Varied Issshinryu thoughts on Embusen Stop and End Points

https://isshin-concentration.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-use-of-kata-embusen-in-isshinryu.html

Victor  Smith
In my case I was not taught this was an aspect of training. I do not use this as part of kyu instruction. I arrived at this from a long analysis of stance and stepping which evolved into a personal use of Isshinryu stepping as a weapons system. I use it at times in advanced instruction to more precisely emphasize stepping and in turn work on these applications potential.  The longer I study I see more uses from this sort of training.

Andy Sloane

Shimabuku Sensei didn't teach starting and ending kata in the same spot.

Tom Lewis

That is correct.

Richard Ruberto

This is part of the embusen or path a kata travels on. It may not have been stress by Tatsuo sensei but seems to exist in most if not all Okinawan karate and kobudo. Perhaps but a few stayed long enough to learn it. Watching his kata it appears Tatsuo sensei did end where he started. My teachers of past and presentd did not stress it nor do I. I want it close but don't jump up and down if it isn't exact.

Michael Calandra
 
This idea of finishing the kata in the same spot you started is a modern idea based on sport competition. I have never heard one of my Chinese martial art teachers ever even mention this.

Victor Donald Smith

In my case I was not taught this was an aspect of training. I do not use this as part of kyu instruction. I arrived at this from a long analysis of stance and stepping which evolved into a personal use of Isshinryu stepping as a weapons system. I use it at times in advanced instruction to more precisely emphasize stepping and in turn work on these applications' potential. The longer I study I see more uses from this sort of training. My use has nothing to do with starting and ending in the same spot, rather working for more efficiency to drop you as an attacker.

Jet Taylor

Different arts, different practices. My early karate training stressed returning to the origin but once we began the Chinese studies, this was not possible due to the nature of some of the forms.

Joe Rios

Primarily, the embusen was a reference point. Used to maintain consistency when performing kata with a group. It assisted in transitioning, proper foot placement and body mechanics. However, they are not meant to be written in stone as the body and its movements are not meant to be rigid or stagnant like most reference points, they are utilized to create good habits in training that will offer advantages in a "Real Time, Real Life" situation. The circumstances of an encounter or encounters with many opponents and the strategies used are derived from kata and are limited to the experience and understanding the concepts, strategies and principles. But they are NOT written in stone since no combative situation is.

 Certainly, point of REFERENCE is important in a group, taking note of proper execution of movement and techniques, mindful of line of travel, distance, recovery etc. Though it serves a significant role in training, one must learn to liberate themselves from it as to not prohibit fluidity and adaptability in a combative situation as well as curtailing the diversity and endless applications that may not be obvious within the embusen. And all too often kata is repetitiously practiced at the same speed which also prohibits fluidity and progress one should strive to practice kata at different speeds and with an uke to get a broader scope of knowledge. And as one practices.....look between the lines sort to speak, since no movements are wasted every movement as minor as it may appear has a function and application.

Then there is the opinion of A J Advincula as posted on the MisshinRyu.Com site from Mississipi Isshinryu, copied below.

 

http://msisshinryu.com/articles/aja/isshinkai/embusen.shtml

Date:  Wed Jun 20, 2001  2:37 pm
Subject:  "Embusen" the line and path of Isshin-ryu kata
Kata Patterns - "Embusen"  AJ Advincula

"Embusen" - is the path or line of movement of Kata.

With the exception of naihanchi kata, all Isshin-ryu kata start and end in the same point.

Embusen is important in kata because it keeps with the Oriental philosophy of beginning and ending. The old tombs of Okinawa are called turtle shell tombs because they resemble a turtle, but on closer examination they are suppose to represent the womb. Hitoshi explained this to several members on one of our tours to Okinawa. You are born from the womb and return to the womb. This can also be seen in the circle. Many times you see a sumi or black ink painting of a circle and this also represents beginning and end. So if you are looking for perfection, then beginning and ending are important.

All things being equal, the person closest to the start of his kata will win in a kata contest.

It is important to stay in your embusen in a dojo other wise you run into another practitioner.

Embusen is the path or line of kata. Embusen on a highway is very important because if you don't follow the correct path or line of movement, or stay in your lane of traffic on a highway, guess what!

All styles or sensei do not teach embusen but it does exist.

To make it work, remember that all steps in kata are adjustable.

In the videos I show how embusen and with the exception of naihanchi kata start and end in the same spot. AJA

Victor Smith

As normal there are varied Isshinryu opinions between different Isshinryu groups, which is right?

The obvious answer the correct answer is whatever your instructor teaches you in the right answer. Your real goal is to work always and make your Isshinryu stronger and stronger.