Funakoshi Gichin
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Karate Studies: Translation Update
Some readers may be aware that I’ve been intermittently translating “Karate Studies” magazine for nearly three years now. I’m delighted to announce that yesterday, I received a proof copy of “Karate Studies” (空手研究). Much like my previous endeavors in translating old Karate books, working on “Karate Studies” has been a blend of love and frustration.… Continue reading
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Reconstructing Old style Karate
I do not believe there is enough of a “fossil record” to outline what “old-style” Karate practices consisted of. The earliest technical information we have is from Funakoshi’s publications in the early 1920s. Prior to this, there is nothing definitive, with the possible exception of Hanashiro Chomo’s Karate Kumite; however, we only have a few… Continue reading
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Gima Shinkin
Here is a little information about Gima Shinkin . All of it is from Fujiwara Ryozo’s “The Story of Modern Karate-do History.” Fujiwara: By the way, would you know all the names of the first seven people issued rank by master Funakoshi? Gima: Because I was taking the teacher’s qualification at Maebashi commercial school at… Continue reading
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Mai-kata: Emergence of the Theory of a Prototype of Karate
One perspective on the origins of karate centers on the development of kata from traditional martial arts and skills passed down in Okinawa. One of the remaining early accounts comes from Funakoshi Gichin in his book “Karate Jutsu,” which discusses the history and development of karate. Funakoshi provides insight into the origins of Okinawan karate.… Continue reading
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Seiyo no Sai
As some readers may know, I have been intermittently translating the publication, “Karate Kenkyu” (Karate Studies) magazine, on and off for two years. I am pleased to announce that I have finally completed a working translation of the magazine. Translating this publication has been a labor of love for me, and I am excited to… Continue reading
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Kano Jigoro & Karate-do
Kano Jigoro (嘉納治五郎 1860 – 1938) was a man of tremendous importance and influence during the Meiji and Taisho era in Japan. An educator, sportsman, informal diplomat, budoka and member of the aristocracy, he understood the importance of embracing western culture that was entering Japan and at the same time preserving its own. So it… Continue reading
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Inoue Motokatsu’s Memories of Taira Shinken
My [first] meeting with Taira Sensei happened in the fall of 1928. At that time, Taira Sensei, who was residing in Ikaho, Gunma Prefecture, happened to visit the Meisho Juku Dojo (Okinawa Student Dormitory Dojo) in Koishikawa Suitengumae to see his karate teacher, Funakoshi Gichin. Taira Sensei was one of his oldest students and had… Continue reading
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Oto-ryu Part 2
Here is the second instalment of the interview with Haseba Yamato talking about his teacher, Tamae Hiroyasu and Oto-ryu. More information can be found on Haseba’s dojo website, Shorinji Kaikan. The interview as originally published in Gekkan Karatedo magazine (July, 2017, pp. 28 to 33). As an aside, I would kindly ask that you not… Continue reading
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Become Weaker
The essay below was written by Yokota Nanrei, the Chief Abbot of the Engaku-ji temple of the Rinzai Zen sect. Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1964. He graduated from the University of Tsukuba in 1987. He was ordained as a monk during his time at university and trained at the Sodo of Kyoto’s Kennin-ji Temple… Continue reading
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The Legacy of Yamada Tatsuo
Have you heard of Nippon Kempo Karate-do, the “phantom mixed martial art”? Probably not. It was a martial art popular sixty years ago and included full-contact punching and kicking as well as ground fighting, joint locks and chokes. However, it never became popular and died off quietly. It was founded by Yamada Tatsuo, a name… Continue reading
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