In the 6th episode of the Okinawa Karate “WA” series, Goju-ryu's master Kinjō Tsuneo sensei introduces "Sandan uke" as well as an essential concept of Okinawa karate "Mītudī".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsLnKwd2HU
In this fifth episode of the Okinawa Karate “WA” series, Matsubayashi-ryu master Taira Yoshitaka sensei introduces the way Gedan-barai (lower block) is executed and trained in his system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8vvXcPBAOU
Go to the “WA” series movies list
In this fourth episode of the Okinawa Karate “WA” series, Uechi-ryu master Shimabukuro Haruyoshi sensei introduces an auxiliary exercise of his system of karate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjbQGT93Y7U
Go to the “WA” series movies list
Bu “starts with Rei and ends with Rei”
If you put this in practice in your daily life, it will lead to the best of life. It is important to respect and esteem others. Regarding etiquette, “Rei” is not just about bowing. It is a form of prayer for the success and safety of a demonstration, a way of expressing gratitude to the past masters who devised the kata of martial arts, to the audience, to the performance venue (living thing that is the wood that forms the walls and atmosphere), to the weapons we use and to the people who are performing with us.
When you wake up every morning and say hello to your family, students, fellow students or teachers on their way to school, friends and acquaintances that you meet along the way, the other person will also reply. While living a social life, this leads to a smooth, calm and peaceful life.
“Shitsurei" (as in "excuse me” or a lack of gratitude) means to ignore the other party. "Kiri-sute gomen" - In the Edo period, there was a time when cutting down general commoners, tradesmen, and peasants who behaved rudely towards the samurai class would not be blamed. In all human relationships, the role of "respectful morale" is huge. Originally, the ultimate goal of Japanese martial arts resided in one point: "Uyamau (Kei)" meaning “respect”.
The old form for the character “Rei” has the meaning of offering sake to the gods. According to the Kadokawa dictionary on the origins of characters, there are: 1) Courtesy (Etiquette / Festival), 2) Ceremony (Dress code / Ceremony of proclamation of a Crown Prince), 3) How to show respect toward others (Rudeness / Impoliteness), 4) Gratitude; Expressing gratitude (Thank-you note / Remuneration) 5) Bow. Greetings (Worship / Eyes greetings) are mentioned among others.
When performing karate and kobudō, make sure to bow at the beginning and end of the performance. Bu or martial arts begins and ends with a bow, as a sign of courtesy and gratitude. We all have been strictly taught in this way. Rei is also a form of prayer that calms the heart, nurture a strong force and leads to realization. If you forget Rei, you will soon feel powerless. It is said that “A warrior dies for someone who knows him” (‘Historical records’). To know is to believe, and to always show gratitude should become a daily custom.
Okinawa Prefecture designated intangible cultural asset holder for “Okinawa Karate and Kobujutsu”
Chairman of the Okinawa Traditional Kobudō Preservation Society Bunbukan HDQRS.
Nakamoto Masahiro
82 years old
In this third episode of the Okinawa Karate “WA” series, cultural asset holder for Okinawa karate and kobudō and head of the Okinawa Dentō Kobudō Hozonkai Bunbukan, Nakamoto Masahiro sensei the nunchaku technique "Gyakute-gamae".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4BQ8hlUcec
