Читать книгу Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters онлайн

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I’ve heard a similar story from the great master of karate, Motobu Choki. There once was a man named Sakuma Chikudoun Peichin who, by all accounts, was a brave but imprudent fighter. Notwithstanding, Motobu raised his hat to this dauntless stalwart. Apparently Sakuma also liked drinking and often accepted challenges in exchange for awamori (a potent Okinawan liquor). Once in Shuri, Sakuma leaped into a miga (well) and then came flying out again. He was able to accomplish this feat by pressing his hands and feet against the sides of the well to support his powerful body. Even the powerful Motobu Choki was unable to perform such a magnificent feat.

Sakuma Peichins remarkable jumping technique was based on the skills of Makabe Chaan. Since boyhood Sakuma had heard of Makabe’s enormous size and great physical strength. Growing into a strong and powerful lad himself, Sakuma’s size rivaled that of his hero and role model, and, so too, did he try to develop his own skills in the image of the great Makabe Chaan. Because of Sakuma’s long arms and legs, and light but powerful body, he, like Makabe, was able to develop great leaping skills.