Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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As my blog gains traction, I learn and sometimes need to make corrections. A friend recently read this blog on leadership and thought I was referencing them. That couldn’t be further from the truth. If you have read the blog and assumed it was about you, please know it wasn’t. Instead, it was based on my own experience and training in leadership. The trends I discuss are prevalent across many spheres of leadership and often go unchecked. While I have worked under leaders whose narcissism was damaging to many, both have passed away and writing about them would not serve a meaningful purpose. Their stories would warrant individual blogs rather than a collective reflection. Besides they were never interested in what people like me had to observe or share. No, what I write is informed by my shortcomings as much as by those I’ve observed or studied. If you see yourself in my writing, I hope you find it helpful and encouraging growth. Make no mistake: leadership is hard work. You will make mistakes (some people will always see what you as as mistakes - they are usually wrong), and every new leader faces a steep learning curve. It takes courage to lead and the wisdom to know when to step aside. From my experience, leadership requires vision and strong administrative skills, yet I have never seen one individual excel equally in both. The best organisations balance these needs by combining visionary and administrative leadership to guide growth and improvement. For instance, in a school setting, having a head and a deputy head allows one to focus on administration while the other drives the vision. Another observation worth noting is that most leaders excel in a particular niche. Once that area is addressed, they should have the courage and opportunity to move on or shift within the organisation. Unfortunately, many skilled leaders hold onto their positions past their “best by” date. This may stem from ego, but more often, it results from a lack of meaningful lateral opportunities within the organisation, forcing leaders to choose between leaving a place they care for or staying and stifling its progress. Organisations must address this issue to encourage fresh ideas in leadership while retaining talented and purposeful individuals. As I conclude my years of experience abroad, I share these reflections to support public and private sector leaders striving to improve their organisations. This is as much about my own need for growth as it is anything else. If YOU find it useful, then I am happy to have been a purposeful support. Some personal observations on areas where experience can matter and help. Comprehensive Understanding of the Organization. Leaders with significant experience are well-versed in organisational goals, strategic plans, and critical processes. This expertise enables them to make informed decisions that align with diverse standards and the varied needs of their teams and stakeholders. Insight into Challenges. Experienced leaders understand the intricacies of managing diverse teams, including navigating differences in skills, communication styles, and work approaches. They can build robust support systems and implement strategies that empower teams to thrive. Credibility and Trust. Team members tend to trust and respect leaders with practical, hands-on experience. This credibility fosters collaboration and involvement in new initiatives, especially in environments with diverse professional backgrounds. Stakeholder Relationships. Maintaining solid relationships with team members, clients, partners, and the broader community is invaluable. Consistent communication and alignment across different groups are crucial for effective leadership. Policy Implementation. Seasoned leaders translate policies into practical strategies, ensuring seamless adherence to local regulations and global standards while aligning with the organisation’s ethos. Vision and Strategy. Leaders who have advanced through various organizational levels have a strategic vision aligned with their needs. They can develop long-term plans that address dynamic workforces and rapidly changing landscapes. Crisis Management. The unpredictability of daily challenges requires leaders skilled in crisis management. Those with extensive experience are better equipped to handle emergencies and guide their teams and organisations in uncertain times. Narrow Perspective. Inexperienced leaders often prioritize initiatives or projects based on personal biases or limited viewpoints, sidelining equally essential objectives. They may structure workflows without clear evidence of necessity, overlooking the holistic needs of their teams. However, without being checked, such myopia can also become the Achilles heel of the experienced leader. Formation of Power Groups. Inexperienced leaders may surround themselves with small groups reinforcing narrow perspectives, creating an echo chamber that stifles constructive feedback and diverse ideas. This must be revised in the inclusive culture, which is crucial in organisations. Without going into details, an experienced leader who continues to utilise such strategies is, in my experience, usually insecure, incapable or simply a narcissist. Beware of this type of leader the most; they can often be disguised as sheep in wolf clothes! Last-Minute Decisions. Inexperienced leaders often make last-minute decisions that increase teams’ workloads due to a lack of planning or contingency measures. This absence of strategic foresight creates stress and disrupts productivity. Failure to Plan for Diversity. With sufficient experience, leaders often consider their teams’ cultural and professional diversity. Initiatives may need more flexibility, leaving some segments of the workforce marginalised. Action always speaks louder than words. Otherwise, people know you are check-boxing. Careerist Leaders. Some leaders are more focused on personal advancement than on the needs and well-being of their teams. They can implement decisions and policies that fail to acknowledge the full breadth of human experience, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement. Challenges of Managing Teams. Managing teams can be challenging because individuals often focus on areas needing improvement rather than problem-solving. Navigating these tendencies requires a delicate balance while fostering a positive, proactive work environment. Closing Thoughts. Leaders who rule through secrecy and fear hinder progress and stifle the collaborative, inclusive atmosphere essential for organisations. Transparent communication, trust-building, and valuing diverse expertise are vital for effective leadership in any setting. As I mentioned at the outset, leadership is complex and not all who lead should be in a position to impact the lives of others powerfully. Sadly, many organisations promote such leaders but must support or check them when the red flags arrive. Likewise, organisations that genuinely care about those they lead often leave them untrained and carrying the weight of others whose leadership qualities should be better. YOUNG leaders must have an honest, supportive and realistic growth plan and expectations. To assume they came prepared for the job is to fail.
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Friday Academic Review Tome: Breaking Barriers - Empowering Women in Martial Arts and Combat Sports.5/3/2024 And this is the Friday installment of my ongoing review of academic articles concerneing research into Budo. This weeks review is one which is close to my heart as I teach at an all female school and the majority of people in our wee dojo are female. Enjoy. The article "Engaging Women and Girls in Martial Arts and Combat Sports: Theoretical Issues and their Implications for Practice" explores the nuanced challenges and potential strategies for increasing female participation in martial arts and combat sports (MACS). Hosted by the University of Brighton on February 5, 2016, this seminar attracted a diverse group of academics and practitioners who discussed sex issues in MACS, focusing specifically on barriers to female participation and possible solutions. The seminar identified that despite there being no formal exclusion of women from MACS clubs, several barriers persist. These barriers are rooted in societal norms and the daily realities of many women, such as childcare responsibilities, work-life balance, and the affordability of training. Additionally, the lack of female role models in the media and the sexualisation of female martial artists contribute to the perception that MACS are not suitable or appealing for women and girls. One key discussion point was the persistent view of MACS as inherently masculine due to their association with fighting. This stereotype contributes to the exclusion of women by framing these sports as unsuitable for them. The seminar highlighted the importance of addressing these intangible barriers through creative promotion and club management strategies that challenge these outdated norms. Moreover, the seminar discussed the importance of recognising diversity within the group of women and girls. It is essential to avoid generalisations and consider individual differences such as age, social class, and ethnic background. This approach ensures that strategies to increase female participation in MACS are tailored and effective, acknowledging that one-size-fits-all solutions are often inadequate. In terms of practical strategies, the seminar suggested several approaches. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in clubs was highlighted as crucial. This involves not only ensuring physical spaces are inviting and comfortable but also addressing how everyday language and interactions can unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes. For example, phrases like "man up" or using "girl" versions of exercises can perpetuate the idea that strength and toughness are male traits, thereby alienating women. The physical setup of clubs also matters; considerations like hygiene, natural lighting, and having separate changing facilities can make a significant difference in how welcoming a space feels to women and girls. Additionally, using imagery and posters that celebrate female martial artists can help challenge the notion that MACS are male-dominated fields. Another critical area discussed was the role of instructors. Having female instructors and ensuring they are visible and active in various training contexts is vital. This helps challenge the stereotype that MACS are exclusively male territories. However, it is also important that female instructors are not pigeonholed into only training other women or beginners, which can reinforce other stereotypes about women's capabilities. The seminar also touched on the idea of segregated training sessions for women. While these can provide a comfortable entry point for women into MACS, it is essential that they are implemented thoughtfully to avoid reinforcing a sense of inferiority or segregation. Ideally, these sessions should complement integrated training to ensure women feel fully part of the club's community. In conclusion, the seminar underscored the complex nature of promoting gender inclusivity in MACS. It provided a platform for sharing ideas and strategies that, while challenging to implement, are crucial for making martial arts and combat sports more accessible and appealing to women and girls. The discussion suggested that continued dialogue and research are needed to refine these strategies and address the nuanced challenges faced by women in these sports. Thanks to my friend Joe Swift for providing a copy of the original text written by By Masakazu & Hokama and loosely translated as: Okinawa’s Old-Style Budo (Weapons) While the original source has some sections in English they are poorly translated. Below I have tried to use the original Japanese wile also updating the language to better reflect the original text. Any and all mistakes are mine. Regarding the origins and construction of the nunchaku: The armaments of Okinawa, as alluded to before, are frequently cited as adaptations from mundane implements. The nunchaku, also referred to as "sōsetsukon" or "nunchagu," is compact and convenient for carriage. It enjoys popularity and is favoured amongst practitioners of traditional martial arts. This weapon is distinguished by its employment of centrifugal force for attack and defence. Typical materials encompass oak, chinquapin, bean tree, and kuba, to name a few. The term "setsu" in "sōsetsukon" inherently means "bamboo," indicating that nunchaku may have originally been fashioned from bamboo prior to the contemporary wooden models. It is believed that the nunchaku began as bamboo articles and subsequently developed into the wooden iterations observed presently. There are numerous prevalent conjectures regarding the provenance of the nunchaku: Trisect Theory (Sansetsukon): One segment was detached to yield a nunchaku with enhanced swiftness. Horse Mask (Mūgē) Theory: Stimulated by the horse mūgē, as portrayed in the "Okinawa Customs Illustrated" published in 1896. The illustrated mūgē is composed of string rather than wood, contributing a noteworthy aspect to the foundational theory. Nonetheless, in the Yaeyama district, wooden mūgē are utilised as well. The implement identified as 'Yebi' (Kula, Guji) — the precise translation or pronunciation may be uncertain — employed for isolating banana fibre, bears resemblance to a conduit utilised for threshing rice in farming apparatus. In certain locales, this conduit is likewise named 'Yebi.' A hypothesis posits that nunchaku were conceived from this instrument. It is also postulated that nunchaku stemmed from a conduit used for threshing rice. The Yebi for extracting banana fibres entails cleaving bamboo, whereas the threshing conduit itself is a dead ringer for the form of nunchaku. There is speculation that this was modified to generate the nunchaku as we acknowledge them today. Materials Employed in Crafting the Nunchaku: It appears that the doyens of archaic martial arts devoted significant ingenuity to the lashing cords of antiquated martial arts gear. The cords must be resilient to centrifugal forces, failing which they are deemed unfit as lashings for archaic martial arts gear. Moreover, alterations tailored to the stature of the individual wielding them are imperative. That is to indicate, human statures have markedly altered pre- and post-conflict. Correspondingly, weaponry has been modified. As a consequence of these transformations, the cords for lashing have been progressively perfected, and presently, implements such as chains are also in use. Karate, as envisioned by its foundational figures like Matsumura Sokon, is not merely a set of fighting techniques but a comprehensive discipline integrating physical prowess, ethical grounding, and societal contributions. This discourse aims to unequivocally assert that deviations from these integral principles should not be recognised under the banner of traditional karate.
The Essential Unity of Kata and Kumite At the heart of traditional karate lies the symbiotic relationship between Kata and Kumite. Kata, with its choreographed sequences, is not just a physical exercise but a repository of the art’s philosophical underpinnings. Kumite, the art of sparring, translates these abstract forms into practical applications. Prioritising one over the other distorts the art’s essence. Schools that focus exclusively on Kata often reduce the practice to mere dance routines, devoid of the combative spirit karate is meant to embody. Conversely, an overemphasis on Kumite without the foundational support of Kata degrades the practice to simplistic physical aggression, akin to mere brawling or kickboxing. Ethical Development and Social Responsibility: Non-Negotiable Pillars Karate transcends physical training; it is equally concerned with the cultivation of moral virtues and a commitment to societal welfare. Ethical development is paramount, instilling values such as respect, integrity, and perseverance. Karate also endows its practitioners with a responsibility towards society, urging them to use their skills for collective betterment. Schools that neglect these dimensions not only betray traditional karate’s ethos but also mislead students about the depth and purpose of their training. The Holistic Approach to Health Karate’s approach to health is holistic, targeting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Traditional regimens are meticulously crafted to enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance, while also promoting mental clarity and emotional stability. This balanced approach is often overlooked in contemporary practices that overly focus on competitive success, which can lead to an unbalanced emphasis that neglects the practitioner's overall well-being. The Integral Role of Weapons Training Traditional karate also includes proficiency in various weapons, reflecting its comprehensive combat philosophy. This aspect of karate, which historically incorporated techniques with Okinawan and mainland Japanese weapons, is crucial for a rounded understanding of martial strategy and effective self-defence. Neglecting this training reduces the practitioner’s versatility and depth of knowledge, deviating from the historical breadth of true karate. Cultural Significance and Historical Context The modern adoption of the karate 'gi' and the emphasis on aligning with Japanese or Okinawan traditions, while enriching, are not prerequisites for the practice of karate. The essence of karate is found in its techniques and philosophies, not merely in its attire or assumed cultural affiliations. Traditional karate is a holistic pursuit, historically rooted in the comprehensive development of its adherents, aimed at both personal and communal upliftment. Confronting the Dilution of Karate It is imperative that we confront and challenge the dilution of karate in contemporary practice. The essence of traditional karate, with its rich, integrative philosophy, must be zealously guarded against reductionist interpretations that focus merely on physical aspects or commercial gain. Traditional karate is not a superficial endeavour; it is a profound engagement with a historical and ethical depth that demands rigorous commitment and understanding. Conclusion: A Clarion Call for Authenticity. The practice of traditional karate is a declaration of the holistic integration of physical techniques, ethical principles, and social responsibilities. It demands more than mere physical participation; it requires a deep, sustained engagement with the art’s comprehensive ethos. As practitioners and advocates of traditional karate, we must rigorously uphold its integrity, ensuring that it remains a true and complete martial art form. Let us not be swayed by modern reinterpretations that strip karate of its depth and transform it into a hollow shell of its former self. Traditional karate is not merely a set of movements to be performed in isolation but a rich, holistic tradition that shapes one’s character and worldview. We must strive to preserve the purity of this art, upholding its traditional values and practices against the tide of commercialisation and misinterpretation. Here's a brief synopsis of the above blog in Japanese: 伝統的な空手は、単なる戦闘技術の集まりではありません。松本宗棍のような創始者が見据えた空手は、物理的な能力、倫理的な基盤、そして社会への貢献を統合する包括的な規律です。本稿では、これらの本質的な原則からの逸脱が伝統的な空手の名の下に認められるべきではないと断固として主張します。形と組手は不可分の関係にあり、一方を重視しすぎると他方が疎かになり、空手の本質が歪められます。倫理的発展と社会的責任は交渉不可能な柱であり、健康へのアプローチは全面的です。武器訓練の役割もまた、空手の歴史的な広がりから不可欠です。現代の練習で空手が希薄化されていることに直面し、真の空手の本質を保護するために、伝統的な価値観と実践を守るために努力しなければなりません。 Below is a translation from "Karate no Rekishi" by Miyagi Tokumasa (1987), discussing the history of the nunchaku and tonfa. Tokumasa, a specialist researcher in karate and kobudo history who worked for the Prefectural Government in Okinawa, clearly outlines the multiple possibilities and ultimately unknown origins of the nunchaku. It is noteworthy that this was published in 1987, yet many self-appointed 'historians' in videos and print made since then continue to promote the theory that the nunchaku originated as a horse bridle. This misconception has undoubtedly led many karate and kobudo tourists and practitioners to part with their money in pursuit of training with so-called 'authentic' horse bridle designs. I am grateful to my good friend Mario McKenna for providing the original Japanese version. My translation may not be at the level of Mario's, but it should convey the essence of Tokumasa's insights. Nunchaku Techniques The nunchaku is represented by the characters for 'double stick' or 'double-section staff'. Its thickness is approximately 3.5 cm, and each stick extends slightly beyond the length from the elbow, crafted in octagonal or hexagonal forms, and rounded at the base. These are joined by a robust string. Currently, silk cords are utilised, but historically, it is believed that braids made from women's long hair were employed. Through skillful manipulation and leveraging centrifugal force for both attack and defence, the nunchaku can exert considerable power. The origins and inventor of the nunchaku remain obscure. However, given the existence of the similar three-section staff in China, it is possible that the nunchaku was inspired by this Chinese weapon. Nunchaku are rumoured to have been influenced by the Somugee (bridle) of a horse or derived from threshing tools used for wheat and soybeans, though the veracity of these claims is uncertain. It seems more plausible that they were influenced by weaponry from China. Chinese three-section staffs are significantly larger, with each section measuring about 66 cm in length and 3.2 cm in diameter. These are linked by metal rings, with additional rings added to create sound, and each section is capped with a metal fitting. Owing to their bulk, which complicates portability, smaller versions about 16 cm long have been developed. This adaptation represents a completely novel concept. It is conceivable that the nunchaku could have evolved from the three-section staff. Furthermore, the nunchaku does not conform to a specific shape, and its utility is primarily based on the movements and forms of unarmed martial arts, involving dynamic swinging actions. Mastery of nunchaku techniques demands extensive practice. Despite their seemingly simplistic nature, nunchaku possess formidable destructive capabilities. Toifa (Tonfa) Techniques. Similar to the nunchaku, the toifa is a wooden weapon approximately 45 cm in circumference and slightly longer than the elbow, equipped with a handle. It is typically fashioned from oak wood, either in a square or slightly rounded shape. In performance, while there is no designated form, the movements are ingeniously integrated with karate techniques. The toifa is manipulated with both hands, incorporating techniques such as blocking, thrusting, and swinging to strike. The origins of the toifa are shrouded in ambiguity, with several prevailing theories suggesting its development from a freely movable hook, adaptations from agricultural tools in paddy fields, a stone mortar’s handle, or as a modification of a wheat-threshing tool. |
James M. HatchInternational Educator who happens to be passionate about Chito Ryu Karate. Born in Ireland, educated in Canada, matured in Japan Archives
May 2024
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