Shodai [初代]

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The characters/ideograms mean, "First generation; founder." The first character means, "first time; beginning," the second character means, "substitute; change; convert; replace; period; age; counter for decades of ages, eras, etc.; generation; change; rate; fee."

Shodai or "first generation" is a term used often in my branch of Shorin-ryu, i.e. Isshinryu. It would seem to hold a high level of importance as to relational training and practice of those who trained directly under Isshinryu's founder, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei. The argument, debate or illusion that somehow training directly under Tatsuo-san provides some mystical insight into Isshinryu or any other system of karate is ludicrous and distracting as to the essence of martial training regardless of the system, style or branch of practice. 

Many of the finest karate-ka I have had the privilege of training with over the years I found to be more rooted and earthly in nature than most so declared "first generation" practitioners as described here.

So, what is it that makes being a first generation student of the system founder so important? Is is something that is inherent in Asian martial disciplines or is it something made into an importance by western culture? Is it something that is driven by the ego and pride of importance that some seek to off set their lack of self-esteem? Is it something that provides for power over others? Is it an attempt to make a tribal statement so that one who holds that title is to be the undisputed leader of those weak minded enough to follow? Is it some proven level of proficiency that comes only from someone with a direct link to the founder making for a master karate-ka? 

These and many more questions come to mind when I hear that someone is to be held to the highest levels of respect and honor because they had the luck to train directly under the tutelage of Tatsuo-san, founder of Isshinryu. This seems to be a complete western concept because there seem to be very few Okinawans who actually recognize Isshinryu even exists. 

Is this an elitist mentality? Do those who profess that connection feel superior because of it even if they are just mediocre practitioners who hold dear a state that is only superior in the minds of themselves and their followers? Is this something that came into being from our instinctual need to belong to something special that “others” cannot because they are not a member? 

Or, is this just another bullshit elitist method to hold people under one’s influences for egoistic pride driven esteem building pedestal sitting money driven economical whatever?

What about being a direct student of Tatsuo-san makes that person a superior martial artists over others who have worked just as hard and often times much harder than the first generation student? Why do folks have the feeling that something unique and special comes from being a direct, first line generation, student of Tatsuo-san?

Am I just jealous because I am not a first generation student of Tatsuo-san or the first generation student of my Sensei who just happens to be a first generation student of Tatsuo-san even if not true or if true one who can only truly claim that Tatsuo-san was at least present when he trained and the honbu dojo? What says that it is something worthwhile and special if all they can truly say is that Tatsuo-san was present when they trained at the honbu dojo but in reality it was actually another military person or the second born son of Tatsuo-san or just another leading Okinawan student who actually trained them under the guise and guidance of Tatsuo-san’s presence?

Why can’t we all be proud to practice Isshinryu and give thanks to Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei for creating such a wonderful discipline art form that we all can enjoy and practice for our life times?

Note: for the longest time in my beginnings with Isshinryu I too felt some pull to “belong” to that special group called first generation students. Since I could not then I got caught up with trying to prove that my Sensei was a first generation student of Tatsuo-san. What I found was that regardless of that connection my karate was what it is and whether that connection existed made no difference in what I practiced, what I trained and what I taught to others. It was far more important that I be the best I could regardless of what other thought as to lineage. History is great, our ancestors whether blood or associative teach us about the past so the future can be brighter and non-repetitive but those things don’t make us who we are, we make us who we are by our actions, deeds and example - the actions, deeds and example we set for others who follow.