Kaicho. Karate associations are a double-edged sword for traditional martial artists. Historically, Okinawan Karate was centered on family or royal lineage traditions taught discreetly to a small group of deshi. Traditionally, a sensei would teach a student to a certain point and then send his student out to another teacher for additional instruction. In this way karate became a tailored art passed down to individuals through many different pathways (ryu).

With the proliferation of Karate to the masses in pre-war Japan and subsequently the spread and popularity of Karate in the West, it became necessary to organize to maintain the distinctly Okinawan characteristics of what we now call traditional Okinawan Karate. The up side of association is the preservation of standards of quality of and proficiency in the art. The down side is the organizational dynamics that often beset organizations that can detract us from the true spirit of Karate.

In organizing the Kensankai, Perry Kaicho has created a forum whereby karateka can learn and promulgate the art of Okinawan Karate in an inclusive, comprehensive and personal way. If not guarded by guiding principles, the foundation of the Kensankai could erode over time. For the Kensankai to be an enduring organization consistent with Perry Kaicho’s vision we must understand the principles upon which the association is organized. It is my hope the association becomes an enduring venue by which individuals can develop their bodies, their character, and their minds through the art of Okinawan Karate. My second hope is that the association becomes a legacy to a life and lives dedicated to the study and practice of Okinawan Karate.

Purpose of the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Kensankai:

The Okinawa Shorin Ryu Kensankai promotes the development of individual character through the diligent and holistic study and practice of traditional Okinawan Karate.
Method:
The Kensankai achieves its purpose through traditional Okinawan training methods. Perry sensei explains, “We approach the study of karate with the greatest humility and deep respect for those who have gone before us in the ‘true way’.” He continues, “Karate is a fighting art. You must train with deep seriousness from the first day. Each punch, block, or kick must be delivered with the power of the entire body in unison.” These principles are at the core of our method of training.
Kata: Kata forms the foundation of the principles of combat. Through kata karateka learn the fundamentals of balance, speed, and power. Kata is the means by which Okinawan karate masters passed their art to us. We develop our minds, our bodies and our technique through the study and practice of kata. Through kata we also reserve what is uniquely Okinawan about karate.
Hojo Undo: Supplemental training aids, such as body hardening drills, makiwara training, kote kitae and other combat conditioning methods, steel the body and mind for interpersonal conflict and for developing personal characteristics of patience, perseverance, and self-awareness.
Kobudo: Weapons training preserves the traditions of Okinawan martial traditions and aids in the development of strength and agility in the body.
Applied technique: Combat is fluid and chaotic. Windows of opportunity open and close quickly requiring physical abilities and experience to recognize and exploit them. Combat is violent and can have deleterious effects on the mind and emotions of the combatant. To mitigate these effects and develop courage, confidence, and mental and physical toughness, the Kensankai uses a variety of applied training methods including yakusoku kumite (pre-arranged fighting), jiyu kumite (free sparring), oyo bunkai (applied analysis of kata), defense drills and other methods. These techniques provide karateka with the opportunity to develop real world applications of the techniques and principles found in kata.
Culture and language: Karate is an art. As martial artists, we seek to understand all aspects of the art we pursue. Okinawan karate emerged from a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in the art form itself. We seek to preserve the old ways of traditional karate by understanding the history, lore, language and culture from which karate developed.
Character development: The ultimate aim of the Kensankai is to develop individuals who have the personal qualities of integrity, humility, perseverance, physical and moral courage, patience and deep respect for others. The physical aspects of our approach to karate are merely a vehicle for the development of individuals with strong ethical and moral character. We embrace the Japanese concept of Shin Gi Tai or Mind/Heart, Technique, Body. Perry sensei explains this concept as, “one whose spirit and mental strength have been forged by hard training will face any challenge with a ‘can do’ attitude. One who has undergone long hours of hard physical training and mental agony to learn one technique can face any task … and carry it through to a successful conclusion. When you have done this, you can truly say that you have begun to understand the true ‘way’.”

Development of the Karate ka: A framework
The Kensankai uses a Dan/Kyu ranking system to recognize an individual’s experience, and development in karate do. Rank is not a goal in itself. Instead rank allows karateka a means to observe progress and to anticipate expectations in their training. Generally, training focus will change with advancing rank.
Jukyu – Gokyu: This formidable period of training focuses on physical conditioning and developing a degree of mastery of basic skills and body mechanics. This period should include challenging physical training designed to develop strength, agility, flexibility and stamina. Skills are taught at their most basic and fundamental level. Striking is emphasized at this stage. The focus is form not just function. This stage can be challenging for new students because of the physicality of the training, the repetition of movement required to master basic principles of movement and the lack of patience in self to see the value and purpose of the training. Correct body mechanics are mastered through repetition and detailed instruction through kata, drills and conditioning. Students normally focus on Naihanchi and Pinan kata at this stage. This is the most essential stage to develop karateka to the physical capacity to learn karate do.
Rokkyu – lkkyu: Armed with a basic mastery of the physical aspects of karate, training focus shifts to developing the ability to apply the basic skills. Students will expand their kata inventory to include the more advanced kata of Passai, Kusanku, Chinto and Gojushiho. Karateka will deepen their understanding of naihanchi and pinan kata. This phase will focus on applied techniques and interpersonal conflict including self-defense techniques and a foundational understanding of principles of throws, falls, and grappling (tuite), found in those kata. Training will continue to develop the physical abilities of the karateka and will expand to include weapons training, culture and history knowledge. Additionally, yakusoku kumite and jiyu kumite are integrated into training to reinforce applications and physical courage. It is during this stage teaching becomes a part of learning. Karateka will begin to teach others and by doing so gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of their own training. The culmination of this training is a karateka who is physically prepared for shodan.
Shodan – Sandan: In a very real sense shodan is the level at which the concept of Shin Gi Tai begins to develop and when the karateka becomes a true student of karate. A shodan should be physically strong with a practical and technical understanding of karate. Kata will become stronger and more personalized to the individual. Counts or cadences become a teaching tool, not a training method. From shodan to yondan the karateka develops a deeper understanding of the principles of combat. It is at this stage karateka undertake a diligent study of the history of karate, the culture of Okinawa, Japan, China and other cultures that have influenced Shorinryu Karate. Karateka are highly encouraged to travel to Okinawa and experience for themselves the source of their art. Karateka undertake a deeper study of the Japanese language beyond basic karate specific vocabulary. At this stage, a karateka is expected to teach others under the direction of a more senior yudansha. The ultimate purpose of teaching at this stage is the development of the individual, vice imparting knowledge to mudansha, through teaching, patience, restraint, integrity, and compassion. More advanced techniques of kyusho, tuite, nagewaza, trapping, pushing, kansetsu waza are introduced and karateka learn the broader kata of Seiunchin, Rohai, and Hakutsuru.
Godan – Rokudan: This level of karate becomes less about personal development and more about ensuring a high quality of karate is being maintained throughout the association. The focus of this group is training mudansha through shodan. Generally, yondan and above may open dojo and teach independently. Godan and Rokudan are now committed to a lifetime of pursuing karate and actively seek their own interests within the infinite aspects of the study of karate. Personal training and exploration constitute the individual’s pursuit of continued mastery. Teaching karate becomes a vehicle not for self-development but for transmitting the essence of karate to the association’s mudansha and yudansha. Teaching is, at this stage, a selfless act vice a selfish act.
Nanadan- Hachidan: This small group of karateka are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the association. They ensure high quality instruction for all Kensankai karateka. They are committed to ensuring the success of each affiliated dojo. They do this by teaching, attending and organizing camps and seminars. They facilitate Kensankai karateka trips to Okinawa. They provide guidance and support to dojo owners to ensure success. They also interact with karateka outside the association to broaden the Kensankai karateka’s exposure to all families of Okinawan karate. This ensures a rich, broad and expansive experience that will be the hallmark of the association. This group is selfless in their support for the organization. They must understand Perry sensei’s vision for the association. They create an environment that allows individuals to explore martial pursuits while vigorously defending the traditions and training methods of Okinawan karate. At this level, teaching is a vehicle for preserving the art and developing others.

This framework is not prescriptive or directive but should serve as guide for defining what the Kensankai is and why it exists. It serves as a guidepost for all who have embarked on their journey in karate do. Funakoshi Gichin calls Karate “My Way of Life.” Indeed, karate do is a worthy pursuit that can span a lifetime when approached with humility and sincerity. It is my hope the Kensankai can be a force for good in improving the lives of all who choose to dedicate themselves to pursuit of karate do.