Chitō-ryū

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Chito-ryu Karate (千唐流空手)

Chitose Tsuyoshi
Country of origin Flag of the Ryūkyū Kingdom Ryūkyū Kingdom
Creator Chitose Tsuyoshi ;
Parenthood Chinese martial arts, indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands (Naha-te, Shuri-te, Tomari-te)

Chito-ryu (千唐流 Chitō-ryū?) is a style of karate founded by Chitose Tsuyoshi. The name of the style translates as: Chi (千) - 1,000; Tou (唐)- China; Ryu (流) - style. Thus meaning "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character Tou (唐) refers to the Tang Dynasty of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.[1]

Chitose was born as Chinen Gua on October 18, 1898 in the town of Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. As a young man born and raised in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the pre-karate art of Tode (or "To-te") (唐手) from many of the top masters of the period. He later moved to mainland Japan to practice medicine, where Chito-ryu evolved as he utilized his modern medical knowledge of anatomy and physiology to modify traditional techniques to make them both more effective against opponents as well as less detrimental to the bodies and joints of long-term practitioners.

Although generally classified as a Japanese karate style simply because Chitose formulated and founded Chito-ryu principally while living in Kumamoto, Japan, some modern practitioners feel it is more properly categorized as an Okinawan style given that its roots and techniques are firmly grounded in and derived from traditional Okinawan Tode (唐手).

Contents

[edit] Teachers

[edit] Kata

[edit] Empty-Hand Kata

The kata of Chito-ryu reflect the philosophy of the founder. Generally short and to the point, if the kata happens to look like a version from another style, it is almost certainly shorter with repetition removed. Chitose also created many of his own kata not found in other styles (Shihohai, Rohai, Tenshin and Kusanku). Some exceptions to these rules are Seisan, which is nearly identical to other versions in other styles, and Sanchin, which is similar to the Goju-ryu version but actually longer.

[edit] Shihohai (四方拝)

Shihohai is a kata that is peculiar to the Chito-ryu system (and derivative systems). The name translates as: Shi (四) - Four; Ho (方) - side or direction; Hai (拝) - salute. The name thus translates as “salute to four sides.” Also it should be noted that the combination of kanji Shiho (四方) can mean "all sides." In which case, the kata name could translate as “salute to all sides.” There is some dispute as to the origin of this kata in the Chito-ryu syllabus, some sources claim the kata comes from Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seisho. Other sources (specifically Chitose's own book, Kempo Karate-do) state that he learned this kata from Hanashiro Chomo at Sogenji as well as the kata Jion and Jitte. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the Ryukyu Dynasty Age. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some Chito-ryu groups practice a Dai version of Shihohai that contains a few additional techniques throughout the kata; however, the overall format is still the same.

[edit] Niseishi Sho/Dai (二十四歩小・大)

The version Niseishi found in Chito-ryu is unlike other versions of Niseishi. The kata actually bears a closer resemblance to a Fujian White Crane form called Hakutsuru. The name translates as: Ni (二) - Two; Sei (十) - Ten; Shi (四) - Four; Ho (歩) [silent] - Step/Walk. The characters Niseishi (二十四) together mean "24," and adding the final character which is silent creates the meaning “Twenty-four Steps.” There are two versions of this kata within the Chito-ryu syllabus: they are the Sho and Dai versions. There is actually very little difference between the two, the Dai version containing one additional sequence of movements not found in the Sho version, but otherwise the kata are identical. The origins of the kata are credited to Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seisho. Niseishi is commonly used in preparation for training in Sanchin kata. Chitose also made minor modifications to the breathing techniques in the kata for health reasons based on his medical background. In addition to the kata there is a set of 11 Niseishi Kaisetsu (解説) techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner. These kaisetsu cover a variety of techniques including striking, kansetsu-waza (joint locking), kyusho-waza (vital point techniques) and take-downs.

[edit] Seisan (正整)

Seisan is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The Chito-ryu version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by Chotoku Kyan. The kanji used in Chito-ryu translates as: Sei (正) - correct; San (整) - arrangement or position. In combination, Seisan translates to “Correct Arrangement.” Traditionally, however, the Kanji used for Seisan is: 十三 which translates to "Thirteen." These are the kanji used in most other systems to describe this kata. Seisan can be traced back as one of the oldest forms practiced in Okinawa, the only older form being Sanchin kata. Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu.

[edit] Bassai (抜塞)

One of the most common kata in the Shorin-ryu lineages, this kata is traditionally said to have originated with Sōkon Matsumura. The kanji used for Bassai translates as: Batsu (抜) - to extract or remove; Sai (塞) - close, shut, cover. The accepted translation used for Bassai is “To Storm a Fortress.” Although nothing in the two kanji translates to fortress, it should be noted that the character Sai (塞) is used as part of words for fort, fortress, stronghold, and citadel among others in the Japanese language. According to Chitose's book, Kempo Karate-do, he learned Bassai from Chotoku Kyan. Chito Ryu Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi Ryu Bassai (Passai) as well as Seibukan Bassai, other styles in the Kyan/Aragaki Ankichi lineage. Kyan Chotoku learned his Bassai from a Tomari village master named Oyadomari Kokan, the version practiced by Chito-ryu is very similar to the unaltered Oyadomari Bassai. Although Chito-ryu Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri versions of Bassai (the Bassai-dai from Shotokan and Shito-Ryu are examples of the Shuri Bassai) and definitely shares a common root. The main difference between the Shuri version and the Tomari version are that the Shuri versions are done primarily with closed fists, while the Tomari versions are primarily open handed.

[edit] Chinto(鎮東)

Another kata common to the Shorin-ryu linages. Quite advanced, it includes jumping, jumping kicks and intricate hand techniques. The Chito-ryu version is done in a north-south pattern, unlike many other versions of Shito-ryu Chinto which are done at a north-west to south-east pattern (Matsubayashi for example).

[edit] Sochin(荘鎮)

While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chito-ryu version is completely different and is probably a unique creation by Chitose. Distinctive elements of the Chito-ryu version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.

[edit] Rohai Sho/Dai

Completely different from other styles' Rohai kata, this seems to be Chitose's own creation. It is packed with Chito-ryu signature movements and is probably the style's most distinctive kata. It borrows from Fujian White Crane with movements similar to the Chito-ryu Niseishi. It is a mix of closed fisted and open handed techniques with a one-kneed stance at the very beginning.

[edit] Tenshin (転身)

It looks simple initially, but is a deceptively complex kata with many twisting, dodging movements and complex timings. It is unique to the style in both name and form and is not found outside of Chito-ryu derived styles. It was probably created by Chitose and doesn't seem derived from other kata.

[edit] Sanshiryu (三十六歩)

The name is just the number “36.” It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Shorin-ryu lineage Gojushiho (54 steps), which can be found in Shito-ryu, or various Shorin-ryu styles (Matsubayashi for example). It may be as simple as a shortened version of the kata, although the movements are quite distinctively Chito-ryu. Also, if this is a version of Gojushiho, then parts have been used in the following Chito-ryu kata as well: Rohai, Sochin and Sanshiryu, which have the one kneed stance called "tate-hiza" and a cross block.

[edit] Kusanku (公相君)

This kata only looks like the classical Kusanku kata from Shorin lineages for about ten seconds and then departs drastically. It is probably not related to the older version from Shorin-ryu styles. Typically, Kusanku would be the longest and most difficult kata taught in Shorin schools. It is probably a creation of Chitose who borrowed the beginning section and created the rest. It is significantly shorter than other kata with the name kusanku.

[edit] Also

[edit] Kihon Kata

  • Zenshin Kotai (前進後退)
  • Shime no Kata (しめの形)
  • Kihon no Empi
  • Ni Juu Shichi Te Waza
  • Seiken no Migi Hidari (正拳の右・左）
  • Shi Ho Wari
  • Kihon Kata Ichi (基本形一)
  • Kihon Kata Ni (基本形二)
  • Kihon Kata San (基本形三)

[edit] Kobudo Kata

  • Sakugawa no Kun
  • Shushi no Kun
  • Sesoko no Kun
  • Chinen no Bo
  • Maezato Ryu
  • Tawada Ryu
  • Yabiku Ryu
  • Chito Ryu

[edit] Additional Kata

  • Wansu
  • Ananko
  • Unsu
  • Tensho
  • Hoen
  • Pinan
  • Naihanchi
  • Rochin
  • Gung-fu no Kata

[edit] Definition of the Crest

There are four main part to the Chito-Ryu Crest:

  • First, the outline of the crest represents Yata No Kagami (八咫鏡?), the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty.
  • Second, the disc in the center of the crest is the Hinomaru (日の丸 "sun disc"?). The sun is the cultural symbol of Japan which is derived from Asian mythology and is represened as the national symbol seen on the flag of Japan.
  • Third are the Japanese characters seen on the Crest (千唐流 空手道). These are read as Chito-Ryu Karate-do and represent the Chito-Kai Association.
  • Fourth (no longer used on some crests) is the Clasping of the Hands in the Circle. The fingers clasping hands in a circle is representative of the way of Karate. Many Eastern philosophies understand the belief in life as a continuity or a continual flow as seen in the mathematical symbol, the circle, a line without beginning or end. Within that circle lie two hands clasping togother in apposition. Where one ends the other begins, continuously chasing each other year after year. The seasons are an example of contrasts; summer, winter, spring, and fall. Karate can also be seen to be like the seasons; hard and direct, soft and circular. It takes these two contrasting feelings to make a whole and, in the same way, Karate requires a person to be hard and direct, soft and circular. Only when a student has mastered these two elements does he/she really know the Way of Karate.

The design is based on the crest of the All Japan Karate-Do Federation founded by Toyama Kanken, of which Chito-ryu is a member. Another version still remains in use by the International Shudokan Karate Association. See also Shudōkan.

[edit] Signature aspects

A few additional trademarks of Chito Ryu Karate include the hip technique emphasis during Kata performance and hard, slow respiratory techniques. The hip technique (koshi-waza) is performed by first stepping back, then forward when beginning many of the katas (unlike fast Shotokan and Goju-ryu forms). Although this movement takes more time when completing some techniques, like low blocks (gedan barai) it provides greater power through greater hip movement. In addition to koshi-waza there are many respiratory techniques which are used during kata training. These hard breathing (kokyo) techniques help cleanse the body by compressing the internal organs in order to excrete toxins and enzymes, in the Chitoryu katas respiratory techniques are usually used to signify either choking or throwing an opponent (shime or nage).

Chitose created Chito-ryu by combining 70% of the strength techniques from Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu.

[edit] Showa

Showa is the code or "motto" of Chito-Ryu practitioners. Shown below are the English and phonetic Japanese versions.

Ware Ware Chito-Ryu Karate-Do O Shugyo Tsurumonewa Tsuneni Bushido Seishin o Wasurezu Wa to Nin o Motte Nashi Soshite Tsutomereba Kanarazu Tasu!

We who study Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Shall always remember the spirit of the Samurai, With harmony, perseverance, and hard work, We shall reach our goals!

This code is often recited at the end of classes.

[edit] Chito-ryu around the world

[edit] Canada

Chito Ryu is a popular mainstream karate style in Canada, with almost 60 Chito Ryu dojos in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by one of his leading protogés, Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found Yoshukai Karate-do). This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka, widely recognized as the father of Canadian karate, who was then head of Chito Ryu in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournement in Toronto and conducted clinics at dojos across Canada. The current head of the Chito Ryu style, the son of Chitose, continues this practice and conducts clinics in Canada for Chito Ryu practitioners approximately every other year.

[edit] United States of America

The United States Chito-ryu Karate Federation is dedicated to preserving the kata and techniques of Chito-ryu's founder, Chitose. The federation was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich (U.S. Chito-kai founders), and as interpreted by the U.S. Shihan-kai and taught by the U.S. Chief Instructor and promulgate Chito-ryu wherever possible. The Hombu-Dojo is located in Covington, Kentucky.

[edit] See also

[edit] Bibliography

  1. Kempo Karate-Do — Universal Art of Self-Defense (拳法空手道一般の護身術) by Tsuyoshi Chitose, ISBN 0-9687791-0-7. The seminal textbook by the founder of Chito-Ryu Karatedo.
  2. The Endless Quest — The Autobiography of an American Karate Pioneer by William J. Dometrich, ISBN 0-9687791-1-5.

[edit] External links

[edit] Chito-ryu Organizations

[edit] Independent Chito-ryu Organizations

[edit] Other Articles

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