Why the Way of Empty Hand MUST NOT BE HURRIED

In the Legge interpretation/translation of the I Ching it says, "A tree springing up on the ground is a tree as ti begins to grow. A tree on a hill is high and large. Every tree when it begins to grow, shows its branches and twigs gradually becoming long. Every morning and every evening shows some difference; and when the tree is high and great, whether it be of an ordinary or extraordinary size, it has taken years to reach its dimensions."

It also alludes to "the application and improvements … is a gradual process."

I am not anyone anywhere would consider a karate-ka of any notoriety or accomplishment but I have been practicing for a long time. This in itself is of no great accomplishment in the scheme of how this country views practice of anything. I don't have a lot of experience in truly violent encounters nor in competition but I am proficient.

So when I spout out this stuff there is no real reason why anyone should listen or accept anything I post. Why should you. But, the I Ching quote above does tell us that nothing of any note or worth is gotten quickly. All good things come to those with patience and persistence.

All karate-ka should accept it that nothing in karate-do comes quickly. It is not a means of instant gratification for that as well comes intermittently and over time. It comes one day many years down the road suddenly and spiritually. They should accept the fact that not all lessons are going to be new and exciting but most lessons/training/practice are going to be repetitive and often boring unless you decide it isn't and use the training of the brain/mind to enhance those so called boring sessions.

This also applies to the truth and the facts, it is something that takes time and patience to achieve and acquire. It also takes time, effort, patience, and persistence to bring about change in others especially when not members of the tribe.

Here end-ith this particular lesson. (Yes I am stealing from the movie)

p.s. You know, thirty-six plus years just suddenly appears like the blink of an eye. I had not fully realized just how far I traveled until one day I sat down to figure it out for a web entry, whalla, thirty-three years black belt. Do not discount what anyone might have to say simply because you don't view their credentials as valid. All information is potential knowledge regardless the source and the sources credentials.

Lessons in Change

This is a lesson in change. I believe Ghandi led a life that wanted to change things in this world for the better. The distinction here is that he didn't just sit at his computer exposing his thoughts and beliefs but got up and walked to the people with his message. I believe he understood that to bring about change in others you had to go out, meet with them, and provide your actions and thoughts and beliefs in a manner that would influence others into a desire to change from within.

I bring this example or lesson because recently I have reached a limit. Isshinryu is fractured. Isshinryu factions believe wholeheartedly in what they believe is the truth and facts of their style and way. Even tho the different factions are all different in their views and beliefs none of them take any type of responsibility to bring about change, either in themselves or in others.

We sit and whine about who is right, who has the most experience, who is this and who is that and he meant to teach this or that or this symbol is the true one or that is this or that but none of them actively go out to meet and teach to others as Ghandi did so that they will accept change within themselves.

Nowhere in history do you read or see or hear about persons who brought about great change from the comfort of their own homes and from within their mostly exclusive and restrictive "club."

One such club touts about how they promote this and that but in reality they don't do it outside their club. Occasionally a guest is allowed provided they "meet" specified standards to get the privilege to lurk in that club or group but no where do you see them going out to all the other factions to promote truth and accuracy of the style.

They say they tried and since no one will change, incidentally you have to change to their exact way or it is not acceptable; how convenient, so they whine and cry but actually are enabling their attitudes and beliefs.

It is important that change be for the good of all and not just the few. This type of change requires effort much like the practice of katate-do. Perseverance and practice, practice, practice. Diligent practice, practice, practice.

After all, if every time you run into a practice that is difficult and stubborn you don't just stop trying. In karate-do you persevere until you get it. If you quit then you do not practice karate-do. These clubs, if they truly believe that Tatsuo Sensei wanted us to learn customs and courtesies of Okninawans and practice the truth of the ken-po goku-i then to quit on those whose stubbornness should be just a "challenge" are not doing this but telling themselves that they are special and those folks are not worthy of their efforts.

Over the years I have gone out and talked, written, etc. about what I perceive as the truth and facts regarding our style Isshinryu. I have posted on web sites, blogs, and in newsletters and when the opportunity presents itself talked to different dojo about the style letting them decide for themselves to either accept or reject my views. I have been persistent for thirty-eight some odd years in my own way and hope I have influenced even just one person. In the last five years I have tried and continue to try and influence others so they may be open and accepting of ideas and thoughts that may or may not change they way the practice and act in life and in karate-do. I don't just sit and whine as to why no one will listen, no one will change, no one wants to follow the way intended by Tatsuo Sensei; I jut keep plugging away in the hopes things will change.

Change is good, I believe that is what Ghandi wanted in folks and for me on a very small scale I hope I influence change for someone somewhere in a very positive way. If you are restricting your efforts to your students and their students that is good but if you stop there and fail to try and influence/change the other factions outside your tribe then are you failing to follow the way?

Is this my ego talking?

The Mind of the Writer

However admirable the sentiment is from the provider, it still comes from the writers mind and is not drawn from the facts.Information/knowledge is affected from the character of the writer and thus remolded and perfected, for the writer not the reader.

If a person (Sensei) dose not walk in the right path (way), it will not be walked in even by his/her mate (sem-pai) and children (Ko-hai). Even one who has been exposed exclusively to a writer cannot achieve the sameness as the writer for their own unique character, knowledge, belief influences the receipt of information reforming it, redacting it, into something for that person and thus at their passing it along are subject to the same laws and rules of nature and human beings.

Can we truly believe the word of others even if we perceive credentials that would normally say this person is true and accurate? This persons view and writing is accurate and true … for him/her, not you. It is subjective and you will change it involuntarily upon hearing or reading it.

It is the natural way of the Universe.

Questions to Ask

1. Are you often emotional, i.e. offended, angry, etc.?
2. Do you always think you are right?
3. Do you feel that you should not or can not back down from anything?
4. Do you find you dislike someone when the refute you?
5. Do you feel disrespected, challenged, or insulted?
6. Do you feel the desire/need to be "right?"
7. Do you seek excuses to dismiss the word, view or deed of others?
8. Do you seek excuses to validate your word, view, or deeds?
9. Do you feel it important to preserve core beliefs and self-image at all costs?
10. Do you often feel others are dismissing or ignoring your ideas, actions or performance?
11. Do you feel the need to get the "last lick in" on others?
12. Do you find yourself giving "slight, but malicious disgs or comments" to others?
13. Do you know when to stop or how to stop the escalation of conflict?
14. Do you look at someone backing down as an opportunity to attach/punish?
15. Do you perceive any challenge as a loss of status?

If you find yourself answering yes to any or all of these questions you may want to contemplate your practice and training.

Blood Circulates similar to the Sun …

" … So moves 'the unwearied sun from day to day,' making it a good symbol of renewed, untiring effort. … " so says appendix II of the Legge translation of the I Ching. It goes on to tell us that the motion of Heaven is a complete revolution every day, resumed the next … which in itself provides connectivity to the reference of the sun and thus the moon.

In our goku-i it would indicate that the person/human must take on the trait of untiring effort with due diligence and forthrightness, i.e. wholehearted effort which is inherently untiring.

Is this what Bushi Tatsuo intended when he presented the ken-po goku-i silks to his Marine students?

Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon, etc.

All these are references to nature. The rest of the ken-po goku-i refers to the many physical manifestations of nature in the body as it applies to life with emphasis on the FMA. In appendix I of the Legge translation of the I Ching on page 263 in the explanation he states, I quote, " … the importance of doing things according to rule by reference to the operations of nature … ," leads me to believe by inference this states throughout the ken-po goku-i as alluded to in the I Ching there are "rules" in the practice of the FMA that should be kept much like the rules that nature uses to be complete and operational.

The I Ching also alludes to this comparison in humans, their activities, and those of society. This may very well be the original intent when Bushi Tatsuo Sensei provided all his students a copy of a silk ken-po goku-i along with asking them to continue their studies which he meant by the presentation to go way beyond the mere physical but into realms that have provided guidance to the lives of the Chinese for thousands of years all the way up to today.

If true; absolutely amazing!

Excellent Graphic

Found this surfing the web, don't know the creator or such to give credit, if you are the one then comment please but I can only say this is an awesome representation of what we study in the Isshinryu system, i.e. the "ken-po goku-i."

A great representation of the Universe, the sun on the left, the moon on the right, and so forth, really great.

Then superimposing the shape of the great tai chi symbol which in itself represents the Yang-Yin created at the beginning from Tao and resulting in the myriad things to include us insignificant humans.

Then again, if you look hard enough at anything you can see connections and symbolism, but it is fun and enlightening to the possibilities :-)

Working with the I Ching

In my studies of the Isshinryu Karate-do system I was introduced to the "ken-po goku-i" as I would assume all Isshinryu practitioners but espresso that it is sometimes not good to "assume." Anyway, because of this it has led me into the realm of the I Ching, Analects, etc. or what some refer to as the Ancient Chinese Classics.

In that period of ongoing and never ending study I have come to the conclusion that as an American, meaning I am not Chinese; not Okinawa; not Japanese, in order to benefit from the study of the I Ching it is strongly recommended you study more than "one" translation.

In my view having a copy of all the Wilhelm and Legge books is necessary as they all provide information that is not necessarily in the others as well as different interpretations and views. Considering the simplicity/complexity of the books not to mention in detail the interpretation of Chinese characters or pictograms, etc. warrants a collecting of all these views, opinions, and interpretations. It is important, from my perspective, to collectively analyze them all and come to your own conclusions.

In the end the interpretation and use as a means of divining answers to questions takes an individual and unique view. The book has lasted so long and through extreme turmoil that its fundamental and non-individualized writings leaves it open so it can influence everyone in every manner with out prejudice of any one individual. If it were just one persons book it would be just a book much like Stephen Kings books, each unique in its story. The I Ching is not topic specific other than a guide to life and nature, etc.

Words never truly convey what it is and what it means ergo why it is an individual book with meaning to each person who reads and utilizes it. Worth the effort and costs to bring together all the possibilities provided by the insight of each interpreter/translator. When reading each don't accept or reject anything, let it mull for a while like a fine wine and when it is ready for consumption let it breathe and then partake of its uniqueness.

Other Kenpo or Kempo

The Kempo Hakku was a favourite poem of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. It was an article from the ancient Chinese text, the Bubishi. Miyagi Sensei named his method of Ti, Goju-Ryu, from the third line of this poem.

1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji. -The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari. -The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of
the sun and the moon.
3. Ho wa goju wo tondo su. -The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hard and soft.
4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu. -Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu. -Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su. -The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. Me wa shiho wo miru wa yosu. -The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku. -The ears listen well in all directions

Source: "Ryusyokai: Okinawa Karate Dojo UK Web Site"

I sometimes find other references to the Bubishi or Goju Ryu keno or kempo gokui or hakku which are comparable. I find the various interpretations of interest. Although different they end up having the same meaning so when one provides their own interpretations and connections they will in all likelihood apply.

In the end I believe it is the individuals interpretations of the Chinese characters, pictograms if you will, because as most of you have witnessed/read on my past postings those same characters can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the usage and intentions of the author.

I am putting the Isshinryu version of the ken-po goku-i here for comparison.

1. Hito no kokoro wa, ten to chi to onaji desu. "A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth."
2. Ketsueki ga junkan taiyō to tsuki ni nite i masu. "The blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon."
3. Manā inryō (suu) to tsuba o haku (iki o haki) to onaji desu. Kore wa, dochira mo hādo matawa sofuto. "The manner of drinking and spitting is either soft or hard."
4. Hito no anbaransu no jūryō to onaji desu. "A person's unbalance is the same as a weight."
5. Karada wa itsu demo, hōkō o henkō suru koto ga deki masu. "The body should be able to change direction at any time."
6. Jikan ga utsu toki ni kikai ga jibun jishin o teiji sa re masu. "The time to strike iw when the opportunity presents itself."
7. Me wa subete no sokumen o sanshō shite kudasai suru hitsuyō ga ari masu. "The eyes must see all sides."
8. Mimi wa subete no hōkō ni mimi o katamukeru hitsuyō ga ari masu. "The ears must listen in all directions."

As can be readily seen the differences are not dissimilar, interesting how so many unique individuals see those characters.

Analect Hexagram 42, Confucius

"If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a Mistake." "Place loyalty and faithfulness first; do not associate with any one who is not as good as you are; do not hesitate to change when you have erred." "He did not transfer anger and did not repeat a mistake."

Two very important traits are hinted at here about our ability to see or hear the truth and pass along correct and accurate information. No one is with out fault, that is the nature of life, but one who determines a fault and fails to correct it is far worse off than the most ignorant of ignorant. If one is to associate with one not as good as your are then it is the responsibility of that person to convey the knowledge so the other can achieve greatness as well. This is the deshi-sensei relationship, the tori-uke, and the father-son, i.e. Yang and Yin.

The goal of the sage, one of them at least, is to not transfer anger and not repeat mistakes. Anger, emotions, the monkey brain, is that it does affect others with the speed of light and this saying points out to us that our responsibility is to achieve a level of practice to suppress our anger. Our anger is gone and that in itself allows the mind and spirit to actively listen and see truth. A sage errs and sees that as a means to learn and change so the error does not repeat itself. A lofty goal for the FMA to achieve in practice and training.

Yao Lines I Ching and Karate Do

In my studies of the I Ching I try to truly see relations between those studies to my practice in the FMA. I was researching the various interpretations of the six lines, Yao Lines, of the Hexagram. It must be noted that the line interpretations are subject to the particular hexagram being used, the diviner, the person asking the diviner, and other factors of a numerous kind.

While sitting there reviewing my notes the thought suddenly flashed in my mind and here is what I see in Karate-do Yao Lines:

Line 6: Sage
Line 5: Soke
Line 4: Sensei
Line 3: Kyosei
Line 2: Sempai
Line 1: Kohai

In general the lines mean:

Line 6: Sage, ending
Line 5: Ruler
Line 4: Minister
Line 3: Noble
Line 2: Supervisor
Line 1: Worker, beginning

although this is not all but merely an initial meaning for generalization but for the purpose of this posting it will due nicely. Line one is always the start so it seems plausible to make it the line for the Kohai or beginner/junior practitioner.

The supervisor is well related to the Sempai for Sempai is relied upon to provide initial training and guidance to kohl.

Kyosei is a student teacher so this applies to the heading of a Noble who basically provides the same type of server to the Ruler, i.e. the soke or master of the style who rules the entire system.

The soke's closest ally is the minister or in this case the Sensei. Like a Ruler's minister who "administers" the system to its people the Sensei provides this to the dojo(honbu: home dojo, shibu: branch dojo) be they directly under Soke or associated to the palace of the ruler or the honbu dojo of Soke.

Make sense?

Ken-po Goku-i [Hear]

"To hear a lot means to learn a lot." The verb for hearing is classically used because of the importance of oral traditions, but it also came to apply to reading and research or to the whole process of information gathering. - Analects 7:27, Hexagram 26 of Confucius.

The importance of actively listening and seeing is still valid today and more so than past although both differ as much as Yang differs from Yin. In the past since history was not written, writing was not as efficient in those times, the transference and accuracy was all oral while today the glut of information requires the same ability to see and hear but for different reasons.

This is truth and to acquire the knowledge and proficiency available for the FMA one must "see" and "hear" with everything that nature provides in that endeavor for with out it the system is slowly diluted into nothing of value. As one master said of kata, "Kata with out bunkai, with out purpose is merely a dance."

A person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth.

In appendix I of the I Ching written/translated by James Legge it states, "The mind of Heaven and Earth is the love of life and of all goodness that rules in the course of nature and providence."

Hearing: The Ears must Listen in all Directions!

"If you are unable to hear others tell the truth, you will be reluctant to tell the truth to others." - Analects 5:17 Hexagram 34 of Confucius.

Remaining open, to allow for the possibilities, to achieve greater understanding and knowledge, to provide the most advantageous path for those who look up to you, all these and more are how we "hear or listen" in all directions.

Directions does not remain restricted to the obvious but take us into the more metaphysical realm of truth, knowledge and understanding. It is not literally the ability to hear noises but to hear the sounds that knowledge and truth bring to the spirit creating greater moral and spiritual value. Often it is more important for the individual to "listen" to their inner voices, their consciousness, that which is connected to the Tao or the great Tai Chi.

Actively listen, really hear the voices both internal and external. The truth is out there!

Book of Changes Says

"Again and again it has been pointed out the we find in it (I Ching) no idea of a perfect and abiding state. Just as the seasons of the year change and pursue an ever recurring round, so is it with the phases of society. The reign of order has been and has terminated."

Often we speak of or hear of the ideology of karate-do to reach "perfection." Tho a loft goal and one we should keep it does not mean that perfection is attainable. Only the process of attainment is attainable.

It is the nature of the Universe as displayed in nature by the cycles of the Heaven and Earth, the Sun and Moon, the seasons, and so on that nothing reaches perfection of a static state of being. It is perfection to be imperfect at all moments of life. Our existence is one of continual fluctuations between extreme yang and extreme yin.

Perfection can be attained in the mind, spirit and body simply by accepting and living the changes that remain constant and imperfect. Even if perfection could be attained as we interpret it normally as understood in the FMA it is so transient that it changes to imperfection.

Perfection/imperfection, two sides on the one coin much like the symbolism of yang and yin in the symbol of the great Tai Chi. We can attain the perfection of understanding by allowing our lives and ways to flow with the currents of the Universe. Allowing it to lead, teach, and bring about a level of understanding and knowledge consummate to our individual and uniqueness until we pass from this existence into the void of the Tao.

Longevity is nothing more that the perfection of the one present moment as it flows with the currents of the Universe. We can understand that we are not able to resist the currents but we can achieve a mutual relationship with that current and influence it to a degree that will allow us to ride the waves through life.

Change is perfection and to flow with the changes is perfection. To achieve perfection in the FMA means to allow for the changes to teach us. Perfection in the FMA is simply an process of perfection that can become more as we practice and train. It will ebb and flow constantly as we move with the current of life and our ride can be simply wonderful.

My Philosophy

A most difficult and complex question, what is the philosophy behind my practice of Isshinryu Karate-do. There are so many layers that it may not be possible to convey this in a post or even several postings.

Like life, like FMA practice, like the Laws of the Universe all is in constant flux, fluid, ever changing so this philosophy is fluid simply by the constant movement of the present moment. Each unique encounter at the exact present moment causes ripples changing this to something new, something more, this is my philosophy of Isshinryu Karate-do.

On a very basic level my philosophical strategy is to approach my studies and practice with a critical-analytical open mind. I train to attain a calm, stoic, and detached mind so that all that is available can be received with out reservations so that I may study the fundamentals of my morals and beliefs; so that I will understand the values, reason and existence of life and Tao.

Isshinryu Karate-do has become my system of beliefs as taught through its practice; knowledge acquired in the study of the Ancient Classics with a goal of acceptable values and beliefs that guide me in my day to day present moment encounters with both internal/spiritual and external/societal encounters, i.e. the studies and practices of karate-do and the ken-po goku-i with all that it entails at its deepest depth of limitless void.

I quote, "To become a wiser person who deals with life calmly and rationally; a person who will live a life of reason with equanimity; a person devoted to the study of the ancient classics thus providing for the following of the proper and accepted path according to the law of the ken-po goku-i (Tao) as determined by the relations of Heaven, Humanity, and Earth (I Ching and Ken-po Goku-i).

By this philosophy I strive to achieve the ability to "inspire" others. I strive to achieve a deep understanding of the esoteric aspects of my training and practice along with the deeper skills and experience to teach the physical benefits; to provide the best guidance possible for those who choose to train/practice with me.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - unknown

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon

Ken-po goku-i: The eyes must see all sides, the ears must listen in all directions.

Hexagram 39 of the Confucius Analects states, "When they look [see, truly see], they think of how to see clearly." "When the listen, they think of how to hear keenly."

To truly see does not just mean what is visible to our eyes but what is invisible to what we see for seeing also means to perceive for perception is influenced by the mind and how we interact and learn from our life, the now/present and those encounters in life past. We must train our brain/mind, spirit, and body to see things with the type of clarity that does not create false perceptions. In order to do this one must first see within themselves "clearly and distinctly." Our ability to view in present moment clarity means the difference between true understanding or the repercussions of misunderstood experiences.

We actively listen all the time yet we don't always perceive truth. We tend to jump ahead when listening to thoughts and impressions that pop up while information is traveling to our hearing. To achieve a level of keen hearing is to achieve the ability to actually listen to outside while keeping the minds tendency to chatter along quiet so that we hear the entirety of all influences of life and living. If we spend time thinking within while trying to listen with out we muddle and fog up the flow of information causing misunderstanding. Listen actively and keenly to achieve a higher level of knowledge and understanding. This may mean shutting down the ego and remaining open and present.

Harmonious - Integrated - Balanced

Harmony - Symbiosis - Equilibrium

Three words my wife provided regarding her garden. The professional she borrowed the words from said that to have a perfect, as perfect as humans and nature can achieve, garden it must be harmonious, integrated, and balanced. This struck a cord with me and my studies in the FMA and ancient classics of China.

Lets take a look at the literal meaning of those three words, related words I have used in my postings on the FMA.

Harmonious (Harmony): exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities; existing together in harmony; compatibility in opinion and action; a harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole; agreement of opinions, etc.

Integrated (Symbiosis): formed or united into a whole; formed into a whole or introduced into another entity; make into a whole or make part of a whole; become one; become integrated; consolidation: the act of combining into an integral whole, etc. ; Of, or relating to symbiosis; living together; Of a relationship with mutual benefit between two individuals or organisms; term for the interdependence of different species, etc.

Balanced (Equilibrium): being in a state of proper equilibrium; proportion: harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole; symmetry; an imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance; Exhibiting symmetry; having harmonious or proportionate arrangement of parts, etc.

The entire purpose of the FMA is to provide the tools to, first, teach self protection, i.e. civil protection, which equates to street protection. This is not true combative protection of the kind the military has to deal with but one where we as citizens might, strong on might, have to protect ourselves. This applies to two separate forms of self protection, one is the monkey dance or what I call the school yard scuffle and two the really violent kind.

Then those who desire to go beyond the mere physical can achieve a better life and living by the singular form of practice that achieves body, mind, and spirit development where we learn to harmonize, integrate and balance out the three.

Where this begins is in academia or acquiring the knowledge. Train the mind, store the data in the brain and then go to the practical aspect which is also stored in the brain/mind so when perceived appropriate actions are taken.

Three is a significant number in the Ancient Classics such as the Analects and the Book of Changes. As a matter of fact mathematics are significant in all of it. Binary numbers are shown to be associated with the eight trigrams as follows:

1. Heaven = 111
2. Lake = 110
3. Fire = 101
4. Thunder = 100
5. Wind = 011
6. Water = 010
7. Mountain = 001
8. Earth = 000

When you want to see balance you would then associate 1 & 8, 2 & 5, 3 & 6, and 4 & 7. One of the more significant pairings is no. 1 & 8 which are Heaven and Earth. The combination of these two forces or non-forces is held to produce the complete human being. (you find this referenced in the first tome of the ken-po goku-i of Isshinryu)

The greatest unkept secret to our purpose in life is the full understanding and goal of equilibrium or balance. I believe this is our purpose and it extends further than anyone can imagine. To create internal harmony and integrate that into our life, family, tribe, society, etc. would be a great achievement which few have reached in history to date.

It is taught through the classics that we as human beings must achieve wholehearted "oneness" or "balance" within. No one can achieve balance in life or society or government if they first do not achieve harmony, balance and integration of mind, body and spirit because the emanations of our emotions through body, etc. have a cause and effect on anyone who we might encounter. We encounter, we react quicker than thought, and the results effects/affects all it encounters. To achieve equilibrium within is achieving the ability to know and recognize these issues and then allow ourselves to step back, breathe, and then control the affects creating a peaceful and harmonious effect on those we encounter.

The first step, recognize that Isshinryu and the FMA is more than mere physical fighting ability. The second step, recognize the gift provided by Bushi Tatsuo Sensei in the "ken-po goku-i!" The third step, make it a practical ability of your mind, body, and spirit.

Twelve Primary Hexagrams

Click for larger view.

Twelve out of the sixty-four hexagrams are representative of the full cycle of Yang and Yin. There are six yang hexagrams in the twelve with six yin hexagrams.

Yang: 24, 19, 11, 34, 43, 1
Yin: 44, 33, 12, 20, 23, 2

You will find that all the sixty-four hexagrams are summed up in these twelve hexagrams. Lets discuss the first Yang for a moment to see the patterns. Hexagram 24 is composed of one yang line, i.e. solid, and five yin lines, broken. The first line is the yang line and is called the "first yang advances." All the hexagrams with a yang in the first places, i.e. 1st line, are there in, etc.

When you go to hexagram nineteen you get two yang lines in position of line one and two. The second line is the "second yang advances" and all hexagrams with a yang in the second place are therein, etc. this continues up to the fifth line but when it comes for the sixth then it reverses, i.e. first line is yin with the five lines above yang, thus "first yin advances."

The yang or yin, depending on the hexagram, moves from the fist place upward so even tho the first and second are yang lines the hexagram 11 with the third line now yang is called "third yang advances," which means line one and two although yang are not advancing, only that third line in that third yang hexagram is advancing.

An advancing line has the significance in reading the hexagram. How exactly is still being researched by me and to date have found no answer but may be tied to the six lines as to which is in a particular position, i.e. third here, or its condition in the reading or the time of the reading or whether the line is holding together the lines above, below, etc. It may be that the line references a body part or "heaven, earth, and man."

The hexagram meaning is extracted according to whom is divining and for who they are divining, the time, place, disposition of both parties and the questions asked. It determines the individual lines in specific places, their order, there relations to other lines and finally the relation between the lines and the two trigrams of which the hexagram is composed.

Example: The third line advances may have something to do with an "inner reason." It might deal with some intellectual activity which equates to the psychological state of the person in receipt of the reading. It might reference that persons "patience" in some endeavor. It also might refer to some social situation where the person would be advised to remain "independent" in actions, etc.

In the practice of FMA it could be advice on handling the area of the body referenced by the third line because of its advancement, i.e. loins, which could deal with the lower support of the hara, or center located just below the naval, while partnering with the fourth line which is the trunk of the body. Remember the association of the third line is also adjacent to the "calves" which leads to the bodies foundation or support to the Earth. Many paths, many strings, all attached on one form or the other depending on variables of the reading.

Don't forget to take notice that both hexagrams for Heaven and Earth are present in the twelve primary hexagrams. None of the hexagrams are with out the influences of both and this, as seen in the ken-po goku-i, is significant in all life activities to include practice of the FMA.

Focal Sense of Center

In order to get a sense of the three major belief systems of the time, ancient times of book of changes, the following definitions of center are provided,

- Confucianism: centered equilibrium.
- Taoism: centered harmony.
- Buddhism: central path.

which should provide the reader with a sense of which major belief system is referenced when the various types of Martial Systems are discussed. Confucians tell us to "hold the center." Taoists tell us to "keep to the center." and the Buddhist tell us to "open the center." This brings us to what the ancients used to indicate the "center."

The word, "center," wa written as a circle with a vertical line used to bisect it. What that circle stood for was what is innate in humans (person or person's, etc), completely good, something round and bright (sun and not as bright moon). The vertical line meant that in the total pattern of nature, i.e. the sun and moon to represent reference to the circulation of blood or chi or ki in humans, one energy ascends and descends, circulating ceaselessly.

The "silence" is the circle or "heaven" as in person's heart same as Heaven and Earth. Heaven does not create but its connection with the Earth does bring about the myriad things so the "master of myriad forms" is the line.

They speak of something before heaven and earth; it has no name, it is originally silent. The silence is the circle, which also symbolizes the sun, the master of myriad things is the line (square in book represents the Earth but both are intertwined with a vertical line bisecting both in that symbol.).

Ultimately nonexistent yet containing ultimate existence. Ultimately empty yet containing ultimate fulfillment, it is therefore called the center. ... the sense of balance and potential.

Humans are controlled by their emotions which are referred to as the "monkey brain." It in turn affects the "lizard" brain which equals the many habits we collect over our life times and they both end up driving ordinary person's. When a sage, or practitioner of the FMA, achieves control over the monkey brain, through knowledge and practice, to achieve a degree of control over emotions resulting in emotional inactivity leaving the lizard brain apart from that drive. This is called, "the center." Not being biased is also called the center.

When we practitioners of the FMA call focus to the center most of us automatically associate that to the physical center which some say resides about two to three inches below the naval. In reality the center is all encompassing of humans in equilibrium, i.e. in this instance the balance of control or ability to manipulate the connections between our normal brain, the monkey brain and the lizard brain. Our normal brain is the one that performs our daily "conscious" thoughts but those thoughts are influenced by the monkey brain while the lizard brain runs on auto-pilot, i.e. breathing, walking, blinking, etc with an open path to receive the monkey brains emotional influences which occur before the normal brain has time to register it.

This is what constitutes the present moment mind and the logical, non-emotional influences of the brain, to achieve more control over the lizard brain along with the monkey brains adrenaline dump for mother nature's survival, i.e. flight or fight or freeze, acts.

The Confucius Analects, "The Great Learning, Chap VII, no. 2, says; "When the mind is not present, we look and do not "SEE;" we "hear" and do not understand; we eat and do not know the taste of what we eat. This is what is meant by saying, that the cultivation of the person depends on the rectifying of the mind."

In FMA this brings us back to the ken-po goku-i where a person is the result of heaven and earth; the center or human energy flows naturally much like the sun and moon; the references to balance and weight deals with equilibrium of the center or that which is represented by the Universe, i.e. heaven and earth; sun and moon. It tells us that is our practice does not provide for "seeing" truly or "hearing" then we do not see what is a result of heaven and earth, i.e. humans and the myriad things of life. We do not hear truly so we miss the truth or diminish it to fit our perceptions.

The ken-po goku-i and the book of changes along with such ancient tomes of China, i.e. Analects, etc. all come back to the basic "tome" that we read in the FMA ken-po goku-i. These ancient classics are the teachers who provide us the myriad things we must open our true center to see, hear, taste, feel, etc. to find balance. All the tomes of the ken-po goku-i seem simplistic but in reality to "see" beyond the mere words into the depth and breadth of its true meaning the study of the teacher or ancient classics is necessary.

Knowledge can not achieve this level of understanding with out first receiving, openly and unconditionally, the teachings of the Ancient Masters such as Lao Tzu, Confucius, Mencius, etc. for they open the doors to the simplicity of ken-po goku-i.

Analects of Confucius:

"When they look (see), they think of how to 'see' clearly. When they 'listen' (hear), they think of how to 'hear' keenly." - Hexagram 39 of Confucius.

"If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake." - Hexagram 42 of Confucius.

"To HEAR a lot means to LEARN a lot. The verb for hearing is classically used because of the importance of oral tradition, but is also came to apply to reading and research or the whole process of information gathering." - Analects 7:27, Hexagram 26 of Confucius.

"The effort of the student, rightly oriented, is regarded as an indispensable ingredient in classical Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist systems of learning. The teacher cannot hand out wisdom but can only help others learn how to seek personal experience of wisdom themselves." - Analects 15:16, Hexagram 29 of Confucius.

"If you are unable to HEAR (hearing) others tell the truth, you will be reluctant to tell the truth to others." Analects 5:12, Hexagram 34 of Confucius.

"Loyalty, does not mean, as commonly assumed, simply obedience and conformity; loyal is one who tells the truth or gives sincere advice." Analects 14:23, Hexagram 37 of Confucius.

A Confucian motto: "Learning is to investigate things to produce knowledge." Hexagram 64 of Confucius.

Isn't is a wonder that such as Bushi Tatsuo Sensei who on the surface seemed an ordinary human was in reality a "sage" before his time!

Note: The circle with vertical line may remind you of another symbol, do you know which one?

The Analects to I Ching to Ken-po Goku-i

The Analects: Confucius: Chapter XVII - "A desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly."

It seems that the ancients knew something we modern folk can not understand or accept. We are so caught up in the technological world we have lost control and it controls us. It pushes us faster and faster past our humanity when we should be taking control by allowing our humanity to catch up with technology. Alas, that would mean a loss of revenue so that ain't going to happen.

We can take it back at least in part by spending our time in the dojo practicing and actually doing so in a pace and method conducive to maximizing proficiency which is slow, easy, and over time. Practice, Practice, Practice! Even in the FMA we get caught up in how fast we can get to that wearing of the black belt. We gear or training to suit shorter time spans which I believe is a symptom of the technological era in which we live, if you can call it living.

The dojo is a place where we should turn off the technology, turn off our minds, and allow the flow and patterns of practice to bring us present moment peace and tranquility. After all if we allow technology to run our minds in lieu of our minds running it then our minds will be clogged up with information overloading caused by the constant chatter of information, etc.

Use the time in the dojo to leave behind the hustle and bustle of technology and multi-tasking and constant instant gratification. Don't even let those thoughts or ideas enter your mind. Focus grasshopper, get into the moment, allow the zone to take you into yourself in this exact moment, leave it all at the dojo door.In Isshinryu to accomplish to goals that the first tome of the Ken-po Goku-i is to achieve a level of equilibrium where our hearts are in motion that mirrors that of Heaven and Earth thus achieving its goal of wholehearted human beings, persons, which is, in part, remaining ever present to the moment. Thus the singular physical practice opens to the esoteric of the same where the influences of the Universe as taught by the I Ching through the Ken-po Goku-i being about our personal humanity. This humanity morphs us into a contributor to societal humanity.

Defining the Way of The I Ching Components

I Ching signs, hexagrams, came to be used as a more or less esoteric notation system for describing:

- Elements [the five elements, i.e. earth, water, metal, wood, and fire]
- Processes [what the individual is doing to achieve an end result]
- Experiences [those that influence the processes of the person receiving from the book]

in certain developmental practices involving special uses of the body and mind.

The mind - the inner ruler of the human being. [this is the leader of what the body does and what happens to it]

The stilling of automatic thought and behavior, intended to provide room for impartial awareness and deliberate action. [remaining in the moment; allowing for the brains random/main memory to provide answers for the actions taken by the lizard brain so it equates to the stimuli received.]

The tide of the times in the world can be witnessed by observation of forms (Patterns). [the world, the Universe, the heavens all all the myriad things from the great tai chi are formed by the patterns where the end of one connects to the beginning of another until the matrix fills the Universe.]

Openness is the form of Heaven; Unceasing self-strengthening is the openness of Heaven; Boundless spaciousness is the openness of Heaven.
Tranquility is the form of Earth; Rich virtue supporting beings is the tranquility of Earth; Boundless breathe is the tranquility of Earth.

When openness and tranquility are within oneself, this means Heaven and Earth are within oneself. [a person's heart is the same as heaven and earth; when one practices the wholehearted way of Isshinryu then they combine Heaven and Earth which gives birth to Human beings (person's) into the "one" whole bringing about equilibrium. The ken-po goku-i as a tome derived from the law of the fists which is a singular form of practice the opens the three doors of changes which is explained by the I Ching or book of changes or life changes; social and political. The first tome being the gateway to the other seven for if we are unable to unit Heaven and Earth then the person does not achieve wholeness wholeheartedly. Each successive tome of the ken-po goku-i unlocks the gate to the next which when combined together into the "one" provides insight to the Tao of the Universe and that is the Tao of Human Beings.]

The I Ching is comprised of 64 hexagrams (signs) that have a total of 384 lines.

The meaning is extracted from the I Ching:
- Individual lines in specific places.
- The order of those places are from the bottom to top.
- Individual line relations to the other lines.
- Relations between the two trigrams. [every trigram has specific "associations."]

360 lines with specific times are metaphorically associated with the 360 days of a lunar year.

Yin is subordinated to Yang; Yang governs Yin; Yin obey Yang.

The hexagrams are associated by Odd Sequence (1, 3, 5, … 63) to the Even Sequence (2, 4, 6, … 64) [1 is the inverse of 2, etc.]

The bottom trigram is the "subject" of the reading and the top trigram is the "object" of the subject. The subject being yourself or the person for whom you are doing a reading for and the object is a person, job, situation, event, etc.

The Lower trigram represent the beginning, middle, and end of the effort or process that goes on within the subject. The upper trigram represents beginning, middle, and the end of the effect of that effort or process on the environment, social or material. The top line is the present or visible future.

Lower trigram represents inside or the beginning. The upper trigram represents the outside or the end.

The PURPOSE of the written I Ching is to reveal the principles whereby human beings can understand their minds and thus learn to improve their ability to adapt to external change, so that they can be more effective and enjoy greater peace of mind. The ancient literature suggests reading one hexagram in the morning and one at night.

Hexagrams:
1 - 8 are in the beginning of the upper course.
9 - 16 are in the middle of the upper course.
17 - 30 are in the end of the upper course.

31 - 42 are in the beginning of the lower course.
43 - 50 are in the middle of the lower course.
51 - 64 are in the end of the lower course.

Line 6: Outer reason
Line 5: Outer human feelings
Line 4: Outer desire
Line 3: Inner reason
Line 2: Inner human feelings
Line 1: Inner desire

Inner: Private feelings and thoughts.
Outer: Expressed feelings and thoughts.

Line 6: Intellectual activity and spiritual stat of the partner*
Line 5: Social activity of the partner*
Line 4: Emotional life, quality, or state of the partner*
Line 3: Intellectual activity and psychological state of the subject
Line 2: Social activity of the subject
Line 1: Emotional life, quality, or state of the subject

*Partner in the relationship or the group at large.

Line 6: Insight
Line 5: Meditation
Line 4: Diligence
Line 3: Patience
Line 2: Self-discipline
Line 1: Generosity

Line 6: Retired/old age
Line 5: Social and professional success
Line 4: Professional development
Line 3: Social independence
Line 2: Practical education
Line 1: Childhood/youth

Hexagram Lines

The hexagram lines do have a relationship with various body parts which in some cases contribute to the description of each line in conjunction to the over all meaning according to the particular person and their question/needs.

The only line that I have doubts about is line six, i.e. head. All the rest come from the translation of the I Ching by James Legge. I also know that specific parts of the body, i.e. eyes, ears, etc. are also related to the trigrams that are used to make up the hexagrams.

Confucian Analects, The Great Learning & The Doctrine of the Mean

I have not been neglecting this blog but have been focused on the Analects of Confucius. It is apparent that all the ancient classics have been influenced by the I Ching in one form or the other.

I would also say that the Analects have been greatly influenced by the Tao Te Ching which I believe was strongly influenced by the I Ching.

This, in my humble opinion, puts Bushi Tatsuo Sensei into a bright light along side these great life luminaries. His style as well as his inference of the ken-po goku-i have strong connections to the I Ching and many other Chinese classics.

This seems plausible simply because Okinawa history is strongly influenced by their association with the Chinese. Even today the Chinese influences are stronger than Japanese simply because the Okinawan's have such a strong "family type" connection.

It is becoming more apparent every day of my studies and practice of Bushi Tatsuo's deep understanding of the yang-yin of life and he was wise in his incorporation of it into his unique "singular [one; whole-heart]" form of practice that when coupled with this esoteric connection creates a full and robust system of practice called Isshinryu.

It is such a shame that so many are blinded by the ego and have "missed" this aspect which would take them even further than the ego self-esteem driven commercialized versions we have today.

Then again, with the nature of mankind, my way would not be sought after so it remains in the hands of the very few.

My only wish would be to have realized this much earlier in life as it has and will have a profound and positive effect on my life and with those that I have in it.

Confucius' Analects have so many wise quotations that when taken out of the specific contextual topic apply to every day life. It along with the I Ching and the Ken-po Goku-i lead the Isshinryu practitioner to a better place whether it be in the dojo, at home, at work, or anywhere.

Knowledge is truly power yet exceptional power in life comes from knowledge, understanding and its application to life [3?].

Note: three (3) is significantly present through out all the Classics, see for yourself.

Wilhelm and Legge I Ching

I really appreciate the copy of the book of changes translated and commented by Helmut Wilhelm and Richard Wilhelm and further translated into English by Cary F. Baynes. With that said I also have great respect for the additional efforts put into the translation by James Legge. The notes in all the area's to include the appendixes are a great help in continued studies and understandings.

These two editions along with some other minor translations where efforts in regard to lines and trigrams also provide additional insight into its understanding by such as I, a westerner.

If you are studying the I Ching along side the Isshinryu ken-po goku-i then I highly recommend these two editions and authors.

Ch'i by Legge

Recently the topic of "Ch'i" or what Japanese call "ki" was run up the flag pole to see how it may wave when I came across the definitions as provided by James Legge's translation of the I Ching. Here is what he states:

Ch'i: Breath, blood and breath = the physical powers, mankind, observe.

Interesting don't you think yet it does NOT even hint that it is some mystical power that one uses to cause events to occur with out actual physical contact nor does it hint that it is some energy source that makes karate-ka able to perform feats of apparent magic, etc.

It does hint to the physical connection of breathing and physical powers. It does tell me, personally, that if one learns about body alignment, body mechanics, physical fitness, mental training and fitness and that if one brings them all into alignment it creates energy and power.

It does tell me that if one breathes properly along with physical movements which hit on specific and maximum mental/physical performance it leads to greater health and ability and proficiency.

In other words Ch'i is simply a physical manifestation of mind, body, and spirit. That physical manifestation that teaches a FMA practitioner how to maximize the tools they have in the mind, body and spirit, into that one point or wholeheartedly or one heart :-)

Sun-Moon; 9, 6, 8, 7; I Ching

The sun (or the day) is the symbol of what is yang.

The moon is the symbol of what is yin.

The yang numbers culminate in 9, the influence then receding and producing the 8 of the smaller yin. The yin numbers culminating in 6, and the next advance produces the 7 of the smaller yang.

So that 7 and 8 are numbers indicating the first birth of what is yin and what is yang.

When you view the Tai Chi symbol the two dots, or as I depict the two tadpoles, represent 7 and 8 which as indicated above are the birth of what will be both yin and yang. As they grow and expand they become 6 and 9 which in the I Ching are changing because as they reach their end they will change to their opposite and thus become 7 and 8 again for the birth of the opposites.

White (red) is yang while black is yin, i.e. white is sun or day while black is night thus sun and moon symbolized in the tai chi symbol.

If this is true then one realizes that the numbers 6 and 9 being the full yin-yang are then Heaven and Earth as represented in the I Ching by Ch'ien and K'un.

What are these numbers? They are the numbers used in the divination through the book of changes. When you use the yarrow stalks or the three coins the process/tosses give you four numbers, i.e. 6, 7, 8, or 9, which represent either a broken line, solid line, broken line that changes, and a solid line that changes to build the trigram to hexagram.

This is further proof of Bushi Tatsuo Sensei abilities as a sumachi who used the book of changes for his interpretations of the ken-po goku-i shows this by the first two tomes, specifically, which talk of heaven, earth, and man (person) along with the sun, moon, and the cycles it presents both by the symbolic meaning and numerology, i.e. the numbers represented to the book of changes. The other six tomes of the ken-po goku-i also indirectly relate to these first two as they take the karate-ka into the particulars of the mental/psychological and physical aspects of training and practice.

Traditional/Classical Training/Practice

Written on this more times than can remember. Today, while reading through some of my favorite blogs I read a post by Patrick of the Mokuran Dojo blog titled, "What is Classical Judo?"

Needless to say I had a comment which you can read at his blog but while working out at lunch this flash of inspiration came to me from the subconscious most assuredly triggered by the blog posting so I thought I would post my thoughts here for your review.

Traditional/Classical = Esoteric/Exoteric

You can view the way of traditional/classical practice as exoteric or external. It can be a strict and uncompromising adherence to the exact practice of the styles creator to every single physical movement is to remain as it was taught. Kihonteki, kata, and kumite shall be done with the same techniques, exactly, and the same enbusen, exactly, and with absolutely no deviation, period. forever!

You can also view the way of traditional/classical as esoteric or internal where the outward practice is naturally adjusted for the person as a unique individual where strict adherence to form and function is only a fundamental and the practitioner is encouraged as time goes by to adjust and conform the practice/training to suit them both physically and psychologically, etc. What remains intact with out deviation is the spirit of the original master of the style.

We are all human and flawed. There is no way each and every individual can retain "exactly" the form and function of every single move taught by the styles creator. Look at the video's on Isshinryu by the original first generation practitioners, i.e. Mitchum, Advincula, Nagle, etc. You will also see deviations in all the various video/8 mm of Bushi Tatsuo Sensei as well. They all took the same lessons from Shimabuku Sensei but each and every one to the last does the kata different. Look at their students, they also do it different than their teachers.

Those aspects I would consider the important traditions or classics of a style are not physical in nature. It is like Bushi Tatsuo Sensei ken-po goku-i, chinckuchi, gamaku, body mechanics, alignments, and fundamental bunkai (not necessary to keep exact either but the concept is traditional to karate-do).

All the fundamentals that are unique to your style and come from the spirit of practice of the creator. It seems we get caught up in the belief that the kata and such "MUST REMAIN" exactly intact as to the original that we forget the true spirit of practice and training. To me tradition is learning all you can about the style, its creator, his/her customs and culture and beliefs all of which contributed to his creating the style to begin with so maybe our growth will achieve something unique and creative others will want to learn and practice and pass along to their descendants.

My sincerest thanks to Patrick Parker, Mokuren Dojo Sensei and blogger for stimulating thoughts and ideas!

Analects of Confucius - Quotations

I am reading the Analects. These quotes struck a cord so thought I would pass them along.

The Master said: "When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them."

The Master said: "Yu, shall I teach you what knowledge is? When you know a thing to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it; - this is knowledge."

The Master said: "To see what is right and not do it is want of courage."

Some personal notes: I can not say if Confucius actually spoke these words as the analects interpreter hypothesizes that many of the quotes may have come from his disciples who use the statement, "The Master said," because they firmly believed what they wrote in his name actually were said by Confucius.

Regardless, these quotes and many more are inspirational. In my particular studies of the FMA (Fighting Martial Arts) we are divided. We have many factions or tribes who stubbornly remain with what was taught even when it may be off or slightly askew or moderately incorrect, etc.

This is not to point to one tribe or the other but to provide thought provocation in the spirit of learning and growth. Bushi Tatsuo Sensei, a very wise individual apparently, spoke of his intentions using the ken-po goku-i as a trigger to get folks to go past the mere physical or what I call the "dance."

He provided all his first generation practitioners a "key" and then as is custom left those individuals to their own means to search it out and find the door that the key opens taking them to a unique experience.

In my humble opinion the key has been lost to most and with all the monkey dancing (ego stroking) Americans do it may never be found or recognized, ever; such a shame.

Hexagram 7, The Army [group, tribe, dojo, etc.]

The I Ching, as translated by James Legge, indicates that hexagram no. 7, Shi, which consists of the trigrams Kan and Kun is supposedly the primary hexagram for "The Army."

Legge speaks of the conduct of military expeditions for a feudal system, generally, is denoted by the hexagram "Shi." or in his exact interpretation, "Sze."

It explains what must exist for a war to be righteous, i.e. the manner of conducting it, especially at the outset. He stresses that the hexagram, to be successful, must provide for war to be "right and just." Anything less would indicate failure which entails many "bad" things to the kingdom, etc.

The various attributes required for a just war are also indicative of a Sensei or modern day warrior. Sensei as war must have one in charge who has experience, a leader of age, one who conducts actions with firmness and correctness. It expresses how important the leader-sensei must adhere to the rules which in my interpretation are the unwritten rules governing the style in practice-training, etc.

So, maybe in some fashion as I try to extrapolate from the meaning of the seventh hexagram on "the army" we can also learn to conduct martial expeditions into the realms of jutsu and karate-do.

To Expand:

Text: Shi (the army); to persist (in righteousness); (available with) a great leader; auspiciousness and no fault (or calamity).

Judgment remarks: Shi (the army), (signifying) a crowd of people. To persist, (signifying) to carry out the righteous course; in leading a crowd of people to carry out the righteous course, one can rule the world. Rigidity at the axle center has correlation, (and) moves in peril but smoothly (or with submissiveness). To use it to ravage the world, but the people will still follow; auspiciousness; what fault (or calamity) does it have?

The nuclear trigrams-hexagram may also shed light in this direction. The nuclear hexagram of the hexagram "Shi or Sze" is no. 24, "Fu." This one is comprised of an upper trigram of K'un-earth and a lower trigram of "Chen- thunder."

To Expand:

Text: Fu (to return), smooth progress. Coming in and going out without illness; friends are coming and (there will be) no calamity. Back to Fu is the rule, it returns in seven days; it is instrumental in going somewhere.

Judgment remarks: Fu (to return) and smooth progress; rigidity returns, moves and then proceeds smoothly; therefore coming in and going out without illness; friends are coming and (there will be) no calamity. Back to Fu is the rule; it returns in seven days the way that heaven performs. It is instrumental in going somewhere; rigidity is growing. Fu, it displays the intention of sky and earth!

This seems to fit for to read this openly with out restriction you can see that this particular hexagram supports the hexagram Shi with smooth progress, etc. This hexagram seism to indicate auspiciousness due to the benevolence of the person put in charge which in the practice-training hall is Sensei or in the Army, the General.

To Expand; Cleary, Thomas. "The Taoist Classics." Boston Mass; Shambala Publications, inc. 1989:

7. The Army

Using the primordial to repel conditioning, using the real to get rid of the false.

The "Army" is a group [tribe, dojo, etc.]. One person [man, person, sensei, etc.] leading a group [tribe, dojo, etc.].

Yang to rid of yin; repelling yin is to get rid of wrong by means of right, to destroy falsehood by truth, like righteousness in the leader [man, person, sensei, etc.] of an Army [tribe, dojo, etc.].

Qualities of an Army General [man, person, sensei, etc.]:
Firmness and Flexibility; humanity and justice; command of authority and ability to change [to be effective: in army, dojo, as sensei, etc.].

The path of direction: strive to burn away all the pollution of acquired conditioning … not let the slightest flaw remain in the heart … re-experience original completeness …

Progress is according to the proper order and act in accord with the appropriate method [careful in the beginning, victorious in the end]. Be sincere and single-minded, with out fragmentation.

Flexible receptivity in balance, one opens the mind and manages oneself, responding appropriately to whatever comes, causing external influences to dissolve of themselves.

To Expand; Wilhelm, Helmut. The I Ching.

It requires a strong man who captures the hearts of the people and awakens their enthusiasm. [sensei must capture the hearts, wholeheartedly, of the deshi to awaken them to the possibilities and keep their enthusiasms awake and electrified]

When danger threatens, every peasant becomes a soldier; when the war ends, he goes back to his plow. [instill on deshi that the FMA is one used for civil defense against violent persons so by taking this FMA they must understand its purpose so that when the time comes they lay down their civilian cloak and don one of the karate-ka who defends within the civil laws of the group/tribe/dojo, etc.]

In the face of a superior enemy, with whom it would be hopeless to engage in battle, an orderly retreat is the only correct procedure, because it will save the army from defeat and disintegration. It is by no means a sign of courage or strength to insist upon engaging in a hopeless struggle regardless of circumstances. [much missed by sensei where one is taught to attack a true karate-ka learns that this is wrong. It must be instilled that the first line of defense is "retreat." Run away if you can as there is no dishonor of living to see the light of the next day so you can properly apply your skills again. It takes true courage and strength to know and understand when to run and when to protect. If the situation is hopeless then don't fight. The most famous air-to-air combat pilot once told his emperor that the reason he was so successful is that he recognized when he would not win so he "ran."]

Energetic combat and punishment are here thoroughly justified, but they must not degenerate into a wild melee in which everyone fends for himself. [Is it truly defense or is it a fight. One is honorable and defend-able the other is prosecutorial activity.]

Monkey (Brain) Dance

Not sure who coined this phrase first, Marc MacYoung or Rory Miller, but I am grateful for it does express, to me personally, a set of key words that remind me when the monkey starts pulling all my strings.

Call it "ego" or what ever but remember that the monkey brain, along with the also fond of phrase the lizard brain, tend to want control of your life so keep vigilant for it may save you from having to hurt someone.

Someone being a loved one or someone being a violent person [like listening/being aware of instinct and the monkey brain so you do NOT provoke, etc.]

The "Way!"

There are many paths one can follow in the "Way." It can be described any way that suits the person who wishes to take the road but in reality it is fundamentally a matter of "Life Choices!"

Sometimes it can be as simple as knowing of a choice. It can be also simple in that one makes a choice. What is good is when the choice comes from the Tao and one has taken the time and effort to be in a position to choose wisely. This takes great effort to achieve the level of knowledge that allows one to follow this path.

Choose wisely!

Trigrams, Hexigrams, etc.

More, but first a word…this is just a compilation of data collected from various sources with no one source considered the absolute authority for that would negate the purpose of these studies and especially the meaning and intent of the book of changes. So, take it for what it is and learn, decide, and then move forward for, "All bottles are good, they all server a purpose!"

The "Hexagram" is also referred to as a "Kua." The hexagram has the distinct feature of lines that are always in motion and in general the new line always enters from below or the bottom line and moves upward through the cycles or stages, i.e. "come into being is line one, beginning is line two, expanding is line three, approaching maximum potential is line four, peaking is line five and line six is passing the peak; turning to the opposite condition.

If you utilize the yarrow stalk method you may have wondered why pull out the first stalk and set it aside. The first stalk is considered the "Observer stalk."

For those of us who especially note the conduct and intent of "Heaven and Earth" in general earth tends to sink and heaven tenets to rise. Therefore when the trigram's heaven and earth are coupled they come together and the time is considered "Heaven on Earth" where we experience the best of "peace, prosperity, and harmony." [Earth trigram over the Heaven trigram where heaven rises and earth sinks bringing them both together, etc.]

As is known there are "eight trigrams" but what is not normally told in the I Ching books is that four of those trigrams are in motion upward, i.e. Ch'ien, Chen, Li, and Tui. The other four are in motion downward, i.e. K'un, Sun, K'an, and Ken.

Example: When in hexagram 29 that talks of danger we come to understand that when ever the upper trigram is that of "K'an (moon)" danger comes from outside or external but if the trigram "K'an" is the lower trigram then the danger comes from within.

It can be difficult determining how one uses or interprets the lines of a trigram/hexagram. Fundamentally, or generally, a particular line in the kua will have meaning to you if the line is moving, if the line is either 2, 3, 4, or 5 where its influenced is subtly by the nuclear trigram/hexagram of which that line is a part of.

Solid Lines are "strong, virtuous, light-giving, and aggressive" while the broken lines are "weak, evil, dark, and gentle."

CORRECTNESS:

Lines are considered in the correct positions:

1, 3. 5 = strong, these positions require strong lines to be considered correct.

2. 4. 6 = weak, these positions require weak lines to be considered correct.

When weak lines are in strong positions they are considered unequal to the task at hand. When a strong line is in a weak line position it is considered to aggressive for the task at hand.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Line 1 corresponds to line 4.
Line 2 corresponds to line 5.
Line 3 corresponds to line 6.

When the lines are the same in the corresponding positions, i.e. strong to strong or weak to weak, they oppose/replace each other. When they are different, i.e. sting to weak or weak to strong, they lines are helpful to each other.

CONDITION:

Bottom Line: The condition has barely manifested itself.
Line 2: The condition is beginning to grow stronger; being the middle line of the lower trigram, the condition is still under control, usually.
Line 3: Top of lower trigram so the condition grows stronger and is usually unstable due to line 3 about to leave the lower trigram for the upper which is a somewhat dangerous time.
Line 4: Condition approaching maximum potential. If bode good or evil, be cautious. Additional caution is needed due to line 4's position to Line 5 which is generally the ruler. Being close to the ruler can be very good but also dangerous.
Line 5: The condition has reached its maximum potential. Any movement beyond this point will cause the condition to exceed its maximum potential and turn it toward its opposite: fullness to emptiness, increase to decrease, abundance to want.
Top Line: The condition depicted in the kua has exceed its maximum potential and consequently turning toward its opposite condition.

POSITION:

Bottom Line: A newcomer about to join the group, or a subordinate in the lowest position. It lacks any title or influence.
Line 2: Center of the lower trigram; position of leadership but subordinate to line 5; some authority; may have a title; will have some influence with peers or associates.
Line 3: Top of lower trigram; person rising in ranks; person attained some stature; about to advance to upper trigram, i.e. could be dangerous move; time between jumping and landing is dangerous.
Line 4: Next to ruler; fortunate or dangerous position or both depending on circumstances; considered to be rulers minister, able general, partner, or strong vice president; position of trust;
Line 5: Center of upper trigram; ruler position; controls the hexagram/kua; almost always beneficial if opposite of lines 2 and 4 so that conflict is avoided.
Top Line: Great sage who leaves affairs behind; still available for council to ruler; retired person.

TIME:

Bottom Line: represents earliest time; the time just before the active time;.
Top Line: represents the latest time; the time just after the active time.
Middle Four Lines: represent that time that is active within the situation.
Moving Lines: first moving line usually depicts the immediate action to take or avoid, even if it is in line 2 or higher. Higher moving lines depict later times in the situation. The first moving line refers to NOW or to soon after NOW, and the other line or lines refer to later.]

HOLDING TOGETHER:

Lines next to each other hold together if they are different and do not hold together if they are the same. The most important of these are lines 4 and 5. The ruler and the subordinate. The best condition of these two lines is when the ruler, 5, is strong and the subordinate, 4, is weak. The line on top is said to "rest" on the line below and the line below is said to "receive" from the line above.

The broken line resting on a solid line is well supported. The solid line resting on the broken line is not well supported but weak.

If the broken line receives from a solid line above the broken line us benefited because of the strength of that solid line. If a solid line receives from a broken line that solid line is not usually benefited because of the weakness of that broken line.

HEAVEN, EARTH, AND MAN:

The fist two lines represent Earth.
The second two lines represent Man.
The third two lines represent Heaven.

Man in the middle is the entity through which Heaven and Earth interact.

DOUBLED TRIGRAMS:

When a hexagram/kua is made up of the same trigram, doubled, the hexagram's name is that of the trigram doubled. If a double trigram then the meaning is "intensified." One must pay extra heed to the guidance given or the situation depicted.

In the sixty-four hexagrams of the book of changes it is not chance that there are ONLY eight hexagrams that are comprised of doubles trigrams, i.e. eight trigrams. It should also be noted that in the book of changes the trigrams are also looked upon thus, i.e. Heaven and Earth trigrams are watched as separate entities while the remaining six trigrams are viewed similar to the six lines of a hexagram.

The hexagram numbers of doubled trigrams are, 1, 2, 29, 30, 51, 52, 57, and 58.

As to whether the six lines and the six trigrams that are doubled, while observing and paying attention to the two trigrams Heaven and Earth, have any relationship/meaning is unknown at this time. I suspect that there is and hope to find that answer in the future.

Bibliography:
Wei, Wu. The I Ching Workbook. Malibu California: power-press. 2005

Isshinryu on Wiki and more ...

ISSHIN-RYU: "It is primarily a USA style of karate taught to American service men stationed on the island and extensively practiced in the United States. The Okinawans refer to it as “GI karate” which is a derogatory term, meaning that only a American GI who doesn't know better would practice it." 
From ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isshin-ry%C5%AB



"He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know." ~ Lao Tzu

This was read on one of my yahoo groups of which I am a guest member and grateful for as it has provided me the greatest advancement in Isshinryu I could possible acquire, academically and in practice/training.

The above quote is not all of what was said because in the remaining body the comments were unproductive. What I mean is that they expounded on THEM not knowing or accepting other factual information as to the true essence of Isshinryu and Bushi Tatsuo Shimabuku Isshinryu.

My recent studies have helped me to "see" some things that I apparently took for granted until now and that understanding lead to my responding to the yahoo group posting as follows:

Generally speaking, very general, as long as there are "groups" or "factions" where the perception is "us vs them" then change will never come. Why, because as hunter-warriors, i.e. that instinct the nature provided long ago for survival where we use to be in "tribes or groups if you will" where we protect our group as warriors it is instinctive that all those outside our group or tribe are "them" which is perceived at a subconscious level as not us so less than us we will always "not accept them" and thus never "change them" so we stay at this point with no progress.

Only when we all accept that we are all an "US" in Isshinryu and accept all of "US" into the group or tribe called Bushi Tatsuo Shimabuku Sensei Isshinryu Karate-do will change occur.

EVEN WHEN THE ONE GROUP IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, ACCURATE, FACTUAL, AND TRUE TO THE SPIRIT OF ISSHINRYU and the others perceive them as OUTSIDE their own group they WILL NOT ACCEPT it even when their logic and mind say "THAT IS TRUTH."

To make the change we have to first accept everyone into the group. Once a member where they all "accept that we are in the US group" then change comes for it is then acceptable to the one's previously OUTSIDE the US GROUP.

We must not just educate ourselves in Isshinryu, Okinnawa, Okinawans, and so forth but the world. In understanding the world we must understand the self and the self goes much farther than merely our current existance but also that which we take for granted. Much like walking, we do it naturally and instinctively so we don't consciously think about it until it is taken away, say in an accident, then suddenly it becomes something more...

Don't take this as any kind of attack, which your "monkey brain (ego)" may do instinctively, are you getting angry right now then the monkey brain is in charge taking you on the monkey dance floor, and if you are getting angry do you truly know why and don't say it is because I said this or that because that is also the monkey taking charge leading you on its path to anger, frustration, etc. [why I know this is because it is so].

If this article makes you angry then we are still speaking of THEM vs. US instead of trying to embrace them into the US group where we can make changes.

This is so because since I have had the privilige of being a guest of this group I have heard time and again the frustrations of all parties that these "THEM" are wrong and this and that which in the end DOES NOT PROMOTE CHANGE.

Maybe it is time for one US group/tribe to stop the cycle of frustration and be the instrument of change and the only way that will change is if we stop looking at them as "THEM vs. US" and try to find a way to make all who practice Isshinryu no matter what form, i.e. all bottles are good, come together into one tribe so all of US can see the truth.

I would not have the knowledge of Isshinryu I have now if not for the fact that as a Marine I was allowed to be a "guest" of this group. Just being a member with access to the archives has enlightened me far and above anything I was getting anywhere else so I am really AWARE of this tribe/groups potential. My deepest wish is to get others, THEM, to accept what is and if I get one more person to "see" and "hear" about Isshinryu as Bushi Tatsuo Sensei intended then I have reached success.

If things remain unchanged then it will always be this tribe vs. THEM tribes and no advancement or understanding will be achieved.

Or, so says I anyway, take it for what it is, neither an attack or submission but love of the Isshinryu style.

Last, ?????? Sensei said one thing that seems to have been overlooked, ANYONE CAN CHANGE WIKI, so is someone on this list who is knowledgeable making a change to the wiki list? It does say that if you have information that is pertinent to that entry you can MAKE A CHANGE TO IT!

The comment was stated as follows on the posting:

"The greatest problem of Isshinry-ryu is … " where in my opinion keeps Isshinryu remaining stagnate. This type of dance simply enables the others to stand up and with an indignant attitude tell the other group they are full of shit. Neither is gaining ground in getting all the various groups/tribes/factions together as one "US" tribe vs. THEM tribes. Such a shame.

Then I ask myself the question, am I helping? I suspect not but then again this feels good to me getting my frustrations in print to get it out of me. I keep hearing all the "whining" about they don't do this or don't know this and meanwhile never taking a stance in finding out the "Why" of not accepting anything from other groups.

It is simple, we look at our special group as OUR group which means those not in OUR group are not "US" and thus "THEM" so less than US so in order to get THEM to accept our word we must accept THEM into US.

Ok, done with the frustration, back to learning and practicing.

I Ching Chinese Pronunciations

It can be a daunting task to read and pronounce terms used in the ancient classics so I thought I would provide a snap shot of terms used and the two main types of spelling along with the pronouncements. I got this from the I Ching work book written by Wu Wei, enjoy!

Click for larger version, right click to save to your hard drive.

Kata Flexibility

"Without flexibility or broad training, patterns available to us can inhibit or misdirect our responses." - Dr. Michael Asken, Warrior Mindset

I spoke of this indirectly on the last posting but wanted to "emphasize" it a bit more here. It is apparent that in all things the degree of intent and involvement in the technique of practice and training makes all the difference in its benefits.

I speak of "making it work" on the dojo floor, in past teachings, because I firmly and wholeheartedly believe that kata patterns/forms are basically worthless if its practice is limited.

In many of my past postings I have tried to explain why; what is involved; in proper kata application practice. It fell mostly on deaf ears. I am sure many so-called "traditional/classical" methods, when compared to the rapid/quick fix methods, appeal to those with out patience; for those quick fix methods meet their need for instant gratification. Knowledge takes patience and time to acquire. It took me thirty plus years to get to this point and my path is many and remains open for more.

Such a shame for if one were to take the time, patience and effort to truly learn kata practice they would find it opens the door to many practical ways of self protection and self improvement. In lieu of making the bunkai and application into a complex method remain with the tried and true simple uncomplicated methods which are more beneficial.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if you don't believe in kata, as it has been explained in the past, then let the proven methods of the true warriors of military and police sources provide you the proof of the pudding.

They are out there, just follow the yellow brick road!