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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 08 March 2008 16:37 |
ShoHei-Ryu Karate
On November 16, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Okinawa Karatedo Association created a new school (Ryuha) and officially named it SHOHEI-RYU, choosing this from 28 proposed names. SHOHEI-RYU was chosen for its historical significance, and also because its meaning speaks to all members of the Okinawa Karate Association, regardless of nationality. The word SHOHEI-RYU comes from two Chinese characters (Kanji), "SHO" and "HEI", the first meaning "to shine brightly" and the latter meaning "fairness, "equality", and "peace". The SHOHEI-RYU name and year of origin also express another level of significance, one relating more to the Okinawan history and philosophy. In 1989 the Okinawan Karatedo Association, (Okikukai), came into existence, which was also the same year that the present emperor (tenno) of Japan, Akihito, ascent to the throne. Consequently, the era name changed from SHOWA to HEISEI, and SHOHEI refers to both eras, being an amalgam of the "old" and the "new". It is the choice of modern Okinawans, to neither reject the past nor ignore the future, therefore the name represents the juxtaposition of historical eras and is also a reminder of the events which the world must never forget. Thus, SHOHEI-RYU is a name to mark the epochal change of our time, and proclaims the deep-seated attitudes towards history and tradition. The poet BASHO once wrote not only to walk in the "physical footprints" of the ancients, but to also "follow" their creative mentality. He insisted: "Walk not without reflection in the footprints the ancients left, rather aim for the purposes they sought". In the development of the new "Ryuha", the members of the Okinawa Karatedo Association resolve to enrich our lives and our art both technically and spiritually. Thus, SHOHEI-RYU promises unlimited and everlasting development in the future for our BUDO and our lives.
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