is an Okinawan martial art founded by the late . The word Ryū-te is a shortened form of Ryūkyūte (琉球手 "Ryūkyū hand"). Ryukyu is the original name of Okinawa prior to it becoming part of Japan. Before 1995, Oyata referred to his style as Ryukyu Kempo (琉球拳法), but eventually renamed it "Ryu-te" as Ryukyu Kempo was a reference to all styles originating in Okinawa rather than to any one particular style. Ryu-te emphasizes effective self-defense while deliberately minimizing the harm to the opponent. Its practitioners consider Ryu-te neither a sport nor a form of exercise, but rather a method of training the body and mind for the betterment of mankind.
Technically, Ryu-te is characterized by combining joint manipulation techniques 取手術 (tuite jutsu) with effective strikes to the body's weak points 急所術 (kyusho jutsu). These terms, which have become well known among martial artists, were originally introduced to the United States by Oyata in the early-1980s.
Overview
Etymology
thumb|Ryukyu Kingdoms of Sanzan era
The word Ryu-te is a concatenation of two kanji:
- – Ryū – Precious stone (Lapis Lazuli)
- – Te – Hand, arm
is the first character of which is the name originally associated with the islands now known as Okinawa. Oyata chose to use this character in order to honor the Ryukyu Kingdom and the goals of developing a peaceful and productive society.
This underlying goal of life protection is central to Oyata's idea that martial arts are intended to improve society. which embodies this philosophy.
- – Shin – Truthful
- – Shu – Hand
- – Ho – Method
Oyata introduced this expression with the hope that the "true protection spirit possessed by the ancient Ryukyu warriors would be inherited by true modern practitioners". Then, shortly after World War II, Oyata met Uhugushiku on a beach in Teruma. During this time karate was taught openly as a public art, however, Uhugushiku's art was only taught within his family, handed down through generations. As a result, he initially would not teach Oyata, but upon learning that Oyata was related to Jana Ueekata, Uhugushiku agreed to teach him. Uhugushiku was an expert in Okinawan weapons, in particular the bo.
Introduction to the United States
In the late 1960s, several Americans servicemen began to train with Oyata and, in 1977, several of Oyata's senior American students (Albert Geraldi, Jim Logue, Bill Wiswell, and Greg Lindquist) began to organize within the United States. They brought Oyata to Kansas City, Kansas and established the "Ryukyu Kempo Association". Then in 1995, since Ryukyu Kempo became a generic term for any forms of karate from Okinawa, he renamed his organization to the "Ryu-te Association".
International dissemination
At the present time (2015), there are no schools affiliated with Oyata's Ryu-Te Association outside of
the North American Continent.
Training
Open Hand Kata
Oyata stressed that the kata form the foundation of Okinawan life protection arts as the techniques and most important concepts are contained within. The twelve basic kata taught to Oyata by Nakamura came from a variety of sources, reflecting the different influences on Okinawan Kenpo and, through Nakamura, on Ryu-te. According to Oyata,
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Weapon
!Kata
|-
|Rokushaku Bo
(6' staff)
|
- Kihon
- Nidan Bo
- Tsugi No Kun
- Tsukimi No Kun
- Sakugawa No Kun Sho
- Sakugawa No Kun Nidansaku
- Yamachino Bo*
|-
|Goshaku Bo
(5' staff)
|Yamachino Bo*
|-
|Jo
(4' staff)
|
- Kihon
- Tsukimi No Jo
- Sakugawa No Jo Sho
- Sakugawa No Jo Nidansaku (lost)
- Jissen
|-
|Eku
(Boat oar)
|
- Matsumura Eku Sho
- Matsumura Eku Dai
- Matsumora Eku
|-
|
Nunte
(Bo with manji sai tip)
|
Nunte No Kata
|-
|
Tanbo
(2' staff)
|
- Kihon
- Bridge
- Kuzushi Sho
- Kuzushi Dai
- Jissen
|-
|Tonfa
|
- Kihon (Matayoshi No Tonfa Ni)
- Kuzushi Sho
- Kuzushi Dai
|-
|Kama
(Sickle)
|
- Kihon
- Kuzushi Sho
- Kuzushi Dai
|-
|Sai
|
- Kuniyoshi No Sai
- Uhugushiku No Sai
|-
|Manji sai
|
- Kuzushi Sho
- Kuzushi Dai
|-
|Nunchaku
|
- Kihon
- Jyu Gata
|-
|Chizikunbo (Tijikunbo)
(Hand staff)
|
- Chizikunbo No Kata
- Chizikunbo bridge
- Jissen
|-
|Cane
|
Cane exercise
|}
(*Yamachino Bo is the man's name. Bo is a nickname meaning "hard headed" or difficult person, Yamachino is his last name. The six foot kata is from Wakinaguri, the five foot kata from "Itoman" Uechi.)
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 five "Dojo Kun" and ten "Guiding Principles." Similar Dojo Kun are used in many Japanese martial arts; the English translation used for the Ryu-te Dojo Kun
The Dojo Kokoroe (Principles) were originally from Nakamura and not Taika. Though these are good tenets to live by, Taika felt you should memorize his motto; Strive to attain true moral goodness, and express it through one's every action.'
The following articles were written so that those who seek the way of karate will always be aware of their guiding principles.
- When asking to be taught, be submissive and free from prejudice, accept the teachings as shown. In this way, you will not establish your own peculiarities or bad habits.
- Be polite and obedient to the master and other superiors. Be courteous among fellow students and followers. You must strive to develop humbleness.
- Cultivate a spirit of perseverance. You will develop a healthy body if you have strength of mind and train fearlessly.
- Strive to be a warrior for the construction of a peaceful and free world by using the character building, morality and spirituality contained in the way of karate.
- In daily conduct, do not encourage fights or arguments.
- Move from easy to difficult, and from simple to complicated. More time is required to train longer and harder as you progress. Do not hurry or engage in senseless or reckless practice. Develop gradually.
- Become familiar with the use of the makiwara and other training equipment. Train yourself to use your fists, body and positions. Be patient and study earnestly the kata and matches. Do not aim for hurried success.
- In the past, a single kata was studied for three years. A long time ago, a particular master analyzed a single kata for ten years. Do not think you have mastered a kata and become proud of your success. Pride will lead you to hurt your achievement in virtue and technique. Thus pride can be like a poison to the world.
- Take care not to develop only your favorite technique, neglecting others, because that will leave a weakness in your defense. Be cautious about becoming too theoretical or technical because these too are weaknesses.
- Ask questions freely of the master or superior because you must strive to understand what you are learning.
References
Further reading
External links
- Official List of Ryu-Te Schools
- Hidden Teachings/Shinkenkan, a Ryu-Te Member Dojo
- Hanshi Greg Lindquist's Zensekai Karate Kobujitsu Renmei
- Oyata Preservation Foundation - A non-profit dedicated to preserving the art of Taika Seiyu Oyata