It strongly resembles Higa Seiko lineage to me. I train with one school in the Higa Seiko line, and this looks similar to our kata in both timing and technique.
I've repeatedly watched this kata over months and the more I watched it the more I'm impressed. He performed the kata in such a concise and un-hurried manner but finished it in 47 seconds.
Are you sure he learned this from Higa Seiko? Most of the groups that come from Higa, like Shodokan Goju Ryu, perform the kata to the right hand side first and then to the left. This looks like he may have learned it from Miyazato Eiichi or some one else who starts to the left first. The technique with his elbow coming straight out is different than the Jundokan version though. Excellent video though, and than you very much for posting.
He was living and teaching at Higa Dojo after returning from Japan. And okinawan kata in those days was never set in stone or standardized, especially not for someone like Matayoshi who didnt feel the need of blindly following someones footsteps. Cant even understand why you questioning by bringing up Miyazato and then in the same breath saying Jundokan version is different.
Where did IREI sensei learned his version of Kururunfa??
Yes, thank you very much for posting this inspirational video.
The more I watch this clip, the more fascinated I grow. I had always heard the stories that Matayoshi Sensei studied Goju-ryu, but had never been privy to a demonstration of Goju by him... and now here, a clip of him banging out one heck of a Goju-ryu kata (IMHO), and Kururunfa (my favourite) no less! Thank you again, Sensei, for posting this amazing piece of history.
Shinpo Matayoshi was the "dark horse" in the Okinawan Goju-Ryu society. When all of Chojun Miyagi's top disciples were alive and if there were any questions and or changes in the Koryu Katas, what he says is accepted and is finality to them all. From there on, it is a matter of acceptance as respect towards Matayoshi.
Great clip!! I am a bit confused at times b/c some of Higa's students step with the left foot first in Kururunfa and do the kata mirror image. Oshiro Izumu of the Shodokan comes to mind!!
In 1972, Matayoshi told me that they are many "prototypes" of the old Koryu Katas thus the variances with everyone. As he said, "movements with out the Kaisai taught is just a dance movement with emptiness." Matayoshi's Kururunfa (Kululunfa as he pronounce it) is of the first generation as taught by Higa. If there are any "changes" or different sequences, they are most likely due to politics as for a "signature" to that person or the organization. Kaisai or Kaishu is the FINALITY to any Kata.
Sensei, where on earth did you find this one! I was truly suprised to see such an excellent performance of this kata from Matayoshi sensei. Thank you very much for posting!
I love that song! Are the lyrics found anywhere?
Koryuhoka 1 year ago
It strongly resembles Higa Seiko lineage to me. I train with one school in the Higa Seiko line, and this looks similar to our kata in both timing and technique.
otokonoyama 1 year ago
I've repeatedly watched this kata over months and the more I watched it the more I'm impressed. He performed the kata in such a concise and un-hurried manner but finished it in 47 seconds.
Pecherin72 1 year ago
Are you sure he learned this from Higa Seiko? Most of the groups that come from Higa, like Shodokan Goju Ryu, perform the kata to the right hand side first and then to the left. This looks like he may have learned it from Miyazato Eiichi or some one else who starts to the left first. The technique with his elbow coming straight out is different than the Jundokan version though. Excellent video though, and than you very much for posting.
samertz 2 years ago
He was living and teaching at Higa Dojo after returning from Japan. And okinawan kata in those days was never set in stone or standardized, especially not for someone like Matayoshi who didnt feel the need of blindly following someones footsteps. Cant even understand why you questioning by bringing up Miyazato and then in the same breath saying Jundokan version is different.
Where did IREI sensei learned his version of Kururunfa??
Yes, thank you very much for posting this inspirational video.
uchinanchu11 2 years ago
The more I watch this clip, the more fascinated I grow. I had always heard the stories that Matayoshi Sensei studied Goju-ryu, but had never been privy to a demonstration of Goju by him... and now here, a clip of him banging out one heck of a Goju-ryu kata (IMHO), and Kururunfa (my favourite) no less! Thank you again, Sensei, for posting this amazing piece of history.
tokyo333 2 years ago
He is really good.. Better than most of Goju Ryu Masters in that era...
aiko4321 2 years ago
I can't help but thinking it's a better performance than some all-Goju foks.... ;-)
seagoju 2 years ago
Shinpo Matayoshi was the "dark horse" in the Okinawan Goju-Ryu society. When all of Chojun Miyagi's top disciples were alive and if there were any questions and or changes in the Koryu Katas, what he says is accepted and is finality to them all. From there on, it is a matter of acceptance as respect towards Matayoshi.
9loon 2 years ago
Like my seniors have expressed---I, too am picking my jaw up off the floor. Unbelievable post! Respect and Gratitude. Yoroshiku, M
glimmerman108 2 years ago
Great clip!! I am a bit confused at times b/c some of Higa's students step with the left foot first in Kururunfa and do the kata mirror image. Oshiro Izumu of the Shodokan comes to mind!!
NewEnglandBudo 2 years ago
In 1972, Matayoshi told me that they are many "prototypes" of the old Koryu Katas thus the variances with everyone. As he said, "movements with out the Kaisai taught is just a dance movement with emptiness." Matayoshi's Kururunfa (Kululunfa as he pronounce it) is of the first generation as taught by Higa. If there are any "changes" or different sequences, they are most likely due to politics as for a "signature" to that person or the organization. Kaisai or Kaishu is the FINALITY to any Kata.
9loon 2 years ago
Once again we are endebted to McCarthy Sensei for his research. This is a fabulous demonstration of Naha-Te with Matayoshi Sensei in his prime.
Tozaikan 2 years ago
Oh, my goodness! I am trying to pick my jaw up off the floor as I sit here and type this! Thank you for sharing!
tokyo333 2 years ago
I'm just stunned!!! Speechless..... This is amazing! And its Matayoshi sensei. Thank you so very much for sharing this!
bechurin 2 years ago
Wow!. Thanks! I'm very impressed with that demonstration.
gojumaster 2 years ago
Wonderful footage! Thank you for sharing! :)
NardaLee 2 years ago
Sensei, where on earth did you find this one! I was truly suprised to see such an excellent performance of this kata from Matayoshi sensei. Thank you very much for posting!
garrylever06 2 years ago