Training with Tristan Sutrisno

 

Back in 1979 I first met Tris Sutrisno on the tournament kata floor as a fellow competitor. And in time we became friends warming up together and talking. He at that time would do superior kata only to mess up on the last move. Then one day he no longer made the mistake and began winning. Then in time he became dominate in kumite and kobudo competition too.

 

As we became friends, eventually he asked me to train at his dojo in Hazleton,I took him up on the invitation. When I got there, it was about an hour drive, class had already begun so I hurried up to change and joined in. I did not practice his system so be began by showing me his heian 1 – 5. As I had previously studied Tang Soo Do which had similar forms, and I had Funakoshi’s book at home I made sure by the next time I went down I could do them his way. I guess that impressed him, we never did them together again. That first class I also saw his students doing 8 aikido drills in a group. After watching them for 15 minutes he asked me if I wanted to try. I said yes and did them (for I had been paying very close attention. After that he showed 4 more and explained the original drill was 20 techniques.

 

That was the only instruction I received on them, but seeing their worth I eventually began showing them at brown belt to my own students. A decade later he came up to NH to do a clinic for my students. He was amazed they could do his drills, but explained because his students were faking several of them, he had made changes to 2 techniques. Where up what I taught changed.

 

For someone so skilled in kumite, over the years I observed he never used kumite in his classes. His skills came from 120 2 person drills. Though I only saw/learned a fraction of them. I wasn’t his student and he made an effort to explain much to me, that divide would not change.

 

One thing I began to realize is that what you see on the tournament floor give you no idea what is being taught by any instructor. It only is a small piece of any art. For I saw so much from what Tris taught that others had no idea of.

 

Soon after I began training with Tris I heard him constantly use the term ‘Bunkai’. This was the early 1980s and in the NE no one used the term. He would constantly lament that when he tried to talk about bunkai with the senior instructors at tournaments, they never seemed to understand.

 

Shortly after that the magazines started using the term, and it and the concept lept into karate. But how he used bunkai and how others used the term was not the same thing.

 

In his teachings, other things were used to develop kyu students. Bunkai was a dan practice. And about that time his first 2 students reached shodan, and I observed how they were taught.

 

Let me try and make this simple.

 

At each of the 5 dan levels there is an entirely different ‘bunkai’ taught for each kata. The applications may or may not have anything in common with the kata. And to help tie it together there was a private dan version of the kata, to mnemonically reinforce those techniques.

 

Each ‘bunkai’ was a complete way to end an attacker. And bunkai could just come from a starting point in the kata flow and have nothing to do with the kata, more of that as dan advanced.

 

I was living in NH and down there for a summer camp when his first two black belts showed me the 1^st level bunkai for bassai dai, and the bunkai version.

 

About a year later he brought his senior students, all of then then black belts, up to my place to train for the weekend. He loved my back yard and liked training there, it reminded him of when he trained in the forests of Indonesia.

 

That Sunday morning he woke us all up and explained he decided to show us the bunkai version of bassia sho, and in the process some of the bunkai of bassi sho at the same time. This was not deep instruction, more a walkthrough, but the skills those bunkai used were plain to see.

 

The following video shows that instruction. It is not very long and I am sure there is much more that was not explained. But this is a clear example of the Sutrisno family Shotokan method.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REcP4vWjIO8

 

 

(I should note this  video at times is hard to start to play, Just keep trying until it starts.)

 

There is a short dark section on this video after his instructon. and then part of a clinic he put on for my students, They were not his students, he was just showing some of what his kyu students studied. Of course each technique series shown is dynamic and good it its own right.

 

Over the years he shared some more. Explained at 3nd and 4^th dan the bunkai were focused on takedowns and throws, sharing some of them for heian 2 and 3. Another time he showed aikido uses for Heian Yo Dan. As for the 5^th dan he once hinted at what that would be, but that is another topic.

 

My evaluation is that his bunkai is a fusion of aikido, karate and tjimande. It is a private definition not like anyone else uses. I have watched bunkai on Youtube from around the world and they are not the same thing. This is something unique and deep.

Then the fall

 

Since my disabilities began I began to take my walks with a walker.  The above walker is what I used around 2015, much lighter than my current version.

I am much weaker.

For almost 15 years the reality that I could fall has been a reality.

And the fact that my disabilities make me much weaker points to another reality in that I am not strong enough to get back up on my own.

I have experienced over 20 falls during those years. However, my martial training always kept me from breaking bones. When going down I roll down.

Several days ago I went for a normal morning walk with my walker.

Probably about a 1/2 mile walk, it went fine.   When I take my morning walks I normally do not see other outside, which is normal for Arizona. That is what I experienced today.
 

At the end of the walk I went to check our mailbox which is near our home.  I went to park my walker at the side of our mailbox making it easier to get my mail. But this time the breaks would not set and I leaned forward, my hands on my walker trying to stop it moving forward. As my weight shifted forward, that weight made the walker keep moving forward.

Slowly it kept moving forward pulling me along and into a fall.

I rolled in to my walker with my chest.  Then my weight made my walker collapse and I went down atop my collapsed walker.  I collapsed into the gravel beside the mailbox. My hat had slid across my face, my arms pushed into the gravel near my face.

I lay sprawled atop my walker beneath me. 

I did not have the strength to get up or move.

Of course my phone was down in my walker underneath me and I could not move to reach it.

Frozen on the ground, unable to move, realizing my only option was to begin shouting I yelled "Help!" then I repeated it again and again.

Over and over I shouted for help.   Of course I was very uncomfortable but I continued to shout.

Eventually a nearby couple, going outside for their own morning walk, heard me then they approached me to see if  they could help.

I explained where I lived at the end of the block. The wife went to tell my wife.

Maureen called an ambulance then walked up to where I lay. She knew she was not strong enough to lift me  so she waited alongside me.

The ambulance team arrived. Seven people.

They asked me what happened, then after their questioning they turned me over and slowly assisted me standing.

Giving me my walker they assisted me walking to a nearby low wall.

Then they gave me an examination.

Agreeing I seemed Ok, they gave me a form to sign to turn down a hospital visit.

Finally they walked alongside me as I returned home, to go inside and then sit in my chair.

The incident was done.

Later I did find a scratch on my forehead.

Later I forced my walker breaks to work, and very slowly walked to my mailbox then to return home.

Maureen ordered a new walker  for me. It arrived the next day.

 

While all is well that end's well.

I again experienced what my karate training meant to my life.

Remembering Dennis Lockwood from the Salisbury Dojo

  

Is your karate ready for this?

Learn Kirk--Fu

  

 

 

 

Rick Niemira Another Personal Memory

 

Memories of Rick Niemira

 

 

“There are 10,000 stories in the Naked City and this is one of them.” A long time ago there was a tv show called the Naked City, and these words began each episode. I am reminded of them because a now distant memory comes to mind. I am reminded that there are so many tales experienced by the first students of Isshinryu in America that have never been told. Explaining who the early karate was experienced by those students. Rarely told but when heard never to be forgotten.

 

I was a brand new beginner, which means I knew nothing, I had experienced receiving a beating by a 16 year old female green belt during my 2^nd class, where she walked all over me. Sensei Lewis was having his annual dojo summer party held at a friends house every year. I was invited as a member of the dojo. The entire school was there, and karate friends of Lewis Sensei as well. It always was a grand day

.

One of those attending was Rick Niemira. Rick was a senior in Bando, but had originally been a student of Don Nagle at the time he originally began teaching Isshinryu in the States. He was also a police officer nearing retirement from the force. He spent time telling us many stories about his Isshinryu, Bando and Police experiences.

 

All of them were fascinating.

 

One time he told us this story.  He began his study in Isshinryu under Don Nagle in North Carolina. The way he explained it at that time Nagel Sensei had a number of schools, and spent his time rotating visits to all of them. Ajnd each time he was there he would spar with everybody. And to place that this was years before safety gear was ever a dream, so in those days it was bare knuckle sparring

 

One night, in NC, he sparred with everyone there, and as Rick explained it, Don put all of them in the Hospital as the same time. Not to suggest it was anything but normal for had sparring in those days. And accidents did occur.

 

It certainly seemed believable to me, for I started Issinryu much later and it was still in those bare knuckle days, and I had experienced my own stories about injuries during sparring.

 

There is likely so much that occurred all over the place in those earlier days, so much never shared.

 

I hope this adds some detail to the past.

  

 

Rick was an early American Isshinryu Karate-ka, a senior to many of us.

He was also a Bando stylist of very high ability.

 

I first met him through his friend, my instructor Tom Lewis, at one of our summer Isshinryu pool parties, from the Salisbury Dojo.

 

I still remember his stories from his days with the Police in DC.

 

But my favorite story was at one of the Bando summer camps in Maryland either 1983 or 1984.

 

One of the groups of the camp was focused on learning how to break, boards. Camp attendees had a chance to learn how to break. I had done so for a long time and I was just observing as the others tried their hand.

 

Rick was talking with some of the other senior Bando instructors, and they were watching what everyone was doing.

 

Suddenly Rick asked everyone to stop, and said something like this is how I break boards, Not with a Strike, but with a Slap.

 

He then proceeded to place a few boards (without spacers) on the blocks, placed a thin phone book atop the boards and dropped into a deep stance. I remember him inhaling, then he simply slapped downward, striking the boards with the flat of his palm.

 

The boards shattered.

 

He then explained that it took him a while to get it down.

 

Then the other senior Bando guy’s all had to try. As I recall it there were a lot of red palms and few boards broke.

 

As an aside that camp was an incredible weekend of training. This memory of Rick just makes it more special to me.

 

 

Coincidentally at that camp these individuals were all there. Don Bohan, Bob Maxwell and Rich Niemira.

Ways to use Chinto kata for advanced training

 

 

 

This blog post on Facebook generated the most replies I have ever had,

 

 

http://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/2019/06/chinto-fight-on-narrow-bridge.html

 

 

Note – I have also had you guys perform kata on a hillside, in Derry and outside of Scranton at McDade park. That also give a very different feel to the kata, both in performance on a hill, and open up new application potential.

 

 

Romney Taylor a interesting place where I have practiced Chinto is on the break wall around the Buffalo

Romney Taylor I have also heard of chinto on stairs , My experience , depends on how steep the stairs are : )

Victor Donald Smith I did not discuss every aspect of the training. For I have taught it on a hill many times, with interesting effects to the attacker on the hill. Perhaps it could be called London Bridge if Falling Down. I just thought of that, and it can be appropriate.

 

Mike Branch Thank you! I've never heard it this way before but I love the story and it does make perfect sense. Chinto is my choice of study. I have a catwalk in my barn which is used to cross from one hayloft to another...it is quite narrow...I have often found myself practicing Chinto on the catwalk/bridge. And yes the turns better be crisp.

Victor Donald Smith There are no number to the variations of kata study in different environments that can be useful training experiences. One does have to step outside the box, and that might be the value to the stories.

Mike Branch Victor Donald Smith yes I concur. I myself love hearing kata stories.  keep sharing this information with us

Victor Donald Smith Look in part is exists in our tradition. Shimabuku Tatsuo climed up telephone poles the turned around and climbed down upside down.

 

Robert Welch Fascinating article. Quick clarification, Chinto translates as 'fighting eastward,' not fighting on a bridge.

To me, the important aspects of the Chinto family are the lessons of awareness and explosive movement. The turns can be interpeteted as rotational movement to avoid and get inside an opponent's target area. Similarly, by reacting explosively with each technique we apply maximum damage to weak points.

Victor Donald Smith When I studied first, translation was not part of the study. I never focused on that. But you were told the stories, just as stories, Then in time I went further and made those stories a serious part of training. The turning can be done on the interior or the exterior of an attack, depending on your intent how to use it.

Victor Donald Smith Of course this is not every variation of study i have used. As Chinto performed on a hillside, which might be performed with London Bridge is Falling Down in the background. LOL

Robert Welch Victor Donald Smith one could spend a lifetime on the variants of this kata. I find it fascinating, however my knee joints don't agree.😁 the turns, and associated kibadachi or, in the Itosu versions, tsuruashidachi were once explained to me as examples of listening with the body. One of my JKA/ISKF instructor papers covered this. I will search my collection of floppy discs for it.

Robert Welch Victor Donald Smith tead a book by an Isshinka who was a bounty hunter who talked about Chinto as fighting on a hillside. Is that a common trope in Isshin ryu?

Victor Donald Smith Not that I am aware of, just something I did, realizing there was value on practicing kata on uneven ground, even hillsides. It give a very different feel to every kata, and open new possibilities how the movement can be used.

Andy Sloane ZHEN, in Chinese, means "tranquilize"
DOU, in Chinese, means "fight/battle"
It doesn't mean "fighting eastward".
In Uchinaaguchi, it's pronounced CHEEN-TOU.

Neal Simpson Robert Welch - Tatsuo Sensei told Mr. Long that Kyan would have them perform Chinto on hills or slick terrain to stress that it was a good kata for teaching a person to maintain a “sweet spot” in otherwise inhospitable areas.

 

When you think about it, Isshinryu had a tradition about thinking outside the box.

 

 

Select Okinawa Times Articles on Karate and Kobudo

  

 http://okic.okinawa/en/archives/news/p2864?fbclid=IwAR32rGUZUJoq6Oj6wNt62Xg8h2vvfPC3cJz-_mEfwO5IpBpSap7gNsphFFc

  

 

On November 26^th, 1961, the Okinawa Kobudō Kyokai (1) held the demonstration called “Dai Ikkai Kobudō Happyōkai” – The 1^st Kobudō Demonstration – with the support of the Cultural Property Conservation Committee, the Ryūkyū Shinpō and Okinawa Times newspaper companies. On this occasion, from November 15th to 26th, the Okinawa Times published a series of articles under the title called “Kobudō” introducing 18 martial artists. In the 9 parts of the serial were introduced some famous figures like Kina Shōsei, Nakamura Shigeru, Kaneshima Shinsuke, Chinen Masami, Soken Hōhan, Ishikawa Hōei, Higa Seitoku, Kyan Shin-ei, Kameshima Shin-ei and Nakaima Kenkō among others.

 

  With the permission of the Okinawa Times, we are pleased to introduce the translation of this serial which represents an important piece of legacy for Okinawa karate. We will also introduce related documents pertaining to the demonstration. Below is a list of articles to be presented.

 

Okinawa Times – Nov. 9, 1961 “Revival of Kobudō – Kobudō Kyōkai, demonstration on the 26^th”

Okinawa Times – Nov. 15, 1961 Kobudō 1: Kina Shōsei (Sai), Shinjō Heisaburō (Karate-jutsu)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 16, 1961 Kobudō 2: Irei Matsutarō (Kusarigama), Nakamura Heisaburō (Chisōchin)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 17, 1961 Kobudō 3: Nakamura Shigeru (Niseshi), Higa Yūsuke (Tinbē)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 21 1961 Kobudō 4: Kaneshima Shinsuke (Dōchin), Chinen Masami (Sakugawa no kon)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 22 1961 Kobudō 5: Soken Hōhan (Kamajustu), Shiroma Taisei (Ufutun bō)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 23 1961 Kobudō 6: Nohara Kamaichi (Shiho kiri), Takara Shigeru (Kiai-justu)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 24 1961 Kobudō 7: Ishikawa Hōei (Nunchaku), Higa Seitoku (Shōshi no kon)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 25 1961 Kobudō 8: Kyan Shin-ei (Sai), Kameshima Shin-ei (Naihanchi)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 26 1961 Kobudō 9: Nakaima Kenkō (Nichō gama), Uchima Anyū (Naihanchi)

Okinawa Times – Nov. 27 1961 Report on the event

Ryūkyū Shinpō – Nov. 27 1961 Report on the event

Other documents

 

(1) The “Okinawa Kobudo Kyokai” was founded in 1961. It is not related to the actual Okinawa Prefecture Kobudō Federation. At that time, it was chaired by Higa Seitoku.

 

(2) Some articles’ translation have already been published on the website of the Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau (http://okkb.org/). We are reintroducing these translations with the authorization of the said bureau.

 

(3) Please note that there may be some errors in the reading of some names..

 

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[ Okinawa Times ] November 15, 1961

 

Kobudō 1

 

 

 With the support of the Cultural Property Conservation Committee, the Ryūkyū Shimpō and the Okinawa Times Newspapers, the Okinawa Kobudō Kyōkai (President Higa Seitoku) will held its first demonstration on November 26^th at 13:00 at Naha Theater. This is organized in order to help the resurrection of native kobudō on the verge to disappear. More than 50 authorities from all regions of the island will participate performing around 60 demonstrations among which Bō, Sai, Kama, Nunchaku, Tinbē, etc… From the venerable 83 years old Nohara Kamaichi (Kochinda Village) to 24 years old young men, all are enthusiastic preparing for this demonstration. At this stage, let’s introduce the major demonstrators.

 

Direct transmission from the police officer

 

Kina Shōsei (79)

Sai

 

  In the past, sai was worn by Chikusaji (hori) (1) and was used to protect the king, control the crowd or to arrest criminals. It resembles the Jitte of Mainland Japan.

 

  Mr. Kina started the practice of sai at the age of 18, receiving instruction from the seniors and friends of the village. The birthplace of Mr. Kina, Shimabukuro (Koza City) is extremely famous for sai and it is said that it was popularized among the youth of the village as one kind of self-defense. However, it seems that this was only a self-taught style where people learned from mimicking policemen.

 

  Today, there are many experts of sai in Okinawa but there exists no ryuha (2) and kata are not uniformed. The sai technique that Mr. Kina practices was directly transmitted from an Ufuchiku (official title) policeman who performed his duties at Shuri Castle, thus making it an orthodox school. The major techniques of sai are about “hitting, blocking, thrusting and knocking down”, thus making it a martial art for self-defense.

 

Mr. Kina says that he teaches his students advocating, “Under the sky, one cannot commit bad actions, there is no first attack in sai.” For 32 years, he has worked as a teacher and nowadays lives the rest of his life quietly as a Christian. Among his students are Kyan Shin-ei, Izumikawa Kantoku and Kina Shōshin who are famous as sai experts. Laughing with a big voice Mr. Kina jokes saying, “I am already an 80 years old grandpa” but his handling of the sai is sharp. During the soon coming demonstration at Naha Theater, he intends to show the techniques and higher skills that he has spent a lifetime to learn. He was born in in 1882. (3)

 

(1) “Chikusaji” refers to police force or policeman. The term “hori” designates a policeman of the time of Edo era.

(2) “Ryuha” means school or style

(3) Kina sensei passed away in 1981.

 

 

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Studying “Jutsu” in Nanking

Shinjō Heisaburō  (47)

 

Karate-jutsu (1)

 

  He was born in 1914 in Yomitan Village Aza Uza. His father being fond of karate, he became familiar with karate since his young years. On the suggestion of his father, he crossed over to Nanking China at the age of 17 and learned karate-jutsu at the dojo of Kan Mei sensei (2). Karate is not about Buki (weapon) or Gei (arts). The purpose is to temper the mind (3). Karate-jutsu… Mr. Shinjō explains that the meaning of “Jutsu” is the cultivation of the mind. During the demonstration, he is scheduled to put a wire through his arm (4). Since the wire is like a fine metal chopstick, encouraging himself with a kiai, he will pass the wire through his arm instantly. Not a drop of blood is shed. No pain is felt. It is hard to believe that such a skill is of a human being.

 

  To master such a technique, one needs a considerable amount of spiritual training and Mr. Shinjō devoted six years. Although he has developed a strong body conditioned through karate and a thick wad of muscles, he recalls the pain that comes with conditioning.

 

  After the war, he was evacuated to Mainland Japan (Kagoshima). When his Highness Prince Takamatsu visited Kagoshima, he demonstrated karate-jutsu at a welcoming party. So far he had put 18 times a wire through his arm, but the demonstration he did for the reception in honor of Prince Takamatsu was the one that marked him the most. Seeing the performance, the Prince asked him if it wasn’t painful.

 

  Once the wire go through, it is fine. But the mental concentration until realization is very tiring both nervously and physically. “I am very happy to be able to show my skill in public. According to my capacity of applying technique on this day or not will be a turning point. Even if I am the only one in Okinawa to be able to do this karate-jutsu, the Kobudō Association has recommended me, therefore, I have to do my utmost…” says he enthusiastically grabbing a wire. Currently, he runs a shoe-making store in Nishinjō, Naha City (5).

 

 

(1) Shinjō Heisaburō is the uncle of Shinjō Heitarō, who is the master of Matsuda Yoshimasa. The 3 men participated to the demonstration. According to the latter, he performed the kata Chintō while Shinjō Heitarō performed Kusari-gama.

 

(2) No further information on Kan Mei. The reading of the kanji is not sure as it is most likely a Chinese name. It is not sure if it is Kan-mei or Kan as a family name with Mei/Akira as a given name…

 

(3) In the text, “Seishin no tanren”, that could be translated as tempering or conditioning of the spirit or mind.

 

(4) A 3.5 mm diameter wire.

 

(5) At the entrance of Kuninda, the Kume Village of nowadays’ Naha, was a gate called Kume Ufu-mon (big gate). At the end of Kume Street, north east, used to be Nishinjō-mon (East gate). Today, the police box at the end of the street is still called Nishinjō Kōban.

 

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[ Okinawa Times ]　November 16, 1961

Kobudō 2

 

Training secretly

Irei Matsutarō (82)

Kusarigama

 

 Expert of Kusarigama – sickle and chain weapon, and the eldest senior, he started learning when he was 19 years old, which makes him a man with a martial art experience of more than 60 years. Kusarigama is a martial art that was developed in farm villages where people thought of linking the familiar chain and sickle into a single weapon. Therefore, while there is not one defined kata, many forms can be found depending of the region.

 

Mr. Irei learned Kama-no-te from Asato no Tanmei (1) who lives in Goeku (2). However, his motive was quite simple. He explains that “I was aspiring to become a soldier and I didn’t want to be laugh at when going in Mainland Japan…” Also, at that time in farming villages, people who studied karate and sickle were hated as they were considered as savages and thugs. People kept away from them even to the point that they couldn’t find a spouse. For such reasons, most people were studying martial arts incognito at night, away from people’s attention.

 

  He first started with karate and with his skill leveling-up, he studied many other techniques like Sai, Bō and Kama.

 

 At 25 years old, he demonstrated for the first time karate and Kusarigama in a play put on in a village and at 31, he performed a large demonstration together with 12 students.

 

  People are told that “Gei ha mi wo tasuku (3).” Mr. Irei himself says that he was able to overcome many disasters because he studied martial arts. This is not simply a question of defending oneself but also to nurture naturally a spirit that helps one to endure hardships.

 

  Nowadays, the number of experts in Okinawa Kobujutsu and especially sickle is diminishing but he is happily teaching all those who sincerely intend to learn the sickle. During the next coming demonstration, many experts of Okinawa Kobujutsu will gather to demonstrate their secrets and it is the purpose of all to popularize Kobujutsu. On his own, Mr. Irei is teaching Sai, Kama and other skill to his grandchild Tomita Nobuyuki (24).

 

(1) Tanmei is a word that could be translated into grandpa or old man.

 

(2) Goeku is located in Okinawa City or Koza.

 

(3) Learn a trade, for the time will come when you shall need it.

  

A long time ago I was taught the Naifanchi dachi as the toes in. Others in Isshinryu use the feet parallel.

 

This article shows some using Seiunchin (Shiko) dachi. So 3 different answers. When Motobu wrote about Nairahchi dachi he did not like the toe in answer feeling it was too weak. He proposed the parallel feet answer. But to me what matters most is you practice, practice, practice whatever method you use.

 

Yabu no Naihanchi

Translated by Andreas Quast

 

 

 

Five years ago, in 2014, I introduced the photo shown below on Facebook for the first time.

 

 

This is a photograph of Yabu Kentsū sensei teaching Naihanchi to students of the Okinawa Prefectural Normal School. The photo was taken in 1932 and was included in a collection of photographs presented to me by Yabu sensei's grandson, Mr. Yabu Kenjirō. Yabu sensei and Motobu Chōki sensei were close friends and comrades, and I visited Yabu's house in 2007 to listen to the stories.

 

Mr. Yabu Kenjirō

By the way, a lot of people probably saw the photo of "Yabu no Naihanchi" for the first time [back in 2014]. Some of those who saw the photo where perplexed as regards how to evaluate it. In particular, how the way of standing is different from that of "Itosu no Naihanchi".

 

 

The Naihanchi of Itosu has a “Sanchin-dachi”-like way of standing with the knees tightened inward and the toes also slightly turned inward, as is shown in the above video of Chibana Chōshin sensei. However, Yabu sensei's Naihanchi-dachi has the knees wide opened and the toes also facing outward. One can say with confidence that it is indeed the exact opposite way of standing.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkSr5-iM-BI

 

This was confusing for those who thought Itosu's Naihanchi-dachi was the legitimate way of Naihanchi stance, and there was also the reaction of "Is it Shiko-dachi?" If it wasn't Yabu sensei teaching in the photo, it could have been ignored and dismissed as some kind of heresy or variant. However, Yabu sensei was Itosu sensei's leading disciple and as such is often regarded as his "successor."

 

The way of standing is different because Itosu sensei has modified Naihanchi, while Yabu sensei's way of standing is that of Matsumura no Naihanchi. Motobu Chōki mentioned about his in his “My Karate-jutsu” (1932), but I think that there were probably many people who could not believe in Motobu Chōki's testimony. But the above picture of Yabu no Naihanchi clearly proves that it was a fact.

 

There is one curious thing. Despite the presence of Itosu sensei at the Okinawa Prefectural Normal School, Yabu sensei taught his own Naihanchi, and not Itosu no Naihanchi. Didn't Itosu sensei thought he was deceived? Since Yabu no Naihanchi would have been close to Matsumura no Naihanchi (if not the same), could this have made it impossible for Itosu sensei to protest?

 

By the way, Motobu Chōki said that when he started learning karate, Naihanchi was done with open hands, so I think Yabu no Naihanchi is not the same as Matsumura no Naihanchi. The clenched fist was probably the part of Itosu sensei’s modifications that was accepted [in Yabu no Naihanchi]. That's also the case for Motobu Chōki no Naihanchi. In that sense, since Yabu no Naihanchi is also a hybrid of Matsumura no Naihanchi and Itosu no Naihanchi, does it mean that Itosu sensei silently accepted it?

 

 

Roy Kamen It's an interesting debate: shiko dachi vs kiba dachi. Shiko has more mobility. Kiba has more strength. Shiko works the back. Kiba works the front. Shiko is more external. Kiba is more internal. Nihanchin and Sanchin are like siblings. Chojun Miyagi recommended doing both but excluded Naihanchin from the Goju curriculum... probably politics as he tried to make Goju "different" from everything else out there. He replaced Naihanchin with his new kata Saifa. Sanchin was originally also done with open hands. I guess it was a "thing" on Okinawa to close the hands to fists... maybe it had something to do with Japanese politics changing the name of Tode to Karate?