I've just finished reading Patrick McCarthy's 2008 translation of the Bubishi and one of the many profound things I learned in the book is that Bushi Matsumura, the Grandfather of Karate, recieved his Menkyo Kaiden in the Jigen Ryu style of Kenjutsu. Based on some of the research I've done, I've noticed that they do have empty hand lists that they still practice today.
Mr. McCarthy includes an interview with the head of the style where he asked the question, does karate influence Jigen Ryu because of Matsumura's presence? The Soke of Jigen Ryu replied, "Most certainly! The real question, however, is which influenced which."
All of this is intriguing because I've wondered for a long time at the connection between JMAs and Okinwan Martial Arts.
Also, I'm wondering about how this influence might have played out in the technical details of the various kata that were passed from Matsumura. McCarthy states that Matsumura blended various CMAs, indiginous Okinawan MAs, and Jigen Ryu into what he taught. Matsumura's students were people like Itosu and Azato (who is also reputed to have received Menkyo in Jigen Ryu) who were both Gichin Funakoshi's teachers. Thus it would seem obvious to me that you should see these principles the kata that were passed down that lineage.
Lastly, Jigen Ryu is known for its First Strike. This school of swordsmanship taught its students to emphasize the first strike above all others, up to a point where it did not teach follow up blows. I'm wondering if this connection provided the basis for Shotokan's emphasis on the first strike.
Like I said, this connection is very provacative and I'd like to discuss it. Tell us what you think. If anyone can find videos of Jigen Ryu, post them!
Mr. McCarthy includes an interview with the head of the style where he asked the question, does karate influence Jigen Ryu because of Matsumura's presence? The Soke of Jigen Ryu replied, "Most certainly! The real question, however, is which influenced which."
All of this is intriguing because I've wondered for a long time at the connection between JMAs and Okinwan Martial Arts.
Also, I'm wondering about how this influence might have played out in the technical details of the various kata that were passed from Matsumura. McCarthy states that Matsumura blended various CMAs, indiginous Okinawan MAs, and Jigen Ryu into what he taught. Matsumura's students were people like Itosu and Azato (who is also reputed to have received Menkyo in Jigen Ryu) who were both Gichin Funakoshi's teachers. Thus it would seem obvious to me that you should see these principles the kata that were passed down that lineage.
Lastly, Jigen Ryu is known for its First Strike. This school of swordsmanship taught its students to emphasize the first strike above all others, up to a point where it did not teach follow up blows. I'm wondering if this connection provided the basis for Shotokan's emphasis on the first strike.
Like I said, this connection is very provacative and I'd like to discuss it. Tell us what you think. If anyone can find videos of Jigen Ryu, post them!