History of Shorin-Ryu Karate
Matsumura Shorin-Ryu
Karate
History
as told by Hanshi George Alexander.
SOKON MATSUMURA:
FOUNDER OF KARATE & OKINAWAN WARRIOR
by
George W. Alexander
Okinawa, Japan is the birthplace of karate. This small island is also
the birthplace of Sokon Matsumura, Okinawan warrior and founder of
karate. Sokon Matsumura (1797-1889), also known as Bushi
(warrior) Matsumura and Shuri Matsumura, was one of the
most renowned and colorful martial artists of his time. He was
known as a master par excellence of karate and
kobujutsu (weaponry). Matsumura was of noble birth and
he was as skilled at literature and the Chinese classics as he was at
military arts. He is considered the founder of the Shorin Ryu
school of Okinawan Karate. He organized the Shuri-Te style
(native Okinawan martial art and prototype of Shorin Ryu) into a
more refined system of the martial arts. This system, Matsumura
Shorin Ryu karate has endured to the present day.
Matsumura
was born in Yamagawa Village, Shuri, Okinawa
in 1797. There are some contradictions as to Matsumura’s
exact birth date. Some authorities claim 1798 or as late as 1809,
but for the purposes of this writing the 1797 date will be accepted as
the correct one. In 1810, as a young boy, Matsumura
began the study of karate under the guidance of Tode Sakugawa
(1733-1815). Sakugawa was an old man at the time and
reluctant to teach the young Matsumura. However,
Sakugawa had promised Sofuku Matsumura, Sokon
Matsumura’s father, that he would teach the boy. The venerable
Sakugawa was seventy eight years old at the time.
Matsumura spent four years studying under Sakugawa.
Eventually, Matsumura’s skill as a warrior became widely known
throughout Okinawa and even in China. As a young man, Matsumura
had already garnered a reputation as an expert in the martial arts.
Many legendary stories are told about him in Okinawan folklore. In
fact, in addition to being a “daijo” or major figure in
karate’s history, Bushi Matsumura is an Okinawan
folk hero as well.
Matsumura
was recruited into the service of the Royal Okinawan Sho family
in 1816 and received the title Shikudon, a gentry rank.
He began his career by serving the 17th King of the Ryukyu
Sho dynasty, King Sho Ko. In 1818 he married
Yonamine Chiru, who was a martial arts expert as well.
Matsumura eventually became the chief martial arts instructor
“Shihan Yaku” and bodyguard for the Okinawan King Sho Ko.
He subsequently served in this capacity for two other Okinawan Kings,
They were the 18th and 19th Kings of Ryukyu,
King Sho Iku and King Sho Tai, respectively.
Bushi Matsumura not only became the chief martial arts
instructor but an official of the Ryukyu Kingdom. As such,
Matsumura traveled as an envoy to China and Japan in the service
of the Okinawan King. On these sojourns, he sought out other
martial artists and trained with them.
Around 1839 he went to China and studied the Shaolin style of
Chinese boxing and weaponry. Legend has it that he actually
trained at the famed “Shoreiji” or Southern Shaolin Temple
at this time. It is not known how long Matsumura remained
in China but tradition has it that he stayed for some time. In
1832 he went to Satsuma, Japan and stayed there for two
years. While in Japan it is believed that he studied the Jigen
Ryu style of swordsmanship. This is a very aggressive style
practiced by the Satsuma samurai. His sensei in
Jigen Ryu was a samurai by the name of Yashichiro Ijuin.
It is perhaps at this time when Matsumura’s ideas about Bushido,
the way of the warrior, and martial ethos were formed.
Is
also known that around 1860 Matsumura traveled to Foochow
in Fukien Province, China, on a diplomatic mission
for the Okinawan King. In the 1860’s he brought back the
Chinese Kenpo Master Iwah and together they taught many
Okinawans. He is also thought to have studied with the Chinese
warrior Wai Shin Zan while in China. After his return from
China he organized and refined Shuri-Te. His organizational
efforts would eventually serve as the basis for the Shorin Ryu
System of Okinawan Karate. Some authorities credit Matsumura
with adopting the name “Shorin Ryu” while others say Anko
Itosu (1830-1915), Matsumura’s student, is actually
responsible for adopting this terminology. Shorin is the
Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin. Even though this style
is a blend of native Okinawan techniques and Chinese kenpo,
it is named after the famed Shaolin Temple of China,
renowned for its fighters.
Matsumura
is credited with passing on the kata or formal exercises known as
Passai Dai (Matsumura No Passai), Naihanchi, Chinto,
Seisan, Gojushiho (Fifty Four Steps of the Black Tiger) and
Kusanku. A set of Chinese kata known as Chanan
in Matsumura’s time are said to have been modified by
Matsumura and were the basis for Pinan I & II. These
kata are the essential forms of all Shorin Ryu styles today.
He is also said to have brought back the Hakutsuru or White Crane
system of Chinese boxing back to Okinawa.
A
unique feature of the Matsumura Shorin Ryu style is the
teaching of the White Crane or Hakutsuru kata, although white
crane techniques are woven throughout most of the kata of the
style and are especially evident in Gojushiho and Kusanku.
However, the Hakutsuru kata is one of those elusive and
esoteric kata of karate. According to the late Hohan
Soken (1889-1982), the White Crane style was learned by
Bushi Matsumura while he was in China. He then brought
the style back to Okinawa in the 1860’s. From then on, the
system was a secret style only taught to immediate members of the
Matsumura family. The White Crane style was passed on from
Bushi Matsumura to Nabe Matsumura, his grandson,
and then to Hohan Soken, Nabe’s nephew (Nabe’s
sister’s son). Hohan Soken did teach the White Crane to
some members of the Ryu. These people were not family
members but were a chosen few. Keep in mind the concept of a
hereditary Ryu is a closed social nexus, like a family or a
clan. Its membership is restricted to blood relatives,
whereas a Kai or association is a group that practically anyone
can get into, like a bowling league or a “self defense” studio.
The family blood lineage of Matsumura Shorin Ryu seems to
have been broken though and has become what is known as a Ryu Ha.
It is my understanding that Hohan Soken’s grandson now
lives in New York City and has no interest in karate. The White
Crane system is still in existence and being taught today, but it
is rare and still underground.
The
White Crane style is of Chinese origin and its techniques imitate the
delicate movements of the crane or white heron. The Hakutsuru
technique manifests the Chinese concept of the soft fist as opposed to
the power-oriented native Okinawan techniques. The soft fist is
defensive and relies on speed and evasion as its primary tactic.
Therefore the Matsumura family style has both the power oriented
linear Okinawan technique as well as soft circular Chinese techniques. A
perfect combination! Actually there are a set of Hakutsuru kata
handed down that are the jewel of the system. The more fundamental
Hakutsuru Kata are sanchin-like training forms called
Hakutsuru So & Ton. There is another one called Ryuken
or dragon fist Sanchin. Finally there is the Matsumura
No Hakutsuru Kata itself. The kata is taught in two
forms, a sort of sho (minor) and dai (major) format.
The sho version of the kata has the same embusen
(pattern) as the dai version but it is simplistic in its
techniques. The dai version of the Hakutsuru kata is
very elaborate with many intricate hand techniques which make use of the
wing (hane) of the crane. The wing is used in blocking to
either trap, cover or repel a blow. Spearfinger thrusting to
vital points is the main means of attack and counterattack taught within
the framework of the kata as well. The Matsumura
Hakutsuru kata also features a unique low level kicking sequence and
its embusen relies on footwork from the Kusanku and Naihanchi
kata. Its intricate and complex movements make the performance
of the Matsumura No Hakutsuru kata unique among
karate kata. It certainly deserves to be the secret kata
of the Ryu. However, other versions of the Hakutsuru kata
exist. These include Shito Ryu’s Hakucho, a fragment of the
original kata, the Matayoshi version and the rare and beautiful
Kumemura Hakutsuru. This version is derived from Kume Village, a
Chinese settlement which was a suburb of Naha and home of the
sanjuroku seito, the thirty six families from Fukien Province,
China. These families came from China with the purpose of
enhancing the cultural and economic development of Okinawa. Although the
transmission of Chinese martial arts to the Okinawans was also
accomplished here.
Bushi
Matsumura was tall and thin with deep-set eyes. He was also
extremely fast because of his constant practice. He believed that
speed was essential in order to develop power. Matsumura
was an innovator and he practiced every technique so that it could be
performed as fast as possible. Legend has it that he was able to
generate enormous power in his techniques even though he was slender and
wiry. The reason for this was that he followed a scientific theory
with respect to martial arts i.e.,“torque plus speed equals true power”.
The concept of twisting and rotating the hips when delivering a
technique is the method he used. Matsumura is credited with
developing this concept in karate. Matsumura simply knew
that the basic elements of physics apply to and enhance karate
technique. He was known to have superb kicking skills and a great
jumping ability. His expression was “as a warrior one must develop
the speed of a bird and the power of a tiger”.
Matsumura
was given the title “Bushi” meaning warrior by the Okinawan King
in recognition of his abilities and accomplishments in the martial arts.
This was a title reserved only for those possessing the highest martial
skill and the samurai qualities of honor and loyalty. This
elevated him to full samurai status. In fact, Matsumura
was the last person ever to be granted this title by the Okinawan king.
After this, Matsumura referred to himself as Bucho,
military leader. He was extremely clever and an excellent military
strategist. He accepted challenges from the top martial artists of
his time. According to legend he fought many times but was never
defeated, Among his many exploits, he was even known to have
fought and defeated a wild bull.
The
most often told story about Matsumura is the tale of Matsumura
defeating a wild bull. In the time of King Sho Ko, whose
reign began in 1804, the King’s soldiers were violent and showed no
mercy to the local people. They were lawless and no more than robbers
and murderers. When the King found out about the improprieties of the
soldiers, he ordered an “Uta Kai” or poem meeting. The King
filled out part of a scroll and he wanted the soldiers to fill out the
rest. None of the soldiers would try so the King got angry. He drew his
sword and chased everyone out of the room except for Matsumura.
The
King asked why Matsumura did not flee and was not afraid like the
others. Matsumura answered by saying: ” You are my King and I am
your servant. If you wish to kill me or do anything else to me you wish,
I don’t mind.” Even though Matsumura’s answer was profound,
the King was still angry. He said: “I am going to kill you anyway. You
will be killed by a wild bull.” The King then set the date for the bull
fight.
Matsumura
found out that the King had selected the strongest bull for him to
fight. Everyday, Matsumura visited the barn where the bull was
kept. On each visit, he would strike the creature soundly in the temple.
After a while, the bull would anticipate Matsumura’s arrival and
it became fearful of him.
Finally, the day of the contest arrived. Matsumura stood in the
middle of the ring. When the bull was let into the ring it immediately
charged him. Matsumura sidestepped using taisabaki (body
shifting) and struck the bull in the temple as he had done in the barn.
The bull stared at Matsumura for a brief moment and then turned
around and ran away. Matsumura said to the King. “I’ll fight the
bull again if someone can catch him and bring him back.“ The King was
convinced that Matsumura had fought and defeated the strongest
bull in Okinawa. Because of this feat, the King gave Matsumura
the title “Bushi, meaning warrior, and Matsumura became
the “Shihan Yaku” (martial art instructor) at Shuri Castle and
bodyguard to the King.
In
another famous encounter preserved in Okinawan folklore, Matsumura
fought another samurai by the name of Bushi Kushigawa Uehara.
Uehara was known to be a highly skilled karateman and very
dangerous. It is not exactly clear why the challenge was issued by
Uehara. One version of the story states that they fought in
front of the king to determine who would be the King’s Chief Bodyguard.
Yet another version of the story, and probably the correct one,
implies Uehara was jealous of the young Matsumura’s
outstanding martial arts abilities and his position as Shihan Yaku
or martial arts instructor to the king. Therefore, Uehara
sought to defeat Matsumura and discredit his reputation.
Uehara was in his forties at the time and Matsumura
was still in his twenties. In any case, Matsumura accepted
the challenge. When they fought, both men threw only one
punch. Matsumura won the bout by adeptly punching
Uehara’s punching hand and breaking it, thus ending the
contest.
Matsumura’s
martial arts endeavors, specifically the organization of Okinawan
Shorin Ryu Karate have had far reaching effects. The
Shorin Ryu system has been the progenitor of many contemporary
martial arts styles, Shotokan Ryu and Shito Ryu,
for example. Ultimately, all modern styles of karate that
evolved from the Shuri-Te lineage can be traced back to the
teachings of Bushi Matsumura. This includes Taekwon Do
(Korean Karate) whose original kata syllabus was derived from
Shotokan Karate, the Japanese version of Shorin Ryu. (see Okinawa
Island of Karate, p. 45.).
As
a teacher, Matsumura was without equal. His fame
attracted many students and he produced and abundance of skilled martial
artists. His most notable students included Anko Itosu
(1830-1915), Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906), Yabu
Kentsu (1863-1937), Chomo Hanashiro (1871-1945) [Hanagusuku
Nagashige in Hogan, the ancient Okinawan dialect],
Chotoku Kiyan (1870-1945), Megantou Tawada,
Peichin Kiyuna, Chinen Yamanne, Ishimine (b.1826),
and Nabe Matsumura as well as others.
In
his later years, Matsumura wrote a letter or makimono
(hand written scroll) expounding on the elements of Bushido,
the way of the warrior, and martial ethos. The letter was
written to his student Ryosei Kuwae on May 13, 1882. This
was the only surviving document in Matsumura’s own hand.
The document has been handed down by the Kuwae family of Okinawa.
In this letter, Matsumura’s writings relate warrior ethics
to social science and Confucian ethics (see Okinawa: Island of
Karate, p.43). He states that knowledge and martial arts
have the same theory. In the area of knowledge, Matsumura
indicated that poetry, or creative writing and reading,
hence literature, as well as teaching others along with an
understanding of Confucianism constitutes Bun (knowledge).
This knowledge helps one to understand the matters of life and to make
the mind pure and true. Therefore, the ability to govern the
family well and administer the nation well are gained from this
knowledge. These are no doubt Confucian ethics typical of
Matsumura’s time. Remember, Okinawa and the Ryukyu
Islands had always been under the cultural influence of China.
Therefore, the ethical framework and teachings of Confucius were
borrowed from China.
Regarding the martial arts, Matsumura states that there are three
main areas of understanding. The three areas are Gukushi No
Bugei (martial arts of intelligence), Meimoko No Bugei
(martial arts without self-control) and Budo No Bugei (true
martial way). Gukushi No Bugei refers to having a technical
knowledge of the martial arts but with no real substance. It is
only a superficial understanding with no depth. He also makes a
comment that I think is as relevant today as it was one hundred years
ago when he wrote it. Matsumura said “a style is only as
good as the man who practices”. Meimoko No Bugei refers to
a person who has a physical understanding of the martial arts and can
defeat other men. They are violent and dangerous and have no self
control. Budo No Bugei refers to the true way of the
warrior. In this true martial way, a person has the physical
understanding of the martial arts and is powerful. He has a strong
sense of loyalty and would do nothing that is unnatural or contrary to
nature. According to Matsumura, the true way of the
warrior is characterized by seven virtues of Bu (military mind).
They are as follows:
·
Bu
prohibits violence.
·
Bu
keeps discipline in soldiers.
·
Bu
keeps control among the population.
·
Bu
spreads virtue.
·
Bu
gives a peaceful heart.
·
Bu
helps keep peace between people.
·
Bu
makes people or a nation prosperous.
Matsumura’s
letter continues with the idea that a warrior who follows the way of
Budo No Bugei waits for the enemy to defeat himself. He says
this is what he admires the most. He says “you must deal with your
own mind well and wait for others to fall apart mentally. Win the
battle by remaining calm and steal the mind of your opponent”.
This certainly sounds like Japanese samurai philosophy and the fighting
strategy of Go No Sen, i.e., waiting for the opponent
to commit himself and make a mistake and then counterattack. He
goes on to say that “maturity promotes harmony and that a master of the
martial arts should stay away from violence, deal well with
people, be self confident, keep peace with people and accrue
wealth”. Finally, Matsumura concludes the letter with
a message to his student Kuwae to promote Budo No Bugei,
adapt to change and keep training with these principles in mind.
Quite a letter! It certainly provides numerous bits of wisdom and
some thought-provoking ideas for today’s martial artists as well as
insight into Matsumura’s philosophy. The letter was written
late in life, perhaps just before his death, a time for
reflecting and philosophical thinking.
Matsumura
also wrote a book about the sai which included his kata,
Matsumura No Sai. By the time Matsumura retired,
his son had died, so his grandson, Nabe Matsumura
(1860-1930) succeeded him. Matsumura gave his menkyo
kaiden (certificate of proficiency) to him, which entitled
Nabe Matsumura to carry on the teaching of Bushi Matsumura
and Matsumura Shorin Ryu.
Hohan Soken
(1889-1982), who was Nabe Matsumura’s nephew, was
selected to carry on the teaching of the Ryu. He was a
highly respected karate master and the third generation successor in the
lineage of Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate. He was
instrumental in passing on a martial arts legacy from Bushi
Matsumura and Nabe Matsumura to his students. When
Soken began his training under Nabe Matsumura karate practice
was still done in secret. All the kata and techniques he
learned were inherited from Bushi Matsumura. The
style lives on today and is preserved by the International Shorin
Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. Its followers are keeping
alive the traditions and philosophy of “Bushi” Sokon
Matsumura, ancient warrior of Okinawa.
MATSUMURA SHORIN RYU
GENEALOGY
