1969 article on master Higa and Passai Dai
Okinawa Kōkai no Yūbe
National special invitation exemplary demonstration (Part III)
(Published on September 23, 1969)
Performig with pride
Higa Yūchoku Hanshi (Shōrin-ryū Kyūdōkan)
Passai Dai
Although Higa Hanshi is a robust type of man, when young he was stooped and weak. Then, at the age of seventeen, he was introduced to his father’s friend Mr. Shiroma Jirō and started karate to develop physical strength. After receiving tuition from Mr. Shiroma for five years, he also received guidance from Shinzato Jin-an sensei of Gōjū-ryū and Miyahira Seiei sensei.
After the war, having had his kata Passai Dai and Naihanchi Sandan checked by Chibana Chōshin sensei, he became a student at Chibana sensei’s. While Higa Hanshi received guidance of Gōjū-ryū before the war and Shōrin-ryū after the war, even today his use of the waist and his way of stepping among others are filled with Gōjū-ryū’s blood. The Passai Dai that Higa Hanshi will perform is Chibana sensei’s specialty. Higa Hanshi is also eager to proudly perform at this performance.
It is said that this Passai Dai was created by Matsumura Sōkon sensei, who served as an instructor during the Ryūkyūan dynasty. It is a representative kata of “Shurite”. It is said that at his time King Shō Kō (Buddhist Lord) (1) also exerted himself in the training of Passai Dai.
Higa Hanshi has been working hard on researching karatedō for more than 40 years, and today, as the chairman of the board of the All Okinawa Karatedō Federation (2), he is also putting a lot of effort into nurturing the karate of the cradle. Higa Hanshi said, “Okinawa’s karatedō is in the spotlight of the world. However honestly, there are many worries about karatedō like the differences in styles and various complicated problems. Particularly, competitive karate, which is contrary to Okinawa’s view on karate, is popular in mainland Japan. While we need to establish a firm direction for the future of karatedō, we also need to exert ourselves in strengthening our federation’s organization and strive for the sound development of karatedō.” Born in Wakasa district, Naha City, 59 years old.
Notes:
(1) On the monument in the graveyard of the Matsumura family is written “He served as a guard of the royal government for three generations, including the 17th King Shō Kō, the 18th King Shō Iku and the 19th King Shō Tai of the second Shō Dynasty. Although the character is different, it is probably King Shō Kō who served as king from 1804 to 1834.
(2) In Japanese, Rijichō of the Zen Okinawa Karatedō Renmei
