MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House Of The Pure Martial Arts

Interview with Master Anthony Mirakian Science as a Weapon The History of Goju-ryu , Part III What is Ki? Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Picture taken by Edward Mills. Courtesy of THE INTERNATIONAL WEB BASED MARTIAL ARTS No 4 FEBRUARY 2005 MAGAZINE AS A PDF DOCUMENT MAGAZINE

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts No 4 FEBRUARY 2005

MISSION STATEMENT Column 2 A Shift in Intention Meibukan Magazine is an initiative of Lex Opdam and Mark Hemels. Aim of this web based magazine is to spread the knowledge and spirit of the martial arts. In a non profitable manner Meibukan Maga- zine draws attention to the historical, spiritual and Interview 2 technical background of the oriental martial arts. Interview with Master Anthony Mirakian Starting point are the teachings of Okinawan ka- rate-do. As ‘House of the Pure Martial Arts’, how- Anthony Mirakian was the first Westerner taught by Grandmaster Meitoku ever, Meibukan Magazine offers a home to the vari- Yagi, the top student and successor of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju- ous authentic martial arts traditions. ryu. Reflecting on a lifetime of practice, Master Anthony Mirakian dis- FORMAT cusses the meaning of karate-do and the techniques of Goju-ryu kata.

Meibukan Magazine is published several times a year in an electronical format with an attractive mix Feature 10 of subjects and styles. Each issue of at least twelve pages is published as pdf-file for easy printing. Science as a Weapon Published editions remain archived on-line. We have Throughout time, scientists have waged war on established beliefs and con- chosen for a low picture resolution for easy down- loading cepts. Using the same process as the scientist, martial artists are able to test their own theories regarding techniques and personal defence. Readers of the webzine are enthousiasts and practi- tioners of the spirit of the martial arts world wide.

PRODUCTION Review 11 Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts Editor in chief Lex Opdam by Donn Draeger & Robert Smith.

Executive editor Mark Hemels History 12 Editorial Board Matthew Jones The History of Goju-Ryu Karate, Part III Iwan Meij Jeroen Verhoeven In this last part in a series of three, we continue the exploration of the Chi- nese influences on Goju-ryu. Where did Chojun Miyagi learn the kata that do not come from Kanryo Higaonna? To understand this, we take a look at Contributors Mathieu Ravignat the Karate Research Club and the Chinese combat manual the Bubishi. Mario McKenna Casey Putney Marc van Dam Experience 15 Art director Lex Opdam What is Ki? After practising the right punches Mario McKenna went on a search for the SUBMISSIONS meaning of the mysterious ki. After experiencing pleasure and flow he ends up with an ancient meditation technique. Meibukan Magazine is pleased to submit views, con- cerns and experiences on any subject matter IF re- lated to the mission statement expressed by the Meibukan Magazine. Therefore articles, photo- graphs and illustrations are welcome, although Meibukan Magazine is selective and can not garantee that submissions will be placed. Submis- Copyright and disclaimer sion can be mailed to our P.O. Box by floppy, CD or DVD, or can be sent to our e-mail address. © 2003-2004 Meibukan Magazine. All materials on the Meibukan Magazine website and Meibukan Magazine pdf-files (including without limitation all 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 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 Magazine or (part CONTACT of) articles be used for other than personal use (e.g. educational, research purposes, commercial use, a.o.). Every Meibukan Magazine pdf-file has a unique ISSN number (1572-5316) and is registered by Law.

MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE All information and materials on the Meibukan Magazine website and Meibukan Magazine pdf-files are provided “as is” and without P.O. Box 8, 6663 ZG, Lent, Netherlands warranty of any kind. Email:[email protected] Meibukan Magazine founders are Lex Opdam and Mark Hemels. Url: WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG Web design by Lex Opdam.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 A Shift in Intention Interview with A while ago I had a conversation with a Tai Chi Chuan Sifu. He told me that for Master Anthony Mirakian the last decade, more and more people that visited him to receive instruction saw him as a personal trainer. Like the Karate-do, its purpose and responsibility ones presented by the many 24-hours a day television commercials. Those After a decade of intensive training in Okinawa, Anthony people also saw his martial art as something to fulfill their needs – needs Mirakian introduced Meibukan Goju-ryu karate-do to the that seem to be dictated by these media United States in 1960. Mirakian was the first Westerner taught monsters but that are not forthcoming by Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi, the top student and successor of from their own inner quest. Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-ryu. Reflecting on a I told him that in general I also have lifetime of practice, Hanshi Anthony Mirakian, 9th degree black noticed a shift in expectations when belt, discusses the meaning of karate-do and the techniques of people visit my school for the first time. People seem to replace the concept of a Meibukan Goju-ryu kata. martial arts teacher to the concept of a ‘personal trainer’. To justify their pre- - by Lex Opdam - chewed needs, they are taking over the wrapped up superficial talk concerning the philosophical meaning of martial arts as presented by the commercial Question: Sensei, could you give your Teaching an art like karate-do, in our media. definition of a martial system and a case Okinawan Meibukan Goju-ryu Nowadays, with 24 hours commercial martial art? karate-do, which includes aspects of television, sales are all that matter, and Answer: An art encompasses the spirituality, means that we are not just martial arts are exploited as never philosophical concept of a specific before. The way martial arts are system. Not only as a fighting method “The aim of a martial art is to strive to presented by the media and received by but as a way of life, as a philosophical develop a pristine human nature the unaware seems to form a new part concept. There should be a guideline through hard intensive training, which of culture in our western society. With for all our actions, our interrelations with is a challenge for a person mentally, this every new generation seems to relatives, friends and students. This is physically and spiritually.” slowly erase the deeper meaning of the art. martial art in society in general. A system is a composite of techniques practicing the art for the sake of physical The ego is very easily fed, and with this that does not have a binding ethical movements. The aim is to strive to shift in our high-tech society and tendency for speed, the right questions concept that an art form will have. The develop a pristine human nature through asked are another step away. Questions art form will bring the human element hard intensive training, which is a that could bring us self-knowledge and into it, the human spirit, and the physical, challenge for a person mentally, physi- understanding of each other. Every mental and spiritual concept. cally and spiritually. An art goes into the martial artist stands in connection to There was a great Okinawan master other human beings in our daily life. If called Tode Sakugawa who developed we value martial arts and want to keep the dojo-kun over more than 200 years them alive, not only now but also in the ago. Okinawan karate is recognized and future, we should actively participate in highly respected for this moral ethical society by letting people know about aspect that the dojo-kun represents. the deeper ways of the martial arts, and In a dojo a group of people are training by giving notice to those who want to with the same aim. Practicing with a listen. Those who present or teach joyful heart and a pure mind, without martial arts could have a task here in distractions, training highly spirited keeping the spirit of the martial arts without any ego intentions against each alive. Maybe they should keep it from other. being overtaken by those who are only in it for the money. Sensei, how would you describe the role of the teacher in a martial art?

An instructor in a system teaches purely Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of Lex Opdam physical movements. It doesn’t go any Hanshi Anthony Mirakian, appointed by Meitoku Yagi in 1972 as the Overseas General Manager of the Editor in chief deeper than that. Okinawan Meibukan Goju-ryu Karate-do Association.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 2 inner aspects of the human being that is there are also those who are not. When belt. It is like when somebody is training actively engaged by the continuous effort, I lived in Okinawa I had the privilege and, this happened in my dojo, asks: devotion and dedication to the training to meet many masters and because of “Could I use the knowledge of karate/ the practitioner puts into it without my nature and search for information technical skill in daily life?” I replied egoistic feelings behind it. This process by the many questions I asked, I was with: “I don’t think you should”. The is guided by the teacher whose aim is granted information by the masters that person then said, “Well then what good to help the practitioner on this path. I would not have received if my perso- is it?” I responded, “When you have a nality were different. pistol or a revolver with you, do you go In this process, you once said, the mind is around shooting people?’ Americans are our worst enemy. When you lived in Okinawa in the 50’s practical; they want to learn something Our mind is continuously in conflict. you became very close to many they can use. Wealth, good health, con- Being a human being, a social being Okinawans. One of them was Ryuritsu venience, poise, inner serenity, well being, living in society, we have our obligations Arakaki. Was he approachable? all these are actually assets; qualities that and daily struggles and often are under Master Ryuritsu Arakaki was very are rewarding. A person doesn’t have to pressure, challenging us to live har- approachable. I would go to his home have a trophy, that’s more like feeding moniously within an organized society. on the weekends especially on Sundays. the ego. Some people like to think they This is the existence of many people. And there in his home we would have can make black belt in a year, or a year But as soon as we have fulfilled har- very lengthy conversations, and he and a half. If a black belt means that, it monizing with societies demands, we would try to explain to me the meaning means nothing. The black belt is a means then need guidelines to bringing us back of the martial art, karate especially. He to a beginning. Earning a black belt is a to more self-realization and harmonized told stories of how Okinawans went to start of learning the art, not the end. The living. A lot of people live their lives China, and how they were taught, so I student embarks on a new aspect in life on a terrestrial level, taking care of their learned a lot about the martial art from based on self-imposed discipline. The body functions but their spiritual level my visits to his home. Master Ryuritsu promotion to black belt is a certain is non-existent. They are not aware of Arakaki explained many things which amount of acknowledgement given by their spiritual side and we should be otherwise I could not have ever learned the teacher and that the practitioner has careful with whom we are dealing with. if I had never met him. So meeting him reached a certain level. Now, he has to So, it is very difficult to teach something was a very valuable experience. work to a higher level. I’m going to to someone when it is not part of his promote this student to a next level, now nature or his living. Would you say that the American society he is going to learn even more. See, so is more goal oriented as opposed to the it’s learning! Sensei, is there any difference in the way way of life in the Martial Arts which are a Actually, the most important aspect in you teach here in your dojo and the way path in the way of life and not a goal? the martial art is not the end goal, “the they teach in Okinawa? Yes, American society is more goal black belt”, but the journey itself. It is Yes, the way I teach is somewhat oriented, they seem to chase the black like a person traveling from here to adopted in a cultural sense. We live in America and have an American way of life. If you live in Europe, for example the Netherlands, then there is also a cultural difference and this will influence the way of teaching. There is nothing wrong with that. This does not mean that the system has been altered. The way people think and live will be a living element for the practice of karate in that specific country.

I have also noticed that not all masters are as approachable as you are when people want to talk to their teacher outside the training. This is my nature, as was my father’s who was very approachable, friendly and generous. This can be said also for other masters in Okinawa, China, Japan Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of A party is being held in honor of Anthony Mirakian’s promotion to the rank of Sandan, third degree black belt in or anywhere else who want to impart November 1959. Fourth from the right standing is Mr. Ryuritsu Arakaki protégé of Anthony Mirakian. First row, their knowledge in the right and friendly seated from left to right: Mr. Fukuij, Mr. Mitsugi Kobayashi, Mr. Anthony Mirakian, Mr. Meitoku Yagi and Mr. way to their students. But unfortunately . Second row, standing from left to right: Mr. Tamaki, Mr. Shinken Taira, Mr. Yohena, Mr. Seikichi Higa, Mr. Ishime, Mr. Ryuritsu Arakaki, Mr. Higa, Mr. Yushun Tamaki and Mr. Sunabe.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 3 “The most important aspect in the coming for the black belt and not for Could you please share your thoughts on martial arts is not the end goal, “the the training. The most important aspect these points? of him being there is his training and Unfortunately, there are many people black belt”, but the journey itself. That what he is gaining from the training. who practice the art with the right is why I have learned that many grand The belt is more a recognition from the intentions, but do not know why or what masters in Okinawa, after a lifetime master that after a certain amount of they are doing, and unfortunately, there of dedication, would wear a white belt. time the student has realized this level. are many schools in America in which Because they felt that after so many A marker for what he has learned. But as soon as a person walks in off the years, they do not know ‘anything’.” actually the most important thing is the streets he is taught to fight without beginning. That is why I have learned explanation. Because teaching the method California. The final destination could that many grand masters in Okinawa, of how to block, how to , good be San Francisco, Los Angeles or San after a lifetime of dedication, would stance, good body posture and move- Diego. The most important thing is the wear a white belt. Because they felt that ments takes a few years or even longer journey to the person traveling. His after so many years, they do not know depending on the practitioner. It is very journey and meeting so many people, “anything”. The artist of the artless art. easy to get up in the morning and just enjoying and experiencing himself as They are going back to their original start swinging, but that doesn’t mean a he is training and learning. Being status that when actually in the person knows karate. A person should curious and learning, seeing different beginning they were ignorant of the art learn why he or she is practicing the art, cities, different landscapes, this is the and now in the end they are “ignorant” starting from the a,b,c all the way up to most important thing, not the final of the art again. I have only been teaching z. That takes time. After a person learns destination. So the journey itself is the for 45 years of the over 50 years I have that he goes his way, he goes off. It is most important aspect of karate. It is the been practicing the martial arts and still difficult to teach karate to the American training of karate that is the most I am not “scratching the surface.” But, people; they don’t have patience. In important, not the black belt. When I still there is something that is in the America everybody wants to learn every- started training karate I didn’t have my subconscious mind that if we, as a true thing now or quickly. It doesn’t work aim on getting a black belt. I was martial artist, have to protect ourselves, like that. It took so many years for a practicing karate because I loved it. it is there and that will never fade away. master to develop that level of skill and Regardless of whether I got a black belt. it will take the student as long, or longer, A person can have all kinds of black You have a reputation of being strict and to develop that same level of skill. belts, but if his heart and enjoyment demanding when someone enters the dojo aren’t in it, he is wasting his time. Even for the first time to workout. Training in Sensei, Chojun Miyagi has said he was if I wasn’t promoted to black belt, I your dojo also means that one has to train not opposed to use certain titles like would still practice karate. If a person in highly repetitive amount of basics over Renshi, Hanshi etc. but believed that a is coming into my dojo and aims for the and over again. This is very demanding ranking system, like the system used in black belt, he is wasting his time. He for people, especially when you are not some of the would should go some place else. Because if used to these kinds of workouts. This also not be suitable for Okinawan Goju-ryu. he wants the black belt, it means he’s means that not many students stay long. It would distract and feed the ego. After his death in 1953 the Okinawan karate associations, including Goju-ryu schools, adopted the Kyu- and Dan-ranking system. In light of Chojun Miyagi’s thoughts and that he did not want to incorporate the Kyu- and Dan-ranking, what are your thoughts on ranking, how do you personally see its purpose? We don’t know the way Chojun Miyagi thought. He thought that only members of the Japanese nobility were entitled to promote and award rank to practitioners of karate. He thought that the Japanese Botoku-kai were the only ones who could award rank. For that reason Chojun Miyagi did not award any rank to his students. I think when Chojun Miyagi died, this opened a gate for many people who had very little training from Chojun Miyagi to make ridiculous

Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of claims that they were top students of Anthony Mirakian demonstrates kata at the Annual Martial Arts Events in Ginoza, Okinawa 1958.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 4 him. But the ones in the inner circle knew who was the top student of Chojun Miyagi. They knew Meitoku Yagi was his top student. Then there were some lesser students who claimed to be the top student. I think that if Chojun Miyagi had established some sort of ranking system, many of these claims might not have surfaced. Unfortunately, his untimely death left the possibility of unqualified people making all kinds of exaggerated claims.

How do you see the ranking within martial arts today, knowing that there are schools that do not use ranking? It all depends on the school and the practitioners. When I was in Okinawa in 1990, I was talking to one of the black Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian practicing Saifa kata with Shigetoshi Senaha (1950’s) at the Meibukan honbu dojo on Okinawa. belts of Sensei Senaha. He said to me, “Mr. Mirakian, the ranking of karate in Okinawa is no good.” I knew from making method. Rather than teaching three years you will become a “black where he was coming and I asked, the art to the right people, in the right belt” without ever having seen or met “why?” He said, “Some have 8th, 9th, way. What is the right way? To some the prospective student! 10th degree, but they don’t deserve half people the right way is to confuse the Unfortunately there are people that of that rank because they have never practitioner… Ranking is sometimes make big money with gassuku and worked hard or practiced hard to deserve delayed to bring forth the pristine and seminars. All they are really accom- that rank.” But now they are claiming true nature of the practitioner. plishing, in most cases, is fooling the all kinds of rank. The rank in Okinawa public with these gimmicks. I do not is highly inflated. There are many Sensei, you mentioned people making make money with karate. If people want instructors and masters in Okinawa that money with karate. What do you think to be fooled it’s their choice, but it is are highly qualified and deserve their about people who commercialize the art not my cup of tea, it is not the way I rank, but there are others who leave of karate? operate. Maybe to them I am too old much to be desired. The ones that are commercializing the fashioned, not practical, but I am not art in my opinion are not teaching the competing with anybody. If they want How do you feel about the duality of rank true art. They are using the name of to do it like that they should do so, but then, feeding the ego of the person, where karate to suit their purpose. The worse they don’t have to come to me and say Zen principals in Martial Arts say the ego they teach, the more people are coming that they teach the real karate, because is to be shed? to them because they have a certain they are not. Well, this is a difficult situation. It is image and ways to attract people to very difficult to know exactly what is come to them to fool them. They even “Bowing to the shrine and to the pic- going on within the inner aspect of the give kids of 10 or 12 years of age or tures of the masters is done out of re- practitioner’s mind. A disturbed person even younger a black belt. That is a spect. Without their existence we could come and be respectful and polite disgrace. Even a teenager of 16 or 17 would not be practicing the art, and in to the master but that practitioner could years of age that has practiced 7 or 8 bowing to them we show our respect have ulterior motivations. Well, the years has not developed a mental to them.” truth, like I always say, is like oil. It awareness for the realities of life. Once will eventually come to the surface. The a person becomes an adult they might, Sensei, when your students enter your true character of the practitioner will without guarantee, develop awareness dojo they bow before a shrine. Could you show in due time. It cannot be hidden about the benefits of this intensive explain this ritual? forever. Karate is supposed to help training and learn to respect it. Within the shrine there is a paper, which develop the person into a better human upon is written ‘Respect towards the being. That is the optimal situation. But Today I have seen certain teachers and brotherhood of mankind”. This is what if a person is of a bad character and a organizations charging money for Master Meitoku Yagi has written for me. bad spirit, he will take this knowledge grading tests and promotions, and those This is a dojo shrine and is not directly and distort it to accommodate his own charges increase as the practitioner depended upon a religion. Bowing to the selfish motivation of how to teach and reaches “higher” levels. There are even shrine and to the pictures of the masters turn whatever he knows into a money- schools that guarantee you that within is done out of respect. Without their

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 5 existence we would not be practicing body, contracting all the muscles for a the art and in bowing to them we show short moment, and performing these our respect to them. movements before opening up every kata? When meeting a person one shakes Is it correct to state that the reason for this hands to show that we have no bad is both a ritual and a preparation for the intentions and come in friendship, that body and mind? we have respect for each other. The It is a preparation. You have to tense all bowing in the dojo means the same of the muscles of the body and get ready thing. from there on to start doing the kata. The movements are like a spring quality. Sensei, before training you always burn You spring up and make the movements incense. Is there a special reason for doing dynamic. Make the body like the coils this? of a spring. This “Yoi” position is for Incense has, I would say, a purifying preparation pushing down like getting and cleansing effect in the Dojo. It a feel of the floor and the feet really brings the right spirit to the environment. planted for tremendous maximum It helps the students realize that karate energy development and concentration. is not purely physical but it’s spiritual

as well. Incense is burned to honor the Could you tell me why all the Goju-ryu Courtesy of Lex Opdam. past masters, because, if it weren’t for kata start at the same spot as they do end? Master Anthony Mirakian demonstrates kata as was taught to him by Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi. them, we would not be practicing that In the case of other Okinawan karate specific style of karate, or martial art. styles, like Shorin-ryu you see kata like So incense is burnt in due respect to the Naihanchi that do not start at the same natural breathing. Chojun Miyagi taught masters and to bring spirituality to spot as they end. Is there a specific reason Naihanchi kata. Grandmaster Meitoku karate training because karate-do has for this element of the Goju-ryu kata? Is Yagi thought Naihanchi was such a spirit. It is not only the physical aspect it a philosophical approach or is it just a good kata with good movement, that but goes beyond the physical realm. It practical tool? when we were training Goju-ryu karate is a place for people’s spiritual develop- So many of the kata concepts remain in the 50’s, we also trained Naihanchi ment because while the students are the way that they were brought from kata. Naihanchi was a Shorin-ryu kata, developing physically they are develop- China to Okinawa. Some kata, even in so it wasn’t incorporated into Goju-ryu ing also mentally and spiritually. Goju-ryu, don’t have the balance in that, kata; we had so many kata that were what is done from the right is also done typical of Goju-ryu, so that kata wasn’t Before starting the actual kata, one on the left. affiliated with Goju-ryu. prepares oneself in the “Yoi” position. In Returning to the same spot has no this preparatory position, what is the exact deeper philosophical meaning. Its goal “Slow movements in Goju-ryu karate purpose of bringing both fists next to the was for the symmetry of the kata. If the are typical of the system. They are kata is correct, one should be ending done to develop more concentration up in the same place. It also depends in the movement and more awareness on the steps that the student is taking. of the students while doing this move- When the student takes a larger step and ment” then the next one short, this can the kata off, and the student will not be Could you describe the reason why there able to end up in the same place. As far are slow movements in some of the Goju- as Shorin, I am not a practitioner of ryu kata? Shorin. But it could be that some of the Slow movements in Goju-ryu karate are movements in Shorin have been typical of the system, which was eliminated or that’s the way it was founded by the late great Grandmaster practiced. Chojun Miyagi. Some of the movements in the Goju-ryu kata, like Chojun Miyagi trained Naihanchi for instance in the kata, and extensively. Is there a special reason why to a certain extent in the beginning of Chojun Miyagi did not put Naihanchi in Seipai, Sanseru, Suparinpei and other his Goju-ryu system? Goju-ryu kata, are done to develop more In Shorin-ryu, Naihanchi is like the concentration in the movement and of Shorin-ryu, only they do it more awareness of the students while in a natural way with natural breathing doing this movement. The physical

Courtesy of Lex Opdam. Performer Tim Baartmans. Photo taken by Teun Meeuwesse. Teun Baartmans. Photo taken by Courtesy of Lex Opdam. Performer Tim while Goju-ryu emphasizes the deeper explanation is that when a person is The ready- or ‘Yoi’ position as performed before and dynamic breathing, rather than making a movement more deliberately, opening the kata.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 6 develop, or transition, with a sudden inner aspects of the breath control of explosive surge of energy. This could Sanchin. Like when you are doing all be in the form of a or a punch, or the movements they are done in a as in the example of the kata last systematic, methodic way of inhaling movements which is almost a simul- and exhaling. It’s done in a very quiet taneous and explosive kick/punch manner. It’s like doing the Sanchin, but combination. it is more silent with the concept of Sanchin behind it, of concentrating, and Sensei, we have six Goju-ryu kata pushing the energy below the navel into including Sanchin and that start the Tan Tien and tightening the strings in a similar Sanchin dachi posture or the of the chalice, the perineum, and the Sanchin guard stance. Obviously, seeing anus. Especially doing the Sanchin to the background and origins of the Goju- create maximum energy. When one ryu system, this seems to differ from the performs kata, it is done by moving the original Chinese versions, which origi- body with the concept of Sanchin nated in China. Is there any reason why behind it. Chojun Miyagi and/or Kanryo Higaonna changed the original versions, (except for Most of the kata incorporate three steps Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of Sensei Anthony Mirakian demonstrates a typical Tensho which was created by Chojun in the opening movements. Is this done slow movement in Goju-ryu’s Seiunchin kata. Miyagi), adding or changing the first three for the purpose of symmetry or is there a kata movements as described? deeper meaning to these movements? a person can spend more concentration It wasn’t appropriate for Kanryo Well, that could be. It could be that there on the movement and make it more Higaonna to forward the system, as far weren’t that many steps and the correct. as we could speak of a system, to the Okinawans thought it was more Okinawans exactly in the way he had beneficial to them to practice with those Could this be applied to all kinds of learnt it in China because of cultural three steps. Maybe in the original kata movement or is it specific for certain reasons. Okinawa is culturally different there weren’t the three steps, maybe it schools? to the Chinese. The Okinawans don’t was less or more. This is typical, more typical of Goju- fight like the Chinese and by nature are I believe that for cultural purposes they ryu, being hard and soft, slow and fast. different from the Chinese. So that’s made it three steps. Most Chinese kata There are other schools like Tai Chi or why Kanryo Higaonna adapted what he had highly repetitive movements. The other certain internal systems that have had learned to suit the Okinawan culture, Okinawans thought that rather than slow movements and rhythm. Not environment and Okinawan people’s making it so repetitious, they preferred everything is always done slow; certain way of living. to concentrate on one or two of those movements are done slow to develop specific techniques with maximum internal inner energy and strength. Would you say that the opening of the concentration and power. Kata with Suddenly these movements become fast kata is to incorporate Sanchin principals highly repetitive movements becomes and explosive. These forms also have into the kata? very grueling and would lack energy. rhythm. If everything is done at the Well, all of the Goju-ryu kata have the The Okinawans have always emphasized same speed, then rhythm is lacking.

Sensei, in Seisan kata there is a movement where you push and you have a sort of up-down Muchimi. Is there a special reason for incorporating this movement? We see it in Sanchin and Tensho kata, but sometimes it is also found in other kata of our system. Is its purpose the same reason we practice it in Sanchin kata, to develop certain strength, energy and tension? Yes, I think it is done for developing maximum energy in the movement and then slowly, I would say, transferring this energy into another movement. Going from one movement to the next one. So that’s why it is done with a

certain amount of speed and concen- Courtesy Anthony Mirakian. tration. Then the movement can From left to right: Anthony Mirakian, Ken Miyagi, Meitoku Yagi and Helen Mirakian. The 73th birthday celebration of Meitoku Yagi on Okinawa 1985.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 7 power. Power was always very important. Like the concept of one blow, one kill, to develop maximum energy in your movement, especially in the punch, so when attacking a person you eliminate this person with one blow. In actual combat, if your opponent is not defeated with one technique he might be able to fight back and reverse the situation.

You mean by stringing multiple techniques together, very quickly, the body cannot recover and quickly generate enough energy? Then you are sacrificing power for speed. The Okinawans felt that speed and flexibility are very important, but they have always invested more in power. Okinawans are not built big. Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of They are very strong by nature and felt Anthony Mirakian next to Chinese Hung Master Dr. Kwan Tak Hing in Hong Kong in the 1950’s. Mirakian that they were going to evolve karate visited the Orient intensively to broaden his knowledge and understanding of the martial arts. to their own physiological make up. The Chinese are more slender, of course that some people have practiced nothing movements of Sanchin carry any meaning there are big boned Chinese, but generally but Sanchin. Is Sanchin more of a other than a transition point? they are slender people. Okinawans physical exercise for the body, teaching Well, that is the concept of inhaling and historic background, their nature, is that it to strengthen? Or is there a spiritual exhaling, because the person is pushing of farmers & fishermen. They worked aspect to Sanchin that had Chojun Miyagi the energy through the lower abdomen, in agriculture, cultivating the land and so embrace it as part of the training? to what is known as the Tan Tien. fishing from the ocean. So they were Well, the cultivation and preparation of Pushing not only in the Tan Tien, but to strong from the sort of labor they did. Sanchin takes so much concentration. the sides and the back of the body like a Over two to three hundred years ago, Because everything in life starts with circle. The energy is not only in the Tan Okinawans would practice karate breathing and ends with a breath. So Tien but also in the lower Tan Tien, secretly during the night because it was the bringing of this energy in Sanchin which is a few inches below the navel forbidden by the Japanese conquerors and to the sides and back of the body. of Okinawa. In that time they would “The concept of Sanchin is to maxi- These places are also expanding during practice their techniques on the mize the level of energy in the body. Sanchin breathing, like an inner tube. Gajimaru tree, which is the Banyan tree, Sanchin has a spiritual value to it also. The energy is not only in the front, but trying to break the Gajimaru shoots. Because Sanchin is performed to de- also in the back and sides as well. The Banyan tree, which grows in velop a level of fighting spirit. To Okinawa, grows shoots from some of make a person gradually fearless in If somebody performs Sanchin the branches and the shoots reach the actual combat.” incorrectly, do they do their bodies more ground and then those shoots eventually harm than good? become part of the main trunk of the is to raise the level of energy of the body. Yes, a person could actually hurt himself tree. The Okinawan martial artists To maximize it. That is the concept of more than helping himself. Practicing would try to break these Gajimaru Sanchin. The concept of Tensho is to Sanchin has to be a gradual process. A shoots coming down from the branches relax the level of energy in the body. sign that the person has been cultivating to the ground with one powerful shuto, They are two opposites. Sanchin, to and practicing Sanchin right is that when punch, kick or forearm , to develop increase and maximize the level of the body is relaxed it is soft like cotton maximum power. If they hit someone energy in the body and then Tensho, to or rubber. When the body is tense, the in actual combat with heavy armor they relax the energy level. Sanchin has a body should be very tight and hard. could penetrate the armor and kill the spiritual value to it also. Because Also, the correct practice of Sanchin will person. Sanchin is performed to develop a level develop the body to feel like steel covered of fighting spirit. To make a person with velvet. The actual appearance that It’s been said that Chojun Miyagi greatly gradually fearless in actual combat. a person would give is that his body is emphasized Sanchin kata practice and that That is the tremendous stress control soft, but if a person touches that person’s it was extremely important to the that Sanchin is about. arm or body, he would realize that his development of the practitioners training. body is very dynamic, tight and hard. It There have also been stories and writings Do the pauses in the middle of the is very deceiving. Like for instance,

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 8 “The correct practice of Sanchin will with open hand and openhanded strikes, develop the body to feel like steel cov- and it was done with dynamic tension. ered with velvet.” That’s the way that we practiced it at the time. The format of the kata was the same like the regular Sanchin with watching Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi’s closed fists, except this was open biceps. They looked very supple and handed. soft. He had well developed forearms, feet and fists. When Grandmaster It is said that the open hand allows the chi Meitoku Yagi did his movements it was to flow through the arm faster and better like iron covered in velvet. Once I took than the closed fist, which closes the chi. a magazine over to the dojo, a body- Is this correct? builder’s magazine with somebody on Well, there is a certain amount of truth the front cover flexing his biceps. These in that. Open hand techniques are biceps were 21 inches and Grandmaster always much faster than closed fists. Meitoku Yagi began mimicking the When a person has open hands, they movement. You could tell that his biceps always have a longer reach. When a weren’t that developed. But I have person is closing or making a tight fist learned that he asked a Japanese soldier with a hand, he is losing a few inches to take a rifle and hit him with it on the reach. So, favor shoulder. The Japanese soldier broke his open hand techniques, it was faster to rifle butt over his shoulder and Grand- manipulate and to operate, but also they master Yagi just shook it off as if it was had many various techniques that nothing. He had very developed trapezes. differed from the closed fist, like the

panther punch, eagle eye punch and Meeuwesse. Teun Baartmans. Photo taken by Courtesy of Lex Opdam. Performer Tim Chojun Miyagi seemed to have two others. Those techniques were done for Performing Sanchin increases ones energy level and prepares for combat. variations of Sanchin and also there may when you were facing a fast opponent. have been more than one variation of It all depended on the skill of the later on they can increase it. Young Tensho. Do any other variations of practitioner. If the practitioner was well people are dynamic and have so much Sanchin exist that were developed by skilled, he could use either technique. energy, they could apply so much Chojun Miyagi? Open handed, or strike with the fingers strength and energy in Sanchin practice. I don’t think so. As far as I know, there or closed fist, depending on the level Depending on when a person becomes was only one Sanchin. It was Chojun of knowledge and skill of the old, their body loses some of that Miyagi who developed the deep practitioner. But always open handed intensive energy and movements become breathing. techniques are much faster than closed softer by nature. Most importantly the I remember going back to the 1950’s, hand. practitioner should practice Sanchin in Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi’s Meibukan under the strict supervision of a qualified dojo. He practiced the Sanchin open Sensei, if you could give advice to people Sensei to prevent harm to the practitioner. handed; similar to the way we hold our starting the practice of Sanchin, what hands in the opening movements of would be the appropriate way to do it? Shisochin kata. When he did the move- First the posture, then movement, then the ment it was done slowly, deliberately, technique, then the breathing, then the muscles focus? Lex Opdam, Renshi, 5th They should try to learn step by step. Dan, is editor-in-chief of Good posture first, and then proper Meibukan Magazine and alignment of the body, where the head personal representative of should be held, proper alignment of the Sensei Anthony Mirakian. arms and the feet, the relationship of He interviewed his teacher the feet and the hands, then the in July 2004 during a visit at breathing control which should be Anthony Mirakian’s coupled with the movement of the Okinawan Karate-do hands. All this should be learned step Academy in Watertown, by step. It is better to start slow, and Massachusetts, USA. develop a slow progress, rather than trying to learn everything all at once and then failing. So they should go step by

Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of step. In the beginning they should It was Chojun Miyagi (photo) who developed the breathe as natural as possible. And then deep breathing.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 9 Science as a Weapon Applying the Scientific Method to Martial Arts Throughout time, scientists have waged war on established beliefs and concepts, continually seeking out that which is true. Using the same process as the scientist, we as martial artists are able to test our own theories regarding techniques and individual concepts regarding personal defense.

- by Casey S. Putney -

Daring to challenge time-honored play, the significance of each event must ever, we must ask several more probing traditions and customs, scientists have not be overlooked. Awareness is the key questions regarding the operating ten- succeeded in identifying new and to unlocking the scientific method, dencies of the art in question. How does amazing ways in which we might better the art address attacks from all ranges ourselves and improve our quality of “Only through training ourselves of combat? What are the art’s training life. One need only look as far as the philosophies regarding sparring? These technological revolution to quickly to maintain a certain state of are but a few of the questions that must understand the magnitude of the attentiveness throughout our daily be investigated when trying to answer the discoveries of these innovative dreamers. activities can we be truly prepared immediate question as to the effectiveness Never before have we as a people served for any and all situations that of Art X regarding self-defense. The witness to such magnificent and important might arise.” ability to perform competent research is discoveries. The technological revolution the key to excelling in the capacity of is undoubtedly well underway. Buried gathering relevant information. Infor- within this revolution, often overlooked, without it we simply live day to day in mation that will help us develop a is the primary weapon used by these a somewhat unconscious state. Only hypothesis as it relates to our original scientific warriors, the scientific method. through training ourselves to maintain question. Serving as a pathway to truth the scien- a certain state of attentiveness throug- tific method has served as catalyst to hout our daily activities can we be truly Hypothesis virtually every known scientific ad- prepared for any and all situations that A hypothesis is nothing more than what vancement this world has been subject might arise. Observation is the first step we believe to be the answer to our im- to witness. It serves as a tested procedure in the scientific method, as well as mediate question. Simply stated: Because for all to use whom possess the courage serving as the catalyst in our awareness of the information gathered and the to dream of a more effective and efficient of life. Without this stimulation of mind evidence of sufficient training philoso- way of doing things. Again and again and spirit we simply exist within our phies, we believe that Art X is indeed a throughout history the scientific method daily lives in a rather robotic condition functional way of training for self-defense. has labored in theoretical battle as scien- of consciousness, unacquainted with all It is important to note that the original tists and explorers alike have attempted that surrounds us. Simply being sensitive hypothesis is not always correct. Misinter- to test their conclusions against nature. to all that happens within our world, pretation of data, ignoring of facts or Using the same process as the scientist, however, is only the first step in the emotional involvement could possibly we as martial artists are able to test our scientific method. We must then begin serve as some reasons that an original own theories regarding techniques and our questioning of that which we hypothesis might be proven wrong individual concepts regarding personal observe. during the testing phase of the scientific defense. method. Questioning Observation Assume for instance that you observe a Testing The first step in the scientific method is mass influx of student interest and Quite possibly one of the most crucial that of observation. As practicing enrollment in dojo’s that feature the phases within the scientific method is martial artists we should be aware of newest “flavor of the month” martial art that of the testing of the hypothesis. All the happenings in the world around us. made popular by television or cinema. bias and personal feelings regarding the Any and all events regarding self- Almost naturally the first question that question at hand must be removed from protection must be observed as we go would be addressed is whether this the action of testing. One must remember through our daily lives. Whether our particular Art X is actually efficient that truth is the only result that is being observations occur in the dojo or regarding self-defense. In our quest to sought. To allow personal feelings training hall, local news, at work or at answer that particular question how- regarding the experiment to taint the

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 10 be answered regarding the effectiveness of Art X in self-defense situations. This Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts results in either our original hypothesis by Donn Draeger and being proven correct, or flaws within Robert Smith the hypothesis becoming evident, thus 182x257 mm, 2480 pp, over 200 photo’s & ill. requiring the development of a renewed available at hypothesis and testing cycle. Operating www.mikado.nl as a succession of phases the scientific www.amazon.com method will hence continue to test hypothesis after hypothesis until the COMPREHENSIVE ASIAN truth is revealed. FIGHTING ARTS

Fighting arts are as old as man himself and as The scientific method, time tested and varied as his languages. In Asia they devel- dependable, serves as yet another tool oped to a degree of effectiveness probably available to all students of the martial unsurpassed elsewhere in the world. Begin- “Man is the measure of all things”, a call for inquiry ning as hunting skills of prehistoric peoples, by artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. arts. By effectively utilizing the ideas these arts developed with the experience and concepts of observation, questioning, gained when man pitted himself against man. process will result in total failure of the development of hypothesis, testing of It comes as a surprise, then, to learn that at least some elements present in the Asian examination. hypothesis and the examination of data, combat methods were practiced in the West In order to test our hypothesis that Art practitioners of any and all forms of well over two thousand years ago. What Plato X is indeed an effective means of martial arts may now take a giant step called “fighting without an antagonist” (skiamachia) was an ancient form of shadow preparing oneself for self-defense, we to freedom within the martial arts boxing. And there were military dances called must ensure that we are actually community by testing for themselves pyrrhichia (“how to cope with an enemy”). performing our experiment in the proper what they believe to be true or false. Both types are counterparts of the kata or form training, a central part of all Asian combat format. Therefore, it is imperative that The scientific method offers once and techniques. Ancient Greek and Roman boxers we assess the success of Art X in an for all a systematic approach to truth, broke stones for spectators - a practice that environment that closely resembles a freedom and self-expression within the also enjoys popularity throughout Asia. The abdominal shout (Japanese: kiai, “spirit- real self-defense situation. Simply martial arts. meeting”) was used by Greeks, Romans, Irish, engaging in sparring sessions with an and other martial peoples. This book explains uncooperative opponent can easily the relationships between fighting arts, assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and solve the dilemma of reality testing. presents new material about hitherto unknown fighting methods. It covers fighting “No matter how much we liked methods and techniques found in eleven the flow of the techniques on the Asian countries -fighting techniques that The article was first published on range from the artful Chinese Tai Chi and big screen or how magnificently Burmese Bando to Japanese Jujutsu and the Submission Fighting in the UK lethal Pencak-Silat of Indonesia. Documen- the instructor performs during (www.sfuk.net) in February 2004. tation of these has been supplemented with a class, we must test the techniques wealth of fascinating anecdotes. The reader learns of the daring exploits of the Japanese for ourselves.” ninja, of Gama, perhaps the greatest of the Mr. Putney can be contacted at great Indian wrestlers, of the Indonesian Remember, no matter how much we [email protected]. “trance” fighters - and hundreds of other tales that serve to illustrate some of the most deadly liked the flow of the techniques on the fighting systems that the world has known. big screen or how magnificently the The late Donn F. Draeger, U.S. Marine Corps instructor performs during class, we officer and a historian of martial arts disciplines and licensed and recognized in must test the techniques for ourselves. Japan as a teacher of numerous martial arts, The question of whether a person of Casey S. Putney (B.S. is internationally recognized as one of the your individual height, weight, and Professional Aeronautics) world’s leading experts on the subject. He lived in Japan, China, Mongolia, Korea, physical ability can successfully perform is a freelance writer Malaysia and Indonesia. He was technical the self-defense techniques in question residing in Bellevue, director of the magazine Martial Arts must be answered in the appropriate way. International and he has authored and co- Nebraska. His martial authored numerous books on martial arts. His arts journey has endured books virtually all have become standard Examination works. Draeger also has served as the director a span of over 15 years Once we have tested our hypothesis we of the International Martial Culture Research resulting in training in Center, Tokyo. He died in 1982. Robert W. must examine the data accrued from our Smith, well-known teacher and widely trial. As in the testing phase of the many disciplines including published author, is one of the world’s leading experiment, it is essential that all Japanese Jujutsu, Muay experts on Chinese fighting forms and techniques, though his interests extend to personal feelings be ignored during the Thai and Brazilian fighting arts of all Asian countries. examination of the results. It is within Jujitsu. this phase that the original question will By Marc van Dam

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 11 The History of Goju-Ryu Karate, Part III New Ideas on Goju-ryu’s Direct Chinese Ancestors In this last part in a series of three, we continue the exploration of the Chinese influences on Goju-ryu. As we have seen in part II, through his independent research, Chojun Miyagi came to a different system than his Chinese teacher Kanryo Higaonna. But where did Miyagi learn the kata that do not come from Higaonna? To understand this, we need to know more of his friends within the Karate Research Club and the Chinese combat manual the Bubishi. - By Mathieu G. Ravignat -

Gokenki in diverse versions. It is also believed openhanded White Crane guard, may On his two trips to Fujian in China, in that Gokenki had something to do with have been influenced by Gokenki, but 1915 and 1936, Chojun Miyagi was the creation of the Tensho kata and that that it is impossible to tell for the others. accompanied by Gokenki. Gokenki he based it on his Rokkishu White Crane (Chinese: Wu Kiang or Wu Hsien Kuei, form. To Daiki 1887-1940), moved to Okinawa in 1910 According to McKenna, Gokenki taught the To Daiki (or Tang Daiji) was born in and worked for the Eiko Chako Tea following forms (McKenna 2000, p. 14): Yaosha 50 km west of Fuzhou, in Fujian Company. He taught White Crane in • Happoren (Babulian/Paipuren): province. In 1915, he came to Okinawa Okinawa between 1912 and his death eight linking steps; to work at his cousin’s teashop and in 1940. Gokenki was a close friend of • Nijuhachi-uchi (Ershibada or Chinese restaurant in Naha’s eastern Miyagi, Mabuni, Kyoda, Matayoshi, Neipai): twenty eight strikes; district. He quickly settled in and married Hanashiro, Kana Kinjo, and other future • Chukyo (Zhongkuang): middle an Okinawan woman called Ishira Michiko. masters. Gokenki was a respectful nick- save. Interestingly enough, Fujiwara and Gima name, a title bestowed by the locals believe that he taught a form of Five meaning “great and very honorable These forms may have affected the Ancestor Fist, which may have included master.” Chojun Miyagi kata in Goju. However, the forms: none of the other kata begin in the • Chinto (Chentou): sinking the head; “In Fujian, Gokenki introduced Miyagi characteristic White Crane opening • Sesan: great thirteen; to some important kung fu masters, other than Shisochin, nor do any of the • Wando: ?; and helped him to find books on above names sound familiar. Because • Goko Choyo: five tiger morning sun. Chinese martial arts. It is also believed of this, I propose the possibility that that Gokenki had something to do with Shisochin, which begins with the typical What is clear is that Five Ancestor Fist the creation of the Tensho kata.”

In Fujian, Gokenki introduced Miyagi to some important kung fu masters. He helped him to find books on Chinese martial arts and had an influence on the development of To’on-ryu of Kyoda; for example the kata Neipai. According to Seiko Kina, Chojun Miyagi and Gokenki used to spend long hours playing Go and drinking tea discussing the martial arts (Higaonna 1996, p. 65). Reportedly, Miyagi originally learned Neipai (also known as Naipaipo) from Gokenki, and Seiko Higa still practiced this kata as late as the 1940’s. However, though it was later dropped from the Goju curriculum for no apparent reason,

it survives in Shito-ryu and amongst Anthony Mirakian. Courtesy of some kobudo and Shorin-ryu practitioners Seiko Higa (left) is demonstrating

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 12 includes a form called Chentou (Sinking military strategist called Mao Yuan Yi. motivation for adding the kata Tensho the head). Interestingly enough the kata However, existing copies of this Bubishi with the help of Gokenki, came from the Chinto also begins with protecting and (or Wu Bei Zhi in Mandarin Chinese) Rokkishu hand techniques (see pictures lowering the head. Five Ancestor Fist do not include material found in the below) in the Bubishi. In addition, the also includes a form called Goko Sen Okinawan Bubishi though similarities name Goju-ryu comes from a verse in or Five Tiger Battles. between its thirty-two empty-handed the Poem of the Fist, or Kenpo Hakku, Five Ancestors was a form of kung fu techniques and those found in the contained in the Chinese Bubishi. especially taught in Quanzhou and Okinawan Bubishi do exist. Therefore, Finally, the general principles of hard Shamen (Amoy) districts of Fuzhou the connection between these two texts breathing and soft breathing and balancing where To Daiki lived. Given that he may be an older text. The thirty-two hard techniques and soft techniques and taught a form called Chinto (Chentou) empty-handed techniques in the Wu Bei the philosophy of Goju-ryu are contained and a form called Goko Choyo (Goko Zhi are thought to originate from the in the Bubishi. Sen) both similar to those in the Five famous Japanese pirate buster and Ancestor system, it is logical to conclude Chinese General Qi Jiguan’s (1522-87) Kenkyokai that he taught Five Ancestor Fist. treatise on war, the Jixiao Xinshu In 1926, Hanashiro Chomo Sensei with Probably through Gokenki a fellow published in 1561 (McCarthy 1995, p. the help of Chojun Miyagi reorganized Chinese tea merchant To Daiki befriended 27). the Ryukyu Toudi Kenkyukai (Toudi Chojun Miyagi and Kenwa Mabuni and “Miyagi probably believed that the means China Hand) to ensure the became part of the Karate Kenkyukai. Bubishi was an ancient text handed preservation of karate as an Okinawan He participated in a public demonstration down from master to student for treasure. Miyagi took out a loan to build in 1920 (Fujiwara & Gima 1986, p. 74). countless ages in the Chinese system, the new dojo for the club. The guarantor After some disaster, he left for China in and that it was learned by his teacher on the loan was none other than Gokenki. 1930 and he died there in 1937. If these The club established itself in Asahigoaka, Kanryo Higaonna. Therefore, he must dates are correct, conceivably he could Wakasa-cho, and Naha-Shi. The co- have been active in the Kenkyokai for have believed that it resumed the founders were Chojun Miyagi Sensei, 10 to 15 years; definitely long enough to essential principles of the style he Hanashiro Chomo, Motobu Choyo and have a profound influence on Chojun inherited from his teacher.” Kenwa Mabuni. Others masters who Miyagi’s karate. Though none of the frequented the club included Juhatsu forms above seem to have made it in However, Chojun Miyagi probably Kyoda, Seikichi Uehara, Shimpan the Goju-ryu system, it is possible that believed that the Bubishi was an ancient Gusukuma, Gokenki and another Chinese some of the remaining kata were created text handed down from master to person called To Daiki (Tang Daiji). All based on them. They also may have student for countless ages in the Chinese these people shared ideas and trained come directly from To Daiki since we system, and that it was introduced in together. They also developed many cannot discount that To Daiki may have Naha in 1828 and learned by his teacher new methods of training and taught each known other forms that we do not know Kanryo Higaonna. Therefore, he must other what they knew. It is here that about. have believed that it resumed the essential Morio Higaonna believes Miyagi first principles of the style he inherited from perfected his teaching method: Yobi The Bubishi his teacher. This would explain both undo (warm ups), Hojo undo (training The Bubishi is a Chinese kung fu manual Miyagi’s and Juhatsu Kyoda’s veneration with implements), basics, Sanchin and discussing the historical principles and for this book. Given the White Crane then kata (Higaonna 1996, p. 63). No techniques of the White Crane and content in the book, this would also doubt, contact with all these peers had Lohan styles of kung fu. The date of its explain why so many nahate practitioners an influence on the composition and composition and introduction to Okinawa sought Gokenki’s guidance. Incidentally, systematization of modern Goju-ryu. is contested. However, the late Dai this would also explain why Juhatsu However, it is unclear how far this Sensei Meitoku Yagi believed that it has Kyoda completed the Higaonna system influence goes, since the influences are its origins among the 36 Chinese families with the introduction of kata Nepai too many to be accounted for. that arrived in the Kume district of Naha (learned from Gokenki) and also why during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Mabuni introduced Nipaipo (his revised Conclusion to Part III Some others have proposed that the version of Gokenki’s Neipai), Hakucho It is clear that Gokenki, To Daiki, the Okinawan Bubishi is a section of a book and Paipuren (all from Gokenki) in his Bubishi and the Kenkyukai all had their written in the Ming dynasty by a famous system. It is believed that the primary respective influences on Chojun Miyagi

Sword Hand One Blade of Grass Hand Iron Sand Palm Blood Pool Hand Claw Hand Iron Bone Hand

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 13 1. To find genealogical information on the family of Ryu Ryu Ko to see whether or not there is an older relative who may have been a court official at the relevant period in time which may match the career of Wai Xianxian.

2. To find out where Buwa is, the place in Fujian in China that Chojun Miyagi mentioned during the 1936 Meeting of Masters. It is also paramount to reveal what martial arts were traditionally taught there.

Training Hojo undo under the watchful eye of Chojun Miyagi (fifth from the left). and the modern composition of Goju- older, different and known as Lohan Mathieu G. Ravignat B.A, ryu karate. What is unclear is whether (Rakanken). M.A. PI. Sci. is one of or not the non Higaonna kata introduced Sensei Hing-Poon Chan’s by Miyagi were learned or developed 2. The second question is what did senior students and is a from these sources or if they were strictly Chojun Miyagi Sensei learn in addition student at the All learned during Miyagi’s trips to Fujian, to Higaonna’s kata? American Goju-ryu or both. To which I have attempted to answer Meibukan Academy- that it is highly unlikely that Miyagi Canadian Headquarters. General Conclusion would have learned five kata from He is also the founder of During this essay, I have been able to Kanryo Higaonna that Juhatsu Kyoda the Stonelion Traditional narrow down the confusion over the did not. Secondly, that because there Chinese Martial Arts history of Goju-ryu to three major are clearly stylistic differences between questions: the Higaonna kata and the other kata in Association, founded in the Goju-ryu system, it is likely that 1993. 1. The first and most important is the Chojun Miyagi learned the other kata confusion stemming from the contra- from other Chinese sources; either from Bibliography dictory information coming from China Okinawa through Gokenki or To Daiki Higaonna, M. (1996). The History of Karate: as to who Ryu Ryu Ko was. The dates or during his trips to Fujian. Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Dragon Books. McCarthy, P. (1995). Bubishi: The Bible of found just do not make sense and the Karate, Tuttle. information as to his profession contra- 3. It is unclear to what extent other Miyagi, Ch. (1993). An Outline of Karate Do dicts the more consistent Okinawan influences in Okinawa may have contri- (transl. McCarthy), IRKS. sources. Based on this contradictory infor- buted to Goju-ryu. Specifically, it is McKenna, M. (2000). Wu Xianhui and Tang Daiji: Pioneers of Okinawan Karate, Dragon mation there has been an assumption unclear to what extent Gokenki and To Times Vol. 20, pp. 13-15. that Goju in its earliest form must be Daiki may have taught the other non McKenna, M. (2000). Wu Xianhui and Tang from Whooping White Crane. Never- Higaonna kata to Miyagi. Daiji: Pioneers of Okinawan Karate, Dragon theless, as we have seen the information Times Vol. 20, 2000, pp. 13-15. which leads to this opinion also makes In answer to this question, I have Nagamine, S. (2000). Tales of Okinawa’s Great Masters (transl. McCarthy), Tuttle. it highly unlikely that it is true. Though proposed that Gokenki influenced the Ohtsuka, T. (1991), Bubishi, Baseball a similarity with the names of the kata creation of Tensho and perhaps the Magazine. and forms does prove to be fertile inclusion of Shisochin. Secondly, that Swift, Ch. J. (2003), The Kenpo of Kume ground, the actual performance of the To Daiki may have taught kata to Village. Dragon Times Vol. 23, pp. 10, 11, 12, 34. Whooping White Crane forms and the Miyagi which we do not know of. Yagi, M., Wheeler, C., Vickerson, B. (1998). Higaonna kata are significantly different. Thirdly, that the Kenkyukai had a Okinawan Karate-Do Gojyu Ryu Meibukan, To solve these contradictions I have definite pedagogical influence. Fourthly, Action Press. proposed that: that the Bubishi had a theoretical and Disclaimer 1. The name Ryu Ryu Ko in Okinawa philosophical affect. This article represents the opinions and speculations actually refers phonetically to Wai of the author and in no way should be taken as a Xianxian and not the Ryu Ryu Ko found reflection of the historical opinions of the All American Goju-Ryu Meibukan Academy or of its in the records in China. New Avenues of Research branches. It is designed to incite discussion and 2. Wai Xianxian, Higaonna’s first teacher There are two avenues of research that thought on the Chinese origins of Goju Ryu Karate. in China was of an older generation. the conclusions of this essay propose To this end the author invites all who would like to cordially discuss such historical matters to contact 3. The style learned by Higaonna, though to be important for the future of Goju- him at the following email address: related to Whooping White Crane, was ryu’s Chinese connection. [email protected].

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 14 What is ki?

After practising the right punches Mario McKenna went on a search for the meaning of the mysterious ki. Through experiencing pleasure and flow he ends up with an ancient meditation technique. McKenna, who teaches karatedo and kobudo, shares his thoughts on ki and one simple exercise. Well, simple...

- by Mario McKenna -

Not that I am that old, but when I was a where emphasis was placed on logical, energy being released by an object or young karateka I concentrated on rational and analytical thinking, this organism. In fact the concept of ki is so developing good, solid technique. Let’s answer didn’t help me very much. In prevalent in the Japanese language that face it, the spiritual side of karate wasn’t fact, it just added to my confusion. it is an integral part of many words and going to interest a teenager and I was Practice and I’ll feel it? What exactly idioms. For example, genki (vigor; hardly an exception. Sure I did my obli- am I supposed to feel? The concept of energy), kibun (feelings), kien (high gatory “mokuso”, but that was as far as ki again dropped to the wayside. spirits), kiomo (gloom), kikaru (light- it went. I was much more interested in heartedness), the list is almost endless. punching the makiwara than sitting in Vapor and rice What we can see in these examples then, seiza. After I moved to Japan where I stayed is that at a basic level, ki has quite a lot for eight years, I came into contact with to do with the human emotional state. Flower-child all manner of budo, religion, meditation, Now you might ask yourself what this This all didn’t change that much until I the esoteric, the mundane and the just has got to do with budo? Well, every- entered university and came into plain weird. However, through all these thing. A budoka who cannot control his contact with other budo groups, mostly encounters, the concept of ki started to or her emotions, will never be able to kendo, judo and aikido. Out of those make a little more sense. Why? Because apply any technique or respond appro- three I was most struck by the aikidoka. it was everywhere. You couldn’t swing priately when he or she absolutely needs Sitting and talking to them gave me a a dead cat in Japan without encountering to. Raw emotion quickly undermines whole new perspective on budo, what I the concept of ki. Let me explain. Ki and destroys any technique, no matter labeled the “flower-child” mentality. was originally written as a “vapor” and how much training the person has had. They constantly talked about things that “rice”, implying some sort of ethereal I considered quite esoteric, “harmonizing with your opponent”, “being one with the universe” and of course “ki”. We discussed things and compared ideas, but compared to the aikidoka, I suppose I had a “hammerhead” mentality because I didn’t have much use for those concepts. I thought , “How are those things going to help me smash my opponent into nothing?” No real practical application, so not much use to me. At least that was how I thought. The aikido guys would just sigh and say that I just didn’t get it. After my encounter with the aikidoka, I started to bring up the topic of ki with my teacher, Kinjo Sensei, a very down- to-earth Okinawan gentleman. He stated quite frankly that his teacher had never discussed the concept of ki with him, but he intuitively felt that it existed. “But how do you know it exists?”, I asked him. “You just feel it”, he would answer. Now, having been educated in a Western school setting Morihei Ueshiba demonstrating aikido.

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 15 That which is pleasurable you’re training. They never said you’ve can only come from yourself. And can So, ki reflects our emotional state and a got to get in there and kill yourself when only be achieved through forgetting controlled emotional state is essential you train. Who wants to do that and end your own self (ego). In order to forget for a budoka. So how should ki be seen up crippled? That’s ridiculous. your own self you must have a singular or defined from a budoka point of view? concentration on the moment which Well, to give you an idea of ki’s impor- Flow requires you to remove all other dis- tance and its implications, let’s look at Looking at Todd Sensei’s definition we tractions or obstacles. When you can the following definition of ki by the late can see the idea and importance of a achieve mushin you have removed all Walter Todd Sensei (Skoss, 1995). In highly energized and pleasurable emo- distractions and have perfect concen- my opinion this is one of the best no- tional state. For myself, after reading tration and are able to see the truth for nonsense definitions of ki I have read. this, things started to make a little more what it is. You have forgotten yourself. sense. Especially if you compare it to In karate, kobudo or Chinese kempo, Yes, I wanted to demystify aikido and studies investigating peak performance, when you practice, your goal should be make it simple so that anybody could or collegially referred to as “flow”. the same; achieving that singular understand it, at least on a lower level. According to Goleman (1995, p. 103) concentration and forgetting yourself. Just like when they talk about ki – I have flow refers to: “a state of self-forget- The kata and movements found in budo my own interpretation of what ki is – fulness, the opposite of rumination and are Zen. Their common denominator is but when I ask aiki people to explain to worry: instead of being lost in nervous the elimination of the self. When you me what ki is, 99% of them give me the preoccupation and worry, people in can achieve this state of forgetting old “Well, you’re just not ready to flow are so absorbed in the task at hand yourself, it is an absolutely wonderful understand it. You’ll understand it when that they lose all self-consciousness, feeling. you’re ready.” dropping the small preoccupations – Well I say that’s a cop-out. If you really health, bills, even doing well – of daily understood it, you could explain it. Here life. In this sense, movements in flow you are trying to teach ki and you don’t are egoless. Paradoxically, people in even understand it. At least when I teach flow exhibit a masterly control of what I can explain what ki is. I have my own they are doing, their responses are little definition of ki, which is: “Ki is perfectly attuned to the changing demands the spirit of the movement, from of the task. And though people perform movement to movement, seeking that at their peak while in flow, they are which is pleasurable.” unconcerned with how they are doing, with thoughts of success or failure – the “It’s the feeling of the movement, sheer pleasure of the act itself is what motivates them.” going from movement to movement, seeking that which is pleasurable. Interviewer: You have studied many So when we’re working out and different forms of martial arts. Is there you catch me on a really beautiful any one in particular that you are fond throw, it feels good, doesn’t it? Like of? Murakami: No there isn’t any one in Mario McKenna a little ‘body orgasm’.” particular that I like. They are all unique. It’s not like I feel, “oh it’s Breathe And most teachers would not agree Monday so I should practice Tai Chi Murakami Sensei’s answer to cultivating because of one word: pleasurable. They Chuan” or “it’s Thursday so I have to and benefiting from ki is a simple one, say, “You’re making it sound exotic or practice Shorin-ryu”. Personally, no to focus the mind by singularly concen- erotic or something.” No. It’s the feeling matter how hard I practice or how well trating on the task at hand. Again, of the movement, going from movement I perform a technique, I never think, Western scientific research corroborates to movement, seeking that which is “oh, I’m never going to perfect this Murakami Sensei’s belief that argues pleasurable. So when we’re working out technique”, that is not the focus of my that a sharp focused attention to the and you catch me on a really beautiful training. What is important is that in activity or task at hand is essential to throw, it feels good, doesn’t it? Like a each moment I am focused on that entering “flow” or getting your ki moving little “body orgasm.” And those are the technique, I lose myself in it and enter (Goleman, 1995). But this is not as easy things that keep us in the martial arts. into a state of mushin (literally “no as it seems and requires quite a lot of When the body does a good movement mind”). This type of training is a form discipline to get passed that initial it feels good! And that feeling at that of Zen training, more specifically the hurdle. The mind has a tendency to moment is ki at its best manifestation. Soto Zen (the school of Zen Buddhism wander and become distracted easily. Ueshiba and Tohei, they both said founded by Dogen Zenji). Zen Buddhism If you don’t believe me, try the following you’re supposed to feel good when teaches that the truth (of your existence) rudimentary exercise used in Zen. In a

House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 16 Would you like to write or share a serious article or interview with Meibukan Magazine? Don’t hesitate and feel free to write us!

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Mario McKenna with his To’on-ryu teacher Sensei Shigekazu Kanzaki. Meibukan Magazine is pleased to submit views, concerns and experiences on any quiet location, sit opposite a wall in a then I’d realize my mind is wandering subject matter IF related to the mission statement expressed by the Meibukan comfortable position either cross-legged again. Damn! Back to zero! Magazine. Therefore articles, photographs or in seiza (you can use a zabuton or Once you can do this simple exercise, and illustrations are welcome, although cushion). Keep your back perfectly try doing it while you practice kata. You Meibukan Magazine is selective and can straight and focus your gaze towards the will be surprised at the results as ki or not guarantee that submissions will be placed. Submissions can be mailed to our wall, slightly downward. Your eyes flow creates its own feedback loop and P.O. Box by floppy, CD or DVD, or can produces a state devoid of emotional be sent to our e-mail address. “Slowly breathe in through the nose baggage, save the pleasure it generates. to a count of one and slowly exhale Meibukan Magazine is a non-profit Mario McKenna is a 5th periodical. We do not generate financial through the nose to a count of one. funds and therefore can not pay for any Try to complete this cycle 20 times. degree black belt in karatedo contributions. Easy you say? Just wait. You must (To’on-ryu) and Ryukyu Together with the publication of your kobudo. He has practiced article, we offer you world wide publicity not have ANY distractions.” karatedo for over 20 years for your name and biography. If you have and kobudo for 10 years. He your own website, we will be happy to should be relaxed, but not closed. Now, add your url to the pdf-edition in which resided in Japan from 1994 slowly breathe in through the nose to a your article is published. to 2002. McKenna now count of one and slowly exhale through teaches To’ on-ryu, Goju-ryu the nose to a count of one. Try to complete and Ryukyu Kobudo at the this cycle 20 times. Easy you say? Just Kitsilano dojo in Vancouver, Do you want to share your wait. You must not have ANY distractions. Canada. thoughts and opinion about If your mind starts to think about Read more on him at something else besides the rhythm and www.mariomckenna.com. our magazine and its the counting of breaths, go back to zero content? Please mail us and start again. If you get to five or six ([email protected]) and start thinking, “Gee this is easy”, References and let us now what you Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: go back to zero. You are absolutely Why it can matter more than IQ. New York: think. Received messages will allowed no extraneous thoughts. When Bantam Books. not go public and are used I first learned this simple exercise, I McKenna, M. (1999). An Interview with only for our own reflections. thought I had a fairly good concentration Murakami Katsumi: The Heart of Ryukyu’s level. Boy, was I wrong. I spent most Martial Ways. In: Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Vol. 8(4). of the day going back to zero because Skoss, M. (1995). Walter Todd: An Interview, my mind kept distracting me. I’d get to www.aikidojournal.com (republished: 19 and think, “I’m almost finished.”, www.koryu.com).

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