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.

Shodai Gakusei (初代学生)

 - CEJames & Alfonz Ingram


In the span of forty-six + years in karate I have heard the title, "First Generation Student," often wondering if the Japanese/Okinawan's had a term or phrase indicative of stated title. Here it is ...


The term Shodai Gakusei (初代学生) can be broken down as follows:

• 初代 (Shodai) – First generation, original

• 学生 (Gakusei) – Student, disciple


In martial arts and traditional learning contexts, Shodai Gakusei refers to the first generation of students who studied directly under a founding master (Shodai-ka, 初代家) of a particular martial art or discipline. These students were responsible for preserving, refining, and transmitting the teachings of their master to future generations.


1. The Role of Shodai Gakusei in Martial Arts Lineages


The first-generation students (Shodai Gakusei) were critical in solidifying the martial tradition established by their master. Their roles included:


A. Transmission of Knowledge

• Learning directly from the founder (Shodai-ka), these students carried the original form of the art, including techniques, strategies, and philosophy.

• They often received menkyo kaiden (免許皆伝, full transmission license) or other forms of certification denoting their mastery.


B. Interpretation and Adaptation

• While they sought to maintain the master’s teachings, they also interpreted and sometimes adapted techniques based on their personal experiences.

• This adaptation sometimes led to branching styles (ha, 派 "faction") of the same martial tradition.


C. The Foundation of Lineages

• Many Shodai Gakusei went on to become the next headmasters (soke, 宗家) or senior instructors (shihan, 師範).

• If a Shodai-ka died unexpectedly, the Shodai Gakusei were responsible for keeping the art alive and selecting a successor.


2. Examples of Shodai Gakusei in Martial History


Several famous Shodai Gakusei played pivotal roles in carrying forward their masters’ teachings:




These examples illustrate how Shodai Gakusei are responsible for shaping the future of a martial art, often by establishing new schools, refining techniques, or codifying oral traditions into structured systems.


3. The Challenges Faced by Shodai Gakusei


First-generation students often faced significant challenges and responsibilities in ensuring the survival of their master’s teachings:


A. Maintaining Authenticity vs. Innovation

• Many Shodai Gakusei struggled to balance tradition with adaptation.

• Some remained strictly orthodox, while others evolved the system, leading to new schools and branches.


B. Succession Disputes

• When a master passed away, there were often conflicts over rightful succession. (This occurred on Okinawa when Tatsuo-san passed away thus splintering the system)

• This has led to splinter groups in many martial arts (e.g., multiple branches of Goju-ryu, Aikido, and Koryu styles).


C. Transmission to Later Generations

• As martial arts moved from battlefield use to modern practice, Shodai Gakusei had to adapt teachings for new contexts (e.g., sport karate, police training, self-defense).


4. Influence of Shodai Gakusei on Modern Martial Arts


The contributions of Shodai Gakusei are still evident in modern martial arts:


A. Karate and Its Spread

• Shodai Gakusei of Itosu Anko introduced karate into Japanese school systems, leading to its worldwide spread.


B. Aikido’s Formation

• Without Ueshiba Morihei, Takeda Sokaku’s Daito Ryu would likely have remained obscure.


C. Preservation of Classical (Koryu) Martial Arts

• Many Koryu arts exist today because Shodai Gakusei maintained their secrecy and structure through strict transmission.


Conclusion


The Shodai Gakusei were more than just students—they were the living bridge between the founding master and future generations. Their dedication ensured that martial traditions survived, evolved, and adapted over time.



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