Author Archives: Andreas Quast

The Four Outer Forms of Postures in Contexts Other than Karate

In my previous article I presented a chapter from Kinjo Hiroshi’s last book. In it he describes “The Four Outer Forms of Postures Discovered by Matsumura.” These four outer forms of postures simply describe how two opponents can face each … 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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Long live the noodle soup: A cultural-historical slurp of Okinawa Soba

Comparatively recent, on March 29, 2005, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly declared October 25th as “Karate Day.” The date was chosen in reference to October 25, 1936, when several leading karate practitioners of the era officially decided on the notation Karate … Continue reading

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Kihon created from Kata – Shiromatsu no Kon

A new playlist on my channel sports “Kihon created from Kata.” There I present various ideas and suggestions of how to use techniques and combinations from kata as kihon routines. The second installment features combos from Shiromatsu no Kon, which … Continue reading

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Kihon created from Kata – Shushi no Kon

A new playlist on my channel sports “Kihon created from Kata.” There I present various ideas and suggestions of how to use techniques and combinations from kata as kihon routines. The first installment features combos from Shushi no Kon Sho, … Continue reading

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Gedan-uke, Mamori, Hikkake, Gedan-barai, etc.pp. – Variations in Bojutsu techniques

When looking at old footage, or if you have practical experience, you know there are several variations in the performance and characteristics of the same movement in different schools. Also, from written descriptions, there are different names used by different … Continue reading

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Kushaku-bō or 9-foot-staff of Taira Shinken

In the bōjutsu tradition of Taira Shinken, we find a rarely seen pole weapon: the Kushaku-bō or 9-foot-staff. I have laid out all primary sources known to me before, here and here. To finalize the matter, and as another instance … Continue reading

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Okinawan “Colonist Samurai”

Okinawan peace theory is a difficult topic, most of all for Okinawans themselves. Often, the era of the 15 Years War and Okinawan participation in “the system” is categorically marginalized, denied, and not addressed. The reasons for this are varied, … Continue reading

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An incomplete chronology of the nunchaku

The oldest source on the nunchaku so far seems to be by William Henry Furness III (1866–1920), American physician, ethnographer and author, who visited Okinawa from March 13 to 26, 1896, saying, Non-shaku [nunchaku] is played with a stick about … Continue reading

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