Nagamine
Shoshin - The Living Link to the Golden Age of Okinawan Karate Part 2. By Cezar
Borkowski - originally published in 1997.
“We
must sweep from our minds all egocentric and preoccupying thoughts during
practice, concentrating on all the movements with maximum vigor. When this is
done, Karate ultimately produces in the individual a vital concentration of
energy that expands to heroic proportions in time of crisis. --Nagamine
Shoshin, Attitudes for Training
Why
did you begin studying martial arts?
I was a frail and sickly child. Shortly after I began training with Kuba
Chojin, my family noticed a marked improvement in my appearance and in the
manner in which I approached things. From Kuba Sensei, I learned fundamental
exercises only. Therefore, I credit the great teacher Arakaki Ankichi as my
first “formal” Sensei.
What
are some of your memories of Arakaki Ankichi?
He came from a very wealthy, high-ranking family. His parents secured the
services of some of the best martial arts teachers, including Gusukuma,
Hanashiro, and Chibana. It was his incredibly physical talents, however, that
made his Karate marvelous. He would perform remarkable kicking, jumping and
footwork drills. Sadly, as a result of dramatic political changes in Okinawa,
Arakaki and his family suddenly found themselves penniless. He suffered from
shock and deep depression, coupled with an inadequate diet. Ultimately, Arakaki
Sensei developed stomach cancer and died at the young age of twenty-eight.
After
the death of Arakaki Sensei with whom did you study?
Upon my discharge from the army, I became a policeman. Consequently, it became
necessary for me to study police tactics on the mainland. One of Okinawa's
greatest martial artists, Motobu Choki, was quickly becoming a legend there. He
was, perhaps, best known for defeating a European heavyweight boxing champion.
Motobu operated a Dojo in Tokyo, and traveled to Osaka regularly to teach.
It
is rumored that Motobu Choki possessed a fierce temper. How would you describe
him—both as a person and a martial arts teacher?
I do not know if he had a fierce temper, but he had little patience for
ineffective Karate and was quite outspoken in addressing this topic.
Furthermore, I don't think there was anyone that he feared. With respect to his
teaching, his primary focus was on Kumite. He analyzed every movement,
meticulously weighing every variable. His goal was effective combat using
minimal effort.
What
can you tell us of Motobu's training?
The Makiwara was one of his favourite training implements and his power was
extremely impressive. Motobu Sensei used a variety of fist positions, and his
favourite was the “Keikoken” (fore-finger knuckle punch). He would use this
technique positioned very close to the Makiwara. He often said, “In actual fighting,
you must get close to the opponent in order to give him a fatal blow. The use
of a full-fist punch is restrictive, and your power is limited. (Conversely)The
fore knuckle punch can generate sufficient destructive power.”
Upon
your return to Okinawa from the mainland, with whom did you study?
I became a student of Kyan Chotoku. His Dojo was near the Kadena Police
Station. “Small-eyed Kyan”, as he was known, was the most well-rounded teacher
I have ever met. The Kyan family were descendants of King Shosei (Ryukyu
Kingdom). His father, Kyan Chofu, held the valued post of steward to the Sho
family. It was Chofu who introduced his son to the noble pursuit of Pen &
Sword: which refers to a balance of academic education and martial practice.
The younger Kyan was small, very muscular and quick. He enjoyed the Chinese
classics. He was also a firm believer in daily practice of Kata, and was, by
many accounts, a fighter without equal. Although frequently challenged, even
when he was in his sixties, to my knowledge, he never yielded and was never
defeated.
When
was the last time that you saw Kyan Sensei?
I last saw Kyan Sensei in May of 1942, at the opening of my first Dojo. At the
age of seventy-two, in what would be his last public performance, he demonstrated
Passai Kata and Bo-Jitsu with tremendous skill. He passed away on September 20,
1945.
Please
describe the teaching principles of Nagamine Shoshin and Matsubayashi-ryu
Karate-do?
It is only when you begin to teach, that you really start to learn. Your students
mirror your own abilities and limitations. Look for imperfections, and correct
them in your students and in yourself. This team progression and refinement
method is one of the teaching principles of Matsubayashi-ryu. With respect to
physical training, it is important to develop every part of your body evenly.
Right side and left side, upper body and lower body, must be balanced. In some
schools there is too much emphasis placed on right-sided techniques.
What
is your teaching philosophy?
I have based my approach on the teachings of the great instructors previously
discussed. For example, body size and natural strength are assets when it comes
to fighting. However, through correct physical study and proper mental
training, that is, striving to achieve a state of Mushin (no thought), we can
overcome any limitations, becoming “Budo Giants”.
Do
you employ any unique training tools?
We use lightweights and high repetitions to develop speed and power, and to
strengthen the muscular skeletal system. The amount of weight should be
minimal, so as not to impede one's form. For example, performing Kata while
holding two small hand weights can greatly improve the Kime (focus) of the
practitioner.
What
are your thoughts regarding Sport Karate?
In ancient times, people would lift heavy rocks to strengthen their bodies.
There was no pretense about their purpose. They simply wanted to become
stronger. This absence of artifice with respect to one's mission is often
lacking among modern practitioners. Contrary to what they would have us
believe—that is—Sport Karate “fosters international good-will”, many
competitors are only interested in accumulating trophies and medals. I would
like to think that Karate-Do offers much more to modern students, and I view
Sport Karate as a small piece in a vast, complex puzzle.
In
your view, what role has Budo cross training played in the development of
Karate-Do?
Years ago, in an effort to understand the whole picture, we had to look
elsewhere in our search for answers to questions we had with respect to our
training. For example, I also practiced Judo and Kendo. Now, with the
incorporation of a variety of techniques, training principles, teaching
methods, and ranking procedures gleaned from other disciplines, like Judo and
Kendo, Karate-do is far more comprehensive.
What
is your opinion of the current ranking system?
In real combat rank is irrelevant. Japan's favourite martial sport is Sumo. In
Sumo, there is no ranking, only classification of standings. If you train
diligently, you are recognized and respected. If your desire for training
disappears, you are quickly encouraged to retire. This lesson should be
embraced by Karate-do practitioners. Regardless of Dan ranking, length of
training, or age, if you are a Karateka, you must train daily. The secret of
Karate-do is to practice. 365 days a year. I will end my Karate-do practice on
my deathbed.
We
have one final question. You are often referred to as “Chippaii Matsu”. Would
you please explain this nickname?
This name was given to me by my relatives and friends. It can be translated as
“Tenacious Pine Tree.” As a small child, I was occasionally bullied by older,
bigger boys. I would not cry, and would ignore their insults. This stubborn,
tenacious attitude served me well when I began martial arts training. I had
learned never to give up. Similarly, the Pine Tree symbolizes the resilient
nature of Matsubayashi practitioners.
Nagamine
Sensei, thank you for your generosity, your honesty, and your time
You are welcome.
Interviewers
Note: At ninety years of age, Nagamine Shoshin remains tenacious. His devoted,
single-minded commitment to the propagation of Karate-Do is laudable. Truly, he
leads by example through daily practice and an encouraging, generous training
style that serves as a source of inspiration to all Karateka. We wish him
continued success good health and happiness.
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