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Matsumora Kosaku |
Matsumora Chikudon Peichin Kosaku
was a prominent bushi from the west side of Tomari village. His
family were indirect descendents of the first Sho king. As a boy,
he studied Chinese classics and Confucianism at the Tomari School
for young men from families of position. Matsumora was short in
height, but his wide shoulders and massive chest revealed a
muscular body.
Matsumora studied Karatedo from Uku Giko for 3 years, emphasis was
on developing a strong foundation while learning to use his legs
for mobility and hips to generate power. Master Uku taught
Matsumora three Kata known in Tomari as Naihanchi.
Matsumora then studied with Teruya Kishin. He learned the Katas
Passai and Wanshu from this great master. Master Teruya was so
impressed with this young bushi that he invited Matsumora to
continue his training at the family tomb. This was the greatest
honour that the young man could receive, because at this time the
study of Karate was still practiced in total secrecy, and very
late a night. Being caught at practice meant certain death.
It was at the family tomb that Teruya revealed bunkai or
application training to Matsumora so that he could understand the
deeper meaning of the kata movements and the practical application
of the moves.
When Matsumora was in his early 20's, he successfully defended
himself and several townspeople against a Satsuma swordsman.
Matsumora disarmed the swordsman and threw the sword in the river,
losing only his little finger in the encounter. Losing one's sword
in battle was, for any samurai, a loss of spirit. However for a
samurai of the fierce Satsuma clan to lose his sword to an
Okinawan was an unimaginable disgrace.
Losing a finger however made Matsumora a marked man. Fortunately,
the whole town of Tomari came to his rescue by hiding his were-abouts
from the retaliating government officials. Matsumora went into
hiding/seclusion in the Nago area.
Matsumora was also a master of Bo-jutsu, the study of the 6 foot
wooden staff, and Jo-jutsu the 4 foot stick, despite his
"handicap".
Matsumora Kosaku is well remembered for fighting injustices
brought on all Okinawan's by the Meiji Government. He is credited
with saving the Neewagumuchi, an Endowment to the people of Tomari
from the scavenging officials.
His relentless battles against injustices during the Japanese
take-over earned him the name "Fist Saint".
*from
http://www.itosu-kai.com
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