“The word tradition is used in many areas of our life, and I believe it is an important thing, many things change and evolve in this world, but even in the midst of those changes it’s important to keep and pass on the traditions. That is why in Okinawa, traditional karate is practiced first….. I want the students to understand the importance of what they are learning….we must think on how to preserve the original karate not only with words but with a sound philosophy behind it.
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Shoshin (Nagamine) sensei was a man who richly shared many stories of when he was a young boy. He often taught us what he learned from his teachers. I remember him telling us stories about Motobu Choki sensei and Kyan Chotoku sensei…..
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I would advise beginners to be a person of endurance, even when it gets rough and hard. Learning to be patient and having an enduring spirit is what I encourage……
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Almost every Okinawan knows the existence of karate, but there are only a few that learn and actually continue to practice karate. I have many foreigners coming to the dojo… they come and are very determined wanting to acquire something from these lessons, and this kind of attitude brings training to life…….
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It’s important to keep and pass on the traditions…… The original traditional karate must be kept. I want the students to understand the importance of what they are learning.” ??
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Toshimitsu Arakaki 10th-dan Matsubayashi-ryu Karate
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? Photo Credit:TRAVEL 67 Chris Willson Photography: Quote from interview with Chris Wilson and James Pankiewicz .
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