Okichitaw
Encyclopedia
Okichitaw is a martial art based on the fighting techniques of the Plains Cree First Nations. It was founded and developed by Canadian
martial artist, George J. Lépine.
throwing and hand-to-hand combat techniques (miche che kiske).
In the early 1990s, Lépine began to organize and codify these techniques and methods, resulting in the system as it is practised today. The main Okichitaw training lodge (mistiko kamik) is located at the martial arts school of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
and the art is disseminated through classes, workshops and demonstrations.
The scarcity of original reference materials casts doubt upon any attempt to reconstruct indigenous systems; since the latter half of the 20th century, there has been an emerging acceptance of oral traditions as sources of historical record.
Elder Vern Harper
, has been involved with Okichitaw from its early stages, advising and encouraging Lépine in its development. Elder Harper officiates at Okichitaw ceremonies and promotions tests.
ese teams may demonstrate Karate
, and only the Canadian
team may present Okichitaw. In 2004 and 2008, Lépine led Okichitaw demonstration teams representing Canada at the Festival.
The primary weapon of Okichitaw is the gunstock war club
, (nontoni towin mistik). These war clubs were originally taken from rifle stocks, although later versions were carved to simulate the rifle stock shape and The Plains gunstock war club
has a characteristic elbow in the stock in both the long (horseback) or short (ground) versions.
Tomahawk
, short and long lance
and Plains dagger are also part of basic Okichitaw training. Hand-to-hand techniques often assume the use of tomahawk and knife, but do not always rely upon the use of weapons. In Okichitaw, the hand positions are held as though there are weapons – in the same way that Aikido
's kamae position assumes the use of a sword – but, as in Aikido
, the techniques do not suppose use of weapons. Most Okichitaw techniques have both weapon and open-handed variations but the focus is primarily through the application of hard forearm impact techniques.
As in other grappling arts, rolls, flips and body dives are means of extricating oneself from an attack. In Okichitaw, these manoeuvers are also methods of moving into a technique - the flip, roll or body dive are part of the takedown
.
okichitawak, an honorific applied to Cree warriors by the Elders after a younger man had proved himself in battle. Okichitawak was used to describe the warriors within the community who had developed special skills used for survival, protection and warfare. The name Okichitaw was suggested by Elders in Lépine's native Manitoba
when he sought guidance in naming the martial art. Okichitawak was modified to be easily pronounced by non-Cree speakers.
warrior society of the Canadian plains. Modern-day training is intended to give the Okichitaw student direction and focus through self-challenge and confronting his or her fears and limitations in a controlled environment while building physical and mental strength. Warriors in Cree
societies are called 'People who watch over people': that concept of peaceful, protective engagement is central to the philosophy and practice of Okichitaw.
that inform the training and application of Okichitaw. Every student is expected to adhere to these basic principles in all aspects of their training. Proper conduct is required from students in their daily lives and interactions; this includes a renunciation of unnecessary violence and a commitment to conflict resolution in their lives.
, there is great significance to each of the Four Directions. In daily training, the Four Directions are used when challenging an attack: a response is devised within a fraction of a second (east) and techniques are employed with energy, movement and commitment (south), so that the adversary is effectively controlled by the technique (north), before finally being taken down (west). All techniques are executed in an environment of the highest respect and restraint.
East: The east represents balance, confidence and creativity. In battle, the East influences the identification or location of an adversary, and when setting up and developing a solid attack position.
South: The south represents strength, focus and success. In battle, the South influences the brave, aggressive challenge of an opponent.
North: The north represents courage, energy and knowledge. In battle the North influences the control of an opponent with surprise or overwhelming force.
West: The west represents challenge, choice, and proof. In battle, the West influences the takedown and finishing off of an opponent before moving on the next adversary.
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...
martial artist, George J. Lépine.
Origins
In his youth, founder George J. Lépine learned traditional wrestling, tomahawkTomahawk (axe)
A tomahawk is a type of axe native to North America, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight shaft. The name came into the English language in the 17th century as a transliteration of the Powhatan word.Tomahawks were general purpose tools used by Native Americans and European Colonials...
throwing and hand-to-hand combat techniques (miche che kiske).
In the early 1990s, Lépine began to organize and codify these techniques and methods, resulting in the system as it is practised today. The main Okichitaw training lodge (mistiko kamik) is located at the martial arts school of the Native Canadian Centre of 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...
and the art is disseminated through classes, workshops and demonstrations.
The scarcity of original reference materials casts doubt upon any attempt to reconstruct indigenous systems; since the latter half of the 20th century, there has been an emerging acceptance of oral traditions as sources of historical record.
Elder Vern Harper
Vern Harper
Vern Harper is a Canadian First Nations Cree Elder, medicine man, and Aboriginal rights activist. The “Urban Elder” as he calls himself, falsely claims to be a fifth generation grandson of Mistawasis, a hereditary Cree chief, and a sixth generation grandson of Big Bear.-Political Activism...
, has been involved with Okichitaw from its early stages, advising and encouraging Lépine in its development. Elder Harper officiates at Okichitaw ceremonies and promotions tests.
Recognition
Lépine presented Okichitaw at the Chungju World Martial Arts Festival in 2002 where it was formally recognized as a unique indigenous martial art of Canada by the World Martial Arts Union. The Chungju Festival, the largest festival of its kind, is an annual forum and showcase for indigenous martial arts, with the country of each art's origin fielding teams. For example, only JapanJapan
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...
ese teams may demonstrate Karate
Karate
is 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,...
, and only the Canadian
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...
team may present Okichitaw. In 2004 and 2008, Lépine led Okichitaw demonstration teams representing Canada at the Festival.
Offensive
Weapons are introduced early in a student's training because of the influence of the weapons on the hand-to-hand techniques.Gunstock war club
The gunstock club or gun stock war club is an indigenous weapon used by Native Americans, named for its similar appearance to the wooden stocks of muskets and rifles of the time...
, (nontoni towin mistik). These war clubs were originally taken from rifle stocks, although later versions were carved to simulate the rifle stock shape and The Plains gunstock war club
Gunstock war club
The gunstock club or gun stock war club is an indigenous weapon used by Native Americans, named for its similar appearance to the wooden stocks of muskets and rifles of the time...
has a characteristic elbow in the stock in both the long (horseback) or short (ground) versions.
Tomahawk
Tomahawk (axe)
A tomahawk is a type of axe native to North America, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight shaft. The name came into the English language in the 17th century as a transliteration of the Powhatan word.Tomahawks were general purpose tools used by Native Americans and European Colonials...
, short and long lance
Lance
A Lance is a pole weapon or spear designed to be used by a mounted warrior. The lance is longer, stout and heavier than an infantry spear, and unsuited for throwing, or for rapid thrusting. Lances did not have tips designed to intentionally break off or bend, unlike many throwing weapons of the...
and Plains dagger are also part of basic Okichitaw training. Hand-to-hand techniques often assume the use of tomahawk and knife, but do not always rely upon the use of weapons. In Okichitaw, the hand positions are held as though there are weapons – in the same way that Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
's kamae position assumes the use of a sword – but, as in Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, the techniques do not suppose use of weapons. Most Okichitaw techniques have both weapon and open-handed variations but the focus is primarily through the application of hard forearm impact techniques.
Defensive
As in many martial arts, much of training is based upon one-to-one combat. The attacker initiates the combat, offering a physical threat using basic weapons – tomahawk and knife attacks, or a punch. The student demonstrating the technique responds to the attack, usually by immediately moving into the attacker's space with a combination of blocks, strikes, holds, rolls or throws to complete the technique.As in other grappling arts, rolls, flips and body dives are means of extricating oneself from an attack. In Okichitaw, these manoeuvers are also methods of moving into a technique - the flip, roll or body dive are part of the takedown
Takedown (grappling)
A takedown is a martial arts and combat sports term for a technique that involves off-balancing an opponent and bringing him or her to the ground, typically with the combatant performing the takedown landing on top. The process of quickly advancing on an opponent and attempting a takedown is known...
.
Etymology
The word Okichitaw is based on the Plains CreeCree
The Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations / Native Americans in North America, with 200,000 members living in Canada. In Canada, the major proportion of Cree live north and west of Lake Superior, in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, although...
okichitawak, an honorific applied to Cree warriors by the Elders after a younger man had proved himself in battle. Okichitawak was used to describe the warriors within the community who had developed special skills used for survival, protection and warfare. The name Okichitaw was suggested by Elders in Lépine's native Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
when he sought guidance in naming the martial art. Okichitawak was modified to be easily pronounced by non-Cree speakers.
Philosophy
Ceremonies and promotional testing of Okichitaw is based on CreeCree
The Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations / Native Americans in North America, with 200,000 members living in Canada. In Canada, the major proportion of Cree live north and west of Lake Superior, in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, although...
warrior society of the Canadian plains. Modern-day training is intended to give the Okichitaw student direction and focus through self-challenge and confronting his or her fears and limitations in a controlled environment while building physical and mental strength. Warriors in Cree
Cree
The Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations / Native Americans in North America, with 200,000 members living in Canada. In Canada, the major proportion of Cree live north and west of Lake Superior, in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, although...
societies are called 'People who watch over people': that concept of peaceful, protective engagement is central to the philosophy and practice of Okichitaw.
'Grandfather teachings'
Love, Respect, Humility, Honesty, Wisdom, Bravery and Truth are the seven Grandfather teachingsTeachings of the Seven Grandfathers
Among the Anishinaabe people, the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, also known simply as either the Seven Teachings or Seven Grandfathers, is a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. Originally from Edward Benton-Banai's book "The Mishomis Book"...
that inform the training and application of Okichitaw. Every student is expected to adhere to these basic principles in all aspects of their training. Proper conduct is required from students in their daily lives and interactions; this includes a renunciation of unnecessary violence and a commitment to conflict resolution in their lives.
Four Directions
Among the indigenous peoples of North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, there is great significance to each of the Four Directions. In daily training, the Four Directions are used when challenging an attack: a response is devised within a fraction of a second (east) and techniques are employed with energy, movement and commitment (south), so that the adversary is effectively controlled by the technique (north), before finally being taken down (west). All techniques are executed in an environment of the highest respect and restraint.
East: The east represents balance, confidence and creativity. In battle, the East influences the identification or location of an adversary, and when setting up and developing a solid attack position.
South: The south represents strength, focus and success. In battle, the South influences the brave, aggressive challenge of an opponent.
North: The north represents courage, energy and knowledge. In battle the North influences the control of an opponent with surprise or overwhelming force.
West: The west represents challenge, choice, and proof. In battle, the West influences the takedown and finishing off of an opponent before moving on the next adversary.
External links
- http://www.nativemartialarts.com
- http://www.ncct.on.ca
- http://www.creeculture.ca