The Kenpo Hakku

The Kenpo Hakku (meaning the ‘fist method, eight verses’) is a poem about Budo training from the Bubishi called ‘The Eight Precepts for the Body and Mind’.

It was made popular by Chojun Miyagi. It is said that Miyagi got the name for his school from the third line.
 
There is no accompanying explanation for any of the verses and so is therefore relatively open to interpretation, especially when no one living today was around when it was written. There are several different translations, but all say something similar.
 
Many people have interpreted these words in different ways, some seem accurate and plausible while others not so much, but any translation or interpretation ‘could’ be correct.

The translation into English is by Sensei Patrick McCarthy from his version of the Bubishi.

Any serious Ryukyu Budoka should own this book...
 and read it over and over. 

 

 

The following is a breakdown of each verse and my interpretation of the meaning behind the words. The reader must be aware that this is my opinion based on my own experience and at no point do I claim that my explanations are the original intended meaning.


一

人心同天地 - Jinshin wa Tenchi ni Onaji 

The human mind is one with heaven and the earth.

This verse seems to be similar to the concept of ‘Bunbu Ryodo’ (the way of the pen and sword).
“The human mind is one with heaven” might mean that the concerns of mentality and spirit (non-physical) are just as important as physical training. Polishing the spirit and building character are essential for a true warrior.
“The mind is one with earth” is the other side of the coin; a warrior must always train to perfect their physical skill (otherwise they aren’t much of a warrior). So, your mind should focus on both the spiritual and the physical equally.

二
血脈以日月 - Ketsumyaku wa Nichigetsu ni Nitari

Our blood circulation parallels the solar and lunar cycle of each day. 

One possible meaning for this could be simply that the circulation within the body is always flowing around, never stopping, just like the night/day cycle. This could be extended to the body in general. One should not stop moving, always flowing through moves, always breathing, and always beginning one action as the other ends (just like the night/day cycle).
 
Another possible meaning for this verse is in a slightly different context. The word ‘Ketsumyaku’ (血脈) can also be translated as ‘bloodline’, which mean this could be interpreted as the passing down of the art from one generation to the next.
The idea being that just as the sun and moon are always flowing from one day to another; the current generation learnt their art from the last and it is their responsibility to teach the next.



三

法剛柔呑吐 - Hou wa Goju wo Donto Su

Inhaling represents softness while exhaling characterises hardness.

The obvious interpretation is the literal meaning of these words. When breathing in, the body is soft and pliable. When breathing out, the body is hard rigid.
This can refer to the way we use our muscles when executing techniques. Breathe in when the technique requires relaxed and quick movement. Breathe out when the technique requires strength and power. Many people disagree with this interpretation as there are many different techniques for use in different situations, in different ways and this interpretation seems to be a bit too ‘general’ and can’t be applied in all situations.

Another deeper interpretation refers to the character of a warrior; saying that one should be soft on the interior but hard on the exterior. This means that a true warrior is formidable and dangerous on the outside, but has a soft heart and a good nature on the inside.

 

四

身髄時應変 - Mi wa Toki ni Shitagai Hen ni Ozu

Adapt to changing conditions. 

“Improvise, Adapt and Overcome” is an unofficial slogan used by the US Marines.
This attitude applies to all martial situations, therefore all good warriors can adapt to changing conditions. No one is able to predict exactly what will happen if attacked or when defending others. The ability to adapt to the situation is essential to successfully defending oneself or others.
This ability doesn’t only apply to martial situations but also to any situation in daily life.


 
 五

手逢空則入 - Te wa Ku ni Ai Sunawachi Hairu

Response must result without conscious thought.

The very point of Budo training is to ensure that that body knows what to do and how to do it when the time comes. This only comes with years of constant training.
In a real martial situation there is no time to think about what should be done, the mind should switch off and the body simply reacts (in Japan this is called Mushin).



六

碼進退離逢 - Shin Tai wa Hakarite Riho Su

Distancing and posture dictates the outcome of the meeting.

This seems to be pretty straight forward. It basically says that if a warrior understands the range and correct techniques then they can defend themselves effectively.

Another interpretation could be referring to a martial situation before it becomes physical. If a warrior keeps a safe distance, but also has good posture and looks confident, they are able to end the confrontation before it starts.



七

目要視四向 - Me wa Shihou wo Miru wo Yo Su

See what is unseeable. 

The obvious meaning of this verse refers to a warriors heightened awareness. A warrior should always be aware of dangers around them. The ‘Yo Su’ (四向) means ‘all four directions’, so could refer to being aware of all things, in all directions. This awareness could mean the difference between being taken by surprise and defeated or successfully defending oneself. The most effective form of self-defence is not being there. With the awareness to recognise a dangerous situation, a warrior can avoid an unfortunate incident before it happens.
 


八

耳能聴八方 - Mimi wa Yoku Happo wo Kiku

Expect what is unexpected.

This verse seems to be a combination of both the fourth and seventh verses working together. Expecting the unexpected involves using the heightened awareness to be aware of any possible surprises and being able to adapt to that surprise, this is because a warrior is always thinking of the possibility of the situations occurring.

Gichin Funakoshi said: “When you step outside your own gate, you face a million enemies.” The intention of this saying is to foster an attitude of expecting the unexpected, as it is an important mindset for a true warrior to have.




The Kenpo Hakku
Calligraphy by Dr Hokama Tetsuhiro

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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