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Okinawa Karate Information Center

[ Okinawa Times ]　November 16, 1961

Kobudō 2

Training secretly

Irei Matsutarō (82)

Kusarigama

  Expert of Kusarigama - sickle and chain weapon, and the eldest senior, he started learning when he was 19 years old, which makes him a man with a martial art experience of more than 60 years. Kusarigama is a martial art that was developed in farm villages where people thought of linking the familiar chain and sickle into a single weapon. Therefore, while there is not one defined kata, many forms can be found depending of the region. Mr. Irei learned Kama-no-te from Asato no Tanmei (1) who lives in Goeku (2). However, his motive was quite simple. He explains that “I was aspiring to become a soldier and I didn’t want to be laugh at when going in Mainland Japan…” Also, at that time in farming villages, people who studied karate and sickle were hated as they were considered as savages and thugs. People kept away from them even to the point that they couldn’t find a spouse. For such reasons, most people were studying martial arts incognito at night, away from people’s attention.

  He first started with karate and with his skill leveling-up, he studied many other techniques like Sai, Bō and Kama. At 25 years old, he demonstrated for the first time karate and Kusarigama in a play put on in a village and at 31, he performed a large demonstration together with 12 students.

  People are told that “Gei ha mi wo tasuku (3).” Mr. Irei himself says that he was able to overcome many disasters because he studied martial arts. This is not simply a question of defending oneself but also to nurture naturally a spirit that helps one to endure hardships.

  Nowadays, the number of experts in Okinawa Kobujutsu and especially sickle is diminishing but he is happily teaching all those who sincerely intend to learn the sickle. During the next coming demonstration, many experts of Okinawa Kobujutsu will gather to demonstrate their secrets and it is the purpose of all to popularize Kobujutsu. On his own, Mr. Irei is teaching Sai, Kama and other skill to his grandchild Tomita Nobuyuki (24).

(1) Tanmei is a word that could be translated into grandpa or old man.

(2) Goeku is located in Okinawa City or Koza.

(3) Learn a trade, for the time will come when you shall need it.

Becoming intimate with karate during student days

Nakamura Heisaburō (68)

Chisōchin

  He was born in 1893 in Motobu Town Aza Toguchi. When around 17 years old, he got to know karate and until this day, he has continue training as a spiritual cultivation and as a way of staying in good health. During the demonstration, he will perform Chisōchin (1), a kata he says he was initiated to when he was a student by Bushi Kuniyoshi (2) of Nago Town.　During the time of Shihan (3), he received instruction from Yabu Kentsū sensei.

  About the merits of karate, he tells with a peaceful tone that “Karate is a good exercise to build a strong body and to temper the mind...” A fervent karate enthusiast, after graduating from the Teachers’ College he spent his life as a school teacher until 1957. In each school he was newly appointed, he instructed karate to students. Especially to upper students, he taught Pin-an and kumite among other things, including karate as a regular item of school’s athletic meets. He retired as principal of Motobu Elementary school in 1957 (4). He is presently the head of the Board of Education of Motobu district.

  A man who gives a pleasant impression, with a well-balanced appearance forged through karate, he looks much younger than he is actually. Most likely, he was much appreciated by his students when he was a school teacher. Since it is the first demonstration he is participating in, he went looking for a new karategi and now he devotes himself completely to his morning training. “As I will perform in front of the public, I cannot do anything irresponsible. Although I keep training, I am getting old, and I am worried if I can perform well” he says humbly. Yet he can perform karate very powerfully. As he demonstrates Chisōchin facing the camera, his serious facial expression tells anyone that is still in good health. The sounds of joints and the agile handling of his body are such a contrast with his ordinary quiet face, that it fills the space with a dignified feeling.

Notes:

(1) In Japanese, it is written “Chi” and not “Shi” like for the Gōjū-ryu kata Shisōchin.

(2) Alias for Kuniyoshi Shinkichi (1848-1926). According to the “Okinawa Karate Kobudō Encyclopedia”, he was born in Kumoji Village (present Naha), learned Nahate and was considered the equal to Higashionna Kanryō. When 60 years old, he moved to Nago and taught the kata Nisēshi to Nakamura Shigeru of Okinawa Kenpō.

(3) Referring most likely to Shihan Gakkō, the Teachers’ College that was located where today stands the Okinawa Prefecture University of Arts.

(4) According to Motobu Town Motobu Elementary School records, he was appointed principal of the school in April 1946 (Showa 21) as the 15^th principal.

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[ Okinawa Times ] November 15, 1961

Kobudō 1

  With the support of the Cultural Property Conservation Committee, the Ryūkyū Shimpō and the Okinawa Times Newspapers, the Okinawa Kobudō Kyōkai (President Higa Seitoku) will held its first demonstration on November 26^th at 13:00 at Naha Theater. This is organized in order to help the resurrection of native kobudō on the verge to disappear. More than 50 authorities from all regions of the island will participate performing around 60 demonstrations among which Bō, Sai, Kama, Nunchaku, Tinbē, etc… From the venerable 83 years old Nohara Kamaichi (Kochinda Village) to 24 years old young men, all are enthusiastic preparing for this demonstration. At this stage, let’s introduce the major demonstrators.

Direct transmission from the police officer

Kina Shōsei (79)

Sai

  In the past, sai was worn by Chikusaji (hori) (1) and was used to protect the king, control the crowd or to arrest criminals. It resembles the Jitte of Mainland Japan.

  Mr. Kina started the practice of sai at the age of 18, receiving instruction from the seniors and friends of the village. The birthplace of Mr. Kina, Shimabukuro (Koza City) is extremely famous for sai and it is said that it was popularized among the youth of the village as one kind of self-defense. However, it seems that this was only a self-taught style where people learned from mimicking policemen.

  Today, there are many experts of sai in Okinawa but there exists no ryuha (2) and kata are not uniformed. The sai technique that Mr. Kina practices was directly transmitted from an Ufuchiku (official title) policeman who performed his duties at Shuri Castle, thus making it an orthodox school. The major techniques of sai are about “hitting, blocking, thrusting and knocking down”, thus making it a martial art for self-defense. Mr. Kina says that he teaches his students advocating, “Under the sky, one cannot commit bad actions, there is no first attack in sai.” For 32 years, he has worked as a teacher and nowadays lives the rest of his life quietly as a Christian. Among his students are Kyan Shin-ei, Izumikawa Kantoku and Kina Shōshin who are famous as sai experts. Laughing with a big voice Mr. Kina jokes saying, “I am already an 80 years old grandpa” but his handling of the sai is sharp. During the soon coming demonstration at Naha Theater, he intends to show the techniques and higher skills that he has spent a lifetime to learn. He was born in in 1882. (3)

 (1) “Chikusaji” refers to police force or policeman. The term “hori” designates a policeman of the time of Edo era.

(2) “Ryuha” means school or style

(3) Kina sensei passed away in 1981.

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Studying “jutsu” in Nanking

Shinjō Heisaburō

(47)

Karate-jutsu (1)

  He was born in 1914 in Yomitan Village Aza Uza. His father being fond of karate, he became familiar with karate since his young years. On the suggestion of his father, he crossed over to Nanking China at the age of 17 and learned karate-jutsu at the dojo of Kan Mei sensei (2). Karate is not about Buki (weapon) or Gei (arts). The purpose is to temper the mind (3). Karate-jutsu… Mr. Shinjō explains that the meaning of “Jutsu” is the cultivation of the mind. During the demonstration, he is scheduled to put a wire through his arm (4). Since the wire is like a fine metal chopstick, encouraging himself with a kiai, he will pass the wire through his arm instantly. Not a drop of blood is shed. No pain is felt. It is hard to believe that such a skill is of a human being.

  To master such a technique, one needs a considerable amount of spiritual training and Mr. Shinjō devoted six years. Although he has developed a strong body conditioned through karate and a thick wad of muscles, he recalls the pain that comes with conditioning.

  After the war, he was evacuated to Mainland Japan (Kagoshima). When his Highness Prince Takamatsu visited Kagoshima, he demonstrated karate-jutsu at a welcoming party. So far he had put 18 times a wire through his arm, but the demonstration he did for the reception in honor of Prince Takamatsu was the one that marked him the most. Seeing the performance, the Prince asked him if it wasn’t painful.

  Once the wire go through, it is fine. But the mental concentration until realization is very tiring both nervously and physically. “I am very happy to be able to show my skill in public. According to my capacity of applying technique on this day or not will be a turning point. Even if I am the only one in Okinawa to be able to do this karate-jutsu, the Kobudō Association has recommended me, therefore, I have to do my utmost…” says he enthusiastically grabbing a wire. Currently, he runs a shoe-making store in Nishinjō, Naha City (5).

(1) Shinjō Heisaburō is the uncle of Shinjō Heitarō, who is the master of Matsuda Yoshimasa. The 3 men participated to the demonstration. According to the latter, he performed the kata Chintō while Shinjō Heitarō performed Kusari-gama.

(2) No further information on Kan Mei. The reading of the kanji is not sure as it is most likely a Chinese name. It is not sure if it is Kan-mei or Kan as a family name with Mei/Akira as a given name…

(3) In the text, “Seishin no tanren”, that could be translated as tempering or conditioning of the spirit or mind.

(4) A 3.5 mm diameter wire.

(5) At the entrance of Kuninda, the Kume Village of nowadays’ Naha, was a gate called Kume Ufu-mon (big gate). At the end of Kume Street, north east, used to be Nishinjō-mon (East gate). Today, the police box at the end of the street is still called Nishinjō Kōban.

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  On March 7^th and 8^th, 2019, the Ryūkyū Shinpō Newspaper published a cultural column titled “Easy to understand Okinawan history - Interpreting social changes.” The author is Mr. Kurima Yasuo. Born in 1941 in Naha City, he is an Okinawa historian, agricultural scientist and emeritus professor at Okinawa International University.

  In this article, professor Kurima writes about the “Katana-gari” or sword hunt that is said to have occurred at the time of King Shō Shin (1465 - 1527). The event is often mentioned in the history of Okinawa karate. Therefore we take the liberty to reproduce a part of the article in Japanese and present a translation below.

(……)

  First of all, let's introduce the most detailed description of official history available in the “Achievements of Shō Shin – ‘Kyūyō’”.  The Kyūyō Study Group has read through the ‘Kyūyō’ and compiled 33 points. The fourth point reads as follows. (……)
 (4) Swords, bows and arrows were stored to prepare for the defense of our kingdom.

(……)

  Next, let's look at the inscription “Momo Urasoe Rankan no Mei”. This asset has not survive history and its author is unknown. Yet, this inscription written in Chinese is mentioned in the "Ryūkyū Kokuhi Bunki". The inscription praises the achievements of King Shō Shin, with 11 items being listed. Some of them are also featured in "Kyūyō".  (……)

ⓔ Swords, bows, arrows and similar weapon articles were collected and used exclusively for the defense of the nation.

Were the weapons surrendered?

  From ④ and ⓔ, until now, there was an understanding that Shuri Royal Court itself had given up arms, but it was pointed out by many researchers that it was not the case. This is not a royal weapon abandonment, but a statement that the royal court seized weapons in its sole hand. This is fine as an interpretation of the phrase.

  Since weapons were collected, some say it was a "sword hunt". If you do not clarify the distinction from the “sword hunt” in Japanese history, it can lead to a misunderstanding. In Japanese history, there was a sword hunt in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's era. However, weapons were not taken away from samurai, but from peasants (farmers) in order to clarify the distinction of social status. In the case of Ryūkyū, it is said that weapons were taken away from "Aji (1)" which are regarded as "Samurai."

  So, were weapons really taken away from Aji? Originally, there was no organized armed group in Ryūkyū. While it is undeniable that there must have been some weapons, it is most likely that they were no important items for Aji. From the fact that there was really no weapon stocked, it is hard to believe that the weapons’ recall was written out as an achievement of King Shō Shin. (……)

(1) Local chieftain

  In 1522, Nakasone Toyomiya Genga of Miyako donated a treasured sword to the king (1). As the king's guardian sword, it was named Jiganemaru (2).

  Kyō Ahagon Jikki, (birth and death dates unknown) was entrusted with King Shō Shin’s precious sword and travelled to Kyōto to have it examined. In Kyōto, he contracted a sword sharpener and after the task was completed, he successfully brought the treasured sword back to the king.

  However, it turned out that the sword that he brought back was replaced for another one by the sword sharpener. So fine was the Jiganemaru that it raised the desire of the sharpener. Realizing that the sword he brought back to Ryūkyū wasn’t the original one, Kyō Ahagon returned to Kyōto. After three years of search for the sword, he finally found it and succeeded in bringing it home safely.

  The king was delighted and gave Kyō Ahagon many rewards. The fame of Kyō Ahagon’s bravery increased more and more. The more the fame rises, the more people would envy him until they were finally able to attract the attention of the king. As he could not punish Kyō Ahagon on false charge, the king invited him to the court room for a chat, offering him some tea. After a while, a young man looking for an opportunity moved forward and stabbed Kyō Ahagon with a dagger.

  This story is written in the book “Kyūyō”, retracing the history of the Ryūkyū. In the part depicting the episode, it is written as follow. “He broke the youth's femora (3) using karate (4)”. While it is unclear if karate was studied as a martial art, at that time, Chinese were already established in the Ryūkyū. Furthermore, since 1372, tribute trade was actively being held, it can be imagined that Chinese martial arts influences on the local art of Tī were happening. All this make this record quite interesting.

  Episodes about Kyō Ahagon can also be found in the books “Ryūkyū Yūraiki” (1713) and “Ryūkyū koku Kūki” (1731).

  It is unknown if the historical figure Kyō Ahagon Jikki was a disciple of karate. Yet, his grave is still preserved in Shuri. It is located in Shuri Samukawa, behind the Mezura Dake - peak.

Source: Okinawa Karate no Teihon (Unpublished resource compiled by Tsuha Kiyoshi as ordered by the now terminated Okinawa Karatedō kobudō Support Center)

(1)  Most likely it is King Shō Shin who was on the throne between 1477 till 1526.

(2) The Jiganemaru is preserved at the Naha City Historical Museum. A photo is available at this link.

http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/archives/item1/2059

(3) In the Japanese text, “Mata” could also be translated in “the crotch, the thigh, the groin”.

(4) In the Japanese text, karate is written “open hand".

  Uechi Kanbun (1877 - 1948) is the founder of one of the three major styles of Okinawa karate, Uechi-ryū. On April 21st, the unveiling ceremony of his statue was held in Mount Yaedake "Sakura no Mori Park", close from where Uechi Kanbun was born. More than 500 people participated. Here are some photographs introducing this historical day.

Starting of the ceremony		Start of the Shintō ritual of the unveiling ceremony
The senior priest of Okinogu, Uechi Ichirō heads the ritual.		From the right, Uechi Sadanao, 4th Sōke of Uechi-ryū, his brother Kanji and his uncle Kansei
The priest Uechi Ichirō is also a high ranking Shōrin-ryū karateka		People attending the ritual. On the front line far right is Hokama Tetsuhiro who was commissioned to calligraphy the story of Uechi Kanbun on the monument.
End of the ritual		Commemorative tree-planting. Chosen were Shīkwāsā citrus trees for which Motobu Town is famous for.
The 4th Sōke of Uechi-ryū, Uechi Sadanao
Lion dance of Sesoko
Speech by Tōyama Kiyohiro, head of the Motobu Town Tourism association		Speech by Uechi Sadanao
Speech by the mayor of Motobu town, Takara Fumio		Speech by Okinawa Dentō karatedō Shinkōkai Rijichō, Kiyūna Chōkō
From the left, relatives handing the photographs of 2nd and 3rd Sōke of the style, respectively Kanei and Kanmei. 3rd and 4th persons are Kanyū and Kanji, younger brothers of Uechi Sadanao.		From the left, the 2nd son of Uehara Saburō, Uehara Isamu, Kamiunten Seikō, and Uehara Saburō’s first son, Uehara Takenobu, cultural asset holder for Okinawa karate.
The unveiling of the statue
Commemorative photograph		The statue of Uechi Kanbun
Dedicatory demonstration in front of the bronze statue. The performed kata is Sanchin.		Uechi Kanji (44)
Uechi Kansei (66), uncle of Uechi Sadanao		Uechi Kanyū (37)
The bronze (180 cm) is about 5 meters including the pedestal		Closing remark by Takae Yasushi
Shimabukuro Haruyoshi leading the demonstration		Demonstration of the kata Kanshiwa
Karate starts and ends with a bow		The members of the statue construction committee
The Uechi family		All participants
The plate attached to the monument - Calligraphy by Hokama Tetsuhiro.		The English translation, translated by Miguel Da Luz.