OKINAWAN SEITO MATSUMURA SHORIN RYU KARATE/KOBUJUTSU

Training Trip To Italy March 2009!

2009-03-13T00:09:00.007Z

I have recently returned from a trip to train with Giuseppe Sensei in Italy, and what a few days it was!

As always we trained very hard, and I was looked after by my friends.

On the sunday Sensei had organised a seminar where I taught Tegumi methods to around 30 fellow martial artists - Sensei then taught some Tuite methods which were very interesting.

The karate was top quality, and I have now formed an important link for myself and dojo with Giuseppe Sensei for Seito Matsumura Karate/Kobujutsu and Mari Sensei for Katori Shinto Ryu by them both accepting me as a direct student, I am very honoured.

I enjoyed training with all the students, my Sempai and Sensei and look forward to our next trip to Italy in June/July, and to our Italian friends coming to England in October.

Thankyou Bushido Academy - Ciao Ciao !

Jim

A Great loss.....

2008-12-23T01:14:00.005Z

http://www.cw-fc.com/karate/articles/about_kosei_nishihira.htm

One of my greatest disapointments is not being able to have made the trip to Okinawa in time, to meet Nishihira Sensei before he passed, his karate is inspiring to me and I aim to do my best and practice hard what little I know about it.

Rest in peace Sensei.

I now hope that I can simply learn from his surviving Senior Students as best I can, and teach this to my students,

Jim

Talking................Training

2008-10-30T10:56:00.002Z

I have recently been thinking about the different types of people who train martial arts (scary.....) and possibly the reasons why (scary as well!).

One of the traits I have noticed over the years is there are generally three 'types' of people who train, those who talk alot when they should be training, those who train to much, and should have a chat now and again and those who find a nice balance between the 2.

Clearly there is no rights or wrongs here, I proberly talk and train to much for most peoples tastes! But my point is at least I do indeed train alot...............

My general view is that most of us talk to much in training time, there is time in the pub after dojo time to go into real detail or off at real tangents, obviously the nature of karate does mean we talk during training, but lets try and make it relevant to the training!

This way we get more useful work done, and everyone moves forward.

Jim

Karate Grappling ???????????

2008-08-05T14:45:00.008+01:00

Charles Goodin Sensei excellent article -

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.seinenkai.com/uehara.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.seinenkai.com/art-sumo.html&h=116&w=170&sz=6&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=PZay3rIqm_GnkM:&tbnh=68&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dokinawan%2Bsumo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

It's pretty common knowledge that the classical kata contain methods of not only striking, kicking and blocking - but also methods of locking, strangling, throwing etc etc.

My personal belief is that Okinawan Karate, is a method of life preservation, the actual 'fighting' element of that should and indeed does contain - grappling, otherwise it simply wouldn't work in self defence effectivly for most.

The art when modernised and exported top Japan, generally was done so with large training groups in it's mind, to forge a strong fighting spirit and sport as it's main goal, if you wanted to grapple then Judo and JuJutsu was there already.

But historically several Karate Masters were involved with Okinawan Sumo (the modern tegumi?), heres one such example -

'Dave Lowry has therefore speculated that the contest between Motobu and Yabu was not in karate, but in tegumi, or Ryukyuan sumo (Lowry, 1985, 13). That sounds plausible, especially since Yabu went out of his way to organize tegumi matches during the Okinawan celebrations held near Fresno in July 1921 and August 1922. Says the History of Okinawans in North America (1988, 339): Sergeant Kentsu Yabe was a great fan of sumo. In Okinawa, he had been so enthusiastic that he got involved in every match that came up. His talking of sumo fired up all the younger men, and they decided to hold a big match. Considering the absence of entertainment in the life of the issei [first generation] immigrant, those who participated in the sumo returned home pleased and happy.'

taken from an article written by Joe Svinth, avalaible here in full -http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://ejmas.com/jcs/yabu/Yabu1908.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_svinth_0603.htm&h=400&w=300&sz=17&hl=en&start=42&um=1&tbnid=9dEcMgEg11c-lM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtegumi%26start%3D21%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

Over recent years the word 'tegumi' (lit kumite in reverse, interesting?) has become popular in karate 'talk' to describe the grappling element of the art, it is widely believed that the original 'tegumi' art transferred into simple, sport version - Okinawan Sumo, shown here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYoX9280yCU

Okinawan Sumo is an element of Okinawan culture, it has been mentioned by several karate historians and masters (some who were heavily involved in the sport) as an activity alot of young men got involved in,

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CdEYejPas_8/SFZaghfVJOI/AAAAAAAAApw/022NLyIDMVc/Waiting+to+Wrastle.JPG
I have only been told of 1 'proper' Okinawan Sumo school still active on the islands, im sure theres more of course.

Heres a report of a relativly recent friendly 'Okinawan Sumo' match between American's stationed on the islands and some Okinawan people -

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/public%2520affairs%2520info/Images%2520Complete/HighResImages/060526-sumo3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/public%2520affairs%2520info/Archive%2520News%2520pages/2006/060526-sumo.html&h=900&w=614&sz=568&hl=en&start=12&um=1&tbnid=ZvF_FJ0ATRnI_M:&tbnh=146&tbnw=100&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dokinawan%2Bsumo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

The Okinawan Sumo shown is 'martially' nothing special (no offence to the skill shown), you see this kind of activity in many, many cultures, in fact nearly all if you go back in time - wrestling was just a popular way to test your metal and beat the next village!

Heres a recent TV video on the sport in Okinawa -

http://www.okinawabbtv.com/news/ok_news/movie_page/b04023574_news_makishi_ugan.html

The big question is, did tegumi (now Okinawna Sumo?) become part of old karate practice? Well that is extremely hard to prove I'm afraid, simply not enough 'solid' evidence, but then again trying to prove anything in relation to karate history is somewhat of a challenge.

I first heard the word 'Tegumi' from Patrick McCarthy Sensei, about 10 years ago (I think), he uses the term to describe his excellent 2 - person drills, often involving grappling but not limited to such.

I then discussed this tegumi element of karate with Bill Hayes Sensei, whom assured me that 'old' karate does indeed contain all the elements of grappling needed to look after oneself, it was just rarely taught these days, but it was part of training for application, along with Hojo Undo etc etc.

Of course all of the people I discuss this with see the Tuite (or Chin-na, Grabbing Hand), ie the locks, trips, throws, pressure point work, strangles etc etc Bunkai from the kata.

To apply the strikes, kicks and blocks of karate kumite (drills/sparring) is used, my logic followed that to apply the Tuite elements of karate, something 'live' was needed.

So I took it upon myself, and with the full support of several seniors to allow a Tegumi section to develop within my dojo, it's really nothing special - in fact it's very, very basic, stand up grappling to aid the delivery of the classical kata technique against a 'live' opponent.

I see tegumi as a delivery mechanism, a way of realistic, safe'ish training rather than a set of ancient techniques passed form master to student (the classicla kata do that),

It doesn't and wouldn't compete with any of the grappling specific arts or combat sports as it makes up a small part of karate's strategy for life preservation, which IMO is most certainly striking and mobility led.

But it is important, as in reality grappling happens in real life, perhaps the situation is not serious enough for striking? Perhaps your punch didn't drop them? perhaps your simply calming someone down and want to hold them until assistance comes?

One of the core messages of our tegumi practice is to keep on ones feet, this is learnt by grappling for positional advantage (note Okinawan Sumo is lost by your back touching the ground, and sturdy belts are worn and gripped - ie no positional work of any depth),

Tegumi is a good way to learn the mechanics of pushing, pulling, dropping the weight, lifting the weight and of course twisting. We also get to protect our centre line, watch our heads don't clash and understand what happens when we are grabbed on clothing or indeed flesh..............it's a great practice, and very hard work.

So to those that feel tegumi is an issue, I agree it can't be proved historically, it can't not be proved historically either -we do it anyway!

Happy wrestling!

Jim

Our Italian Friends Have Visited Us In England !

2008-08-01T00:05:00.008+01:00

Group training at the Shinseido honbu, Sevenoaks, England.

I am pleased to announce that Giuseppe Sensei, his wife and students Mari and Mauro have visited the UK, August 2008.

We arranged a series of training sessions over 4 days, Thu 14th (2 hours), Fri 15th (2 hours), Sat 15th (4 hrs) and Sun 17th (6 hrs), the sessions were split between our dojo in Uckfield (Thu, Sat) and the Shinseido Honbu in Sevenoaks (Fri, Sun).

Many aspects of the late Nishihira Sensei Seito Matsumura Shorin Ryu were covered with Giuseppe Sensei, Mauro Sensei and Mari Sensei leading the training.

The whole event was superb with an extremly high level of friendliness, skill and knowledge coming from our Italian friends.

We also visited Brighton (Fish and Chips on the pier no less) and had a group meal in Uckfield.

It is my hope that this is the first of many such exchanges of friendship and Seito Matsumura Karate.

My thanks to all those involved in making this happen, particulary to Scot (a student of mine) & Anna (his wife) and my long suffering wife Monique for all the hospitality shown.

Ciao !

Jim

Bloody Belt Up................

2008-07-28T17:04:00.006+01:00

Belts in karate are an important thing for most students, I think the feeling of being rewarded with something visual is always desired, that way everyone knows you have worked hard and are good, or perhaps better than the lower grades...............

Of course I have had those feelings to, one thing is for sure is when I don't feel those things, and just train, I enjoy my karate much more.

The karate belt is a necessary evil for us, we need to have 'some' structure to fit in with the rest of the karate world, it is also expected by students and simply would be to big a deal for most.

However it must be put in it's place, it is a by product of good training, not the intended benefit.

It can, of course be done in an open and posative way, essentially we only have 3 student grades, Green, Brown and black at our dojo, we do not formally 'test', but rank is awarded by assesment over a 3 month period of training, mainly by me but supported by the other OMAA or ISKK Sensei where appropiate.

Outside of the required physical (techniques,drills etc etc) and mental content (strategy, tactics etc etc) I like to think of these things as important elements to allow progress -

White to Green - good attendance and effort shown in the dojo to grasp the techniques shown.

Green to Brown - a good level of technical ability, a good level of resilience in the drills.

Brown to Black - a good level of ability in understanding the techniques and a solid, basic understanding of Bunkai, and therefore actual application.

Of course in realtion to character development, well if your a member of our dojo thats already mostly done, training does change us and mostly for the better as a by product, and a welcome one.

Jim

Okinawan History - Social, Political and Cultural

2008-06-12T23:36:00.005+01:00

Anyone who knows me in relation to karate will tell you I have more than a passing interest in the history of Okinawan Karate, whilst this book is not specific to karate at all ,it does outline historial aspects of Okinawa, looking at the social, political and cultural aspects.

Personally I find this book the best easily avalaible to get a 'picture' of where our art came from, and to assist my understanding of the main influences of its development.

It's a tough read (im no academic), but im on about my 5th read through and I always pick up interesting information.

If you are seriously interested in the History Of Okinawa, then this book IMO is the best avalaible to give a broad outline and undertanding of the island people.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Okinawa-History-George-H-Kerr/dp/0804820872/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213310244&sr=8-2

also here is some good online 'general' history of Okinawa, well worth a look -

http://www.uchinanchu.org/uchinanchu/history_of_uchinanchu.htm

Jim

Seito Matsumura Friends In Italy, Europe !

2008-06-04T22:23:00.014+01:00

Giuseppe Sensei, Myself and 3 of his Senior Students.

I am just back from my family's holiday in Italy, I had been invited to visit to the Bushido Academy (in Milan, Italy) to meet and train with Giuseppe Sensei, a Senior Student of the late Nishihira Sensei.

We arranged to meet at 8.30am on Sunday 25th May, Giuseppe Sensei and Mari very kindly drove over an hour to pick me up.

From our first handshake I was welcomed and treated like an old friend, we arrived at the dojo where we trained for several hours, I was invited to lead training and after a couple of hours Giuseppe Sensei did the same, we covered kata, worked Nishihira Sensei Kumite drills, some Kobudo kata and Kumite, some Tegumi concepts and bunkai from the Pinan Kata as I work it.

The standard of karate at the Bushido Academy was extremly high. We also adopted an 'open' dojo in relation to filming, so I have more video to help me along in my research of the system.

After a good workout I was honoured with some gifts and we all went to lunch at a local (and excellent Chinese eatery), I was treated to lunch, and then dropped off back to my family.

Many aspects of Nishihira Sensei karate was discussed and demonstrated throughout the day.

My sincere thanks go to Giuseppe Sensei and his students, I really do look forward to further training with the group both in Italy and England, UK.

Ciao !

Jim

Words Of Matsumura?

2008-05-18T13:27:00.003+01:00

Sokon Matsumura's letter about Martial Arts, written May 13, 1882

To:
My wise and young brother Kuwae Ryosei

You can only understand the true way of the martial arts through determination and continuous training. It is quite interesting to note that the martial arts and the methods of scholarly study parallel each other at a fundamental level.
When examining the methods of scholarly study, we find there are three distinct elements or methods:

The first method is the study of powerful words, skills needed in communication and the pursuit of high-paying positions.

The second method is the study of comparing the wisdom of traditional literature, and instilling a sense of duty by way of example.

Despite the fact that these two methods are both unique, they fall short of comprehending the true essence of the way. They encompass only a superficial comprehension of scholarly studies, so they should be regarded as incomplete.

The third method of literary study is a complete method. By understanding this third method is how we can understand the true way. Some of the things that it teaches us how to do are the following:

(1) To gain a more profound understanding(2) To gain strength from our weaknesses(3) To become more sincere(4) To become more righteous(5) To better control our emotions(6) To have more peace in our homes.

This is a doctrine that can be applied to not only our country, but to the whole world. Therefore, only this study is a complete one.

If we investigate the martial arts, we also see that there are three distinct divisions or elements in them:

The first method, or division, is more like a game of psychology and tactics. It actually has no practical application in fighting, but it is more like pretty dancing. It is quite superficial.

The second method is nothing more than physical exercises. Its only goal is to win. In this there is no virtue. The practitioners of this method are contentious. Many times they bring injury to others and to themselves. Very often they cause dishonor to come upon members of their family.
The third method, in contrast, is always performed with conviction. The practitioners of this third method gain a solemn enlightenment, free of strife and depravity. It promotes loyalty among family, friends and country. It also promotes a natural demeanor, which develops a gallant character.

If you have an unconquerable calmness, you can overcome the enemy without force, with the ferocity of a tiger and the swiftness of a bird.

Some traits of this third method:
(1) It prohibits intentional violence
(2) It rules the actions of the warrior
(3) It edifies
(4) It promotes virtue
(5) It promotes peace among the people
(6) It produces harmony in society
(7) It brings about prosperity

These are called the "Seven Virtues of the Martial Arts." They were taught by wise men, and are contained in a book called the Godan-sho.

Thus, the true way of the martial arts has more than one element in it. A wise man does not need the first or second methods. All he needs is the third method.

In this method, you will find the true way.

This unconquerable strength will deeply influence your judgment in recognizing opportunities and in taking appropriate action. The circumstances will always determine what the correct approach is that you should take.

It might seem like I have no respect for the other two fighting methods, but my conviction is rooted immovably in the doctrine of the third method. I have revealed my words to you. There is nothing left secret or hidden in my mind, nothing held back. If you accept and heed my words, you will find the true way.

Signed:
Bushi Matsumura, May 13, 1882

enjoy, Jim !

Visit To Dentokan At SOAS England

2008-02-11T19:37:00.004Z

Stephen Chan Sensei

Myself and Senior Chris Norman Sensei made a visit to London, England to train with the Dentokan group headed by Stephen Chan Sensei.

We recieved a very friendly welcome and were put through the paces working Kihon, Kihon Kumite, Kata and Tonfa.

More details of this excellent dojo at - http://www.dentokan.org/V3/EN/Index.htm

Unfortunatly I will not be able to re-visit more than 1/4ly but I look forward to these sessions in the future and getting to know the group better.

Thankyou Chan Sensei,

Jim

RyeTe In Brighton, England !

2008-01-27T19:16:00.001Z

Early Picture Of Oyata & Logue Sensei

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the sunday training (3 hours, £15!) organised by Terry Wingrove Sensei, at Zoltan Sensei Brighton dojo.

Jim Logue Sensei is a 9th Dan Senior personal student of Oyata Sensei, RyuTe and family art.

1st important thing is Logue Sensei was an absolute gentleman, very softly spoken and open. His skill and application was of an extremly high level, as was his knowledge.

Basically we worked a variety of painful/effective applications from the Naihanchi and Passai kata, and also explored body mechanics (keep it simple!), a great emphasis was placed on 'body change' (using weight shift to a kosa dachi) which illistrated a couple of very interesting distance and timing concepts.

One major thing was really enforced (again) for me, is that that Tuite/Kyosho comes from chin-na, something I have now confirmed from several senior instructors, from different Okinawan Ryu.

A superb training oppertunity, and im very sad I couldn't make the 2 sessions held on the saturday at Bisham Abbey.

Here is some footage of Oyata Sensei for your reference -

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=oyata

whilst todays seminar was not a 'knockout' day, kyusho was implied at all stages, certainly reinfocing the important elements of accuracy and skill IMO in RyuTe.

For more information on RyuTe visit -

http://www.ryute.com/

Jim

Great Britain Massive Meet !

2007-11-23T12:13:00.002Z

BUDOSAI - RESOUNDING SUCCESS
An eclectic mix of instructors and students from 12 countries converged on the National Sports Centre Bisham Nr,Marlow, Bucks, England over the weekend of 3/4/5th Aug and with instructors from Japan,Okinawa & China the three day BUDOSAI event covered 5 disciplines(Karate,Aikido,Iiaido,Jujitsu & Wushu) and was a first in respect to getting these particular masters on the same mat.

The line-up of masters included Morio Higaonna (together with assistant instructors Tetsuji Nakamura & Eric Higaonna), Shinyu Gushi (with assistant instructor Makoto Fukumoto),Yukiyoshi Marutani, Kando Shibamori (assistant instructor Tibor Rostas), Pan Cheng Miao, Pan Qiong Qi, Chen Jian Feng (assisted by Martin Watts), Alan Ruddock, Alex Da Costa, and additional assistance from senseis George Andrews and Tony Christian plus instructors from CYBERBUDO. Also attending the event from Los Angeles was David Chambers publisher of Classical Fighting Arts magazine and his daughter Alexandra.

I attended this event, it was a fantastic weekend, I will be there next year.

visit http://www.cyberbudo.com/ for information on events organised by the CYBERBUDO group.

Jim

Events And Friends Of Shoshinkan

2007-10-09T22:21:00.001+01:00

Over the last 18 months we have held several day seminars and invited many friends, my thanks to you all for your support of the dojo.

I have stopped the seminars this year to focus on my own weekend training, but am missing them so will arrange some dates for next year, details to follow.

Jim

Some Members Of Our Dojo

2007-10-09T22:12:00.003+01:00

Our dojo is a small one, long may that last! We generally have 4-6 students train each session.

However we are looking for a few more students aged 16 plus to join us for long term training in classical Okinawan Shorin Ryu karate/KobuJutsu.

I have decided that for this year we will remain with just thursday group sessions, however private training is avalaible, a £10 donation to dojo funds is the cost currently to students.

Jim

2007-06-11T22:40:00.000+01:00

Karate - My Art, is a very interesting compilation and translation of Motobu Choki O'Sensei works, presented by Patrick & Yuriko McCarthy.

If you have a genuine interest in 'old style' Okinawan Karate then this small book is an absolute must have!

Avalaible from here - http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/motobu_choki_book.htm

McCarthy Sensei does a wonderful job in giving us a glimpse of the good stuff!

Jim

Okinawan Information Links

2007-03-17T12:40:00.002Z

Love it or hate it Youtube allows many of us to see and hear things we other wise never would, please take a look at the various RyuKyu clips avaliable at -

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=ryukyu&search_sort=relevance&search_category=0&page=1

for lots of historical and current okinawan news and information visit -

http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/eng/ryukyu/

a good place to start getting information on the Historical RyuKyu Kingdom Period is here -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%ABky%C5%AB_Kingdom

Jim

Okinawan Cultural Events In England, UK

2007-03-17T12:26:00.003Z

Myself and various friends visit a London University to attend gatherings of Okinawan people and their family's and friends. The focus is on music, sanshin practice.

The music was very interesting, a very casual approach and very much a social occasion. Obviously alot of skill is involved with this instrument, I particulary enjoy the singing!

We discuss many aspects of Okinawan culture, history and traditions and are honoured to be part of the group.

Towards the end we are sometimes asked to show some of our karate,

Our particular thanks to Hisano and James who I have spoken to for a while to arrange these meetings, I hope to attend each 1/4.

If you would like to join us please contact me to discuss arrangements, we also tend to train somewhere, visit the local Oriental bookshops and blag our way into a rather nice library!

Write up in the okinawna Times re one of our visits -

http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/kaigai/kaigai20070407.html

Jim

WHAT DO YOU HIT ?

2006-12-31T13:50:00.000Z

Here is a picture of the 2 main pieces of kit that I hit, regulary!

The first is a hanging natural rough cotton 'sand bag', simply about the size of a human head and filled with coarse sand. I use this to train the weaker hand formations (ippon ken's, nukite, leopard paw etc etc) and as it simply adjusts in height also my toe kicks, it has movement and extra weight is added as I progress, I am loking to prgoress to small pebbles one day, maybee.............ouch!

The 2nd picture is of course the makiwara, 'the' classical Okinawan training device used to work the basics, my good friend Jon at www.makiwarapost.com built this for me.

I use many different strikes but my regular focus is on the punch, the makiwara forces me to work 'form' and ensures my body is in correct alignment to deliver efficient power, a secondary benefit is the conditioning of the fist - a serious consideration for the safe application of our karate.

I do work the standard heavy bag also, it is a great device for power generation and should not be neglected, but I sincerly feel that it is just part of a rounded training program.

SO JUST HOW OLD IS OKINAWAN KARATE ?

2006-09-13T09:58:00.000+01:00

A Chinese man named Kung Kusanku taught 'Tode' Sakugawa the kata, known as Kushanku.

This kata was first demonstrated publically on Okinawa in 1761, thus making the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate system around 250 years old - for me, ask anyone else and they will of course have their own awnser!

It should be noted however that in 1392 the Chinese mission (36 family's) was established in Naha (Kume village), this is the original source from which the Chinese fighting traditions were systematically transmitted in Okinawa. (making Okinawan 'Karate' over 600 years 'old').

If one is looking for the Chinese 'origin' of our art, then I take the 950 (Tang dynasty) as my 'loose' reference, ie making the our art over 1000 years old, this is my assumption that our art is indeed the Okinawan presentation of the early long fist Arhat Boxing of the Shaolin order, combined of course with many other things, over time (inc White Crane Boxing much later).

Interestingly much of the karate in the Western world is very much a more modern product mainly developing in the 20th century as a budo pursuit, often sport led and designed for the modern world, some say that the new art doesn't retain the function of the old art - and I agree...............

Secrets Of Long Healthy Lives !

2006-09-08T09:41:00.001+01:00

One of the most significant things I have learned from my Senior's is to treat our karate as a true life preservation system.

The begining of this process for me was to purchase The Okinawa Way/Program book and begin to try and understand it's truly life saving contents.

If you do nothing else buy this book, study it's contents, act on the information given!

It gives solid practical methods of obtaining excellent physical, mental and spiritual health - now that is 'good old' karate.

The Okinawan people live long, active healthy lives and we can learn much from their historic culture and lifestyle,

Here is a nice supporting documentary on the subject - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7te6UwgSOY

Jim

CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS INFLUENCE ON EARLY SHORIN RYU?

2006-08-20T00:19:00.000+01:00

Here are some shots of Chinese martial artists, it is generally accepted that early Shorin Ryu had significant influence from China. Hard evidence is hard to come by of course as things change with time and cultures, the different interpretation of the same art between practitioners makes 'direct' comparison difficult at best.

I find this area of research really interesting and if nothing else it tells me to mainly look to China rather than Japan for 'old' style karate. Of course the art was 'formed' by Okinawans but who taught them?

I see movements from Chinto, Kusanku, Naihanchi, Hakutsuru and Passai in these pictures, not exact but remarkably similair.

Of course I am just a part time enthusiast, far better martial artists are looking at this aspect with much greater resource, I welcome their published work as it becomes avalaible.

What do you think about this topic?

HEAVY CONTACT KUMITE ?

2006-08-10T01:13:00.001+01:00

I beleive that heavy contact sparring was part of 'old' style Okinawan Karate. this picture shows Mabuni O'Sensei (Shito Ryu) in bogu.

You can train 'hard' and avoid serious injury. It is of course one component of the Kumite we train.

Without Kumite I beleive we lose an important element of karate.

Jim

HOHAN SOKEN O'SENSEI - KOBUJUTSU

2006-08-10T01:08:00.001+01:00

Here we see the late Master with the weapons used in his Seito Matsumura Karate system.

I train and teach a limited kobudo element at our dojo, covering sai (Metal Trunchons), Bo (Long Staff)and Ken (Sword).

Weapons practise is very much part of old style training.

We also work defense against knife and clubs for practical self defence work.

Jim