Contact the EditorWm John Collett

Post Offi ce Box 1046Dickson ACT 2602

AustraliaEmail: wjc@netspeed.com.au

Phone: +61-418-626-025

SOUTHERNSUMMER

2008

In this Issue EditorialNews from Hanshi Congratulations Hanshi!Around the dojos Seifukan Florey, ACT, AustraliaAustralian Martial Arts Hall of Fame Congratulations Shihan!Grading Results Canberra Nov 2008 Melbourne Nov 2008Some Technical Stuff Seiken and MaegeriNews from the IGKRS Shihankai What’s on that Certifi cate ~ Part 1Historical Feature

Historical Outline of Karate-do, Martial Arts of Ryukyu

by Chojun MiyagiCover Images

KOKORO WA SHIZUKAMIWA AKIRA KANIWAZA WA HAGE SHI KU

Serenity of mind, heart and spiritSeek depth of study beyond ones perceptionDiligence in practice arrives at understanding of techniques

Personal Philosophy of Gogen YAMAGUCHI10th Dan Master (1909-1989)

With the recent birth of a new grandson I found myself pondering fi lial responsibility. Had I done enough? Had I repaid my parents for all that they did for me while they were alive? For all the love and care, did they understand how much I appreciated the grounding that they provided me; that allowed me to try and instil the ideals of conscience and respect into my own children?How do you repay your parents for bringing you into the world? Th is precious gift

that we call life, what is the true value? What method of payment is considered adequate? You can’t simply write a cheque when you reach a certain age, or is there a greater obligation? Is this what the Japanese call Giri?So, what is giri I hear you ask? It is variously translated as “duty;” “honour;” “decency;” “courtesy;” “debt of gratitude” or “social obligation.” Th e concept that it describes is a strongly ingrained component of Japanese and many other Asian cultures. Equally in the west the concept has existed certainly within family groups where fi lial responsibility is taken very seriously in some cultures. Indeed, even where a more casual outlook exists the degree of pride within a family group when a son or a daughter some how or other “does the right thing” or prospers in some fashion and is therefore seen in a good light by the wider community is very well known and understood. And how does this apply to us in the martial arts? True giri entails performing acts of service to everyone we are in some way dependent on; service to your family, community, and society. It is the pursuit of fulfi lling one’s duty that is not confi ned to home or in our case, the dojo, it is something to be practised in all aspects of our lives.In the budo it is a concept that is most pronounced in the teacher-student relationship, especially in Japan. Th e classical Japanese ryu-ha was not run as a business, there was no exchange of money or goods between a master and his disciples. Th e student, however, was expected to carry the obligation of loyalty to his teacher, school, and the other students through perpetuating the art. Th rough listening and acting in good faith with a good heart and honest, honourable intentions. I sometimes ask myself “Is that how you live your life? Is that how you live your budo life.”How about you?

Welcome to the summer 2008 edition of Goju no Seimei the journal of the Kokusai Goju Kobujutsu Kenkyukai, the International Goju Traditional Martial Art Research Society.By the time this issue reaches you it will be 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy healthy and prosperous new year. Stay well train hard and send in those articles and other tid bits of news. My very best regards,

EDITORIAL

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HANSHI AWARDED KYUDAN

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Alex Alt Shihan, assisted by a few of the Queensland yudansha gave a demonstrtion of IGK Goju-ryu at the AMAHOF Martial Arts Expo held on the Gold Coast in conjunction with the AMAHOF awards presentations. Shihan took advantage of the occasion to surprise Ceberano Hanshi with the presentation of a Kyudan (9th dan) certifi cate awarded to him by the International Kobudo Karate Federation.

Alex Shihan announcing

Hanshi’s award

Hanshi receiving his

kyudan certifi cate

Members of the demonstartion team

reading out messages of support

Alex Shihan acknowledging Hanshi

Alex Shihan demonstaring bunkaifrom kata suparinpei

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HANSHI AWARDED KYUDAN

Hanshi receiving congratulations from Alex Shihan

Back to the show ~ Alex Shihan

demonstrates kata Suparinpei

Hanshi speaking to the audience after the award

AROUND THE DOJOS: SEIFUKANThe IGK Canberra Branch Headquarters has moved to new premises at:

Unit 537 Kesteven StreetFlorey ACT 2615

We have named the new dojo the Seifukan or if you prefer Dojo of the West Wind.The name comes from the ever present westerly wind that blows most of the year in Canberra.The new dojo is conveniently located in a small suburban shopping centre with plenty of parking and other amenities like restaurants, chemist, medical centre and physio close by.We don’t have quite as much space as we had at the old location but it doesn’t seem to be a problem, indeed the new dojo has a good feel to it.We have had our fi rst senior grading day so it is fair to say that the Seifukan is up and running.Next on our agenda is a web site - coming in the new year so keep an eye out for us.

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Alex Alt Shihan inducted into AMAHOF

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It is with great pleasure that we announce that Alex Alt Shihan and Chief Instructor of the IKG in Australia has been inducted into the AMAHOF (Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame) and the WKUHOF (World Karate Union Hall of Fame) as Martial Artist of the Year – Goju Karate.The award was presented to Alex in front of family and friends at a gala dinner held at the Holiday Inn, Surfers Paradise on Friday, 3 October 2008.

Ceberano Hanshi announcing the award

Ceberano Hanshi congratulatingAlex Shihan on the award

Shihan leaving the stage with his award Shihan surrounded by his family

Shihan accepting his award

Shihan accepting his award

Tell the world, well the IGK world how you’re progressing. Send in you grading results.Congratulations to the following members on their recent promotions.

Carlie ANDERSONShodan

Andrew SCALLY:Shodan

Alison TONG LEE:Shodan-ho

Elmei van RENSBURG: Shonen Shodan-ho

Canberra, ACT 20081122

GRADING RESULTS

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Meltone, ACT 20081129

Patrick FRASERNidan

Mark AGIUS:Shodan-ho

Ron BATEMAN:Shodan-ho

Stanojka DIVOVIC: Shodan-ho

Natalie Louise FRASER:Shodan-ho

Sharon FRASER:Shodan-ho

Spencer Svend HENNINGS: Shodan-ho

Dave WALKER:Shodan-ho

SOME TECNICAL STUFF

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This issue we show two of the most commonly used techniques in Goju-ryu karate, Th e normal fi st, or “seiken” as in Jodan-seiken-zuki and “maegeri,” or front kick with the ball of the foot.

Two simple, direct and eff ective techniques ~ learn them well!

The IGK Shihankai has not met since the publication of the Spring edition of Goju no Seimei.In place of Shihankai news we have included an explanation of the new senior IGK certifi cates.

Here is what the new dan certifi cate looks like:

Note on numbers: Th e kanji for numbers one, two, three and ten used on your certifi cate are not the common simple stroke kanji that you might be familiar with, instead the formal or legal versions of these numbers have been used to help ensure the value of your certifi cate is not compromised by unscrupulous people that might obtain a copy of it.Th e certifi cate is in the style of a modern Japanese certifi cate – it is read from right to left.

A: Th is line of kanji is the serial number of your certifi cate. It is made up as follows:

NEWS FROM THE SHIHANKAI

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NEWS FROM THE SHIHANKAIi. Th e kanji Dai at the start and the kanji Go at the end signify that this is a numberii. Th e fi rst part of the body of the line indicates the year. In this sample we have Ni-sen-roku or 2006 – the year of issueiii. Next we have a colon character (“:”) to separate the two partsiv. Finally we have the sequence number within the year of issue. in this example we have the kanji or one

So we have Dai-Nisenroku : Ichi-Go or 2006:001B: Th is red stamp is the seal of the Kokusai Goju Kobujutsu Kenkyukai. It consists of the name of the society and the kanji for “seal” rendered into “Tensho” or seal script.C: Th e dragon frame is the same as that used on the old IGK certifi cates with a slightly diff erent rendering – this helps retain a link with the past.D: Th is large block of kanji reads:

NIHON BUGEI GOSHINDO KARATEJUTSU KOKUSAI GOJU KOBUJUTSU KENKYUKAI de NESHIN ni SHUGYO KOMPAN SHIKO e GODAN i SHINSA SHIKEN GOKAKU YUSHU NARIorIn the Japanese self defence art of karatejutsu from the International Traditional Goju Martial Art Research Society ~ You have trained very hard and studied diligently, you have received and excellent pass in the <grade> Examination.You should interpret it as “A certifi cate for you.”

E: Th is is the symbol or logo of the Kokusai Goju Kobujutsu Kenkyukai. It consists of three parts:

i. Th e three tailed kamon or family crest of the former royal house of Okinawa and is indicative of our arts historical links to the Ryukyu islandsii. Th e name of the Society reading clockwise around the top of the circleiii. Th e kanji for Shu, Ha and Ri also reading clockwise around the bottom of the circle

F: Th is is the grading authority for your certifi cate. Th e single line of kanji reads “Kaicho Ceberano Tino” or “Society President Tino Ceberano.” G: Th is is the personal philosophy of the late Yamaguchi Gogen Hanshi. It provides a link to the old IGK certifi cates.H: Th is short line of kanji is like a heading, it will change depending on the grade being confi rmed.

For Shodan-ho to Sandan it will read , “Nin-tei-sho” or “Certifi cate”

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NEWS FROM THE SHIHANKAIFor Yondan and above it will read , “Menkyojo” or “licence” as is the case in the sample above

I: Th is short line of katakana (or possibly kanji) is your name rendered in Japanese. J: Th is short line of kanji is your date of birth rendered in the traditional Japanese form of year of the emperor’s reign, month, day. 2006 is Heisei Juhachi or the eighteenth year of the reign of Emperor Heisei. Th e previous Emperor (Hirohito) was Showa.K: Th is short line of kanji is the issue date of your certifi cate rendered in the traditional Japanese form of year of the emperor’s reign, month, day.L: Th is line of kanji is the fi rst line of “Hombu” or “headquarters” registration, it reads:

KOKUSAI GOJU KOBUJUTSU KENKYUKAI <GRADE> NINTEISHO orKOKUSAI GOJU KOBUJUTSU KENKYUKAI <GRADE> MENKYOor<Grade> Certifi cate (or Licence) from the International Traditional Goju Martial Art Research Society

M: Th is line of kanji is the second line of “Hombu” registration, it reads:KOKUSAI GOJU KOBUJUTSU KENKYUKAI HOMBU TOROKUorInternational Traditional Goju Martial Art Research Society, Headquarters Registration

N: Th is small red stamp is the personal seal of Kaicho Ceberano (Tino Ceberano Hanshi.)O: Th e signature block of Kaicho Ceberano.P: Th e body of the certifi cate rendered in English.Q: Th is medium red stamp was used on the old IGK certifi cates and is a link to those certifi cates.R: Your photograph.

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HISTORICAL FEATUREHISTORICAL OUTLINE OF KARATE-DO,

MARTIAL ARTS OF RYUKYUby Chojun Miyagi

Translator’s Remarks: Th e title in Japanese is “Ryukyu Kenpo Karatedo Enkaku Gaiyo”. Th is essay appeared as a supplementary article in two books, “Okinawano Karatedo” by Shoshin Nagamine (1975, Shinjinbutsu Oraisha) and “Okinawaden Gojuryu Karatedo” by Eiichi Miyazato (1979, Jitsugyono Sekaisha). Some parts are omitted in this translation.Original Remarks: Th is essay was written and prepared by Master Chojun Miyagi especially for the club members {Okinawa Karate Kenkyu-Kai or Okinawa Karate Research Club} when he gave us the lecture “About Karatedo” and its demonstration at the lecture hall on the 4th fl oor of Meiji Shoten at Sakaisuji, Osaka on 28th January 1936.

1. PrefaceWhat is karate? It is the art we exercise mind and body for health promotion in daily life, but in case of emergency it is the art of self-defence without any weapon. In most cases we fi ght with our bodies - hands, feet, elbows etc - to defeat opponents. However, in some cases, in accordance with circumstances, we may also use weapons (such as Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Weeku, Kama etc).People often misunderstand karate. When they see someone breaking fi ve wooden board or a few pieces of roof tile by his or her fi st, they think it is a main part of karate. Of course, it is not a main part of karate but a trivial part of karate. Like other fi ghting arts, the truth of karate or Tao of karate can be understood and mastered at the ultimate goal which is beyond teachings and impossible to describe by words.

2. How the martial arts was introduced to Ryukyu (= Okinawa)?Th e name “karate” is a special term in Ryukyu. Karate originated from Chinese kungfu. We have few books on origin of Chinese kungfu, so we cannot conclude immediately, but according to a theory, the martial arts originated in central Asia and the area around Turkey when the ancient civilization was developed. And then it was introduced to China gradually. However, we still another theory. It says that about 5,000 years ago Chinese kungfu originated at the age of Yellow Emperor (= Emperor Huang) who built the brilliant culture at the Yellow River basin. Anyway, it is not diffi cult to imagine that the prototype of martial arts was born by fi ghting spirit for struggle which human being possess by nature. For example, most styles of Chinese kungfu were created by mimicking fi ghts of animals or birds. You can see it from the styles’ names such as Tiger Style, Lion Style, Monkey Style, Dog Style, Crane Style and so on. In the age a little later, Chinese kungfu split into Southern school and Northern school. Moreover, each school split into Neijia and Waijia. Th e characteristic of Neijia is mainly softness, and it is a defensive fi ghting arts. Wudang kungfu (= Taichi for example) is typical of Neijia. Th e characteristic of Waijia is mainly hardness, and it is an aggressive fi ghting arts. Shaolin kungfu is typical of Waijia, which

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HISTORICAL FEATUREwas created at Shaolin Temple in Songshang Mountaion, Henan province.And later, in the ages of Tang dynasty and Song dynasty, we can fi nd many kungfu warriors at the height of their success.When we consider how karate was introduced to Ryukyu (= Okinawa), we have various opinions without any historical evidence. We have not yet come to a correct conclusion on this matter. Th ere are three main opinions, namely “Th irty-six Chinese Immigrants”, “Oshima Notes” and “Importation in Keicho Period”. Simple explanation of each opinion are as follows.

(1) Th irty-six Chinese ImmigrantsIn 1392 (Ming dynasty in China), thirty-six Chinese immigrants came to Ryukyu from Fujian province. At that time karate was introduced to Ryukyu by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province.

(2) Oshima NotesIn 1762, the merchant ship of the Ryukyu Kingdom was caught in a heavy storm on the way to Satsuma (= Kagoshima prefecture now), and cast ashore on the coast of Oshima, Tosa (= Kochi prefecture now). Shiohira Pechin, a high rank offi cial of the ship, was an intelligent person. He was helped by Choki Tobe, an intellectual who lived in Oshima. Tobe wrote down Shiohira’s interesting stories about the Ryukyu Kingdom. His notes was called “Oshima Notes”. Th e 3rd volume of “Oshima Notes” says “Koshankun, a kungfu warrior, came from China to Ryukyu (= Okinawa) bringing his disciples with him.” According to the Notes, at that time people called the martial arts “Kumiaijutsu” instead of karate. Th is notes is the most reliable literature on karate.

(3) Importation in Keicho PeriodIn 1609 (14th year of Keicho period), the Shimazu clan of Satsuma (= Kagoshima prefecture now) invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, and they prohibited possessing weapons by people of Ryukyu. Some believe that karate was created spontaneously due to the cruel oppression by Satsuma. Th e others insist that karate was not a domestic creation but what was imported from China. I think it is reasonable to consider that karate was a fusion of a martial arts from China and “Te” a native martial arts which had already existed, so karate was developed remarkably and even today it is still improved rationally and developed. We have a few diff erent opinions on origin of karate, but they are popular misconceptions and not worth listening.

As mentioned above, so far we do not have any defi nite and convincing opinion yet. Anyway, karate has been developed, modifi ed and improved for so many years.

3. Karate circles in the pastWe also do not know origin of the name “karate”, but it is true that the name “karate” was made recently. In the old days it was called “Te”. At that time people used to practice

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HISTORICAL FEATUREkarate secretly, and a masters taught a few advanced Kata out of all the Kata only to his best disciple. If he had no suitable disciple, he never taught them anyone, and eventually such Kata have completely died out. As a result, there are many Kata which were not handed down. In about middle of Meiji period (1868-1912), prominent karate masters abolished the old way of secrecy. Karate was opened to the public, so it was soon recognized by society. It was dawn in the development of karate. In accordance with the rapidly progressing culture, karate was also recognized as physical education, and it was adopted as one of the teaching subjects at school. Th erefore, at last karate has won the social approval.

4. How we teach karate at present.According to oral history, in the old days, the teaching policy of karate put emphasis on self-defence techniques. With just a motto of “no fi rst attack in karate”, teachers showed their students the moral aspects. However, I heard that in reality they tended to neglect such moral principles. So gradually the teaching policy was improved with the change of the times. Now we discontinued and abolished the wrong tradition of so-called “body fi rst, and mind second”, and we made our way toward Tao of fi ghting arts or the truth of karate. Eventually we have obtained the correct motto “mind fi rst, and body second” which means karate and Zen are the same.Th ose who are engaged in teaching karate in Okinawa prefecture and outside Okinawa prefecture at present are as follows. (in random order)

In Okinawa prefecture:Kentsu Yabu, Chomo Hanashiro, Chotoku Kyan, Anbun Tokuda, Juhatsu Kyoda, Choshin Chibana, Jinsei Kamiya, Shinpan Gusukuma, Seiko Higa, Kamado Nakasone, Jin-an Shinzato, Chojun Miyagi

Outside Okinawa prefecture:Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, Kenwa Mabuni, Masaru Sawayama, Sanyu Sakai, Moden Yabiku, Jizaburo Miki, Yasuhiro Konishi, Shinji Sato, Mizuho Mutsu, Kamesuke Higaonna, Shinjun Otsuka, Shin Taira, Koki Shiroma, Kanbun Uechi

5. About karate styles or RyuTh ere are various opinions about Ryu or styles of karate in Ryukyu (= Okinawa), but they are just guess without any defi nite research or evidence. With regard to this matter, we feel as if we are groping in the dark.According to a popular opinion out of them, we can categorize karate into two styles; Shorin-Ryu and Shorei-Ryu. Th ey insist that the former is fi t for a stout person, while the latter for a slim person. However, such an opinion proved to be false by many studies. In the meantime, there is the only opinion we can trust. It is as follows: In 1828 (Qing or Ching dynasty in China), our ancestors inherited a kungfu style of Fujian province in China. Th ey continued their studies and formed Goju-Ryu karate. Even today, there still exists an orthodox group which inherited genuine and authentic Goju-Ryu karate.

6. Th e feature of karateSome good points of karate are as follows.(1) A large place or a spacious area is not required for practicing karate.(2) You can practice karate by yourself. You can also do it together with other karate members by forming a group.(3) You don’t have to spend many hours in practicing karate.(4) You can choose Kata suitable for your physical strength and practice it regardless of age and gender.(5) Without spending much money, you can practice karate with simple equipment (such as Makiwara) or without it.(6) Karate is very eff ective as a means of health promotion. Th ere are many karateka who are healthy and live long.(7) As a result of training in mind and body, you can cultivate your character and acquire indomitable spirit.

7. Th e future of karate-doTh e days when karate was taught secretly was over, and has come the new age in which we practice and study karate publicly and offi cially. Th erefore, the future of karate-do is bright. Taking this opportunity, we should stop advertising karate as if it was a mysterious and magical fi ghting arts in a small island called Ryukyu. We should open karate to the public and receive criticism, opinions and studies from the other prominent fi ghting artists. In the future, we should invent complete protectors for a safety karate tournament like other fi ghting arts, so that karate become one of Japanese fi ghting arts.Nowadays karate-do has become popular all over Japan, where many people study karate-do very hard. Even outside Japan, karate-do is popular. Th ere is a man who graduated from university in Tokyo. He is now propagating and studying karate-do in Europe. In May 1934, I was invited to propagate and teach karate-do in Hawaii, U.S.A. by Okinawans there and a newspaper company. Karate clubs have been established in Hawaii since then.As mentioned above, now karate-do has become not only a Japanese martial arts but also an international martial arts.

8. Th e teaching method of karateAs each person has his or her distinctive character, the muscle development is diff erent depending on his or her muscle use. Th erefore, at fi rst, we do “Preparatory Exercise” to develop our muscles so that we can practice karate exercises easier, and then “Fundamental Kata”, “Supplementary Exercise”, “Kaishu Kata” and “Kumite Training”. We teach karate in this way. Each outline is as follows.

HISTORICAL FEATURE

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(1) Preparatory ExerciseWe exercise each muscle of our body in order to enhance its fl exibility, strength and endurance, and then we practice the fundamental Kata, namely Sanchin, Tensho and Naifanchi. We do again this preparatory exercise after practice of Kata to relax our muscles. And we take a breathing exercise and take a rest quietly.(2) Fundamental KataSanchin, Tensho and Naifanchi are the fundamental Kata. Th rough practicing them, we can take a correct posture. We can inhale and exhale correctly. We can adjust increasing or decreasing our power harmoniously. We can develop a powerful physique and a strong will of warrior.(3) Supplementary ExerciseTh is exercise enable us to learn and perform Kaishu Kata well. We exercise each part of our body with a particular movement. We also practice with various equipments to enhance our outer whole strength and particular part strength.(4) Kaishu Kata (= Kata except Fundamental Kata)Nowadays we have about twenty or thirty kinds of Kata, and their names are various depending on their creators. Kata has techniques of defense and off ense which are connected appropriately. It has various directions of the movements and it is something like gymnastics. We should perform Kata by using power of mind and body in accordance with its technical purpose so that we can learn the principle of untying and tying.(5) Kumite TrainingWe untie Kaishu Kata which we already learned, and we study techniques of defense and off ense in Kaishu Kata. Understanding its technical purpose, we practice the techniques of attack and defense with fi ghting spirit like a real situation.I summarize as follows. We induce the interaction of mind and body from the fundamental Kata, Sanchin, Tensho and Naifanchi. We develop the spirit of martial arts by acquiring fi ghting techniques through practicing Kaishu Kata and Kumite training correctly.

HISTORICAL FEATURE

Th is article re-printed with the kind permission of YAMADA Kiyotaka. Yamada-san is a resident of Osaka, he is a yondan in Okinawan Goju-ryu and is some what famously known in cyber sapce as “Sanzinsoo.” You can fi nd his blog at:

http://yamada-san.blogspot.com

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COVER IMAGES

The top image shows the Heian-jingu Shrine. A relatively recent addition to Kyoto’s collection of sacred places, but is still a very impressive shrine, featuring elegant, richly-colored buildings, as well as four large gardens that surround them in the cardinal directions.Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Heian Kyo (Kyoto), and dedicated to the Emperors Kammu and Komei, the fi rst and last Emperors to rule from Kyoto, the buildings are a partial replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian period.And of course Kyoto’s Ritsumeikan University is the place where YAMAGUCHI Gogen Hanshi began his journy in Goju-ryu karate.

The middle image shown Yamaguchi Gogen Hanshi beside his personal training philosophy written in his own hand.

The bottom image shows a montage of Miyagi Sensie leading training in 1929 and a well kniown portrait of the founder of Goju-ryu.