Bushi Matsumura’s divisions of bugei

The tomb of the legendary Bushi Matsumura

Commonly referred to as the Miyamoto Musashi of Okinawa, Bushi Matsumura’s legacy in the evolution of karatedo is immense.  We are fortunate in that a fair bit of oral history has been passed on about his life by his famous students.  Also luckily for us, Matsumura left to prosperity a letter to his student Kuwae Ryosei regarding his opinions about the different kinds of martial arts being practised at that time in Okinawa.  What is remarkable to me is that nothing has changed since the time Matsumura wrote this letter.  We are still plagued by exactly the same problems, and what I find particularly interesting is that Matsumura was evidently only too aware of the same thing happening around him.  For those of us who like to speculate about how much better karate may have been during the days of Matsumura, Itosu, Higaonna etc; perhaps Matsumura’s letter should put it more into perspective, and inspire dedicated practitioners of todays age to keep a sharp eye upon the particular path which they tread, much like Matsumura sensei advised to his own student.

Matsumura classified budo into three different types.

1:  Gakushi no bugei – is like a psychological game of strategy.  It is not actually for fighting but more like a dance or a woman and has no real depth.

Matsumura sensei is deliberately harsh in his tone, and I think there is a lot to be said about his approach.  Clearly sick to death of what he saw happening to his art, he aimed to send a message.  Drawing from his example I will also be harsh, and to anyone who might be upset by this post, it is entirely intentional.

Todays age of mass media has created a new kind of martial artist.  The professional expert who via the gift of expensive DVDs, internet subscription sites, and world seminar circuits, can help you to become a devastating fighter in a few easy steps.  Each of which must be paid for through the nose.  Bunkai experts make an effort to learn as many kata as they can, gaining only a superficial knowledge of them, before lovingly sharing their findings with the world for a high cost.  In Okinawa such persons were referred to as hachindi (masters of making money and remembering technique). 

Also thrown into this category are the various pressure point ‘masters’ (read ‘idiots’) who have done their best to destroy the credibility of the classical martial arts.  Able to quote various formula relating to the body with the adeptness of a scientist, such people spend too much time reading books rather than training.

Both of the above claim to be ‘promoting’ the traditional martial arts they claim to teach, but in actual fact, are far more interested in promoting themselves and their latest money making scheme.  These people often seek to add to their art, stealing from different sources to make up their own new, exciting, eclectic mix, with no real grounding in any one method.  With such a self serving motive, how can such people ever understand budo? 

2. Meimoku no bugei – are considered purely physical in form and aim only at winning.  Without virtue participants are known to be argumentative, often harm others or even themselves and occasionally bring shame to their parents, brothers and family.

A quick look through any mainstream martial arts magazine will reveal a vast quantity of ‘reality based self defense’ arts.  Such people like to dress up in combat trousers, play around with knives and guns, and look mean in front of the camera.  The relevance of this in a supposedly moral society is debate-able, and I have no time for it. 

Also placed into this category are karate dojo who encourage their students to fight MMA, and also sports karate dojo. 

Without stressing the importance of perfecting the character of the student, and expelling those of bad character, karatedo has no real value and is only animalistic movements.  The importance of ‘bun bu ryo do’ and an introspective approach to training must be encouraged.  A lack of balance in this regard will only lead to karatedo causing harm to others.

3. Budo no bugei- are never practised without conviction and participants cultivate a serene wisdom which knows not contention or vice.  Fostering loyalty amoung family, friends and country, a natural decorum encourages a dauntless character.

Can karatedo still instill such qualities in a practitioner in this modern age.  I believe it can, and this is why I still have faith in karatedo as an asset to society.  If taught and practised correctly, karatedo has value, and transcends mere physical activity which can be performed by any person.  In order to study the method of budo no bugei, a student must have the courage to walk such a path, knowing that it will be done alone for the most part.  Through the daily forging of technique, body, and spirit; the karateka faces his challenge head on with strong conviction.  The daily battles which are fought, won and sometimes lost, provide the karateka with lifes lessons which he uses to make his way through life without contention, and with the courage to solve problems rather than quit when things become difficult.

Matsumura sensei’s words will no doubt mean different things to different people.  Much like karate, this is personal interpretation, and the real value comes from the lessons we each can draw from it to relate to our own lives. 

I hope that everyone will take a serious look at each of Matsumura sensei’s categories and honestly ask themselves ‘which one do I fit in?’

(translation of Matsumura sensei’s letter is drawn from Patrick McCarthy’s translation of Tanpenshu by Funakoshi Gichin.  I cannot recommend this book highly enough!!!)