The Ten Lessons Of Toudi

THE TEN LESSON OF TOUDI

by ANKO ITOSU

Toudi did not originate from Buddhism or Confucianism.  In the past, two schools of Toudi, namely the Shorin and Shorei styles, were introduced from China.  Both possess strong points and its important that they not be changed.  Therefore, I will mention here what one must know about Toudi.

#1.  Toudi is not primarily about developing a strong and healthy body.  Should the need arise, Toudi provides the courage to give one’s life in defense of one’s parents or teacher.  Toudi is not meant to be used against a single opponent.  Instead, if one meets a ruffian or villain, one should simply deflect and move away.

#2.  Toudi training is meant to strengthen the body to make it as hard as stone and iron, and the hands and feet to be used as spears.  This training teaches courage and bravery and should be taught in our elementary schools.  We must not forget the Duke of Wellington’s words after his defeat of Napoleon:” Today’s victory was won on the playground of  Eaton”.

#3.  Toudi cannot be learned in a short time.  It is like a slow movement that will eventually travel a thousand miles.  If one studies earnestly everyday for one or two hours, then one will come to understand Toudi in three or four years.  The entire body will change and a strong physique will result.

#4.  The fists and feet are important in Toudi and must be thoroughly trained using the makiwara.  Drop the shoulders, open the lungs, summon your strength, grip firmly with your feet and sink your power into the lower abdomen.  Perform one to two hundred punches with each hand.

#5.  Stances are extremely important in Toudi.  Stand erect, lower the shoulders, and keep the legs firm.  Draw power from the lower abdomen and coordinate the movements of your upper and lower body.

#6.  The techniques of Toudi- entering, deflecting, releasing, and seizing- have been passed down through oral tradition.  Each of these physical techniques of Toudi should be repeatedly practiced to understand the context in which it can be properly used.

#7.  In Toudi, you must determine whether a technique is for cultivating the body or has a martial applications.

#8.  When you practice Toudi, you should train as if you are on the battlefield.  The shoulders should be dropped, the eyes fierce, and the body kept tight as you deflect and strike.  Visualize your opponent and always keep this feeling in mind when you practice deflecting and striking against attacks.  If you practice in this manner you will naturally be prepared for any encounter.

#9.  Be careful not to overexert yourself during pratice.  This forces one’s internal energy up,  which causes the face and eyes to become red.

#10.  Many practitioners of Toudi have enjoyed long and healthy lives.  Toudi is beneficial in the development of the bones and muscles, aids the digestive organs and aids the circulation of blood.  Therefore Toudi should become part of the elementary school curriculum.  If we were to pursue this course it would be possible to produce men who could vanquish ten.

from  his 1908 address to the Education Ministery of Okinawa (McKenna, M. 1934 An Overview of Karate-do)

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