White Tiger Dojo Naples, Fla

 

BREATHING IN AND BREATHING OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH "GO" AND "JU"
A MISCELLANEOUS ESSAY ON KARATE
by Chojun Miyagi

Remarks: This short article first appeared in "Bunka Okinawa" Vol.3 No.6 dated August 15, 1942, and re-appeared as an appendix in the book "Chugoku Okinawa Karate Kobudo No Genryu" written by Masahiro Nakamoto published on April 1, 1985 by Bunbukan.

(translated by Sanzinsoo)

I don't know when it was changed, but "karate" is now written with letters as "Empty Hand" instead of "Chinese Hand". Anyway, I am happy to know that nowadays karate is popular all over Japan as a unique Okinawan martial arts, and even it has been officially recognized by Dai Nippon Butokukai (=Great Japan Fighting Arts and Moral Association) as one of Japanese fighting arts. However, without doubt, I am sure that the roots of karate is in China. I suppose the prototype karate might be modified in various ways in my home Okinawa, but I think it is worth enough as we can see the evolution of karate which was influenced by the uniqueness of Okinawan culture. Therefore, maybe, it is not unreasonable to change the letters of karate as "Empty Hand" instead of "Chinese Hand".

Anyway, this time I would like to tell you my private opinion regarding, of course, karate as follows.

I have heard that it is not sure but there is a martial art called "Three Hand" in India. I don't know the original Indian name. "Three Hand" is the direct translation of Chinese language from Indian language. I suppose maybe such a martial art was brought to China from India by Darma during the Emperor Wu dynasty, and it became the origin of Shaolin Temple.
It is very interesting for me that I saw the performance of martial arts played by a Filipino youth when I visited Hawaii last year. I was so impressed and very delighted to find that there is a similarity in techniques between the Filipino youth's martial arts and our karate. Regrettably, I lost the notebook in which I wrote down the youth's name and the name of his fighting arts in alphabets. I suppose it might be kept somewhere else, so I still have a chance to tell you the names if I find it.

I think Shaolin kungfu is a newly systematized fusion of previously existent classical Chinese martial arts and Indian martial arts. This opinion has not been proved yet. We require more research on this hypothesis.
I have been practicing karate for a long time, but I have not yet mastered the core or truth of karate. I feel as if I walk alone on a distant path in the darkness. The further I go, the more distant the path will become, but that is why the truth is precious. If we go forward to find the truth of karate by all our strength of mind and body, we would be rewarded little by little and day by day. The truth is near but hard to reach.
My friend, Mr. Jingyu told me the maxim as follows: "The ultimate formula to the truth is no formula. If you wish to master no formula, you have to master a formula. If you master a formula and no formula at the same time, you can transcend live and death." I suppose the ultimate formula to the truth is Tao, the Way. I cannot understand this maxim well, but sometimes I feel I understand it well. I think we have to master "a formula and no formula", then we can study karate in depth and get the truth of karate.

This is a miscellaneous essay for which I have not prepared, so let me talk about another subject.
As to karate styles, I hear there are two types, the southern type and the northern type. In the aspect of techniques, the southern type specializes in upper body and hand techniques, so it has soft, gentle and quiet features. It is defensive in the fighting. On the other hand, the northern type specializes in lower body and leg techniques, so it has hard and active features. It is aggressive in the fighting. The former steps forward to thrust and steps back to block. The latter steps forward to kick and steps forward again to throw down an opponent. Of course both types thrust, kick and throw down, but the point of view is different each other.

Now I would like to tell you about "Heishu" or "Heishu Kata" and "Kaishu" or "Kaishu Kata" to give some information to those who study karate.
"Heishu" means fundamental Katas. Before entering the way of karate, you have to develop your body and mind by doing Sanchin exercise of Gojuryu.
I will explain in detail. You stand straight firmly with stable stance of feet, and hands positioned properly, breathing harmoniously, then you can feel Sanchin ecstasy. It is a still version of Sanchin.
We also have active version of Sanchin which has another name "Peppuren". Usually we call Sanchin for both versions.
Tanden (= a point a couple of inches below the navel), the back of the head and the buttocks are three focus points on which you have to concentrate your attention during Sanchin exercise.
Brief instructions are the following. Tuck your chin in. Lift the back of your head high. Focus on Tanden (= a point a couple of inches below the navel) to charge with the energy. Your buttocks should be tucked in. These three focus points are not originally separated from each other, but have inseparable relationship. In addition to them, there is another focus point: the middle point between the eyebrows.
I have heard that principles of Zen and other sitting meditations are the same as Sanchin.

When I see karate-do in Okinawa, I think we tend to pay too little attention to "Heishu Kata" such as Sanchin. What do you think of this? Therefore, even if I see your best performance of "Kaishu Kata", I would not be satisfied with it and I feel something is lacking for perfection, as you do not have a stable and fundamental base powered by Sanchin. Hearing my opinion regarding "Heishu Kata" or Sanchin, Mr. Jingyu, my friend told me an interesting story as follows. "I" in the story is Mr. Jingyu himself, not me.

"Although my knowledge is limited, but I heard the following about so-called the South style Chinese paintings namely the paintings of the South Zong dynasty, and the paintings of the North Zong dynasty.
Strong and vital strokes of paintings are the characteristics of Li Si-Xun who is believed to be the founder of the North style Chinese paintings. I feel strongness and toughness as steel when I see his favorite painting technique called 'Cut by Large and Small Axes'.
On the other hand, pure and gentle strokes of paintings are the characteristics of Wang Wei, the founder of South style Chinese paintings. His painting way is called 'the Classic Style of Playing with Threads'. They say that Mr. Wang Wei is on a vegetarian diet and never eats meat, so his works reveals auras of tranquility and purity. It is not exaggerate to praise that Mr. Dong Qi-Chang calls him the King of Paintings.
According to a certain book, the difference of both styles is derived from the different natural environment of the Yellow River valley in the north and the Yangtze River valley in the south.
Also according to a certain man who traveled around China for a long time, the difference of the North paintings and the South ones is derived from the different character of each natural environment. In short, the South style of painting is idealism, light, flexible, gentle and quiet. On the contrary, the North style of painting is strong, solemn, magnificent and dynamic.
If we apply it to Chinese fighting arts, it is completely coincident with each other. I think it has some hints."

The writer really agreed with Mr. Jingyu. He continued the story as follows.

"I think the relation between 'Heishu' and 'Kaishu' in karatedo is similar to the relation between the square style of writing Chinese letters and the cursive style of writing Chinese letters in the calligraphy, the Way of Writing. 'Heishu' is 'the square style', while 'Kaishu' is 'the cursive style'. The square style of writing is quiet and calm, while the cursive style of writing is active and dynamic. Therefore, obviously we can see which one is the fundamentals. It is also clear that we should go forward step by step from the fundamentals."

Again, I nodded and completely agreed with him. I think all the arts originated from the same roots and have the same Way.
At the end of this essay, I will give you a phrase which is quoted from the famous book "Bubishi" or "Wubeizhi" written by Mao Yuan-yi in the late Ming era, in which he commented on the martial arts by taking examples of calligraphy and horsemanship.
"If you master how to stroke Chinese letters, then I can teach you all the techniques of calligraphy. If you master how to take the saddle, then I can teach you all the techniques of horsemanship."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"...I only expected to be in this country for three months; however, when I came to Spokane, Washington and saw the deplorable level of Goju Ryu there, I took time and great pains to correct it..."

                                   Teruo Chinen

 

 

 

 

 

 

“…Inasmuch as there are not now, and never have been, any hard and fast rules regarding kata, it is hardly surprising to find that they change not only with the times but also from instructor to instructor…”  

Gichin Funakoshi

 

 

 

 

 

Itosu Anko Kun

 

Tode did not develop from the way of Buddhism or Confucianism. In the recent past Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu were brought over from China. They both have similar strong points, so, before there are too many changes, I should like to write these down.

 

1. Tode is primarily for the benefit of health. In order to protect one's parents or one's master, it is proper to attack a foe regardless of one's own life. Never attack a lone adversary. If one meets a villain or a ruffian one should not use tode but simply parry and step aside.

 

2. The purpose of tode is to make the body hard like stones and iron; hands and feet should be used like the points of arrows, hearts should be strong and brave. If children were to practice tode from their elementary-school days, they would be well prepared for military service. When Wellington and Napoleon met they discussed the point that tomorrow's victory will come from today's playground.

 

3. Tode cannot be learned quickly. Like a slow moving bull, that eventually walks a thousand miles, if one studies seriously every day, in three or four years one will understand what tode is about. The very shape of one's bones will change.

Those who study as follows will discover the essence of tode:

 

4. In tode the hands and feet are important so they should be trained thoroughly on the makiwara. In so doing drop your shoulders, open your lungs, take hold of your strength, grip the floor with your feet and sink your intrinsic energy to your lower abdomen. Practice with each arm one or two hundred times.

 

5. When practicing tode stances make sure your back is straight, drop your shoulders, take your strength and put it in your legs, stand firmly and put the intrinsic energy in your lower abdomen, the top and bottom of which must be held together tightly.

 

6. The external techniques of tode should be practiced, one by one, many times. Because these techniques are passed on by word of mouth, take the trouble to learn the explanations and decide when and in what context it would be possible to use them. Go in, counter, release; is the rule of torite.

 

7. You must decide whether tode is for cultivating a healthy body or for enhancing your duty.

 

8. During practice you should imagine you are on the battle field. When blocking and striking make the eyes glare, drop the shoulders and harden the body. Now block the enemy's punch and strike! Always practice with this spirit so that, when on the real battlefield, you will naturally be prepared.

 

9. Do not overexert yourself during practice because the intrinsic energy will rise up, your face and eyes will turn red and your body will be harmed. Be careful.

 

10. In the past many of those who have mastered tode have lived to an old age. This is because tode aids the development of the bones and sinews, it helps the digestive organs and is good for the circulation of the blood. Therefore, from now on, tode should become the foundation of all sports lessons from elementary schools onward. If this is put into practice there will, I think, be many men who can win against ten aggressors.

The reason for stating all this is that it is my opinion that all students at the Okinawa Prefectural Teachers' Training College should practice tode, so that when they graduate from here they can teach the children in the schools exactly as I have taught them. Within ten years tode will spread all over Okinawa and to the Japanese mainland. This will be a great asset to our militaristic society. I hope you will carefully study the words I have written here.

Anko Itosu. Meiji 41, Year of the Monkey (October 1908).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"...Karate is breathing, if you are not breathing, then you are not doing Karate..." 

                                    - Mas Oyama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     We often say that without good basics, it is impossible to do good Karate. This is true.  The more advanced you become, the more important you realize that the basics are -- and as a result will devote more time and effort to basics when teaching .  A student with good basics can advance. A student with poor basics cannot advance. It is that simple. Good basics are like a solid foundation upon which you build a house. Poor basics are like building a house on mud.
     Some people will try to "hide" their lack of basics by concentrating on "advanced" techniques. There really are no advanced techniques, just basics.  If you can do one technique correctly it will be easy to do other techniques correctly.  Good basics make for good Karate.

-          Unknown Author

 

 

 

"...In actual combat it will not do to be hampered or shackled by the rituals of kata.  Instead, the practitioner should transcend kata, moving freely according to the opponent's strengths and weaknesses..." 

                           Gichin Funakoshi

 

 

 

 

No matter how you may excel in the art of te
and in your scholastic endeavors,
nothing is more important than your behavior
and your humanity as observed in daily life.

--Teijunsoku (Nago Oyakata) as quoted in
The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do
by Nagamine Shoshin.

 

 

 

"...The more dangerous you are, the less you should feel the need to prove it..."

               Quote from the book "The way of Kata" pg 154

                       by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder

 

 

 

 

               

                    Edward Koschmider, 6th Dan, Shihan shown here at age 16

 

 

    “ It is sad that Karate, in order to become more palatable by the public, has had to become merely a sport, rather than an Art.  When Karate is diluted by the removal of traditions, lowering of traditional standards, and the promotion of tournament style point fighting, the true essence of the Art is lost...”

- Edward Koschmider, Sensei

 

 

      Karate is made up of several small “building blocks”, not one of which provides the complete Art.  Kumite, Kata, and breaking techniques are but a few of these “blocks” which, when combined, are used to complete the picture.  The problem comes when someone believes that any one or two of these are the complete Art. 

 

     If an Instructor believes, for instance, that any one aspect of Karate is all that is needed for mastery, it is regrettable that the students of such an Instructor will perhaps never realize this error.  They will then continue to pass on this same error to subsequent students, creating a “generational flaw” that will continue to be passed on until someone in the generational line catches, and then corrects this flaw.

 

– Ed Koschmider Sensei

 

 

“…Practicing true Goju-Ryu requires a full understanding of the concept of Hard and Soft (Yin and Yang) and internal and external strengths.  Without these concepts deeply ingrained into their training, the student is merely going through a series of wasted motion…”   

  - Ed Koschmider Sensei

 

 

 

     While “competitive” Karate is responsible for the promulgation of interest in the Art to many millions of practitioners, it is also responsible for the “watering down” of the techniques and therefore strays too far from the original intent of Karate.

 

     The argument could be made that the original intent (of Karate) is no longer necessary in today’s modern world, but is this really the truth.  Or is that sort of defense merely a justification for teaching incorrect methods, especially when one is supposed to know better?  Even worse, is it merely a game of numbers and money?  The truth of the matter is that Karate was developed for self-defense against more than one attacker, who may or may not be armed in some way.  The ultimate purpose though, is to provide the self-confidence that this type of ability provides for man to defeat the single most threatening enemy that humanity has ever faced …the ego.   Edward Koschmider Sensei

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following excerpts are from my book.  These are my own ideas and observations about what Karate is and what I think it should be, it has not been written with the intention to offend anyone and the opinions expressed are soley mine and simply state what I believe to be true.    -  Ed Koschmider Sensei.

 

 

                                                

 

 

     Because of its dual purpose as both that of character developer and self-defense system Karate is not meant for, or understood by, everyone.  Initially, in Karate’s earliest days, students had to prove themselves of good character and to have an even temperament before being accepted by the Instructor.  While today, anyone who has the tuition money and lives near a local strip-mall will be accepted and taught.  This is a double-edged sword.  For, while this modern attitude helped to progress the spread of Karate throughout the world, the Art and the ways of teaching it have become severely compromised.  Because of the hardships of original Karate training, many students would fall by the wayside, finding the training either too difficult, or that it progressed too slowly from their perspective to continue.  Students in this category usually quit before they understand the value and deeper meanings of the Art.  Such students lack the basic understanding of Karate, and the true spirit of its path.  This slower method of teaching was used purposefully to weed out any undesirables and ensure that the Teacher’s ideals were properly passed on to the next generation. 

     Science has added much to the Martial Arts, state of the art training equipment and methods, nutritional information and supplements for the athlete, and modern medicines to aid recovery and healing.  All of which should be utilized by the modern Sensei.  All of which must first be learned by the Sensei.  Modern problems also call for modern adaptations to be included within the Karate curriculum.  Carjacking and terrorist type threats were not issues concerning Karate practitioners 100 years ago, while they most certainly are today.  In other words, I am not trying to say that just because something is “old” that it is inherently “good”.  I am stating that while Karate as a whole and the techniques utilized may evolve and change, Karate itself need not necessarily be degraded into trivial, useless nonsense.

 

 

    We must always remember that there are no quick fixes or short cuts in Karate.  Hard work at perfecting the basics, from the beginning and continuing even into the highest of the Black Belt ranks is the key to proper Karate.  One could certainly shortcut training by only teaching the Black Belt **Katas and techniques. However, this is tantamount to foregoing Kindergarten and teaching college level physics to a 5 year old.  While the student may well be able to spew back some of the knowledge, they will never have a deeper understanding of the information.  Without the proper basics and a strong foundation instilled first, Black Belt Karate techniques are nothing but flashy, useless show.  Teaching fighting methods without the necessary character development is to reduce an Art of the highest caliber into mere sport.  Karate is, and always was, designed for defense only and as way of peace. 

     Many students today are, unbeknownst to them, being taught a mere shadow of true Karate.  Often times the character developing aspects of the Art are completely dismissed as unnecessary or impractical in the modern Dojo.  Basic techniques are allowed to be incorrect or not taught correctly in the first place.  Severe character flaws are allowed to foster and are ultimately passed on to others.  The problem with these types of imperfections is that students who are not taught correctly from the beginning will rarely ever “double back” and correct themselves in the areas where they lack.  They may indeed never even know that their Karate is incomplete.  When these students themselves become instructors, they will continue to teach as they have been taught, passing on half-truths, incorrect techniques, and improper attitudes.

 

     It is a true statement that students who achieve a Black Belt have finally learned enough basics to begin learning Karate!  One must remember that there are many Dan levels, each with a set of requirements of their own.  If a school has no requirements past, Shodan other than the passage of time and a few new kata, then that school is doomed to mediocrity.    When one considers the immense amount of knowledge gained after Shodan, this theory of “time in grade” type promotions exposes itself as completely flawed!

 

     Skipping steps is a major detriment to the Martial Arts.  What I mean by this is that some schools and instructors either will intentionally or inadvertently forego portions of their students training.  In some schools, this is purposefully done to shorten the time it takes the student to achieve a Black Belt.  The fact remains that, as humans, we must all first crawl before we walk, and walk before we run, we must also have the basics of Karate within us before we even begin to learn Karate.