Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu Karate

Training in Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu Karate:

Matsumura Seito (Orthodox) Shorin Ryu Karate is the system of martial art developed by Bushi Matsumura Sokon (1798-1890). Matsumura was accorded the title "Bushi" meaning "Gentleman Warrior" by the Ryukyu King Sho in recognition of his abilities and accomplishments in the martial arts. O Sensei Soken Hohan, (1889-1982) Grand nephew and a direct descendant of Bushi Matsumura continued to train and teach the old methods of Okinawan Te and did not acquiesce to the methods of modern sport karate. Matsumura Seito retains the intrinsic methods and fighting applications of the old school methods (Koryu Uchina Di). The term "SEI" "TO" literally translates as correct and governing meaning original method.

Shorin Ryu is a close quarter’s combative art form. It is not practical or preferable to defend from a distance. The system uses 70% hand techniques and 30% leg techniques which are short, low and snap with speed and power (Whip Kick, Toe Kick, and Sweeping Kick). These concepts require a close proximity to the attacker to effectively apply the strikes and kicks. The system builds within its practice a comfort through confidence when employing these defensive and offensive tactics. An additional benefit of this type of combat is it removes from sight the many lower attacking strategies from the enemy as well as removes or limits his ability to respond with long and intermediate defensive tactics as the power and effective ranges have been countered through distance and change of focus.

Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu Kata

Naihanchi Shodan

Naihanchi Nidan

Naihanchi Sandan*

Pinan Shodan

Pinan Nidan

Pinan Sandan*

Pinan Yondan*

Pinan Godan*

Ananku*

Wanshu*

Seisan*

Passai Sho

Passai Dai

Rohai (Dohai)no Matsumura

Jodan

Chudan

Gedan

Rohai (Dohai) no Tomari*

Gojushiho (Useishi)

Chinto

Kusanku

Matsumura no Hakutsuru

(See White Crane Program Page)

Matsumura Kobudo

(See Ryukyu Kobujutsu Page)

*These kata are from Chotoku Kyan Lineage and were introduced by Master Fusei Kise in 1970 and allowed by Grand Master Hohan Soken into the Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu system. Chotokyu Kyan was a student of Soken's Great Uncle, Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura and friend and contemporary of his uncle Nabi Matsumura.

Book A Lesson

Naihanchi Shodan Kata- This kata is one of the oldest forms in the Matsumura system. It consists of a series of three such kata that are all performed in a side to side performance line (embusen).

Passai Dai Kata- This kata is one of the oldest Okinawan katas in the Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu system. One of two (Dai being the greater) is translated to "Break through a fortress or extracts of a fortress". This kata is performed as an introduction to the Black Belt level of Okinawan empty hand.

Matsumura Passai Sho Kata- Passai Sho kata was one of Hohan Sokon's favorite kata to

be performed. "To break a fortress" is the interpreted meaning.

Wanshu Kata- Wanshu is one of three kata introduced to the Matusmura Seito Shorin Ryu system form the Shorinji Ryu school This series of kata were brought to Okinawa from Chotokyu Kyan.

Matsusoden Kobukan is an affiliated member with the Kobukan Karate Federation

under Hanshi Larry Vellucci. https://www.cranekarate.com