 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Shinkenkan Dojo 真 剣 館 道 場
Ryusyokai England 琉 翔 会 英 国
Contact E mail
okinawakarateuk@hotmail.com
Web Sites of Interest
Recommended Reading
By Michael Clarke
By Mark Bishop
By Gichin Funakoshi
| Copyrights are reserved on all writings & photographs contained within this web site. |
Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate 沖 縄 剛 柔 流 空 手
By Richard Barrett
& Garry Lever
& Garry Lever
"What's Going on Around You ?"
Karate Note Pad Blog
| “A Definitive Aim of Karate lies not in Victory or Defeat, but the Rightness of Character of its Participants”. Gichin Funakoshi Sensei . |
I trained alone last Sunday evening and I will probably be doing the same this Sunday evening; of
course this is no big deal as over the years I have spent many a hour in solitary Karate practise, just like
many other serious Karate ka do too. If truth be known, I do actually believe that the most productive
Karate training is often done alone or under the guidance of ones Sensei anyway, without the
distraction of others. Having training partners is good and a beneficial aid, but in many ways they are
not always essential to ones progress and development as there are more than enough Dojo training
aids that can be worked with to either take their place, or to compliment ones Karate training.
What was kind of strange though is that on a Sunday evening I always share my Karate training with a
few others, but last Sunday evening I chose to practise alone. Which then got me thinking…..?
Who we share our Karate training with is one of the most importance decisions that we make as Karate
Ka, especially so if we take our training seriously and are thinking as true Budo Ka and not just one who
practises Karate as a recreational sociable activity. Who accompanies us on our journey is a commodity
though that many Karate Ka seem to take for granted, or at times are more than a little oblivious too or
shall I say very lapse on. As one becomes more appreciative of the Art of Karate, we should see that
who we are surrounded by is actually one of the most important commodities to absorbing a real depth
of understanding of the true benefits that Okinawan Karate has to offer us. Especially so if we wish to
maintain standards and avoid dilution.
"If the Heart is right, the Hand will be right." An Old Okinawan Saying
People often ask me how many students that I have, or maybe even questions on the grade status of
my Sensei, myself, or even my students. Why? I’m a little unsure really, maybe it’s because large
numbers and high grades is often seen by some as a marker of success and quality Karate training. A
truer reflection of my Karate is actually quite simple to see, and to be seen in those who I share my
Karate training with. The Dojo mirror will give you the truest picture in the Dojo, but the reflection one
gives out to others in conduct as we go about our daily lives is actually of more importance. Being a
good, kind, honest and nice person, whilst showing loyalty, honour, respect, and giving a little instead of
keep taking are far higher qualities than any position or grade held.
“Karate is an Art for Gentlemen” Gichin Funakoshi Sensei
When I say share, I say this in a broader understanding sense, not just in the immediate thought of
whom you share, as in teach Karate to, as generally I tend to see Karate sharing on 3 fronts; not just
the constant giving that takes place from Sensei to Student.
1 is, Your Sensei, who you have an obligation too, for sharing their valuable time, knowledge, and
understanding with you.
2 is, Your fellow Dojo Members of the Dojo, who you form a close bond with, and gain a mutual
respect for as fellow students.
3 is, Your Students, that as a Sensei you chose who you wish to share your own understanding of
Karate with to keep the Art alive, and to make sure that the Art is being transmitted correctly.
“Kanryo Higaonna Sensei placed tremendous emphasis on filial piety. He stressed that his
students should have respect for their teachers, themselves, their fellow students, their families,
and for all life in general”. Anthony Mirakian Sensei
Who you seek out to study the Art of Karate from, who you are surrounded by in your Karate Dojo
practise, together with who you decide to teach Karate to, are ALL of significant importance. Who I
share my Karate with is an area that I never really stop questioning or revaluating, as serious Karate Ka
it is our duty to be honest and true to both ourselves and the Art itself, as accepting anything, being
weak, or even dithering will result in the lowering of standards and lack of progress for either the Sensei,
Students, or the standing of a good Dojo. (Please don’t misunderstand me here; no 1 as in my
obligation to, loyalty, gratitude towards and full support of my Sensei is never ever in question). it is
actually the integrity, honesty, and good natured human being that I wish to share my Karate with. When
one is to share so many hours of their precious life with others in Karate, is it not right and of the upper
most importance that we choose our teachers, students, training partners, or friends to be wisely.
I have seen it written in many places and on blogs about people’s beliefs on the good character of the
Karate Ka, be they a Student, Sensei, or both. All of which can seem a little confusing, especially so
when one of the most famous scrolls ever written by an Okinawan Karate teacher says this ;;
“The Ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but the Perfection of character of its
participants”.Gichin Funakoshi Sensei . (Or does it actually 100% say and mean this?) Opinions are
varied on this one, and if I’m going to be perfectly honest with you here, for many years just in the same
way that so many others do and did I also took this saying literally. Being firmly of the belief that through
quality guidance in Karate a better more calm all round good character of an individual will be
produced. (In Kids maybe).
These days I am wiser, or is it older, and I am firmer than ever in the belief and in agreement with those
like Michael Clarke Sensei who say that Karate does not perfect ones character, it will just reveals it.
Sadly these days time and time again I am seeing this to be so true of Karate Ka.
So…… Was Gichin Funakoshi Sensei so wrong in what he said? I for one actually don’t believe that he
was. Why? Well there are a few reasons, but I can see through his writings that he was more than a little
sad to see the direction that Karate had taken at times, primarily through being taught to all and anyone
through rapid growth. Also, to translate from Japanese to English is not always easy or 100% accurate
and correct, with writings at times being open to various interpretations, but when Funakoshi Sensei
said this “Karate is an Art for Gentlemen” we should all listen as this statement is very clear indeed.
If you do have the excellent scroll of Funakoshi Sensei up on your wall, and don’t agree with the
standard translation, please don’t take it down. But…. Consider this; my synonyms on here for
Ultimate bring up: Eventual - Crucial - Definitive - Final
Perfection gives me: Excellence - Distinct - Rightness - Flawlessness
So Funakoshi Gichin Sensei may have actually been trying to say the words below, but if not this is how
I prefer to see things anyway.
“A Definitive Aim of Karate lies not in Victory or Defeat, but the Rightness of Character of its
Participants”. Gichin Funakoshi Sensei .
Please be very wise when choosing who you share your Karate with. (Tuesday 3rd April 2012)
course this is no big deal as over the years I have spent many a hour in solitary Karate practise, just like
many other serious Karate ka do too. If truth be known, I do actually believe that the most productive
Karate training is often done alone or under the guidance of ones Sensei anyway, without the
distraction of others. Having training partners is good and a beneficial aid, but in many ways they are
not always essential to ones progress and development as there are more than enough Dojo training
aids that can be worked with to either take their place, or to compliment ones Karate training.
What was kind of strange though is that on a Sunday evening I always share my Karate training with a
few others, but last Sunday evening I chose to practise alone. Which then got me thinking…..?
Who we share our Karate training with is one of the most importance decisions that we make as Karate
Ka, especially so if we take our training seriously and are thinking as true Budo Ka and not just one who
practises Karate as a recreational sociable activity. Who accompanies us on our journey is a commodity
though that many Karate Ka seem to take for granted, or at times are more than a little oblivious too or
shall I say very lapse on. As one becomes more appreciative of the Art of Karate, we should see that
who we are surrounded by is actually one of the most important commodities to absorbing a real depth
of understanding of the true benefits that Okinawan Karate has to offer us. Especially so if we wish to
maintain standards and avoid dilution.
"If the Heart is right, the Hand will be right." An Old Okinawan Saying
People often ask me how many students that I have, or maybe even questions on the grade status of
my Sensei, myself, or even my students. Why? I’m a little unsure really, maybe it’s because large
numbers and high grades is often seen by some as a marker of success and quality Karate training. A
truer reflection of my Karate is actually quite simple to see, and to be seen in those who I share my
Karate training with. The Dojo mirror will give you the truest picture in the Dojo, but the reflection one
gives out to others in conduct as we go about our daily lives is actually of more importance. Being a
good, kind, honest and nice person, whilst showing loyalty, honour, respect, and giving a little instead of
keep taking are far higher qualities than any position or grade held.
“Karate is an Art for Gentlemen” Gichin Funakoshi Sensei
When I say share, I say this in a broader understanding sense, not just in the immediate thought of
whom you share, as in teach Karate to, as generally I tend to see Karate sharing on 3 fronts; not just
the constant giving that takes place from Sensei to Student.
1 is, Your Sensei, who you have an obligation too, for sharing their valuable time, knowledge, and
understanding with you.
2 is, Your fellow Dojo Members of the Dojo, who you form a close bond with, and gain a mutual
respect for as fellow students.
3 is, Your Students, that as a Sensei you chose who you wish to share your own understanding of
Karate with to keep the Art alive, and to make sure that the Art is being transmitted correctly.
“Kanryo Higaonna Sensei placed tremendous emphasis on filial piety. He stressed that his
students should have respect for their teachers, themselves, their fellow students, their families,
and for all life in general”. Anthony Mirakian Sensei
Who you seek out to study the Art of Karate from, who you are surrounded by in your Karate Dojo
practise, together with who you decide to teach Karate to, are ALL of significant importance. Who I
share my Karate with is an area that I never really stop questioning or revaluating, as serious Karate Ka
it is our duty to be honest and true to both ourselves and the Art itself, as accepting anything, being
weak, or even dithering will result in the lowering of standards and lack of progress for either the Sensei,
Students, or the standing of a good Dojo. (Please don’t misunderstand me here; no 1 as in my
obligation to, loyalty, gratitude towards and full support of my Sensei is never ever in question). it is
actually the integrity, honesty, and good natured human being that I wish to share my Karate with. When
one is to share so many hours of their precious life with others in Karate, is it not right and of the upper
most importance that we choose our teachers, students, training partners, or friends to be wisely.
I have seen it written in many places and on blogs about people’s beliefs on the good character of the
Karate Ka, be they a Student, Sensei, or both. All of which can seem a little confusing, especially so
when one of the most famous scrolls ever written by an Okinawan Karate teacher says this ;;
“The Ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but the Perfection of character of its
participants”.Gichin Funakoshi Sensei . (Or does it actually 100% say and mean this?) Opinions are
varied on this one, and if I’m going to be perfectly honest with you here, for many years just in the same
way that so many others do and did I also took this saying literally. Being firmly of the belief that through
quality guidance in Karate a better more calm all round good character of an individual will be
produced. (In Kids maybe).
These days I am wiser, or is it older, and I am firmer than ever in the belief and in agreement with those
like Michael Clarke Sensei who say that Karate does not perfect ones character, it will just reveals it.
Sadly these days time and time again I am seeing this to be so true of Karate Ka.
So…… Was Gichin Funakoshi Sensei so wrong in what he said? I for one actually don’t believe that he
was. Why? Well there are a few reasons, but I can see through his writings that he was more than a little
sad to see the direction that Karate had taken at times, primarily through being taught to all and anyone
through rapid growth. Also, to translate from Japanese to English is not always easy or 100% accurate
and correct, with writings at times being open to various interpretations, but when Funakoshi Sensei
said this “Karate is an Art for Gentlemen” we should all listen as this statement is very clear indeed.
If you do have the excellent scroll of Funakoshi Sensei up on your wall, and don’t agree with the
standard translation, please don’t take it down. But…. Consider this; my synonyms on here for
Ultimate bring up: Eventual - Crucial - Definitive - Final
Perfection gives me: Excellence - Distinct - Rightness - Flawlessness
So Funakoshi Gichin Sensei may have actually been trying to say the words below, but if not this is how
I prefer to see things anyway.
“A Definitive Aim of Karate lies not in Victory or Defeat, but the Rightness of Character of its
Participants”. Gichin Funakoshi Sensei .
Please be very wise when choosing who you share your Karate with. (Tuesday 3rd April 2012)
"Who Do You Share Your Karate With?"
| James East and Steve Lyons of the Okinawa Gateway have just released this excellent footage of their tour around the Karate Museum in Nishihara, Okinawa. The owner and guide is Tetsuhiro Hokama Sensei 10th Dan Goju Ryu of the Kenshinkan. (Wednesday 4th April 2012) |
Ryusyokai
Shinjinbukan
Jakniefe Blog
Karate Thoughts Blog
Kowakan Blog
Shinseidokan Blog
Okinawa Dojo Directory
Okinawa Gateway
Okinawa History
Okinawa Videos
Sanzinsoo
Shinkenkan You Tube
Shinjinbukan
Jakniefe Blog
Karate Thoughts Blog
Kowakan Blog
Shinseidokan Blog
Okinawa Dojo Directory
Okinawa Gateway
Okinawa History
Okinawa Videos
Sanzinsoo
Shinkenkan You Tube
"Okinawa Karate Museum"
Earlier whilst relaxing on this wet English bank holiday morning, I was drinking a cup of tea and
browsing through the daily newspaper. Then suddenly an article that I was reading hit me and threw
me back in deep thought to a time some 20 odd years previous.
To briefly explain; I was just a Karate Student back then with no Dojo or Students of my own to be
concerned with, basically, as long as I was courteous, attended the Dojo regularly and trained hard I
could come and go as I pleased. I say just, but I was actually a Dan grade of many years standing and
experience behind me. Or so I thought… My Sensei at the time I remember was being more than a
little firm with me at the time, whilst making some Dojo decisions and changes that I was not at all
comfortable with, I was being challenged like I had never experienced before in Karate.
Then one Sunday at this time I remember attending a training course under another well known and
respected Karate Sensei. (I trained under all and anyone at this time so it was nothing unusual).
During the break in training I can still vividly remember the chat that I had with this teacher, as though
it was yesterday. He asked me who my teacher was, I explained, we talked, and then I talked some
more, I talked a little too much for my own good looking back on things, to the point I was being
disrespectful and getting more than a little ahead of myself and my position. I opened up to this
Sensei and explained that I was disillusioned with and well fed up with my own Sensei at this moment in
time, and that I had lost faith in the guidance that my Sensei was offering. i remember actually saying
Offering, and I was stopped and corrected, No your Sensei is Giving!. This Sensei listened some
more as I went on to explain my side of things and all in fine detail, then he paused, waited a moment
more. He then looked me straight in the eye and said “Glyn, you are a good lad, but, you’re
thinking and understanding of Karate is solely of that as a Student, one day when you are a
Sensei yourself, you will understand”!
Obviously at the time I was baffled at his words, in truth I didn’t agree, and for many years I didn’t
either, as in many ways I had no experience or understanding of what he was talking about….Now
though I know clearly what he was on about and saying; Being a Sensei is so different to being solely
a Dojo Student. It's miles apart !!! I thought I knew better back then, but in truth I so lacked real
understanding. Even if I did eventually see sense and face up to the challenges head on.
(The Sun Newspaper , Monday 9th April 2012). ie Today, it contains an article by Alan Shearer
who is the leading record scorer and one of the best professional English football strikers that we
have known. Of which he says the following about the difference in being a manager (Sensei) and a
player (Student).
Being a manager (Sensei) consumed every single minute of my day. As a player (Dojo Member)
you are in a team (A member) but effectively have only yourself to think about. I never appreciated
what a manager (Sensei) had to go through until I was one (A Sensei) myself. I just dipped my toe in
to it (being a Sensei) but still the pressure was immense. The most I have ever endured in the game
(Whilst in Karate).
I have a few things planned for this year. One of them is to go and visit my former Sensei who is now
well in to his seventies. I haven't seen him for many years, sinse I moved away a year or two later in
fact. I wish to thank him for his excellent guidance in Karate all those years ago, but more importantly I
wish to let him know that I have matured enough to understand that. He was so right and I was so
wrong.
(Monday 9th April 2012).
browsing through the daily newspaper. Then suddenly an article that I was reading hit me and threw
me back in deep thought to a time some 20 odd years previous.
To briefly explain; I was just a Karate Student back then with no Dojo or Students of my own to be
concerned with, basically, as long as I was courteous, attended the Dojo regularly and trained hard I
could come and go as I pleased. I say just, but I was actually a Dan grade of many years standing and
experience behind me. Or so I thought… My Sensei at the time I remember was being more than a
little firm with me at the time, whilst making some Dojo decisions and changes that I was not at all
comfortable with, I was being challenged like I had never experienced before in Karate.
Then one Sunday at this time I remember attending a training course under another well known and
respected Karate Sensei. (I trained under all and anyone at this time so it was nothing unusual).
During the break in training I can still vividly remember the chat that I had with this teacher, as though
it was yesterday. He asked me who my teacher was, I explained, we talked, and then I talked some
more, I talked a little too much for my own good looking back on things, to the point I was being
disrespectful and getting more than a little ahead of myself and my position. I opened up to this
Sensei and explained that I was disillusioned with and well fed up with my own Sensei at this moment in
time, and that I had lost faith in the guidance that my Sensei was offering. i remember actually saying
Offering, and I was stopped and corrected, No your Sensei is Giving!. This Sensei listened some
more as I went on to explain my side of things and all in fine detail, then he paused, waited a moment
more. He then looked me straight in the eye and said “Glyn, you are a good lad, but, you’re
thinking and understanding of Karate is solely of that as a Student, one day when you are a
Sensei yourself, you will understand”!
Obviously at the time I was baffled at his words, in truth I didn’t agree, and for many years I didn’t
either, as in many ways I had no experience or understanding of what he was talking about….Now
though I know clearly what he was on about and saying; Being a Sensei is so different to being solely
a Dojo Student. It's miles apart !!! I thought I knew better back then, but in truth I so lacked real
understanding. Even if I did eventually see sense and face up to the challenges head on.
(The Sun Newspaper , Monday 9th April 2012). ie Today, it contains an article by Alan Shearer
who is the leading record scorer and one of the best professional English football strikers that we
have known. Of which he says the following about the difference in being a manager (Sensei) and a
player (Student).
Being a manager (Sensei) consumed every single minute of my day. As a player (Dojo Member)
you are in a team (A member) but effectively have only yourself to think about. I never appreciated
what a manager (Sensei) had to go through until I was one (A Sensei) myself. I just dipped my toe in
to it (being a Sensei) but still the pressure was immense. The most I have ever endured in the game
(Whilst in Karate).
I have a few things planned for this year. One of them is to go and visit my former Sensei who is now
well in to his seventies. I haven't seen him for many years, sinse I moved away a year or two later in
fact. I wish to thank him for his excellent guidance in Karate all those years ago, but more importantly I
wish to let him know that I have matured enough to understand that. He was so right and I was so
wrong.
(Monday 9th April 2012).
"Sensei & Student it's not the same Feeling"
I sit back and listen this morning as I take in some very wise words spoken. Firstly, I received an
honest, open message from a former student and friend. The contents are of course private, but I
was very proud to receive it, and not because he was trying to praise me up or anything like that, on
the contrary. My last blog topic "Sensei & Student it's not the same Feeling", had most certainly got
him thinking deeply to the point that he decided to make contact and express his thoughts, which
were very wisely spoken and heart felt. I've always got time for good nice people, regardless of which
directions we may all choose to take, be it in Karate, Budo or life.
Talking of wise words, Meitatsu Yagi Sensei of the Meibukan Dojo in Kume, speaks some excellent
words on the basis of Okinawan Karate in the footage below. At times it can be so easy to get carried
away with or just be impressed by the physical technique of some who practise Karate. When in
reality the good and real Karate that one does should come from the inside and the heart.
Through such feelings and having the desire to keep the teachings of True Okinawan Karate alive,
that Yagi Sensei speaks of. I wish to send out our best wishes to Mitsuhiro Akamine who is officially
opening his own Ryusyokai Shibu (Branch) Dojo in Tomishiro, Okinawa today.
With wise words spoken and correct heart felt actions to follow, the future of Okinawan Karate is
bright.
(Saturday 14th April 2012)
honest, open message from a former student and friend. The contents are of course private, but I
was very proud to receive it, and not because he was trying to praise me up or anything like that, on
the contrary. My last blog topic "Sensei & Student it's not the same Feeling", had most certainly got
him thinking deeply to the point that he decided to make contact and express his thoughts, which
were very wisely spoken and heart felt. I've always got time for good nice people, regardless of which
directions we may all choose to take, be it in Karate, Budo or life.
Talking of wise words, Meitatsu Yagi Sensei of the Meibukan Dojo in Kume, speaks some excellent
words on the basis of Okinawan Karate in the footage below. At times it can be so easy to get carried
away with or just be impressed by the physical technique of some who practise Karate. When in
reality the good and real Karate that one does should come from the inside and the heart.
Through such feelings and having the desire to keep the teachings of True Okinawan Karate alive,
that Yagi Sensei speaks of. I wish to send out our best wishes to Mitsuhiro Akamine who is officially
opening his own Ryusyokai Shibu (Branch) Dojo in Tomishiro, Okinawa today.
With wise words spoken and correct heart felt actions to follow, the future of Okinawan Karate is
bright.
(Saturday 14th April 2012)
"Shibu Dojo & Wise Words Spoken"
The famous Chinese proverb goes something like this;
“He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever”.
The above quote is of course very relevant to those of us who study Karate seriously. Asking though can
be a little uncomfortable or maybe even difficult at times, especially so if ones Sensei is of the old school.
(I certainly don’t mean asking for something as in a possession here, or asking to attempt a higher grade
either. These are both big no no’s and should never happen in True Karate. You should never ask!). I’m
talking about asking for information on things like Karate techniques, about Dojo items, or on the past
and practises of old. As I say, all can be a little uncomfortable at times with asking, one needs to know
how, what, and when to ask ones Sensei in a respectful kind of way. Some things I believe don’t need
asking or I feel are better left alone as they lack understanding, other things should be discovered for
oneself.
With Karate there are four pieces to the jigsaw on the subject of knowledge, but people either don’t
realise this, simply forget, or maybe even take their training and Dojo a little bit to for granted, to the
point that they only realise this once things have gone, or they stop searching. All four do require
guidance but they go something like this, please note that regular training and hard practise comes
under No 3.
1, Asking Questions, just as the above proverb says.
2, Being Told or Taught things correctly first hand.
3, Discovering or Seeking the Answers out for oneself.
4, Never Knowing! You will simply NEVER Know! Through either Not Asking, Not being Told or Taught,
or Not Discovering and Seeking the Answers out for oneself. Or all has been lost forever.
All of the four actually need to be worked around and fully understood in Karate harmony. Quite
surprising though how so many Karate Ka or Students (& modern day Sensei’s too), either just sit back
and expect to be spoon fed, or sit back believing that they already know so much, when in truth or reality
what one truly knows will actually be very little. Those who think that they already know it all, or better,
won't get very far in Karate.
As I began to pack the items away in my Home Dojo a few days ago, I could do nothing more than smile
at the thoughts above. Through not asking... Students who had trained within my Dojo for many years
had not taken the time to ask me about more than a few of the Dojo items that have surrounded them, so
of course they will never ever have any deep knowledge on the background of these items, strange but
true. Yes! They have asked so much. Yes! They have been taught so much. Yes! They have discovered
much for themselves too. But in truth from their understanding of true Karate, its training practises,
simple Dojo items and even on their teacher that has frequented them for many years, as their Sensei I
can see that there is so much that they do not know or understand about Karate or their Dojo etc.
Hey….. Without doubt my Sensei must see me and and feel the same way about my own Karate too. All I
can do is keep training hard, trying to understand Karate better and keep trying to respectfully tap in to
the knowledge, understanding and vast experiences of my teacher, all in the hope that I can do him and
the Art proud.
What must be remembered though is that we can’t always just ask to get the answers, being taught or
told something does not mean that we will understand things deeply or have the ability to gain from
quality practises . Karate takes sincerity and honesty through hard work, together with much searching
and seeking to make the simple discoveries for oneself.
(Saturday 21st April 2012).
“He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever”.
The above quote is of course very relevant to those of us who study Karate seriously. Asking though can
be a little uncomfortable or maybe even difficult at times, especially so if ones Sensei is of the old school.
(I certainly don’t mean asking for something as in a possession here, or asking to attempt a higher grade
either. These are both big no no’s and should never happen in True Karate. You should never ask!). I’m
talking about asking for information on things like Karate techniques, about Dojo items, or on the past
and practises of old. As I say, all can be a little uncomfortable at times with asking, one needs to know
how, what, and when to ask ones Sensei in a respectful kind of way. Some things I believe don’t need
asking or I feel are better left alone as they lack understanding, other things should be discovered for
oneself.
With Karate there are four pieces to the jigsaw on the subject of knowledge, but people either don’t
realise this, simply forget, or maybe even take their training and Dojo a little bit to for granted, to the
point that they only realise this once things have gone, or they stop searching. All four do require
guidance but they go something like this, please note that regular training and hard practise comes
under No 3.
1, Asking Questions, just as the above proverb says.
2, Being Told or Taught things correctly first hand.
3, Discovering or Seeking the Answers out for oneself.
4, Never Knowing! You will simply NEVER Know! Through either Not Asking, Not being Told or Taught,
or Not Discovering and Seeking the Answers out for oneself. Or all has been lost forever.
All of the four actually need to be worked around and fully understood in Karate harmony. Quite
surprising though how so many Karate Ka or Students (& modern day Sensei’s too), either just sit back
and expect to be spoon fed, or sit back believing that they already know so much, when in truth or reality
what one truly knows will actually be very little. Those who think that they already know it all, or better,
won't get very far in Karate.
As I began to pack the items away in my Home Dojo a few days ago, I could do nothing more than smile
at the thoughts above. Through not asking... Students who had trained within my Dojo for many years
had not taken the time to ask me about more than a few of the Dojo items that have surrounded them, so
of course they will never ever have any deep knowledge on the background of these items, strange but
true. Yes! They have asked so much. Yes! They have been taught so much. Yes! They have discovered
much for themselves too. But in truth from their understanding of true Karate, its training practises,
simple Dojo items and even on their teacher that has frequented them for many years, as their Sensei I
can see that there is so much that they do not know or understand about Karate or their Dojo etc.
Hey….. Without doubt my Sensei must see me and and feel the same way about my own Karate too. All I
can do is keep training hard, trying to understand Karate better and keep trying to respectfully tap in to
the knowledge, understanding and vast experiences of my teacher, all in the hope that I can do him and
the Art proud.
What must be remembered though is that we can’t always just ask to get the answers, being taught or
told something does not mean that we will understand things deeply or have the ability to gain from
quality practises . Karate takes sincerity and honesty through hard work, together with much searching
and seeking to make the simple discoveries for oneself.
(Saturday 21st April 2012).
| To many of those who work the floor of Senaha Sensei's Dojo in Tomigusuku the large piece of wood to the centre (above) is just a plank of wood. However, this plank was taken from the original flooring in Yagi Sensei's Dojo many decades ago. Sensei says that when he looks down at this board he thinks over with fond memories all the years of sweat and training that have taken place on this very surface. |
| The original plant that all of these plants have matured and grown, were taken as cuttings from a plant given to Senaha Sensei from his teacher Meitoku Yagi Sensei. To some they are simply plants. To Senaha Sensei they are a living treasure of his Dojo that keep the spirit, memories and teachings of his teacher alive in the Dojo. |
"He who Asks......"
Anyone who enters my Dojo will notice that I often have some kind of music playing softly in the
background, prior to or after training sessions. I just find it so enjoyably relaxing. After training
singing and music can actually be common practise in some Okinawan Karate Dojo so in many
ways it's not so uncommon.
At times occasionally (not always of course), I even leave music playing whilst I practise my Karate
alone, especially so when working through the various Kata of our Ryu. In this context the music
can vary from being distracting, at others times it's calming, at other times it's more than
challenging.
Sanchin Kata I always find is the most difficult to lose the music too, as the slightest lack of
concentration on what one is doing and your mind wonders, or it listens in on the music. In time it is
quite surprising though how you can lose whole tracks from a music album when concentration is
totally focused on ones Karate training or Kata. Just try it sometime and you'll see what I mean.
Talking of mixing music with the arts, occasionally you come across someone whose love for their
art just shines through, the devotion, the hours and years of practise, and the skill level is evident
and there for all to see. Music to your ears....... So relax, enjoy, and listen to this guy as he works
his chosen art.
(Tuesday 1st May 2012)
background, prior to or after training sessions. I just find it so enjoyably relaxing. After training
singing and music can actually be common practise in some Okinawan Karate Dojo so in many
ways it's not so uncommon.
At times occasionally (not always of course), I even leave music playing whilst I practise my Karate
alone, especially so when working through the various Kata of our Ryu. In this context the music
can vary from being distracting, at others times it's calming, at other times it's more than
challenging.
Sanchin Kata I always find is the most difficult to lose the music too, as the slightest lack of
concentration on what one is doing and your mind wonders, or it listens in on the music. In time it is
quite surprising though how you can lose whole tracks from a music album when concentration is
totally focused on ones Karate training or Kata. Just try it sometime and you'll see what I mean.
Talking of mixing music with the arts, occasionally you come across someone whose love for their
art just shines through, the devotion, the hours and years of practise, and the skill level is evident
and there for all to see. Music to your ears....... So relax, enjoy, and listen to this guy as he works
his chosen art.
(Tuesday 1st May 2012)
"Dojo Music"
| The Students of the Shinkenkan. Taken after our final training session together in this Dojo. The guy (Lance Davies) who has been added to the photo is a long standing member of the Dojo. Unfortunately he is out injured having snapped his Achilles Tendon a few weeks ago. |
For the past decade or so most of my Karate practise has been done within the confines of a small
private Dojo adjacent to my family home known as “The Shinken-kan”. Last week the doors of this
Dojo closed forever as myself and a few others shared our final training session together at this
location, so of course at this moment in time I have mixed feelings, yes there is some sadness, but in
many ways this is all overshadowed by happiness, especially so when I look back on all the hard
training that has taken place within, together with the personal progress made. Over the years there
have certainly been many highs and lows, much laughter, tears, sweat, and the odd drop of blood
spilt within this Dojo too.
I do honestly believe that those Karate Ka who witnessed and experienced training in the old
Shinkenkan Dojo are a little richer for the experience. The training within was always kind of private, it
was a solitary place where at times students became totally engrossed and lost from the outside
world in their own private Karate practise. So as I now take the pictures down of the Sensei like
Miyagi and Yagi that over looked the Dojo and all that went on within, together with reading the
sentiments expressed by Mirakian Sensei below, I quietly believe and sincerely hope that this little
Okinawan based Karate Dojo in England, U.K. would have received their approval, I like to think so
anyway…….
“If the heart is right, the hand will be right”.
From the very first day of training, the emphasis of traditional Okinawan karate-do instruction
is to properly "set the heart" of the student. Striving to be virtuous was considered by the
great Okinawan masters to be essential to the full and complete development of the karate
practitioner. No rudeness, harshness, unseemly behavior, or brutality is permitted. Students
who violate this code, who misuse or abuse the art of karate-do, are immediately expelled.
(Anthony Mirakian)
As many of you may already be aware I will soon be on the road again, as it’s now time for me to
move on. Not a change in direction really as I know exactly where I wish to go, both in my Karate and
in my everyday life, I’m just crossing the road really, and in time there will be the raising of a new
Shinkenkan Dojo. For a while though it will be just myself amongst the elements training alone, but I’m
happy with that.
As tradition proves, more than one Dojo will now be born from the one that has just gone before us,
just like the mystical phoenix of Senaha Sensei’s Ryusyokai crest that is born from the ashes and
takes flight. Those who were regular daily or weekly students to my Dojo, will now learn to take even
more responsibility for their own training, or if not they may well find themselves falling by the
wayside. I am quietly confident in most, plus as I say, I do believe that with time that not only a new
Shinkenkan Dojo will fruit, but there may well be 3 or even 4 small Dojo’s that are born from the one
old Dojo, all quietly working hard to both preserve and keep the Okinawan ways of training alive. I
hope so anyway…….. All in reality is an imminent natural part of Okinawan Karate tradition, just as
the Dojo’s of Higa, Miyazato, Yagi and Toguchi and others were born from the teachings of Miyagi
Sensei from his little Garden Dojo.
I am though under no illusions as I know full well that these students of Karate will soon find out for
themselves that training alone without regular weekly guidance will be a major test in itself. But, I am
more than confident that most of the students whose names are to be found on my Dojo Kanban,
have the understanding and courage to dig deep and not be distracted to lose their way.
The coming months and year will certainly be a testing time, especially so as far as our Sensei to
Student relationship goes, yes! This will truly be put to the test. For some Students our mere 180
miles apart will be a journey to far, for others it will be a journey that is not seen as far at all, it will be
no obstacle. How I so wish my Sensei only lived less than 200 miles away instead of over 6000 miles
away.
Only time will tell how the journey maps out for myself and all, I will keep you up to date on
developments between my usual blog posts.
(Monday 7th May 2012)
private Dojo adjacent to my family home known as “The Shinken-kan”. Last week the doors of this
Dojo closed forever as myself and a few others shared our final training session together at this
location, so of course at this moment in time I have mixed feelings, yes there is some sadness, but in
many ways this is all overshadowed by happiness, especially so when I look back on all the hard
training that has taken place within, together with the personal progress made. Over the years there
have certainly been many highs and lows, much laughter, tears, sweat, and the odd drop of blood
spilt within this Dojo too.
I do honestly believe that those Karate Ka who witnessed and experienced training in the old
Shinkenkan Dojo are a little richer for the experience. The training within was always kind of private, it
was a solitary place where at times students became totally engrossed and lost from the outside
world in their own private Karate practise. So as I now take the pictures down of the Sensei like
Miyagi and Yagi that over looked the Dojo and all that went on within, together with reading the
sentiments expressed by Mirakian Sensei below, I quietly believe and sincerely hope that this little
Okinawan based Karate Dojo in England, U.K. would have received their approval, I like to think so
anyway…….
“If the heart is right, the hand will be right”.
From the very first day of training, the emphasis of traditional Okinawan karate-do instruction
is to properly "set the heart" of the student. Striving to be virtuous was considered by the
great Okinawan masters to be essential to the full and complete development of the karate
practitioner. No rudeness, harshness, unseemly behavior, or brutality is permitted. Students
who violate this code, who misuse or abuse the art of karate-do, are immediately expelled.
(Anthony Mirakian)
As many of you may already be aware I will soon be on the road again, as it’s now time for me to
move on. Not a change in direction really as I know exactly where I wish to go, both in my Karate and
in my everyday life, I’m just crossing the road really, and in time there will be the raising of a new
Shinkenkan Dojo. For a while though it will be just myself amongst the elements training alone, but I’m
happy with that.
As tradition proves, more than one Dojo will now be born from the one that has just gone before us,
just like the mystical phoenix of Senaha Sensei’s Ryusyokai crest that is born from the ashes and
takes flight. Those who were regular daily or weekly students to my Dojo, will now learn to take even
more responsibility for their own training, or if not they may well find themselves falling by the
wayside. I am quietly confident in most, plus as I say, I do believe that with time that not only a new
Shinkenkan Dojo will fruit, but there may well be 3 or even 4 small Dojo’s that are born from the one
old Dojo, all quietly working hard to both preserve and keep the Okinawan ways of training alive. I
hope so anyway…….. All in reality is an imminent natural part of Okinawan Karate tradition, just as
the Dojo’s of Higa, Miyazato, Yagi and Toguchi and others were born from the teachings of Miyagi
Sensei from his little Garden Dojo.
I am though under no illusions as I know full well that these students of Karate will soon find out for
themselves that training alone without regular weekly guidance will be a major test in itself. But, I am
more than confident that most of the students whose names are to be found on my Dojo Kanban,
have the understanding and courage to dig deep and not be distracted to lose their way.
The coming months and year will certainly be a testing time, especially so as far as our Sensei to
Student relationship goes, yes! This will truly be put to the test. For some Students our mere 180
miles apart will be a journey to far, for others it will be a journey that is not seen as far at all, it will be
no obstacle. How I so wish my Sensei only lived less than 200 miles away instead of over 6000 miles
away.
Only time will tell how the journey maps out for myself and all, I will keep you up to date on
developments between my usual blog posts.
(Monday 7th May 2012)
| Senaha Sensei assisted by Tamaki Sensei took a memorable training session at the Dojo during 2006 |
"As One Dojo Closes"
I was watching a little video footage a little earlier and I was suddenly reminded of the Chinese saying.
"If you put three tanners together, you get Zhuge Liang”. We have a very similar saying over here in
“Two heads are better than One”, but in many ways it’s meaning is not quite the same. You may be
asking who’s Zhuge Liang? Well, he’s regarded as one of China’s greatest ever observers and most
accomplished strategists, one who had an eye for seeing things that others didn’t, whilst having a
mind that was free to analyze things openly without need for constraint, bias or reasoning. In
comparison to this the Okinawa Karate teacher Gichin Funakoshi often spoke similarly about one of
his teachers, as in Anko Azato, saying that Azato Sensei had wonderful foresight and observation
skills, regularly predicting years before hand the outcome of many future events and political affairs.
Anyway, back to the video footage…….. It was taken a few years ago by a friend. I never actually
realised that the footage had been taken until I received the footage a few months later, strange but
so true. So of course it was good to look back over things and restore a few past memories, what
surprised me more than anything though was not the footage of myself when I came in to frame, even
though I did cringe a few times. What was more surprising was the things and training that was going
on inside the Dojo and around me at this very same time that I was totally unaware of, and had no
knowledge of, nothing bad of course, but situations as I say that I had no knowledge of. In fact it was
impossible for me to do so as I was so engrossed with and concentrating on my own training and the
advice I was being given at the time. It is of course then so easy for us to miss things that we are not
looking for, or that we have no knowledge of. However, this also confirmed my belief and acted as a
reminder that one is not always in a position to see everything, regardless of if we may believe
otherwise. At other times though we should be more observant as things presented are obvious.
This was actually a thought process and concept that I became aware of many many years ago and it
can be a great aid to ones training. I’m not going to go in to great detail on my thoughts and ways to
use things to ones advantage in training here on the blog, as I feel it has more worth elsewhere,
including a way to openly look at the teachings of the likes of Miyagi, or the training guidance that one
receives from ones own Sensei. As an example we have all seen the progress that can be made when
working with the open minded green belt in comparison to the black belt who already knows what he
sees (or it all).
As a training tool I often ask students to sit out and just observe the training that takes place within the
Dojo, the same if one is injured. What usually surprises them is how different they then see things that
are going on within the Dojo and other students techiques, compared to what they may see when they
are a part of the Dojo training themselves…… My usual phrase is this; can you now see things how I
see things?
Anyway, enjoy this footage! Now, if you think of the white team catching the balls having White Karate
Gi’s you’ll be ok, plus, if you watch closely and get the number of catches (think of punches) correct
first time. Then you’ll see Karate in the same way that most others do too……….. You know the Kata
sequences, the Applications, the Ryu Kumite training drills, the Nidan who is now a Sensei....
(Monday 14th May 212)
"If you put three tanners together, you get Zhuge Liang”. We have a very similar saying over here in
“Two heads are better than One”, but in many ways it’s meaning is not quite the same. You may be
asking who’s Zhuge Liang? Well, he’s regarded as one of China’s greatest ever observers and most
accomplished strategists, one who had an eye for seeing things that others didn’t, whilst having a
mind that was free to analyze things openly without need for constraint, bias or reasoning. In
comparison to this the Okinawa Karate teacher Gichin Funakoshi often spoke similarly about one of
his teachers, as in Anko Azato, saying that Azato Sensei had wonderful foresight and observation
skills, regularly predicting years before hand the outcome of many future events and political affairs.
Anyway, back to the video footage…….. It was taken a few years ago by a friend. I never actually
realised that the footage had been taken until I received the footage a few months later, strange but
so true. So of course it was good to look back over things and restore a few past memories, what
surprised me more than anything though was not the footage of myself when I came in to frame, even
though I did cringe a few times. What was more surprising was the things and training that was going
on inside the Dojo and around me at this very same time that I was totally unaware of, and had no
knowledge of, nothing bad of course, but situations as I say that I had no knowledge of. In fact it was
impossible for me to do so as I was so engrossed with and concentrating on my own training and the
advice I was being given at the time. It is of course then so easy for us to miss things that we are not
looking for, or that we have no knowledge of. However, this also confirmed my belief and acted as a
reminder that one is not always in a position to see everything, regardless of if we may believe
otherwise. At other times though we should be more observant as things presented are obvious.
This was actually a thought process and concept that I became aware of many many years ago and it
can be a great aid to ones training. I’m not going to go in to great detail on my thoughts and ways to
use things to ones advantage in training here on the blog, as I feel it has more worth elsewhere,
including a way to openly look at the teachings of the likes of Miyagi, or the training guidance that one
receives from ones own Sensei. As an example we have all seen the progress that can be made when
working with the open minded green belt in comparison to the black belt who already knows what he
sees (or it all).
As a training tool I often ask students to sit out and just observe the training that takes place within the
Dojo, the same if one is injured. What usually surprises them is how different they then see things that
are going on within the Dojo and other students techiques, compared to what they may see when they
are a part of the Dojo training themselves…… My usual phrase is this; can you now see things how I
see things?
Anyway, enjoy this footage! Now, if you think of the white team catching the balls having White Karate
Gi’s you’ll be ok, plus, if you watch closely and get the number of catches (think of punches) correct
first time. Then you’ll see Karate in the same way that most others do too……….. You know the Kata
sequences, the Applications, the Ryu Kumite training drills, the Nidan who is now a Sensei....
(Monday 14th May 212)