Chito-ryu
Encyclopedia
is a style of karate founded by , (1898 - 1984). The name of the style translates as: chi (千) - 1,000; tō (唐) - China; ryū (流), "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tō (唐) refers to the Tang Dynasty
of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.
Chitō-ryū is generally classified as a Japanese style because Chitose formulated and founded Chitō-ryū principally while living in Kumamoto, Japan
. However, some modern practitioners feel it is better categorized as an Okinawan style given that its roots and techniques are firmly grounded in and derived from traditional Okinawan Tōde (唐手). This belief is warranted since the style's founder, Tsuyoshi Chitose, received first the rank of Judan, in 1958, and then the rank of Hanshi, in 1968, from the Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai (All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do).
: Chinen) was born on October 18, 1898 in the town of Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
. He came from a martial arts lineage—his maternal grandfather was . While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of , now witten , as well as kobudō
. In 1921, he moved to mainland Japan
to study medicine
. Chitose developed Chitō-ryū using his understanding of physiology to adjust traditional techniques to make them both more effective and less detrimental to the bodies of long-term practitioners. Chitose died in 1984 at the age of 86.
Chitose created Chitō-ryū by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te (see also Shōrin-ryū
and Shōrei-ryū
), with those of Naha-te. While present, the influence of Tomari-te is less than that of the two previously mentioned foundation styles.
of Chitō-ryū are very concise and they reflect the unique and diverse training experiences of the founder. Many Chitō-ryū kata bear the same name as other traditional Okinawan kata, but the kata itself is typically very different from the original or standard version. Some of these kata may have only one or two signature moves that relate it to the original, and in other cases the kata are completely different except in name. There are some exceptions to this; Chitō-ryū versions of Seisan
, Passai
and Chintō are nearly identical to the original Shōrin-ryū
forms as taught by Chōtoku Kyan. Overall, the higher-level kata of Chitō-ryū show a decisively strong Chinese influence compared to other Karate systems. Additionally, outside and above of the standard syllabus are kata such as Unsu and Hoen which are very fluid complex kata that are undoubtedly derived from a strong Chinese martial arts influence.
at Sōgen-ji
. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the Ryūkyū Kingdom
. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some Chitō-ryū groups practice an extended version that contains a few additional techniques. Ryūsei Karate-do also includes version of Shihōhai.
kata. Chitose also made modifications to the breathing techniques in the kata. There is a set of eleven Niseishi techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner. These kaisetsu cover a variety of techniques including striking, kansetsu-waza
(joint locking), kyūsho-waza
(pressure point techniques) and take-downs.
Seisan
is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The Chitō-ryū version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by Chōtoku Kyan. The kanji
used in Chitō-ryū translates as: sei (正) - "correct"; san (整) - "arrangement or position". Traditionally, however, the kanji used for Seisan is 十三, or "thirteen". Seisan is possibly one of the oldest kata in Okinawa. Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--Shōrin-ryū
, Gojū-ryū and Uechi-ryū.
. The kanji used for Bassai are batsu (抜) - "to extract or remove"; sai (塞) - "close, shut, or cover". The accepted translation used for Bassai is "To Storm a Fortress". Although nothing in the two kanji translates to fortress, the character sai (塞) is used as part of words for fortress or stronghold, as in . According to Chitose's book, "Kempō Karate-dō", he learned Bassai from Chōtoku Kyan. Chitō-ryū Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi-ryū
Passai as well as Seibukan
Bassai, which are other styles in the Kyan/Arakaki lineage. Kyan learned his Bassai from a Tomari
village master named Oyadomari Kokan. The version practiced by Chitō-ryū is very similar to the Oyadomari Bassai. Although Chitō-ryū Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri
versions of Bassai (the Bassai-dai from Shotokan
, Shitō-ryū, and Shuri-ryū
) are examples of the Shuri Bassai). The main difference between the Shuri version and the Tomari version are that the Shuri versions are done primarily with closed fists, while the Tomari versions are primarily open handed.
Sōchin
While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chitō-ryū version of is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation. Distinctive elements of the Chitō-ryū version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.
Rōhai
or in Chitō-ryū is a kata completely different from those in other styles, and it seems to be Chitose's own creation. It borrows from Fujian White Crane with movements similar to the Chitō-ryū Niseishi. It is a mix of closed fisted and open handed techniques with a one-kneed stance at the very beginning.
(三十六 sānshíliù). It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Shōrin-ryū lineage Gojūshiho (54 steps), which can be found in Shitō-ryū, or various Shōrin-ryū styles. It may be simply a shortened version of this kata.
Kusanku
The opening of the Chitō-ryū version of is nearly identical to the opening of the classical Shōrin-ryū versions found in other lineages. However, after these initial moves, the kata departs drastically. There are two versions that are commonly practiced, the sho and dai versions. The dai version doubles the length of the kata.
's Koryū style, but there is debate about where his kata comes from). It is completely open handed from beginning to end with stabbing fingers, ridge hand and knife-edge blocks and palm strikes. The stance transitions are complex with the trailing leg sometimes pulling up and creating a shorter seisan-dachi, which is unlike other kata in the style. There is a signature movement in the middle of the kata where the karateka stands on one leg, thrusts one hand straight up and one hand straight down, and then switches legs and hands. It is this movement that gives the kata its name.
Sanchin
Like Niseishi, is a very old kata that is also generally acknowledged as originating in southern China from the Fujian White Crane style of martial art. In Chinese styles this form is practiced with the use of open hands throughout, while in Chitō-ryū there is significant use of closed hands (fist). Ideally, it is supposed to take no less than seven minutes to perform properly and focuses on highly developed use of breathing techniques and shime. In Chitō-ryū, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.
Bunkai
Kobudō
, of which Chitō-ryū is a member. There are four main parts to the Chitō-ryū crest:
. There are almost 60 Chito-ryū dojo in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found Yōshūkai
Karate-dō). This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka
, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine
, who was then head of Chitō-ryū in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at dōjō across Canada. The current head of the Chitō-ryū style, the son of Chitose, continued this practice, conducting clinics in Canada for Chitō-ryū practitioners approximately every other year. However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ryū Karate-dō Association and the Japanese parent organization. The result was that the Canadian association and approximately three quarters of the Canadian dōjō agreed to separate from Japan and became independent. Dōjō in British Columbia
, Alberta
, Saskatchewan
, Prince Edward Island
and Nova Scotia
remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.
The Canadian Chitō-ryū Karate-dō Association is now an independent organization headed by Shane Higashi, who formerly held the titles and the Vice for Chitō-ryū. Higashi was recently awarded the title of and . Higashi studied under Masami Tsuruoka
, becoming his first black belt student, and also briefly lived with and studied under Chitō-ryū founder Chitose. Higashi and Tsuruoka were inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2006, respectively.
.
Chitō-ryū was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince in 1969, after studying in Toronto
, Canada
under Shane Higashi.
He trained for three months in Kumamoto, Japan
under Tsuyoshi Chitose. His first dōjō was the North Sydney Leagues Club. Over the next six years Prince trained and qualified six black belt students, who went on to establish clubs throughout Australia. Prince was also a founding member of the Federation Of Australia Karate-Do Organisations.
In the late 1970s Bill Ker was appointed President and for Chitō-ryū in Australia. He later gained the rank of . In 1991 Ker retired from active involvement in Chitō-ryū. Upon his retirement, Brian Hayes was appointed President and honbucho by Chitose. In November 2004, Michael Noonan was appointed to represent Chitose and the ICKF in Australia as honbucho. Noonan currently teaches at the Tasseikan dōjō in Sydney
and has been granted the rank of and .
. It was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich. The hombu-dōjō is located in Covington
, Kentucky
.
Association is a karate association headed by Michael G. Foster
. Yoshukai is a Japanese karate style adapted from Chito-ryu
by Mamoru Yamamoto. Foster was originally named the Director of the U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate
Association in 1966 by Mamoru Yamamoto, when it was affiliated with the United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. In this capacity, Foster established and headed a number of karate schools which were then part of the United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. The dōjō became independent Yoshukai schools 1971.
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.
Chitō-ryū is generally classified as a Japanese style because Chitose formulated and founded Chitō-ryū principally while living in Kumamoto, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. However, some modern practitioners feel it is better categorized as an Okinawan style given that its roots and techniques are firmly grounded in and derived from traditional Okinawan Tōde (唐手). This belief is warranted since the style's founder, Tsuyoshi Chitose, received first the rank of Judan, in 1958, and then the rank of Hanshi, in 1968, from the Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai (All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do).
Founder
(OkinawanOkinawan language
Central Okinawan, or simply Okinawan , is a Northern Ryukyuan language spoken primarily in the southern half of the island of Okinawa, as well as in the surrounding islands of Kerama, Kumejima, Tonaki, Aguni, and a number of smaller peripheral islands...
: Chinen) was born on October 18, 1898 in the town of Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa Prefecture
is one of Japan's southern prefectures. It consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over long, which extends southwest from Kyūshū to Taiwan. Okinawa's capital, Naha, is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island...
. He came from a martial arts lineage—his maternal grandfather was . While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of , now witten , as well as kobudō
Okinawan kobudo
Okinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...
. In 1921, he moved to mainland Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to study medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
. Chitose developed Chitō-ryū using his understanding of physiology to adjust traditional techniques to make them both more effective and less detrimental to the bodies of long-term practitioners. Chitose died in 1984 at the age of 86.
Chitose created Chitō-ryū by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te (see also Shōrin-ryū
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
and Shōrei-ryū
Shorei-ryu
is a term which refers to the Naha-Te style of Okinawan karate. Shorei Ryu means "the style of inspiration". It is believed that the term Shorei is derived from the Shoreiji Temple in southern China. The teachings of this temple provided the basis for the Naha-Te style.The Shorei Ryu system was...
), with those of Naha-te. While present, the influence of Tomari-te is less than that of the two previously mentioned foundation styles.
Teachers
- Aragaki SeishōSeisho Arakakiwas a prominent Okinawan martial arts master who influenced the development of several major karate styles. He was known by many other names, including Aragaki Tsuji Pechin Seisho.-Life and martial arts:...
(新垣 世璋)
- Chitose began his training in Tote, under Aragaki Seishō in 1905. He was seven years old and continued to train with Seisho until 1913/1914. While there is some discrepancy as to whether Chitose's first kata was Sanchin or Seisan, his book "Kempō Karate-dō" states that he learned Sanchin from Aragaki for seven years before being taught another. Also attributed to his training with Aragaki Seishō are the kata Unshu, Seisan, Niseishi, and possibly Shihōhai. Aragaki was also a famous weapons master, leaving behind several bo and sai kata including Aragaki-no-kun, Aragaki-no-sai and Sesoku-no-kun. One of Aragaki's most famous students was Higaonna Kanryō, a major influence of the Gōju-ryū style who was also one of Chitose's primary teachers.
- Higaonna KanryōHigaonna Kanryo, also known as "Higashionna West", was a native of Nishi-shin-machi, Naha, Okinawa. He was born in Nishimura, Naha to a merchant family, whose business was selling firewood, an expensive commodity in the Ryukyu Islands...
(東恩納 寛量) - Chōtoku Kyan (喜屋武 朝徳)
- Hanashiro ChomoHanashiro Chomowas an Okinawan martial arts master who is notable for aiding in the evolution of Shōrin-ryū karate.-References:...
(花城長茂) - Choyu MotobuChoyu Motobu' was an Okinawan karate master and elder brother of karateka Motobu Chōki.Motobu Chōyū was born in Akahira village in Shuri, Okinawa. His father, Anji Motobu Chōshin was a descendent of Prince Shō Kōshin , the sixth son of Okinawan King Shō Shitsu...
- Sanda Chinen
Signature aspects
Signature aspects of Chitō-ryū include an emphasis on —a contraction of the muscles in the lower part of the body to generate additional strength and stability in stances. The use of —twisting contraction of the muscles in a specific area (often the arms) aimed at generating strength; rapid rotational movements; and frequent use of movement off the line of attack——at advanced levels are also important.Kata
The kataKata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
of Chitō-ryū are very concise and they reflect the unique and diverse training experiences of the founder. Many Chitō-ryū kata bear the same name as other traditional Okinawan kata, but the kata itself is typically very different from the original or standard version. Some of these kata may have only one or two signature moves that relate it to the original, and in other cases the kata are completely different except in name. There are some exceptions to this; Chitō-ryū versions of Seisan
Seisan
The karate kata Seisan literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread...
, Passai
Passai
Passai is the Japanese name of a group of kata practiced in different styles of martial arts, including karate and various Korean martial arts . There are several variations of these kata, including Passai sho and Passai dai . In karate, the kata are known as Passai in Okinawan styles and Bassai...
and Chintō are nearly identical to the original Shōrin-ryū
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
forms as taught by Chōtoku Kyan. Overall, the higher-level kata of Chitō-ryū show a decisively strong Chinese influence compared to other Karate systems. Additionally, outside and above of the standard syllabus are kata such as Unsu and Hoen which are very fluid complex kata that are undoubtedly derived from a strong Chinese martial arts influence.
Shihōhai
is a kata peculiar Chitō-ryū. There is some dispute as to the origin of this kata in the Chitō-ryū syllabus, some sources claim the kata comes from Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seishō. Chitose's own book, "Kempō Karate-dō" states that he learned this kata from Hanashiro ChōmoHanashiro Chomo
was an Okinawan martial arts master who is notable for aiding in the evolution of Shōrin-ryū karate.-References:...
at Sōgen-ji
Sogen-ji
' was a Buddhist temple and royal mausoleum of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, located in Naha, Okinawa. It was erected during the reign of King Shō Shin , and destroyed in the 1945 battle of Okinawa....
. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the Ryūkyū Kingdom
Ryukyu Kingdom
The Ryūkyū Kingdom was an independent kingdom which ruled most of the Ryukyu Islands from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Kings of Ryūkyū unified Okinawa Island and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan...
. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some Chitō-ryū groups practice an extended version that contains a few additional techniques. Ryūsei Karate-do also includes version of Shihōhai.
Niseishi
The version of or found in Chitō-ryū is unlike other versions of Niseishi. The kata actually bears a closer resemblance to a Fujian White Crane form called Hakutsuru. There are two versions of this kata in the Chitō-ryū syllabus, a form and a form. The dai version contains an additional sequence of movements not found in the shō version, but otherwise the kata are identical. The origins of the kata are credited to Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seishō. Niseishi is commonly used in preparation for training in SanchinSanchin
is a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
kata. Chitose also made modifications to the breathing techniques in the kata. There is a set of eleven Niseishi techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner. These kaisetsu cover a variety of techniques including striking, kansetsu-waza
Joint lock
A Joint lock is a grappling technique involving manipulation of an opponent's joints in such a way that the joints reach their maximal degree of motion....
(joint locking), kyūsho-waza
Pressure point
A pressure point in the field of martial arts refers to an area on the human body that may produce significant pain or other effects when manipulated in a specific manner...
(pressure point techniques) and take-downs.
SeisanSeisanThe karate kata Seisan literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread...
is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The Chitō-ryū version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by Chōtoku Kyan. The kanjiKanji
Kanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters hanzi that are used in the modern Japanese writing system along with hiragana , katakana , Indo Arabic numerals, and the occasional use of the Latin alphabet...
used in Chitō-ryū translates as: sei (正) - "correct"; san (整) - "arrangement or position". Traditionally, however, the kanji used for Seisan is 十三, or "thirteen". Seisan is possibly one of the oldest kata in Okinawa. Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--Shōrin-ryū
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
, Gojū-ryū and Uechi-ryū.
Bassai
One of the most common kata in the Shōrin-ryū lineages, this kata is traditionally said to have originated with Sōkon MatsumuraSokon Matsumura
was one of the original karate masters of Okinawa. His life is reported variously as or or or -Early history:...
. The kanji used for Bassai are batsu (抜) - "to extract or remove"; sai (塞) - "close, shut, or cover". The accepted translation used for Bassai is "To Storm a Fortress". Although nothing in the two kanji translates to fortress, the character sai (塞) is used as part of words for fortress or stronghold, as in . According to Chitose's book, "Kempō Karate-dō", he learned Bassai from Chōtoku Kyan. Chitō-ryū Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi-ryū
Matsubayashi-ryu
Matsubayashi-ryū , is a style of Okinawan karate that was founded in 1947 by Shōshin Nagamine . Its curriculum includes 18 kata, 7 two-man yakusoku kumite routines, and kobudō practice...
Passai as well as Seibukan
Shorin-ryu Seibukan
, also known as Sukunaihayashi, is one of the many Okinawan Shorin-ryu styles of karate. Seibukan was founded by Zenryo Shimabukuro in 1962.- References :* * * *...
Bassai, which are other styles in the Kyan/Arakaki lineage. Kyan learned his Bassai from a Tomari
Tomari, Okinawa
is a neighborhood in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, where the Tomari Terminal of the port of Naha is located. The terminal is used for ferries and passenger vessels which connect Naha and neighboring islands....
village master named Oyadomari Kokan. The version practiced by Chitō-ryū is very similar to the Oyadomari Bassai. Although Chitō-ryū Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri
Shuri
Shuri may refer to:* Shuri, Bhutan* Shuri, Okinawa - former capital of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.* Shuri Kondo...
versions of Bassai (the Bassai-dai from Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
, Shitō-ryū, and Shuri-ryū
Shuri-ryu
karate, is an eclectic martial arts system developed by Robert Trias , the first person to teach karate in the mainland United States, who opened the first dojo in 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona. Later in 1948 he formed the first karate association in the U.S., The United States Karate Association...
) are examples of the Shuri Bassai). The main difference between the Shuri version and the Tomari version are that the Shuri versions are done primarily with closed fists, while the Tomari versions are primarily open handed.
Chintō
is another kata common to the Shōrin-ryū lineages. It includes jumping, jumping kicks and intricate hand techniques. The Chitō-ryū version is done in a north-south pattern, unlike many other versions of Shōrin-ryū Chintō which are done at a north-west to south-east pattern.SōchinSochinSōchin is a kata practiced in several styles of karate. It may have derived from Dragon style, and was taught in the Naha-te school in Okinawa by Seisho Arakaki. It was then passed down to Shitō-ryū...
While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chitō-ryū version of is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation. Distinctive elements of the Chitō-ryū version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.RōhaiRohaiThe Rōhai kata are a family of kata practiced in some styles of karate. The name translates approximately to "vision of a Crane" or "vision of a heron". The kata originated from the Tomari-te school of Okinawan martial arts. It was called Matsumora Rōhai, after Kosaku Matsumora, who was presumably...
or in Chitō-ryū is a kata completely different from those in other styles, and it seems to be Chitose's own creation. It borrows from Fujian White Crane with movements similar to the Chitō-ryū Niseishi. It is a mix of closed fisted and open handed techniques with a one-kneed stance at the very beginning.Tenshin
is a complex kata with many twisting, dodging movements and complex timings. It is unique to the style in both name and form and is not found outside of Chitō-ryū derived styles. It was probably created by Chitose and doesn't seem derived from other kata.Sanshiryu
The name of the kata is pronounced irregularly. The pronunciation seems to based on the Mandarin ChineseStandard Mandarin
Standard Chinese or Modern Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Republic of China , and is one of the four official languages of Singapore....
(三十六 sānshíliù). It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Shōrin-ryū lineage Gojūshiho (54 steps), which can be found in Shitō-ryū, or various Shōrin-ryū styles. It may be simply a shortened version of this kata.
KusankuKusankuKūsankū also called Kankū-dai , is an open hand karate kata that is studied by many practitioners of Okinawan, Japanese and Korean karate. In many karate styles, there are two versions of the kata: Kūsankū-shō and Kūsankū-dai...
The opening of the Chitō-ryū version of is nearly identical to the opening of the classical Shōrin-ryū versions found in other lineages. However, after these initial moves, the kata departs drastically. There are two versions that are commonly practiced, the sho and dai versions. The dai version doubles the length of the kata.Ryūsan
is meant to mean "dragon climbing the mountain". It is not found in any other styles of karate outside of Chitō-ryū (except for Patrick McCarthyPatrick McCarthy
Patrick McCarthy may refer to:* Pat McCarthy , record producer from Dublin, Ireland* Patrick McCarthy , W magazine publisher* Patrick McCarthy , Northern Irish politician* Patrick M...
's Koryū style, but there is debate about where his kata comes from). It is completely open handed from beginning to end with stabbing fingers, ridge hand and knife-edge blocks and palm strikes. The stance transitions are complex with the trailing leg sometimes pulling up and creating a shorter seisan-dachi, which is unlike other kata in the style. There is a signature movement in the middle of the kata where the karateka stands on one leg, thrusts one hand straight up and one hand straight down, and then switches legs and hands. It is this movement that gives the kata its name.
SanchinSanchinis a kata of Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of several styles, the most well-known being the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu styles of Karate as well as the Chinese martial arts of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Pangai-noon and the Tiger-Crane Combination style associated...
Like Niseishi, is a very old kata that is also generally acknowledged as originating in southern China from the Fujian White Crane style of martial art. In Chinese styles this form is practiced with the use of open hands throughout, while in Chitō-ryū there is significant use of closed hands (fist). Ideally, it is supposed to take no less than seven minutes to perform properly and focuses on highly developed use of breathing techniques and shime. In Chitō-ryū, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.Kihon Kata
- Zenshin Kotai (前進後退)
- Shime no Kata (しめの形)
- Kihon no Empi (基本の猿臂)
- Ni Juu Shichi Te Waza (二十七手技)
- Seiken no Migi Hidari (正拳の右・左)
- Shi Ho Wari (四方割)
- Kihon Kata Ichi (基本形一)
- Kihon Kata Ni (基本形二)
- Kihon Kata San (基本形三)
BunkaiBunkai, literally meaning "analysis" or "disassembly", is a term used in Japanese martial arts referring to the application of fighting techniques extracted from the moves of a "form" ....
- Niseishi Kaisetzu (二十四解説)
- Ju ni ko
- Nage no Kata
- Henshuho
- Hangeikiho/Hogeikiho
- Uketeho
- Hantenho
- Rintenho
- Tehodoki
- Seiken no Tori
Additional Kata
- Wansu
- AnankoAnankuis a kata from Okinawan karate. Its history in Okinawan martial arts is relatively short in comparison to other kata as it was composed by Chotoku Kyan...
- Tensho
- Unsu
- Seichin
- Hoen
- Rochin
- Gung-fu no Kata
KobudōOkinawan kobudoOkinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...
kata associated with Chitō-ryū
- Sakugawa no Kun
- Shushi no Kun
- Sesoko no Kun
- Chinen no Bo
- Maezato-ryū
- Tawada-ryū
- Yabiku-ryū
- Chitō-ryū
Chitō-ryū crest
The Chitō-ryū crest is an identifiable symbol, often worn by Chitō-ryū practitioners regardless of affiliation as a badge. The design was based on the original crest of the founded by Toyama KankenKanken Toyama
Kanken Tōyama was a Japanese schoolteacher and karate master, who developed the foundation for the Shūdōkan karate style....
, of which Chitō-ryū is a member. There are four main parts to the Chitō-ryū crest:
- The outline of the crest represents , the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty.
- The disc in the center of the crest is the . The sun is the cultural symbol of Japan, and the national symbol seen on the flag of JapanFlag of JapanThe national flag of Japan is a white rectangular flag with a large red disk in the center. This flag is officially called in Japanese, but is more commonly known as ....
. - The Japanese charactersKanjiKanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters hanzi that are used in the modern Japanese writing system along with hiragana , katakana , Indo Arabic numerals, and the occasional use of the Latin alphabet...
seen on the crest are . These are read as Chitō-ryū karateKarateis a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
-dō. Sometimes the characters may indicate a region such as or . - The fourth element is no longer used on the crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation. It is known as "Clasping of the Hands in the Circle". The fingers clasping hands in a circle is representative of the way of karateKarateis a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
. Many Eastern philosophies understand the belief in life as a continuity or a continual flow as seen in the mathematical symbol, the circle, a line without beginning or end. Within that circle lie two hands clasping togother in apposition. Where one ends the other begins, continuously chasing each other year after year. The seasons are an example of contrasts; summer, winter, spring, and fall. Karate can also be seen to be like the seasons; hard and direct, soft and circular. It takes these two contrasting feelings to make a whole and, in the same way, karate requires a person to be hard and direct, soft and circular. Only when a student has mastered these two elements does he or she really know the way of karate.
Shōwa
Shōwa (唱和) is the code of Chitō-ryū practitioners. It is often recited at the end of classes.| Japanese | Transliteration Romanization of Japanese The romanization of Japanese is the application of the Latin alphabet to write the Japanese language. This method of writing is known as , less strictly romaji, literally "Roman letters", sometimes incorrectly transliterated as romanji or rōmanji. There are several different romanization systems... | English translation |
|---|---|---|
Ware ware karate-dō o shugyō surumono wa Tsuneni, bushidō seishin o wasurezu Wa to nin o motte nashi Soshite, tsutomereba kanarazu tassu |
We who study karate Shall always remember the spirit of Bushido Bushido , meaning "Way of the Warrior-Knight", is a Japanese word which is used to describe a uniquely Japanese code of conduct and a way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry. It originates from the samurai moral code and stresses frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and... With harmony, perseverance, and hard work, We shall reach our goals |
Canada
Chitō-ryū is a popular mainstream karate style in CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. There are almost 60 Chito-ryū dojo in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found Yōshūkai
Yoshukai Karate
karate is a branch discipline of the Japanese/Okinawan martial art, Karate-dō, or "Way of the Empty Hand."The three kanji that make up the word Yoshukai literally translated mean “Training Hall of Continued Improvement.” However, the standardized English translation is "Striving for Excellence."...
Karate-dō). This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka
Masami Tsuruoka
Masami Tsuruoka O.Ont is a Canadian born karate instructor and practitioner recognized as "The Father of Canadian Karate" by Black Belt Magazine. Although mainly responsible for establishing the Chito-ryu style in Canada, Tsuruoka is also known as founder of his own karate style known as Tsuruoka...
, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine
Black Belt Magazine
Black Belt is an American magazine covering martial arts and combat sports founded in 1961 by Mitoshi Uyehara. During the early years of the publication, Uyehara was a hands-on owner and publisher...
, who was then head of Chitō-ryū in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at dōjō across Canada. The current head of the Chitō-ryū style, the son of Chitose, continued this practice, conducting clinics in Canada for Chitō-ryū practitioners approximately every other year. However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ryū Karate-dō Association and the Japanese parent organization. The result was that the Canadian association and approximately three quarters of the Canadian dōjō agreed to separate from Japan and became independent. Dōjō in British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota....
, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
and Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.
The Canadian Chitō-ryū Karate-dō Association is now an independent organization headed by Shane Higashi, who formerly held the titles and the Vice for Chitō-ryū. Higashi was recently awarded the title of and . Higashi studied under Masami Tsuruoka
Masami Tsuruoka
Masami Tsuruoka O.Ont is a Canadian born karate instructor and practitioner recognized as "The Father of Canadian Karate" by Black Belt Magazine. Although mainly responsible for establishing the Chito-ryu style in Canada, Tsuruoka is also known as founder of his own karate style known as Tsuruoka...
, becoming his first black belt student, and also briefly lived with and studied under Chitō-ryū founder Chitose. Higashi and Tsuruoka were inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Australia
The International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia (ICKFA) is the governing association for Chitō-ryū dōjō in AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Chitō-ryū was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince in 1969, after studying in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
under Shane Higashi.
He trained for three months in Kumamoto, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
under Tsuyoshi Chitose. His first dōjō was the North Sydney Leagues Club. Over the next six years Prince trained and qualified six black belt students, who went on to establish clubs throughout Australia. Prince was also a founding member of the Federation Of Australia Karate-Do Organisations.
In the late 1970s Bill Ker was appointed President and for Chitō-ryū in Australia. He later gained the rank of . In 1991 Ker retired from active involvement in Chitō-ryū. Upon his retirement, Brian Hayes was appointed President and honbucho by Chitose. In November 2004, Michael Noonan was appointed to represent Chitose and the ICKF in Australia as honbucho. Noonan currently teaches at the Tasseikan dōjō in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
and has been granted the rank of and .
United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation
The United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation is an independent non-profit federation of Chitō-ryū dōjō in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich. The hombu-dōjō is located in Covington
Covington, Kentucky
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 43,370 people, 18,257 households, and 10,132 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,301.3 people per square mile . There were 20,448 housing units at an average density of 1,556.5 per square mile...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
.
U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association
The U.S.A. Yoshukai KarateYoshukai Karate
karate is a branch discipline of the Japanese/Okinawan martial art, Karate-dō, or "Way of the Empty Hand."The three kanji that make up the word Yoshukai literally translated mean “Training Hall of Continued Improvement.” However, the standardized English translation is "Striving for Excellence."...
Association is a karate association headed by Michael G. Foster
Michael G. Foster
Michael G. Foster is a U.S. karate pioneer, and the founder and head of Yoshukai International, a world-wide organization of Yoshukai Karate schools...
. Yoshukai is a Japanese karate style adapted from Chito-ryu
Chito-ryu
is a style of karate founded by , . The name of the style translates as: chi - 1,000; tō - China; ryū , "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tō refers to the Tang Dynasty of China...
by Mamoru Yamamoto. Foster was originally named the Director of the U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate
Yoshukai Karate
karate is a branch discipline of the Japanese/Okinawan martial art, Karate-dō, or "Way of the Empty Hand."The three kanji that make up the word Yoshukai literally translated mean “Training Hall of Continued Improvement.” However, the standardized English translation is "Striving for Excellence."...
Association in 1966 by Mamoru Yamamoto, when it was affiliated with the United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. In this capacity, Foster established and headed a number of karate schools which were then part of the United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. The dōjō became independent Yoshukai schools 1971.
Koshin-ha Chitō-ryū Karate Association
The Koshin-ha Chitō-ryū Karate-do Association was formed in 2004 by several senior ranking American Chitō-ryū practitioners. Unlike many martial arts organizations run by a single person, the Koshin-ha is governed by two groups of individuals: senior practitioners (known collectively as the Shihan-kai), and dōjō chief instructors (known collectively as the Shibu-kai).Chitō-ryū Organizations
- International Chito Ryu Karate-do Association
- ICKF Canada
- Chito Ryu Norway (in Norwegian)
- International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia
- Hong Kong Chito Ryu Association
Independent Chitō-ryū Organizations
- The Koshin-ha Chito-Ryu Association
- United States Chito-ryu Federation
- Canadian Chito Ryu Karate Do Association