Kata of Matsumura Sokon

Written by Motobu Naoki, translated by Ulf Karlsson

The other day I stated that Matsumura’s name was attached to many Kata. Most of these cases are based on weak grounds, and some of them also include gross misunderstandings. As an example, I took up “Matsumura Rohai”.

So, from the standpoint of historical correctness, exactly, what kata can definitely be said to have been Matsumura Sensei’s kata?

Shikinaen, the royal villa where Matsumura was a keeper in his later years.

Matsumura Sensei did not leave behind any book. Although Matsumura Sensei left behind a scroll addressed to his disciple Kuwae Ryosei in which he described the mental attitudes of a martial artist, in it there is no mention whatsoever of the names of Kata.

Therefore, the testimonies by Matsumura’s direct students become the most valuable historical sources available. Below is a list of Matsumura Sensei’s kata as testified by his personal disciples.

· Naihanchi (Shodan) …… Motobu Chōki (Motobu Udun)
· Gojushiho, Kusanku …… Yoshimura Chōgi (Yoshimura Udun)
· Gojushiho …… Kyan Chōtoku (Kyan Dunchi)

As shown above, there are only the three kata of Naihanchi, Gojushiho, and Kusanku that can definitely be said to have been Matsumura Sensei’s kata