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"The Other Seidokan"

Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Seidokan Kyokai

By Roy Jerry Hobbs

Many practitioners of Okinawan Karate are familiar with Shian Toma’s All Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Association.  Few know of the other Seidokan on Okinawa.  Its headmaster is a kind gentleman by the name of Seiki Toma.  He is over 80 years old and is a link to old-style karate.  My meeting him was by chance, but it has been to my great benefit because of the knowledge he has so openly shared with me.

In 1993 I returned from Mogadishu, Somalia.  It had been a challenging assignment and I was pretty much burned out when I returned Stateside.  Seeking some rest and relaxation I decided to take a long vacation to my old stomping grounds, Okinawa.  My intention was to train, visit old friends, have fun, and just enjoy life.

Through the efforts of a friend I had an invitation to train at the Goju-Ryu dojo of Masanobu Shinjo.  Unfortunately, when I went to Sensei Shinjo’s dojo, I found it closed.  As it turned out, he was in the hospital and eventually passed away that same year.  Seeing the disappointment my long time Shorin-Ryu/Motobu-Ryu teacher, Shian Toma, introduced me to Takahiro Shinjo that same evening.  Sensei Takahiro Shinjo was a very accomplished practitioner of both Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu.  He graciously worked with me on my Goju-Ryu and took me to train at the Goju-Ryu dojo of Yoshio Kuba.  More importantly, he introduced me to Seiki Toma.  Networking at its best….

Seiki Toma was born on September 1, 1922 in Okinawa City, Okinawa.  He began his study of karate in 1934.  Much of his study was done in secret because his father didn’t think a person so young should be studying karate.  He had the opportunity of studying, training, and receiving kata corrections from some very famous karate teachers.  Among them were:

Shinjun Tawata:  Student of Sokon Matsumura.  Sensei Tawata taught what was simply called Okinawa Te.  This particular version of Okinawa Te would eventually become known as Shorin-Ryu.  Sensei Tawata was a very educated man.  He was a schoolteacher, archeologist, and noted botanist with an interest in herbal medicine.  It was from Sensei Tawata that Sensei Toma first learned the Naihanchi and Pinan katas.

Shinsuke Kaneshima:  Student of Choki Motobu, Chotoku Kyan, Shimpan Gusukuma, and Seiken Tokuyama.  Sensei Kaneshima was the founder of Tozan-Ryu, a style closely associated with Shorin-Ryu.  Although Seiki Toma never studied directly under Chotoku Kyan, he does remember him coming by the dojo to observe the training sessions.

Tatsuo Shimabuku:  Student of Choki Motobu, Chotoku Kyan, Chojun Miyagi, Shinken Taira, and Moden Yabiku.  Sensei Shimabuku was the founder of Isshin-Ryu, a synthesis of Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu.  Sensei Toma became so proficient under Sensei Shimabuku’s tutelage that he eventually became his assistant.

Zenryo Shimabuku:  Student of Chotoku Kyan and founder of the Seibukan.  Seiki Toma sought out Zenryo Shimabuku to have his Kyan style Shorin-Ryu kata reviewed and corrected.  It was at Sensei Shimabuku’s dojo that he first met Seikichi Odo.  Sensei Odo had accompanied Shigeru Nakamura on a visit to Shimabuku’s dojo.  Nakamura and Shimabuku went on to form the All Okinawa Kenpo Karate Federation as an association of diverse dojos to demonstrate kata and fight using bogu gear.

Shoshin Nagamine:  Student of Chotoku Kyan, Taro Shimabuku, Ankichi Arakaki, Chojin Kuba, and Choki Motobu.  Sensei Nagamine was the founder of Matsubayashi-Ryu, widely recognized as one of the major branches of Shorin-Ryu.  His reputation was such that Shogo Kuniba, Terio Hayashi, and Tsutomu Ohshima visited him to study.  Likewise, Sensei Toma’s study with Sensei Nagamine was relatively short and consisted mainly of kata training.

Seikichi Uehara:  Student of Choyu Motobu and headmaster of Motobu-Ryu Udunti (Palace Hand).  Sensei Uehara also calls his dojo Seidokan.  Both Tomas studied from Uehara and sometime afterwards changed their respective dojo names to Seidokan.  Dr. Stephen Chan, the Dean of Oriental and African Studies at London University, has related that he believes Seidokan has strong Okinawan nationalist connotations.  I quote Dr. Chan:  “The key here, from my own research, is that all three men, [Seiki] Toma, [Shian] Toma, and Uehara, are Okinawan nationalists and the term ‘Seidokan’, apart from its normal translation, is also a barely coded reference to the House of the Way of Sho (written also as Sei) dynasty.”  Dr. Chan obtained this rather insightful information while accompanying Shian Toma on a tour of the restored Shuri Castle in Okinawa.

While Seiki Toma had the opportunity to study from some well-known teachers, he too produced some well-known students in his own right.  Most famous of these were/are:

Seikichi Odo:  The founder of Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Karate Kobujutsu who recently passed away.  Sensei Odo was also a student of Shigeru Nakamura, Shinpo Matayoshi, and Michuo Kakuzo.  I have had the honor of training with both Seikichi Odo and Seiki Toma, in Sensei Odo’s Agena dojo in Okinawa, on a number of occasions.  They were obviously close friends and Seiki Toma took the passing of Seikichi Odo especially hard.  When one talks to Sensei Toma about Sensei Odo, he doesn’t say Seikichi Odo was his student.  He humbly says they were Deshi (students) together.

Seifuku Nitta:  The founder of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo (Kensei Do Ko Kai).  Sensei Nitta’s first teacher was Kotaro Nitta, a tough teacher of traditional Okinawa Karate, who he studied with from 1955 to 1960.  From there he went on to study with Kaishu Isa, of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Shudokan.  Isa Sensei is most noted as a teacher of the little known art of Ufuchiku Kobudo.  He studied with Isa Sensei for ten years (1960-1970), achieving the grade of Yondan.  Next he studied with two famous teachers of Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu Karate, Hohan Soken and Fusei Kise, achieving the grade of Rokudan.  Kise Sensei eventually went on to found the Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Kenshinkan.  Following Soken Sensei’s death, Kise Sensei became his primary instructor until 1982.  It was then that Nitta Sensei became a student of Seiki Toma, from whom he was eventually awarded the grade of Judan.  Today, in addition to heading up the Kensei Do Ko Kai, Nitta Sensei serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Universal Martial Arts Association’s (UMAA) International Board of Directors.        

Masanobu Kikukawa:  Chairman of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate Shinko-Kai.  Sensei Kikukawa was also a student of Gibu Sokuichi of the Butokukan.  He is the 1986 Okinawa Shorin-Ryu kata champion and took third in the 1983 All Okinawa Full Contact Karate Tournament.  Professionally Sensei Kikukawa is a trained acupuncturist and herbalist.  He presently lives, works, and teaches in Canada.

Takahiro Shinjo:  As previously mentioned this is the individual that first introduced me to Seiki Toma.  When I trained with Sensei Shinjo he was the leader of the Ryukyu Dento Karate-Do Hamaburu Rensei Kai.  He studied Shorin-Ryu under Seiki Toma and Fuse Kise, as well as Goju-Ryu from Yoshio Kuba of the Kenbukan.  Shinjo’s reputation is that of a strong competitor and superb technician.   

Shian Toma:  The founder of the Seidokan Karate Kobudo, the better known of the two Seidokans.  Sensei Shian Toma was also one of Seikichi Uehara’s most prominent students at one time.  Shian Toma and Seiki Toma are not related from a family perspective.  Additionally, Shian Toma states that he was not a student of Seiki Toma.  Some authoritative Okinawan karate historians/writers, such as John Sells, show Shian Toma as a student of Seiki Toma.  Specifically I refer to Unante:  The Secrets of Karate, 2^nd Edition, by John Sells, the “Kyan” Shorin-Ryu lineage chart on page 213.  When asked about this controversy, Seiki Toma stated that Shian Toma studied with him at his home dojo for about six months.  As is sometimes the case, within the Okinawan martial arts community, there are varying perspectives as to the differences between having “trained” with someone, as opposed to having been a “student” of someone.  It is generally accepted that Shian Toma learned most of the kata that is now practiced within the Seidokan group, from Seiki Toma.

Seiki Toma’s karate is a dynamic blend of old Okinawa Te, Shorin-Ryu, Tozan-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, and Motobu-Ryu.  Training with him is a truly wonderful experience.  His technique is fast and crisp.  The flexibility he displays is that of a person less than half his age and he maintains a high energy level.  All attributes which are quite remarkable for a man now over eighty.  Those of us that know him would like to see him around for a very long time.

Roy J. Hobbs and C. Michial Jones

Many karate styles and sub-styles on Okinawa are actually composites of older styles. Among these is Seidokan karate kobudo, whose founder is Toma Shian. The style came into existence in 1968 when Toma called his dojo "Seidokan," meaning the "place of the correct or proper way." In 1974, the Zen Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Renmei was formed to better serve its growing number of dedicated practitioners throughout the world. The style’s core is Shorin-ryu with influences from Motobu-ryu, Okinawa Kenpo, and Goju-ryu. To better understand the style’s development, a more detailed analysis of the founder’s martial arts history is presented.

Toma Shian was born on the island of Okinawa on November 23, 1930. He first studied karate at the age of 16 in Osaka, on the island of Honshu (the main island of Japan), where he lived for some time during World War II. Upon his return to Okinawa, he began to study from policeman Shinjato Sokichi. Shinjato had studied under Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953), the founder of Goju-ryu, and Shimabukuro Tatsuo (1908-1975), prior to Shimabukuro’s founding of Isshin-ryu in 1956. From Shinjato, Toma Shian learned the kata Sanchin, Seisan, Chinto, Kusanku, and Tokumine no Kun (a six-foot staff form).

Toma has related on numerous occasions, that, in the early years, there was not the wide differentiation of styles that we know today. Karate was simply karate. Another interesting point is, in the early days, most teachers taught only a small number of kata. In fact, it would not have been uncommon to find a teacher who taught only one kata. However, as there was comparison and sharing of kata, the number grew.

With respect to the small number of kata, it should not be concluded that there was little kata practice. Toma notes that he spent over a year learning and practicing kata Seisan before going on to Sanchin. Perhaps this is one reason why many of the old Okinawan masters are so strict as to the precise execution of the kata. A highlight of Toma Shian’s early training was his demonstration of kata Sanchin before Miyagi Chojun during a training session at the police academy.

Toma learned Pinan 1-5, Naihanchi, Passai-sho, basic (kihon) six-foot staff (bo) kata, and sai (a forked, metal truncheon) kata from a teacher with the family name of Uchima. Uchima had been a student of Motobu Toraju, who was believed to be a cousin of Motobu Choyu (Motobu-ryu). Toma Shian learned tonfa (wooden grist-mill handles) kata from Odo Seikichi (Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujutsu) in exchange for Tokumine no Kun. He learned a sickle (kama) kata from Ire Matsutaro.

The story behind how he came to learn this kama kata is very interesting. He and a couple of other relatively young karateka went to Ire, who was noted for his sickle technique, and asked him to teach them. Ire was very old at the time and his memory was failing, and he eventually passed away in 1971 at the age of 92. Each time Toma and the others trained with Ire, the kata changed. As a result, the others gave up out of frustration. Toma stuck with it and eventually took the varying versions and synthesized them into a single kata, preserving the Ire’s sickle techniques for all time.

Okinawa’s martial arts political scene has changed often over the years. Toma Shian was a junior member of the Okinawa branch of the All-Japan Karate Federation in the 1950’s. The federation was under the leadership of Toyama Kanken (founder of Shudokan). Senior members included Shimabukuro Eizo (Shobayashi Shorin-ryu), Shimabukuro Tatsuo, Nakamura Shigeru (Okinawa Kenpo), Nakazato Joen (Shorinji-ryu), and Kanashima Shinsuke (Tozan-ryu). Other junior members included Toma Seiki (Shorin-ryu), Kise Fusei (Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu, later founder of Kenshinkan Shorin-ryu), Kuda Yuichi (Okinawa Kenpo/ Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu/later, founder of Matsumura Kenpo), and Maeshiro Shuzen (Shorin-ryu).

It has been thought by some that Toma Shian was a student of both Toma Seiki and Maeshiro Shuzen. However, in recent interviews with Toma Shian, he stated emphatically that he was never a student of either. He believes this misconception perhaps came about because they were all members of the All-Japan Karate Federation and they practice many of the same kata. It could also be because some have mistakenly thought he and Toma Seiki are related, which they are not. Lastly, to add to the confusion, both use similar names for their respective associations. Toma Shian calling his association the Zen Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Renmei and Toma Seiki calling his the Shorin-ryu Karate-do Seidokan Kyokai.

The All-Japan Karate Federation split into a number of factions in 1962. Sparring methodology was one of the most contentious issues leading to the split. The most widely accepted method of sparring in the main islands of Japan was, and still is, the sport-oriented "controlled contact" variety. Most All-Japan Karate Federation members felt that this "controlled contact" sparring should be taught, practiced, and officially sanctioned. By utilizing this sparring method, it was hoped to create a popular sport like judo.

This was counter to the traditional full-contact method used by many on Okinawa, with its main aim being combative effectiveness. Their method employed body armor similar to that used in kendo. It was quite brutal and knockouts were not uncommon. Since one of the All-Japan Karate Federation’s main goals was to integrate the karate of Okinawa, now part of Japan, with the sport karate of the main islands, conflict naturally arose. Many, like Toma Shian, had been brought up in the "hard" way and felt it was the true Okinawan way.

When the split occurred, the Okinawa Kenpo Renmei was formed, made up of similarly traditional hard and tough individuals, led by Nakamura Shuguru and Shimabukuro Zenryo. Other prominent members included Odo Seikichi, Kuda Yuichi, and Oyata Seiyu (Ryukyu Kenpo). It thrived for several years until its members eventually drifted away to join other groups.

While a member of the Okinawa Kenpo Renmei, Toma Shian learned additional kata that are now part of Seidokan’s standard repertoire: Ananku, Wansu, Passai, and Gojushiho. He also revised his Seisan kata to bring it in line with the version practiced within this association.

Among the various groups then on Okinawa, two in particular recognized the contributions of prominent teachers by awarding them master rank. Formed in 1961, the Okinawa Kobudo Kyokai awarded master rank to Toma Shian, Toma Seiki, Soken Hohan (Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu), Shimabukuro Tatsuo, Nakamura Shigeru, Nakazato Joen, Taira Shinken (kobudo), Matayoshi Shinpo (kobudo), Uehara Seikichi (Motobu-ryu), Miyazato Eiko (Goju-ryu/Koho-ryu), Higa Seiko (Goju-ryu), Kina Shosei (Ufuchiku Den Kobujutsu), Nakaima Kenko (Ryuei-ryu), and others.

Around 1967, the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Renmei presented master grades to Toma Shian, Soken Hohan, Shimabukuro Tatsuo, Maeshiro Shuzen (Shorin-ryu), Kojo Kafa (Kojo-ryu), Kanashima Shinsuke, Matayoshi Shinpo, Nakaima Kenko, and others. It should be noted that Toma Shian was among those receiving master ranking from both groups.

A few years later, Toma Shian was awarded master rank by the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo League, whose president was Nakaima Kenko.

In the early 1970’s, Toma Shian belonged to the Chubu Shorin-ryu Karate-do Rengokai. This association was affiliated with other prominent organizations on the island such as the All-Okinawa Karate Renmei and the Okinawa Karate-do Rengokai. Along with Toma Shian, founding members of the Chubu Shorin-ryu Association included Nakazato Joen, Kanashima Shinsuke, and Aragaki Seiki.

Toma Shian went on to become a member of the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Renmei headed by Uehara Seikichi. He also became a personal student of Uehara. Uehara was, and is currently, the head of the Motobu-ryu system of Okinawa martial arts (bujutsu). Motobu-ryu, or more correctly "Motobu Udundi ("Goten-te" in Japanese, "Palace Hand"), is relatively little known outside Okinawa. Uehara learned his art from Motobu Choyu, the older brother of the renowned Motobu Choki. Motobu Choyu originally learned the techniques, both weaponry and unarmed methods, that eventually became known as Motobu-ryu, from "Bushi" (warrior) Matsumura Sokon. The art is referred to as "Palace Hand" because of its association with the royal court of the Okinawan kings. To the untrained eye, it can resemble aikido in its unarmed methods. However, the throwing and joint-locking techniques are more similar to Japanese aikijujutsu or Chinese Qinna. The style’s weaponry includes such things as Chinese broad swords, Japanese long sword (katana), spear (yari), and halberd (naginata).

From Uehara, Toma Shian learned the throwing, joint-locking, and quick-draw sword techniques (iai waza) that he often teaches in his classes today. With the inclusion of these techniques, Seidokan became a more complete fighting art consisting of punching, striking, kicking, throwing, joint locking, and a variety of weapons. It is this unique composite system, along with his willingness to teach all comers that has lead to the growth of Seidokan karate and kobudo.

The respect he garners on Okinawa was made apparent when he became a founding member of the Zen Ryukyu Butokukai and the Okinawa City Karate League. He is also widely recognized for his contributions to the international martial arts community. This is demonstrated by the high demand for him to teach courses throughout the United States and Europe. Shian Toma is truly a martial arts pioneer who has developed a rich tradition that is now taught throughout the world.

 Note: A special thanks to Boulahfa Mimoun Abdel-Lah, Dr. Stephen Chan, Jody Paul, Dave Bardi, and Ron Nix for their assistance in providing historical information.

This should not be confused with the Motobu-ryu karatejutsu of Motobu Choki, the younger brother of Motobu Choyu. The Motobu-ryu Karatejutsu Association is under the leadership of Motobu Chomei, Choki’s son, who is now a student of Uehara Seikichi and learning the Motobu-ryu udundi.

Prior to that, Shimabukuro referred to his style as either Shorin-ryu or Chan Mi-gwa-ryu. Chan Mi-gwa was the nickname of Shimabukuro’s teacher, Kyan Chotoku, and meant Kyan "Small Eyes."

Odo’s primary kobujutsu instructor was Matayoshi Shinko (1888-1945).

Toma Seiki studied under Kaneshima Shinsuke, Nagamine Shoshin (Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu), and Shimabukuro Tatsuo. He also received kata corrections from Shimabukuro Zenryo (Seibukan Shorin-ryu). Indications are that Toma Seiki studied with Nagamine about the same time as Kuniba Shogo (Shito-ryu), Hayashi Teruo (Shito-ryu), and Oshima Tsutomu (Shotokan) visited Nagamine for special instruction. An interesting aside is that Odo Seikichi, the founder of Ryukyu Hon Kenpo Kobujutsu, is a former student of Toma Seiki.  

Karate-Do Origin and Evolution

By

Michael C. Byrd

Karate-dô is the name for a collection of styles of martial arts that come from Okinawa and Japan. Karate even from its ancient beginnings has always had one main stay – self-defense. It is said there is no first attack in karate, and that is true, all training is based on defense of one’s self and defense of another. Now begins the story of Karate-dô’s Origin and Evolution, showing its ancient beginnings, its development in Okinawa, the adaptation of the name ‘Karate-dô’, and its spread to Japan.

Kung-fu

The historical origins of Karate-dô can be traced back to China in the form of Kung-fu (to endure much). According to legend, the Zen Buddhist monk Bodhidharma traveled to China around 500 A.D. He spent nine years at the Shaolin temple, where he taught the monks different breathing exercises, including the Luohan Form (18 step exercise). Bodhidharma also taught the monks how to develop their mental and physical strength, so that they could endure their very grueling meditation exercises. Kung-fu remained in this basic form for the next eight hundred years until an invasion from Manchuria, lead by the Ching Family. This subsequent invasion and takeover ended China’s Golden era and the removal of the Ming family from power.
 

In 1647, the Honan temple of Shaolin was utterly destroyed by Ching loyal troops. Most monks stayed and were slaughtered, a few, however, escaped; this marked the beginning of the transformation of Kung-fu into a more militaristic art. The Shaolin were supporters of the old dynasty of the Ming and wanted to see them put back in power, which eventually led to the Boxer Rebellion in 1901. The Shaolin monks, over many years, began to revise and strengthen their art, often even studying the movements of animals for inspiration. During this evolutionary period of Kung-fu it was divided into two main styles: the Northern and the Southern styles.
 

The Northern styles were predominantly characterized by linear and hard techniques. The Northern styles were more acrobatic than the styles of the South; this was due partly to the geography of the two regions. In the North, the ground was generally harder and flatter; therefore a lot of emphasis was often placed on kicking techniques.
 

The Southern styles were more often completely opposite of those in the North; the terrain in the South was more marshland and water, and the ground softer. Hand techniques were heavily stressed along with more circular and softer techniques, and there was more of a focus on chi (internal energy). These two main styles were broken down into a variety of subsystems and styles. In fact a particular style was often a family style, which was taught to each member of the family; and all secrets were usually passed down to the oldest male child.

Okinawa
 

Exposure to Kung-fu in Okinawa dates back as far as 1372 when King Satto of the Ryûkyu Dynasty sent his brother Taiki as an envoy to China with tributes for the Chinese Emperor Chu Yuen Cheang of the Ming Dynasty. This marked the beginning of a cultural exchange between Okinawa and China. Every other year the Emperor sent envoys to Okinawa to promote a cultural exchange. These envoys continued to the year 1866.
 

Among those sent were many masters of Kung-fu, and during their stay at Shuri and Naha, taught their art to members of the nobility and others of their class. During this time there were also sent nobleman of Okinawa to mainland China. A number of the Nobles remained in China while others returned home to Okinawa after extended stays.
 

When Japan invaded Okinawa in 1609 the ban on carrying weapons that was originally in acted by King Sho Shin in 1477 continued. In addition, the Japanese also banned the practice of martial arts. This act forced the Okinawans to continue their martial arts training in secrecy. During the next three hundred years the Okinawan martial arts developed into its own unique entity and became referred to as ‘Okinawa te’,  It was split into three main styles, Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, all named for the town in Okinawa in which they were developed.
 

Shuri-te was influenced by the hard techniques of Kung-fu and characterized by an offensive attitude. Naha-te was influenced by the softer techniques of Kung-fu including breath control and chi. It was characterized by a more defensive attitude with grappling, throws, and blocking techniques. Tomari-te was influenced by both the hard and soft techniques of Kung-fu.
 

Okinawa-te eventually evolved into what we know today as Karate-dô (China Hand Way) and was split into three main styles along with many other styles and sub systems. These styles were Goju-ryû, Uechi-ryû, and Shorin-ryû.

Goju-ryû
 

Goju-ryû (Hard Soft Style) evolved from Naha-te. This particular system of Naha-te can be traced back to a style of White Crane Kung-fu and may also have been influenced by the Dragon, Hawk, Mantis, and Lion systems of Kung Fu. In November 1868/69, an Okinawan named Kanryo Higaonna traveled to Foochow in Southern China, where he studied a system of White Crane Kung-fu for approximately 13-15 years under Master Ryû Ryûko. Higaonna brought this art back to Naha Okinawa, (the modern day capital of Okinawa) and he, along with his chosen disciple Chojun Miyagi, taught and adapted some of the techniques that were indigenous of the Okinawan martial arts to this Chinese martial art, creating an art that was unique but, in many ways, still very Chinese.
 

When Kanryo Higaonna died in 1916, Miyagi (one of his most senior students and disciples) was left in charge of the style and passing it on. After his teacher’s death Miyagi traveled to China and trained with various Kung-fu masters. During Miyagi’s travels and training is most likely where the style (that was to become known as Goju-ryû) was influenced by the Hawk, Mantis, Lion, and Dragon. Miyagi changed the name of the art from Naha-te to ‘Goju-ryû,’ which was taken from the third precept of Kung-fu written in the Bubishi (manual of military preparation). Master Miyagi continued to develop his art and did many demonstrations in front of audiences and government officials not only in Okinawa but in Japan as well. This led to a major popularization of the style. Thus, Kanryo Higaonna is known as the father of Goju-ryû Karate-dô and Chojun Miyagi as the founder of the style. Goju-ryû is still practiced today in many countries through out the world, and has many faithful followers.

Uechi-ryû
 

Uechi-ryû is basically a type of Chinese temple fighting. Uechi-ryû and Goju-ryû are often referred to as sister styles. To most of the world, it is referred to as a style of karate. In China, its formal name is Pangai-noon (half-hard, half-soft). Grand Master Kanbum Uechi, the founder of Uechi-ryû, is responsible for bringing this art to Okinawa and Japan from China. When Master Uechi was 20 years old he traveled to Southern China where he studied the art of Pangai-noon. He spent ten years studying under his teacher Chou-tzu-ho, a Buddhist priest who had received his training in the Shaolin temple. While in China he received permission to open a school in Nansou.
 

During this time one of his students became involved in a dispute over a land boundary. His opponent attacked him and the student, who instinctively defended himself, accidentally killed the attacker. The villagers blamed Kanbum for his death since he taught the student. Master Uechi was deeply disheartened by this and vowed never to teach again. He closed his school and returned to Okinawa.
 

Upon his return to Okinawa, Kanbum still refused to teach, but was finally persuaded by a friend to teach again. Kanbum opened another school and continued to teach until his death in 1948. To honor their teacher, his students changed the name of the style from Pangai-noon to Uechi-ryû. Kanbum’s son is now the head of the Uechi Family and continues to teach this most unique style of Karate.

Shorin-ryû
 

Shorin-ryû (Young Forest Style) evolved from Shuri-te and Tomari-te. The style that is now Shorin-ryû was developed mainly in the ancient city of Shuri, the ancient capital of Okinawa, hence the name ‘Shuri-te’ its style of origin. Sokan Matsumura, chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard for the Okinawan King, was the individual most responsible for developing and refining the Shorin-ryû.
 

The Shuri-te and Tomari-te systems Shorin-ryû came from were developed from Northern Shaolin Kung-fu, and ancient Okinawan arts simply referred to as Okinawa-te. Shorin-ryû is truly a hybrid martial art combining both Chinese and Okinawan methods of training. Shorin-ryû is one of the more popular and traditional Okinawan styles and is taught all over the world.

Karate-dô in Japan
 

Karate-dô in Japan took on a somewhat different shape. One of Japanese Karate’s differences was the meaning of Karate-dô; it was changed from ‘China Hand Way’ to ‘Empty Hand Way’. Other differences in Okinawan Karate and Japanese Karate were due to the often combining of Okinawan styles, varying curricula, and no organized standards of grading proficiency, thus seemingly very unorganized to the Japanese mind. Additionally, the Okinawan teachers, very often, were resentful toward the Japanese for the treatment of Okinawans in general and thus did not reveal certain teachings. Japanese Karate thereby evolved and developed from its Okinawan Karate-dô roots into its own unique form. Japanese Karate-dô includes many styles; the three main ones are Shotokan, Kyokushin, and Wado-ryû.

Shotokan

Gichin Funakoshi was the founder of Shotokan; he brought together two Okinawan styles of Karate, Shorin-ryû and Shorei-ryû. Funakoshi standardized and blended the two styles, by lengthening the stances, modifying the kata (formal training exercises), and even changing the name of the kata to Japanese names. This “Japanizing” of Okinawan Karate was imperative in order to make it more acceptable to the Japanese philosophical and aesthetic ideals. Gichin Funakoshi is largely responsible for spreading karate through out Japan.
 

In 1917, Funakoshi was asked to perform his martial art in Japan, and was invited back in 1922 and then a third time several years later. In 1949, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was formed of which Funakoshi became the chief instructor. Gichin Funakoshi passed away in 1957 at the age of 88. Shotokan Karate is one of the most widely practiced and popular styles of karate in the world, and is greatly supported by its practitioners.

Kyokushin
 

Mastsutatsu Oyama, most often called Mas Oyama was, the founder of Kyokushin Karate-dô. Mas Oyama studied many arts which contributed to the formation of his style including, Chabee (Korean version of Sumo), Shotokan Karate, and Japanese Goju-ryû. Mas Oyama’s training was almost fanatical; his various karate exercises lasted twelve hours every day. To prove the power of his karate, Oyama even battled bulls, which was so awesome because he could take off a bull’s horn with a single knife hand strike, or even kill one with a single blow.
 

In 1953, Mas Oyama opened a dôjô in Meijiro, Japan. By 1957 membership grew to more than 700 students. Oyama eventually adopted the name Kyokushin, which means ‘The Ultimate Truth’. Today, there are schools in 100 countries and the total membership is said to be around twelve million. Master Oyama died in 1995 of lung cancer and left behind a karate legacy.

Wado-ryû
 

Wado-ryû (Way of Peace style) was founded by the late Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka studied for many years the art of Jujutsu (Shindo Yoshin- ryû) and combined it with Okinawan Karate. By the time Master Ohtsuka became interested in karate in 1922, he was already a master in Jujutsu. Ohtsuka started his study of karate under Gichin Funakoshi and by 1928 he was assistant instructor to Master Funakoshi.
 

In 1931, Ohtsuka founded the Wado-ryû style of karate. In 1972, Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded the title Shodai Karate-dô meijin Judan from the Imperial Japanese family. This means first generation karate master of the 10th dan (highest level possible). Ohtsuka was also to be the first non-Okinawan to make a style of karate in the form of a Japanese martial art, thus making it a true Japanese martial art. Master Ohtsuka died in 1982, a highly respected and enlightened master. Wado-ryû is taught all over in the world and is very popular among its followers.

Karate training, in general, is made up Kata (formal training exercise), Kumite (sparring), and Kihon (basic techniques).
 

The beginner usually starts their training in the form of body conditioning and is taught basic techniques, such as basic blocking, striking, and kicking techniques.  Body conditioning varies from style to style and from school to school. This body conditioning widely varies among the different styles. Goju-ryû and Kyokushin take body conditioning to a level almost unheard of in other styles. This conditioning includes striking posts or trees, rocks, what ever is readily available. This particular type of training builds up calluses on the knuckles and hands, which makes the practitioner’s strikes more deadly. Other body conditioning includes pushups, sit-ups and almost every callisthenic imaginable.
 

Some styles have more kata than others. For example Goju-ryû has 12 kata, but Shotokan has 26. A kata is a series of logical blocking, striking, and kicking techniques. The purpose of the kata is to teach the application of techniques and also so a student can practice their art by themselves.
 

Kumite involves the application of self-defense techniques contained in the kata. Kumite at first is basically one opponent attacking another with the attacker applying one attacking technique, and the defender blocking and countering. From this point it goes into more depth. Self-defense techniques often include grappling techniques as wrist locks, joint locks, throws, take downs, sweeps, punching, kicking, choking, blocking, grabbing, etc. Some styles do not teach all of these things; some teach more, some less
 

Karate-dô is an involving subject, from its ancient beginnings, development in Okinawa, transformation into Karate-dô (China Hand Way), and in Japan as Karate-dô (Empty Hand Way), and finally its training techniques. Karate-dô will forever leave its mark on society, some good some bad. There are always those who will use something meant for good for evil. However, as stated in a principle attributed to Gichin Funakoshi: Karate ni sente nashi – There is no first attack in Karate.
 

Works Cited

Michael C. Byrd

The history of Goju-Ryu can not be presented in an exact or precise summation. Some things have been lost with the passage of time along with other contributing factors such as what Sensei you talk to or what book you read. I will try and present as historically accurate and unbiased account as possible.

Kanryo Higaonna Sensei has come to be known as the father of Goju-Ryu, what you may not know is that he also fathered it’s "sister" style To’on-Ryu, but that is another story. Kanryo Higaonna was born in 1853 and was the fourth son of Kanyo Higaonna. Sensei Higaonna’s training began under Seisho Arakaki when he was 20yrs old.

Higaonna traveled to Fuchou China in 1868 in search of a Kung Fu teacher. In China he made wicker baskets for a living and became an uchi deshi of Ryu Ryu Ko. The time he spent in China was anywhere from 10-13yrs. In China Higaonna learned the foundation of what is now known as Goju-Ryu.

The first few years of the training primarily consisted of Sanchin kata, weight training, kakie and other forms of kumite. The other kata he brought back is left somewhat up to conjecture. It is the author’s opinion that in addition to Sanchin he also learned Sanseru, Sesan, and Suparinpei. (these are also the four core kata of To’on-Ryu)

Higaonna eventually returned to Naha in Okinawa where he taught in the court yard of his parents’ home. The art he taught was generally referred to as Naha-te. (Naha for the town in Okinawa he taught and te meaning hand). Higaonna Sensei’s most notable students were that of Chojun Miyagi the founder of Goju-Ryu and Juhatsu Kyoda the founder of To’on-Ryu. Kanryo Higaonna passed on at an early age because of illness at the age of 63.

Chojun Miyagi the founder of Goju-Ryu karate was born in Okinawa in 1888. At the age of age of fourteen he was introduced to Kanryo Higaonna Sensei and was eventually accepted as Higaonna Sensei's personal disciple. Miyagi continued to train and refine his technique under Higaonna Sensei until his death in 1915. After his master's death Chojun Miyagi traveled to China to develop his knowledge of the martial arts.. It is here I believe that Miyagi learned the other kata that make up Goju-Ryu. These kata include, Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Sepai, and Kururunfa. After his return to Okinawa he began to teach in his home, where he turned the garden into a dojo. During the 1940’s Miyagi Sensei developed 3 Kata: Gekisai Dai Ichi, Gekisai Dai Ni, and Tensho. He put great effort into spreading his knowledge with the ambition to give karate the same status as judo and kendo. In 1933, the karate was officially accepted by Butoko Kai, the Japanese center for martial arts. After WWII Miyagi Sensei began to teach karate at the Police Academy of Okinawa and also at his home. Chojun Miyagi Sensei's life was devoted to karate. He structured Higaonna Sensei’s system of Naha-te and helped make it available for all to learn this most unique martial art.

One of Chojun Miyagi Sensei disciples, Jinan Shinzato, was once on mainland Japan to demonstrate Naha-te. After the performance he was asked to what school of karate he belonged. He was unable to answer the question, since "Naha-te" was not the name of a style. At his return he told Miyagi Sensei about the occurence who thought about the problem and decided that it should be good to have a name for his martial art system in order to promote and spread it. He chose the name "Goju-Ryu" (hard-soft style), inspired by the "Eight precepts" of Kung Fu written in the Bubishi

Goju-Ryu is a true treasure of the island of Okinawa. Many of Miyagi’s students among them, Eichi Miyazato, Masonbu Shinjo, Seikichi Toguchi, Gogen Yamaguchi, Meitoku Yagi,  Seiko Higa, and many others all went on to teach Goju and spread it to the masses. Goju-Ryu has become a renown style the world over and will forever leave its mark on Budo.

The Precepts of the Bubishi

1. The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon.
3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
4. Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. The ears listen well in all directions

Goju-Ryu Precepts

1. It should be known that secret principles of Goju-Ryu exist in the kata.

2. Goju-Ryu Karate-Do is a manifestation within one's own self of the harmonious accord of the universe.

3. The way of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do is to seek the way of virtue

The Many Faces of Shorin-Ryu Karate Do

By

Roy Jerry Hobbs

The Karate styles of Okinawa are sometimes described by referring to the particular districts or areas in which they developed. These districts were named Shuri, Tomari, and Naha. Some of the styles normally associated with the Naha district are Goju-Ryu, To’on-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu, Ryuei-Ryu, Kojo-Ryu, etc. While some of the styles normally associated the Shuri district are Shorin-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Tozan-Ryu, Motobu-Ryu, etc. The styles most often associated with the Tomari district are Okinawa Kenpo and Ryukyu Hon Kenpo. These district styles are also often referred to, using a broader brush, as Shuri-Te (Shuri Hand), Tomari-Te (Tomari Hand), and Naha-Te (Naha Hand).

Shorin-Ryu lineage charts usually begin with two 18th Century teachers: Peichin Takahara and Kusanku. Takahara was a respected teacher of the day and Kusanku was a Chinese envoy. These two teachers taught Kanga “Tode” Sakugawa who taught Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura. Matsumura went on to teach many others from which the various Shorin-Ryu groups flowed.

The style can vary considerably from one group to another. This is largely the result of influences from other teachers outside the main Bushi Matsumura line. Because of these differences the style is often divided into several schools or methods, as a way of distinguishing its several variances. These schools/methods/variances are Kobayashi, Shobayashi, Matsubayashi, Sukunai Hayashi, Matsumura Seito, and other composite/mixed sub-styles.

Kobayashi: A version of Shorin-Ryu founded by Chosin Chibana (deceased). He was a student of Anko Itosu; who was in turn a student of Bushi Matsumura. Of interest is Itosu was the teacher of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, and Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu.

Shobayashi: A version of Shorin-Ryu founded by Eizo Shimabuku. He was a student of Chotoku Kyan. Kyan was a student of Bushi Matsumura, but he also studied Tomari-Te with Kokan Oyadamori and Peichin Maeda. Thus the Shorin-Ryu of Kyan retained a strong Tomari-Te influence. Additionally, Eizo Shimabuku studied from Chojun Miyagi, the founder of the Naha-Te style of Goju-Ryu. Eizo Shimabuku’s unique brand of Shorin-Ryu contains elements from Shuri-Te, Tomari-Te, and Naha-Te.

Matsubayashi: A version of Shorin-Ryu founded by Shoshin Nagamine (deceased). He was a student of Kyan and Choki Motobu. Motobu was a student of Kosaku Matsumora, a Tomari-Te teacher. Thus, this version of Shorin-Ryu also retains a strong Tomari-Te influence.

Sukunai Hayashi: A version of Shorin-Ryu founded by Zenryo Shimabuku (deceased). He was a student of Kyan. This is yet another Shorin-Ryu sub-style that retains a strong Tomari-Te influence.

Matsumura Seito: A version of Shorin-Ryu founded by Hohan Soken (deceased). He was a student of Nabe Matsumura, who was in turn a student of Bushi Matsumura.

Composites: Sub-styles such as the different Seidokans of Seiki Toma and Shian Toma respectively. Both of which are principle combinations of Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te with minor influences from Naha-Te.


Bibliography:

Alexander, George W., Okinawa: Island of Karate, Yamazato Publications, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.A., 1991
Bishop, Mark, Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques, A&C Black (Publishers) Limited, London, England, 1989
Nagamine, Shoshin, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., Rutland, Vermont, U.S.A. and Tokyo, Japan, 1976
No Named Author, Okinawa Karate “Kobudo” Graph, Okinawa Prefecture Board of Education, 1995
Sells, John, Unante: The Secrets of Karate, 2nd Edition, W.M. Hawley Library, Hollywood, California, U.S.A., 2000
 

DENTOKAN JU-JUTSU

By

Roy J. Hobbs

To understand the Dentokan style of Ju-Jutsu one must first travel back to ancient Japan. It was in that bygone era that one of the most famous schools of Ju-Jutsu had its beginning. The style was called Daito-Ryu.

In The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu (pages 13 and 14), Shiro Omiya describes the history of Daito-Ryu as follows: "The DAITORYU is believed to have originated within the family of Emperor Seiwa (reigned A.D. 858-876) and to have been greatly developed by one of the emperor’s descendants, Shinra Saburo Minamoto no Yoshimitsu, in the eleventh century. Yoshikiyo, his eldest son, settled in the village of Takeda in Koma (in present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) and founded the Takeda branch of the Minamoto clan. The Daitoryu tradition of Yoshimitsu was thereafter handed down in complete secrecy to successive generations of the Takeda family. It was not until the nineteenth century - when martial art genius Sokaku Takeda began to teach the Daitoryu to the public - that the art became widely known."

Sokaku Takeda had many students. Among these was Toshimi (Hosaku) Matsuda. It was Matsuda who was Yoshiji Okuyama’s (1901-1987) first and primary Daito-Ryu teacher. Okuyama later became a direct student of Sokaku Takeda for a short time. This is important because Okuyama would go on to form his own ryu/ha (style/method) of Ju-Jutsu called Hakko-Ryu as a derivative of Daito-Ryu.

In addition to Daito-Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Okuyama also studied Iai-Jutsu (quick draw sword), Ken-Jutsu (fencing), Jo-Jutsu (short staff), Kusarigama-Jutsu (sickle and chain), So-Jutsu (spear), and Kyu-Jutsu (archery). Equally as significant, he made a study of oriental medicine. The study of which would greatly influence the development of his particular style of Ju-Jutsu.

Yoshiji Okuyama received his Daito-Ryu teacher’s license in 1936 and opened his first Daito-Ryu school in 1938. Succumbing to the nationalistic fervor of the time he actively supported the ideals of Imperial Japan. It was in 1941, the same year as the attack on Pearl Harbor, that he founded his Hakko-Ryu Ju-Jutsu. It was a style that combined the physical techniques of Daito-Ryu with elements of oriental medicine. But, it was also firmly grounded in the state religion of the day. Upon the founding Hakko-Ryu, in a Shinto ceremony, Okuyama took on the name of "Ryuho" which literally means "Spine of the Dragon".

Hakko-Ryu translates to "Eighth Light Style". This name was based upon the belief that there is an eighth band of light in the spectrum. This band of light is much weaker than the others, almost invisible, but actually very strong, like x-rays. As an analogy, Hakko-Ryu’s techniques may appear weak, but are actually strong. It is quite common to confuse a lack of big sweeping motions with a lack of power. Nothing could be further from the truth. Small, direct, well-executed techniques are normally far more effective than those consisting of a great deal of wasted motion. This is true in virtually all martial arts.

Okuyama’s nationalistic views changed as a result of the war. He became more peace loving as a result of the pain the Japanese people had to endure. This new philosophical outlook was reflected in a change in his approach to Ju-Jutsu. Thus Hakko-Ryu took on the characteristics of "No Challenge, No Resistance, and No Injury". It was a move away from the brutal combative approach normally associated with Daito-Ryu and its various offshoots. This approach was reflected in the Ju-Jutsu taught at the new Hakko-Ryu Hombu Dojo established in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, in 1947.

I began my study of Hakko-Ryu in the United States in 1965. My teachers included Carl Miller, Dr. Roy L. Creasy, Jr., and the Reverend Clement Reidner. I also attended seminars conducted by James Benko. In 1968 I received my Shodan (Black Belt) in Hakko-Ryu Ju-Jutsu and continued my study of Hakko-Ryu, other forms of Ju-Jutsu, and Judo.

I lived in Japan from 1980-83, where I studied at the Hakko-Ryu Hombu Dojo. My principal teacher was Yasuhiro Irie, a direct student of Ryuho Okuyama since childhood. Other significant influences upon me were Shuzan Segawa and Toshio Okuyama. Following three years of study at the Hombu, I received my Shihan Menkyo (Master’s Certificate). The certificate was actually presented to me by Ryuho Okuyama.

It was also during this period (1980-83) that I studied Aikido at an Aikikai affiliated dojo in the Tokyo area. Aikido interested me because of its unique footwork. Although both Aikido and Hakko-Ryu trace their origins to Daito-Ryu, Hakko-Ryu tends to be much more direct. It was my good fortune to also earn my Shodan is Aikido prior to departing for my next assignment in England. While living in England for three years I taught Hakko-Ryu and found my knowledge of Aikido to be very useful. The reason being that a number of Aikidoka came to study Hakko-Ryu, resulting in the rapid spread of the style throughout much of the country.

Ryuho Okuyama passed away in 1987. Not long after Okuyama’s death, like a number of the seniors, Irie founded his own ryu/ha. He named his style of Ju-Jutsu "KoKoDo", which translates to "Imperial Light Way". This came as little surprise to most since he had been the chief instructor at the Hakko-Ryu Hombu Dojo for over twenty-five years and had developed his own unique approach to Hakko-Ryu.

From 1997 to 1999 I once again found myself living in Japan. I again studied with Yasuhiro Irie, becoming a part of his KoKoDo Ju-Jutsu. Before leaving Japan I received Menkyo Kaiden (Certificate of Total Transmission). Kaiden can also be literally translated to "All Passed". It designates that one has learned the complete syllabus of a particular ryu/ha.

With Irie’s blessing I formed Dentokan Ju-Jutsu just before leaving Japan. It traces its origin in a continuous stream from Daito-Ryu, through Hakko-Ryu and KoKoDo into its present form. The system utilizes the Hakko-Ryu/KoKoDo waza (techniques) lists of Shodan Gi, Nidan Gi, Sandan Gi, Yondan Gi, Shihan Gi, Kaiden Gi, and Sandaikichu Gi to establish a firm base for further understanding and development. Knowledge and proficiency is increased by fully understanding the Henka (variations) possible within the standard waza. Still further expertise is gained by fully understanding the underlying Gensoku (principles). Through the understanding of Gensoku, one is able to develop practical Goshin (self-defense) Oyo (applications).

Dentokan Ju-Jutsu provides one with a full spectrum of techniques. These include Kansetsu Waza (joint locking techniques), Nage Waza (throwing techniques), Shime Waza (strangulation techniques), and Atemi Waza (striking techniques). These techniques coupled with an understanding of Henka, Gensoku, and Oyo make possible a graduated response to any attack. One’s response can be one of simply pinning or restraining an opponent to an all out counter attack. It is a self-protection art developed for the battlefields of old Japan, yet still applicable to today’s legalistic society.

Note:  A special thanks to Jim Shortt, Kaiden of Ryoi Shinto Ryu Ju-Jutsu, for sharing his knowledge for over twenty years now.

The Practice of Iaijutsu within the Dentokan

By

 Roy J. Hobbs

    Dentokan Iaijutsu is not a classical form of Japanese martial arts.  It is a modern method based upon both old and new ways of using the Japanese sword.  I say old because of influences from classical Mugai-Ryu and Itto-Ryu, and modern because of the influence of the circa World War II Japanese Toyama Military Academy sword method.

    I actually began my study of the Japanese sword in 1969.  My first teacher was Albert Church, a practitioner of Mugai-Ryu Iaido as taught to him by Shogo Kuniba.  I later received instruction in Mugai-Ryu from Butch Velez, another senior student of Shogo Kuniba (1935-1992).  Sensei Kuniba himself was a student of the 14^th Soke of Mugai-Ryu, Gogetsu Ishii.  He could trace his Mugai-Ryu lineage down from the style’s original founder, Tsuji Mugai Gettan (1649-1727), an accomplished master of Yamaguchi-Ryu Kenjutsu prior to founding Mugai-Ryu.  Oddly enough the style also has a close association with Iga Clan Ninpo/Ninjutsu.  Sensei Kuniba eventually broke from mainline Mugai-Ryu to found what he called Kuniba-Ryu Iaido.

    My next exposure to a Japanese sword art came when I was living in Japan in the early 1980s.  At the encouragement of Shian Toma (Kaicho, All Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association) I took up Aikido to improve my footwork.  I trained at two Aikikai affiliated dojo in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Sensei Ida’s dojo in Tachikawa and Sensei Ishima’s dojo in Akashima.  It was there that I learned Aiki Ken and Jo.  I eventually went on to include elements of Aiki Ken, particularly the drills, into my teaching methodologies.  But, Mugai-Ryu still remained the essence of my sword experience. 

    While Mugai-Ryu is a wonderful example of the classical systems of old Japan and provided me a solid foundation in sword use, I found it difficult to teach to westerners.  The sitting in seiza, kneeling, and knee walking tends to be difficult for most westerners.  At the same time, it was difficult for my Okinawan Kobujutsu students to understand how to defend against the sword without a basic understanding of its use.  Fortunately for me, while living in Panama, I met Stavros Costarangos.  Sensei Costarangos was a Toyama-Ryu Batto practitioner and student of Fumio Demura.  Sensei Demura in turn was a student of Taisaburo Nakamura (1912-2003) (Toyama-Ryu Hanshi and founder of Nakamura-Ryu).  It was from Stavros that I learned the kata of Toyama-Ryu.

    Toyama-Ryu is unique in that it is all standing techniques.  It was designed by a committee mostly made up of Omori-Ryu (another classical style) master teachers at Japan’s Toyama Military Academy for employment on the battlefields of World War II.  I found this form to be well suited for Kobujutsu practitioners to develop a good understanding of the Japanese sword, without all the time consuming classical trappings normally associated with Iaido.  Thus I eagerly accepted Sensei Costarangos’ invitation to train and even had the opportunity of studying directly with Sensei Demura on two of his visits to Panama.  My students took to this method like ducks to water.

    A few years after returning from Panama I observed my good friend Bill Stockey performing a rather long sword kata named Seisui No Ken (“Sword in the Shadows”).  It is an unusual sword kata because it is quite long, unlike other sword kata I had learned, which are rather short.  It is also an all-standing kata.  Bill had been a long time student of Tenshin Hamada, the international director of the famous Dai Nippon Butokukai, and he related an interesting story behind this long sword kata.  The kata was the invention of Sensei Hamada’s father, Seishin Hamada.  Seishin Hamada had been a teacher at the Butokukai and master of Itto-Ryu.  Itto-Ryu is a classical form of Japanese sword founded by Ittosai Ito (1560-1628).  Prior to founding Itto-Ryu, Ito had been a master practitioner of Shinkage-Ryu.  The long kata I observed was Seishin Hamada’s compilation, into a continuous flowing form, of the numerous short Itto-Ryu kata.  It contains the essence of Itto-Ryu, a style closely associated with modern day Kendo and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu.  Bill was gracious enough to teach me Seisui No Ken and I have incorporated it into the Dentokan Iaijutsu syllabus.

    Later Bill and I joined forces to form the Dento-Shoshin-Ryu style of Iai-Jutsu.  It is a compilation of my study of Mugai-Ryu and Toyama-Ryu, coupled with Bill's study of Itto-Ryu.

    Dentokan Iaijutsu is a Gendai (modern) martial art by definition (i.e., post Meiji Restoration).  It has both classical and modern traditions behind its development.  But, more importantly, it is designed to meet the needs of our modern day membership

My Thoughts on Okinawan Kobudo/Kobujutsu

By 

Roy Jerry Hobbs

    I have heard many stories as to how the weapons systems of Okinawa have come about.     An often-repeated description is that it developed as a response to a ban on weapons imposed by conquering Samurai from the main islands of Japan.  Lesser voices have brought to light the strong resemblance between the weapons systems of Okinawa and other similar systems found in China, Indo China, and Korea.  I have also been told that at least one of these systems came from the old Okinawan Royal Court.  All of this is virtually impossible to confirm due to the time elapsed and the devastation of World War II.

    The Kobudo (Old Martial Way) / Kobujutsu (Old Martial Art) practiced within the Dentokan is a combination of several different Ryu/Ha (Styles/Methods) now widely recognized and accepted within the broader martial arts community.  It should be noted that the congealing of these Ryu/Ha, into recognized/accepted “styles,” is a fairly recent phenomena.  There are still many dojo (schools) on Okinawa that teach kobudo/kobujutsu unassociated and unaffiliated with any particular Ryu/Ha.  This is particularly true of many dojos that teach Kobudo/Kobujutsu as an adjunct to regular Karate practice.  I, like many other Karate instructors, also teach Kobujutsu to provide a different perspective on timing and distance.  A sound understanding of timing and distance is absolutely vital for effective self-defense and kumite.  The use of Kobujutsu weapons also have a direct correlation on the use of more practical weapons such as sticks of varying length, clubs, knives, knuckle dusters/brass knuckles, etc.

    Note:  For the sake of simplicity I will use the singular term of Kobujutsu, as opposed to Kobudo.  I feel this more accurately reflects the art as a fighting system, and not a means of personal enlightenment, which the “Do” kanji character implies.  Also, in Japan proper, Kobudo denotes a wide variety of both armed and unarmed ancient fighting methodologies often referred to as koryu (old style) martial arts.

    My first opportunity to study the Kobujutsu of Okinawa was as a member of Shogo Kuniba’s Seishinkai organization.  Within the Seishinkai Kuniba Sensei taught Karate (Motobu Ha Shito-Ryu, later renamed Kuniba Ha Shito-Ryu), Kobudo (principally of the Taira method), Iaido (Mugai-Ryu, later renamed Kuniba-Ryu), and Goshin Budo/Goshindo (Jujutsu; a combination of Judo, Aikido, and Karate).  Sensei Kuniba had been a student of Shinken Taira.  My direct Kobujutsu teachers, within the Seishinkai, were Richard Baillargeon, Albert Church, and Butch Velez.

    My next exposure to Okinawan Kobujutsu came from Shian Toma of the All Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Association.  Sensei Toma, like many Karate masters, teaches a Kobujutsu syllabus consisting of kata he has learned from a variety of sources.  These include Seikichi Odo, Matsutaru Ire, and Seikichi Uehara, as well as others.

    It was through membership in the All Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Association that I met Robert Teller.  Bob had become a member of the Seidokan following the accidental death of his teacher Masanobu Kina, a nephew of Shosei Kina.  Shosei Kina was the headmaster of the Ufuchiku style of Okinawan Kobujutsu.  It is from Bob that I learned Ufuchiku style Bo, Sai, Tonfa, and Techu kata.  I feel a special appreciation for having learned these kata, because they are very unique and quite old.

    Two other individuals have had a profound impact on my Kobujutsu knowledge.  They are Seikichi Odo who was a student of Shinpo Matayoshi, and Seiki Toma who was a student of Tatsuo Shimabuku.  I had sought out Sensei Odo to learn Kama, but went on to study a variety of other weapons to include the Eku Bo (first taught to me by Bob Teller, which he learned from Sensei Odo), Nunti Bo (first taught to me by Mike Wysocki, a student of Sensei Odo), Tekko, and Rochin-Tinbe.  Seiki Toma is an expert in many of the Taira Kobujutsu kata as taught by Tatsuo Shimabuku.  He gave me some unique insight into the kata I had previously learned as a member of Shian Toma’s Seidokan.

    Dentokan Kobujutsu is thus a compilation of traditional kata I have learned from a number of master teachers.  I have attempted to keep what I felt were the most unique aspects of each of their teachings, thus honoring them for the knowledge they so openly shared.  This I have sought to do without simply compiling a long, overwhelming list of kata.  It is hoped that the study of Kobujutsu within the Dentokan will, in general, led to a greater appreciation of Okinawan culture and traditions.