Please take a look at Articles on self-defense/conflict/violence for introductions to the references found in the bibliography page.

Please take a look at my bibliography if you do not see a proper reference to a post.

Please take a look at my Notable Quotes

Hey, Attention on Deck!

Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!


When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:


I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn


Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.



“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)



“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)



“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne


I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

Eight Trigrams and Eight Isshinryu Kata

ChatGPT (cejames)


Isshinryu karate-do, a style of Okinawan karate founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1956, incorporates both traditional martial arts techniques and philosophical elements, including influences from the I Ching's eight trigrams (bagua). The eight kata (forms) in Isshinryu are fundamental to the system, and there is a philosophical linkage between these kata and the trigrams, reflecting an integration of physical and metaphysical aspects of martial practice.


Here is an exploration of the eight Isshinryu kata and their connection to the eight trigrams:


1. **Seisan (十三手)**:

   - **Trigram**: Qian (☰) - Heaven

   - **Attributes**: Strength, creativity, perseverance

   - **Characteristics**: Seisan kata emphasizes powerful, direct movements, embodying the creative and assertive energy of Qian. It is often one of the first katas taught, laying a strong foundation for beginners.


2. **Seiunchin (制引戦)**:

   - **Trigram**: Kun (☷) - Earth

   - **Attributes**: Receptiveness, nurturing, support

   - **Characteristics**: Seiunchin kata features grounded, rooted stances and slow, deliberate movements, reflecting the stability and nurturing qualities of Kun. It teaches control and the ability to absorb and redirect energy.


3. **Naihanchi (内歩)**:

   - **Trigram**: Zhen (☳) - Thunder

   - **Attributes**: Movement, initiation, dynamic activity

   - **Characteristics**: Naihanchi kata is characterized by lateral movements and strong stances, symbolizing the sudden, initiating force of Zhen. It trains quick, explosive movements and stability.


4. **Wansu (汪三)**:

   - **Trigram**: Xun (☴) - Wind/Wood

   - **Attributes**: Penetration, flexibility, influence

   - **Characteristics**: Wansu kata involves flowing, continuous movements and techniques that penetrate defenses, embodying the flexible, penetrating nature of Xun. It encourages adaptability and fluidity.


5. **Chinto (鎮東)**:

   - **Trigram**: Kan (☵) - Water

   - **Attributes**: Depth, flowing, adaptability

   - **Characteristics**: Chinto kata includes off-balancing techniques and fluid movements, capturing the adaptive, flowing quality of Kan. It teaches how to move with the opponent's force, like water.


6. **Sunsu (孫子)**:

   - **Trigram**: Li (☲) - Fire

   - **Attributes**: Clarity, illumination, passion

   - **Characteristics**: Sunsu kata involves rapid, precise movements and combinations, symbolizing the clarity and intensity of Li. It emphasizes speed, precision, and powerful striking.


7. **Sanchin (三戦)**:

   - **Trigram**: Gen (☶) - Mountain

   - **Attributes**: Stillness, stability, stopping

   - **Characteristics**: Sanchin kata focuses on internal strength, breath control, and rooted stances, reflecting the stillness and stability of Gen. It is often practiced slowly to build internal energy and focus.


8. **Kusanku (公相君)**:

   - **Trigram**: Dui (☱) - Lake/Marsh

   - **Attributes**: Joy, openness, communication

   - **Characteristics**: Kusanku kata features expansive, expressive movements and high-level techniques, embodying the openness and joy of Dui. It encourages freedom of movement and expression.


### Philosophical Integration

Shimabuku's integration of the trigrams into Isshinryu's kata serves multiple purposes:


- **Holistic Training**: By associating each kata with a trigram, practitioners are encouraged to consider not only the physical techniques but also the underlying principles and energies they represent.

- **Balance and Harmony**: The trigrams provide a framework for balancing different aspects of training, from strength and creativity to flexibility and adaptability.

- **Deepened Understanding**: Linking kata to the trigrams helps practitioners explore deeper connections between their martial practice and broader philosophical concepts, fostering a more profound understanding of both.


### Practical Application

In practice, understanding the influence of the trigrams can enhance a martial artist’s approach to training and application:


- **Mental Focus**: Reflecting on the attributes of each trigram can help practitioners focus their mind and intentions while performing kata.

- **Strategic Thinking**: The principles behind the trigrams can inform strategic thinking in sparring and self-defense, guiding responses to various situations.

- **Spiritual Growth**: The integration of these philosophical elements promotes spiritual growth and a holistic approach to martial arts, aligning body, mind, and spirit.


Through this synthesis of martial and metaphysical elements, Isshinryu karate-do not only preserves traditional techniques but also enriches them with deeper philosophical meanings, creating a comprehensive and balanced martial arts system.

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