Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai: February 13, 2011 (Guest Post)

The following description of the most recent Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai training was written by my instructor, Pat Nakata Sensei:

The Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai session for February 13, 2011 covered the Pinan Yondan & Godan of the OSKA (Chibana Shorin-ryu) and the Hikari Dojo (Matsubayashi-ryu), the Pinan Sono Yon & Go of Kyokushin Karate, and the Heian Yondan & Godan by Island Ki (Shotokan) and Minakami Dojo (Shito-ryu). Performing for the OSKA group were Alan Yokota, Steve Chun, John Oberle, and Pat Nakata. The Chibana Shorin-ryu Pinan Yondan and Godan are the oldest. The next oldest form of these Kata were the Shotokan Heian Yondan and Godan, which were performed by Hisae Ishii-Chang Sensei. Sean Roberts Sensei showed the Shito-ryu Heian Yondan and Godan, the third oldest of the variations. Charles Goodin Sensei with Jerry Tsuda and Peter Kamlangek performed the Kishaba Juku version of the Matsubayashi-ryu (fourth oldest) Pinan Yondan and Godan. Herbert Ishida Sensei demonstrated the Kyokushin version, Pinan Sono Yon and Go.

The Ryukyu Kobudo group consisting of Alan Yokota, Roy Rivera, John Oberle, and Pat Nakata performed the Maezato No Tekko and Tekko Nashi (without Tekko). This Tekko Kata was created by Shinken Taira (Maezato) Sensei and the pattern is from the Jiin Kata. There are some theories on the origins of the Tekko. The traditional explanation in Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai is that the weapon originated from the stirrups (abumi), although others state they were made by fusing two horseshoes together (uma no chimagu). Still others say that the spiked Tekko came from China. Whatever the case may be, it is a formidable and universal weapon. Since Goju-ryu Karate does not have Pinan Kata, Alan Lee Sensei and Kyle Nakasone Sensei performed their unique Senbukan Kata Gekisai Sandan and Yondan. These 2 Kata were created by their present head of Senbukan, Katsuya Izumikawa (son of the founder, Kanki Izumikawa). Zentokukai does not have Pinan Kata in their curriculum either, so Angel Lemus Sensei performed the Wanchin Kata that was created by Zenryo Shimabukuro Sensei and also the Tokumine Bo.

In the question and answer session there were many questions with interesting and enlightening explanations. On the pairing-off for the Kata application practice, Herbert Ishida Sensei chose the Hiza-geri for everyone to practice from their Pinan Sono Yon. Angel Lemus Sensei chose a strong block to the biceps for a decisive technique from their Wanchin Kata. Charles Goodin Sensei had everyone practice an arm-bar drag followed with a thrust to the head, which was a follow-up move from the opening move of Pinan Yondan. Alan Lee Sensei chose a draw-in, hooking, drop block from their Gekisai Yondan for everyone to practice with variations of counter attacks. The last application was from Pinan Yondan, which was moving into the opponent, pressing, and a backhand attack.

Refreshments were served after the session. Grant Kawasaki (Times Hanapaa Sushi, Marukai Gokujo Sushi, Hawaii Homegrown) brought a large platter of sushi and Steve Chun (C.Q.Yee Hop Company / Commercial Enterprise) brought roast pork, roast duck, and roast chicken for everyone to enjoy.

Also in attendance were Walter Nishioka Sensei, George Sasano Sensei, Rodney Shimabukuro Sensei, Carl and Clyde Kinoshita, and George Drago. Although Nishioka Sensei and Sasano Sensei were invited to participate, they were only able to observe, because of medical concerns. They commented on the friendship and the camaraderie and were impressed with the closeness of the group.

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