About Ryukyu Kenpo
Ryukyu Kenpo*
(琉球 拳法) (many times incorrectly spelled Ryukyu
Kempo) is one of the oldest, and most effective, life protection
arts that man has ever developed. Through centuries of development
in the orient, bodily movement, physical blows, punches, and kicks
have been refined to a level never before seen in human history.
One hundred years ago, no one would have taught you Ryukyu Kenpo.
Not even fifty or thirty years ago. Only within the last few years
has the opportunity been available to Israelis to learn this
complete, fascinating, knowledge laden system.
Masters can split boards, bricks, and stone with their bare hands;
perform amazing feats of physical skill; disarm or disable
opponents in fractions of a second. This mastery is not confined to
physical feats alone. Mental conditioning is a vital part of Ryukyu
Kenpo. Techniques of concentration, mental alertness, and internal
energy development allow the Kenpo man to expand his visual and
auditory skills to an extraordinary degree; so he can sense and
avoid the approach of danger. Secrets of the mind and body were
discovered and handed down from master to disciple in an unbroken
chain from the earliest time. Many times, attackers ‘sense’ this
danger to themselves and search elsewhere for ‘easier’ prey. The
self confidence created by Ryukyu Kenpo training gives one the
courage to set and work towards worthy personal goals; and, live
free from fear. The Kenpo movements and exercises, also, decrease
built up stress and tensions in the body; leading to greater
health
and self
improvement, while enhancing the length and
quality of life enjoyed by Ryukyu Kenpo practitioners.
Today, uneducated people think Ryukyu Kenpo is some type of
“Karate”. Through misinformation due to ignorance of history or
fabrication by unscrupulous agenda driven instructors, they do not
realize that Karate and its offshoots like Taekwondo and many
others are weak, watered down, often sporterized, derivatives of
the original Ryukyu (Okinawan) Kenpo and Kobujutsu. The father of
Karate in Japan, Gichen Funakoshi's, first book written for the
Japanese was “Ryukyu Kenpo Karate-do” in 1922. In his final book,
written just before his death in 1957, he reaffirms this; and
discusses how he changed it and its names to better suit his
Japanese students. Choki Motobu, another Okinawan instructor (and
renown fighter) was Funakoshi's nemesis. His book “Okinawa Kenpo
Karate-Jutsu on Kumite” was published in Japan in 1926. Motobu
concentrated on Kumite (fighting techniques) and not just on Kata
as did Funakoshi. These two men and their students were the main
forces behind “Karate” in Japan; and by extension the world. They
both were Kenpo instructors from Okinawa; the main island in the
Ryukyu chain.
Ryukyu Kenpo is taught by Certified Licensed instructors. These
credentials are prominently displayed, or available on request, by
all legitimate instructors. Ryukyu Kenpo is a vast and complicated
subject involving striking with both arms and legs, parries,
entrapments, immobilization’s, balance interrupts, joint locks and
dislocations, anatomical physiological point structures, analytical
research, Kata, weapons (of every kind), two man drills, contact
sparring, character development, mental development techniques, and
a deep and abiding respect for man and our world. It takes only one
year to develop offence (kicking and punching); yet, over 10 years
are required to properly develop a total defense. An offensive
fighter may win out in the short run; but after two years, or so,
the tables start to turn. At this point, the defensive fighter only
improves; while the offensive fighter has reached the limits of his
ability. Even something as simple as punching someone entails such
minutiae as: distancing, timing, angle of attack, twist, load
bearing surfaces, point physiology, and energy release (Ki) and
transference. Tuite (grab-hand) is the gentlemanly way to
self-defense; as, even monkeys can kick and punch. And, it takes
years of analytical research (Kenkyu) to be able to understand, and
perform Tuite techniques correctly. A student must learn the
techniques of other styles and how to defeat them, counter
techniques to Aikido, jujutsu, and all other grappling arts. Since
all these techniques are contained in the Kata, (not, just the
superficial appearance of blocking and striking, such as children
can understand) the research of Kata elevates Ryukyu Kenpo to a
scientific art. An art that is useful and can be practiced
throughout your whole life, even, deep into old age.
|
*Kempo is the way Kenpo
(拳法)
is pronounced. This strange phenomenon occurs because Japanese
speakers place their tongues on the back of their teeth and close
their lips when pronouncing this sound. The attempts to
transliterate the different Japanese writing methods into English
have caused many difficulties. |
Due
to its practical, uncompromising nature, Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu can
never be a sport.
While this may prevent it
from becoming ‘popular’, it does preserve the discipline’s primary
objective: the creation of a life insurance policy that can’t
‘lapse’.
“Ryukyu
Kenpo Kobujutsu is for Health”
Because Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is not, and never was, a sport;
injuries are almost unheard of in its learning. Football and
basketball, each, cause far more injuries in one year than decades
of Kenpo training. And, unlike sports figures, Kenpo masters live
well into their 80’s and 90’s healthy and free from physical
discomforts.
In these times, with people naturally living longer, one of the
main concerns is with “quality of life”. Of what use is an extra
twenty or thirty years of life; if, it is to be spent as a prisoner
in a broken down disease ridden body, or, lonely and bored? Western
science has pushed the boundaries of health and longevity; but is
still reaching for the answers that are available, now, through the
study of Ryukyu Kenpo. “Ryukyu Kenpo is for life”, has been said by
generations of Masters. Many Ryukyu Kenpo practitioners have
reached the age of 90 and above; and, all are still practicing; as
are hundreds in their 80’s and 70’s, several of whom are today’s
Master Teachers. In Okinawa, Ryukyu Kenpo is recognized as suitable
for all ages. One does not have to change “styles” as one ages;
because, Ryukyu Kenpo adapts with the practitioner as his body
ages.
The moderate exercises (epitomized
by the Ryukyu Kenpo kata routines) strengthen the core body
muscles. Optimally, when the arms, legs, and neck move these core
muscles keep the body stable. This, in turn, allows the extremities
to function more efficiently. They, also, provide strength for
proper posture, internal organ placement and protection. Core body
strength helps stave off balance problems associated with the aging
process. By activating the cerebellum, the command center for
movement, through the regular and continually changing movements of
the kata, Doctors now believe people can keep those nerves alive
longer. In addition to all of this, Doctors have begun to link
shoulder, knee and ankle injuries to weak core muscles.
The exercises stretch the muscles and nerves, giving suppleness and
flexibility to ward off injury. They massage the internal organs,
helping in digestion, elimination, and proper functioning of all
the bodily systems. They stretch the blood vessels allowing better
circulation for oxygenation, removal of waste products, feeding and
repair of the body’s cells. They strengthen the endocrine system
promoting better flow. They cause strengthening of the bones
through recalcification and increased bone density. And all of
these cause the brain to function with greater strength and
clarity; which, in turn, produces greater disease fighting ability
and a higher capacity for intellectual achievement.
Modern research, collectively involving more than 320,000 people,
has credited the moderate exercise, such as found in Ryukyu Kenpo
exercises, with 18 to 84 percent reductions in the risk of heart
disease and 18 to 50 percent reductions in the overall mortality
rate! A few examples: in a Seattle study, an hour a week appeared
to lower the risk of sudden cardiac death by 73 percent. In the
Netherlands, men did it for an hour a week enjoyed a 29 percent
lower mortality rate than sedentary men, and in the United States
at least an hour a day reduced the risk of heart disease by 82
percent over a 10 year period.
These moderate exercises can also help fight hypertension, lowering
blood pressure as much as 20 points. They are an essential partner
with diet for those who need to lose weight. And they can help
reduce the risk of stroke (by 21 to 34 percent), diabetes (16 to 50
percent), dementia (15 to 50 percent), fractures (40 percent), and
colon cancer (30 to 40 percent). If that’s not enough for you,
consider that it is the only known way to slow the aging process!
Finally, splitting the exercise time up: two 15-minute, or three
10-minute sessions are as effective as a single 30-minute
session.
In conclusion, Ryukyu Kenpo kata, traditions once veiled in
secrecy, improve concentration,
coordination, and the functions of various organs of the body. The
controlled breathing techniques, twisting of the body, movements of
the limbs, and the contraction and expansion of the muscles, help
blood and lymphatic vessels, and improve the functions of the
skeletal and muscular structures as well as the digestive system.
Kata, the vehicles through which the secrets of the ancient
masters were classically transmitted over untold generations,
are an excellent adjunct for physical
training as they provide curative effects for such chronic diseases
as high blood pressure, heart trouble, arthritis, and
others.“Ryukyu
Kenpo Kobujutsu advocates the
Avoidance
of Violence”Ryukyu
Kenpo has a highly effective way to teach people how to avoid and
short circuit violence. Ryukyu Kenpo allows people to actually
experience violence in a safe and supportive environment, to see
it, study it, and understand it. Only by understanding violence can
we prevent it from occurring. Ryukyu Kenpo not only allows us a
close look at violence; but, it also teaches us to look closely at
ourselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Self-awareness is
the key to prevention. Most times, conflict begins because of
communication barriers; and, the misunderstanding and prejudging of
others. Prevention of violence can only begin when we understand
the thought processes that create violence and the role we play in
it. Ryukyu Kenpo gives one the ability to prevent injustices; and,
be truly merciful as only a person acting from strength can.
To a victim, it just seems like the violence “came out of nowhere.”
In fact, there was plenty of warning - plenty of
opportunity to recognize the danger signals - the dangerous
circumstances. But, the victim either ignored them, didn't see them
or didn't recognize their significance. Crime is a process. It has
both a goal and easily identifiable stages. Once Ryukyu Kenpo has
taught you these stages, developing crimes and violence are as
obvious as a flare on a moonless night. If a person intends to
commit a crime against you, his actions will become more
predictable and more recognizable to someone who is aware of the
process. There are things he has to do. If they
are present, you are in danger. If these elements are
not present, then there is no possibility of
committing a crime. You are not in
danger.
Also, a person who is prepared to engage in physical violence will
give off certain physiological signals. His body will betray that
fact. No matter how his words or behavior attempt to cover it. This
collective set of signals is commonly referred to as “vibes”. And
yes, someone who is prepared to commit violence gives off “bad”
vibes. There is nothing esoteric or “weird” about this. It is a
collection of small signals that we unconsciously recognize. They
range from physiological (Skin flush/pale, muscle tension,
breathing, etc.) to motion (how someone moves while under the
influence of adrenaline) and to speech (cadence, tone, pitch). It
is not uncommon for the criminal to attempt to attempt to hide his
intent in other, seemingly safe actions. He deceives you about his
true intentions by hiding them in other, seemingly innocent actions
and behaviors.
This is why so many people who are assaulted know something is
wrong before, but just can't “put their finger on it” in time. They
are confused by the conflicting messages. One part of them senses
trouble, but because of the deception in the criminal's obvious
behavior, they cannot clearly identify what is wrong. Ryukyu Kenpo
Kobujutsu teaches you to how and what to look
for.“Ryukyu
Kenpo Kobujutsu is for Society’s
Benefit”Ryukyu
Kenpo Kobujutsu’s main goal is to help improve the lives of its
practitioners enabling them to become better
citizens and contribute more fully to
society.
Although modern Ryukyu Kenpo has many Chinese influences, its
origin lies in the mists of Okinawan history and folklore. One of
the main problems in researching the origins, lies in the paucity
of written records and conflicting oral traditions. Fragmentary
records indicate it may have been practiced in some form more than
2,000 years ago.One
thing we can be certain of: Bodhidharma (Ta Mo, Da Mo, Daruma)
did not bring Chinese Boxing to the Shaolin monks,
from India, in 649CE. This is a modern 20th century
myth, brought about by a widely popular Chinese novel The
Travels of Lao Ts’an, first published in Illustrated
Fiction Magazine between 1904 - 1907. In the book the fictional
character Liu Jen-fu learns boxing from a monk he met on Omei
Mountain. When he asks his teacher for the source of his art he is
told “The T’aitsu style that you have learned from me was handed
down from the Dharma.” There is no written
reference concerning his involvement with anything other than
introducing Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China. All else is pure
fabrication. On a secondary note: It has often been claimed that a
second Shaolin monastery was built in Chiu-Lien-Shan,
P’u-T’ien-Hsien, Fu-Chou-Fu, Fukien province. There is no evidence
that this temple ever existed, and in fact the Chiu-Lien-Shan is
located in Kwantung province. A Chinese scholar named Hsu K’o wrote
the Ch’ing Pai Lei Chao in 1917. This work is a 48 volume
collection of folk tales and fables which includes stories of the
Heaven and Earth Society [Triads] which refer to the legendary
Fukien Shaolin Temple. Unfortunately some martial art’s historians
have regarded Hsu K’o’s work as history and have used it as a
source.Ryukyu Kenpo's development appears
to have been influenced by the early immigration to Okinawa by
members of defeated Japanese clans (in 1185 and again in 1333) and
the many cultural exchanges between China and Okinawa from the
13th to 19th centuries. In Okinawa, Ryukyu
Kenpo’s techniques were developed in great secrecy. Taught only to
the landed nobility, it was the domain of the professional warrior
class and their families, until modern
times.Another myth that needs to be put to rest – the
theory that Okinawan peasants fought the Japanese Samurai using
their native fighting skills. The facts are: 1.) The Japanese never
had more than a few dozen Samurai stationed on Okinawa at any one
time due to the island's acquiescence to Japanese rule. 2.) All of
the original teachers of Ryukyu Kenpo (Karate) were, in fact, the
nobility of Okinawa - or - as the Japanese would have called them -
Samurai. 3.) Many of what the Japanese thought were "peasant"
farmers, merchants, fishermen were the sons of noble families.
These imaginary battles never happened.
Whatever it
may have been in the past, or, wherever it may have come from or
been influenced by; the Okinawans gave to humanity one of the very
best life protection systems the world has ever known. We
proudly continue this tradition.
Academy
of Ryukyu Kenpo
The
Academy
of Ryukyu Kenpo (Kempo)(琉拳館) located on 17 Strauss in Jerusalem,
Israel, (02-624-1288) was established in 1975 in Independence,
Missouri by D’veed Natan
(徳維
納騰). The name is a
direct translation of “Ryukenkan” (琉拳館), the Dojo name given to D’veed Natan
by (Taika)(大家) Seiyu Oyata. The
Academy
oversees the activities of the other
Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Dojo, clubs and groups teaching in Israel.
It is a member of the Ryukyu Kenpo Karate Kobudo Rengokai
(琉球 拳法 唐手 古武道 連合会) an umbrella organization, encompassing
the Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Kai (琉球 拳法 古武術
会), in addition to
other Okinawan style organizations. Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu
(藍天 琉球拳法
古武術) is the system
taught at the Ryukenkan and its affiliate Dojo.
In days gone by,
Kenpo was taught in great depth; but, only on a private basis. The
most students many teachers on Okinawa ever had, at any one time,
ran between one and six. It was not until karate was introduced
into High School and University Physical Education programs that
instruction was given in a large class setting. The teaching became
more generalized and changed to suit the new era.
Which is
better, group or private instruction? At the
Academy,
we believe that the best approach to learning the art is to have
both individualized instruction and group lessons. Group lessons
are great for partner training because of the large pool of fellow
students available to work with; but, the opportunity for
individual attention is naturally restricted. Private instruction
ensures that students stay on track and enjoy a deeper
understanding of the art through personalized attention with their
own “personal trainer” – something we've been doing decades before
it became “popular”
At full service
Licensed Dojo we start all new students on a Five Lesson Trial and
Testing program. The program consists of five private half hour
lessons; and costs ₪ 290.
The purpose of the program is to allow you to see the school, the
lessons provided, and find out if Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is for
you. On the last lesson, there will be a test over the material you
have been taught to see if you will be staying with the school.
Those who continue on will be offered their choice of programs
consisting of weekly half hour private lessons and group
classes.
|
Kfar
AdumimD.N. Mizrach Binyamin |
Phone:
054-499-4461E-mail: dveed@ryukyukenpo.org |
Grandmaster
D’veed NatanGrandmaster D’veed Natan (納騰 徳維,大師範)
Hanshi, 10th
Dan (十段 -
Judan) Red Belt was born and
raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He started his martial arts
training while attending Missouri Military Academy in Mexico,
Missouri, in 1959, when he was eleven years old. Later, as part of
the United States Armed Forces (Army) stationed in Seoul, Korea,
Kyo Seng Chou was his instructor in Tang Soo Do
(唐手道), Soo Bahk Do, Moo Duk Kwan with the
Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA). The training was three hours a
day, six days a week for eighteen months. In 1966, now 18, he
received his Shodan (初段) in Shin Shin Jujutsu from Grandmaster
Wilson; and Shodan (初段) from the KTA. In 1967, at age 19, he
received his 2nd Dan (二段) Black Belts and a license to
teach from the KTA.
While a science major (Geology/Biology) attending the University of
Missouri Kansas City, D’veed began learning and teaching ‘Chinese’
Kenpo Karate. Soon, he was employed full time as manager for Traco
International, a large international chain of Kenpo schools. By the
time Choon Lee arrived in 1974, Natan, Sensei was deep into
‘Chinese’ Kenpo and made a conscious decision to remain involved
with the “Chinese” Kenpo system of self defense instead of
returning to Taekwondo. In 1975, he opened his own full time
professional dojo. In 1976, he was appointed chairman of region 5
for AAU Karate and received a Shodan
(初段) in the Okinawan Kenpo weapons system
of Seikichi Odo from Master Bill Marron.
In 1976, Oyata, Sensei came to the United States. D’veed was
waiting for him when he arrived from the airport. Master Oyata gave
D’veed’s Dojo the name, Ryukenkan, or Academy of Ryukyu Kempo*.
D’veed became Master Oyata’s first ‘transfer’ student. Having
successfully made the jump from one system to a radically different
one, earlier; D’veed had no trouble adjusting to the instruction of
Oyata, Sensei. For ten years, D’veed, daily, learned and practiced
Master Oyata’s Ryukyu Kempo*. From three times a week to almost
daily, he was in contact with Oyata-san. Not a week passed that he
didn’t learn, personally, from Oyata, Sensei; private lessons, in
small group classes, or in personal conversations. In 1977, Master
Oyata conferred upon him a Shihan Menjo (師範 免状). D’veed had been participating
in open ‘point’ competitions since 1969; but, he withdrew from
‘point’ kumite, and concentrated, instead, on bogu kumite, which he
had been practicing since 1972.
|
*Ironically, Master Oyata’s instructor, Saikou
Shihan(最高 師範)
Shigeru Nakamura, spelled Kenpo
correctly in his English transliterations. An early film taken in
1968, shows Master Oyata doing Kata in Kansas. A makeshift title
spells Kenpo correctly at this time. Later, Master Oyata’s students
spelled the name as it is pronounced; due, to lack of familiarity
with Japanese grammar. Master Oyata doesn’t care to correct it and,
now, it has been too long in usage to change. |
By 1979, D’veed’s style had changed so much that it no longer bore
any resemblance to his teachings of just a few years earlier. In
August 1979 he captured the Heavyweight Championship in bogu
kumite, defending his title until his retirement in 1981. Before
retiring, he spent five months teaching in Israel, introducing
Ryukyu Kenpo here.
Oyata, Sensei promoted D’veed to Renshi and 6th Dan
Black Belt in 1984. At this time, D’veed started traveling with
Master Oyata across the United States, giving seminars
and interviews with him. He represented Master Oyata in Europe and
the middle east.
Due to orchestrated political machinations, D’veed was forced out
of Master Oyata’s organization. Keeping with the
tradition of Karate masters before him, when circumstances made it
impossible to continue training with his teachers, D’veed struck
out on his own. In 1987 Master Natan moved to Israel. There, he
combined and modified (over a fifteen year period) what he knew
into Lanten (Lantian)(藍天)
Ryukyu (Liuqiu)(琉球) Kenpo
(Quanfa)(拳法)
Kobujutsu (古武術). The training with Master Oyata
was the key to this process. Saikou Shihan Seikichi Uehara’s, ideas
and principles, as taught to D’veed through Master Oyata,
transformed the old ‘Chinese’ Kenpo Karate techniques (and
understanding of their kata) into something new and totally
different.
D’veed Natan, Hanshi received his 10th Dan
(十段 -
Judan) Red Belt in Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo
Kobujutsu from the Ryukyu Kenpo Karate Kobudo Rengokai in
2007, an 8th Dan
(八段
- Hachidan) Red
Belt in Ryukyu Kenpo from Midori Yama Budokai in 1996,
a 6th Dan (六段 - Rokudan) Black Belt in Shin
Shin Jujutsu (新進 柔術) from Grandmaster Leo D.
Wilson in 1996, 6th Dan
(六段 - Rokudan)
Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo and Kobudo from Taika Seiyu Oyata
in 1984; 5th Dan
(五段 - Godan)
Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo from 8th Dan Master
Bill Marron in 1996; 5th Dan (五段 -
Godan) Black Belt in Hapkido from 8th Dan Grandmaster
Gunter Bauer. He is the retired undefeated heavyweight
champion of the United States, and former #1 world rated
heavyweight fighter in bogu kumite. He is the Headmaster
(大師範) of the Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Kai
(琉球 拳法
古武術 会); and, the Chief
Technical Officer of the Ryukyu Kenpo Karate Kobudo Rengokai
(琉球拳法 空手 古武道 連合会), both internationally recognized
organizations with branches in Israel and the United States. He is:
the Israeli Representative for the World Martial Arts Society,
headquartered in Helsingborg, Sweden; and Kempo International; and,
Senior Advisor for Kempo International, in Lund, Sweden. He teaches
at the Ryukenkan (琉拳館)(Academy of Ryukyu Kenpo) in Jerusalem,
Israel. Saikou Shihan Natan (徳維,最高 師範) attended the Coach’s Course (Course
Mei’amen) at the Israeli Sports College, Wingate Institute, and is
a licensed martial arts instructor with the Ministry of Education
in Israel.
|
Professional
memberships |
Korean Tae Kwon Do
Association. Seoul, Korea. 1966 – present.
Midori Yama Budokai. Las Vegas, Nevada. USA. 1966
– present.
Amateur Athletic Association of the United States
of America.
Chairman Region Five AAU Karate. 1976 – 1978.
Ryukyu Karate Do Renmei. Okinawa, Japan. 1978 –
1986.
Zenkoku Ryukyu Kenpo Karate Kobudo Rengokai.
Renshi.
Independence, Missouri. USA. 1984 – 1986.
Ryukyu Kenpo Karate Kobudo Rengokai. Chief
Technical Officer.
Leawood, Kansas. USA. 1986 – present.
Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Kai. Headmaster.
Jerusalem, Israel. 1989 – present.
World Martial Arts Society. Helsingborg, Sweden.
Lifetime Member.
Standards Board (2001 – 2005). Israeli Representative. 2001 –
present.
Kempo International. Lund, Sweden. Lifetime
Member.
Senior Advisor, Israeli Representative. 2003 –
present
|
See also:
www.RyukyuKenpo.org
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