Okinawa’s Progenitor of Shorin Ryu Karate and the Passai Kata.

By George W. Alexander, Ph.D.

Okinawa, Japan is the birthplace of karate. This small island is also the birthplace of Sokon Matsumura (1809-1889), Okinawan warrior and legendary founder of karate. MatsumuraSokon(松村宗棍) was born on May 30, 1809 [according to his tomb dates] in Yamagawa Village, Shuri, Okinawa. His original name was Kiyo Sokon (井陽宗棍) but was later changed to Matsumura. His father, Kiyo Sofuku, had Chinese ancestry and was descended from the 36 families or Sanjuroku Seito (閩人三十六姓). Matsumura, also known as Bushi(Warrior) Matsumura and ShuriMatsumura, was one of the most renowned and colorful martial artists of his time. He was known as a master par excellence of karate and kobujutsu (weaponry). Matsumura was of noble birth and was as skilled at literature and the Chinese classics as he was at military arts.  He is considered the founder of the ShorinRyuschool of Okinawan Karate.  He organized the Shuri-Te style (native Okinawan martial art and prototype of Shorin Ryu) into a more refined system of the martial arts. This system ofShorin Ryu karate has endured to the present day.

As a young boy, Matsumurabegan the study of karate under his father from 1821 to 1825 and learned kumite and bojutsu. It was during this time that Matsumura learned the value of Bun Bu Ryo Do (文武両道), which is the ability to balance physical training with mental training. Later, according to Eizo Shimabukuro and Ryusho Sakagami he began training under the guidance of Sakugawa Kangi (1733-1815), also known as Toudi Sakugawa.  According to legend, Sakugawa was an old man at the time and reluctant to teach the young Matsumura (Shimabuku, 1966). However, Sakugawa had promised Sofuku Matsumura, Sokon Matsumura’s father, that he would teach the boy.  The venerable Sakugawa was seventy-eight years old at the time. 

As the legend goes, Matsumura spent four years studying under Sakugawa. However, the corresponding dates of Sakugawa and Matsumura appear incompatible.  In other words, if Sakugawa died in 1815 and Matsumura was born in 1809, as confirmed by his tomb dates, Matsumura would have been six-years old at the time of Sakugawa’s death. Therefore, this is an error in the literature and a source of confusion. It is more likely Matsumura trained under Toudi Sakugawa’s son, Sakugawa Kanga (1786-1867), who also used the monikur Toudi, or one of Sakugawa’s students such as Makabe Chokun (1769-1827) or Matsu Higa (1788-1862) also known as Pechin Kojo Chinpe. 

In any case, eventually, Matsumura’s skill as a warrior became widely known throughout Okinawa.  As a young man, Matsumurahad already garnered a reputation as an expert in the martial arts.  Many legendary stories are told about him in Okinawan folklore.  In fact, in addition to being known as a daijo or major figure in karate’s history, Bushi Matsumura became an Okinawan folk hero as well. Because of this it is difficult to separate fact from fiction regarding the colorful tales of the many exploits that are attributed to him.

Matsumurawas recruited into the service of the Royal Okinawan Sho family in 1826 and received the title Chikudon Peichin, a gentry rank. At this time Matsumura’s family name was changed from Kiyo (井陽) to Matsumura (松村) as was the tradition of the Ryukyu Royal Guards in the service of the king (Mertz, 2017).  He began his career by serving the 17^th King of the Ryukyu Sho dynasty, King Sho Ko.  He subsequently served in this capacity for two other Okinawan Kings, they were the 18^th and 19^th Kings of Ryukyu, King Sho Iku and King Sho Tai, respectively. Matsumura eventually became the chief martial arts instructor Shihan Yaku and bodyguard to the Okinawan King Sho Iku.  Bushi Matsumura not only became the chief martial arts instructor but an official of the Ryukyu Kingdom.  Matsumura eventually was appointed as chief of the military (Bucho) and as a court retainer for the Okinawan king and the Ryukyu Islands. As such, Matsumura traveled as an envoy to China and Japan on diplomatic missions and affairs of state in the service of the Okinawan King. He went to China twice and to Japan twice. On these sojourns, he sought out other martial artists and trained with them.

Odo Building, Shuri Castle where it is rumored Matsumura taught the Okinawan King martial arts.

In 1828 Matsumura was sent to China on a diplomatic mission to gather support for the Okinawan king, Sho Ko. While there he trained in various martial arts and with numerous instructors. He is also said to have trained at the the famed Shaolin Temple (南少林) in Fujian Province. It is difficult at best to substantiate whether Matsumura actually trained at the Shaolin Temple. There is no record of it, so this merely becomes conjecture couched in oral tradition and folklore. Although, it has also been suggested that this is when Matsumura was first introduced to the idea of kata as a training methodology (Mertz, 2017).

In 1832 Matsumura returned from China and since the new Okinawan king Sho Ikuwanted a bodyguard that was a swordsman Matsumura was sent to Satsuma, Japan and stayed there for five years.  Some accounts of this story suggest he was there for only two years. But in any case, Matsumura returned to Okinawa from Japan in 1837. It is perhaps at this time when Matsumura’s ideas about Bushido, the way of the warrior, and martial ethos were formed. These concepts were later exemplified in his writings. While in Japan he studied the Jigen Ryu style of swordsmanship, eventually receiving a menkyo kaiden (certificate of full proficiency also known as Unki, light among clouds) in the art. Supposedly, this was verified by Nagamine Shoshin in 1942 when he met with Matsumura’s great granddaughter and retrieved the document(s) from the family Buddhist shrine [Koseki (戸籍) Family registry]. During Matsumura’s time there were two branches of the Jigen Ryu style, Nodachi Jigen Ryu [with modified techniques], founded by Yakumara Kanetake and Jigen Ryu Heiho founded by Togo Chuui. Matsumura is said to have studied the heiho version of Jigen Ryu.

Jigen Ryu is a very aggressive sword style practiced by the Satsuma samurai. Matsumura’s sensei in Jigen Ryu was a samurai by the name of Yashichiro Ijuin (伊集院弥七郎)who awarded him the menkyo kaiden.  Matsumura is therefore credited with being the first to introduce the Satsuma style of swordsmanship of Jigen Ryu Kenjutsu, into Ryukyu kobujutsu. Indeed, he also used sword terminology to describe the nomenclature of karate techniques such as tegatana (hand sword) and sokuto (sword foot). Matsumura was the only Okinawan person trained in Japan in a sword system. Matsumura passed these sword techniques and the art of Jigen Ryu on to at least two of his students including, Ankō Asato and Itarashiki Chochu (Hokama, 2007). Further, it has been suggested that the basis of the Tsuken bo kata (Chikin in uchinaguchi-Okinawan dialect) is based on Matsumura’s sword teachings. A proposed genealogy (keizu) is that Matsumura’s sword teachings influenced Bushi Tsuken Hantagwa and subsequent generations who passed these teachings on to Nakamura Kame, Tomagusuku, Akachu (Akahachi), Komesu and finally Hohan Soken (Hokama, 2007).

Around 1860 Matsumura went to China (Fuzhou in Fujian Province) for a second time as an emissary on a diplomatic mission and was part of the Royal cortege. He studied the Shaolin style of Chinese boxing and weaponry.  Legend has it that he trained at the famed “Shoreiji” or Southern Shaolin Templeat this time, according to Iken Tokashiki (Sells, 2000). It should be noted that the term “Shoreiji” is associated with the warriors Iwah and Ason and not necessarily the famed Southern Shaolin Temple located some distance from Fuzhou. There are many Buddhist temples in that area [where martial arts are practiced], but the actual Southern Shaolin temple is considered the Nine Lotus Temple atop Mount Chiulien in the Putien District of Fujian Province. This is a considerable distance from Fuzhou. Therefore, it is unlikely that Matsumura went there for training.  

It is known that Matsumura remained in China and stayed there for some time. He is also thought to have studied with the Chinese warrior Wai Shin Zan while in China (Funakoshi, 1973) as well as Iwah (瑶違伯, Yao Wei Bo) and Ason (Liú Lóng Gōng, 劉龍公) (Azato, 1914). There was an Okinawan settlement in Fuzhou called the Ryukyukan and many Chinese taught Okinawans martial arts there. In 1865 he brought back the Kenpo Master Iwah to Okinawa and together they taught many Okinawans.  He also came back with Kojo Tatei and Kojo Isei, Okinawans who had been living and training at the Ryukyukan in Fuzhou (Uechi, 1975).  

After his return from China Matsumura organized and refined Shuri-Te. He collected the kata of Shuri, studied them and codified them into a system. Some of these kata, especially Naihanchi and Chinto, may have originally come from Tomari and Matsumura simplified and/or homogenized them. His organizational efforts would eventually serve as the basis for the Shorin RyuSystem of Okinawan Karate.  Some authorities credit Matsumurawith adopting the name “ShorinRyu” while others say Anko Itosu (1830-1915), whose principle teacher was Gusukuma (Shiroma Shimpan), is responsible for adopting this terminology. But according to Nakasone, Genwa (仲宗根源和 1886-1978) Chosen Chibana also began using the name Shorin Ryu for the Shuri-Te style (Mabuni & Nakasone, 1938). Therefore, it is attributed to him as well. In any case, Shorin is the Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin. The Okinawan style even though it is a blend of native Okinawan techniques and Chinese kenpo, itis named after the famed Shaolin Temple of China, renowned for its fighters. Indeed, the name gives homage to the famed warriors of Shaolin. 

Matsumurais credited with passing on the kata or formal exercises known as PassaiDai (Matsumura no Passai), Naihanchi, Chinto, Seisan, Useishi or Gojushiho (Fifty-Four Steps of the Black Tiger) and Kusanku (Bishop, 1989).  A set of Chinese kata known as Chanan in Matsumura’s time are said to have been modified by Matsumura and were the raison d’être i.e., the basis for Pinan I & II.  These kata are the essential forms of all Shorin Ryu styles today. He is also said to have brought back the Hakutsuru or White Crane system of Chinese boxing back to Okinawa and blended elements of it with the Okinawan Shorin Ryu style.

Bushi Matsumura was tall and thin with deep-set eyes.  He was also
extremely fast because of his constant practice.  He believed that
speed was essential in order to develop power and was accentuated by hip twisting. Matsumurawas an innovator and he practiced every technique so that it could be performed as fast as possible.  Legend has it that he was able to generate enormous power in his techniques even though he was slender and wiry (Sells, 2000).  The reason for this was that he followed a scientific theory with respect to martial arts i.e., “Torque plus speed equals true power.” He understood that the highest impact is represented by the formula ½ MV2. Therefore, velocity is more significant. The concept of twisting and rotating the hips when delivering a technique is the method he used.  Matsumura is credited with developing this concept in karate.  Matsumura simply knew that the basic elements of physics apply to and enhance karate technique.  He was known to have superb kicking skills and a great jumping ability.  His expression was “As a warrior one must develop the speed of a bird and the power of a tiger.”

In 1848 Matsumurawas given the title “Bushi” meaning warrior by the Okinawan King in recognition of his abilities and accomplishments in the martial arts. This was a title reserved only for those possessing the highest martial skill and the samurai qualities of honor and loyalty.  This elevated him to full samurai status and head of the military.  In fact, Matsumura was the last person ever to be granted this title by the Okinawan king. After this, Matsumura referred to himself as Bucho, military leader.  He was extremely clever and an excellent military strategist.  He accepted challenges from the top martial artists of his time. According to legend he fought many times but was never defeated.  Among his many exploits, he was even known to have fought and defeated a bull.

In 1868 Matsumura made a second trip to Japan and stayed for a year. Few details are known about this trip, but it may have provided the only opportunity for a photograph to be taken of Matsumura. A series of photographs of the Okinawan king’s entourage were taken. One ghostly photo stands out of a tall samurai with deep set eyes. This person looks exactly like the drawings of Matsumura that have been handed down. The likeness is uncanny. However, recent information indicates the photo was taken in 1910. Therefore, it is not Matsumura.

According to Hohan Soken (1889-1982) a unique feature of Matsumura’s ShorinRyu style was the teaching of the White Crane or Hakutsuru kata. Although it should be noted white crane techniques are woven throughout most of the kata of the style and are especially evident in Passai, Gojushiho and Kusanku. However, the specific Hakutsuru kata is one of those elusive and esoteric kata of karate.  According to Hohan Soken, originator of Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu, the White Crane style was learned by Bushi Matsumura while he was in China.  He then brought the style back to Okinawa in the 1860’s.  From then on, the system was a secret style only taught to immediate members of the Matsumura family.  The White Crane style was passed on from Bushi Matsumura to Nabe Matsumura, his grandson, and then to Hohan Soken. Nabe was Soken’s uncle. It is claimed by Soken that he was Nabe’s nephew and that Soken was Nabe’s sister’s son. However, there is no record of a Nabe Matsumura in the family history (Mertz, 2017).  Nabe is only mentioned in Soken’s keizu (genealogy). This has led to speculation about his existence. Indeed, the Okinawans seem to have a penchant for aggrandizement and over embellishment, especially when it comes to fabricating genealogies so that one might have a legitimate pedigree. In a way, we are all victims of this. In any case, Hohan Soken’s karate is part of Okinawan karate history and its evolutionary path. No doubt it has high historical and innovative martial art value.

In an interview in 1997 with Nishihira Kosei Sensei (1942-2007) he explained that the Matsumura Hakutsuru kata was created by Hohan Soken and was a combination of techniques taken from naihanchi, rohai, chinto, gojushiho and kusanku kata. Soken’s Passai kata and Pinan are also modified and do not look like other versions of these kata. They seem to have a white crane influence. But this may have come from the white crane expert Gokenki (aka Wu Xiangui 吳賢貴 1886-1940), a Chinese tea merchant who lived in Kume Village, Okinawa and taught Fujian white crane kenpo. Indeed, Gokenki taught many Okinawans including Chojun Miyagi, Juhatsu Kyoda, Kanbun Uechi, Shinpo Matayoshi and Kenwa Mabuni.  It has also been noted that Soken did train with Gokenki in his tea shop in Naha in the late 1920s (Sells, 2000). Additionally, during this time period Soken may have learned from Chosen Chibana (1886-1969) or even Bushi Sakihara (1833-1918), one of Matsumura’s last students. It seems no one learns everything from one teacher.

One additional point with regard to conducting research on Matsumura, is there is a tendency in Okinawan folklore to get Matsumura Sokon (松村宗棍 ) (1809-1899) from Shuri and Matsumora Kosaku (松茂良 興作) (1829-1898) from Tomari confused in terms of oral histories, etc. Both were Bushi during the same time period and the many exploits that are told about the two of them are often reversed or confused. 

Translation of inscription:

Originator of Shuri-te Okinawa-Karate Here at this place rests Matsumura Sôkon (1809-1899), the saint of boxing. He saw the light of day in Yamagawa, a part of the city of Shuri. His Chinese name was Wŭ Chéngdá, as an artist name he chose Unyû (cloud of prowess) and Buchô (leader of warriors). He excelled in the martial arts since his childhood. As a result of his devotion he achieved unity of the literary and the martial arts – Bunbu ichinyo. As a warrior he possessed both wisdom and courage and his famous name resounded already during his lifetime. In the Ryukyu Dynasty founded bei King Shô En (i.e. the 2nd Shô-Dynasty – he served three consecutive kings as a bodyguard: King Shô Kô (17th generation), King Shô Iku (18th generation), and King Shô Tai (19th generation). 12th month of Heisei 20 (December 2000) The descendants of the Matsumura family

Matsumura Fighting Techniques (Kumite Waza):

The Passai kata is one of the oldest kata still in use today. The meaning of Passai is to penetrate or break down a fortress. This is meant to have an inspirational connotation that implies that strength is necessary to wear down an opponent. Matsumura’s concept of strength is manifested in the Passai kata. He taught Passai Dai (Matsumura no Passai) and according to Takao Nakaya, he notes that the kata did not originate in Tomari Village (Nakaya, 1983) even though it has a long history there. Whether Matsumura [or others] originated the form or brought it back from China is unknown. Another theory is that the form like many others originated in China and was brought to Ryukyu prior to Matsumura’s time. Additionally, some authorities claim Matsumura never taught this form since it is not precisely mentioned in the literature. But this raises the question of, “How then is it that his name is ascribed to it so frequently?” Indeed, there are many versions of this kata with the practitioner’s name attached to it. Anko Itosu modified the form and created the sho and dai versions. His sho version is called Itosu no Passai. There is also an Oyadomari no Passai named after the Tomari-Te practitioner Oyadomari Peichin (1831-1905) who was a disciple of Sokon Matsumura. There is also a Tomari Passai, Teruya Passai, Matsumora Passai and others. Further there is an additional version of Passai known as Ishimine no Passai created by a student of Matsumura, Ishimine (b. 1826) as well as Tawada no Passai who was also a student of Matsumura (Sells, 2000). It seems this kata did not exist until the mid to late 1800s. This further supports the hypotheses and the idea that Matsumura taught Passai. This is recanted in oral tradition and Okinawan folklore enough times that it lends credibility and establishes the fact he did teach the Passai form. This is the author’s conclusion after a preponderance of the evidence. 

Perhaps one of the oldest versions of Passai is Tachimura no Passai circa 1860s (Mertz, 2017). After examining the Bunkai (analysis) and Oyo (application) of this form and the many other versions, certain universal principles manifest themselves. The techniques that are common to Passai are: The initial reinforced block (Morote uke); Hasso no kamae fighting posture; Crescent kick to elbow or hammerfist strike (Mikazuki geri/hiji ate); Morote tsuki (double fist-punch) and Suguri-te uke (Hand-sweeping block). Additionally, hip rotation or hip displacement in the mainstream versions of the kata is a tactic meant to remove or deny access to vital points during combat.

The initial reinforced block is meant to thwart an enemy’s strong attack and then dispatch him quickly while being close to him. Thus, reversing a tenuous situation. It has been noted that Hasso no kamae with the hands raised above the shoulders to protect the head was Matsumura’s preferred fighting posture (Arakaki, 1996). The crescent kick in combination with an elbow strike or hammerfist is used to take the opponent to the ground. The morote zuki or double fist-punch is used to strike two pressure points simultaneously thus overloading the opponent’s nervous system. Finally, suguri-te uke is used as an additional blocking measure to grab or clamp onto an opponent.

Passai Kata Bunkai: 

Photos courtesy Patty Mae

By 1879 Matsumura was semi-retired. He was relegated to guard duty at the Royal Gardens (御番, Uban) in Shuri. But he still taught karate to a small group there. He eventually became a hermit and produced some of his writings at this time and after retiring, Matsumura taught karate to a few students in Sakiyama Village, Shuri. His major work was a letter to his student Kuwae Ryosei that expounded on the merits of bushido. They were simply signed Bucho. 

MATSUMURA SHORIN RYU GENEALOGY

Matsumura’smartial arts endeavors, specifically the organization of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate have had far reaching effects.  The Shorin Ryu system has been the progenitor of many contemporary martial arts styles, Shotokan Ryu and Shito Ryu, for example.  Ultimately, all modern styles of karate that evolved from the Shuri-Te lineage can be traced back to the teachings of Bushi Matsumura. This includes Taekwon Do(Korean Karate) whose original kata syllabus was derived from Shotokan Karate, the Japanese version of Shorin Ryu. As a teacher, Matsumura was without equal.  His fame attracted many students and he produced and abundance of skilled martial artists. 

Matsumura Sokon passed away on August 8, 1899.  Some of his students included Pechin Sakihara, Pechin Sakuma, Pechin Kiyuna, Ishimine Bishi, Kyan Chotoku, Motobu Choyu, Yabu Kentsu, Kuwae Ryosei, Hanashiro Chomo, Chinen Sanda, Chikudun Pechin Tawada Shinboku, Chinen Yamanne, Itarashiki Chochu, Asato Anko, Anko Itosu and Chibana Chosen.

The Matsumura style lives on today and is preserved by the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation (www.worldbudokan.com).  Its followers are keeping alive the traditions and philosophy of “Bushi” Sokon Matsumura, ancient warrior of Okinawa. For more information contact George Alexander, Hanshi 10^th Dan at alexyama@mindspring.com or in Italy Alberto Doni, 7^th Dan todejutsu@yahoo.it

Photos courtesy Patty Mae & Tim Dando