The Okinawan Fist and the Standard Fist: Applications

The Okinawan fist is useful, for a special grip against the nerve, and for punching a wall with the knuckles of the index and middle fingers by softening the clench of the fist to absorb the blows instead of just damaging your hands. It is also good for using the first knuckle of the thumb to attack the neck artery or throat, as well as forming chuko ippon ken, as in both instances the fist is supported by the index finger’s unusual position. This is particularly true for me as my thumbs are “double jointed”, as such, so I can fold them over my hands more so than most people. Sometimes in boxing having a difference in physique is useful and enables the application of alternative techniques. 

However, the regular fist formation is better for fighting because when moving quickly there is more freedom in the wrists. The special grip can always be applied anyway, and the thumb can be pressed against the folded index finger to create the same strong feeling felt when forming the Okinawan fist. Furthermore, the quick use of the Okinawan fist can give a jolt in the nerves due to the unnatural position of the index finger. You have to be relaxed and sharp to fight effectively. I feel the Okinawan fist should be applied in certain ways but not used in every instance. 

Sean R. Marshall

Okinawan Funakoshi Taikyoku Nidan and Sandan

The Okinawan style of Funakoshi taikyoku nidan and sandan gata. The variations laid out by Master Gichin Funakoshi are important because they represent the principle of varying each kata and that of making movements free. These two are the standard alternatives described in Karate-Do Kyohan. They did not feature in the first edition of this text.

Taikyoku [Shodan]

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Funakoshi Wansu no Bo (Funakoshi Wansu nu Bo)

In my opinion, Funakoshi kobujutsu should be studied primarily through the techniques found in the open-handed kata which most definitely apply to this or that weapon, specifically the bo and sai. In addition, the techniques demonstrated by Master Funakoshi and his students should be studied. This is an illustration of Funakoshi wansu nu bo. 

Tenryu no Kon (Tenryu no Konbo / Tenryu nu Bo)

Tenryu no Konbo, a bojutsu kata that may have been practised by Master Gichin Funakoshi, found in some relevant karate schools, though there is no real evidence proving that any particular kobujutsu kata was practised and taught by Master Gichin Funakoshi. 

Deception and Trust: Core and Values of Bujutsu

Deception is at the heart of martial training. The true water-style is found in the principle of making the trained and untrained opponent think that you are in a place that you really are not, and make your attacker strike air like punching a mirage or shadow. Your mind had actually already advanced, and your body is capable so you move in accordance to remain in control of the situation. You have deceived your assailant. However, as character comes first, don’t forget to avoid becoming a deceptive person in everyday life, or risk the trust of those with whom you acquaint yourself as friends and partners. Trust and reliance are the cornerstone of every relationship. Deception should be saved for appropriate times such as the street or battlefield. 

Okinawan Funakoshi Unsu Kata

Master Seishō Aragaki (Niigaki) taught Gichin Funakoshi the quan / kata unsu, along with nisēshi (and likely sōchin, but it was replaced with Kudaka sōchin). Meaning "cloud-hands", it is a fitting analogy for what presents as the dragon style, with flowing movements and clever double techniques.

I relate the dragon style to the Komodo dragon, realistically. Not just due to the name and its physical stature, but when considering the dragon-style's technical teachings that apply hard and soft, great power, the use of claws, and intelligence. In terms of essence, the mind (shin in Japanese, shen in Mandarin Chinese) is the focal element of development towards correct performance and application in this boxing method. 

Although always ongoing, this essentially completes the primary presentation of my research on Master Gichin Funakoshi's Okinawan karate, as the kata are most important. However, next I will show the second and third taikyoku kata, other relevant kobujutsu, and the kumite section. 

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Okinawan Funakoshi Sochin Kata

An illustration of what the old Okinawan version of Funakoshi-Kudaka sōchin-gata may have looked like, including chōji-dachi / teiji-dachi rather than fudō-dachi / sōchin-dachi, as Master Funakoshi described, and as seen in other Okinawan karate schools, and showing two variations for the end of the kata. Kudaka sōchin appears to also be of the dragon style, flowing with double techniques, like Aragaki nisēshi and unsu (and sōchin). 

SRM

Okinawan Funakoshi Niseshi Kata

Okinawan-style nisēshi kata of Master Gichin Funakoshi's karate lineage, taught to him by Master Aragaki (Niigaki). Niseishi is of the dragon style which teaches flowing movements and clever double techniques. This particular kata can be applied to the sai. 

I have illustrated two versions here, one in standard Okinawan style, the other showing a contrast between hard and soft techniques.

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Old Okinawan Funakoshi Jitte : First Technique Slow and Circular ; First Technique Sharp and Circular - Kote-uke / Osae-uke

According to Master Funakoshi's descriptions, and compared with other experts such as some of his students, including Master Otsuka and Sensei Ohshima, and pupils of Master Egami's Shotokai karate, it may be more correct in Funakoshi karate, when performed comparably with Master Gichin Funakoshi's own practice, to execute the first technique, for instance, of the kata jitte, circling down slowly in kote-uke / osae-uke. However, techniques are often performed in a sharp manner in Okinawan kata, and some comparisons show this for jitte, such as Master Yuchoku Higa's version which may suggest that the way to perform the first movement is more like the alternative I have previously illustrated several times. Additionally, some of Master Funakoshi's older versions of kata, such as jion (and therefore likely ji'in) had different initial movements to those Master Funakoshi himself later published. Hence, it is possible that other kata had slightly varied movements in their older versions. However, in this case, the descriptions do point towards quite possibly actually always having been a kote-uke / osae-uke technique. 

Mr Lorenzo Semeraro, a member of my karate study group, regularly discusses ideas with me, concerning Funakoshi karate in its original form. He brought this point into reconsideration, and I am grateful for his contributions.

SRM