Okinawan Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo:
Uchinadi, more commonly known as Karate
has spanned over four thousand years of systematic development. Virtually all Asian and Pacific island cultures have contributed
to the development of what we now call modern Karate. However, Karate’s finishing touches were completed on the Ryukyu
Islands on the main island of Okinawa by the Okinawan warrior class
or Bushi. The Okinawans combined their own native fighting arts with the Chinese
arts to form Ti what is now Karate. The Karate designed and practiced by the Okinawan
Bushi relied upon simple straightforward techniques which were tested on the early battlefields during centuries of clan warfare.
There are many Ryu or styles of Okinawan Karate. The style which we practice is known as Matsubayashi-Shorin-Ryu or Pine Forest
Style. Shorin-Ryu relies primarily upon hard blocking techniques designed to inflict injury to the attacker’s arms or
legs followed by devastating counter attacks. We emphasize avoiding physical conflict but, if attacked, response must be effective
and swift.
Benefits:
Unlike more common athletic activities
which normally emphasize the over development of specific areas of the body, Karate training develops the entire body equally.
Muscles, joints, bone, tendon, and mind are all developed and strengthened. Additionally, there is evidence that the movements
found in the Asian martial arts promote healthy internal organs. For whatever reason you choose to practice Karate, you are
about to embark on a journey of self discovery where you will go beyond your preconceived limitations.