Bushi Matsumura Portrait Drawing on Left, and AI rendition from https://deep-image.ai/ on Right
“Recently, Ankō briefed us on the Boxer Rebellion in China, an uprising instigated by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists … [who] were anti-foreign, anti-imperialist, anti-Christian, and ultra-violent. … the boxers believed an Eight Trigrams Society ritual … endowed them with spiritual protection, making them invulnerable to modern weapons. Hearing this, Sensei coughed out one of his rare laughs, startling the hell out of the two of us. Even Ankō, who had faced off samurai, pirates, a battalion of U.S. soldiers, local gangs, and his fair share of annoying bureaucrats was unnerved.”
– Colin Wee, Excerpt from “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū” (Unpublished Manuscript 2025)
Historical fiction allows an author great liberty when working interpersonal relationships and exploring internal struggles which are both key in bringing a person to life. In saying this, a certain amount of effort has gone into “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū” to present the history and people with care and fidelity.
There are two instances the book departs from this, and I’d like to talk about the one shared in the above excerpt. While I won’t give away too much, this is a scene between the legendary Matusumura Sōkon, Itosu Ankō, and Asato Ankō.
My eventual hope, of course, is a reader would pick up this book, get invested in the characters and their arcs, attempt independent research on the subject, and then discover the events and situations I have portrayed are indeed factual. Or, some would say, “real.”
When you drill into Matsumura’s backstory, however, you find his birth and death are wildly different dependent on the source you use. For instance, Wikipedia states Matsumura passes in 1899, which is the same year the Boxer Rebellion starts. Other sources list his passing in 1896 or 1901.
The Boxer Rebellion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion as explained in the excerpt was a violent uprising against what they saw was an increase in foreign invaders and collonialists in China. While the situation was explosive and complex, these sentiments mirrored sentiments of pre-Meiji era Japan. Elements of the Boxer Rebellion and the “mystical power” the boxers believed to have been granted by the Eight Trigrams Society ritual are featured in Jet Li’s Once Upon a Time in China movies (watch the first clip to the end, then see how their mudras fail them after getting a kick from Wong Fei Hong in the second clip 0:37).
Matsumura may have had an inkling of the foment happening in China leading up to the Boxer Rebellion. Up to his death, Ryūkyū Shimpo, the island’s newspaper, would have been in operation for 6+ years. The newspaper would have had experience by then covering the First Sino-Japanese war, the anti-Japanese sentiment, and the complex fractionated politics of Ryūkyū’s bid for independance.
Why I couldn’t resist bringing Matsumura and the Boxer Rebellion together was the huge contrast between the legendary Bushi Matsumura, his predilection for risk analysis, pragmatic combat, stategic preparation, and obsession with martial effectiveness, and the “Boxer fighters, [who were] convinced they were invulnerable to foreign weapons.”
In modern parlance, Bushi Matsumura would better be labelled as a RBSD or Reality Based Self Defense practitioner rather than a “Traditional Karate Master.” The face presented in the portrait above and the AI rendition on its right shows it all: a person who has spent a lifetime being the security advisor to the Ryūkyū Kingdom would be laser-focused on what works, avoiding any fantasy of being invulnerable to the weapons of the day.
We know this because Matsumura travelled extensively to acquire the skills and to refine knowledge that would make him a more formidable adversary. This is irrespective of Ryūkyū having been disarmed by their Satsuma overlords. Side note: for history buffs, Matsumura travelled to Foochow in 1860, and would have been a stone’s throw from the real Wong Fei Hong, who was the medical officer for the Black Flag Army in Guangzhou at the time.
So while facts may have been stretched, I felt the need to unfold the story this way to focus on the truths important to these masters. Readers may be interested to look into Matsumura’s makimono to understand the “true martial way” he described and the pitfalls he wanted all practitioners to avoid. These are relevant now as a warning against wishful thinking in martial arts as they were when they were written in 1882.
The above is a behind-the-scenes look at Colin’s latest historical fiction novel titled “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū.” Stay tuned for further updates.
Beyond the Comfort Zone A trip to JDK USA Schenectady, New York, for a martial arts seminar in January 2024 pushed me outside my comfort zone. It followed a successful seminar and book launch in Dallas the previous year and presented unique challenges, from planning a seminar without much of a lead time, to navigating unfamiliar territory, and reaching out to martial art schools.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone While Dallas 2023 resonated deeply, the upcoming seminar in New York felt daunting. It was uncharted territory, a stark contrast to the familiarity of Dallas. Yet, it presented an excellent opportunity to strengthen my working relationship with the host Master Will Just, whom had connected with me five years prior, and was my demonstration partner in Dallas. He was captivated by our training methodology, particularly its emphasis on extracting practical applications from traditional forms. He even harbored the ambitious dream of establishing a branch of Joong Do Kwan (JDK) in New York.
Colin demonstrates how a ‘receiving’ application can hit hard or soft on host Master Will Just
Fueling the Passion Knowing his aspirations, I readily agreed to travel to New York when it coincided with my wife’s work trip. With her support, I encouraged Will to organize a seminar. However, the timing wasn’t ideal: the holidays and harsh winter weather presented significant hurdles. Undeterred by the challenges, Will, fueled by his positive experience in Dallas, mobilized his network, visited schools he wasn’t connected with, and promoted the event feverishly.
Commemorating and Moving Forward As preparations progressed, a note of sadness foreshadowed our excitement. The trip reminded us all on the recent passing of my dear friend and book publisher, GM Mike Swope. His presence was deeply missed, and we spoke of him frequently throughout our time in New York, cherishing his friendship and guidance.
Jeff works a two-man application at Schenectady 2024
A Leap of Faith Another unexpected encounter happened just days before the event. Jack Berry, the new editor of Taekwondo Times, reached out through FaceBook messenger. He was intrigued by our approach and expressed interest in me contributing articles. Stepping outside his comfort zone, just like what I was doing, Jack saw the Schenectady seminar as an opportunity for growth and exploration.
Mental Readiness The long flight to New York offered the opportunity to go into the seminar material using mental visualization. Isolated from distractions, I envisioned myself presenting, engaging the audience, working with my demonstration partner, and tackling any potential challenges. Landing in New York, despite the fatigue from the journey, I felt confident and well-prepared.
Beyond Lost Luggage and the Tribulations of Travel The warmth and hospitality of the local martial arts community offered a sense of belonging, and the focus shifted to the training itself.
The seminar was attempting to go beyond the realm of “fancy moves” and flashy techniques. Our focus was on unlocking the hidden potential of traditional forms and exploring their practical applications in dynamic real-world scenarios. We emphasized the importance of anticipation, sensitivity to the opponent, adapting to the opposition, and even turning their aggression against them.
A highlight was witnessing a visiting Grandmaster seamlessly blend her police experience with the seminar material, demonstrating the inter-relatedness of tactical skill. We are all branches of the same tree!
Master Will Just working a Knife Hand Strike on Taekwondo Times Editor Jack Berry at Schenectady 2024
Beyond Technique: Building Connections Beyond the technical aspects, the trip fostered connections. Witnessing a passionate practitioner establish a new branch of my school in New York was incredibly rewarding. The genuine hospitality of the local martial arts community offered an unexpected sense of belonging.
Colin Wee performs a number of unscripted skills, destabilizing Master Will Just off his base at Schenectady 2024
Beyond Expectations This journey to Schenectady, far from being just another martial arts seminar, became a transformative experience. It reaffirmed the value of venturing outside comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and fostering meaningful connections. It served as a reminder that growth often lies beyond familiar territory, and that stepping outside our comfort zones can open doors to new possibilities and enrich our lives in profound ways. This odyssey, filled with challenges and unexpected encounters, solidified my commitment to sharing my knowledge, fostering connections within the martial arts community, and continuing to learn and grow both as an instructor and an individual.
Colin’s Post-Seminar Message to Black Belt Participants
Bio: Colin Wee is the Principal of Joong Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do in Perth, Western Australia, Author of Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata, and winner of the Best Indie Book Award for Non-fiction Martial Arts.
Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata is a book written by a Taekwondo instructor that delves into the intricacies of Bassai Dai kata, a traditional martial arts form.
While it seems focused on the one Karate kata, Breaking Through dismantles the boundaries of a stylistic approach to training. The book explores the concept of seeking efficiency, anticipating and circumventing the resistance from opponents, and preferencing modern training methodology to nurture individual practitioners. This shift in perspective expands our ability to extract value from fundamental techniques, and the deciphering of fixed pattern sets from their enduring but sometimes obfuscated method of oral transmission.
Goal Oriented v Process Oriented Thinking: In the context of business, goal-oriented thinking is often advocated, which sets organizations to verbalize specific objectives and work towards achieving them. However, “Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata” suggests that while goals are important, embracing a process-oriented approach can enhance the likelihood of achieving those goals.
Jeff, an affiliate Black Belt, works with our publisher GM Mike Swope. This doesn’t look like a ‘real’ attack, but if you don’t get the fundamentals correct, you’ll be eating more strikes than controlling them.
By adopting a process-oriented mindset, business executives can clear their minds and focus on the underlying principles, tactics, and actions that contribute to the desired outcomes. Rather than being solely fixated on the goal itself, they recognize the importance of understanding the journey and seek the flexibility involved in reaching their goals.
A process-oriented approach allows executives to take a deep dive into the intricacies of their tactics, look for operational support, and ensure quality interactions. It encourages them to examine the underlying processes, identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement, and develop effective systems and practices that support their goals.
This approach also promotes a mindset of continuous improvement and learning. Executives understand that goals need to adapt to evolving circumstances, and being process-oriented allows each of us to make these micro-adjustments accordingly. It enables us to be agile, responsive, and innovative in the face of challenges or unexpected changes.
Furthermore, by embracing process-oriented thinking, executives foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork. They recognize that achieving goals requires the collective effort and commitment of their teams. By focusing on the process and creating an environment that supports it, executives can empower their teams to take ownership, contribute their unique perspectives, and collectively work towards the shared goals.
Broadening Perspectives: A key lesson from the author’s journey is the value of exploring beyond the boundaries of one’s own discipline. Just as martial arts pioneers sought cross-training opportunities from various systems, business executives can benefit from broadening their perspectives and seeking knowledge outside of their immediate field. This openness allows for a more rarefied understanding of the business landscape, enabling executives to make informed decisions and identify new opportunities.
Seminar presenters at American Karate and Taekwondo Organization pose with renown instructor GM Keith Yates (March 2023). We all wear different uniforms as we represent different lineages. Yet we work together in order to rise together.
Broadening perspectives for business executives involves actively seeking knowledge, insights, and experiences from diverse fields and disciplines that may not immediately seem related to their own. This includes:
Seeking information from multiple sources: Stay informed about industry trends, competitors’ activities, and emerging technologies. Consider viewpoints from customers, suppliers, employees, and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape.
Embracing a diverse network: Engage with professionals from different backgrounds, industries, and disciplines. Connect with individuals who offer diverse perspectives to gain exposure to new ideas and alternative approaches.
Encouraging cross-functional collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration within the organization. Promote interactions and knowledge-sharing across different departments and teams to break down silos, foster innovation, and encourage the exchange of diverse perspectives.
Developing mental flexibility: Challenge assumptions, question established norms, and embrace new ways of thinking. Engage in critical thinking, consider alternative viewpoints, and actively seek feedback and input from others.
Fostering a learning culture: Create an environment that promotes continuous learning and growth. Encourage ongoing education, workshops, and exploration outside immediate expertise to foster curiosity, adaptability, and intellectual growth.
You can go around Obstacles: The concept of “breaking down the fortress” in Bassai Dai kata – a transliteration of its name – serves as a metaphor for breaking through barriers in business. Executives can apply this principle by anticipating resistance or critical failure and proactively seeking ways to circumvent these obstacles. This requires a proactive mindset, tactical thinking, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.
Martial arts training provides wonderful physical analogies for real word interactions. At a seminar with North Texas Karate Academy, the author presents an anaology of a virtual planar surface, which is used to shield ourselves from a strike. We defend against attacks and go around them.
In the context of aligning the vision and objectives of the business plan with operational reports and controls, executives can adopt the following approach:
Regularly revisit and review the business plan: Executives should periodically revisit the overarching vision and objectives outlined in the business plan. This allows them to assess its relevance, make necessary updates, and ensure alignment with the current market conditions and organizational goals.
Ingest updates and feedback: Stay informed about the progress and performance of various operational aspects through regular reports and feedback mechanisms. Actively gather data and insights from different departments and teams to have a comprehensive view of the organization’s operations.
Identify potential points of failure: Analyze the operational reports and controls to identify areas that might be prone to resistance or critical failure. Look for patterns, trends, and potential bottlenecks that could hinder progress towards the defined objectives.
Enable processes to circumvent obstacles: With the identified potential points of failure in mind, executives should develop contingency plans and alternative strategies to circumvent obstacles. This proactive approach involves anticipating challenges and having pre-defined processes in place to address them swiftly and effectively.
Embrace a culture of continual improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. When obstacles are encountered, view them as opportunities for growth rather than as failures. Encourage teams to analyze and learn from setbacks, and implement necessary changes to enhance performance.
By adopting this approach, executives can bridge the gap between the vision and objectives of the business plan and the operational reports and controls. They can ensure that strategic goals are consistently evaluated, updated, and aligned with operational realities. This proactive mindset and agile approach enable executives to anticipate and address obstacles, promote resilience, and drive success.
Bring Mental Visualisation with You: Another valuable insight from the book is the emphasis on mental visualization. The author highlights the power of mental rehearsal and visualization for performance improvement in martial arts. Similarly, business executives can utilize mental visualization techniques to enhance their performance in various professional settings. Whether it’s preparing for a high-stakes presentation, envisioning successful negotiations, or visualizing effective leadership, mental visualization can help executives build confidence, focus, and enhance their overall effectiveness.
Physical rituals allow you to create a more tangible mental space. This mental space connects you across time if you provide an adequate link for your practice. And it travels with you wherever you need it. Here the author holds a pose whilst standing on a rocky promontory, willing himself to compartmentalise the fear of falling whilst calling for the calm that the mental dojo bequeths him.
Here are three takeaways on mental visualization that can help executives enhance their performance; taking the idea of the dojo as a mental space and allowing the transferability on this construct beyond its physical walls:
Creating a mental dojo: Executives can harness the concept of the dojo, not just as a physical training and meditative space but as a mental sanctuary characterized by rituals, discipline, and focus. By cultivating a mental dojo, executives can establish a dedicated space within their minds for deep concentration, reflection, and personal growth. This mental space can serve as a retreat from distractions, allowing executives to engage in purposeful thinking and problem-solving.
Rituals for focus and clarity: Just as martial artists perform rituals before training or competition to clear their minds and center themselves, executives can adopt rituals to enhance their focus and mental clarity in professional settings. These rituals could include practices such as mindful breathing exercises, internal scripting, visualization techniques, or even brief moments of solitude before important meetings or decisions. These rituals help executives establish a state of calm, enhance their ability to make informed decisions, and bring a sense of purpose to their actions.
Practicing for performance: Mental visualization serves as a valuable tool for practicing and refining executive skills. Executives can mentally rehearse challenging scenarios, envisioning themselves successfully overcoming obstacles and demonstrating the desired behaviors. This mental practice helps to reinforce neural pathways, improve muscle memory, and enhance executive abilities. It also provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for addressing them.
By embracing the idea of the dojo as a mental space and incorporating its principles and rituals into their professional lives, executives can create a conducive environment for personal and organizational growth. This approach fosters focus, discipline, and clarity of mind, enabling executives to navigate challenges, make sound decisions, and cultivate a high-performance culture within their organizations.
Fundamentals improve with Continuous Learning: The author’s exploration of the historical context and origins of Bassai Dai kata sheds light on the importance of understanding the fundamentals while expanding one’s knowledge. In the business world, executives need to strike a balance between staying grounded in core business fundamentals and continuously seeking new knowledge. By combining a strong foundation with a willingness to explore new perspectives and industry trends, executives can navigate the complexities of the business landscape and make well-informed decisions.
Takeaway: Executives should prioritize a solid understanding of fundamental business concepts, which serve as the foundation for effective decision-making. However, they should also actively pursue new knowledge and insights, drawing from diverse sources and disciplines.
One valuable perspective to consider is Sun Tzu’s Art of War, a renowned strategic treatise. By studying Sun Tzu’s principles and logically comparing them with their existing business fundamentals, executives can gain new insights and approaches to strategy, leadership, and competitive advantage.
This pursuit of new knowledge, coupled with critical thinking and strategic analysis, empowers executives to adapt their business strategies and tactics to changing circumstances. It enables them to make well-informed decisions, seize opportunities, and outmaneuver competitors in the dynamic business landscape.
By embracing both the enduring wisdom of their core business fundamentals and the strategic thinking proposed by Sun Tzu, executives can develop a well-rounded perspective that drives their organizations towards sustainable success.
In conclusion, Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata while not a business book, offers business executives valuable lessons that are analogous to martial arts training. By embracing a process-oriented mindset, broadening perspectives, anticipating and overcoming obstacles, utilizing mental visualization, and balancing fundamentals with continuous learning, executives can unlock their full potential and drive success in their professional endeavors.”
NEW: We are thrilled to announce that The Breaking Through Blog has been recognized as one of Feedspot’s Top 50 Best Martial Arts Blogs on the Internet.
About: Colin Wee has practiced three martial arts systems over three continents in the past 40 years. Recently inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2020, Colin has a BBA (Hons) from Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas, and an MBT from University New South Wales.
