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Motobu Gotente
Introduction to 1966 Takeshi Onaga Mr. Takeshi Onaga ・Born in 1943. He became a student of Sensei Uehara Seikichi at the same time he entered high school (1959). He had done some Goju-ryu before he started. The reason I started studying with him … Continue reading
Karate had kuden (oral transmission)
The true techniques of karate were taught through kuden. Itosu Ankō In the “Ten Articles of the Karate Mind,” or the so-called “Itosu Ten Precepts” (1908), written by Itosu Ankō in his later years, there is an interesting description … Continue reading
Bo-geri is a lost technique except for Motobu Udundi
Photo: Bo-geri performed by Higa Mitsue, Okinawa, 1983. Bo-geri is a lost technique except for Motobu Udundi, although it has been transmitted since the era of Matsumura Sokon. It is similar to axe kick of Kyokushin Karate, but the axe … Continue reading
“Moidi Motobu-Ryu”; a martial art which was once used for the close protection of the royal family
“Moidi Motobu-Ryu”; a martial art which was once used for the close protection of the royal family for more than 400 years. This little-known art remains mysterious, because it was only practiced within the palace walls; hence the name sometimes … Continue reading
The Lost Kata, ‘Tomaikun’
Written by Motobu Naoki, translated by Andreas Quast Motobu Chōmo (1890–1945) was the second son of Motobu Chōyū. His nickname was Torajū. He got this nickname because he was strong, quick-witted and agile, reminiscent of a tiger’s tail. He also came … Continue reading
Power of a thrust or punch
Ateha (Atifa in the local sound) is an Okinawan dialect that means the power of a thrust or punch. It is written as toha in kanji. According to the Soke (Tomomasa Motobu), his father, Choki Motobu, used to say, “No matter how … Continue reading
“ haishu uchi back of the hand strike ”
Translated by Jean-Charles Juster. The penumbra strike, kasumi uchi, corresponds to the technique called “ haishu uchi back of the hand strike ” in modern karate . In Motobu kenpô, we interpret the first movement placed after the kôsa dachi position of the Naihanchi kata as this strike of … Continue reading
Motobu-Ryu and Motobu Kempo
There is some confusion with the understanding of the term Motobu Ryu in the Russian-speaking space. This is due to the fact that under the name Motobu ryu , people often understand two different styles. One of them is called Motobu Kempo, or rather “Nihon den … Continue reading
The Decline of Okinawan Kumite
The Decline of Okinawan Kumite I received this message before. He said that he had studied a certain branch of Kyan Chōtoku’s karate for many years, but had only practiced kata. When he asks his master or seniors about kumite, … Continue reading
Why I was taught Motobu Udundī
From a lecture by Uehara Seikichi in From Uehara Seikichi, “Talking about the secret martial art of the Ryukyu royal family,” April 4, 1992 Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule today to listen to my talk. … Continue reading