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THE TORCH IS PASSED
The Legacy of Akamine Eisuke's Commitment to Ryukyu Kobudo
by Douglas Daulton
Introduction
On Wednesday, January 13, 1999, Okinawa lost a living treasure when
Akamine Eisuke Hanshi passed away. Often, it is simple to delve into
the past. However, with Ryukyuan busaa (fighting arts), this is seldom
the case. So, when one has the discipline to maintain a significant piece
of this history and the devotion to pass it on to a new generation of
students, it is important their contribution be noted. Such is the case
with Akamine Eisuke of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai
(The Society for the Preservation and Promotion of the Ancient
Martial Ways of the Ryukyu Islands). The following article is largely
based on conversations between Devorah Yoshiko Dometrich and Akamine from
1974 through early 1999. It is offered in the interest of accurately
chronicling Akamine's life and preserving the art he inherited
from Taira Shinken.
An Historical Synopsis
Prior to modern, global interest in the busaa of the Ryukyu Archipelago,
most history and tradition was handed down orally. As always, physical
techniques were learned by repetitive practice. Due to the strategic trade
and military position of Okinawa and her sister islands, the people of
the Ryukyu Archipelago have long been subject to foreign occupation and
rule. (Sansom, 1963: 220) While foreign influence brought much advancement,
it often brought subjugation as well. Occupying governments often prohibited
instruction and practice of busaa. (Bishop, 1996: 28-31) To keep their arts
alive and pure, many practitioners had little choice but to train and teach
in secret. Lessons were frequently held at night in the family gardens
or tombs of a teacher or student.
Often, busaa were used as a means of self-policing among the Ryukyuan
peoples. To publicly expose a technique or training method provided others
an opportunity to develop techniques or methods to counter them. As a
result, even after occupying governments lifted prohibitions,
Ryukyuan busaa were most often entrusted to a select circle of family and
friends. (Silvan, 1998:74)
In 1912, the Ryukyu Archipelago entered the Taisho Era along with the rest
of Japan. Slowly, modern civilization and its trappings led the people away
from the busaa now seen as archaic and unnecessary. With each passing year,
there were fewer students to teach. As most knowledge was passed on orally,
portions of Ryukyuan heritage were lost with those teachers who died with
no one to carry on their traditions. Men like Funakoshi Gichin (1868-1957)
and Taira Shinken (1897-1970) recognized the value of preserving
Ryukyuan busaa both as a piece of cultural heritage and a means of training
the body, mind and spirit of the next generation. Now themselves gone,
Funakoshi and Taira left rich legacies.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In 1983, Doug Daulton began training in Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu karate
under Bill George in Harrison, Ohio. In 1990, he attained the rank of
shodan (first degree black belt). He continued his studies under
Frank Grant and attained nidan in 1994. In 1990, he began his study of
Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai under Devorah Yoshiko Dometrich and
attained shodan in 1995. Currently, he co-owns The River Dojo of
Cincinnati, Ohio with close friends, Bruce Helwig and John Daley.
He also studies Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu.
Email:
ddaulton@ryukyu-kobudo.org
For more information on Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai, please contact:
Devorah Yoshiko Dometrich
Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai
Beikoku So Hombu
690 Huff Road
Dry Ridge, Kentucky 41011
Phone/Fax: (606) 824-3792
Email:
ydometrich@ryukyu-kobudo.org
Web:
http://www.ryukyu-kobudo.org
Bibliography
Bishop, M. (1996). Zen Kobudo: Mysteries of Okinawan Kobudo and Ti.
Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co.
Jansak, W. & Daulton, D. (1999). Muchimi: A Brief Biography of Devorah Yoshiko Dometrich
Bugeisha, #7 54-60
Radulovich, S (1999) Higa Yuchoku. http://www.kenkyujo.com/yuchokuhiga.htm.
Ottowa, Ontario: To-de Communications
Sansom, G. (1963) A History of Japan: 1615 - 1867.
Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
Silvan, J. (1998) Oral Traditions of Okinawan karate.
Journal of Asian Martial Arts, 7 (3): 73 - 95
This article is reprinted with the kind permission of
Mr. Angel Lemus, Editor,
Bugeisha.net
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