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 道) and keep climbing, the summit
will be within reach.
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