A historical Perspective During the Reign of

Kaisetsu

Commentary 1
To be well versed in the in the arts one has to develop a good mindset. Without it one will go nowhere. A narrow-minded attitude in people will lead them to a different path. To be always on top one must see and use the real sword this is The Buddhist faith.
This is the same path that most people retreat from. One must bask in the warmth of the Buddhist faith, which is the real truth.

Yoshiden Hohen Buao

Hiden Sho

Tokukan Shoten

yori
KANSHIWA SHINTOKU
Kanishiwa's Devine Spirit
Uechi Ryu Karate Do's founder Uechi Kanbun received instruction in Kobushi Ho from the noble Shushiwa. This mans way of teaching Kobushi Ho is from the direct lineage, and its uniqueness is unparalleled. It was Shushiwa's dying wish to keep this art alive, Shushiwa's chief aim was to teach and disseminate information about the way of the main Kata. These are Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseirui, Kotekitai and Jiyu Kumite. Another aim was in teaching a pure style. This way Chinese Kobushi Ho could be preserved.
There are other areas which are now a part of this modern day system for example Jumbi Undo, Hojo Undo, Kanshiwa, Kanshu, Seichin, Seirui, and Konchin. Along with these five Kata we also have Yakusoku Kumite Dai Ichi, Yakusoku Kumite Dai Ni.
The idea for the above is that these other areas help take the student from one Kata to another. These could also be called building blocks. The Pangainoon Ryu Kobushi Ho and Okinawa's Japanization and internationalization is what took this art to the level of what it is today, UechiRyu Karate Do. It literally came about and was finished by Soke Uechi Kanei Sensei.
The purpose of the Uechi Ryu Karate no Kata for example Kanshiwa is that this it is a systematic way to learn Kata. We now know that Sanchin must be learned before all else. Now Kanshiwa is brought into the picture. This Kata will prepare so on and us for next.
By learning Kanshiwa we learn as I said before bits and pieces of the next Kata. This is what Uechi Kanei had in mind when he set this system I believe, with the help of others.
We know that after learning Sanchin results in the learning of Kanshiwa. The techniques of Karate for example are the open hand fist, the hand fist and the closed hand fist and the holding fist. These should be studied separately. This is the Chinese way of transmitting information. The techniques of the latter are now the forerunners of the modern day Karate Do. This way it eliminates rumor or conjecture. To be able to do see this and witness these exercises will be a better way to learn. One must be devoted to the Kata's techniques just as you did with Sanchin. The opening moves again must be learned thoroughly in or to understand and appreciate this art.
Kanshiwa no Shintoku

(Cont)
The meaning of Kanshiwa lies in the open and closed fist Kamae. These are shadowed by Japanese Karate Do hand techniques. Next on Kanshiwa are several important points to remember and apply diligently on this new Kata.

(1) Tachi (Standing Position or Stance) The basic Sanchin stance will apply here to the Kata Kanshiwa. The advancing of the back foot to the front in a circular half moon shape is desired. One should draw both knees in together by pushing down and drawing the knee’s in to protect the groin. You tighten the back and front of the legs to a comfortable position. Avoid over straining. The forefoot and front foot should have good heel to toe alignment. If you place the feet together heel to heel in an L Pattern then move the feet outward by standing in place and pivot on the balls of the feet. This will give you a good heel to toe alignment. This will also give you a good balanced posture. This stance will build up your 'Leg muscles. All of the basics learned in Sanchin must be applied to Kanshiwa as we'll.

Again this Posture is designed to draw and tighten the leg muscles and the muscles of the chest and of the upper and lower back. It will also enable the student to attain proper spinal alignment. You should also not appear to stoop.
(2) Ashi no Hakobu (The moving of the feet) the feet should be positioned on a line spaced 30 degrees apart. The fingertips should be lined up over the front foot toe tips. The lead foot should be in alignment with the rear foot toe tips. The movement of the feet when stepping should be at first in increments. The lead foot should be turned inward about 30 degrees along with the rear foot to give the feet an appearance of being pidgin toed. When changing steps you straighten the lead foot and in a semi circular movement you sweep the rear foot inward and into a right stance position. All the time you keep good Sanchin posture. The posture shouldn’t be changed drastically but should adapt a comfortable position. This way you are on a right path to learn this Kata’s properly. For more detailed information the Chapter on Sanchin will explain more as to the proper Sanchin fundamentals.
(3) Te no Kamae (Hand Positions) Besides Sanchin in the Uechi Ryu Kata, the set palm or hand techniques are the same. In the Kata Kanshu the hand positions are a little different. Sometimes, the palm is up, sometimes the palm is down. But the basics stay the same. Now as for the Sanchin Kamae hand position, which as mentioned in Kanshu it, is a little different. The hand positions are opposite.
The forearm for instance is turned more inward in Kanshiwa and Kanshu than in Sanchin. This downward Palm Kamae is good for strengthening the arms. The arms and the elbows should be inside the bodyline for protection just as it was learned in Sanchin. So the only thing that changes in Kanshiwa is the hand positions plus the kicks.
4) Hirate Mawashi Uke Open Hand Circular Block
The one distinctive feature in Uechi Ryu Karate Do in that the Hirate Mawashi Uke is extremely effective if the technique is practiced and perfected. The techniques in its execution are extremely important to master. First to start with, lower your left hand to the gedan posture with the palm facing outward away from the body with the thumb tucked inside the palm.
You don’t want the hand to high or to low. You also do not want the hand to extend beyond the lead leg or which ever is appropriate. The hand should be about at a 40-degree angle in straight line with the body. This block if used properly can be very effective in unbalancing you opponent. It can be used to extend you blocking area also. One can only gauge this block’s effectiveness with constant practice.
But as the arms move out of the bodyline, a block’s effectiveness diminishes and exposes the user to open attack. In my opinion the principles behind this technique if not changed are threefold. It is unnecessary to change these techniques in a defense mode. So as you block, the blocking arm lines up in circular motion covering the front of the body.
To practice these blocks stand in front of a wall with the fingertips of the hand at about 40 degrees just touching the wall. Then in a circular inside right left motion you draw a circle. You don't want to block to high or to low at first. As you gradually get better you can vary the height or depth to complete the blocking action. But ideally your body shouldn’t have to adjust. The fingertip in completing this circular motion should not extend above the eyebrows.

The basics of this block should have been learned in Sanchin. For more explanation refer to the pictures in the chapter on Sanchin. There is a difference here in the Wa Uke and the Hirate Mawashi Uke. Especially in the way they are applied. In order to get the good results practice in an empty room with and without a partner. In the last analysis of this block this is one of the mainstays of the Uechi Ryu Karate  and it provides a good defense.

(5) Seiken Tsuki (Fix Strike) When this technique is used the punching hand should be initially aimed at the pit of the stomach, while the other is drawn up to the about nipple level with the thumbs tightly wrapped around the fist. The first two knuckles are the striking points. The arm should also be parallel to the standing surface. The practice of this should be the same as in the striking movement during execution of a Sanchin thrust. The opening of Sanchin and Kanshiwa are the same. Utilize the Sanchin Chudan Tsuki, which is an open hand strike vice the closed fist strike.
The point of aim should be the bottom of the thorax or the point just above the stomach area. On occasion this strike can be adjusted to strike higher or lower. But the basics stay the same. Another practical example is the gripping strike when punching be careful not to fully extend the arm as it places excess stress on the joints. The wrist should not be bent as it diminishes the power of the punch. In olden times Martial people always had a Makiwara in the home to practice punching.
When using the Makiwara you want to make sure that it has spring to it. In my opinion the Makiwara is not used as much as it should be in most Dojo's. The meaning of the Makiwara is clear it’s used to condition the hands and the feet. Most of the Makiwara's then and now were made of straw or leather. With the springiness of the Makiwara and the flexibility of the rope and or leather outer cover­ing you get the feeling of hitting something that gives i.e. a body. The benefits are that you condition the hands and feet to punch or kick something with minimal damage to the striking surface.  In my opinion the straw or rope is best. The idea of the Makliwara was to also give the feel of sturdiness along with the giving in motion. Also the more you practiced with it the tougher the outside skin became to lessen pain when striking.
KANSHIWA SHINTOKU

(CONT)
Each individual will be different when using the Makiwara. One should have a guide or teacher to show you the proper methods for using this device.
(6) Shisei (Posture). When executing a Hiji Tsuki for example the posture will be the same as in Sanchin. The idea is to get between the opponents front and strike. The posture is very important. When in Sanchin the head, spine, and coccyx should be straight as a rod. So if you were to put a pole down through the center of your head and down through the body to the ground, where the pole ends is where you center of gravity should be concentrated. The head is looking straight ahead. The hips should be thrust forward so as to keep you in line with the center of gravity, and to maintain good balance. Also you should never strain or tense too much while in this posture where the hips go the body will follow. You should also not appear to be stopping. Your shoulders should be straight and in line with the rest of the body.
(7) Kokyu Ho (Breathing System) The idea with proper breathing is to prevent you from being at a loss for wind. It also helps if you’re breathing properly this helps prevent nausea. Find a clear space and practice breathing in through the nose and push the air down toward the­

Selka Tanden or Hara when you breathe from the nose and push the air down if done properly and in rhythm it become second nature after a while to breathe normally. This breathing method is useful during normal activities also.

(8) Moku (The Gaze) The gaze is another important factor In Karate. Always give the appearance of looking but not looking at your opponent. It’s like looking past him rather that at him. Others tend to think direct eye contact s best, but this at times can create a tunnel vision effect these are just some of the important things to try to work into the Kata.


The Study of the Mind and of the One Body
Generally speaking in the study of various arts we use what is termed the normal mind but more than this is needed. We need to go beyond the normal level of understanding. One of the reasons for this book was to bring about a more enlightened mind from the reading in our country and abroad.
By chance through scientific means many things about how the mind works were discovered. Through the use of many different techniques the aim was to achieve a basic understanding through the use of moral philosophies. Then through these basic techniques and understanding was developed and applied. Still a lot is unknown to us at this about the mind but the study is always an ongoing process.
In the study of physical technique, this type of activity must be practiced daily in order to achieve any results. After a while naturalness comes about. This in itself is a good achievement. To go into the study of technique with the right attitude is all-important. Therefore to begin with a determined purpose will also improve your learning techniques properly also a good mindset is desirable.
Through the science of technique we learn of selflessness’, and from this one practical application come the freedom from certain obstacles selfishness leads to greed, wanting of wealth, passion and eventually leads one to be a skilled deceiver. Evil purposes are then developed by the more determined. When they take hold your spirit cannot develop properly.
All it takes is for a little to take hold and eventually the whole body kill be consumed by complete selfishness. In this profession the secret lies in the perfection of technique. One must put aside selfishness. One must start carefully when first beginning so as not to injure oneself in body and mind. Work the technique exercises very carefully.
To develop oneself while studying the Art of the Mind one must not rush or hurry the process. The results take many years to develop. One must be determined in learning these mysterious ways. But not to worry all good things come with time.

In the studying of the Mind & Body the two must not be thought of as one goal or idea. Again with these ideas please be careful.

Tanu Shuro Sakaimon

Chumei Tetsusai

Yamashi cho Tengu

Geijutsu Ron.

Yaku

(Translation)
The ordinary person might ask why must one place so much emphasis on the perfecting of technique. One must always work at technique, to be able to perceive its correct meanings and applications. But yet the person whose mind is one with himself technique will come much easier. He is like the teacup always willing to learn. He has an understanding of the truth heaven and earth. The one who does not is lost.
Casual learning or being fond of an art is fine but for the serious adept the technique must be something that is done on a regular basis. One must delve deep into learning these techniques, for a full depth understanding. So to drill and train daily is a very good way to spend ones time.
Still to move into the deep Understanding of Seishin and to even understand and apply a portion of this idea is all one can hope for.
In studying of techniques a person should learn a little more each day he trains in through technique comes and understanding of Seishin. Remember when you practice or demonstrate you exhue a little more Seishin and especially when practicing Kata. When this idea is done unconsciously you have gained a thousand fold. But YOU must remember the possibilities are endless.
Let us ask ourselves in the Study of techniques is there a way to perfect independence? This viewpoint is often arrived at. Is it true? The attachment of the mind is not an easy concept to try to abandon.

The action in learning a technique is to relinquish to Shishin (Selfishness). One must be free of this bad habit in order to learn and train properly. Here again Shishin is not a single problem. There is a want for wealth and passion. These ideas must be relinquished in order  to learn this art. For example there is the moral and ethical dilemma, if these above mentioned problem areas are what most people place importance on. The detachment of these ides will be a lifetime goal. Selfishness is always the hardest.

Even the littlest portion of Shishin that enters the most detached mind will make even the clearest mind cloudy. The only way to detach oneself from Shishin is to delve deeply into technique. People find that as obstacles present themselves they are easier to deal with in a proper frame of mind. Then as one shakes off these hindrances you can experience Seishin in a completely different light.

Again one must exert oneself when Studying Seishin. Some people think that the theory and practice of this idea is beneath them. But when properly understood the truth about Seishin will come to one without any real effort.
This again is gained through a diligent course of study of 11'ata and Technique. But the study and training of Seishin and the study of technique should not be considered as opposites but as one. But think upon this, as there will be different viewpoints on this theory.