Ryu Te
Encyclopedia
is a made up word and combining the first character
of "Ryūkyū Islands
" and "Te
" meaning "hand" and is a Registered trade mark. The word "Ryu Te" is not a noun, but an adjective to describe the type of karate
taught by Seiyu Oyata. Ryu Te karate is a traditional form of karate
from the Ryukyu Islands
. Ryu Te emphasizes effective self-defense
; its techniques aim to take control of an opponent while avoiding the use of excessive force that threatens to injure or maim. Neither a sport
nor a form of exercise, Ryu Te is a method of training the body and mind.
In addition to striking, kicking, and blocking, Ryu Te includes grappling
, locking, and escape techniques (tuite jutsu); striking techniques that exploit the body's weak points to temporarily disable an opponent without injury (kyusho-jitsu); weapons techniques (kobudo
); and forms (kata
). Practitioners study a wide range of techniques and prudent ways to use force in controlling an attacker.
form of Tegumi
through his father, Kana Oyata and during World War II
he received instruction in iaido
, kendo
, and judo
. After the war he began training with Uhugushiku no Tanmei, a retired officer of the Okinawan government.
Uhugushiku was known as a kakurei bushi (hidden warrior) and taught neither outside of family lines nor those without a direct connection to the warrior class of Okinawa. Uhugushiku introduced Oyata to Wakinaguri, an elderly gentleman who was a descendant of Chinese emissaries sent to Okinawa when it was a tributary state of China
. These two gentlemen began to teach Oyata the ancient ways of Okinawan and Chinese martial arts
. During this time karate was taught openly as a public art. However, what Uhugushiku and Wakinaguri taught were family arts handed down through generations. Neither Uhugushiku nor Wakinaguri had descendants to whom they could pass down their art, and therefore Oyata became the inheritor of this knowledge.
After Uhugushiku and Wakinaguri died, Oyata sought other karate masters to continue his training. He joined several research groups (kenkyūkai) and trained directly with Shigeru Nakamura, founder of Okinawan Kenpo
. Under Nakamura-sensei
, Oyata learned the 12 basic empty-hand kata that are practiced in Ryu Te today and helped establish Bogu Kumite as the sporting aspect of Okinawan Kenpo.
In 1977 several of Oyata's senior American students (Jim Logue, Albert Geraldi, Bill Wiswell and Greg Lindquest) began to organize within the United States
. They brought him to Kansas City, Kansas
and established the American headquarters. Oyata began to broaden the knowledge of the general martial arts public by introducing the concepts of tuite and kyūsho jutsu that have influenced the way in which karate is taught in the modern day (Robert Rousselot comments at http://www.moroha.net/blog/?p=15 that he was unable to locate pre-Oyata references to tuite and kysho, while after Oyata introduced them, the terms proliferated quickly).
In order to credit Okinawa, from 1968 until the late 80's Oyata called his organization — a generic term often used to describe all forms of karate from Okinawa. In the early 90's he renamed it , which means "Ryūkyū Hand," or "flowing hand." These kanji
characters were chosen to describe the way in which karate techniques should be performed.
Advanced students of Ryu Te achieve multiple blocks and strikes in a single flowing motion, rather than thinking of blocks, strikes, and locks as separate techniques end-to-end.
or form is a choreographed pattern of movement, somewhat resembling a dance, that contains the basic movements of karate. The kata are the alphabets from which the words and sentences of self-defense are constructed. Each movement holds meanings not readily discernible to the untrained eye, and therefore it may be said that a hidden art is contained within the kata.
The 13 kata taught in Ryu Te are called:
, in that the study of weapons supplements the empty-hand techniques as an integral component of training. Practitioners study the interrelationship between empty-hand movements and weapons techniques, with an emphasis on the value of weapons training in the perfection of empty-hand movement. Weapons include chizikunbo, tanbo
, tonfa
, nunchaku
, kama
, jo
, bo
, nunte bo, eku, sai
, and manji sai.
are used in many Japanese martial arts; the English translation used for the Ryu Te Dojo Kun is:
The Guiding Principles are:
teach Ryukyu Kempo
, a style which is somewhat similar Ryu Te but is not sanctioned by Oyata.
Kanji
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...
of "Ryūkyū Islands
Ryukyu Islands
The , also known as the , is a chain of islands in the western Pacific, on the eastern limit of the East China Sea and to the southwest of the island of Kyushu in Japan. From about 1829 until the mid 20th century, they were alternately called Luchu, Loochoo, or Lewchew, akin to the Mandarin...
" and "Te
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,...
" meaning "hand" and is a Registered trade mark. The word "Ryu Te" is not a noun, but an adjective to describe the type of 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,...
taught by Seiyu Oyata. Ryu Te karate is a traditional form of 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,...
from the Ryukyu Islands
Ryukyu Islands
The , also known as the , is a chain of islands in the western Pacific, on the eastern limit of the East China Sea and to the southwest of the island of Kyushu in Japan. From about 1829 until the mid 20th century, they were alternately called Luchu, Loochoo, or Lewchew, akin to the Mandarin...
. Ryu Te emphasizes effective self-defense
Self-defense
Self-defense, self-defence or private defense is a countermeasure that involves defending oneself, one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many...
; its techniques aim to take control of an opponent while avoiding the use of excessive force that threatens to injure or maim. Neither a sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
nor a form of exercise, Ryu Te is a method of training the body and mind.
In addition to striking, kicking, and blocking, Ryu Te includes grappling
Grappling
Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial...
, locking, and escape techniques (tuite jutsu); striking techniques that exploit the body's weak points to temporarily disable an opponent without injury (kyusho-jitsu); weapons techniques (kobudo
Okinawan kobudo
Okinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...
); and forms (kata
Kata
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....
). Practitioners study a wide range of techniques and prudent ways to use force in controlling an attacker.
History
Seiyu Oyata, the founder of Ryu Te, was exposed to the OkinawanOkinawa 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...
form of Tegumi
Tegumi
Tegumi is a traditional form of wrestling from Okinawa.According to Shōshin Nagamine, in his "Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters", there are no accurate historical documents surrounding the origins of grappling in Okinawa...
through his father, Kana Oyata and during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
he received instruction in iaido
Iaido
is a modern Japanese martial art associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard...
, kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
, and judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
. After the war he began training with Uhugushiku no Tanmei, a retired officer of the Okinawan government.
Uhugushiku was known as a kakurei bushi (hidden warrior) and taught neither outside of family lines nor those without a direct connection to the warrior class of Okinawa. Uhugushiku introduced Oyata to Wakinaguri, an elderly gentleman who was a descendant of Chinese emissaries sent to Okinawa when it was a tributary state of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. These two gentlemen began to teach Oyata the ancient ways of Okinawan and Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts, also referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term wushu and popularly as kung fu , are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" , "sects" or...
. During this time karate was taught openly as a public art. However, what Uhugushiku and Wakinaguri taught were family arts handed down through generations. Neither Uhugushiku nor Wakinaguri had descendants to whom they could pass down their art, and therefore Oyata became the inheritor of this knowledge.
After Uhugushiku and Wakinaguri died, Oyata sought other karate masters to continue his training. He joined several research groups (kenkyūkai) and trained directly with Shigeru Nakamura, founder of Okinawan Kenpo
Kenpo
is the name of several Japanese martial arts. The word kenpō is a Japanese translation of the Chinese word "quánfǎ. This term is often informally transliterated as "kempo", as a result of applying Traditional Hepburn romanization, but failing to use a macron to indicate the long vowel...
. Under Nakamura-sensei
Sensei
' is a Japanese word that basically means "person born before another." In general usage, it means "master" or "teacher," and the word is used as a title to refer to or address teachers, professors, professionals such as lawyers, CPA and doctors, politicians, clergymen, and other figures of authority...
, Oyata learned the 12 basic empty-hand kata that are practiced in Ryu Te today and helped establish Bogu Kumite as the sporting aspect of Okinawan Kenpo.
In 1977 several of Oyata's senior American students (Jim Logue, Albert Geraldi, Bill Wiswell and Greg Lindquest) began to organize within the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. They brought him to Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas and is the county seat of Wyandotte County. It is a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the third largest city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The city is part of a consolidated city-county government known as the "Unified...
and established the American headquarters. Oyata began to broaden the knowledge of the general martial arts public by introducing the concepts of tuite and kyūsho jutsu that have influenced the way in which karate is taught in the modern day (Robert Rousselot comments at http://www.moroha.net/blog/?p=15 that he was unable to locate pre-Oyata references to tuite and kysho, while after Oyata introduced them, the terms proliferated quickly).
In order to credit Okinawa, from 1968 until the late 80's Oyata called his organization — a generic term often used to describe all forms of karate from Okinawa. In the early 90's he renamed it , which means "Ryūkyū Hand," or "flowing hand." These kanji
Kanji
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...
characters were chosen to describe the way in which karate techniques should be performed.
Basic concept
Oyata stressed several important points regarding the practice of Ryu Te self-defense.- Close combat: An opponent who is more than four feet away can pull a weapon, so close-in fighting is necessary in empty-hand combat.
- One-second reaction: One should react to his/her opponent within one second. Subduing an opponent within one second is unnecessary, but one should make his/her move within that time.
- Effectiveness: When using vital-point techniques (kyūsho jutsu), counterattacks must be effective. A counter must be a valid technique that works on anyone—regardless of size or strength.
- Morality: One must consider personal ethics when applying techniques on others.
- Legality: Not only must an application appeal to one's sense of right and wrong, but it must comply with laws regarding self-defense. This principle necessitates the prudent use of force.
- Three kinds of attack: There are three ways an enemy can attack— striking, pushing, or grabbing. A comprehensive system of techniques allows one to defend against each of these.
Advanced students of Ryu Te achieve multiple blocks and strikes in a single flowing motion, rather than thinking of blocks, strikes, and locks as separate techniques end-to-end.
Kata
A 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....
or form is a choreographed pattern of movement, somewhat resembling a dance, that contains the basic movements of karate. The kata are the alphabets from which the words and sentences of self-defense are constructed. Each movement holds meanings not readily discernible to the untrained eye, and therefore it may be said that a hidden art is contained within the kata.
The 13 kata taught in Ryu Te are called:
- Naihanchi Shodan
- Naihanchi Nidan
- Naihanchi Sandan
- Tomari Seisan
- Pinan Shodan
- Pinan Nidan
- Pinan Sandan
- Pinan Yondan
- Pinan Godan
- Passai
- Kusanku
- Niseishi
- Shi Ho Happo no Te
Weapons
Ryu Te incorporates kobudoKobudo
or Ko-budō, a Japanese term meaning "old martial way", may refer to:* Koryū: in contrast to budō, which has become more competitive, a type of martial art which has kept its ancient mode of training and has been preserved and handed down from generation to generation .* Okinawan kobudō: the martial...
, in that the study of weapons supplements the empty-hand techniques as an integral component of training. Practitioners study the interrelationship between empty-hand movements and weapons techniques, with an emphasis on the value of weapons training in the perfection of empty-hand movement. Weapons include chizikunbo, tanbo
Tambo (weapon)
The tambo, in Japanese , is a short staff weapon used in Okinawa and feudal Japan. Today the tambo is used by various martial arts schools.-Description:...
, tonfa
Tonfa
The tonfa , also known as tong fa or tuifa, is an Okinawan weapon. It is a stick with a handle, and is about 15-20 inches long. It was traditionally made from red oak and wielded in pairs...
, nunchaku
Nunchaku
is a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.-Etymology:The Japanese word nunchaku is the Kun'yomi reading of the Kanji term for a traditional Chinese two section staff....
, kama
Kama (weapon)
The is a traditional Filipino and Japanese farming implement similar to a small scythe used for reaping crops and also employed as a weapon...
, jo
Jo (weapon)
A is an approximately 1.276 m long wooden staff, used in some Japanese martial arts. The martial art of wielding the jō is called jōjutsu or jōdō. Also, aiki-jō is a set of techniques in aikido which uses the jō to illustrate aikido's principles with a weapon. The jō staff is shorter than the bō...
, bo
Bo (weapon)
A bō or kon , is a long staff weapon used in Okinawa and feudal Japan. Bō are typically around long and are now used in Japanese martial arts, in particular bōjutsu...
, nunte bo, eku, sai
Sai
-Education:*self-accrediting institution, a three-letter acronym in use in higher education in Australia to describe universities and other SAIs-Fiction:*Fujiwara no Sai, a character in Hikaru no Go media*Sai , a character in Naruto media...
, and manji sai.
Physical training
Training aims to improve flexibility, strength, stamina, coordination, and balance by requiring students to push themselves to and stretch beyond their physical limits. Physical training also functions as a means to spiritual attainment (i.e., improved mental and physical discipline, greater vigilance, and increased self-confidence.)Moral and spiritual discipline
Students are required to learn and live by a basic moral code, expressed in 5 "Dojo Kun" and 10 "Guiding Principles." Similar Dojo KunDojo kun
Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning dojo rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to training halls or at the "front" of the dojo and outline behaviour expected and disallowed...
are used in many Japanese martial arts; the English translation used for the Ryu Te Dojo Kun is:
- Strive for good moral character.
- Keep an honest and sincere way.
- Cultivate perseverance through a will for striving.
- Develop a respectful attitude.
- Restrain physical ability through spiritual attainment.
The Guiding Principles are:
- When entering a dojo or asking to be taught, be free from prejudice and be submissive, so that you will accept the teachings as shown. This will help you to not establish bad habits.
- Observe respect toward the Master and superiors. Also, be courteous to fellow students and followers. Strive to develop the virtue of humbleness.
- A healthy body can be obtained through constant training. Cultivate the spirit of perseverance.
- Strive to be a warrior for the construction of a peaceful and free world through the character building, morality, and spirituality obtained by learning the way of karate.
- In daily conduct, do not engage in fights or arguments. Always be prudent.
- In actual training, move up from the easy to the difficult, and from the simple to the complicated. More time and hard work will be required for repetitious and continuous training. Never hurry but strive for gradual development, and never engage in senseless or reckless practice.
- Become familiar with the use of the makiwara and other training equipment. Train yourself to use your fist or other parts. Be patient and earnestly study the kata or matches. Never aim for hurried success.
- It has been said that it takes three years to comprehend a kata. In ancient days, a master studied a single kata for ten years. There is no time limit for kata to be improved. Never be proud, even if much is accomplished. Pride hurts achievement in virtue, as well as technique, and will become like a poison.
- Be cautious in training. Do not develop a favorite technique or it may become a weakness. Be careful not to become too theoretical or technical.
- Any questions should be freely asked. Always strive to understand what is being taught.
Controversy
Several books by George DillmanGeorge Dillman
George Dillman is a martial arts instructor who is controversial due to his claims regarding the use of pressure points and "Knockout" Chi. He refers to the art of using pressure points as Kyusho jitsu. He calls his style of karate Ryukyu kempo karate....
teach Ryukyu Kempo
Ryukyu Kempo
Ryūkyū Kempo is a generic term often used to describe all forms of karate from the Ryūkyū Islands, and more specifically to refer to the particular styles associated with Taika Seiyu Oyata and, without any form of endorsement by Oyata or his organization, with George Dillman.Oyata is credited with...
, a style which is somewhat similar Ryu Te but is not sanctioned by Oyata.
Further reading
- Jim Logue (1981). Ryukyu Kempo History and Basics.
- Seiyu Oyata (1998). Ryu-Te No Michi: The Way of Ryu Kyu Hands.
- Steven Stark (2001). Quest the ancient way: My life experiences with Taika Oyata.