Fred Altensee Dai Sempai When you practice, what do you think about? Is your mind focused on the task at hand or are you somewhere else?  Many students give the impression that they are not “fully in the moment.”  Why is this?  It can be that they are dwelling on outside commitments.  If this is [...]

At the time when there was a council concerning the promotion of a certain man, the councilmembers were at the point of deciding that promotion was useless because of the fact that the man had previously been involved in a drunken brawl.  But someone said, “If we were to cast aside every man who had made a mistake once, useful men could probably not be come by. A man who makes a mistake once will be considerably more prudent and useful because of his repentance. I feel that he should be promoted.”

Someone else then asked, “Will you guarantee him?”
The man replied, “Of course I will.”
The others asked, “By what will you guarantee him?”
And he replied, “I can guarantee him by the fact that he is a man who has erred once. A man who has never once erred is dangerous.”  This said, the man was promoted.

A certain swordsman in his declining years said the following:

In one’s life, there are levels in the pursuit of study.  In the lowest level, a person studies but nothing comes of it, and he feels that both he and others are unskillful.  At this point he is worthless.  In the middle level he is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others.  In a higher level he has pride concerning his own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in his fellows.  This man has worth.  In the highest level a man has the look of knowing nothing.

These are the levels in general.  But there is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all.  This person is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into a certain Way and never thinks of himself as having finished.  He truly knows his own insufficiencies and never in his whole life thinks he has succeeded.  He has no thoughts of pride but with self-abasement knows the Way to the end.  In is said that Master Yagyu once remarked, “I do not know the way to defeat others, but the way to defeat myself.”

Throughout your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never-ending.

Part Two Tang Sho Dau he full name of this system is Tang Sho Dau/Shur Dau Kwai-Ching Lung Go Su Kwan, meaning “Way of the Chinese Fist, School of Learning the Green Dragon Martial Arts of China.” Popular legend asserts that the various methods of empty hand fighting originated in China and India. It does [...]

Research indicates that a few key figures were immensely influential in the development and propagation of what came to be known as karate.  Most systems of Okinawa and, subsequently, Japan, trace their lineage back to the same principal figures.  Following are the short biographies of the masters whose contributions were integral in the development of Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu.

Chatan Yara  (1668-1756) studied in China at the age of 12 under Wong Chung-yoh (Hsing-I and Chi-Kung). He was a master of Okinawan weapons and introduced the concept of chi to Okinawa-Te.

Takahara Pichin (1683-1762) was a student of Chatan Yara and also studied in China.

Tode Sakugawa (1733-1815) began training under Takahara Pichin at the age of 17.  He also trained under Kushanku for about 6 years and is credited with introducing the kata Kushanku, although it is unknown if Kushanku taught him the kata intact or if he developed the kata based upon Kushanku’s teachings. Kushanku was a Chinese military attache’ who was sent to Okinawa on a diplomatic mission. Kushanku is said to be the originator of the method of striking unique to karate in which the striking fist is chambered at the side and twisted, in corkscrew fashion, toward the opponent as it is extended.  Tode Sakugawa established the first public dojo in Okinawa and is credited with combining the techniques of Chinese Ch’uan-fa (Kempo in Japanese) and Okinawa Te to form the basis of what became karate.

Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura (1797-1889) trained under Sakugawa for nearly 10 years and also trained at the Shaolin Temple (note- Shaolin is the Mandarin term, Sil Lum is Cantonese) for many years.  Matsumura is credited with being the founder of Shorin-Ryu.

Ankoh Itosu (1830-1915) was a student of Matsumura who was immensely influential, with many famous and notable students, among them Gichin Funakoshi (1869-1957). Funakoshi was chosen to introduce karate to Japan and also changed the method of writing the characters for karate, originally depicting “China (Tang) Hand” to those meaning “Empty Hand.”  Itosu, who developed the Heian (Pinan) kata, gave the first public demonstration in 1903 and was responsible for the introduction of karate into the Okinawan public school system.

The importance of learning the history of karate should not be underestimated, but unfortunately most people don’t have the patience to memorize all the details. Usually I recommend my students to relieve their daily stress by playing mahjong games offered at http://online-casino-canada.ca, but of course, this is certainly not for everyone.

Kanuro Higaonna (1853-1915) was another student of Matsumura, who also studied for many years in China under Liu Liu Ko, a Kempo master.  Higaonna developed a unique system of Nata-Te, integrating hard and soft movements.

Choki Motobu (1871-1944) trained with many masters, among them Itosu.  Motobu was not indoctrinated into the family system of fighting, as that privilege was reserved for his brother, Choyu Motobu–the first born son.  Choki Motobu was not accepted for very long in any dojo, due to his propensity for street fighting and brawling.  Motobu was exceptionally powerful and was nicknamed “Monkey King” because of his great agility and leaping ability. Motobu was notorious for challenging other masters and greatly resented the fact that Funakoshi was chosen to introduce karate to Japan. Motobu underwent a personal transformation in later years and, in 1922, went to Japan to assist in the propagation of  karate. Motobu returned to Okinawa in 1936 and became a student and friend of Kentsu Yabu, the only man other than  Choyu Motobu to defeat him.  After his return to Okinawa, the changed Motobu was accorded the respect due to him as a great karate master.  Motobu was a firm believer in makiwara training and was a proponent of the kata Naihanchin.  Motobu established a very strong, practical fighting influence to what became Shito Ryu.

Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1953) was a student of Itosu and Higaonna. Mabuni was extremely close to Itosu and when Itosu died, Mabuni built a shrine in front of his grave and remained nearby for a year, practicing kata.  Mabuni, an Okinawan police officer, was extremely eclectic, studying numerous styles and methodologies.  In 1929, Mabuni moved permanently to Osaka, teaching at various dojo.  Mabuni initially called his style Hanko Ryu (half-hard style), but, by the early 1930′s, Shito Ryu was the official name.  Mabuni coined this name to honor his foremost sensei, Itosu and Higaonna. Shito Ryu is literally Itosu-Higaonna system, coined by alternate renderings of the pronunciation of the kanji for their names.

Kosei Kuniba (1900-1959) was a student of Motobu and Mabuni.  Kosei Kuniba paid homage to his sensei, calling the system he founded Motobu-ha Shito Ryu.

Shiyogo Kuniba (1935-1992) was Kosei’s son.  At his father’s insistence, Shiyogo Kuniba became expert in numerous arts in addition to karate, including Aikido, Kyu-Do (bow and arrow), Iai-Do, Judo and Kobudo.  Shiyogo Kuniba was considered to be one of the foremost martial arts experts in the world.

Richard Baillargeon (1930-1989) was a leading student of Shiyogo Kuniba and was granted permission to represent and foster the growth of Motobu-ha Shito Ryu in the United States.  Master Baillargeon was an expert in karate, JuJitsu, and Pakistani Stick fighting, among other disciplines.  He founded the National Karate JuJitsu Union to give American martial artists an opportunity to control their own destiny in a forum open to all styles.  Master Baillargeon remained very close to Shiyogo Kuniba until his untimely death in 1989.  After his death, the National Karate JuJitsu Union split into several factions, some of which are still extant.

Shift left into cat stance with open rectangular block.

Pivot and repeat to opposite side.

Step left into left leg fore balance with staggered low x-block.

Step forward in right cat stance with reinforced side block.

Pivot to left with left hammer fist. Execute left front kick, land right fore balance with reinforced right elbow to head.

Slide right foot to left, pivot and repeat sequence to other side.

Pivot to left in left fore balance with open rising block, reverse knife hand to head.

Execute right front kick to head. Land right leg forward with reinforced back fist.

Pivot into left cat stance with side block. Execute right front kick; land into sanchin with double punch to center.

Pivot and repeat sequence to other side.

Turn to left in cat stance with reinforced side block.

Repeat twice, ending up with left leg forward.

Drive hands upward then cross over to trap. Bring right knee up to smash while pulling hands down.

Land opposite direction in left cat stance with knife hand block.

Fold for knife hand and look to right. Pick up front leg and slide over (heel to toe) into right cat stance (45-degree angle) with knife hand block.

Right foot comes back to close.

Fred Altensee, Dai Sempai
May 2001

Last time we addressed the concerns many martial artists have in regard to weight training and the unwarranted fear that weight training will cause a loss of flexibility and speed.  I hope that by now each of you realizes that weight training using proper form and technique will help stabilize stances and make kicks stronger and more focused.  Just remember to thoroughly stretch after your warm-up and after you finish your leg workout.  As with any training, consult your physician prior to embarking upon a weight training routine.  Here are a few excellent exercises.

• Squats – using either a bar or dumbbells, lower to a position that is comfortable to you.  Make sure to keep your back straight and breathe in as you lower, out as you rise.  Do not allow the knees to turn inward or outward during the movement. Under no circumstances should you use momentum or allow yourself to bounce at the bottom of the movement.  Perform squats in a deliberate, controlled manner.  Use no more weight that you can control.  Perform 4 to 6 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
• Leg Extensions – this is an excellent exercise to do after squats.  Extend the legs (this movement can also be done one leg at a time, which is particularly beneficial for rehabilitation) in a controlled fashion and pause at the top of the extension.  Do not lock the knees out at the top.  Use a very light weight and perform 3 to 4 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
• Leg Curls – this movement should be done using a light weight, making sure to bring the leg up fully.  Do not allow your back to arch upward while raising the weight.  Make sure to stretch after this movement as it can cause tightness in  the hamstrings.  Perform 2 to 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.

Naturally, the calves also need attention.  Calf raises are an excellent movement.  Stand upon a stable support that allows you to lower your body to a comfortable stretch and then rise up and fully squeeze your calf muscle.  Do not allow your knees to lock out during this exercise.  Perform 3 to 4 sets of high repetitions (25-50) and you will find your own body weight more than adequate.

Of course, performing Mullins exercises on the days you don’t do weight training will keep your kicks sharp and focused. A few weeks of weight training in conjunction with Mullins exercises should do wonders for your technique!

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Fleet Admiral Step out to left in back balance with high spread eagle block. Step forward in right fore balance with reverse right knife hand strike, left palm comes back to forehead. Pivot through to opposite direction in right back balance with knife hand block. Step forward in left fore balance with left spear to [...]

Students of Kantetsu Ryu Karate, this page is for you! Here you will find photos from classes and clinics, as well as test results and class photos, as well as the schedule for upcoming events. This page will be updated often, so bring in your photos for posting on the web. Students new and old are encouraged to check out the photographs from the archives of Olympic Karate.  Elsewhere in our site you will find interesting information which should prove very educational for students wishing to learn more about their Kantetsu Ryu lineage and history .  Our deepest appreciation goes out to Mr. Lorance, Mr. Tinkes, and all of the eminent teachers who came before them. Our goal is to carry on the tradition of Kantetsu Ryu Karate in a spirit of humility and hard work.  With the help of our many wonderful students, Kantetsu Ryu Karate will continue to grow and reflect well upon those who gave so much of themselves to make it possible.

The following books are recommended to the interested student to increase awareness and insight into the Martial Arts.  They are listed in no particular order.  This list is by no means inclusive of all the excellent references available, it is intended merely as a starting point from which to grow.

• A Book of Five Rings – Miyamoto Musashi
• The Classical Man – Richard Kim
• Moving Zen – C. W. Nichol
• The Art of War – Sun Tzu
• The Art of Worldly Wisdom – Balthasar Gracian
• Bushido – Inazo Nitobe
• Bubishi – Translations by George Alexander and Patrick McCarthy
• Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts, Koryu Uchinadi – Patrick McCarthy
• Okinawa, Island of Karate – George W. Alexander
• Autumn Lighting – Dave Lowry
• The Way and the Power – Fredrick Lovret
• Karate-Do, My Way of Life – Gichin Funakoshi
• The Way of the Warrior – Reid and Croucher
• Okinawan Karate – Mark Bishop
• Martial Arts – Michel Random
• Zen and Japanese Culture – Daisetz Suzuki
• Living the Martial Way – Forrest E. Morgan
• Hagakure:The Book of the Samurai – Yamamoto Tsunetomo