China Hand did not develop from Buddhism or Confucianism. In the past the Shorin School and the Shorei school were brought here from China. Both of these schools have strong points, which I will now mention before there are too many changes.
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China Hand is not merely practiced for your own benefit: it can be used to protect one's family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding a fight should one be confronted by a villain or ruffian.
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The purpose of China Hand is to make the muscles and bones hard as rock and to use the hands and legs as spears. If children were to begin training in China Hand while in elementary school, then they will be well suited for military service. Remember the words of the Duke of Wellington after he defeated Napoleon: "Our victory here today was achieved in our school yards."
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China Hand cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand miles. If one trains diligently everyday, then in three or four years one will come to understand China Hand. Those who train in this fashion will discover China Hand.
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In China Hand training of the hands and feet are important, so one must be thoroughly trained on the makiwara (striking post). In order to do this, drop your shoulders, open your lungs, take hold of your strength, grip the floor with your feet and sink your energy into your lower abdomen. Practice using each arm one to two hundred times each day.
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When one practices the stances of China Hand, be sure to keep your back straight, lower your shoulders, put strength in your legs, stand firmly and drop your energy into your lower abdomen.
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Practice each of the techniques of China Hand repeatedly, the use of which is passed by word of mouth. Learn the explanations well and decide when and in what manner to apply them when needed. Enter, counter, release is the rule of releasing hand (torite).
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You must decide if China Hand is for your health or to aid your duty.
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When you train, do so as if on the battlefield. Your eyes should glare, shoulders drop, and body harden.. You should always train with intensity and spirit and in this way you will naturally be ready.
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One must not over train; this will cause you to lose the energy in your lower abdomen and will be harmful to your body. Your face and eyes will turn red. Train wisely.
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In the past masters of China Hand have enjoyed long lives. China Hand aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation. If China Hand should be introduced beginning in the elementary schools, then we will produce many men each capable of defeating ten assailants. I further believe this can be done by having all students at the Okinawa Teachers Collage practice China Hand. In this way after graduation they can teach at the elementary schools that which they have been taught. I believe this will be a great benefit to our nation and our military. It is my hope you will seriously consider my suggestion.
Anko Itosu, October 1908
