Thoughts, stories, and ideas from Sensei Steve Gottwirt

Thoughts, stories, and ideas from                  Sensei Steve Gottwirt
Some of these thoughts, stories, and personal history appeared in our newsletter, "Dō Gakuin News". Few members have been with us since our first issue in 1993. As such, ideas on this page may have been printed before, but are worth telling again.

Monday, October 23, 2017

How Many Tigers Are There?


We study Shotokan Karate.  Funakoshi O-sensei never 'named' his teachings, simply calling it Karate (empty hands).  Outsiders referred to his teachings by the dojo's name, 'Shotokan'.  There are different variations of Shotokan, Shotokai, Kenkojuku, and others.  Within the Shotokan world, Japan Karate Association (JKA) is by far the largest organization.  There are, however, many other large ‘governing bodies’ including:  JKF, SKIF, WSKF, WUKF, FSK, ISKF, ITKF, FAJKO, WKF, ASAI, SKA, KKA, and a whole bunch of other initials.

A couple of years ago a Shotokan acquaintance mentioned that he is now following Asai Shotokan.  Another friend mentioned that he now performs kata Kanazawa-style.  Not long ago a young Black Belt entered tournament run by a different organization than hers.  She received a low score because her kata wasn’t performed ‘their way’.

In my own parent association, I’ve heard stories how our founder was known to pore over his copy of ‘Karate-do Kyohan’, dog-ear pages, highlight sections, and make notes.  He would then change the way he taught a basic or a kata.  Forgive me if I sound rude, sacrilegious, or just ‘New York brash’, but I doubt Funakoshi O-sensei made any changes to the book since his death in 1957.  Was our founder mistaken, did he misinterpret the book, or did his interpretation change?  Isn't it all subject to interpretation?  We know that almost all moves can have multiple meanings (bunkai).  Whichever bunkai you use will affect your speed, timing, rhythm, and flow. 

In all cases mentioned above, it is some person’s interpretation of how to practice Shotokan that others choose to follow.  So who is right?  Which way is correct?  It’s all good.  They say there is more than one path to the mountain top.  As long as we stay on the path (Dō ) and keep climbing, the summit will be within reach.