Thoughts Of A Karate Master


Articles by Master Seikichi Toguchi


The above depicts the 3 shining stars of Okinawa Goju Ryu - Shorei Kan
Higashionna - Miyagi - Toguchi

JYUTSU AND DO - THE MEANS AND THE WAY
"First you see the way"
"Then you practise the way"
"Finally,you become the way"
Seikichi Toguchi

"There is no gate on the way of life that refuses entrance to those who want to pass through. If you want to go somewhere, take any way because there are thousands of ways. If, luckily, you succeed in your goal, the way will disappear and you will become the way. There is no 'way'for your life. Your mind is the way."

These are phrases often used in Zen Buddhism. From them you can gather that "the way" is a complex concept. But at the same time, it is simple enough to be found in our everyday lives without going out of our way to search for it.

Many of the old Japanese martial arts added "Jyutsu" to their names, such as Ken-Jyutsu (fencing) or Jyu-Jyutsu. After Jigaro Kano, the founder of Kodo-Kan, changed the name of Jyu-Jyutsu to Jyu-Do, many martial arts followed suit; thus Ken-Jyutsu became Ken-Do, Kyu-Jyutsu(archery) became Kyu-Do and Karate-Jyutsu became Karate-Do.

"DO" means "The Way" in Japanese characters.

What is the difference between "Jyutsu" and "Do"? "Jyutsu" is one of the highest levels of technical ability in the martial arts, which only a few people are able to attain after many years of hard and special training.
In the old days, martial artists of all styles tried to reach the technical level of "Jyutsu", but really their ultimate purpose was to attain "Do" (the way or enlightenment), it was for"Do" or "the way" that they strove to polish their technique to "Jyutsu".


Pre World War 2 Training
In Miyagi Chojun's Dojo

It is not easy to walk on "the way" for everyone, as quoted at the beginning. "We must all follow the way, at all times". It is easy to say, but difficult to do. Finding out the real way demands a strong spirit and perseverence, some may find it for a time then lose their path again, others may never find the true way but wander aimlessly, a few will find the true way and fewer still will be able to maintain "the way". Zen monks are an example of this in their search for Satori(spiritual enlightenment).

While in our various Dojo's (places to find the "way")we are very courteous to each other, but once we leave our Dojo we do not act the same. Many students may think that we go to the Dojo to study courtesy and manners as well as Karate technique. It is fine to learn these things from Karate - for it is better than learning nothing. However, this is not the main purpose of the Dojo.
You may ask me if you need to learn courtesy and manners, and I would answer that you should already know them before you come to the Dojo. In the Dojo each of you must find some higher means than mere courtesy to find "the way".
You probably think that I am asking too much of you. Maybe I am, but I expect all students of the martial arts and Shorei Kan in particular to have something good and special in their characters, and I am sure that you all can eventually find "the way" (enlightenment)and it is my hope that you can maintain "the way" for future generations.
Seikichi Toguchi

"Once The Naked Feet Have Entered Onto The Dojo Floor
They Are Forever Changed"

Okinawan Saying

(Authors Note)In eastern philosophy and indeed in physical activity the number 3 has a very special meaning. In the context of "Jyutsu" and "Do" it relates to the three levels of attaining or developing enlightenment.
"Jyutsu" - Physical
"Do" - Mental
"Satori" - Spiritual



MASTER HIGASHIONNA


During Higashionna's late years, he moved to a house near the shore and enjoyed fishing on a breakwater spot near his house every night. Since his name was famous throughout Okinawa as a great Karate master, some people wanted to test his amazing skills.
One day, a man who knew the master, planned to push him into the sea because, Higashionna, who although great in Karate, had no eyes in his back. The master of course did not know of the scheme and was peacefully fishing as usual in his favourite spot.
The man stole up and stood behind him pretending to be a spectator, then struck Higashionna all of a sudden from behind.
The next moment the master was sitting in the same spot as before and the man was swimming in the cold water. Without saying a word master Higashionna just smiled and extended his fishing rod to pull the man to shore. The man then expected to be scolded and was very embarassed.
The master only laughed and said to the man, "What an excentric man you are!! Why did you jump into this cold water and disturb my fishing?"
The man, put to shame, ran away.

How did the master put the man in the water?? He did not disappear nor jump high like a Ninja, but just helped him to go into the water by simply twisting his body slightly when pushed.
by

Seikichi Toguchi

(authors note)Master Toguchi was so profoundly affected by this story that he devised the exercises that he called Daruma Taiso and taught them as an integral part of his Shorei Kan Style. He practised everyday and remained incredibly supple and flexible almost until his last day. I have seen him sit in lotus position, bend forward and then have 2 students stand on the inside of his knees and 1 more on his back. Effectively laying him flat forward while still in lotus position. The most effective techniques are always those which appear to be simple in their execution, and usually come from being relaxed in both mind and body.



VANITY


Master Toguchi once related a story to me that I believe may be important so I will encapsulate it here.

Master Toguchi had a visit from a famous karate master(who shall remain nameless here)and spent some time discussing Master Miyagi with his guest. The guest then invited Master Toguchi to his Dojo and bid him farewell. One day soon afterwards Toguchi Sensei was in the vicinity of his guests dojo and, being polite decided that he would drop by and say hello. On entering the dojo he was impressed by the grandure of the building and the fixtures and noticed that, in a position of great focus, was a certificate extolling the virtues of this instructor and confiring the rank of Ju Dan (10th degree)upon him. Master Toguchi was very impressed by this and when he inquired from whom the certificate and ranking had been obtained he was told,very proudly by a student, that it had been given by Chojun Miyagi. In a discussion with the famous instructor he said he found it to be such an amazing feat to have been awarded a rank so high by his own teacher, especially considering that Miyagi never gave ANY ranking to any of his students, even those who had been with him for many years. The instructor was very embarassed and upon a return visit Master Toguchi noticed that the certificate had been removed.





Go "Back To Home Page"



This page hosted by GeoCities Get your own Free Home Page