pwma newsletter jan-feb 2016

7/25/2019 PWMA Newsletter Jan-Feb 2016

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pwma-newsletter-jan-feb-2016 1/23

January-February, 2016

Table of Contents Dojo Events

Belt Test Results

New Year’s Day

Workout

Fun Run for

Jamaica

New DVD’s

Student of theMonth

Articles of Interest

Videos of Interest

Dojo EventsEvents in January:

Thursday, January 21, 6:30pm – Adult Beginning Belt Test

Saturday, January 30, 5-8:30pm – Arizona Karate AwardsBanquet

Events in February:

Sunday, February 7, 11am-1pm – Specialty Workshop:

Introduction to Feng Shui Wednesday, February 10 – Beginning Belt Test Interview

Deadline

Friday, February 12, 7:30-11:30pm – Parent’s Night Out: NerfWars

Friday, February 19, 4:30pm – Little Warriors Test

Friday, February 19, 5:30pm – Beginning Belt Test

Saturday, February 27 – Winter Games Tournament

Monday, February 29, 5:30pm – Seminar with Sensei NeilStolsmark

Events in March:

Tuesday, March 1, 5:30pm – Seminar with Sensei NeilStolsmark

Monday, March 7 – Spring Break Camp Begins

Friday, March 11 – Spring Break Camp Ends

Sunday, March 13 – AZ State Championship Tournament

Monday, March 14 – Spring Break Camp 2 Begins

Friday, March 18 – Spring Break Camp 2 Ends

Saturday, March 19, 1-3pm – Spring Gathering Open Sparring

Event



Belt Test Results

Little Warriors Beginning Belts:Nikolas, Aaron, Kyle, Matthew, Katelyn, Finley

ME Beginning Belts:Lacy, Quinn, Leo



Youth Beginning Belts:

Amber, Josh, Kaid, Jordan, Joshua, Preston, Finn, Kyle, Aidan, Ellie,Nico

New Year’s Day Workout

On January 1st, 2016, several dedicated members of the dojo gottogether to ring in the New Year with a good sweat! Thanks toeveryone who come out to train with us, and we look forward toanother great year!



Fun Run for Jamaica

We will run, walk...perhaps crawl together on Saturday,March 12 for the Cool Runnings 5K for Jamaica event.

Practice running/training will be held at ScottsdaleCommunity College's track at 8AM on the following dates:

January 9, 16, 23, 30February 6, 13, 20, (no training on 2/27 - karate tourney)March 5

That will give everyone up to 8 sessions before the run.

This would be great for any Tournament Team membersgoing to the State Champs that Sunday, March 13, too -Double-whammy!

https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Phoenix/CoolRunnings5KforJamaica






Okinawa Trip

Every year, Sensei Bethea travels to Okinawa to train at theShorinkan Honbu (Headquarters). This year, our dojo willbe joining him on April 4th-15th. Be sure to let us know if youare interested in traveling to the homeland of karate with us!

New DVD’s from Sensei Poage

Sensei Poage taught two seminars at the 2015 Cal-SouthShorinkan Camp, last November, and we have compiledthose seminars into a nearly hour-long DVD for those who



couldn’t attend, and those who were there, but would like arefresher. This DVD is available for sale on Amazon, or youcan ask us to order a copy for you.

We will also be putting together a DVD of every WazaWednesday video that we shared over the past year. Keepan eye on our Facebook page for an announcement when itgoes on sale!

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Poage-2015-Cal-South-Shorinkan/dp/B019JFAGZ0



https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOtJuscqh_GVFSaJTqhPkV8-ELWm-Ymen




https://www.facebook.com/Peaceful-Warrior-Martial-Arts-Healing-Center-121994281179314/









Student of the Month

January

Finley

February

Orrin



Articles of Interest

The Purpose of Kataby Noah Legel

Click here to view on the web

The practice and purpose of kata is something that is often debated,

and can be a serious point of contention between martial artists. Manypeople believe that kata are outdated and useless, and should nolonger be practiced. Others believe that kata are exercises for fitness,balance, and coordination, but nothing more. There are also those whobelieve that kata are meditative practices, intended to develop themind and spirit. Then, there are those who believe that kata arecomposed of practical fighting methods, which have been collectedinto a series of interconnected solo drills. Of course, there are shadesof gray between each of these views, and there are more obscureopinions, as well, but these tend to be the largest groups when

discussing the purpose of kata.

The trouble with determining the purpose of kata is that the purposeyou find in kata is directly related to your understanding, and whatyou are looking for. In that regard, everyone’s opinion of the purposeof kata is correct! If you believe that kata is outdated, and serves nopurpose, then you will find no value in its practice. If you believe thatit is merely a method of developing fitness, balance, and coordination,then that is what you will gain from it. If you believe it is movingmeditation, then that is how you will use it. If you see it as a collection

of fighting methods, then you will constantly be finding that type ofmaterial in the movements. The key to the purpose of kata is the intentin its practice.

This brings us to the question of why there is so much disparitybetween martial artists, and their views on kata. It certainly makessense that those who train in arts that don’t utilize kata will tend tohave a very limited understanding of them, but what about martialartists whose systems heavily utilize kata, kuen, hyung, etc.? Theanswer to this question is multi-faceted, and can be very nuanced,because even among practitioners of the same art, everyone’s

experience and perspective is going to be slightly different.

One of the biggest factors in people’s understanding of kata is theinfluence of Japan on martial arts. Although the practice of forms canbe found all across Asia and, to a degree, Europe, it is most oftenassociated with karate. While karate is an Okinawan art, originally,most people are familiar with karate that has been strongly impactedby Japanese culture. This is important, because Japanese culture hasvery strong views on kata–that is, they have a “kata” for basicallyeverything. In that culture, kata is essentially the precise, “most

http://www.karateobsession.com/2015/12/the-purpose-of-kata.html





dealing with a variety of attacks were translated from real fights, topartner drills, to solo drills, to kata. Practitioners who have had theseapplications taught to them, and emphasized to them, will tend to seethis as the core purpose of their kata practice.

When you boil it down, kata are really just sequences of movements,and movements can do a wide variety of things. A single motion can

be used to express an emotion, strengthen the body, or perform anaction. That’s what makes it an “art.” The purpose of any givenmovement is entirely dependent upon the will of the personperforming the movement. The same is true for the purpose of anygiven kata. You will only benefit from what you believe there is tobenefit from.

10 Ways to Motivate Your Child to Learnby Scholastic.com


If you want your child to be a stellar student, don't limit learning to thewalls of his classroom. Although the skills he's learning there are crucialto his intellectual and social growth, your child needs your help to openup the world of ideas. His renewed joy in discovery will transfer to hisschoolwork, so you'll boost his academic achievement too!

1. Fill your child's world with reading. Take turns reading with yourolder child, or establish a family reading time when everyone readsher own book. Demonstrate how important reading is to you byfilling your home with printed materials: novels, newspapers, even

posters and placemats with words on them.2. Encourage him to express his opinion, talk about his feelings, and

make choices. He can pick out a side dish to go with dinner andselect his own extracurricular activities. Ask for his input on familydecisions, and show that you value it.

3. Show enthusiasm for your child's interests and encourage her toexplore subjects that fascinate her. If she's a horse nut, offer herstories about riding or challenge her to find five facts about horsesin the encyclopedia.

4. Provide him with play opportunities that support different kinds

of learning styles — from listening and visual learning to sortingand sequencing. Supplies that encourage open-ended play, such asblocks, will develop your child’s creative expression and problem-solving skills as he builds. He'll need lots of unstructured play time to explore them.

5. Point out the new things you learn with enthusiasm. Discuss thedifferent ways you find new information, whether you're looking forgardening tips on the Internet or taking a night class in Americanliterature.

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/motivate-school-success/10-ways-to-motivate-your-child-to-learn

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=7242











http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/motivate-school-success/10-ways-to-motivate-your-child-to-learn



6. Ask about what he's learning in school, not about his grades or testscores. Have him teach you what he learned in school today — putting the lesson into his own words will help him retain what helearned.

7. Help your child organize her school papers and assignments soshe feels in control of her work. If her task seems too daunting,she'll spend more time worrying than learning. Check in with her

regularly to make sure she's not feeling overloaded.8. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Completing a bookreport calls for a special treat; finishing a book allows your child anhour of video games. You'll offer positive reinforcement that willinspire him to keep learning and challenging himself.

9. Focus on strengths, encouraging developing talents. Even if shedidn't ace her math test, she may have written a good poem inEnglish class. In addition to a workbook for math practice, give hera writing journal.

10. Turn everyday events into learning opportunities. Encourage himto explore the world around him, asking questions and makingconnections.

Chibana StoriesTranslated by Terry GarrettClick here to view on the web

The following are stories from Katsuyuki Shimabukuro, a student ofHiga Yuchoku who was a student of Chibana Sensei. KatsuyukiShimabukuro claims that these are stories told to him by HigaYuchoku. These are found on pages 14 and 15 of Gekkan Karatedo,August 2007, Vol 445. These translations are not entirely accurate dueto my tenuous Japanese abilities:

Interviewer: If you have any legendary hero stories about ChibanaSensei, please share.

Katsuyuki: I first heard this story from Higa Yuchoku Sensei. One dayafter lunch, three gentlemen who were studying judo and kendo wereon a world-wide martial arts pilgrimage and came to see ChibanaSensei (1). The three gentlemen had just come to Okinawa from

Taiwan and asked Chibana Sensei, "Will you please have a match withus?"

Of course, in order to avoid a meaningless fight, Chibana Senseicourteously refused. However, the three gentlemen insisted that it wasabsolutely necessary. This troubled Chibana Sensei and he answered,"I don't care if you hurt or maim me, but if you're okay with gettinghurt or maimed, please join my class" (2). With that, the threegentlemen departed (3).









http://chibanaproject.blogspot.com/2012/01/chibana-stories.html









To truly understand the story, let me explain. Okinawan Te (Ti) is amartial art. It took discipline to live a life with the purpose of kill orbeing killed. That's why researching hidden techniques that areforbidden in modern matches today was in vogue, and those whocould uncover them were masters. It's impossible to use thosetechniques today without changing them to something completelydifferent. Even kicking, researching the golden standard of kicking,

and exploring hidden vital places including the most unpleasant vitalspots (thrusting with your fist to a vital spot on the back of the headfor instance) were practiced.

Of course, the main principle was to make your hands and feetweapons to defeat your opponent with a fatal blow. Since Okinawanmartial arts were for the purpose of protecting one's life, dealing withany kind of weapon was a life and death situation one keeps in mindand devotes time to studying.

So with this understanding, when the gentlemen said, "Let's have amatch. But, we know from our world travels about forbiddentechniques, and because those techniques are dangerous, please don'tuse them," you can see how that troubled Chibana Sensei.

However, is there ever a time when you should use your fists? Iremember Chibana Sensei saying that the answer was this: "This iswhen you should use karate. You should use it to save someone frommisfortune or to protect the ones you love."

Interviewer: Do you have any other stories about Chibana Sensei?

Katsuyuki: Here's another story again from Higa Yuchoku Sensei. Thisstory was when Chibana Sensei was in his 70's, that's to say after theend of the war. There was a request from the American militarygarrisoned in Okinawa to give a karate demonstration on one of theAmerican military bases. At that time, I think little Chibana Sensei sawthe request and considered it for a little while.

There were some skeptical individuals with submission wrestlingexperience in the audience. And so Chibana Sensei took one soldier on

stage and with three fingers pointed at the soldier's chest said,"Come." If Chibana Sensei's tempered fingers moved before they weresupposed to, the soldier could encroach. In addition, Chibana Senseisaid, "You can tackle me or throw me too." The soldier started tosavagely tackle him, but Chibana Sensei immediately repelled thesoldier's arm with his forearm (4).

In those days, Chibana Sensei said, "Your arms must be like iron. Ifyou don't train, even if you have fat arms, they will only be as hard as



wood. But, if you train, even slender arms can become as hard asiron." Of course, I personally train to make my forearms like iron.

In the twinkling of an eye, the soldier's arm began to swell up. As thesoldier stood in awe of such power, even as his hand turned purple,[Sensei] said, "I can teach you that technique," and invited the soldierto his dojo that evening.

Notes:

(1) The simplest explanation of武者修行 or mushashugyou (what I'vetranslated as "martial arts pilgrimage") was when an individual traveled tovarious locations to hone their fighting/warrior skills. Training, matches, andbodyguard or mercenary work were common facets of that lifestyle.

(2) I had a hard time translating this sentence into English, even with experthelp (who had a hard time making it make sense in English). While I think

I've captured the essence, here's the sentence in its entirety: "さすがの知花

先生も困り果て、「あなた方は首を絞めても、何をしてもかまいませ

ん。しかし、こちらも同様のことを了解して頂ければ立ちを会いまし

ょう」と答えました ."

(3) The verbiage in the article was, "すると、三人組はそのまま帰ってし

まった ." Katsuyuki Sensei was trying to point out that the three of them promptly left when Chibana Sensei became serious.

(4) I suspect that the blow the soldier suffered was an uchi-uke, one ofChibana Sensei's alleged go-to techniques around that time. I've heard twostories of other individuals who, wanting to test Chibana Sensei, were

rendered similarly helpless with an uchi-uke. Regardless, the most importantthings to take note of are (1) Chibana Sensei used a "block" as a strike and (2)his power was that of ippon kowashi - "one blow to destroy the opponent."Note how the soldier stopped attacking after his arm had been struck.

The Legend of Choki Motobuby Seijin Jahana, Translated by Sanzinsoo


Remarks: This is a complete translation of the article written by Mr. Seijin

Jahana, the original title "Choki Motobu, a Forerunner of Combative Karate"appeared in the monthly magazine "Aoi Umi" (=Blue Sea) No.70 February1978 issue (pages 106-110). This number features articles on Okinawankarate masters. The magazine was published in Okinawa but was alreadydiscontinued.

I was in Okinawa in 1978. It seemed to rain soon in the early evening. Ihad to find his house soon, so I became hasty. A few drops of rain fellon my head when I succeeded in finding the home of Mr. ChozoNakama, 80 years old, which was surrounded by a board wall. When I

http://seinenkai.com/articles/sanzinsoo/choki.html





was allowed to enter the house, the rain started falling. The ground ofthe courtyard was stamped flat. Maybe it was Mr. Nakama's trainingplace of karate. There was a barbell got wet in the rain.

Mr. Nakama was awarded "Hanshi" (the highest title), 9thDan(=degree) black belt. He teaches karate at 7:30 p.m. on Monday,Wednesday and Friday at a community center in Sakiyama, Shuri,

Okinawa. He learned karate directly from Choki Motobu (1871-1944).It was about 1940 that Choki Motobu opened his own Dojo(=a traininghall) in Nishishinmachi (=Kumecho now), Naha city after returning toOkinawa from Osaka, Japan. I visited Mr. Nakama to hear the storiesabout his teacher, Choki Motobu during that time.

Choki Motobu passed away at his mistress's home in Tomari,Okinawa at the year when World War Two broke out. He died at theage of 73. His life was always with karate and karate.

He was born in Akahira, Shuri, Okinawa as the third son of MotobuUdun(=a feudal lord) in 1871. His elder brother was Choyu Motobu,the founder of Motobu-ryu karate. Choki Motobu was a rough fighterby nature. He began thrusting Makiwara(=a thrusting board) when hewas a child and studied karate in his own way. Genius shows itselfeven in childhood. "Let's play karate fight, Grandpa!" He often said tohis uncle who was "Ufuchiku" (=a police sergeant) as well as a teacherof Kobudo(=Okinawan classical weaponry arts) and used to visitChoki's father's home to have a chat.

Since he became strong enough after training in his own way, almost

every night he went to a bar district such as Tsujimachi, andchallenged a man who looks strong to street-fighting. Because of this,his reputation among karateka at that time was very bad. No one athis age could not defeat him. Maybe he thought his street-fighting wasone of his karate training. Choki's fighting skills were created in thereal fights, although people frowned upon his street-fighting. Theysaid his fighting skills were full of variety and amazing. He created hisKumite(=sparring) techniques by himself. He rarely accepteddisciples, as he was afraid that his Kumite(=sparring) techniquesmight be "stolen".

Although Choki studied karate in his own way, in fact he had threeteachers. His first teacher was Anko Itosu, but he was soon refused tosee Master Itosu, as Master Itosu received complaints about Choki'sstreet-fighting.

His second teacher was Shitsunen Tokumine. Master Tokumine was aheavy drinker. Choki brought a bottle of Sake(=rice liquor) to him as alesson fee. But later one day, Master Tokumine was very drunk anddisorderly in Tsujimachi. He had a big fight with dozens of "Chikusaji"



(=policemen) there, and eventually he was arrested by the police andexiled to a remote island in Yaeyama(=Ishigaki islands). He passedaway in the remote island. Master Tokumine was a expert in karateand staff fighting arts. Chotoku Kyan alias Kyan Miigwaa(=smalleyes) visited Yaeyama to learn Kata of staff fighting arts from MasterTokumine, however, at that time Master Tokumine had alreadypassed away. Fortunately the owner of a small inn where Master

Tokumine once stayed, had learned the Kata of staff fighting artsdirectly from Master Tokumine, so he taught the Kata to Master Kyan.In Yaeyama today still remains the Kata of staff fighting arts whosename is "Tokumine No Kun" (=The staff fighting arts of MasterTokumine).

After Master Tokumine was exiled to a remote island, Choki Motobuwent to the karate Dojo of Master Kosaku Matsumora. When he askedthe Master to teach him karate, he changed his name as Sesoko, notMotobu. He was afraid that Master Matsumora might also refuse tosee him like his first teacher Master Anko Itosu. He was accepted bythe Master Matsumora, but soon Choki's bad reputation of street-fighting disclosed his true name Choki Motobu alias MotobuSaaruu(=monkey). The Master Matsumora called him and questioned.

"Why did you tell me a lie that your name is Sesoko?"

"It's true, Master. I wouldn't tell you a lie. My name is not onlyMotobu but also Sesoko. My mother's family name is Sesoko. I wasbrought up in my mother's village when I was a child."

"I see. Never tell a lie!"

"No, never!"

Then he was formally accepted as a disciple.

Choki was very frank and open-minded, so he did not care aboutmoney at all. He always spent all the money he had. It was his laterperiod of his life. When Mr. Nakama visited Choki's home, Chokiinvited him to go for a walk. At that time Choki received a pocket

money with the exact amount for a meal, a taxi and so on from hismistress who had been living with him since staying in Osaka. Shewas worried that he would spend all the money with him if she gavehim some extra money.

Needless to say, Choki could not save money. He could not makemoney either. His horse-carriage business in Okinawa was failed, sohe and his family went to Osaka, Japan in about 1921.



There is a famous story that Choki had a match with a professionalboxer when he was in Osaka. He worked as a guard at a cottonfactory. It was an owner of a rooming house where Choki lived whosuggested him to play a match with a boxer. The owner found anadvertisement in the newspaper that a promoter seeking an opponentof a Russian boxer, Johnson. He explained the advertisement to Chokiwho could not read letters, and for a joke he suggested Choki to apply

for this offer. Choki agreed with his suggestion seriously at once. Theowner of a rooming house was surprised to hear Choki's reply, but hemade an application for Choki.

Well, on the day of the boxing match, the ringside was crowded with alot of people. The tall and big Russian boxer versus short Choki.

"That man (=Choki) must be a fool!" said many spectators.

Choki was told to put on the boxing gloves, but he refused to put onthem.

"He is really crazy!" said the spectators again.

In the first round, the big Russian boxer was driving Choki into acorner of the ring. The boxer was stronger and tougher than expected."I cannot defeat him. I will lose." thought Choki. "But If I easily losethis match, I would be very very sorry for my Okinawan fellowstudents of karate." The first round was over with much difficulty forChoki.

In the second round, the professional boxer, Johnson maybe thoughtthat this match was too easy for him. He charged toward Choki withless guard. Seeing the unguarded moment, Choki immediately jumped. The big body of Johnson fell down to the mat. In a momentthe spectators could not understand what happened. Then, knowingChoki won the match, they shouted and applauded with admiration.Some of them excitedly threw their money and precious watches intothe ring. Choki jumped and hit the back of Johnson's ear with his fist.Choki Motobu or Motobu Saaruu's jumping and karate skills werereally amazing.

The match was reported widely all over the country by newspapersand magazines, so the name of Choki Motobu and the power of karatebecame very famous. Some people visited him for asking him to teachthem karate.

Choki also taught at university by request. When he taught there, theOkinawan student acting as interpreter was always beside him, asChoki could not speak Yamatoguchi(=standard Japanese language).The interpreter translated Choki's explanation of Kata etc in



Uchinaaguchi(=Okinawan dialect) into standard Japanese. Hisilliteracy and lack of education might be helping to make a bad imageof Choki such as a rude and rough fighter who has no good mannersand so on. But in fact, he was polite and very rigid in good mannersnot only for himself but also for his disciples.

In about 1937 or 1938 Choki was in Okinawa, while his family was left

in Osaka. A judo teacher whose name is Sudo came to Okinawa from Japan to study karate. He was a black belt of 8th Dan (later he became10th Dan). He visited Mr. Kojun Yamashiro who was also a judoteacher at the Second Middle School (=now Naha High School). Sudovisited many karateka(=karate players) in Okinawa. One day he cameto Choki and challenged him to a match. Choki accepted thechallenge. They made rules before playing a match, because theymight be severely injured or damaged if they really fight each otherwith real karate techniques without any rule or restriction.

Choki and Sudo took a fighting stance, and watched sharply eachother without moving. One minute passed. Two minutes passed.

"I can't win. Please teach me karate!" said Sudo with loosening thestance.

I suppose a true martial artist can see his opponent's ability and powerif he look at the opponent's sharp eye when they face each other.

Since that day, Sudo, a judo teacher came to Choki every day to studykarate. He learned how to fight with a man wielding a knife, how he

should respond by karate techniques if surrounded by many men, andso on. He studied practical karate by Choki Motobu, the pioneer ofcombative karate.

There is another episode related to this match. When Choki met withSudo to have a match, he wore Haori-Hakama(=a Japanese traditionalblack kimono with a coat over it, a formal suit at that time). Hethought an ordinary clothes was lacking good manners, so Mr.Nakama, his disciple rented Haori-Hakama, a formal clothes for him.Choki did not have any formal clothes.

There are very few books of Choki Motobu. It is regrettable that thereis no comprehensive book of Choki's Kumite(=sparring) techniques. Iwish he had written such books. In fact, Choki had a plan forpublishing karate books. There was the manuscript written at hisdictation. When he was about to go to Osaka again, he asked Mr.Nakama to keep the manuscript for him.

"Please send it to me immediately if I ask you." said Choki. It was avery thick manuscript. Mr. Nakama copied it in his four notebooks.



Some days later, Mr. Nakama was asked to send the manuscript toChoki in Osaka soon. But eventually the book was not published. Infact, Choki sold his manuscript to someone else just for money. Hehad no choice but to sell it, because he needed money to pay thehospital. He had been in hospital due to ill.

Mr. Nakama's notebooks of the manuscript copy had been burnt to

ashes due to air raid in Okinawa during World War Two. To whom orwhich publisher did Choki sell the original manuscript? Does thatmanuscript still exist?

The content of the manuscript consists of karate history, Kata,application of Kata, sparring techniques and so on. It must have been acomprehensive book of Choki Motobu's karate studies.

People frowned on Choki's karate, as they thought his was just for thepurpose of fighting. However, the truth was that he was alwaysearnest or very serious about karate. Considering this, it is quiteregrettable that Choki's comprehensive book made by all his life didnot appear after all.

But it may be suitable for Choki Motobu who very rarely accepteddisciples as he was afraid that his karate techniques might be "stolen".If he were still alive, maybe he would tell us not to "steal" otherkarateka's techniques but to create by ourselves.

Magical Creatures of Okinawa An Article from Japanese Mythology and Folklore


The kijimunaa (or bungaya) is one of the most famous of Okinawa’smagical creatures. The kijimunaa is described as a sprite (Japaneseyosei), that resembles a short young boy and with bright red hair, saidto look like a troll doll. Some say that only children or the pure ofheart can see the kijimunaa. They may or may not be seenaccompanied by fire.

They live in the tops of Okinawa’s gajumaru (ガジュマル, or banyan)

trees; they are especially famous in the Yomitan area, where theirimages can be seen in many places. Kijimunaa are known for playingharmless pranks. Kijimunaa can also be helpful, but they are quick tochange their minds. They enjoy fishing and eating fish. The only thingthey fear is the octopus. Belief in kijimunaa is representative of thespiritual power of trees in the Ryukyu belief system.

https://japanesemythology.wordpress.com/magical-creatures-of-okinawa/





Another of the most famous Ryukyuan creatures is the shisa (“liondog”). Shisa statuary is used for its ability to ward evil from a place.Its appearance and function is believed to be Chinese in origin.

The Ryujin sea dragon king is particularly associated with Ryukyuanlegend and mythology. In the Irosetsuden, dragons display powerslike those of gods, and live in their own undersea kingdom. The

traditional Ryukyuan conception of dragon is largely similar to that ofIndian and Cambodian naga myths and of Chinese dragons…mythsconcerning an undersea kingdom of powerful reptilian beings arecommon to the Indian and Southeast Asia as well as Central and EastAsian cultures.

Nirai Kanai is the mythical place from which all life originates. “NiraiKanai” is referred to in the Irosetsuden as the underwater realm of theDragon or Sea King. It is worshipped facing westward, and accordingto fable is an island. Gods from Nirai Kanai are said to have broughtdifferent crops and tools to the Ryukyuan people at different times.

In the Hachijojima islands today the Mayanokami divinities, faceshidden by masks or hats of leaves, make their regular appearances inboats … hailing from the land of Nirai, like Tokoyo, across the seas.They perform songs and dances, and issue prophecies, admonisions,warnings and blessings. On other islands they are known as Agama.

“Ryukyu mythology” (The Encyclooedia of Shinto) states that:

“Two types of creation myth can be found in the Ryūkyūs, the court

myth contained in works compiled by the Shuri court, and folk mythscirculating in Amami, Okinawa, Miyako and Yaeyama. Themythology is made very complex by the numerous similarities anddifferences between them and the variety of motifs. The work Chūzanseikan(1650) represents the best example of court mythology.According to it there was a deity called Amamiku living in theheavenly palace who was ordered by the Heavenly Emperor todescend to the earth and create islands. Receiving earth, rocks, grassesand trees from the Heavenly Emperor, Amamiku created a number ofislands. Amamiku requested human stock (hitodane) to populate the

islands. In response, the Heavenly Emperor sent down two divinechildren, a boy and a girl. These two beings became pregnant by thepassing wind, and three human boys and two girls were born to them.The eldest son became the progenitor of the royal house, the next sonthat of the aji (local chieftains), the third son that of the farmers, theeldest daughter that of the kimigimi (high-ranking court priestesses)and the youngest daughter that of the noro. Amamiku ascended toheaven and begged for the seeds of the five grains; having receivedthem the deity planted them on Kudaka Island, and in Chinen andTamagusuku. This myth tells of the world of the deities and the

http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=1032

http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=1032



creator deity, of the creation of the land and the people, and of theorigins of grain (the staple food). The heavenly nature of the deities’realm recalls obotsu-kagura, the Other Realm. Many traditionsconsider Amamiku to be a female deity and the wife of the male deityShinerikyo. The composition of the group of the five childrenexemplifies the ideology of the royal court unifying worship and rule.The agricultural rituals performed at court were based on the

mythology regarding the origins of the five grains…any of the folkmyths speak of creation by siblings rather than by a deity descendingfrom heaven. …Many also tell that the first child was deformed.According to the Ryūkyūkoku yuraiki Amamiku brought rice seedsfrom nirai-kanai, and this version is numerous in folk traditions.Myths also exist that a bird brought seed from the other world anddropped them in this world, and that a giant called Amanchu dividedheaven and earth.

Videos of Interest

Waza Wednesday 12-16-15 by Sensei Poage and SenseiNoah

Pinan Nidan Padwork Drill from Sensei Noah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1FC8fbwGP4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kTnBfQ1CD4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kTnBfQ1CD4





Sparring and Limb Control Drill from Sensei Cesar CamaraMartin

Partnership Drills with Iha Hirofumi Sensei

https://www.facebook.com/752583041484348/videos/921264974616153/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vzLIvCL81g&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vzLIvCL81g&feature=youtu.be





Comparing Karate Throws and Judo Throws with SenseiIain Abernethy

Traditional Karate “Blocks” in Sparring with Sensei MichaelNguyen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEeZ-0bjS0c&feature=youtu.be


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA-fyuRT8Eg






pwma newsletter jan-feb 2016

Documents