Shuri-ryu
Encyclopedia
karate
, is an eclectic
martial arts
system developed by Robert Trias
(1923-1989), the first person to teach karate in the mainland United States, who opened the first dojo
in 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona
. Later in 1948 he formed the first karate association in the U.S., The United States Karate Association
(USKA). The USKA became one of the largest karate associations in the country; its membership included almost all of the early top karate instructors.. The style of Shuri-ryū is taught in the United States, parts of Europe, and South America and is related to other Trias styles of karate such as Shōrei-Gōjū-ryū, Shōrei-ryū
, and Shōrei-kai.
karate. Other influences include Naha-te
karate and Xing Yi (Hsing-Yi) Kung Fu.
Trias was first introduced to karate while in the Navy during World War II
, when he was stationed in the Solomon Islands
. Robert Trias in 1942, met T'ung Gee Hsing and began training with him. Hsing practiced the Chinese system of Xingyiquan
and had reportedly cross-trained with Motobu Chōki
in the Okinawan village of Kume Mura several years previously. Later Trias reportedly studied with Hoy Yuan Ping in Singapore in 1944. In addition to these teachers, Trias learned from other martial art teachers, such as Yajui Yamada (Judo
), Gogen Yamaguchi (Gōjū-ryū), Roy Oshiro (Gōjū-ryū), Yasuhiro Konishi, Makoto Gima (Shotokan
, Shitō-ryū), and several others. Both Konishi and Gima served as mentors to Trias instead of in a formal teacher-student relationship.
Konishi, a prominent student of Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, and Kenwa Mabuni, recognized and countersigned Trias' promotion certificate to 9th Dan by the USKA in the 1960s.
Gima was a prominent student of Funakoshi and recognized Trias as 10th Dan in 1983 reaffirming Trias as style head for Shuri-ryū.
(traditional weapons). Several senior sensei also hold high ranks in jujitsu and judo.
Shuri-ryū also has several short combinations. These include: 26 ippon (ippon kumite kata
), which are performed to develop form and power; 10 taezu (taezu naru waza) which are performed to develop speed and fluidity; 30 kihon which are performed to develop fighting technique; 8 sen-te motions; and 7 kogeki-ho to develop attacking and retreating.
In addition, there are additional training exercises including form sparring (kata kumite), focus stance sparring (kime dachi kumite), free exercise (jiyū undō), and free sparring (jiyū kumite).
Besides these forms, Sanchin and Tenshō have alternate ways of performing the forms. Also, the senior sensei
of Shuri-ryū also teach several other forms such as Shudo So and Hakutsuru Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, and Yondan.
Many of the above kata emphasize the use of various animal forms, and the definitions are often reflective of this. For example, Wunsu (Strong Arm Dumping Form or Dragon Boy Dumping Form) uses the tiger form, Anaku refers to a swallow pivoting on a beach, Empisho (First Elbow Form) refers to the flying swallow, and Go Pei Sho refers to a tearing peacock. Some kata will emphasize multiple animal forms, such as Dan Enn Sho, where ten animals are emulated. Also, there are 15 animal body and fist form exercises.
At each rank, the student must also pass a rigorous physical requirement before performing the technical requirements. Running one or two miles (up to green = 1 mile, purple and beyond = 2 miles), lifting 10 or 15 lb weights 75 times over the head (depending on gender), performing 500-1000 front kicks, and various hand technique exercises are commonly used.
Another feature of Shuri-ryū is the position of the thumb of the knife hand strike or block. The thumb and forefinger form a "j" so that the hand may be used in a variety of techniques (ridgehand, spearhand, open-hand throat strikes, etc.) without changing the thumb position.
The Dojo Kun used by the style of Shuri-ryū remains in its intact form, as originally penned by Trias:
Other individuals who were designated Chief Instructors at one time but left Trias are Victor Moore, Phillip Koeppel, John Hutchcroft, and Randy Holman.
Traditionally, a karate system was owned by the family of the founder. Thus, upon Trias' death in 1989, his daughter, Roberta Trias-Kelley, inherited the Shuri-ryū system as style head. Dirk Mosig followed her leadership. Eventually three factions developed from the Shuri-ryū style.
In 1995 John Pachivas appointed Robert Bowles as style head of Shuri-ryū. Bowles founded the International Shuri-ryū Association (ISA) with the following Chief Instructors as Executive Directors: John Pachivas, Ridgely Abele, Pete Rabino, Michael Awad, and Dale Benson. Since then, the International Shuri-ryū Association under Robert Bowles has become the largest organization of Shuri-ryū stylists and has appointed more Chief Instructors and more Assistant Chief Instructors for the ISA.
Currently, there appears to be three strains of Shuri-ryū each, respectively, centering around Roberta Trias-Kelley, Robert Bowles, and Victor Moore
.
The instructors below are either spelled out to be Chief Instructors in "The Pinnacle of Karate" or affiliated with the ISA.
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,...
, is an eclectic
Eclecticism
Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases.It can sometimes seem inelegant or...
martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
system developed by Robert Trias
Robert Trias
Robert A. Trias was a U.S. karate pioneer, founding the first karate school in the mainland United States. He also developed Shuri-ryū karate, an eclectic style with roots in the Okinawan Shuri-te tradition.-Early years:...
(1923-1989), the first person to teach karate in the mainland United States, who opened the first 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...
in 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
. Later in 1948 he formed the first karate association in the U.S., The United States Karate Association
United States Karate Association
The United States Karate Association was the first karate organization on the mainland United States, founded by Robert Trias in 1948.The USKA became one of the largest associations of karate instructors in the nation, and through this organization Trias was also instrumental in setting up and...
(USKA). The USKA became one of the largest karate associations in the country; its membership included almost all of the early top karate instructors.. The style of Shuri-ryū is taught in the United States, parts of Europe, and South America and is related to other Trias styles of karate such as Shōrei-Gōjū-ryū, Shōrei-ryū
Shorei-ryu
is a term which refers to the Naha-Te style of Okinawan karate. Shorei Ryu means "the style of inspiration". It is believed that the term Shorei is derived from the Shoreiji Temple in southern China. The teachings of this temple provided the basis for the Naha-Te style.The Shorei Ryu system was...
, and Shōrei-kai.
History
Shuri-ryū is a style that has a lineage coming from a variety of sources, including Shuri-teOkinawan martial arts
Okinawan martial arts refers to the martial arts which originated among the indigenous people of Okinawa Island in Japan, most notably karate, tegumi, and Okinawan kobudō....
karate. Other influences include Naha-te
Okinawan martial arts
Okinawan martial arts refers to the martial arts which originated among the indigenous people of Okinawa Island in Japan, most notably karate, tegumi, and Okinawan kobudō....
karate and Xing Yi (Hsing-Yi) Kung Fu.
Trias was first introduced to karate while in the Navy during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, when he was stationed in the Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is a sovereign state in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. It covers a land mass of . The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal...
. Robert Trias in 1942, met T'ung Gee Hsing and began training with him. Hsing practiced the Chinese system of Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan is one of the major "internal" or Wudang styles of Chinese martial arts. The word translates approximately to "Form/Intention Boxing", or "Shape/Will Boxing", and is characterized by aggressive, seemingly linear movements and explosive power...
and had reportedly cross-trained with Motobu Chōki
Motobu Choki
The Okinawan karateka , younger brother of karateka Motobu Chōyū, was born in Akahira Village in Shuri, Okinawa, then capital of the Ryūkyū Kingdom....
in the Okinawan village of Kume Mura several years previously. Later Trias reportedly studied with Hoy Yuan Ping in Singapore in 1944. In addition to these teachers, Trias learned from other martial art teachers, such as Yajui Yamada (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...
), Gogen Yamaguchi (Gōjū-ryū), Roy Oshiro (Gōjū-ryū), Yasuhiro Konishi, Makoto Gima (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...
, Shitō-ryū), and several others. Both Konishi and Gima served as mentors to Trias instead of in a formal teacher-student relationship.
Konishi, a prominent student of Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, and Kenwa Mabuni, recognized and countersigned Trias' promotion certificate to 9th Dan by the USKA in the 1960s.
Gima was a prominent student of Funakoshi and recognized Trias as 10th Dan in 1983 reaffirming Trias as style head for Shuri-ryū.
Techniques
In addition to the punches, blocks, and kicks of karate, Shuri-ryū also incorporates joint locks, take-downs and throws, and kobudōOkinawan kobudo
Okinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...
(traditional weapons). Several senior sensei also hold high ranks in jujitsu and judo.
Shuri-ryū also has several short combinations. These include: 26 ippon (ippon kumite 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....
), which are performed to develop form and power; 10 taezu (taezu naru waza) which are performed to develop speed and fluidity; 30 kihon which are performed to develop fighting technique; 8 sen-te motions; and 7 kogeki-ho to develop attacking and retreating.
In addition, there are additional training exercises including form sparring (kata kumite), focus stance sparring (kime dachi kumite), free exercise (jiyū undō), and free sparring (jiyū kumite).
Forms
Shuri-ryū has three form exercises called Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan to prepare the student to learn the 15 core forms (kata):- Wunsu
- AnakuAnakuAnaku is a kata derived from Ananku . It is translated as Expression Pivoting Form, Pivoting Swallow Form, or more the archaic, Swallow Pivoting on a Beach Overlooking the Sunset in the Middle of the Afternoon Form...
- Naihanchi Shō (Tekki Shodan)
- Empi Shō (Wanshu)
- Sanchin
- Tsue Sho No Kon
- Bassai Dai
- Go Pei Shō
- Dan Enn Shō
- Naihanchi Ni (Tekki Nidan)
- Nan Dan shō (NijūshihoNijushihoNijūshiho is an advanced kata practiced in Shotokan karate.The origin of Nijūshiho is unknown, but it is presumed that it originates from one of the Chinese "Dragon" styles. In introducing karate from Okinawa to Japan, Gichin Funakoshi changed the name of the kata from Niseishi to Nijūshiho...
/ Niseishi) - Kankū Shō (Kusanku Shō)
- Tekatana No Sai
- Naihanchi San (Tekki Sandan)
- Ten Shō
Besides these forms, Sanchin and Tenshō have alternate ways of performing the forms. Also, the senior sensei
Sensei
' is a Japanese word that basically means "person born before another." In general usage, it means "master" or "teacher," and the word is used as a title to refer to or address teachers, professors, professionals such as lawyers, CPA and doctors, politicians, clergymen, and other figures of authority...
of Shuri-ryū also teach several other forms such as Shudo So and Hakutsuru Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, and Yondan.
Many of the above kata emphasize the use of various animal forms, and the definitions are often reflective of this. For example, Wunsu (Strong Arm Dumping Form or Dragon Boy Dumping Form) uses the tiger form, Anaku refers to a swallow pivoting on a beach, Empisho (First Elbow Form) refers to the flying swallow, and Go Pei Sho refers to a tearing peacock. Some kata will emphasize multiple animal forms, such as Dan Enn Sho, where ten animals are emulated. Also, there are 15 animal body and fist form exercises.
Ranks
The Shuri-ryū style, like most systems of the martial arts, uses a belt system to designate rank. The appropriate rank is awarded when the student demonstrates a certain level of proficiency when performing the required techniques, kata, etc. The ranking system as spelled out in "The Pinnacle of Karate" by Trias is as follows:- White (hachikyu)
- Yellow (shichikyu)
- Blue (rokyu)
- Green (gokyu)
- Purple (yonkyu)
- Brown (sankyu, nikyu, ikkyu)
- Black (shodan through judan)
At each rank, the student must also pass a rigorous physical requirement before performing the technical requirements. Running one or two miles (up to green = 1 mile, purple and beyond = 2 miles), lifting 10 or 15 lb weights 75 times over the head (depending on gender), performing 500-1000 front kicks, and various hand technique exercises are commonly used.
Identifying features
One characteristic feature of Shuri-ryū is the use of the Shuri fist, in lieu of a standard fist. Instead of curling the index finger when making the fist, the upper half of the index finger is laid flat against the palm, with the thumb curled around the index finger and pushing down between the first and second joints, resulting in a tighter fist and better alignment of the ulna and radius bones with the first two knuckles of the fist.Another feature of Shuri-ryū is the position of the thumb of the knife hand strike or block. The thumb and forefinger form a "j" so that the hand may be used in a variety of techniques (ridgehand, spearhand, open-hand throat strikes, etc.) without changing the thumb position.
The Dojo Kun used by the style of Shuri-ryū remains in its intact form, as originally penned by Trias:
- I shall conduct myself in a manner which will reflect credit upon myself and society.
- I shall be loyal to my school and to the art it teaches.
- I shall be honest and exercise integrity with the purpose of developing cooperation and trust with my fellow karate-ka and my teachers.
- I shall exercise restraint in the use of my karate knowledge, employing it only in fair competition or in defense of my life, my family, or my country.
Chief instructors and senior sensei
Prior to 1989, Trias had designated 8 Chief Instructors of the Shuri-ryū system to perpetuate Shuri-ryū after his passing; Roberta Trias-Kelley, John Pachivas, Robert Bowles, Ridgely Abele, Pete Rabino, Michael Awad, Dale Benson, and Dirk Mosig.Other individuals who were designated Chief Instructors at one time but left Trias are Victor Moore, Phillip Koeppel, John Hutchcroft, and Randy Holman.
Traditionally, a karate system was owned by the family of the founder. Thus, upon Trias' death in 1989, his daughter, Roberta Trias-Kelley, inherited the Shuri-ryū system as style head. Dirk Mosig followed her leadership. Eventually three factions developed from the Shuri-ryū style.
In 1995 John Pachivas appointed Robert Bowles as style head of Shuri-ryū. Bowles founded the International Shuri-ryū Association (ISA) with the following Chief Instructors as Executive Directors: John Pachivas, Ridgely Abele, Pete Rabino, Michael Awad, and Dale Benson. Since then, the International Shuri-ryū Association under Robert Bowles has become the largest organization of Shuri-ryū stylists and has appointed more Chief Instructors and more Assistant Chief Instructors for the ISA.
Currently, there appears to be three strains of Shuri-ryū each, respectively, centering around Roberta Trias-Kelley, Robert Bowles, and Victor Moore
Vic Moore
Victor Moore holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Karate and was one of the late Robert Trias' Chief instructors of the Shuri-ryū Karate system. Moore was one of the first ten original members of the Trias International Society and also studied and trained with William J. Dometrich in the style of...
.
The instructors below are either spelled out to be Chief Instructors in "The Pinnacle of Karate" or affiliated with the ISA.
Chief Instructors
- Roberta Trias-Kelley 10th Dan Arizona
- John Pachivas (deceased) 10th Dan Florida
- Robert BowlesRobert BowlesRobert Bowles is an American Karate teacher and the founder of the International Shuri-Ryu Association. Bowles is a member of the United States Karate Alliance Hall Of Fame.Bowles has studied martial arts for over 35 years...
10th Dan Indiana - Ridgely Abele (deceased) 9th Dan South Carolina
- Pete Rabino 9th Dan California
- Michael Awad 8th Dan Ohio
- Dale Benson 8th Dan Arizona
- Dirk Mosig 8th Dan Nebraska
- Joseph W. Walker 8th Dan Illinois
- Vitus Bilking 8th Dan Denmark
- Dennis Wagner 8th Dan Ohio
- George Sheridan, Jr. 7th Dan Indiana
- Tony Bisanz 7th Dan Arizona
Assistant Chief Instructors
- Sandra Bowles 8th Dan Indiana
- John Linebarger 7th Dan Arizona
- Glenn Wallace 7th Dan Indiana
- Lon Bradfield 7th Dan Colorado
- Niels Larsen 6th Dan Denmark
International Shuri-ryū Association Council members
- Tony Bisanz 7th Dan Arizona
- Sandra Bowles 8th Dan Indiana
- Milt Calander 7th Dan Arizona
- John Linebarger 7th Dan Arizona
- Joseph W. WalkerJoseph W. WalkerJoseph W. Walker is a Chief Instructor of Shuri-ryū karate, the 1970 Midwest Karate Champion, and a two-time United States Karate Alliance World Champion in the Koshiki, or sparring in armor, division...
8th Dan Illinois - Rodolpho Rodriguez 5th Dan Venezuela