Judging the Systems

When we read or manage the hear the stories about the masters, factual stories and not the dramatized stuff, we have a natural tendency to assess them by our standards of the current day in lieu of actually trying to "see" them from their time and standards and customs of that time. This could be why so much has gone missing in today martial systems.

In one splinter group of Isshinryu they strongly pursue, and suggest others do the same, knowledge of Okinawan history, customs, courtesies, and beliefs so we might understand those Masters who provided us the systems we practice today. 

No one can  relate to those days well enough to achieve "filling in the holes" of the systems practiced today. I spend time researching and studying what I hope is materials from their time and their views and their customs yet have to be careful because I know there are flaws in the process.

When we judge anything, today or yesterdays, we will naturally rely on what we know as to our experiences and knowledge yet to actually understand the times of the materials may require additional research, reading, materials on those persons, i.e. in the case of karate-do the Okinawans. Sadly there is little written of any notable validated historical facts. It is mostly word of mouth conjecture which also is influenced by the translators and educators.

Even today's Okinawan masters are influenced in this way. Although the best and brightest Masters of Okinawan martial systems have the knowledge of Okinawan Karate it is still subjective [there is always the danger of making a subjective judgment].