Matsumura Bushi Jutsu Kata Curriculum

Matsumura Bushi Jutsu Kata Curriculum
                                    By Soke Tom Hunnicutt

KATA TRAINING

Students who study Matsumura Bushi Jutsu (MBJ), or “Matsumura’s Warrior Art,” walk in the
footsteps of the greatest martial art s masters who ever lived. In doing so, they practice ancient
forms (kata) and concepts that have evolved over hundreds of years, and this gives special meaning
to each of us for it links us to the past. From that past comes the practice of doing kata, which was
foreign to our part of the world until just a few decades ago. If these kata are practiced and
performed with the proper spirit and attitude, which is with confidence and humility, the student
will come to understand the ideas presented in the language of the kata . . . and the benefits of
such perceptions are significant for the deeper knowledge of the martial arts.

All kata concepts were created from exercises or drills brought back from China by early Okinawan
martial arts pioneers or Chinese stylists who traveled to Okinawa. Most of today’s kata have gone
through many changes, but the basic ideas remain the same. The MBJ system, which is a branch
(Ryu-ha) of the main Matsumura Seito system, uses both ancient kata (traditional) and new kata
(original), but even the new kata are based off those same concepts that link us to the ancient
masters. In addition, many of the kata we see being taught today in other styles have been changed
or modified over the years for a number of reasons. For example, those found in today’s
Matsumura Seito system were modified by Grandmaster Hohan Soken to accommodate the
governmental mandates of that time. Yet, all of the kata of the Machimura Suide, Machimura
Autudi, and Matsumura Seito family, even though done differently, still have a common linkage
between them, and so it is with the kata found in the MBJ system.

Some instructors insist that all a student needs to do to become a good fighter is kata, and that by
doing kata over and over, again and again, while trying to imagine an enemy is front of them will
give them the edge. We agree with this to a point, which is for very basic beginners. However, this
is foolish for advanced training as the only person you will see is a mirror of yourself, which is
predictable fighting that you always win. In real survival situations, you seldom know your enemy or
their capabilities prior to the encounter. For example, no one can truly learn to hit a baseball by
trying to imagine a pitcher repeatedly throwing the ball at you. The first time you come to the plate
in a real game and a real pitcher sends the ball at you at high rates of unpredictable speed, reality
takes over. As the ball buzzes by you, you come to the realization your training has been lacking, but
then this is just sport. In survival training, one seldom gets a second chance. This should not be
taken to mean kata are not important. Each kata is like a physical book of techniques and strategies
that can and should be explored to their fullest by doing kumite (fighting) drills or bunkai
(application). Kata are actually the first step in forming good habits. Therefore, when we say kumite,
remember kata is not far away, and there is a direct linkage between them . . . they go hand-in-
hand. In MBJ, we divide our kata training into three levels of learning: (1) Basic; (2) Intermediate;
and (3) Advanced. The bunkai or interpretation of application is taught in five different levels of
interpretations, which also translates into five different levels of bunkai. In doing this, we insure a
margin of safety in training. Therefore, the student is given their training in degrees, a little at a
time, up to the point of their understanding and ability.

LEVELS OF KATA TRAINING

1. BASIC – This is the lowest level of training, and the students simply learn the basic moves and
techniques of the kata.

2. INTERMEDIATE – This begins the student in advanced training of the soft and hard sides of kung
fu, which is Chinese wrestling (grappling) and boxing.

3. ADVANCED – This is where the advanced student begins to integrate both sides of the soft and
hard kung fu and to form strategies.

LEVELS OF BUNKAI TRAINING

1. LEVEL ONE – Learning the first level of kata bunkai is the basic moves, stances, and techniques.
These kata are directly linked to the basic exercise program, and to all advanced stages of training.

2. LEVEL TWO – Learning the second level, the student starts to look at the body mechanics and
non-vital areas of target acquisition, which are non-lethal areas. This can be done with or without a
training partner. This is the level where children and lower ranking belts are first trained.

3. LEVEL THREE – Learning the third level, the student begins to explore low level grappling and
boxing skills. The student learns to do simple break-away techniques and form strategies to be used
with them. These strategies can be for grappling, boxing, escapes, and/or any combination thereof.
In addition, some vital spots and pressure points are taught on a limited basis.

4. LEVEL FOUR – Learning the fourth level, which is the second level of grappling and boxing, the
student learns full traps and half traps in all four of the close combat ranges, and to form strategies
against multiple assailants. In addition, this begins their ground encroachment drills which deal with
falling, breaking away from trapped kicks, or other holds whole on the ground, and the integration
of grappling and boxing techniques.

5. LEVEL FIVE – Learning the fifth level, which is pushing the techniques and strategies to higher
limits of performance, Speed and accuracy are paramount during these drills for it focuses on the
depth of techniques and strategies. This can be standing or on the ground. At this level the student
needs to explore all possible fields of play as they could unfold in a life or death situation. They
should now be looking for as many possible options regarding techniques used against them.

SPECIAL NOTE: The term grappling means “Chinese Wrestling,” and the term boxing means
“Chinese Boxing,” which includes kicking. In addition, each of these levels can be broken down into
various sub-levels to accommodate the abilities of the students.

THE FIVE FORM FIST

The Okinawan Shorin-Ryu system of Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura was based in part on the Chinese
Shaolin Kung Fu system. This system was fashioned after the “Five Form Fist” styles taught at the
Shaolin Temple. These were based on specific fighting methods of animals.

1. DRAGON FIST – develops lightness, stillness, and body change while emphasizing spiritual
development.

2. TIGER FIST – develops bone and marrow strength, and emphasizes leaping skills.

3. LEOPARD FIST – develops the application of force and emphasizes jumping and evasive stealth-
like qualities.

4. SNAKE FIST – develops the inner breathing and strength, and emphasizes sensitivity.

5. SWAN OR CRANE FIST – develops concentration, stability, and accuracy with the emphasis on
determination to defeat the enemy, even at the cost of its own life.

PHYSICAL AIMS OF KATA TRAINING

The physical aims of kata training are:

1. Strengthening of bones and muscle.

2. Development of fast and accurate reflexes.

3. Development of good stances and balance.

4. Development of fluidity of body motion.

5. Development of good eye contact.

6. Development of good breathing.

7. Development of good usable techniques.

MENTAL AIMS OF KATA TRAINING

1. INTEGRATION – The total integration of body, mind, and spirit effectuates the mental state which
enhances the student’s mental balance, confidence, and ability. A warrior is always prepared for
death, for death is part of all warrior concepts, but they must also know it is right to die should it be
necessary.

2. DEVELOPS COURAGE - Courage is developed in the practice of kata. Bowing, before and after
performing a kata, teaches the student to understand the relationship between life and death, and
proper respect for both. That in being victorious in combat, one finds they are only inches away

from death themselves. Therefore, respecting even an enemy that you might be forced to kill helps
to develop the brave heart, for death is always a possible part of the equation.

3. DEVELOPS FOCUS – The center of gravity or focus of power is instilled to ensure concentration
and readiness if one must fight. Be aware that fighting should be the last priority in the overall
order of things. This becomes even more significant when there are two or more assailants to deal
with, and where weapons are involved.

QUALITIES OF KATA MOVEMENT

There are no superfluous movements in the formal exercises of a kata. Every movement has
function and meaning. During the execution of a kata, the practitioner must be aware of these
meanings as he imagines adversaries all around him or her. The proper timing of each movement
and execution are also of great importance. This must be accomplished without thought, in a
spontaneous manner, and at high rates of speed and accuracy.

When executing techniques of kata, both defensive and offensive, the student must select the
appropriate method and synchronize it with proper breathing, technique, and strategy. As the
student advances in training, fluency in movement and execution are also of great importance.
The use of “kiai” during the execution is also most important, again both defensive and offensive.
The “kiai” can intensify the power of the technique upon execution. At this point, the summation of
physical forces in which every joint and muscle works to perfect harmony with mind and spirit to
produce the maximum efficiency. “Kiai” also serves to exhale breath while either defending or in
the offense, thereby keeping the attacker from knocking the breath out of you during the
encounter. Additionally, the “kiai” can help to set up opponents by mentally distracting them.
Each kata has its own unique characteristics. In practicing kata, the student must spend much time,
possibly years, under the guidance of a QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR. This ensures that all techniques
are being executed correctly, and the student is being educated in the proper bunkai (application
and linkage to other kata, and weapons that weapons are also key factors in kata training concepts.

HISTORIC INFORMATION ABOUT MBJ KATA

At some point in their training, all students who work with kata start asking questions. Why are
there so many forms? Why don’t all schools do the same kata or variations of them? Can you really
learn to defend yourself by doing kata? The questions go on and on. It is important to understand
some of the reasons why some instructors hate them, while others love them. Some of the most
outstanding martial artists of our times simply see no use in them. Bill “Superfoot” Wallace wrote
in a Black Belt magazine in the 1990’s that, “kata are good, but not good for much.” We could say
he doesn’t know what he is talking about, but still he remains one of the best full contact fighters of
the 20th century. So, what is the problem? He was trained on Okinawa like many of us. Has ol’ Bill
gone crazy or did he see the problems that I saw during the mid-1960’s? Yes, even I was at a point
where I thought kata training was useless, and I planned to drop it as a tool by which to teach
others. However, I was a bit luckier than Bill and a few others. I came into contact with
Grandmaster Hohan Soken. He not only changed my mind about doing kata, but a lot of other
things.

During the 1960’s and 70’s, there was much confusion concerning teaching kata. Kata were being
added and dropped for a variety of reasons, and those that the Okinawan masters wanted to keep
in their training curriculums were in a constant state of change; this lead to a lot of confusion for
instructors and students alike. That is one reason there are not any two schools within the
Matsumura Seito system doing the same kata, and the kata that are supposed to be the same are
done differently. The reasons for this are simple. There was no one authority to control the
instructors. After the passing of Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura, Okinawan karate was blown to the
winds, and each Okinawan master of that period had their own agenda. Many of those same
masters were killed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Also, as Okinawan soldiers returned from
the Japanese Army after the war ended, they brought back Japanese karate influences. Still further,
many of them wanted a stronger tie to the Japanese for many reasons and they were willing to
compromise their art to obtain it. Then in the 1950’s, Grandmaster Hohan Soken reappeared from
South America and with him came the ancient concepts and kata. However, in the mid to late 60’s,
O’Sensei Soken was forced to change his curriculum in order to comply with a Japanese mandate
regarding regulations for teaching karate. This is when the Chinese names of the system,
Machimura Suide and Autudi, were changed to Matsumura Seito Karate.

OTHER KATA

As a student of Matsumura Bushi Jutsu, do not be afraid to learn kata of other systems. At least
from the stand point of learning how other styles employ them and train with them. You will see
some good points and some bad points from different styles, schools, and students. You can also
learn good strategies against them in this manner. In essence, each school and system has strengths
and weaknesses and you learn how to utilize both.

As you search for new methods and ways to add to your overall knowledge of the art, be careful not
to become a kata “addict.” Some students become so involved with forms that they lose sight of
what they are really studying. Remember, there should be a balance to your thinking and training in
order to be well rounded.

MBJ EMPTY HANDED KATA

Nabeka Sho
Nabeka Ni
Nabeka San
Black Pinan One (Pinan Shodan)
Black Pinan Two (Pinan Nidan)
Naihanchi Shodan
Hosoka
Kusanku
Chinto San

MBJ WEAPONS KATA
Agieka Sho (Bo Jutsu)
Nitan Bo
Nitan Bo Jutsu Nabeka
Ageika Ni (Bo Jutsu Bushido)
Soken Tonfa
Soken Sai Jutsu
Nunchaku Tomaka
Nunchaku Bushido
Agieka San (Naginata Jutsu)
Katana Sho (Sword)
Naifudo Sho (Knife)
Arma Ka Sho (Pistol)
Arma Ka Ni (Rifle)