http://chinesemartialstudies.com/2014/0 ... al-arts-2/
Other traditions, especially those with relatively large followings (the various Hung Kuen movements) or those located along important trade routes (such as White Crane in Fujian) were also well situated to set up public schools, attract students, and build their reputation. However, as the reputation of these large players spread, many smaller styles suffered or disappeared. Young men who went to the cities seeking work might now join the Hung Sing Association rather than following their village style. Further, coverage in the local media helped these large local schools to not just fend off the local competition, but to really reshape how individuals thought about the martial arts in general.
the article makes some points to think about as far as the history of Uechi ryu and what Kanbun may have delt with in China.Instructors from smaller traditions were thus left with a choice. There was a good market for martial instruction, if you could break into it. To do so they could either attempt to create their own brand, in the mode of, and competing directly against, one of the larger styles. Often this meant transforming a local tradition into something more formalized, complete with a name, lineage and illustrious creation myth. Or they could attempt to ingratiate themselves with one of the more successful local “brands.”
the fist thing that stuck out to me in the article was that many local systems didnt have formal names. Thus both Kanbun and Miyagi would be hard pressed to give an answer to what was the name of their style. there was a very big market for martial arts instuction and after the Boxer rebelion this market dried up, people didnt want to be associated with it. that may be a more likely reason Kanbun left China. he might have been broke and thats not something you go around telling everyone and not something the next generation would pass on as the styles history. it would sound better if he left because of a students self defense situation.
i am not saying what has been passed on is incorect, i just think this is interesting.