Shindō jinen-ryū
Encyclopedia
is a form of karate
that was founded in 1933 by .
was born in 1893 in Takamatsu, Kagawa
, Japan
. His martial arts training began at the age of six, in Muso Ryu Jujitsu, which was followed by kendo
when he was 13, and subsequently, Takenouchi-ryū
Jujitsu, a style characterized by strong punches and kicks, similar to those later employed in karate
. In 1915, he entered Keio University
in Tokyo
where he became captain of the school’s kendo
team. Konishi
's first exposure to te (the art form which would later be developed into karate) was through a university classmate named Tsuneshige Arakaki, who was from Okinawa. Konishi
found te techniques to be similar to those he had learned in Jujitsu, and although Arakaki was not a master instructor, Konishi was intrigued by the system. After graduating, Konishi
entered the business world, but also continued coaching Keio University
’s kendo club. The life of a “salary man” was not fulfilling for him, however, and with the encouragement of his wife, Konishi
quit his job in 1923, to open his own martial arts center. Naming his dojo
the Ryobu-Kan ("The House of Martial Arts Excellence"), Sensei Konishi
provided instruction in kendo
and jujitsu.
In September, 1924, Hironori Ohtsuka
, and Gichin Funakoshi
, respectively the future founders of the Wado-Ryu and Shotokan
styles of karate, came to the Keio University
kendo training hall. Approaching Konishi with a letter of introduction from one of the school’s professors, Funakoshi
asked if it would be possible to use the training hall to practice Ryukyu Kempo To-Te Jutsu
. An inquiry like this would have been considered a “challenge” to Sensei Konishi
at the time, and it was unheard of for one martial arts school to allow an instructor from another system to teach in his dojo
. Nonetheless, Konishi
remembered his university friend Arakaki's kata
demonstrations, and accepted Funakoshi
's request in the interest of expanding his own knowledge.
Within a month of joining the Ryobu-Kan - and with Sensei Konishi
's help - Funakoshi
established a to-te practice club at Keio University
, making it the first university karate
club in Japan
. Senseis Konishi
, Funakoshi
, and Ohtsuka
were the principal instructors, and with the addition of to-te to Konishi's curriculum of kendo
, jujitsu, and western boxing, modern karate-jutsu
was born. (Although no names were yet applied to the emerging styles.)
As karate gained popularity, a number of Okinawan masters began traveling to Japan
, and because of Sensei Konishi
's open-mindedness, many of these budoka
(martial artists) visited the Ryobu-Kan to exchange techniques and teach. Among them were Kenwa Mabuni
(founder of Shito-Ryu karate), Chojun Miyagi
(founder of Goju-Ryu karate), and Choki Motobu, one of the most renowned fighters of his day. These three men profoundly influenced Konishi
in various ways, and helped shape his own emerging style of karate. In addition to training with fellow karate
masters, Konishi
also studied under Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
, who would later found aikido
, but who was teaching Daito-Ryu Aikijujitsu at the time. Konishi
considered Ueshiba
the best martial artist he had ever encountered.
Established in 1895, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
("Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society") is the governing Japanese governing body for budo
. It is tasked with encouraging, promoting, and standardizing all martial disciplines and systems in Japan
, and in the early part of the 20th century, it not only set the standards for ranking individual martial artists, but signed all certificates of membership. Already a member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
because of his kendo
and jujitsu training, Konishi felt strongly that karate should become part of Japanese education, and petitioned to have karate
officially recognized as a martial art. However, while the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
continued to award titles in jujitsu and judo
, karate
was not acknowledged until 1935. With eventual recognition, however, came kyoshi
("master instructor") rankings for Konishi, Miyagi
and Sannosuke Ueshima
(the founder of Kushin-Ryu karate
).
required that all budo
have distinct names, and Konishi encouraged his contemporaries to name their individual styles. Taking the Japanese words for "hard" ("go") and "soft" ("ju"), Sensei Miyagi
named his style Goju-Ryu, since it blended hard and soft techniques. Sensei Mabuni
, who had studied under Okinawan to-te masters Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu
and Kanryo Higashionna, named his style Shito-Ryu, combining the first kanji
from each of their names. For Sensei Ohtsuka
, the study of budo
placed one in harmony ("wa") with the universe, and his style became known as Wado-Ryu. Sensei Ueshima
rooted the name Kushin-Ryu ("Sky-Heart") in the concept of harmony between the universe and the individual. And students convinced Sensei Funakoshi
to name his style Shotokan
, after Shoto ("Pine Waves"), his pen name.
For himself, Sensei Konishi
believed that if one lives a moral life, then one is naturally following the divine way. Extending this idea, he posited that, if training in karate
in a natural way leads one to mastery of one's body, knowledge and experience are vastly increased, and the foundation for naturally living a moral life is established. For this reason, and at the recommendation of Morihei Ueshiba
(the founder of Aikido
and Shinto
scholar Danjo Yamaguchi, Konishi
named his own style Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Jutsu ("godly, natural style, complete empty-handed way").
(JKR) is the original and only governing body for Shindo Jinen Ryu. It is an international karate
organization under the leadership of Yasuhiro (Takehiro) Konishi, 10th Dan, son of the soke
, Yasuhiro Konishi
. It has branches in more than 20 countries under the guidance of Kiyoshi Yamazaki, 8th Dan, International Director and Chief Instructor. Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai is the sole governing body for Shindo Jinen Ryu, and it is the only major karate organization that has never experienced an internal schism.
(basics), kata
(forms or patterns of moves), and kumite
(sparring). It incorporates elements of karate
, aikido
, jujitsu, and kendo
in its curriculum, and also emphasizes both philosophy and education. The strong influences of both Gichin Funakoshi
and Kenwa Mabuni
are apparent in the style, and it includes, in addition to its own distinct kata
, versions of all the Shotokan
forms, as well as a number common to Shito-Ryu. The catalog of stances and techniques is equally broad, subsuming methods from both Shotokan
and Shito-Ryu without showing favoritism to either. There is a strong focus on practicality, and an approach that often combines entering strikes with finishing takedowns.
, incorporating variations on the entire Shotokan
catalog, a number of Shito-Ryu forms, and a number of kata
that are exclusive to Shindo Jinen Ryu. Kobudo
is also part of this element of the style's curriculum.
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
that was founded in 1933 by .
Yasuhiro Konishi
Yasuhiro KonishiYasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
was born in 1893 in Takamatsu, Kagawa
Takamatsu, Kagawa
is a city located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan, and is the seat of the prefectural government. It is designated a core city by the Japanese Government. It is a port city located on the Seto Inland Sea, and is the closest port to Honshu from Shikoku island...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. His martial arts training began at the age of six, in Muso Ryu Jujitsu, which was followed by kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
when he was 13, and subsequently, Takenouchi-ryū
Takenouchi-ryu
is one of the oldest jujutsu koryū in Japan. It was founded in 1532, the first year of Tenbun on the twenty-fourth of the sixth lunar month by Takenouchi Chūnagon Daijō Nakatsukasadaiyū Hisamori, the lord of Ichinose Castle in Sakushū...
Jujitsu, a style characterized by strong punches and kicks, similar to those later employed in karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
. In 1915, he entered Keio University
Keio University
,abbreviated as Keio or Keidai , is a Japanese university located in Minato, Tokyo. It is known as the oldest institute of higher education in Japan. Founder Fukuzawa Yukichi originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in Edo . It has eleven campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa...
in Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
where he became captain of the school’s kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
team. Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
's first exposure to te (the art form which would later be developed into karate) was through a university classmate named Tsuneshige Arakaki, who was from Okinawa. Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
found te techniques to be similar to those he had learned in Jujitsu, and although Arakaki was not a master instructor, Konishi was intrigued by the system. After graduating, Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
entered the business world, but also continued coaching Keio University
Keio University
,abbreviated as Keio or Keidai , is a Japanese university located in Minato, Tokyo. It is known as the oldest institute of higher education in Japan. Founder Fukuzawa Yukichi originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in Edo . It has eleven campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa...
’s kendo club. The life of a “salary man” was not fulfilling for him, however, and with the encouragement of his wife, Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
quit his job in 1923, to open his own martial arts center. Naming his dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
the Ryobu-Kan ("The House of Martial Arts Excellence"), Sensei Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
provided instruction in kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
and jujitsu.
In September, 1924, Hironori Ohtsuka
Hironori Ohtsuka
was a Japanese master of karate who created the Wadō-ryū style of karate. He was the first Grand Master of Wadō-ryū karate, and received high awards within Japan for his contributions to karate.-Early life:...
, and Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
, respectively the future founders of the Wado-Ryu and Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
styles of karate, came to the Keio University
Keio University
,abbreviated as Keio or Keidai , is a Japanese university located in Minato, Tokyo. It is known as the oldest institute of higher education in Japan. Founder Fukuzawa Yukichi originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in Edo . It has eleven campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa...
kendo training hall. Approaching Konishi with a letter of introduction from one of the school’s professors, Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
asked if it would be possible to use the training hall to practice Ryukyu Kempo To-Te Jutsu
Ryukyu Kempo
Ryūkyū Kempo is a generic term often used to describe all forms of karate from the Ryūkyū Islands, and more specifically to refer to the particular styles associated with Taika Seiyu Oyata and, without any form of endorsement by Oyata or his organization, with George Dillman.Oyata is credited with...
. An inquiry like this would have been considered a “challenge” to Sensei Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
at the time, and it was unheard of for one martial arts school to allow an instructor from another system to teach in his dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
. Nonetheless, Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
remembered his university friend Arakaki's kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
demonstrations, and accepted Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
's request in the interest of expanding his own knowledge.
Within a month of joining the Ryobu-Kan - and with Sensei Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
's help - Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
established a to-te practice club at Keio University
Keio University
,abbreviated as Keio or Keidai , is a Japanese university located in Minato, Tokyo. It is known as the oldest institute of higher education in Japan. Founder Fukuzawa Yukichi originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in Edo . It has eleven campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa...
, making it the first university karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
club in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Senseis Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
, Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
, and Ohtsuka
Hironori Ohtsuka
was a Japanese master of karate who created the Wadō-ryū style of karate. He was the first Grand Master of Wadō-ryū karate, and received high awards within Japan for his contributions to karate.-Early life:...
were the principal instructors, and with the addition of to-te to Konishi's curriculum of kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
, jujitsu, and western boxing, modern karate-jutsu
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
was born. (Although no names were yet applied to the emerging styles.)
As karate gained popularity, a number of Okinawan masters began traveling to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and because of Sensei Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
's open-mindedness, many of these budoka
Budo
is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
(martial artists) visited the Ryobu-Kan to exchange techniques and teach. Among them were Kenwa Mabuni
Kenwa Mabuni
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan and is creditied as developing the style known as Shitō-ryū .-Achievements:# Funakoshi Gichin learned kata from Kenwa Mabuni: In order to expand his knowledge he sent his son Gigō to study kata in Mabuni's dōjō in Osaka.# Kenwa Mabuni,...
(founder of Shito-Ryu karate), Chojun Miyagi
Chojun Miyagi
was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Goju-ryu school of karate.-Early life and training:Miyagi was born in Higashimachi, Naha, Okinawa on April 25, 1888, the adopted son of a wealthy businessman. He began his study in Karate-do at the age of nine . He first learned martial arts from Ryuko...
(founder of Goju-Ryu karate), and Choki Motobu, one of the most renowned fighters of his day. These three men profoundly influenced Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
in various ways, and helped shape his own emerging style of karate. In addition to training with fellow karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
masters, Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
also studied under Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
, who would later found aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, but who was teaching Daito-Ryu Aikijujitsu at the time. Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
considered Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
the best martial artist he had ever encountered.
Established in 1895, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
is a Japanese martial arts organization established in 1895 in Kyoto, Japan, under the authority of the Ministry of Education and sanction of the Emperor Meiji. Its purpose, at that time, was to standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. This was the first official martial arts...
("Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society") is the governing Japanese governing body for budo
Budo
is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
. It is tasked with encouraging, promoting, and standardizing all martial disciplines and systems in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and in the early part of the 20th century, it not only set the standards for ranking individual martial artists, but signed all certificates of membership. Already a member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
is a Japanese martial arts organization established in 1895 in Kyoto, Japan, under the authority of the Ministry of Education and sanction of the Emperor Meiji. Its purpose, at that time, was to standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. This was the first official martial arts...
because of his kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
and jujitsu training, Konishi felt strongly that karate should become part of Japanese education, and petitioned to have karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
officially recognized as a martial art. However, while the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
is a Japanese martial arts organization established in 1895 in Kyoto, Japan, under the authority of the Ministry of Education and sanction of the Emperor Meiji. Its purpose, at that time, was to standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. This was the first official martial arts...
continued to award titles in jujitsu and judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
was not acknowledged until 1935. With eventual recognition, however, came kyoshi
Japanese honorifics
The Japanese language has many honorifics, parts of speech which show respect, and their use is mandatory in many social situations. Honorifics in Japanese may be used to emphasize social distance or disparity in rank, or to emphasize social intimacy or similarity in rank.The system of honorifics...
("master instructor") rankings for Konishi, Miyagi
Chojun Miyagi
was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Goju-ryu school of karate.-Early life and training:Miyagi was born in Higashimachi, Naha, Okinawa on April 25, 1888, the adopted son of a wealthy businessman. He began his study in Karate-do at the age of nine . He first learned martial arts from Ryuko...
and Sannosuke Ueshima
Sannosuke Ueshima
Kiyotada Sannosuke Ueshima was a Japanese martial arts master who developed and founded the Kushin-ryu style of karate in Osaka, Japan.-Karate-do:...
(the founder of Kushin-Ryu karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
).
Formal Recognition of Karate
The Dai Nippon Butoku KaiDai Nippon Butoku Kai
is a Japanese martial arts organization established in 1895 in Kyoto, Japan, under the authority of the Ministry of Education and sanction of the Emperor Meiji. Its purpose, at that time, was to standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. This was the first official martial arts...
required that all budo
Budo
is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
have distinct names, and Konishi encouraged his contemporaries to name their individual styles. Taking the Japanese words for "hard" ("go") and "soft" ("ju"), Sensei Miyagi
Chojun Miyagi
was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Goju-ryu school of karate.-Early life and training:Miyagi was born in Higashimachi, Naha, Okinawa on April 25, 1888, the adopted son of a wealthy businessman. He began his study in Karate-do at the age of nine . He first learned martial arts from Ryuko...
named his style Goju-Ryu, since it blended hard and soft techniques. Sensei Mabuni
Kenwa Mabuni
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan and is creditied as developing the style known as Shitō-ryū .-Achievements:# Funakoshi Gichin learned kata from Kenwa Mabuni: In order to expand his knowledge he sent his son Gigō to study kata in Mabuni's dōjō in Osaka.# Kenwa Mabuni,...
, who had studied under Okinawan to-te masters Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu
Anko Itosu
is considered by many the father of modern karate, although this title is also often given to Gichin Funakoshi because the latter spread karate throughout Japan.- Biography :...
and Kanryo Higashionna, named his style Shito-Ryu, combining the first kanji
Kanji
Kanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters hanzi that are used in the modern Japanese writing system along with hiragana , katakana , Indo Arabic numerals, and the occasional use of the Latin alphabet...
from each of their names. For Sensei Ohtsuka
Hironori Ohtsuka
was a Japanese master of karate who created the Wadō-ryū style of karate. He was the first Grand Master of Wadō-ryū karate, and received high awards within Japan for his contributions to karate.-Early life:...
, the study of budo
Budo
is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
placed one in harmony ("wa") with the universe, and his style became known as Wado-Ryu. Sensei Ueshima
Sannosuke Ueshima
Kiyotada Sannosuke Ueshima was a Japanese martial arts master who developed and founded the Kushin-ryu style of karate in Osaka, Japan.-Karate-do:...
rooted the name Kushin-Ryu ("Sky-Heart") in the concept of harmony between the universe and the individual. And students convinced Sensei Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
to name his style Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
, after Shoto ("Pine Waves"), his pen name.
For himself, Sensei Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
believed that if one lives a moral life, then one is naturally following the divine way. Extending this idea, he posited that, if training in karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
in a natural way leads one to mastery of one's body, knowledge and experience are vastly increased, and the foundation for naturally living a moral life is established. For this reason, and at the recommendation of Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
(the founder of Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
and Shinto
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
scholar Danjo Yamaguchi, Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
named his own style Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Jutsu ("godly, natural style, complete empty-handed way").
Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai
Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-KaiJapan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai
-Overview:Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai is an international karate organization under the leadership of Yasuhiro Konishi, 10th Dan, son of the organization's founder Yasuhiro Konishi...
(JKR) is the original and only governing body for Shindo Jinen Ryu. It is an international karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
organization under the leadership of Yasuhiro (Takehiro) Konishi, 10th Dan, son of the soke
Soke
The word soke has several meanings:* Soke , an early Western jurisdictional concept.* Soke or eke is a Tongan stick dance, originating from Wallis and Futuna., a Japanese title meaning "head of the family," and is usually used to denote the headmaster of a school of Japanese martial arts.* Soke of...
, Yasuhiro Konishi
Yasuhiro Konishi
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan. He was instrumental in developing modern karate, as well as a driving force in the art's acceptance in Japan. He is credited with developing the style known as Shindo Jinen Ryu ....
. It has branches in more than 20 countries under the guidance of Kiyoshi Yamazaki, 8th Dan, International Director and Chief Instructor. Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai is the sole governing body for Shindo Jinen Ryu, and it is the only major karate organization that has never experienced an internal schism.
Characteristics
Shindo Jinen Ryu training has three main elements: kihonKihon
is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts....
(basics), kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
(forms or patterns of moves), and kumite
Kumite
Kumite means sparring, and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata....
(sparring). It incorporates elements of karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, jujitsu, and kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
in its curriculum, and also emphasizes both philosophy and education. The strong influences of both Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
and Kenwa Mabuni
Kenwa Mabuni
was one of the first karateka to teach karate on mainland Japan and is creditied as developing the style known as Shitō-ryū .-Achievements:# Funakoshi Gichin learned kata from Kenwa Mabuni: In order to expand his knowledge he sent his son Gigō to study kata in Mabuni's dōjō in Osaka.# Kenwa Mabuni,...
are apparent in the style, and it includes, in addition to its own distinct kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
, versions of all the Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
forms, as well as a number common to Shito-Ryu. The catalog of stances and techniques is equally broad, subsuming methods from both Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
and Shito-Ryu without showing favoritism to either. There is a strong focus on practicality, and an approach that often combines entering strikes with finishing takedowns.
Kata
Shindo Jinen Ryu has an expansive repertoire of kataKata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
, incorporating variations on the entire Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
catalog, a number of Shito-Ryu forms, and a number of kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
that are exclusive to Shindo Jinen Ryu. Kobudo
Kobudo
or Ko-budō, a Japanese term meaning "old martial way", may refer to:* Koryū: in contrast to budō, which has become more competitive, a type of martial art which has kept its ancient mode of training and has been preserved and handed down from generation to generation .* Okinawan kobudō: the martial...
is also part of this element of the style's curriculum.
| Traditional Katas | Standard Katas | Kobudo | Additional Kata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tai Sabaki Shodan | Heian Shodan | Suna Kake No Kon | Shisochin |
| Tai Sabaki Nidan | Heian Nidan | Shushi No Kon Dai | Saifa |
| Tai Sabaki Sandan | Heian Sandan | Shushi No Kon Sho | Kururunfa |
| Seiryu | Heian Yondan | Sakugawa No Kon | Tomari Bassai |
| Rohai | Heian Godan | Tozan No Kama | |
| Naifanchin | Tekki Shodan | Ishimine No Tonfa | |
| Anan Annan (kata) is a karate kata, which implies that it is a technique consisting of a sequence of movements for offense and defense. The origin as well as its creator is anonymous, leaving assumptions about the subject, that would come from a Chinese master who lived in Okinawa and influenced the Tomari-te style,... |
Tekki Nidan | Hama Hi Ga No Tonfa | |
| Chatan Yara No Koshokun | Tekki Sandan | Ishimine No Sai | |
| Nipaipo | Bassai Dai | Tsuken Shita Ha Ku No Sai | |
| Pinan Shodan | Bassai Sho | Hama Hi Ga No Sai | |
| Pinan Nidan | Kanku Dai | Tawa Ta No Sai | |
| Pinan Sandan | Kanku Sho | Chatan Yara No Sai | |
| Pinan Yondan | Empi | Ya Ka No Sai | |
| Pinan Godan | Jitte | Ha Ni Tagawa No Sai | |
| Suparimpei | Jiin | Jigen No Sai | |
| Jion | Kojo | ||
| Gankaku | |||
| Hangetsu | |||
| Nijushiho | |||
| Sochin | |||
| Chintei | |||
| Sanchin | |||
| Seipai | |||
| Unsu | |||
| Gojushiho Dai | |||
| Gojushiho Sho | |||
| Seienchin |
Sources
- Japanese Karate, Volume 1: Shindo Jinen Ryu. [Motion Picture]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Tsunami Productions. 1998
- Japanese Karate, Volume 2: Ryobukai and Shotokan. [Motion Picture]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Tsunami Productions. 1998
- Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai Instructors Manual. 1996