Sixteen Penny Nail

One of the legendary stories told about Isshinryu is one of the creator, Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei, driving nails through wood with his hands and feet. This is a story about demonstrating "chinkuchi [チンクチ]." I have written a bit on chinkuchi and this story can be found on the Internet but I want to question it as to a demonstration of anything that would translate to defense or combat or the fight on the street.

Granted, my experience level as to fighting outside of the dojo is limited. I fought three or four times a week in the dojo but my experiences in a clench, on the proverbial street, are far limited in comparison. I can recollect two attempts on my life and about three or four distinctive instances of defense against one or more adversaries - mostly in my teens and early twenties. 

I have a good eye in seeing things physical, better than most, but as to translation in experience in the fight I would have my own doubts. I do believe that what little I know and teach can be effective in defense.

Take a look at the many descriptions of chinkuchi and it comes down to applying physiokinetics, as in fundamental principles of all martial activities. You will find that it is about many things of which karada-kitae or body hardening is only a small part. I am not disparaging the need or abilities or effectiveness of chinkuchi or karada-kitae but, what is really being demonstrated by performing nail insertion into wood - really?

First, just because you can drive a sixteen penny nail into a 2 x 4 piece of wood does not equate effective karate or defensive or fighting ability. Yes, performing these feats can build self-confidence. Yes, performing these feats is a mental fortitude builder. Yes, doing many feats of strength, power and speed is a confidence builder. It also attributes to the mind-body effect where the mind is trained to resist certain effects of combative or fighting - such as the adrenaline chemical effects. 

Does it build the type of mind that will act when chemicals are dumped by total and complete surprise; will they counter the effects of that sudden and instant spike of the blood pressure and heart beat so that you don't succumb to the effects of such things in the fight? It may provide a path toward this ability but is it more "show" then effective in a fight.

No one is going to require you drive a nail to achieve success in either a social or asocial event. Much like breaking boards and bricks, boards and bricks don't fight back and they don't live according to the principles such as yin-yang and physiokinetics, it is more about overcoming physics.

Again, I believe chinkuchi is relevant and practical for the shu aspects of shu-ha-ri. It is a teaching tool but like many should not be construed as a means to the end by itself. It is a part of a whole tool box that gets you from "shu" through "ha" and into the "ri" stages of karate, martial arts studies. Like so many things it is a lot more than the mere physical as can be seen when you study the fundamental principles of martial systems. 

It also works well in demonstrating what is possible and that there are no limits to either the mental and physical but we should not assume that it is an end unto itself in karate training. Chinkuchi is a part of a whole that are principles applied also as a whole. Like makiwara, chinkuchi is about training to reach a strategic goal but not actually a fighting or defensive ability. You can strike the makiwara all day long but without all the other parts that make up a violent encounter along with those principles that achieve the goal in the encounter you just have strong hands and feet. If you freeze in the loop, your strong and resilient hand and foot ability is nothing but show. 

Let me emphasize, I have no clue as to Tatsuo-san's fighting prowess. Considering the time and place he grew up and learned karate I suspect he had more opportunity than us modern folks to find out the value of karate in an encounter. Even in the off chance he didn't, the fact that his teachers were well known for their fighting prowesses I would assume said prowess transferred into their teachings that were adequate for the times and places in which Tatsuo-san lived. I suspect WWII was a good teaching tool for experiences.

Regardless, the demonstration of chinkuchi, like makiwara, without all the other principles applied properly, adequately and effectively chinkuchi is just a demonstration of strength and body conditioning. I like to stress, for me, that chinkuchi ability is about bringing all the principles together, as to the physiokinetic principles, to achieve a totality that along with the other principles bring about the ability to handle violence successfully. 

Lets not forget that watching such a demonstration is pretty impressive and pretty darn cool. I would add that I do not recommend anyone of any level to try this feat without proper training and guidance. It is one of those rare demonstrations that require some patience and persistence because any misstep will result in medical and health issues that will at the very least stunt your growth in martial training. 

It has value, a very limited value in the overall practice and study of martial arts. Remember that karate has its value in a specific context and that is the only context. Anything outside that context means something totally different.