Karate Systems, Part 1 of 3
Karate Systems, Part 1 of 3
Okinawan Karate
The development of karate as a form of unarmed combat is, in large part, due to the ban on carrying weapons imposed during the reign of Okinawa's King Shoshin (1477-1526), and following the Satsuma clan's invasion of Okinawa in 1609.
The systemization of modern karate can be credited to a group known as "The Revivers," formed in the late 19th century, which included a panel of experts from various Okinawan martial arts. Originally known as "to-de" or "China hand" ("te" being a word of Chinese origin meaning "hand"), it was not until the early 20th century that the name "karate" was formally adopted.
New heroes
Karate became popular in the West after World War II, when US soldiers who had been stationed in Okinawa brought it back home with them.
Many of the early US practitioners had been raised on stories of macho cowboy culture, and the postwar industrialization of US society had left a vacuum into which tales of amazing characters and astounding feats of strength performed by Oriental karate masters were enthusiastically received. This led to an explosion in popular media of legendary heroes battling against the odds in the name of truth, justice, and honorýcharacteristics highly valued in the American psyche and in the minds of martial artists.
Shorin Ryu
Combining elements of shuri-te and tomari-te, this system of karate may have been of Shaolin origin, as the first two characters in Japanese Kanji script are the same as the name of the famed Chinese Shaolin Temple. Its founder, Sokon Matsumura, was a renowned warrior, and bodyguard to three kings of Okinawa.
Natural stances and breathing exercises are characteristic of the training syllabus. Interestingly one of the originator's students, known as Anko Itosu, developed the "pinan kata," a set of movements that are now popular in a wide range of Japanese-derived systems.
The art form has a self-ranking system, from white to black belt, which was adopted from that set up by the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano . It also includes a number of well-known kata.
Some examples of the more intriguingly named kata are "iron horse" form, "crane on rock" form, and "swallow on the beach" form.
One of the most renowned martial artists of his time, Sokon Matsumura was chief martial-arts instructor to Okinawa's kin who gave him the title "Bushi," or "Warrior" in recognition of his fighting prowess and samurai qualities of loyalty and honor. The influence of shorin ryu is widespread, with many martial-arts styles tracing their origins back to Matsumura's system.
Shotokan
The founder of this form of karate is widely considered to be responsible for bringing karate from Okinawa to Japan. The name derives from his pen name, "Shoto," meaning "pine waves," and "kan," meaning "house of."
An external systemýdriven by speed and muscle powerýit emphasizes breathing techniques, long, stable stances, and powerful punches, as well as elements of mind and body control. It is thought that its origins lie in Okinawan te, an ancient fist-fighting technique.
Code and culture
The system is clearly defined in the philosophy's 20 precepts. These are based on bushido, the ancient warrior code and Zen philosophy, and include these instructions:
Never forget, karate begins and ends with respect. There is no first attack in karate. The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying techniques. First understand yourself, then understand others. The mind needs to be freed. Do not think you have to win, rather think, you do not have to lose.
troy macraft Ninja Weapons Martial Arts Supplies
Comment on "Karate Systems, Part 1 of 3"
