| Thank you for visiting our website Copyright © 2010 Family Karate – Top Mount Martial Arts LLC contact us home about us testimonials newsletter |
HISTORY OF OKINAWAN KARATE & KOBAYASHI
SHORIN RYU (SHORINKAN)
Okinawa, Japan has been considered the birthplace of
modern Karate and Kobudo. Shorinkan Dojo is a
traditional Karate dojo and follows the same principles
of discipline and honor, as would a dojo in Okinawa,
Japan.
Our history is important to us, providing the students of
Shorin-Ryu, Shorinkan Karate a basis from which to
draw an understanding of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu and
Kobudo.
Historians have documented that Okinawa Te,
originated independently of any other combat system.
As such, it is believed that this system on unarmed
combat can be traced back over 1000 years. Because
the islanders were of not of wealthy status, weapons
were scarce. Also the islands own un-unification gave
rise to many aggressive warlords, each battling for
supremacy of the island. As a result these
circumstances rendered a strong incentive for the
evolvement of unarmed combat.
By the mid 1340's (over 650 years ago), Okinawa
entered into a trade relationship with China. This trade
and political friendship allowed the Okinawan people to
observe the different aspects of China, and were thus
exposed to Chinese boxing systems. Furthermore, by
SHORIN RYU (SHORINKAN)
Okinawa, Japan has been considered the birthplace of
modern Karate and Kobudo. Shorinkan Dojo is a
traditional Karate dojo and follows the same principles
of discipline and honor, as would a dojo in Okinawa,
Japan.
Our history is important to us, providing the students of
Shorin-Ryu, Shorinkan Karate a basis from which to
draw an understanding of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu and
Kobudo.
Historians have documented that Okinawa Te,
originated independently of any other combat system.
As such, it is believed that this system on unarmed
combat can be traced back over 1000 years. Because
the islanders were of not of wealthy status, weapons
were scarce. Also the islands own un-unification gave
rise to many aggressive warlords, each battling for
supremacy of the island. As a result these
circumstances rendered a strong incentive for the
evolvement of unarmed combat.
By the mid 1340's (over 650 years ago), Okinawa
entered into a trade relationship with China. This trade
and political friendship allowed the Okinawan people to
observe the different aspects of China, and were thus
exposed to Chinese boxing systems. Furthermore, by
the late 1300's, in a tributary relationship, 36 Chinese families and businessmen
settled on Okinawa. These families brought with them a variety of skills, including
Chinese martial arts.
Through the 1400's, the island experienced much turmoil. At first the island was
unified by King Sho Hashi, in 1429. At this time the Okinawan's were still able to
posses weapons. However in 1470, King Sho Hashi destroyed the former dynasty
and implemented his own. Soon all arms were banned on the island, in fear that
the reign might be over thrown. As a result, the emphasis on the fighting arts
further progressed. The main villages of Okinawa are credited with the main styles
that emerged from Okinawa Te. From the village of Shuri, came Shuri Te. From the village of Naha, came Naha Te.
Finally from the village of Tomari, came Tomari Te.
Beside empty hand combat, the Okinawan's also began the practice of Kobudo (weapons). Because of King Sho
Hashi's ban on the traditional weapons (such as the samurai sword), the Okinawan's began using their everyday
farming implements as weapons. From this practice the most commonly thought of weapons became known as the:
Bo (six foot staff), the Eku (six foot oar), the Kama (grass or cain sickle), the Tonfa (utility handle), and the Nunchaku
(horse bit, and even rice flail). However, because the Okinawan's never restrained the practice of survival- the
Okinawan's were capable of using nearly every tool as a weapon; in fact the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei
(Matayoshi Kobudo), makes use of the Kuwa (Japanese Hoe), the Timbei and Rochin (Shield and dagger), as well as
the Nunti (Japanese like spear).
These styles of unarmed and armed combat were practiced in secrecy for years. Differences between Te styles
suggest the different influences of various Chinese styles. Shuri-Te seem to utilize the external system of Shaolin
boxing. While Naha-Te incorporates the use of internal Taoist techniques. Tomari-Te appears to be a mix of both
internal and external fighting systems. These variances alone, are responsible for the evolvement the different
systems into the distinct martial art styles they are today.
In 1609 (400 years ago), Okinawa was seized by the Japanese Satsuma Samurai clan, for refusing to recognize
Japan's newest Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a result, the Shogunate banned the Okinawa people from carrying
weapons. This only further fueled the importance of further developing the martial arts as a means of survival.
Although at this time the Japanese had banned all trade relationships with other countries. The Japanese still,
however, allowed Okinawa to trade with China.
As a result, around the mid to late 1700's (about 230 years ago) a Chinese diplomat, Kusanku, moved to Okinawa for
6 years. During his stay he began teaching the Chinese system of Ch'uan-Fa. As these influences became infused
with the different local martial arts, they gradually became known as Tode (or Chinese Hand). By the 1800's these
styles were again re-named. Shuri and Tomari-Te formed the basis for Okinawan Sho Rin Ryu, while Naha-Te formed
Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu.
Although Kusanku is often believed to be a culmination of different Chinese officers, he is often referred to as one
person. As is recorded, Tode Sakugawa began studying under Kusanku-sensei. The teachings of Kusanku enabled
Sakugawa to combine the essence of both Te and Chinese Boxing principles. These principles form the basis of
modern day Shorin Ryu.
As Sho Rin Ryu began to branch further and grow, other styles evolved from Itosu-sensei's karate. An attempt was
made by one of Itosu-sensei's students to preserve his instructors original teachings. Itosu-sensei's most diligent and
dedicated student, Chosin Chibana-sensei, renamed the style Kobayshi-Ryu (Shorin Ryu - "Young Forest Style") to
indicate that he taught Itosu-sensei's original Karate style.
Perhaps the most noted student of Sensei Chibana, Sensei Shuguro Nakazato, rose to became the head of Shorin
Ryu-Shorin Kan branch of Kobayashi. Sensei Katsuya Miyahira became the head of Shorin Ryu-Shido Kan branch of
Kobayashi, which is a much smaller branch, only practiced by a very few by comparison.
Chibana Sensei died in 1969, and Nakazato Sensei has continued to teach his Karate to many, working very hard to
promote Karate to thousands throughout the world. Traveling many times to the United States, and allowing
representatives of Shorin-ryu Shorinkan to travel to many locations to teach.
One pupil of Nakazato Sensei is Eddie B. Bethea Jr., (pronounced “beth-ay”) who is Mr. Mann’s instructor. Since
June of 1966, Nakazato Sensei has been Kyoshi Bethea’s Sensei. Mr. Bethea takes at least one trip to see his
Sensei each year, and was promoted to Hachidan (8th degree Black Belt) in 2009. Mr. Bethea has dedicated his
whole life to the Martial Arts, and the development of many people. He has been a positive influence on generations
of people, who simply refer to him as “Sensei”. He is known as a strict disciplinarian, and a teacher of teachers. He
was one of the first American Solidiers taught Karate on Okinawa by Nakazato Sensei, and he stays true to the
teachings of those years he spent on Okinawa. The loyalty or “giri” he feels towards his Sensei comes across in his
actions, words, and soul.
settled on Okinawa. These families brought with them a variety of skills, including
Chinese martial arts.
Through the 1400's, the island experienced much turmoil. At first the island was
unified by King Sho Hashi, in 1429. At this time the Okinawan's were still able to
posses weapons. However in 1470, King Sho Hashi destroyed the former dynasty
and implemented his own. Soon all arms were banned on the island, in fear that
the reign might be over thrown. As a result, the emphasis on the fighting arts
further progressed. The main villages of Okinawa are credited with the main styles
that emerged from Okinawa Te. From the village of Shuri, came Shuri Te. From the village of Naha, came Naha Te.
Finally from the village of Tomari, came Tomari Te.
Beside empty hand combat, the Okinawan's also began the practice of Kobudo (weapons). Because of King Sho
Hashi's ban on the traditional weapons (such as the samurai sword), the Okinawan's began using their everyday
farming implements as weapons. From this practice the most commonly thought of weapons became known as the:
Bo (six foot staff), the Eku (six foot oar), the Kama (grass or cain sickle), the Tonfa (utility handle), and the Nunchaku
(horse bit, and even rice flail). However, because the Okinawan's never restrained the practice of survival- the
Okinawan's were capable of using nearly every tool as a weapon; in fact the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei
(Matayoshi Kobudo), makes use of the Kuwa (Japanese Hoe), the Timbei and Rochin (Shield and dagger), as well as
the Nunti (Japanese like spear).
These styles of unarmed and armed combat were practiced in secrecy for years. Differences between Te styles
suggest the different influences of various Chinese styles. Shuri-Te seem to utilize the external system of Shaolin
boxing. While Naha-Te incorporates the use of internal Taoist techniques. Tomari-Te appears to be a mix of both
internal and external fighting systems. These variances alone, are responsible for the evolvement the different
systems into the distinct martial art styles they are today.
In 1609 (400 years ago), Okinawa was seized by the Japanese Satsuma Samurai clan, for refusing to recognize
Japan's newest Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a result, the Shogunate banned the Okinawa people from carrying
weapons. This only further fueled the importance of further developing the martial arts as a means of survival.
Although at this time the Japanese had banned all trade relationships with other countries. The Japanese still,
however, allowed Okinawa to trade with China.
As a result, around the mid to late 1700's (about 230 years ago) a Chinese diplomat, Kusanku, moved to Okinawa for
6 years. During his stay he began teaching the Chinese system of Ch'uan-Fa. As these influences became infused
with the different local martial arts, they gradually became known as Tode (or Chinese Hand). By the 1800's these
styles were again re-named. Shuri and Tomari-Te formed the basis for Okinawan Sho Rin Ryu, while Naha-Te formed
Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu.
Although Kusanku is often believed to be a culmination of different Chinese officers, he is often referred to as one
person. As is recorded, Tode Sakugawa began studying under Kusanku-sensei. The teachings of Kusanku enabled
Sakugawa to combine the essence of both Te and Chinese Boxing principles. These principles form the basis of
modern day Shorin Ryu.
As Sho Rin Ryu began to branch further and grow, other styles evolved from Itosu-sensei's karate. An attempt was
made by one of Itosu-sensei's students to preserve his instructors original teachings. Itosu-sensei's most diligent and
dedicated student, Chosin Chibana-sensei, renamed the style Kobayshi-Ryu (Shorin Ryu - "Young Forest Style") to
indicate that he taught Itosu-sensei's original Karate style.
Perhaps the most noted student of Sensei Chibana, Sensei Shuguro Nakazato, rose to became the head of Shorin
Ryu-Shorin Kan branch of Kobayashi. Sensei Katsuya Miyahira became the head of Shorin Ryu-Shido Kan branch of
Kobayashi, which is a much smaller branch, only practiced by a very few by comparison.
Chibana Sensei died in 1969, and Nakazato Sensei has continued to teach his Karate to many, working very hard to
promote Karate to thousands throughout the world. Traveling many times to the United States, and allowing
representatives of Shorin-ryu Shorinkan to travel to many locations to teach.
One pupil of Nakazato Sensei is Eddie B. Bethea Jr., (pronounced “beth-ay”) who is Mr. Mann’s instructor. Since
June of 1966, Nakazato Sensei has been Kyoshi Bethea’s Sensei. Mr. Bethea takes at least one trip to see his
Sensei each year, and was promoted to Hachidan (8th degree Black Belt) in 2009. Mr. Bethea has dedicated his
whole life to the Martial Arts, and the development of many people. He has been a positive influence on generations
of people, who simply refer to him as “Sensei”. He is known as a strict disciplinarian, and a teacher of teachers. He
was one of the first American Solidiers taught Karate on Okinawa by Nakazato Sensei, and he stays true to the
teachings of those years he spent on Okinawa. The loyalty or “giri” he feels towards his Sensei comes across in his
actions, words, and soul.
