Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
In a recent posting on an Isshinryu Karate wall a photo of Tatsuo-san pounding on a makiwara in the Okinawan dojo he ran in the early years used one quote of the goku-i to stress a point. It went as follows:
“The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.” Along with the graphic/photo of Tatsuo-san hitting the makiwara and telling us it was the 6th code of Isshinryu then presenting the name and death information of Tatsuo-san may have been set up that way to influence the observer/reader to think in a particular way in regard to that 6th code.
As you already know I have mentioned in the past that when one presents a quote such as this one it is best to follow up with a more definitive explanation of the presenters/creators intent. It leaves way to much latitude in interpretation that if not addressed by a qualified teacher, instructor or Sensei it leaves the individual regardless of level and knowledge and understanding to their own personal perceptions, experiences and knowledge on the subject and discipline like Isshinryu karate.
- One: the picture of Tatsuo-san STRIKING the makiwara.
- In suggests and influences the observer/reader to assume it means one must be prepared to STRIKE with the fist at the first opportunity that presents itself.
- It does not indicate this is done in self-defense nor done if one is provoked with no alternatives, etc.
- It also relies on an assumption that in karate, a striking system or discipline, one must utilize karate skills by striking with our fists at the first opportunity presented in conflict.
- Next, as it seems natural it is mentioned that it is a code of the Isshinryu karate system.
- It further exacerbates the interpretation by supporting thoughts that may or may not be true, factual or even relevant to any given situation because it insinuates one must do so because it is the karate code or the karate way.
- The photo, to those familiar to Isshinryu as you are already as the reader, shows not just karate-ka hitting a makiwara but the creator of the style referred to as the Master of Isshinryu who has been presented in most teachings as a venerable honorable person with no one held in higher esteem by practitioners old and new.
- This is influence principles working to use the status of the Master who is held to be a person of the greatest authority; one who is liked by all who practice the system; one through social proof of others expert status oriented practitioners who have come after Tatsuo-san; who all have a commitment or self-image based on the teachings and philosophies of Tatsuo-san and the deliberately labeled “first generation product/student of Tatsuo-san” that in and of itself also adds or compounds the influence of the compliance-influence principled effect on those who would follow.
- Add in that Isshinryu holds a reputation, status here as well, of being the most combat ready influential system speaking to another principle that unconsciously influences the reader, observer and follower of Tatsuo-san to literally accept this as a literal definition and explanation of what was meant by the very code involved.
- The death information on the Master and Creator of Isshinryu.
- adding to the already considerable compliance and influence already spoken of is the other manipulative influence that the very Master is now dead and that speaking of the heritage and cultural beliefs of one venerated through death has a considerable influence on those who followed.
This is why it is important, critical, to convey what the true meaning and intent is of the presenter/creator of such graphics associated with quotations BECAUSE one must have clarity of understanding to achieve success, understanding and higher skill levels especially with a discipline like karate or other martial arts BECAUSE the original intent of those disciplines involve violence resulting in harm or death, both grave end results of the application of martial arts and/or karate.
The following links, as you already expected and could see in your minds eye as you have and are reading my efforts, provide some personal insight into the span and depth and considerable potential of such a terse rendering of a philosophy that allows the person studying it to achieve understanding that encompasses others as well as their own in regard to philosophical understanding toward enlightenment using the ken-po goku-i as one’s guide. These links take you to what I have begun to understand as to the span, reach and ability one can achieve in understanding that leads to skill, ability and a bit of enlightenment.
For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)
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