ChitÅ-ryÅ«
![]() Tsuyoshi Chitose in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia | |
Country of origin |
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Creator | Tsuyoshi Chitose |
Parenthood | indigenous martial arts of the Ryūkyū Islands (Naha-te, Shuri-te, Tomari-te) |
ChitÅ-ryÅ« (åƒå”æµ) is a style of karate founded by Tsuyoshi Chitose (åƒæ³ 强直 Chitose Tsuyoshi), (1898 - 1984). The name of the style translates as: chi (åƒ) - 1,000; tÅ (å”) - China; ryÅ« (æµ) - style, school, "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tÅ (å”) refers to the Tang Dynasty of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.[1]
ChitÅ-ryÅ« is generally classified as a Japanese style because Chitose formulated and founded ChitÅ-ryÅ« principally while living in Kumamoto, Japan. However, some modern practitioners[2][3][4][5] feel it is better categorized as an Okinawan style given that its roots and techniques are firmly grounded in and derived from traditional Okinawan TÅde (唿‰‹). This belief is warranted since the style's founder, Tsuyoshi Chitose, received first the rank of Judan, in 1958,[6] and then the rank of Hanshi, in 1968,[7] from the Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai (All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do).
Founder
Tsuyoshi Chitose (åƒæ³ 剛直 Chitose Tsuyoshi) (Okinawan: Chinen) was born on October 18, 1898 in the town of Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.[1] He came from a martial arts lineage—his maternal grandfather was Matsumura SÅkon (æ¾æ‘ å®—æ£). While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of karate (唿‰‹ Tang hand), now written 空手 (empty hand), as well as kobudÅ.[1] In 1921, he moved to mainland Japan to study medicine.[1] Chitose developed ChitÅ-ryÅ« using his understanding of physiology to adjust traditional techniques to make them both more effective and less detrimental to the bodies of long-term practitioners.[8] Chitose died in 1984 at the age of 86.[1]
Chitose created ChitÅ-ryÅ« by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te (see also ShÅrin-ryÅ« and ShÅrei-ryÅ«), with those of Naha-te.[8] While present, the influence of Tomari-te is less than that of the two previously mentioned foundation styles.
Teachers
- Aragaki SeishŠ(新垣 世璋)[1]
- Chitose began his training in Tote, under Aragaki SeishÅ in 1905. He was seven years old and continued to train with Seisho until 1913/1914. While there is some discrepancy as to whether Chitose's first kata was Sanchin or Seisan, his book "KenpÅ Karate-dÅ" states that he learned Sanchin from Aragaki for seven years before being taught another. Also attributed to his training with Aragaki SeishÅ are the kata Unshu, Seisan, Niseishi, and possibly ShihÅhai. Aragaki was also a famous weapons master, leaving behind several bo and sai kata including Aragaki-no-kun, Aragaki-no-sai and Sesoku-no-kun. One of Aragaki's most famous students was Higaonna KanryÅ, a major influence of the GÅju-ryÅ« style who was also one of Chitose's primary teachers.
- Higaonna KanryÅ (æ±æ©ç´ 寛é‡)[1]
- ChÅtoku Kyan (å–œå±‹æ¦ æœå¾³)[1]
- Hanashiro Chomo (花城長茂)[1]
- Choyu Motobu[1]
- Sanda Chinen[9]
Signature aspects
Signature aspects of ChitÅ-ryÅ« include an emphasis on kime (ãã‚)—a contraction of the muscles in the lower part of the body to generate additional strength and stability in stances. The use of shibori (絞り "to squeeze")—twisting contraction of the muscles in a specific area (often the arms) aimed at generating strength; rapid rotational movements; and frequent use of movement off the line of attack—tai sabaki (体æŒã)—at advanced levels are also important.
Kata
The kata of ChitÅ-ryÅ« are very concise and they reflect the unique and diverse training experiences of the founder. Many ChitÅ-ryÅ« kata bear the same name as other traditional Okinawan kata, but the kata itself is typically very different from the original or standard version. Some of these kata may have only one or two signature moves that relate it to the original, and in other cases the kata are completely different except in name. There are some exceptions to this; ChitÅ-ryÅ« versions of Seisan, Passai and ChintÅ are nearly identical to the original ShÅrin-ryÅ« forms as taught by ChÅtoku Kyan. Overall, the higher-level kata of ChitÅ-ryÅ« show a decisively strong Chinese influence compared to other Karate systems. Additionally, outside and above of the standard syllabus are kata such as Unsu and Hoen which are very fluid complex kata that are undoubtedly derived from a strong Chinese martial arts influence.
ShihÅhai
ShihÅhai (å››æ–¹æ‹ "four-direction salute") is a kata peculiar ChitÅ-ryÅ«. There is some dispute as to the origin of this kata in the ChitÅ-ryÅ« syllabus, some sources claim the kata comes from Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki SeishÅ. Chitose's own book, "KempÅ Karate-dÅ" states that he learned this kata from Hanashiro ChÅmo at SÅgen-ji. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the RyÅ«kyÅ« Kingdom. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some ChitÅ-ryÅ« groups practice an extended dai (大) version that contains a few additional techniques. RyÅ«sei Karate-do also includes version of ShihÅhai.[10]
Niseishi
The version of Niseishi (二åå››æ© "twenty-four steps") shÅ (å° "small") or dai (大 "large") found in ChitÅ-ryÅ« is unlike other versions of Niseishi. The kata actually bears a closer resemblance to a Fujian White Crane form called Hakutsuru. There are two versions of this kata in the ChitÅ-ryÅ« syllabus, a shÅ (å° "small") form and a dai (大 "large") form. The dai version contains an additional sequence of movements not found in the shÅ version, but otherwise the kata are identical. The origins of the kata are credited to Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki SeishÅ. Niseishi is commonly used in preparation for training in Sanchin kata. Chitose also made modifications to the breathing techniques in the kata. There is a set of eleven Niseishi kaisetsu (解説 "explanation") techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner. These kaisetsu cover a variety of techniques including striking, kansetsu-waza (joint locking), kyÅ«sho-waza (pressure point techniques) and take-downs.
Seisan
Seisan (æ£æ•´ "correct arrangement") is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The ChitÅ-ryÅ« version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by ChÅtoku Kyan. The kanji used in ChitÅ-ryÅ« translates as: sei (æ£) - "correct"; san (æ•´) - "arrangement or position". Traditionally, however, the kanji used for Seisan is å三, or "thirteen". Seisan is possibly one of the oldest kata in Okinawa. Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--ShÅrin-ryÅ«, GojÅ«-ryÅ« and Uechi-ryÅ«.
Bassai
Bassai (抜塞) One of the most common kata in the ShÅrin-ryÅ« lineages, this kata is traditionally said to have originated with SÅkon Matsumura. The kanji used for Bassai are batsu (抜) - "to extract or remove"; sai (塞) - "close, shut, or cover". The accepted translation used for Bassai is "To Storm a Fortress". Although nothing in the two kanji translates to fortress, the character sai (塞) is used as part of words for fortress or stronghold, as in bÅsai (防塞 "fort"). According to Chitose's book, "KempÅ Karate-dÅ", he learned Bassai from ChÅtoku Kyan. ChitÅ-ryÅ« Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi-ryÅ« Passai as well as Seibukan Bassai, which are other styles in the Kyan/Arakaki lineage. IKyan learned his Bassai from a Tomari village master named Oyadomari Kokan. The version practiced by ChitÅ-ryÅ« is very similar to the Oyadomari Bassai. Although ChitÅ-ryÅ« Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri versions of Bassai (the Bassai-dai from Shotokan, ShitÅ-ryÅ«, and Shuri-ryÅ«) are examples of the Shuri Bassai). The main difference between the Shuri version and the Tomari version are that the Shuri versions are done primarily with closed fists, while the Tomari versions are primarily open handed.
ChintÅ
ChintÅ (鎮æ±) is another kata common to the ShÅrin-ryÅ« lineages. It includes jumping, jumping kicks and intricate hand techniques. The ChitÅ-ryÅ« version is done in a north-south pattern, unlike many other versions of ShÅrin-ryÅ« ChintÅ which are done at a north-west to south-east pattern.
SÅchin
While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the ChitÅ-ryÅ« version of SÅchin (è˜éŽ®) is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation. Distinctive elements of the ChitÅ-ryÅ« version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.
RÅhai
RÅhai (鷺牌) shÅ (å° "small") or dai (大 "large") in ChitÅ-ryÅ« is a kata completely different from those in other styles, and it seems to be Chitose's own creation. It borrows from Fujian White Crane with movements similar to the ChitÅ-ryÅ« Niseishi. It is a mix of closed fisted and open handed techniques with a one-kneed stance at the very beginning.
Tenshin
Tenshin (転身) is a complex kata with many twisting, dodging movements and complex timings. It is unique to the style in both name and form and is not found outside of ChitÅ-ryÅ« derived styles. It was probably created by Chitose and doesn't seem derived from other kata.
Sanshiryu
The name of the kata Sanshiryu (三åå…æ© "thirty-six steps") is pronounced irregularly. The pronunciation seems to be based on the Mandarin Chinese (三åå… sÄnshÃliù). It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the ShÅrin-ryÅ« lineage GojÅ«shiho (54 steps), which can be found in ShitÅ-ryÅ«, or various ShÅrin-ryÅ« styles. It may be simply a shortened version of this kata.
Kusanku
The opening of the ChitÅ-ryÅ« version of Kusanku (公相å›) is nearly identical to the opening of the classical ShÅrin-ryÅ« versions found in other lineages. However, after these initial moves, the kata departs drastically. There are two versions that are commonly practiced, the sho and dai versions. The dai version doubles the length of the kata.
Ryūsan
RyÅ«san (é¾å±± "Dragon mountain") is meant to mean "dragon climbing the mountain". It is not found in any other styles of karate outside of ChitÅ-ryÅ« (except for Patrick McCarthy's KoryÅ« style, but there is debate about where his kata comes from). It is completely open handed from beginning to end with stabbing fingers, ridge hand and knife-edge blocks and palm strikes. The stance transitions are complex with the trailing leg sometimes pulling up and creating a shorter seisan-dachi, which is unlike other kata in the style. There is a signature movement in the middle of the kata where the karateka stands on one leg, thrusts one hand straight up and one hand straight down, and then switches legs and hands. It is this movement that gives the kata its name.
Sanchin
Like Niseishi, Sanchin (三戦 "Three battles") is a very old kata that is also generally acknowledged as originating in southern China from the Fujian White Crane style of martial art. In Chinese styles this form is practiced with the use of open hands throughout, while in ChitÅ-ryÅ« there is significant use of closed hands (fist). Ideally, it is supposed to take no less than seven minutes to perform properly and focuses on highly developed use of breathing techniques and shime. In ChitÅ-ryÅ«, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.
Kihon Kata
- Zenshin Kotai (å‰é€²å¾Œé€€)
- Shime no Dosa (ã—ã‚ã®å½¢)
- Empi Kihon Dosa (基本ã®çŒ¿è‡‚)
- Ni Juu Shichi Ko (二å七手技)
- Seiken no Migi Hidari (æ£æ‹³ã®å³ãƒ»å·¦)
- Shi Ho Wari (四方割)
- Kihon Kata Ichi (基本形一)
- Kihon Kata Ni (基本形二)
- Kihon Kata San (基本形三)
- Kihon Dosa Ichi
- Kihon Dosa Ni
- Kihon Dosa San
Bunkai
- Niseishi Kaisetzu (二å四解説)
- Ju ni ko
- Nage no Kata
- Henshuho
- Hangeikiho/Hogeikiho
- Uketeho
- Hantenho
- Rintenho
- Tehodoki
- Seiken no Tori
Additional Kata
- Wansu
- Ananko
- Tensho
- Unsu
- Seichin
- Hoen
- Rochin
- Gung-fu no Kata
KobudÅ kata associated with ChitÅ-ryÅ«
- Sakugawa no Kun
- Shushi no Kun
- Sesoko no Kun
- Chinen no Bo
- Maezato-ryū
- Tawada-ryū
- Yabiku-ryū
- ChitÅ-ryÅ«
ChitÅ-ryÅ« crest
The ChitÅ-ryÅ« crest is an identifiable symbol, often worn by ChitÅ-ryÅ« practitioners regardless of affiliation as a badge. The design was based on the original crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation (財団法人 全日本空手é“連盟 Zaidan HÅjin Zen Nippon Karate-dÅ Renmei) founded by Toyama Kanken, of which ChitÅ-ryÅ« is a member. There are four main parts to the ChitÅ-ryÅ« crest:
- The outline of the crest represents Yata no Kagami (å…«å’«é¡), the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty.
- The disc in the center of the crest is the Hinomaru (æ—¥ã®ä¸¸ "sun disc"). The sun is the cultural symbol of Japan, and the national symbol seen on the flag of Japan.
- The Japanese characters seen on the crest are åƒå”æµ ç©ºæ‰‹é“. These are read as ChitÅ-ryÅ« karate-dÅ. Sometimes the characters may indicate a region such as "All U.S." (全米国 Zen Beikoku) or "All Japan" (全日本 Zen Nippon).
- The fourth element is no longer used on the crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation. It is known as "Clasping of the Hands in the Circle". The fingers clasping hands in a circle is representative of the way of karate. Many Eastern philosophies understand the belief in life as a continuity or a continual flow as seen in the mathematical symbol, the circle, a line without beginning or end. Within that circle lie two hands clasping together in apposition. Where one ends the other begins, continuously chasing each other year after year. The seasons are an example of contrasts; summer, winter, spring, and fall. Karate can also be seen to be like the seasons; hard and direct, soft and circular. It takes these two contrasting feelings to make a whole and, in the same way, karate requires a person to be hard and direct, soft and circular. Only when a student has mastered these two elements does he or she really know the way of karate.
ShÅwa
ShÅwa (唱和) is the code of ChitÅ-ryÅ« practitioners. It is often recited at the beginning & end of classes.
Japanese[11] | Transliteration | English translation | French Translation |
---|---|---|---|
我々空手é“を修行ã™ã‚‹ã‚‚ã®ã¯ |
Ware Ware Karate-do oh Shugyo Surumonowa, Tsuneni Bushido Seishin oh Wasurezu, Wa to Nin Oh Motte Nashi, Soshite Tsutomereba Kanarazu Tassu. |
We who study karate-doh, Must never forget the spirit of the warriors way. With peace, perseverance and hard work, We will reach our goal. |
Nous qui étudions le Karaté-do Nous ne devons jamais oublier l'espirit du Guerrier Dans la paix, la persévérance et le travail Nous atteindrons notre but sans faute. |
ChitÅ-ryÅ« around the world
Canada
ChitÅ-ryÅ« is a popular mainstream karate style in Canada. There are almost 60 Chito-ryÅ« dojo in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found YÅshÅ«kai Karate-dÅ). This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine,[13] who was then head of ChitÅ-ryÅ« in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at dÅjÅ across Canada. The current head of the ChitÅ-ryÅ« style, the son of Chitose, continued this practice, conducting clinics in Canada for ChitÅ-ryÅ« practitioners approximately every other year. However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ryÅ« Karate-dÅ Association[14] and the Japanese parent organization. The result was that the Canadian association and approximately three quarters of the Canadian dÅjÅ agreed to separate from Japan and became independent. DÅjÅ in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.[15]
The Canadian ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate-dÅ Association is now an independent organization headed by Shane Higashi,[16] who formerly held the titles KyÅshi (教士) and the Vice SÅ-honbuchÅ (ç·æœ¬éƒ¨é•·) for ChitÅ-ryÅ«. Higashi was recently awarded the title of Hanshi (範士) and 9th dan (乿®µ).[17] Higashi studied under Masami Tsuruoka, becoming his first black belt student, and also briefly lived with and studied under ChitÅ-ryÅ« founder Chitose. Higashi and Tsuruoka were inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2006, respectively.[18] The others, who chose to remain loyal to the Japanese parent organization, formed the new organization Chito Ryu Canada ICKF. Chris Taneda, Kyoshi and 7th Dan, is their most senior instructor.
Australia
The International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia (ICKFA) is the governing association for ChitÅ-ryÅ« dÅjÅ in Australia.
ChitÅ-ryÅ« was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince in 1969, after studying in Toronto, Canada under Shane Higashi. [19] He trained for three months in Kumamoto, Japan under Tsuyoshi Chitose. His first dÅjÅ was the North Sydney Leagues Club. Over the next six years Prince trained and qualified six black belt students, who went on to establish clubs throughout Australia. Prince was also a founding member of the Federation Of Australia Karate-Do Organisations.
In the late 1970s Bill Ker was appointed President and honbuchÅ (本部長) for ChitÅ-ryÅ« in Australia.[19] He later gained the rank of 4th dan (四段). In 1991 Ker retired from active involvement in ChitÅ-ryÅ«. Upon his retirement, Brian Hayes was appointed President and honbucho by Chitose. In November 2004, Michael Noonan was appointed to represent Chitose and the ICKF in Australia as honbucho.[19] Noonan currently teaches at the Tasseikan dÅjÅ in Sydney and has been granted the rank of 6th dan (å…æ®µ) and Renshi (錬士 "instructor"). [20]
United States of America
United States ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate Federation
The United States ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate Federation is an independent non-profit federation of ChitÅ-ryÅ« dÅjÅ in the United States.[21] It was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich. The hombu-dÅjÅ is located in Covington, Kentucky.[21]
U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association
The U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association is a karate association headed by Michael G. Foster. Yoshukai is a Japanese karate style adapted from Chito-ryu by Mamoru Yamamoto.[22] Foster was originally named the Director of the U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association in 1966 by Mamoru Yamamoto, when it was affiliated with the United States ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate Federation. In this capacity, Foster established and headed a number of karate schools which were then part of the United States ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate Federation. The dÅjÅ became independent Yoshukai schools 1971.[23]
Koshin-ha ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate Association
The Koshin-ha ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate-do Association was formed in 2004 by several senior ranking American ChitÅ-ryÅ« practitioners.[24] Unlike many martial arts organizations run by a single person, the Koshin-ha is governed by two groups of individuals: senior practitioners (known collectively as the Shihan-kai), and dÅjÅ chief instructors (known collectively as the Shibu-kai).[24]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "What is Chito-Ryu karate? History ..". Chito-Ryu Karate (Sohonbu Office). Retrieved July 4, 2001.
- ↑ Davenport, James l. "Okinawan Martial Arts Founders/Seniors". Kentucky Budokan. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ G. Buret, Ph.D., Andre. "History of Chito Ryu Katas". Calgary Chito Ryu Karate Club. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ "Chito-Ryu Karate". Rochester Chito-Ryu Karate. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ Higashi, Shane. "Chito-Ryu History". Ontario Chito-ryu. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ "Tsuyoshi Chitose". The International Budo Institute. Retrieved July 4, 2011.
In 1958 O-Sensei attained the rank of Judan from Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai (The all Okinawa Karate and Weaponry association).
- ↑ "The History of Chitokai". Australia Chitokai Karate Association Inc. Retrieved July 4, 2011.
In 1968, O'Sensei attained the rank of Hanshi, the highest degree of martial arts recognition, from the All Okinawa Union of Karate-Do and Kobu-Do ( Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai).
- 1 2 "The History Of Chitokai, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose". Australia Chitokai Karate Association Inc. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on May 5, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
- ↑ "Ryusei Karate-Do". Ryusei-karate.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "国際åƒå”æµç©ºæ‰‹é“連盟". Chitouryu.ninpou.jp. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "New Brunswick Chito-Ryu Karate - Showa". Nbchitoryu.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "Black Belt Magazine" (Digitized online by Google books). Mar 1965: 28. Retrieved 2011-06-14.
- ↑ "Canadian Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Association – National association of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do in Canada". Chitoryu.ca. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "ICKF Chito Ryu Dojo in Canada". Chito Ryu Canada ICKF. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 17, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
- ↑ "Shane Higashi". Chito Ryu Association of Ontario. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- ↑ "INDUCTEES". Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
- 1 2 3 "Chito-Ryu in Australia". Retrieved July 4, 2011.
Chito-Ryu was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince then 4th Dan (and student of Higashi, the current honbucho in Canada) in the 1960's.
- ↑ "About the Institute". The Australian Institute of Karate. Retrieved July 4, 2011.
Mike has achieved the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt and the title of Renshi (Master Teacher).
- 1 2 "United States Chito-ryu Karate-do Federation Index". Chito-ryu.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "Yoshukai Karate Alliance". Yoshukaialliance.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "History". Theyoshukaikarate.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- 1 2 "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 24, 2006. Retrieved March 26, 2006.
Bibliography
- Kempo Karate-dŠ— Universal Art of Self-Defense (拳法空手é“一般ã®è·èº«è¡“) by Tsuyoshi Chitose, ISBN 0-9687791-0-7. The seminal textbook by the founder of ChitÅ-ryÅ« Karate-dÅ.
- The Endless Quest — The Autobiography of an American Karate Pioneer by William J. Dometrich, ISBN 0-9687791-1-5.
External links
ChitÅ-ryÅ« organizations
- International Chito Ryu Karate-do Association
- ICKF Canada
- Chito Ryu Norway (in Norwegian)
- International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia
- Hong Kong Chito Ryu Association
Independent ChitÅ-ryÅ« organizations
- The Koshin-ha Chito-Ryu Association
- United States Chito-ryu Federation
- Canadian Chito Ryu Karate Do Association
Other articles
- About the AJKF Emblem
- Interview with William Dometrich, 9th Dan Chito Ryu / Founder of United States Chito Ryu Federation
- Elvis & Chito ryu
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