12-24-2001
This morning I was reading Funakoshi Ginchin's `Karate
Jutsu', originally written in 1925 (and based on his earlier work
from 1922). In Chapter 4 "Systematic Analysis of Karate" (page
36) we find:
"Whether performing kata or in actual combat, the front hand in karate is always for defense and the rear hand for attacking. The idea is to unfailingly follow a block with a counterattack. If
following a block the rear hand is kept idle, from beginning to end one would be in the troublesome position of continually having to receive the opponent's attacks. Sometimes one can suddenly use the forward hand to attack. This situation is referred to as `henshu' (Switching Hands). As unpredictable as the vicissitudes of Heaven and the sudden shaking of the Earth, henshu can at times prove much more effective than using the `proper' hand. In circumstances like this the real abilities of both parties become apparent, and the outcome of a match can be quite difficult than originally expected."
"In `karate jutsu' the hand that has already been used to
block is called `shi-nite' (dying hand); it is also called
`mete' (female hand), or `yo' ("yang" of yin-yang, pronounced in-yo in Japanese). The other hand that has not yet been employed but that is ready to attack is referred to as `ikite' (living hand); it is also called `ote' (male-hand), or `in' (yin). Moreover, some people refer to both hands as `kisei', written in the characters `ki' (abnormal, rare, strange, eccentric) and `sei' (normal, proper,right,correct)."
"An ancient expression says , "Battle exists in the interval
between he normal and the abnormal – without knowing that the
abnormal becomes normal, and the normal changes to abnormal, how can victory be achieved?" Another states, "Yin and yang have no beginning, action and stillness are not apparent; unless one knows the Way, who can hope to gain victory?" The `kisei' and the `inyo' of these two sayings can be considered the cardinal principles of our karate jutsu – indeed the mysteries of karate lie in the relative movement, the extension and retraction, of both hands. Coming through one's pains and efforts to this understanding of how greatly the outcome of karate match is determined simply by the control of one's two hands is truly an awakening for the practitioner."
Now consider that against the Eight Important Phrases of Karate (from the Bubishi) found in Chapter 6 (There is No First Strike in Karate) of the same book.
The mind of Man is the same as Heaven and Earth.
The circulatory system resembles the sun and the moon.
The Law includes hardness and softness, ingesting and
expressing.
The body adapts to changes in time and situation.
Techniques occur when a void is encountered.
Ma involves advancing and retreating, meeting and departing.
You can see Funakoshi's thoughts on Karate in the 1920's were
obviously related to the thoughts expressed in the Bubishi.
As Isshinryu practitioners whose training begins with lead hand and reverse hand striking, the interplay of those terms in Funakoshi Sensei's thoughts is something to consider.
Likewise in his book on page 46 on Hand Techniques.
"a. Tsukite
There are two general typs of tsukite, or hand attacks, delivered at the same time that one blocks an opponent's incoming fist, a
snapping attack, or `tsukihanashi', and a thrusting attack, or
`tsukikomi'."
Interesting he both changes from his previous statement, the block proceeds the strike (unless you're mixing things up I guess) to discussing simultaneous block, strikes, and quite openly refers to the snapping attack.
Which is also of interest to my Isshinryu.
When you consider this (and its precedessor volume) was the first published work on Okinawan Karate, the author was virtually expressing his Okinawan experiences, and from the same crucible that the rest of Okinawan Karate was bubbling in. I believe you have some idea of the context of thought Shimabuku Sensei was exposed to in his own training.
Well a pleasant thought to consider.
Victor
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