Shuji Tasaki Hanshi Interview
Shuji Tasaki was well known as Gogen Yamaguchi's most competent fighter having proven himself in the very first All Japan Karatedo Gojukai Championships in 1963 which was basically a days competition of knockout, knock down, break bone and finish them matches. Having earned the cup for first place it set him as a target to be dealt with in the Dojo.
Today Shuji Tasaki Shihan is a much more easy going person. Still having the heavy and strong voice with a father like teachers touch. He left Gogen Yamaguchi's organization in 1972 to form his own Seiwakai however today remains close to Goshi Yamaguchi and attends functions of the organization, including the JKGA 50th anniversary, as a senior and respected Sempai - Shihan. Today he is Hanshi of Gojuryu Karatedo Seiwakai and one of the most senior members of the JKF GK.
By Leo Lipinski Shihan
When where you born?
Born January 20th 1933 - Tokyo
Began training in Goju ryu on the August 15, 1951, and am now the Vice Chief Director of Federation Goju Kai and Official National Instructor for the JKF. (Japanese Karate Federation)
What was Available when you started training?
There was boxing, and other forms of karate, but schools where not rigidly organized. No particular names.
Why did you choose karate?
There were many foreigners in Tokyo. It was for self defense and strong fighting. There were many street fights and I wanted the ability to fight back.
Which Ryu did you begin with and why?
Yamaguchi sensei was my first teacher, and the only teacher for me. Yamaguchi recognizes me as one of his few remaining students. I chose this style because of the chance. Former Goju Kai in Asakusa. He was living there. He only had 6 - 8 students that Yamaguchi personally taught. I remember Nakaishi sensei that was directly under Yamaguchi . I do not know where that sensei is now.
There where two other senior instructors - Miyama Motomasa and Onishi Kenichiro sensei
What was training like in those days?
Compared with now - it is heaven. In those days it was hell. Lessons are now more scientific. The first 8 - 10 months were of building the basics intensively and physical strength to be able to use the techniques as a good foundation. No karate techniques were taught in the first 10 months.
What kind of basic training?
Jumping, sit up's etc. To the limit of endurance. Many fell. No fun and very few continued. Very few now take that kind of training.
What do you remember as a highlight?
Yamaguchi Sensei did everything with the students - even then. If I did this today, there would be no students. Learn how to breathe - A fundamental karate technique. That is why at my age, I can be more then equal to the younger instructors.
You won the first Goju Kai tournament. What are you views of tournaments then and now, and how do you feel about the change?
First Goju Kai tournament held in 1963/64 and I won the finals representing Tokyo. 2nd tournament was in Wakayama - 2nd place. Hirano of Wakayama won, he was three years younger. In the same year at the second tournament, the Federation was born, asking not to have further tournaments until 13 years ago. Difference in kumite - No point system - then dojo style kumite and all the presently forbidden techniques were permissible. The Federation was formed in 1965 and instead of kumite - Point kumite was developed.
GOJU KAI - WADO RYU - SHITO RYU and SHOTOKAN made the Federation. I have had a preference for teaching the dojo kumite versus the point style. i.e Teach as he was taught.
As long as one has one has mastered the Goju Ryu kumite, the other can be adjusted. If trained in Goju Ryu dojo kumite you can continue after reaching middle age. Point fighting would not result in this. If you lose your speed you lose your karate. By application, Goju dojo kumite gives you the edge, as it is not dependent on your youth. In karate if you step back you lose everything. Side stepping is good, younger have speed, older are slower. Therefore you must step in to receive. If you train only in modern karate, once you are passed 30 years your karate is over.
What place do you see Karate having in the modern world?
Firstly, spiritually/mental strength. The real value for him today, without this, in this world of trifling things and conflicting values, it is hard to survive. It takes endurance to deal with a definite purpose and target.
Have you ever since starting, had to defend yourself?
Countless times. These happenings were in my 30's and 40's - These years people tend to stay away - sensing the need to do so , they stay away from him instinctively.
Who were your greatest rivals in kumite?
Even in kumite, the rivals were many of his seniors, because of the mental and spiritual pressure they give out. MAYAMA sensei specifically. This is possible out of respect for there senior/sempei status. There has been no one among his contempories and juniors that he considers a particular rival. Mr. NISHI and Mr. WAKAYAMA could have this position. They had very strong reputations. They did not attend either tournament in the early days, so we never found out how good they were.
Even today the above two are still practicing in there own dojo's. Not really rivals, he wanted to emulate those 20 years ago. In KANSAI area, they still produce very good students. The gap has not been filled. The gap referred to is that Goju Ryu started near Kyoto first, and has produced more and better students then the Tokyo area.
What are your favorite techniques?
Kicking , Haito and urauchi
What do you consider important in your teaching?
My attachment to my students. He notices the difference and tries to think of ways to improve each individual student . He also respects the individuality and characteristic of each person and tries to build them up mentally and physically.
Each generation seems to have there own great karate-ka. Of Tazaki it was him and YAMAMOTO. Before and after, Who were the special ones.
ISHIHARA and CHIBA - his primary students. Shuji SAKAMOTO is another and TAKAHASHI is the third. ISHIHARA was exceptionally strong. There were 5- 6 others but they no longer train.
What is the meaning of OSS!!!?
Important Japanese Value. OSS = Endure and suppress yourself.
Should not be used frivolously. Often asks people if they know what they are saying. It is an abbreviation of OSHI SHINOBU
With regards to GK as opposed to traditional Goju Ryu, Can you tell us about your Ryu and how it differs
Fundamentally, very little difference. If there is, it is the mannerisms of individual students acquired from there sensei. There are unnecessary superficial differences. In older times Okinawa Goju had no kumite. Kumite was developed in Japan. Only recently started kumite in Okinawa. They also now do tournament kumite. Goju dojo kumite has a strong reputation for its effectiveness, especially in the days of the old school. Developed and contributed to by and the preservation has been, by all instructors. What has been preserved is the central idea of what it was in the early days, central to all styles.
Miyagi sensei originated Goju Ryu, and the kumite is very close to the kata. Techniques should be applicable in kumite. We must remember the difference between mere kata forms and the actual use of techniques in combat and kumite.
What is the Japanese Federation GK and the JKF?
GK was formed in 1965 and joined the FAJKO( JKF- later) in the same year. The Goju Kai was originally formed by Gogen Yamaguchi sensei. After a few years Yamaguchi quit - and the GOJU KAI continued as renmei Goju Kai. Ujita sensei was the president. JKF is the official karate body in Japan and Okinawa.
What special incidents do you remember?
Asakusa dojo - in the years after the war, were violent years. When a student was promoted to black belt, he was to go into the street; bow to the first person then hit him. If he went backwards it was no good. If he collapsed this was good. This of course cannot be applied today.
To finalize the interview, what relationship if any is there between SEIWA KAI and the late Gogen Yamaguchi's IKGA group?
None at all. As I told you, Gogen sensei was always my only teacher. I was a senior (Sempei) to Goshi his son. We still remain on friendly terms. Our organizations are totally different.
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