Karate Shito-ryu

The term Shito-ryu comes from the initials of the two great masters of Mabuni. The shi particle Initial teacher Shuri-Te Anko Itosu (糸 州 安 恒?) To is the original master of Naha-Te, Kanryo Higaonna (東 恩納 寛 量?) And Ryu (流?) Means school, technical, variant or style. So we can say that the mixture is a philosophical meaning of "peace and aid" and technical short and long distance.

As an organization, this style is called Shito-kai, which is the union of all the schools that practice the style worldwide. Kai comes from the Japanese that means club or organization.

Shito-ryu is a combination of styles of teachers Ankō Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, which attempts to unite the diverse roots of karate. On the one hand, the Shito-ryu has the physical strength and long powerful stances of Shuri-te derived as the Shorin-ryu and Shotokan (松涛 館?), On the other hand Shito-ryu has circular movements and movements in eight directions, to breath, hard and soft characteristics of Naha-te and Tomari-te (泊 手?), as Goju-Ryu (剛柔 流?). Shito-ryu is extremely fast, but still can be artistic and powerful. In addition, the Shito-ryu formalizes and emphasizes the five rules of defense, developed by Mabuni Kenwa, which are known as Uke not go gensoku (受 け の 五 原則?), Uke not go Genri (受 け の 五 原理?) Or Uke no go ho (受 け の 五 法?).

Natural positions are primarily used, not too high, not too low; however, they often perform lower in the defenses that in the attacks, a fact that is clearly reflected in the kata. the different positions are used in all directions, coordinating, in the displacement action of the hip and the rest of the body with the execution of the technique.

Defense techniques are usually open hand, with a short tour and its implementation are usually output at 45 degrees (catch them looking to come to grips), although most defenses are open hand, there are also hand closed but the latter simply seeking to avoid contact of the rival by abrupt contact force against force. The attacks and counterattacks usually are of fist closed with short, quick tour, usually carried out with straight advances. techniques of hand and leg are often used directed a (trunk of the body) chudan and (belly toward your knees, and ankles) gedan, although in practice due to the influence of karate and combat sport will also work (Head ) iodinated, and jump (Tobi).

It usually works much in pairs, making applications kumite seeking control of the adversary during the technical to completion a counterattack. It maintained, including ground control, mind control is also working to develop self-control in situations unusual or dangerous working reflexes, agility (both physical and mental) and speed immobilize the enemy as fast possible, or the inutilizarle on a temporary basis the use of their senses or joints hitting or pressing vulnerabilities called 'atemi' or vital points or 'kyusho', which allow numb limb, assist in the development of immobilization or dislocation, knock out the opponent, or alter the functioning of various body systems such as the nervous, lymphatic, blood and respiratory. These techniques are the highest level. In the different styles of karate, and come from Chinese martial arts.

In addition to classic defense techniques such as blocking (uke), checks or soft blocks (nagashi- uke) and elusive body (Tai Sabaki), karate has many other techniques.

Karate Shotokan

Shotokan (松濤 館 Shōtōkan ?, lit. "School of Shoto") is a style of karate developed by master Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi.

The shotokan style is considered one of the first schools of karate also organized international style practiced karate over the world. Named after the first dojo opened in 1936 by Funakoshi.

It is characterized by low positions, so a tiger used in the logo.

Currently the style Shotokan Karate Do still occupies a dominant position in the world as it is one of the most practiced styles of traditional martial arts or Gendai Budo. And it has the largest number of practitioners in the various interpretations and federations / associations established by several students of the teacher.

The Karate Do Shotokan is not only regarded by some as a combat sport, but also as a philosophy of life, the teacher Funakoshi based on respect and other principles that have their origin strict philosophy of Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism , referring to the way the medieval Japanese warrior or samurai; which are summarized in the dojo kun, or classroom rules forging practitioner.

Karate Shorin Ryu

The system currently called karate Shorin Ryu was created by Master Matsumura Sokon (Bushi / warrior), but was systematized by his disciple, Master or Ankō Itosu Anko Itosu in various forms or kata; and then it is divided into several variants and schools for several of his students. Several martial artists Shorin Ryu school in its various branches assume the style name makes direct reference to the Shaolin temple as in uchinaiguchi (the language of Okinawa) Shorin shaolin pronounced. However since the master Anko Itosu was secretary of the last king of Okinawa (King Sho Tai), and linguist, shorin name gives rise to several interpretations, one of which says that the syllable "Sho" refers to the royal family Okinawa and "wheel" would be forest, implying the style Sho Forest, King Sho Tai; Likewise another way to read the kanji ideogram, Sho is Matsu, as the name of their teacher Sokon Matsumura. Therefore the claim associated with Shaolin is not entirely true.

According to author and researcher, Bruce Clayton in his text 'Shotokan Secret', the more linear style (Shuri-Te type) as Karate Shorin Ryu, and their direct descendants as Japanese styles Shotokan, Wado Ryu and Shito Ryu, come Chi - a woman Niang Fang, Chinese martial artist creative style crane / white stork or "Bai Pai Hok" also known as style: the crane looking for food / crane in the morning; This in turn was learned To-of Sakugawa, and amended by its Sokon disciple "Bushi" Matsumura combined with his knowledge of: the Chinese linear internal style "hsing yi chuan" or boxing will / mind, and traditional Japanese fencing or kenjutsu style Jigen Ryu (which was itself the fencing style of the Satsuma samurai clan who invaded Okinawa by Portuguese guns, before final incorporation to Japan). Matsumura Sokon was the master Anko Itosu. Who was a teacher in turn: Chibana Choshin (variant Kobayashi Ryu), Shoshin Nagamine (variant Matsubayashi-ryu), Chotoku Kyan (variant Shobayashi ryu) Funakoshi (Shotokan style), Mabuni (Shito Ryu), Motobu Choki (Motobu Ryu style karate), among many others.

training

This system emphasizes the critical speed, mobility, the creation of power generated by the movement of anteversion of the pelvis, fixed temporary contraction of the muscles of the torso and hip rotation, natural movements, blockades or checks in angle, the penetration of the punches and the elimination of any movement that does not have a specific goal.

The techniques use body parts to hit, as the hands (song, palm, fingers, knuckles ...), feet (heel outer edge plant base or tips of fingers ...), elbows, knees or head. Seeks to concentrate power at a given instant hit, as would the cut or thrust of a sword or katana; this makes different styles of kung fu / wu shu Chinese and Japanese, Hawaiian, or American kempo using usually a multiple and continuous beating.

Hojo undo or supplementary exercises with various implements such as makiwara or striking post, the iron geta or shoes, plus many others also performed.

All currents of Okinawan karate have two "core" katas practiced together before and after each workout: Fukyugata Fukyugata dai ichi and dai ni. "Fukyu" means distinctive, something to be disseminated or shared. "Gata" is simply an alternative pronunciation of "kata" or forms (the letter "k" changes to "g" when the character is preceded by another word or term). That is why Fukyugata be interpreted as basic as promotional kata. The first was developed by Grandmaster Nagamine Shoshin (1907-1997), Hanshi, 10th dan, Matsubayashi-Ryu founder of Shorin-Ryu style, and the second by the great master Chojun Miyagi (Naha, Okinawa, opened 25 of 1888 - October 8, 1953) creator of the style Goju Ryu Karate.

All variants of the Shorin Ryu kata include several forms or base, as well as other school. The base of the Shorin Ryu forms are pinan, the Naihanchi, the Passai shape, and form Kushanku. These were altered and renamed by other students Ankō Itosu who developed some of the styles of Japanese karate such as Funakoshi, Shotokan style, a Japanese name who gave much of the kata, besides the methodological change for learning some as the 5 Pinan kata, Heian renowned.

Training methods vary depending on the purpose of the class. A basic session usually consists of 25-30 minute warm up, doing deep emphasis on heating joints, intensive exercises passive and active stretching. The class generally consists of basic movements, forms or kata, and sparring, ending with the training of physical condition by training exercises self-loading (military calisthenics and gymnastics), and endurance strength of the trunk, legs, arms and hands, and several exercises for flexibility.

The importance of Kata

Kata (形, or more traditionally 型) (literally: "way") is a Japanese word that describes a set of practiced movements alone or with friends. The term is used to form the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts. [1]

characteristics

Main article: Kata

Karate kata are executed as specific series of movements, steps and spins with arm or leg techniques, while attempting to maintain perfect form and correctly trace the embusen (map of the steps of kata). During the kata the karateka must be remembering or imagining the application of movements against an opponent.

The study must be accompanied by kata bunkai (knowledge and practice of meaning and actual application of the movements).

There maybe more than 100 kata from different styles of karate, each with variations (see list below). The style is more Kata Shito Ryu includes over 70.

The most common image associated with the execution of a kata is that of a karate practitioner performing a series of rituals, blocking movements, and beating the air. The kata of karate are specific sequences ranging from about 20-70 (or more) movements depending on the degree of difficulty of the kata, kata because the gesture is considered bases which contain or complement each other. The kata usually include combinations of hand and foot blows, blocks, checks, diversions, journeys, stomping, grips, some dislocations, throws, sweeps, turns, jumps, disarms against conventional weapons, chokes, tactical movements, breathing and management driving rhythms of defense and attack; which they are made looking perfect execution. It is difficult to estimate the total number of kata, kata but there are some that are common to the different styles of karate, as Seisan / Hangetsu, Naihanchi / tekki and sanchin. Of course, each style introduces different variants gestures, or pace.

In karate, the names of several of the kata may be also associated with the number of moves, as Nijushiho (literally 24 steps), the name of the teacher who created them, and not Bassai Matsumura (Bassai Matsumura), a feeling movement that can transmit the kata, as enpi (the flight of the swallow) or methodological structure to follow as Pinan / Heian 1-5 or Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, yondan, godan. Also some of the names are often associated also in a spiritual sense esoteric aspects of Buddhism or mikkyo, Zen Buddhism or Taoism.

Origin

Apparently, this form of training in martial arts martial arts originated in India and China. It still remains one of the most important along with the combat. In Japan, the kata served for generations to traditional masters of kenjutsu, kobudo, jujutsu, karate and other classic martial arts (koryu budo) and (gendai budo) of Japan; as a way to train and teach. In fact, it says the kata contain the true essence of martial arts because in them you can see movements that are currently banned in sports combat or shiai kumite, such as blows below the waist and other areas too delicate as the groin, joints, spine, arteries and veins, metabolic pathways, nerves, and the different organs. These bumps can cause serious injuries opponents, including some techniques may eventually cause death.

The importance of Kumite

Karate training is linked permanently to the three "K"; Kihon, Kata and Kumite. These form a wheel which is in constant motion, from the Kihon Kata and Kumite this to that is as circular or instruction is properly performed. At present there is a tendency to a linear teaching, where usually partially or completely without a party, or to train the three but putting more emphasis on one of them. This is usually the case where priority is given to the competition due to the rise of sport karate, leading to train more Shiai Kumite at the expense of traditional karate.

Here we hope to a specific part of the three mentioned, the Kumite, which is the training method of defense and attack techniques studied in the Kata.

The Kumite, literally "hand duel" or "assault" is the most spectacular part and perhaps best-known Karate. The word itself is no longer a confrontation with death, as before, but rather a "meeting" where the contrary is an adversary and not an enemy.
There are three distinct forms of Kumite:

- Sport (Shiai Kumite).

- Traditional

- Marcial

SPORTS

It is a duel without being is a semblance of fight, is a degeneration of the original Karate but necessary, to some extent, to study characteristics such as distance, concentration, speed, etc. Although not used to studying late reactions, as in real fight instinct is imposed by force and even technical and naturally sporty competition does not generate the same instincts.

The first championship of Kumite and Kata was organized by the maestroNakayama the October 20, 1957, a date relatively recent, as was not until the death of the master Funakoshique had always been completely contrary to Kumite. Nakayama later realized why the posture of his teacher and began to worry about the impact that could have this kind of championships. He worried that they could lose many of the various techniques of karate by the desire to score points, and also much worse, as the fact that began to emerge other more violent competitions, which would clear the detriment of Marcial contemporary art that teachers had wanted to give a certain spiritual sense, the "Do". Unfortunately Nakayama fears were not unfounded and the first one is a reality, is the second just beginning, time to time.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional Kumite is a search of the way, the "Do" is studied as personal fulfillment. It is a fight between two or more karatekas, he is much more aware that the Shiai Kumite but less than martial.

Kumite training needs of an evolution in his study, any of three ways goes through the same stages of work and understanding what is being done, do not forget that understanding comes mastery.

Traditional Kumite study consists of four phases, namely:

Go-No-Sen: defense and counterattack.

Sen-No-Sen: A simultaneous counter or take the lead. (Tai-no-Sen and I-No-Sen)

Iro-No-Sen: the counter is performed when the intention to attack the opponent has been formulated.

Kokoro-No-Sen: No perceptible fault or one or the other contender. It is impossible to attack and the concentration is maximum.

The work to be done in the traditional Kumite also passes through various stages of learning and training.

The first and most important is the Ippon Kumite, takes place on one step, Tori Uke attacks and defends and counters this with a technique considered decisive (Shimei), it has to be fatal or leave the opposing KO

From this the Gohon Ippon Kumite, Kumite takes five steps and Jion Ippon Kumite, ten steps. These steps are independent, each attack is independent of the others. Uke blocks the first attacks and counterattacks in the last position, stability, power, etc. is studied

The next phase is the study of Sambon Kumite, three steps or three attacks. The study here is different to the other, change the pace. Uke has to adapt to Tori, it attacks again, but Tori Uke defends leaves the defense to repeat again and attack very fast, trying to outflank Uke receding fast counterattacks. The pace is as in the centerline of the Kata Pinan Shodan, first 1 then 2 and 3 followed.

The third phase is the Jyu Ippon Kumite, is as Ippon Kumite but free, without prior knowledge of the attack technique or body that is addressed. Each contestant launches an attack in turn. This form of training is very close to free Jyu combat or Kumite.

From here the working methods involve a high level of expertise, these forms are the Happo Kumite, which is practiced with several opponents. These are placed surrounding Uke, in a circle, taking turns attacking and can not advertise or technical level and attack. The Kaeshi Ippon Kumite, Tori attacks, dodges Uke defends or counterattacks, but Tori blocks it and counters with decisive action. The Okuri Jyu Ippon Kumite, Ippon Kumite if we consider that the counter is decisive, not here. Therefore attacks Tori, Uke defends and fights and Ippon Kumite but considering the counterattack as decisive, there is a moment's pause, Tori fits the counter and takes the initiative without announcing the technique is free. It is very important to stay focused.

And as a final objective study Jyu Kumite or free sparring, here we can say that it is everything from techniques of all kinds both arms and legs, to dislocations, throws, chokes, etc. In short defeat the enemy and what is more important at a time surpass ourselves that is the true and ultimate purpose of karate.

MARTIAL

It is true karate, no rounds, no rules between the fighters, it's life or death, those involved are enemies and there is a limited number of participants, which is why in the kata techniques are performed against imaginary enemies many. Self-preservation, peripheral vision, in short, survival is developed. Just keep in mind that it is the original Karate, which arose from the need to defend at a time when wars, looting and assaults were more common.

Fortunately today, except on rare occasions, we are only exposed to these hazards, so that its practice in today's society does not make much sense.