A short but quick and energetic discipline, with hand and foot combinations that suggest conflict in a confined space.
This is the kata that displays the posture of the deity of Goju Ryu Busaganashi and it is said if you study him you will know Goju Ryu.
I believe that Shinzato Jinan Sensei enjoyed performing this Kata. I hope to meet with him in my next life and discuss the finer points.
As to imagination, one can feel the disturbance of the land and the beginning of a land slide, the ups and down that you feel on your descent.
The blocks and attacks that you incur can be an escape from a forest, which has been gnarled in the storm.
As to the second to last move, when you shout, this suggests your defiance in meeting your demise and in the last move the exhalation is the cessation.
George Andrews
Oath of Goju by Master Chojun Miyagi
Be humble and polite
Train considering your physical strength
Practice earnestly with creativity
Be calm and swift
Take care of your health
Live a plain life
Do not be too proud or modest
Continue training with patience
The Special Merits of Karate by Chojun Miyagi (1934)
A large space is not required.
It can be practiced alone.
Its practice does not require much time.
Men and women, young or old, can practice karate; it depends entirely upon one's constitution. Proper kata can be selected and practiced at one's discretion.
One can practice with empty hands or the use of simple equipment can also be employed without much expense.
Training in karate improves one's health. This fact is evident from the physical condition of aged enthusiasts.
Physical and mental unity develops an indomitable spirit.
Precepts of Okinawan Goju Ryu by Chojun Miyagi
It should be known that secret principals of Goju Ryu exist in the kata.
Goju Ryu Karate-do is a manifestation within one's own self of the harmonious accord of the universe.
The way of Goju Ryu Karate-do is to seek the way of virtue.
Patience by Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953)
"You must, above all, learn the art of true and real patience. Follow the WAY of patience to the seventh power and never be in a hurry to learn. Always think first and avoid acting rashly. Never harm anyone or let yourself be harmed."
The Last Teachings by Chojun Miyagi
Do not be struck by others.
Do not strike others.
The principle is the peace without incident.
The venue was Koh Samui, Thailand. This was the 6th Annual event that I have conducted there and it was such great fun with 7 days training 5 hours a day followed by 7 days to relax and chill – out in paradise.
The training was 10 – 12.30pm then 5 – 7.30pm because of the temperature which reached 31 – 34 °C in the day, most of the training in the morning was endurance and impact and after the morning training there were readings on different topic such as Physiology, Anatomy, Nutrition and Prevention and Technical in the evening.
After every morning session we would retreat to the small but well placed restaurant that Sensei Geoff Pickup had built to sample some of the tropical fruits that are available, these consisted of Dragon fruit, Papaya fruit and Pineapple that people were saying they have never tasted fruit like it anywhere else and sweet Banana and Watermelon, which added nutritious value in addition to ice cool bottled water.
In the evening after training a quick dip in the pool and then a shower, then it was time to sample some of the local Fish dishes that had been caught that day, which consisted of Lobster, King prawns, Mussels, Oysters and Calamari all cooked to perfection with array of sauces.
But it was not all about training; readily available are motorbikes that can be purchased cheaply and this is the most popular way to get around the island in such a hot climate.
There are many interesting places you can visit, such as Buddhist Temples, Markets, and some wonderful Beaches and to chill out you even have a massage on the beach which takes about an hour and after training this is a must.
This Gasshuku takes place every year so if you would like to experience training in paradise combined with a holiday this is your opportunity.
My special thanks to the people of Koh – Samui for making this a successful Gasshuku and look forward to March 2013.
George Andrews
_ Is a word that can determine life or death
Friendship or Foe
Happiness or Sadness
And can be victory or defeat
The past or the future
A smile or tears
This is also determined by the strength of the word
A feeling from the heart
And the conscious mentality
The things that segregate it are Greed and Control
And to sell your soul
Is to rejoice with the Devil
As you will learn
George Andrews
_ First I would like to say thank you all for attending this weekend and supporting me, it’s a pleasure to see people that just think about their training and the pursuit of Okinawan Goju – Ryu, I have over many years given my time and effort to help people achieve their aspirations. So this is the time when effort and diligent training is put to the test and your presentation will lead to the success or demise as a grading should be just a formality.
Training started at 10am on Saturday with the Honbu Dojo traditional warm up, then basics with impact in any direction which helps to develop coordinated fighting skills. After a water break, Kata bunkai for Gekisai to Kururufa and Kata scrutinising each move. The training finished at 4pm, some of the people went straight to the Sauna to chill – out.
On Sunday 10am after the bow Sensei John Healy 4th Dan led the running. The pace was acceptable for a while then after 20 minutes the grading candidates were told to keep running and were put through their paces, trying to keep up with Sensei John, which is no easy feat. After a further 15 minutes the call to stop was welcomed by all.
After the warm up and a recap of the previous day, the Kata was repeated over and over again, then everyone partnered and demonstrated their understanding of Kakie with throws and then more Kata and bunkai.
After lunch the grading candidates lined up for the test. After 3 hours of arduous training with some powerful iri – kumi the last leg of the journey was sounded, Star – Jumps, Sit ups and Push ups, I am proud of the entire group for showing so much spirit.
After the announcements were made and everyone freshened up it was Party time. At first no one wanted to eat, I think this was because they wanted to reflect on the past two days and emotions started to show, however soon the party got into the swing.
My special thanks to the people that helped during the weekend and the grading.
George Andrews
Editors note: Photos are not usually taken during the grading but on this occaision some of the aspects have been documented. We join the grading with advanced kata before moving onto demonstration of bunkai. This was followed by kakie, kumite, pad work and chishi kata before the final "spirit test".
_Immediately what comes to mind is the oriental world of the graceful Crane bird.
As to the spirit world, the Phoenix bird symbolizes immortality and the resurrection of life after death. Only one Phoenix exists at one time, which would suggest only one Kata. The Phoenix was usually depicted as the Heron but in classic literature as a Peacock or an Eagle.
The first movement to the side could suggest the Crane bird warding of an attacker, the forward movement could indicate the flapping of the wings in an attack.
The movement at 45° suggests the Heron bird stalking it pray, close to the waters edge and the middle knuckle thrust could be deduced as the beak of the Heron bird piercing it’s pray.
From the low stance, and rising with both hands aloft, this could be the Graceful display of the Peacock bird, signifying detail, precision, colour and beauty.
And the last move is the representation of a Peacock bird, display it’s non-compliance to be approached, the Kiai (the shout for spirit) is quite daunting.
George Andrews
Cambridge Goju Ryu celebrated it's second birthday today with a special three hour open course. Thank you to all those that came to support the club and a special thanks to the guest instructors Sensei George Andrews and Sensei Dave Amber. After a quick warm up we split into two groups. Whilst the junior grades practiced a variety of self defence techniques with Sensei Dave, the black and brown belts recieved instruction on Sanchin kata from Sensei George. After a brief break Sensei George introduced the junior grades to Sanchin and the senior grades practiced basic techniques with movement and a decent amount of conditioning led by Sensei Martin. We concluded our training as a group with makiwara training making good use of the crash mats for both punching and kicking. Thanks again to all the participants for making this course a success.
The OTGKA was invited to demonstrate at two Japanese events in London last year. The first event was Okinawa Day, held in Spitalfields in June. The two photos below were taken by Stephen Chung ( click here for more photos). This was followed by a demonstration at Japan Matsuri in September. This photo was taken by Laura Hilton-Smith, winning 3rd prize in the photography awards. Thank you to the photographers for giving kind permission to re-post these images.
_There is a suggestion that this Kata could be a sister Kata to Seiyunchin, as it uses supported or double handed techniques and the absence of Zenkustu dachi.
The first move suggests interaction of the planets and space in time; it also represents the circle of life and that time is only seeing the past.
The double handed techniques suggest the power of working together as a commodity for the good of all and the prolongation of truth.
The 45° step and the double hand movement suggest the turbulent waters before a tidal wave then the descent into a low stance suggests an earthquake.
Then the spiralling movement is a fearsome tornado to the end move, suggesting the beginning of calm.
George Andrews
_ Your foot movements should resemble the time lapse of a hypnotic Cobra snake.
From the first kame and punch, imaging you are trying to extinguish a lighted candle without touching it.
On the retraction and the turning of the hands, imaging you are doing Sanchin breathing without noise, at the same time your arms are as powerful as a boa constrictor, until the Juji Uke, which resembles the bite of the Cobra.
_ The kick, elbow and punch suggests a stampede of horses.
From the Juji Uke think like the stealth of a tiger, ready to pounce and surprise it’s pray.
As to the last move, this resembles a begging or happy dog.
The Element that this Kata portrays is Fire.
George Andrews
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