Extracting Teeth

Another of my views/theories. I have a feeling that Tatsuo Sensei didn't convey all he wanted for the system. I extrapolate this theory from all the information I have studied over the years where it was often said that when asked most times Tatsuo would not answer be it questions or what ever.

Even if not true, Tatsuo Sensei spoke broken and limited English so even the true meaning may have been lost in the passing of information and knowledge. I have also noted some disparities from one Isshinryu expert to another as well as those who have been interviewed from Okinawa. In all this al lot may have been lost or not conveyed.

Let me also add that many of the Isshinryu'ists here have "patched" the holes with their own input, etc. In our desire to reach new heights in practice it may have produced inaccurate information and knowledge. Example, chambering the fist even with advanced level practitioners and either little or no knowledge of fundamentals/principles that make all martial systems work.

In addition to all this there is always the person interpreting. The recipient of any of Tatsuo Sensei knowledge is influenced by their own customs, beliefs and past experiences, etc. where it colors or possibly distorts that knowledge. This also may be what effected the factions or splits between tribes.

Stand twenty persons side by side with about two arms lengths between each. Go down to one end and whisper in that persons ear a fact then ask them to wait five minutes then turn to their immediate neighbor so it flows down the line and repeat the fact. Every one does it exactly the same way. You go down to the other end and wait so when the last person is in receipt of that fact they can then whisper it to you directly. Guess what, it will not be exactly what you originally said. It will have changed somewhat. Human nature. This is why diligent and continuous ongoing practice and instruction is required. It has to in order to convey the system correctly and accurately.

If this were done consistently since Tatsuo Sensei taught the proverbial first generation practitioners then there would be no factions or what I call tribes. We would all be the same Isshinryu and under the same guidance, processes, fundamentals, principles, and so on.

Maybe because it was like pulling/extracting teeth to get info from Tatsuo Sensei the disparities in Isshinryu exist. We won't mention personalities, politics, and power.