Monthly Archives: December 2021

Okinawa Kenpo – Viewed from a different angle

Jūjutsu and jūjutsu-like systems were known since feudal times in Japan under a multitude of names. The two most common of which were yawara and jūjutsu. Others were: kenpō, hakuda, hade, shubaku torite, taijutsu, kumiuchi, kogusoku, koshi no mawari, wajutsu, aikijūjutsu, aiki no jutsu, aikijutsu … Continue reading

Posted in Fundstücke, Jujutsu, New Developments, Ōshima Hikki, Terminology, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Comments Off on Okinawa Kenpo – Viewed from a different angle

Kampfkunst in Siam (Thailand), 1899

“Neuerdings nehmen sogar die Vornehmen nach dem Vorbild des Königs, der bekanntlich vor kurzem erst die europäischen Länder besuchte, europäische Kultur an, und Volksspiele und Sports aller Art stehen bei den heiteren, stets zu Scherz und Kurzweil aufgelegten Siamesen seit … Continue reading

Posted in auf Deutsch, Fundstücke | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Kampfkunst in Siam (Thailand), 1899

Torite (continued 2) – The Founder of Toritejutsu in this World

In previous articles I have mentioned torite in relation to the history of Okinawan martial arts. I noted that the father of modern karate, Itosu Ankō, mentioned that historical karate was probably influenced by the teachings of Chin Genpin (1587–1674) … Continue reading

Posted in Jujutsu, Terminology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Torite (continued 2) – The Founder of Toritejutsu in this World

160 Years of German-Japanese Friendship

On occasion of 160 years of German-Japanese diplomatic relations, here’s a short overview of German influences on early Meiji Japan. The official relations between a German state (Prussia) and Japan started with a diplomatic mission led by Count Friedrich Albrecht … Continue reading

Posted in Misc | Tagged | Comments Off on 160 Years of German-Japanese Friendship

Torite (continued)

As has been noted previously, it was no less than Itosu Ankō who “said that karate was introduced by Chin Genpin.” As regards the art taught in Japan by Chin Genpin, it has been described as the “art of torite” … Continue reading

Posted in Jujutsu, New Developments, Postwar Okinawa Karate, Prewar Okinawa Karate, Terminology, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Torite (continued)