Okinawan KataCompetitors and spectators alike
were fortunate to witness both Karate and Kobudo kata
performed by the likes of such legendary martial artists as
Seiko Toyama,
Shinyu Gushi,
Kiyohide Shinjo,
and Alan Dollar
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Karate Kata |
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Master
Seiko Toyama is pictured at left demonstrating
Sanseiryu. Master Toyama is the last living student
of Kanbun Uechi and was named
10th Dan, Hanshi Judan, by the Japanese Karate-do
Federation
Other demonstrations included kata by George Mattson, James Thompson, and Rick Martin. Of particular note were the various demonstrations of Sanchin kata, the foundation of Uechi ryu, by Okinawan and Okinawan-trained American masters. |
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Rick Martin, former World
Champion, demonstrated Sanchin kata with
Kan, Okinawan jars. Sensei Martin showed how Sanchin
kata can be used to train finger, hand, and torso
muscles.
Sensei Dollar demonstrated another facet of Sanchin, that of Sanchin Kitei, with his Sensei, Kiyohide Shinjo. Sensei Shinjo systematically pummeled Dollar with full-strength blows to the arms, legs, abdomen, and back, demonstrating that a lifetime's practice of Sanchin kata results in effective body armor. |
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Kobudo Kata |
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After the rousing multinational
processional, Sensei Dollar, incognito and under wraps at
the time, started off the tournament with a demonstration of
Bo kumite against multiple attackers. This was
followed by intense competition where kata from several
different Okinawan weapons systems were contested.
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The weapons competition concluded
with a seldom seen exhibition of a Eku (oar) kata
expertly demonstrated by Master
Shinyu Gushi.
Those that watched him perform kata could easily see how Okinawan fisherman adapted a simple tool for the purpose of lethal, effective, self-defense. |
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SparringBoth male and female contestants
across several division participated in an intense session
of sparring. Black Belts from around the world met in the
ring and tested themselves against each other. Despite a
very high level of intensity, no serious injuries occurred.
This is yet another testament to the abilities of the
competitors to control their substantial energies and to the
level of mastery of their instructors.
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Tomashiwari is the
demonstration of the effectiveness of Iron Body Training and
Sanchin Kitei. Wooden poles and boards and ceramic roof
tiles are typically used in these demonstrations.
Seen at left, Sensei Dollar demonstrated his body armor by showing that wooden poles can be broken across his legs, shins, arms, and abdomen. |
TrainingThe Golden Gate 98 Tournament was
the conclusion of a week's intense training at the hands of
Okinawan and American masters.
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