What Is Matsubayashi-Ryu?

Kodokan-Seiler Dojo is dedicated to the promotion of Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu karate in Minnesota. The dojo is a member of World Matsubayashi-ryu (Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) and licensed by the organization’s President, Yokitasha Taira Sensei. 

Matsubayashi-ryu is an Okinawan martial art with a long history and tradition. It was founded by O’Sensei Shoshin Nagamine and the lineage is currently headed by Sensei Yoshitaka Taira, 10th Dan. Practice in tradition is the foundation of this style of karate, rather than a display for tournament. 

In contrast to the many, highly commercialized options available for martial arts instruction, we do not train for the purpose of sporting competition or as a casual hobby. We focus on instruction in the history and principles of Okinawan Karate-do, as a part of Okinawan culture, and the applicability of those principles in a life pursuing wellness and peace. This is done through instruction in the physical techniques of Matsubayashi-ryu as found in kata, bunkai (applications), and kumite (a type of sparring, but in the context of personal defense without any rules or restrictions). In addition, we engage in physical conditioning using Okinawan Hojo Undo (traditional training tools and techniques) as well as modern methods. The final component is mental training for personal wellness and training effectiveness. This includes Zazen meditation practice/ sitting and Zanshin as an element of kata and kumite exercises. The results are improved health, improved mental wellness, and continuously improving abilities in empty-hand combat.

Kata is the center of training in traditional Okinawan Karate-do. Kata is a prearranged set of movements that embody a set of fundamental offensive and defensive techniques. Each kata focuses on a particular fighting style or strategy. This strategy is intertwined in the stances, direction changes, blocks, and strikes included in the kata.

Proficiency in Karate-do is developed by merging one’s natural instincts and physical attributes with physiologically efficient and effective technique. Kata is the means for developing efficient and effective technique by focusing on proper stance, balance, atemi (focus), and self-awareness in the context of self-defense applications. This is why kata is the central focus of practice. Kata is insufficient alone, however. Kumite practice allows the development of essential fighting elements such as timing, spacing, and comfort with actual physical contact with an opponent. Developing abilities in traditional Karate-do follows a repeating cycle of learning:

     1. Culture – understanding the social context of the art you are studying

     2. Tradition – understanding the history and customs linked to the teaching and training methods of your art

     3. Science – understanding the physical and physiological truths and principles underlying the techniques of your art. This includes primarily physics, anatomy, and psychology.

    4. Experience – repetition of techniques (kata, kumite, bunkai) with a complete understanding of why the context, history, and scientific principles.

    5. Actual Proof – demonstration/ testing of techniques with the intention of verifying effectiveness.