PHUNG HAUNG DONG TIEN
HISTORY OF PHOENIX
Operation Red Dragon
A training program instituted by a government agency to train men and force them to extreme actions. This training was held at Naha, Okinawa between 1964 and 1972.
Underwater training to build up the tolerance for lack of breath is easily understood if you also understand the reasoning for the use of proper breathing methods used in the first four kata of Isshin Ryu, Zen breathing methods. The ultimate goal is to be able to understand the "Stalking Breath", that phenomenon which forces a man to control his breathing under extreme conditions. To breath only once every five steps or movements while under mental pressure and physical action. A man must learn to walk all over again, being able to make no sound,learning what is really important in being able to stay alive. Kanyro Higashionna taught Chojun Miyagi and Choki Motobu this method.
Learning kata is the easiest part of karate, being able to function in stressful conditions is the proof of the training, and night training created such atmosphere, leaving in Quonset huts, day became night, and men became hunters. No sense going into details, very unflattering, and skeptics will be just that, skeptical. But one thing is for sure, nothing or no one can change what happened during this time, and for want of a better explanation, ask yourself, where in the hell did Harry Smith learn all this? Was he just born educated in the martial arts? Was he such a natural fighter that he needed no instruction? No, Harry Smith weighed 180 soaking wet, 6'1", skinny as a rail, with no muscle tone. No self-confidence, and no real direction in life. I have my master Tatsuo Shimabukuro for giving me that.
Learning how to use pressure points and nerve endings to control unwilling bodies, how to make a person do exactly what you want him to do, even die, is contained in Isshin ryu.
Sensei, at least during this period of time, just did not share this knowledge with the public. Maybe he realized even, that some were just not capable of handling this type of responsibility, the responsibility to be able to preserve life or to take it. To be able to decide how and when to use this knowledge.
The majority of Americans, the round eyes, caused Sensei much heartache and embarrassment because all they ever wanted was what Sensei had to give not what they had to give him. Sensei wanted friendship, respect and above all, someone to play with.
Just like the Migami-Mizugame, a patch that he never wore, how many Americans can state honestly that they had actual physical contact with sensei? How man play with him? Where are those photos? I treasure mine.
Make light of it, but one of my most treasured photos is of Sensei, Art Smiley, and myself laughing and drinking sake.
