Introducing Traditional Okinawan Karate & Kobudo

History

We learn from a reading of history that Okinawa was invited to establish diplomatic relations with Ming China in 1372. Thereafter, cultural and trade relations with China flourished. Among the many things that Okinawans learned from China were the Chinese arts of self-defense. It is reasonable to consider that Okinawan karate gradually developed as a fusion of Okinawa's own ancient martial art, "ti" (meaning hand), and the self-defense techniques that came from China. Until fairly recently, Okinawan karate was never taught outside of certain families in Okinawa. It was the exclusive domain of the warrior class, passed down in secret from generation to generation. Traditional Okinawan karate spread throughout the world before the war with the help of Okinawan immigrants living in Hawaii and other parts of the world who invited Okinawan martial artists to demonstrate their techniques overseas. After the war, it became popular among the U.S. military personnel and its presence became known on the U.S. mainland and around the world.

Philosophy

Traditional Okinawan karate places great importance on kata (forms) and tanren (discipline, training). It aims to develop and form character through the martial arts. Its philosophy is symbolized in maxims such as "never strike first" and "win without fighting. "Karate, practiced as a sport and in competition, developed from traditional Okinawan karate. There are now some 40 million devotees of karate worldwide.

The Schools

There are many schools, or ryuha, of karate in Okinawa but the following three schools are representative of traditional Okinawan karate.

Shorin Ryu

Shorin Ryu is descended from Shuri-te (the martial art originally handed down in the Shuri area), and was revived in modern times by Sokon Matsumura. Next in the line of descent was Anko Itosu, and then Itosu's pupil Choshin Chibana (1885-1969). In 1933 this school acquired its present name, Shorin Ryu, and in 1948 the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Association was founded. There is also a style descended from the Shaolin school that was handed down to Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) by Anko Itosu.

Goju Ryu

Goju Ryu is descended from the Naha-te technique originally practiced in the Naha area. This tradition was revived by Kanryo Higaonna. Chojun Miyagi (1888-1968), in direct line of descent from Higaonna, is the founder of the modern school. Chojun Miyagi was a great man of both letters and the martial arts. He introduced karate into the police force and into schools and did outstanding service in promoting karate both within Japan and overseas. The Goju School got its name when its members were asked for a name at the National Martial Arts Tournament in 1929 and the present name was chosen.

Uechi Ryu

This school was started by Kanbun Uechi (1877-1948). Uechi trained in pangainun Chinese boxing in Fujian Province in China for thirteen years. Returning to his home town of Izumi in Okinawa, he became a farmer. He moved to Wakayama Prefecture where, at the invitation of local people, he established a pangainun style karate research and training school and began to promote karate. The school's name was changed to Uechi Ryu in 1940 and in 1949, its present base was established, in Ginowan, Okinawa.

 

Karate Demonstrations

Demonstration of Shorin Ryu by Minoru Nakazato (Hanshi 9th dan), Vice President, Okinawa Karate Shorin Ryu Shorinkan	Demonstration of Goju Ryu by Meitatsu Yagi (Hanshi 10th dan), International Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate Union President	Demonstration of Uechi Ryu by Seiki Itokazu (Kyoshi 8th dan), Director, Okinawa Konanryu Karatedo Association Seibukan
RealG2(160 x 120 size) Real5.0[56k] HTTPD 5.0(56k)	RealG2(160 x 120 size) Real5.0[56k] HTTPD 5.0(56k)	RealG2(160 x 120 size) Real5.0[56k] HTTPD 5.0(56k)
The first kata performed is a basic kata, called naifanchi. Next, the highest kata, kusanku, is performed.	The first kata performed is a basic kata, called sanchin. Next, the seenchin kata is performed. Two students then perform basic training techniques and practice methods. The first training method, called kote-kitae, develops the wrists. The next training method is kakete, which strengthens the upper arms and abdominal muscles, the back muscles, and develops physical strength. Next is kumite, sparring which features techniques aimed at the upper, middle, and lower (jo, chu, ge) parts of the body.	The first kata features staff techniques. The next demonstration is of the highest kata, sanseru. Then, a basic kata, sanchin, is performed.

Okinawa Prefectural Intangible Cultural Assets

In 1997, the following individuals were designated as intangible cultural assets by Okinawa Prefecture in order to establish traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo as important cultural assets and to promote their future development

Senior Masters

The following gentlemen are senior masters of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo.

Methods of Training and Discipline

Director: Instructor Nobuko Oshiro
Shorin Ryu Karatedo Kyudokan Urasoe Dojo

The training basis of traditional Okinawan karate is to perfect kata (forms), sets of prearranged movements.
Characteristics of this form of karate is that each student repeatedly practices a limited number of kata, under the direction of an instructor. Throughout their lives they strive to perfect these kata. The basic kata of Shorin Ryu or Shaolin descended styles is naifanchi, whereas the basic kata of Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu related styles is the sanchin kata.

We often see children training intensely at karate dojos throughout Okinawa.
Their training begins with the basic movements. They drill thoroughly on these movements, repeating over and over the basic thrusting and kicking techniques. As they gain skill, they gradually proceed to higher katas.
Another basic training technique is the use of makiwara straw punching posts to toughen the fists. (At present leather padding is used in place of bound straw).

Photos: Hiroshi Shimabukuro (STUDIO PLANET)

Traditional Okinawan Kobudo

Originally, Okinawans had very few iron tools. In the 15th century, during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom's King Sho Shin, the common people did not own any weapons. Kobudo's distinctive feature was born when these people found ways to use their everyday tools as weapons. Tools such as sticks and poles, sickles, and oars were incorporated into this martial art.