Hello everyone,
As a beginner to the whole forum concept, please forgive my lack of familiarity with the requirements of posting or responding. A good friend told me of this post and said I should respond. After reading a bit, I agreed. I hope some of you will as well, after I post.
There seems to be some question regarding the kata Ohan and Paiho of the Ryueiryu system. I have seen a variety of non Ryueiryu practitioner versions of what they believe to be Ryueiryu kata both live, in person and on the internet. However well intended, none of the persons that I saw performed the core concepts of Ryueiryu and it was fairly obvious that they were never trained in the art. I don't know any of these people and it's just an observation.
The reason that myself and others that are at a certain stage of practice, research and development stay away from the modern (instant gratification) community, is due to a difference of view point, training and background making it less enjoyable to associate or converse on a regular basis.
Without getting into politics, Sakumoto Sensei is certainly one of the most popular Karate trainers in the world. His victories in competition are unmatched and legendary among sport karate circles. He is also the most renown of the Ryueiryu instructors of his era. The fact remains, however, he is NOT the only teacher of Ryueiryu in Japan and is NOT the standard bearer of the system. His group, while the most publically known is NOT the governing body for the style or system. Techniques have been changed to suit the competitive mindset. There are techniques, waza, kobudo, and several sections of study that make the complete art of Ryueiryu that were not taught to members of his era by Nakaima Kenko Sensei. This is clear by observing the published video and book presentations. The very titles of these publications state "ALL KATA of Ryueiryu". Don't you wonder? Things that make you go .........Hhmm?
I believe it is completely incorrect to refer to the kata Ohan as one of the most advanced in the Ryueiryu system. Unique? Yes. Rare? Yes. Most Advanced? I don't think so. Ohan was just not taught to many people (as were many of the buki-ho used in advanced Ryueiryu). RYUEIRYU NO PAIHO HAS ABSOLUTELY NO CONNECTION TO Go Ken Ki no Hakutsuru, although there are some similarities (this is true of many kata). The embusen and kokyuho are completely different. I can state this because I am familiar with both of these kata.
Some people, including Shitoryu practitioners, are under the impression that Mr. Hayashi (Teruo) learned all the Ryueiryu kata and weaponry. This is also incorrect. While he did learn some of the kata, he did NOT learn all of the content of the system of Ryueiryu emptyhand art or kobudo.
Most written information widely available in the english language about the Ryueiryu system is, to a large degree inaccurate. There are more kata that are contained in the system, various categories of martial strategy and technique, health and wellness practices and other "things" that make the system an obviously chinese based martial arts system, as opposed to a "style" of karate.
I have no comment about anyone specifically. I think there is enough of that in the martial arts community. It's sad that a wonderful art of discipline has been reduced by some to be a vehicle for certain people to take advantage of others in an effort to glorify themselves.
I hope that I did not offend anyone. It was my intention only to clarify a point or two to obviously interested parties. I DO NOT TEACH RYUEIRYU PUBLICLY, but there are people who use the Ryueiryu name and will gladly teach whatever they can, if you pay them. I don't judge or care, but I keep my teachers way. Among those that do teach publicly the USA, if you're curious try to find someone that learned (or has even seen) either Ohan or Paiho, not to mention any thing else. Ask questions. You'll be surprised.
As far as high dan ranking for young people and founding of a system is concerned, I have 36 years invested in the active study and participation of the martial arts on many levels. I just think that whole topic misses the very point of what karate, sempai kohai and the entire structure of modern budo is all about. You never "get it"! You just keep trying to master something that can never truly be mastered and in the process you'll find yourself being very honest with yourself. Right? The only awards, rewards and "achievements" that mean anything are those truly earned and under the standard of your teacher. A real teacher that cares about the art and honoring his predecesors. I hope I never become a "Master" because it's just too much fun training to become a better, more well rounded martial artist under a wonderful teacher.
Please, post comments if interested.
