The styles Karate Kenpo - Mutsu

 

There seem to be many styles handed down from the masters of old. However, more often than not, they can be classified into either Shoreiryu or Shorinjiryu.

According to the research of Miki Nisaburo of the Todai Karate Research Society, in Okinawa, Shoreiryu seems to be mainly practiced in Naha whereas Shorinjiryu is practiced mainly in Shuri.

The Karate Kenpo practiced in Naha focuses mainly upon physical education and includes the following exercises:

Preparatory Exercises – Used to strengthen all parts of the body.

Supplementary Exercises – Repetitive practice of the punches, strikes and kicks of Karate Kenpo.

Basic Exercises – One step above the supplementary exercises, the basic exercises strive for perfect movement of the entire body. Sanchin and Tensho are considered as basic exercises.

Open Hand Exercises – Practice of the various kata of Karate Kenpo, such as Seishan or Jion.

On the other hand, Shorinjiryu places emphasis on actual application.

The practice of the basic punches, strikes, kicks, and blocks have a combative flavor to them. The kata, even though they may have the same name, differ from teacher to teacher, as each instructor researches and improves the kata, in an unending process.

The masters know very few kata, practicing and studying them deeply so that they can be used in an actual combative situation. They frown upon the practice of accumulating a great number of kata without studying them in depth.

There is even one master who spent over 20 years researching and training with only two kata: Kusanku and Gojushiho, and did not practice other kata. Therefore, his technique has passed into the realm of being mysterious, and he serves as a perfect good for those trying to master Karate Kenpo.

In short, one should research effective techniques until mastery, by practicing a small number of kata and kumite.

On the other hand, there are those who have learned only the physical movements of a great number of kata. It is inevitable that they would be looked upon as blaspheming the true way of Karate Kenpo.

I cannot accept the theory that Shorei and Shorinji must be separated and practiced based solely upon the brawniness or physique of the practitioner.

In other words, one cannot say that a person of large physical stature is only suited to practice Shoreiryu. In the same way, one cannot say that smaller, weaker people are only suited to practice Shorinjiryu, either. This is shown by the fact that large, brawny people can be found practicing Shorinjiryu.

One must pay attention to the fact that both styles have their strong and weak points. One must research and study carefully, in order to be effective in combat, being able to change with the circumstances. Therefore, one must not be too hasty in dismissing something.

Kata Names

Although there are several different types of kata, the most popularly practiced ones are listed below.

Pinan 1-5

Naifuanchi 1-3

Kusanku Dai and Sho

Passai Dai and Sho

Seishan

Jitte

Jion

Wanshu

Chinte

Chinto

Niseishi

Gojushiho

Pechurin

Out of these, Passai and Kusanku are widely known throughout Ryukyu. Sanchin, Useishi, Seishan, Seiyunchin, Pechurin, etc. are also practiced in China. Naifuanchi, Passai, Kusanku, Rohai, Wanshu, Chinto, etc. are no longer to be found in China, and are only practiced in Ryukyu today.

Before the abolishment of the feudal system, Rohai and Wanshu were only practiuced in and around the Tomari area, but have since come to also be practiced in Shuri and Naha as well.

The Pinan 1-5 kata were created by the modern master Itosu, who made them as basic kata to teach his students. It is said that even in Ryukyu, there are only one or two people who truly understand the kata Pechurin. Other kata that are not as widely practiced include Jiin, Wando, Jumu, Sochin, Sanseiru, Wankan, Kokan, Unshu and Sanchin, etc.