JAMJTX

The Shindo Jinen Ryu Founder, Konishi Yasuhiro, also studied Jujutsu and even learned Daito Ryu from Ueshiba (Aikido Founder) before taking up Karate training. The Daito Ryu and Takeouchi Ryu Jututsu have very strong influences on the Shindo Jinen Ryu. I am also conducting reserach into Mabuni Kenwa, Shito Ryu Founder, and his Jujutsu training. The Jujutsu that Shogo Kuniba is said to have learned from Mabuni had a strong influence on Motobuha Shito Ryu Karatedo. Jim Mc Coy

When the Motobu Chosei video came out, Dragon times ran a series of articles on Motobu Choki. I think there were several over the last 2 years. It would be woth while getting what ever back issues that you can. The magazine is now called Classical Fighting Arts. See https://www.dragon-tsunami.org Motobu Ryu Karate is not very well known or widespread. But if you want to learn more about his teachings and the video is not enough - you can train in Motobuha Shito Ryu. Try to stick to Kuniba Kai or American Goshin Budo and Kobudo. Most groups have changed the kata and lost Kuniba's bunkai. Also the style of Shindo Jinen Ryu (Ryobukai) was greatly influenced by Motobu.

I have nothing personal against this guy. I never met him. The probelm is that neither has the Kuniba family who he claimed to have trained with. Eventually, the stories of training with Shogo Kuniba were dropped by his descendents, but they do resurface from time to time. This guy was a liar and a fraud. From what I have seen in his students here in PA, the "karate" that he taught was extremely weak. Some of these guys may have picked up some legit training somewhere along the way. But Durant did not. He has never held any rank or titles in a legit karate oragnization. Some claim he had a 5th Dan from the Seishin Kai, with the certificate signed by Richard Baillargeon. This certifcate is a forgery.

The Dragon-Tsunami video by Motobu's son is excellent. I got a lot out of it. I have been involved in Motobuha Shito Ryu since the late 1970's. It is a rich system with much depth and a lot of kata. Soke Sohogo Kuniba raised the style, and Karate in general, by his combinations of Karate, Judo and Aikido and his unique interpretations of the Kata. If you want to see a bit more on this system, try Lewis Estes videos. They can be bought on Amazon.com or the Kuniba Kai web site, https://www.kunibakai.com