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Sempai Marc (left) delivers a chuudan gyaku-zuki (chest level reverse
joodan oi-zuki (jaw level lunge punch).
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Shotokan karate was created by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), considered the “Father of Modern Karate.” Although he was not the first, he was the one acknowledged to have officially brought karate from Okinawa to Japan. Funakoshi trained in the Okinawa styles of Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu to form his own version, referring to it as “karate” (empty hand fighting). Shotokan is famous for its clean, straight-line techniques. Very basic and simple to understand, the strength and speed required to execute punching, blocking, and kicking makes it a powerful martial art. Shotokan is one of the major karate styles, others being Shorin-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Kyokushin, and Kempo. The name “Shotokan” comes from Funakoshi’s poetry pen name: Shoto (“Pine Waves”).
There are 3 main training aspects to karate: kihon, kata, and kumite. Students are initially taught kihon, basic techniques of punching, blocking, and kicking in first single techniques then multiple combinations. This is furthered by practicing kata, a set series of techniques organized in a fight sequence against multiple imaginary attackers. Lastly, there is kumite where the karate-ka can apply their techniques by sparring in a dojo or tournament situation.
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Imada Kancho created Tsumuji-ryu to offer a more comprehensive system of martial arts. He strongly feels that a dedicated practitioner shouldn’t stop at one style, but incorporate many disciplines into their training. Shotokan is a very clean and simple style which allows for no wasted movements in its execution of techniques. The lack of extra fancy movements allows the practitioner to be very fast and powerful, and becomes a great foundation for learning other styles. Since keeping a strong base is paramount, Imada Kancho dedicates the majority of his time instilling solid Shotokan basics into each student first. When the student becomes an advanced adult, they are introduced into the many aspects of Tsumuji-ryu and its basic concept of moving core.
Tsumuji-ryu incorporates concepts of Tai chi, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Grappling, and will also come to include Matsubayashi-ryu, Escrima, and Ryukyu pressure point techniques. He has created 2 katas and will soon complete the Tsumuji kata series to the planned 7 katas. His concurrent project is to create a pressure point kumite. series. Still in its infancy, Tsumuji-ryu is growing as Imada Kancho continually adds and perfects his style. In the mean time, the Black Belt program offers the basics of Muay Thai, boxing, and grappling.
The photo to the left shows a part of the second kata Imada Kancho created, called Tsumuji.
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Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai is also known as The Art of the Eight Limbs because the hands, elbows, knees, and shins are extensively used. It’s usually fought in a ring like boxing, using gloves or just hand wraps. Muay Thai is a perfect compliment to karate and gives the martial artist another dimension in kumite (sparring). It's the closest thing to real life fighting without getting injured. It is an absolute must for the serious martial artist.
Photo left: Sensei Sherine delivers an elbow strike into the mitt. The biggest difference between karate and Muay Thai elbow strikes is the point of impact.
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SKC generally focuses on the basics of the Muay Thai leg and elbow strikes. In karate, we only "punch air" and it doesn't give the student the sensation of real impact on the body. Leg and knee strikes are delivered into a padded shield and various elbow strikes are practiced by hitting hand pads. The impact gives the student feedback on their techniques and also allows them to strengthen their bodies.
Photo right: Imada Kancho demonstrates the practical application of the Muay Thai roundhouse kick.
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Boxing is fought with 2 opponents facing each other in a standing position, usually in a ring for a specified amount of time. Boxing utilizes punches only with the hands covered with gloves. The winner is determined by knock out or judges' decision.
The biggest reason SKC started teaching boxing because its fundamentals will improve the martial artist no matter what the style they are taking. Boxing teaches better hand-eye coordination, rhythm, timing, and overall maneuverability. Since Shotokan is a very straight-line style, boxing’s multi-dimensional dodging and striking adds a tremendous advantage to the martial artist in overall fighting ability.
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Boxing can be a very dangerous sport and since SKC is first and foremost a karate school, we stress safety. All students are taught to control their hits, especially shots to the face; they are required to wear mouthpieces. Since we are more interested in the rhythm and maneuverability of the boxer, we focus on good solid boxing basics in stance, punching techniques, shifting and moving. We do mostly mitt work where the student is hitting hand mitts held by another person.
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In grappling, the opponents can fight from a standing or kneeling position, often times lying on the ground. It employs a series of close-body techniques like choke holds, arm and leg bars. Grappling can also be considered similar to Brazilian jiu-jitsu or Japanese jujitsu or its more formal brother: Japanese judo. The most obvious difference is grappling doesn’t use gi (which changes the kinds of techniques used). The winner in grappling is determined by submission (tap out).
Grappling is the final level and is extremely important in becoming a well-rounded martial artist. Karate is conducted standing up and rarely from a kneeling position, however, opponents will almost always be taken down to the ground in a real fight situation. In this scenario, a standard karate-ka will be helpless when they find themselves pinned to the ground.
Grappling really teaches about the mechanics of the body, how it works, and how to make it work for you. Even for women with less mass and body strength can build upper body strength, endurance, and maneuverability. If a woman finds themselves in an unfortunate situation, grappling training can teach her to calm down, look for openings, and maneuver herself into an escape.
Imada Kancho has been training extensively with professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Tyson Nam and has become very proficient, moving effortlessly into various grappling techniques for the submission. In turn, Imada Kancho teaches his students through the standard method of first showing each submission, hold, and escapes; then running them through a series of drills. Finally, the students participate in randori – a 3-minute bout on mats where 2 opponents attempt to submit each other.
Mouthpieces are required for safety and students are taught to tap to indicate submission before anyone gets seriously injured.
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Although considered "exercise" to the modern man, tai chi was originally a martial art used by Chinese monks designed for defense against bandits and thieves. There are many styles and forms, series of sets with a specific sequence of blocks, kicks, and strikes normally conducted in a slow, free-flowing and even pace.
Sometimes called the Ultimate Martial Art, only the truly experienced Martial Artist can understand the power of tai chi. The effortless flow of the moving body, the mastery of the tantien ("center of power"), the mastery of all body parts synchronized in perfect harmony, makes tai chi the crest at the top of the martial arts mountain.
Any experienced martial artist who punches makiwara (Japanese punching board) knows that you cannot punch it with tension. Tension only vibrates from the board to the floor and travels back into the "hard body," seeking out its weakest link: usually the lower back. With a "hard style," eventually the body will loose its flexibility and muscles will tighten up, restricting movement. That's why a hard style is something a person cannot do as they age: it restricts the flow of oxygen, blood and chi (spirit) throughout the body.
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This is not healthy. Applying free flowing techniques without tension will ensure that Shotokan can be done even at advanced ages.
SKC does not teach tai chi with the exception of seeing elements of it in kata. To learn tai chi, we suggest you look into our sister school Tai Chi Pearl City, also offered by Imada Kancho. The tai chi classes are for adults only.
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