Yamaguchi Gogen

Here's some vintage footage of Goju Kai pioneer, Yamaguchi Gogen ["The Cat"], performing Suparinpei Kata.

www.koryu-uchinadi.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Yamaguchi
• Gogen
• Suparinpei
• kata
• Goju
• Kai

[GojuBob]

McCarthy Sensei: Can you tell us why a section of Tensho has found its way into the beginning of this kata? I've never seen it done like that before. It's heresy and blasphemy to say this about Neko-sama, I know; but honestly I don't find this very impressive - never mind omnipotent. Everybody's wrath will now descend on my head, no doubt: but compare it to other versions of the same kata on YouTube.

[mccarthysensei]

I can only guess that it was because the performance was impromptu and he decided to present, "bits and pieces" rather than an entire kata??

[varanid8]

I really can't judge Yamaguchi's kata or your criticisms, but having practiced my system for almost 20 years, I do know this: An advanced practitioner's form can look "sloppy" in the eyes of a beginner because the advanced practitioner has internalized the principles and no longer needs the aid of generalized exact positions and movement but have "modified" them to suit his own physique and psyche. On a side-note, I understand Yamaguchi was also VERY good at judo.

[KokoroSky]

outstanding !! nothing to say... only want to watch and learn ! Thanks a lot mr maccarthy.

[megadeath45]

It's safe to say that Yamaguchi was a real life Dovahkiin; he used a shout to kill a mountain lion!

[badgers1975]

Thank you for this wonderful piece of history. The Cats form is amazing. I have never studied goju, currently wado ryu and matayoshi kobujutsu, but there are occasions when the mastery is clearly evident and this is one. As an aside there is a beautiful irony in someone calling people morons, who cannot spell it. Shut the door on your way out you ignoramus.

[mywingchunsucks]

@varanid8 very well put!

[84whosane]

iv been trying figure out the connection between goju kata. this video just clarified the connection between tensho and suparimpei. for those that doubt yamaguchi's skill, dont forget that he is the legendary 10th dan that saved lives by fighting off a village raid using only his karate for about 45mins

[singhakabuttar]

@mccarthysensei thanks for the input.

[mccarthysensei]

Just a myth my friend ...

[singhakabuttar]

@mccarthysensei sensei mccarthy, whats your take on gogen yamaguchi defeating a bengal tiger, i mean ive heard of cage fighting, but for crying out loud, fighting a tiger, ive held one of these animal in thailand,( it was asleep, probably druged) the creature is to powerfull, for any human to fight in my opinion.

[deMaven]

for a karate enthusiast this was an amazing up. This takes up back to the roots of real Karate. Great job McCarthy Sensai. OSU!!!

[ABQ2009NM]

@thainoromeo what are you talking about? if you are a karateka then have respect for others instead of foul language, Do you read DOJO KUN in your class? if yes then follow it my freind. And watch the whole video, may be you think twice before posting.

[thainoromeo]

this is not suparenpei, it's tensho u morans Yamagughi bastardize goju.