Tomari te
Matsubayashi-ryu was founded by Shoshin Nagamine (1907-1997), a student of several prominent instructors, including Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945), the master of the Shuri-te style, and Choki Motobu (1871-1944), the master of the Tomari-te and Shuri-te style. He adopted the name Matsubayashi-ryu, which uses the Chinese character Matsu (pine), to honor both Sokon Matsumura (1809-1896), Chotoku Kyan's master, and Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898), Choki Motobu's master.
The main characteristic of Matsubayashi-ryu is to start with very natural motions, with no sense of awkwardness, and use a natural respiration method. Therefore, it places great importance on handling the body in a natural way, rapid and tempo-free motions, and Tanren of sharp techniques. In Matsubayashi-ryu, Kata are regarded as being creative, and an enbu demonstration emphasizes the harmony of speed, power and weight. The purpose of training is and train in the principle of shin-gi-tai-ichinyo, (oneness of mind-technique-body) and master it.
Typical Kata include: Fukyugata I, Fukyugata II, Tomari Passai, Gojushiho, Chatan Yara no Kusanku, Tomari Chinto, Rohai, Wankan and Wanshu.
Updated: Friday, 10 September 2010