Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Symposium

 

After Action Report-Trip To Okinawa
Jan 19-Feb 5, 2005
Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Symposium
January 21-22, 2005

 

 

 

Okinawa, Japan In January I was asked by Iha Kotaro Sensei, President of Ryukonkai Kobudo if I wanted to attend a symposium on Okinawa.

 

The Okinawa Karate and Kobudo committee were selecting proposed individuals who’s names were provided by acting members from different Okinawan karate organizations. Four people outside Okinawa and Japan were to be selected and I was one of them. It is well established that the birthplace of karate is Okinawa so the purpose of the Symposium was to explore the method of efficiently employing karate in the tourist industry.

I believe I was selected because I am a firm believer that we should never leave our roots to traditional Okinawan karate and Kobudo which did come from Okinawa. It is also a well know fact that I have conducted several tours to Okinawa, all of them term Okinawan Cultural Martial Arts tours, to learn about the culture of Okinawa through Karate and Kobudo.

1-20-05
Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Seminar

Keibun Oura Vice Secretary of the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Seminar greeted me when I arrived at Domestic Terminal in Naha City at 1030 PM, 1-20-05. Mr. Oura said he was in Shito-ryu karate and had studied karate in Japan. He further stated he was Okinawan and this symposium was to educate and demonstrate the difference between Japanese and Okinawan karate. Guests have been invited from several of the different prefectures in Japan, and one guest from each of the following countries. Argentina, France, Germany, Iraq, and United States.

Mr. Oura drove me to the Haborview Hotel 2-46 Izumizaki, Naha City, Okinawa 900-0021, Japan, Phone: (098) 853-2111, which is a first class hotel.

http://www.ocvb.or.jp/Multi_Search_List/Multi_Contents_Detail/esel/en/0110001100/contents.html

I stayed in in room 2620. I was given Dinning Chits to use in any one of three different excellent restaurants in the hotel. The three restaurants were Chinese, Japanese or Cosmopolitan.

Okinawa 1-21-05 Friday: Meeting at Kariyushi Urban Resort, Naha City.

5:45 PM: All participants went to Okinawa meeting and introduction symposium at the Kariyushi Urban Resort, Naha City. This resort was located next to Kokusai street “International Street”

http://www.idb-okinawa2005.jp/e/e-handy-data-base/e-map/e-map3.html

Met with many of the different sensei who are part of the new Okinawa karate kobudo association. I was chosen to represent the USA. Tiras Odisho Ph. D. Director General National Olympic Committee of Iraq was one of the special guests outside Okinawa and Japan invited to this symposium. Mr. Odisho started by thanking the USA for helping his country liberate his country. I introduced myself to Mr. Odisho as a retired Marine from Camp Pendleton, Ca. I told Mr. Odisho I supported and believed what we we fighting for that Iraq should be free. Mr. Odisho said not to believe what the media was saying about what was happening in Iraq, that the people did appreciate what we were doing for his country. Mr. Odisho over and over again said he appreciate what our country was doing for his country.

The Symposium included members from different Okinawa Karate and Kobudo associations and members from different Japanese karate organizations from mainland, Japan. Most of those attending are well known masters of Okinawan karate or kobudo. About 230 were in attendance at this symposim from Okinawa, Japan, and several other countries.

Miguel Da Luz who is from France, resides in Okinawa, and was the Convention Organizer. He has been in Okinawa for the past twelve years doing events like this. When I introduce myself to him, he said “You don’t know me, but I know all about you.” I took that as a compliment. Mr. Da Luz studies Goju-ryu karate from Higaonna Morio. He was very helpful and on many occasions did some of the translations for the event.

In attendance was Mr. Morio Ginama, Director General, Tourism & Resort Bureau, Okinawan Prefectural Government. The Okinawan Prefectural Government is supporting this Organization. I talked with Mr. Morio Ginama who said the Okinawan Prefectural Government is naturally interested in supporting karate kobudo organization and getting foreigners interested in studying Okinawan martial arts to come and train in Okinawa.

I met Hidemi Tamayose of Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan. He said he often goes to the Vancouver area to give seminars. I told him that I knew about him coming to the Vancouver Canada doing seminars and he was pleased.

The gentleman from Argentina was Mr. Shigehide Akamine, of Shorin-ryu Matsubayashi-ryu, a Okinawan who lived in Argentina and served in the Argentina Navy for 20 years and retired as Navy Lieutenant. He stated he almost went to the Falkland Islands during the Falkland war which happened in 1981, but missed it because the war was very brief. I asked him if he was ever taught chinkuchi and he said no. It was very evident because he kept asking if i was talking about ken tsuki . When I explained what chinkuchi meant, he said this term was never taught to him. I asked what was the symbolic circle movement in kusanku kata was and he said “World, the Whole world for peace.

All the other guests invited to this event were from the different Japanese provinces. I and the other guests who did not speak Japanese were given transmitters and a ear listening device which was worn on one ear to hear translations from Japanese to English. I sometimes missed the names or provinces given of each speaker or their names. It must be noted, that all of the translators were excellent and only when certain terms used that were exclusive to the martial arts did these translators have any problems explaining. Other then that, they were first rate translators something you would expect in a symposium of this magnitude.

The board was made of many different Organizations from both Okinawa and Japan. Members on the discussion board were from four different karate associations. The Okinawa Karate kobudo Rengokai, Federation Okinawan karate, Federation all Japan karate, and the International International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF).

1-22-05 Saturday: The Meeting

NOTE: All notes taken are brief and while the speaker may have talked longer,  I wrote what I thought was most important. So what is written, are direct quotes.

The meeting started with the President of the Federation All Japan karate:

“Karatedo purpose is to teach people to develop mind and spirit. It is a ‘way’ or ‘do’ and culture. In ‘do’ there is competition, but it is for ‘spirit’. Japan is the center of karatedo and Okinawa the Heart of karate in Japan.”

Board member Mr. Chinen a Okinawan who resides and teaches karate in France said:

“1972 the first karate already in France was for sport.

1975 France world championship was won by France in both kata and kumite. Most instruction came from Japanese instructors. The karate taught in France by Japanese instructors was not traditional but for sport. For thirty years it was not taught as tradition but for sport but it is now changing to its Okinawan roots. There is a need to let the world know about Okinawan tradition. We need to promote overseas tradition. Sport is important, medals give a reason to learn, but as we get older, it changes from sport to traditional karatedo.”

Morio Higaonna, IOGKF a member of the board says:

“I had a karate Instructor from Israel who is studying from me tell me it is important to teach Okinawan culture. I was surprised to learn that from him. Now we have all our Chief Instructors come to Okinawa every four years to train. They were impressed to learn from the other styles, rediscover what is traditional, and to understand Okinawa culture. They all do similar kata in the different countries but in Okinawa, they all learn to clean the dojo. Okinawa roots are important, it brings out spirit.

Note: In many of the dojo, reguardless of style, all members clean the dojo before or after the workout. In some dojo before and after and all except the Sensei take part. This is a part of training.

Board member Mr. Shimabukuro from the Federation Okinawa Karate:

“We have too many karate experts. Today we have traditional verses sport karate. In 1975, we tried to have national competition in Japan, but there were obstacles. Okinawan karate had to be under the larger Japanese association. There was pride involved because Okinawa is the birth place of karate. Mr. Itsumi in his speech, Okinawa has to pass on Okinawan traditions. We need both sport and traditional karate. There are more then 100 dojo.”

Board Member rom the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengokai:

I am chairman of the Okinawan Karate Kobudo Rengokai. We must support all together. Our Rengokai tried to support traditional karate. That's why we organized . As Rengokai it took years to organize. We should unite into one!

There are several associations, it is better to unite. All associations have a better change to organize and teach together. We need to study the different cultures to be able to teach others. Second teach cultural aspects, mika (?). We have a lot of work to be mika (?).”

Board Member:

Takemura Mitsuhiro of the University of Tokyo graduate school Martial Arts representive said:

“I did not know Okinawa was the birth place of karate. We need to teach it is a cultural asset. You are talking about tradition. We should be more active to pass down the kata and traditions however, it is rooted in Okinawa. If this is not taught, it is no longer tradition. We need to make karatedo part of tradition to Okinawa.”

Board Member Prefecture Government Representative Mr. Kia, said:

“We can make Okinawa the Meca of karate.”

Board Member Mr. Chinen:

 

“To promote tradition, it is the most important goal.”

Board Member Mr. Higahonna:

“Many come to Okinawa because they are looking for tradition. The heart, spirit. In England, karate is part of the curriculum. England is ahead of us.”

Board Member Another speaker (Unidentified) said:

 

“We need to translate more (so foreigners can understand).”

Board Member Federation Okinawa karate speaker:

“Karate should be spirit. We have many instructors like Mr. Chinen (Japan) teaching Okinawan karate.”

Board Member Rengokai speaker:

“I am glad others are trying to promote unity. Unification is the way to go.”

Board Member Higaonna Morio:

“I think sport karate is a part for young people.”

Board Member Shimabukuro Zenpo Okinawan Karate Kobudo Rengokai said:

“Fifteen years ago we did not plan on tradition. Now we have to regenerate. What is tradition and where can we find it! Traditional schools can pass on tradition. The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree, and the branches grow out farther.”

At this point, the audience is asked if they have any views on the subject at hand.

A person in the audience who looks to be about 60, talks and sounds very descanted. He Identifies himself as a practitioner of Goju-ryu karate and states:

“What is tradition. Many have changed and yet claim’s to be tradition. There are many threads to different things.”

While he talks for some time, all about how some are changing the kata and training methods from the original methods, he is cut off, by one of the Board members who says:

“This is not about the way different styles or schools teach, it is about roots to Okinawa, and karate has its roots on Okinawa. The birth place of karate.”

DEMONSTRATIONS

At this time, demonstrations on Okinawan karate begin.

1. Sakumoto Tsuguo of Ryuei-ryu , seven time world kata champion demonstrates Anan kata the highest kata of the Ryuei-ryu kata. As always, a outstanding performance by Sakumoto.

Anan kata http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/010/002/001.html

2. The Okinawan 2004 kobudo bo kata champion demonstrates his winning bo kata.

3. The Okinawan 2004 kobudo sai kata champion demonstrates his winning sai kata, Chatan Yara no sai.

4. Three Okinawan women, who placed first in team (yakusoku kumite) prearranged kumite performed a well coordinated and well rehearsed three person kumite.

5. A demonstration explaining the rules for Japanese sport Jiyu-kumite. Demonstration showed two contestants and how and when points are given or taken and value of full or partial points. The demonstration also explained using and identifying the different referees, and the use of both hand and flag signals.

6. A demonstration on Okinawa bugo (protector) Jiyu-kumite .
This demonstration was similar to the Japanese sport Jiyu-kumite demonstration. showed two contestants and how and when points are given or taken and value of full or partial points. The demonstration also explained using and identifying the different referees, and the use of both hand and flag signals.

The different types of bugo equipment were shown. One of the sets of equipment was modeled after the kendo protective equipment. Two other sets had different head protectors one set had a hard clear plastic shield covering the face. The two other chest protectors were both hard and soft chest protectors.

7. Demonstration on Shuri karate kata and bunkai application from Chibana through Itosu lineage. Passai kata was first performed, followed then with the bunkai application.

8. Demonstration on Shuri karate kata and bunkai application through Kyan to Shimabukuro Zenro, lineage. Shimabuku Zenpo demonstrates the kata Seisan.

9. Shimabuku Zenpo demonstrates the the Seisan bunkai using four others who assist and attack from the four directions at various times. The bunkai is very similar as Shimabuku Tatsuo taught.

10. Demonstration on Naha karate kata and bunkai application. Seipai kata the highest kata of Goju-ryu was demonstrated then the bunkai.

The announcer explains that all styles of Okinawan karate practice tamashiwara (The Art of Breaking bricks, tile and boards).

11. Tanrenho Training Exercise. It is explained that Naihanchi kata is a tanren kata of Shuri style while Sanchin is tanren kata to Naha style.

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/011/001/ Goju-ryu sanchin kata

12. Demonstration on Uechi-ryu kata through Uechi Shinjo Kiyohide and his younger brother Narihiro, demonstrate Uechi-ryu sanchin kata. Narihiro performs the sanchin kata, while Kiyohide checks his brothers sanchin (Shime). Kiyohide checks his brother’s posture and stomach muscles by punching him in his abdominal muscles with vertical punches and kicks to the thighs. Kiyohide then picks ups a baseball bat and then breaks two different 2 X 2 boards with the baseball bat to show the bat is real. While his brother stands in sanchin stance, Kiyohide hits his brothers left thigh with the large part of baseball bat and the handle of the baseball bat shatters to bits. Kiyohide then breaks a 2 X 2 over his brothers lats and continues to kick and punch different parts of his brother’s body. A very impressive demonstration of physical power.

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/011/002/index.html Uechi-ryu sanchin

13. Kotekitae was shown by the different styles along with more board and tile breaking.

14. Numerous 2 X 2 ‘s being broken over various parts of the body. Several baseball bats are broken by kicks and chops.

15. Shinjo Kiyohide of Uechi-ryu, who broke a bat and 2 X 2 over his brother while performing sanchin kata, breaks three different boards with a spear chop, thumb in palm thrust, and bent wrist. Again very impressive feat of power.

16. Many stacks of roof tile were broken by elbow smash, vertical punch by different styles. It must be noted that Uechi-ryu and all the other styles used the vertical punch for breaking tile, bricks, and boards.

17. Goju-ryu showed conditioning exercises with various equipment. Sanchin kami, various makiwaras, sashi, chishi, tan, and kongoken.

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/012/index.html Tools for tanren.

18. Higaonna Morio group, demonstrate Goju-ryu chishi (stone) weights.

19. Higaonna Morio demonstrates a unique Makiwara. It is a 4 X 8 sheet of thick plywood with what looks like a heavy gauge pipe (2 inch diameter?) protruding in the center.

20. Nigari kami (sanchin jars) grab the top of the jar like a tiger mouth.

21. Higaonna demonstrated tora guchi waza (tiger mouth) techniques. Higaonna explains, “Breath in the correct way, balance, be aware of tanden power. By using using these weights, a powerful punch can be used.”

22. Higaonna Morio pounds on a large flat rock while other goju-ryu practitioners from his organization demonstrate all the other devices used in weight training.
Higaonna states, “Karate is not just pounding and kicking” meaning supplementary training using makiwara, and the different training equipment used in karate training, such as Nigiri gami (Sanchin jars), foot weights, etc.

Higaonna explains holding the Nigiri gami with Tora guchi or Tiger mouth. It is similar to a tigers mouth biting and holding its prey. Grab like a tiger mouth, wrists, and other parts found in karate kata. Higaonna explains, “True meaning of karate is, Karate is self defense.” In the demonstrations, practitioners throw sashi (weights made from stone or metal which came from China) to each other. They also used them in using various methods for punching and blocking. Higaonna again explains, “All this trains for physical power strength in Goju-ryu.”

Note: This was a outstanding demonstration as would be expected with Higaonna demonstrating but his students were very proficient. His son, a young lady from Australia, and others did a great demonstration and showed great strength in their techniques and coordination. Higaonna had the largest group demonstrating and all were very proficient. No slackers in his group.

23. Shorin-ryu demonstrates the Naihanchi kata its equivalent to Goju-ryu Sanchin kata. Higa Minoru checked the person performing the naihanchi kata very similar to the way Goju-ryu practitioner performing Sanchin was checked. The traps and lats were slapped. Stance was checked along with each of the hand techniques. Punches were applied to the lats of the person performing the naihanchi kata.

Kobudo Power Techniques:

After the demonstrations of the three different karate styles using strength training, the power of tonfa and bo techniques from kobudo were then demonstrated:

24. A person demonstrated board breaking using a tonfa. He broke boards and the handles of baseball bats with tonfa to show the power generated.

25. Bo demonstrations was next. The power of the thrust of the bo against concrete cinder blocks.

26. Four “Intangible cultural assets” were introduced and were to perform a kata from their style. Recognized by the Okinawa Prefecture as Intangible Cultural Asset holders in the Field of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. It was noted that all the major styles had a Intangible living cultural asset. The four “Intangible Cultural Assets” were all Hanshi 10 dan:

Miyahira Katsuya, President, Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo Association

Nakazato Shugoro President, Okinawa Karatedo Shorin-ryu Shorinkan Association.

Wakugawa Kosei 10 Dan Goju-ryu karate

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/014/index.html

Wakugawa Kosei 10 Dan Goju-ryu karate demonstrated Suparinpe
(108) kata also called Pecchurin which is the highest kata of Goju-ryu karate.

Iha Goshin 10 Dan Goju-ryu karate demonstrated Sanchin kata. It was stated that Sanchin kata is the most essential kata of Goju-ryu but Tensho kata was demonstrated.

27. Nakazato Shugoro performed Passai dai kata of Shuri.

28. Miyahira Katsuya, performed Naihanchi kata. It was stated Naihanchi kata is a very important kata of Shorin-ryu.
Moved to 3rd floor for discussions and comments:

This was the end of the Demonstrations
Time 1600: Meeting comes to order.

1. Guest from Japan (Unidentified): Liked the demo of the kata based on tradition along with the spirit.

2. Another Guest from Japan (Unidentified): Karate is culture and discipline.

3. Guest from Miazaki Japan: I think that the Okinawa Government needs to promote karate better.

4. Mr. Shimura, of Wado-ryu.

5. Goju-ryu Teruya, from Japan

6. Guest from Fukuyoka, Japan:
“In the university, we train that we must win. We took all the championships in the world.”

7. Guest from Kagoshima, Japan:
“World karate kumite. Kumite is Japan, but the physical training I have just seen, I am very impressed. But we do not consider kata as important. What I have just seen in this demonstration of kata is meaningful.

8. Guest from Osaka:
“I am happy to have seen true karate performed. While I can not be Okinawan, I feel I can teach more like Okinawan and be in harmony.”

9. Guest from Tokyo:
Yasumoto? “We need to go back to the roots. Many dojo in Japan have no kata, but are based in kumite.”

10. Argentina Matsubayashi-ryu karate:

11. Advincula from USA: Gave presentation on Kenpo Gokui and how Shimabuku Tatsuo taught and explained karate to me. I said that I learned kata was the back bone of karate. I gave them my background and how I started in Escrima and learned to fight long before I studied Okinawan karate and that I was a retired Marine. I said that what I learned from my sensei was what they were talking about, traditional karate, keeping its traditions and recognizing Okinawa as karate’s birth place. I also said that what i learned on Okinawa was “Heart.”

12. Jamal Maesara a Malaysian from Germany:

He is a student of Shimabukuro Zenpo of Seibukan Shorin-ryu karate. He stated he had over 1800 students in his dojo’s in Germany.

12. Iraq:
Dr. Tairasu Odishioi Iraq Olympic Committee:

 

I have been in the Iraq Olympic committee for over 30 years. It was very hard because of Saddam Hussein. I would not use the term that Okinawa is the Meca of karate. You should not use “Meca” because of it origins as a religious location. Use something else, like, Okinawa is the root of karate or other.

End of the discussion was: Much of the seminar discussed traditional versus sport karate. Kata was traditional ad sport karate was refereed to as nontraditional. It was also discussed that Okinawan culture should be taught and that many of the non Okinawan students were requesting to be taught about Okinawa’s culture. It was also mentioned that cross training in other styles was part of not only learning different methods but it also helped in learning Okinawan culture as most Okinawans' teach courtesy and respect, and that all use a style of karate to teach a way of life through karate training.

The interesting thing is that it all sounded like Shimabuku Tatsuo. Unity, and Okinawan culture along with kata as the primary teaching for traditional Okinawan karate. Kumite is for the younger participants who as they grow older will begin to train the traditional way leaning towards kata.

Last word given in the closing statement of the symposim was:

“All the different Okinawan Karate and Kobudo organizations should cooperate with each other. Work as a businessman, but keep communicating with each other.”

http://www.okinawakarate.jp/english/index00.html

Katagwa’s Thoughts:

Traditional Okinawan Karate as we know it today is recognized as stemming from three major styles of karate. Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu. Isshin-ryu while having its roots in both Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu karate, is classified under Shorin-ryu. It has often been stated that if Isshin-ryu ever had enough participants at the Okinawan World Tournaments, that they would be considered a major style of their own. Unfortunately this will never happen at least in my lifetime because Isshin-ryu is greatly divided.

The Traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo Organizations try to preserve the teaching of its Okinawan Masters. In the Western countries many of the Sensei in Isshin-ryu have lost their roots to Okinawa. I often hear that certain Sensei have gone out of the box and explored their own techniques and added new techniques creating a better Isshin-ryu by adding throws and adding more jujutsu, tuite, tegumi, or other grappling techniques as a part of Isshin-ryu karate. Worse is that courtesy and respect has been lost. Few even try to teach or explain the cultural aspects of Okinawa saying they are not Okinawan but Americans, Canadians or whatever country they are from. While this is true, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei the founder of Isshin-ryu said he hoped that those not from his country would learn about Okinawa culture through karate.

On many Isshin-ryu group lists the subject always goes to it is all right to change. The latest videos, DVD’s or books sold on the market no longer teach traditional Isshin-ryu or what Shimabuku taught but their own modifications. Many emphasize sport karate saying that it is the real karate where on Okinawa traditional karate is said to be kata and that sport karate is not traditional karate. Shimabuku called me “Katagwa” and this I am most proud of. As long as I teach Isshin-ryu I will always honor my teacher and teach as he wanted Isshin-ryu to be taught.

Today Okinawas are trying to bring attention to return to teaching traditional Okinawan karate. When I gave my presentation at the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Symposim on January 21, 2005, it was that what they are now trying to do, my sensei did long ago. While most of my American classmates training in Isshin-ryu karate on Okinawa did kumite and returned home stating they were champions or great fighters on Okinawa, I returned with the greatest honor of receiving a nickname from the founder of Isshin-ryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei, and the nickname is "Katagwa." Receiver and Keeper of Tatsuo’s bo cover,
One who never lost his roots,
Arcenio J. Advincula, Katagwa

 

Re: Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Exchange Symposium

 

I was indeed very recently there. But I was invited and was admitted to train by Shinzato Sensei. My credentials went there way before I was even invited to go. Believe me, I didn't go on a whim.

Anyway, I don't think anywhere in the article you posted that they differentiated what they considered a "tourist" to be. It turns out that Okinawa is a tourist area for many "mainlanders" from what I was lead to
believe. I can see why. The beaches are beautiful, there's plenty of shopping, a ton of history, the food is fabulous,and the people are wonderful.

I also don't recall any mention of how they were going to encourage tourism. All the time you hear, "One of these days, I'm going to go to Okinawa." But let me tell you something. Obviously, anyone is free to go, but if you don't know anyone, or if you don't have a great letter of introduction, you just better be prepared to do a lot of that regular tourist stuff. You're not going to waltz into Nagamine, Kishaba, Shinzato Dojo unannounced, and expect them to teach you anything. You can train all you want, but you can do that at home for free.

So, unless the Okinawans undergo a complete culture change and suddenly decide to spill their guts to every "karate tourist" that comes along, I'm not sure exactly what the point of the meeting was. So, in that respect, it was kinda funny. However, it did seem like a great opportunity to get plowed. LOL

> Mr./Mrs. Fuwa, either way, thanks for your input. It helps me to gauge  the intellectual range of those who are reading the posts.

Between you and me, Joe, I don't think you want to go there. :-)

Len

Joey writes:

I'm curious to why you would find humor in this.

My reply: Actually I meant to send it private. Why I find it funny, well you see, Len saw the same thing in it that I did. Perhaps we are both half-wits? Witness below:

<begin Len snippet>

So, unless the Okinawans undergo a complete culture change and suddenly decide to spill their guts to every "karate tourist" that comes along, I'm not sure exactly what the point of the meeting was. So, in that respect, it was kinda funny.
<end Len snippet>

My own comment, Len wasn't a tourist hoping into a dojo and hoping to learn some "krotty", nor was Len affiliated with some ever changing American-Okinawan-Association and planning on getting his picture
taken with "the master", hopping a few belt ranks and advertising himself as "a direct student of Master X". Len knows how the score is kept on Okinawa.

If that stark reality offends you consider the source, I am backwards woods hick who married his sister and I wear a blue bunny suit instead of a gi.
Len, Love ya big guy…
Your brother in arms,
That kyu-dude
Jeff, I wasn't going to reply, but you have been around for years so here it is...heck you knew me before I married my sister...LOL!!!

Jeff wrote: However let's pretend that "unaffiliated" a group of folks would like to visit, at some future point. Yes you do the tourist stuff. But having done that... how do you... (can you) gain entry into such
doorways of the type which you are speaking of?

My reply:  The answer is no.

Let me try it this way, Len and I are friends. The people he trains with and I are friends. In fact they would probably train me. However I have not yet paid my dues in their group. That is the reality. So no matter how cute they think I am in my furry blue bunny suit, no visit to Okinawa for me. Well I can visit, even stop by the dojo but I'll be training with my back to their back being told I am ichi deshi, and hear " good good...very good usagi-san" while they are facing the other way having their every move corrected.

Of course you can just go ahead and believe that an Okinawan master from afar happened to pass on everything he knew to American master Y one snowy evening after a seminar, or left secret scrolls, or
whatever…but I have just told you the reality.

The truth of the matter is, no matter how much they love you, you might, just might get 40% of the real McCoy if you are accepted as an inside student. But the 40% is a goldmine…understand this, what is
Okinawan remains Okinawan – it is a family thing.

But then I would not believe me. I married my sister, my mother and father were 1st cousins, plus I wear a blue bunny suit.

I remain,   FuwaFuwaUsagi

Hello again,

Oh, my God! I was a tourist!
Is this from the the King James Version or the Complete Unabridged Version?

I stand corrected. I must have been more enthralled by the drink on the bus incident and Advincula's being given a whole lotta grief by some high ranking Okinawan who doesn't understand the customs of his own country.

> I'm not questioning your knowledge of the training customs in Okinawa, I'm sure it's quite extensive after one trip.

I was only training at Shinzato Dojo for t wo weeks. I've known about training customs on Okinawa for 30 years since I was a brown belt. It's a good thing there are people like me who are willing to share this with those who haven't been brought into any inner circles. I'd hate to see anyone spend a small fortune on a trip there just to be "polited to death."

> However, are you saying they don't  teach foreigners without an introduction? I know of a few people who went  there, without their credentials being forwarded, and trained in various dojo,
> although they put on a white obi and claimed not to have any knowledge. Which  if we
> want to learn, may be the best approach.

You read the Bunny's post. He attested to what I said about how they train unknowns. If your friends were indeed trained, then they were definitely the exception to the rule. Your best bet is to make the trip with Advincula next time he goes.

> Since I've met you in person, I can see how "you" would find humor in this, or just about anything for that matter.

I find humor in death. That's my way. The diffenence is that you apparently take all this seriously, and think it's actually important.

 

>Your right, my apologies to Fuwa, it was not the most courteous way to  respond. Besides, our intellect does not always properly reflect our demeanor. Adolph Hitler was a very intelligent man.

So was Larry Harmon.
Len

Len writes:

I was only training at Shinzato Dojo for t wo weeks. I've known about
training customs on Okinawa for 30 years since I was a brown belt.
It's a good thing there are people like me who are willing to share
this with those who haven't been brought into any inner circles. I'd
hate to see anyone spend a small fortune on a trip there just to be
"polited to death."

My reply:

Oh my gosh Len, stop it...I am rolling on the floor laughing...my
sides hurt. LOL!!!!

A few years ago it became fashionable for Americans to go pose for a
few photos with Sensei, so I suggested that we get him a t-shirt in
kanji that reads "this man is not my student"...LOL!!!!

Ah very good ed gruberman, very good, you deshi ichi...scuse - scuse -
I no need correct....you do dat one, you do dat one...very good ed
gruberman...LOL!!!

By the by Len, you'll find some humor in this. A while back I
mentioned that it is now quite the little business for Fukien
instructors to wait for round eyes to show up to learn the secrets of
white crane...well a buddy of mine was over their and they asked him
to teach them naihanchi...apparently they wanted to incorporate
naihanchi moves in their forms so they can sell a better story - LOL!!!

10 years from now we'll see a book on how X is a private student of
master fingfofong and has been passed down the secret forms that
karate originated from...LOL!!!!

Just remember Len I am Deshi Ichi, and I have the pictures of me
training next to the master in the dojo to prove it!!!!

I remain,

Fuwafuwausagi

Quotes to consider:

You say you lived on Okinawa for five years but you cannot understand
the Okinawan people.

Now, the young people want to be Japanese. They don't speak the
Okinawan language. They are lazy. They do not respect old people, they
have no pride in being Okinawan. Yes, we are a poor country but that
is no excuse in putting our culture in the dark and saying we are
someone that we are not. This is no good.

– Soke