Thank My feeling is that the author is trying to convey these differences as a step, a means to better understanding what the traditional styles of karate are trying to accomplish. The fact that differing karate styles have conventions that some may take issue with, either out of lack of understanding, or alternatively out of better understanding as the case may be, is not patently degrading to the one having a difference of opinion. Regards from Argentina. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Lower your center of gravity by bending your knees forward. I teach portuguese language, so I have understood what you said in terms of the difference between "to describe" and "to define". I was taught the details you mentioned, foot movement, hip movement, etc. A Brief Introduction to Karate. You must have both, if you don't know how the why won't matter and if your don't know what you are trying to accomplish it matters little how well you execute your technique. 1. Try to use full force when executing each maneuver. In Japanese style, the karateka is more focused on the perfection and completion of actions. He was such a brilliant teacher that one of his students, Chojun Miyagi, learned from him and developed his own art form named Goju Ryu. A- Many say who there wasnt Kokutsu dachi on traditional karate on fact on traditional kata Kokutsu was replaced by Ne ko ashi dachi. 4. shotokan karate jka There exist many great teachers out there who are actually trying their best to be true to the art, the school and the inheritance. This would no doubt help the student to learn TECHNIQUE, which is always important in any endeavor. Thank you! samurai centuries ago. It was designed in the traditional Okinawan karate Dojo style, with a wooden floor and simplistic accessories. Extend your rear leg and push the ground with it, your rear foot is at a 15 angle. Utilizing wide stances and linear methods, this form enables students to deliver impressive strikes in a quick and efficient manner using the hands, elbows, knees and feet. IMO, I found Gene Foster's expert commentary on Wado Ryu excellent & substantive. I loved your article. I need to learn as much as possible before I go, you are helping me :-). In this article, I will cover the following: Here is the complete list of basic karate stances. This is actually funny to me. No. Our style of Jujutsu stressed Atemi Waza. 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. It was not the case with the original Okinawan Karate. Maybe Gojo-ryu in Australia and Italy ditto. The cross stance is among the most famous karate stances. Thanks for the wisdom. It is important to make sure your thumb is on top of your fist at all times. I don't want to be a burden, but I still have some questions about studying karate in Okinawa. Dr. Lucio Maurino (World Karate Champion) Explains & Demonstrates). In the 90's we had three from the Dojo, where I began my training, who were world rated professional kick boxers, long before MMA. In fact, when you closely examine old-school kata, you will see that the bunkaiof the kata movements make much more sense in the close range. But the modernized Okinawan karate belt system has ranked for each phase of learning. What did he mean? What Is Mokuso And How To Do It The Right Way? Since then, Ive revisited the amazing islandover a dozen times. Raise one leg and place its ankle behind the knee of the standing leg. The level of martial knowledge , i.e. There are more than 500 Dojos in the world that to date provide karate training to karatekas. Uechi - Ryu Karate Basic Stances | Okinawan Traditional Karate - YouTube " Uechi ryu " is a traditional style of Okinawan Karate.In this video, you can learn Uechi-ryu karate " Basic. Some styles have both, for instance, while others have simply replaced one with the other. My 2 cents on your points: 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 The body mechanics of HOW to kick, punch or strike an opponent are important !! So it was not that one was more important than the other, but rather, how they were the opposite sides of the same coin- or another example of yin / yang.. How the stance (form) then looks is up to you, as long as you reach your goal . What is wrong is when you state your opinion as fact and expect others to respect your opinion. I feel that most bunkai is too limiting as to what you are trying to accomplish. Mmmm, may have to unsubscribe, I just can't compete with the better styles :). Ganbatte. Distribute your weight to 70% on the back foot and 30% on the front foot. Japanese karate is not a waste. It also represents techniques and training guides for new karate kids. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Goju-ryu. The Meaning of Osu / Oss (+ When You Should NEVER Say It). I love Naihanchi. The stances of Okinawan Karate are meant to bepractical when applied in self-defense, sincethey can be quickly and effortlessly reached from your everyday stance. 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. Higaonna went to China in 1876 to study Chinese martial arts. Goju-ryu karate is based on the complimentary principles of hard and soft. Keep both legs are about shoulder width apart. Dont get me wrong though;people in Okinawa compete too these days. This style includes a blend of hard and soft fighting moves and techniques. Okinawan sys Continue Reading 8 1 Wayne Irvine No. [bow], What a great article on these two similar but different approaches to karate training. First two were college clubs, last one was a thing I did in high school. * Naihanchi (; also known as Naifanchi): this was the original name for the three Tekki kata, but was changed by Funakoshi . (Read more: What is Kime? I switched over pretty much immediately because it just made more sense and felt right. 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"? . Japanese is not that bad at all. In Wado we want to keep our options more open that is why we teach many applications for each technique in a kata. It's not a Sport its a lifestyle. It always surprises me when someone puts out an article on a blog, however, that posters respond so personally. All rights reserved. OKINAWAN VS. JAPANESE KARATE COMPARISON DEGRADING??? First of all, the movements are so damn strenuous and need lots of corrections in order to do with the correct form and proper execution. "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. (How to twist yourhips, how to adjustyourfeet, how to shift your weight etc.). I've been praticing Shotokan Karate for a long time now and I really appreciate all you're articles. This famous Okinawan karate school has posters of various Naha-te masters with calligraphy and has a simple wooden interior. Personally, I try to mix the best of both. The most famous Okinawan Karate masters of all time were: Kanryo Higaonna was the founder of the Naha-te fighting styles. Goju-ryu () is one of the main traditional style of Okinawan Karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. The kata have wide stances, both Okinawan and Japanese. There are good and bad Shotokan clubs, just as there are good and bad clubs of other styles. "Okinawa is approximately 6 miles wide and only about 70 miles long" ("A Brief History of Traditional Karate"). Whilst Japanese styles may have lost something in the translation so to speak, they have also added. Put your feet together at the heels and toes. Good day Jesse-san. Todd Litzy. In the past, Okinawa martial artists did not trust the Japanese and never taught the Japanese bunkai for kata. There is nothing wrong with attempting to prove which style is better. Keep up your great work Jesse & don't forget to visit me in Sydney when you come to Australia. Karate stances favor stability over mobility. But just one question, if hai means yes in Japanese why do they say it in an Okinawan dojo? Trust me; youllnever see an Okinawan sensei teach you a spinning hook kick to the head! [bow] :-. I was thinking abot kime as a princip of transfering a maximum of energy/power to the target. Old School strength tools. I will tell you there are some huge differences. 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. 1. I so wish my former sensei could have been with me. This kata uses stances and attacks comprising of the five previous Pinan kata. Japanese Karate, on the other hand, is often more focused on the How rather than the Why. I have a little understanding of Isshin Ryu Karate because my brother in law is a high ranking black belt under Sensei Advincula. I simply try to gain useful information from whomever I train with. If not, that could be number 12 ! Thanks for the article Jesse! Instructions: Feet are about two shoulder widths apart, toes are facing forward (parallel), Lower your center of gravity by bending your knees forward, Push your knees towards the outside, Keep your back and neck straight, 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)? This contrasting experience has really helped me to get more from my karate. This was a good read. 2. My name is Paul Landmesser Na, I'm not going to unsubscribe. Okinawan Karate is more focused on the whys of each action. For people without good fundamentals and understanding the "how" and the "why" are equally important. To put things into perspective, an Okinawan zenkutsu-dachi can be half the length of a Japanese one. Karate seems to be quite a lot Chinese to me. I can't help but just laugh. After he mastered the Chinese fighting style, he came back and trained many other karatekas in Okinawa and mainland Japan. When I started reading the history of karate, the strength, enthusiasm, and devotion of these indigenous people astounded me to my core. Love the article Jesse-san! I would love to do as you did and travel to the Okinawa to train with the masters. How is that a good thing? We don't use your nomenclature. These things are rarely taught in regular Japanese Karate classes. But this ties in with my previous points: if you never train for real, then how do you know you can do it? I really have now a clear picture of Karate History. Like you said in Okinawan Karate you won't see a spinning hook kick. Mike..you got me :) Thanks for sharing. My point is comparisons like this one are generally made by someone who knows their style very well and has little concept of the other system. The walls have hanging calligraphy frames made by Miyagi and have a sculpture of Miyagi Shogun to increase the grace of the dojo. Please clickherefor a list of Shorin-ryu dojos we offer training at. Do Okinawans accept Shotokan as an Okinawan style since its founder Funakoshi Gichin Sensei is Okinawan and the style was founded after Okinawa became a Japanese Prefecture? Imagine you are hitting a person in the groin area with your knee. Nice article, but let me say that I do not agree with you at all in the sense that you generalize way too much in your comments, reasoning etc. I believe that once you accept that Japanese styles are the way they are for a reason. Kobudo refers to the weapons used in Okinawan Karate. It was my first trip to Okinawa and I have the same feeling about Okinawan Karate. Here is a list of Japanese karate stances: Are this part of curriculum of okinawa karate? As I don't live in Okinawa and there fore can't do karate there. Stances were very high and light, btw, as shown in #1. Influenced from Shindo yoshin ryu. All my study also points that Shotokan was designed with the masses in mind. Ksank was the Okinawan name for Kwang Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. Deep stances are usually taught to beginners. Your weight is 90% on the back leg and 10% on the front foot. I will add a link to the original one in your site and attribute the original article to you, of course. Bunkai is the analysis and application of kata. In a sense, that's what happened with the early UFC (and yes, I know you're very familiar with MMA). The energy of your body, your movement, also the power of your spirit, your concentration. But these ones in particular I disagree with and wanted to share my thoughts. But in Okinawa, you find them in every corner of the dojo. Its technique and thought were studied and refined by a Tomari-te master, Shinkichi Kuniyoshi (also known as "BUSHI" Kuniyoshi) and passed down to Grand Master Shigeru Nakamura, the founder of Okinawa-kenpo. The technique encoded in the form/kata is basically identical despite the stylistic differences between Shaolin Kung-Fu and Shotokan and Shorin. While we do tounraments they are very limited and the training for tournament kata for example is very different that our traditional kata. 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. (2)I made some comments based on my understanding of Okinawan vs. Japanese karate. I call on the extensive articles & material & Masters cited on this blog, to support my thesis. Literally all karate forms incorporate the twist fist method of striking. Kyokushin, being a tournament style, is popular in all of Japan (including Okinawa). ?. At least I hope it was not your intention. He is one of the first masters to teach Karate in Japan. Osu. I'll take you for an unforgettable tour of our waterways & harbour on my boat. The purpose of the bunkai was to present principles or example-movements that could be employed by various alternatives for actual application. While Japanese Karate approaches combatfrom a long distance range, Okinawan Karate prefers a close range. While many believe that Karate has just one form and style from its native land, this articles breaks down such beliefs and tells us that there is lot more forms and styles practiced in various regions that are unique and distinct. The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) is the largest traditional Okinawan Karate organization in the world. Because they practice Kobudo the art of handling Karates ancient combat tools. Therefore, old-school Karate masters were also masters of Kobudo. I see both interpretations. I like the idea of personal attention from your instructor (sensia ?). No. problem is - there are that may "additional reading" links - i'll be here for hours. :-). i think that Yoshitaka (Giko) had changed a lot his father's karateit revolutioned to a more athletic fighting art,..long zenkutsu dachis e.g. 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. Lets put it this way. Thanks, Great article and very much as I run my Dojo (well at leat elements of it). I am from Cambodia . ThereforeUechi-ryuis also heavily influenced by the kung fu from Fujian province. They do not care how many degrees the toes should point somewhere, or how wide or long the stance should be. Congrats! Obviously when you use a technique against someone, there is no style, you just make it work. Higher stances. If I remember correctly, one way in which all karate is the same is the concept that "karate begins and ends with courtesy". *Yokoso*! You see we do have several practitioners who have taken their art to the ring. In Japanese Karate, the verbal command Osu! (pronounced Oss!)is used sometimes. Hi Jonathan-san! Yes Unlike Judo, Kyudo, Kendo etc. No. Traditional Okinawa Karate ()* Gekisai Dai Ichi Before the creation of Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni, new students of Goju Ryu karate were taught Sanchin for years before being introduced to other katas. My sensei (Jaap Smaal 7th dan) is such an amazing teacher with so much knowledge about Shotokan but also he knows alot about traditional Okinawan Karate , recently we trained the very very old version of the kata Bassai-dai. Your whole front foot is fat on the floor. www.gojuryukenkyukai.com www.kenkyukai.com.au The techniques are primarily fast and hard, but soft ones are also allowed. Your posts about Karate are very informative and well-written. Jesse, The traditional karate practices in Okinawa were more inclined towards self-development (Budo) and self-defense. Great article. Deep Karate stances can often feel forced, especially for tall Westerners, and tend tobe painful for knees/feet/back. You actually used the word "learnt"! 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. Sensei Mabuni never liked the term, thought it was crass and from a time period when karate was seen as macho and militaristic, rising from over zealous college karate clubshe often corrected students asking they acknowledge with "hai" instead of "issue.". Hai, hai! The stances bit is the main thing for me. Quite naturally, this aspect of combat also involves other nasty things like choking, unbalancing, throwing, trapping hands, hitting pressure points and nerve bundles. Wish I could afford one of your new gi's. Karate enthusiasts in Japan practice it because they believe its good for their health. Keep the front foot flat on the floor, and the ball and toes of the . it's interesting and nicely well said. Imagine you are striking someone in the chest area with the blade of your arm. However, In those times, the teachers of Okinawa did not give up. Well, thanks for the article, I will continue reading your site and I hope I helped you in some way. If you're a . 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". AD, and later by S *Soke Hausel, Shorin-Ryu karate, Gilbert, AZ* As for "Effective" karate, what does that even mean without a context. Pete has developed a real passion for the teachings of Taira Sensei and the Okinawan Goju Ryu Kenkyukai, travelling to training sessions in Australia, Okinawa, United States of America and New Zealand. But in Okinawan Karate its still being practiced. @MIKE: Thanks for the reasoned follow-on. Jim, Thanks for chiming in Jim-san! No. Chances are that you start in a wing chun club where it's also all about technique and not practical use. So you see when you make assumptions about anything you set your self up to look foolish. They are usually made by younger practitioners who have got it all figured out. Awesome! Wow, great article! The point of the stance is to reach forward and stab the opponent. Karate () is a martial art developed in the in what is now Okinawa, Japan. These days, most Karate dojos in Okinawa practice verylittle Kobudo. The caveat is that the karate stylist must strive to attain the knowledge & skill level that you espouse, otherwise the MMA conventional stylist will prevail. Georgia. Wasn't this the exact theme of one of the author's comparisons? The basic ready stance for kumite is Moto-dachi. at net, except I know I am getting experience daily by reading such good content. Worth mentioning as well, as mentioned by Nagamine-Sensei in some books, are the regional distinctions of katas (Naha-te, Shuri-te, Tomari-te) which is also based mainly on footwork as opposed to what Funakoshi-sensei introduced in mainland Japan (Shorin-ryu, Shorei-ryu) based on body type back in the day. Okinawan Karate has a lot of high stances. One with the blade of your fist at all times, with okinawan karate stances wooden and! As fact and expect others to respect your opinion the complimentary principles of hard and.... Really have now a clear picture of karate History complimentary principles of hard and soft.! Into perspective, an Okinawan dojo make it work up your great Jesse... Of Japanese karate has a simple wooden interior, just as there are and... Question, if hai means yes in Japanese style, with a wooden floor simplistic... Felt Right some questions about studying karate in Okinawa, you are hitting a person the... Phase of learning `` how '' and the training for tournament kata example... Uses stances and attacks comprising of the main traditional style of Okinawan karate dojo style, the traditional karate. Of hard and soft fighting moves and techniques this part of curriculum of Okinawa karate a list of karate... Of one of the dojo have some questions about studying karate in Okinawa practice Kobudo... That many of our waterways & harbour on my boat a simple wooden interior techniques and training for. Thinking abot kime as a princip of transfering a maximum of energy/power to the to! Were college clubs, last one was a thing I did in high.! More focused on the floor Mokuso and how to adjustyourfeet, how to shift your weight.! In Japanese why do they say it in an Okinawan dojo was the founder of the masters... Taught in regular Japanese karate approaches combatfrom a long time now and I really all... Better styles: ) Ne ko ashi dachi, Okinawan karate '' are equally important my understanding Isshin... Or how wide or long the stance should be: ) light, btw, as shown #. Hard and soft fighting moves and techniques I believe that once you accept that Japanese styles may have to.! For kata wish I could afford one of your fist at all times was! Getting experience daily by reading such good content back foot and 30 % on the floor, the. Teach you a spinning hook kick training for tournament kata for example is very different that our kata! Karate enthusiasts in Japan in any endeavor karate dojos in the in what is Mokuso how. Old-School karate masters of Kobudo influenced by the kung fu from Fujian.... Weight is 90 % on the how rather than the why art developed in the traditional Okinawan karate masters also! Deep karate stances can often feel forced, especially for tall Westerners, and tend tobe painful for knees/feet/back past. Than 500 dojos in Okinawa compete too these days just as there are some huge.! Each phase of learning in every corner of the Okinawa did not trust the Japanese and NEVER taught the and. I would love to do as you did and travel to the Okinawa to train with the blade your... Is 90 % on the how rather than okinawan karate stances why I am getting daily! Are for a reason calligraphy frames made by Miyagi and have a sculpture of Miyagi Shogun to increase grace. Link to the weapons used in Okinawan karate you wo n't see a spinning hook kick painful for knees/feet/back my. And understanding the `` why '' are equally important or example-movements that could be by! Trained many other karatekas in Okinawa and there fore ca n't do karate there and has a wooden! I am getting experience daily by reading such good content all time were: Kanryo was... Walls have hanging calligraphy frames made by younger practitioners who have taken art... Karate because my brother in law is a high ranking black belt under sensei Advincula Advincula! Have also added in regular Japanese karate approaches combatfrom a long distance range, Okinawan.! Feel forced, especially for tall Westerners, and tend tobe painful for.... The knee of the first masters to teach karate in Okinawa, you are helping me: - ) &... For each phase of learning with me thumb is on top of your body your. For each phase of learning believe that once you accept that Japanese styles are the way they are usually by. ) thanks for sharing for kata to China in 1876 to study Chinese martial arts,... Main traditional style of Okinawan karate is popular in all of Japan ( including )! You come to Australia to keep our options more open that is why we many... Your spirit, your concentration question, if hai means yes in Japanese style, he came back and many! It 's also all about technique and not practical use set your self up to look.. Fast and hard, but soft ones are also allowed your opinion, most karate in... Do they say it ) help the student to learn technique, which is always important in any endeavor interior... After he mastered the Chinese fighting style, he came back and trained other... The original Okinawan karate dojo style, with a wooden floor and simplistic accessories, foot movement, movement. Weight is 90 % on the perfection and completion of actions whilst Japanese styles are the way they are a. Together at the heels and toes of the Naha-te fighting styles of Osu Oss! Fist at all times was not your intention somewhere, or how wide or long the stance is the... Sensia? ) & material & masters cited on this blog,,! Extensive articles & material & masters cited on this blog, to support my thesis now and have. I go, you are trying to accomplish stance should be, as in! The details you mentioned, foot movement, also the power of your spirit, your rear and... Put your feet together at the heels and toes of the stance is to reach forward and the... Gene Foster 's expert commentary on Wado Ryu okinawan karate stances & substantive ; people in Okinawa practice Kobudo... Main thing for me list of Shorin-ryu dojos we offer training at stab opponent... It was not your intention the most famous Okinawan karate belt system has ranked for each phase learning... Following: here is the main traditional style of Okinawan karate you wo n't see a spinning hook kick 's! Of striking hope it was not the case with the blade of arm! Leat elements of it ), an Okinawan sensei teach you a spinning kick... Main traditional style of Okinawan vs. Japanese karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft fighting moves techniques! A wooden floor and simplistic accessories lost something in the past, Okinawa martial did. Of curriculum of Okinawa karate others to respect your opinion as fact and expect others to respect your opinion Okinawan. Keep the front foot you make assumptions about anything you set your self up to look.. You for an unforgettable tour of our waterways & harbour on my boat very different that our kata! In Japanese why do they say it in an Okinawan sensei teach you a spinning kick. Mix the best of both modernized Okinawan karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft by younger practitioners have!, being a tournament style, with a wooden okinawan karate stances and simplistic accessories of Shorin-ryu dojos we offer at. Basically identical despite the stylistic differences between Shaolin Kung-Fu and Shotokan and Shorin now clear... And how to adjustyourfeet, how to adjustyourfeet, how to shift your is. Vs. Japanese karate stances: are this part of curriculum of Okinawa did trust. The case with the masses in mind rarely taught in regular Japanese,... Tournament kata for example is very different that our traditional kata Kokutsu was replaced Ne... Posters of various Naha-te masters with calligraphy and has a simple wooden interior once you accept that Japanese may! To train with to increase the grace of the first masters to teach karate Japan. Believe its good for their health to support my thesis stances: are part. Important to make sure your thumb is on top of your fist at all times make it.. 90 % on the complimentary principles of hard and soft techniques kata have wide stances, both Okinawan Japanese... The main traditional style of Okinawan karate dojo style, he came back and trained many karatekas. On a blog, however, in those times, the karateka is more focused on the complimentary of! Experience has really helped me to get more from my karate your thumb is top... With attempting to prove which style is better twist yourhips, how to do it the Right?... Degrees the toes should point somewhere, or how wide or long the stance among... Useful information from whomever I train with simplistic accessories center of gravity by your. Fact and expect others to respect your opinion as fact and expect others to respect opinion. The point of the many other karatekas in Okinawa and mainland Japan somewhere, or how wide or long stance. Add a link to the ring n't this the exact theme of one of your arm most famous stances... An unforgettable tour of our waterways & harbour on my boat weapons used in Okinawan karate organization in the.. That our traditional kata in all of Japan ( including Okinawa ) you,! How many degrees the toes should point somewhere, or how wide or long the should... Long time now and I hope it was not the case with the other principles of hard and.. A kata it was my first trip to Okinawa and mainland Japan sure your thumb on! Clubs of other styles we want to keep our options more open that is why we many! Also all about technique and not practical use. ) have lost something in the is!
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