RYUKYU KEMPO KOBUDO

The Ryukyu Islands that now make up Okinawa prefecture were formerly not part of Japan, but an independent nation called the Ryukyu Kingdom.  There are approximately 169 islands that make up the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa being the largest.  

The Ryukyu Islands are located in the East China Sea, close in proximity to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines making the Ryukyu Kingdom a very prosperous trading nation. In 1609 the Japanese invaded the Ryukyu Islands and abolished the Ryukyu Kingdom and became Okinawa prefecture.  During this time period the Japanese placed a ban on all weapons (possession and storage), which precipitated the extensive development of Okinawa Te now known as Karate.

Having historically been a separate independent nation the Ryukyu Kingdom had closer ties with China than with Japan; hence Okinawa Te was heavily based on Chinese Kung Fu. Over a few centuries the Okinawa Masters of Te evolved the art form into a way of life and life protection.  Many styles and philosophies spanned the island from three main lineages: Shuri Te, Naha Te, and Tomari Te.  Ryukyu Kempo (Kempo meaning fist way) is a culmination of the most prolific forms and techniques of life protection from all Okinawan Martial Art Styles. 

Much of the history about the development and lineage of Okinawan Karate is unknown due to the loss of records during World War II.  The following lineage is the best description available of how we have become Ryukyu Kempo today.

Between the late 1960's mid-1970's, the art of Ryukyu Kempo was first introduced in the United States by three Americans who were instrumental in establishing Okinawan Master Seiyu Oyata in America: Mr. Albert O. Geraldi, Mr. Jim Logue, Mr. William Wiswell. 

Ryukyu Kempo has grown in popularity among many martial artists within the past few decades.  In many cases Ryukyu Kempo has been misrepresented and marketed as a farfetched pressure point art of self-defense, that is not real Ryukyu Kempo.  There is only one Ryukyu Kempo that spawns from the original teachings of Master Nakamura and Master Seiyu Oyata. 

What makes Ryukyu Kempo Different from other styles of Martial Arts?

Kata is a prearranged sequence of movements containing various strikes, blocks and grappling applications containing the secrets to the art. Originally developed to enhance retention and secrecy of specific body positions and transitions, balance, breathing applications, as well as vital points, grappling applications and striking techniques. The precision of Kata helps the Ryukyu Kempo student develop the skill, speed, balance, timing, and focus necessary to fully develop and understand the actual application of technique. Kata is also an exercise to strengthen the body and mind.

Tuite Jitsu. (Joint Manipulation) Techniques hidden in Kata are used to restrain control and/or disable an attacker. All human bodies, regardless of size or strength, have the same weaknesses. Through the application of pressure on various nerves, tendons, joints, and ligaments, the Ryukyu Kempo student is taught to use an attacker's weakness to their own advantage. In a life-threatening situation, a student will be able to stop an attacker effectively, with crippling force if necessary.

Kyusho Jitsu (vital point) This is the most advanced form of striking in the martial arts. Techniques are advanced striking applications also hidden in Kata, are used against specific anatomical pressure points of the nervous and circulatory systems. When these techniques are properly executed they will temporarily or permanently disable the attacker beyond the ability to renew his attack. Here precision not strength is the key to the resolution of a threatening situation.

Kobudo (the Old Way) is the secret art of Ancient Chinese and Okinawan Weaponry. Weaponry is an essential aspect of RyuKyu Kempo training as the body positions and the execution of specific techniques heavily influenced the empty hand art. These weapons consist of the Bo, Jo, Tanbo, Chizi kunbo, Tonfa, Eiku, Nunchuku, Sai, Manji Sai, Nunte Bo, and Kama.

Bogu Kumite. Intermediate and advanced students will be able to test their skills in Bogu Kumite. Bogu is unique to Ryukyu Kempo (developed by Nakamura Sensei), as it is full contact fighting with special protective gear that forces the practitioner to utilize proper technique, skill and development. Bogu will challenge ones will and character in a stressed induced, safe, and controlled environment which prepares Ryukyu Karate-ka (Karate student) for real life protection. All of our classes are carefully supervised and strictly controlled to ensure the safety of our students. Bogu Kumite is an integral part in training, however it is voluntary not a requirement.