Chitō-ryū


Chitō-ryū is a style of karate founded by Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose,. The name of the style translates as: chi - 1,000; tō - China; ryū - style, school, "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tō refers to the Tang Dynasty of China. The style was officially founded in 1946.
Chitō-ryū is generally classified as a Japanese style because Chitose formulated and founded Chitō-ryū 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 Tōde. 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.

Founder

Tsuyoshi Chitose 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 Sōkon. While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of karate, now written 空手, as well as kobudō. In 1921, he moved to mainland Japan to study medicine. Chitose developed Chitō-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te, with those of Naha-te. While present, the influence of Tomari-te is less than that of the two previously mentioned foundation styles.

Teachers

Signature aspects of Chitō-ryū include an emphasis on shime—a contraction of the muscles in the lower part of the body to generate additional strength and stability in stances. The use of shibori—twisting contraction of the muscles in a specific area 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 Chitō-ryū are very concise and they reflect the unique and diverse training experiences of the founder. Many Chitō-ryū 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; Chitō-ryū versions of Seisan, Bassai and Chintō are nearly identical to the original Shōrin-ryū forms as taught by Chōtoku Kyan. Overall, the higher-level kata of Chitō-ryū 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.

Shihōhai

Shihōhai is a kata peculiar to Chitō-ryū. There is some dispute as to the origin of this kata in the Chitō-ryū syllabus, some sources claim the kata comes from Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seishō. Chitose's own book, "Kempō Karate-dō" states that he learned this kata from Hanashiro Chōmo at Sōgen-ji. Historically, it has been handed down from Chitose that this kata was used in the royal ceremonies of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. The "salutation to all four sides" was of great significance during these ceremonies. Some Chitō-ryū groups practice an extended dai version that contains a few additional techniques. Ryūsei Karate-do also includes a version of Shihōhai.

[Niseishi]

The version of Niseishi shō or dai found in Chitō-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū syllabus, a shō form and a dai form. The dai version contains an additional sequence of movements not found in the shō version, but otherwise the kata are identical. The origins of the kata are credited to Chitose's first teacher, Aragaki Seishō. 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 Bunkai 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, kyūsho-waza and take-downs.

[Seisan]

Seisan is a kata found in both Naha-te and Shuri-te lineages. The Chitō-ryū version most resembles the Shuri-te version passed on by Chōtoku Kyan. The kanji used in Chitō-ryū translates as: sei - "correct"; san - "arrangement or position". Traditionally, however, the kanji used for Seisan is 十三, 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--Shōrin-ryū, Gojū-ryū and Uechi-ryū.

[Bassai]

Bassai One of the most common kata in the Shōrin-ryū lineages, this kata is traditionally said to have originated with Sōkon 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 bōsai. According to Chitose's book, "Kempō Karate-dō", he learned Bassai from Chōtoku Kyan. Chitō-ryū Bassai closely resembles Matsubayashi-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū is very similar to the Oyadomari Bassai. Although Chitō-ryū Bassai is from Tomari village, it bears a striking resemblance to the Shuri versions of 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.

[Chintō]

Chintō is another kata common to the Shōrin-ryū lineages. It includes jumping, jumping kicks and intricate hand techniques. The Chitō-ryū version is done in a north-south pattern, unlike many other versions of Shōrin-ryū Chintō which are done at a north-west to south-east pattern.

[Sōchin]

While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chitō-ryū version of Sōchin is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation. Distinctive elements of the Chitō-ryū version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.

[Rōhai]

Rōhai shō or dai in Chitō-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū derived styles. It was probably created by Chitose and doesn't seem derived from other kata.

Sanseiru

The name of the kata Sanseiru is pronounced irregularly. The pronunciation seems to be based on the Mandarin Chinese. It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Shōrin-ryū lineage Gojūshiho, which can be found in Shitō-ryū, or various Shōrin-ryū styles. It may be simply a shortened version of this kata.

[Kusanku]

The opening of the Chitō-ryū version of Kusanku is nearly identical to the opening of the classical Shōrin-ryū 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.

Ryūsan

Ryūsan is meant to mean "dragon climbing the mountain". It is not found in any other styles of karate outside of Chitō-ryū. 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 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 Chitō-ryū there is significant use of closed hands. 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 Chitō-ryū, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.

Kihon Kata

The Chitō-ryū crest is an identifiable symbol, often worn by Chitō-ryū practitioners regardless of affiliation as a badge. The design was based on the original crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation founded by Toyama Kanken, of which Chitō-ryū is a member. There are four main parts to the Chitō-ryū crest:
Shōwa is the code of Chitō-ryū practitioners. It is often recited at the beginning & end of classes.
JapaneseTransliterationEnglish translationFrench Translation

我々空手道を修行するものは
常に、武士道精神を忘れず
和と忍をもって成し
そして、努めれば必ず達す
Ware Ware Karate-do oh Shugyo Surumonowa,
Tsuneni Bushido Seishin oh Wasurezu,
Wa to Nin Oh Motte Nashi,
Soshite Tsutomereba Kanarazu Tassu.
We who study karate-do,
Must never forget the spirit of the warriors way.
With peace, perseverance and hard work,
We will reach our goal.
Nous qui étudions le Karaté-do
Nous ne devons jamais oublier l'esprit du Guerrier
Dans la paix, la persévérance et le travail
Nous atteindrons notre but sans faute.

Chitō-ryū around the world

Canada

Chitō-ryū is a popular mainstream karate style in Canada. There are almost 60 Chito-ryū dojo in 8 of Canada's 10 provinces. Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto. This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine, who was then head of Chitō-ryū in Canada. During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at dōjō across Canada. The current head of the Chitō-ryū style, the son of Chitose, continued this practice, conducting clinics in Canada for Chitō-ryū practitioners approximately every other year. However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ryū Karate-dō Association and the Japanese parent organization. The result was that the Canadian association and approximately three quarters of the Canadian dōjō agreed to separate from Japan and became independent. Dōjō in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.
The Canadian Chitō-ryū Karate-dō Association is now an independent organization headed by Shane Higashi, who formerly held the titles Japanese honorifics#Shōgō and the Vice Sō-honbuchō for Chitō-ryū. Higashi was recently awarded the title of Japanese honorifics#Shōgō and Dan. Higashi studied under Masami Tsuruoka, becoming his first black belt student, and also briefly lived with and studied under Chitō-ryū 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 is the governing association for Chitō-ryū dōjō in Australia.
Chitō-ryū 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 dōjō 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 honbuchō for Chitō-ryū in Australia. He later gained the rank of Dan. In 1991 Ker retired from active involvement in Chitō-ryū. 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 dōjō in Sydney and has been granted the rank of Dan and Japanese honorifics#Shōgō.

United States of America

United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation

The United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation is an independent non-profit federation of Chitō-ryū dōjō in the United States. It was established by William J. and Barbara E. Dometrich. The hombu-dōjō 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 Chitō-ryū 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 Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. In this capacity, Foster established and headed a number of karate schools which were then part of the United States Chitō-ryū Karate Federation. The dōjō became independent Yoshukai schools 1971.

Koshin-ha Chitō-ryū Karate Association

The Koshin-ha Chitō-ryū Karate-do Association was formed in 2004 by several senior ranking American Chitō-ryū practitioners. Unlike many martial arts organizations run by a single person, the Koshin-ha is governed by two groups of individuals: senior practitioners, and dōjō chief instructors.

Chitō-ryū organizations