Taoism, Confucianism, Zen-ism [it has been a while, yes]

Buddhism, Shintoism and Zen-ism of Japan, greatly influenced as were the Okinawan by their interactions with the Chinese. The Chinese directly and indirectly were of great influence on both cultures. It is this that brings me to recommendation of "The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura."

The Ken-po Goku-i is that short terse reference/inference to these past/present great treatises of life but meant to be used in conjunction with the practice of karate-jutsu-do. As I read this wonderful book on the art of tea I am finding symbolism, reference and connections to practice of jutsu for the physical and great guidance for the philosophical or spiritual - the heart in wholehearted.

It is through the oldest culture of Asia and possibly the world that is the "cornerstone" to any endeavor, discipline and art be it karate-jutsu-do, cha-do or of everyday life in the pursuit of enlightenment. Pursue the studies of these ancient classics and you as a karate-jutsu-do adherent can start with the "gokui."

2 comments:

  1. Marshall ArtestJanuary 23, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    Very interesting. I didn't know the art of tea was so intertwined with martial arts. Very fascinating.

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  2. Charles JamesJanuary 24, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    I bought this one just last week and am working on the third read. I am discovering many things much like multiple readings of the go-rin-no-sho, tao-te-ching, I Ching, Art of war, etc. .... thanks for the comment :-)

    I found it very interesting that kata for MA were not something idicative to MA but rather to their culture as a whole above and beyond MA, called "shikata."

    I was also amazed of its roots to this type of stuff and to writing kanji/kana, etc. as well - so enlightening for me.

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