Ryukyu Kempo

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Ryukyu Kempo is a style of Karate that emphasizes Kyusho-jitsu (pressure point techniques found in kata). The best-known proponent of the system is George Dillman, who claims it represents an older form of Okinawan Karate that retains 'secret' teachings. It is commonly practiced by students of other forms of Karate as an add-on system that is said to enhance their understanding of bunkai (applications of the kata).

In addition to Kyusho-jitsu, the style emphasizes standing grappling techniques in kata and the use a three-quarters punch, that is, a punch turned halfway from the vertical (as in Isshin-ryu toward the horizontal (as in most styles of Karate).

George Dillman has made claims that he and his senior students are able to use chi power to perform no-touch knock-outs and other extreme feats. He has also made claims of being able to use sound (the kiai) and color to improve the effectiveness of his strikes. These claims are highly controversial in the martial arts community.

In September 2005, National Geographic asked for a demonstration, during which a Kyusho-jitsu instructor was unable to knock-out their representative. Dillman's explanation of the failure was as follows:

The skeptic was a totally non-believer. Plus – I don't know if I should say that on film – but if the guy had his tongue in the wrong position in the mouth, that can also nullify (chi power). You can nullify it – you can nullify a lot of things. In fact, you can nullify it if you raise those two big toes! If I say I'm going to knock you out, and you raise one toe, and push one toe down....I can't knock you out. And then, if I go to try again, you reverse it. If you keep doing this, I won't knock you out.^[1]

[edit] External links

• George Dillman's page
• T.A. Frazer's page
• Taika Oyata RyuTe Karate page (an art formerly called Ryukyu Kempo)