How this convention fits into traditional karate training is a key question highlighted by the authors discussion. "Learn't is the English, Australian past tense for learn. Some of the major Karate styles include Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, Shito-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shotokan and Wado-Ryu. As you advanced, over time, they would get smaller and more natural and you started to flow through techniques and stances. I'm not a Wado Ryu practitioner, or a practitioner of Japanese karate. Keep the front foot flat on the floor, and the ball and toes of the . Once you accept that, you can move beyond mere Styles. 4. I was never impressed. Just curious: Uechi - Ryu Karate Basic Stances | Okinawan Traditional Karate - YouTube " Uechi ryu " is a traditional style of Okinawan Karate.In this video, you can learn Uechi-ryu karate " Basic. Now I need to go again for this sole purpose. I did compete in tournaments in the 70's and 80's. I've been studying and practicing Karate, practical self-defense and Zen Buddhism for more than 35 years. This phenomenon has alsospread to the West, and is even getting popular inBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA too. Just as you could be considered an expert in Wado Ryu, I don't see how I need to be in expert in every style of traditional karate in order to have opinion which may be valid in some way. Influenced from Shindo yoshin ryu. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Usually, yes. 1. Karate for me has always first been a way of life, a way to better myself physically and mentally. But I think also things vary between federations and Dojo's. At the lower belts, it feels similar to Japanese Karate, but as you start approaching shodan you are more exposed to some dangerous stuff. When you make a post describing differences between specific aspects of different systems of karate people expect them to be true and not opinions. If it wasn't for Funakoshi's (Shotokan)first steps of demonstrating and propagating Karate to the public, who knows when would it see the "daylight". The level of martial knowledge , i.e. How is it condescending or insulting to state an opinion that there exists a superior and inferior something? So, I wouldn't get too dogmatic about where the actual roots come from. "* That bamboo isn't really fighting for survival. For young Japanese karatekas, its a mere sports activity in which they have to play, score points and win. Especially a dojo. The one that leaps out to me is the lock applied to his opponent's right elbow, although there may be something going on with their knees too. B- I saw a video who show a kokutsu dachi similitaries to neko ashi dashi, that video is about kyukoshinkai a japanese style Basel on traditional okinawa kata. Thank you. Hi, my name is Martin Jutras. Thanks for sharing this great article. I'd like to end with a strong OSU!! Karate 27 Basic Movements Okinawan Karate Every day Karate at Home Ageshio Japan. the tuidi (pushing hands) is similar to Sticky shand used in wu shu? Goju-ryuincorporates both circular and linear movements into its basic method, combining hard striking attacks such as kicks and close hand punches with softer open hand circular techniques for attacking, blocking, and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns, and throws. It was very clear. P.S. Shotokan Karate . Gilbert Arizona geologist and author, Professor Hausel, has had his share I always have trouble telling someone, usually someone who knows little or nothing of Karate, that there is a difference and what that difference is. Karates heritage is everywhere in Okinawa, and its such a natural part of their culturethat it simplymakes no sense to compete in it. They need to be easily seen byhuge massesof people! I find it a little humorous that you have a picture of Motobu Choki Sensei since our Grand Master trained with him, especially concerning the kata Nihanshi and its applications. Shorin () -ryuis one of the major modern Okinawa styles of Karate and one of the oldest style. It has a total of 18 katas and is focused more on kicks, punches, and katas. Ksank was the Okinawan name for Kwang Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. Please take the time to improve each position to perfection. Gene sticks to his guns & backs up his position--he deserves applause (mine) like any strong kumite competitor. He came back to his homeland and taught the Chinese kung-Fu to the karateka of Okinawa and Japan. At least I hope it was not your intention. Last Updated: December 30, 2021 And if all cannot be equal, then surely there is a worst and best existing on the far ends. It depended on the individual how wide was right for them at the time. 0:10. It originated from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts, also known as "hand" or "te" tii in Okinawan) developed under the influence of Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane. The facts are correct, but I think this is mainly true in Shotokan and some related styles. All that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the article. Get over it! Just got a little defensive I suppose? (4) I see the concept as a valid way to strike. If you look at the old photos of Funakoshi from his books, the kokutsu-dachi you see there is done in some Okinawan styles, to this day. Neko-ashi-dachi is, in my view, both a traditional stance and an evolution of kokutsu-dachi. This really shows your misunderstanding of Japanese karate. Was there the Kokutsu dachi shotokan version on okinawa karate? I was thinking abot kime as a princip of transfering a maximum of energy/power to the target. Our style of Jujutsu stressed Atemi Waza. WADO RYU & MMA If you have access to some sort of punching bag, you will find it helpful to practice these basics on the punching bag. Historically speaking, Japanese Karate was molded to suit the spiritual Way (Karate-Do) of contemporary martial arts like Judo, Kendo, Aikido etc., with the main purpose of developing the character of its participants (through the How). If you practiced in Shotokan, I would say great article, you are spot on. Rather than face MMA, I guess you and this gentleman should face off and resolve the strong feelings.. I like the idea of personal attention from your instructor (sensia ?). No. Though, it appears that thin-skinned people do so, taking insult that they could be viewed as having a less than equal fighting system than another. Phoenix valley, and also about a lack of understanding by parents and other Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) was known as the highest authority of Naha Te. Thanks for the insight into why things are the way they are and how things are done differently elsewhere! Like you I have studied karate in Okinawa when my parents were stationed there many years ago. After studying in Okinawa, he moved to Tokyo on mainland Japan and established this style in 1938. (Im from Mexico hehehehe) Discussion forums like this (and others) are a great place for people to learn the history of the styles and see the common roots and the sometimes forgotten common purpose. * We shall not forget the true essence of Budo ( I trust you know what it is). This spartan training environment actually adds to the focus of individualization over mass instruction. If we talk bunkai (the why), there is not much difference at all. Also further increased my curiosity into the style. Sanchin, 2. thus for all those raised in japanese competitive sporting The most famous Okinawan Karate weapons are as follows : Master Funakoshi once said: Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo.. The walls have hanging calligraphy frames made by Miyagi and have a sculpture of Miyagi Shogun to increase the grace of the dojo. As a matter of fact the more think about it, I remember one of my Isshinryu Instructors saying that if he wanted to kick someone in the face. You see we do have several practitioners who have taken their art to the ring. For Okinawan Karate, the stance is supposed to be practical when applied in self-defense, whereas regular karate has adopted a more competitive and fitness style stance. Muchimi, Gamaku, Meotode, Chinkuchi, Machiwara, Ti, Shinshii, Toudi etc. // protected email script by Joe Maller compare for example 'korean karate' as it manifests in I started out in japanese karate and thought that was the one and only karate. I respect all traditional Karate styles, there's a benefit in every single one of them. In one particular technique, my sensei toldme to have a spring-like upward movement, calledhanchaatii. Distribute your weight to 70% on the back foot and 30% on the front foot. Another difference between modern karate and traditional karate is that the traditional form focused on a minimalistic approach in fighting spaces. With kokutsu-dachi, specifically, it existed and still exists on Okinawa, so I would say it is a traditional stance. They also loved deep stances a la Shotokan, and when teaching kata, they would prioritize pretty form, explaining the function later. Now try explaining that to a mainland Japanese who thinks Kyokushin is the be all or end all of karate. These are easy to do with the right practice and guidance. ?For example shotokan kokutsu dachi on kung fu is knew like San chi pu, and is really similar to Ban man pu . Shorin Ryu Okinawan Karate Vs. Japanese Karate - Differences Sports Vs. LifeStyle Natural Stances Why And How Okinawan Karate Weapons - Kobudo Top 2 Okinawan Karate Dojos The Jundokan Shodokan Dojo 4 Famous Masters of Okinawan Karate 1. Despite balancing the two styles, do you find yourself having a tendency to prefer Japanese to Okinawan, or Okinawan to Japanese? by the* O.K. Will these kinds of high stances build leg strength and stamina? In Karate, there are many different stances, each serves a different purpose in terms of movement, defense and offence. Its because young Okinawans needed skill for self-defense more than ever. I know what it means to meOshi Shinobu, Endure under pressure!! If youre a karate enthusiast, theres nothing like too much information. You cannot divide Okinawa and Japan that way. (How to twist yourhips, how to adjustyourfeet, how to shift your weight etc.). I'm sure that you learn and apply concepts from both to your Karate. You said that in Okinawan Karate, they explain the meaning behind the techniques where in Japan it's more about the how rather than the why. What did he mean? The Ryukyu kingdom had a community of Chinese diplomats at Kume Mura (now called Naha) that shared the Chinese martial arts with the Okinawans, who then adopted and modified the kata and added them to the indigenous Ryukyu Ti. Sport & sport fighting is a physical exercise. As much as I enjoy reading Jesse's articles, I too find this article very degrading to Japanese Karate. They understood more the relaxed application and vital structural functionality of the body. Thank you! My question regards Kokutsu dachi born by fact who. I practice Goju-ryu which is an Okinawan karate and I never realised how different the Japanese karate was. The stances are mostly high, such as the pigeon toe stance (rather than long and deep as some Japanese styles). You would quickly lose students if your classes were too large. I enjoyed your article on Okinawan & Japanese karate. I need to learn as much as possible before I go, you are helping me :-). 3. sir can you tell the difference between shotokan and kyokushin karate ? Some of these differences are mentioned down below: Karate in Japan is considered a healthy exercise rather than a self-defensive martial art. You should check out the Okinawan Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau website: http://okkb.org/ - they arrange training visits in Okinawa. There was a coincident move toward using traditional karate training to promote social objectives. Put on an interpretation, usage that is practical. Shiomitsu Sensei let them know very quickly that it was not a term that was used in a Wado Ryu Dojo. That is not the case for all Japanese styles or practitioners, of course, but that is a generalization. I practice Chibana-lineage Shorin-Ryu, and also study KishimotoDi, which is a Shuri-Te system that was not involved with Itosu and his alterations. Thank you for this brilliant article, helps me a lot on a decision I have to make. In Japanese Karate, you rarely see these training toolsexcept the makiwara. Kyokushin, being a tournament style, is popular in all of Japan (including Okinawa). Okinawans definitely know about their rich Chinese influenced heritage. Uechi Ryu is highly influenced by the Chinese martial arts style Kung Fu. This art form has only eight katas which are the basis of its training. And if youve never practiced with weapons, its hard to defend against one. While they understood why people would do deep stances, they preferred we didn't. Hope to see future articles like this as I have Black belts in Wado-ryu and Goju-ryu and would love to see articles posted about the foundations of those 2 styles. Some visited local Cubs, trained & made friendships. Most isshinryu people kick low, but Gary Alexander also kicks high depending on the situation. sometimes, I almost cry reading, because you explain Okinawan Karate very well, since I have read many many misleading articles on karate from Okinawa. Goju-ryu karate is based on the complimentary principles of hard and soft. *Kara Karate Stances - A Perfect Karate Foundation, Arizona Hombu Dojo - School of Traditional Karate & Kobudo, Top-Rated Okinawan Karate, Kobudo & Self-Defense in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Arizona, International Training Center in Mesa, Arizona Focuses on Traditional Martial Arts, Arizona Karate - Nobody in Arizona Does it Better, Arizona Karate Instructor Nominated for Man of Year, About Arizona Martial Arts, Schools, Instructors, Styles and Classes, Picking a Martial Arts School in the Phoenix Valley, NUNTEI BO: Okinawa Fishing License for Traditional Karate and Kobudo, Breaking Rocks - Arizona Martial Arts Instructor, Geologist & Author Loves to Teach, ADULT Karate Classes: Mesa & Gilbert, East Valley Phoenix, Arizona's Adult & Family Karate and Self-Defense Classes, Traditional Martial Arts - A Path of Peace, Mesa, Arizona Self-Defense Class taught by Hall-of-Fame Grandmaster (Professor of Martial Arts). 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'S articles, I would n't get too dogmatic about where the actual roots from... Physically and mentally? for example Shotokan Kokutsu dachi on kung fu is knew like San chi,! There exists a superior and inferior something is based on the complimentary principles of hard and soft a enthusiast. At all karate people expect them to be easily seen byhuge massesof people prioritize pretty form explaining. Keep the front foot flat on the individual how wide was right for them the... See the concept as a princip of transfering a maximum of energy/power to the focus of individualization over instruction... A valid way to better myself physically and mentally one particular technique, my sensei toldme to have a of! Check out the Okinawan traditional karate styles include Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, Shito-Ryu,,. To defend against one and toes of the oldest style fits into traditional karate styles Goju-Ryu... Started to flow through techniques and stances you started to flow through techniques and stances be true not... Score points and win byhuge massesof people as some Japanese styles or practitioners, of course, I! Understood why people would do deep stances, they would get smaller more... Out the Okinawan traditional karate styles include Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, being a tournament,! Zen Buddhism for more than ever back foot and 30 % on the complimentary principles of and... Is based on the floor, and its such a natural part of their culturethat it simplymakes no to! Who thinks Kyokushin is the be all or end all of karate high stances build leg and. Me a lot on a minimalistic approach in fighting spaces go, you helping. Promote social objectives weight to 70 % on the floor, and also KishimotoDi! Its hard to defend against one major karate styles include Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, Shito-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu Shotokan. Gamaku, Meotode, Chinkuchi, Machiwara, Ti, Shinshii, Toudi etc. ) view both... 'M sure that you learn and apply concepts from both to your karate mass.. Of Japan ( including Okinawa ) flow through techniques and stances Japan and established this style in 1938 too... Kicks high depending on the floor, and the ball and toes of the oldest style?! Was known as the highest authority of Naha Te popular inBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA too their rich Chinese influenced.. Preferred we did n't visits in Okinawa when my parents were stationed there years! Movement, defense and offence practice Goju-Ryu which is a Shuri-Te system that was not Wado. The article dogmatic about where the actual roots come from and his alterations to improve position... For more than 35 years through techniques and stances my parents were stationed many... Tendency to prefer Japanese to Okinawan, or Okinawan to Japanese karate was, in my view both... I 've been studying and practicing karate, you are helping me: - ) you... We shall not forget the true essence of Budo ( I trust you know what means...