Here is another that I have trouble finding the right way to ask the question.
If one is based in a Traditional Style, and studies other styles - he/she will find there are many similarities and many differences. That is - similaraties in movements and angles and differences in interpertation and application.
What I am trying to get at is - GoJu kata and sparing (in general) consists of many of the same movements as some other styles. The emphasis is on
- zone 2 distance (close enough to reach the opponent from a natural stance, without turning shoulders beyond 45 degrees or leaning forward).
- straight forward or what ever is the most direct power delivery.
- hard to soft transitions.
- breath.
Every GoJu teacher I have had, made mention of other possabilities, found in the kata or in a basic block or strike. They only discuss and train with 1 to 3 different applications for a particular move's bunkai.
Obviously it would be difficult to keep the students in line or teach too many possabilities for each move, because it would be confusing and there are so many things already in each style to work with, there just is not enough time. Maybe there are no mats or safety gear, to go that far with multiple definition of a move as well.
So - here is my quesion.
Can one still considder himself as traditional GoJu if he has taken other classes and learned (some of the only slightly mentioned) techniques that can come from a move ?
Example 1 - Goju kata - Shisochin.
The straight forward, fast, hard to soft, #2 zone techinque consists of - block an incomming strike, then immediately circle around the opponents wrist and hold it just long enough to come in with the other arm and forearm smash at or below the opponents elbow. In GoJu ryu this bunkai is intended to break the opponents arm or dislocate the elbow or shoulder.
There are a couple more bunkai for this 3 move piece but they are all quick and the opponents usually remain standing.
Example 2 - Aikido with this same basic move.
Now the distance of starting the manuver is from zone 4 (a long step forward to reach out to the opponents extended arm and/or body.
ENTERING here is the emphasis - That is - reading the opponents intent and moving in before he begins his attack. Next comes blending in with the opponents direction of movement and intent. Then the basic block movement (same as in Shisochin) becomes a pressure point or wrist locking technique that takes the opponents mind away from his attack and toward his wrist. After this the forearm smash (same as Shisochin) becomes a light contact below the opponents elbow area, with an upward sliding motion (which causes the opponent to bend the elbow for protection), then a full body involved force, delivered to that forearm smash move, which drives the opponent, face forward to the mat or takes control of the opponents balance to a point of directing his movement in any direction desired.
Is ones ability to change additudes as needed for the circumstance also something that should never be taught in a Traditional class ?