Our organization officially formed in 1999. That makes us seven years old; pretty new, yet older than most businesses survive for. I see no end in sight and hope that one day our members will be reading our 100th Edition.

So where have we been and where are we going? We began with Honbu Dojo, the Lindsay Dojo, and the Ventura Dojo. Now we have dojo in Colorado, Vancouver, and Lancaster. This averages one new dojo every two and one half years. Not bad!

The current trend and crowd favorite martial art is mixed martial arts competition such as the UFC. O’Hara Sensei and I have weathered other popular trends such as the Bruce Lee era that proulgated a style without a style (kind of like MMA, guess Bruce was ahead of his time). We have seen Tae Kwon Do take over America (quick gratification), the sport karate craze (tournaments), and the era of Stephen Hayes and Ninjitsu’s sweep of American popularity. At least with MMA the practitioners are in great shape and they can fight.

We intend to remain stubborn, dedicated, and loyal to our traditions, culture, and art. It is the path we have chosen. A lifelong path that includes personal growth, etiquette, discipline, commitment, and the development of personal character. Of practicing and passing on a cultural treasure created, polished, and preserved in Okinawa. A learning environment and atmosphere rich in tradition and formality that means something special and that is conducive to learning where the only ceiling is your own limitations and dedication to practice and research.

Goju Ryu really does contain it all; punching, kicking, blocking, elbow strikes, knee strikes, gouging, poking, pulling, pushing, pinching, squeezing, joint locks, chokes, pressing, defense against multiple opponents, defense against weapons, and much more.

Let’s look at the terms floating and sinking. Floating refers to inhaling and sinking refers to exhaling. There is also making your center high (a form of floating) and using gravity harmonized with breath to drop your weight for specific martial applications (a form of sinking).

Goju Ryu is truly an in-depth and complex study requiring a lot of time and effort. Many more fads will come and go and we will see other martial art related crazes rise to the top of the public popularity charts; while we remain steadfast in our efforts and traditions. We will adapt to the modern world and utilize new information and technology that will improve our training and ability in the future. We will study the old and know the new!

There are some added benefits to training and belonging to something bigger than ourselves, such as sharing research and information. This Newsletter is one of those benefits that we hope helps you in better understanding your personal study of this intricate art. So welcome back and enjoy!

Tensho kata is considered the masterpiece of Miyagi Chojun, Sensei. It is derived from the Chinese Hsing called rokkisho (six-machine-palm). We are not sure what this kata looked like when Miyagi Sensei first observed it, but the accepted meaning is rotating palms, therefore he must have seen something that resembled the rotation of the hands and prompted this description.

In older times it was thought that Tensho was taught as a companion kata to the “harder” or “go” of Sanchin kata specifically for older or less physical karate-ka. This, however, I find to be unlikely. Tensho can be as physically demanding as Sanchin in many respects. First of all, the breathing system can be even more demanding, as the first two moves after the morote no kamae are done slowly with deep, continuous breathing which demands a great deal of breath control.

The actual movements of the hands reflect a possible source from the Hakutsuru. Also, it is possible that Higaonna Kanryo Sensei’s Kakufa [ha] is another source from which Miyagi Sensei drew. In any case, no matter what the source or sources, the Tensho kata was not meant to be an amelioration of Sanchin, nor was it meant to be “soft” in the sense that it is the opposite of Sanchin.

Though it sounds contradictory, Tensho does represent the “ju” of goju. It does so by using the gentler movements of the open hand and circularity. However, the open hand is still held firm throughout all movements. It would be a grave error to assume that Tensho is a “soft” kata. It is one of the three “heishu” gata of Goju Ryu, the other two being the Sanchin of Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, and the modified Sanchin of Miyagi Sensei. Heishu means “closed”, that is, the body is held in a state of tension throughout the execution of the kata.

Conversely, the kaishu (open) gata are all the other kata of Goju Ryu, and they are done with the tension or “kime” at the precise moment of impact of the techniques. The open aspect refers to release of body tension to develop greater speed of movement and power in all techniques. Movement is strained when the body is tight, thereby reducing effectiveness. Although, because of the defining principles of hand motion, in the proper execution of Tensho, the elbows are paramount. The proper movement and placement of the elbows is essential to the proper movement of the hands. This concept cannot be adequately addressed in this paper. It must be the subject of a class or seminar. However, your immediate Sensei has been through this lesson on many occasions and can, and probably has shown you the proper use of the elbow in Tensho.

Tensho also has two methods of application, although it is most often done as a defensive kata. The offensive version utilizes certain “uke” movements as “uchi” techniques. As an example, the kake uke and ura kake uke become finger tip eye rakes.

Unfortunately, Tensho is often neglected in teaching mixed classes since it is considered sandan level. I feel it needs to be taught to all brown belts (senior division) and should be taught as a companion to Sanchin. Tensho, like Sanchin, if done with regularity and intensity will reveal a deep understanding of our system and will ensure the commitment to our maintaining the integrity and tradition of Okinawan Goju Ryu.

Hint from the Editor: When Sensei states he feels something should be taught at a specific level, guess what that mean? Right, it means we all should be teaching it at the level he recommends? So if your brown belts don’t know Tensho get busy!

1. When did you begin training in Goju Ryu? Had you any previous training experiences prior to beginning your study in Goju Ryu?

I began training in Goju Ryu in 1989. I had previous training in Judo in 1959 when we lived on an air base in Morocco, North Africa. I was in 9th grade and a few of us were invited to train with the airmen. My Judo career was short lived as I took a bad fall and became afraid of falling. Can’t be a Judo player if you’re afraid of falling!

Then, in1983 or 1984, I trained for a short time with my children in an eclectic style known as Karazenpo. I assume the Sifu had had some traditional training because he was very strict with etiquette.

2. What made you desire to begin training?

I wanted to begin training to be with my husband. When Sensei was seriously injured the instruction was continued by his blackbelts. After his recovery he resumed the teaching duties. I watched the first night to see how he taught and treated his students and began training the next night. Those of you who have trained with him know how kind and gentle and patient he is.

3. In reflection, how did you initially view your training and how do you view it now; i.e. how has your personal path changed?

I was training, at first to be with my husband. If he was going to be gone three nights a week I might as well go with him, learn something and maybe get into shape. As I continued to train I felt more of a commitment over the years. I set goals for myself. I have become “Dojo Mom” and I take care of all my kids no matter what their ages.

4. What do you like most about training in karate?

Kihon and kata. Kihon is a real challenge for me because I’m not very well coordinated so when I can do some skill by the end of the count I feel pretty good about myself. Kata is different. I almost enter a dream state as I repeat those moves that are familiar to me. The higher kata that I am still learning are more of a test of my memory, endurance and balance.

5. What is your favorite kata and why?

Shisochin is my favorite kata because I practiced this kata for the only tournament I’ve entered. Tracie had taken a break from competition and was returning after a lengthy pause. I thought it would be nice to enter in the senior division in the same tournament with her. I remember being introduced to this kata at Sensei Wilson’s dojo in Ventura. If I had ever seen it I didn’t remember it because I had a horrible time with the angles and straight wrist. I also like this kata for generating speed and power or for gathering energy and catching one’s breath.

6. What do you like least?

7. What part of karate have you struggled the most with and how have you overcome that obstacle?

Kumite is what I like least. Higaonna Sensei allowed me to do self-defense techniques rather than kumite because of my age. I am sorry I didn’t push myself to spar with doshi I could trust. Since these interview questions have come up Tracie has offered to work with me, as she has in the past.

8. Of all of the karate events you have attended, what event left you with the best memories and why was that experience special to you?

I have been fortunate to have attended so many memorable karate events and have traveled to Okinawa, New Mexico, New Orleans, Colorado, Washington and many places in California. I have been privileged to be in the presence of highly respected karate Sensei. The best memory for me is when Tracie won Kata Grand Champion at Nationals in Albuquerque doing Bunchin, a kata Sensei developed especially for her. It had been 10 years since a woman had won. We had about 10 – 15 people from our dojo there and everyone was so excited.

9. How have you seen karate training affect your daughter?

Karate training has affected my daughter, Tracie, by keeping her focused. She is very dedicated to training. She trains nearly every day even when she can’t breathe and her knees hurt. I really admire her dedication and stamina. Sometimes she’ll be late because of kids and miss push-ups so she’ll do them on her own! Another point about Tracie is if Sensei makes a correction, she’ll say “Hai Sensei”, and make the correction. She has also become a very good instructor. When Sensei was last in the hospital she was there for me and for the dojo. She made sure the classes were covered and helped with teaching when there was no one else.

10. What goals do you have for the future?

My goals for the future are to keep Sensei healthy ?, keep the dojo going, and do some traveling.

11. What kind of guidance or insight does being married to Sensei give you?

Having Sensei for my husband gives me an inside view of the dojo mechanisms. He never criticizes me or ask why I don’t train sometimes. It is hard for me when he expresses disappointment about some event in the dojo (such as a drop in students over summer). I want to make it all better but I realize I’m just a sounding board and that he doesn’t expect me to.

12. What do you feel students could do more of to assist the dojo or organization?

I feel the students could do more to maintain the cleanliness of the dojo. Many do help, but others have to be asked. I think Sempai should always be on the look out for helping kohai, be it showing how to tie an obi or help on the kata that that doshi is working on.

To help the organization I would like to see some recruiting going on. Also, people can turn in book reports or essays for the website or newsletter.

13. How has karate training changed (if it has) since you began compared to now?

Karate has changed – even in the short time I’ve been involved with it. There is less dedication or loyalty. When Sensei first took over the teaching duties from his blackbelts after he was severely injured, we trained three times a week and no one missed a class. Now classes are offered six days a week and some come once every other week.

Often Sensei and some of the older students have indicated that there is a drop in dedication and morale. Sensei and the more seasoned yudansha are sometimes heard talking about the “old days” and I get the feeling that they see a different caliber of student today but don’t know why. They feel that maybe the training is too hard or that people have trouble dedicating themselves for some reason.

14. Any words of wisdom for others regarding the difficult path of karate?

It may be a good thing not to know how difficult the path of karate is but some words of wisdom may be to do what you can when first training, to take care of your body, and as you strengthen increase your efforts. Don’t give up, keep trying. There will be sticking points that are reached but keep working out and you’ll break through and reach the next level.

15. Anything else that you would like to add or share?

Sensei and I often laugh about this adventure he has taken me on. He’ll say “You didn’t know what you were getting into!” And he’s right, but I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

Wherever we have traveled for Sensei to teach we have always had royal treatment and we appreciate that.

Editors Note: Catherine Sensei is also the Administrative Director for the OGRKK and does a lot of work that nobody ever sees or hears about.

1. Karate is not only dojo training.
2. Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow.
3. In Karate, never attack first.
4. One who practices Karate must follow the way of justice.
5. First you must know yourself. Then you can know others.
6. Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are merely the means to the end.
7. You must release your mind.
8. Misfortune comes out of laziness.
9. Karate is a lifelong training.
10. Put Karate into everything you do.
11. Karate is like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly it will again become cold.
12. Do not think that you have to win. Think that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. Move according to your opponent.
15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
16. When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.
17. Ready position for beginners and natural position for advanced students.
18. Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do not forget (1) strength and weakness of power, (2) expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed of techniques.
20. Devise at all times.

Naha-te (Okinawan: Nafa-di) is a pre-World War II term for a type of martial art indigenous to the area around Naha, the old commercial city of the Ryukyu Kingdom and now the capital city of the island of Okinawa.

Well into the 20th century, the martial arts of Okinawa were generally referred to as te, which is Japanese for "hand". Te often varied from one town to another, so to distinguish among the various types of te, the word was often prefaced with its area of origin; for example, Naha-te, Shuri-te, or Tomari-te.

Naha-te was primarily based on the Fujian White Crane systems of Southern China, which trickled into Okinawa in the early 19th century through Kumemura (Kuninda), the Chinese suburb of Naha, and continued developing and evolving until being finally formalized by Higaonna Kanryo in the 1880's.

In the first few decades of the 20th century, a number of formal organizations were founded to oversee Okinawan martial arts, and due to their influence, the word karate came to be widely accepted as a generic term for all sorts of Okinawan unarmed martial arts. With the popularity of the term karate, the practice of naming a type of martial art after its area of origin declined. The term Naha-te is no longer in general use.

Important Okinawan masters of Naha-te:

• Kogusuku Isei
• Maezato Ranho
• Arakaki Seisho
• Higaonna Kanryo
• Miyagi Chojun
• Kyoda Juhatsu
• Mabuni Kenwa

Important katas:

• Sanchin
• Saifa
• Seienchin
• Shisochin
• Seipai
• Seisan

The successor styles to Naha-te are Goju-ryu, Toon-ryu (developed by the students of Higaonna Kanryo), Kogusuku-ryu and Ryuei-ryu.

Tegumi is a traditional form of wrestling from Okinawa.. According to Shoshin Nagamine, in his "Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters", there are no accurate historical documents surrounding the origins of grappling in Okinawa. Like most other forms of wrestling it seems that tegumi evolved from a primitive form of grappling self defense, which was constantly being adapted and enhanced as it was exposed to outside influences.

t is believed by some, Nagamine included, that tegumi was probably the original form of fighting in Okinawa and, as it was enhanced by striking and kicking techniques imported from China, the progenitor of Te, which is the foundation of modern Karate.

Known as tegumi in Naha, and mutou in Tomari and Shuri, Okinawan wrestling remained a popular cultural recreation until the Taisho period (1912 – 1925). There is little evidence of how tegumi evolved but the result was a rough and tumble bout where the winner was decided by submission, through joint locks, strangles or pinning. Today tegumi has a strict set of rules and is still practiced widely.Island folklore is full of references to tegumi and it is believed that the islands version of sumo can find its roots in the rural wrestling of the past.

“Try to identify the tegumi techniques in your training”