Tag Archives: Japan
Why Okinawan Aristocrats Stopped Wearing Chinese Costumes
Okinawans feared being forced to wear Qing dynasty costumes Okinawa was an independent country, the Ryukyu Kingdom, until 1879. It was conquered by the Satsuma domain of Japan in the early 17th century and was effectively a vassal state of … Continue reading
Posted in Motobu Naoki
Tagged East Asian Culture, Japan, Ming Dynasty, Okinawa, Ryukyu
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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
Posted in Motobu Naoki
Tagged Chomo, Japan, Karate, Martial Arts, Motobu, Motobu Ryu
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Blood relationship between Yoshimura Udun, Urasoe Udun, and Motobu Udun
Last fall, I visited the Yoshimura Udun grave in Naha. Udun means palace, but it also means royal family. As I have mentioned several times before, both Yoshimura Chōmei’s eldest son Chōshin and second son Chōgi learned karate, and Chōgi … Continue reading
Posted in Motobu Naoki
Tagged Japan, Karate, Motobu Choki, Motobu Ryu, Oyata, Ryukyute
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Uke and Hazushi
Motobu Chōki uses the expression “uke hazusu (受け外す, literally, receive and remove)” in his books, where today we say “ukeru (receive).” In the commentary on “tsuki-uke (punch-receive),” he also refers to it as “uchi hazusu (hit and remove). Neither is common in modern karate … Continue reading
RyuKyu-Te
Ryukyu Te: The word “Ryukyu” comes from the name of the islands of Okinawa which are called Ryukyu Islands. The word “Te” comes from the usage of “Te” in Karate meaning hand. Ryukyu-Te is a family style martial art that … Continue reading