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Entering through the Gate of Koryu Uchinadi
Introduction
I believe the modern
interpretation of karate, and the myriad of variations-on-a-theme,
have evolved into something quite unlike that which its original
pioneers had in mind when it was first developed. While it is clearly
obvious what heights modern karate has soared to, the compelling
results of a thorough investigation no longer obligates this writer to
support its rule-bound interpretation of classical kata. The
video presentation, which lies before you, is an exposition
personifying lost heritage rediscovered only after exhaustive research
in Japan, China and SE Asia. Having
established an international reputation as a dependable and insightful
teacher, I am one of several progressive traditionalists behind an
important movement bent on reviving old-school practices while
restoring the cohesiveness to an otherwise heavily rule-bound and
functionally ambiguous modern tradition. Having conducted important
field research in Okinawa and Fujian, often with many of this
traditions most senior authorities, I have painstakingly unearthed the
lost rationale behind how application principles of kata work. If
there is any truth to the belief that I am helping to change the face
of how traditional kata is perceived, and practiced, perhaps then I
can better understand what Sir Isaac Newton meant when he said, “If
I can see any further than others, it is only by having stood on the
shoulders of giants.”
History
Although karate is a uniquely Japanese tradition today, its actual
roots can be traced back to the tiny island of Okinawa and the
Fujian-based quanfa practices that haphazardly found their way there
during the old Ryukyu Kingdom Period. Once
an obligatory practice among local Okinawan law enforcement officials,
today its defensive concepts have evolved into a challenging
competitive sport, popular form of self-protection and a vibrant
cultural recreation. Having long been an effective adjunct supporting
domestic law enforcement arrest-methods in Qing-period China
(1644-1911), it was brought into use during Okinawa’s old Ryukyu
Kingdom after the prohibition of weapons largely because of its highly
effective tactical strategies in seizing and control. Handed down
through oral tradition and behind closed doors, much of its original
history and unique practices have been lost in the sands of time.
Before the advent of modern karate,
there existed a remarkable martial art in Okinawa referred to as Ryukyu
Kenpo Toudi-jutsu. Simplified for the purpose being put
into Okinawa’s turn-of-the-century school system to build robust
bodies and militaristic mentalities, in support of Japan’s
escalating war machine, Ryukyu Kenpo Toudi-jutsu was
profusely influenced by Japanese Budo culture when introduced to
the mainland where it rapidly transformed the simplified practice into
a sport and cultural recreation.
What is
Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu?
Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu is a unique collection
& functional re-interpretation of old-school tegumi grappling
drills & those embryonic Fujian-based quanfa practices
once secretly cultivated before the development of the simplified
version or modern tradition evolved. Re-systematized into a cohesive
& completely application-based study, it was cradled in
rediscovering and fusing together the principal teachings from many of
this tradition’s most celebrated pioneers.
Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu revives
many lost and functional application-based practices while honoring
the legacy of Matsumura Sokon
(1809-1898) Itosu Ankoh
(1832-1915) Kojo Taite (1837-1917)
Aragaki Seisho (1840-1920) Chinen
Sanda (1846-1928) Xie Zhongxiang
(aka Ru Ruko, 1852-1930) Higaonna
Kanryo (1853-1917) Hanashiro Chomo
(1869-1945) Motobu Choki
(1871-1944) Zhou Zhihe (1874-1926) Wu Xianhui (Go Kenki,
1886-1940) Tang Daiji (To Daiki,
1887-1937) Kiyoda Juhatsu
(1886-1967) Shaolin monk Miao Xing (1881-1939)
Oshiro Chojo (1887-1935) Richard
Kim (1917-2001) and Kinjo Hiroshi
(1919-).
Koryu
Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu is
also a provocative alternative to conventional methods of physical
fitness and stress management. Learning how to respond dispassionately
to unwarranted aggression requires self-empowerment. Such training
promotes an inner-calm and, where conflict exists, helps restore
balance to personal and professional relationships.
Format
We have presented
many of the drills from several angles to better study each technique.
We have also used different yudansha in order to clearly illustrate
how varying body types, and the physical demands they have on each of
us, affect our range of motion and individual performance.
Please remember, we ARE NOT trying to generate carbon copies or
produce an army of clones, but rather, emphasize the importance of
individuality while mastering common principles.
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