The Five Benefits of Sanchin

The practice of Sanchin, the foundation kata, develops the student in five ways that reach beyond the basic needs of exercise or self- defense. Properly understood, Sanchin is a philosophical statement. The five benefits of Sanchin are as follows: 

1. Sanchin integrates all parts of the stance 
2. Sanchin corrects the breathing 
3. Sanchin develops penetrating eyes
4. Sanchin cultivates spiritual concentration
5. Sanchin strengthens the body.

The key word understanding San Chin is ‘integration’. Proper stance anchors the student to the floor; while proper concentration and breathing integrates all body movements. Proper eye contact demonstrates uninterrupted awareness, focusing the mind on every area of attack of the opponent. To develop a strong and integrated Sanchin kata is to forge a well honed and ordered self.

--- Takamiyagi Shigeru

Matsuumura’s Makimono

To: My Wise Young Brother Kuwae (Ryosei)

Through resolve and relentless training one will grasp the true essence of the fighting traditions. Hence, please consider my words deeply. No less interesting is the fundamental similarity between the fighting and literary traditions. By examining the literary phenomenon we discover three separate elements: 1. the study of shisho; 2. the study of kunko; 3. the study of jukyo.

The study of shisho refers to commanding words and communicative skills. The study of kunko refers to a comparative study in the philosophy of ancient documents and teaching a sense of duty through example. Yet, in spite of their uniqueness, they are incapable of finding the Way. Capture only a shallow understanding of the literary phenomenon, shisho and kunko cannot, therefore, be considered complete studies.

It is the study of jukyo, or Confucianism, that we can find the Way. In finding the Way we can gain a deeper understanding of things, build strength from weakness and make our feelings more sincere, become virtuous and even administer our own affairs more effectively, and in doing so make our home a more peaceful place - a precept which can also apply to our country or the entire world. This then is a complete study and it is call jukyo.

Scrutinizing the fighting disciplines we also discovered three divisions: 1. gakushi no bugei, a psychological game of strategy practiced by scholars and court officials; 2. meimoku no bugei, nominal styles of purely physical form, which aim only at winning (without virtue, participants are known to be argumentative, often harm others or even themselves, and occasionally bring shame to their parents, brothers, and family members); 3. budo no bugei, the genuine methods which are never practiced without conviction, and through which participants cultivate a serene wisdom which knows not contention or vice. With vertue, participants foster loyalty among family, friends, and country, and a natural decorum encourages a dauntless character.

With the fierceness of a tiger and the swiftness of a bird, an indomitable calmness makes subjugating any adversary effortless. Yet, budo no bugei forbids willful violence, governs the warrior, fortifies people, fosters virtue, appeases the community, and brings about a general sense of harmony and prosperity.

These are called the “Seven Virtues of Bu,” and they have been venerated by the seijin (sagacious person or persons; most probably Chinese Confucianists) in the document titled Godan-sho (an ancient journal describing the ways of China). Hence, the way of bun bu (study of philosophy and the fighting traditions, often described as “the pen and the sword”) have mutual features. A scholar needs not gakushi or meimoku no bugei, only budo no bugei. This is where you will find the Way. This indomitable fortitude will profoundly affect your judgement in recognizing opportunity and reacting accordingly, as the circumstances always dictate the means.

I am appear somewhat unsympathetic, but my conviction lies strongly in the principles of budo no bugei. If you embrace my words as I have divulged to you, leaving no secrets and nothing left hiding in my mind, you will find the Way.

--- Matsumura Bucho, May 13th (c. 1882)

Karate no Kokoro

Karatedo no Kokoro:

• Courtesy
• Through physical training one can cultivate the mind
• Maximum effort
• Avoid unnecessary fights; martial arts are to defend against unexpected calamities
• Chivalry

--- Chosin Chibana

On Goju Ryu Karatedo

It should be known that the secret principles of Goju Ryu karatedo exist in the kata.

Goju Ryu karatedo is a manifestation within one's own self of the harmonious accord of the universe.

The way of Goju Ryu karatedo is to seek the way of virtue.

--- Chojun Miyagi

The Good Points of Karate

Some good points of karate are as follows.

1. Not limited by space - a large place or a spacious area is not required for practicing karate.
2. Not limited by number of people - you can practice karate by yourself. You can also practice it as a group.
3. Not limited by time - you don't have to spend hours in practicing karate.
4. Not limited by age - you can choose kata suitable for your physique and condition and practice it, regardless of age and gender.
5. Not limited by cost - without spending much money, you can practice karate with simple equipment (such as makiwara) or without it.
6. Improve health - karate effectively promotes health; many karateka live healthy and long.
7. Cultivate spirit and character - mind and body training cultivates your spirit and character.

--- Chojun Miyagi

Kata and Application

If one has to alter a waza or movement in the kata to match the meaning (application), the meaning is incorrect.

--- Chosin Chibana

Knowing and Understanding

Karate wa karada de narau koto" (one learns karate with one's body). Knowledge (shirimasu [I know]) can come from intellectualising, but understanding (wakarimasu [I understand]) comes from experiencing/training. True karate knowledge and understanding is empirical.

--- Chosin Chibana