is a style of karate founded by , (1898-1984). The name of the style translates as: chi (千) - 1,000; tō (唐) - China; ryū (流) - style, school, "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tō (唐) 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 (唐手). 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 (All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do).
Founder (Okinawan: Chinen Gua) 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 . While in Okinawa, Chitose grew up studying the art of , now written , 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 (see also Shōrin-ryū and Shōrei-ryū), with those of Naha-te. The influence of Tomari-te is present but less than the other foundation styles.
Teachers Aragaki Seishō (新垣 世璋) Chitose began his training in Tote, under Aragaki Seishō in 1905. He was seven years old and continued to train with Seisho until 1913/1914. While there is some discrepancy as to whether Chitose's first kata was Sanchin or Seisan, his book "Kenpō Karate-dō" states that he learned Sanchin from Aragaki for seven years before being taught another. Also attributed to his training with Aragaki Seishō are the kata Unshu, Seisan, Niseishi, and possibly Shihōhai. Aragaki was also a famous weapons master, leaving behind several bo and sai kata including Aragaki-no-kun, Aragaki-no-sai and Sesoku-no-kun. One of Aragaki's most famous students was Higaonna Kanryō, a major influence of the Gōju-ryū style who was also one of Chitose's primary teachers.
Higaonna Kanryō (東恩納 寛量) Chōtoku Kyan (喜屋武 朝徳) Hanashiro Chomo (花城長茂) Choyu Motobu Sanda Chinen
Signature aspects
Signature aspects of Chitō-ryū include: an emphasis on —a contraction of the muscles in the lower part of the body to generate additional strength and stability in stances, the use of —twisting contraction of the muscles in a specific area (often the arms) aimed at generating strength, rapid rotational movements—particularly with the hips, and at advanced levels, frequent use of movement off the line of attack—.
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 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 version that contains a few additional techniques. Ryūsei Karate-do, a style derived from Chito-Ryu, also includes a version of Shihōhai.
Niseishi The version of or 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 form and a 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 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 (joint locking), kyūsho-waza (pressure point techniques) and take-downs.
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 (正) - "correct"; san (整) - "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 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 (抜) - "to extract or remove"; sai (塞) - "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 (塞) is used as part of words for fortress or stronghold, as in . 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 Bassai-dai from Shotokan, Shitō-ryū, and Shuri-ryū) are examples of the Shuri 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 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 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 or 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 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 is pronounced irregularly. The pronunciation seems to be based on the Mandarin Chinese (三十六 sānshíliù). It seems, from comparing this kata to kata from other styles, that this is a version of the Shōrin-ryū lineage Gojūshiho (54 steps), 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 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 is meant to mean "dragon climbing the mountain". It is not found in any other styles of karate outside of Chitō-ryū (except for Patrick McCarthy's Koryū style, but there is debate about where his kata comes from). 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, 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 (fist). 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 Zenshin Kotai (前進後退) Shime no Dosa (しめの形) Empi Kihon Dosa (基本の猿臂) Ni Juu Shichi Ko (二十七手技) Seiken no Migi Hidari (正拳の右・左) Shi Ho Wari (四方割) Kihon Kata Ichi (基本形一) Kihon Kata Ni (基本形二) Kihon Kata San (基本形三) Kihon Dosa Ichi Kihon Dosa Ni Kihon Dosa San Kihon Dosa Yon
Bunkai Niseishi Kaisetzu (二十四解説) Ju ni ko Nage no Kata Henshuho Hangeikiho/Hogeikiho Uketeho Hantenho Rintenho Tehodoki Seiken no Tori
Additional Kata Wansu Ananko Tensho Unsu Seichin Hoen Rochin Gung-fu no Kata
Kobudō kata associated with Chitō-ryū Sakugawa no Kun Shushi no Kun Sesoko no Kun Chinen no Bo Maezato-ryū Tawada-ryū Yabiku-ryū Chitō-ryū
Chitō-ryū crest
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 founded by Toyama Kanken, of which Chitō-ryū is a member. There are four main parts to the Chitō-ryū crest: The outline of the crest represents , the sacred mirror of Japan which stands for wisdom and honesty. The disc in the center of the crest is the . The sun is the cultural symbol of Japan, and the national symbol seen on the flag of Japan. The Japanese characters seen on the crest are . These are read as Chitō-ryū karate-dō. Sometimes the characters may indicate a region such as or .