Chit?-ry? (???) is a style of karate founded by Tsuyoshi Chitose (?? ??, Chitose Tsuyoshi), (1898-1984). The name of the style translates as: chi (?) - 1,000; t? (?) - China; ry? (?) - style, school, "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character t? (?) refers to the Tang Dynasty of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.
Chit?-ry? is generally classified as a Japanese style because Chitose formulated and founded Chit?-ry? principally while living in Kumamoto, Japan. However, some modern practitioners feel it is better categorized as an Okinawan style given that its roots and techniques are firmly grounded in and derived from traditional Okinawan T?de (??). This belief is warranted since the style's founder, Tsuyoshi Chitose, received first the rank of Judan, in 1958, and then the rank of Hanshi, in 1968, from the Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rengo Kai (All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do).
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
Founder
Tsuyoshi Chitose (?? ??, Chitose Tsuyoshi) (Okinawan: Chinen) was born on October 18, 1898 in the town of Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. He came from a martial arts lineage--his maternal grandfather was Matsumura S?kon (?? ??). While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of karate (??, Tang hand), now written ?? (empty hand), as well as kobud?. In 1921, he moved to mainland Japan to study medicine. Chitose developed Chit?-ry? using his understanding of physiology to adjust traditional techniques to make them both more effective and less detrimental to the bodies of long-term practitioners. Chitose died in 1984 at the age of 86.
Chitose created Chit?-ry? by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te (see also Sh?rin-ry? and Sh?rei-ry?), with those of Naha-te. While present, the influence of Tomari-te is less than that of the two previously mentioned foundation styles.
Teachers
- Aragaki Seish? (?? ??)
- Higaonna Kanry? (??? ??)
- Ch?toku Kyan (??? ??)
- Hanashiro Chomo (????)
- Choyu Motobu
- Sanda Chinen
Chito Ryu Karate Video
Signature aspects
Signature aspects of Chit?-ry? include an emphasis on kime (??)--a contraction of the muscles in the lower part of the body to generate additional strength and stability in stances. The use of shibori (??, "to squeeze")--twisting contraction of the muscles in a specific area (often the arms) aimed at generating strength; rapid rotational movements; and frequent use of movement off the line of attack--tai sabaki (???)--at advanced levels are also important.
Kata
The kata of Chit?-ry? are very concise and they reflect the unique and diverse training experiences of the founder. Many Chit?-ry? kata bear the same name as other traditional Okinawan kata, but the kata itself is typically very different from the original or standard version. Some of these kata may have only one or two signature moves that relate it to the original, and in other cases the kata are completely different except in name. There are some exceptions to this; Chit?-ry? versions of Seisan, Passai and Chint? are nearly identical to the original Sh?rin-ry? forms as taught by Ch?toku Kyan. Overall, the higher-level kata of Chit?-ry? show a decisively strong Chinese influence compared to other Karate systems. Additionally, outside and above of the standard syllabus are kata such as Unsu and Hoen which are very fluid complex kata that are undoubtedly derived from a strong Chinese martial arts influence.
Shih?hai
Shih?hai (???, "four-direction salute") is a kata peculiar Chit?-ry?. There is some dispute as to the origin of this kata in the Chit?-ry? syllabus, some sources claim the kata comes from Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seish?. Chitose's own book, "Kemp? Karate-d?" states that he learned this kata from Hanashiro Ch?mo at S?gen-ji. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the Ry?ky? Kingdom. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some Chit?-ry? groups practice an extended dai (?) version that contains a few additional techniques. Ry?sei Karate-do also includes version of Shih?hai.
Niseishi
The version of Niseishi (????, "twenty-four steps") sh? (?, "small") or dai (?, "large") found in Chit?-ry? is unlike other versions of Niseishi. The kata actually bears a closer resemblance to a Fujian White Crane form called Hakutsuru. There are two versions of this kata in the Chit?-ry? syllabus, a sh? (?, "small") form and a dai (?, "large") form. The dai version contains an additional sequence of movements not found in the sh? version, but otherwise the kata are identical. The origins of the kata are credited to Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seish?. Niseishi is commonly used in preparation for training in Sanchin kata. Chitose also made modifications to the breathing techniques in the kata. There is a set of eleven Niseishi kaisetsu (??, "explanation") techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner. These kaisetsu cover a variety of techniques including striking, kansetsu-waza (joint locking), ky?sho-waza (pressure point techniques) and take-downs.
Seisan
Seisan (??, "correct arrangement") is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The Chit?-ry? version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by Ch?toku Kyan. The kanji used in Chit?-ry? translates as: sei (?) - "correct"; san (?) - "arrangement or position". Traditionally, however, the kanji used for Seisan is ??, or "thirteen". Seisan is possibly one of the oldest kata in Okinawa. Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--Sh?rin-ry?, Goj?-ry? and Uechi-ry?.
Bassai
Bassai (??) One of the most common kata in the Sh?rin-ry? lineages, this kata is traditionally said to have originated with S?kon Matsumura. The kanji used for Bassai are batsu (?) - "to extract or remove"; sai (?) - "close, shut, or cover". The accepted translation used for Bassai is "To Storm a Fortress". Although nothing in the two kanji translates to fortress, the character sai (?) is used as part of words for fortress or stronghold, as in b?sai (??, "fort"). According to Chitose's book, "Kemp? Karate-d?", he learned Bassai from Ch?toku Kyan. Chit?-ry? Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi-ry? Passai as well as Seibukan Bassai, which are other styles in the Kyan/Arakaki lineage. Kyan learned his Bassai from a Tomari village master named Oyadomari Kokan. The version practiced by Chit?-ry? is very similar to the Oyadomari Bassai. Although Chit?-ry? Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri versions of Bassai (the Bassai-dai from Shotokan, Shit?-ry?, and Shuri-ry?) are examples of the Shuri Bassai). The main difference between the Shuri version and the Tomari version are that the Shuri versions are done primarily with closed fists, while the Tomari versions are primarily open handed.
Chint?
Chint? (??) is another kata common to the Sh?rin-ry? lineages. It includes jumping, jumping kicks and intricate hand techniques. The Chit?-ry? version is done in a north-south pattern, unlike many other versions of Sh?rin-ry? Chint? which are done at a north-west to south-east pattern.
S?chin
While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chit?-ry? version of S?chin (??) is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation. Distinctive elements of the Chit?-ry? version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.
R?hai
R?hai (??) sh? (?, "small") or dai (?, "large") in Chit?-ry? is a kata completely different from those in other styles, and it seems to be Chitose's own creation. It borrows from Fujian White Crane with movements similar to the Chit?-ry? Niseishi. It is a mix of closed fisted and open handed techniques with a one-kneed stance at the very beginning.
Tenshin
Tenshin (??) is a complex kata with many twisting, dodging movements and complex timings. It is unique to the style in both name and form and is not found outside of Chit?-ry? derived styles. It was probably created by Chitose and doesn't seem derived from other kata.
Sanshiryu
The name of the kata Sanshiryu (????, "thirty-six steps") is pronounced irregularly. The pronunciation seems to be based on the Mandarin Chinese (??? s?nshíliù). It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Sh?rin-ry? lineage Goj?shiho (54 steps), which can be found in Shit?-ry?, or various Sh?rin-ry? styles. It may be simply a shortened version of this kata.
Kusanku
The opening of the Chit?-ry? version of Kusanku (???) is nearly identical to the opening of the classical Sh?rin-ry? versions found in other lineages. However, after these initial moves, the kata departs drastically. There are two versions that are commonly practiced, the sho and dai versions. The dai version doubles the length of the kata.
Ry?san
Ry?san (??, "Dragon mountain") is meant to mean "dragon climbing the mountain". It is not found in any other styles of karate outside of Chit?-ry? (except for Patrick McCarthy's Kory? style, but there is debate about where his kata comes from). It is completely open handed from beginning to end with stabbing fingers, ridge hand and knife-edge blocks and palm strikes. The stance transitions are complex with the trailing leg sometimes pulling up and creating a shorter seisan-dachi, which is unlike other kata in the style. There is a signature movement in the middle of the kata where the karateka stands on one leg, thrusts one hand straight up and one hand straight down, and then switches legs and hands. It is this movement that gives the kata its name.
Sanchin
Like Niseishi, Sanchin (??, "Three battles") is a very old kata that is also generally acknowledged as originating in southern China from the Fujian White Crane style of martial art. In Chinese styles this form is practiced with the use of open hands throughout, while in Chit?-ry? there is significant use of closed hands (fist). Ideally, it is supposed to take no less than seven minutes to perform properly and focuses on highly developed use of breathing techniques and shime. In Chit?-ry?, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.
Kihon Kata
- Zenshin Kotai (????)
- Shime no Dosa (????)
- Empi Kihon Dosa (?????)
- Ni Juu Shichi Ko (?????)
- Seiken no Migi Hidari (??????)
- Shi Ho Wari (???)
- Kihon Kata Ichi (????)
- Kihon Kata Ni (????)
- Kihon Kata San (????)
- Kihon Dosa Ichi
- Kihon Dosa Ni
- Kihon Dosa San
Bunkai
- Niseishi Kaisetzu (?????)
- Ju ni ko
- Nage no Kata
- Henshuho
- Hangeikiho/Hogeikiho
- Uketeho
- Hantenho
- Rintenho
- Tehodoki
- Seiken no Tori
Additional Kata
- Wansu
- Ananko
- Tensho
- Unsu
- Seichin
- Hoen
- Rochin
- Gung-fu no Kata
Kobud? kata associated with Chit?-ry?
- Sakugawa no Kun
- Shushi no Kun
- Sesoko no Kun
- Chinen no Bo
- Maezato-ry?
- Tawada-ry?
- Yabiku-ry?
- Chit?-ry?
Chit?-ry? crest
The Chit?-ry? crest is an identifiable symbol, often worn by Chit?-ry? practitioners regardless of affiliation as a badge. The design was based on the original crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation (???? ????????, Zaidan H?jin Zen Nippon Karate-d? Renmei) founded by Toyama Kanken, of which Chit?-ry? is a member. There are four main parts to the Chit?-ry? crest:
- The outline of the crest represents Yata no Kagami (???), the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty.
- The disc in the center of the crest is the Hinomaru (???, "sun disc"). The sun is the cultural symbol of Japan, and the national symbol seen on the flag of Japan.
- The Japanese characters seen on the crest are ??? ???. These are read as Chit?-ry? karate-d?. Sometimes the characters may indicate a region such as "All U.S." (???, Zen Beikoku) or "All Japan" (???, Zen Nippon).
- The fourth element is no longer used on the crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation. It is known as "Clasping of the Hands in the Circle". The fingers clasping hands in a circle is representative of the way of karate. Many Eastern philosophies understand the belief in life as a continuity or a continual flow as seen in the mathematical symbol, the circle, a line without beginning or end. Within that circle lie two hands clasping together in apposition. Where one ends the other begins, continuously chasing each other year after year. The seasons are an example of contrasts; summer, winter, spring, and fall. Karate can also be seen to be like the seasons; hard and direct, soft and circular. It takes these two contrasting feelings to make a whole and, in the same way, karate requires a person to be hard and direct, soft and circular. Only when a student has mastered these two elements does he or she really know the way of karate.
Sh?wa
Sh?wa (??) is the code of Chit?-ry? practitioners. It is often recited at the beginning & end of classes.
Chit?-ry? around the world
Canada
Chit?-ry? is a popular mainstream karate style in Canada. There are almost 60 Chito-ry? dojo in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found Y?sh?kai Karate-d?). This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine, who was then head of Chit?-ry? in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at d?j? across Canada. The current head of the Chit?-ry? style, the son of Chitose, continued this practice, conducting clinics in Canada for Chit?-ry? practitioners approximately every other year. However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ry? Karate-d? Association and the Japanese parent organization. The result was that the Canadian association and approximately three quarters of the Canadian d?j? agreed to separate from Japan and became independent. D?j? in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.
The Canadian Chit?-ry? Karate-d? Association is now an independent organization headed by Shane Higashi, who formerly held the titles Ky?shi (??) and the Vice S?-honbuch? (????) for Chit?-ry?. Higashi was recently awarded the title of Hanshi (??) and 9th dan (??). Higashi studied under Masami Tsuruoka, becoming his first black belt student, and also briefly lived with and studied under Chit?-ry? founder Chitose. Higashi and Tsuruoka were inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The others, who chose to remain loyal to the Japanese parent organization, formed the new organization Chito Ryu Canada ICKF. Chris Taneda, Kyoshi and 7th Dan, is their most senior instructor.
Australia
The International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia (ICKFA) is the governing association for Chit?-ry? d?j? in Australia.
Chit?-ry? was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince in 1969, after studying in Toronto, Ontario, Canada under Shane Higashi. He trained for three months in Kumamoto, Japan under Tsuyoshi Chitose. His first d?j? was the North Sydney Leagues Club. Over the next six years Prince trained and qualified six black belt students, who went on to establish clubs throughout Australia. Prince was also a founding member of the Federation Of Australia Karate-Do Organisations.
In the late 1970s Bill Ker was appointed President and honbuch? (???) for Chit?-ry? in Australia. He later gained the rank of 4th dan (??). In 1991 Ker retired from active involvement in Chit?-ry?. Upon his retirement, Brian Hayes was appointed President and honbucho by Chitose. In November 2004, Michael Noonan was appointed to represent Chitose and the ICKF in Australia as honbucho. Noonan currently teaches at the Tasseikan d?j? in Sydney and has been granted the rank of 6th dan (??) and Renshi (??, "instructor").
United States of America
United States Chit?-ry? Karate Federation
The United States Chit?-ry? Karate Federation is an independent non-profit federation of Chit?-ry? d?j? in the United States. It was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich. The hombu-d?j? is located in Covington, Kentucky.
U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association
The U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association is a karate association headed by Michael G. Foster. Yoshukai is a Japanese karate style adapted from Chito-ryu by Mamoru Yamamoto. Foster was originally named the Director of the U.S.A. Yoshukai Karate Association in 1966 by Mamoru Yamamoto, when it was affiliated with the United States Chit?-ry? Karate Federation. In this capacity, Foster established and headed a number of karate schools which were then part of the United States Chit?-ry? Karate Federation. The d?j? became independent Yoshukai schools 1971.
Koshin-ha Chit?-ry? Karate Association
The Koshin-ha Chit?-ry? Karate-do Association was formed in 2004 by several senior ranking American Chit?-ry? practitioners. Unlike many martial arts organizations run by a single person, the Koshin-ha is governed by two groups of individuals: senior practitioners (known collectively as the Shihan-kai), and d?j? chief instructors (known collectively as the Shibu-kai).
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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