Chito

Not quite. After shodan, there is use of the bo (Chito Bo) but no other weapons. However, some Chito Ryu clubs (and one here that's Wado Ryu) also run a separate program of Ryukyu Kobujutsu. So, often housed in the same dojo but totally separate programs.

I am a Chito Ryu practitioner in NS. I know some of the clubs in NB and they are top notch. Where in NB are you?

Strong hikite. If you focus on the arm coming back, you'll notice a smoother, faster punch going out.

I'm not a practitioner of goju or shito. Could someone enlighten me to the differences between goju's seipai and shito's seipai... if any? Thanks!

One of the older black belts here was in the last tournament. He's in his 40's. Tall and lean, he's an excellant fighter. He gets winded a bit more than the 20 year olds... who he can beat because of tactics and strategy. He's "old school". Today, it's a lot more vicious and aggressive. I'd stick to the more "defense" type fighting than "offence". Good technique always wins out in the end.

I'm a Chito Ryu practitioner. It's a popular style in Canada, Australia, and Southeastern Japan. It also has a following in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Jamaica, Singapore, and the US as well. It's based on Shorin Ryu and Shorei Ryu. 70% hard/30% soft. Our founder, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose, took the best of both styles and applied his knowledge of human physiology (he was a medical doctor). Basically, he removed or modified anything detrimental to the body (for example, certain stances that can be very hard on the back and knee joints). If you got any questions, let me know.

I don't think there is the most deadly move... although some are rather brutal. In some of our bunkai, the area we strike can be severe. For example, one movement has the attacker coming in and with a bit of shift to their side, we slam the side/back of their knee with a side kick. They go down and a knife hand strike is leveled on the back of their neck. If done properly... I think sometimes we don't realize that it takes little pressure to break certain bones, etc. Also, just a legal matter. In Canada at least, if you're attacked, you must only use REASONABLE force to defend yourself. If you nail your attacker and they get seriously hurt, you can get charged with assault. It's a tricky situation especially with the hard style we practise. I sometimes think I should have gone with Aikido Cuz I know if I get attacked, especially with multiple people and I know my life is in danger, I'm not holding back.

Curious though... isn't it full contact? Do you wear protective gear? I know from my experience, if some of our people used full contact... YIKES!

Oh, i've seen it in about 4. But the course curriculum is very structured. And sometimes it takes a bit longer. The final word on who goes for testing is with the dojo's sensei. And of course, each person is different... I find some who have real natural ability will have to meet a higher standard then those who... well... just don't got it. lol

Just curious... how long does it take to achieve shodan in your style or dojo? It takes us about 5 years. And only one person in Canada is allowed to test us for it, Higashi Sensei (and the rank of 1st kyu is done by only one or two people on the provinical level). And it's NOT easy. He's failed a number of practitioners. One, who later became one of the best instructors, failed three times. Same with dan ranking. And we see shodan as a beginner... now having the learned the skills to start "real" karate. I just think sometimes a lot of schools go the quick and easy way which in may cases, not all, results in low quality skills. One school I talked to passed you on to shodan in two years. Any thoughts or experiences?

I love watching Sanshiryu and Ryusan performed. I've watched a number of different styles' kata and really find Chito Ryu to have the most "beautiful". Sounds odd... but while they can be hard and fast, there are moments of flowing, soft movements and are very dynamic.

LMAO... i'm 30. But I'll be there to watch on cheer on some friends.

Maybe I am thinking of the masters division... Probably... I just overheard the coach here talking about it... but come to think about it, you're probably right about that with regard to only the masters.

However... I'm pretty sure you can register for kata without being part of the team... team is all about kumite.

Yeah... I busted my shoulder one night doing a forward roll... Fear of falling is so innate. One of the tricks the video teaches is to have someone hold the knot in your belt as you lean backward over a mat... then just let go and break your fall... Like I said, anyone want some great tips on ukemi or how to improve your ukemi, check out those videos.