When practicing Tensho Kata you should think like the wind and the ocean, that you control their motions and destination with your hands and breathing. Guide them to a calm and tranquil being within the universe.
The opening of the hand signifies knowledge and wisdom, the circle motion back and forward represents the coming together of all people in harmony. The upper palm strike represents the evolution of time. The raising and lowering of the wrist and palm signifies the sun and the moon and their destiny. The moving of both hands in unison signifies negative and positive coming to together creating the energy of life. Moving the palms together up and over suggests the art of breathing is in and out. When you are born you breathe in and when your time comes, you breathe out. Tora Guchi signifies the four seasons coming and going. Both palms extended up and down suggest Fearlessness, Compassion and Charity. The last move to finish, which is hidden, suggests holding the jewel of life, which is Enlightenment, Satori or Nirvana. The stance Sanchin represents the element of ether, communication with heaven and the silent Gods. George Andrews This Kata is alien to most human beings; however the deity seems to be at home with this discipline, understanding the different mudras that this Kata depicts. On a Buddhist rosary there are 108 beads, 105 eulogize and 3 doctrine, it seems to elude the superficial explorer and will only recognise the truth. As to the universe, it shows the past, present and the future. We have seen the deity of the past and we now see the deity of the present. We must wait to see the deity of the future. I look forward in heaven, to looking down on earth and seeing whose destiny is chosen for the future. George Andrews Photo courtesy of Dylan MacMaster
Course Report from Martin and Louise Stockley, Cambridge
On a sunny Friday 25th May we boarded the Eurostar at London’s St Pancras station and 2 hours later we arrived in Brussels. We were met by Fréderic Lantreibecq, who whisked us out to our hotel on the outskirts of the city. Sensei Marc Sanglier and his wife Els had done an excellent job organising this first Gasshuku in Brussels and after a brief rest at the hotel we were driven to the training venue by Alex Gherschon, another one of our very welcoming hosts. 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. _ 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". |
George AndrewsChief Instructor OTGKA Archives
February 2022
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