| :: Basic Concepts :: |
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The SHORIN-RYU Karate of Okinawa comes from the SHURI-TE style developed by Master Sôkon MATSUMURA. SHORIN-RYU is the pronunciation in Okinawa of the Chinese expression Shaolin which means the small forest, proof of the Chinese influence about the Tode evolution. Thus the Shaolin Quan inheritance is very present, characterised by its movement, including jumps. The specificity of the Shorin-Ryu is the delicacy of the parries. That shows the superiority of the techniques over the physical strength. When we reach a good technical level, the size is not really significant. The power acquisition is more difficult in the Karate Shorin-Ryu than in the others styles. By privileging shorts movements, the capability to get powerful punches seems difficult to reach. Nevertheless, with a regular training, by the time, it is possible to get efficient techniques. Master Katsuya MIYAHIRA explains that the fighting distance that we must get thoroughly is the length of a phalanx ("ishun"); it is enough to get a tremendous kime. The acquisition of such efficiency requires a deep study of the katas. In the Shorin-Ryu style, we start learning karate with the study of the NAIHANSHI katas. These katas allow to strengthen the body of the person, and to develop the power of the short movements. The role of the breath is also primordial. Master MIYAHIRA teaches that the technique to breath must be natural. By inspiration, we lack of strength, and it is just before the end of the expiration that we can get the strength. It is essential to breath naturally so that the opponent can not perceive our breath rhythm. In Shorin-Ryu, the work must be done from inside to outside. Shorin-Ryu Karate is based on the following principle Shin Gi Tai. This principle teaches us that it is not necessary to prioritise one of these 3 items in the practise. It is necessary to work and improve the three all, to get a complete and a stable practise. These 3 items are : SHIN the Mind GI the Method TAI the Body The traditional technique exercises of the Shorin-Ryu Karate improve the strength qualities, the stability, the precision and the speed. This gives to the person who practises karate, the self-assurance for a continuous and harmonious progression of the body and the mind. The work with the training partners also is very significant. We can not improve ourselves if we are not totally interested in the partner progression, and we must gather our energies in common for mutual improvements. To the disposal of the pupils, the Shorin-Ryu Karate offers a large range of different trainings, suitable for every levels and allowing to improve to a very high level. |
KIHON WAZA It is simple techniques for attacks, parries and fluidity of movement (for both hands and feet). Theses techniques also involve the different basic stances such as "moto dachi", "neko ashi dachi", "shiko dachi" and "zen kutsu dachi". KATA The Shorin-Ryu katas are the originals that the first masters of karate (Master MATSUMURA, Master ITOSU) taught. The katas have neither being deformed or altered since. KATA KUMIWAZA The kata is applied with several partners. The kata's movements are not changed. The techniques stop at the same points as in the kata. It allows a good understanding of the kata. KATA OYO It is a free application (imagination) of the kata, while keeping in mind the spirit and the global form of the kata, and as long as it remains plausible, i.e. efficient. The kata can be done in different axis. When the techniques are symmetrical, it is not necessary to perform the techniques on both sides. BUNKAI Kata movements are applied to bring out particular techniques with the kata. Each technique is studied separately (by sequence) in relation to its practical use or uses in a combat situation. BUNKAI OYO Same principle as with Bunkai, but with other possible applications of the techniques with the kata, as long as they remain plausible. It deals with a personal search, keeping in mind the global spirit of the techniques of the kata. DOJO KUMITE It is a combat where the spirit of the Okinawa Karate is kept, i.e. where are privileged parries techniques followed by an attack. KAKIE Exercise of pushing and pulling done by two persons together. The sequence is first done in a flex way, then more and more quickly, and also more and more strongly. All the parts of the body are involved. Thus it allows to bring in mind to the participation of all the body in the realisation of the techniques. KITAEKATA Technique training as well as being a technique to tougher arms, legs and body. SHAISHI It is a training to strength building, especially for the articulations, as well as for the balance. NIGIRI GAME It is a training for movements and displacements, as well as kicking and balance. TETSU GETA It is a training to strength building for legs through kicks. MAKIWARA It is a training to harden the fists by hitting the makiwara (thick stick for the hits). Master ITOSU used to say: "every days, 200 Tsuki at right and left, as without makiwara, there is no Okinawa karate |
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