In Tensho "hardness" and "softness" ( "Go" and "Ju" ) have to co-
exist in a constant state of flux such that the amount of each is
changing . Both must be present at all times. This complies with the
Yin-Yang theory from which "hard-soft" principles originates. So in a
predominantly soft (relaxed) state, "hardness" develops "inside". The
Chinese call it "steel wrapped in cotton" and a practical example is
the "unbendable arm" trick in Aikido.
By using turning or rounded actions, softness can be concentrated.
With rapid emission, "softness" is focus to a point to
become "hardness". At extreme "hardness" softness follows to complete
the cycle.
Therefore movements that appear to be linear, need to have a degree
of turning no matter how subtle, for these principles to work.
When the kata is performed this way one feels that the whole body is
unified and is not just movements by isolated parts of the body. The
performance of the kata will then feel more natural.

--- In gojuryu@yahoogroups.com, "W. Chroninger" <meibukan@...> wrote:
>
> Hello All,
>
> Just a quick note from my perspective: Tensho is not
> necessarily a "passive" kata, at least not according to my
teachings.
> Tensho, as with any other kata, is open to huge amounts of
> interpretation and understanding...I am not one to say that any
> certain way is correct or incorrect. I have learned and trained
> various hand drills from many different systems, some of which are
> thought to come from close ancestral lines of our system, and I have
> been shown the connection between these drills and the Tensho kata.
> Our system, being of "go" and "ju" is comprised of both elements,
and
> most can readily see these, at least in terms of basic differences
in
> technique: i.e.. "hard" equaling a straight punch and "soft"
equaling
> a rotary parry. I have learned that the "go-ju" relationship can and
> does go much further in meaning. Anyway, back to the main point,
the
> movements in Tensho can be interpreted as "soft", BUT they also can
> have "hard" interpretations as well. It all depends on HOW the
> movement is used and WHAT it does to the opponent. For those who
may
> have seen or felt some of these same "connections," this will make
> sense; for those who have not, just look at the movements and "play"
> with various functions and see what you can come up with. As far as
> using "certain particular exercises or movements," one must start
> somewhere. The important thing is to start and keep on going.
>
> Just another take, hope it helps some.
>
> Respectfully,
> Wade
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Fernando <fpcamara@...>
> To: <gojuryu@onelist.com>
> Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2000 6:02 AM
> Subject: [gojuryu] Post of Terry Reed about Tensho
>
>
> > From: "Fernando " <fpcamara@...>
> >
> > Dear Terry Reed,
> >
> > Your Tensho description is the Tensho taught in the Higa Seiko
> > lineage. What is the lineage of your sensei? However, Tensho is a
> > totally passive kata used to strenght the ligaments of the wrist
and
> > for escapes when grabbed.
> > Yes, there is a strong probabilty of this kata be inspirated in
the
> > Kakufa. This typical White Crane kata was taught by Miyagi but he
> > didn't include it in his syllabus after 50's. However, Kakufa was
> > taught regularly in Higa Seiko dojo, Kanki Izumikawa dojo, and
today
> > it is taught in the Gojukensha (Tadahiko Ohtsuka sensei). Kakufa
not
> > ressemble Kakuha or Hakutsuru-no-mai forms from sensei Toguchi.
> > Kakufa is a chinese kata that Miyagi learned from Gokenki or
brought
> > it from China.
> > Kakufa is also called Haufa. Kaku (Ho, Hao, Hau)=crane, Fa=boxing.
> > Kakufa=crane boxing. It can not be confounded with Hakucho that
is
> > generally shorter and taught in some Shito-ryu sects.
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ----
> > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates
> > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.
> > Apply NOW!
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/969/3/_/102018/_/951944573/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ----
> >
> >
> >
>