motobumotobu--ha shitoha shito--ryuryu karatekarate--do:do...

MotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyuKarateKarate--Do:Do:

The Evolution of a StyleThe Evolution of a Style

Shihan James HerndonShihan James HerndonKunibaKuniba--Kai Summer CampKai Summer Camp

Chesapeake, VAChesapeake, VAJuly 2007July 2007

Copyright (c) 2007 JSHCopyright (c) 2007 JSH

In the BeginningIn the Beginning

KarateKarate--Do, also called TangDo, also called Tang--Te (ChinaTe (ChinaHand), emerged from antiquity to becomeHand), emerged from antiquity to becomea popular activity in Okinawa and Japan.a popular activity in Okinawa and Japan.

Early Okinawan styles included NahaEarly Okinawan styles included Naha--Te,Te,ShuriShuri--Te, TomariTe, Tomari--Te, ShorinTe, Shorin--Ryu, GojuRyu, Goju--Ryu, IsshinRyu, Isshin--Ryu, and ShitoRyu, and Shito--Ryu.Ryu.

ShitoShito--Ryu today has several subRyu today has several sub--schoolsschools(Ha): Mabuni(Ha): Mabuni--Ha, TaniHa, Tani--Ha, MotobuHa, Motobu--Ha.Ha.


Some DefinitionsSome Definitions

Do = ADo = A ““wayway”” or art, as in Karateor art, as in Karate--DoDo

uu

Ryu = ARyu = A ““stylestyle”” or school, as in Shitoor school, as in Shito--RyuRyu

Ha = AHa = A ““sectsect”” or subor sub--school, as in Motobuschool, as in Motobu--HaHa


Historical SenseiHistorical Sensei

Anko ItosuAnko Itosu

Kanryo HigaonnaKanryo Higaonna

Choki MotobuChoki Motobu

Kenwa MabuniKenwa Mabuni

Kosei KokubaKosei Kokuba


Anko ItosuAnko Itosu18301830--19151915

ShuriShuri--Te master, a student of SokonTe master, a student of SokonMatsumura (1792Matsumura (1792--1887)1887)

Organized karate in the Okinawan schoolOrganized karate in the Okinawan schoolsystemsystem

Codified kata, and considered byCodified kata, and considered bysome to be thesome to be the ““Father of KarateFather of Karate””

Trained many eminent menTrained many eminent men


Kanryo HigaonnaKanryo Higaonna18531853--19161916

NahaNaha--Te master, student of ArakakiTe master, student of ArakakiSeisho and othersSeisho and others

Spent time in China learning theSpent time in China learning thetechniques of kungtechniques of kung--FuFu

Combined hard and soft to createCombined hard and soft to createGojuGoju--RyuRyu

Noted for Sanchin kataNoted for Sanchin kata


Choki MotobuChoki Motobu18701870--19441944

Student of Itosu and others in OkinawaStudent of Itosu and others in Okinawa

Followed Funakoshi and Mabuni to JapanFollowed Funakoshi and Mabuni to Japan

Given room and board at the dojo of KoseiGiven room and board at the dojo of KoseiKokuba, where he taughtKokuba, where he taught

Known asKnown as ““Motobu no SaruMotobu no Saru””

Passed MotobuPassed Motobu--Ha to KokubaHa to Kokuba

Shiro Kuma kataShiro Kuma kata


Kenwa MabuniKenwa Mabuni18891889--19521952

Founder of ShitoFounder of Shito--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--Do c. 1930Do c. 1930

Took name from Itosu and Higaonna, hisTook name from Itosu and Higaonna, histwo primary teacherstwo primary teachers

Today, the Mabuni lineage isToday, the Mabuni lineage iscalled Seito Shitocalled Seito Shito--RyuRyu

Son Kenei is head of styleSon Kenei is head of style 22ndnd SokeSoke

World ShitoWorld Shito--ryu Karateryu Karate--do Federationdo Federation


Kosei KokubaKosei Kokuba19011901--19591959

Began training under Itosu at age 14Began training under Itosu at age 14

Student of Choki Motobu; Motobu taughtStudent of Choki Motobu; Motobu taughtin Kokubain Kokuba’’s dojo in Osaka, Japans dojo in Osaka, Japan

Nidai Soke of MotobuNidai Soke of Motobu--Ha KarateHa Karate--DoDo

Founder of SeishinFounder of Seishin--KanKan

11stst Kaicho of SeishinKaicho of Seishin--KaiKai


SeishinSeishin--KanKan

Informally formed 1940 in Osaka, Japan;Informally formed 1940 in Osaka, Japan;SeishinSeishin--Kan named in 1943Kan named in 1943

Central dojo that attracted Sensei fromCentral dojo that attracted Sensei frommany styles: Shorinmany styles: Shorin--Ryu, ShitoRyu, Shito--RyuRyu……..

The dojo where Shogo Kuniba trained withThe dojo where Shogo Kuniba trained withnoted founders such as Kosei Kokuba andnoted founders such as Kosei Kokuba andKenwa Mabuni and othersKenwa Mabuni and others

The birthplace of MotobuThe birthplace of Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu


First PromotionsFirst PromotionsSeishinSeishin--Kan DojoKan Dojo 19451945


SeishinSeishin--KaiKai

Established in June 1947* Osaka, JapanEstablished in June 1947* Osaka, Japan

Sei Shin translates asSei Shin translates as ““pure heartpure heart””

The first organization to issue MenjoThe first organization to issue Menjo(certificates) recognizing Dan and Kyu(certificates) recognizing Dan and Kyuranks in Motoburanks in Motobu--Ha KarateHa Karate--Do and thenDo and thenMotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--DoDo

First Kaicho, Kosei Kokuba (1947First Kaicho, Kosei Kokuba (1947--1959)1959)


Teruo HayashiTeruo Hayashi19241924--20042004

Began training in 1948 under KoseiBegan training in 1948 under KoseiKokuba at the Seishin Kan DojoKokuba at the Seishin Kan Dojo

22ndnd Kaicho of Seishin Kai (1959Kaicho of Seishin Kai (1959--1968)1968)

HayashiHayashi--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu KaiRyu Kai

Soke of HayashiSoke of Hayashi--HaHa

RengoRengo--Kai 8 DanKai 8 Dan


Kosho KokubaKosho Kokuba19351935--19921992

Also known asAlso known as ““ShogoShogo”” KunibaKuniba

Sandai Soke of MotobuSandai Soke of Motobu--Ha KarateHa Karate--DoDo

Shodai Soke of MotobuShodai Soke of Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu

MotobuMotobu--Ha & MabuniHa & Mabuni--HaHa

33rdrd Kaicho of SeishinKaicho of Seishin--KaiKai

Posthumous 10Posthumous 10thth Dan awardedDan awarded

by Japan Karate Federationby Japan Karate Federation


MotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu

Created by Shogo Kuniba in 1956 as aCreated by Shogo Kuniba in 1956 as asynthesis of Motobusynthesis of Motobu--Ha KarateHa Karate--DoDo(learned from Kosei Kokuba) and Shito(learned from Kosei Kokuba) and Shito--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--Do (learned from KenwaDo (learned from KenwaMabuni and Ryusei Tomoyori)Mabuni and Ryusei Tomoyori)

Other influences enriched the styleOther influences enriched the style

Shogo Kuniba was the Shodai Soke of thisShogo Kuniba was the Shodai Soke of thisnew sect of Shitonew sect of Shito--RyuRyu


GenealogyGenealogy(from Instructor(from Instructor’’s Handbook 1981)s Handbook 1981)


ContributionsContributions

MotobuMotobu--Ha KarateHa Karate--Do from Kosei KokubaDo from Kosei Kokuba

KihonKihon

Ippon KumiteIppon Kumite

ShitoShito--Ryu from Kenwa Mabuni and RyuseiRyu from Kenwa Mabuni and RyuseiTomoyoriTomoyori

Open Hand Kata from the ShuriOpen Hand Kata from the Shuri--Te andTe andNahaNaha--Te lineageTe lineage


Ryusei TomoyoriRyusei Tomoyori

Ryusei (Takamasa) Tomoyori was aRyusei (Takamasa) Tomoyori was astudent of Kenwa Mabuni in Osakastudent of Kenwa Mabuni in Osaka

In 1939, with MabuniIn 1939, with Mabuni’’s permission, hes permission, hefounded Kenyufounded Kenyu--Ryu (the Ken comes fromRyu (the Ken comes fromKenwa, the Yu comes from an alternateKenwa, the Yu comes from an alternatereading of one character in Tomoyori)reading of one character in Tomoyori)

Kosho Kuniba studied under TomoyoriKosho Kuniba studied under Tomoyorifrom 1945from 1945--19551955


Other Influential SenseiOther Influential Sensei

The style of Shogo Kuniba was enrichedThe style of Shogo Kuniba was enrichedby studying other styles and other forms ofby studying other styles and other forms ofbudo from:budo from: Shoshin NagamineShoshin Nagamine

Shinken TairaShinken Taira

Kenko NakaimaKenko Nakaima

Asakichi ItoAsakichi Ito

Gozo ShiodaGozo Shioda

Ishii GogetsuIshii Gogetsu


Shoshin NagamineShoshin Nagamine19071907--19971997

21 year old Kosho Kokuba spent about21 year old Kosho Kokuba spent aboutone year in Naha, Okinawa where heone year in Naha, Okinawa where hestudied Shorinstudied Shorin--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--Do underDo underShoshin NagamineShoshin Nagamine

Influence of ShorinInfluence of Shorin--Ryu kata can be seenRyu kata can be seenin Motobuin Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu

Nagamine also visited SeishinNagamine also visited Seishin--Kan DojoKan Dojo

in Osaka in the 1950sin Osaka in the 1950s


Shinken TairaShinken Taira18971897--19701970

Shinken Taira was a noted Kobudo masterShinken Taira was a noted Kobudo master

Kosho Kokuba trained with him inKosho Kokuba trained with him inOkinawa in the midOkinawa in the mid--1950s1950s

Taira influenced the styles of MotobuTaira influenced the styles of Motobu--HaHaand Hayashiand Hayashi--HaHa

TairaTaira--Ha kobudo is widelyHa kobudo is widely

practiced todaypracticed today


Kenko NakaimaKenko Nakaima19111911--19891989

Son of Kenchi Nakaima; grandson of KenriSon of Kenchi Nakaima; grandson of KenriNakaima, who founded RyueiNakaima, who founded Ryuei--Ryu as aRyu as astyle of Karatestyle of Karate--Do in the late 1900sDo in the late 1900s

Kosho Kokuba learned aspects of RyueiKosho Kokuba learned aspects of Ryuei--Ryu while visiting Okinawa 1955Ryu while visiting Okinawa 1955--5656

Elements of this style merged with otherElements of this style merged with otherkarate variations taught by Kosho Kokubakarate variations taught by Kosho Kokuba


Unique BunkaiUnique Bunkai

Soke Shogo Kuniba was one, if not theSoke Shogo Kuniba was one, if not thefirst, karate sensei to incorporate complexfirst, karate sensei to incorporate complexBunkai (practical applications) into kataBunkai (practical applications) into katatrainingtraining

Bunkai were derived and created from theBunkai were derived and created from thetechniques of Judo/Jiutechniques of Judo/Jiu--Jitsu and AikidoJitsu and Aikido

Many Bunkai and Ippon Kumite patternsMany Bunkai and Ippon Kumite patternsfound their way into Goshinfound their way into Goshin--BudoBudo


Asakichi ItoAsakichi Ito

A young Kosho Kokuba began studyingA young Kosho Kokuba began studyingJudo from Asakichi Ito, an OsakaJudo from Asakichi Ito, an Osakapoliceman, who had a big dojo near thepoliceman, who had a big dojo near theKokuba houseKokuba house

No information is available on ItoNo information is available on Ito’’s life ands life andlegacy (via web search)legacy (via web search)

Kosho Kokuba found Judo less to hisKosho Kokuba found Judo less to hisliking than Aikidoliking than Aikido


Gozo ShiodaGozo Shioda19151915--19941994

Gozo Shioda was an outstanding studentGozo Shioda was an outstanding studentof Aikido founder Morihei Ueshibaof Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba

He served in the Imperial Japanese ArmyHe served in the Imperial Japanese Armyduring WW II, continuing Aikido trainingduring WW II, continuing Aikido trainingafter the warafter the war

He founded Yoshinkan in 1955He founded Yoshinkan in 1955

Kosho Kokuba trained with him in the lateKosho Kokuba trained with him in the late1950s1950s


Ishii GogetsuIshii Gogetsu

1414thth Soke MugaiSoke Mugai--Ryu HyoRyu Hyo--Do, an olderDo, an olderstyle of Iaistyle of Iai--jutsujutsu

According to Darrel Craig, in his bookAccording to Darrel Craig, in his book Iai:Iai:The Art of Drawing the Sword,The Art of Drawing the Sword, there arethere areonly two or three schools left in Japan thatonly two or three schools left in Japan thatteach this styleteach this style

Kosho Kuniba learned from Soke IshiiKosho Kuniba learned from Soke IshiiGogetsu and passed techniques alongGogetsu and passed techniques along


Shogo KunibaShogo KunibaJapan Dojo 1969Japan Dojo 1969


Early U.S. FollowersEarly U.S. Followers

Albert ChurchAlbert Church

Richard BaillargeonRichard Baillargeon

Hugh KelleyHugh Kelley


Albert C. ChurchAlbert C. Church19301930--19801980


KamishinKamishin--RyuRyu

Shorinji TetsuShorinji Tetsu--Ken Kamishin Ryu tracesKen Kamishin Ryu tracesit's lineage toit's lineage to Albert C. Church Jr.Albert C. Church Jr.'s'sinherited art ofinherited art of Shorinji Tekken RyuShorinji Tekken Ryu

In 1968, as per the Seishinkai ShihanIn 1968, as per the Seishinkai ShihanCommittee, Kuniba sensei prepared aCommittee, Kuniba sensei prepared ascrollscroll recognizing... "Nippon Kobudorecognizing... "Nippon KobudoKamishin Ryu, Soke, Albert C. Church..."Kamishin Ryu, Soke, Albert C. Church..."and a license as the founderand a license as the founder--PresidentPresident(Kaicho) of the martial ways organization(Kaicho) of the martial ways organizationnamed Nippon Kobudo Rengokainamed Nippon Kobudo Rengokai..


Richard P. BaillargeonRichard P. Baillargeon19301930--19891989


SKKUSKKU--USAUSA

Seishin Kai Karate UnionSeishin Kai Karate Union –– USA BranchUSA Branch

Established in 1964 by returning U.S. AirEstablished in 1964 by returning U.S. AirForce TSgt Richard BaillargeonForce TSgt Richard Baillargeon

Operated from Moody Air Force Base,Operated from Moody Air Force Base,Valdosta, GAValdosta, GA

Became an eclectic mix of styles, butBecame an eclectic mix of styles, butintroduced Motobuintroduced Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu to manyRyu to manypractitionerspractitioners


Hugh KelleyHugh Kelley19401940--


UMAAIUMAAI

United Martial Arts AssociationUnited Martial Arts AssociationInternational, founded by Hugh KelleyInternational, founded by Hugh Kelley

PropagatesPropagates ““KokubashinKokubashin”” version ofversion ofMotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--DoDo

Shuseki Shihan Kelley is recognized asShuseki Shihan Kelley is recognized as99thth Dan by the World MotobuDan by the World Motobu--HaHaShitoShito--Ryu Karate AssociationRyu Karate Association


Shogo KunibaShogo KunibaMobile, AL 1971Mobile, AL 1971


Gathering of U.S. InstructorsGathering of U.S. InstructorsMobile, AL 1971Mobile, AL 1971


USA HonbuchoUSA Honbucho

Richard P. Baillargeon, 1964Richard P. Baillargeon, 1964--7474

Darrel Craig, 1974Darrel Craig, 1974--7878

William Price, 1978William Price, 1978--8080

James Herndon, 1980James Herndon, 1980--8282

After 1983, Shogo Kuniba moved to theAfter 1983, Shogo Kuniba moved to theU.S. and assumed Honbucho role untilU.S. and assumed Honbucho role until

William Price, 1992William Price, 1992--9494……


NKJUNKJU

National Karate and JiuNational Karate and Jiu--Jitsu UnionJitsu Union

Founded in 1974, when KunibaFounded in 1974, when Kuniba--SokeSokevisited many SKKUvisited many SKKU--USA dojoUSA dojo

Shihan Richard P. Baillargeon, 5Shihan Richard P. Baillargeon, 5thth DanDan(1930(1930--1989), became1989), became ““SokeSoke””

Many dojo from SKKUMany dojo from SKKU--USA joined theUSA joined thenew NKJUnew NKJU


SKMASKMA

SeishinSeishin--Kai Martial Arts, Inc.Kai Martial Arts, Inc.

Formed in 1983; dissolved 1996Formed in 1983; dissolved 1996

U.S. Corporation, Virginia charter, toU.S. Corporation, Virginia charter, torepresent Seishinrepresent Seishin--Kai in AmericaKai in America

Board of Directors: Soke Shogo Kuniba,Board of Directors: Soke Shogo Kuniba,Judy Kuniba, Dr. J.L. Nakanishi, GaryJudy Kuniba, Dr. J.L. Nakanishi, GaryNaigle, Ron Baker, Rick McElroyNaigle, Ron Baker, Rick McElroy


ChikubuChikubu--KaiKai

Established in 1995 to further theEstablished in 1995 to further theteachings of Soke Shogo Kunibateachings of Soke Shogo Kuniba

MeansMeans ““Bamboo WarriorBamboo Warrior”” OrganizationOrganization

Headed by WilliamHeaded by William ““BillBill”” Price, who is thePrice, who is the““SokeSoke”” of Kunibaof Kuniba--Ha KarateHa Karate--DoDo

KunibaKuniba--Ryu GoshinRyu Goshin--DoDo

Goichi Kobayashi advisorGoichi Kobayashi advisor


The Japan TraditionThe Japan Tradition

Kunio TatsunoKunio Tatsuno……..

Kosuke KunibaKosuke Kuniba……..

Kozo KunibaKozo Kuniba……..


Kunio TatsunoKunio Tatsuno19421942--19991999

Student of Kosei Kokuba until 1959Student of Kosei Kokuba until 1959

SeishinSeishin--Kai Shihan and Soke DaikoKai Shihan and Soke Daiko

Succeeded Shogo Kuniba in 1992Succeeded Shogo Kuniba in 1992

Nidai Soke of MotobuNidai Soke of Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu

44thth Kaicho of SeishinKaicho of Seishin--KaiKai

WKPFWKPF –– Karate to the OlympicsKarate to the Olympics

Tragic death in OsakaTragic death in Osaka


ISKUISKU

International SeishinInternational Seishin--Kai Karate UnionKai Karate Union

Formed in 1998 by Kunio TatsunoFormed in 1998 by Kunio Tatsuno--SokeSokeas an extension of Seishinas an extension of Seishin--Kai of JapanKai of Japan

Accepted members from around the worldAccepted members from around the worldin an attempt to gain support for the Worldin an attempt to gain support for the WorldKarateKarate--Do Promotion Foundation and itsDo Promotion Foundation and itsdrive to get karate into the Olympicsdrive to get karate into the Olympics


KunibaKuniba--KaiKai

Formed in 1999, after death of TatsunoFormed in 1999, after death of Tatsuno

Recognized by Nippon KarateRecognized by Nippon Karate--Do RengoDo Rengo--Kai as sole organizational sponsor ofKai as sole organizational sponsor ofMotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu KarateRyu Karate--DoDo

Kosuke Kuniba, Japan SokeKosuke Kuniba, Japan Soke

Kozo Kuniba, Kaicho & International Soke,Kozo Kuniba, Kaicho & International Soke,KunibaKuniba--Kai Kokusai Budo RenmeiKai Kokusai Budo Renmei


Kosuke KunibaKosuke Kuniba19581958--

First son of Shogo KunibaFirst son of Shogo Kuniba

Sandai Soke of MotobuSandai Soke of Motobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--RyuRyu


Kozo KunibaKozo Kuniba19601960--

Second son of Shogo KunibaSecond son of Shogo Kuniba

Soke of KunibaSoke of Kuniba--Kai Kokusai Budo RenmeiKai Kokusai Budo Renmei

11stst Kaicho, KunibaKaicho, Kuniba--KaiKai


SISKUSISKU

SeishinSeishin--Kai International ShitoKai International Shito--RyuRyuKarateKarate--Do Union (formed in 2006)Do Union (formed in 2006)

Split from ISKU, whose members noSplit from ISKU, whose members nolonger stick to pure Shitolonger stick to pure Shito--RyuRyu

SISKU Members train in an eclecticSISKU Members train in an eclecticvariant of Shitovariant of Shito--Ryu (not MotobuRyu (not Motobu--Ha)Ha)

Headed by Sadatomu Harada, 10Headed by Sadatomu Harada, 10thth DanDan


Sadatomu HaradaSadatomu Harada19361936 --

55thth Kaicho of SeishinKaicho of Seishin--Kai of JapanKai of Japan

Current Honorary President of theCurrent Honorary President of theInternational SeishinInternational Seishin--Kai Karate UnionKai Karate Union

Recently formed SISKURecently formed SISKU

Agrees not to claim MotobuAgrees not to claim Motobu--HaHa

No longer claimsNo longer claims ““SokeSoke””


RecapRecap

Motobu to KokubaMotobu to Kokuba…… Ryukyu Karate onlyRyukyu Karate only

Ryukyu KarateRyukyu Karate--Do MotobuDo Motobu--HaHa

SeishinSeishin--Kan (1940) to SeishinKan (1940) to Seishin--Kai (1943)Kai (1943)

Kokuba to Kuniba (1940Kokuba to Kuniba (1940--59)59)…… MotobuMotobu--HaHa

Mabuni to Kuniba (1945Mabuni to Kuniba (1945--52)52)…… ShitoShito--RyuRyu

MotobuMotobu--Ha ShitoHa Shito--Ryu (named in 1956)Ryu (named in 1956)

KunibaKuniba--Kai (1999)Kai (1999)


Never Forget!Never Forget!

motobumotobu--ha shitoha shito--ryuryu karatekarate--do:do...

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