As we seek to broaden our knowledge of karate

ANALYSIS OF TE

As we seek to broaden our knowledge of karate, we often study oriental culture, language or history. Not much written history exists concerning karate, so any key to understanding the underlying concepts is helpful. History has revealed to us that the Okinawans referred to karate as "te" which simply translates as "open hand". It is not known why karate was depicted in such a simplified manner, but it serves to illustrate a way in which language can help better understand that which we practice.

The study of the Japanese written language (kanji) is complicated, yet fascinating. Unlike our written language that uses an alphabet, kanji are pictographs depicting whole concepts or ideas. As in a picture, the way in which it is drawn can offer more detail in the understanding of the concept for which it is representing. That is, the kanji for "te" can reveal much about karate’s concepts and principles.

Taika Seiyu Oyata had the privilege to study with Uhugushuku, a retired military official who descended from an Okinawan warrior class family and from Wakinaguri, who descended from the original Chinese families sent to Okinawa as emissaries during Okinawa’s era of independence. His instruction not only included techniques, but history, culture and language. Lessons were often in the form of a puzzle or challenge to find the answer rather than repetition of techniques performed by the teacher.

Wakinaguri issued the challenge to Oyata to make his hands as one after he demonstrated a combination high, middle and low cover. As Oyata sought to solve the puzzle, he began to analyze the kanji for "te" to find a solution. He found a clue in the way in which the kanji is written that illustrated a solution to the test.

The basic written form of the kanji "te" consists of four strokes; three horizontals and one vertical. The three horizontals represent three covers, high, middle and low. The vertical represents the centerline of the body. Thus, the hands are used to protect the centerline by covering all parts. As a way to remember these principles, this explanation for the kanji is simple; however, this hypothesis can be broadened.

TE (hand)		1. High
		2. Middle
		3. Low
		4. Centerline

High	Middle	Low (double)

Karate technique is not static; it is dynamic. Every motion of the hand is accompanied by a motion of the body to shift way from an attack, or to shift into a position of advantage. A true study of karate includes an analysis of kata to reveal the hand and body combinations to form the technique. So, a further analysis of "te" reveals that there are four strokes that can represent four directions, front, back, left and right. Combining the directions with the three blocks, a simple dynamic concept is brought to light, to move and cover from all directions.

Although this cleared up part of the challenged issued by Wakinaguri, the kanji did not fully explain the answer to the question. As in English, kanji can also be written in cursive; therefore, Oyata re-wrote the kanji to form one smooth stroke. Written in this manner, the true concept of the challenge to make the hands as one was revealed. This representation of the kanji "te" graphically illustrates the movement of the hands as they cover. The combination of the high cover, middle cover, low cover and body movement must be in one flowing motion.

Did the ancient warriors of Okinawa already understand that this knowledge was held in the kanji? And is that why they choose to refer to their art as "te"?

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