03/09/2021
BOGU KUMITE
Recently, I presented a proposal in an attempt to unite senior instructors. Developing a path by which we could participate in a common area, preserving Taika Oyata’s legacy and not conflict with individual instructor philosophies. This proposal was to establishment a separate organization, (a Commission of Bogu Kumite Instructors). My reasoning was that if we gave reassurance that participation in this endeavor would not interfere with any of their present business interests or ranking standards that this reassurance would be an incentive in their participation. In the letters of invitation, I attempted to include everyone, clearing myself of selective exclusion. The resulting response was disappointing. Frustrated, unable to complete my proposal, l accept responsibility, my timing couldn’t have been worse, the virus, level of exhaustion at summer camp, life is always a mystery. In appreciation for those who did demonstrate interest, I am now writing these Newsletters.
People recent to Ryukyu Kempo fail in their curiosity to include the history and development of the systems. Few understand today that Master Taika Oyata’s status on Okinawa was not achieved by Kata, Tuite or Weapons forms, but rather by his school’s consistent success in Bogu Kumite competition; in truth, he produced the best fighters. Here in the United States, Taika Oyata chose instead to gain his popularity teaching seminars and summer camps promotions.
Once understanding this I thought that instructors would recognize the important of this aspect of practice. It presents immediate awareness of your actual skills and exposing training flaws. Master Oyata’s original statement for his reason to train with Master Nakamura in 1956, Oyata’s states, “I changed because Master Nakamura taught, real fighting with Bogu.” Taken from Taika Oyata’s, unpublished memoirs. I assumed that to know a master’s actual thought on achieving martial skill, would take priority over what he did for financial advantage.
Master Oyata was a special gift to us here in the U.S.A. He was a unique and rare representative of martial arts knoweledge, respected by his peers feared by his rivals, representing a distinct martial lineage and heritage now lost to modern martial arts enthusiast. His distinct ability was a creative gift, displayed in presenting his art. He was the last of the Great Kempo Masters, (a statement made by Master Seikichi Ueihara, who was considered an Okinawan National Treasure, made in his letter of character reference). Master Oyata displayed an exceptional ability in his interpretation of a grappling art “Tuite” which he developed, derived from the grappling techniques taught by Master Ueihara. Master Oyata’s life experienced influence by a real warrior Uhugushuku-No-Tan-Mei (Oshiro) who stood guard at the Shuri castle gate and conversations with Wakin-aguri a nobleman descendent of the original 36 families of Fukien China.
It is my belief today, that the most proficient martial artist, having the greatest skills are those who have trained and practice contact Bogu Kumite fighting. It is without substitute a realistic application of skills and techniques. Although weapons kata’s will produce the greatest income for a school because of student interest, Bogu should be preserved for your dedicated best. Proficiency with several weapons forms does not produce greater skill in karate. A weapons form (kata) will only develop control of a particular weapon but does not extend that skill to actually using that weapon in combat. Weapon masters of the past may know one or two weapon forms but relied on one, that they would use to defend their lives. Practicing in actual kumite with that weapon as in a Ken-do type match would produce real martial skills.
Hanshi Albert O. Geraldi
