To truly understand it, you haveto experience it up close. Kanryo Higaonna(1853-1915) was known as the highest authority of Naha Te. I will share on this website information related to Karate, Martial Arts, Self-Defense, Health, Spirituality and more! 7. Whereas the deep Japanese stance is designed for competition. Our style of Jujutsu stressed Atemi Waza. How the stance (form) then looks is up to you, as long as you reach your goal . document.write('') Hi Alastair, In the 14th century, under the rule of King Sh Shin, there was a ban imposed on the practices of martial arts. Yet at the same time, in contrast to many others, I believe similar to you that the Shotokan karate, done well to proper standards, can be highly effective. Whoop's, struck a nerve hey? karate kata [eg goju] contain many breaks from grabs A hundred years ago on Okinawa, the stances were much shorter in general. etc. TRUE OR FALSE?? When you say I think my style is the best style because that is an opinion and there is nothing wrong with having an opinion. Stances are important in karate as they represent the foundation, or roots of good technique. As I stated I would never make statements like this about another system because I don't have the knowledge of the other system necessary to make the comparison. That's to describe, but to DEFINE is lots more complex. The karatekas in Okinawa were taught the whys way before the hows. The Goju Ryu style was created from the life-long work of two great Okinawan Karate teachers, Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) and his student Chojun Miyagi . Please clickherefor a list of Shorin-ryu dojos we offer training at. Arigato gozaimasu. :-). Arigato Jesse Mama-san! The American-style karate called itself "Okinawan", and claimed to be based on Okinawan styles, but the instructors there would spend about 80% of their focus on teaching HOW, and only going into the WHY sparingly. Perfect article!There's only one Okinawan Karate dojo in my town(Uechi Ryu Karate) and you made me wanna begin walking in that path! There are MANY differences between Okinawan and Japanese Karate. But maybe that is because my master learned directly from his master, who came from Okinawa. I often see MMA lauded as ahighly effective art, and quite rightly so, it is effective. I'd like to end with a strong OSU!! I trained under a Sensei Jerry Thompson, Goshin Do Karate Do Kyaki, basic style Goju Ryu, at that time he was already a 8th degreee black belt. It's not hard to describe nature, but try TO DEFINE it. Hi Jess ! Go back to this position(Basic Stance) after every move. Ive NEVERheard the term Osu! It's quite recognisable in the Shaolin kung-fu form. It is true that it is more difficult to give individual attention to large classes. So when I later started practicing okibawan karate, I already knew how to move, punch and kick, and I didn't have to learn everything from the beginning. I was knowing it (from readings), but my understanding was a result of "looking to sensei - doing it like him (copy and past ;) ) - feel, whats going on in my body". Of course, these are just generalizations but theyre based on my personal observations from years of traveling to, and living in, Okinawa and Japan. Nobody has the truth. But I think also things vary between federations and Dojo's. However, it only has a few dojos in Okinawa. best wishes for all instructors & all student This website uses cookies to help us give you the best experience when you visit our website. Arigatou gozaimasu. We teach several applications with the idea to always think "What could I do with this technique, how many applications are there or is there a limit. For people without good fundamentals and understanding the "how" and the "why" are equally important. As the author points out, so are the Okinawan. While I did not choose Shotokan for my style, I do think it is often underestimated and you speak directly to that. After many years training in the Japanese mode, I had the opportunity to train with a couple of Okinawan Instructors, and it Bend your front knee so that it prevents you from seeing your front foot. I'm not a Wado Ryu practitioner, or a practitioner of Japanese karate. Like you I have studied karate in Okinawa when my parents were stationed there many years ago. If a practitioner never competes (realistically) then how does he know his techniques/methods will work if the time comes to use them? God forbid someone's feelings get hurt. On you list of kobudo, you forgot eiku bo. It's considered a Japanese style. In fact, the average Okinawan dojo has room for like 10-15 people. Thanks for the wisdom. He has also just delivered a rather devastating blow to the inside of the opponent's left arm at the inside of the elbow and locked it. That is not the case for all Japanese styles or practitioners, of course, but that is a generalization. Individuation over Mass training. The purpose of Japanese Karate is not aligned with the purpose of Okinawan Karate anymore. Yes, sort of. 2. It's probably the most well known. Especially a dojo. Location. . I have been practicing karate for more than 6 years, and now at the sixth level (green belt) of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kugekai. Whereas the deep Japanese stance is designed for competition. There is a difference in the way that Tekki Shodan and Naihanchi are executed, however. Now the hand does stop when the arm is fully extended. Karate Stances - Japanese Terms "Dachi" or "Tachi" means stance in Japanese, and describes primarily the position of the feet in various Karate stances. Gary Alexander is an isshinryu practioner that won the first kyokushin tournament in america at madison square garden new york. I'm too old already, but even though I'm 71, I wish some day I'll get to live in Okinawa and learn their karate before I die. Imagine that you are hitting another person in the stomach area. *Yokoso*! Your posts about Karate are very informative and well-written. Secondly, it can imply the restriction and specific direction of energies within the energy pathways of the body, both superficial and deep. Interesting articles to read through - thanks again Jesse :), iam an indian 61 years old practising karate and a 4th dan in grandmasters hayashi ha shitoryu karate in india your article on japanese and okinawa styles is very enlighting for me. Kobudo. It takes a lot of understanding to get it right, YES or NO??. No. The Shuri-di style uses natural stances and promotes light, fast movements. My Name is Ruben and i have studied in Japanese and Okinawan Karate schools, so i have seen some of these differences. The purpose of Okinawan Karate has always been mainly self-defense oriented (the Why). Thanks for sharing. There is one of our senior Black Belts who also teaches Gracie Jujutsu and makes trips to Brazil to train where we also have a large following in Wado Ryu. As in everything else, smaller class sizes tend to be best. Japanese styles tends to perform kiba-dachi low and wide, whereas Okinawan styles use a higher and narrower version of it. "Tuidi" is also taught, please refer to Shotokan Bunkai and you can also see Naka Tatsuya in Kuro Obi movie demonstrating the locks and throws. The comparisons articles of this kind, degrading one style or another are not to be expected of true Budoka at least out of respect. My relatives always say that I am killing my time here L and R is pretty much an interchangeable sound in Japan. Japanese Karate, on the other hand, is often more focused on the How rather than the Why. It is crucial for Karate students to learn proper stances early in their practice as stances are really the foundation of an effective Karate, both in terms of self-defense and biomechanics. But instead of waiting several years to know why we did it that way, I was shown an application and the difference in performing it improperly and properly and how all those little tweaks made the application so much more effective. The stance is very effective and is done for turning, dodging to the side, or when landing from a jump. The difference in stances is a stylistic choice, the . If not, that could be number 12 ! I believe the Okinawan styles are more sophisticated. Wish I had money enough to live in Okinawa, learn their language and their karate! Higher stances. Great article! I have read this article four times. Dear Jesse, I only have a few questions about their acceptance towards foreigners. Feet facing outwards at 45. Moreover, I believe his original post bears careful reading & re-reading, & I will be doing so. It was very clear. When we understand our style, we can train it better & use it best. You nailed it sir. I just read some very long winded, opionated statements which seems to be an attempt to prove some people's opinions to be false. I will tell you there are some huge differences. Shotokan karate is basically taught by the JKA not as a sport but a Do or Way of Life. Im studding Goju-Ryu since 1997 with a japanesse sensei(shihan actually) from Yushinkan organitation, in the line of Ganzou Chojun Miyagi and his way to teach is like half japanesse and half Okinawan style, and I can understand everything you said on your article. Our stances are long in shotokan karatedo. You should check out the Okinawan Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau website: http://okkb.org/ - they arrange training visits in Okinawa. There are several high ranking Sensei working the class so the quality of the training was never changed because of the size of the class. So, they developed tonsof crazy tools to strengthen &condition their bodies. At the *Seiyo no Shorin-Ryu Karat *Training in traditional martial arts can provide individuals with Now itlooks like: my ideas about "kime" seems to be much closer to the okinawan idea of chinkuchi, as the interpretations of other karatekas (who seems to focusing on the stopping/arresting part of kime, and not of transferring energy to the target)? Second exercise is about how to cover from kicking, stomping and punching when you are on the ground. But why Japanese Karate is more INTL than Okinawan? The styles were named Shuri-Te , Naha-Te, and . This "Watered down" version was the one that spread to Japan, USA, and worldwide. Karate is practiced in every subcontinent. They need to be easily seen byhuge massesof people! My cousin is still over there as we speak. Stances and focus of the Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate system should allow a karate practitioner to gain enough focus over time to generate one punch knock out power. You are talking martial arts, not karate. Interesting article! Uechi Ryu is a traditional Okinawan Karate style. We noticed some of the differences which you list here, for example she never saw the oki tools nor the okinawan weapons at her dojo or tournaments. In real life, are we really gonna break people's arms, displace their knees, hold them in an arm barcripple them or kill them??? email: israelpiedade@gmail.com. Although I'm biased to Okinawan Karate, I still have much respect to Japanese Karate, and I learn a lot from it as well. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet. 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. Now I need to go again for this sole purpose. Congrats!!!! It is a traditional martial art that was handed down from the founder Sensei Chojun Miyagi to his student Sensei Anichi Miyagi and then to Sensei Morio Higaonna in an unbroken line, which means the art has not been diluted or embellished through the generations like many other martial arts have. The higher Okinawan stances make so much more sense, from a joint health and fighting perspective. After a two-year stint in Shotokan 14 years ago, I had to quit because all those really low forcing-my-knees-out-at-awkward-angles stances had ruined my knees, and I still can't stand in a Kiba-Dachi or Kokutsu-Dachi without pain (I try it sometimes). Thanks! I have always been in love with the history of karate, and the history of Okinawa, one deeply related to the other. You can describe a human being like walking on two feet in a straight posture, so men are two-legged beings, they have two hands, a torso, a head. Greeting. I know you are very busy, but if you have the time please contact me. Sone things were new, of course. 9. Didnt know these differences. No. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. An interchange of ideas provokes a learning environment. Yes, some Okinawans, even though disarmed by their king (Sho Shin) in 1480 Lower your center of gravity by bending your knees forward. Shorin-Ryu, in general, does not have Sanchin-dachi, while Goju-Ryu does, but they do it differently than Uechi-Ryu. Lets put it this way. Great job Jesse in explaining and defining the concept of karate roots and applications. But I never think could be a good idea to write bout all those differences, and people can undertand theme, so congrats for do it, and I hope be in contact. Pfft. If you have access to some sort of punching bag, you will find it helpful to practice these basics on the punching bag. that should have said "southern white tiger was one of the styles". Ah, c'mon, man. "The techniques are a good solid base to work from. Bend your rear leg, put your rear foot is at a 45 angle. Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) was known as the highest authority of Naha Te. Successful karate demands IN-Depth Thinking--yours/mine.FACT OR OPINION? Make sure to also wear clothing that is comfortable and flexible. Like many other forms of Martial Arts, Karate focuses on a belt ranking system, mental strength, coordination and respect. This Instruction set is meant to help beginners of Okinawan Karate fully grasp the ten basic moves and be able to perform them successfully. We don't have a specific bunkai for each kata. I'll go for sure to Okinawa and find some place to practice Karate. I have been in huge classes especially the Shiomitsu Sensei's Winter course in Guildford UK. After 25 years in Kyokushin, I bumped into JKA Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei kata videos and was extremely impressed and 3 days later started my Shotokan training. Was it bc Japan promoted it and Okinawa did not? Okinawa Karate Stances 8430 reads register to post comments Yes, sort of. Neko-ashi-dachi is, in my view, both a traditional stance and an evolution of kokutsu-dachi. Whenhesaw my confusion, hequicklyexcused himself and said it in proper Japanese instead; hana ageru. Thank you so so much. Hojo Undo (Supplementary Exercises) Sandangi. You are right again. But, the 4 core styles of Okinawa Karate are: Goju-Ryu is one of the old styles of Okinawan Karate. Close quarters combat, joint manipulation, take downs, attacks to nerves and vital areas. 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. I have trained it so and i have teached it this way. As you might understood from reading my name i come from the Netherlands, in my country Shotokan Karate is the most popular style. I did contact James There is no place in contemporary Karate for different styles. I am an Okinawan Practitioner for over 22 years. To me, the traditional karate practitioner, the real question is, " how do I make my karate effective?" My question regards Kokutsu dachi born by fact who. I am join your style but you can give me affiliated oll India in your federation but I will pay affiliated fee. Any tips on where to go? As with every aspect of Okinawan Karate, there is more than one definition. Okinawan Karate is more focused on the whys of each action. However, if you really want to get picky about it. Due to a reason i cannot explain i am unable to see the images in #3, #4, #6, #8, #9, #10, Thank you so much for your very informative and inspiring articles. Gichin Funakoshi, the writer of this book, was an honorable master of Okinawan Karate of his time. But that's the benefit of the blog format. Higaonna went to China in 1876 to study Chinese martial arts. I'm really interested in how you're balancing the two training styles. It was fun but I understood that tournament kumite is not the way we fight to defend ourselves. I encourage my students to de-construct the "How" as taught, into the "why" by looking at other karate styles to see how the Japanese style has evolved/morphed into what it is, thereby understanding its history and application. Congrats! Got your wonderful article on the Internet. It is important to make sure your thumb is on top of your fist at all times. compare for example 'korean karate' as it manifests in That's unfortunate, but a reality. But when it comes to something like the martial arts, individual training can actually be a hindrance. They dont have room for enoughstudents. But the modernized Okinawan karate belt system has ranked for each phase of learning. (I think I didnt reach to ten, ha!) The techniques are primarily fast and hard, but soft ones are also allowed. I am not complaining about the article though, it was interesting reading, but not accurate. Tuidi Techniques. It is one of the modern Okinawan art that blends the fighting methods of Shuri-te in it. Wado Ryu uses natural stances especially during kumite, we are a style that is based on Shinto-Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu and karate from Funakoshi Gichin Sensei, Motobu Choki Sensei and others that the first Grand Master Otsuka Hironori trained with. Ganbatte. Trust me; youllnever see an Okinawan sensei teach you a spinning hook kick to the head! (6) IMHO, The value of the author's article is that it presents a forum to flesh out & develop these concepts, explore the meaning. Yes Shotokan suffered with bad bunkai being passed down which confused the contexts of close-in street defense and long distance sports-kumite type attacks, and also tried to make everything block-kick-punch thereby missing out 90% of possible applications. If you're a . Renzoku means to continue. I believe that once you accept that Japanese styles are the way they are for a reason. The most important "aspect" of any martial art is the "person" that is training. (3) For example, I have observed on the matter of punch to a point then freezing or holding the punch, such a convention seems common among Japanese karate practitioners. Gilbert Arizona geologist and author, Professor Hausel, has had his share A Brief Introduction to Karate. But a long time ago, rural Okinawa was a very dangerous place. Deep stances are usually taught to beginners. I started out practicing shotokan. The opponent has essentially no options in the position he is in. Robust discussion is best. //-->. Branches of the same tree. I've noticed differences in the length of zenkutsu dachi between different branches of karate, but shiko dachi, kiba dachi, and Sanchin dachi were not significantly different. I have heard and read that there are hundreds of Karate dojos in Okinawa. Shorin-ryu karate is the swift, fast techniques based on the strategy of evasion and in the same time attacking to sensitive spots of the body with hits. The Okinawan karate stances are meant to be practical for self-defense by being natural and quick. I do JKA Shotokan (i.e., Japanese Karate) and allow me to share the following: I see both interpretations. It did not go over well at all. The most famous Okinawan Karate masters of all time were: Kanryo Higaonna was the founder of the Naha-te fighting styles. movements. My experience is in Goju, My Sensei lived in Okinawa for over 12 years, was an uchi deshi for 3 and even taught at the Honbu Dojo, So he has a pretty good idea of how Okinawan karate is taught. I am trained in kyokushin since 25 years. This is Western fencing. You need to experience the "FEELING" not only saying the "TERM".. Practicing Okinawan karate styles can provide physical and mental benefits such as improved strength, coordination, balance, focus, self-discipline, and confidence. As much as I enjoy reading Jesse's articles, I too find this article very degrading to Japanese Karate. Should we choose to change style, we still should proceed the same way. When is the next article :). As Gene Foster mentioned, there is a general misunderstanding of Japanese Karate, and looks like on part of Jesse's as well. But its not, it is very difficult. I have trained under an Okinawan 'programme' to green belt (from Martin Rice). "Why" Over "How" Seisan bunkai by Miyagi Chojun If you practice Karate in Okinawa, you will often hear the word "imi". Steps 1 Find an open space to perform the following basic karate moves. Bo).). IMHO, you are faulting my knowledge of MMA rather than responding to my statement. arts nor has as much expertise as our instructors! I have to write you now :) The last 2 days i was studying some of your writings about some terms in uchinaa-guchi, was searching about it in the internet etc. Shito Ryu comes from the blend of NahaTe and Shuri Te. (Read more: Chinkuchi Another Exotic Okinawan Karate Word). Kenwa Mabuni 3. Here, Dr. Teule uses tonfa(side-handle baton) to strike the side Everyone knows Kyokushin isn't designed for practicality, but for looks. Important Okinawan masters of Naha-te: Arakaki Seish Higaonna Kanry Miyagi Chjun Kyoda Jhatsu Mabuni Kenwa Uechi Kanbun Gosoku-ryu is a Japanese style of Karate that combines techniques from Shotokan and Goju-ryu. 2. The cross stance is among the most famous karate stances. If you can, pick up a copy of the Bubishi (aka the karate "bible") and you'll be amazed by the rich history of Okinawan Karate. Chincuchi over Kime. Well some of these aren't necessarily good things. Geesh! If you want to be a good swimmer, you must swim. 5. Shimabukuro OSensei was very big on the why and used "osu" when leading Kihon Kandan and drills. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Was a third degree green belt when my sensei went psycho and my mom pulled me out. During a seminar with Shiomitsu Sensei from England they started using this term. Say you learn that a certain technique is actually an arm bar into an arm break. sometimes, I almost cry reading, because you explain Okinawan Karate very well, since I have read many many misleading articles on karate from Okinawa. Okinawan Karate > Shotokan Karate. This phenomenon, along with tournaments, is the reason why many movements of Japanese Karateare bigger and more simplified than Okinawan Karate movements. As its karatekas are taught to never attack first.. The fact that posters go into specifics with analysis leads to competence, IMO. P.S. self-* Great article!!! I watch tournaments and ask myself - how would you use that technique (what are the Bunkai?)? Hence, in Okinawan Karate, the meaning of a technique is often more stressedthan how the technique is actually executed. We're all champions! Your style is better than mine and I don't give a damn! (5) Just as certainly, I don't see the punching to a point as the only way to project power into the target. There are real downsides to this if you are (for example) practicing any kind of drilling or sparring that involves no real tactile contact, where you mostly hit/kick and move, and are mostly dealing with long-range, less committed punches and kicks from partners. Maximum vertical compression of the legs adds power by making the hips more stable and energy less disspated to the extremities via vibration, etc. But theres a big difference in their approach. Now im wondering: Havent i understand the princip of kime the right (= japanese) way all the years or is the isolated understanding as "stopping/arresting" not the (fully) "right" idea of "kime"? In this world of karate, it would be best not to jump the gun too early and generalize about things you may perhaps know something about, but not knowing enough about. What Is Mokuso And How To Do It The Right Way? Contact me! Wado Ryu is a true Japanese style of Karate and I do believe I am qualified to comment on Japanese karate. . This is actually funny to me. I have always learnt and taught the how over the why as regards to kata. It also represents techniques and training guides for new karate kids. Personally, I try to mix the best of both. The name of Goju Ryu had Go, which means hard, and Ju, which means soft. The hard techniques refer to the close-hand hits and the straight attacks, whereas soft means the circular movements. I am a fairly tall person and being pushed by my sensei into loooong zenkuchi dachis and very deeep shiko dachis just didn't sit well for me. 6. Georgia. Aug 30, 2010. Gomeans hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks,Jumeans soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements. Wow, great article! He is one of the first masters to teach Karate in Japan. Your article told me about the Okinawan why and the japanese how. I've seen the same approach with senior Okinawans that I've had the pleasure of training with. Is there a way for a person such as myself to train in Okinawa or even just visit a Dojo for a look? This language is still used by traditional masters in Okinawa. I've been a few times in Japan but never practicing karate and never in Okinawa. . Great article Jesse and I like the way you explain the why not the how in everything you do. Goju-ryu ()is one of the main traditional style of Okinawan Karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. In the 53 years since I started karate training, I have trained with both Okinawan and Japanese instructors, and found both systems to be beneficial and useful. commercial dojo to teachothers about traditions of Okinawa martial arts, No. Uechi-ryusconnection with Chinese Shorin-ken means the former shares a similar foundation with Naha-Te despite their separate development. Hi Jesse, Robert Sullivan from GKR Karate back again. No. basically, japanese karate 'took over' [globally] esp usa Excellent!!! Shit-ry () is a form of karate that was founded in 1934 by Kenwa Mabuni ( , Mabuni Kenwa). Bring your front foot is forward, aligned with back foot toes. Imagine you are striking someone in the chest area with the blade of your arm. Okinawan systems use fewer and more low kicks and more types of hand techniques. 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. I do taekwondo and not karate but i like watching you a lot and i like reading about karate, and this was just amazing to read. Let's be honest, if we're comparing Okinawan Karate to Kyokushin, this article is 100% correct. Japanese is not that bad at all. As a student of natural history as well as Karate I do have to argue with one point though "A growing bamboodoes not compete with the bamboonext to it". *Traditional martial arts are the original martial arts that were created Ironically, and unfortunately as my local KoDo-ryu dojo was forced to close, I have recently starting training in Kyokushin karate, which is about as far removed from Ko-Do Ryu as I can get. Shorin Ryu comes from the word Shaolin of Chinese origin. The why helps you to understand the reason for the how you do something. Awesome experience, we did our own training at the Budokan. Dont get me wrong though;people in Okinawa compete too these days. Please read my bio, and follow me on Facebook and Instagram. These are easy to do with the right practice and guidance. Not only that, Chinese fighters used those same training tools to condition themselves. Single karate techniques as well as the low stances and rigid footwork, which allows for quick and flexible movement, can be fairly effective in a real fight or for self-defense. Thank you for this brilliant article, helps me a lot on a decision I have to make. hi Jesse-san! I understand everything.". My name is Paul Landmesser This kata uses stances and attacks comprising of the five previous Pinan kata. The facts are correct, but I think this is mainly true in Shotokan and some related styles. Goju Ryu 2. This iswhy Okinawan Karate is hard toteach a big group of people at once you simplycannot give adequate individual attention toa group of 50 students or more! This amazing book written by master Nagamine gives excellent insights into Shorin-Ryu karate, its history, stances, and katas. Unless you're actually practicing against a live resisting opponent, then it's not going to be helpful. I will add a link to the original one in your site and attribute the original article to you, of course. Thats the reason why Okinawan karate stances are higher, more natural, and easy to adapt. My 2 cents on your points: They are usually made by younger practitioners who have got it all figured out. So, Okinawan karate is lots more mental, moral and spiritual than Japanese karate, which is lots material, Nakayama turned Japanese karate into a sport, a competition, but sensei Gichin Funakoshi would never allow karate to become a sport, as long as he lived. Karate Titles Bushi: Great martial artist (Okinawan); Warlord (Japanese) Hanshi : Head person of an organization Karateka : A practitioner of Karate Kohai: A student junior to oneself Kyoshi: Master instructor Mudansha : Students without black belt rank Reigi renshi: Polished instructor Sensei: Instructor, Teacher Sempai: A senior student
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