I can truly feel how happy those old people were when he saw you wanting to learn their art. I see most of them are older generation. It's the saddest feeling when you are an expert of something wanting to pass that knowledge to someone, yet nobody seems to care...... so props to you mate! It's an awesome documentary of your journey in discovering the root of karate.
I agree. I have many things I know as a Doctor Machinist. That’s higher than a Master Machinist. Nobody cares because CNC programmers have only a book.
Everybody in America are doing MIxed Martial Arts (MMA) and beating up on the karate guys... The Jujitsu and Thai Boxers is beating everyone .. Where is our Bruce Lee when you need him😢
The style that incense shop boxing is likely taught for military. It's style is impractical for modern society as it is too deadly for average people to use. It's actually dangerous for that style of martial arts to be well known in the public. It was common for martial art schools to have competitive fighting back in the older times of China for the honor of their martial arts schools. The fighters would be left with permanent damage after these events. He is a chiropractor as he is a expert at understanding the skeleton system of the human body because his martial art was also designed to destroy the bones of their opponent.
at the end you use the term "kata" pretty sure that is a JAPANESE terminology, if you're in china maybe use the CHINESE terminology, i'm kind of sick of a country (japan) that is taking over chinese culture that is older then THEIR culture (and technically japanese ARE chinese) same with "DOJO" - that is a japanese pronunciation not chinese, same with goji berries (thats japanese pronunciation despite its a chinese medicinal berry) so much chinese stuff stolen and renamed
@@VTuber_Central People should stay true to their art , for a Karate practitioner , Kata is the right word to use. It is a blessing that arts and knowledge have been stolen , either by the west or japan , or all these will likely to be lost throughout history.
Master Pan Qiong Qi and his late father (Master Pan Cheng Miao) trained me in that very same dojo in 2007. I was also a guest in their home throughout my entire stay. This got me extremely emotional. I also travelled to Yong-Chun for that very same reason. I wanted to learn the origins of Okinawan Karate, before I headed to Okinawa to get trained and tested by the late Hanshi Nitta for my Shodan in Shorin-Ryu. Totally unexpected, Jesse. What are the odds?! As soon as you stated the Pan family and that the Dojo was established in 1928 in Yong-Chun, I knew where you are headed. I literally "screamed" at the screen upon seeing Master Pan Qiong Qi.
@@Bones-uu6zp Master Pan who trained me in Yong-Chun appears at 24:10 The style is extremely tense and precise. The footwork, posture, hand movements and even your chin have to be in-check at all times. I remember Master Pan's late father always corrected my chin direction. The idea is to drop your chin so it may protect your throat. The whole body composition and movement feels very unnatural the first few days. The style seems like the direct basis for Sanchin in Goju-Ryu, which is a style I haven't experimented with in Okinawa. Other things I did find extremely similar are the Long Staff styles presented by the late master Pan, and the Sai Kata presented by one of his students. The fact that there are no kicks whatsoever in the main Kata can drive you insane. It is extremely humbling that even when you seem to hardly move your feet above ground level, you have to be extremely precise with the inward foot direction, and overall legs bend and posture.
wow! what a privelege that must have been. I'm not really into karate but it must have been awesome to be welcomed as guest then trained in the entirety of your stay. How do you get to do that? Do you need to be fluent in Chinese? Is it like you pay them and they let you stay and train you or do they just welcome everyone to learn their craft and make them their guests?
@@TheAmazingTyagoman I made the initial contact with Mr. Martin Watts, who is the representative of Weng Gong Ci in Spain. I explained that I am a Ryukyu Kempo practitioner, interested in learning the roots of the art (White Crane). Mr. Watts talked to Master Pan and then sent me the details of their neighbor, who at the time was a young university student who was fluent in English. His nickname was "Kirk". He was the translator, and my contact and my right hand throughout the whole stay. I think that he doesn't live in China anymore. He moved to Australia. He is a great person and a true friend. Nonetheless, my visit was "labeled" a "Cultural Exchange", and it drew much attention to master Pan's dojo. During my stay, at least one newspaper article was published (I still have a hard copy to this day), and two TV news articles were televised, detailing the visit. Master Pan, his family and Kirk were like a family to me. They didn't ask for any money whatsoever. Yet, any person with common sense knows that you should acknowledge their kindness and at least cover their expenses: daily workouts, meals, a roof over your head, and most of all, big honest smiles and a loving family that makes you feel at home. I knew master Pan would not accept any money. I simply left what I thought was right in two envelopes (one for Master Pan and one for Kirk), and handed them to Kirk at the airport, before my flight to Okinawa. I had hoped for years to return to Yong Chun, and dreamed of seeing Master Pan Cheng Miao again (may his soul rest in peace). However, I started a family and a business over the years, and it made travelling to the far east for a prolonged period of time somewhat of an impossibility. Jesse's documentary is amazing! It moved me so emotionally at a very personal level, it reaffirmed that my stay in Yong Chun is one of the highlights of my life! Seriously, what are the odds?! Who would have thought that 15 years later I would "stumble" upon a video on TH-cam that takes me back to that village, that Dojo, to seeing Master Pan Qiong Qi out of "nowhere" - of all the millions of people, and the hundreds of masters Jesse could have met in China?! Simply amazing!
@@cupidok2768I don't know whether or not Master Pan has a translator in Yong Chun. I think it is best to ask Mr. Martin Watts. Mr. Watts speaks English. He is an amazing Martial Artist and if I remember correctly, he does speak Mandarin. Search google for "Yongchun White Crane Weng Gong Ci". The website has all the information.
As an Okinawan born and living in Brazil, I just understand the big difference between the culture of Ryukyu and Japan, Okinawa is more of South China culture than Japan, all of the symbols and stuff and to be fair you can find little thing about Okinawa's past online. Thank you, it was enlightening.
For people who do not know any Chinese, (I know a little only) the province of Fujian is what the majority Min people, who speak the Minnan dialect refer to Fujian (this is in Mandarin) as Hokkien . We in Southeast Asia where many of the Fujian diaspora live refer to this dialect as Hokkien. Taiwanese is just Hokkien, as their ancestors migrated from Fujian (especially from Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Xiamen etc - these names are in Mandarin: the locals refer to them as Chuanchew, Chiangchew and Eh Mng (or badly transliterated before as Amoy in the Chiangchew variant). What I want to point out are: 1) Yong Chun (Mandarin), Eng Choon(Hokkien) and Wing Chun(Cantonese) are the same - if you can read Chinese, they are the same words 2) The calligraphy word "wu" (Mandarin) is pronounced "bu" in Hokkien because the Japanese pronounce it the Hokkien way, like many borrowed Chinese words in Japanese and Korean. The "ki" in the Japanese "reiki" is how we Hokkiens say "energy" - or "qi" or "chi" in Mandarin for "taiqi" or "tai chi" In the places you visited, they were explaining in Mandarin because your companions, like most Mandarin speakers, cannot understand Hokkien (or Minnan).
Koxinga the Ming Chinese royalist who kicked out of the Dutch seized Taiwan is a mix of Japanese and Chinese born in Japan. His father is from that area(Quanzhou) too. From this you can see the migrants' influence 400 years go. It happens that Koxinga was born in 1664 and the Dutch started to rule Taiwan in 1664. It's 400 year anniversary this year. One more example: The former Filipino president Duterte's grandfather(from mother's side)'s Chinese ancestors were from that area too...
Your little is a lot; very interesting. As for self - defense technique transfer, Japan is close by . Karate seems to be an extension of Tai Chi when speeded up. Leave it to the Japanese every aspects of life seems to be further refined - Zen Buddhism and temples , for example.
Fujian is a province of China, Min is one of many dialects in Fujian province, not the only one. Hokka people is the nomadic people in China, Hokkienese are scattered everywhere in China, some are in Fujian province, some are in Taiwan province. Taiwan province has people from many different provinces of China. Mandarin is the official dialect in Taiwan province.
An hour and fifteen minute karate/kung fu documentary by the Karate Nerd? Can I get a Hell Yeah!!!!?? I'm in heaven. Thank you Jesse, its rare people like you who keep the flame of traditional martial arts from dying out.
Every lover of Eastern martial arts is in a state of gratitude! What a documentary! What a video! My congratulations from Brazil! I am a practitioner of Choy Lay Fut and I was focused from the beginning to the end of the video, my congratulations!"
It was truly amazing to see your journey, and the amount of generosity you received, as well as the beauty of your curiosity and humbleness. Absolutely delightful to watch. As a Japanese descent, married to a American-Taiwanese descent, our son practices both Shaolin Kung Fu and Judo. So for me, it feels particularly touching to connect our two heritages. It breaks my heart to see the tension rise between China and Japan, when our cultures and values have so much in common. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.
This ties in really well to the video you did with Kevin Lee about the commonalities between Wing Chun and karate. White Crane is one of the predecessor styles of Wing Chun as well. Its amazing how you can really see the animal inspiration in the forearm strikes being like beating wings. I'm surprised Netflix hasn't picked up up for a documentary series.
You uncovered some really unbelievable stuff. I hope to heck that 'Incense Shop' kung fu is preserved. I honestly thought you had a memorable trip before you discovered Mr. Lin in his chiropractor business. And getting calligraphy made for you is a super honor. I'm durn jealous. You apparently kept the right goals in mind because so many people go looking for martial arts and end up in the tourist schools.
Yes and to put some context, in older times, 唐 is often used in Japanese to refer to Chinese things. For example I saw one Kanbun work refer to China as 唐之土, the land of Tang.
It's actually not as clear as it sounds, but one of the leading explanation is: 舞方（me-kata）from early ryukyu kingdom era of okinawa, a rudimentary form of martial arts and likely a ritual dance -> refined as a martial art as 手(ti) at some point during the Ryukyu kingdom/Ryukyu-han era and increasing presence of variations with more Chinese martial art influence but largely still the same name -> became 手(te)/琉球手(ru-chu-ti/ryukyu-te)/沖縄手(uchina-ti/okinawa-te) with 唐手（to-di/to-te) semi-splitting off but still influencing each other starting from the 19 century -> both 琉球手 and 唐手 are both fused into effectively the same thing and starts to be referred to as 唐手(karate) 1901 of the Meiji era and after -> from 1929 of the Showa era it's now mostly known as 空手(karate) -> officially カラテ(karate)/"KARATE" from 1970 and onwards. Slightly confusing here because in modern times today, there's technically a difference between 空手道(karatedou) and カラテ(karate), whereas 空手道 is the sports version. the one where you see people practicing normally wearing dougi and the colored belt system and in national and international competitions like the olympic. and カラテ would be the one where you practice for practical purposes. Of course, while they're used interchangeably when written, they're technically different things as so many of カラテ is out right banned in 空手道, and it so happens many of those banned techniques are the more heavily Chinese martial art influenced parts. Karate didn't came from Japan, it PROBABLY originated from the Sanzan era(Educated guesses. Very little to no records of this era was kept in Ryukyu records.) of Okinawa, which then unified to become the Ryukyu Kingdom, who was a tributary state of Ming(China) and is likely when the heavy Chinese influence started coming in, which after the successful invasion of Ryukyu at 1609 turned it into a vassal state of Satsuma-han and then later becoming Ryukyu-han at 1872 by Imperial Japan. Then annexed and absorbed as Okinawa at 1879. All in all, Karate either came from technically Ryukyu(Native Okinawan island cultures) or technically China(Tribulary Ryukyu) depending on how far back you want to trace it's origins and at what point you personally decide if it's still Karate. But no doubt it's evolution is mostly revolved around the Okinawan Islands. Honestly probably should have gone to Okinawa instead of Fujian or something lol. But I guess it wouldn't have as much of a clickbaityness and wouldn't be much of a video in the first place.
@@NanashiCAST This vid is about the origin of the form which is from China. The name change of Karate from "唐手" to "空手" only took place after Imperial Japan annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom.
I have no idea why this showed up on my recommended videos but I'm grateful that it did. Mr. Enkamp you're so fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with those individuals while visiting China. While I haven't trained in over a few decades, during my twenty years of practicing karate, I was lucky enough to meet Sensei Mamoru Yamamoto several times while under the tutelage of Sensei Rayburn Nichols and his wife DJ. Those were great times during the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. Sadly they've all passed but without their training, guidance, friendship and love I would be less of a person that I am today. May you always be "A True Karate Person".
Jesse, I've chased this story for nearly 60 years. At this point I think I can make some small contribution to the topic. You are correct, we ( In my case the Matsumura Family Shorin) are not from the Northern Temple, but from the Southern Shaolin, which was founded in 630 AD, but separated from the Hunan temple in 915. From what I've so far learned, Crane Fist Boxing divided into four subsystems, just as you learned. I have Gogen Yamaguchi's 1966 biography "The Cat" in hard cover, where he shows photos of the Bubishi, Yamaguchi, of course learned from Chojun Miyagi, 1888-1953 who was brought as a young man to Fujian by his mentor Higgiona Kanryo 1855-1915 to meet "Ryu Ryu Ko" more properly called Wan Shuen 1852-1930 who taught Crying Crane, which is why see the "Lion's Breath" in Go Ju Sanchin. There is strong indication that Wing Chun is a descendent of either Crane Fist Boxing or one or more of the subsystems. I can comment at considerable length, but this is not the place or time.
Thanks very much Jesse for making making this documentary . As a student of Shito-Ryu karate for the past six years I found your journey to China and meeting many kung-fu masters fascinating.
I watched it second time from start till end. What a great material Jesse. Inspiration. Even got bit emotional at the end when you shared your adventures with your mom. Thank you!
When I ask MMA or martial arts fans for an example of a karate practitioner/fighter, they always say lyoto machida. But in my opinion Jesse is much greater, he sought out and studied the roots of karate and went deeper into it and perfected his combat style. You are the real karateka
You asked for a fighter and they gave you one. In no world is Jesse a better fighter than Machida. Next time try asking them to name an ambassador if thats the kind of answer you're looking for. Or just continue alienating people by asking questions in bad faith then telling them why theyre wrong. But who are we kidding, the stawman never existed.
@@sinistercr0347 Well, karate from the beginning was a martial art of self-defense with techniques that MMA (sports) would never include in its rules. Lyoto himself has already said on his Instagram that in MMA there is a bubble, a bubble that upon entering he had to give up a lot of the shotokan karate taught by his father, he had to give up the essence of his karate to be able to compete in the midst of sports environment, of course lyoto's style is based on his karate style (fighting style, not karate style like kyokushin, gojo ryu, etc.)
The old dude at 47:00 said his younger brother opened a martial arts school in the US. As they were walking, he mentioned "zai jia zhou" - in California. Thank you Jesse, for a fascinating and informative documentary.
Unique, incredible, perfect documentary by Jesse Sensei! White Crane style and Uechi-Ryu Karate Do: After studying about 10 years under Shū Shiwa/Zhou Zihe, Kanbun Uechi (founder of UECHI-RYU) opened his own school in Nanjing in 1906, and he continued periodic training under Zhou Zihe for a total of 13 years. Three years later, Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa, determined never to teach again because reportedly one of his Chinese students had killed a neighbor with an open-hand technique in a dispute over land irrigation. While in Okinawa, Kanbun Uechi did not teach his martial art. In 1912, a tea merchant and White Crane Kung Fu master Go Kenki (Wú Xiánguì) who knew him settled in Okinawa.
Great video, kudos to the creator! I'm half Japanese and half Australian. If you look at the history of many things in Japan, you'll realize they originated in China. Bonsai, Ikebana flower arranging, Green Tea and Sado, Go Chess, Sword forging, Karate, Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, Calligraphy and Ink Making, Ramen, Porcelain making, Rice cultivation, Temples, Gardens, Shamisen instrument, Kimono (Go-Huku), Geta (Footwear), Washi (Japanese paper), Origami, Tofu, Soy Sauce, Sake (Rice wine) etc. The Chinese story Monkey King: Journey to the West directly influenced many shows including Dragon Ball. You also also see this clearly in the Japanese writing in the form of Kanji - which literally means "Chinese (Han) Words".
@笹がき Thank you for your detailed reply. I agree with you. I think many things in Japan evolved to become their own over time which is wonderful. I personally practice Japanese Iaido and the sword is treated sacredly and is an integral part of Shinto. It isn't just a weapon unlike in many cultures.
Magnifikt dokument. Tiden du lagt ner på detta är bortom vad väldigt många människor är införstådda med. Och du gör det för att fortbilda. Som lärare så känner jag vördnad inför detta. Tack snälla för detta, och allt annat, som du delar med världen.
When Gichin Funakoshi first brought Karate to Japan he published a Karate book. It was called KARA which means CHINA in Japanese language... and TE which means HAND. Upon realising that the Japanese were not too fond of China he used another Japanese word KARA meaning EMPTY. It was initially called Karate Jitsu (Technique) and later Karate Do (Way) ... following Jigaro Kano who transformed the Ju (Soft/Gentle ) Jitsu (Technique ) he learned into Judo (Gentle Way).
@@masishta ... Thanks for your reply bro. In my personal collection of martial arts books it is explained that "JITSU" means "TECHNIQUE" whilst "DO" means "WAY". I did not get the meanings from the internet.
Great video!!! I watched it from beginning to end without stopping. Your production value is high. The cogency and coherence of the narrative thread are strong, and there was never a dull moment. You are a great storyteller. And like so many of your countrymen, you excel at producing history. You have my highest respect and appreciation! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I got so inspired from the stories and meeting the old masters. The information you discovered is invaluable. Keep sharing the love, brother!
I'm a 34 year old white belt in Shorin Ryu, gotta say your vids are awesome man. Karate's such a rich and fun hobby/meditation/way of life. Keep it up! You're a fantastic martial artist .
Thats the true kung fu. Karate - white pijama- boyss marching with funny warcries kung fu - drunken fist fight behind a dumpster on a dark alley/ You opponent is Lee from Nike-sweatshop/ Your sensei is chain smoking trash panda/
It was so cool, especially how people were so keen to teach you. It's a beautiful moment for humanity. The demonstration with Master Lin was especially cool.
Blir så inspirerad! Jag har tänkt mycket på att börja Karate sen jag va väldigt liten, men det hände aldrig. Är 31 nu, och funderar verkligen på att börja ganska snart, mest för mentala + jag behöver träning och komma ut mer.
I can't thank you enough for this video. It was superb (a word I NEVER use!). As a Karate practitioner, student, teacher and researcher, I have learned much from your trip. It has confirmed some of my own research. I will never have the chance to do a trip like this, so what you have done is to discover the heart of both Naha-te and Shuri-te Karate. As a Shuri-re practitioner myself, if I could, I would love to go back to the Insense-shop style and learn more. Very well done indeed Jesse.
I was taught by my DaiSensei many years ago that our Okinawan Goju-Ryu descended mainly from Southern Buddist Palm and White Crane Kung Fu. To see the history captured in this detail and finding the modern day connection is surreal. I have been to Okinawa to look for a traditional connection to the Naha-Te, but this is next level and inspiring for a trip at some point in the near future. My late Sensei was an avid researcher as well and did meet some obscure masters on his travels in his younger days long before internet was a thing.
Thank you, sir, for the lesson and tour of my hometown !! I’ve been out of China for 40 years now and never been back. To hear the people and masters speak our local dialect was nostalgic. I will go back to visit soon. For the first time in 40 years. Master Chang (Kung fu hotel) was so powerful. His moves were explosive. Getting hit by him would be like getting hit by a truck. I was a cop for 22 years. The NYPD used to carry tonfas instead of regular straight batons, for a while. But, nobody knew how to use it so we went back to a straight stick. Thank you again Love your channel :)
Thanks for making this video. My father use to tell me stories about my grand-father when I was a kid, about how he travelled China to learn about martial arts in pre-WW2 days. He told me how he would train his students to hold a 10 feet long staff with one hand at the extremity. I called it bullshit, and never really believed him. God damnit, I just saw it happen in your video at 19:02.
I have practiced Karate all my life and studied other Chinese martial arts sporadically to find the connections between it all and ultimately improve my Karate. Your documentary is humbling, eye opening and just wow ! Amazing what one can achieve with passion and drive , beautiful journey!! Thanks for sharing with the world !
as a youngster i did kyokishin karate ( mas oyamas) but somehow i was always fascinated with kung fu moreso southern boxing and the crane form. but this documentary showed me i was on the right path wanting to learn and understand the essence of where karate originated. makes me want to get back into martial arts once again. thanks for this
Bro you are very dedicated to karate and ancient martial arts that's impressive. Because now day we have only sports martial arts and it's not complete like ancient martial arts. Ancient martial arts all form and techniques invented by deep observation and analysis.
Jesse, my dear brother from another mother, I thoroughly commend you for this amazing documentary-style video focused on the side of Karate that not a lot of people, let alone academics, talk about. Your deep research and meticulous method in bringing everything together is worthy of laudability and aspiration. I wish you a lot of love, prosperity, abundance, and wisdom in this new year of 2024.
The word "Nun Chuck", or in Japanese "Nun Cha Ku", is actually originated from Fujian Fuzhou dialect pronunciation of Chinese phrase "两节棍", meaning "stick of two segments".
i've been watching this journey since you started it maybe 2 years ago if i'm not mistaken. well done on your work jesse and keep being the amazing person you are
This was a great watch, Jesse. I learned so much. Kudos. You conducted yourself with humility and respect, as befits a pupil honestly seeking knowledge and wisdom from others, and brought honour to yourself, your dojo, and karate.
So many variations of Fujian styles between the crane / wuzu / lohan / southern shaolin / taizu / dog styles. Its a fascinating area of martial study. Mix that in with the constant martial / military presence needed on the coastlines of china it holds alot of rich kung fu history.
Geeetings Jesse! I’ve been a practitioner of Wing Chun for over 10 years now but I constantly refer back to this documentary you made because not only is it just so good, but it also constantly puts so many different ideas in my mind about my art. I’m almost convinced that Wing Chun is indeed a child of White Crane because not only does it share the same mythological origin story about a woman founder and having husband as first student, it also seems to share the same weaponry and training method devices such as the wooden dummy you walked passed. However, one of the most brain shattering things that I couldn’t believe I never put two and two together was that the White Crane temple was located in a town named “Yong Chun” which after researching, I learned literally translates to same as “Wing Chun.” The loose translations seem to agree they both mean things along the line of “eternal spring” or “singing spring fist” or in longer versions “singing peacefully in springtime.” I think the similarity between the names of the origin of White Crane’s city Yong Chun and the actual name of Wing Chun are two close to be ignored! Thank you for yet another mind blowing thought and moment for my own research.
I hope that the Incense Shop Boxing style has been / is being fully documented and filmed for posterity - especially if nobody is studying it under Master Lin !
@@MrCookding hmm i can hear chinese , he defintely saying some stance and breathing techique into the moves , which was not translated well , what a waste if he didnt pass it down to new generation
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for your efforts in creating this video! I enjoy your channel very much...BUT THIS...was very special. I am a 57 year old man who has had 2 pastimes in life, music and training. (video games are a close 3rd lol) The passion that was shown in this video was immeasurable. To witness this (in my opinion) is the true essence of the Martial Arts. (not to sound dramatic) but there were a few times in this video when I was moved to tears. Even though it was seen on a tv screen, one could feel the devotion, dedication and child like excitement from these masters. This video also shows your character. You are very skilled, yet humble and polite. Using what my Sensei used to call "the sponge technique". I remember a short hot tempered 11 year old being told " The more you know,the more you realize you do not know". For you to still apply these virtues in your videos is a testament to your core values. You are indeed a breath of fresh air in a world that relies on brazen ego, false bravado and lack of knowledge. Thank you very much !
Great job Jesse! Congratulations to you and great thanks to those who helped and hosted you. The enthusiasm shown by the teachers is infectious. Like fire stirred up by the love of the art and the joy of sharing it.
That was one of your best videos, fascinating. There were so many movements I recognised from my karate style (Seido Juku) especially what we call self defences. The five Ancestors master showed some moves we do on these techniques. Amazing video, thank you.
This was an incredible video\series. Thank you so much for sharing this! It is so wonderful (and rare) to see a Martial Artist who's only agenda is to learn more about the Martial Arts and to share that with other Martial Artists. Absolutely wonderful!
One thing anyone can take from this video? Everything changes and evolves. I see nowadays people resisting the changes in martial arts need to undergo to be effective again for fighting, and this amazing documentary shows a fraction of how karate came to be. As a Shotokan practitioner, interested in becoming better at fighting, I see the point that we need to be less resistant in letting what we know adapt to the current challenges posed by modern combat sports and modern practices. Greate work Jesse! You keep me inspired as always👊
Best video about Karate roots I've ever seen. So well presented. The Chinese masters were very hospitable and so willing to show and explain to you too. Many thanks and please keep your videos coming!
What a great video, I’ve recently been watching your videos for your history and sparing videos. Especially since I am considered a history and martial arts nerd myself. It is amazing to see 白鹤拳 in action! Actually I have stopped my karate training for a while but this gives me motivation to continue it again! Thank you for documentary of your stay in Fujian!
I was a kid that grew up on shows like Human Weapon and Fight Quest. It really was a pleasure seeing this documentary by you. As a martial arts nerd myself you enthusiasm jumped off the screen into me. I instantly got brought back to a younger version of myself getting ready for Judo practice, nerding out about the history of Martial Arts. Thank you for this.
Damn, I loved this series when it first came out! I got so excited, I thought that you had travelled back to China again! Was great to rewatch though, definitely should check out south korea and Tae Kwon Do and Karates relationship
No tienes idea como esperaba otro vídeo tuyo, y haz vuelto con material de oro, quiero que sepas que tu trabajo es muy apreciado para mí y mi familia, por cierto, el último maestro de la tienda de incienso parte de su estilo se parece a el estilo de Inoue ha de la keishin-kai, un abrazo hermano.
Jesse...that was an incredible journey back through time. Not only extremely informative but inspirational as well as super entertaining. I do hope you can make it back to China...to study more with the the last Man and Master of the final piece of your puzzle. It would most assuredly make you an expert in a martial art form..not practiced here in America. I've watched many of your videos...but this one was the most riveting. I live in Portland, Oregon and have since 1965... but I am a born and raised Oregonian. My God-Parents were Cantonese and I lived with them for over 24 years...and during that time, I studied I studied Karate and Kungfu. My best friend is Chinese and is a few years younger than myself ...I'm almost 80, now and can't move like I did in my 20's to my 50's...but my friend looks like Bruce Lee and has practiced his style since he was 15. There's so much to say about Chinese Kungfu, but I can tell you from experience...sparing and living with my friend for over 50 years..he's still extremely agile, super strong and definitely no one you'd want to mess with...even at his age of 73. Thank you for such a remarkable and enjoyable video. LEE FRY
I study Mandarin as a hobby and I can say the friend you used to translate for you has top-tier pronunciation. He sounds very "standard." Also, the interviews are really enjoyable and the video quality is exceptional. 🀄️空手道🥋
The master in the final part actually wants to convey the idea that , big and small movement are the same , one way or another there is always a way to damage the target , the energy (breath) has to flow out just like the movement (this is why the movement are wide). Although the speech is not much from the final master , the content is really kind of priceless. Still this is just a small piece that is left from what has been destroyed through out the time. Just from this short speech actually answered one of my biggest question throughout the years , and for southern part to practice narrow style actually make sense when the person do not wish to reveal too much about how the movement really works , and just faster movements.
Amazing! Not just the entire doc, but you are such a humble and down to earth young man. No idea how you ended up on my recommended, extremely glad you did, I subscribed immediately after watching this and pls stay amazing!
I am not a master and I don't know the kata of styles. Watching the video, when I saw Master Li in the children's wushu and white swan part, I felt for myself that I would have stayed there and with that master. I felt like you will come back after that long journey. I feel like a young man of 50 years old but frail and I wish I could train with Master Li. Thank you for the whole video. You are a wonderful person and a humble soul. If a mold cannot be shaped gracefully according to fluid reality, it will never live.
i studied karate for a good part of my childhood but watching this makes me wish i had never stopped learning. you did a great job with this, thank you!
Eu sou brasileiro, tenho 17 anos e já pratiquei dois estilos de karatê, sendo eles Uechi Ryu e o Shotokan, gosto de acompanhar seus vídeos mesmo não entendendo algumas coisas, as vezes as legendas não traduzem algumas coisas em português (para quem não sabe nós brasileiros não falamos espanhol mas sim português, pois fomos colonizados por Portugal). Eu não costumo comentar em canais que são de outros países, mas esse vídeo me impressionou pela qualidade e o trabalho bem feito, gosto muito dos seus vídeos, nesse vídeo você viveu uma das experiências que eu gostaria de ter vivido, amo artes marciais e sempre quis viajar e visitar lugares com importância histórica para as artes marciais, ainda mais conhecer pessoas que são de estilos tão únicos, até mesmo conhecer pessoas que são últimos mestres de determinado estilo. Espero que a tradução do que eu escrevi fique fácil de entender kkkkkk
Wonderful content, and very educational! I appreciate your clear eyed, fact focused approach to the subject. A future project request. What could you find out about Bushi Matsumura? I study Matsumura Seito Shorin ryu and even around skilled, educated individuals I still hear what is probably myth.
He mistranslated what the old dude said of his brother's dojo in America. He said that he does both Northern and Southern style, but then said he's in California. It sounded like "family style" but it's actually California.
Incense Shop Boxing! What an exciting surprise! A long-hidden treasure of knowledge. Now I know more about the roots of the Karate style I practice. Thank you for sharing this inspirational documentary!
My opinion is that even though karate did not originate in Japan, after many years of evolution and the incorporation of new techniques and knowledge, karate has become a “new form” of martial art and is now considered a Japanese art. It is not only technical but also cultural. The Earth is round; people come and go on different continents, and we human beings share and exchange knowledge and culture every single minute, especially in the 21st century. After all, under the sky and under heaven, there is only one family. Respect and love from Hong Kong.
@@challenger516 many people love to claim that karate isn’t a Japanese martial art because of its “root” tho, especially some Hokkien martial art practitioners
@@challenger516 I think you kinda you misunderstand what I wanna express, and of coz I am not Japanese, I am from Hong Kong. I just wanna say that many people argue that Karate is not a Japanese martial art but for me it is. And, we all human beings have only two feet and two hands, which means that many techniques from different styles can be very similar. Styles are just styles, it is good to preserve customs and culture, but keep saying things like “something must be originated from somewhere” sometimes is the reason why we human beings have conflicts with each others. Anyway, have a nice day.
Where should I travel next? 🥋
Mongolia
Philippines
Visit Master Zoran Spasov in N.Macedonia
@@panzerfaust1892 Do they have carrot cake? 🍰
India
I can truly feel how happy those old people were when he saw you wanting to learn their art. I see most of them are older generation.
It's the saddest feeling when you are an expert of something wanting to pass that knowledge to someone, yet nobody seems to care...... so props to you mate!
It's an awesome documentary of your journey in discovering the root of karate.
I agree. I have many things I know as a Doctor Machinist. That’s higher than a Master Machinist. Nobody cares because CNC programmers have only a book.
Nobody cares , because Nobody Knows (that they should care). 🙏
What they can do preserve is to use modern technology. Motion capture or VR.
Record all the moves n application
Everybody in America are doing MIxed Martial Arts (MMA) and beating up on the karate guys... The Jujitsu and Thai Boxers is beating everyone .. Where is our Bruce Lee when you need him😢
The style that incense shop boxing is likely taught for military. It's style is impractical for modern society as it is too deadly for average people to use. It's actually dangerous for that style of martial arts to be well known in the public. It was common for martial art schools to have competitive fighting back in the older times of China for the honor of their martial arts schools. The fighters would be left with permanent damage after these events. He is a chiropractor as he is a expert at understanding the skeleton system of the human body because his martial art was also designed to destroy the bones of their opponent.
The production value of this video needs an award. Kudos to you and your team.
Yes indeed
at the end you use the term "kata" pretty sure that is a JAPANESE terminology, if you're in china maybe use the CHINESE terminology, i'm kind of sick of a country (japan) that is taking over chinese culture that is older then THEIR culture (and technically japanese ARE chinese) same with "DOJO" - that is a japanese pronunciation not chinese, same with goji berries (thats japanese pronunciation despite its a chinese medicinal berry) so much chinese stuff stolen and renamed
@@VTuber_Central People should stay true to their art , for a Karate practitioner , Kata is the right word to use. It is a blessing that arts and knowledge have been stolen , either by the west or japan , or all these will likely to be lost throughout history.
also the passion!
Yes
Master Pan Qiong Qi and his late father (Master Pan Cheng Miao) trained me in that very same dojo in 2007. I was also a guest in their home throughout my entire stay. This got me extremely emotional. I also travelled to Yong-Chun for that very same reason. I wanted to learn the origins of Okinawan Karate, before I headed to Okinawa to get trained and tested by the late Hanshi Nitta for my Shodan in Shorin-Ryu. Totally unexpected, Jesse. What are the odds?! As soon as you stated the Pan family and that the Dojo was established in 1928 in Yong-Chun, I knew where you are headed. I literally "screamed" at the screen upon seeing Master Pan Qiong Qi.
@@Bones-uu6zp
Master Pan who trained me in Yong-Chun appears at 24:10
The style is extremely tense and precise. The footwork, posture, hand movements and even your chin have to be in-check at all times. I remember Master Pan's late father always corrected my chin direction. The idea is to drop your chin so it may protect your throat. The whole body composition and movement feels very unnatural the first few days.
The style seems like the direct basis for Sanchin in Goju-Ryu, which is a style I haven't experimented with in Okinawa. Other things I did find extremely similar are the Long Staff styles presented by the late master Pan, and the Sai Kata presented by one of his students.
The fact that there are no kicks whatsoever in the main Kata can drive you insane. It is extremely humbling that even when you seem to hardly move your feet above ground level, you have to be extremely precise with the inward foot direction, and overall legs bend and posture.
wow! what a privelege that must have been. I'm not really into karate but it must have been awesome to be welcomed as guest then trained in the entirety of your stay. How do you get to do that? Do you need to be fluent in Chinese? Is it like you pay them and they let you stay and train you or do they just welcome everyone to learn their craft and make them their guests?
@@TheAmazingTyagoman I made the initial contact with Mr. Martin Watts, who is the representative of Weng Gong Ci in Spain. I explained that I am a Ryukyu Kempo practitioner, interested in learning the roots of the art (White Crane). Mr. Watts talked to Master Pan and then sent me the details of their neighbor, who at the time was a young university student who was fluent in English. His nickname was "Kirk". He was the translator, and my contact and my right hand throughout the whole stay. I think that he doesn't live in China anymore. He moved to Australia. He is a great person and a true friend.
Nonetheless, my visit was "labeled" a "Cultural Exchange", and it drew much attention to master Pan's dojo. During my stay, at least one newspaper article was published (I still have a hard copy to this day), and two TV news articles were televised, detailing the visit.
Master Pan, his family and Kirk were like a family to me. They didn't ask for any money whatsoever. Yet, any person with common sense knows that you should acknowledge their kindness and at least cover their expenses: daily workouts, meals, a roof over your head, and most of all, big honest smiles and a loving family that makes you feel at home.
I knew master Pan would not accept any money. I simply left what I thought was right in two envelopes (one for Master Pan and one for Kirk), and handed them to Kirk at the airport, before my flight to Okinawa.
I had hoped for years to return to Yong Chun, and dreamed of seeing Master Pan Cheng Miao again (may his soul rest in peace). However, I started a family and a business over the years, and it made travelling to the far east for a prolonged period of time somewhat of an impossibility.
Jesse's documentary is amazing! It moved me so emotionally at a very personal level, it reaffirmed that my stay in Yong Chun is one of the highlights of my life! Seriously, what are the odds?! Who would have thought that 15 years later I would "stumble" upon a video on TH-cam that takes me back to that village, that Dojo, to seeing Master Pan Qiong Qi out of "nowhere" - of all the millions of people, and the hundreds of masters Jesse could have met in China?!
Simply amazing!
DOES he have a translator
@@cupidok2768I don't know whether or not Master Pan has a translator in Yong Chun. I think it is best to ask Mr. Martin Watts. Mr. Watts speaks English. He is an amazing Martial Artist and if I remember correctly, he does speak Mandarin.
Search google for "Yongchun White Crane Weng Gong Ci". The website has all the information.
As an Okinawan born and living in Brazil, I just understand the big difference between the culture of Ryukyu and Japan, Okinawa is more of South China culture than Japan, all of the symbols and stuff and to be fair you can find little thing about Okinawa's past online. Thank you, it was enlightening.
Free Ryukyu!
Republic of Ryukyu
Okinawa = Japan, and you know it boy.
Many Okinawans don't even consider themselves Japanese. They were colonized and there is still resentment there.
@@carelessmorning i don't care
For people who do not know any Chinese, (I know a little only) the province of Fujian is what the majority Min people, who speak the Minnan dialect refer to Fujian (this is in Mandarin) as Hokkien . We in Southeast Asia where many of the Fujian diaspora live refer to this dialect as Hokkien. Taiwanese is just Hokkien, as their ancestors migrated from Fujian (especially from Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Xiamen etc - these names are in Mandarin: the locals refer to them as Chuanchew, Chiangchew and Eh Mng (or badly transliterated before as Amoy in the Chiangchew variant).
What I want to point out are: 1) Yong Chun (Mandarin), Eng Choon(Hokkien) and Wing Chun(Cantonese) are the same - if you can read Chinese, they are the same words 2) The calligraphy word "wu" (Mandarin) is pronounced "bu" in Hokkien because the Japanese pronounce it the Hokkien way, like many borrowed Chinese words in Japanese and Korean. The "ki" in the Japanese "reiki" is how we Hokkiens say "energy" - or "qi" or "chi" in Mandarin for "taiqi" or "tai chi"
In the places you visited, they were explaining in Mandarin because your companions, like most Mandarin speakers, cannot understand Hokkien (or Minnan).
Reiki in japanese (霊気) are call Língqì in mandarin
while Tàijí in mandarin (太極) are call Taikyoku
Koxinga the Ming Chinese royalist who kicked out of the Dutch seized Taiwan is a mix of Japanese and Chinese born in Japan. His father is from that area(Quanzhou) too. From this you can see the migrants' influence 400 years go. It happens that Koxinga was born in 1664 and the Dutch started to rule Taiwan in 1664. It's 400 year anniversary this year.
One more example: The former Filipino president Duterte's grandfather(from mother's side)'s Chinese ancestors were from that area too...
Your little is a lot; very interesting. As for self - defense technique transfer, Japan is close by . Karate seems to be an extension of Tai Chi when speeded up. Leave it to the Japanese every aspects of life seems to be further refined - Zen Buddhism and temples , for example.
Fujian is a province of China, Min is one of many dialects in Fujian province, not the only one. Hokka people is the nomadic people in China, Hokkienese are scattered everywhere in China, some are in Fujian province, some are in Taiwan province. Taiwan province has people from many different provinces of China. Mandarin is the official dialect in Taiwan province.
most of the masters are speaking Fuzhounese (Hók-ciŭ-ngṳ̄) Fuzhou-Hua, which is different from Hokkien
An hour and fifteen minute karate/kung fu documentary by the Karate Nerd? Can I get a Hell Yeah!!!!?? I'm in heaven. Thank you Jesse, its rare people like you who keep the flame of traditional martial arts from dying out.
It’s my way of life! 🥋
This is a gift to the entire world of karate.
Thank you, Jesse.
This is such high quality storytelling! Well done!!
Thank you so much!
Every lover of Eastern martial arts is in a state of gratitude! What a documentary! What a video! My congratulations from Brazil! I am a practitioner of Choy Lay Fut and I was focused from the beginning to the end of the video, my congratulations!"
It was truly amazing to see your journey, and the amount of generosity you received, as well as the beauty of your curiosity and humbleness. Absolutely delightful to watch. As a Japanese descent, married to a American-Taiwanese descent, our son practices both Shaolin Kung Fu and Judo. So for me, it feels particularly touching to connect our two heritages. It breaks my heart to see the tension rise between China and Japan, when our cultures and values have so much in common. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.
This ties in really well to the video you did with Kevin Lee about the commonalities between Wing Chun and karate. White Crane is one of the predecessor styles of Wing Chun as well.
Its amazing how you can really see the animal inspiration in the forearm strikes being like beating wings.
I'm surprised Netflix hasn't picked up up for a documentary series.
Thank you so much 🙏
Wing Chun is Cantonese pronunciation. In Mandarin, Wing Chun literally pronounced the same as Yongchun. 詠春 vs 永春
Mandarin is the language of evil traitors who aren't even Chinese. Try again.
You uncovered some really unbelievable stuff. I hope to heck that 'Incense Shop' kung fu is preserved. I honestly thought you had a memorable trip before you discovered Mr. Lin in his chiropractor business. And getting calligraphy made for you is a super honor. I'm durn jealous. You apparently kept the right goals in mind because so many people go looking for martial arts and end up in the tourist schools.
Just doing what I love! 😄
The fact this is free is nuts, so good to see the perspective of someone who cares so much about the origins of the art!
Simple Answer: karate's original name is: 唐 手 ,which means Tang Dynasty Hand(fighting gesture). That says it all.
Yes and to put some context, in older times, 唐 is often used in Japanese to refer to Chinese things.
For example I saw one Kanbun work refer to China as 唐之土, the land of Tang.
It's actually not as clear as it sounds, but one of the leading explanation is:
舞方（me-kata）from early ryukyu kingdom era of okinawa, a rudimentary form of martial arts and likely a ritual dance ->
refined as a martial art as 手(ti) at some point during the Ryukyu kingdom/Ryukyu-han era and increasing presence of variations with more Chinese martial art influence but largely still the same name ->
became 手(te)/琉球手(ru-chu-ti/ryukyu-te)/沖縄手(uchina-ti/okinawa-te) with 唐手（to-di/to-te) semi-splitting off but still influencing each other starting from the 19 century ->
both 琉球手 and 唐手 are both fused into effectively the same thing and starts to be referred to as 唐手(karate) 1901 of the Meiji era and after ->
from 1929 of the Showa era it's now mostly known as 空手(karate) ->
officially カラテ(karate)/"KARATE" from 1970 and onwards.
Slightly confusing here because in modern times today, there's technically a difference between 空手道(karatedou) and カラテ(karate), whereas 空手道 is the sports version. the one where you see people practicing normally wearing dougi and the colored belt system and in national and international competitions like the olympic.
and カラテ would be the one where you practice for practical purposes. Of course, while they're used interchangeably when written, they're technically different things as so many of カラテ is out right banned in 空手道, and it so happens many of those banned techniques are the more heavily Chinese martial art influenced parts.
Karate didn't came from Japan, it PROBABLY originated from the Sanzan era(Educated guesses. Very little to no records of this era was kept in Ryukyu records.) of Okinawa, which then unified to become the Ryukyu Kingdom, who was a tributary state of Ming(China) and is likely when the heavy Chinese influence started coming in, which after the successful invasion of Ryukyu at 1609 turned it into a vassal state of Satsuma-han and then later becoming Ryukyu-han at 1872 by Imperial Japan. Then annexed and absorbed as Okinawa at 1879.
All in all, Karate either came from technically Ryukyu(Native Okinawan island cultures) or technically China(Tribulary Ryukyu) depending on how far back you want to trace it's origins and at what point you personally decide if it's still Karate. But no doubt it's evolution is mostly revolved around the Okinawan Islands. Honestly probably should have gone to Okinawa instead of Fujian or something lol. But I guess it wouldn't have as much of a clickbaityness and wouldn't be much of a video in the first place.
Tang Dynasty, best dynasty
@@NanashiCAST This vid is about the origin of the form which is from China. The name change of Karate from "唐手" to "空手" only took place after Imperial Japan annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom.
@@NanashiCAST i see
Jesse, that was beautiful. Thank you so much for that amazing experience.
My pleasure!
The fact that you’ve gotten so much NEW information just on Karate that you were able to make an actual documentary is simply… 👏👏👏👏👏
I have no idea why this showed up on my recommended videos but I'm grateful that it did. Mr. Enkamp you're so fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with those individuals while visiting China. While I haven't trained in over a few decades, during my twenty years of practicing karate, I was lucky enough to meet Sensei Mamoru Yamamoto several times while under the tutelage of Sensei Rayburn Nichols and his wife DJ. Those were great times during the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. Sadly they've all passed but without their training, guidance, friendship and love I would be less of a person that I am today. May you always be "A True Karate Person".
Jesse, I've chased this story for nearly 60 years. At this point I think I can make some small contribution to the topic.
You are correct, we ( In my case the Matsumura Family Shorin) are not from the Northern Temple, but from the Southern Shaolin, which was founded in 630 AD, but separated from the Hunan temple in 915. From what I've so far learned, Crane Fist Boxing divided into four subsystems, just as you learned.
I have Gogen Yamaguchi's 1966 biography "The Cat" in hard cover, where he shows photos of the Bubishi, Yamaguchi, of course learned from Chojun Miyagi, 1888-1953 who was brought as a young man to Fujian by his mentor Higgiona Kanryo 1855-1915 to meet "Ryu Ryu Ko" more properly called Wan Shuen 1852-1930 who taught Crying Crane, which is why see the "Lion's Breath" in Go Ju Sanchin.
There is strong indication that Wing Chun is a descendent of either Crane Fist Boxing or one or more of the subsystems.
I can comment at considerable length, but this is not the place or time.
For a person who has been exploring on this topic , you deserve to know this underlying message , this is why I shared.
I agree on white crane wu shu played a part in wing chun not some weird story of seeing a crane and snake fight
wing chun is southern shaolin system.... siu lim tao has buddhist praying palm and crane beak....
Thanks very much Jesse for making making this documentary . As a student of Shito-Ryu karate for the past six years I found your journey to China and meeting many kung-fu masters fascinating.
I watched it second time from start till end. What a great material Jesse. Inspiration. Even got bit emotional at the end when you shared your adventures with your mom. Thank you!
When I ask MMA or martial arts fans for an example of a karate practitioner/fighter, they always say lyoto machida. But in my opinion Jesse is much greater, he sought out and studied the roots of karate and went deeper into it and perfected his combat style. You are the real karateka
can't compare both in my opinion. One pursue the application of karate in the context of combat sport, the other in the art and history.
As a fighter, Lyoto was much better, but I agree with @sinistercr0347
You asked for a fighter and they gave you one. In no world is Jesse a better fighter than Machida.
Next time try asking them to name an ambassador if thats the kind of answer you're looking for.
Or just continue alienating people by asking questions in bad faith then telling them why theyre wrong. But who are we kidding, the stawman never existed.
Both roles are important in my view. We should not be comparing them in that way.
@@sinistercr0347 Well, karate from the beginning was a martial art of self-defense with techniques that MMA (sports) would never include in its rules. Lyoto himself has already said on his Instagram that in MMA there is a bubble, a bubble that upon entering he had to give up a lot of the shotokan karate taught by his father, he had to give up the essence of his karate to be able to compete in the midst of sports environment, of course lyoto's style is based on his karate style (fighting style, not karate style like kyokushin, gojo ryu, etc.)
The old dude at 47:00 said his younger brother opened a martial arts school in the US. As they were walking, he mentioned "zai jia zhou" - in California. Thank you Jesse, for a fascinating and informative documentary.
Thanks for sharing!
This is an awesome film!! Wow so great to recognize the language of martial arts we share
Unique, incredible, perfect documentary by Jesse Sensei!
White Crane style and Uechi-Ryu Karate Do:
After studying about 10 years under Shū Shiwa/Zhou Zihe, Kanbun Uechi (founder of UECHI-RYU) opened his own school in Nanjing in 1906, and he continued periodic training under Zhou Zihe for a total of 13 years. Three years later, Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa, determined never to teach again because reportedly one of his Chinese students had killed a neighbor with an open-hand technique in a dispute over land irrigation.
While in Okinawa, Kanbun Uechi did not teach his martial art. In 1912, a tea merchant and White Crane Kung Fu master Go Kenki (Wú Xiánguì) who knew him settled in Okinawa.
UR does't seem to have any connection to shaolin and moreso the Hakka arts
Great video, kudos to the creator! I'm half Japanese and half Australian.
If you look at the history of many things in Japan, you'll realize they originated in China. Bonsai, Ikebana flower arranging, Green Tea and Sado, Go Chess, Sword forging, Karate, Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, Calligraphy and Ink Making, Ramen, Porcelain making, Rice cultivation, Temples, Gardens, Shamisen instrument, Kimono (Go-Huku), Geta (Footwear), Washi (Japanese paper), Origami, Tofu, Soy Sauce, Sake (Rice wine) etc. The Chinese story Monkey King: Journey to the West directly influenced many shows including Dragon Ball.
You also also see this clearly in the Japanese writing in the form of Kanji - which literally means "Chinese (Han) Words".
The biggest telltale sign: clothing (tang) and Kanji ( chinse characters that's used in China, Taiwan and Singapore).
折り紙は中国じゃないよｗ
歴史的根拠が見つかってない。
@@N.-hm3tl It's called zhezhi (摺紙) in China and was practiced thousands of years before Japan. China invented paper also so it's hardly surprising.
@笹がき Thank you for your detailed reply. I agree with you. I think many things in Japan evolved to become their own over time which is wonderful. I personally practice Japanese Iaido and the sword is treated sacredly and is an integral part of Shinto. It isn't just a weapon unlike in many cultures.
@@N.-hm3tl The history of Origami is rooted in the Han dynasty in China.
The way I was happy watching them teach you was transformative on a level that you have no idea about, thank you very much Jesse, you changed my life.
Magnifikt dokument. Tiden du lagt ner på detta är bortom vad väldigt många människor är införstådda med. Och du gör det för att fortbilda.
Som lärare så känner jag vördnad inför detta. Tack snälla för detta, och allt annat, som du delar med världen.
Du är svensk!
Jag har helt glömt bort att Jesse pratar svenska lol!
@@Mononkers ja det är nice.
When Gichin Funakoshi first brought Karate to Japan he published a Karate book. It was called KARA which means CHINA in Japanese language... and TE which means HAND. Upon realising that the Japanese were not too fond of China he used another Japanese word KARA meaning EMPTY. It was initially called Karate Jitsu (Technique) and later Karate Do (Way) ... following Jigaro Kano who transformed the Ju (Soft/Gentle ) Jitsu (Technique ) he learned into Judo (Gentle Way).
Wow! That was smart marketing move :)
@@IronLeprecon ... Duh! I've been involved in Martial Arts for 50+ years. So I do know a little bit, not much though!
Jitsu doesn't mean Technique
@@masishta ... Thanks for your reply bro. In my personal collection of martial arts books it is explained that "JITSU" means "TECHNIQUE" whilst "DO" means "WAY". I did not get the meanings from the internet.
@@bong9476
じゅつ（jutsu）【術】
noun, noun, used as a suffix
ⓐ art, technique
ⓑ means, way
ⓒ trick, trap, plot, stratagem
ⓓ magic
Great video!!! I watched it from beginning to end without stopping. Your production value is high. The cogency and coherence of the narrative thread are strong, and there was never a dull moment. You are a great storyteller. And like so many of your countrymen, you excel at producing history.
You have my highest respect and appreciation!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Appreciate it!! Thanks for supporting my work 🌟
Amazing Video. As an Oversea Chinese, I learned so much from your trip. Hope you keep the Incense Kungfu and Whopping Crane style alive forever.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I got so inspired from the stories and meeting the old masters. The information you discovered is invaluable. Keep sharing the love, brother!
Thanks brother I will!! 👊
@@KARATEbyJesse Osu!
I'm a 34 year old white belt in Shorin Ryu, gotta say your vids are awesome man. Karate's such a rich and fun hobby/meditation/way of life. Keep it up! You're a fantastic martial artist .
Right on! 👍
Not gonna lie.
I love the fact the final master could teach you while smoking.
Great, informative video. Thank you so much.
Thats the true kung fu.
Karate - white pijama- boyss marching with funny warcries
kung fu - drunken fist fight behind a dumpster on a dark alley/ You opponent is Lee from Nike-sweatshop/ Your sensei is chain smoking trash panda/
😂😂😂
It was so cool, especially how people were so keen to teach you. It's a beautiful moment for humanity. The demonstration with Master Lin was especially cool.
Blir så inspirerad! Jag har tänkt mycket på att börja Karate sen jag va väldigt liten, men det hände aldrig. Är 31 nu, och funderar verkligen på att börja ganska snart, mest för mentala + jag behöver träning och komma ut mer.
Wow, this was an excellent documentary! Thanks for your hard work in brining this info to us, Jesse.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Respect to you Jesse! You are truly a TRUE Martial Artist and humble at that.
You’re making me blush 😌
@@KARATEbyJesse Awww you poor thing! 😂
I can't thank you enough for this video. It was superb (a word I NEVER use!). As a Karate practitioner, student, teacher and researcher, I have learned much from your trip. It has confirmed some of my own research. I will never have the chance to do a trip like this, so what you have done is to discover the heart of both Naha-te and Shuri-te Karate. As a Shuri-re practitioner myself, if I could, I would love to go back to the Insense-shop style and learn more. Very well done indeed Jesse.
I was taught by my DaiSensei many years ago that our Okinawan Goju-Ryu descended mainly from Southern Buddist Palm and White Crane Kung Fu. To see the history captured in this detail and finding the modern day connection is surreal. I have been to Okinawa to look for a traditional connection to the Naha-Te, but this is next level and inspiring for a trip at some point in the near future. My late Sensei was an avid researcher as well and did meet some obscure masters on his travels in his younger days long before internet was a thing.
Thank you, sir, for the lesson and tour of my hometown !!
I’ve been out of China for 40 years now and never been back.
To hear the people and masters speak our local dialect was nostalgic. I will go back to visit soon. For the first time in 40 years.
Master Chang (Kung fu hotel) was so powerful. His moves were explosive. Getting hit by him would be like getting hit by a truck.
I was a cop for 22 years. The NYPD used to carry tonfas instead of regular straight batons, for a while. But, nobody knew how to use it so we went back to a straight stick.
Thank you again
Love your channel :)
Thanks for making this video. My father use to tell me stories about my grand-father when I was a kid, about how he travelled China to learn about martial arts in pre-WW2 days. He told me how he would train his students to hold a 10 feet long staff with one hand at the extremity. I called it bullshit, and never really believed him. God damnit, I just saw it happen in your video at 19:02.
Makes you rethink everything!
I have practiced Karate all my life and studied other Chinese martial arts sporadically to find the connections between it all and ultimately improve my Karate. Your documentary is humbling, eye opening and just wow ! Amazing what one can achieve with passion and drive , beautiful journey!! Thanks for sharing with the world !
What an honor to train with such knowledgeable masters 🥋
as a youngster i did kyokishin karate ( mas oyamas) but somehow i was always fascinated with kung fu moreso southern boxing and the crane form. but this documentary showed me i was on the right path wanting to learn and understand the essence of where karate originated. makes me want to get back into martial arts once again. thanks for this
Bro you are very dedicated to karate and ancient martial arts that's impressive. Because now day we have only sports martial arts and it's not complete like ancient martial arts. Ancient martial arts all form and techniques invented by deep observation and analysis.
Jesse I always love your videos, They always inspire me to continue training my karate and Muay Thai everyday.
Glad to hear it 🥊🥋
Jesse, my dear brother from another mother, I thoroughly commend you for this amazing documentary-style video focused on the side of Karate that not a lot of people, let alone academics, talk about. Your deep research and meticulous method in bringing everything together is worthy of laudability and aspiration. I wish you a lot of love, prosperity, abundance, and wisdom in this new year of 2024.
Wow, thank you! 🙏
Jesse, thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us!
More to come!
The word "Nun Chuck", or in Japanese "Nun Cha Ku", is actually originated from Fujian Fuzhou dialect pronunciation of Chinese phrase "两节棍", meaning "stick of two segments".
As a black belt in wado ryu, I can appreciate this video.
i've been watching this journey since you started it maybe 2 years ago if i'm not mistaken. well done on your work jesse and keep being the amazing person you are
This was a great watch, Jesse. I learned so much. Kudos. You conducted yourself with humility and respect, as befits a pupil honestly seeking knowledge and wisdom from others, and brought honour to yourself, your dojo, and karate.
So many variations of Fujian styles between the crane / wuzu / lohan / southern shaolin / taizu / dog styles. Its a fascinating area of martial study.
Mix that in with the constant martial / military presence needed on the coastlines of china it holds alot of rich kung fu history.
Geeetings Jesse! I’ve been a practitioner of Wing Chun for over 10 years now but I constantly refer back to this documentary you made because not only is it just so good, but it also constantly puts so many different ideas in my mind about my art. I’m almost convinced that Wing Chun is indeed a child of White Crane because not only does it share the same mythological origin story about a woman founder and having husband as first student, it also seems to share the same weaponry and training method devices such as the wooden dummy you walked passed. However, one of the most brain shattering things that I couldn’t believe I never put two and two together was that the White Crane temple was located in a town named “Yong Chun” which after researching, I learned literally translates to same as “Wing Chun.” The loose translations seem to agree they both mean things along the line of “eternal spring” or “singing spring fist” or in longer versions “singing peacefully in springtime.” I think the similarity between the names of the origin of White Crane’s city Yong Chun and the actual name of Wing Chun are two close to be ignored! Thank you for yet another mind blowing thought and moment for my own research.
Yeah I agree but I disagree on her just watching crane and snake fight, she watched crane and snake boxers fight
As a former hk karate national team member, very impressed that you traveled to Fujian(where my parents from) to find the roots of karate lol
I hope that the Incense Shop Boxing style has been / is being fully documented and filmed for posterity - especially if nobody is studying it under Master Lin !
someone needs to pick it up
@@MrCookding hmm i can hear chinese , he defintely saying some stance and breathing techique into the moves , which was not translated well , what a waste if he didnt pass it down to new generation
Genius ! Precisely what's my master taught to me !
Glad to hear 👍
Seu canal é muito bom da pra aprender muita coisa 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for your efforts in creating this video! I enjoy your channel very much...BUT THIS...was very special. I am a 57 year old man who has had 2 pastimes in life, music and training. (video games are a close 3rd lol) The passion that was shown in this video was immeasurable. To witness this (in my opinion) is the true essence of the Martial Arts. (not to sound dramatic) but there were a few times in this video when I was moved to tears. Even though it was seen on a tv screen, one could feel the devotion, dedication and child like excitement from these masters. This video also shows your character. You are very skilled, yet humble and polite. Using what my Sensei used to call "the sponge technique". I remember a short hot tempered 11 year old being told " The more you know,the more you realize you do not know". For you to still apply these virtues in your videos is a testament to your core values. You are indeed a breath of fresh air in a world that relies on brazen ego, false bravado and lack of knowledge. Thank you very much !
I felt emotional at the "Incense Shop Boxing" part. Very educational and I am in awe. Thank you Jesse Sensei for taking us through your journey. Osu!
Yo jesse your stuff is next level. im literally absorbing all that history, culture and wisdom through your lens and im all for it
Great job Jesse! Congratulations to you and great thanks to those who helped and hosted you. The enthusiasm shown by the teachers is infectious. Like fire stirred up by the love of the art and the joy of sharing it.
That was one of your best videos, fascinating.
There were so many movements I recognised from my karate style (Seido Juku) especially what we call self defences. The five
Ancestors master showed some moves we do on these techniques.
Amazing video, thank you.
Wow...well done Jesse, it a proper professional documentary, the shots , commentary the time taken to create this is unbeatable
This was an incredible video\series. Thank you so much for sharing this! It is so wonderful (and rare) to see a Martial Artist who's only agenda is to learn more about the Martial Arts and to share that with other Martial Artists. Absolutely wonderful!
One thing anyone can take from this video? Everything changes and evolves. I see nowadays people resisting the changes in martial arts need to undergo to be effective again for fighting, and this amazing documentary shows a fraction of how karate came to be. As a Shotokan practitioner, interested in becoming better at fighting, I see the point that we need to be less resistant in letting what we know adapt to the current challenges posed by modern combat sports and modern practices. Greate work Jesse! You keep me inspired as always👊
Best video about Karate roots I've ever seen. So well presented.
The Chinese masters were very hospitable and so willing to show and explain to you too. Many thanks and please keep your videos coming!
What a great video, I’ve recently been watching your videos for your history and sparing videos. Especially since I am considered a history and martial arts nerd myself. It is amazing to see 白鹤拳 in action! Actually I have stopped my karate training for a while but this gives me motivation to continue it again! Thank you for documentary of your stay in Fujian!
I have been into martial arts since 1987. Your work is very valuable to the community and yet you do it as play! This is beautiful!
I was a kid that grew up on shows like Human Weapon and Fight Quest. It really was a pleasure seeing this documentary by you. As a martial arts nerd myself you enthusiasm jumped off the screen into me. I instantly got brought back to a younger version of myself getting ready for Judo practice, nerding out about the history of Martial Arts. Thank you for this.
Not many people get to experience what you have. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! 😌
this is the best video ive watched today, the effort and the time to make this must be crazy!, Keep up the good work!
Wow, thanks!
Damn, I loved this series when it first came out! I got so excited, I thought that you had travelled back to China again! Was great to rewatch though, definitely should check out south korea and Tae Kwon Do and Karates relationship
Great idea!
So is this the same series, new editing into one movie?
I had the same thought! Had to make sure I wasn’t crazy, I knew I’d seen this before 😂
Wow this journey is truly amazing. It's the trip of a lifetime no one else will ever experience like that. Thanks for taking us with you!
Excellent documentary. Thank you for making. Loved it from start to finish. Thanks again!
I wish you would summarize the katas from White Crane and South Style Shao Lin and then compare them to Karate so that we can see how they merge.
Maybe this video answers your question? ”One Karate Misconception I Discovered In China”
th-cam.com/video/1HNEBaJv3PA/w-d-xo.html
Really enjoyed watching this. A lot of work clearly went into it. Job well done
Thanks a ton! 😁
No tienes idea como esperaba otro vídeo tuyo, y haz vuelto con material de oro, quiero que sepas que tu trabajo es muy apreciado para mí y mi familia, por cierto, el último maestro de la tienda de incienso parte de su estilo se parece a el estilo de Inoue ha de la keishin-kai, un abrazo hermano.
Jesse...that was an incredible journey back through time. Not only extremely informative but inspirational as well as super entertaining.
I do hope you can make it back to China...to study more with the the last Man and Master of the final piece of your puzzle. It would most assuredly make you an expert in a martial art form..not practiced here in America.
I've watched many of your videos...but this one was the most riveting.
I live in Portland, Oregon and have since 1965...
but I am a born and raised Oregonian. My God-Parents were Cantonese and I lived with them for over 24 years...and during that time, I studied I studied Karate and Kungfu. My best friend is Chinese and is a few years younger than myself
...I'm almost 80, now and can't move like I did in my 20's to my 50's...but my friend looks like Bruce Lee and has practiced his style since he was 15. There's so much to say about Chinese Kungfu, but I can tell you from experience...sparing and living with my friend for over 50 years..he's still extremely agile, super strong and definitely no one you'd want to mess with...even at his age of 73.
Thank you for such a remarkable and enjoyable video.
LEE FRY
I study Mandarin as a hobby and I can say the friend you used to translate for you has top-tier pronunciation. He sounds very "standard."
Also, the interviews are really enjoyable and the video quality is exceptional.
🀄️空手道🥋
Great video! But didn't you publish it already before?
Yes you are correct, but many have not seen this before as you can see in the comments here.
I am blown away by this video, this is gold!!!
Absolutely amazing video Jesse😔😔❤
The master in the final part actually wants to convey the idea that , big and small movement are the same , one way or another there is always a way to damage the target , the energy (breath) has to flow out just like the movement (this is why the movement are wide). Although the speech is not much from the final master , the content is really kind of priceless. Still this is just a small piece that is left from what has been destroyed through out the time.
Just from this short speech actually answered one of my biggest question throughout the years , and for southern part to practice narrow style actually make sense when the person do not wish to reveal too much about how the movement really works , and just faster movements.
Great video! Entertaining as well as informative. Evading the youtube algorithm seems to help to discover the gems! Tack Jesse!
I am a Shao-lin kung fu student for over 30 years, my response to this video is WOW!
Great upload, will watch this later.
Hope you enjoy!
Amazing! Not just the entire doc, but you are such a humble and down to earth young man. No idea how you ended up on my recommended, extremely glad you did, I subscribed immediately after watching this and pls stay amazing!
I am not a master and I don't know the kata of styles. Watching the video, when I saw Master Li in the children's wushu and white swan part, I felt for myself that I would have stayed there and with that master. I felt like you will come back after that long journey. I feel like a young man of 50 years old but frail and I wish I could train with Master Li. Thank you for the whole video. You are a wonderful person and a humble soul. If a mold cannot be shaped gracefully according to fluid reality, it will never live.
i studied karate for a good part of my childhood but watching this makes me wish i had never stopped learning. you did a great job with this, thank you!
Eu sou brasileiro, tenho 17 anos e já pratiquei dois estilos de karatê, sendo eles Uechi Ryu e o Shotokan, gosto de acompanhar seus vídeos mesmo não entendendo algumas coisas, as vezes as legendas não traduzem algumas coisas em português (para quem não sabe nós brasileiros não falamos espanhol mas sim português, pois fomos colonizados por Portugal). Eu não costumo comentar em canais que são de outros países, mas esse vídeo me impressionou pela qualidade e o trabalho bem feito, gosto muito dos seus vídeos, nesse vídeo você viveu uma das experiências que eu gostaria de ter vivido, amo artes marciais e sempre quis viajar e visitar lugares com importância histórica para as artes marciais, ainda mais conhecer pessoas que são de estilos tão únicos, até mesmo conhecer pessoas que são últimos mestres de determinado estilo. Espero que a tradução do que eu escrevi fique fácil de entender kkkkkk
Wonderful content, and very educational! I appreciate your clear eyed, fact focused approach to the subject. A future project request. What could you find out about Bushi Matsumura? I study Matsumura Seito Shorin ryu and even around skilled, educated individuals I still hear what is probably myth.
So much tea 🍵
Great video, best I have seen from your channel. Well done.
Excelente video! espero algún día hablen sobre el Kojo-Ryu, estilo mencionado en el libro "Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques"
wow.....there's no other words, this is such an emotional deep dive into the origins of this martial art....well done Jesse, an amazing job 🙏
He mistranslated what the old dude said of his brother's dojo in America. He said that he does both Northern and Southern style, but then said he's in California. It sounded like "family style" but it's actually California.
Incense Shop Boxing! What an exciting surprise! A long-hidden treasure of knowledge. Now I know more about the roots of the Karate style I practice. Thank you for sharing this inspirational documentary!
Sensei Jesse, your videos keep me inspired. 32 years in the martial arts and I never stop learning.
My opinion is that even though karate did not originate in Japan, after many years of evolution and the incorporation of new techniques and knowledge, karate has become a “new form” of martial art and is now considered a Japanese art. It is not only technical but also cultural. The Earth is round; people come and go on different continents, and we human beings share and exchange knowledge and culture every single minute, especially in the 21st century. After all, under the sky and under heaven, there is only one family.
Respect and love from Hong Kong.
Chill, no one said Karate isn't Japanese 😂
@@challenger516 many people love to claim that karate isn’t a Japanese martial art because of its “root” tho, especially some Hokkien martial art practitioners
@@MeLlamoKi We are talking about this video, not the "many people" you are talking about. Learn how to read.
@@MeLlamoKi Real Japanese people don't hide the fact that a lot of their culture was influenced by the Chinese. I'm 100% sure you are not Japanese.
@@challenger516 I think you kinda you misunderstand what I wanna express, and of coz I am not Japanese, I am from Hong Kong. I just wanna say that many people argue that Karate is not a Japanese martial art but for me it is. And, we all human beings have only two feet and two hands, which means that many techniques from different styles can be very similar. Styles are just styles, it is good to preserve customs and culture, but keep saying things like “something must be originated from somewhere” sometimes is the reason why we human beings have conflicts with each others. Anyway, have a nice day.