I've been thinking on these discussions all day and would like to muddy the waters a bit.
First it is very difficult to follow the shorthand
descriptions given for power generation, whether Chinkuchi, Sanchin Points or
Nihanchi Points or others. This is natural
because the technical vocabulary to really transmit this material doesn't
readily exist. Individuals are taught in
person, not by written word and without taking the time to share in person it's
questionable whether we can really realistically understand even the surface of
these conversations.
This is compounded by the fact that the verbal shorthand we
use really never actually describes the full motion involved. Whether
discussing the stance, the method of movement, the area of the body involved
(hips, koshi), alignment, etc. all those answers fall short. They're way to try and grasp a larger issue, that of
what is actually happening, and focusing on a single area to try and use that
focus to improve. In reality many of the different concepts people are vigorously discussing exist in each others grounds of argument.
For example I don't accept it at all that one can only
follow one way or another and that's multiple ways just get in the way of each
other. But then its a question of personal experience. I've trained with many
artists who follow multiple paths successfully. That's not saying its easy, in
truth it takes a full time commitment and good instruction, but it is possible
if one really wants to pay the price.
Now that may not be 'good' politically correct Isshinryu (or
many other arts) but it can be done and is done by some. What is difficult is
to do so with less than a total committed effort and great instructors.
Now when the debates get to power generation I've been
trying to follow that from my own beginning studies.
First we should consider that power generation is only one,
and perhaps even a minor aspect of what it takes to sell a technique. For with
power comes tactical effort, too. A less powerful strike delivered at the
correct tactical point and time can accomplish as much as a more powerful
strike at a less opportune moment. But tactical study is often very short
changed.
Power is also not just a component of how you generate it,
when you have two bodies rushing at each other and you work on your kata
applications you can disvover some of them take the shortening distance between
attacker and defender into account and sell themselves in those ranges, so fast
the defender doesn't realize they've wiped the floor with the attacker. Unfortunately for my students we've often
discovered this when I've had another bright idea and tried to learn a new
application potential at slow speed and end up picking the pieces up. In such
cases the kata itself may be the answer.
I'm not against power generation study but I've seen many
answer that all seem reasonable. Perhaps its the faith of the practitioner in
their way that is the key. If they work and really believe it they'll sell it,
if all the components are equal.
Among choices of power generation are:
1. Refinement of original basic kata instruction, developing
cleaner technique execution, combined with correct tactical usage.
2. Tournament karate. Alas for its detractors I've seen many
whose skills could transfer with correct tactical usage into solid defense.
3. Chinkuchi. Now one of my instructors, Charles Murray,
trained with Shimabuku Sensei and Shinso a bit a while ago. You may have seen
the notes he made when he returned to the states in the early 70's. One of the
last things he shared with me before returning to the USAF was how he was
trained in Chinkuchi, and over the years he's shown me his continuing efforts
on those studies. But seeing and being trained are two different things. I didn't have the chance to pursue the training
with him and had absolutely no interesting in trying to work it out on my
own... But I've felt what he does with those strikes.
3. Usage of Sanchin. Perhaps in part focusing on the linear
power release. I agree Sanchin is increcibly valubable and can tactially be
used to demolish any sort of attack. I'm learning to realize how it can be felt
throughout the Isshinryu system a little.
4. Usage of Nihanchi.
perhaps in part focusing on the circular power release. Ditto. The
source for so much power, the key to Chinto for example, but if one just did
Chinto correctly the same power would be being taped. Where one choice is to
focus on a fundamental concept and then keep the focus there, there is just as
much logic in focusing on other kata similarity.
5. Knowledge of fractal movement application. This is where sub components of our movement
become weapons in their own right, and their usage is different from the large
technique they come from. There are tools that help unlock their usage, such as
the knee release to change the angle of application instantly.
6. One of my instructors at 3rd dan in his combined
Shotokan/Tjimande and Aikido training literally changes the nature of their
art's execution to dramatically increase the reaction speed of the dan. This
becomes a more intersting component of power. If your movement generates more
power but his nails you first, fastest, which is the most important. Never a
simple answer.
7. Bushi No Te Isshinryu. Over the years I've developed my
own signature use of the body incorporating driving all technique power off of
the centerline incorporating knowledge of body energy point alignment and even
the manner of breath execution in technique. The words don't do what I mean
justice. But in my students own manner we work at trying to ring the maximum
return from our technique. I make no
claim what I teach is right, it's just what I do and I'm satisfied with my
students return on the effort.
8. Yang Tai Chi Chaun. Develops power with a rolling center
and correct energy point alignment in the flow of technique.
9. Wu Tai Chi Chaun. A different, more subtle energy flow
and release from the Yang, in my initial studies to date.
10. Countless other exist too.
It seems rather pointless to pound one's chest. If you have
a path that works, fine for you. If not work harder.
These concepts are not words. They're Isshinryu of Tom
Lewis, Reese Rigby and Charles Murray, The Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chaun of Ernest
Rothrock, the Shotokan, Tjimande and Aikido of Tris Sutrisno, and the sweat my
own students have offered too.
The interesting thing is they all intermingle too.
The energy I observe in Chinkuchi is suspicously similar to
the release of Hsing I, a Chinese system IMO.
The energy in Nihanchi is found througout Chinese systems.
The alignment theories (of various types including bows and
energy points which both seem to describe similar things from different points
of view) exist in all arts when a technique is correctly done. This just
explains why they work, more effectively than if they are not done this way.
The softest Tai Chi and the Hardest Karate intermingle at
those fractal points of similar energy flow. There is where the synergy of
cross study becomes evident.
And sounder tactics are still more important than all of the
above.
The funny thing is there are no shortcuts for any of this.
NO clinic will ever replace long term instruction under a good instructor. No
internet discussion will make anyone believe anything, you have to feel and
experience it, and then believe it.
