What is tradition, or traditional, in the martial arts? Who decides what it is? . Tradition can be described as; “an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior”. But what we refer to as “traditional” in the martial arts often isn’t traditional at all. . All of the past masters were innovators…
Tag: Lineage
Naihanchi (ナイハンチ) Kata
Naihanchi (ナイハンチ) . The kata Naihanchi is said to mean ‘sideways fighting’ due to the kata’s distinctive embusen (floor pattern), but is also translated as ‘internal divided conflict’, it is practiced in many styles of karate today. . Gichin Funakoshi renamed the kata Tekki (Iron Horse) in reference to his old teacher, Anko Itosu, and…
Seisan. Karate’s oldest kata?
The kata Seisan (十三) (alternate names Sesan, Seishan, Jusanpo, Hangetsu in Shotokan) literally means ’13’. Some people refer to the kata as ’13 Hands’, ’13 Fists’, ’13 Techniques’, ’13 Steps’ or even ’13 killing positions’; however, these names have no historical basis. . Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata, and like…
What’s the difference between history and tradition?
“Karate has been present in Okinawa since the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. That is why it is our mission to protect this tradition.” – Yoshitsune Senaga 10th-dan Uechi Ryu . What’s the difference between history and tradition? . In our fast paced and ever changing lives and a world that appears to be in…
How important is lineage to you?
We all have a martial arts lineage of sorts, some remain faithful to one, others perhaps through no fault of their own, have several. There are those that believe who you follow is of the utmost importance, and there are others who couldn’t care less. . Anyone who has an interest in the history of…
What is the true meaning of the martial arts?
What is the true meaning of the martial arts? . The problem with this question is that the answer is going to be very subjective and personal. . We use the term ‘martial arts’ in a very broad sense, to encompass many different types of activities, and many practitioners describe what they do as…
Creating your own style of martial art.
Creating your own style of martial art. . Why is this frowned upon? What makes us any different from the old masters? Didn’t they spend time with several teachers and then after a time, “go out on their own”? . Understanding our lineage, and the traditions that have been passed down over generations is of…
“We must think on how to preserve the original karate.”
“I want the students to understand the importance of what they are learning….we must think on how to preserve the original karate not only with words but with a sound philosophy behind it.” – Toshimitsu Arakaki 10th-dan Matsubayashi-ryu . Why is it important to save a martial arts cultural heritage or tradition? . To different…
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.”
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” – Cezar Borkowski 10th dan Northern Karate Schools . In addition to the kyu/dan grading system used by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, there is a parallel system called “shogo” (称号). This is the teaching title-system originally set up by…
Is there a blind adherence to tradition in the martial arts?
“I like practicing and teaching karate to others – especially teaching the people who think they can’t succeed when I can see that they can.” – Morio Higaonna 10th dan Goju Ryu . Is there a blind adherence to tradition in the martial arts? . In Okinawa, the traditional martial arts still have their cultural…
The quest for the original kata.
The quest for the original kata. . In modern times it seems to have become important that students learn kata “as it was taught originally”. . But what is original?….. The fact is we don’t know what the original kata looked like. And which original do you seek? . As an example it is known…
What does it mean to leave a legacy?
“I hope that the next generations will not only improve technically but also know how to share their knowledge. People must pass on the traditions and not lose them.” – Teruo Chinen 9th dan Goju Ryu (1941-2015) . What does it mean to leave a legacy? . In simple terms, a legacy is passed from…