Karate "The Toraguchi Way"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GNekAIAkeRE&t=11s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KXCrbuMKMTk&feature=youtu.be

Some martial arts schools have reopened, a great many will reopen next week, some chose to remain closed (for now). Could be good, could be bad... maybe. A Zen... narrative. There was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "Maybe," the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "Maybe," replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. "Maybe," answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the sons leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. "Maybe," said the farmer. I think the moral of the story is; dont be quick to judge the situation or actions of others. Always give a maximum effort, the outcome may surprise you.

https://www.facebook.com/540486245/posts/10157106194786246/

If youre looking for something completely different, this is one if my instructors from when I was living in China.

On 3 July, a 25-minute video message from Morio Higaonna, for all IOGKF members, was posted on Tetsuji Nakamuras Timeline. It was recorded in Okinawa with th...e message, All Please share! and is reachable online. The camaraderie between Morio Higanonna and myself goes back nearly 50 years. His smiling face of welcome at his Tokyo dojo in 1971 remains with me today, while his good humour and enthusiasm for karate shines through the video; not forgetting that it was he who introduced me to Okinawa, The Island of Karate. Because Morio has frequently been misrepresented over the years and much is often lost in translation, I think it is important to emphasize parts of the video message, hopefully without treading on Tetsujis toes. Much of what Morio states is evidently what Chojun Miyagi passed on to Anichi Miyagi, who in turned passed it on to himself. With my interpretation and/or additions in [square brackets], the major points, from my perspective at least, are: 1. He says he is in good spirits, wishes all well and politely introduces some of his trainees. He goes on to say that training can be anywhere; for example, Anichi would train in his hotel room when abroad, while Morio occasionally trains outdoors in Yogi Park. 2. The development of kata have a long history and contain the wisdom of karate. Whereas they originated in China, they have become an important facet of Okinawan culture. Although Morio cannot do the Goju-ryu kata like he used to, because he is aging, he can still teach them effectively. 3. [Harking back to pre-War rhetoric]: Chojun Miyagi compared the spiral grooves inside a rifle muzzle to the corkscrew punch [i.e. by causing the bullet to spin when fired]. Such detailed aspects are the shinzui (essence) of Goju-ryu. 4. Preparatory exercises are very important; even one hour of junbi-undo can constitute a workout. These are important for both health and technique. 5. The names of some Goju-ryu kata end with the Chinese character te, (i.e. hand) and most of the kata were originally open-handed, as opposed to closed-fist. Kanryo Higaonna changed some forms to closed-fist [this was typical of the early-20th century with the influence of boxing on karate development]. 6. Goju-ryu is a mixture of the Chinese forms and the older koryu Okinawan te, i.e. ti. It was Chojun Miyagi who finalised Goju-ryu and put the full curriculum together. 7. Before the War, training could be hard [tedious, monotonous] and might concentrate on Sanchin for 5 years. So, to make karate more accessible and interesting after the War, Chojun Miyagi added the Gekisai kata and Tensho. 8. After warming-up, hojo undo is important to develop strength; with chi-ishi, sashi and kongo-ken. Pots are used to develop the grip for claw techniques. 9. Outwardly, many Goju-ryu hand techniques should look soft but the [core] strength comes from within. [Morio stands up and demonstrates this. To the discerning eye it is obvious that, despite what he says about aging, he still has incredible core strength]. 10. In his teaching of Sanchin, Anichi Miyagi concentrated on shime [internal hardening], but overall training was seishin-teki for strengthening the spirit/mind, as much as the body. Morio also talks about a karate museum he has upstairs and finally advises all students to train responsibly and drink water after a workout. He then courteously bows goodbye in the Japanese fashion. Typical of Morio, nothing could be plainer, clearer and down-to-earth. Yet, over the past few weeks, I have received reports of IOGKF members acting in a disreputable (if not gangster-like) manner to other karate-ka who have challenged points of interest during online debates about Goju-ryu. If true, this is unacceptable behaviour and not in the spirit of the above interview which encapsulates the open, friendly and all-inclusive character of Morio Higaonna - as I have always known him. Moreover, I have been in contact with Tetsuji Nakamura who shows himself to be a family-man and a caring teacher, while I believe he sincerely wishes to concentrate on these two factors of his life. Personally, I have no connections to the teaching of Goju-ryu (other than historical) but, from the perspective of an onlooker, I strongly urge that any negative behaviour by individual IOGKF members toward those of differing opinions be curtailed through inward reflection and self-discipline. Healthy debate and expression of opinions about karate should be encouraged through polite dialogue. Likewise, karate training, as devised by Chojun Miyagi and his contemporaries in the post-War era, is for health, self-development and helping the worldwide community move away from the folly of war. Please respect these aspects and train accordingly. [photo taken from Tetsuji Nakamuras Timeline]

In this video we look at an exercise to focus awareness on waist rotation. In addition to heel down vs heel up, sanchin structure even with the heel lifted, 25/75 axis vs 50/50 axis, among other things. https://gkcglobalshop.com/collections

Wrist Strength for Imapct In this video we look at three different methods for developing wrist strength for impact. 1. Sand filled Sake Bottle - I first saw t...his exercise in Japan used by Judo and Sumo practitioners. The exercise develops wrist/forearm strength for gripping and impact. 2. Iron Palm bag - in this exercise the fist drops into the iron filled bag. With each successive hit the fist creates an uneven surface therefore the wrist is trained to withstand and accomodate miss-hits and contored targets. 3. Multitasking Makiwara - This type of exercise changes the dynamic of hitting (by having a weight in the free hand) in addition to forcing the brain to quickly switch from one task to another so having less time (particularly) to prepare for the next strike. See more

Spaces are still available for tonight! https://facebook.com/events/s/noah-legel-naihanchi-seminar/255755505848741/?ti=as

#30daysofmartialarts Day #15 Big thanks to our guest Sensei Paul Wilson of #WhiteRock #MartialArts... He covered some #Naihanchi details and #application with us, and #Sensei taught his students some of our #Gekisai #training. A #fun #collaboration #TORAGUCHI #karatenerd #oakville #oakvillekarate @ Toraguchi Martial Arts

#30daysofmartialarts Day #14 - Side kick training with dummy Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. https://youtu.be/imKJBYsp5Q0

#30daysofmartialarts Day #13 - Working the hook Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. https://youtu.be/e-nIGfblFv8

#30daysofmartialarts Day #12 - Roundhouse Target Training Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. https://youtu.be/peWbcRgNGbA

#30daysofmartialarts Day #11 - Iron palm canvas bean bag training Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that... Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. https://youtu.be/D6GHZ8o-BKI

Its not a punch or a kick but just as important. You cant fight with your pants around your ankles...lol #30daysofmartialarts Day #10... Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. Who wants to play? https://youtu.be/6d2K8cG5gM0

The truth about Sensei Anichi Miyagi story I have heard many times that some people claim that Sensei Anichi Miyagi never trained under Sensei Chojun Miyagi, ...or that he only trained a few years, or that he didnt learn much, etc, etc.... There is documented proof that supports the history that Sensei Higaonna wrote. The Okinawan Government published last year a manual called Goju-Ryu Manual as a part of the Okinawa Karate Style Research Project. In the book, there are two interviews involving people who were students of Sensei Chojun Miyagi. One is Sensei Shuichi Aragaki who is my first Sensei of Okinawa Goju-Ryu, and other is Mr. Chishin Bise who started karate with Sensei Anichi Miyagi under Sensei Chojun Miyagi in 1958. Please note that Mr. Chishin Bise has nothing to do with IOGKF, but he is the advisor of OGKK (former Jundokan member group). From the interview in Japanese (The book is available in both the original Japanese and an English translation, during the translation process some aspects of the responses in the interviews ended up being left out in the English version) Mr. Bises interview Question: When did you become a student of Sensei Chojun Miyagi? Mr. Bise: After the war when I was 19 (1948) till I was 22 years old. Question: Which Kata did you learn. Mr. Bise: Gekisai Dai Ichi, Dai Ni, Sanchin, Shisochin, Kururunfaall twelve Kata..... Question: Did you practice Kata Bunkai as well? Mr. Bise: Of course, Anichi Miyagi remembered them all clearly. We trained Bunkai together. (Mr. Bise stopped training after two or three years, so he does not remember them. This part was not translated in English version somehow) Aragaki Senseis interview At the time I joined, Chojun Senseis student was only Anichi Miyagi. No others were there. Chojun Sensei had said I am not taking any student. (However, Chojun Sensei accepted Aragaki Sensei as he was the grandson of Ryuko Aragaki, the first martial arts teacher of Chojun Sensei before Sensei Kanryo Higaonna. This part was also not translate in English version) Question: Did you learn kata from Chojun Sensei? Aragaki Sensei: I learned from a senior practitioner Anichi Miyagi, so I did not learn directly from Chojun Sensei. (Aragaki Sensei told me that Anichi Sensei taught him Kata, and later Chojun Sensei checked the details) These are just part of their interviews. However, this is an official document published by the Okinawan Government. These interviews prove the following: 1. Anichi Miyagi Sensei started karate training under Chojun Sensei in 1948 2. Anichi Miyagi Sensei learned all Kata and Bunkai from Chojun Sensei 3. After Mr. Bise stopped training, Anichi Sensei was the only student of Chojun Senseis home dojo until Aragaki Sensei joined in 1951. Aragaki Sensei told me that only he and Anichi Sensei, no one else, trained under Chojun Sensei at his home until he left for Tokyo one month before Chojun Sensei died. Aragaki Sensei also said that he trained 6 days a week at Chojun Senseis home, but Anichi Sensei trained 7 days a week. According to Aragaki Sensei, Anichi Sensei is the most knowledgeable student among all students of Chojun Sensei of course except Sensei Jinan Shinzato who died end of WWII. Both Aragaki Sensei and Mr. Bise still are alive as of today. They are the living proof of the history of Goju-Ryu. These are two individuals who were there at the time with Anichi Miyagi Sensei, and both says same story that Higaonna Sensei wrote in his book.

#30daysofmartialarts Day #9. Light makiwara work Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. Who wants to play? https://youtu.be/ZGbBAFSzbUA

#30daysofmartialarts Day #8. Jump turn back kick (super rusty...lol) Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. Who wants to play? https://youtu.be/WRZjPJoE0GE

#30daysofmartialarts Day #7. Coconut protocol. Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. Who wants to play? https://youtu.be/lESpr5ZkfF8

#30daysofmartialarts Here is day #6. The opening movements of gekisai on a kakete biki. Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days. Who wants to play? https://youtu.be/CXzcljAAN5E

#30daysofmartialarts Im challenging myself to video log my "top 30 skills and drills" over the next 30 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 30 days.... Who wants to play? Here is day #5. "Patience and Discipline" https://youtu.be/tX7OpSdkeJA

#30daysofmartialarts Day #4 - "Chase the block" https://youtu.be/PWAi6ihb3BI

We are proud to host Noah Legel on Zoom!! See the event page for registration details. https://facebook.com/events/s/noah-legel-naihanchi-seminar/255755505848741/?ti=cl

Better late than never. https://youtu.be/aFj8cCbHV58 Im challenging myself to video log my "top 25 skills and drills" over the next 25 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible; 25 days. Who wants to play? Here is day #2 and #3. (Two skills equals two days) "Floor template and kakete biki."

I thought I would give it a spin. Handling is a little loose, but nothing a few hundred laps around the track cant fix. #cheatingongoju Im also challenging myself to video log my "top 25 skills and drills" over the next 25 days that Ive either learned as new, drilled for my own personal training, or taught my students during the pandemic quarantine. ... Rules are simple: One skill or drill per day; keep the video as short as possible, 25 days. Who wants to play? Here is day #1. "Naihanchi Shodan"

Here is a link to naihanchi shodan that weve been working this week. Ill upload a vid of me doing it as comparison soon. Video Credit: Noah Legel, Karate Obsession https://youtu.be/yGo-wbLSNbs

https://themartialpoet.home.blog///26/is-your-dojo-a-cult/

Day 18 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxi...ety and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Nate Harris

The goju I grew up with insisted that you finish where you started. It wasnt until much later that I came to realize how much shito and chito ryu had influenced my lineage.

Day 10 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxi...ety and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Josh Carrick of TNT Martial Arts

Day 9 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxie...ty and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Jennifer Ann Thompson

Day 8 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxie...ty and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Josh Stewart

Day 7 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxie...ty and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Every player of the Toronto Blue Jays

Day 6 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxie...ty and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. In case youd like to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//donate-to-mental-health-char/ Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Noah Legel

Day 5 I was nominated for the 25 push-ups for 25 days challenge by Sensei Rich Gale. This is to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxie...ty and depression that drive people to commit suicide. The rules are simple: *Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. *Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups (even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25). *Every day you must nominate a different person. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness. You are not alone and we are here for you, especially in this difficult time. Dont be afraid to speak out!!!..... Today I nominate ... Barry Allen