Written by Teruyuki Okazaki 9th-degree JKA Instructor, Chief Instructor of the ISKF.
Tsune ni shinen kufu seyo. Calligraphi by Teruyuki Okazaki
Tsune ni shinen kufu seyo. Calligraphi by Teruyuki OkazakiAlways create and devise (tsune ni shinen kufu seyo) . Number twenty is one of the most difficult to translate clearly to English. What is Master Funakoshi to saying is that one general principle of technique is understood, then it is up to each person to continually create and devise new applications based upon the situation. The best way to look deeper into this is to understand the real role of the instructor.
The term “sensei” in Japanese means “one who has gone before” or “one who is experienced.” Another word is “shizen,” which means “gives direction.” The sensei can only explain or demonstrates principles, he cannot do the movement for you. Master Funakoshi never said, ”copy what I am doing,” he could only demonstrate or correct us. The teacher can only serve as a guide because everyone has a unique body type. It is the student’s job to find his own way depending on his own body and mind.
The fact is, we know almost nothing about the advanced katas. The are no manuals or scrolls detailing movement and application. Therefore, much is open individual interpretation. Certain applications might work for a taller person than a shorter person could not use and vice versa. The most important thing is that the principle is always the same. The mechanical action of punching, kicking, etc. is the same for everybody but no one punches or kicks exactly like someone else.
The instructor cannot explain the feeling of doing movement correctly. It is only after hundreds of repetitions that each peson can start to really understand the movement. The whole nature of this understanding is the essence of karate itself.
Whenever any of us asked Master Funakoshi about a certain technique, he would say, “ Do it 1.000 times and then you’ll get the answer.” Of course, few people have the time for that but try it yourself. If you wonder how the body should make kime, for example, hit makiwara over and over until you feel something. Then you know you are beginning to make proper kime.
The other meaning of number 20 is that each person must strive to take karate to the next level. This is the mental aspect to training and there is no end to this. Only with clear mind can we create something new and be open to learning new things. I am not saying create new technique, Iam saying that when your mind clear and free of ego, than karate becomes very natural.
Scientist know that nature goes deeper and deeper. Human beings are the same way. Use karate to understand yourself and you’ll have no conflict. When there is no more conflict in your mind, then you are really living. This is the true gift karate can give us. So, practice hard and use Master Funakoshi’s Niju Kun as your guide to both training and life.
The term “sensei” in Japanese means “one who has gone before” or “one who is experienced.” Another word is “shizen,” which means “gives direction.” The sensei can only explain or demonstrates principles, he cannot do the movement for you. Master Funakoshi never said, ”copy what I am doing,” he could only demonstrate or correct us. The teacher can only serve as a guide because everyone has a unique body type. It is the student’s job to find his own way depending on his own body and mind.
The fact is, we know almost nothing about the advanced katas. The are no manuals or scrolls detailing movement and application. Therefore, much is open individual interpretation. Certain applications might work for a taller person than a shorter person could not use and vice versa. The most important thing is that the principle is always the same. The mechanical action of punching, kicking, etc. is the same for everybody but no one punches or kicks exactly like someone else.
The instructor cannot explain the feeling of doing movement correctly. It is only after hundreds of repetitions that each peson can start to really understand the movement. The whole nature of this understanding is the essence of karate itself.
Whenever any of us asked Master Funakoshi about a certain technique, he would say, “ Do it 1.000 times and then you’ll get the answer.” Of course, few people have the time for that but try it yourself. If you wonder how the body should make kime, for example, hit makiwara over and over until you feel something. Then you know you are beginning to make proper kime.
The other meaning of number 20 is that each person must strive to take karate to the next level. This is the mental aspect to training and there is no end to this. Only with clear mind can we create something new and be open to learning new things. I am not saying create new technique, Iam saying that when your mind clear and free of ego, than karate becomes very natural.
Scientist know that nature goes deeper and deeper. Human beings are the same way. Use karate to understand yourself and you’ll have no conflict. When there is no more conflict in your mind, then you are really living. This is the true gift karate can give us. So, practice hard and use Master Funakoshi’s Niju Kun as your guide to both training and life.
