Happy Holidays Everyone

As the week progresses we get a bit closer to the annual celebration we call Christmas. Since there are many who celebrate in different ways I tend to just wish every one a happy holiday since regardless of beliefs those who reside here in the America's tend to take that time as a holiday I felt it generic enough to express happiness and joy for the season while, hopefully, not offending anyone.

I will be at work till this Friday which means I will be in the Bloggersphere but after Friday until the morning of the second of January "2013" I will be on holiday with my wife, three cats and poodle dog. Have a great holiday everyone if I don't hear from you; I wish us all the best for 2013!!!!

Eight Teachings of Boxing [八の教え拳闘] Hachi no oshie kento

"The mind and body are in unison with heaven and earth; the blood flows in rhythm with the sun and moon; the way of breathing is both strong and flexible; change is inevitable with time; techniques come fro a clear mind; the feet advance, retreat, separate and meet; the eyes see everything, even the slightest change; and the ears hear in eight directions."

Bibliography:

Itoman, Morinobu and McKenna, Mario (translation). "The Study of China Hand Techniques." Mario McKenna Publisher. 2012.

Eight Teachings of Boxing

Hachi no Oshie Kento [八の教え拳闘]

"The mind and body are in unison with heaven and earth; the blood flows in rhythm with the sun and moon; the way of breathing is both strong and flexible; change is inevitable with time; techniques come fro a clear mind; the feet advance, retreat, separate and meet; the eyes see everything, even the slightest change; and the ears hear in eight directions." - Morinobu Itoman as translated by Mario McKenna in "The Study of China Hand Techniques."

WANT-N-NEED

It is very easy to "choose" things you want yet it is one of the most difficult things you do when you "choose" to do things you "need" to do. There needs to be a balance of both what you want and what you need to have harmony of self. Sometimes you have to forgo "wants" to achieve something that requires you do something you "need" to do that is sometimes unpleasant and difficult.

Practice, long and hard and diligent and continuous and relevant, is something you "need" to do in order to be proficient. I am talking about that practice of martial arts toward combative defense of self, family, and others. Not sport, not martial exercise but those fundamental principles that build the basis of the entire martial system. None of these are glorified, fun (sometimes they actually are fun in a funny sort of way), or awe-inspiring. They provide you what you "need" for your system to be effective and not what you "want" as in trophies, accolades, rank, etc.

You may want to be "constantly stimulated" but what you need may end up being "monotonous and repetitive." We all have choices and they are always ours and ours alone. You can choose to get what you want and bypass what you need but what you get will be less than what you may really want. Something worth having is worth paying a price and that price may be doing what you "need" vs. what you "want" yet you may find that taking on what you "need" even if not what you "want" will end up giving you something you may have not actually realized that you "wanted!"

Note: Is this why so many tend to seek out the short way to something vs. taking the time and effort to actually realize it with wants and needs achieved together. Quick fixes, quick ways to get in shape, quick ways to do this or that when it actually "needs" to be a slow and long process to achieve what is wanted.

Belief or How I Should Have Address the CFA Article

When I first read the article I almost assumed that it was true. One reason is I believed one of the sources to be accurate and factual. I also assumed that because it came out in a periodical that I respected as a good source on traditional/classical martial arts it must be accurate in its content. These are all because I "believed" certain things only to find out that my beliefs and assumptions, although good, were in this case not accurate.

I was thrilled to see an article on the system/branch of karate I love to practice and train at. I was thrilled that one of the supposed sources was someone I respected and admired for the efforts this person has and is going to for the art of Isshinryu and out of respect for Tatsuo-san. But once again those beliefs, as they often do, influenced my mind into initially accepting something that was not true.

Belief is a very strong part of human nature. It is belief that drives us, protects us and helps us to survive and evolve. When a belief becomes something written in stone then we have the danger of stagnation, misunderstandings and conflict. This is especially true when one fails to make adjustments to a belief as time passes, evolution progresses and environment, etc. require we change. This has happened in today's Isshinryu. 

One such belief has become so ingrained in one individual that it has resulted in lies, misunderstandings and misconceptions that are hurtful and wrong not to forget inaccurate and incorrect. This one individual has allowed their own beliefs and other such mundane issues as power and control to reduce their maturity to a level of a monkey driven child who does not know any better and cause actions and accusations toward others that is uncalled for and unnecessary and hurtful to the evolution and growth of Isshinryu. 

We encounter many things in life that will challenge our beliefs. When challenged our nature is instinctually to resist and refute even when it is necessary, correct, accurate and validated but that is simply to urge us to question critically the new information in an unbiased way so we can perceive and possibly accept it making for new and improved beliefs. 

Shamefully this is not happening in the case of the CFA Isshinryu article in the recent issue. This is shameful and a shame that it caused such a uproar among our brethren in Isshinryu. It is a shame and disappointment that we have failed as karate-ka, Isshinryu'ist and simple human beings to allow it to frustrate, infuriate and push us into childish and immature actions that are hurtful and out and out mean spirited. 

I am shamed I allowed myself to get drawn into the bitter battle that is not needed, not necessary and absolutely the most unproductive things possible. It does more to harm both persons and Isshinryu than promote solidarity and symbiosis in the light of camaraderie and social cohesion of all practitioners.  

In lieu of a brotherhood of Isshinryu practitioners we are simply dividing and concurring an idea, a belief and a system inspired by a true luminary named Tatsuo Shimabuku Sensei. At this particular moment in time I believe that Tatsuo-san is rolling over in pain and anguish at our actions and deeds today. 

I am truly disappointed we all have failed to overcome the dogma of one belief when belief is a living thing that must grow and prosper as the human body grows and prospers as it ages. It is a sad, sad day that we have stooped to back biting childish behaviors and all I can say is "stop it," "grow up," and "let us all get along as karate-ka and simple human beings!"

Speaking Up - Correction

It has come to my attention that I made an egregious error in my posting of information in the previous "Speaking Up I & II posts here." I misquoted and posted without permission. This is unforgivable and I have no excuses. 

In a nutshell I can only say that Andy Sloane has spent his efforts working on behalf of Isshinryu with the highest of honor and dedication. He is a solid, outstanding and dedicated Isshinryu practitioner who has received the type of attention that can only come from those who have missed the entire way of karate and missed being honorable men and women. He does not deserve the attacks he has endured since the article in CFA came out. 

He had nothing to do with the content as it was published and is trying diligently with honor and honesty to make sure folks know that this is on CFA and the editors entirely and completely. 

Nuff said, my sincerest apologies to Andy Sloane. I admire and respect his work and efforts and ask for his forgiveness in my transgression. 

As to Advincula, it is just bad, bad, bad.

As to Sensei Chester Moyle, I also must submit my deepest apologies for the mistake I made and for the  resulting effects it had. I do hope that he will also allow for my incorrect and egregious error. 

Questions?

Click for larger version

The Eight Fold Path and Ken-po Goku-i

I have encountered over the years references to the "eight fold path of zen buddhism" as it stands against or along side the gokui. I have studied this eight fold path and found that no where does the path relate to the gokui. 

The eight fold path: 1. Right Understanding; 2. Right thoughts; 3. Right Speech; 4. Right Action; 5. Right Livelihood; 6. Right Effort; 7. Right Mindfulness; and 8. Right Concentration. I have also taken a view of a few of the translations or meanings of these eight and cannot find any connection and that is saying something from my perception as one can often, mostly, find some tenuous thread that may connect one to the other.

Lets take a look at the gokui as written by Tatsuo-san, i.e. a English written form that most validate as in his own writing.

1. The person heart is same as heaven and earth.

2. The blood circulating is almost same as the moon and sun.

3. The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft.

4. The persons unbalance is the same as a weight.

5. The body should be able to change motion at any time.

6. Action to hit, is when the opportunity presents its self.

7. The eye must see every way.

8. The ear must listen in all directions.

This particular silk page was signed "Isshinryu Karatedo" with Tatsuo-san's ink wood chop and underneath it is signed, "Instructor, Shimabuku Tatsuo."

Now, looking a the eight gokui and the eight fold path I am unable to perceive, see, or observe any real relations. I have studied the gokui for over thirty five years and the eight fold path, on and off, over the last ten years and still cannot contribute either to the other. 

Let me introduce "one" interpretation of the first path, i.e. Right Understanding. Right understanding is the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. In other words, it is the understanding of oneself as one really is. Now the gokui, i.e. The person heart is same as heaven and earth. Now, I am fairly intelligent but I see no real relationship between the two. Truth, which is something one can relate in an indirect form to the overall theme of the gokui but as to the four noble truths I cannot make a solid connection. 

The note attached to the first path, right understanding, says "The keynote of Buddhism is this Right Understanding. Buddhism, as such, is based on knowledge and not on unreasonable belief." Granted my interpretations may be completely off and irrelevant but I also associated it to the intent in practice of Isshinryu by Tatsuo-san along with his connections to the ancient classics, i.e. the I Ching, Chinese astrological charts and his understanding of sumuchi or fortune telling using all these sources. 

This post is incomplete as to a full analysis as I don't intend to bore the reader. If one decides to reach further understanding, or knowledge in this case which does relate to the first interpretation of the first path, they can research the eight fold path and the gokui. My interpretation is almost ready for release. I plan on making it an eBook and am considering releasing it as a freebie. 

In my final analysis the only true connections I can find are indirect, i.e. there are eight of both the path and the gokui. I have since found that actually the gokui is not actually eight different koan's but rather one long koan for the martial arts, i.e. Okinawan Ti or Karate. I have even added, as can be read above on this blog site, one additional line to cover the often ignored and/or forgotten reference to the tactile aspects of the human condition. 

"A person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth while the blood circulating is similar to the Sun and Moon yet the manner of drinking and spitting is either soft or hard while a person's unbalance is the same as a weight and the body should be able to change direction at any time as the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself and both the eyes must see all sides as the ears must listen in all directions while the mind must grasp all the tactual data not seen on all sides and not heard in any direction."

Sumuchi Tatsuo-san

When I wrote my eBook on the Ken-po Goku-i I chose to use the Chinese Classics as a base to promote my philosophy. This included the I-Ching, Tao Te Ching, etc. I am adding the following as further reasoning for my theory and publication.


I decided to find out what the kanji on the left means to validate the information that Tatsuo-san was a sumuchi or fortune-teller. The larger characters actually translate to "Unsei handan" which uses the characters/ideograms dipicted, i.e. [運勢判断], which match the photo. These characters translate as follows:

Unsei handan [運勢判断] The characters/ideograms mean "fortune-telling." The first character means, "carry; luck; destiny; fate; lot; transport; progress; advance," the second character means, "forces; energy; military strength," the third character means, "judgement; signature; stamp; seal," the fourth character means, "severance; decline; refuse; apologize; warn; dismiss; prohibit; decision; judgement; cutting."

The items to note specifically is the overall meaning of the characters/ideograms, i.e. fortune telling." Now, as to those three characters/ideograms underneath the larger ones I find hard to discern for translation. I can make some assumptions and guesses that the first character is [神] which means "kami." Kami with this character/ideogram means, "god; deity; divinity; spirit." The second character may be light [火] which means fire; flame; blaze. This could be interpreted along with the other character/ideograms as light. Now we have godly light if we or I am correct. Finally, the character I feel most likely matches the last character on the left is [堂] which means, "temple; shrine; hall; public chamber and can be a prefix for magnificent.

So, I added all three together in the order of top to bottom, now left to right, to see what comes up [神火堂]. The three together don't provide a translation as a whole but rather the three separate as already translated. When I use other translators I find the only one that actually gives some hint is a Chinese translation, i.e. meaning Shenchou Church.

All in all I would accept the translation of "Kami (god or spirit), fire for light or light and finally hall to god of light hall might suit that translation.

In the end I believe that the terms or phrase used, i.e. Unsei Handan without the shinkodo might be more accurate. I believe since the smaller characters were placed that way they were meant to be separate, i.e. Shin kodo [神] Kado [火堂] which means kamikado, if I have it right. Knowing how kanji and Japanese go in reality I may be right on then again most likely off a bit.

Regardless, the left pillar does validate and confirm that Tatsuo Shimabuku advertised his ability as a fortune teller and that his home could be considered a god hall of light. Do you feel the same, i.e. the validation and my translation?

The right pillar needs verification as to translation but it is perceived to mean "Isshinryu Karate Dojo, Shihan Shimabuku Tatsuo." I will attempt to translate the larger kanji but the smaller may be more difficult since they are so small and enlarging tends to blur the characters/ideograms.

p.s. the I Ching symbol, no. 16, is supposed to be Tatsuo-san's birth hexagram.

Bad Martial Arts

moon [月]; sun [日]

The cycles of the moon and sun represent "rest" and "action." This means one who practices must find balance by knowing when to practice and when to rest. Rest and practice drive one another and proficiency is generated in this process, and benefits are generated through this process. The means of rest and activity generate equilibrium in the physical allowing generation of "Chi" which powers the spirit and benefits the mind so the body receives its benefits.

Bottles

Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei taught Marine and other military on Okinawa so we talk about our service members. Shimabuku Tatsuo said, "All bottles are good. They all served a purpose." This story came from me but it was his quote. - Advincula A. J. Sensei Isshinkai post #27618

On many an occasion after a dojo workout we would have a drink or two with Shimabuku Sensei. On one occasion, several American students at the Honbu Agena Dojo we were drinking. Some were drinking beer while others were drinking Awamori a potent alcoholic beverage indigenous to and unique to Okinawa.

...

Shimabuku preferred awamori and at this event, some Americans were mixing awamori with pine juice (Pineapple soda). Shimabuku asked us which bottle was best. Some picked up beer bottles while others awamori bottles and one or two who did not drink alcohol picked up the pine juice or other soda bottles.

Shimabuku stated, "All bottles are good. They all served a purpose." While he never said why he asked the question about the bottles, I thought he was relating it to karate styles, that all styles of karate were good.

Read also "Ken-po Goku-i and Bottles"

All Bottles are Good

When I read the story about how this particular quote came to be I sometimes wonder at other possible underlying meanings. I mean to say that since all bottles are good regardless of size, content, etc. then maybe Tatsuo-san was trying to teach the students that dogmatic adherence to a strict way of practicing and teaching Isshinryu was not important and the real importance was teaching a system along with a philosophy - a philosophy as derived from each unique individual from the study of the ken-po goku-i. 

Isn't it true that any system or style of karate is good simply because they all do serve a purpose? If you agree then whether one practices Goku, Shorin or Isshin matters little but in reality the practice of the art itself is what requires our attention toward importance. Maybe this is why they refer to traditional/classical Okinawan karate as "Ti (pronounced tea)/Te (pronounced tay)." 

Tatsuo-san had only a limited amount of time to pass along the more metaphysical essences of his study of Ti so he tried to pass it along by awarding a copy of the gokui (short for ken-po goku-i). Keeping the essence of the Okinawan Ti practice may have been far more important than sticking to a "specific, unyielding, method of holding a hand for shuto strikes, etc."

All bottles are good as all karate systems, styles and branches are also good, they all serve a purpose and are all descendants of Ti. 

The Great Tai Chi - "One" Theory

In my pursuit toward knowledge and understanding I have come to a conclusion, for the time being, that the great tai chi that is the singular, the one unitary energy of all things can be explained as splitting into the yin-yang as follows:

The point of the splitting of the unitary energy (great tai chi) of life (into yin-yang) is as follows: first, they remain continuous and intertwined, the two energies (yin-yang) preserver their endless harmony and are always one in their dialectical interaction, yet distinctly two. 

Judgement is the structure of movement. Judgement comes from knowledge and understanding to the dialectic nature of the universe. Understand that the physical/mechanical/inanimate is yang while instinctive/mental-spiritual/animate instincts are yin. To know this and to understand is to achieve the ability to provide judgement in the nature of the universe. 

All things began as one and became two while the effort to reach enlightenment of humans is to achieve the ability to bring the two back to the one, a holistic meaning of life for the yin is the yang is the yin is the yang in a separate yet unitary movement which is judgement and creates the structure of life, the universe, man, and heaven and earth. 

Why is man's blood red then blue then red again, the unitary function of a dualistic monism action called life. Blood circulates like the heaves of both Sun and Moon. Where the sun is blood red and the moon is a cool blue the blood with it life giving oxygen travels like the sun and moon giving life to the person and then in the extreme changes to yang or blue with the bodies poisonous wastes returns to the heart to exchange the waste into oxygen, the extreme that is yin. 

The lungs through our inhalation/exhalation exchanges poisons into life feeding oxygen to the blood that circulates like the sun and moon. The inhalation is like drinking while the exhalation is similar to spitting so it is also hard or soft with changes that reflect the way of the universe. 

To understand the complexities of the ken-po goku-i is to understand the universe, the great tai chi and the yin-yang so that life and all its things can be balanced with equilibrium so as to not disrupt the cycle like a heave weight to one side or the other to fall heavily.  

For the eyes and ears to differentiate between good and bad to the exclusivity of one or the other is to unbalance the mind causing it to fall is if pulled down to earth by a great weight. To feel the heat or cold to the exclusivity of one or the other is to also cause an unbalancing of those things that require the dualistic relations of yin-yang. 

Kata of Gokui or Gokui no kata ....

The ken-po goku-i is a kata and contains kata and its essence is derived by a kata. The western interpretation puts the gokui into a form, kata, then they number it from one to eight (my version has a ninth one), also kata, where those numbers tend to place a thought that the gokui is meant to be followed in sequence, if the numbering is actually meant to be there which in my view it is not, which means a rhythm or cadence which is indicative of "kata."

Live itself contains many such kata or forms that come from the simplest form or kata of existence, the yin and yang. The kata here consists of a rhythm and cadence that takes the practitioner, us humans, back and forth through yin and yang or the opposites that make up each side with a seed for the other being inseminated in the process giving birth to the opposite in the same patterns or forms each and every time - kata. 

Our actions during the actual process of yin and yang provides the actions that give the seeds that are buried with each the energy, chi or ki, to germinate the seed and make the seedling sprout and then grow overtaking the others as they diminish until the entire process, kata, is completed and the process begins again - life and reincarnation if you will. 

A Quote of Worth

I have come across a quote by Nahum Stiskin that I adjusted slightly as it represented to me an ideology of meaning for karate. The adjustment I made is small, here it is: "Karate (all martial systems) is the effort to regulate the movement of the body in such a way as to increase its inner harmony and composure. The cleansing of the heart involves (through practice of Martial system and study of ken-po goku-i) separation of oneself from a disorderly mental life and attempt to understand the meaning of existence in order to obtain inner peace and a sense of well-being."

Yin-yang as to the body speaks to the ebb and flow of the blood and chi or energy. As you progress in knowledge of the ancient classics you find all things of the heavens and of the Earth depend and exist on the yin-yang principle. It is the essence of all things. We see this in our breathing, i.e. breath in is yin while breath out is yang with varying degrees of yin and yang dependent on the breathing technique. 

Harmony and composure of the human body is achieved through mastery of the bodies balance of yin and yang. The body moves constantly form state to state, i.e.  a softness and hardness that is also yin and yang. 

Read the goku-i (ken-po goku-i) to understand how the connections, the threads of the cosmos, create a holistic wholehearted way of life that is represented in the microcosmic world we call the dojo. 

Points to ponder .....

The Spiral/Helix [螺旋] Theory of Martial Systems

The goku-i exudes essence that is duality represented by the yin and yang symbol. Most are not aware that although the symbol is presented in a flat two dimensional form the meaning is actually a three dimensional representation of yin-yang that is spiral and helical in its constant changes from one end of the spectrum to the other. This is why you see the spiral and helix in all life, the universe itself. 

The spiral is a two-dimensional structure; the helix is its three-dimensional extension into space: the periphery near to and the center far from the eye, center is dense, movement is from periphery to the center, all things begin at the periphery and move toward the center, and it consists of six or seven coils; ea coil = a stage in life.

The microcosmic universe experienced in martial art practice and training is meant to be more than the dual dimension of the physical and mental as represented by yin-yang. The goku-i is meant to reach toward a third form that is often spoken of as spirit where this spirit connects the two, physical and mental, into a more holistic form as we see in the three-dimensional extension into space. This is the essence to the ancient classic teachings. 

To explain would take a book, i.e. ergo the "Looking-Glass God" by Nahum Stiskin. In a nutshell the dualistic monism of reality being represented as yin and yang can be symbolized by both a spiral and the helix as denoted in the first paragraph. Apparently this spiral/helix representation is in every phenomena, thing and being so it would go that looking at our martial systems there should be some form of the spiral/helix present if things are as they should be.

I believe that in all martial systems we have duality in a yin and yang form. Fundamentally martial systems are both "hard and soft" which is duality in a monistic fashion, i.e. a system of both hard and soft is "one" system and as an example the Okinawan system of "Goju" demonstrates that at least in its name. 

The spiral in this case, martial systems symbolism, would be practice of both the physical and the spiritual where the physical is yang and the spiritual is yin and the goal is to find both extremes and join them holistically into one so the fluctuation remains closer to the center realizing that neutrality is impossible but the ebb and flow from that neutral point is of importance.

The helical aspects comes from the symbolization of the practice of martial systems toward progress. We travel a path toward proficiency and enlightenment which puts us in a forward motion while the practice of the physical and spiritual ebb and flow across the center causes us to spiral around the path creating a spiral and helical effect. 

I am reading this book, The Looking-Glass God," for the fourth time and find new facts and such at every read. It is well worth the effort to find a copy to read and study. 

月 The character/ideogram means "moon; month." The individual character means, "moon; month."

In the ken-po goku-i reference is made to the moon. The moon can be thought of as a cup that fills with ambrosia, is emptied, and then refilled. The moon sends down the dew, the ambrosia, the drink of immortality that refreshes life. The moon is in a constant state of emptying and refilling; you see it fill every month, and then unload its ambrosia on the the Earth and to fill again - the cycles of the moon each month.

The moon is in turn a symbol of death and resurrection, the eternal recurrence. This also symbolizes the Chinese cultural model of the yin-yan which is also in a constant state of change from one to the other, the yin to the yang and back in a never ending cycle. 

Ken-po Goku-i: "A person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth while the blood circulating is similar to the Sun and Moon yet the manner of drinking and spitting is either soft or hard while a person's unbalance is the same as a weight and the body should be able to change direction at any time as the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself and both the eyes must see all sides as the ears must listen in all directions while the mind must grasp all the tactual data not seen on all sides and not heard in any direction."

Why a Way

Just today thinking of why the martial arts is thought of as a way it came to me that it is a parallel world within a world (micro-world) where facts of the practice of martial arts connect to life as a human. 

We are born, we struggle through our adolescence into young adult status. We continue to struggle through up to the adult stage where we begin to feel like we actually know things and understand life. We continue to struggle with adult things which are driven by what we lived and learned in those younger years till we reach real maturity. At a more mature stage we start to understand the meaning of life - don't this sound a bit like the way in martial arts?

Kyu levels are a bit like childhood and those funky teen years.

Lower dan levels are a lot like early, middle and late adult years.

High dan levels say beyond go-dan are a bit like those senior years where we truly mature, right?

Moon and Sun

"The moon sheds its shadow as a serpent sheds its skin, and so the serpent plays the role also as a symbol of this same principle of life that is reborn from its own death. The sun is all light. The moon carries darkness within it, but wherever the sun goes, there is no darkness; there are only the shadows of those forces that do not open to its light."

Yin and yang, as to origins, refer to the sunny and shady side of a stream.  Yang is of course the sunny side while yin is the shady side.

Earth and Sun are also associated with the feminine and masculine principles as well as passive and active principles.

The way of nature is the interplay of light and dark. They combine in various modulations that constitute the world and its way. 

The light and dark speak to the opposites such as heavy and light, good and bad, seeing and not seeing, hearing and not hearing, touching and not touching, sun and moon, heaven and earth, and so forth.

None are considered better or worse but rather as two balancing principles on which the world, Earth, rests: light and dark.

The sun and moon were the celestial bodies that first influenced such thinking in ancient China and let to the I Ching - Book of Changes.

Bibliography:
Campbell, Joseph. "Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal." New World Library. Novato, California. 2003.

The Duad

Duad is in reference to the couple; two items of the same kind; often thought of as yin-yang, the couple or two items of the same kind or that which is nature. The way of nature is the interplay of the light and dark as represented in the symbol of yin-yang. The two principles that combine in various stages or modulations of light and dark which is that we call the world and its way, the principles of the yin and the yang.

In ancient Chinese thought the yang and yin in their origins refer to the sunny and shady side of the stream; the yang being the sunny side, and the yin being the shady side.

As stated in the ken-po goku-i as well as other more in depth ancient Chinese classics, Earth and Sun are associated respectively with the feminine and the masculine "principles" and with the passive and the active principles.

Light is not better than dark nor dark is not better than light; just two principles on which the world rests: the light and the dark. The great Tai Chi or the great Duad, yang and yin.

Bibliography:
Campbell, Joseph. "Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal." New World Library. Novato, California. 2003.

eBook on Ken-po Goku-i Status

Well, I have reached a certain point where not only do I need to edit it one more time but I also need someone who has editing experience to go through it and point out those things I have missed or messed up. I am pleased with about seventy percent of the book where the remaining thirty percent is dependent on good editing.

I hope that I will have this ready by the end of this year at the very latest. Wish me luck.

To Join or Not to Join

When someone decides to join a blog site, etc. as a reader/follower that is most appreciated and it leaves me, as I am sure most of you all, honored. Honored that you all find what is written here of value. I am glad, happy and excited when someone joins the site by their own volition. This is important since so many others feel that they can assume one is in want of their stuff.

I am also honored when someone adds a link to my blogs and web sites so others can find their way to my blogger, etc. This is something special to me and I thank everyone who does this. If you link you are not asked to gain my permission. Since it is an honor I feel asking me is not necessary.

Yet, if you add me to your space, site or blog to include such social networks that push with out my approval notifications, etc. to my spaces then I would ask kindly that you remove me from those areas until I can visit and make the decision for myself.

I just want to make the choice myself and find it a bit inconvenient and maybe even rude for someone to assume that I would want this to occur. You may find that if I do visit your spaces that I will find it convenient for me to join and receive notifications. If you want me to view your spaces before I look at them on my own simply send me an email with the link, I will happily stop by and see for myself - and join if I find it to my liking.

Please do me the courtesy to allow me to decide on my own. If not, don't be surprised to find your account blocked until I can vet the situation out for myself. I am approaching my winter years and am a bit old fashioned in this so thanks for your kindness and thanks for joining the spaces I run.

Kindest Regards,

Charles James
Martial Philosopher, etc.

I Chin Ching

The precursor classic tome to the Okinawan practice of "chinkuchi" may have come from the I Chin Ching. This is not in reference to the I Ching or Book of Changes. The I Chin Ching is an ancient classic on the physical training used, it is theorized, to train the Shaolin monks so they could endure the strict Buddhist practices Bodhidharma brought to China from India.

The original I Chin Ching explained the 18 lohan or forms or techniques of exercise that just so happened to be the forms/techniques of fighting now referred to as "gung fu."

The definition of the term used, i.e. "Ekkin-kyo," is "muscle/tendon change classic." Chinkuchi means "muscle, bond and energy." The word and characters relate to the ekkin-kyo or Siji kaishin koten [筋改心古典] in Japanese, speak to the same method and it can be theorized that since the ekkin-kyo were techniques/exercises that were combative then it could relate historically and classically to chinkuchi as the interpretations of the Okinawans where the form of "Ti or Toudi," later called China-hand then Empty-hand, were the exercises and techniques used to create the same health and ability to fight.

Read also "Ekkin-kyo"

Five Animals and Karate (or all martial arts)

Yesterday while reading the latest from Rory Miller he presented some definitions to the five animals as he quotes from a gentleman named "Darren Yee." You can read the entire post here: "Paraphrased and From Memory" by Chiron

I wanted to present the particulars of that quote here:

"The Dragon is structure and breathing, all of the stuff that is really subtle but has a big effect.  The Crane is about flow and continuous movement.  The Snake is about speed and flexibility.  The Leopard is stealth and cunning.  The Tiger is power. ... You need all five of these to fight.  At some level you need cunning and power, speed and flow and the subtle things.  Every workable system has them all."

It is redacted a tad so go read the entire post. I just thought this was cool information. I particularly liked the dragon since much of my understanding of the Asian culture and beliefs that drove/drive martial arts is subtle in nature under the heading of harmony and the effects of both structure and breathing have far reaching benefits for all martial artists.

It also, to my view, provides a link to the Chinese ancestry to martial arts, i.e. all of it such as Okinawan karate and Japanese Budo.

Haiken [拝見]; Choryoku [聴力]; Kagu [嗅ぐ]; Tezawari [手触り]

Haiken [拝見]

The characters/ideograms mean "seeing; look at." The first character means, "worship; adore; pray to," the second character means, "see; hopes; chances; idea; opinion; look at; visible."

This word is one sense used in martial arts written about through the ken-po goku-i. The eyes must see all sides is not just a literal meaning but metaphorical as well, i.e. what you see in your heart or what you perceive is in the heart of your adversary is just as important. Then there is the "third eye" often written about in more mystical terms through disciplines like yoga, etc.

Then there is the senses as to dominant sense modes that allow communications to be greater understood. This is a great teaching tool for the sensei tool box.

Choryoku [聴力]

The characters/ideograms mean "hearing; hearing ability." The first character means, "listen; headstrong; naughty; careful inquiry," the second character means, "power; strength; strong; strain; bear up; exert."

This word is one used in martial arts written about through the ken-po goku-i. Much like haiken or seeing this sense also speaks to a metaphysical aspect such as well, i.e. what you hear from your heart or what you perceive as a moral sound coming from the heart and spirit. Hearing goes much deeper than merely interpretation of the sounds that surround you but the sounds that speak to you from within or what you perceive your adversary is actually saying or doing vs. what he or she wants you to hear.

Then there is the senses as to dominant sense modes that allow communications to be greater understood. This is a great teaching tool for the sensei tool box.

Kagu [嗅ぐ]

The character/ideogram means "to smell; to sniff." The first character alone means, "smell; sniff; scent." This word is one used in martial arts not written into the ken-po goku-i but is just as important as the seeing and hearing. Smell can tell you things you may miss by sight or sound. Smell can give warning of a person approaching silently from the rear.

What you smell when up close and personal with an adversary can speak to what type of an opponent you are dealing with and provide insight into how you can and should handle them.

Smell is often a forgotten tool in the marital arts tool box. It is worth taking time to figure out how to use smell to defend. Then there is the senses as to dominant sense modes that allow communications to be greater understood. This is a great teaching tool for the sensei tool box.

Tezawari [手触り]

The characters/ideograms mean "feel; touch." The first character means, "hand," the second character means, "contact; touch; feel; hit; proclaim; announce; conflict."

Touch is almost as critical a sense that should be openly addressed in martial arts training and practice. In the early years it was mostly glossed over except in simple grappling methods of karate but today with all the ground work and jujitsu type disciplines touch has gained momentum in training and practice. A good instructor will help a practitioner understand through actual hands on instruction letting them tactually feel how the body moves, etc.

Tezawari or touch also comes into play in many other facets including the touch felt when someone first reaches out to touch you either in a non-confrontational way or one that is meant to be violent - the touch and what you feel matters in how a touch is perceived.

Then there is the senses as to dominant sense modes that allow communications to be greater understood. This is a great teaching tool for the sensei tool box.

Winter Years

Waxing philosophical today so if you don't want to hear about the winter years you can skip this post. I am very close to what is referred to in Asian culture as the "winter years." Those years that are at and exceed the sixty year marker. I turn fifty-nine shortly with sixty just around the corner.

The winter years are different for me and I suspect just about the same for everyone else - mostly. It is really weird too. Often I don't even realize that I am at this age in life. I get a reminder every morning when I look in the mirror and sometimes get reminded when I look at other people on the BART train to and from work that I am also much older than most on the train.

I often forget until my body reminds me that I am close to my winter years but often still move forward as if I were still in my spring years. I don't mean that I am forcing myself to try and remain at the same levels of fitness and ability that I did then but I don't stop myself from doing things just because I am reaching toward the winter years. I just do things a bit differently and when reminded by circumstances tend to just adjust so I don't abuse my body and mind unnecessarily. I make adjustments, age adjustments.

I do think differently now. I suspect this is how nature intended as I understand from my life that those in winter years tend to have a bit more experience and their philosophy of life is one that can sometimes enlighten those much younger - if they listen. Even when they don't I suspect that the mind stores the information for later use and that is why we sometimes get the "oh shit, that is what that meant" thoughts as we move from spring to summer years and even if the fall years.

I can say for me that entering into the winter years is kind of exciting even tho it means making some changes that seem disturbing on some level. I sometimes feel that due to my age I have actually learned a few things that I sometimes wish I had recognized in those earlier years. When I feel this I do have the wisdom to tell myself that this is life and I am lucky to have these thoughts now because they were not meant to be there then vs. now.

Is this actually deep thoughts? I think not. It seems now that it is merely a matter of finally listening to reason - maybe. In my younger years I fell into that trap that I thought I knew everything. I realize that I closed my mind and allowed my rightous perceptions to lead my monkey brain where it wanted to go at the time. I chalk this up to gaining experience. I just thank the powers that are I was able to change and open my mind somewhat - knowing that it can still open more.

If you actually have the honor of reaching the winter years it can be hoped that they will open the doorway, the gate, toward an open-mind and to finally know that you don't know all things great and small but do want to listen and learn about all things great and small.

Just waxing philosophical about my coming life in the winter years.

eBook Status for Ken-po Goku-i

I have about finished my second round of editing for my attempt at the book the "Ken-po Goku-i." I plan on one more run through in self-editing before I ask for volunteers to read it and provide both editing suggestions and opinions on the content - two distinct and separate questions for commenting.

I feel it is coming along very well and look forward to feedback so I may publish this in the smashwords site. One more self-editing go-round and then I am ready. :-)

Isshinryu no Gokui (Kenpo Gokui of Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei) - Where are we today?

The question came to mind this afternoon, "Have we benefited from the Zen Koan given us as a silk certificate by Tatsuo-san of Isshinryu?" Have we benefited in our practice and teachings from his gift of the gokui?

Although I cannot answer this for the entirety of the western practices of Isshinryu I can provide my limited answer as to my perceptions within my limited exposure and experiences - no, nope, not even close.

I have tried to find as many answers from as many Isshinryu practitioners as to the meaning they have for the kenpo gokui as provided in kanji and English that Tatsuo-san provided his early graduates on Okinawa at the honbu dojo.

I think we as westerners missed the boat entirely and it has sailed for distant shores leaving western understanding and belief of this system along side a understanding of the Okinawan culture and beliefs as Tatsuo-san lived out in the cold. We have barely scratched the surface and as long as it remains commercialized and sport oriented it may never reach beyond those limitations.

Then again, what the f&^% do I know right?

Kiko - Japanese Qigong, sorta ...

The characters/ideograms mean "breathing exercise; breath control; spirit cultivation; chi kung; qigong." The first character means, "spirit; mind; air; atmosphere; mood," the second character means, "achievement; merits; success; honor; credit."

Kiko is the Japanese term used fundamentally representative of the Chinese Qigong. This term in Japanese martial arts is the art of developing "ki." There are some differences between the Chinese concept of "qi" to the Japanese concept of "ki."

In Japanese cultural beliefs, ki is an energy that permeates all things in the universe to include such things as organic life, stones, wind, rain, the sea, the mountains, etc. Ki is also thought of as an extension to primitive animist thinking.

To answer a question about the practice of the art of kiko one should delve deeper into the concept of "ki." Ki is felt though the focus on the body, it is felt by the body and the mind needs training to focus on ki by means of the body. One must develop the ability to consciously be attentive to the sensations of ki that is to become one with your surroundings through the dissipation/removal of the sensations of your own existence which is felt when focused on sensations within and around the body.

Ki is that which is heard through bodily sensations by perceptions of our environment and how we are living within that environment. It is a matter of the sensations, impressions and perceptions that are somewhat mystical, strange, vague, and intangible by western thoughts. It is a level of insight that human's, especially westerners, have repressed in modern times.

It is the sharpening of our senses, i.e. touch, sight, hearing, smell, which played a role in survival in ancient times now repressed by modern progress.

Another concept of kiko, breath control. Life is ki, ki is of the breathe. The breathing we do contributes to ki and to our energy levels. Ki, breath control, kiko all are the same yet different for they promote things like health, well-being, calm, serenity and effectiveness in waza. The breath control in martial arts is the interweaving of breathe, breathe control, with muscles, tendons, ligaments, internal organs and external myriad things.

We have heard often how we practice "muscle & breathe control." Seldom has the training addressed directly the art of breathing with control. Kiko is the martial concept and symbolism by ideograms that teach about the spectrum of breath control. The two words are inadequate to explain the depth and breadth of the importance of utilizing the art of kiko or in this instance, breathe control.

Kiko is spirit where spirit is boosted by ki, breathe control or muscle and breathe control. All of these and many things are the essence of kiko and by its energies in "ki."

Proper breathing control methods cleanse our minds of distractions and result in release of positive chemicals to counter act negative chemicals and emotions alleviating the mind so it can assume a mind of no-mind, present moment mind.

Kiko, ki, breathing systems all cultivate a mind-body of a warrior with zanshin, mushin, etc. that epitomizes the master of the martial arts. Only by this method of kiko can one achieve a where perceptions are not deceived by the senses as influenced by the monkey brain and the adrenaline dump caused by emotions, chemicals, etc.

Ki, kiko, is to achieve equilibrium within so that it can be achieved without and brings about harmony and serenity - a state of enlightenment. To master ki is to master kiko and reach the level of "furen shuten," where our bodies and mind become symbiotic with ki to the highest level possible in life. This is the point in which a master of kiko, ki and marital arts controls ki instinctually and naturally.

It should be stated that kiko is an effort to reestablish our human condition where the qualities, perceptions, sensitivities and other mental/physical faculties are returned from being lost due to the course of civilization's development in the industrial and now internet ages. It is a method by which kiko gives us access to the primitive instincts/qualities that we need in survival and interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

Kiko helps the westerner understand how mere words reduce the depth and breadth one can perceive from images (ideograms), sounds, and movements which when coupled with words increases their depth beyond the words themselves.

Why Posts have Lessened

 You may be wondering why the sudden drop off of postings here at this blog. I have felt that teaching comes in many forms. You have to discover, know and understand those forms to reach the greatest number of interested like-minded people if you wish to influence their thinking and discovery of martial arts.

I have written a lot on teaching/instructing/mentoring martial arts, i.e. being a good Sensei, like sense modes, i.e. sight, hearing and touch, but also needed to find methods that are written as well to reach more via a blog or book or what ever means that would "strike a cord" on the receiving end.

A new method came to me not long ago so I have focused a lot of effort on this "form" or "method" of conveying thoughts, idea's and other knowledge of my views, experience and knowledge of martial arts in all its forms, the terms/phrases blog site.

If what I am doing here can be viewed as another path to follow that strikes a cord and makes the reader interested and thinking then it works - as I hope it does.

So, if you find my lack of posting here as such please do me the honor of going to the "Martial Art Terminology/Phrases" blog and take a look. I would be interested in thoughts and idea's on the form and function of this method.

Ancient Pathways

The characters/ideograms mean "from time immemorial; ancient; time-honored." The first character means, "old," the second character means, "come; due; next; cause; become." The third character means, "path; route; road; distance."

This new martial term means "ancient pathway." The below picture first viewed on the Cook Dings Kitchen blog written and posted by Rick inspired me toward the symbolism I detected within the photo. I will try to convey all or some of those symbolic meanings I perceive within this korai michi photo.

It is representative of the yin-yang concept as seen by the stones along this ancient pathway. The stones themselves are yang while the space between the stones in the yin. It reminds me of the garden pathways leading to the ancient tea ceremony where each stone is representative of some action to be taken by the follower of the path. It direction and placement often causes pauses and positions that best display the garden itself and the garden displays represent some symbolic or natural view of the larger nature around us in this world.

The raised stones and the void between are meant to symbolize that one must not stray from the path chosen. The path itself that lays under one's feet as they travel the korai michi provide lessons to learn along the way, they provide a means to step in correct ways, and it helps the follower of korai michi to determine by the placement, shape, and void between how to approach, step onto and then set kamae before immediately stepping past it and on to the next lesson. Any fault in the step or kamae will cause instability and often a fall like a great weight to another stone giving unexpected lessons before, during and after the loss of balance and weight falling.

The long grass waving on each side of the path are similar to the rough seas that are both yin-yang where the turbulence of the air moving the grass is yang and the underlying roots that grasp the earth are yang but the flexibility of the grass that bends to the will of the winds is yin. The winds flowing like a cool breeze barely ruffling the grass is yin while great gusts that bend the grass almost to the earth are yang. This represents the yin-yang of life's encounters from moment to moment where the will of the wind is indeterminable until experienced in the present moment and speaks to the korai michi follower the chaos of each moment and its ability to teach us about the unknown of each next moment.

The rough setting of the stones along the entire korai michi symbolize the practice of martial systems in that each determines a new lesson on stance, direction, body positioning, technique applications, type of technique, body alignment, principle applications, etc. Each is unique and requires applying something unique and different as determined by the step, the stone, the space or void between the stone, the stability of the stone when weight is applied, balance and equilibrium - to name but a few.

The fact that the stone korai michi was built by human's upon the earth under the heavens above through effort, diligence and discipline symbolizes that a martial artists must apply effort, diligence and discipline toward building a martial path to follow. It is a rocky road we follow requiring focus and determination to build, follow and leave behind for others.

The change or transition displayed by the darkness entering under the moons glow from the light provided by the sun or the sun setting its light below the horizon allowing the glow of the moon for night to enlighten the korai michi, the path of martial systems, so we may see, hear, and feel our efforts and results as we walk the korai michi along the martial systems path, road or way.

The lone staff is symbolic that one must discard things that are used to support the martial artists so they must stand alone, walk the path alone and unaided to achieve mastery of their system, style or branch/art. Its placement at the first of the path is symbolic that all who first step upon the rocky path of martial systems must adhere to the basics but soon must allow the steps taken to become balanced and unaided by the basics so that one can travel the remaining path with assurance, dependability and determination.

The symbolism of the korai michi bending around the earth gives credence to the fact that the path is symbolically entering into a void or the unseen, the unexpected and the unknown. It also symbolizes that no matter how far we travel on the korai michi we can never know what lies ahead and reminds us that we must remain open-minded to possibilities. It reminds us that no matter how much we learn along the path that nothing is set, everything is open to change and that we must remain flexible to self-reflect to self-transmutation according to each new stone encountered.

The korai michi also reminds me of the Shinto Shrines. The shrines are built within any environment but the environment of the shrine proper remains in a natural state as the korai michi here is resident within nature by the grasses growing out of the earth's soil under the natural heavens or skies above it. The korai michi, like the shinto shrine, is constructed from natural materials and does not obstruct the natural surroundings of the settings within it resides. It is utter simplicity like the Shinto Shrines. It contains not man made materials, all materials are found naturally occurring on the earth. It holds true to the Shinto concept of simplicity in materials and construction. No nails or other materials are used to combine the stones, each stone fits snugly to the next, a part of Shinto naturalness. As can be seen it also holds true to Shintoism that also drives the martial arts.

The stone path gives us the impression that it emerges from within the earth naturally pushing aside the grasses to make way for the path of human's. It also speaks to the ken-po goku-i as the stones represent heaven, earth, sun, moon, hard and soft, balance, direction changes to reach, step on and pass stones of various unique shapes, sizes and instabilities, opportunity, and the need to see the path, to hear the path and to feel the path beneath our feet up into the body-mind.

It remains open to clear view and acoustic vibrations while giving a feel for the roughness of the stone, the varying stones and the void or spaces between the stone. Symbolic of the very essence of life and the practice of any art discipline including martial arts.

The stars of the heavens are alluded to and known to exist regardless of the night/day sky be it open and lit or closed in darkness with only the glow of the moon directly or indirectly shining from the heavens as indicated in this photo.

It is symbolic of how we work diligently to walk the true path so that the enlightening light of the sun can shine through guiding us to mastery. It is stone so it has a hard permanence that symbolizes how one should view and practice martial arts for life.

Although inadequate, this post attempts to convey the importance of the path and the importance of symbolism as a means to open our eyes, ears and allow us to feel, both tactually and spiritually, the path or the way or the korai michi of martial systems.

Yin-Yang Stasis in Martial Arts

In judging applications to be yin or yang, we are never doing so absolutely. Depending on what we are comparing, we can say about the same thing that it is either yin or yang. Dualistic Monism, a principle contained within as a theory of dynamic relativity. It is rather the continuously vacillating of yin and yang as the moment dictates and the application or technique is applied.

All techniques have both yin and yang context, traits and influences but one is not completely and utterly without the other. There are remnants of one or the other to some degree with one or the other dominating at any one given moment. The changes made in applications is based upon changes in the quality, quantity, or structure of said application or techniques of their respective yin and yang elements.

Considering these factors becomes important when learning and applying a technique or techniques or variations of said techniques depends greatly as to the stage or level of shu-ha-ri of the practitioner of said martial system(s).

Only through the study and understanding of the ancients and ancient classics that influenced the creation and inheritance of the systems down to the present can achieve this type of understanding. This understanding influences to a higher level the learning, applying and understanding of techniques, etc.

The entire ken-po goku-i is a window that allows a practitioner to achieve sight, sound and feel for the martial system practiced and it also is the only method to open the various gates, nyumonsha, leading toward mastery.

Sun and Moon

The sun and moon at their apex symbolize old yang which is to be steady in movement. The new moon and the midnight such symbolize the old yin which is to be steady in receptivity and reflection. The change from sunlight to the darkness illuminated by the reflection of the sun by the moon symbolize young yang. The sun gives light and energy, the moon receives the light and the energy of the sun. Darkness of night changing to day is young yang.

Old Yang: the full moon and the sun at its apex, noon. Symbolizes movement and illumination. (7 chakras)

Old Yin: the new moon and the midnight such, the polar star. Symbolizes receptivity and reflection. (8 directions)

Young Yang: the change from darkness to light. Symbolizes individuality. (7)

Young Yin: the change from light to darkness. Symbolizes receptivity. (8)

Mirror or Kagami [鏡]

The character/ideogram means "mirror." It also means, "speculum; barrel-head; round rice-cake offering." The mirror in this case is the symbol of Japan. One of the three treasures.

In the Orient, man and cosmos are traditionally considered reflections of each other. The mirror is symbolic as a tool of creation. It reflects upon itself and the image of the spiral appears. There are front and back as reflected by the mirror. Within it we find both man and the universe. Man has a metaphysical relationship to the macrocosm of nature.

The mirror symbolizes calm, serenity and the absolute essence of receptivity. It receives "all forms" upon itself. It is silent and claims no credit for any image it reflects. It is the foundation for the appearance of the image. The mirror is formless and it only reflects the form which exists only because of the reflection of the mirror.

The universe is the reflection of infinity from which all myriad things are born, the one. There is a sameness yet difference in what the mirror reflects and symbolizes.

Since man and the cosmos are represented by the symbology of the mirror we can say that man is a microcosm because he contains all the elements of the universe that is present before his/her birth.

Man or person is a part of the ken-po goku-i as a reflection of what is possible through the singular practice of the dualistic forms of marital arts. Since the gokui reflects on man vs. the cosmos, i.e. heaven and earth, sun and moon, etc., then the later lines reflect the dualistic monism contained within the person, i.e. the mirror reflecting dualism within that function symbiotically making a monistic "one wholehearted" person.

When we say a person's heart is the same as heaven and earth we speak to the reflection of both as mirror images where heaven and earth are in both a microcosmic and macrocosmic state, a reflection of that which resides in the person or person's heart with the heart being the center of the spiritual and physical, i.e. it resides in the middle as does man between the heaven above and the earth below.