Shidoho

The following is an excerpt from "Outline of Karate" written by Chojun Miyagi.

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Karate Shidoho (Karate Instruction Method)

1. Yobi Undo (Preparatory Exercise)

At the beginning of the training session perform yobi undo to exercise joints and muscles in order to enhance flexibility, strength and endurance. At the end of the training session, perform seiri undo (cool-down exercise) to relax te muscles. This is to follow with breathing exercise and seiza (quite sitting).

2. Kihon Kata (Fundation Kata)

Sanchin, Tensho and Naihanchi are the kihon kata. The objective of kihon kata training is to develop a strong body, proper posture, develop fighting spirit and coordinate breathing with the use of power.

3. Hojo Undo (Supplementary Exercise)

The objective of hojo undo is to learn the basic principles and technical components of the karate techniques. The drills are movements from the kaishu kata. Some of these drills are performed with equipment to develop overall body or specific muscle strength necessary for delivery of karate techniques.

4. Kaishu Kata (Utilization Kata)

There are 20 to 30 different kaishu kata. Many named after their originators. Kaishu kata consist of movements where offensive and defensive techniques are arranged logically. The usage of these techniques can be understood by applying appropriate body tension and power in accordance with the movements when training in kaishu kata. Additionally, training in kaishu kata develops fighting spirit and physical stamina.

5. Kumite Renshu (Fighting Drill)

After having mastered several kaishu kata,they should be dissected to reveal the fighting techniques. Apply these techniques in kumite renshu with vigour and spirit as if in an actual fighting situation.

Walking in the Dark

Studying karate nowadays is like walking in the dark without a lantern. We have to grope our way in the dark. There are so many things in karate that does not make sense and there are a lot of things I cannot understand. Therefore, while our grand masters are still alive, we have to see them and ask many questions. I think it is still very difficult to find the answers even if we did so.

--- Chojun Miyagi

Sanchin Kata

I would like to provide some information on heishu kata for those who study karate. Heishu kata means fundamental kata. In Goju-Ryu, you have to develop your mind and body by doing Sanchin kata before entering the way of karate. Stand firm and straight with stable stance, hands positioned properly and breathing harmoniously. Stand like this and you will feel Sanchin ecstasy. This is is the stationary version of Sanchin kata. There is also a moving version of the Sanchin kata that is also called Papurin. Usually we refer to both versions as Sanchin. When performing Sanchin kata, concentrate your attention on the tanden, a point just below the navel, the back of the head and the buttocks. Tuck your chin in and lift the back of your head high. Charge tanden with energy. Tuck your buttocks in. These three points are not independent from each other, but are interrelated. I have heard that the principles of Sanchin are the same as Zazen or other quite sitting exercises.

---Chojun Miyagi

Eight Verses of Kenpo

Eight Verses of Kenpo (From Bubishi)

1. The mind is the same as heaven and earth.
2. Pulse and blood circulation are like the sun and moon.
3. Techniques are goju (hard, soft), inhale and exhale.
4. Body changes in accordance with situation.
5. Hand goes in where there is an opening.
6. Stepping forward, backward, apart and close.
7. Eyes must see all directions.
8. Ears can hear from afar.

--- Bubishi

How to Learn Kata

Beginning students learn only the foundation kata, Nahanchin kata for Shuri-te and Sanchin kata for Naha-te. The emphasis is on proper breathing, proper postures and the development of ability to generate explosive force with very short movements. The use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are not of concern at this stage.

Only after the students have mastered the first stage, sometimes it take years, the other kata are to be taught. At this second stage, the use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are to be added to the training. This is to be in conjunction with the study of kaisai of the kata. That is why it usually take a year or two to learn one kata.

---Ankoh Azato

Goju is Like the Willow

Goju is like the willow in strong wind. The strong wind blows the willow. The willow never resist the wind, just remains passive, but never be broken or destroyed. In this way we take advantage of the flow of the opponent's strength. This is a secret of the art that we have to master through constant practice.

---Chojun Miyagi