Shorin Kenpo Karate
New Brunswick KO
Style Syllabus & Ranking System
Dojos : St Stephen, McAdam, and St Andrews, New Brunswick; Eastport and Calais, Maine USA
“Style and/or origin of technique become irrelevant when faced with a threatening target... Just hit it!” - Shihan C
Key Elements
Te - Hand, the martial arts (open hand) practiced by the Okinawans before China's introduction and influence.
To-Te - Chinese Hand, the name for the martial arts (open hand) practiced in Okinawa which was greatly influenced by China. This was from the 15th to mid/late 19th centuries, as during this time China and Okinawa had strong economic, social, and political ties.
Karate - Empty Hand, the name for the martial arts (open hand) practiced in Okinawa after Japan annexed the country in 1879.
Kyusho/Tuite as it applies to Kata, Kenpo Speed Hitting, and Self- Defense
(*Kyusho>Pressure Points, Tuite>Joint Locks. The relationship between the two, is that one can set up the other.)
| Main Kata: | ||
| Shi Ho Hai | Ananku | |
| Taikyoku 1 & 2 | Pinan 1 thru 5 | |
| Passai | Naihanchi | *Gojushiho |
| Rohai | *Chinto | |
| *Kusanku | ||
| *Renshi and/or Shihan-Dai Kata | ||
Punching: fists are chambered thumb side up, at a slight outward angle, at the ribs, and the punching fist is at a slight diagonal extended, that is, the punching fist rests into a slight diagonal after a tiny recoil, this is the *Ota Kai Punch. There are some vertical fist punching in Kata.
*The Ota Kai Punch is an internal, concussive punch, like the Jeet Kune Do One Inch Punch. What makes a punch internal/concussive, regardless of style origin or fist placement (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), is the working relationship with the torque of the wrist, the striking point/area of the fist, and the corresponding elbow. The penetrating torque of the fist action as Hanshi Ota first explained it to Conley over the phone is key. Hanshi Ota later at a session in Orillia, Ontario in 2007, showed this effect directly to Shihan Conley. There can be an upper body torquing with this punch.
Also, an understanding and application of how the secondary hand works in a reverse action to the primary striking hand, alternating in combination form>Isaac Newton's - Every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle can be seen in many combination striking in Shorin Kenpo Karate, i.e: punching as Kenpo Speed Hitting.
Okinawan Shorin Karate is based on "Dead Angle" fighting, and evasive footwork, controls/grabs, and followed by swift counterattack(s). Grappling techniques can also be employed. Also body transfer and using the Ground Strength (which is also referenced later in Kinetic Linking) when executing stance transitioning, i.e. going from a cat stance to a regular stance, you achieve Ground Strength from the rising up of the body, along with the legs (strength). There are different stances for a reason! It can't be just for the sake of having them! When examining each stance, i.e.: Forward, Regular & Cat stances; in each one, your body weight displacement is different. When you link that with mobility between going from one stance to a different one and your strike (timing your strike with the stance change)- you generate power! Furher, as an example, when going from one stance to another, like stepping forward from a Forward Stance to another forward Stance (opposite leg), in between the two for a moment, you are in a Regular Stance. Here there can be body/energy transfer!
Iri Kumi - Free Style Sparring (Iri Kumi are the Okinawan words for Free Style)
Kenpo Speed Hitting (Kenpo means Law of the Fist as is does also Quan Fa)
Chop ‘N Drop
Five Swords
Four On the Floor
Reverse Five Swords Down Low
Seven Swords Low-High
Seven Swords High-Low
Five Swords *Over Under Reverse Five Swords Down Low
Four On The Floor, utilizing Over Under
Reverse Five Swords Down Low, utilizing Over Under
Seven Swords Low-High, utilizing Over Under concept
Seven Swords High-Low, utilizing Over Under concept
Mighty Fine Nine Swords
Punch ‘N Crunch
Five Hammers (Fists)
Four Hammers On the Floor
Reverse Five Hammers Down Low
Seven Hammers Low-High
Seven Hammers High-Low
Five Hammers Over Under
Four Hammers On The Floor, utilizing Over Under
Reverse Five Hammers Down Low, utilizing Over Under
Seven Hammers Low-High, utilizing Over Under concept
Seven Hammers High-Low, utilizing Over Under concept
Mighty Fine Nine Hammers
Outer Hurricane Techniques (These are not specifically Speed techniques, but moreover transitional techniques)
Over Head Chops and Hammer Fists
Upward Lateral Ridge Hands and/or Forearm Strikes (Liver 13)
Upward Ridge hands and/or Reverse Hammer Fists (Thumb Side) to groin area
Tiger Punches/Strikes
Once the sequences are learned, elements of Body Torque and Drop, are added.
Randori (Freestyle)
This comes from you and your imprinting of the above series. Whatever comes natural from your training and recall of above series. Mix and Match, as all the above series have general similarities of execution.
* The Over Under concept is a more, high end and harder hitting pathway for the utilized sequences.
Kenpo Speed Hand Long Form
“...his touch is as heavy as a mountain.” - Monk Chueh Yuan
Chinese Influence
a) Wu Chi Posture
Wu Chi (posture) is the “Engine” that can power all! It ”Roots” you!
b) Wu Chi Deep Breathing and “Loading the Wu Chi.”
c) Hanshun-Babei Posture
If the Wu Chi Posture is the "Engine," then Hanshun-Babei (Relax Chest-Extend Back)) is the mechanism for transferring/projecting energy/force, and being able to ground/absorb your opponent's force that is being sent against you. When the Hanshun-Babei and Wu Chi Postures go together it gives the practitioner the facade of overly leaning forward in their stance, when in reality, they are in perfect body alignment for MAXIMUM energy transfer!
d) Kinetic Linking/Convergence of Energies thru the application of stance and the front knee (Going from Regular to Forward Stance to transfer energy, Power Step)
e) The Tai Chi Chuan Connection.
Tai Chi Form(s) and it applications for Kyusho & Tuite, as well as energy transfer. And general self defense. Also the exploration of “Lost Techniques-” Tai Chi Chuan and Quan Fa in Okinawan Kata. Tai Chi Chuan Form (Supplemental) Simplified Yang 24 Form.
f) Jeet Kune Do One Inch Punch and how it is applied with the above concepts. Also, the connection and parallel principles between the JKD One Inch Punch and the Ota Kai Punch.
It should be noted, that all the previous Chinese Elements/Influences are assimilated into Shorin Kenpo: Kata, Techniques, Kenpo Speed Hitting, and Self-Defense.
New Brunswick KO Dojos presents Okinawan style of Karate. Karate originates from Okinawa!!!! We do tournaments, and we have tried to fit in with the others in our area, but we now, in conjunction with other Okinawa Dojos in the region, do Okinawa ruled tournaments with other Okinawa styled Dojos, Iri Kumi semi & contact fighting. Rather than getting on the soapbox, here's some sources to research(Google it), if you want, to learn more about the origin of Karate and its practitioners:
| Okinawa Karate | |
| Bubishi | Iri Kumi |
| To-Te Jitsu | Eihachi Ota |
| Kyusho Jitsu | Fusei Kise |
| Kenpo | Quan Fa |
To truly evaluate the “real” Karate, one must acknowledge the influence that China and China's martial arts has had on Karate (To-Te). PERIOD!!! To do anything otherwise, is like a son or daughter refusing to acknowledge his or her parents!!! - Shihan C
Two Types of Conflict
There are in unarmed conflict, essentially two types, although one of them could very easily escalate into armed conflict. The two are: a Fight, and an Assault. The two are very different in make up, and it would best to understand the difference(s)... A Fight can generally be from a sport avenue, or it could be between two subjects just trying to prove their worth, Machismo, or alcohol involved, something like two guys outside a bar... A Sport Fight would most often/ generally involve two combatants of equal ranking, size, and caliber AND there would be structured rules controlling the evolution and outcome of the Sport Fight. The Threat Level in this case would be quite limited, relative only to possibility of an injury, physical or to one's ego.. And the physical injury in this case would most likely only be minor, certainly not life threatening.. Even in a fight between two drunken combatants, it would only be an asinine reason and result. Rarely nothing more than the two seeing who's is bigger... Threat Level again, minor, and most likely a bloody nose, at most some broken bones- maybe... An Assault, the parameters are far more serious, and one sided. The Threat Level can be very high. Essentially, what do you need in terms of personal components to formulate an Assault? Two things: a Victim, and an Assailant. This case the two are NOT evenly matched in size, caliber, or experience. (AND, there could be more than one Assailant!) Most likely the Assailant is much bigger than the Victim, and the gender may be opposites.. If the Assailant is equal in size or even smaller, that will mean the addition of a weapon to be utilized by the Assailant... Rules in this case? There are none, only to stay alive and safe for the Victim, if possible. And to do whatever is necessary to make it possible. Know the differences, don't link or think them the same, together, they are not! If you find yourself in a Sport Fight, good luck, hope ya do well! If you find yourself, as an example, outside a bar in a conflict with another dumb-dumb, ask yourself, “What are you doing and why?!!” If it is an Assault, well, there are no easy answers... Preparedness and the knowledge of the severity of the moment is required..
Ranking System
“Don’t let the belt define you, YOU define the belt. Meaning if you let your belt define you, you will always be chasing colors and rank. Never realizing or understanding what it means to be that rank. But, if you define your rank, then you must first live up to it, its standards and expectations of the belt you wear. Many people today chase rank and belts in the martial arts. Ask yourself, upon getting your Black Belt, what do you want to do after you are a 1st Dan? If you don’t have an appropriate answer- or none at all, are you really ready for or deserve that Black Belt?!!! ” - Shihan C
“I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better or heavier.” - Sir William Wycherley (circa 1674)
Old days of Okinawa
Unlike today, in the old days of Okinawa when two Karateka (Karate practitioners) would first meet, after the pleasantries, it was NEVER asked of the other, “What rank are you?” It was ALWAYS asked, “How long have you trained?” Followed by, “Who was your teacher?” - Shihan C
“Your Karate training, like the martial arts in general, is an unfinished story, with as time passes, more chapters to be written. You will and should always continue to learn.” - Shihan C
13 Years Old – Adult
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt is worn.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt is worn.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt is worn.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt is worn.
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt is worn.
First Kyu (Ik kyu) Brown belt is worn. Sempai Level can begin at 1st Kyu to 1st Dan.
Q: How long does it take an average person to get a Black Belt?
A: An average person should not get a Black Belt!
- Orillia Martial Arts Center
1st Dan (Shodan) Formal title of, Sempai. However all Black Belts in the Dojo (on the Deck) are referred to as, “Sensei.” It is not until 2nd Dan that the title of, “Sensei,” is formally granted.
2nd Dan (Nidan) *2nd Dan is the minimum rank to be a certified, acknowledged Dojo Head, with the formal title of, Sensei. Sensei means, “One who has gone before, or Instructor.” In NBKO, all Black Belts are called, Sensei in class. At 2nd Dan it becomes a formal gesture, i.e. that Black Belt’s stationary simply changes to reflect the formal title...
3rd Dan (Sandan)
4th Dan (Yondan) Renshi (In Matsumura Shorin, 4th & 5th are Renshi.)
*Shihan-Dai
5th Dan (Godan) Renshi Shihan
6th Dan (Rokudan) Renshi Shihan
7th Dan (Nanadan) Kyoshi Shihan
8th Dan (Hichidan) Hanshi level can begin at either 8th or 9th Dan. If in certain systems Hanshi starts at 9th Dan, then 8th Dan is Kyoshi Shihan.
9th Dan (Kudan) Hanshi
10th Dan (Judan) Hanshi
*Shihan Dai (Upper level Shihan), is generally considered to begin at 5th Dan. Shihan, as it was defined by Supreme Mater Fusei Kise, Matsumura-Seito Shorin Ryu, as being, “leader of many.” The simplist way to understand this is in the military analogy. Think of 1st Dan to 4th Dan as Line Officers and 5th Dan and up as Flag Officers, with each division carrying different levels of senority, responsibility, and rank. In the Renshi and Kyoshi levels, the Black Belt is simply referred to as, Shihan. Then higher the reference is to, Hanshi. Keep in mind that the title system can vary with certain martial systems. What is represented here and in New Brunswick KO is the majority title/rank structure used.
There are, generally, in the Okinawan systems of Karate, as well as most mainland Japanese systems, in the upper level Black Belt ranks, three levels/titles. They are in order of the lowest to the highest: Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. A practitioner at Renshi has acquired the experience and rank to direct groups of students and/or groups of Dojos. Renshi means, “The Polished Expert.” The practitioner at Kyoshi has reached a level that they will direct not only groups of Dojos, but groups of Renshi. Kyoshi means, “Assistant Master Teacher.” The person holding the title of Hanshi is usually the head master of the entire system or style, all Renshi and Kyoshi are under their direction. Hanshi means, “The Master Teacher.
New Brunswick KO is NOT about rank, or acquiring rank, and more about responsibilities and duties equated to each title and position! However, with that said overall, every Dan, 1st Dan/Sempai, 2nd Dan/Sensei, 3rd Dan, and up from our group carries great weight, and requires great efforts, work, and prioritized sacrifices to acquire. Much like it was years ago, and sadly, is not the case in today’s “Modern Karate.” Further, earning your 1st Dan, as an example in our group, requires more than just paying your tuition and coming to class once in a while. There is no, “Time Clock Mentality,” when it comes to ranks and promotions at New Brunswick KO. Appropriate priority must be given to Karate study. It should not come before family, employment, or education, but neither is it a hobby or recreational/seasonal sport> it is not. Karate, a martial art, is more about lifestyle, and Karate playing a major role in your lifestyle. You cannot just pack it, Karate, into a bushel of other recreations, which fragments your time, and expect great results from your Karate training. Treating Karate as a hobby/recreation is fine, you may reach blue or purple belt, BUT greater efforts and commitments must be made if you hope to reach higher ranks and greater goals. Even upon reaching 1st Dan, to become a candidate for 2nd Dan, that individual must show a determined and disciplined commitment to his or her Karate, AND show the ability to take a greater role in the operation of his or her Dojo. Further, that candidate should, at the very least show the ability, that they could in fact run a Dojo as its Dojo Head.
Students who become disruptive or refuse to follow the rules may be asked to leave. Further, all students must fill out and sign a Code of Conduct Contract. If a student is under the age of 18 years, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Code of Conduct Contract for that student. We place the highest moral standard, and responsibility on our students to conduct themselves properly in and outside of class at all times. Failure to do so may result in that student’s permanent termination of New Brunswick KO membership. Likewise our teaching staff maintains at all times to lead and teach by example. In that way it completes a moral circle that together cannot be broken. Students absent from class two months or more are placed as inactive. All inactive students that return to New Brunswick KO are placed on a mandatory probationary period and must make up the time missed before full entry and membership benefits apply. That includes any promotion consideration. Further, any Black Belts, and Brown, that return after a long absence, will not take up their position relative to seniority of rank held. A general policy on returning Black Belts and Brown, it is strictly to maintain the appropriate and efficient chain of command. Any, as an example a 1st Dan, that would return will be under, below in rank with, the active 1st Dans (except 1st Dan J.G’s). This does not mean the returning 1st Dan cannot work and go for the appropriate promotion when the time is right. AND it is most certainly NOT a punishment for returning Black Belts! However, in the past we have had Black Belts return that didn't have a clue what we were doing, all it did was slow everything up! The harmony, flow, and efficiency of the group must not be compromised. This would also allow the returning Black or Brown Belt(s) to get their feet back under them without the responsibility of assisting in running the Dojo.
