Kuma-Ryu
Encyclopedia
Kuma-Ryu is an Okinawan-based system of karate
using upright stances, fast closing of space, and short-distance close-fighting techniques. Officially known as Kuma-Ryu Karate-Jutsu, the style incorporates joint locks, control and immobilization techniques, and meridian-point strikes (or "pressure points"). No high kicks are used in Kuma-Ryu; kicks are primarily directed at points on the legs. Techniques are extensively based on those found and concealed in the classical kata
, or "forms" of Okinawa.
Although formalized in the U.S. in the 20th century, Kuma-Ryu seeks to replicate classical-style Okinawan karate, eliminating most aspects of sport karate in favor of actual fighting techniques. It is a Shorin-Ryu
based system, with influences from Motobu-ryu
, Ryu Te
, and the qi
meridian concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine
.
Motobu-ryu, originally known as Go-ten-te (Palace Hand), is among the most esoteric forms of Okinawan karate still practiced. It aims to achieve maximum effect with minimum effort and, unlike more mainstream Okinawan styles, Motobu-ryu incorporates a vast arsenal of throwing and locking techniques.
Ryu Te is another koryu
("ancient art") that has had a strong influence in the development of Kuma-Ryu concepts. It encompasses tuite, or joint manipulation, and kyusho-jitsu, or vital-point fighting. It was brought to the United States by Okinawan master Taika Seiyu Oyata.
Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the practice of acupuncture
, which balances qi by stimulating or attenuating energy flow at points, or gates, along certain passageways throughout the body known as meridians. These same gates can be used in martial applications to block or flood qi energy as it flows to the various organ systems, causing reactions from weakness or paralysis of limbs, to a sudden catastrophic increase or decrease in blood pressure, to total shutdown of specific organ systems.
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
using upright stances, fast closing of space, and short-distance close-fighting techniques. Officially known as Kuma-Ryu Karate-Jutsu, the style incorporates joint locks, control and immobilization techniques, and meridian-point strikes (or "pressure points"). No high kicks are used in Kuma-Ryu; kicks are primarily directed at points on the legs. Techniques are extensively based on those found and concealed in the classical kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
, or "forms" of Okinawa.
Although formalized in the U.S. in the 20th century, Kuma-Ryu seeks to replicate classical-style Okinawan karate, eliminating most aspects of sport karate in favor of actual fighting techniques. It is a Shorin-Ryu
Shorin-Ryu
is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
based system, with influences from Motobu-ryu
Motobu-ryu
is a school of karate founded by Choki Motobu in 1922. The official full name is Nihon Denryu Heiho Motobu Kenpo ., a Motobu family style of Karate, is also sometimes called Motobu-ryu or Motobu-ryu Udundi...
, Ryu Te
Ryu Te
is a made up word and combining the first character of "Ryūkyū Islands" and "Te" meaning "hand" and is a Registered trade mark. The word "Ryu Te" is not a noun, but an adjective to describe the type of karate taught by Seiyu Oyata. Ryu Te karate is a traditional form of karate from the Ryukyu...
, and the qi
Qi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
meridian concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
.
Motobu-ryu, originally known as Go-ten-te (Palace Hand), is among the most esoteric forms of Okinawan karate still practiced. It aims to achieve maximum effect with minimum effort and, unlike more mainstream Okinawan styles, Motobu-ryu incorporates a vast arsenal of throwing and locking techniques.
Ryu Te is another koryu
Koryu
is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. This word literally translates as "old school" or "traditional school"...
("ancient art") that has had a strong influence in the development of Kuma-Ryu concepts. It encompasses tuite, or joint manipulation, and kyusho-jitsu, or vital-point fighting. It was brought to the United States by Okinawan master Taika Seiyu Oyata.
Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the practice of acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of solid, generally thin needles in the body....
, which balances qi by stimulating or attenuating energy flow at points, or gates, along certain passageways throughout the body known as meridians. These same gates can be used in martial applications to block or flood qi energy as it flows to the various organ systems, causing reactions from weakness or paralysis of limbs, to a sudden catastrophic increase or decrease in blood pressure, to total shutdown of specific organ systems.