Narutake - If Possible and why?
 

Karate has had it guts spilled. And when all is revealed, people look for something else. Teachers look for ways of keeping students at the club. Organisations look for - new this, a different way, a hidden secret. All to attract numbers. This is wrong! Yes, one can go deeper in senior practice but I have found deeper means simpler not ‘hidden’ or complex. Why look for one hundred ways of extracting from a lapel grip when one will suffice!
 

When I formulated ‘Sho Hikari’ my task was to eliminate all I found to be a distraction from reality in the system I practised Goju Ryu. In time, with some tweaks, I was satisfied. Along the way I spoke at great length to Gm Colwell. We would discuss my ideas and I showed him each kata as they were developed. However, I do not claim in any way to have invented a new system, as I said I merely cleansed the old one. So in truth Sho Hikari does not exist, that is why I now teach under the banner of Narutake. Removal of the ‘waste’ from any system is my goal – my inspiration. I hope to be able to show (to those that wish) a way of focussing their training on ‘truthful’ practice.
 

All the main systems promote a proportion of instruction in which the human does not possess the reactions to implement. Actions that require a passive partner or a number count start. Both of which are not given during violent confrontation. Some sections of the East are constantly guilty of exporting myth and distortion. Myth sells - myth attracts, myth is good for business. When I last came back to teaching after a twenty-year exile of lone practice, I was dumbfounded. I was invited to teach at a club and was never asked back; perhaps the truth hurt!
 

Gary Spiers (RIP) and Steve Morris were sent to the UK to promote Goju in the early 70’s. Both turned their back on the curriculum provided and formulated their own way. Why? Because both were and are true warriors; men in violent employment have no time for fantasy or they bleed. Of course the politics of the East claimed other reasons. Only the other day I learnt that Gary Spiers graded students are not recognised by some of the hierarchy in Goju Kai. Which is rather like saying Mike Tyson is no authority in boxing! I laughed my c**k off! I have Gary Spiers signature on all my grades up to 4th Dan. There is no better accolade in the Goju world in my humble opinion.
 

This time the main thrust of my instruction will begin in the form of a seminar lasting eight months - yes EIGHT MONTHS! Over this period, I will teach just six senior classes. Each class will lay a path, which, if followed and practised, the senior will have elevated their own standards to a level where I believe a martial artist should be. Of course this will be passed through to their own students. I can then visit those who require me to, and so I will not be infiltrated by time wasters.
 

Using this method, I truly hope I can inject a much needed boost into the way modern karate is practised and portrayed. My methods require dedication, time and commitment. If you are after a quick fix – there is none!
 

Karate in some fields, has become so detached from its purpose I feel it should be re-named. That being the case, those that wish to practice in that way are free to do so. But to take what I have sweated, bled and lived for and shape it to suit monetary gain is sacrilege.
 

Finally, I do not claim to be all knowing, nor the best martial artist or the fiercest warrior. But I do claim honesty and reality. There are many who will ignore my claims. They are entitled to do so. But no one can argue against honesty and truth.
 

I suppose twenty years of lone practise has influenced me to be selfish in my instruction as I have sacrificed much. I make no apologies for that. However, one thing is for certain I will not be extorted in any way - fact!
 

So to those who wish to follow the path of Narutake. I do not set out to change your system, your loyalty or your method. I merely want to encourage you to practice truthfully and with that in mind your progress will become pure.