The Challenge that Classical Martial Arts must face:
Searching for a Sensei

Have you ever noticed how the student sometimes moves a lot like the Sensei? It cannot be found in words, only in the student's performance of the kata and ultimately in his fighting techniques.

The "Classical" instructor teaches with no reluctance; with an open heart and mind. Through a pressing sense of duty the "true way of Budo" must be instilled into the hard working student. As the apprentice develops, new techniques and applied philosophies are willingly passed on by the sensei.

Suddenly, the student comes no more. I've seen it happen many times before. Having spent comparatively little time training and learning about the style, he skips right over the student stage directly to the "Master Instructor" level, prepared to change the face of all martial arts forever.

The U.S. is a country rich with knowledge of the Martial Arts. In Canada, it is difficult to find instructors in elite Arts. As a result, in 1990 I set out in search of a Sensei in the 'Matsumura White Crane'. I traveled to many places in the U.S. and ran across some "big name" teachers claiming they could teach me all about the "Crane". No one could actually stand there in front of me, at that time and place, and show me what I wanted to know and answer any questions I had without any reluctance and mind searching.

Then, my very good friend in Florida, Jeff Day, introduced me to Anthony Sandoval. This changed my life and my martial arts. Mr. Sandoval answered any questions fully and gave references to all his knowledge. In a hotel room in Florida the Sensei pushed all the furniture back and showed us right there anything we asked. He performed the kata and showed the practical application. He is the real thing.

My last question was, " Sensei, would you consider taking me on as a student?" He very quietly answered with a firm "yes".

Anyone ever doubting this, need only attend a session where he is present and all doubt shall be removed. What an experience he is.

As times move farther and farther away from the original moves of Matsumura himself, how much will be allowed to seep through and be instilled in us as students of his art? Many of today's sensei's block out any recognition of Matsumura through the twisting and diluting of the original ideas to add their own flavour and take credit for the 'Bushi's' life's work.

This is the challenge today. To keep karate pure. The way it was meant to be. This is not to say to adhere to old ways and not change with the times. Many things will be added and many new ideas will surface, however, let the ones who follow the way with their very lives and who fully understand the significance of change, make the appropriate adjustments.

There is a danger facing all of us today. It is standing in the dojo's of North America. It is standing in front of unsuspecting students across the continent. It wears a black belt and sometimes a red and white belt. What is it? It's the sensei who thinks he/she is greater than the style itself.

Matsumura built it, Itosu proved it and improved it. No delusions, no jealousy, no dissension. Only martial artists training. If these 'greats' can put aside petty jealousy, to what reason do we lend ourselves to be all knowing?

The movements that were forged by Matsumura and his followers must shine through like a beacon from the past and keep us straight, true and on the path.

Matsumura's Shorin Ryu and White Crane are alive and well in Canada and the United States. If you are a true student of Okinawan martial arts, you will seek out these unique individuals and not accept anything less than "The True Way".

By Hanshi Gary Legacy ... Matsusokan Canada