Martial Arts Alumni Association:
SHOTOKAN KARATE:
Karate is a Japanese Martial art with many different levels of training. It is widely recognized as a sport and an art of self-defense. While there are many extensive physical aspects of this martial art, it also incorporates psychological elements and leadership techniques.
The practice of karate relies on different forms, patterns, and interpretations. Techniques employ kata (forms), kumite (sparring), kokoro (attitude), and kobudo (weapons training). Kata is a series of movements that demonstrate psychical principles of a combat attack. Kumite employs grappling, punching, and kicking in a competitive environment, most notably during tournaments. Kokoro an integral part of Karate, as it's believed to be its center. Without heart and character, you will not be self-improved through this martial art. Lastly, kobudo refers to training of traditional weaponry.
Karate was introduced as an art of self-defense. At that time, only three obi-belts were used in Japan as a system of rank. The colors were white, brown, and black. Each belt color consisted of several levels. It was only after Karate became so popularized and widespread that additional colors of obi were introduced.
The development of Karate took place during a time of political conflict and wars. Gichin Funakoshi founded Shotokan karate and attributed to spreading and popularizing karate on the main islands of Japan. In 1936, after some of the highest level martial arts masters met together, they announced the introduction of karate, which originated in Okinawa.
Okinawa is a significant region for martial arts because it used to be a political center ruled by King Sho Hashi who banned weapons. This prohibition encouraged the development of unarmed combat. Little did these men who helped make karate official know what the future would hold for Karate, including it inclusion in the Olympics and the way Karate functions as an integral part of popular culture.
NINJUTSU KARATE:
Ninjutsu is a Japanese martial art that was originally used for espionage purposes. It was the first martial art that portrayed the dark and mysterious ninja. Even though this martial art was largely influenced by Chinese martial arts, Ninjitsu is believed to be of Japanese origin. This martial art has a very long history that is quite magical. It is difficult for even the most studied historians to decipher factual ninja stories from fiction.
Upon its introduction, this martial art was practiced as a way to endure the hardships associated with life. It took three hundred years to develop every skill and technique associated with Ninjutsu. After its transformation, this martial art became the art of stealth, which contained 18 principles and disciplines.
Most of the skills of this fighting system prepare a practitioner for a journey into espionage. Training usually emphasizes on spying skills, fighting with weapons, unarmed fighting, escape tactics, disguise and impersonation, archery, medical treatments, explosives, and concealment. Women also train in Ninjutsu.
Over the course of the last century, the need for Ninjutsu training has declined with very few schools remaining in Japan. While there are a few training centers in the United States, practitioners are taught Americanized versions of Ninjutsu, which often lack Japanese origin and differ with original teachings.
The decline in training of this martial art is due to the changing of times and technology. Most techniques serve little or no purpose in populated locations. Homeland Security has also put on several restrictions about teaching poisons, explosives & assassinations.
Ninjitsu / Ninjutsu is spelled both ways, just as Jitte / Jutte is spelled both ways in Japan. Jujutsu / Jujitsu are also commonly spelled both ways.
AIKI-JUJUTSU:
Juijutsu is an ancient art. Ironically, it is a martial art based on several joint locks & throwing techniques of the body to attack enemies. It is very effective method of defense against an armed opponent. Many Japanese martial arts advocates believe that Jujutsu is the ancestor of all martial arts in Japan.
