The characters/ideograms mean, “Muscles (sinews) and bones; structure.” The first character means, “Muscle; sinew; tendon; fiber; plot; plan; descent,” the second character means, “skeleton; bone; remains; frame.”
The term, “kinkotsu-ryuryu [筋骨隆々],” means, “muscular; strong-muscled.” The first character means, “Muscle; sinew; tendon; fiber; plot; plan; descent,” the second character means, “skeleton; bone; remains; frame.” the third character means, “hump; high; noble; prosperity.”
Both theres terms are related to the Okinawan term, in Uchinaguchi or hogen dialect, “Chinkuchi [チンクチ].” Mr. Ryan Parker provided the following definition that relates better to the simple definition of bones, sinews, tendons, etc. Even the definition in its simplest form does not relate exactly to the definitions found by my research, i.e. tendons, muscles and bones.” Structure is somewhat limited as a variety of fundamental principles of martial system apply to the concept of chinkuchi or kinkotsu. Still the way Mr. Parker describes is really a good way to explain this concept to a student, i.e. “It refers to the last instant before contact is made when the skeletal structure becomes correctly aligned, all the agonistic muscles are very suddenly and sharply contracted, and the muscles which stabilize the relevant joints are engaged to an appropriate degree. It differs from kime in that it doesn't involve all muscles equally and depends on structural alignment and stability from connective tissues.”
When you look to the fundamental principles you also find the following related or inter-connected to this more terse definition especially since they describe the totality of the actions required to achieve chinkuchi.
When you refer to the primary principle of theory you can see that “control” is one because it is control of the body, mind and spirit with emphasis on the physiokinetic and technique principles that result in its proper application. Then (these should be self-explanatory) there is the efficiency sub-principle, power paradox, simplicity, natural action to start.
When you look to the primary main principle of physiokinetics you then get the following sub-principles that are necessary, at the least, to achieve true chinkuchi, i.e. breathing, posture, centerline, spinal alignment, axis, structure, heaviness/relaxation, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, body-mind, centripetal and centrifugal forces, sequential locking and relaxation, and rooting. This is not to say the other sub-principles are not important as it is well known to achieve a total proficiency of chinkuchi it takes a inter-connectedness and wholehearted application of all principles but these stand out when it comes to the chinkuchi concept.
Also, taking a look at the main principle of technique we can see how economical motion, active movement, positioning, angling, complex foces, live and dead energy, speed, timing, rhythm, balance, natural and unnatural motion as well as extension and penetration also contribute to that which is called chinkuchi.
As to philosophy and its sub-principles there are several that speak out louder when studying the practice of chinkuchi (come on folks, you don’t think I am going to provide all the answers. Even so, these are not compete either and should prompt further research and study).
As can be readily perceived the fundamental principles play an important role in explaining the concept beyond the limited definitions provided by the Japanese terms and characters/ideogram provided. This is another reason why it is important to find a sensei who can understand all the concepts, principles and applications that contribute to one another as an inter-connected wholehearted whole that are martial arts.
Additional Reading on Chinkuchi:
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