Yoshukai International
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Yoshukai (養秀会) International is a style of karate founded by Michael G. Foster in 1977 and derived from Yoshukai karate. Yoshuaki International is notably different in technique from Japanese or Okinawan karate, as it is adapted for the different body type of U.S. and European practitioners.[citation needed]
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[edit] History
The man most responsible for the systemization of karate as we know it today and introducing it to Japan proper was Gichin Funakoshi (Funakoshi Gichin), founder of Shotokan karate. Afterward, many other masters emerged, including Tsuyoshi Chitose[1] , who developed Chito-ryu karate from a combination of Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu. Katsuoh Yamamoto [2] (10th Dan) studied under Chitose and developed the system presently known as Yoshukai karate. (Yoshukai means training hall of continuing improvement and development).
Foster studied with Yamamoto in Japan for a period of ten years[3] and in 1966 brought the system to the United States. In 1977 Mike Foster split from Yamamoto Sensei's organization and established the Yoshukai International Karate Association [4][5]. At the same time Hiroyuki Koda established the U.S. Yoshukai Karate Association (USYKA).[6] In 1989, Mike Foster was awarded the right to use the name "Yoshukai International Karate Association" (Mike Foster, et al. v. United States Yoshukai Karate Association, CA no. 89-D-741-N).
[edit] Notability
Foster was noted as a karate champion in the early days of his career, and though retired from active competition, he is considered one of the premiere karate officials in America.[7] Other noted champions and officials include Larry Pate (retired), Calvin Thomas and Mike Smith.
Yoshukai International has dojos all over the world,[8] including the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Germany, Latvia, Australia and New Zealand. Yoshukai International has approximately 1,800 members in several different countries and over 300 Black Belts.[9]
[edit] Philosophy and Technique
Yoshukai International is unusual in that it uses mainly forward, side and natural stances and technique that emphasizes lack of regression in movement. Ki is approximately 60 percent hard and 40 percent soft, meaning that the kumite or fighting style incorporates techniques similar to aikido which turn an attack or use it to the advantage of the defender. All techniques and stances are adapted from Japanese karate to fit taller Westerners with longer legs and higher hara or center of gravity. Although Yoshukai is considered a full-contact style, students usually participate in light- to medium-contact kumite or sparring within the dojo, and are encouraged to be active in tournament competition. Students also study traditional Okinawan kobudo as an extension of their karate technique.
[edit] Yoshukai International Crest
Depending on the source, the outline of the crest patch represents a cherry blossom or possibly Yata No Kagami (八咫鏡), the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty. The three kanji symbols that make up the word "Yoshukai" across the top of the crest (養秀会), literally translated, mean: Training Hall of Continued Improvement. The flag in the center of the crest is the Nisshōki (日章旗 "sun flag") or Hinomaru (日の丸 "sun disc") and the kanji symbol superimposed on it (忍) is “Nin” which stands for patience.
[edit] Dojo Kun
- 1. To uphold the Dojo name
- 2. To seek perfection of character
- 3. To be faithful
- 4. To endeavor in all things
- 5. To respect others
- 6. To refrain from violent behavior
[edit] Rank System
Most dojos within Yoshukai International use four belt colors without stripes to recognize the standard kyu (below black belt) and dan (above black belt) ranks, although some dojos use belts with stripes to indicate the specific ranks.
| White Belt | Green Belt | Brown Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Ninth Kyu | Sixth Kyu | Third Kyu |
| Eighth Kyu | Fifth Kyu | Second Kyu |
| Seventh Kyu | Fourth Kyu | First Kyu |
| Black Belt |
|---|
| 1st Degree - Shodan |
| 2nd Degree - Nidan |
| 3rd Degree - Sandan |
| 4th Degree - Yondan |
| 5th Degree - Godan/Shihan |
| 6th Degree - Rokudan |
[edit] Kata or Forms
Traditional kata or forms from Chito-ryu (and occasionally other styles) are adapated to meet the Western philosophy and style of Yoshuaki International. This list of kata includes traditional kanji script as best available[10]:
| Name | Kanji | Description |
| Nijushichi | 二十七 | 27 Movements |
| Zenshin Kotai | 前進後退 | Advancing and Retreating |
| Heian Kihon 1-4 (H-Forms) | 平安 | Peaceful Mind, 1-4 |
| Shihohai | 四方拝 | Four Quarters |
| Gekisai | 撃塞 | Attack and Destroy |
| Tai Ho Jitsu 1 - 5 | - | - |
| Seisan | 正整 | Thirteen Hands |
| Niseishi | 二十四歩 | Twenty-four Hands |
| Rohai Sho | 鷺牌 小 | Vision of a Crane (minor) |
| Rohai Dai | 鷺牌 大 | Vision of a Crane (major) |
| Sochin | 壯鎭 | Tranquil Force |
| Tenshin | 荘鎮 | Twisting Body Motion |
| Mugen | 無限 | Endless |
| Bassai | 披塞 | To Penetrate a Fortress |
| Sanchin | 三戰 | Three Battles |
| Chinto | 鎮東 | Subdue the East |
| Kusanku | 公相君 | Viewing the Sky/Night Fighting |
| Sanshiryu | 三十六歩 | Thirty-four Hands/Dragon |
| Ryusan | 龍山 | Dragon Spiraling Upward |
| Tensho | 転掌 | Rolling Palms |
| Seienchin | 征遠鎮 | Calm Within the Storm |
| Tai Ho Jitsu 1 - 10 | - | - |
| Hen Shi Ho Jitsu 1 - 50 | - | - |
| Hanten | - | - |
| Rinten | - | - |
| Kakeite | - | - |
| Nage Waza | - | Throwing Technique |
[edit] References
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
- Yoshukai karate
- Chito-ryu
- Shorin-Ryu
- Shorei-ryu
- Shotokan
- U.S. Yoshukai Karate
- Shingo-ha yoshukai
- Okinawan kobudo
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