm of Shinjo Seiho during a demonstration for the U.S. wan master of Uechi-ryu living Armed Forces. in the United States. degree black belt) on May 16, 1974. Seiryo moted to Godan in 1977. Although younger received the first Hachidan certificate ever than his contemporaries, Shinjo Kiyohide International influence issued by the Uechi-ryu Karate Association. tested for Rokudan (sixth-degree) and On May 15, 1972, the United States gave Nanadan (seventh-degree) with Masters up control of Okinawa and the island Nakamatsu, Takamiyagi, Gushi, and Senaga. reverted to Japan. The All-Japan Sports “Shinjo Seiyu was adamant about in- Shinjo Seiryo, the founder of the Shinjo Festival (Kokutae) was held at the Naha creasing public awareness of Uechi-ryu karate dynasty, died March 5, 1976, from Stadium (near the site of the new Oki- karate and expanding its practice in a lung disease he had contracted in Waka- nawan Martial Arts Kenritsu Budokan) America.” yama. He was sixty-eight years old.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 27 only fifty-two years old. Shinjo Seiyu was posthumously awarded the rank Kyoshi (expert teacher) and Kudan (ninth-degree black belt) by Uechi Kanei and the Uechi- ryu Karate Association and the All-Okina- wa Karate Federation on November 26, 1981.

Seiyu’s premature death brought with it a dark cloud over the world of Uechi-ryu ka- rate. After Seiyu’s death, Mr. Nakazato Shugoro, founder of Shorinkan Shorin-ryu and then president of the All-Okinawa Karate Federation, delivered the following Courtesy of Alan Dollar. speech: Seiko Toyama……… Seiko Toyama was born in 1928. Mr. Seiyu Shinjo had the good fortune He started training in Uechi-ryu to be a disciple under Kanbun Uechi, under Kanbun Uechi in Waka- Courtesy of Alan Dollar. Seiyu Shinjo was a driving force in Uechi-ryu's yama Prefecture. Toyama and development in Okinawa. Shinjo Seiyu, who started trai- The dojo-house structure in Kadena was ning under Kanbun one year very small. There was a small living room later, became friends for life. For and kitchen adjacent to the dojo. The dojo years, they listened intently as area itself served as the sleeping quarters Kanbun and Ryuyu Tomoyose for the entire family. The small house and talked. dojo were torn down and replaced in 1976. He is a wellspring of information The new house was built on top of the about Uechi-ryu karate’s history new dojo, dramatically increasing the trai- and a robust storyteller. ning and living area. Seiko Toyama trained under Courtesy of Alan Dollar. Seiyu developed diabetes in his late forties Seiyu Shinjo breaks a 2x2 pole on the arm of Kanbun Uechi for eight years in green belt Alan Dollar. and his health deteriorated rapidly. He Wakayama. He accompanied his underwent two operations and died during the founder of Uechi-ryu karate, and sensei and the Shinjo family from the second on October 23, 1981. He was his son, Kanei Uechi. He became Wakayama to Okinawa. Tatsujin [master of the highest skill of He continues to teach and work “At the time, he expressed the opinion karate]. Sensei Shinjo was an in- on his farm. Part of that work that he needed ten more years training telligent, gentle, respectful, and open- includes catching habu, a deadly minded person, who always tried to under his father to properly prepare him nocturnal snake indigenous to understand karate-do, both philoso- Okinawa, with his bare hands. to be a karate teacher.” phically and technically. Courtesy of Alan Dollar. The original Kadena Uechi-ryu dojo was rebuilt in 1976.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 28 After he opened the Uechi-ryu Karate- do Kadena Shubukan, he taught not only karate to his students, but also the philo- sophy of human life. He helped the deve- lopment of children’s physical and mental health in his neighborhood. He was like a second father to both youths and adult karate students. Besides teaching his own students at his dojo, he spent his time helping to develop the Uechi-ryu Karate-do Association and the All-Okinawa Karate Federation, where he served on the Board of Direc- tors. I sincerely respect him for his great achievements toward the prosperity of Okinawan karate.

Unfortunately, in the world, there is no Courtesy of Alan Dollar. perfect thing or person, and even a strong Master Kiyohide Shinjo teaching in his new Yomitan dojo. His family home is located on the top floor, just like in the former Kadena dojo. person like Mr. Shinjo could not defeat his death. However, his oldest son, Mr. his son’s and students’ development of at the Kadena dojo. At the time, he ex- Shinjo Kiyohide, and other students have karate ability from heaven. pressed the opinion that he needed ten inherited his karate philosophy and know- After his father’s death, Kiyohide reluc- more years training under his father to ledge. I hope Mr. Shinjo Seiyu is watching tantly assumed the teaching responsibilities properly prepare him to be a karate tea- cher. He founded a fraternity within the Uechi- ryu Association to honor his father and called the group Kenyukai. “Ken” means “fist,” “yu” is part of Seiyu’s name and “kai” means “group.” Kenyukai stands for

“Four generations of Shinjo karate men have dedicated themselves to the physical and spiritual teachings of Kanbun and Kanei Uechi.”

“Shinjo Seiyu’s Strong Fist Group.” The Kenyukai version of Uechi-ryu karate is now practiced around the world.

Shinjo Kiyohide has served on the All- Okinawa Karate Federation Board of Directors since 1980. He was voted Board chairman from 1991 to 1994, and is the youngest person in the Federation’s history to hold that position. He has pursued Uechi-ryu karate’s growth as fervently as his father did. He has raveled to Germany, Spain, twice to France, three times to Brazil and Canada, four times to Argentina, and twelve times to America in his efforts to present the Kan- bun Uechi - Seiyu Shinjo methods of teaching Okinawan Uechi-ryu karate. Kiyohide’s compassion toward foreign practitioners has increased with each exposure. He

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. admires the long-term devotion and ever Alan Dollar

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 29 Karate Masters Mind over Muscle by Jose Fraguas by Jigoro Kano

178x254 mm, 350 pp, 140x196 mm, 160 pp, 400 photos

available at available at www.mikado.nl www.mikado.nl www.amazon.com www.amazon.com KARATE MASTERS MIND OVER MUSCLE Karate-do is one of the most popular yet mys- This book is a collection of the life's work and

Courtesy of Alan Dollar. terious martial arts in the world. In 'Karate essential teachings of Jigoro Kano, who founded The Japanese government declared imminent Masters', through conversations with many Kodokan Judo in in 1882. Kodokan Judo domain in 2004 and the center of Kadena circle was historical figures such as Osamu Ozawa and was for Kano the culmination of a lifelong leveled for new high rise buildings. A new dojo was Masatoshi Nakayama, and numerous current devotion to the jujutsu of the past, which he built in Yomitan, and the Shinjo legacy continues. world-class masters such as , reorganized along educational lines while tak- Fumlo Demura, Teruo Hayashi, Morio Higa- ing great care to retain its classical traditions. In increasing ability he has witnessed outside onna, Hidetaka Nishiyama, and Stan Schmidt, doing so, he opened the path from jutsu (skill) Okinawa. The Shinjo karate legacy was the many threads of karate learning, lore, and to do (way), and broadened the horizons of legend are woven together to present an inte- knowledge until he reached the point at which he fostered by Kanbun Uechi’s teachings. grated and complete view of the empty-handed began to advocate seiryoku zenyo (maximum Four genera-tions of Shinjo karate men art of fightIng, philosophy, and self-defense. efficiency) and jita kyoei (mutual prosperity), have dedicated themselves to the physical Now for the first time, interviews with 24 of which represent the universality and ideal of the world's top karate masters have been gath- human existence, and are the core values of judo. and spiritual teachings of Kanbun and ered together in one book. Containing infor- Throughout his life, Kano repeatedly empha- Kanei Uechi. mation that has not appeared anywhere else, sized grasping the correct meaning of judo and The Shinjo family is one of vigorous the interviews contain intriguing thoughts, fas- putting it into practice. That is to say, one must cinating personal details, hidden history, and understand that judo is the way by which one strength who live by the code of live life revealing philosophies. In these 24 gems, each can make the best use of one's mental and physi- easy and peacefully; but when it is time master reveals a true love for the art and a deep cal energy, and put that into use for the good of to fight, become ferocious! Gosatu understanding of every facet associated with society. Because judo was defined in this way, it Bokuto! the practice and spirit of karate-do as a way of became subsumed into an altogether richer, more life. No matter how well you think you know complex, and universal judo, which in turn these karate masters, you haven’t really experi- evolved into a principle that can be applied across enced their wit, wisdom, and insight until you've the spectrum of human life. The circumstances Alan Dollar began Uechi-ryu read Karate Masters. Any karate practitioner surrounding the development of judo are de- who appreciates martial arts history and phi- scribed throughout this book, as are its under- karate training under Seiyu Shinjo losophy, and who feels that this rich heritage is lying principles, which the author believes have in the Kadena dojo in 1974 a necessary steppingstone to their personal universal applicability to everyday life. during his first Marine Corps tour growth, will find this book an invaluable refer- ence and a must-have addition to their per- In the annals of Japan's modern martial arts, of duty to Okinawa. All black sonal library. Author Jose M. Fraguas, a fifth- no name is better known than that of Jigoro belt ranks through Godan (fifth degree black belt in Shito-ryu karate, is an in- Kano. Born in 1860 in Hyogo Prefecture, he ternationally recognized martial arts authority created Kodokan Judo in 1882, the year after degree) and Shihan (Master who is well-known to the world's top karate he graduated from Tokyo Imperial University, Instructor) were presented by masters. His desire to prornote both ancient majoring in literature, politics, and political philosophy, and modern thinking provided the economy. He was a professor and principal of Kanei Uechi in the Futenma Soke motivation for writing this book. Gakushuin, principal of the First Higher School, Dojo. He currently holds the rank and later, the Tokyo Higher Normal School, Harry Cook - He Conquers, Who Conquers and in 1889, as a member of the Imperial House- of Kyoshi, Nanadan (seventh Himself • Ray Dalke - An American Samurai • hold Department, he made a study tour of Eu- degree) and Godan in Okinawa Fumio Demura - Leading by Example • Wil- ropean Educational institutions. He became the Kobudo. After running his dojo liam Dometrich - Western of the Eastern Way first Japanese member of the International • Teruo Hayashi - In Pursuit of Karate Excel- Olympic Committee in 1909 and the first presi- for 30 years, he retired from lence • Morio Higaonna - The Master, The dent of the Japan Amateur Sports Association active teaching in 2004. He Warrior • Dan Ivan - Karate's Enduring Spirit • when it was founded in 1911. Elected to the Hirokazu Kanazawa - Master of the Karate House of Peers in 1922, he died at sea aboard remains the North American Spirit • Taiji Kase - Karate's Timeless Master • the Hikawa Maru in 1938 while returning from Director for the Kenyukai Tak Kubota - The Master of Inner and Outer an IOC meeting in Cairo. Strength • Kenei Mabuni - A Balance of Heart Association under Kiyohide and Body • Kenzo Mabuni - Staying the Course 1. THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUDO: A Brief Shinjo. • Patrick McCarthy - Standing on the Shoul- History of Jujutsu • From Jujutsu to Judo ders of Giants • Chuck Merriman - Wisdom of 2. THE SPIRIT OF JUDO: Seiryoku Zenyo: the Ages • Takayuki Mikami - The Essence of The Essence of Judo • Judo and Physical Train- For more information and photos of Perseverance • Minobu Miki - Karate's Mod- ing • Judo and Intellectual Training • Judo and Okinawa, karate and the Kenyukai go to: ern Traditionalist • Masatoshi Nakayama - A Moral Education • Judo as Martial Art • A Basic www.alandollar.com. Legacy of Excellence • Hidetaka Nishiyama - Principle For Everyone: Judo and Its Applica- Karate's Driving Force • Teruyuki Okazaki - tion to Everyday Life This article first appeared in the former The Ultimate Development of Character • 3. JUDO TRAINING: The Purpose of Judo • Bugeisha Magazine no 5 & 6 (1998). Osamu Ozawa - Tempered by Fire • Henri Plee The Three Levels of Judo • The Practice of Bugeisha Magazine back issues and/or CD - The of Europe • Tsusuo Judo • Judo and Education • The Samurai Spirit are available from Rising Sun Sakumoto - In the Modern World, But Not of • Judo Practice at The Dojo • Kata Practice Productions. lt • Stan Schmidt - Karate's Guiding Light Afterword • Bibliography Contact information: (818) 891-1133 www.risingsunproductions.net/catalog/ By Marc van Dam By Marc van Dam

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 30 "Sensei:" Some Considerations "Sensei" is one of those unique terms that, though understood conventionally by the community that uses it, allows many interpretations and nuances, inviting lasting confusion and dialog. Within the martial arts community, "sensei" is understood as "teacher," and the acknowledged Japanese translation is generally given as "one who has gone before." Virtually all budoka are comfortable with this definition and accept it at face value. Yet within the budo community the dialog persists as to the actual role of the one who as instructor in his art is called "sensei." Even with an accepted definition there are layers of meaning, quite similar in their "understood" implications, to the Jewish title "rabbi," which is also conventionally defined as "teacher," yet which possesses great depth and expands far beyond the parameters of that definition. - By Gil Gillespie -

Is a martial arts instructor a spiritual leader? self-indulgent refrain, “This is where my maintain a veneration that transcended A leader of a community? Should he be? art is,” and then conduct the class as their loyalty and became family. The former Or should he merely disseminate the most own private laboratory with the students Boston Celtics maintain that spirit and effective and correct fighting technique as as their personal research tools. More those ties with curmudgeon mentor Red promulgated by his respective art? What perceptive, and more correct actually, is Auerbach. This paternal relationship proli- should the student expect from this rela- the perspective, “Where is THEIR art?” ferates more easily in the collegiate ranks, tionship? Which end of this continuum is Another pitfall of fledgling instructors is exemplified by the life imprint of people appropriate? Or is it somewhere in between? the overblown lecture, which is seldom like Dean Smith of North Carolina basket- as interesting to the listeners as it is to the ball and Joe Paterno of Penn State football. These questions form the crux of an speaker. People come to train, not to listen. Their players and others maintain a close ongoing and recently more intense dialog relationship long after their performing regarding the essence of “sensei,” its I am much closer to our mudansha on The careers end, consulting with their “coach” implications and expectations. I have Path than our sensei and senior instructors. about life’s larger perspectives throughout never been a rabbi, or any ordained spiri- That should never be overlooked, although the remainder of their lives. tual leader. I was, however, a public school that does not mean I can never challenge teacher and coach, and my budo expe- either myself or my kohai. So from my The quintessence of this relationship would rience has increasingly placed me before vantage I am closer to the understanding have to be that of former UCLA basket- of “coach” than “sensei.” “Coach” is ball coach John Wooden and his touch on another of those terms whose meaning is the lives of his players. People in the sports “Within the martial arts community, particular to the milieu. There is a world world will always speak of him in awe "sensei" is understood as "teacher," and of difference between the former college and not merely for his championships and the acknowledged Japanese translation athlete teaching elementary school phy- array of hall of fame players. John Wooden is generally given as "one who has gone sical education because his eligibility has exemplifies excellence in life and sports; before".” run out and the man who has over years he never wavered from instilling the living molded groups of disparate individuals into definition of student-athlete, and insisted groups of budoka as their instructor. I selfless, committed units striving toward that a college degree be the least of his young would never call myself “sensei,” although a goal. Both are addressed as “Coach.” men’s accomplishments. One of his players, my kohai do when I teach, only that their now in the hall of fame, said that they never dojo etiquette remain consistent. As these Again the layers of meaning and under- considered leaving early for the riches of classes unfold, how do I see myself vis- standing color the picture. My own coach- professional basketball. They treasured the à-vis the question at hand? As the senior ing experience on the scholastic level experience and never wanted to miss the student that night I owe the other students mandated that I be more attuned to the excitement and challenge of practice, more than just leading the techniques. I development of the entire individual than owe them instruction. I owe them the to mere success in competition. That richest, most fulfilling budo experience I philosophy never left me and I have seen “I am much closer to our mudansha on can encourage to evolve during that class. it played out even at the callous profes- The Path than our sensei and senior sional level. Vince Lombardi may have instructors. So from my vantage I am Yet I must recognize my limitations, and said “winning isn’t everything; it’s the only closer to the understanding of "coach " theirs. Many junior instructors voice the thing,” but to a man his former players than "sensei. "”

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 31 which was richer than the games, because of the depth of the interaction and learning that took place there. For the title of his autobiography John Wooden chose refe- rences to neither victory nor champion- ship, but rather They Call Me Coach. So all well and good, but how does “coach” transfer to “sensei?” The segue is realized through the relationship that develops and is forged over time. In Japanese budo we know it as the sensei- seito relationship. The stigma of sports and competition polluting the purity of budo, which is decried by many masters (including men such as Mochizuki and Ueshiba), does not invalidate that under- standing. The goals may differ (or in the case of tournament fighters become quite congruent), but the bonds that grow through Courtesy of Gil Gillespie. Gil Gillespie with Keith Oshiro (left) and Ian Pinkerton (right). prolonged training define the nature of the relationship. In praising one of his best all deepening of his relationship with his suffers from the debilitating neuromuscular time players, former St. John’s University sensei becomes a corollary of his training. ailment myasthenia gravis. After the con- basketball coach Lou Carnesecca singled In brief military or police training programs ventional medical community had exhaus- out “his monastic devotion to the rehear- this is impossible due to the omission of ted its resources and he thought he would sal.” That rings of a budo dojo! the paramount ingredient: time. The trainee have to face the rest of his life as a weaken- may glean various techniques, but the ed cripple, his sensei (our Japanese shihan) “The segue is realized through the relation- sensei-seito relationship only comes to took him under personal physical and fruition through thousands of hours over psychological care. The treatments were ship that develops and is forged over time. many years. The first time my sensei re- based on deep breathing with meticulous In Japanese budo we know it as the sensei- ferred to me by name on the mat remains an maintenance of proper postures and specific seito relationship. The stigma of sports honor not even equaled by my later attain- movements. Twenty years later only my and competition polluting the purity of ment of dan rank, which I now realize is instructor still survives from his original budo does not invalidate that under- merely something that happens to all diagnosed group. standing.” budoka if they just stay around! Naturally the bond shared by these two One major difference is that a sensei is So the relationship is not only wrought over gentlemen is singular and is not presented still expected to “do it,” whereas coaches time, but it must be earned. As budoka we here as a blueprint for the sensei-seito are almost invariably “retired” and serve are all familiar with the extraordinarily high merely as guides and sideline instructors. attrition among mudansha. Only a small “No matter how devoted the student may In a budo dojo the instructor is not only of percent of those who begin budo training be to the impersonal refinement of senior rank, but almost always he is the actually persevere. Many sensei will not most advanced technician in attendance. even teach beginners, leaving that instead technique or enhancement of combat Many times there are younger, stronger, to their sempai cadre. Even more painful proficiency, the gradual deepening of his faster yudansha in class who could conceiva- and wasteful in a sensei’s eyes are the stu- relationship with his sensei becomes a bly outclass their instructor in a purely dents who begin to manifest some power corollary of his training.” physical sense. That changes nothing in and grace around third kyu or even attain the equation of the sensei’s position as the shodan and then just disappear. So an instruc- relationship. It is, however, representative instructor and in the students’ respect for tor measures his commitment, and this of the potential that exists when a sensei that title, independent of the man who holds reciprocal relationship is neither assumed takes a holistic approach to teaching the it in that class. nor superficial. entire person, beyond technique, and the student earns the sensei’s acknowledgement These bonds are not superficial and deve- As this relationship defines itself over time, of the depth and sincerity of the student’s lop only if the student manifests a serious the sensei perceives the totality of his commitment. The Japanese grandmaster commitment and follows it up with un- student. His instruction goes beyond mere of one of the oldest lines of koryu swords- flagging determination. No matter how technique. Some students will need to manship emphasizes this very “sincerity” devoted the student may be to the imper- learn confidence; others will need to learn as the most important character in true sonal refinement of technique or enhance- to trust their partners; others may need budo, and his kanji brushwork for it graces ment of combat proficiency, the gradual anger management. My budo instructor the opening page of that ryu’s manual. To

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 32 character; budo literature is replete with particular tune-up elsewhere, thank you “Many times there are younger, stronger, descriptions of this phenomenon. They very much. Allowing each his own I faster yudansha in class who could con- may not all undergo a mystical transfor- merely try to stay on The Path, believing ceivably outclass their instructor in a pure- mation like Ueshiba Morihei, but they full well that it is all about this step, this ly physical sense. That changes nothing realize there is something more, and they moment, and any destination is an illusion. in the equation of the sensei’s position as teach it. I will never “arrive.” None of us will. Each the instructor and in the students’ respect class is its own experience in The Now, for that title, independent of the man who Technique becomes the vehicle for and they just all add up. In the end, that’s learning principle, in both budo and life. In what validates the seemingly unfulfilling holds it in that class.” yet another of those budo paradoxes, this cliché “Just keep training.” It doesn’t widening of a sensei’s teaching perspec- a man the fine sensei in my experience have tive is ancillary to instruction in the art; he “Each must choose his own path, and repeated that sincerity and perseverance is still firstly and principally a budo instruc- there is nothing at all improper in choosing are much more sought after among their tor. And in another paradox, the student students than natural athletic or fighting has no right to expect anything beyond budo to merely teach technique and the art as ability. instruction. He enters the dojo as a begin- experienced.It is merely my own obser- ner and a stranger. He must demonstrate vation that teaching "the whole person" is Yet at issue here is the nature of martial the above commitment and sincerity over more fulfilling for both.” arts instruction. We have arrived at the the passage of time - a great deal of time. second oldest and least fulfilling inquiry The sensei-seito relationship will take on matter if we ever use our training “in the into the nature of training: “It’s not about its own distinct and individual flavor. street.” It doesn’t matter if budo builds fighting” (the oldest and least fulfilling Neither the sensei nor the student can will character or reveals it. Remembering that reply, of course, is “Just keep training!”). it, accelerate it, or force it. It just happens, the origin of the word “dojo” refers to an As frustrating as it is to hear, the latter is like promotions and injuries. area for a spiritually physical discipline true. The validity of the former is defined within a Buddhist temple, I treat my by the student’s goals for training; and There is nothing inherent to impel any training space as my sanctuary. My fellow again the “X factor” in the mix is time. instructor to take this approach. Each must budoka and I have left the mundane world Over time a student’s goals for training choose his own path, and there is nothing outside and gathered to walk The Path refine and change. A relationship develops at all improper in choosing to merely teach together for a while. with his sensei. Even the most hardened technique and the art as experienced. Many fighters undergo an evolution of their instructors prefer this view as do many And among us there will be one we will students. They find it call “sensei,” who will be teacher, simpler, less entangling, technician, critic, coach and guide. But and even more pure. It most of all he will be a companion on The is merely my own ob- Way. servation that teaching “the whole person” is more fulfilling for both. Gil Gillespie was born in If, as Joseph Campbell 1948 in Long Branch New taught, we are the ve- Jersey. He obtained a hicles of our conscious- bachelors degree in ness, then there is a time for a fill-up, and a International Relations and time for a tune-up. has experience as a public Teaching only technique school teacher/coach. He can be seen as a fill-up, holds a Nidan degree in whereas a holistic ap- Aikikai Aikido training under proach to “the vehicle” Shihan Saotome and Sensei is analogous to a tune- Dennis Hooker and, in up. Somewhere along addition, a Shodan degree in the line the need for Iaido under Sensei the overall health of the Shimabukuro and Sensei vehicle will manifest Carl Long. He is a free-lance itself. scenic artist and lives in rural Many will insist that central Florida with his wife budo is budo and they Junko and daughter Jade.

Courtesy of Gil Gillespie. will attend to their Gil Gillespie training with Daniel Vaccaro.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 33 Controlling the Effects of Strikes An Internal Approach to Handling The Violence of Impact

"An important difference between a military operation and a surgical operation is that the patient is not tied down. But it is a common fault of generalship to assume that he is." --Sir Basil Liddell Hart - By Kevin Secours -

You Can't Block Everything: the Muay Thai boxer and the makiwara important topic of recovering from the The quote above refers to a dangerous regimen of the karateka. India Kushti effects of strikes during the midst of com- risk for military planners—that is the very wrestlers historically used aggressive bat, should they infiltrate your defenses, real danger of becoming pre-occupied with massage to both heal their bodies and to particularly those that might exceed your offensive tactics without realistically toughen them for contact. Similarly, the conditioning level. Quite simply, no matter considering the efforts and effects of a legendary wrestlers from the Zurkhaneh1 how good you are, everybody can get hit, resistant enemy. This same assumption is of Iran use slapping and hitting to de- surprised and hurt. In this article, I will equally common and just as dangerous in sensitize their limbs against impacts and attempt to outline some functional con- many martial arts. Too often, martial prac- grabs. At the polar extreme of these more cepts that can be used to counter the effects titioners idealize their opponent into a robo- sensational methods, we also find the of strikes after they have been received tic or inanimate participant, placing all of complete dedication to the ideal of yielding and the science behind these practices in their focus on their own offensive in-tents. and succumbing to force. Martial arts like the hopes that they may add to the readers’ They forget the very obvious reality that in a Tai Chi, Hsing I and Bagua, prioritize current training and perspective. real fight, you won’t be the only one strugg- remaining supple and adaptive as the ideal ling to stay alive; your attacker will have preparation to force. As the Taoist philo- Closing The Gate: just as much drive, freedom and creativity sopher Lao Tzu noted: “the notion that This tissue in our skin and internal organs to survive as you will. The end result is that yielding overcomes force is known by are filled with specialized receptors that fights are generally sloppy, brutal and all but practiced by none.” read sensations and send messages to our quick, and utterly void of the aesthetic While all of these methods have their spinal cords. “Nociceptors” read pain tidiness of a Hollywood action movie. merit, they ultimately deal only with the stimuli through small nerve fibers, while Bodies flare with stress chemicals, nervous idea of resisting or avoiding the initial the sensation of touch is carried through systems ramp into overload, and things impact. Many arts neglect the equally large nerve fibers called “mechano- rarely work out exactly as you have planned.

“As the Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu noted, "the notion that yielding overcomes force is known by all but practiced by none."”

Since the dawn of martial training, combat systems that have understood this reality, have necessarily sought to prepare warriors for the reality of getting grabbed, struck, cut and broken. The way that this threat has been handled varies greatly, from hard style to soft. On the more vigorous end of the spectrum, the near superhuman capacities of Chi Kung Courtesy of Kevin Secours. A simple way to test gate theory is to have someone pinch your body until it causes masters and kung fu practitioners are the mild pain. Then while maintaining the pinch, vigorously rub near the pinched meat of legend in the , area. You will quickly notice the feeling of pain subsiding and the feeling of the as are the shin conditioning practices of rubbing dominating.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 34 receptors”. Many body hardening prac- which they in turn aggravate through actually block the sensation of pain. In the tices seek to deaden the function of the continued use. They also frequently suffer game of touch vs. pain, touch trumps pain. body’s nociceptors so that individuals can from dental and skin problems from con- Since both touch and pain must enter the bear greater degrees of pain than ordinary stant fidgeting, scratching and cumulative nervous system through the same path- people. The danger inherent in these abuse which they simply do not realize is ways, if touch gets there first, it in effect approaches is that, over the years, these occurring. Not surprisingly, a lack of pain “closes the gate” on pain, refusing to methods can deteriorate the function of sensitivity usually also leads to drastic permit it access to your perceptions. the body. Arguably, the use of ointments, decreases in healing times due to the real breathwork and specialized massage can risk of constant re-injury. In the end, pain Obviously, the effect of touch and pain offset many long-term difficulties and there has a very important purpose as a warning receptors are relative. While touch re- signal and guide in our training. ceptors are larger and more dominant than pain receptors, the sensation of a water “Quite simply, no matter how good you In 1965, Patrick Wall and Ronald Melzack drop on our hand will likely not be enough are, everybody can get hit, surprised and proposed that our perception of pain hinged to distract us from a freshly broken leg. hurt.” on the relationship between the infor- In such an extreme case, the broken leg mation being received by both our pain would provide immense pain stimuli and is evidence that there are ways of lesse- receptors and our touch receptors. Since would require more significant touch to ning the damage, but ultimately the risk of touch receptors were larger, they proposed overcome it. Touch fibers are bigger, so a injury and disability is still present never- that touch could in effect override and theless, particularly if these methods are intercept the influence of the smaller pain “In the end, pain has a very important misused. receptors. In our normal state, neither touch nor pain neurons transmit signals. purpose as a warning signal and guide in Regardless of the prolonged effects, even In this condition, inhibitory interneurons our training.” within the immediate context of training block casual signals to prevent us from and combat application itself, pain plays being overwhelmed by every common little touch does go a long way, but the an important role as an early warning physical sensation we encounter. For more extreme the pain is, the more tho- system in the body. Simply put, if something example, ordinarily we will not be actively rough the touch and your own mental hurts, we know when to stop or at the aware of the feeling of the air on our skin focus needs to be in order to overcome it. very least to become more aware that a unless we are actively focusing our mind In truth, we already know this fact from limit is close at hand. Lacking this sen- on it as we might during a meditation our own life experiences. Case in point, sitivity can impair judgement and increase session, however if a slightly larger or imagine, late one night, you’re walking the overall risk of injury. The extreme colder than normal gust of wind tears towards your kitchen sink to pour yourself repercussions of not feeling pain can be through us, we will shiver and momentarily a glass of water. You’re half asleep and seen in individuals who are born with con- become aware of this otherwise ignored feeling your way through the darkness and genital insensitivities to pain. People who sensation. Wall and Melzack ultimately then suddenly you smash your foot into suffer from inactive or faulty nociceptors determined that when touch is activated, the corner the wall. If you’re a normal, frequently experience painless fractures it not only distracts the brain, but it also healthy individual, with unaffected pain or joint problems from everyday activities, triggers inhibitory interneurons that thresholds, the first thing that you will likely Courtesy of Kevin Secours. Styles, such as Russian Systema, teach practitioners how to remove strikes from their partners. After delivering a solid blow to the body, here we see the use of a heavy sweep of the hand to intercept and wipe the pain away.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 35 do is cry out and begin hopping up and cally grab the pain with their hand and down on one foot as you try to rub it better. throw it away from the body. Individuals This is a natural demonstration of gate unfamiliar with gate theory sometimes theory at work. We immediately in- wrongly assumed that this practice carries stinctively use touch to counter the pain some sort of mystical connotations, but of the stubbed toe. So it would seem as we have already learned in this article, we’ve intrinsically been using gate theory it is simply another expression of using all along in our lives. How then can we touch to intercept pain. take this very obvious reality, a response that we have all known and experienced The location of the touch can also matter. firsthand and apply it to our combat training Systems like acupuncture and acupres- and application more fully? sure focus on targeted areas of the body that yield maximum effects on the nervous The mechanics of pain management: system. Every touch stimulates the release First, let’s consider the different compo- of “endogenous opiods”, a pain relieving nents at play here. Even if we were complete- chemical found naturally in the body. By ly bedridden, unable to move a single finger touching specialized areas in the body, to intercept our pain signals with touch, however, these effects can be greatly we would still have our ability to breathe. optimized; some areas are simply more Courtesy of Kevin Secours. If we return to the previous example of stub- A solid chopping or cupped hand receptive to touch, such as the hands and bing your toe, we’ll notice that in this strike can also be used above or fingers, the head and neck area and the situation, the first thing that most people below a hit to intercept it as well. soles of the feet. Moreover, most pressure will automatically do is breathe out, perhaps point systems believe that vital nerve shouting or crying out in pain. Whether decades. He has stated that the reason centers are positioned along pathways in we cry out, or try to suppress that urge to breathing is so important is that it both the body called “meridians”. By focusing cry out, our body’s natural reflex is to first balances and calms the body while provi- on working along these meridians, breathe to counter the pain. Many martial ding the practitioner with a primary focal practitioners can in effect benefit from arts therefore work with this reflex, point. Through mindfulness of one’s brea- traveling on pre-existing channels in the strengthening and reinforcing it through thing, his practitioners learn how to move body. Like walking through the woods on away from the emotions they don’t want a worn path versus forging a new trail “Since both touch and pain must enter (pain) and to move towards the emotions through the wilderness, travel on existing they choose (joy, relaxation, etc.). To look passages is obviously much easier and the nervous system through the same at this through a gate theorist’s perspec- more effective. The same is true with pathways, if touch gets there first, it in tive, they learn to literally “feel” their pathways in the body. effect "closes the gate" on pain, refusing breath and in so doing, stimulate their touch to permit it access to your perceptions.” receptors, thereby intercepting and block Touch can also carry profound psycho- the pain stimuli. logical implications as well. Returning to training. For example, in Karate, the Kiai the example of Russian Systema, practi- or “spirit yell” can be used to focus energy, The Russian Martial Art of Systema can tioners of this approach believe that the startle an opponent and bolster the spirit, provide us with another very good example intent behind a given touch is also extreme- but it can also serve to protect the user of Gate Theory at work. Practitioners of ly important. To understand this idea from impact and pain. In fact, a Kiai need this art are taught different breathing simply, consider the idea of a mother’s not be audible. As Gichin Funakoshi wrote, methods to interrupt pain similar to the one touch. Few things on this planet are quite what matters most is that the kiai origi- described above. They are also taught nates in the stomach, “joining the whole how to integrate wavelike body motions “A martial artist must accept that training of your body power and your spirit”. to dissipate and eventually erode the pain While sound can play an important role in caused by impacts. Strikes to the face and will involve pain. Pain is inevitable. strengthening your psyche and startling body are often countered with a sharp Suffering however is optional -it is a state your opponent, it is not necessary to help exhale, not unlike the exhale that naturally of mind.” you counter your own pain from an impact. occurs after one takes a drink of alcohol. Breathwork need not be explosive either. Most relevant for our concerns here, Sys- as soothing as the touch from a loved one. Many health practices teach softer tema practitioners also learn how to incor- As children, a mother’s touch was often methods to guide the practitioner through porate the use of touch to counter strikes. all that was needed to make us completely pain and injury. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a A soft, heavy handed swipe of the hand is forget our pain. In exactly the same way, leading proponent of pain management often used to treat the point of impact. if we touch a training partner after inflic- and stress reduction, has been cham- This is often referred to by practitioners ting pain with a strike, using a touch that is pioning the role of breathing in his efforts as “removing” the strike, since the action genuinely focused on healing and calming to make meditation mainstream for very much resembles an effort to physi- the body, the effect of our touch will be

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 36 much greater. This simple concept is some- of mind. Dr. Patrick Tissington studied the a clear example of self-confidence. As thing deeply understood by masseuses. role of fear and pain in the military. He he said: Any good masseuse realizes that tension notes: is transferable through touch. If they ap- “To be a great champion, you must proach their patient with a lack of awareness “about 1% of the general population believe you are the best.” He quickly and allow their own tension to infect their is genuinely fearless. They simply do added: “if you’re not, pretend you are.” movement and body, they will in effect not experience what we call fear and In his own words, the only way he could spread their tension into their subject. By that can be measured physiologically comparison, a masseuse that understands in terms of their heart rates remaining “When we look at famous fighters how to use soft and careful touch, they constant despite exposure to situations throughout history, we will generally find can bypass even the most chronic injury which would frighten most other and bring peace and relaxation to their people.” an unshakeable confidence in personal patient’s mind and body. Similarly, in ability.” Systema, students are taught how the This bravery he notes is not due to socio- intent of their touch or strikes and the state economic factors or genetic predispo- be “licked” is if he were made into a post- of their own body can spread to their sitions. Rather it hinges on “a belief in age stamp. Self confidence and faith in opponent. As Systema Grand Master Mik- one’s own ability…if you look at the your ability along with a clear perception hail Ryabko has noted: men who have won the Victoria Cross of your own motives and goals are ulti- [Britain’s highest medal for gallantry] mately the foundation upon which tools “a touch with malice hurts more than a you have introverts and egotists, like Gate Theory are built. This brief punch with love”. working class and gentry—all kinds of discussion of Gate Theory has offered you personalities and background. The a fresh insight into the workings of pain in Changing our perceptions of pain: only thing these men have in common your body. Hopefully, it will also provide “Reject your sense of injury and the is unusually high self-belief and faith you with a simple tool which you can inte- injury itself disappears.” in their own ability to complete a task..” grate into your personal training to bolster —Marcus Aurelius— your focus, your confidence and to reduce In the end, the mechanics of Gate Theory When we look at famous fighters through- the effects of fear and injury. are easy to understand. In fact, everyone out history, we will generally find an un- reading this is likely already using it to shakeable confidence in personal ability. Footnotes some degree as a matter of instinct. What A champion like Muhammad Ali is a 1Literally meaning “House of Strength”; the is more challenging that understanding the popular example of a fighter who had traditional wrestling gyms of Iran. concept is the change in perception that heroic encounters with pain. Whether he is sometimes required in order to imple- was enduring a broken jaw in his fight with ment it. A martial artist must accept that Ken Norton, surviving the abuse of his training will involve pain. Pain is inevitable. rope-a-dope against George Foreman or Suffering however is optional—it is a state brutally battling against Joe Frazier, Ali was Kevin Secours, B.Ed. is a 23- year veteran of the martial arts. A senior instructor in Russian Systema under Master Vladimir Vasiliev and Grand Master Mikhail Ryabko, he also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Modern Kempo Ju-Jitsu, a 1st Degree black belt in Akai-ryu Jiu-Jitsu and Full Instructorship in Five Animal Shaolin Chuanshu, extendable baton, tactical cuffing and defensive tactics. A certified educator with the Quebec Ministry of Education, he is the director of the Montreal Systema Academy. Courtesy of Kevin Secours. Styles such as Jujitsu often teach reflexive clinching after receiving a strike. While clinching obviously serves to allow the recipient to regain their balance and awareness after the shock, smearing the head against your opponent's body can For more information about Systema also serve to intercept the pain signals and help cope with the effects. please visit: wwww.RussianMartialArt.com

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 8 DECEMBER 2006 37