Keio Karate Book by Sensei Kinichi Mashimo

https://www.karate-dvd.com/product/ken-middle-age-karate-and-kata-of-keio-university/

I was recently made aware by Ben Pollock, a member of my karate study group, that Sensei Kinichi Mashimo of Keio University has written a book detailing some of the karate studied at Keio. It’s in Japanese, but I’m going to translate it using Google Translate. Included are the kata Bassai [Sho], Gojushiho [Jo], Kanku [Sho] (Koshokun [Sho]), Gojushiho [Ge], Rohai, Niseshi, Wankan, Sochin, Sanchin, Chinto, Ji’in, Unsu, Hyaku-rei-hachi (Suparinpei), Seienchin, Tensho, Suji no Kon, Sakugawa no Kon, Sai, Kanku [Dai] (Kusanku [Dai] / Koshokun [Dai]), and Jion. It’s on order, and I’m very much looking forward to reading it.

Rare Old Keio Funakoshi Karate Footage

Rare video footage from 1974 featuring various Keio University karate experts. Found in the late Master Kazumi Tabata’s belongings, and kindly shared by Stuart Chassen and NACKC (The North American Collegiate Karate Conference), this film is Part 2 of 2, and illustrates kobudo / kobujutsu (bo and sai) and other karate kata practised in the Keio lineage which includes but is not limited to origins from Master Gichin Funakoshi. While there is a nice series of films showing Keio karate and including experts who were at least partly taught by Gichin Funakoshi, made by MDV Communication, some or all of whom must have also been taught by Isao Obata, it is great to see older footage. In the first part, Master Obata demonstrates the kata jitte / jutte and hangetsu (sesan), which is fantastic to see! This is a very important historical karate record, in my opinion.

Gichin Funakoshi Versus Multiple Opponents

Master Gichin Funakoshi practising / teaching applications (bunkai / kumite) of kata against multiple opponents. 

This rare photo is clearly from either the 1920s or, at the latest, the 1930s. It looks like an application to the common karate movement / position where one arm is held in a lower block (gedan barai / gedan uke) while the other is in a high inside-forearm block / outside block (jodan uchi ude uke / jodan soto uke), with other techniques to follow. The photo forms part of the rare film footage found in the late Master Kazumi Tabata’s belongings. Two parts of footage illustrate the old Keio karate kata from 1974, two years before Master Isao Obata, who features in the first part, passed away. I think this photograph reveals a lot about Master Funakoshi’s knowledge and ability regarding kumite and actual situations. This is exactly the sort of training necessary to prepare people for actual fighting. It is also further evidence that should make sceptics question their doubts over Master Funakoshi’s skills. 

Part 1

Part 2

The Late Master Kazumi Tabata

Some useful techniques by Master Kazumi Tabata, student of Master Isao Obata, who sadly passed away on 27 Nov. 2020 at the age of 77.

Footage of Master Isao Obata Performing Kata

We are very fortunate to be able to see kata demonstrated by Master Isao Obata, a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, who claimed that his karate was almost pure Funakoshi karate. This footage belonged to Master Tabata, so we are indebted to him for keeping it safe. It is an invaluable historical resource. It makes me wonder what other old film footage there may be just waiting to be found. 

The Application of Kakidī

Kakidi (kakidī) / kake-te (kakede) is just a form a sticky hands (chi sao), or pushing hands (tui shou) - which is also called striking hands. Kakie is the more well-known version in Okinawa. Gichin Funakoshi noted kake-te in his books. These methods are great for developing sensitivity, better understanding of yin and yang, and grappling, striking, defence and strategy. As Gichin Funakoshi put it, you can learn a lot about your opponent with kakidi. The first version of this type of training which I learnt was a kind of chi sao using both hands. However, while it is beneficial and should be studied, it shouldn’t be focused on as if it is actual fighting itself. Indeed, no single method is fighting other than actual fighting. Every other training method is preparation for real situations. With this, the application of such a method as kakidi or chi sao is to move with your opponent once you’ve actually made contact. An actual fight starts from one distance or another, and sooner or later turns into contact. What do you do at all stages, including when you’ve actually connected? There could be a struggle. What do you do? You can’t think, because you’ll become distracted. You have to feel and harmonise, keeping control of yourself, your opponent, and the situation. 

Latest Study Group Post About Kakidi / Kakede

https://www.facebook.com/groups/funakoshikaratestudygroup/permalink/3004808926501480/