Imperial University Karate-Kenpō Contest

Translated from the Brazilian Portuguese with Bing Translate

Motobu Naoki - Translated by Anthony Morris

In addition to the Kakedameshi — a Kakede-shaped mode of contest — once performed by figures such as Chōki Motobu and Kentsū Yabu, the "Tōkyō Imperial University Karate-Kenpō Contest" devised by the club  The Karate Kenkyūkai of the students of the same was the first effective attempt at a Kumite match within Mainland Japan. However, its rules have not been overstudied in the past. In the book "Introduction to Kenpō" (1930), there is the following description (p. 219).

I. Regarding the Karate-Kenpō Games of the Imperial University

Tōkyō Imperial University Karate Research Association

A. Notes to Competitors:

(1) At the beginning of the match, both competitors must give each other a standing ovation.

(2) The fight should be waged in a clean and fair manner, and there should be no unkind behavior.

(3) At the end of the match, both contestants shall stand again and salute each other.

B. Arbitration Criteria

(1) There are three attack zones: men, suigetsu and tsurigane.

(2) Attacks can be performed with punches, blows, or kicks.

(3) Men and Suigetsu are naturally targets of punches. However, the Tsurigane can also be targeted with a punch.

(4) Tsurigane is naturally a target for kicks.

(5) A match must be played with 3 bon (three points).

The interesting thing to note are the permissible points of attack. In addition to Men (face) and Suigetsu (solar plexus), Tsurigane (testicles) could also be attacked. However, the protective gear shown in the photograph below appears to be makeshift baseball gear, which begs the question of whether it was in fact safe enough.

Either way, the Tōkyō University Karate Club's forays should receive some praise and prestige, as it is Mainland Japan's first attempt to promote modern Kumite matches. However, why did they decide to hold such matches?

However, in the eyes of those who had not seen or experienced Karate, Kata appeared to be exclusively a "dance", but ... (omission) ... with the advent of the Imperial University's armored Karate-Kenpō contests, such as the