Karate was originally developped in the Okinawa archipelago, each town having its own form: Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. The geographical and commercial proximity of China and other countries explain the influence of older martial arts (for example Quanfa) on karate. The term kara-te (empty hand) was adopted by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai during the 1920's. The diagram on the left shows the lineage of some of the greater masters.
The roots of these influences are multiple, and this is why today the Kokusai Butokukai integrates techniques and even katas from other styles, such as Goju ryu. Other martial arts in wich O'Sensei was quite versed, such as judo, Aiki ju-jitsu and Pakua represent an important part of his heritage, and shapes today's teaching.
The roots of these influences are multiple, and this is why today the Kokusai Butokukai integrates techniques and even katas from other styles, such as Goju ryu. Other martial arts in wich O'Sensei was quite versed, such as judo, Aiki ju-jitsu and Pakua represent an important part of his heritage, and shapes today's teaching.
(shorinji-ryu)
少林寺流 The term Shorinji can be translated by “the order of the temple”, Shorin being the japanese prononciation of Shaolin, the famous chinese temple where most of the oriental martial arts find their roots. The Shorinji-ryu style adopts non-linear movements and patterns, where the circle is favored over the straight line. One can visualize this concept by observing the rice kanji ( a common japanese symbol). The 45 degrees angles show the possible vectors used to dodge or redirect an attack.