Posted: 29 July 2005 at 10:46pm | IP Logged

The Evolution of the Noble Discipline of
SHITO-RYU KARATE-DO

The origin of today's four major Japanese karate-do systems can be traced to a group of islands known as the Ryukyu Island chain during the 18th century. Located between Japan (North-East), mainland China (West), and Taiwan (South-West), Okinawa, the largest of the islands had an indigenous martial art form that was being secretly practiced called 'TE' or 'HANDS'. This ideal location allowed Okinawa to be heavily influenced by an open cultural exchange with Asia, especially China. During this era, the secret method of 'TE' was combined with various Chinese martial arts fighting styles that evolved into a system referred to simply as 'TO-DE' or 'CHINESE-HAND'.

Three main areas eventually came into prominence on Okinawa as the centres for the practice of 'TO-DE'. They were, SHURI, the ancient capital city of Okinawa where the king and noble families lived, NAHA, a port town of business and commercial enterprise, and TOMARI, a village populated mostly by farmers, fisherman, and country people. Each location had developed a unique style of 'TO-DE'.

TOMARI

In Tomari, two great masters became important historical figures in the development TOMARI-TE. They were, Kokan Oyadomari (1831-1905) who taught Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) and Kosaku Matsumora (1797-1898), who taught Ankoh Itosu (1830-1915).

NAHA

Naha's most famous master in the development of 'NAHA-TE' was Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna, 1853-1915). He received instruction from master Arakaki (1840-1918). Master Higashionna taught many students including Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953), the founder of 'GOJU-RYU',and Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952), the founder of 'SHITO-RYU'.

Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna) (1853-1915)

SHURI

Pechin Sakugawa (1733-1815)

Shuri's main teacher in the development of 'SHURI-TE' was master Sakugawa (1733-1815), who was widely known by the nickname of 'TO-DE SAKUGAWA'. He is believed to have received his instuction from Peichin Takahara and from a Chinese military attache‚ known as 'KU-SAN-KU', who was an expert in the art of 'Chinese-Boxing' and living in Okinawa around 1761. Tode Sakugawa's most prominent student was Sokon Matsumura (1809-1894) who was also Yasutsune 'Ankoh' Itosu's teacher.

The system of the Tomari region became absorbed into the Shuri and Naha systems because of lack of development in Tomari. This gradually left only two main systems, Shuri-te and Naha-te. Eventually, they were referred to as 'SHORIN' and 'SHOREI' respectively.

Ankoh Itosu was born in Shuri and became one of the most respected martial artists in Okinawa during the 19th century. Master Itosu was the first person to introduce 'TO-DE' into the Okinawa Dai Ichi Jr. High School and the Okinawa Teachers Jr. College school system. One of his great contributions to the art of 'TO-DE', was the firm belief of the importance of the development of person's character through the concentration on 'KATA' (form patterns) and 'BUNKAI' application practice. Master Itosu also organized and systemized 'TO-DE' into a standard method of practice. When he first began teaching in the school system, the introduction of the kata Naihanchin was his preferred way to teach. He soon realized that this kata was far too advanced for the beginner, which lead to master Itosu creating a group of new kata, the PINAN's. The creation of 5 Pinan (alternate reading as HEIAN) kata was based on the kata called Kusanku and some other significant techniques. Master Itosu trained a great number of eminent karatemen, including Kentsu Yabu (1863-1937), Chomo Hanashiro (1869-1945), Gichin Funakoshi (1867-1957), Moden Yabiku (1880-1941), Kanken Toyama (1888-1966),Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945), Shinpan Shiroma (1890-1954), Anbun Tokuda (1886-1945) and Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952).

Ankoh Itosu (1830-1915)

Back (L-R) Shinpan Shiroma, Choryo Maeshiro, Choshin Chibana, Genwa Nakasone.
Front Chotoku Kyan, Kentsu Yabu, Chomo Hanashiro, Chojun Miyagi

Gichin Funakoshi

Kanryo Higashionna (alternate reading as HIGAONNA) was born in Naha in 1853. He began training in the martial arts with a Chinese Kempo stylist when he was around 16 years old. His fascination for this Chinese fighting-art form lead him to train in Foochow, China for approximately 15 years. After returning to Okinawa, he was eventually convinced to teach his system of martial arts. It was during this period that he introduced the 'HARD' and 'SOFT' methods of training. Master Higashionna was renown for his great physical strength and his performance of the 'SANCHIN' kata. Kanryo Higashionna was also considered to be one of the most highly respected martial artists in Okinawa during the 19th century. Master Higashionna had many disciples among whom were his most dedicated, Chojun Miyagi (founder of GOJU-RYU), Juhatsu Kiyoda (founder of TOON-RYU), Kanken Toyama, and Kenwa Mabuni (founder of SHITO-RYU).

Kanryo Higashionna  (1853-1915)

Chojun Miyagi

(L) Chojun Miyagi, Juhatsu Kiyoda

References/Bibliography

Reid Howard/Croucher Michael. The Way of the Warrior. Agincourt, Canada: Methuen Publications, Eddison/Sadd Editions Limited, 1983.
Sakagami Ryusho. Karate-do Taikan-Pinan. Tokyo, Japan: Kyusei Inc., 1974.
Nakaya Takao. Karate-do History and Philosophy. Carrollton, Texas: J.S.S. Publishing Co., 1986.
Haines Bruce A. Karate's History and Traditions. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co. Inc., 1974.
Draeger Donn F. The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan. New York/Japan: John Weatherhill, Inc., Vol. I, 1983; Vol. II, 1982; Vol. III, 1983.
Corcoran John/Farkis Emil, Martial Arts-Traditions, History, People. New York: Gallery Books, An Imprint of W.H. Smith Publishers, Inc., 1983.
Corcoran John. The Martial Arts Companion-Culture, History, and Enlightenment. New York: Michael Friedman Publishing Group, 1992.
Mc Carthy Patrick. Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate. Burbank, California: Ohara Publications, Inc., 1987.
Mc Carthy Patrick. The Bible of Karate Bubushi. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co. Inc., 1995.
Bishop Mark. Okinawan Karate, Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques. London, Great Britain: A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd., 1989.
DeMarco Michael A. Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Erie, Pennsylvania: Via Media Publishing Co., 1994.
Sells John. Everything you always wanted to know about Karate....Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated Article.
Pruim Andy. A Karate Compendium, Karate Histories from Te to Z: Karate Magazine Article.
Melton James R. The Evolution Of Karate, From Fighting Method to Sport and Self-defense System: Karate Magazine Article.
O'Neill Terry. Fighting Arts International. Article by Graham Noble, The History and Development of the 'Empty Hand' Art....: Merseyside, England.
Kai Kuniyuki. Okinawan Goju-ryu Book: Japan, 1989.
Moledzki Sam. Personal Data and Photograph Archives: Toronto, Canada.

Posted: 29 July 2005 at 10:49pm | IP Logged

®  

The Mabuni Family Emblem

Kenwa & Kenei Mabuni

This emblem has been the family crest for many centuries. The circle can be interpreted as symbolizing peace and harmony (Wa), while the two inner vertical lines and two horizontal lines represent the Japanese caligraphy for the word 'person' or 'people'. The emblem therefore symbolizes 'people working in peace and harmony'.

Because Kenwa Mabuni sensei was greatly influenced by his two main teachers in the development of his Karate, he also included the interpretation of the interior lines to represent his two main teachers - ITOSU ANKO and HIGASHIONNA KANRYO.

The crest became synonymous with Kenwa Mabuni's Karate-do style (Shito-Ryu) and helped to identify it clearly.

References/Bibliography

Shito-ryu Open Cup Tournament Programme. Shin-Gi-Tai Karate-do Shito-ryu. E.V.: Berlin, Germany. 1994.
Mabuni Kenei/Nakahashi Hidetoshi. Karate-do Shito-ryu. Paris, France: SEDIREP, 1989.
Mabuni Kenei/Kassis Con. Shito-ryu Karate-do. Victoria, Australia: Dominie Press, 1997.
Moledzki Sam.  Personal Data Archives.

Posted: 29 July 2005 at 10:50pm | IP Logged

(10 Rules of Karate Practice)

October, 1908

 In 1901 Ankoh Itosu sensei introduced Okinawan Karate into the Shuri Elementary School System as part of the physical education training program. This became the root by which Okinawan Karate began to gain popularity. By 1905 Itosu sensei was teaching Okinawan Karate at the Dai Ichi College and the Teacher's Training College. In 1908 he wrote a letter to the Prefectural Educational Department encouraging the introduction of Karate to all Okinawan schools including those on the Japanese mainland.

He wrote (paraphrased):

1. Karate practice should be used as a means of self-defense and in order to protect one's parents and loved ones. It should be used to improve your health and should not be used for your own selfish interests or to deliberately hurt someone.
   
   
2. The purpose of Karate is to train the human body to become as hard as rock and as strong as iron (steel). To effectively develop the hands and feet to be used as spears or arrows, and to develop a strong spirit and brave heart through continuous practice. If Karate were introduced at the elementary school level, the children would be well prepared for the military in the future. Both the First Duke of Wellington and Napoleon I discussed the concept of "tomorrow's victory can come from today's playgrounds".
   
   
3. Karate is not learned over a brief period of time. To understand Karate more fully, one should practice seriously everyday for at least three or four years.
   
   
4. In Karate the hands and feet should be trained on the 'makiwara' by striking it about one or two hundred times. This can be achieved by dropping or relaxing (without tension) the shoulders. Open your lungs (inhale deeply) without raising the shoulders, take hold of your strength (hold your breath briefly), grip the ground with your feet and sink your intrinsic energy (Ki, Chi, Internal Life Force) to your lower abdomen (Tanden).
   
   
5. Karate should be practiced with the proper stances executed by keeping the back straight, lowering the shoulders, allowing the strength to develop in the legs, positioning the feet firmly on the ground and delivering the Ki through the tanden, while keeping the upper and lower parts connected throughout the movement.
   
   
6. Karate techniques should be practiced repeatedly over and over a great number of times. The correct explanation (Bunkai) of the techniques should be learned and then properly applied to the given circumstances.
   
   
7. Karate practitioners should decide whether the emphasis is on purely physical fitness training or only the practical use of the body.
   
   
8. Karate should be practiced with great intensity and the concept of always being prepared to defend your self, as if on the field of battle.
   
   
9. Karate should be practiced correctly and to develop the proper strength of technique. Do not over exert your self or over do it.
   
   
10. Those who have previously mastered Karate have lived to an old age. This was achieved because Karate helps in the development of muscles and bones, helps the digestive organs, and improves the circulation of blood. Therefore, Karate should be introduced into the physical education classes and practiced from the elementary school level onwards.

References/Bibliography

McCarthy Patrick. Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate. Burbank, California: Ohara Publications, Inc., 1987.
Bishop Mark. Okinawan Karate, Teachers, Style and Secret Techniques. London, Great Britian: A & C Black (publishers) Ltd., 1989.
Hargrove Frank. The 100 year History of Shorin-ryu Karate. U.S.A. : Fadorah Publishing Co., 1986.
Alexander George w. Okinawa Island of Karate. West Palm Beach, Florida: Yamazato Publications, 1991.

Posted: 29 July 2005 at 10:51pm | IP Logged

"The Joy of Dedicated Training"

The Discipline of Kenwa Mabuni

The following is a 31-syllable abstract Japanese poem (commonly called a "TANKA") composed by Mabuni Kenwa sensei, (the founder of the Shito-Ryu Karate-Do) to earnestly express his view of Life and Karate-Do.

Nanigotomo Uchiwasuretari Hisasurani Bunoshima Sashite Koguga Tanoshiki