Mura, Muda, Muri

While training in the hombu dojo in Japan one morning, I was introduced to some terms that I had never heard before. While practising kihon or kata, Soke would say "muda" or "muri." I questioned Soke about them, but he only gave me a brief explanation. I think he just wanted me to keep punching during the morning workout. It was only later when I pinned him down after lunch that I got an explanation of what turned out to be an everyday expression in the Japanese language muri, mura, muda which helped me appreciate and understand my karate a little better.
Muri means "no reason" or "no principle." It suggests that the budoka should look at his technique and 1. see if it is beyond his current capabilities, and 2. search for the reason or principle behind the movement. The author's sensei now only has to say muri and I understand that my movement has no meaning behind it or that it is currently beyond my capabilities.
Mura means "unnatural" or "inequality." This is the opposite of heijo or "ordinary (natural)." This could refer to an unnatural movement, action or way of thinking. I realize that I have been punching unnaturally for 20 odd years now!
Muda refers to doing things in excess of what is needed, which could involve time, energy, length of the movement, etc. It was only when Soke got a Japanese dictionary and showed me the characters that I understood its meaning. Muda literally means "no horse." This doesn't mean that you don't have a horse, but that you have one and are not using it. It's like you are carrying a heavy bag on your shoulders while your horse walks beside you unburdened These three words give us a means to analyze our technique. If there is something wrong with our kihon, it is usually for one of these reasons. So next time you are sweating in the dojo and just cannot figure out what is wrong, ask yourself if it is muri, mura or muda? For my part, I tend to be a man with a horse who does not know how to use it. Rick Rowell

Soke's Visit

November of 2005 marked the return of the head of Chito Ryu Karate, Soke Sensei (Yasuhiro Chitose), to Canada. His visit began in Newfoundland and worked its way west to Nova Scotia and Quebec to his last stop in Ontario where he taught clinics at three dojos. During his time here he visited Whitby's I.C.K.F. hosted by dojo cho Sensei Ed Docherty, 3rd Dan. The following evening Soke Sensei visited Richmond Hill Karate and Fitness headed by Ontario Chito Ryu Technical Director Shihan Romualdo Ferri, 5th Dan. The last stop on his Canadian tour was the Honbu dojo headed by Canada's Honbu-cho, Kyoshi Shane Higashi, 8th Dan. Although Soke Sensei was in Alberta this past summer, it has been 3 years since Soke Sensei�s last visit to Ontario and we are happy to have had the opportunity to train with him and benefit from his expert tutelage and guidance. Every time Soke comes to Canada, he leaves us with a few new challenges and some exciting new perspectives concerning Chito-Ryu. A lucky few Chito-Ryu practitioners got a sneak peek of Soke's current vision of the style this past July in Canmore, Alberta at the summer camp. The five day camp brought with it long hours, lots of hard work and some readily accepted ideals. The clinics held this November were no different. It is humbling when Soke Sensei graces us with his presence because it offers karateka of all ranks the opportunity to learn from a true master and experience the style and charisma of the head of our style.

Martin Sisler, Sandan, Jun Shidoin
Michael Ginn, Nidan, Jun Shidoin
Peter Wiles, Sandan

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Pah!

This may seem like a funny title for an educational paper but there is some history behind the funny sound. A mentor and peer of mine, Martin Sisler, was trying to illustrate to me verbally how to make my punches and strikes faster. He was attempting to make me understand the way to give them a snap or a whip, as the case may be, without resorting to using muscular effort and just pushing. As many of you will know when a really well executed punch is performed the practitioner’s uniform or gi makes a very loud and abrupt sound. We coined this sound “Pah”. You will never hear this sound when a punch is executed using pushing power or when the karateka is utilizing upper body strength to perform it. Instead, this auditory cue only exists when the practitioner uses proper technique and frees tension from the upper body.
To fully explain “Pah” one must almost invariably revert to using careful analyses of the body and its physiology coupled with colourful imageries and metaphors. This time will be no exception. To harness the innate power of the body to facilitate “Pah”, one must truly empty the upper body of all restrictive forces; in this case the antagonist muscles. If we separate the muscles in the body in two groups we have the Agonist muscles and the Antagonist muscles. These polar opposites are constantly in flux depending on the movement that is being performed. A bicep curl for example, (bringing the hand towards the shoulder in front of the body by bending the elbow) uses the bicep (front of the arm) as the Agonist muscle and the tricep (back of the arm) as the Antagonist. The most effective way to perform this action is to have muscular activity occurring only in the bicep and not in the tricep, thereby reducing the amount of drag or resistance that acts on the desired motion. To put it in mathematical terms:
If B is the bicep’s muscular activity, and T is the tricep’s muscular activity,
Then
When B > T, the arm will curl
When B < T, the arm will straighten
When B = T, the arm will remain in its current state
By reducing the amount of activity in the tricep, we increase the productivity of the bicep.
This relates to “Pah” because when we punch, we need to maximize the chest and tricep’s energy use and minimize the bicep and back’s energy use to create an uninterrupted flow of energy. We can accomplish this task by relaxing the muscles in our upper body and activating only those that we need. This will improve our Karate in a few ways:
1. We expend less energy because we eliminate the tension in our antagonist muscles
2. We punch faster, due to the lack of resistance
3. We can truly harness the sources of power (linear, ascending, descending, rotating, and vibrating)
4. Our kime has more effect because it hits with a more drastic change in speed.
And now for the colourful metaphors and imagery. Imagine the Hara (a person’s center both physically and spiritually which is located two inches below the navel) as being a tap which controls the flow of energy to the limbs, and the limbs as being hoses which the energy flows through. Every time a person uses both Agonist and Antagonist muscles in unison it is like putting a severe bend in the hose, impeding the flow of energy. If the kinks in the hose are repaired or lessened, the energy will flow freely and powerfully. That is the essence of “Pah”.
To practice this concept in your Karate, train your punches, kicks, blocks and strikes to be fast rather than strong. A good way to do this is to practice by tapping an opponent with the fingertips rather than punching and seeing which one of you can be faster at this. This will teach your body and mind to only use the muscles that aid the technique and not those that hinder it. To prevent injury be sure to have a firm grasp of kime before attempting this exercise. To expose ill-prepared joints to this kind of treatment will stress or injure them to the point where training will not be possible.
The concept of “Pah” is one that is only truly understood by those that have already trained for years to make their body strong and hard and are now intent on becoming pliable as well as powerful. My recommendation is to only instruct the “Pah” method to those of Shodan rank or higher because to do so any earlier would be confusing and would mean working against the ideals and concepts the students are trying to understand and internalize at those ranks.
“Pah” can also be a metaphor for the kind of training that a karateka should engage in. A senior level practitioner should discipline themselves to only practice in a way that will help them to excel and not one that can hold them back. Working hard with a dedicated mind, body and spirit is the only way that a karateka can improve and move to the higher levels of their art. Otherwise their training is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere. Like the sculptor strips away the inessentials to reveal the masterpiece within, so must a martial artist strip away all the impediments to his/herself to create mastery in all they do.

Michael Ginn
Nidan, Jun Shidoin

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Why Do We Celebrate Kagami Biraki ?

In Japan the New Year period is considered the most important time of the year, and 'Kagami Biraki' coincides with its celebration. Ritually it is held on the second Sunday of January and is usually celebrated by offering 'Mochi' (a concentrated round, flat rice cake). Men offer the mochi to their armour; women offer it to their mirrors.
Like many Japanese terms, the term 'Kagami Biraki' has different meanings. The literal translation for 'Kagami' is 'Mirror' and 'Biraki' means 'Open' or 'Opening' as well as abstinence; i.e. to break. The expression translates as 'Open Mirror, Mirror Opening' or 'Rice Cutting Ceremony'. The tradition stems from an old military custom.
An old Japanese legend tells a story of a certain deity who fell out of favour with the other gods because of his unusually cruel nature. This deity was banished and eventually found his way to a secluded cave where he came upon a mirror-like object. This mirror-like object forced him to look at himself, reflect upon his actions by looking deeper inside and try and reason why he was such a cruel individual. After a great many years of personal reflection, the deity returned to the other gods who immediately noticed a great change in his mannerisms and character.
Eventually the mirror image was used to illustrate to the common people that they should try to look at themselves as if they were looking in a mirror and thereby, judge themselves for what they truly are. This type of personal reflection is an excellent exercise in self-improvement. This being the case we must always look at our highest examples of discipline and good moral character and try to mirror them. We all train with some of the best instructors Chito-Ryu has to offer, let us not forget what they are trying to teach us about ourselves as well as our technical progress in Chito-Ryu.
The Kagami Biraki celebration has become a custom to various martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido, etc.. Its occurrence officially kicks off the dojo's year and, for students, it represents a renewing of the 'Spirit' and 'Rededication' to training. It has come to mean the first gathering, (Hatsu Geiko - martial artists call it 'first training') opening or coming together in the new year of many people (members of a clan) dojo, family etc. to assemble for a lecture, message or speech given by the headmaster or leader. It is usually in order that he may share with them how he really feels and what he's really like deep down inside. It follows that the members would also use this occasion to reflect upon themselves and their actions of the previous year. I personally feel the term 'Kagami Biraki' is an expressing and opening-up of the inner-self so that all of us can share new experiences I hope will enrich our training and our lives.
Martin Sisler
Sandan, Jun Shidoin

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Kiai

Karate has a great deal of importance placed on the development of one’s kiai. Many people are often impressed when viewing martial arts demonstrations when the performers are yelping and screaming in addition to their fantastic physical feats. For the most part people know that when a kiai is heard, someone is doing some form of martial arts. This being the case, it is important to understand just what exactly a kiai is and what it is not.
Definition
A kiai is a shout or scream. It may or may not be performed in combination with a karate technique. If used with a technique, it can occur during and through the length of a technique or exactly at the point of impact with your intended target, (real or imaginary). Kiai has dozens of translations. Taking into account that ki = internal energy and ai = unify or harmonize, some of the more popular definitions include:

• meeting of the spirits
• energy gathering
• energy unification
• harmonizing one’s energy
• power yell
  

Purpose
I strongly believe that during my fifteen years of training I have come to the open-minded conclusion that the kiai has three main ideas behind it. The first one being that it is used to increase power in any technique I chose to use it with. I learned this as the first reason for performing the shout. The second reason I use kiai is to “psych” myself up to do a mentally daunting task. It may only be as loud as a hoarse cough, but the purpose is to summon up my mental energy in order to combat the challenge that lies ahead. Others have even described this sort of kiai as a “safties off” switch for the brain. When confronted with a situation that is potentially very dangerous, a kiai will allow oneself to do what is necessary just long enough to stay safe or alive. Thus, allowing the mind to operate outside of regular or conscious thought patterns for a few seconds. I would use a kiai thirdly to discourage an opponent from delivering an attack. If the kiai does not stop them I would at least hope to weaken their incoming attack by creating doubt in their mind that they will succeed with their intended blow.
Sound
When I was first learning how to perform a kiai, I was always told not to say or yell the word “kiai”. The sound of the kiai is very important and so right from the beginning I was taught properly. If a student associates a kiai with saying “kiai” then the purpose of the shout later on, will be lost. The kiai is supposed to be a natural phenomenon occurring at the exact moment of maximum physical exertion in a technique so as to provide maximum efficiency and power. If a student is stuck or rooted in the use of only one sound for the kiai they will miss out on the depth that the kiai could bring to their training. I tell my kohai (juniors) to make a sound that makes their abdomen tighten up and become hard. A sound like “ha” or “hi” would be appropriate to start with until the student’s kiai develops and then they can select their own personal sounds. Looking back at when I was developing my kiai and wondering what sound to use, I see now that I was performing kakagoe. Kakagoe is nothing but a physical shout. It sounds like a kiai to the average person but a master would know that it lacked the depth all kiai should have. In ancient times very specific sounds were used when executing kiai. The sound “ya” was said to be that of an arrow being released from a bow. The reasoning behind this sound’s use was to try and make your voice pierce the person’s spirit like an arrow. A kiai therefore, should be a sound that has been researched and learned about. As I advance in Chito-Ryu I try to make sure I am not using kakagoe but a true kiai when vocalizing my energy release.
Breathing & the Hara
The birth of one’s kiai for the most part dwells in the hara. The hara is one’s internal energy container. It is 2 - 3 inches below the navel and 2 - 3 inches inside the body. According to Japanese religion and cultural beliefs, this is where one can summon energy for whatever reasons needed. A karateka who needs or wants to perform tameshiwara (breaking) for example must summon up a great deal of ki from their hara. This may appear to audiences to look like taking a few slow motion practice strikes with deep breathing. When the time is right and one’s ki is “charged”, they will smash through the object(s) with a thunderous noise accompanying their blow. Without the involvement of ki, the body would not be capable of such feats. During Sanchin kata for example, the hara must be thought of as the point of origin for the breath’s inception and its return. This deep breathing is supposed to mirror energy coming into the body (breath in) and then circulating it within the body to be used for whatever purpose one wishes (breath out). Only after many years of diligent practice will one be able to understand the mysteries of ki and possess the ability to call it up to be used for a powerful kiai.
Varieties
It is important for all karateka to know that there are different types of kiai. The first type is known as the “attacking kiai”. This is probably the most widely used and known type of kiai in existence. The loud shout used during combat to psychologically distract your opponent or aid in delivering power for a blow to your opponent. The breath used for this shout is summoned up from the hara. The second type is the “reacting kiai”. This type would be combined with a deflecting or blocking motion when defending against an attack from an opponent. It is said that it should also leave your opponent feeling disappointed and disheartened. The third kiai is the “victorious kiai”. Its origins are said to be in the solar plexus. A competitor who believes they have just scored a perfect point during a high-energy kumite match will use this kiai. There was not much information on the fourth type of kiai known in Japanese as fukimi-kiai. It is said to be a semi-silent kiai. The fifth and last kiai is said to harbour more power than all the others. The “shadow kiai” is paradoxically silent when performed. If it had any sound at all, it would be an “uuhhmmm” sound that one might here in use during deep meditation or Qigong practice. This kiai is reputed to be a culmination of all others before it. There is one other kiai that is not exactly suitable to be grouped with the vocal representations (this includes the “shadow kiai”). It is known as the “kiai of the eyes” or “cat’s eyes power”. It can quite literally stop an assailant dead in their tracks. This kiai is done by learning how to summon up one’s ki and expel it from one’s eyes. Several Chito-Ryu sensei that I have met have this ability and I have been at the receiving end of its effect.
Conclusion
There are definitely many obvious reasons why one would wish to develop their kiai to its utmost potential. The ability to summon up awesome physical strength or stop attackers dead in their tracks with a mere glance of the eyes has great appeal. I firmly believe as with most things in karate that a kiai is a paradoxical phenomenon. I feel it has the ability to create an absolute calm within the body and mind of a person who executes it correctly. While this may seem strange to some; a loud scream having a calming effect, to them I would say develop your kiai sincerely and try to tell me that it is not so.

By: Martin Sisler (Sandan, Jun Shidoin)

Bassai

Tomari Bassai vs. Chito-Ryu Bassai

Tomari Bassai has very large movements compared to Chito-Ryu version. The original pronunciation was Passai (Okinawan) now known as Bassai. Many high ranking sensei of Chito-Ryu concede to the idea that Bassai emulates snake movements. To perform this kata one must have the spirit needed to “storm or breach a fortress”. The kata objective is to turn disadvantage into advantage by challenging the attacks with a strong and courageous response. Oyadomari Bassai and Seibukan Bassai closely resemble Chito-Ryu counterpart. Chotoku Kyan (Chitose’s master) learned Bassai from master Oyadomari Kokan; from Tomari village. Chito-Ryu Bassai traces its roots to Tomari village from above info. Shuri-te version of Bassai is primarily closed fists, unlike Tomari Bassai which is primarily open handed
Matsumora Kosaku (1829-1898) is widely accepted as the creator of Tomari Bassai. Shuri-te (external movements), Naha-te (internal movements), Tomari-te (mixture of internal and external movements). All 3 cities or villages (Shuri, Naha, Tomari) were no more than 5km apart. Shaolin Kempo influenced the 3 cities above in the way of martial arts practice Tomari Bassai = “to penetrate a thunder fortress". Chito-Ryu Bassai - “to penetrate a fortress” . Oyadomari, Matsumura, Tomari Bassai versions are primarily offensive. Tomari-te style now known as Matsubayashi-Ryu. Matsubayashi-Ryu and Chito-Ryu are linked; Chotoku Kyan instructed the founders of both styles. Some opinions surmise that the kata challenges an opponent to “storm the fortress” of the karate student, this idea would have the karateka embodying a moveable fortress, like a phalanx. A well guarded structure that could be moved if need be and then planted again for defense. Chito-Ryu Bassai supports this idea in the first set of nukite attacks and osae-uke defenses from all directions.

Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu vs. Chito-Ryu Sanshiru

The Chito-Ryu version as well as most others translates as the Chinese number “36” or “36 hands”. The emperor of China sent to Okinawa an imperial gift of skilled artisans and merchants. These people soon became a community known as the 36 Families. This community was responsible for the rapid spreading of Chuan Fa throughout Okinawa. It should be noted that "36" often means "a great many" and may not mean 36 numerically. Thirty six is of course the product of 6 and 6, 1st six: eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, spirit, 2nd six: colour, voice, smell, taste, touch, justice
Feng Yiquan (1522-1527) was a Chinese master of acupressure (Ming dynasty) he used the above mentioned points and variations of these to form “36” forbidden points used to defeat his opponents. Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu translates to “eye of the tornado” this translation is supported by the purpose of training in this kata. (see below) the practioner remains calm and centred to execute what moves he need to and the chaos will continue around him but will not affect him Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu is said to be the “dragon” kata Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu key points are the circular embusen, fumi-komi, fast/slow in harmony, kyo/justsu in harmony, power/speed in harmony Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu is one of the 3 main kata of Uechi-Ryu (others are Seisan and Sanchin) Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu is very hard to master and prepares the body to be attacked from all sides
Uechi-Ryu Sanseiryu if performed correctly is said to demonstrate the power of nature 3 root kata of Uechi-Ryu are the embodiments of the Tiger, Crane, and Dragon Chito-Ryu Sanshiru is reputed to have its roots from ancient Shaolin Kempo forms Chito-Ryu Sanshiru is very powerful but has a definite refined, softness to it, making it a very balanced kata and a perfect bridge kata for junior black belt to senior black belt (3rd dan to 4th dan: Japan syllabus) Only 2 kiai are present in Sanshiru; on each nukite attack (okutsu-dachi) Chito-Ryu Sanshiru trains students to have very powerful and agile hips and legs Chito-Ryu Sanshiru is said to be able to allow a highly trained student the ability to absorb the real power from the Earth into their body Chito-Ryu Sanshiru has been described as kata of many emotions (Ryusei karate: Sakamoto sensei)
Chotoku Kyan definitely had an influence on Chito-Ryu Sanshiru (Dr. Chitose studied with this master) Chito-Ryu Sanshiru contains a signature series of techniques: kosa-uke (hiza-tate-ashi-dachi), sayu-zuki (shiko-dachi), and mawashi-empi-uchi (shiko-dachi)