Meaning of Shorin Ryu Karate belts: Black Belt, Red & White Belt, Red Belt:
Black Belts: Shodan (1st Degree) to Godan (5th Degree) have stripes on belt for each Dan ranking.
Rokudan (6th Degree) have character written in kanji on belt.
Red & White Belts: Nanadan (7th Degree) and Hachidan (8th Degree)
Red Belts: Kyudan (9th Degree) and Judan (10th Degree)
A black belt usually requires about 3 to 4 years of dedicated practice, depending on skills.
A red and white belt, 7th Degree, for motivated fast learners requires only about 35 years.
A red belt requires about 50 years, or so.
Every 1st Degree through 10th Degree karateka have signed certificates from Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira awarding their rank. After Miyahira's death all newly promoted 1st Degree through 9th Degree karateka have certificates signed by Grand Master Seikichi Iha.
Beikoku Shidokan Rank Requirements
Promotions in rank require competently learning and demonstrating the following:
Kata: Choreographed movements remain the "Heart" of traditional Okinawan Karate
Kumites 1-16: These partner drills mostly come right out of the Katas
Bunkai: One person does kata while attacked by others
Oiyo Bunkai: Bunkai oriented for street use
Basic Partner Drills: required for lower ranks before beginning Kumites and something you will do for the rest of your karate career.
Video of Sensei Iha doing soft block techniques with Lou Shoha on YouTube.
White Belt:
KATA: Kihon 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, Naihanchi Shodan
1. Front kick – back leg only
2. Side kick – back leg only
3. Step, punch (step back, outside block)
4. Step, punch (step back, inside block)
5. High/low punch
6. Front kick, high low punch
7. Step, middle punch (nagashi uke)
8. Front kick, middle punch (nagashi uke on both)
9. Step, high punch (kagite block)
10. Front kick, high punch (nagashi uke, kagite)
11. Kotekitae
White Belt, Yellow Tip:
KATA: Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan
KUMITE: 1, 2, 3
1. Front kick, side kick – opposite leg
2. Front kick, high roundhouse–opposite leg
3. Front kick, back kick – opposite leg
4. Front kick, step behind side kick – same leg
5. Front kick, step front middle roundhouse – same leg
6. Front kick, middle punch, kotekitae
Yellow Belt:
KATA: Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan
KUMITE: 4, 5
1. High/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
2. Front kick, high/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
3. Front kick, side kick, high (tate zuki)/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
4. Front kick, back kick, high (ura zuki)/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
Yellow Belt, Green Tip:
KATA: Itosu Passai (Passai Sho), Naihanchi Nidan
KUMITE: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Green Belt:
KATA: Kusanku Sho, Naihanchi Sandan (another Kusanku Sho)
BUNKAI: Pinan Shodan, Sandan & Yondan Bunkai,
plus Naihanchi Shodan Oiyo Bunkai
KUMITE: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Green Belt, Brown Tip:
KATA: Matsumura Passai (Passai Dai)
BUNKAI: continue working on previous ones
Brown Belt:
KATA: Kusanku Dai
BUNKAI: Pinan Shodan Oiyo Bunkai and
Pinan Yondan Oiyo Bunkai
Brown Belt, Black Tip:
KATA: Chinto
BUNKAI: Itosu Passai (Passai Sho) Bunkai and
Naihanchi Nidan Oiyo Bunkai (optional)
Black Belt:
KATA: Goju Shi Ho
Non-required Additional Katas inlcude:
Koryu Basai
Jion
Te Sho
Fearless Woman
1. Front kick – back leg only
2. Side kick – back leg only
3. Step, punch (step back, outside block)
4. Step, punch (step back, inside block)
5. High/low punch
6. Front kick, high low punch
7. Step, middle punch (nagashi uke)
8. Front kick, middle punch (nagashi uke on both)
9. Step, high punch (kagite block)
10. Front kick, high punch (nagashi uke, kagite)
11. Kotekitae
White Belt, Yellow Tip:
KATA: Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan
KUMITE: 1, 2, 3
1. Front kick, side kick – opposite leg
2. Front kick, high roundhouse–opposite leg
3. Front kick, back kick – opposite leg
4. Front kick, step behind side kick – same leg
5. Front kick, step front middle roundhouse – same leg
6. Front kick, middle punch, kotekitae
Yellow Belt:
KATA: Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan
KUMITE: 4, 5
1. High/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
2. Front kick, high/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
3. Front kick, side kick, high (tate zuki)/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
4. Front kick, back kick, high (ura zuki)/low punch same hand, high/low punch opposite hand, block high/low
Yellow Belt, Green Tip:
KATA: Itosu Passai (Passai Sho), Naihanchi Nidan
KUMITE: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Green Belt:
KATA: Kusanku Sho, Naihanchi Sandan (another Kusanku Sho)
BUNKAI: Pinan Shodan, Sandan & Yondan Bunkai,
plus Naihanchi Shodan Oiyo Bunkai
KUMITE: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Green Belt, Brown Tip:
KATA: Matsumura Passai (Passai Dai)
BUNKAI: continue working on previous ones
Brown Belt:
KATA: Kusanku Dai
BUNKAI: Pinan Shodan Oiyo Bunkai and
Pinan Yondan Oiyo Bunkai
Brown Belt, Black Tip:
KATA: Chinto
BUNKAI: Itosu Passai (Passai Sho) Bunkai and
Naihanchi Nidan Oiyo Bunkai (optional)
Black Belt:
KATA: Goju Shi Ho
Non-required Additional Katas inlcude:
Koryu Basai
Jion
Te Sho
Fearless Woman
Useful Japanese Terms for Techniques Used in Classes:
(No Stress! If you don't know these terms, you will quickly learn them.)
Basic Blocks
· High block - age uke
· Outside block - chudan uke
· Inside block - soto uke
· Low block - gedan barai
· Hooking hand block - kagite uke
Basic Punches & Strikes
· High punch - jodan zuki
· Middle punch - chudan zuki
· Knife hand strike - shuto uchi
Basic Kicks
· Front snap kick - mae geri
· Side kick - yoko geri
· Roundhouse kick - mawashi geri
· Back thrust kick - ushiro geri
· Stomping kick - fumikomi geri
karate-do: way of the empty hand
sensei: someone older and wiser, instructor
sensei rei: to the insturctuor, bow
one-gaishi-masu: please help or teach me
domo arigato gozaimasu: thank you very much
sempai: senior
rei: bow
yoi: ready
hajime: begin
yame: stop
hai: yes
(notice that 'no' isn't used in class?)
seiza: formal seated position
mokuso: meditation
kamae: combative posture
dojo: place to learn the way
kime: focus
jodan: upper area
chudan: middle area
gedan: lower area
gi: training uniform
obi: belt
Sensei Nakasone
Seikichi Iha
Hanshi, 10th Dan
Hanshi, 10th Dan
Sensei Iha demonstrating technique
with Kip Barker, 8th Dan,
2007 National Training Seminar.
with Kip Barker, 8th Dan,
2007 National Training Seminar.
Okinawa Karate Training in Kata, Kumite and Bunkai.
Sensei Iha and a few 2009 Maryland seminar participants
More
Examples of
Beikoku Shidokan Karate:
Katas,
Bunkai and
Oyo Bunkai
(See End
of this page
for
Kata History)
Examples of
Beikoku Shidokan Karate:
Katas,
Bunkai and
Oyo Bunkai
(See End
of this page
for
Kata History)
Promotion
Requirements:
Partner Drills
Kata
Kata
Roberto
Vinnie, 4th Dan and Aldo Martinez 6th Dan
Roberto
Vinnie, 4th Dan and Aldo Martinez 6th Dan
Steve Thomson, 7th Dan, Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan, Roberto Curtis, 7th Dan,and John Dailey, December 2009 4th Dan
Sensei Iha demonstrating
Pasai Sho Kata
Pasai Sho Kata
What! No makiwara, punching board, or bag to kick?
Sensei Iha recommendss punching a makiwara 200 times per day:
1. From Okinawan TV
2. Uechi Ryu makiwara training
3. Sensei Nakasone breaking a bat with his arm.
4. Sensei Nakasone Tameshwari Atemi (breaking bats, poles and wood)
5. Sensei Nakasone' makiwara.
1. From Okinawan TV
2. Uechi Ryu makiwara training
3. Sensei Nakasone breaking a bat with his arm.
4. Sensei Nakasone Tameshwari Atemi (breaking bats, poles and wood)
5. Sensei Nakasone' makiwara.
Shorin Ryu kata history from John Spence's Willamsburg, VA Karate Web Page:
( http://www.shoryukan.com/ )
Shorin-Ryu
Many students become confused about the differences between Kobayashi-Ryu, Shobayashi-Ryu, Sukunaihashi-Ryu, Matsubayashi-Ryu, Shorinji-Ryu and Matsumura-Seito, especially since they are all classified as Shorin-Ryu. Besides the lineage of teachers, the variation of emphasis is usually the distinguishing characteristic to the observer but the curriculum has branched down from one or two main sources. Through this network of information, we see variation within the footwork, rhythm, bio-mechanics, speed, and angular movements. Movements themselves that exist in one Shorin kata may not be found in another kaiha or the techniques may be different. Certain groups can be recognized by their instructor just by watching their version of a shuri-based form.
Kata have remained the same but have also changed equally over time and many variations or movement alterations can be seen over a system's history. Some would argue that to change the form dilutes the original intent of the technique or bunkai. There is the preservation issue that Uchinadi is historic and so culturally important that to change it is to destroy or desecrate historical treasures. The other thought is that application should be different to the individual and that learning one person's combative preferences isolates battle effectiveness. If every enemy is different and requires a different "reaction to action" then the alteration of kata is more supported and it should be tailored to include movements that are more efficiently performed by the individual.
In Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan kata, Pinan Shodan, developed by the karate legend and educator Itosu Yatsunuku , varies from some other shuri-based systems with a mae geri instead of side kick in movement eight. Shiroma Jiro, hachidan/shorin-ryu, described that Chibana began to alter some of the movements in the Matsumura/Itosu kata syllabus, which caused a stir with some of the older senior students. Higa Yuchoku and Miyahira Katsuya were worried about the effects of not preserving the true kata as it had been passed on. Shiroma remarked that Chibana altered the kata slightly from the original versions for example; he changed the kick within the kata Pinan Shodan and Yondan from yoko geri from mae geri to make it more "Japanese." It was changed back later. However, Nakazato Shugoro, Hanshi, remarked that Chibana began teaching Itosu's shuri-te as it was passed on to him and Chibana spoke of the importance of preserving kata exactly as it was learned from forefathers of karate.
These slight changes could have been a teaching characteristic of Chibana Sensei in his latter years he specialized in teaching only Naihanchi Sandan and Pinan Godan (out of respect for his teacher Itosu and considering their content most important) while having senior students teach the other kata in his syllabus. This may have been an example of personalizing the kata and passing on the emphasis of his technique. Miyahira Katsuya remarked that Chibana said that the karateka should mold the kata to their own body type which would explain some of the gradual changes that took place. Another theory is that Chibana also suffered for many years with cancer and although he was said to have possessed the body of a teenager in his last years, he may have began to alter the kata to conform with changes in his body.
A similar systemic characteristic can be seen when observing the powerful kata of Kyan-Ha/Chubu Shorin-Ryu of Shimabukuru Zenryo. In that system's Chatan Yara Kusanku, there is the variation of a mae geri in the kata wherein others again we see yoko-geri. These related stylistic similarities could have been due to the friendship between Shimabukuro, Chibana and the latter's senior student, Nakama Choza. Nakama and Shimabukuro shared information on training and Nakama taught Itosu/Chibana kata to his friend's son, Shimabukuru Zenpo. Kyan Chotoku was also a senior to Chibana Chosin and there is the possibility of some of his influence, although no research has shown that Chibana actually studied with Kyan or received personal instruction.
( http://www.shoryukan.com/ )
Shorin-Ryu
Many students become confused about the differences between Kobayashi-Ryu, Shobayashi-Ryu, Sukunaihashi-Ryu, Matsubayashi-Ryu, Shorinji-Ryu and Matsumura-Seito, especially since they are all classified as Shorin-Ryu. Besides the lineage of teachers, the variation of emphasis is usually the distinguishing characteristic to the observer but the curriculum has branched down from one or two main sources. Through this network of information, we see variation within the footwork, rhythm, bio-mechanics, speed, and angular movements. Movements themselves that exist in one Shorin kata may not be found in another kaiha or the techniques may be different. Certain groups can be recognized by their instructor just by watching their version of a shuri-based form.
Kata have remained the same but have also changed equally over time and many variations or movement alterations can be seen over a system's history. Some would argue that to change the form dilutes the original intent of the technique or bunkai. There is the preservation issue that Uchinadi is historic and so culturally important that to change it is to destroy or desecrate historical treasures. The other thought is that application should be different to the individual and that learning one person's combative preferences isolates battle effectiveness. If every enemy is different and requires a different "reaction to action" then the alteration of kata is more supported and it should be tailored to include movements that are more efficiently performed by the individual.
In Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan kata, Pinan Shodan, developed by the karate legend and educator Itosu Yatsunuku , varies from some other shuri-based systems with a mae geri instead of side kick in movement eight. Shiroma Jiro, hachidan/shorin-ryu, described that Chibana began to alter some of the movements in the Matsumura/Itosu kata syllabus, which caused a stir with some of the older senior students. Higa Yuchoku and Miyahira Katsuya were worried about the effects of not preserving the true kata as it had been passed on. Shiroma remarked that Chibana altered the kata slightly from the original versions for example; he changed the kick within the kata Pinan Shodan and Yondan from yoko geri from mae geri to make it more "Japanese." It was changed back later. However, Nakazato Shugoro, Hanshi, remarked that Chibana began teaching Itosu's shuri-te as it was passed on to him and Chibana spoke of the importance of preserving kata exactly as it was learned from forefathers of karate.
These slight changes could have been a teaching characteristic of Chibana Sensei in his latter years he specialized in teaching only Naihanchi Sandan and Pinan Godan (out of respect for his teacher Itosu and considering their content most important) while having senior students teach the other kata in his syllabus. This may have been an example of personalizing the kata and passing on the emphasis of his technique. Miyahira Katsuya remarked that Chibana said that the karateka should mold the kata to their own body type which would explain some of the gradual changes that took place. Another theory is that Chibana also suffered for many years with cancer and although he was said to have possessed the body of a teenager in his last years, he may have began to alter the kata to conform with changes in his body.
A similar systemic characteristic can be seen when observing the powerful kata of Kyan-Ha/Chubu Shorin-Ryu of Shimabukuru Zenryo. In that system's Chatan Yara Kusanku, there is the variation of a mae geri in the kata wherein others again we see yoko-geri. These related stylistic similarities could have been due to the friendship between Shimabukuro, Chibana and the latter's senior student, Nakama Choza. Nakama and Shimabukuro shared information on training and Nakama taught Itosu/Chibana kata to his friend's son, Shimabukuru Zenpo. Kyan Chotoku was also a senior to Chibana Chosin and there is the possibility of some of his influence, although no research has shown that Chibana actually studied with Kyan or received personal instruction.
Beikoku Shidokan Kumite
Attack (right side)
Defend (right side)
1.
Step right, middle punch, step left middle punch, step right, high-low punch.
Step back right, left outside block, step back left, right inside block, step back right, left high-low block, right middle punch
2.
Right step, left step, right step & grab opponents’ left shoulder with right hand, turn opponent, left low punch.
Walking away from attacker, right step, left step, right step, left turn, left outside block, left low cover block, shuffle right, right middle punch.
3.
Right kick & right middle punch, left kick & left middle punch, right kick & right high punch, left low punch.
Step back 45° left, block kick, right outside block. Step back 45° right, left outside block. Step back 45° left, block kick, right high-low block, right middle punch.
4.
Right kick, right high punch, left middle punch, right inside block. Left front kick, right 45° side kick, left high punch, right low punch.
Step back right, block kick, left outside block & right high block, right inside block, left middle punch. Shuffle back block kick, step 45° left, block kick, right high-low block, left middle punch.
5.
Kick right, right high punch, left low punch, right middle punch, block kick.
Step back right, block kick, left high-low block, right circle block, right short front kick.
6.
Right front kick, left back kick, left back fist punch, step forward (position right foot behind & outside opponents right foot), shuffle & throw.
Step back right block kick, shuffle back right block kick, high X-block. Be thrown.
7.
Step right, right middle-low punch, step left, left middle-low punch, step right, right high punch. Grab opponents hands to your chest, step behind opponent into kiba dachi stance, twist to throw.
Step back right, left forearm block. Step back left, right forearm block. Shuffle back left, right circle block & step behind opponent, grab around chest. Be thrown.
8.
Right front kick, left round house kick, left high taté punch, block kick.
Step back right, block kick. Step back left, right high round house block, right inside block (cover), right snap side kick.
9.
Right front kick, right taté punch, left back spin into kiba dachi stance, throw.
Step back right, block kick, high X-block. Be thrown.
10.
Left round house kick, right front kick. Right high punch, left low punch, right middle punch. Be thrown.
Step back right, left high round house block. Step back left, block kick. Right high-low block, left outside block, right outside block. While maintaining control of forearm, place left hand on opponents left shoulder. Step behind opponents left foot into kiba dachi stance and throw.
11.
Right kick, right high-low punch. Left shuffle back,block kick, right middle round house kick.
Step back right, block kick, left high-low block. Right kick, right middle round house block.
12.
Right kick, right punch, block kick, right punch, right down block.
Shuffle back left 45°, block kick, right circle block, right front kick, right circle block and switch feet – left foot forward, left low punch.
13.
Right kick, right high-low punch. Left shuffle back, block kick. Right high-low block, left middle punch, middle left round house kick.
Step back right, left high-low block. Right kick, right high punch, left low punch. Right outside block, step back right, left middle round house block.
14.
Right front kick, left round house kick, left high taté punch, block kick, shuffle right 45°, block kick. Left high-low block, right high punch, right middle round house kick.
Step back right, block kick. Step back left, high right round house block, right inside block (cover), right snap side kick, left 45° front kick. Left high punch, right low punch, left outside block, step back left into kiba dachi, left middle round house block.
15.
Right front kick, left back kick, right high round house kick, right middle round house block.
Step back right, block kick. Step back left, block kick. Step back right, left high round house block, right middle round house kick.
16.
Right front kick, left round house kick, left taté high punch, block kick, shuffle left, block kick. Right highlow block, left middle punch, right middle punch. Be
thrown.
Step back right, block kick. Step back left, high right round house block, right inside block (cover), right snap side kick, left ¾ turn, left back kick, left high punch, right low punch.
Right outside block, left inside block. Right ¾ turn into kiba dachi stance, throw opponent.
17.
Right front kick, right middle high punch, left middle punch, turn right, back kick 45°, right back fist punch, step forward (position left foot behind & outside opponents left foot), shuffle & throw.
Step back right, back kick, left outside block, step right & block punch, step back left, block kick, high block. Be thrown.
18.
Right double kick, step back left, block kick, step back right, block kick, left high block. Be thrown.
Step back left, block kick. Step back right, block kick. Right double kick, left back fist, (position left foot behind & outside opponents left foot), shuffle & throw.
Back Row: Bob McFarland, Pat Hughes, Mike Bethuy, Harold Williams, Roberto
Front Row: Timmy, Christy and Bobby McFarland, Devin Williams, Salma Sandoval
Early Summer 2011 in Alexandria
Front Row: Timmy, Christy and Bobby McFarland, Devin Williams, Salma Sandoval
Early Summer 2011 in Alexandria
Naihanchi Shodan Kata, Naihanchi Nidan Kata, and Naihanchi Sandan Kata by Chosin Chibana.
Naihanchi Shodan Kata by Miyazato Dojo in Rosario, Argentina
Pinan Shodan Kata and Oyo Bunkai by Miyazato Dojos in Argentina
Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan and Pinan Yodan Bunkai
Pinan Godan Kata by Katsuya Miyahira, 10th Dan, Okinawa
Itosu Pasai or Pasai Sho Kata Joachim Laupp, 8th Dan, Deutschland dojo
Kusanku Sho Kata by a Philippine dojo
An Innovative approach to Kata and Bunkai:
Cobra Kai Kusanku Dai Kata and Bunkai by Maywood, NY dojo
Matsamura Pasai or Pasai Dai by Katsuya Miyahira, 10th Dan, Okinawa
Kusanku Dai Kata and Bunkai by Holt, Mi dojo
Chinto Kata and Bunkai by Maywood, NJ dojo:
Goju Shiho Kata by 7th Dan Abdala from Miyazato's dojo in Argentina
Koryu Pasai Kata by Dick Kavork, 8th Dan, France
Te Sho, Katsuya Miyahira's kata performed by Joachim Laupp, 8th Dan, Deutschland dojo
A Master Medley: Matayoshi Shinpo doing Eku kata
Shigero Nakazato (Shorinkan) doing Kusanku Dai
Katsuya Miyahira (Shidokan) doing Matsamura Pasai
Yuchiyoku Higa (Kuydokan) with senior students doing Naihanchi Sandan
(Miyahira, Higa and Nakazato were Chosin Chibana's senior students.
Each formed their own karate schools upon Chibana's death.)
Goju Shiho Kata by 7th Dan Abdala from Miyazato's dojo in Argentina
Koryu Pasai Kata by Dick Kavork, 8th Dan, France
Te Sho, Katsuya Miyahira's kata performed by Joachim Laupp, 8th Dan, Deutschland dojo
A Master Medley: Matayoshi Shinpo doing Eku kata
Shigero Nakazato (Shorinkan) doing Kusanku Dai
Katsuya Miyahira (Shidokan) doing Matsamura Pasai
Yuchiyoku Higa (Kuydokan) with senior students doing Naihanchi Sandan
(Miyahira, Higa and Nakazato were Chosin Chibana's senior students.
Each formed their own karate schools upon Chibana's death.)
Alwin Henderson Kip Barker Gus Kouklis Seikichi Iha Roberto Steve Tomson
7th Dan 8th Dan 7th Dan 10th Dan 7th Dan 7th Dan
7th Dan 8th Dan 7th Dan 10th Dan 7th Dan 7th Dan
National Training Seminar, Lansing, MI 2008
Beware of
Imitators!
Imitators!
for more information E-mail: robertoshidokan@gmail.com
You can also learn the natural techniques Okinawan Karate Masters teach other Okinawans!
