Masters from Okinawa Karate & Kobudo.

**TonyU** · 12-01-2009 09:55

A Tribute to Fallen [Karate] Warriors.

I'd like to think I'm pretty well versed in Okinawan karate history but I sure wished they posted the name of the masters. There are quite a few I don't recognize. Plus, I believe there a some non-Okinawans as well. Some nice pics though.

**TonyU** · 12-01-2009 10:23

Matayoshi Shinpo of the famous Matayoshi lineage of kobudo performing Kururunfa.

Kururunfa kata

**TonyU** · 12-01-2009 10:29

Higa Yuchoku performing Matsumura Passai. We practice this kata just as you see it. We simply call it Passai Dai.

Matsumura Passai

**TonyU** · 12-01-2009 10:50

The following is Nagamine sensei and Chotoku sensei performing various kata.
From what I can gather Chotoku sensei was a senior student of Nagamine who was sent to the US to spread the art. He has since passed away in 1975.

Matsubayashi Karate (Nagamine Shoshin and Omine Chotoku Sensei)

**Brandon Fisher** · 12-01-2009 15:52

Tony,
Great finds!! Its interesting watching Matayoshi Sensei practice karate since he was so well known for kobudo.

**TonyU** · 12-03-2009 14:42

Tatsuo Shimabuku founder of Isshin Ryu.

Tatsuo Shimabuku Seisan/Seiunchin/Naihanchi 1958?

**TonyU** · 12-03-2009 14:49

Shimabukuro Zempo sensei performing Naihanchi, Kusanku, and teaching at a seminar. Anyone with enough time in karate will know exactly what he's trying to convey at the seminar.

Naihanchi.

Kusanku.

Seminar.

**TonyU** · 01-14-2010 13:57

Chogi Kishaba Sensei performing a bo demo and Seiyunchin.

Bo kata demo

Seiyunchin

**swdw** · 01-30-2010 10:43

Suparenpei : Masanobu Shinjo Sensei

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SlrM7wUt1Q&feature=fvw

**Brandon Fisher** · 01-30-2010 12:23

Originally Posted by swdw

Suparenpei : Masanobu Shinjo Sensei

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SlrM7wUt1Q&feature=fvw

Interesting I don't think I have ever seen Suparenpei run exactly like that just similar. Thanks for sharing!!

**Chunmonchek** · 01-30-2010 16:59

That was a fine performance from one of the (some say the) best Goju practitioners of his generation. Also considering that Masanobu Sensei may have been suffering from a severe illness at the time of that performance. His untimely passing was a great loss to Okinawan Karate.

Chris

**swdw** · 02-01-2010 10:22

Originally Posted by Chunmonchek

That was a fine performance from one of the (some say the) best Goju practitioners of his generation. Also considering that Masanobu Sensei may have been suffering from a severe illness at the time of that performance. His untimely passing was a great loss to Okinawan Karate.

Chris

Yes, this was filmed while his body was being attacked by cancer, but prior to it being diagnosed.

He did a demo one year at Ozawa's tournament and literally brought the house to its feet. The only person in the Master's demo that got a standing ovation that night. And his was an impromptu performance as no one knew he was going to be there.

Sometimes, you'd swear the floor crackled under his feet as his power generation was phenomenal. I only got to see him one week, but the impression he made still lingers twenty some years later.

**TonyU** · 02-01-2010 10:48

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

**aps63** · 03-20-2010 22:53

Hi Tony,
You have collected some terrific video here.
Keep up the great work.
Be well my friend.
Paul Snader

**kbarrett** · 03-21-2010 18:06

As I watch the kata's being performed, it's down right amazing on how many different versions there are to these kata's from one style to another, always wondering just which version is correct.

Watching the old Okinawa Masters demonstrating the kata it leave one to believe that the way their performing the kata must be the correct version. It would be great if all style of Karate did the kata's the same way intead of have so many different versions.

Sincerely
Ken Barrett

**Nyuck3x** · 03-22-2010 12:01

Originally Posted by kbarrett

As I watch the kata's being performed, it's down right amazing on how many different versions there are to these kata's from one style to another, always wondering just which version is correct.

Watching the old Okinawa Masters demonstrating the kata it leave one to believe that the way their performing the kata must be the correct version. It would be great if all style of Karate did the kata's the same way intead of have so many different versions.

Sincerely
Ken Barrett

Their is no correct pattern to kata.
Shitei kata is homogenous kata that can be used to measure different Ryuha against each other. They have limited martial application.

If everyone did it the same way, what would we have? McDojo...

**kbarrett** · 03-22-2010 19:11

While I agree there is no correct way of performing the kata's, they all must have an original beginning, and changed over time and according to time, place, and style teaching the kata.

I also don't believe if all styles performed the kata's the same way we have a Mcdojo, I just believe that doing them the same would make them more transferable from style to style.

Sincerely
Ken Barrett

**TonyU** · 03-22-2010 19:31

Originally Posted by kbarrett

I also don't believe if all styles performed the kata's the same way we have a Mcdojo, I just believe that doing them the same would make them more transferable from style to style.

Sincerely
Ken Barrett

I disagree. Kata evolved at a time when karate was in it's infancy. Through the course of its evolution certain masters stressed certain things they felt important and some they didn't. Eventually the changes and intricacies defined the style.
I like the fact of it's individuality. I don't want my style of karate to look like someone elses. If that were the case we'd be all doing the same thing. Kinda boring, imo.

**Nyuck3x** · 03-23-2010 12:09

Originally Posted by kbarrett

While I agree there is no correct way of performing the kata's, they all must have an original beginning, and changed over time and according to time, place, and style teaching the kata.

I also don't believe if all styles performed the kata's the same way we have a Mcdojo, I just believe that doing them the same would make them more transferable from style to style.

Sincerely
Ken Barrett

I guess I just don't understand the need to transfer between styles.
If you are in an established Ryuha, then why do you need to have recognition
from another Ryuha? For that matter, every individual should be evaluated
by what they know and can do. This comparison thing sprang out of competion
which is something I am not a part of. I have no need to prove my ability
except to my Sensei and peers. Everyone else can do it however way they wish.

RE: McDojo
The definition of McDojo is one of consistancy between branches. It has appeal to
the general mass. If you do not like the general mass appeal, then you are screwed unless there is another "flavor" in town.

**Webmaster** · 03-26-2010 13:54

Tony has probably already posted this, but with such a big thread, I thought I'd re-post these if necessary. The four links are part of a documentary on Okinawan Karate and feature a little bit of everything. The video and sound (sound is out of sync) is a little rough, but it's still a good documentary.

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez-2WUDYtf0

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8whcFM7y6M

Part III: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF5vgzEMJiw

Part IV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dThODIPBCZg

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