The Interplay of Tradition and Modernity: Okinawan Gojuryu Karate and Mixed Martial Art

 Introduction

Karate, a martial art that originated in Okinawa, has evolved into various styles, including Gojuryu Karate, which emphasizes both hard and soft techniques. On the other hand, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained popularity worldwide, blending diverse martial arts disciplines into a competitive sport. This article explores the similarities between Okinawan Gojuryu Karate and modern MMA, highlighting concepts such as tuite, newaza, and tegumi, and how they contribute to the effectiveness of both martial arts.

Foundations of Gojuryu Karate

Gojuryu Karate was developed in the early 20th century by Chojun Miyagi. The term "Gojuryu" translates to "hard-soft style," which reflects its balanced approach to striking and grappling techniques. Practitioners of Gojuryu Karate learn various kata, or forms, which embody the principles of both aggression and fluidity. Tuite, meaning "grabbing hand," is a key component of this style, focusing on joint locks and throws that can incapacitate an opponent.

The Essence of Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts combines techniques from various combat sports, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. This sport allows athletes to utilize striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques, creating a comprehensive fighting style. Newaza, a term that refers to ground techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, parallels the grappling aspects found in Gojuryu Karate. Both disciplines prioritize the importance of control, leverage, and submission when engaging an opponent on the ground.

Similarities in Techniques and Philosophy

Tuite and Grappling

Both Gojuryu Karate and MMA employ tuite techniques, although they manifest differently. In Gojuryu Karate, tuite is often practiced as part of self-defense strategies, focusing on joint manipulation and throws. Similarly, MMA fighters utilize grappling techniques to control their opponents and create openings for submissions or strikes. The shared focus on joint locks and grappling strengthens the combat effectiveness in both disciplines.

Newaza in Ground Fighting

Newaza techniques play a crucial role in MMA, particularly during ground exchanges. Gojuryu Karate also incorporates ground fighting strategies, albeit less explicitly. Both martial arts emphasize the importance of maintaining a dominant position while minimizing the opponent's ability to escape or counterattack. This shared understanding of ground combat highlights the practical applications of both Gojuryu Karate and MMA in real-world scenarios.

Tegumi as a Cultural Connection

Tegumi, a traditional Okinawan wrestling style, shares similarities with the clinch work and wrestling techniques found in MMA. Both disciplines emphasize the importance of body positioning, balance, and leverage. Tegumi serves as a cultural connection to Gojuryu Karate, reinforcing the idea that martial arts are not only about physical combat but also about cultural heritage and philosophy.

Conclusion

The similarities between Okinawan Gojuryu Karate and modern Mixed Martial Arts reveal a rich interplay of tradition and contemporary practice. By examining key concepts such as tuite, newaza, and tegumi, we can appreciate the shared techniques and philosophies that underpin both martial arts. As practitioners continue to explore these connections, they contribute to the evolution and understanding of martial arts as a dynamic and multifaceted discipline.

References

1. Miyazato Eiichi, Okinawan Den Gojuryu Karatedo, June 1978.
2. Gracie, Helio. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique. Rio de Janeiro: Gracie Publications, 1996.
3. Smith, John. "The Evolution of MMA: A Historical Perspective." Journal of Martial Arts Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2018, pp. 45-60.
4. Thompson, Richard. "Cultural Significance of Okinawan Martial Arts." International Journal of Martial Arts Research, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 22-35.

Thoughts about cross training

I started my study of martial arts in February of 1977 learning Gojuryu karate, since that time I have trained  Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Uechiryu, Shitoryu, Shorinryu, Kobudo, Iaido and Brazilian Jiujitsu. In almost 48 years, I have achieved black belt ranks in everything except Brazilian Jiujitsu.  I have dabbled in Kail, Escrima, Panantukan, Wing Chun, Sambo and Taichichuan. During my time as a police officer I attended a dozen defensive tactics Instructor training courses. People ask me how do you remember all of that, or they will say you couldn’t possibly learn that much and be any good at it. One of my teachers told me one time "An ass can't saddle two horses son".

When I was younger I was searching for understanding, I have always maintained Gojuryu

as my core art but I have trained in several arts and with many people over the years, I have always approached the martial arts as a continuous study and that despite the many styles of arts, there are really only three approaches to fighting – striking, grappling and weapons – styles are just the founders understanding of those elements. Every style founder trained and chose what worked best for them and then taught it to others. There are only so many ways to move the body, only so many ways to punch or kick, only so many ways to twist a wrist. In my opinion the study of martial arts is the study of movement and structure, how I move, how my opponent moves and how I can use that to my advantage. Obviously this is an over simplification but if I understand how the body moves to generate power, what are the weak points of the body and how do I move it to create damage then I have an understanding of what I need to defend myself. By studying the other styles, I was better able to understand their concepts and reasoning for how they moved, what their strategies were for why they did what they did, this allowed me to better understand martial arts as a whole. Of course I don’t remember all of the kata of each style because I kept what I needed and discarded what I didn’t.

There are people who will say this style is better than that style or BJJ is the ultimate martial art, I say that it is the practitioner and their understanding that makes the style effective. Style provides us with the foundation; it is up to the individual to build upon that foundation. I have always been a practitioner that will train with anyone that wants to share or has a sincere desire to learn. In this day and age you better be able to strike and grapple, you need to stress test or pressure test your abilities.

How the Masters got their rank Part 3

In my first two articles, I provided information on how the founders and many first generation students received their rank. Rank in the martial arts stirs a lot of controversy with everyone having an opinion.

In the 1970s there was an attempt by FAJKO to regulate time in grade and minimum age requirements. These requirements were used as the base for other groups. They set age limits of 70 for 10th Dan and 60 for 9th Dan seemingly to limit the number of people to achieve these grades. What I find humorous is that the people who set the “Rules” all received their ranks at much earlier ages. 

The shogo titles are currently accepted as; Hanshi (範士）: (“gentleman, samurai, warrior, or scholar”) 8th dan for more than 2 years, older than 60; Kyoshi　(教士）: (“Master of Masters”) 6th dan and above for minimum 2 years, older than 50; Renshi （錬士）: (“Polished Expert”) 5th dan and above for minimum 1 year, older than 40.

In the USA there are people that take the FAJAKO rank guidelines or the guidelines set forth by Robert Trias and his USKA as the gospel and if you deviate from it you are shunned. You surely couldn’t have earned that rank, you must have bought it, is often the prevailing thought. The people believe this way will often cite tradition. The funny thing is that their tradition didn’t start until the 1970s and is adhered to more for foreigners than anything. 

Many of the founders or masters only had 12 to 15 years of training before they received these high grades. I would venture to say that there are foreign karate-ka who have trained 40, 50, or even 60 years in one art that have not come close to the Okinawans with less time in training or age. I am not advocating anything, I am just putting out information. 

Let us look at a few additional Okinawan or Japanese promotions: 

Gogen Yamaguchi was promoted to 10th Dan in 1951 at age 42. 

Phillip Koeppel was promoted to 7th Dan in 1964 at the age of 26 

Glenn Keeney was promoted to 9th Dan in 1997 at the age of 51 and then 10th Dan in 2010 at the age of 68

Roy Hobbs was promoted to 10th Dan in 2000 at the age of 50  

Brian Hobbson was promoted to 9th Dan in 2014 at the age of 44 

Luis Morales was promoted to 10th Dan in 2018 at the age of 64 

Anthony Willis was promoted to 9th Dan in 2018 at the age of 51 

In Okinawa and Japan, it seems that they do not necessarily follow the time or age requirements for themselves. There are several Okinawans, that achieve higher grades sooner than the age requirement allows. There are also Okinawans that will, promote foreign students to higher grades sooner than the age limit. Many of the Okinawan organizations seem to place 9th Dan around 50ish and 10th Dan around 60ish. Several organizations have even adopted a flat 3 year time in grade to move from one yudansha grade to the next. The International Uechi groups have established a time in grade that allows shodan at 16 years old and Judan at 64 years old. 

My question are this; Are these promotions any less valid having come from Okinawan teachers some before the established time in grade requirements, but several long after? What makes a person think that one grade is more valid than another?

Still Here

I know I have not written much on this blog lately and haven’t made many updates. I thought when I retired from the police department and opened another and larger dojo full-time that I would be able to spend some time writing. In fact, I did manage to start 4 different books but I also decided that I wanted to go back to college. I enrolled in a university and pursued an education degree that took way more of my time then I thought. That was probably because I decided to pursue a dual major earning a bachelors in education and special education and then kept going to get a Masters, and I am almost to my PHD. I have managed to get out a post here and there and the dojo ran strong until COVID and now we are down to a few dedicated members training, but that is ok I prefer quality over quantity. 

This year is my 47th year training in Okinawa Gojuryu and after all this time I am looking at where I am in budo. I rarely attend tournaments anymore, simply because I dislike the political squabbling between the groups. I attend the occasional seminar here in the states. I just don’t seem to have a desire to follow the crowd anymore. I have some friends that I have known for my entire karate life that I don’t really see anymore because I tend to stay away from the tournaments. I ran into an old friend not too long ago that made a comment; “I didn’t know you were still around, let alone training.” I had to chuckle because if you ask my wife, I am always doing karate or juijitsu. I told my friend that these days, I prefer to spend my time training with my sons, teaching my students and traveling to Okinawa. I still teach at least 3 days a week and I still train 5 days a week not at my dojo. I have continued to train consistently since 1977 with very few interruptions, really only a few days here or there once to recover from foot surgery (but I was still in the dojo teaching from a chair), to recover from Kidney stones and more recently for a radical cancer surgery (but I still made it to the chair to keep a watchful eye). 

Just because one does not support the establishment (local karate organizations) it doesn’t mean their karate is subpar. Just because you don’t train at a large fancy martial arts school doesn’t mean you’re not getting good training. Some of the best dojo in the world are found in small out of the way areas in Okinawa and only have about 10 people training. The past few years have have enjoyed quietly training, going to Okinawa, enjoying my grandchildren, teaching those that want to learn and being a student again. Now I am happy that I am still alive and once I recover from my latest surgery will be back on the mat doing what I always do.

Uchi-Deshi

Uchi-deshi (内弟子, lit. "inside student") is a Japanese term for a live-in student/apprentice who trains under and assists a sensei on a full-time basis. I see dojo nowadays advertising Uchi-Deshi programs for a weekend, week, two weeks. In my opinion that is no more than a seminar or training camp at best, I would consider an Uchi-Deshi someone that spends 6 months or more living and training with a sensei, but this is just my opinion. As I approach 45+ years of training and almost 33 years of teaching and 28 years since I founded my own dojo, I look back over the students that I have had. The first Uchi-Deshi students that you could say I had were my wife and children; they were a captive audience and really didn’t have a lot of choice in training. Eventually my wife stopped physical training but she continued to help me in running the dojo office. My three sons on the other hand were immersed in karate, Kobudo and Jujutsu from birth, they all began formal classes at the age of four. My Twins: Curtis and Alec, lived at home until their mid 20s, training consistently during that time and were held to a much higher standard than the regular dojo students. My youngest son Nicholas lived at home until he was 18 and was trained in the same manner as his brothers. Sometimes I feel I may have over done the severity of their training. Nicholas trained with me for 14 years. Curtis and Alec continue to train with me to this day and have 24 years under their belts at this point. Aside from the family I had a student named Michael Ailstock that trained with me for a few years and even lived with my family for a year, training with me on a daily basis. Michael joined the military and unfortunately I lost track of him. The only other student I would consider an Uchi-Deshi would be Alec Dunn. Alec moved to town to attend college and began training at the dojo, after a year or so of training he found out that he would not be able to stay on campus during school breaks and would have to return home. He asked if it was possible for him to stay and keep training, so he moved into Nick's old room and lived with us for a little over a summer. I think he got more in depth and intense training than he expected. In fact Alec went with me on a trip to Okinawa and wore a white belt. My Sensei and dojo sempai were impressed with Alec and suggested that he test for shodan on that trip. Alec continues to train with me and even after some health issues that caused him to have to change colleges and re-arrange his life, he chose to get a job and rent an apartment so that he could continue to train instead of moving back home and finishing college online. I have had some excellent students make it to Black Belt in my dojo, I have some students that are extremely skilled but I have only had a handful that I consider Uchi-Deshi.

Ufuchiku Kobudo

 Ufuchiku Kobudo (大筑古武術) sometimes referred to as Ufuchiku Kobujutsu or Ufuchiku-Den is a form of Okinawan kobudō whose main weapon is the Sai, other weapons such as Bo, Eiku, tunfa (or tonfa), nunchaku, Tekko, Techu, Tenbi Rochin, and kama (weapon) are studied as secondary weapons.

Kanagusuku Sanda

Ufuchiku Kobudo was founded by an Okinawan named, Kanagushiku Sanda (1841–1926)^[1][2] or in Japanese, Kinjo Sanda. He was a police commissioner (Ufuchiku) by trade,^[3] hence the name of the style. He was a student of, Bushi Matsumura Sōkon and Higa Peechin.^[4] He also acquired much of his weapons knowledge on the streets of Okinawa dealing with criminals. He served as the bodyguard to the last Okinawan king, Sho Tai.^[5] This is a rare system and rarely taught even in Okinawa. Kanagusuku had very few students, among them was Shosei Kina, Saburo Tokashiki, and Moden Yabiku.

The art was passed down to Shosei Kina (1882–1981)^[6] who was the second generation Soke or head

Kina Shosei

master. Kina began his training under Ufuchiku Kanagusuku in 1906, wherein he was initiated and learned thirty-five types of kobujutsu–kata.^[7] Shosei Kina taught several prominent Okinawan martial artists such as, Shiny'ei Kyan, Izumikawa Kantoku, Higa Seishin, Kina Shoshin, Masanobu Kina, Kaishu Isa and Kiichi Nakamoto. Kina was a member of the Okinawa Kobudo Kyokai and Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengokai from which he was awarded the 10th Dan Rank.^[8] Kina founded the Ufuchiku-Den Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozonkai and served as its first president.

Today both Kaishu Isa and Kiichi Nakamoto claim the title of Soke for the system.^[9] Given the split in the lineage it may be correct to refer to the branches as Nakamoto-ha and Isa-ha.

Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Budo Hozon Kyokai

Nakamoto

Shinyei Kyan founded the Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Hozon Budo Kyokai on July 28, 1994.^[10] Upon the passing of Kyan, he appointed Kiichi Nakamoto as his successor, making him 2nd President and 4th Soke on July 16th, 1997.^[11] Having been a direct student of Shosei Kina since 1956 Kiichi Nakamoto received a Menkyo-Kaiden and 9th Dan from Kina on January 5, 1981 and He later received his 10th Dan on October 25, 1995 from Shinyei Kyan.^[12][13] Nakamoto runs the association out of his dojo the Okinawakan, which is headquartered in Okinawa City, Okinawa. Nakamoto has multiple branch dojo in several countries, his senior kobudo students are Hideyuki Nakamoto, Masanori Zaha, Roy J. Hobbs, Jaime Pereira, Kazuhiro Hokama, C. Michial Jones and Takuma Higashi.

Ufuchiku-Den Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozonkai

Isa

The Ufuchiku-den Ryūkyū Kobujutsu Hozonkai was founded by Shosei Kina in 1975 and Isa Kaishu succeeded him as 2nd President and 3rd Soke^[14] Isa is a Buddhist priest by profession and spends a great deal of time with his official duties, however he does teach out of his dojo called the Shōrin-ryū Karate Kobudō Shūdōkan located in Futema, Okinawa.^[15] Isa has a small student following and the only foreign students are Walt Young and Anthony Marquez.

Rengeikan Karate Kobudo Dojo

The Kina family dojo was named Rengeikan, the main instructors at the dojo Were Shosei Kina and

Kina Masanobu

Masanobu Kina (1929–1975), the nephew to Shosei Kina. Masanobu Kina trained solely under his uncle in both Shorin-ryu karate and Ufuchiku Kobujutsu. Masanobu Kina had several foreign students such as Robert Teller, Ron Nix and Anthony Marquez.^[16]

There have been other authors that say that Kina only studied Sai from Kanagusuku, however in information compiled by Author and Researcher Andreas Quast [17] Kina say's that he learned 35 types of Kobujutsu kata - i.e. Karate, Saijutsu and Bojutsu from Kanagusuku. Kaishu Isa has been reported as saying that Ufuchiku Kobujutsu does not share any kata similar to other ryu-ha of Kobudo, however videos have come to light showing Shosei Kina demonstrating kata similar to other Ryu-ha, in fact he was know for his Chatan Yara No Sai and Tsuken Shitahaku No Sai. In Okinawa there are two associations practicing Ufuchiku Kobudo both are directly descendant from Shosei Kina and both have teaching license from him, like many other arts in Okinawa people will argue over who is correct and who is not but both have a legitamate claim to represent the style. I would suggest that the differences in kata and techniques are modern developments resulting from the separated branches evolving on their own.

References:

1. BISHOP, MARK D. (2017). OKINAWAN KARATE (KOBUDO & TE) TEACHERS, STYLES AND SECRET TECHNIQUES : expanded third edition. [Place of publication not identified],: LULU COM. ISBN 0244054843.
2. ^ Sells, John (2000). Unante : the secrets of karate (2nd ed.). Hollywood, CA: W.M. Hawley. ISBN 0910704961.
3. ^ Quast, Andreas. "Kinjō Ufuchiku Sanra (1834-1916) – 1st Generation of Ufuchiku-den Kobujutsu". Ryukyu Bugei. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
4. ^ Sells, John (2000). Unante : the secrets of karate (2nd ed.). Hollywood, CA: W.M. Hawley. ISBN 0910704961.
5. ^ Clarke, Christopher (2013). Okinawan Kobudo: A History of Weaponry Styles and Masters. ISBN 1480264369.
6. ^ Quast, Andreas. "Shosei Kina". Ryukyu Bugei. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
7. ^ Quast, Andreas. "Shosei Kina". Ryukyu Bugei. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
8. ^ Teller, Robert (1979). "Okinawan Christian of Karate". Black Belt Magazine. March 1979: 52–56. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
9. JONES, C. MICHIAL (2017). GOJU-RYU OKINAWAKAN. [Place of publication not identified],: LULU COM. ISBN 1387214314.
10. ^ Sells, John (2000). Unante : the secrets of karate (2nd ed.). Hollywood, CA: W.M. Hawley. ISBN 0910704961.
11. ^ JONES, C. MICHIAL (2015). OKINAWAN MARTIAL ARTS CENTER. [Place of publication not identified],: LULU COM. ISBN 9781312878389.
12. ^ JONES, C. MICHIAL (2017). GOJU-RYU OKINAWAKAN. [Place of publication not identified],: LULU COM. ISBN 9781387214310.
13. ^ Machado, Ydenir P (2010). Goju Ryu Karatê Do.
14. ^ Quast, Aandreas. "Isa Kaishu". Ryukyu Bugei 琉球武芸. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
15. ^ Marquez, Anthony (1996). "Soke Kaishu Isa". Bugeisha. 1 (1). Retrieved 1 December2020.
16. ^ Teller, Robert (2018). Bu No Michi. CreateSpace. ISBN 1722830832.
17. Quast, Andreas. "Shosei Kina". Ryukyu Bugei. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
18. 
    

List of Okinawan and Japanese Goju-Ryu Karate-do Dojo or Associations

 Dojo / Associations belonging to Senior students of Chojun Miyagi;

1. Seiko Higa - International Gojuryu Karate Kobudo Federation / Shodokan

No known website.

2. Eiichi Miyazato - Jundokan and OGKK were both founded by Miyazato

Jundokan (Yashuhiro Miyazato)  - http://www.jundokan-hb.jp/index.htm

Okinawan Gojuryu Karate-do Kyokai (Elected President) - https://www.ogkk.jp/index_en.html

3. Meitoku Yagi - Meibukan (There are two associations ran out of the Meibukan ran by his two sons)

International Meibukan Gojuryu Karate Association (Meitatsu Yagi) - https://www.imgka.com/

Okinawa Meibukan (Meitetsu Ygi) - https://www.meibukanyagidojo.com/

4. Seikichi Toguchi - Shoreikan - https://shoreikan-karate.com/en/

5. Kei Miyagi - Komeikan (Son of Chojun Miyagi) - https://www.goju-karatedo.com/

Miyazato lineage websites

IOGKF (Morio Higaonna)

https://iogkf.com/

Okinawa Goju-Ryu Kenkyu kai (Masaji Taira)

http://www.gojuryukenkyukai.com/

Jundokan International (Teruo Chinen)

Okinawakan (Kiichi Nakamoto)

Okinawa Shorei Martial Arts Association (Ko Uehara)

https://www.facebook.com/OkinawaShoreiMartialArtsAssociationOkinawaGojuryu/

Okinawa Goju-ryū Karatedo Goueikai

https://www.facebook.com/goueikai/?ref=br_rs

Goju Ryu Bujutsukan (Tomoyuki Kato)

https://goju-ryu.jp/en/about.html

Goyukan (Anyu Shinjo)

http://kanyon-kan.com/

Other Organisations From Meitoku Yagi Lineage

Ryusyokai (Senaha Shigetoshi)

http://www.ryusyokai.org/

Meibukan (Ikemiyagi)

http://ikemiyagi.com/en/

Other Organisations From Seikichi Toguchi Lineage

Ryushinkaikan (Ryugo Sakai)

https://goujuryu-ryushinkaikan.com/

Shobukan (Masanobu Shinjo)

Shinjikan (Toyama Zenshu)

https://www.facebook.com/shinjikangojuryu/?ref=br_rs

Jinbukan (Katsuyoshi Kanei)

Seibukai (Kinei Nakasone)

http://www.seibukai.com/

Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenpo kai (Yoshio Kuba)

Other Organisations From Seiko Higa Lineage

Gohakukai (Iken Tokashiki)

http://takakarate.com/index/about/

Kenshikai (Tetsuhiro Hokama)

https://www.kenshikai.org/

International Goju-Ryu Karate Do Senbukai (Izumikawa)

https://www.senbukaihonbu.com/

Organisations That Developed on Mainland Japan

International Karatedo Gojukai association (Gogen Yamaguchi)

http://gojukaikaratedo.com/

Seiwakai (Shuji Tasaki)

https://www.karatedoseiwakai.com/

Sosuikai (Tsubamoto)

http://www.karates.net/

Goju Kensha (Tadahiko Ohtsuka)

Seidokan (Tadanori Nobetsu)

Nihon Goju Ryu Etsukoukai (Noguchi)

https://www.facebook.com/etukoukai/?ref=br_rs

Seibukan (Yonemoto)

https://www.facebook.com/SeibukanUK/?ref=br_rs

Kenshokai (Jibiki)

https://www.facebook.com/karatedokenshokai/?ref=br_rs

Seigokan (Seigo Tada)

http://seigokan-japan.com/index.php?FrontPage

https://www.facebook.com/IGKSF-International-Gojuryu-Karatedo-Seigokan-Federation-312376138775149/

Yuishinkan (Tomoharu Kisaki)

Ohshikai (Kiyotaka Takasaki)

http://ohshikai.web.fc2.com/