Six Points on Training

1. The original intent of Bujutsu (martial arts) was to kill an enemy with one blow – since all techniques can be lethal, observe the teachers directions and do not engage in contests of strength.

 2. Bujutsu is an art in which one can defend against many. Therefore train yourself always to be mindful of, and alert to, opponents in the four and eight directions.

 3. Always train in a vibrant and joyful manner.

 4. The instructor can only impart a small portion of the teaching. Only through ceaseless training can you obtain the necessary experience allowing you to bring these mysteries alive. Hence, do not chase after many techniques – one by one make each technique your own.

 5. In daily training, begin with basic movements to strengthen the body without overexertion. Spend the first ten minutes warming up and there will be no fear of injury even for older people. Enjoy yourself in training and strive to comprehend its’ true purpose.

 6. Training in Bujutsu is to build ones’ character. The techniques are transmitted from person to person on an individual basis and should not be disclosed indiscriminately to the public. Such secret techniques should not be used for evil purposes.

--- Ueshiba Morihei  

Considerations for Kicks and Punches

Gusukuma Shinpan (1890-1954), was a student of Itosu Anko and Higaonna Kanryo. He often spoke of the eight considerations for kicks and the four considerations for punches. They are as follows.

Considerations for kicking:

1. When kicking in kata or kumite, the back must be kept straight so as to allow you to punch if the kick is blocked.
2. The quickest kicks are of the snapping kind.
3. The kicks of kata are performed with the toe-tipped foot. (An old-style kick, where the kick is performed with the tip of the big toe.)
4. The most important kick is that done to the middle area. (Trunk of the body).
5. Consider the knee the “hinge” of the kick.
6. The ankle must be as strong in kicking as the wrist is strong in punching.
7. The leg must be loose and flexible while the toes are tight. Just like a punch, the arm is loose while the fist is tight.
8. When kicking, always kick with both legs. (Power of the kick comes from the supporting leg.)

Considerations for punching:

1. The large knuckle finger and the thumb squeeze the index finger in a good fist.
2. In making a strong fist, the index finger is folded first.
3. Punching is done with a loose arm and tight fist.
4. You strike with the index knuckle first.

Go-jutsu and Ju-jutsu

Goju-ryu came from the combination of Go-jutsu (using the [hard] techniques of thrusting, piercing, chopping and kicking) and Ju-jutsu (using the [soft] techniques of knocking down, pushing, twisting and arresting).

My good friend, Mr. Chojun Miyagi [founder of Goju-ryu] is the same age as I am. He is a real man of character and his martial art is excellent. He was cut out to be a Karate-man. He was an outstanding trainee of Mr. Kanryo Higaonna and mastered the Naha-te style of Karate. I asked him about his ideology concerning the meaning of Goju-ryu when I spoke with him at the Naha Commercial School in October of 1936. He explained to me that he wanted to express the whole nature of Karate in as simple terms as possible for those people who had no true knowledge or understanding of karate.

Mr. Miyagi stated that all techniques of karate consisted of two methods such as Go-jutsu and Ju-jutsu (explained in the preceding paragraph). Boxing is a kind of Go-jutsu and Judo is a kind of Ju-jutsu. Some people think that Karate consists of only Go-jutsu techniques but this way of thinking is incorrect. The name Goju-ryu of Mr. Chojun Miyagi tells its own story.

--- Kanken Toyama

Karate Kenkyukai

In 1918 a group of Karate enthusiasts (Hanashiro Chomo, Kyan Chotoku, Miyagi Chojun, Mabuni Kenwa, Go Kenki, Oshiro Chojo, Yabu Kentsu, Kyoda Juhatsu, Yabiku Moden and myself) formed a group for Karate study since the two greatest teachers had died (Itosu Anko and Higaonna Kanryo both died in 1915). It was called the Karate (written as Tode) Kenkyukai which was established in Shuri City.

This was the first time that practitioners of different methods (Shuri, Naha and Tomari styles) met to train together and exchange information. Each time we met one senior would lead the training and all would benefit from their knowledge. This lasted until 1929 when, because of the popularity of this art, we all became too busy with our own students to train collectively.

--- Chibana Choshin

Budo Charter

Budo, rooted in the martial spirit of ancient Japan, is an aspect of traditional culture that has evolved from jutsu to do through centuries of historical and social change.

Following the concept of unity of mind and technique, budo has developed and refined a discipline of austere training, which promotes etiquette, skilful technique, physical strength, and the unity of mind and body. Modern Japanese have inherited these values and they play a prominent role in forming Japanese personalities. In modern Japan the budo spirit is a source of powerful energy and promotes a pleasant disposition in the individual.

Today, budo has been diffused throughout the world and has attracted strong interest internationally. However, infatuation with mere technical training, and undue concern with winning is a severe threat to the essence of budo. To prevent this perversion of the art, we must continually examine ourselves and endeavour to perfect and preserve this national heritage.

It is with this hope that we establish the Budo Charter in order to uphold the fundamental principles of traditional budo.

Japanese Budo Association April 23rd, 1987.

ARTICLE 1 (OBJECT) The object of budo is to cultivate character, enrich the ability to make value judgements, and foster a well-disciplined and capable individual through participation in physical and mental training utilizing martial techniques.

ARTICLE 2 (KEIKO) When practicing daily, one must constantly follow decorum, adhere to the fundamentals, and resist the temptation to pursue mere technical skill rather than unity of mind and technique.

ARTICLE 3 (SHIAI) In a match and the performance of kata, one must manifest budo spirit, exert oneself to the utmost, win with modesty, accept defeat gracefully, and constantly exhibit temperate attitudes.

ARTICLE 4 (DOJO) The dojo is a sacred place for training one's mind and body. Here, one must maintain discipline, proper etiquette, and formality. The training area must be a quiet, clean, safe and solemn environment.

ARTICLE 5 (TEACHING) When teaching trainees, in order to be an effective teacher, the budo master should always strive to cultivate his/her character, and further his/her own skill and discipline of mind and body. They should not be swayed by winning or losing, or display arrogance about his/her superior skill, but rather should retain the attitudes suitable for a role model.

ARTICLE 6 (PROMOTION) When promoting budo, one should follow traditional values, seek substantial training, contribute to research, and do one's utmost to perfect and preserve this traditional art with an understanding of international points of view.

--- Japanese Budo Association