FightingArts Home Connect to the FightingArts Forums! Explore the FightingArts Knowledge Base in the Reading Room Shop the FightingArts Estore
Free Newsletter
Estore Martial Arts Products
Forums

Unraveling The Mysteries Of The Nafadi Tradition: Its Kata

By Joe Swift

Editor's Introduction

As early 20th century karate emerged from centuries of secret practice on Okinawa, what was practiced was a far cry from the karate we know today. There were no styles, no organizations, uniforms, ranks or syllabuses -- only a few dedicated enthusiasts passing on the unnamed techniques they had learned. Some referred to their art in a generic sense as "Te"(or "di") meaning hand, Okinawan Te, Tode (Chinese hand) or by other names.

Many practitioners lived in the most populated southern end of Okinawa within three principal Okinawan towns, and what they practiced in technique and had many distinct characteristics. This led to early classifications of karate by some, based on geographic area, and terms that referred to the towns within which they lived -- Naha, Shuri and Tomari.

Shuri was the capital city, seat of government (now an Okinwan prefecture), former nobles and landed gentry who had lost their status, and site of the famous Shuri Castle once occupied by a secession of kings. Situated high atop a hill, Shuri was served by a small nearby seaport town of Tomari. Nearby too, was Naha, Okinawa's principal seaport and commercial center -- an international town bustling with ships and seamen and traders from many nations. Located closely by, and later swallowed up by Naha as it grew, was the Chinese village of Kume, a principal center for Chinese immigrants, teachers and merchants, and home to various Chinese martial arts exponents.

The fighting traditions of Naha (Kume) developed into one of the two major continuing traditions of early Okinawan karate that became known as Naha-te, or Nafadi ( meaning "Naha hand" in English. "Di" was the Okinawan word for hand and "te" was the same word put pronounced slightly differently in mainland Japanese).

The "Original" Nafadi Curriculum

While the term Nafadi (Naha-te in standard Japanese) was not officially used until late 1926, it has since become accepted to mean any of the modern styles to have descended from the Chinese boxing once practiced in Naha and in its "Chinatown" of Kume Village. This includes, but is by no means limited to, Goju ryu, Uchi-ryu and To'on-ryu (styles of karate).

This series of articles shall explore the roots of the kata commonly accepted as Nafadi traditions through historical records and contemporary research. Additionally, rare historical photographs shall be included, and selected applications for each kata described.

What exactly did the original Nafadi curriculum consist of? Unfortunately, a conclusive answer to this question may never be determined. However, we can make some educated guesses based upon the evidence and data that we do have, such as the kata practiced within this tradition.

Higaonna Kanryo

First of all, the record of the San Ru Chu celebration (1) (that marked the formal severance of political ties between China and the Ryukyus since the islands were about to be officially absorbed into the Japan nation) (2) tells us, without a doubt, that there was a version of the karate kata Seisan and Pechurin/Suparinpei that were performed in 1867. Kanryo Higaonna (the great Naha karate pioneer and teacher of Miyagi who founded Goju-Ryu karate) was a mere lad of 14 or 15 at that time, long before he ever traveled to Fujian (to pursue his martial arts studies), the Chinese coastal province nearest Okinawa by sea (an area often visited by Okinawan students seeking further education in the fighting arts). Although we may never know exactly what "versions" of these kata were performed, for the sake of this article we shall assume that they were the precursors to those practiced in the modern karate styles of Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Toon-ryu.

Miyagi Chojun and Kyoda Juhatsu practicing a two-person drill

Second, we can compare the kata curricula of Higaonna's two most prolific students: Chojun Miyagi, founder of the Nahadi karate style Goju-ryu that is today one of the world's most popular practiced styles, and Juhatsu Kyoda, who was one of the first to publicly teach karate at Okinawan Prefectual Middle School. Although Kyoda never developed a large direct student following, he did teach a small group of serious students in what became known as Toon-ryu (To'on-ryu). He was a highly respected Okinawan karate-ka and was influential in the development of many leading karate-ka. He was known for his teaching of the kata sanseiru. In 1934 he was named Chief of the Okinawan branch of the Butokukai (Short for Dai Nippon Butokukai, or Great Japan Martial Virtues Association founded in 1895 to preserve and promote the martial arts and ways).

Chojun Miyagi's Goju-Ryu Karate-do Kata Curriculum
(note: the name following the kata refers to the possible source of the kata):

Sanchin - Kanryo Higaonna
Seisan - Kanryo Higaonna
Sanseiru - Kanryo Higaonna (3)
Suparinpei/Pechurin - Kanryo Higaonna
Saifa - Kanryo Higaonna (?)
Seiunchin - Kanryo Higaonna (?)
Shisochin - Kanryo Higaonna (?)
Seipai - Kanryo Higaona (?)
Kururunfa - Kanryo Higaonna (?)
Gekisai 1 & 2 - Miyagi Chojun
Tensho - Miyagi Chojun


Juhatsu Kyoda's Toon-ryu Karate-do Kata Curriculum (note: the name following the kata refers to the possible source of the kata):

Sanchin - Kanryo Higaonna
Seisan - Kanryo Higaonna and Kanyu Higaonna
Sanseiru - Kanryo Higaonna
Pechurin - Kanryo Higaonna
Jion - Kentsu Yabu
Nepai - Go Kenki

From the above, we can see that only the first four kata, i.e. Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiru and Suparinpei/Pechurin, appear in both curricula. Whereas Kyoda's other two kata (Jion and Nepai) are clearly identified as to their source, the remaining kata of Miyagi are assumed to be from Higaonna, although there is no clear evidence of their source. However, with the historical record described above, as well as using some simple comparative analysis with regard to the kata, we can make some deductions.

The testimony of other direct students of Higaonna, such as Chogi Yoshimura, Higaonna's first student, provides glimpses into the origination of these kata. Yoshimura tells us that he learned Sanchin and Pechurin under the master (Higaonna). A complete translation of this record will be presented later in this article series. Ura Soki also stated in an interview with prominent Goju-ryu and Tomari-ti teacher Tokashiki Iken (the karate master and historian), that "Higaonna only ever taught three or four kata. Modern Goju-ryu has too many kata." Ura himself apparently specialized in Sanchin and Seisan.

In addition, a technical analysis of the various Goju-ryu kata tells us a lot. We can immediately discern that the four kata common between Miyagi and Kyoda's curricula are indeed from a common source. Some of the major features that distinguish these kata from the others are listed below.

1 - All start with the typical Sanchin (kata) sequence of middle level blocks and reverse punches while in a pigeon toe stance.

2 - Sanchin and Seisan kata end in the posture known as Tora-guchi (a.k.a. Mawashi-uke, a two hand roundhouse block or technique), whereas the kata Sanseiru and Pechurin/Suparinpei end in the double crane beak posture.

3 - All are asymmetrical with regard to the major techniques, meaning that although the signature techniques are performed in all directions, they are all performed only with the right side of the body.

Sanchin kata stance with block and arm pulled back in preperation for punch

Mawashi-Uke Block


Double Crane Beak Posture

By contrast, the remaining Goju-ryu kata all seem to exhibit dissimilar characteristics, thus suggesting that they do not have a common source. For example:

1- Although Shisochin kata begins with the familiar Sanchin sequence, albeit with open hands (4) it is symmetrical in that the major techniques are performed with both the left and the right sides of the body.

2- Although Saifa and Kururunfa kata both end with tora-guchi, they lack the Sanchin sequence, and the major techniques are performed on both sides of the body.

3- Although the remaining Goju-ryu kata are all symmetrical, with regard to the use of both the left and right sides of the body for the major signature techniques, they all seem to be unrelated to each other with regard to their major characteristics.

The Uechi-ryu Connection

Kanbun Uechi

Let us now turn our attention to another Nahadi system, Uechi-ryu karate.

The style is based on the technique and kata learned in China by the style's founder Kanbun Uechi, but it appears to have kata in common with other Nahadi styles emanating from the Higaonna tradition (who also traveled to China to study in Fujan).

It is commonly believed that Uechi learned some form of Tiger Boxing, probably with elements of Crane Boxing, from the famed Zhou Zi He in Fuzhou. However, looking at the three kata that Kanbun Uechi is said to have brought back from his time studying in China with Zhou Zi He, we see the names Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseiru (kata). Interestingly enough, oral tradition in Uechi-ryu karate circles states that in the original Quanfa style (Chinese fighting art) that Kanbun Uechi studied, there was also a kata called Pechurin or Suparinpei, but Uechi never learned this form.

In addition, there is more than just similarity in some kata names between Uechi-ryu and Goju-ryu and Toon-Ryu. There are also similarities in how some kata are performed. The Uechi-ryu Sanchin kata, although performed with open hands, is highly reminiscent of the Higaonna version. Indeed, oral tradition maintains that Higaonna originally taught Sanchin with open hands. The first half of the Uechi-ryu Seisan kata is also suspiciously similar to the Higaonna version. Although more research is necessary to determine what this actually means, it is entirely possible that Uechi was exposed to the classical Nafadi tradition through his studies at the Kogusuku Dojo in Fuzhou (Hirakami, 2001).

Afterthought

In closing, there is one very important point that should be considered: What is the source of the additional Nafadi kata as embraced by modern Goju-ryu and Shito-ryu? Although beyond the scope of this article, this point is presented here as food for thought and a topic for future research. If indeed the original curriculum of Nafadi consisted only of Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiru and Pechurin/Suparinpei, then from where did the remaining kata used in modern Gojuryu come? Noted Japanese martial arts researcher Hirakami Nobuyuki suggests three possibilities:

1- They were brought to Okinawa from Fuzhou by Kanryo Higaonna.
2- They were ancient kata passed down in Naha from days of old.
3- They were added by Chojun Miyagi from alternative sources.

If we take Goju-ryu's "creation legend" (that kata were passed down to Miyagi from his teacher Higaonna) at face value, then of course we will get possibility #1 (above) as the true history. If we look for evidence for possibility #2 as we saw above, the kata Shisochin may have been demonstrated alongside Seisan and Suparinpei as early as 1867. And finally, with regard to possibility # 3, it is interesting to note that in the pre-war books on karate, none of the other Goju-ryu kata seem to have been mentioned in writing prior to 1934, with the exception of Seienchin (5) and possibly Shisochin.

Unsure what all of this means, this author, and others, continue to search for key pieces of the puzzle. Unfortunately, however, most of these pieces have either been horribly twisted out of shape by those who would force them to fit with the other pieces in a hurried attempt to complete the picture, or have been lost behind the sofas and under the carpets of history, like a jigsaw whose box has been carelessly kicked around the room.

The next installment of this series shall take a look at Sanchin kata, which has long been regarded as the most fundamental element of the Nafadi styles.

Acknowledgment:

The author would like to thank Christopher Caile, FightingArts.Com Editor-In-Chief, for his Introduction, editing and the many clarifications made within the text and footnotes.

Footnotes:

(1) San Ru Chu celebration refers to the 1867 celebration in front of the last Sappushi (also called Sakuhosi, or Sapposhi). Sappushi were Chinese Imperial Envoys of the Ming Dynasty, often accompanied by a huge entourage of occupational specialists, tradesman and guards (sometimes 400-500 in total) who visited Okinawa for a number of months. Sappushi carried dispatches and returned to China with reports, and members of the visiting group often instructed members of Okinawaís ruling class on a variety of subjects.

"The very last Sappushi to visit Ryukyu, Zhao Xin, stayed for a total of five months, between 1866 and 1867 (Sakagami, 1978). In April 1867, a celebration was held that marked the formal severance of political ties between the two ancient nations. This celebration was called San-Ru-Chu Narabini Shogei Bangumi or the "Show of 3-6-9 and the Arts," and featured not only various performing arts, but also demonstrations of the local Chinese-based fighting traditions which would later become known the world over as karate-do and Ryukyu kobudo. Please see Patrick McCarthy's writings for a complete translation of the contents of the martial arts portion of this demonstration (McCarthy, 1999). Although not related to the martial arts, it is also nonetheless interesting to note that a certain Peichin Kogusuku performed on the Biwa (a kind of Japanese lute) and read poetry at the same celebration."

(2) Early Okinawa (pre-1300s) was largely influenced by Japan in language and culture and to a lesser extent by Korea early on. Okinawa and other islands in Ryukyu Island chain also share a common linguistic heritage. There are also records of Japanese immigration southward along the Ryukyu island chain starting just off the coast of Kyushu (Japan's southernmost island), including Japanese Samurai seeking political refuge (especially from 12th century and later). But, beginning in the 14th century (based on greater sea going capability and the rise of trade) Okinawa established a tributary allegiance with China in return for trade rights and recognition by China of the Okinawan government headed by a succession of kings. Okinawan society also adopted many Chinese cultural and political traditions, Chinese characters (writing), and the educated class was schooled in Chinese classics. Thus, the original Okinawan Japanese influenced culture assumed many Chinese trappings, although evidence suggests that Chinese immigrants often kept to their own cultural groupings such as the community near Naha, known as Kume village. This community was established in 1393 when China sent what is known as the "36 Families" to Okinawa (36 is a term used to denote "many"). Kume village was used as an arrival point for Chinese diplomats and envoys and a center of Chinese culture and learning. But the southern Japanese Satsuma Clan also had historic claims to the islands and in 1609 invaded the Ryukyus and took control. Interestingly, however, Okinawa was forced to maintain its status with China so as not to interfere with trade (Okinawa serving as a trade outlet for the Satsuma at a time when Japan was sealed from other international activity). This produced a somewhat schizophrenic situation, since when Chinese envoys or officials were present (visiting) all traces of Satsuma control pulled back out of sight. This status continued until the Ryukyus were formally annexed to Japan in 1879.

(3) According to some sources, Miyagi did not learn Sanseiru directly from Higaonna, as he was on his mandatory military duty while this kata was being taught. Juhatsu Kyoda has been quoted as saying that he was the only one who learned Higaonna's Sanseiru. Although it is likely that Miyagi did indeed learn this kata direct from Higaonna, other possible sources for this kata include his trips to China, or later cross training with his brother disciples under Higaonna.

(4) It should be noted that this is how Sanchin kata is believed to have been practiced before Higaonna changed the kata to a closed fist. Shisochin shall be discussed in more detail later in this series.

(5) Choki Motobu mentioned Seienchin in his 1926 and 1932 publications.


Bibliography

Bishop, M. (1999) Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques, 2nd Edition. Boston: Charles E. Tuttle Co., Ltd.

Funakoshi G. (1922) Ryukyu Kenpo Karate. Tokyo: Bukyosha.

Gima S. and Fujiwara R. (1986) Taidan Kindai Karatedo no Rekishi wo Kataru. Tokyo: Baseball Magazine.

Higaonna M. (1996) The History of Karate: Gojuryu. California: Dragon Books.

Hirakami N, (2001) ìKoden Ryukyu Kenpo: Naha-te no Himitsu,î Gekkan Hiden, Issue 1/2001 through 10/2001. Tokyo: BAB Japan.

Hokama T. (2001a) Karatedo Rekishi Nenpyo. Naha: Okinawa Tosho Center.

Hokama T. (2001b) Okinawa Karate Retsuden Hyakunin. Nishihara: Privately Published.

Iwai T. (1992) Koden Ryukyu Karatejutsu. Tokyo: Airyudo.

Iwai K. (2000) Motobu Choki to Ryukyu Karate. Tokyo: Airyudo.

Kinjo A. (1999) Karate Den Shinroku: Denrai-shi to Genryu Kata. Naha: Okinawa Tosho Center.

Mabuni K. and Nakasone G. (1938) Kobu Kenpo Karatedo Nyumon. Tokyo: Kobukan.

McCarthy, P. (1995) Bubishi: The Bible of Karate. Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc.

McCarthy, P. (1999) Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi (Volume 2). Boston: Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc.

McKenna, M. (2001) ìExploring Goju Ryuís Past: Myths and Facts Surounding Higashionna Kanryo, pt. 1-2.î Dragon Times. Vol. 18-19.

Nagamine S. (1986) Shijitsu to Kuden ni Yoru Okinawa no Karate Sumo Meijin Den. Tokyo: Shin Jinbutsu Oraisha.

Sakagami R. (1978) Karatedo Kata Taikan. Tokyo: Nichibosha.

Tokashiki I. (1987) Okinawa Gohakukai Karatedo: 20-Nen no Ayumi. Naha: Gohakukai.

Tokashiki I. (1988) Gohaku Nenkanshi Vol. 2. Naha: Gohakukai.

Tokashiki I. (1989) Gohaku Nenkanshi Vol. 3. Naha: Gohakukai.

Tokashiki I. (1991) Gohaku Nenkanshi Vol. 4. Naha: Gohakukai.

Uechi K., ed. (1978) Seisetsu Okinawa Karatedo: Sono Rekishi to Giho. Naha: Uechiryu Karatedo Kyokai.

Historical Photographs:

Higaonna Kanryo and students, courtesy of Iwai Tsukuo.

Miyagi Chojun and Kyoda Juhatsu practicing a two-person drill, courtesy of Kanzaki Shigekazu.

Uechi Kanbun, courtesy of Mario McKenna.

Mawashi-uke and Sanchin Photos courtacy of Masters Publications and Christopher Caile.


Rate This Article

Select your Rating

Your Comments:

(Please add your name or initials)

Your email address:
(Required)

(Check here if you would like to
receive our newsletter)

About The Author:

Joe Swift, native of New York State (USA), has lived in Japan since 1994. He has worked as a professional translator/ interpreter, and previously served as an assistant instructor at the Mushinkan Okinawa Karate Kobudo Dojo in Kanazawa. Swift now resides in Tokyo and will be opening a branch of the Mushinkan Dojo (Okinawa Shoreiryu) in that city. A well known karate historian and researcher, Swift has published articles in the Dragon Times and other leading martial arts journals and on a variety of martial arts websites around the world. He is a Contributing Editor for FightingArts.com.


To find more articles of interest, search on one of these keywords:

Self-defense, lapel grab, attacks, palm heel strikes, knee kicks, elbow attacks, continuum of force, jugular notch, throat attacks, knife foot, pressure points, vital points, nerve points, kyusho techniques, throws in karate, kata applications, bunkai


Read more articles by Joe Swift

Return to Kata and Applications

Return to the Main Reading Room

 

 

Advertising InformationFeedback
Home Forums Reading Room Estore About Us

Copyright © 2017 - 2030 FightingArts.com a division of eCommunities LLC.
All rights reserved. Use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use .

Privacy Statement



Action Ads
1.5 Million Plus Page Views
Monthly
Only $89
Details

Stun Guns
Variety of stun gun devices for your protection

Buy Pepper Spray
Worry about your family when you’re not around? Visit us today to protect everything you value.

Koryu.com
Accurate information on the ancient martial traditions of the Japanese samurai

C2 Taser
Protect yourself and loved ones from CRIME with the latest C2 Taser citizen model. Very effective.

 

 



Unbreakable Unbrella