I found an article that
someone had written (sorry, I don't remember who the author
was) that attempted to justify the use of the Japanese kanji
for Kara that was used to
replace the (original) kanji
that meant China.
The author went to great
extremes to justify their reasoning for using the kanji (and the
subsequent translation) for “Empty”. Although the author did a
decent job of doing so, I thought it sad attempt, for what was
a mistaken understanding (from every native account
that I've ever heard).
What the author attempted
to do, was to justify empty as being a philosophical euphemism
for a martial arts spirituality (“empty cup” and whatnot). Sorry,
this is Bullsh*t. The kanji transposed for kara (china), was
kara (meaning
open), not “empty”.
How
many times have you heard arguments concerning the empty-hand
art (that has weapons ?
). It was never intended to represent “empty”, it has always been
recognized as meaning ”open” to the Okinawans (except to the
Japanese of course,
and thereby the Americans).
Open-hand
makes sense,
Empty-hand is just
stupid. Because
portions of the art don't include weapons, does not
make it an empty-handed
art form. Everything regarding “Open” directly
relates to what is taught
(at least in RyuTe).
Taika
relates this concept/belief philosophically as well. The Open-hand
is one which is offering assistance and help. The empty-hand
is one that is wanting (if not begging).
Those systems that utilize the image of a fist
(for symbolic reasons) are (in many ways) offensive and
detract from the true
nature and performance of Te
as being the art form
that it is. It also emphasizes an unjustified proclivity to striking
with the closed hand.
One
of the most difficult tasks as an (RyuTe) instructor, is teaching new
students to not use
the (stereotypical) tight “fist”.
Inevitably, when someone makes a fist,
they want to strike someone
(usually the assailant,
LOL) in the face. When
they make the loose
fist (as taught in RyuTe) that “hit the face”
desire, isn't so
pronounced.
My
teaching associate went to the trouble to create a document
explaining the proper “RyuTe” fist (it's on the RyuTe
forum for association members).
I believe a lot of the confusion
stems from student's who've transitioned from other
systems. The assumption being, that “a fist, is a fist,
is a fist”, uh, not
so much.
It
goes back to the open/closed-hand
debate. The open hand,
will move faster, be
stronger and can
accomplish more than a
closed hand (fist)
is ever able to. This
is often (already) known and recognized, but seems to be readily
dismissed (usually
because it conflicts with one's prior beliefs/assumptions).
I've
written before on the relevance of semantics. This
relevance is obvious (or should
be) when comparing open
to empty. Westerner's
are embarrassing enough,
LOL, without making arguments
for a mistaken
interpretation.
Just
listen to the moron's cry,
who've been kicked out
of the association for doing their deceitful
practices. Their excuse is always
“Taika said he "didn't care!” (if
they even bothered to ask him). Which is a typical
Okinawan/Japanese response, he “didn't care”, what you
thought, or what your reasons were, don't do it.
People
hear, only what they want to hear......
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