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Chitoryu Karate
By A. Sonny Palabrica
 About the fourteenth century,
Okinawa was greatly influenced, politically and culturally, by the imperious
Chinese. Later an interchange of culture began. The village of Chuje became
dominantly Chinese as they migrated and streamed into this village with an
intense desire to learn, as well as to teach a culture that would later have
a profound derivative effect on the world.
Eventually, Kung Fu or Tode Kempo was introduced to the Okinawans. Although
it differed slightly from the Okinawan's Kumiai-Jutsu of bushite, the
similarity, as well as the contrasting forms, helped knead an influential
and distinguished form of martial art. It was not, however, until the
demilitarization periods that the art began its long persevering road which
eventually developed into what we know today as Karate.
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| Dr. Tsayoshi Chitose, 10th Degree (Judan),
founder of Chitoryu Karate and president of All Japan Karatedo
Federation. |
Although Karate was secretly taught during the first demilitarization period
1479-1526, it was not until the second demilitarization period that Karate
began to mold itself into an esteemed art.
The Satsuma Clan of Kagoshima, Japan, invaded and overran Okinawa in 1609.
Shimazo Satsuma confiscated everything resembling weapons, and Shuri
government's swordsmith was forbidden to manufacture swords even though it
was for ceremonial use only. In 1669, the import of any form of weapons were
proscribed, and everyone adhered strictly to that law.
Consequently, two important schools of Karate were secretly organized and
flourished furtively during that period. These two schools ushered into the
world a galaxy of ideals which were later branched into differing styles-
Shorin, Goju, Wado, Shito, Uechi, Chito and perhaps by now many more. Each
school of thought is organized separately Kyo Kai, Kiyokushin Kai, Goju Kai,
Zenbukan, Shoto Kan, Zen Nippon Karatedo (All Japan Karatedo Federation),
and each organization has by now branched into the United States with
affiliating headquarters throughout the states. The All Japan Karatedo
Federation has its headquarters in Kumamoto, Japan. The president and
supreme instructor is Master Tsuyoshi Chitose, Judan- ( 10th degree). He is
one of the highest ranking karatekas in the world, and is the founder of
Chito Ryu Karate. The United States headquarters is located in Honolulu,
Hawaii, and is under the direction of Tommy T. Morita, 7th degree.
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| Dr. Chitose demonstrates a defense against a
sword attack. |
The philosophy of the AJKF stresses the conditioning of body and mind before
the actual practice of self defense. This teaching comes in three phases.
Phase 1, the physical fitness aspect of this training covers the Karate
techniques. The basic exercises are for conditioning and learning the
stances, body shifting and movements, hand techniques (blocking, punching,
and striking), foot techniques (kicking and sweeping) and breathing.
The formal exercise or kata is formulated into fixed patterns and set
sequences, but the ideals differ with each school. Kumite is known as
sparring technique, and there are various types of sparring ki hon kumite.
The beginners practice in a formal manner with prearranged movements. Then
they advance to ippon kumite, a one-blow type of sparring with predetermined
targets, practiced in semi-free style.
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| Kokusai Kan's Black Belters perform "chinto"
kata in a demonstration in Honolulu, Hawaii. |
Jyu kumite is free-style sparring where nothing is prearranged and is
practiced with protective equipment, similar to that used in Kendo training.
The men (head and face protector), do (Chest armor), tare (waist band) and
kote (gauntlet). The kote is replaced at times with lightweight boxing
gloves.
Correct form must always be maintained throughout each practice and
tournament match. Although they are equipped with protective equipment,
strict supervision is enforced at all times to prevent anyone from executing
dangerous techniques or acts that are liable to cause injury, and swinging
wildly is prohibited. In order to engage in jyu kumite successfully and with
equal confidence, a karateist must first be familiar with the basic methods
and tactics of free-style fighting. These include various combinations of
offensive and defensive maneuvers, striking, and kicking combinations,
feints, throwing, etc.
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| Instructor Harry Keolanui applies technique
against multiple attacks. His attackers are (left to right) John Demars,
Ken Williams, and Don Christoffelsen. |
Most schools of Karate use a basic stance and style in jyu kumite during the
introductory stage. Later on the students develop styles of their own as
they progress through proper training.
Phase two, which covers the mental and moral training, goes hand in hand
with physical training. To perform any technique correctly it must first be
thoroughly understood, and student must have a clear and alert mind.
Meditation is a fine example of mental training. It clears the mind of all
thoughts with serene confidence. It can be done while sitting, standing or
in motion. Another method is the concentration of form. This can be done by
trying to picture a single object in one's mind or by trying to place the
mind on a chosen area.
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| Billy Hiona and Ken Williams face each other
in a sparring match (jyu kumite.) |
There is also a vigilance practice which test one's alertness. While the
students are standing at attention or sitting in a formation with head and
eyes facing directly forward, the instructor, armed with a shinai (bamboo
sword), strikes anyone at random from behind. The reaction is to either kiai
before struck or turn quickly and block the striking force and at the same
time be prepared to counter attack.
The mental and moral aspect of Karate are charted in the by-laws and
resolutions which must be memorized, understood, and applied at all times.
These are mainly the restrictions in the use and abuse of Karate. It
emphasizes fairness, tolerance, patience, diligence, courtesy, sincerity,
and constant striving to better oneself spiritually, mentally, and
physically.
When Karate training is limited to that of phases 1 and 2 it really should
be referred to as karatedo. Karatedo emphasizes the training of Karate as a
sport; mainly in the areas of the kata and jyu kumite. Since Karatedo
training pits one karateist against another in jyu kumite, it can
successfully be applied as self-defense.
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| Dr. Chitose watches Tommy T. Morita (center),
7th degree (Shichi-dan), uses "sai" defense against a "bo" |
Although the freestyle fighting is highly effective, it is not necessary at
times. A person can get out of a situation by the use of a simple wrist-hold
or trip or whatever the case may be.
The third phase, the self-defense phase, stresses defensive act in various
situations. Ideal self-defense tactics are those that take the shortest
routes and overcome adversaries with the least amount of effort. This not
only conserves one's strength but also delivers a psychological effect that
usually discourages any further attack.
In a thorough Karate program, a person builds a strong and healthy body,
acquires self-confidence and discipline, and learns the art of self-defense.
Since Karatedo is gaining tremendous popularity and acclamation throughout
the world as a competitive sport, it would not be surprising if it be
included in the Olympics in a not too distant future.
Black Belt Magazine Inc,.
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