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Ankoh Itosu - Part2

Again, we would like to thank Shihan Des Paroz, Technical Advisor to the International Budo Institute for bringing this historically significant information to our attention.

Itosu Ankoh, he appears with a calm expression sporting a white moustache, in the center of the second row.

On the 28th of February [2006], in the Okinawa Times [newspaper] evening edition, Society Page, my article announcing the discovery of a photo of “Itosu Ankoh” appeared. At 87 years of age, I was overcome with a deep feeling of emotion having spent my entire life with karate. As a lineage descendant of Itosu’s teachings, writing about him is what I see as a personal responsibility. I would like to write about the origins of this photo, as I am the person who donated the it to the Prefectural Library.

In April 1956 I started publishing “Karatedo” monthly aimed at producing a general magazine for the Karate world. At that time I asked Miyagi Hisateru for an article about Itosu Okina as he was a pioneer of karate. Miyagi had learned karate as formal physical education under Itosu Okina during the time he studied at Okinawa Prefectural Shihan Gakko [Teacher’s College].

Miyagi Hisateru’s name may not be remembered by my fellow Okinawans or even by today’s younger generation, for that matter, however, he was a graduate of the Teacher’s College in 1916 and went on to become an elementary school teacher. Later, he went to Tokyo in pursuit of becoming a writer and worked for the “Kaizo Company.” Under the pen name Miyagi Sou, he went on to win the Kaizo’s writer’s award with his 1934 publication entitled, “My hometown is the Globe.” Miyagi also published the book, entitled “Karatedo,” with Nichi-getsu Publishing Company in 1955.

37 Practices-Practice #8

The Buddha said that our suffering and confusion is the result of our negative actions. Understand this and turn away from all behaviours that are harmful to self and others. Use all your strength to resist any tendency to cause harm to anyone. The Sons and Daughters of the Buddhas all follow this practice.

Meditating Buddha

Lama Das' Commentary:

When we hurt others, we run the risk that our actions will boomerang back on ourselves. In some cases, we feel the repercussions immediately -- often with our own immediate guilt, if not worse forms of instant karma. Other times, it may take years or lifetimes. But the laws of cause and effect are very clear. An essential spiritual rule: Do no harm. Cultivate the good. Be as good as you intrinsically are.

Self-Examination:

Am I scrutinising all my thoughts and actions for any trace or unwholesome motivation?

Shihan Henderson's Commentary:

First, nobody's perfect. And in Budo studies we focus a large amount of our energy on searching for perfection or the perfect technique. But we must understand that the perfect technique by definition does not exist and therefore we will never attain it. When we keep this simple truth in mind we are better able to see ourselves in a more positive light. That is, we will never be perfect. Far too often people are their own worse enemies. They, sometimes unknowingly, get down on themselves for not being as good as they think they should be. This self-defeating attitude also can pervade emotional states.

Sunji Watanabe

One of the chief proponents of Shorinjiryu Karate Do, and a leading disciple of Shinan Kori Hisataka, is Shihan Shunji Watanabe, 7th Dan, chief instructor and president of the Shorinjiryu Watanabe-Ha Karate-Do Federation.

Shihan Shunji Watanabe

Shihan Watanabe was born in Japan in 1938, and began his martial arts instruction with Shinan Kori Hisataka in 1955 at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo. He was promoted to Shodan in 1958, and most recently promoted to shichidan in 1985.

In 1967, Shihan Watanabe came to North America, by way of Canada, to demonstrate Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate at the Montreal Expo. He made the journey along with Shihan Masayuki Hisataka, 9th Dan, the son of Shinan Kori Hisataka. Shihan Watanabe was asked by Shinan Hisataka to remain in North America and help to develop Shorinjiryu Karatedo in the United States and Canada. Shihan Watanabe made his home in Baltimore, Maryland and started the Japan Karate and Judo Center, which he maintains to this day.

Universal Harmony Day

Submitted by i-Budo member Faryn Sand of New York city

On September 11th, 2006, see the world unite as one strong and intense global community for Universal Harmony Day 2006!

Not only are we joining the existing nationwide movement to transform this day of mourning into a day of giving back to humanity, we are also expanding it. This vast project will unite the world at large, and will dedicate itself to everyone in every country who is either incarcerated by his or her own suffering, or is suppressed by others. The first in a series of annual televised events that will document the philanthropic efforts of martial artists everywhere, Universal Harmony Day 2006 will reach literally the entire world via live broadcast and pre-filmed footage; in the spirit of true martial arts philosophy, it will focus on protecting and enhancing the lives of society’s children, as well as senior citizens and any fellow human being who seeks respite from grief. Together, individuals across the globe will concentrate the consistent human desire to impact society into one unforgettable, historic day.

37 Practices-Practice #7

How can you expect the successful wheelers and dealers of this world to help you when they themselves are mired in worldly woes? Instead, look for refuge and support in what's real and reliable. The Sons and Daughters of the Buddhas all follow this practice.

Meditating Buddha

Lama Das' Commentary:

In life, when we find ourselves in crisis, we sometimes look for support, love and guidance in all the wrong places. In Buddhism it is taught that we can consistently turn for help and solace to what is tried and true --- The Three Jewels: the enlightened teacher, the liberating teachings, and the spiritual friends/community.

Self-Examination:

Am I looking for what I need in places where it can be found?

Shihan Henderson's Commentary:

As with Buddhism, Budo studies share the same three Jewels: a wise Sensei, ancient liberating practices and a Budo community. As well for ourselves, when we find stress and difficulty enter our lives do we mask it by looking to other things, such as: the pursuit of riches, shopping or perhaps the reinforcement of a bad habit. These things are all ultimately empty.

Metta Sutra

It is said that chanting the Metta Sutra brings manifold blessings to the practitioner as well as to the entire universe. It is the Buddha's words on kindness and love.

THE METTA SUTRA

This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the paths of peace;
Let them be able and upright
Straightforward and gentle in speech.
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skilful,
Not proud and demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and safety,
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether thay are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and not to be born,
May all beings be at ease.

Let none deceive another,
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings;
Radiating kindness over the entire world
Spreading upwards to the skies,
And downwards to the depths;
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down
Free from drowsiness,

One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.
By not holding to fixed views,
The pure hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.

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