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The
Meaning of Ryusei
“Ryusei” translates into English as “Dragon
Spirit.” It is an honorific title for the bujin or
warrior who devotes himself to the practise of karate
and understanding the art’s ultimate meaning. Ryusei
is also a term of respect used to honor the spirit of
such a fighter.
The term “Ryusei” was coined by Tei Junsoku,
the “Saint of Nago,” in 1705. Junsoku was an
18th-century Confucian scholar from Okinawa who made trips
to China and returned with books on Chinese science and
philosophy.
The Origins of Todi
“Todi” is the name of the martial art used
by warriors in the old Kingdom of Ryukyu (Okinawa) to
protect the “sappushi,” envoys sent by the
emperor of China. Todi is said to be a kempo-bujutsu
(an ancient Chinese fighting system), which was passed
on down within the South Shaolin Temple in Fujian, China,
until the Min dynasty.
Todi also greatly influenced ti (pronounced “tee”),
the indigenous Okinawan fighting system. Ti developed
into two distinct branches: Shuri-ti, in the capital
of Ryukyu (Shuri), and Naha-ti in the kingdom’s
commercial centre of Naha.
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What Is Ryusei Karate-Do?
Ryusei Karate-Do is a traditional Okinawan fighting
art (kempo-bujustu) that is a legitimate successor
to the techniques of both todi and Chito-Ryu.
The latter fighting system was founded by Master
Chinen Kinchoku (who renamed himself Tsuyoshi
Chitose), the Sixth Todi Master. The United States
Chito-ryu Karate Federation has a good, concise
history of the master here.
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