Funeral for "The Cat" karate
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Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei died on May 20, 1989 in hospital Sujinami in Tokyo, Japan, age 81. His funeral was two days later in a cemetery in Tokyo. That May day one of the greatest legend of the karate world became immortal.
Master Masutazu Oyama, founder of Kyokushinkai karate said: "Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei, the president of Japanese Goju-kai Karate federation has died. He was the greatest man in the world of karate. Whether it is necessary to speak, that his death means irreparable loss that world of karate ever got. I have learned a lot since I met him first time many years ago. I would like to express gratitude to him for everything he made for me. There were many complexities in the Japanese world of karate and I am sorry that we with him have got confused in them and have chosen different ways. It is no doubt, that all he made in karate world will prosper. I pray for his soul to be rest in peace."
Official funeral took place in Meiji-Kinekan in Tokyo on September 26, 1989. As the Goju-kai style is widely spread in Japan, I also was invited. There were representatives at least 20 countries plus authorities from all layers of a society, including Japanese representatives of all karate styles and world of martial arts.
All of Goju-kai instructors had to arrive earlier for a funeral, for they had to train kata Sanchin, which they should demonstrate in ceremony, giving regards to Sensei.
To follow the etiquette everyone who enters a hall bowed to the large portrait of Yamaguchi Sensei and did it several times. The ceremony began, all of us have occupied the places and the spotlight had illuminated a portrait of Yamaguchi Sensei. There was complete silence in hall when suddenly arose a sound of the Japanese flute, and then the funeral ceremony began with the story of "The Cat" life.
It was said about Mr. Maruta, carpenter from Okinawa lived in Japan acquainted Master with karate; about organization of the first club of karate in Rizumeikan university in Kyoto; about his acquaintance with Ju Kumite (free fight); about his meeting Miyagi Chojun, who some day had asked Master to distribute Goju over all Japan, what he successfully did, having transformed Japanese Goju-Ryu in the world organization. Certainly, during his life Master was much spoken about and as a result he had been recognized as a "Live Legend" and he was awarded by last Emperor of Japan Hirohito by a Medal of Honor.
During this ceremony all instructors have silently disappeared from an audience to prepare for kata Sanchin demonstration. When the time has come for us to start light have removed from a portrait of the Master. On the command we have bowed to a portrait of the Master and have thanked him on behalf of all students for everything he has made for us. Then we have begun the demonstration of kata Sanchin, which have been followed with katas Kururunfa, Seipai and Suparinpei performed by Japanese Goju-kai champions.
At the end Gosey Yamaguchi had step out to demonstrate kata created by his father. Kata was performed in a spotlight accompanied by the Japanese music. It was real magic. Eventually funeral had approached to end, and for all guests was given funeral dinner, which linger on till the evening.
The Master Gogen Yamaguchi helped me many times all years and at the end I became Shibu-To (head of association) of my country. I shall continue to distribute Goju-kai in memory of him and I shall keep a legend of "The Cat" for all my life.