We are proud that when speaking of karate, Okinawa comes to mind, and when speaking of Okinawa, karate comes to mind! Yet today, karate, which has been acknowledged universally, sees its shape changing. It is springing up like bamboo shoots after the rain as sport karate and karate dōjō are scattering all over the world. Fictions are also publicized in newspapers and magazines as well as in movies and on television.
For example, four years ago, the 1st World Karatedō Championship was held at the Budōkan in Tōkyō, and athletes from 38 countries around the world gathered and lined up each holding their national flags during the marching band performance. This soul-stirring scene was enough to make one imagine it as a part of the World Olympic Games. Last year, the same type of championship was held in New York, USA and a tournament is scheduled to be held in Paris France this year. Now we the executives of the federation are wondering if the karate of Okinawa, which is promoting Okinawa as its birthplace, should stay the same as it is now. We are thus repeatedly researching on this matter during head of styles’ sessions and board of directors meetings.
Nevertheless, since Bu – martial art is written with the two characters meaning “to stop (止) arms (弋)”, karate has been passed on with the precepts of being an art of self-defense, a mean to temper the body and a way to be useful for others and the society. Therefore, thoroughly following the words “Seeking the old to find the new” (1) found in the motto “The secret resides in training the heart and mind” (2), we must strive to deeply explore the true essence of karate and preserve the legacy of our ancestors.
I believe that simple matters like who is strong in an actual fight, who has the most power, and who is good in demonstrating are next issues. In that sense, today's demonstration will see elementary school first grade students up to seniors aged 70 years old performing with all their might. Among them, some may be still beginners and their performances may make you smile, but please understand our intention and enjoy the demonstration until the end.
April 21, 1974
The 7th Karatedō Kobujutsu Demonstration
Sponsored by the All Okinawa Karatedō Federation
YAGI Meitoku, Chairman of the All Okinawa Karatedō Federation
Extracts from the Chairman’s congratulatory address
Notes:
(1) “Furuki wo tazune Atarashiki wo shiru”, also known as “Onko Chishin”
(2) Gōjū-ryū master Yagi Meitoku sensei’s favored quote “Ōnmyō zai renshin”
A long time participant to the Dynasty Festivals, the Shōrin-ryū Shūbukan (Location: Shuri Toribori-chō. Kanchō Uema Takeshi sensei) has organized a dedicatory demonstration on November 3 in the Sakiyama Park immediately after Shuri Castle’s fire (above photo). This was done in response to the children's strong wishes of "rebuilding Shuri Castle through karate and encouraging the Okinawan people". The event was held in collaboration with a few dōjō from the Shuri district.
At the same time, the Shūbukan and the Sakiyama district Youth Association have been actively engaged in karate and flagpoles demonstrations in the surrounding area.
Shuri Castle and karate are part of the Okinawan identity. Through this new karate demonstration, we wish to encourage the strong will of the children toward the reconstruction, and to pass on the feelings that will lead toward a bright future.
On Sunday, July 12 from AM 11:00~12:00, the first demonstration will held with some dōjō and karateka who agree to the purposes herby mentioned. It will be held in front of the castle’s information center (Suimuikan).
After this day onwards, demonstrations will be conduct on the second Sunday of each month. Participation in the performance is free and all are welcome.
The details are as follows.
Dates: Second Sunday of every month (In case of rain, the demonstration will be conducted on the third Sunday)
Time period: Until the castle’s reconstruction
Venue: Shuri Castle Park
Participating organizations: Karate individuals, karate dōjō, Shuri district children's association, 3-5 dōjōs per event, approximately 2-~50 people
Time: From 10:30 am to 12:30 am
Schedule:
- From 10:30 to 11:00: Preparations
- From 11:00 to 12:00: Karate demonstration and children's association eisā drum performance, etc.
- 12:00 to 12:30: Withdrawal
Sponsor: Supporting karate dōjō party for Shuri Castle Reconstruction
Responsible body: Shōrin-ryū Shūbukan
Contact: Shōrin-ryū Shūbukan’s PR person – Hasegawa 080-6660-7861 (English-speaker)
Without succumbing to many pressures, the karatedō left by our Okinawan ancestors has been cultivated over a thousand years and has discovered the truth of "Karate ni sente nashi " – There is no first attack in karate". I am convinced that real world peace will be achieved if the veracity of "Karate ni sente nashi” is demonstrated without changing both now and in the future.
The virtues of karatedō:
- Karate can be practiced alone, but can also be practiced by many people together.
- Karate can be practiced freely by anyone that is to say children, seniors, men and women alike.
- Karate training can be either vigorous or light depending on one’s physical strength.
- Karate training can be done even in a narrow space.
- Karate gives courage to those who lack it and willpower to those who lack it.
- Karate promotes health and doubles work efficiency.
- Karate makes life brighter ensuring longevity and peace.
What country in the world possesses such an ideal cultural property? It is a wonder that in such a small island nation, through a long history, karate has survived to the present day according to the words of the ancestors "truth withstands winds".
December 10, 1967
The 1st Karatedō Kobujutsu Demonstration
Sponsored by the All Okinawa Karatedō Federation
NAGAMINE Shōshin, Chairman of the All Okinawa Karatedō Federation
Extracts from the Chairman's Greeting
A few months ago, a few Shōrin-ryū masters from mainland Japan visited Maeshiro Morinobu sensei in his Shidōkan Musei Juku dōjō for instruction. Recently, Maeshiro sensei has been recognized as a cultural asset holder for Okinawa karate by the Okinawa Prefecture.
Later on, the visiting masters posted some bunkai video on Youtube. Since they are titled in Japanese, overseas karateka may not have the chance to look at these very instructive videos.
We are listing them below together with the said kata performed by Matsujō Tadashi sensei, who also belongs to the Okinawa Shōrin-ryū Karatedō Kyōkai (association).
Please be aware that training should be held under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Our center cannot be held responsible for any injury that may occur through the practice of the contents of these videos.
Passai Dai or Matsumura no Passai – Kata:
https://okinawa-karate.okinawa/kata-movie/naha-shuritekei-passai-dai/
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jDn13V_M-A&t=6s
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmxuEKMCiPQ
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUA5nFxb2ME
Matsumura no Passai (Kata) Bunka No. 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7bdDh5mt6g
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQEFHlrqoO0
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20z7DL5JuJ4
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJO60BDLyNQ
Matsumura no Passai (kata) Bunkai No. 8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIyH7Xt2kWA
The world of Okinawa karate can sometimes be hard to grasp as there are many organizations involved. Our center has created an “Okinawa karate world map” to help better understand who’s who and who is in charge of what when it comes to karate in Okinawa.
This printed material is available at our office located inside the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. If you want some copies, feel free to ask when visiting the kaikan. This document is in Japanese (verso) and English (recto).
The map in PDF format can be found at the Major organizations and facilities page.
