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Pavel Dolgachov
5th July 2001, 11:32
I just received a translation to russian of Patrick McCarthy translation "Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan" by Taira Shinken, noted okinawan kobudo master. I was surprised view kata demonstration by McCarthy sensei. I would like to ask, probably, he use his techniques (he is Kim Richard and Kinjo Hiroshi student).
Does anybody knows about other Ryukyu Kobudo taikan translations?

Pavel

Doug Daulton
21st July 2001, 23:56
Originally posted by Pavel Dolgachov ...I just received a translation to russian of Patrick McCarthy translation "Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan" by Taira Shinken, noted okinawan kobudo master. I was surprised view kata demonstration by McCarthy sensei. I would like to ask, probably, he use his techniques (he is Kim Richard and Kinjo Hiroshi student).
Does anybody knows about other Ryukyu Kobudo taikan translations? Pavel,

This issue has been addressed in a few other other threads. I've included links below for your reference.<li>Taira Translation: Swift Thread (http://204.95.207.136/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=3820)
<li>Taira Translation: McCarthy Thread (http://204.95.207.136/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=3780&highlight=taira) I also check the Master's Publication web site and their translation does not yet seem to be available.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Doug Daulton
22nd July 2001, 00:40
Originally posted by Pavel Dolgachov ... I just received a translation to russian of Patrick McCarthy translation "Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan" by Taira Shinken, noted okinawan kobudo master. I was surprised view kata demonstration by McCarthy sensei. I would like to ask, probably, he use his techniques (he is Kim Richard and Kinjo Hiroshi student). Pavel,

The photos in question are of Mr. McCarthy and Bob McMahon, a fine Aussie budoka and friend of Mr. McCarthy's. Both occasionally post here, so I imagine they will eventually chime in on the thread. That said, here is what I know about the photos.

While both McCarthy and McMahon are accomplished martial artists, neither was a student of Akamine Eisuke or, I am almost certain, Inoue Motokatsu (Taira's Successors). Mr. McCarthy is, I believe, a student of Yamanae-ryu bojutsu through Kinjo Hiroshi Sensei. While Yamanae-ryu was incorporated into Taira's curriculum, both arts have diverged considerably since that occurred. With this in mind, the photos in question cannot be said to represent the "official" techniques of either of Taira's successors.

For those the "official" interperpretations, one would have to go to Okinawa (Akamine's dojo) or Japan (Inoue's dojo). One could also check out the official websites of both groups which I've listed below. Both Devorah Dometrich (Akamine's North American representative) and Julian Mead (Inoue's European representative) are quite open to answering questions and making themselves available to interested in their art. Their e-mail addresses are available on their web sites. I encourage you to e-mail either or both of them.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ryukyu-kobudo.org">Taira to Akamine Line: Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.rkagb.com/">Taira to Inoue Line: Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinkokai</a></li></ul>I e-mailed Mr. McCarthy about the photos in his translation. In his reply, he said that he originally intended to include a variety of historic photos; including, if I am not mistaken, the photos and illustrations found in the original Japanese volume of the Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan. However, he and the publisher (Tuttle) were not able to obtain reprint permission for these images. Rather than having a plain, dry translation, they elected to reinterpret the original photos (using Mr. McCarthy and Mr. McMahon) to provide some context for the text.

As a student/member of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai (Akamine Sensei's organization), I can confirm there are some marked differences in the techniques shown in Mr. McCarthy's translation and the techniques represented in the original volume and now taught within the Taira ---> Akamine line. As for the Taira ---> Inoue line, you would have to ask someone from that school (perhaps Mr. Mead).

Let me be clear, this is not an attack on Mr. McCarthy or Mr. McMahon. Like some other RKHS practitioners, I was initially taken back by these photos. Even if I don't agree with the photos, I do understand why Mr. McCarthy and Tuttle elected to include them. I gathered from Mr. McCarthy's e-mail that he would have much rather the original photos been available to the reader. However not given that choice, he felt it important that photos of some sort be included to provide context.

If I have misunderstood or misrepresented the position of Mr. McCarthy or of Tuttle Publishing, I trust they will clarify as needed.

Regards,

Patrick McCarthy
14th August 2001, 12:30
Folks,

Sorry about the delay in responding to this thread as I had been overseas for the last six weeks and only just returned recently.

Actually, it looks as if Mr. Daulton has been pretty accurate with his reply. Thanks Doug. There are, however, a couple of small details that I would like to clarify for Pavel and other readers interested in this issue.

Having practiced Okinawan-style kobudo since childhood, I don’t profess to be an expert in the Yabiku-Taira modern kobudo tradition (actually, I study & teach Yamaneryu kobudo). However, I did, personally train with Akamine Eisuke at his dojo in Tomigushiku on several occasions between 1985 & 1995. I also personally studied under Inoue Motokatsu for nearly two years at his Shibuya branch dojo between 1988 & 1990.

As a researcher, studying the contributions of Taira Shinken, my enthusiasm also brought me into direct contact with several of his other students, where I learned much more about the late master. I cherish the valuable moments and personal wisdom I gained directly from the unselfish efforts of Shimabuku Ezio, Nakamoto Masahiro, Sakagami Ryusho, Mabuni Kenei, Higa Yuchoku, Kuniba Shiyogo, Akamine Eisuke & Inoue Motokatsu.

Having been on hand many times, both in Okinawa & the mainland of Japan, to either partake in, observe or videotape public demonstrations by various Okinawan/Ryukyu weapons groups, it has been my experience that “official” versions of Taira-lineage kobudo kata vary depending on whose performing them. However, such a thing is generally considered natural whenever a living tradition is re-enacted, influenced by age, size, physical prowess, experience, understanding, enthusiasm and anatomical impediment. Providing the solo re-enactments remain true to the application principles, all representations (Oriental & Occidental alike) will reflect the individual idiosyncrasies of the performer. In my case, I believe that the photos that appear in the Tuttle paperback are a pretty close representation of Taira’s technique. If there are any differences, I am certain that they are infinitesimal.

While books & videotapes may never replace good old hands-on instruction under the guidance of a qualified master instructor, I do remain confident that my accurate English translation and pictorial representation of Master Taira’s technique stands on its own.

For those of you interested in the photos once destined for my English translation of Taira’s 1964 publication, please visit here http://www.society.webcentral.com.au/Koryu%20Uchinadi%20Vol%201%20Photos.htm

Like Mr. Daulton, however, I do recommend that interested parties contact the real experts of the Taira-style lineage. To the best of my knowledge the two most noted world authorities representing this heritage are:

Taira~Akamine Lineage
Devora Yoshiko Dometrich Kyoshi c/o
http://www.ryukyu-kobudo.org/
Email: kobudo@fuse.net
or write to Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai Beikoku so Honbu
690 Huff Road Dry Ridge, Kentucky 41035 USA
Tel/Fax: 859.824.3792

Taira~Inoue Lineage
Inoue Kisho Hanshi c/o
http://www.isc.meiji.ac.jp/~ce00604/ryukyu/
Email ce00604@isc.meiji.ac.jp
or write to
Ryukyu Kobujutsu So-Honbu
3-24-12-504 Tsurumaki, Setagaya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
tel. 03-5477-1020

Cordially
Patrick McCarthy

Doug Daulton
14th August 2001, 17:18
Mr. McCarthy,

Thanks for the additional information.

As a point of clarification, Julian Mead represents the Taira~Inoue lineage in the west and remains in regular contact with the Inoue family. I provided a link to his website as it is the only English language website for the Taira~Inoue lineage.

Inoue Kisho Sensei has a website as well, but it is Japanese and is not always available for some reason. If one does not speak Japanese, Mr. Mead would be the place to start research regarding the Taira~Inoue line.

NOTE: I stand corrected. I just reviewed the link provided by Mr. McCarthy and see Mr. Inoue's site now offers an English translation.


Regards,

Pavel Dolgachov
6th September 2001, 16:07
Thank you all very much!
I understand this things that Patrick McCarthy sensei explained. Different people do different.
In any case I would like to see original photos of Taira Shinken. All.
As I understand, there is no any other english translation. Very sad.