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Ryukyu Kempo
The original Chinese hand of Okinawa. The term "Ryukyu Kempo" is used to identify our system of Okinawan karate. Over the past few decades, the art of Ryukyu Kempo has increased in popularity. This popularity, however, has resulted in the improper use of the term "Ryukyu Kempo" as a generic term, the same way the word "karate" is used. The mistaken use of the term "Ryukyu Kempo" has developed from certain aspects of our art being marketed as a pressure point fighting system; this exploitation reveals a lack of understanding. Presently, some schools who claim to know our system of Ryukyu Kempo are simply misrepresenting themselves. Atemi Jitsu. These techniques when executed correctly, are disarming strikes applied with speed against an assailant. The purpose is to stun and temporarily disorient one's opponent with the intent to set up a more disabling technique to eliminate further attack. Kyoshu Jitsu. These strikes are used against specific anatomic points with the intent to incapacitate or disable an opponent beyond the ability to continue their attack. Kyoshu techniques should not be confused as pressure point fighting. Tuite jitsu. Advanced grappling techniques used with the intent to control or disable an attacker with crippling force if necessary. Tuite techniques leverage the weakness found in all human bodies by applying pressure on various nerves, tendons, and ligaments. Despite what some say, tuite is not hidden in our kata's. These techniques came from Seikichi Uehara passed on to Oyata later in his training. Oyata created his own versions which led to the techniques we teach in our curriculum. Kobudo. "The old way". Kobudo is the weapon art of the Ryukyu Kingdom. . Bo, jo, tonbo, nunte bo, eiku, sai, manji sai, chizikunbo, nunchuku, and tonfa. However, there are some historical references pointing to the study of the sword throughout the our lineage up to and including Oyata Sensei. Bogu Kumite. Bogu Kumite is unique to Ryukyu Kempo. Developed by Shigeru Nakamura in 1960 and introduced to the Okinawa-te federation as a tournament sparring event. Bogu was created for the purpose of full contact sparring using special protective gear that forces the practitioner to utilize proper technique. As a training tool it will challenge one's will and character in a stressed induced, safe, and controlled environment which prepares Ryukyu Kempo practitioners for real life protection. |
*Additional References and resources:
- Kerr, George H. Okinawa, the History of an Island People. Charles E. Tuttle Company. (1965). p. 40.
- Wieger, L. Chinese Characters. Dover Publications, Inc. (1965). pp. 441, 288.
- Nishiyama, Hidetaka & Brown, Richard C. Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting. Charles E. Tuttle Company. (1959). p.16
- Funakoshi, Gichin. Karate-Do My Way of Life. Kodansha International. Ltd. (1975). p. 36.
- Funakoshi, Gichin. Karate-Do Kyohan. Kodansha International Ltd. (1973). p. 7.
- Motobu, Choki. Okinawa Kempo: Karate-Jutsu on Kumite. Choki Motobu/Ryukyu Imports, Inc. (1926/1977). p. 15.
- So, Doshin. Shorinji Kempo – Philosophy and Techniques. Japan Publications Trading Co. (1974). p. 22.
- Higa, Teruyuki. Master Shigeru Nakamura and the History of Okinawa Kenpo Karate. http://www.okinawakenpokarate.com/history.asp.(2015).
- Geraldi, Albert O. The Timeline of Documented Events of the Development of Ryukyu Kempo. www.ryukyu-kempo.org/#!time-line/c1yql. (2014).
- Oyata, Seiyu. Ryu-te Renmei. http://www.ryute.com. (2015).
- Miyagi, Chojun. Historical Outline of Karate-Do, Martial Arts of Ryukyu
