Category Archives: Translations

Setting the Bar

Wooden poles have undoubtedly been used across all times, cultures, and geographical areas to overcome natural obstacles such as waterways, marshy places, or mountainous areas, and sometimes even man-made obstacles. It is easy to imagine how children used it during … Continue reading

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Tsuken was neither known for Tsuken-bō nor Jigen-ryū, but for horsemanship

As mentioned before, today Tsuken Uēkata Seisoku is considered the originator of Tsuken Bō and an expert in Jigen-ryū swordmanship. Even an English Wikipedia entry says he “was good at riding horses and Jigen-ryū,” presenting the Kyūyō as the source. The Kyūyō … Continue reading

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How to wrap a sāji or headband

Ever wondered how to wrap a sāji or headband for eisa, or bo-odori etc.? I translated below description from el-okinawa.com.

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Tsuken no Kon

(Note: The following is the translation of the abstract of Yoshifumi Hayasaka’s “Martial arts of the Satsuma Domain that influenced the martial arts of Ryūkyū (Tsuken no Kon)” presented at the 55th Conference of the Japanese Academy of Budo in … Continue reading

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The Mice Athletic Meet – Reality Check on Okinawa Karate Anecdotes

This is about a story from Kinjo Sensei’s last book. It is a rich book with lots of great insights, theories, technical descriptions, thoughts, attempts at classification, personal experiences and so forth. I particularly liked a story from Kinjo’s youth … Continue reading

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Kinjo Hiroshi and Motobu Choki – Deception is also Part of the Skill

(The following is an episode translated from the stories of the late Kinjo Hiroshi Sensei himself, found on his website) There was a famous master of the fist named Motobu Chōki. Even among the younger generation, those who are training … Continue reading

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The Four Outer Forms of Postures Discovered by Matsumura

(Note: The following is a partly abridged translation of a chapter from Kinjo Hiroshi’s last book. It is presented here for discussion und research purposes for those with ties to Okinawa Karate, particularly those of the Shurite genus.) The Four … Continue reading

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Naihanchi of Tomari-te

There is a interesting detail to Nagamine Shōshin sensei‘s Naihanchi, which has rarely been adressed, if ever. Namely, each step in this kata is performed with the leg raise referred to as nami-gashi (lit. returning wave). This continuous nami-gashi is … Continue reading

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1964: An Entry about Kenshin-ryū, ancient martial art of Okinawa

[The following is a translation of a short entry from 1964 about the Kenshin-ryū school of kobudō established by Hayashi Teruo] Born in Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture, [Mr. Taira Shinken] trained karate under Funakoshi Gichin Sensei and kobudō under Yabiku Mōden … Continue reading

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Example of Examination Regulations in Okinawa

Previously I presented an Example of Association Rules in Okinawa. It describes the exact rules and how Okinawan karate kobudo associations are organized. From it, it can also be seen what distinguishes Okinawan associations from associations in other countries. Over … Continue reading

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