So… What if Heian/Pinan is not Japanese… b ut Chinese? Since Itosu Anko was a true Okinawan scholar, he must have admired Chinese culture highly too, right? (Related reading: 10 Differences Between Okinawan Karate & Japanese Karate) If something comes from China, it’s considered highly sophisticated in Okinawan society – especially the martial arts. You see, when I lived in Okinawa, I heard that Chinese culture is very admired there. Until one day, when I discovered that the name Heian/Pinan could be interpreted another way… Most people think the name “Heian/Pinan” translates to “Peace and Tranquility”, “Tranquil Mind” or something spiritual, very beautiful, Asian and zen-like. In this case, I’m not strictly talking about the bunkai (defensive application of kata movements), although those are tricky too. (Hint: It’s NOT what you think.) The Secret Meaning of Heian/PinanĪnd the Heian/Pinan kata are a big mystery for many. Now, let’s look more closely at the actual meaning of Heian/Pinan kata. If it wasn’t for Itosu Anko, perhaps none of us would practice Karate today! Itosu’s campaign culminated in Karate becoming part of the official physical education of Okinawa’s school system, eventually making its way to mainland Japan – giving rise to school/university clubs, tournaments, mass teaching methods, ranks/belts, new styles, organizations etc – and later the rest of the world. (Related reading: 2 Forgotten (But Deadly) Techniques of Okinawan Karate) Itosu’s plan worked so well, in 1905 he was allowed to teach at the First Junior Prefectural High School and later at the Okinawa’s Teachers College too. The Heian/Pinan kata system acted as a Trojan horse, allowing Itosu to bring Karate from its secretive darkness into the light of modernization. Karate was a secret and deadly martial art – not suited for kids in public school.īut, they didn’t know Itosu had a masterplan. 1938) – a direct result of Itosu’s campaign to modernize of Karate. Students practicing Karate outside Shuri Castle in Okinawa (c. In 1901, he started teaching Karate at the Shuri Jinjo Elementary School. The idea was equal parts genius and bravery.īecause, with these new kata, Itosu could do something nobody had done before… To reorganize the previously haphazard introduction of Karate for beginners, while simplifying the transition to advanced Okinawan Karate kata – like Naihanchin, Kusanku, Seisan, Wanshu, Gojushiho, Passai etc. The aim of these five Heian/Pinan kata was simple: (Related reading: The 9 Lost Throws of Funakoshi Gichin: Karate’s Forgotten Takedown Techniques) Note: Although Itosu named these kata “Pinan”, they were later renamed “Heian” by Funakoshi Gichin (student of Itosu and founder of Shotokan Karate), during the introduction of Karate to mainland Japan, in order to suit the Japanese language.
#PIAN MINION MEANING SERIES#
Therefore, he developed a series of five kata, called “Pinan” 1-5. The old ways of teaching simply didn’t appeal to modern society anymore. …and decided somebody needed to modernize Karate! (Unsurprisingly, old-school Karate training could not serve the needs of the 6-8 week boot camp training which the Japanese military demanded.) Itosu Anko heard these news…
However, the Japanese army quickly lost interest in Karate when they realized its outdated training methods, poor organization, lack of standardization and the great length of time it took to gain proficiency in it.
In 1891, the Japanese army had expressed interest in making Okinawan Karate an official Japanese military martial art, since they were so impressed by the physical condition of several Okinawan conscripts during their medical examinations there.
(Related reading: Discovering The Lost Secret of Matsumura’s Mysterious Bo Staff) Luckily, Itosu found one of the greatest masters in Okinawa to be his head sensei – Bushi Matsumura Sokon – a legend in the history of Karate. Itosu Anko (1831-1915)īecause of this, he started practicing Karate to strengthen his mind and body. Itosu was born in Okinawa in 1831, as a weak and shy child. The Heian/Pinan kata were created by a man named Itosu Anko. In fact, the five Heian/Pinan kata are some of the most commonly taught kata in the world of Karate.Įven though these kata are so common, few people know the REAL meaning and purpose of them!īut first, you must meet the mastermind behind it all: Itosu Anko – The Genius of Heian/Pinan Some Korean martial arts also practice them! If you train a popular style like Shotokan, Shito-ryu or Shorin-ryu – you probably do.
0 kommentar(er)
