This blog is to express my personal take on the gokui (also referred to as the "marital art precepts", "the eight precepts of the quanfa", and "the code of karate". So what you read here on this blog is my view, my perception, my personal understanding, and mine alone on the gokui as it relates to both karate-do and my life.
The possibilites are unlimited. What I mean is this is a tome that is fluid. It changes with each passing moment so it is a living document; a living tome; a living precept of both karate-do and life.
With that said I would like to recommend that you find as many sources of the gokui and its meaning as you can so you may learn. The blog site by George Breed, a first generation student of Tatsuo Sensei, a warrior Marine, and a Author, Martial Artist, Psychologist is now discussing the martial art precepts on his new blog site, "Warrior Notes."
I have also listed it on my "Favorite Blogs - List" so you can get there at any time for he is also discussing various subjects about the spiritual warrior fighting arts/martial arts to include Isshinryu.
Kanpai Karate-ka!
Interconnections
Consider this: The universe holds the heavens above such as the stars, the moon, the sun, and other "heavenly" bodies which includes "Earth". The sun is "energy" and it radiates onto every heavenly body within its influences, our solar system.
The energy that comes from the sun touches the moon giving us the moons reflections upon still waters of the Earth. The suns energy touches and is connected to the atmosphere, through it to the living creatures of Earth providing us with sustenance.
The trees and plants receive the energy as they reach toward the heavens taking that energy and connecting to those animals that drink of their nectar and also through the roots connecting the plant to the Earth transferring the suns energy as the plants energy into the Earth. The animals that drink of the energy from plants carry that energy within themselves to other plants across the surface of the Earth.
We humans reach toward the heavens to receive the suns energy and by our rooting to the Earth we make that connection between Earth and Heaven.
The Earth follows an elliptical path around the sun which is the symbol of infinity or a never ending cycle or path as does the moon around the Earth thus connecting the Earth, Moon, and Heavens.
What I am trying to convey in this post is that all things are connected by strings of energy. We are not separate entities but "one" great entity that provides the meridians of the Universe. It carries that "one" energy to all things as the "one" great energy forms the Tai Chi and thus connects further into the myriad of strings of energy connecting all of us and all things.
We as humans are caught up with past, present, and future which blocks the energies of our own meridian lines or strings. If we train and practice to create the "one" in our singular practice of karate-do it will teach is to balance ourselves thus creating a balance between the jodan, chudan, and gedan within. Once we balance our bodies then we open ourselves to the possibilities of all other connections in the Universe. We do this by changing the past, present, and future into the "one" or the "present moment" or the "Now".
There is nothing else in the Universe but the present moment and through the rigors of Karate-do or any other art, martial art, fighting art, we develop the qualities that give us the discipline, focus, and experience to achieve present moment being.
Present moment being achieves a myriad of things not the least is the re-connection to our Universe which equates to the balance of Humanity, Earth, and Heaven (Universe: sun, moon, and earth).
The energy that comes from the sun touches the moon giving us the moons reflections upon still waters of the Earth. The suns energy touches and is connected to the atmosphere, through it to the living creatures of Earth providing us with sustenance.
The trees and plants receive the energy as they reach toward the heavens taking that energy and connecting to those animals that drink of their nectar and also through the roots connecting the plant to the Earth transferring the suns energy as the plants energy into the Earth. The animals that drink of the energy from plants carry that energy within themselves to other plants across the surface of the Earth.
We humans reach toward the heavens to receive the suns energy and by our rooting to the Earth we make that connection between Earth and Heaven.
The Earth follows an elliptical path around the sun which is the symbol of infinity or a never ending cycle or path as does the moon around the Earth thus connecting the Earth, Moon, and Heavens.
What I am trying to convey in this post is that all things are connected by strings of energy. We are not separate entities but "one" great entity that provides the meridians of the Universe. It carries that "one" energy to all things as the "one" great energy forms the Tai Chi and thus connects further into the myriad of strings of energy connecting all of us and all things.
We as humans are caught up with past, present, and future which blocks the energies of our own meridian lines or strings. If we train and practice to create the "one" in our singular practice of karate-do it will teach is to balance ourselves thus creating a balance between the jodan, chudan, and gedan within. Once we balance our bodies then we open ourselves to the possibilities of all other connections in the Universe. We do this by changing the past, present, and future into the "one" or the "present moment" or the "Now".
There is nothing else in the Universe but the present moment and through the rigors of Karate-do or any other art, martial art, fighting art, we develop the qualities that give us the discipline, focus, and experience to achieve present moment being.
Present moment being achieves a myriad of things not the least is the re-connection to our Universe which equates to the balance of Humanity, Earth, and Heaven (Universe: sun, moon, and earth).
Sequence Five
Ops, forgot sequence five...sorry
This sequence when compared to the gokui provided by Tatsuo Sensei may not be as clear as we would like in translation.
body - by itself it could be almost anything. It leads this sequence so we as Americans may see something other than what was intended when we see the translations of follow and time. could it be that this particular character must be coupled with adapt and change first but then how does it equate to follow and time. With out the gokui translation we currently use it could have remained a mystery.
follow - what follows what in this instance. do we follow the changes by adapt our responses to them using proper timing. this could be the coupling of follow - adapt - changes in our bodies as appropriate. no where does the idea of strike first seem to appear here so do we assume that the body changes and adapts and then follows up with an appropriate response...
time - time could be the time of day; the time of year; the time of month as it relates to the body in optimal use of its muscles and breathing although these terms are not mentioned by may be implied. time could be related to the other characters so we interpret it as "timing" for proper timing when adapting to changes in our lives and/or with opponents is critical so we follow that line of timing - adapting - changing the body to follow the strings that attach it to the environment or universal connectivity all things have in the Earth.
adapt - adaptation to changes in our bodies or adaptation to changes in our opponents bodies so we may follow training to counter appropriately or is this some other reference to the connection of your training to that of life itself.
changes - these may be in reference to the changes that occur naturally and instinctively in nature or the universe where we need to adapt and follow what it may have to teach us or tell us by its effects on the universe and our place in it. changes may also be those we encounter in a conflict yet I believe we should not limit the teachings as the I-Ching is somewhat vague until you start connecting all the adjoining strings into the "one" so understanding is discovered.
This could be interpreted many ways both literal to our practice or to the way we act in life. We encounter a good deal in life that sometimes causes us to view it from a different perspective while in training we learn to adjust our movements to those we encounter be it an opponent or training partner. This one can lead us down a path that is never ending for it may refer to those characteristics we must master in order for out bodies to perform optimally. This is also a reference to how we condition and maintain health for with out it we would be unable to respond to life or an attack adequately.
body | follow | time | adapt | changes
This sequence when compared to the gokui provided by Tatsuo Sensei may not be as clear as we would like in translation.
body - by itself it could be almost anything. It leads this sequence so we as Americans may see something other than what was intended when we see the translations of follow and time. could it be that this particular character must be coupled with adapt and change first but then how does it equate to follow and time. With out the gokui translation we currently use it could have remained a mystery.
follow - what follows what in this instance. do we follow the changes by adapt our responses to them using proper timing. this could be the coupling of follow - adapt - changes in our bodies as appropriate. no where does the idea of strike first seem to appear here so do we assume that the body changes and adapts and then follows up with an appropriate response...
time - time could be the time of day; the time of year; the time of month as it relates to the body in optimal use of its muscles and breathing although these terms are not mentioned by may be implied. time could be related to the other characters so we interpret it as "timing" for proper timing when adapting to changes in our lives and/or with opponents is critical so we follow that line of timing - adapting - changing the body to follow the strings that attach it to the environment or universal connectivity all things have in the Earth.
adapt - adaptation to changes in our bodies or adaptation to changes in our opponents bodies so we may follow training to counter appropriately or is this some other reference to the connection of your training to that of life itself.
changes - these may be in reference to the changes that occur naturally and instinctively in nature or the universe where we need to adapt and follow what it may have to teach us or tell us by its effects on the universe and our place in it. changes may also be those we encounter in a conflict yet I believe we should not limit the teachings as the I-Ching is somewhat vague until you start connecting all the adjoining strings into the "one" so understanding is discovered.
The Body should be able to change direction at any time.
This could be interpreted many ways both literal to our practice or to the way we act in life. We encounter a good deal in life that sometimes causes us to view it from a different perspective while in training we learn to adjust our movements to those we encounter be it an opponent or training partner. This one can lead us down a path that is never ending for it may refer to those characteristics we must master in order for out bodies to perform optimally. This is also a reference to how we condition and maintain health for with out it we would be unable to respond to life or an attack adequately.
In closing this chapter
I believe the lesson we should take away from this particular posting is that every thing in life and the Universe is fluid. It has its own rhythm and is connected by strings to every other thing in our Universe. It is constantly changing and the basic "one" lesson we can take with us is that we must "change". Through the singular practice of Karate-do we can first physically experience this and through this diligent and serious practice carry over to the metaphysical experience that opens us to the vastness of our Universe so we may come to understand that we are all connected and that an action on one end of the string effects all those that are connected to that string to include the other end.
Vibrations and Frequencies are a part of our "ki" or energy and they effect other(s) ki and if we practice seriously and diligently then we can balance ki and truly connect and effect other energies causing them to naturally find their balance.
Vibrations and Frequencies are a part of our "ki" or energy and they effect other(s) ki and if we practice seriously and diligently then we can balance ki and truly connect and effect other energies causing them to naturally find their balance.
Sequence Eight
ear/s | ability | hear | eight (all around/all sides) | directions
ear/s - in this instance we could say the same as sequence seven with the only change being the character/word "ear/s".
ability - makes me wonder why this character in this sequence as the previous sequence could have gotten the same results. the only difference being the "see vs. hear" characters yet they chose to use this character for ability. i can suggest that since the tome of the gokui was meant to be separate yet as "one" that when we consider both sequences that they compliment one another. ability might mean that we must develop it in order for the others to have meaning.
hear - in this instance we could say the same as sequence seven with the only change being the character/word "hear". we can also suggest that tho these seem specific to both seeing and hearing in a literal meaning that they would imply other senses must be developed and used not only for karate-do but in life. we should not depend on any one or two senses in life as well as karate-do or the fighting arts for that could lead to not-winning.
eight - why refer to the eight directions I allude to in sequence seven or do we integrate this with the other to create the "one" whole that leads us on the path or the "Way" or ...
directions - sides vs. directions...is this also to allude to something more when we study and practice along with concepts and this gokui? good question...
The ear must listen in all directions.
Directions vs. Sides, is there any real difference or could it be that during the translation the person perspective, knowledge, experience, spirit, and so forth caused them to challenge the deshi to seek out their own answers thus creating new translations and ever changing understanding. after all does not the gokui indicate that change is a constant of the universe and we must accept and adapt to change if we are to remain sane, healthy, conscious, and aware...
Sequence Seven
eye/s | must | see | 4 | sides
eye/s - there are at least two types this may refer to, one is our actual "eyes" or the second is that "eye" that comes from meditation, i.e. that third eye that some believe sits at the forehead and allows us to see that which is not seeable by our eyes in our heads. to be able to see all sides may refer to not only the literal but also the meta-physical. something to think about or to contemplate...
must - not sure this character actually means "must" for I don't envision philosophically they meant this literally that one "must" as if they were required to do something when in reality we are never "required or must" have to do anything. we "must" accept tho that we are free to decide on a course of action both physical and metaphysically.
see - to see something literally but in addition metaphysically is important. whether it pertains to any type of side or the number four or eyes is debatable and dependent solely on the individuals perspective and perceptions...
4 - literally four of what. if it is sides does it mean east | west | north | south or does it mean SW | SE | NW | NE which is another four sides to this coin. maybe this is why Chinese thought uses an eight sided figure to depict all eight directions. so do we suppose this means every direction or do we limit ourselves into just four directions with the understanding the other four are within our peripheral vision thus not needed to be overtly expressed...
sides - do we assume we mean the four sides from our direct perspective as we stand facing forward or do we mean all sides from a perspective of dimensions, i.e. four sides, up, down, diagonally in any other non-direct path, etc.
The eye must see all sides.
Pretty clear here but still we don't wish to accept its translation or meaning as literal because we in the fighting arts must consider sides that are not apparent. There is the physical side, the metaphysical side, the theological side, the spiritual side, the side of heaven and earth, the side of moon and sun, and ...
Sequence Six
hand | time | empty | rule | enter
hand - the hand itself then how does it connect to time, empty, rule, enter...? we can see the relationship between the character hand and empty especially since we practice the art form of the empty hand. when we try to relate it to the time, rule, and enter is where this particular sequence becomes a bit convoluted. no where do I see the relationship between striking when an opportunity presents itself.
time - does this apply to the time of day, week, month, etc or to timing in life and/or in technique in living and/or karate-jutsu. how does time relate to hand, empty, rule, and/or enter. do we think of time as something that is empty as in fudoshin or time as in when something occurs. does time or timing hold for any particular rule of life or technique, etc. do we enter a time for a particular reason.
empty - fudoshin, zanshin, mushin or emptiness in the soul or with out a technique. is this a direct relation to the hand or feet in karate-do, i.e. empty hand or the foot/feet also being with out anything other than the foot/feet themselves. is there any particular rule as to how we enter an empty state for life or technique which relates to the time or timing...
rule - life is full of rules and some are of a nature that when we break them we unbalance nature or your natural connection to the universe. there are rules that follow as to that universe and its all encompassing energy that drives it all and that energy we have circulating within us called, "ki". when we break the rule of nature then we change our environment or how nature reacts around us but to keep in tune or with a rhythm of nature causes us to balance our internal nature which results in health and well being and in the world of karate it results in optimal strength and power with a flow of energy that invigorates and enhances our abilities...
enter - to enter into something or to enter into a state of being that is the moment or the present. this also brings about instinctual action with no action if we connect in a balance way with the universes energy that we draw from in our internal energy or "ki". do we enter into a particular technique because of what we perceive from another action. do we enter into action as a reaction to another action and how does this relate to the rule of the empty hand.
The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
I believe the spirit of this statement is in the Funakoshi statement or "Karate Ni Sente Nashi" or no first strike in karate. The maxim follows in all aspects of life. One must be alert and focused with the appropriate training and education that allows them to respond appropriately. When we sense something we must take the opportunity to act so we can overcome...
Sequence Four
weight | advance | retreat | disengage | engage
weight - could this be our bodies as to how it reacts when out of kilter in relation to advancing and retreating from an attacker; does it mean our weight used to manipulate an attacker while we engage and disengage using timing and distancing in advancing and retreating from that attacker. Weight may also mean the weight of responsibility in practice and training or in life with various life situations both bad and good; or it may be a weight used ...
advance - could this refer to what I spoke of above in the manner in which we advance on an attacker when counter-attacking their attack by using our bodies weight to cause a disruption in an attackers weight and thus unbalance them; could this refer to how it interacts when engaging; when disengaging...
retreat - is this literal as in retreating or putting proper distance between yourself and the attacker thus causing them to have to shift their weight in order to advance on us thus putting us in the position to advance and engage; is this to retreat within ourselves away from the world or life so we may contemplate our inner self to improve where we advance on our foibles to engage in understanding them then defeat them allowing us to retreat away from that moment and to engage other foibles until we reach a level where they become nothing in that moment.
disengage - to remove ourselves from the environment; to remove ourselves from the influences of our ego's; to remove ourselves from the influences put upon us by others and their ego's; to disengage from actual combat or hand to hand combat enabling us to disengage so we may advance and engage with superior weight, balance, focus, timing, and energy...
engage - to move forward in life and receive the influences that we encounter so we may "see" it as it really is and thus by engaging actively in it we can overcome and become more; to engage our ego's and see them as they really are and what they really mean to us on a spiritual level; to engage the attacker with a counter-attack thus advancing our objective of being safe.
A persons unbalance is the same as a weight.
This seems so literal in its translation. One must practice so that when encountering an attacker their balance, form, body alignment, energy, focus, timing, shifting, stances, and techniques are superior thus causing the attacker to become unbalanced so they fall as would dead weight when dropped. An unbalance persons is focused on regaining balance while a balance person is focused on technique and all its connected qualities. If we fail to attain proficiency in our lives we then fall out of balance and open the gates to low energy that attracts other low energies that cause disruption in life as if being held down by a heavy weight...
Sequence Three
method | hard | soft | drink | spit
method - what method? the method used in a technique; a method of living our lives; a method of connecting to nature or the universe or a description of the following words/characters.
hard - hard what? hard body; hard mind; hard technique; a reference to a state of mind, being, or the state of our life; is it related to method and soft, method or soft, or the others.
soft - soft what? soft body; soft mind; soft technique; a reference to a state of mind, being, or the state of our life; is it related to method and hard, method or hard, or the others.
Does either hard | soft relate to water since the reference to drinking a liquid and/or spitting the liquid out. Is it symbolic to a way to think, breathe, interact, etc.
drink - could this be in reference to actually consuming the liquid or is it symbolic.
spit - could this be in reference to actually eliminating something from somewhere or is it also symbolic.
Here again we have to find the source and its function in the translation or original writing. This theme seems to be the same through out the entire gokui be it the Chinese characters or the English translations.
The manner of drinking and spitting is the same.
How can this be true since drinking may refer to the slow rhythmic consuming of a liquid which the actual act itself is no hard if we think of the other parts of the translation especially when the act of spitting is more of a hard act in the literal view.
Do they want us to think of the two manners in which the act is performed to decide that some balance needs to be achieved or is it so simple that the author does not want us to be bogged down in the comparison as it might translate to practice or life.
Maybe this is why all of them are convoluted in its purpose so we simply have to learn to constantly think and change with the daily life encounters be it in practice or just living our lives.
Interesting Article on Principles for Gokui
I was researching the gokui's first pome with interest in "heaven and earth" as it might relate to the fighting arts and life and with delight found a very interesting article I believe you will like to read. Since it is copyrighted I will give the title and author so you can find it yourself. I will tell you that a partial article is out there and to get the full one I had to join my local library who have the article via their web site.
Embodying Heaven and Earth: A Radiant Model of Transformation.
Publication: International Journal of Humanities and Peace
Publication Date: 01-JAN-03
by George Breed
COPYRIGHT 2003 International Journal of Humanities and Peace
Just as a teaser you will need to know that both Isshinryu and Tatsuo Shimabuku Sensei are prominently discussed in this article. I also believe it will help open up some of the gokui to those interested.
Embodying Heaven and Earth: A Radiant Model of Transformation.
Publication: International Journal of Humanities and Peace
Publication Date: 01-JAN-03
by George Breed
COPYRIGHT 2003 International Journal of Humanities and Peace
Just as a teaser you will need to know that both Isshinryu and Tatsuo Shimabuku Sensei are prominently discussed in this article. I also believe it will help open up some of the gokui to those interested.
Isshinryu Leadership
It is well known that certain individuals, Marines, were entrusted with Roku-dan with an understanding it would be earned after about ten to fifteen years of serious training and that those entrusted would lead the Americans in the study of Isshinryu Karate-do, the fighting art of Okinawa. It is also a known that Tatsuo Sensei wished that in those continued studies we Americans would embrace his spirit of teaching the Isshinryu concepts and Kenpo Gokui (witnessed by the issuance of both the silk promotions and a copy of the gokui presented to each American, etc).
It is then understood that we Americans shall follow the teachings of Tatsuo Sensei concepts, gokui, and Isshinryu karate-do under the guidance of the American Masters, i.e. Nagle Sensei, Long Sensei, Mitchum Sensei, Armstrong Sensei, and Advincula Sensei.
It is also understood that the spirit of Tatsuo Sensei encourages growth and innovation after many, many years of training, practice, and understanding of Isshinryu, Tatsuo Concepts, and the Gokui. He guaranteed the longevity of Isshinryu through this forward thinking.
It is then understood that we Americans shall follow the teachings of Tatsuo Sensei concepts, gokui, and Isshinryu karate-do under the guidance of the American Masters, i.e. Nagle Sensei, Long Sensei, Mitchum Sensei, Armstrong Sensei, and Advincula Sensei.
It is also understood that the spirit of Tatsuo Sensei encourages growth and innovation after many, many years of training, practice, and understanding of Isshinryu, Tatsuo Concepts, and the Gokui. He guaranteed the longevity of Isshinryu through this forward thinking.
Sequence Two
blood | pulse | similar | sun | moon
blood - could it mean the energy we have in our bodies or is it literal as to the blood as it flows through out our bodies much like the path the sun and moon take in our universe.
pulse - could it mean the actual pumping of our hearts or could it relate to the rhythm created by the beating of our hearts much like any rhythm we find in nature, i.e. the rhythm of the wind be it caressing the leaves of a tree or the beating of it upon the waves during a typhoon.
similar - is this separate from the others or is it a link between the characters of the sun; sun and moon; sun or moon; blood to the sun; blood to the moon; blood to the sun and moon; pulse of the blood; pulse of the sun radiating out; pulse of the moon's effects on the earth.
sun - literally the sun above or is this a analogous meaning to something else; sun in relation to the moon; the suns direct influence on the moon; the suns influence on the earth through the moon.
moon - the moon lighting the night to provide guidance in our travels along the path or is this a symbol for some other esoteric meaning; the moon does influence such things as the tides so does it relate to anything that ebbs and flows and has rhythm; does this refer to reflections of the moon in various places to indicate such things as a still mind, body, and spirit or do we need to do more research as to the meaning in the time, place, and person who wrote it.
The blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon.
When we accept this particular meaning how do we interpret it especially since the author does not expand as to their frame of mind and reference. Maybe this is the point so that each of us can use our own perspective, frame of mind, and frame of reference to interpret it for our use.
Maybe that is the intent with the Chinese characters. There are cycles and rhythms cast upon the earth from influences of both the sun and moon. These connections cause the earth to respond accordingly and maybe the meaning of the blood to the sun and moon means that our bodies respond accordingly in a similar manner.
Sequence One
person | heart | same | heaven | earth
person - could it mean a person as in you or I as we study; does it mean that a person and heart shall be connected in the meaning becoming "one" or the "same" as heaven, heaven and earth, or heaven or earth. The character, of which I am not well versed, may not mean exactly person.
heart - could it mean literally the heart since the heart is responsible for pumping the blood and energy through out the body, i.e. cycles of the blood pumping like the cycles of the heavens or the earth in relation to the heavens; or could it be a way of saying "spirit" for to forge the spirit is a part of the "way" and since they refer to the heavens and earth in a non-literal way, or do they, then heart may have some symbolic meaning we are not privy to since we are not the originators of this pome.
same - Since there are not connectors in this type of communications we can not be totally sure that the character refers to "same" or a so called comparison of person | heart to heaven | earth. The character may have a totally different meaning in the context of which it was written.
heaven - could it be a literal meaning of the heavens above us in the sky/night or is it symbolic; is it connected to the "earth" literally to provide a dual meaning to point to a person's heart or spirit or ...; could it be symbolic to an ideology related to Taoism or Confucianism...
earth - could it be as simple as the meaning of heaven in relation to stressing a type of meaning with the rest of the translation or are the characters to stand alone.
In the end I believe that they are all meant to be connected like the strings of energy in our universe as explained by the string theory. I believe every thing is connected in a manner which could be construed as a connection of energies such as in this string theory.
A persons heart is the same as heaven and earth.
If we accept the translation into English and try to understand it then we need to do a few things first such as find out what the original translator was thinking and feeling along with his customs and practices as influenced by his religion, history, local, customs of the local/country, etc. One of the concepts Tatsuo Sensei mentioned to his son Shinsho as well as Advincula Sensei was the importance of following the gokui with one concept being to "learn about others customs."
Since a lot of Okinawa customs were influenced greatly by the Chinese and it is understood, if un-provable, that the old masters studied the Chinese classics then how do we connect that to the meaning when we see "heaven and earth" in the pome.
This further solidifies the concept and desire of Tatsuo Sensei that we learn about a persons customs and history, etc. for we truly can not fully comprehend the pome with out that data.
Something to think about don't you think?
Kanji - English
1. person | heart | same | heaven | earth; a persons heart is the same as heaven and earth.
2. blood | pulse | similar | sun | moon; the blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon.
3. method | hard | soft | drink | spit; the manner of drinking and spitting is the same.
4. weight | advance | retreat | disengage | engage; a person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
5. body | follow | time | adapt | changes; the body should be able to change direction at any time.
6. hand | time | empth | rule | enter; the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
7. eye | must | see | 4 | sides; the eyes must see all sides.
8. ear | ability | hear | eight | directions; the ears must listen in all directions.
2. blood | pulse | similar | sun | moon; the blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon.
3. method | hard | soft | drink | spit; the manner of drinking and spitting is the same.
4. weight | advance | retreat | disengage | engage; a person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
5. body | follow | time | adapt | changes; the body should be able to change direction at any time.
6. hand | time | empth | rule | enter; the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
7. eye | must | see | 4 | sides; the eyes must see all sides.
8. ear | ability | hear | eight | directions; the ears must listen in all directions.
Tatsuo Sensei Kenpo Gokui Kanji
1. Person | Heart | Same | Heaven | Earth
The kanji that is the kenpo gokui is not as explicit or as simple a translation to English as I believe it may seem to the karate-do community. What I mean is that although the concept may be exactly what appears in the first pome of the gokui when you see and translate the kanji it is open to a lot of room for interpretation.
1. A PERSON's HEART is the SAME as HEAVEN and EARTH.
When you review the above English version it seems to fit. We can not be lulled into a false sense of correctness in this regard. Since we didn't originally create the characters we can not know for sure if this is what was meant originally.
We have to consider that the characters do not necessarily mean a literal word such as person. The characters come from the Chinese and they build characters from thoughts or idea's and feelings evoked from the representation of the characters.
The characters may take on different meanings depending on the person who is interpreting them. This is a good point as well when we say "interpret" because the Chinese characters are usually several separate characters representing something quite different when separated but when combined cause other meanings to come up.
A character that means water may be interpreted by one person depending on their education as well as the location where they live to mean a river, stream, or pond while for another it may mean to rain, an ocean, or some other "water" object. Then when combined with other characters bring about meaning of a totally different nature.
Take "path" or "Michi" in Japanese. Depending on its view by the individual it may mean a road or a path which could be the "path of the empty hand" or it could mean the path one takes to the next village. Two totally different meanings provided depending on its usage and those who are either writing it and its context that brought about its writing or those who are interpreting those same characters and its context in the reading.
All we can do is try to understand the characters as they were initially interpreted by Tatsuo Sensei and then with continued study and practice come to our own conclusions and meaning exclusive to us as individuals.
Tatsuo Sensei said that one meaning of the gokui is to learn about others such as their customs and way thus improving upon ourselves. This type of self-improvement changes the core of who we are and what we are with the hopes and aspirations that we become more tuned to ourselves, others, and all our communities.
No mean feat and a noble endeavor!
The kanji that is the kenpo gokui is not as explicit or as simple a translation to English as I believe it may seem to the karate-do community. What I mean is that although the concept may be exactly what appears in the first pome of the gokui when you see and translate the kanji it is open to a lot of room for interpretation.
1. A PERSON's HEART is the SAME as HEAVEN and EARTH.
When you review the above English version it seems to fit. We can not be lulled into a false sense of correctness in this regard. Since we didn't originally create the characters we can not know for sure if this is what was meant originally.
We have to consider that the characters do not necessarily mean a literal word such as person. The characters come from the Chinese and they build characters from thoughts or idea's and feelings evoked from the representation of the characters.
The characters may take on different meanings depending on the person who is interpreting them. This is a good point as well when we say "interpret" because the Chinese characters are usually several separate characters representing something quite different when separated but when combined cause other meanings to come up.
A character that means water may be interpreted by one person depending on their education as well as the location where they live to mean a river, stream, or pond while for another it may mean to rain, an ocean, or some other "water" object. Then when combined with other characters bring about meaning of a totally different nature.
Take "path" or "Michi" in Japanese. Depending on its view by the individual it may mean a road or a path which could be the "path of the empty hand" or it could mean the path one takes to the next village. Two totally different meanings provided depending on its usage and those who are either writing it and its context that brought about its writing or those who are interpreting those same characters and its context in the reading.
All we can do is try to understand the characters as they were initially interpreted by Tatsuo Sensei and then with continued study and practice come to our own conclusions and meaning exclusive to us as individuals.
Tatsuo Sensei said that one meaning of the gokui is to learn about others such as their customs and way thus improving upon ourselves. This type of self-improvement changes the core of who we are and what we are with the hopes and aspirations that we become more tuned to ourselves, others, and all our communities.
No mean feat and a noble endeavor!
Absolutes
There are no absolutes in karate-do. There are no absolutes in life. When we study and interpret the kenpo gokui we are learning our own kenpo gokui.
Review the kanji of the kenpo gokui and then the words in English and you find differences or at the least openness to interpretation. I firmly believe the English translations are the interpretation of the person translating the kanji to English which gets its influences from the persons environment, thoughts, teachings, and so on.
The gokui as translated by Tatsuo Sensei may just be his interpretations. I firmly believe he provided the kanji version along with his English version to help us follow his concepts and through diligent and serious training on our part become something unique to each of us as individuals. This would be similar to how he came to be the creator of Isshinryu because he took the training and teachings of his Sensei and brought them together into the one heart method with strings or links to his training in the classics to include the kenpo gokui.
I believe he meant for us to follow our own path and find our own true meaning of the kenpo gokui thus using his version along with his concepts as a personal gift to help us create our own.
When we practice the "way" are we not trying to reach our own nirvana, not Tatsuo Sensei or Nagle Sensei or Advincula Sensei nirvana but our own.
So let us say that there are no "absolute" interpretations to anything in the kenpo gokui except the characters which we should use to find our own true heart and then polish it until if shines brightly as the sun shines its benefits upon the earth and humanity.
Let the gokui be represented by the moon while it cycles with the sun and earth allowing us through repetitive, serious, and diligent practice to reach "one" with the gokui creating our own pome of karate-do.
If there are so many interpretations of kata and kihon technique (bunkai) which began with the basics taught from Tatsuo Sensei to the interpretations of today's Sensei can not there be the same with the kenpo gokui and the concepts of Tatsuo Sensei?
Keep asking Questions? Study the concepts and gokui as thoroughly as we do the waza of Isshinryu.
Review the kanji of the kenpo gokui and then the words in English and you find differences or at the least openness to interpretation. I firmly believe the English translations are the interpretation of the person translating the kanji to English which gets its influences from the persons environment, thoughts, teachings, and so on.
The gokui as translated by Tatsuo Sensei may just be his interpretations. I firmly believe he provided the kanji version along with his English version to help us follow his concepts and through diligent and serious training on our part become something unique to each of us as individuals. This would be similar to how he came to be the creator of Isshinryu because he took the training and teachings of his Sensei and brought them together into the one heart method with strings or links to his training in the classics to include the kenpo gokui.
I believe he meant for us to follow our own path and find our own true meaning of the kenpo gokui thus using his version along with his concepts as a personal gift to help us create our own.
When we practice the "way" are we not trying to reach our own nirvana, not Tatsuo Sensei or Nagle Sensei or Advincula Sensei nirvana but our own.
So let us say that there are no "absolute" interpretations to anything in the kenpo gokui except the characters which we should use to find our own true heart and then polish it until if shines brightly as the sun shines its benefits upon the earth and humanity.
Let the gokui be represented by the moon while it cycles with the sun and earth allowing us through repetitive, serious, and diligent practice to reach "one" with the gokui creating our own pome of karate-do.
If there are so many interpretations of kata and kihon technique (bunkai) which began with the basics taught from Tatsuo Sensei to the interpretations of today's Sensei can not there be the same with the kenpo gokui and the concepts of Tatsuo Sensei?
Keep asking Questions? Study the concepts and gokui as thoroughly as we do the waza of Isshinryu.
Kihon no gokui...or someting like that :-)
We need to separate and/or segregate things into silo's to learn. Apparently we need this type of beginning in order to practice and then set the path to coalescing it into the "one."Here is what I am trying to say, we practice kihon, kata, and kumite as separate entities until we reach a stage where they all seem to become one in practice. I perceive the kenpo gokui as the same.
Initially we seek the knowledge the 8 gokui provide by studying them separately when in fact this is only the beginning. We see each of the eight on its own and within each of the eight the parts it contains separately to gain the foundation we need to bring it all into "one!"
As I travel forward seeking knowledge that the gokui provides by its "light" by which we "see" the truth of it I will be writing more in a form that brings all eight of the gokui into "one." I hope I can do this anyway!
I will still see and write on the individual parts because to build on the foundation provides greater strength much like continued practice of kihon, kata, and kumite builds or forges a stronger mind, body, and heart the parts of the gokui shall build upon the foundation of the "one".
Although the title to this post is not really accurate it does help to convey that what we practice in the fighting arts is the coalescing of the mind, body, and spirit into the "one" or "one heart" of life. Through this type of singular practice I hope to find the "one" in all things thus providing balance in my life through balance in karate-do through balance in kenpo-gokui.
Example: I was sitting at my desk reviewing my mail for work when suddenly the above thought just flicked on like a light or beacon to illuminate my way so I immediately opened my note book or text pad and started writing. The words flowed and I believe this is how we reach beyond the basics to start forming the "one."
Note: Notice in the graphic the literal translation of the kanji to English then compare that to the full English gokui we see. I believe there are a myriad of ways we could translate the gokui to mean...worth studying don't you think?
Mind + Body + Spirit (heart) = One
In the singular form of practice we call karate-do we achieve balance. Look at the mind as an equal to heave while the body equates to the earth and finally the heart or spirit relates to humanity. We see in many things a rhythm and we can see this in the number three. When we add these up we end up with "one" which is a balance that connects all in the Universe.
Karate-do requires us when we enter the training hall to learn to control our mind. How this is done initially is we enter the training hall, go the dressing area, open our lockers, and during the process of getting dressed or preparing for training and practice we remove everything in our lives from our mind and focus directly on "training."
Karate-do is a singular form that provides us the tools to directly effect our minds so we may bring about a balance. This form of training requires a good deal from the mind. What ever the mind things translates into what the body does.
When we practice kihon, kata, and kumite we are training the mind to direct the body in very specific ways to accomplish a variety of things. Focus and attention to details are but a couple of traits of the mind we build, hone to a fine degree, and then polish.
As a result of this the mind leads the body into balance between hard and soft, stillness and action, lightness and heaviness, health and sickness, speed and stillness, and between the moment and everything else.
As we practice our karate-do the mind and body soon merge to create an indomitable spirit or heart. If we achieve balance in practice we can then direct that into our lives creating a connection with humanity for what we are in mind, body, and spirit allows us to reach out to others in our dojo, communities, country, and the world or earth.
Think for a minute that with out the heavens earth could not exist; with out the earth and all it has we humans could not exist. The string that connects heave, earth, and humanity creates life. When not in balance we end up with storms, floods, earthquakes, or global warming. How we overcome this is through karate-do for we then create a balance in our minds, bodies, and hearts that allows us to positively connect with others and finally with the earth.
So you can see that the influences of the kenpo-gokui as it applies to karate-do can have far reaching benefits to us as individuals as well as us as a community and finally as the heavens which is our home. Let us find balance!
Karate-do requires us when we enter the training hall to learn to control our mind. How this is done initially is we enter the training hall, go the dressing area, open our lockers, and during the process of getting dressed or preparing for training and practice we remove everything in our lives from our mind and focus directly on "training."
Karate-do is a singular form that provides us the tools to directly effect our minds so we may bring about a balance. This form of training requires a good deal from the mind. What ever the mind things translates into what the body does.
When we practice kihon, kata, and kumite we are training the mind to direct the body in very specific ways to accomplish a variety of things. Focus and attention to details are but a couple of traits of the mind we build, hone to a fine degree, and then polish.
As a result of this the mind leads the body into balance between hard and soft, stillness and action, lightness and heaviness, health and sickness, speed and stillness, and between the moment and everything else.
As we practice our karate-do the mind and body soon merge to create an indomitable spirit or heart. If we achieve balance in practice we can then direct that into our lives creating a connection with humanity for what we are in mind, body, and spirit allows us to reach out to others in our dojo, communities, country, and the world or earth.
Think for a minute that with out the heavens earth could not exist; with out the earth and all it has we humans could not exist. The string that connects heave, earth, and humanity creates life. When not in balance we end up with storms, floods, earthquakes, or global warming. How we overcome this is through karate-do for we then create a balance in our minds, bodies, and hearts that allows us to positively connect with others and finally with the earth.
So you can see that the influences of the kenpo-gokui as it applies to karate-do can have far reaching benefits to us as individuals as well as us as a community and finally as the heavens which is our home. Let us find balance!
Karate-do no Gokui
An exercise in the possibilities:
1. A persons spirit is born of the mind and heart.
2. Ki circulates much like the cycles of the sun and moon.
3. Hard and Soft is a matter of inhaling or exhaling.
4. Adaptation is a matter of sensing intent.
5. Mobility is a matter of balance.
6. Strike quickly when intent is determined.
7. Awareness depends on actively seeing.
8. Awareness depends on actively listening.
Can you improve on this?
1. A persons spirit is born of the mind and heart.
2. Ki circulates much like the cycles of the sun and moon.
3. Hard and Soft is a matter of inhaling or exhaling.
4. Adaptation is a matter of sensing intent.
5. Mobility is a matter of balance.
6. Strike quickly when intent is determined.
7. Awareness depends on actively seeing.
8. Awareness depends on actively listening.
Can you improve on this?
Nutrition, etc.
We all can agree that nutrition plays a vital part in our lives. To achieve a level of proficiency in mind and body, to achieve a level of fitness, health, and well being rely on proper nutrition.
When I speak of nutrition I am talking about what we consume to provide that perfect balance resulting in health, fitness, and well being.
We can all agree that in regards to the food we consume that what we put into our bodies does have an effect on what we see, feel, hear, think, say, sense, and do. This includes karate-do.
When we think of balance we first think of our bodies so we remain erect and don't fall down and go boom resulting in possible injuries, etc. When we think of balance in karate-do we relate that to our minds, bodies, and heart.
When we think of nutrition we think of what tastes good and gives us pleasure which does not always balance out to the optimal fuel necessary to achieve balance in our mind, body, and spirit.
Think of it when we drink alcohol. If we consume a moderate amount then it tends to have a positive benefit to our overall health. When we take it to excess, or out of healthful balance for the mind, body, and spirit, then the benefits diminish and turn to the hard or such things as inattention, loss of equilibrium, fogging of the mind, and diminishing of the spirit. Our senses are dulled so we do not see everything, we are not focused on hearing everything, we lose the ability to make decisions, our muscles and reflexes are dulled to a sluggish state, and we are no longer in control of our mind, body, and spirit.
We must achieve a balance in our mind, body, and spirit; we must find balance with our environment, fellow man, or heave, earth, and heart. We lose our balance in all things which is not in compliance with our "Way" which is derived from the Kenpo Gokui.
When we let our nutritional needs go astray then it effects our mind, bodies, and spirit which in turn effects our practice and training. Eating foods that are processed or are artificially modified does not constitute a balance with heaven, earth, and heart. There is a natural rhythm in our universe and following the "way" is a singular form that helps us to see where we need to adjust the weights until they are balanced.
If we think of string theory we know that we are all connected and the strength or weakness of that connection is effected by everything we do to include the fuel we provide ourselves.
Take heart, connect with heaven and earth, create balance with nature and the universe. Optimize the mind, body, and spirit and bring it in balance so the connection with nature is strong. Don't be the weak thread in the string.
Create a means of living that is neither to hard or to soft. Create a rhythm that allows us to flow from one to the other when needed but to always arrive at a balance point between the two. When punching remain soft until you reach that critical point then become hard but allow the balance to return so you may move on to the next event.
Remain balanced between hard and soft so you may be able to change direction in both combat and in life to achieve your objectives.
When meeting resistance allow yourself to remain balanced between soft and hard so you can change and move accordingly. Soft allows us to bend with the resistance reducing and redirecting it so when we become hard we can overcome and restore our balance in nature.
To remain in balance means we are in a state that allows us to shift from drinking or inhaling to spitting or exhaling in a moment. It allows us the positive state of relaxation so we can become soft to change and move or hard to overcome and restore balance.
To fuel our mind, body, and soul provides nutritional balance so our "ki" flows with no resistance so the cycles of the body carry energy through out the body much like the cycles of the sun and moon.
By achieving balance through practice we achieve balance in life and the result is balance with heaven, earth, and within our heart.
When I speak of nutrition I am talking about what we consume to provide that perfect balance resulting in health, fitness, and well being.
We can all agree that in regards to the food we consume that what we put into our bodies does have an effect on what we see, feel, hear, think, say, sense, and do. This includes karate-do.
When we think of balance we first think of our bodies so we remain erect and don't fall down and go boom resulting in possible injuries, etc. When we think of balance in karate-do we relate that to our minds, bodies, and heart.
When we think of nutrition we think of what tastes good and gives us pleasure which does not always balance out to the optimal fuel necessary to achieve balance in our mind, body, and spirit.
Think of it when we drink alcohol. If we consume a moderate amount then it tends to have a positive benefit to our overall health. When we take it to excess, or out of healthful balance for the mind, body, and spirit, then the benefits diminish and turn to the hard or such things as inattention, loss of equilibrium, fogging of the mind, and diminishing of the spirit. Our senses are dulled so we do not see everything, we are not focused on hearing everything, we lose the ability to make decisions, our muscles and reflexes are dulled to a sluggish state, and we are no longer in control of our mind, body, and spirit.
We must achieve a balance in our mind, body, and spirit; we must find balance with our environment, fellow man, or heave, earth, and heart. We lose our balance in all things which is not in compliance with our "Way" which is derived from the Kenpo Gokui.
When we let our nutritional needs go astray then it effects our mind, bodies, and spirit which in turn effects our practice and training. Eating foods that are processed or are artificially modified does not constitute a balance with heaven, earth, and heart. There is a natural rhythm in our universe and following the "way" is a singular form that helps us to see where we need to adjust the weights until they are balanced.
If we think of string theory we know that we are all connected and the strength or weakness of that connection is effected by everything we do to include the fuel we provide ourselves.
Take heart, connect with heaven and earth, create balance with nature and the universe. Optimize the mind, body, and spirit and bring it in balance so the connection with nature is strong. Don't be the weak thread in the string.
Create a means of living that is neither to hard or to soft. Create a rhythm that allows us to flow from one to the other when needed but to always arrive at a balance point between the two. When punching remain soft until you reach that critical point then become hard but allow the balance to return so you may move on to the next event.
Remain balanced between hard and soft so you may be able to change direction in both combat and in life to achieve your objectives.
When meeting resistance allow yourself to remain balanced between soft and hard so you can change and move accordingly. Soft allows us to bend with the resistance reducing and redirecting it so when we become hard we can overcome and restore our balance in nature.
To remain in balance means we are in a state that allows us to shift from drinking or inhaling to spitting or exhaling in a moment. It allows us the positive state of relaxation so we can become soft to change and move or hard to overcome and restore balance.
To fuel our mind, body, and soul provides nutritional balance so our "ki" flows with no resistance so the cycles of the body carry energy through out the body much like the cycles of the sun and moon.
By achieving balance through practice we achieve balance in life and the result is balance with heaven, earth, and within our heart.
"One"
heaven + earth + heart = one
speak | demonstrate | do when combined into "one" provide guidance in following the "Way" or in practicing the fighting arts.
Learning is a combination of Sensei or Sempai speaking to you or providing you details which must be followed up with a demonstration the Sensei/Sempai performs to relate visually what was perceived by hearing the spoken word.
You first hear what Sensei/Sempai is telling you (8) then when Sensei/Sempai show you then you shall see what it is they have told you (7) and finally Sensei/Sempai will want you to perform for them (do) so they may see what you do and then make appropriate corrections.
In life one must actively listen to what is said to them with an open mind, with out judgement, to receive the spoken word. In life one must couple the spoken word (hear everything; 8) with the persons attitude, demeanor, body language, environment, customs, and perceptions (see all; 7) so they may understand them totally (1) so that decisions can be made within the moment (to bring it all into "one").
speak | demonstrate | do when combined into "one" provide guidance in following the "Way" or in practicing the fighting arts.
Learning is a combination of Sensei or Sempai speaking to you or providing you details which must be followed up with a demonstration the Sensei/Sempai performs to relate visually what was perceived by hearing the spoken word.
You first hear what Sensei/Sempai is telling you (8) then when Sensei/Sempai show you then you shall see what it is they have told you (7) and finally Sensei/Sempai will want you to perform for them (do) so they may see what you do and then make appropriate corrections.
In life one must actively listen to what is said to them with an open mind, with out judgement, to receive the spoken word. In life one must couple the spoken word (hear everything; 8) with the persons attitude, demeanor, body language, environment, customs, and perceptions (see all; 7) so they may understand them totally (1) so that decisions can be made within the moment (to bring it all into "one").
Interpretations
Remember that interpretations do not necessarily follow the literal word or in the case of the Chinese characters the thought and feelings of the individual.
The character translation is subject to the translators point of reference or perspective.
We are all influenced by our cultures and personal experiences so it is inevitable we take away differences.
As you study you should find what inspires your thoughts on life and your practice. The gokui verses tend to blend into one another or overlap in a sense. Remain open, study them, discuss them, and let them inspire you. As you do this you will begin to "See" things that are not literal or apparent.
The character translation is subject to the translators point of reference or perspective.
We are all influenced by our cultures and personal experiences so it is inevitable we take away differences.
As you study you should find what inspires your thoughts on life and your practice. The gokui verses tend to blend into one another or overlap in a sense. Remain open, study them, discuss them, and let them inspire you. As you do this you will begin to "See" things that are not literal or apparent.
See All and Hear All
7. The eye must see all sides. 8. The ear must listen in all directions.
When we reflect on these two kenpo gokui tomes we tend to think in regards to combat. It is best to think outside the box and reflect on what these two and other kenpo gokui mean in relation to every facet of life be it in the dojo or out in the world.
A good example is the eye must see all sides can be interpreted in practice as the practitioner focusing on his/her Sensei and/or Sempai when receiving guidance in waza.
We first must use our "ears" to focus and actively listen to what is being said. We learn this way but in order for it to stick we must couple that learning with other forms such as the "eyes." This means once the Sensei/Sempai finishes telling you something they will then demonstrate it for you where you must actively focus on what is being performed.
You then couple that or connect that with what was said. Then then next phase after seeing all facets of the waza with the "eyes" ; hearing the details of what is said with the "ears"; we then get to actually put it all into action which reinforces what was said and seen.
Just an example of what we can get from the study of the kenpo gokui and karate-do. To actively listen and see coupled with demonstration/self-demonstration binds it all into "one".
The practitioner studies diligently to polish the waza while continuing to hear, see, and do each time Sensei/Sempai provides additional guidance on that waza.
When we reflect on these two kenpo gokui tomes we tend to think in regards to combat. It is best to think outside the box and reflect on what these two and other kenpo gokui mean in relation to every facet of life be it in the dojo or out in the world.
A good example is the eye must see all sides can be interpreted in practice as the practitioner focusing on his/her Sensei and/or Sempai when receiving guidance in waza.
We first must use our "ears" to focus and actively listen to what is being said. We learn this way but in order for it to stick we must couple that learning with other forms such as the "eyes." This means once the Sensei/Sempai finishes telling you something they will then demonstrate it for you where you must actively focus on what is being performed.
You then couple that or connect that with what was said. Then then next phase after seeing all facets of the waza with the "eyes" ; hearing the details of what is said with the "ears"; we then get to actually put it all into action which reinforces what was said and seen.
Just an example of what we can get from the study of the kenpo gokui and karate-do. To actively listen and see coupled with demonstration/self-demonstration binds it all into "one".
The practitioner studies diligently to polish the waza while continuing to hear, see, and do each time Sensei/Sempai provides additional guidance on that waza.
Kenpo Gokui - concepts
Tatsuo Sensei concepts for Karate-do
1. Natural
2. In the middle (Of Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu) doctrine of the mean
3. Fast and smooth techniques
4. Fist as a rule is with the thumb placed on top of the fist
5. Muscle block rather then bone type blocks
6. Vertical punch over the twist punch
Miyagi Sensei may be the karate-man who provided the kenpo-gokui to both Kaneshi Eiko Sensei and Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei.
To understand the Kenpo-gokui one must first study those who created and provided it to us which means we should understand the masters as Okinawans with their culture and the times at which they practiced and trained.
The kenpo-gokui has many meanings and none are correct or incorrect but are the interpretations of the individual. We are all unique and we all must study the gokui with an open mind and with the understanding that today's interpretation/meaning for us may change as we continue our path along the "Way."
Some believe that this terse version of the I-Ching is also in line with the concepts and ideology of the "Go Rin No Sho" of Musashi Miyamoto or the "sword saint" of Japan.
One very important aspect of the gokui is "change." As stated about our interpretation of the gokui on a daily basis teaches us that change is an intricate part of life and we should be able to bend and flow with change regardless of what, when, where, why, and the how of it.
Flexibility is key to serious study of the fighting arts and thus becomes a key to our way of life. Be open and accept the inevitability of change because it will keep coming regardless of what we do.
Look within your own style as you study the gokui and see if you can discover the relationships.
1. Natural
2. In the middle (Of Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu) doctrine of the mean
3. Fast and smooth techniques
4. Fist as a rule is with the thumb placed on top of the fist
5. Muscle block rather then bone type blocks
6. Vertical punch over the twist punch
Miyagi Sensei may be the karate-man who provided the kenpo-gokui to both Kaneshi Eiko Sensei and Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei.
To understand the Kenpo-gokui one must first study those who created and provided it to us which means we should understand the masters as Okinawans with their culture and the times at which they practiced and trained.
The kenpo-gokui has many meanings and none are correct or incorrect but are the interpretations of the individual. We are all unique and we all must study the gokui with an open mind and with the understanding that today's interpretation/meaning for us may change as we continue our path along the "Way."
Some believe that this terse version of the I-Ching is also in line with the concepts and ideology of the "Go Rin No Sho" of Musashi Miyamoto or the "sword saint" of Japan.
One very important aspect of the gokui is "change." As stated about our interpretation of the gokui on a daily basis teaches us that change is an intricate part of life and we should be able to bend and flow with change regardless of what, when, where, why, and the how of it.
Flexibility is key to serious study of the fighting arts and thus becomes a key to our way of life. Be open and accept the inevitability of change because it will keep coming regardless of what we do.
Look within your own style as you study the gokui and see if you can discover the relationships.
Kenpo Gokui - short version
Short Version: Harmony, Balance, Flexibility/ Adaptability, Awareness
When one practices seriously and diligently the three become one. Heaven, Earth, and Man must be in HARMONY thus become "One."
When we think of "hard" and "soft" we think to achieve "one" both must be in BALANCE.
FLEXIBILITY/ADAPTABILITY in thought and actions must become "one" and in "balance" through practice and training.
To achieve "oneness" a karate-man must develop deep AWARENESS of self, surroundings, and all of the above
When one practices seriously and diligently the three become one. Heaven, Earth, and Man must be in HARMONY thus become "One."
When we think of "hard" and "soft" we think to achieve "one" both must be in BALANCE.
FLEXIBILITY/ADAPTABILITY in thought and actions must become "one" and in "balance" through practice and training.
To achieve "oneness" a karate-man must develop deep AWARENESS of self, surroundings, and all of the above
Kenpo Gokui - Chakugan
Chakugan: Setting your eyes on your opponents eyes.
When your eyes are properly set, you can focus your techniques more crisply and with more confidence.
The focus of technique, or kime, is indispensable in any karate technique and the source of its power.
Understanding kihon, kata, and kumite is easy if one is first taught the meaning of the intangible-tangible, the Kenpo gokui.
When your eyes are properly set, you can focus your techniques more crisply and with more confidence.
The focus of technique, or kime, is indispensable in any karate technique and the source of its power.
Understanding kihon, kata, and kumite is easy if one is first taught the meaning of the intangible-tangible, the Kenpo gokui.
Verse One and Two
Both these verses stem from the I-Ching. The first has to do with harmony. The second has to do with repetition, endless cycles, and health.
This is true yet this is not the totality of any verse be it one, two, or any of the eight. Study this carefully!
This is true yet this is not the totality of any verse be it one, two, or any of the eight. Study this carefully!
Kenpo Gokui - three
Heaven | Earth | Humanity
I-Ching | Gokui | Bubishi
Gokui Kenpo |Gokui |Isshinryu-no-gokui
Kihon | Kata | Kumite
Body | Mind | Spirit
Strength | Speed | Technique
Serenity | Tranquility | Humility
Shorinryu | Gojuryu | Isshinryu
Shorinryu | Gojuryu | Kobudo
Morality | Civility | Honor
Humanity | Justice | Courtesy
Intent | Restraint | Action
I-Ching | Gokui | Bubishi
Gokui Kenpo |Gokui |Isshinryu-no-gokui
Kihon | Kata | Kumite
Body | Mind | Spirit
Strength | Speed | Technique
Serenity | Tranquility | Humility
Shorinryu | Gojuryu | Isshinryu
Shorinryu | Gojuryu | Kobudo
Morality | Civility | Honor
Humanity | Justice | Courtesy
Intent | Restraint | Action
General:
Gokui = "Essential Principles/Points
Kenpo Gokui = Essential Principles of Karate
"The translation of the Kenpo Gokui's techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought" - Te Wa Ku Ni Ai Sunawachi Hairu.
The kenpo-gokui came about when the masters of old wanted to condense certain aspects of such tomes as the I-Ching and Bubishi into something terse yet vast for the karate-man in training. Thus came the "kenpo-gokui."
Tenri No Maki: Natures cycles
This directly effects your fighting ability or your mind and body connection. Your fighting ability can be effected by:
The time of day. We all live on an internal clock that is effected by the location or where we live, the time of day, the weather such as light or dark; windy or still; rain/snow/sleet; hot or cold; thunder and lightning or clear and sunny; superstition; and you need to be fully "aware" of these factors in training/practice before it comes to self-defense.
The biggest opponent we have to consider and conquer is our own ego. We have to see past its influences so we may "see" and "hear" what is real or reality. If we continue to fool ourselves by not seeing our faults and foibles then those same faults/foibles will be our downfall.
One Sensei said to me that if he gets a perspective practitioner who simply wants to learn to fight then he looks for his or her strengths and builds on that. It is quick, easy, and fast so that person gets what they want. If the Sensei gets a perspective "deshi" who wants to learn the "way" of the "empty hand" or any other fighting/martial art then he or she must look for that deshi's weaknesses and help guide them in overcoming which starts with the ego.
To let go, to actively see and hear with out reservations or pre-conceived notions or ideas is difficult. That is why sometimes I tell "deshi" to shut up, listen, see, be aware, and just train. When Sensei or Sempai talk and act it is for their benefit and since they are Sensei and Sempai it is best to see, listen, and do what is being taught.
Thinking of the Kenpo-gokui and Isshinryu you will need to realize that the sun and moon also have an effect on you. Since everything is connected, think butterfly effect, the sun and moons position effects the earth which drills down to its effects on the human condition. Take it a step further to understand that the position of all the stars and planets have effects on earth and all its inhabitants be it humans or plants or animals or the tides or the ebb and flow of the earth's crust, etc.
It has been said by the old masters that to practice "sanchin" one must practice in the early morning while facing the sun as it rises up for the day. This alludes to the "facts" that we humans feel and are affected by the sun, moon, stars, time of day, location on the earth, etc.
The time of day. We all live on an internal clock that is effected by the location or where we live, the time of day, the weather such as light or dark; windy or still; rain/snow/sleet; hot or cold; thunder and lightning or clear and sunny; superstition; and you need to be fully "aware" of these factors in training/practice before it comes to self-defense.
The biggest opponent we have to consider and conquer is our own ego. We have to see past its influences so we may "see" and "hear" what is real or reality. If we continue to fool ourselves by not seeing our faults and foibles then those same faults/foibles will be our downfall.
One Sensei said to me that if he gets a perspective practitioner who simply wants to learn to fight then he looks for his or her strengths and builds on that. It is quick, easy, and fast so that person gets what they want. If the Sensei gets a perspective "deshi" who wants to learn the "way" of the "empty hand" or any other fighting/martial art then he or she must look for that deshi's weaknesses and help guide them in overcoming which starts with the ego.
To let go, to actively see and hear with out reservations or pre-conceived notions or ideas is difficult. That is why sometimes I tell "deshi" to shut up, listen, see, be aware, and just train. When Sensei or Sempai talk and act it is for their benefit and since they are Sensei and Sempai it is best to see, listen, and do what is being taught.
Thinking of the Kenpo-gokui and Isshinryu you will need to realize that the sun and moon also have an effect on you. Since everything is connected, think butterfly effect, the sun and moons position effects the earth which drills down to its effects on the human condition. Take it a step further to understand that the position of all the stars and planets have effects on earth and all its inhabitants be it humans or plants or animals or the tides or the ebb and flow of the earth's crust, etc.
It has been said by the old masters that to practice "sanchin" one must practice in the early morning while facing the sun as it rises up for the day. This alludes to the "facts" that we humans feel and are affected by the sun, moon, stars, time of day, location on the earth, etc.
Chiri no Naki: use of Terrain
When training the practitioner must see all sides and hear everything with "chiri-no-naki" the practitioner shall practice such that he knows his environment. The terrain you enter can mean the difference between losing and not-losing in an attack.
One of the most important techniques a karate-man must learn as a part of their "kihon" is focus or kimi with emphasis on "seeing" all and "hearing" all (kenpo-gokui). When Sensei talks they must actively listen. When Sensei demonstrates their focus must be intense seeing every detail. When Sensei then requires you to do what he just demonstrated then you must put what you "see" and "hear" into action. This is important training.
This training then requires you to be "aware" of all your surroundings at all times. You never know when danger will rear its ugly head so when it does you will be "aware" of the terrain you will have to defend yourself in even if it is simply recognizing the danger, seeing a route to tactfully retreat, and then do it. We don't always have to fight. Fighting includes not fighting, something to consider.
Chakugan or to set eyes on your attacker/opponent also means to set your eyes on all directions of your environment so you know or sense the types of obstacles you may encounter during a confrontation. This also includes "seeing" possible accomplices who may come to your attackers side in battle.
Practice outside the dojo. If you also practice seriously and realistically such as in a park or the woods depending on your locale then be "aware" as you enter by turning and "seeing" your surroundings. Look for avenues of tactful retreat, look for obstacles that may hinder you movement or more importantly aid you in your tactics/strategy.
Some examples as to being "aware" of your terrain or "Chiri-no-maki":
In the street are there cars, curbs, trash cans, people, potholes, uneven sidewalks, is the terrain you are on either cement or asphalt (don't laugh as on a hot day asphalt can be sticky, etc.), are there trees or shrubs lining the sidewalk or street, are there avenues of tactful retreat that are not obstructed by any of the above, and are you "aware" of your position in relation to these obstacles/aids in your battle, i.e. five feet to my left is a trash can I can easily move to use as a shield, etc.
Others:
Are you fighting on uneven ground, are there rocks or holes, are there small shrubs below your line of sight, etc?
Are you fighting in an open space, is the space flat or uneven, are there obstacles, etc?
Are you fighting on stone stairs? wood stairs? stairs with rails? stairs with out rails, etc.?
Are you fighting in a field?
Are you fighting in a room with doors, walls, and/or screens?
Are you fighting in water be it heavy rain, beach side, in the surf, etc?
Are you fighting on bridge? does it have rails? is it narrow or wide? does it have a lot of traffic either foot or vehicular, etc?
Are you fighting on boat/ship/barge? is it calm? is it rough?
All the above are types of terrain or something that effects such terrain that you should be "aware" of when you enter into an environment. Everything you see, hear, feel, and/or sense can be either a help or hindrance in a self-defense situation.
One of the most important techniques a karate-man must learn as a part of their "kihon" is focus or kimi with emphasis on "seeing" all and "hearing" all (kenpo-gokui). When Sensei talks they must actively listen. When Sensei demonstrates their focus must be intense seeing every detail. When Sensei then requires you to do what he just demonstrated then you must put what you "see" and "hear" into action. This is important training.
This training then requires you to be "aware" of all your surroundings at all times. You never know when danger will rear its ugly head so when it does you will be "aware" of the terrain you will have to defend yourself in even if it is simply recognizing the danger, seeing a route to tactfully retreat, and then do it. We don't always have to fight. Fighting includes not fighting, something to consider.
Chakugan or to set eyes on your attacker/opponent also means to set your eyes on all directions of your environment so you know or sense the types of obstacles you may encounter during a confrontation. This also includes "seeing" possible accomplices who may come to your attackers side in battle.
Practice outside the dojo. If you also practice seriously and realistically such as in a park or the woods depending on your locale then be "aware" as you enter by turning and "seeing" your surroundings. Look for avenues of tactful retreat, look for obstacles that may hinder you movement or more importantly aid you in your tactics/strategy.
Some examples as to being "aware" of your terrain or "Chiri-no-maki":
In the street are there cars, curbs, trash cans, people, potholes, uneven sidewalks, is the terrain you are on either cement or asphalt (don't laugh as on a hot day asphalt can be sticky, etc.), are there trees or shrubs lining the sidewalk or street, are there avenues of tactful retreat that are not obstructed by any of the above, and are you "aware" of your position in relation to these obstacles/aids in your battle, i.e. five feet to my left is a trash can I can easily move to use as a shield, etc.
Others:
Are you fighting on uneven ground, are there rocks or holes, are there small shrubs below your line of sight, etc?
Are you fighting in an open space, is the space flat or uneven, are there obstacles, etc?
Are you fighting on stone stairs? wood stairs? stairs with rails? stairs with out rails, etc.?
Are you fighting in a field?
Are you fighting in a room with doors, walls, and/or screens?
Are you fighting in water be it heavy rain, beach side, in the surf, etc?
Are you fighting on bridge? does it have rails? is it narrow or wide? does it have a lot of traffic either foot or vehicular, etc?
Are you fighting on boat/ship/barge? is it calm? is it rough?
All the above are types of terrain or something that effects such terrain that you should be "aware" of when you enter into an environment. Everything you see, hear, feel, and/or sense can be either a help or hindrance in a self-defense situation.
Heaven and Earth
Long before Confucius or Lao Tsu, there was the I Ching. The I Ching starts with Heaven, Earth, and one. Heaven above, Earth below, with human beings in the middle and all are one in the same universe. Both Confucius and Lao Tsu, or Taoism, taught and used the I Ching.
We must be one with Heaven and Earth (Universe) and get along with our fellow human beings. We must learn about their religion and culture so we can get along with them.
Heart and mind are the same. Heaven and Earth are the universe. A person must be one with the universe. A person must have feng shui with their fellow human beings. A person must learn about the culture of others. A person must understand how others think so they can have a better chance of getting along with them.
Heaven is vast and limitless while in comparison the Earth is small. Man is a microorganism and is in-between Heaven and Earth yet Heaven and Earth are in harmony.
Heaven and earth in Chinese thought is the universe. Heart is mind or mind-heart-mind. Heart-mind is human nature being one with the universe or the world or fellow human beings. Heaven can also mean spirit and earth body. The heart (mind) is the center in human beings thus being as one with Heaven, Earth, and others.
Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, The Tao, that which permeates all things in the universe. One must strive for perfection, to attain balance in life. This means one should seek balance through practice. To achieve balance is to practice haragei (balance of gedan | chudan | jodan). Once great hara is attained within oneself a practitioner must continue to attain balance through hara/haragei with their fellow man, society, the world (earth) and in the Tao (heaven or the universe). To achieve balance, yin and yang (in-yo in Japanese), to achieve Tao or one; all things begin with one.
The heavens and the earth are intertwined. The heavens, i.e. sun, moon, and stars, all have an effect on both the earth and its inhabitants. One master alluded to this when they said to practice "sanchin" in the early morning facing the sun as it rises is to attain maximum benefits from its practice.
What is Heaven and Earth?
The expression, "heaven-and-earth" frequently designated the whole natural world, and as word referring to the natural world, it was often contrasted with the human world. The relation between man and the world of heaven-and-earth had many sides. For one, there was the idea of the parallelism of macrocosm-microcosm, i.e. the notion that man as the small world is an epitome of the great world, heaven-and-earth. A more pronounced aspect of the rela tionship between man and heaven-and-earth for the traditional Chinese was the idea of the triad of "heaven - earth - man", i.e. the notion of the world in which man lives harmoniously between heaven and earth. The basic component of the triad was the idea that man and heaven and earth complement each other. Heaven-and-earth does not do everything alone; there are some things that heaven-and-earth cannot do, which man does for heaven-and-earth.
In ancient Chinese theory, Heaven, Earth and Human beings (Man) are all a Macrocosm-microcosm.
A single human being is a microcosm of the whole of humanity; Their village was a microcosm of our world. Society is the macrocosm of each of its individual members.
Macrocosmic Trinity
Heaven - universal or general balance
Earth - social or relative balance
Man - individual or particular balance
Microcosmic Trinity
Body - physical or physiological harmony
Mind - mental or psychological harmony
Soul - spiritual or aesthetic harmony
3 or the triad of heaven, earth, and man for unity and balance. Also take note of the number three in that is one way to interpret the I-Ching is through the use of three (3) coins.
We must be one with Heaven and Earth (Universe) and get along with our fellow human beings. We must learn about their religion and culture so we can get along with them.
Heart and mind are the same. Heaven and Earth are the universe. A person must be one with the universe. A person must have feng shui with their fellow human beings. A person must learn about the culture of others. A person must understand how others think so they can have a better chance of getting along with them.
Heaven is vast and limitless while in comparison the Earth is small. Man is a microorganism and is in-between Heaven and Earth yet Heaven and Earth are in harmony.
Heaven and earth in Chinese thought is the universe. Heart is mind or mind-heart-mind. Heart-mind is human nature being one with the universe or the world or fellow human beings. Heaven can also mean spirit and earth body. The heart (mind) is the center in human beings thus being as one with Heaven, Earth, and others.
Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, The Tao, that which permeates all things in the universe. One must strive for perfection, to attain balance in life. This means one should seek balance through practice. To achieve balance is to practice haragei (balance of gedan | chudan | jodan). Once great hara is attained within oneself a practitioner must continue to attain balance through hara/haragei with their fellow man, society, the world (earth) and in the Tao (heaven or the universe). To achieve balance, yin and yang (in-yo in Japanese), to achieve Tao or one; all things begin with one.
The heavens and the earth are intertwined. The heavens, i.e. sun, moon, and stars, all have an effect on both the earth and its inhabitants. One master alluded to this when they said to practice "sanchin" in the early morning facing the sun as it rises is to attain maximum benefits from its practice.
What is Heaven and Earth?
The expression, "heaven-and-earth" frequently designated the whole natural world, and as word referring to the natural world, it was often contrasted with the human world. The relation between man and the world of heaven-and-earth had many sides. For one, there was the idea of the parallelism of macrocosm-microcosm, i.e. the notion that man as the small world is an epitome of the great world, heaven-and-earth. A more pronounced aspect of the rela tionship between man and heaven-and-earth for the traditional Chinese was the idea of the triad of "heaven - earth - man", i.e. the notion of the world in which man lives harmoniously between heaven and earth. The basic component of the triad was the idea that man and heaven and earth complement each other. Heaven-and-earth does not do everything alone; there are some things that heaven-and-earth cannot do, which man does for heaven-and-earth.
In ancient Chinese theory, Heaven, Earth and Human beings (Man) are all a Macrocosm-microcosm.
A single human being is a microcosm of the whole of humanity; Their village was a microcosm of our world. Society is the macrocosm of each of its individual members.
Macrocosmic Trinity
Heaven - universal or general balance
Earth - social or relative balance
Man - individual or particular balance
Microcosmic Trinity
Body - physical or physiological harmony
Mind - mental or psychological harmony
Soul - spiritual or aesthetic harmony
3 or the triad of heaven, earth, and man for unity and balance. Also take note of the number three in that is one way to interpret the I-Ching is through the use of three (3) coins.
Seeing All Sides
Chakugan or "to set eyes" on your attacker/opponent also means to set your eyes on all directions of your environment so you know or sense the types of obstacles you may encounter during a confrontation. This also includes "seeing" possible accomplices who may come to your attackers side in battle.
Know your environment, know your terrain, know yourself, and study the Gokui as it applies to all aspects of practice as well as life.
Know your environment, know your terrain, know yourself, and study the Gokui as it applies to all aspects of practice as well as life.
Karate and Kenpo Gokui
The Kenpo gokui is rich in history and knowing it brings more value to karate as an art. Karate is not just punching, striking, and kicking; it is about life and harmony. Harmony of Mind, body, and spirit. Harmony of cultures.
Kenpo Gokui - precepts
The Kenpo gokui has eight precepts (as does article 13 of Bubishi). Precepts are principles intended as a general rule of action. Action is a function of the mind, body, and/or one of its parts, and can also be the manner or method of performing something. This can be brought about by altering or modifying each precept (much like the I-Ching) to suit a certain situation. Each situation can be dealt with by physical force or with (civility) reasoning. Reasoning means using the mind and drawing inferences or conclusions through the use of reason and or argument. Argument demands reasonable thinking and thought.
The Kenpo gokui is a micro I Ching (Book of changes/wisdom) in the form of a very terse, forty word pome (a pome of wisdom). The very reason it is called essential. The Kenpo goku puts the "Do" in karate for it is the very essence of karate.
There are many books of wisdom (i.e. Tao-te-ching | I-Ching | Art of War | Go-rin-no-sho | Bubishi, etc) yet none so terse as the Kenpo gokui.
The Kenpo gokui is a micro I Ching (Book of changes/wisdom) in the form of a very terse, forty word pome (a pome of wisdom). The very reason it is called essential. The Kenpo goku puts the "Do" in karate for it is the very essence of karate.
There are many books of wisdom (i.e. Tao-te-ching | I-Ching | Art of War | Go-rin-no-sho | Bubishi, etc) yet none so terse as the Kenpo gokui.
What is the Kenpo Gokui?
Kenpo gokui is a code which is often called the Pome of kenpo (Karate). The word kenpo is made from two kanji or Chinese characters; ken means "fist" and po means "law". Kenpo means "fist method" or "Law of the fist."
A code is a systematic statement of a body of law. A law is a system of principles or rules that also include a moral code. A moral code is a state of mind that dictates moral practices or teachings, modes of conduct, and ethics. Conduct is the act, manner, or process of carrying on in different situations be it mental or physical. A code is also a system of symbols letters or numbers used to represent assigned (and often secret) meaning(s).
A code is a systematic statement of a body of law. A law is a system of principles or rules that also include a moral code. A moral code is a state of mind that dictates moral practices or teachings, modes of conduct, and ethics. Conduct is the act, manner, or process of carrying on in different situations be it mental or physical. A code is also a system of symbols letters or numbers used to represent assigned (and often secret) meaning(s).