The history of Motobu Udundi

The Udundi Motobu was founded by Sho Koshin Oji Motobu Chohei, sixth son of King Sho Hitsuo, tenth king of Ryukyu Dynasty reign second family Sho.

This art has been passed down for generations within the family Motobu, which was the royal family of the Ryukyus. The “Udun” Udundi part of the name means “own royal family statutes”. Motobu is why Udundi means “the royal family Motobu”.

The “You” part of the name means “hand” and by extension, Bojutsu, the “Martial Arts”. The same meaning as the word Karate, which, since early Showa period, Japanese is written using characters that meant “empty” and “hand”. Originally it was written with characters (Kanji) different “Kara”, which translated by “Chinese”, and expressed the fact that karate was a Bojutsu that came from China. Consequently, Udundi means “Bujutsu Real House”.

As Secret Martial Art (Bujutsu) Ryukyu royal family, Ti Udundi Motobu saved within the Motobu family passed from father to eldest sons. It is said that the oldest boy began his training at the age of six and completed his resume as he reached the age ceremonial. Such was the secrecy maintained that even younger siblings could not contemplate training. Reason that has been little known this art in the world, not to mention its technical.

In the days when it was still Okinawa Ryukyu kingdom, Ti Udundi Motobu taught in secret to those who held the rank of royal family of the Motobu, inasmuch as the complex historical circumstances that proceeded to the Meiji Restoration, is what I, not be related by blood kinship with Motobu family taught me the art of Motobu Choyu, the eleventh generation of Masters.

 

Right sitting:
Seikichi Sensei Uehara (1904-2004).

Kneeling on center:
Sensei Mimoun Boulahfa,

Sensei next Shimabukuru.

Sunset Beach (Okinawa), 1990-1991.

 

Spiritual Techniques Master Motobu Choyu.

Choyu Sensei always said that the techniques of the King of Ryukyu, in other words, Motobu Udundi, were a manifestation of the divine. I've faced many times during training with Master Choyu, but I could never touch, not even when I was the age of seventy. It really seemed to possess divine gifts. So much so, I think if attacked by multiple opponents, could subject without causing major damage. Forgetting his skill, he always did his best to avoid situations where the use of Bujutsu could become inevitable. “You must practice constantly, your whole life to delve into the essence of Bujutsu, but it is much more desirable that you use your whole life to never have to use the Bujutsu you learned.” Choyu Sensei was certainly a remarkable person that always made effort to reach a successful conclusion in any discussion.

Era, without a doubt, a virtuoso martial artist who dominated opponents without damaging, indicating the path to reform. With regard to this point, is very important to improve the techniques to such an extent, to far exceed the speed of your opponents. Consequently, as a martial artist must train, strictly and consistently, without neglecting daily practice. Also, during training, is very important to treat your opponent's body as if it were your own and avoid injury to other, trying to flaunt your strength. Udundi Motobu practitioners should keep these teachings throughout your workout and not abandon. I think I can still play and feel in good shape thanks to the teachings of Sensei Choyu, try to follow while you can stay active, as far and as long as I can.

Technical Features Motobu Udundi.

Techniques against multiple opponents.

Udundi Motobu techniques have been created with the intention of fighting against multiple opponents. For this reason we made while walking steadily. Practitioners should not stop walking, even for a moment, until the last enemy is eliminated and the conflict has ended. For this, the “walk” in Motobu Udundi is very important. For each opponent using only a technique or stroke. In a fight against several opponents, what it is is an attack to a single enemy.

Also, performing unnecessary movement could be fatal in a real fight. In Motobu Udundi we do not do preparatory movements before carrying out any technical, such as the hip or bring down his fist at the hip to make travel in the coup. Neither took any position (Kamae) against any adversary. When we block or defend ourselves against any attack, we move continuously in areas that represent “Blind Spot” on the lines of attack and defense of our opponent, running our techniques while our bodies move away from attackers, “Sen no Sen”. In this way our guns never touch those of our opponents avoiding the fate of their being damaged by contact. Swords and other bladed weapons are often used as a standard peer, the ability to handle weapons freely with both hands is a feature of Motobu Udundi

In a showdown against multiple opponents have to pay attention to anything that happens without blinking, This makes each opponent movements are controlled. We abandoned the look, directed to a point and try to perceive every situation as a whole. It is very important to keep the mind free from all thoughts and move into a state of “No thought” and detachment, but one must also be able to react or fight back instantly if any of the opponents makes the slightest intention of moving.

From the Empty Hand to Weapon Techniques and Warrior Dance.

The training in the Motobu Udundi begins with basic movements Taijutsu or empty hand techniques, well be fist attacks or legs. These basic techniques are used for training the body. Based on these fundamentals, the practitioner is directed to improving the management of twenty different weapons. The essence and key to handling these weapons lies in training with the sword. Through the improvement of the practitioner acquires the sword moves that can be applied to any of the other weapons. Once the student has acquired expertise in the handling of these, phase begins most advanced weapons defense: Tui-ti.

At the beginning of the practice of Taijitsu, the student learns what is known as aspects “hard”, techniques developed to knock down the opponent with one blow. The purpose of the Tui-ti, aimed at developing the “soft”, leads to the domain of the adversary, but without causing excessive damage.

Perfecting techniques Tui-ti, possible defense against any opponent with any weapon. The way it is grasped and manipulated the hand of an opponent in the techniques of Tui-ti is very similar to the movements used by the swordsmen in the Motobu Udundi. That is why it is very difficult to master the Tui-ti without having trained in the use of weapons. It is also very difficult to implement techniques Tui-ti, if the body is stiff, as the strong points of the body must remain relaxed.

The first practitioners working Motobu is your body Udundi, techniques practicing hard style. With this basic training, you begin to learn to use gentle movements to control the opponent.

These gentle movements become hard in the last moment of contact or application. In other words, how hard, Powerful techniques, are designed without the soft. Thus the soft and hard are unified in any move or technique.

To acquire this skill is necessary to follow the correct training. First the student must perfect the basic movements Taijutsu comprising practicing kicks and punches, and then use the training method Motobu Udundi, to consolidate and strengthen these skills on a solid foundation. Once you understand these basics, You can create thousands of different techniques. Failure to follow these processes, the practitioner be thwarted his attempt to reach the deep essence of the teachings s “Oguki” the Motobu Udundi.

With continued practice and building a repertoire of techniques based on the hard and the soft, you get to the top of the Martial Arts techniques called “Mai” or Dance. The mastery of a series of moves, which aims to gently and effectively respond to any action of the opponent, leads to the culmination in the “Muidi” or Martial Dance. Muidi is the highest state of Motobu Udundi. When I describe the Muidi like a dance I do not mean Bojutsu movements carry the Katas, simply and dance with them accompanied by music. Muidi not this kind of thing.

Often, to perfect the deeper aspects of Motobu Udundi, such as Muiti sable and techniques, the body must flow in smooth movements emerging unexcited. At this point, the Gukui, or early Tuiti and use several arms are wrapped in soft, springing movements Muidi, as a kind of war dance. When the practitioner has reached the top of the movement maciales, they become graceful and elegant, all synchronized with the lack of movement “abrupt” and blind spots. For this reason, the Muidi should appear at first glance as something more than just a dance. Actually, the terrifying power hidden within the smooth movement, while within that lightness that people think it lacks effectiveness.

The Spirit of Motobu Udundi

There are some matters Bojutsu practitioners must retain in their minds. As Bojutsu of knights and the royal house, Udundi Motobu provides a strict number of warnings. I will highlight some, my Master as I often confided to me the.

Do not make enemies by your own will, win one, is losing another, if the right is victorious, it is important that the left is defeated.

A Bujin, or warrior, should avoid conflicts beforehand doing much emphasis as possible, knowingly be creating enemies. For this reason the Master taught me to be prudent and cautious, both my words and my actions, in combat training and half games such as wrestling, must be cautious letting lose the left to compensate for the victory of the right. Make the opponent save face is an effective way to avoid unnecessary disputes. You should never look for opponents with the sole purpose of demonstrating your skill and vainly force.

Besides the Motobu Udundi recommended not to injure the opponent whatever the case. This, obviously, becomes real during training, but even if it were an enemy should avoid injure. Not only is it unpleasant for others, but this enhances the bitterness of the person, making your resentment will continue tatno as long as the wound caused by the conflict. Hurting and maiming your opponent, run the risk of conflict continue harvesting time and again.

The good martial artist controls the opponent anticipating the attack without causing damage to the opponent and inviting peace and reform. The Sensei said: "Be careful in applying your skills martial, tries to control a situation which may not plant new conflicts. "Coming to this point, techniques need to be improved to the point where they far exceed the abilities of your opponents. So as a martial artist, must train constantly and strictly, without leaving any day.

Bujutsu should never be used to the detriment of the family. The warrior must contribute to society and maintain their family responsibilities. To take the training in an orderly, is necessary to meet all the needs of the family. It is important to pay attention to health and keep peace in the family.

The Sensei said: "The first thing you have to do is get you one job and take care of your family after your workouts Bujutsu founded on this basis. Since the purpose of Bujutsu is to protect your life and your family, all this would be meaningless if applied Bujutsu at the expense of your family. It is also very important to follow any parallel activity to your workouts.

Prepare for anytime actually makes use of Bujutsu, think you almost certainly will need two graves. One of which will be for your opponent, and the other for you. Because the purpose of Bujutsu is your protection and that of your family, having to fight with your opponent to death. That is why you yourself should be prepared to go to the grave. Also, if you survive the conflict and bury your opponent, is possible that the children and descendants of your opponents back to challenge you. The Sensei said: "Never forget that two tombs are waiting whenever you use the Bujutsu." And that is why he warns strictly against Bujutsu use either light or violently.

Even having mastered the Art, is better to spend a lifetime without use. Choyu Sensei used to say that the techniques of “king of the Ryukyu Islands”, in other words, Motobu Udundi, was a manifestation of the divine. I fought with Sensei during training Choyu, but I could never touch, not even when I was the age of seventy. Certainly seemed to possess divine abilities. Indeed, was so skilled that I think even if it was attacked by several opponents would be able to dominate without causing major damage. Despite their skills, was always careful to avoid falling into situations where use may be unavoidable Bujutsu. You must practice all your life to penetrate the depths of Bujutsu domain but is more desirable to elapse your life without having to use the Bujutsu you've learned. Choyu Sensei was the person who really brought this to a successful conclusion.

Udundi Motobu practitioner must not leave to keep these techniques throughout their training, maintaining a high alert, avoid disturbing others using words or gestures unfortunate. During training is also important to treat your opponent's body as if it were your own, while avoiding harming others trying to show skills and strengths.

The Motobu training Udundi

My training period

Among the twelve and twenty-two, Sensei practiced only Choyu. Trained three times daily, morning, afternoon and evening. The training was extremely stressful. Choyu Sensei not only taught me Bujutsu techniques, but also in the approach of the warrior aspects of ordinary life such as how to tie the headscarf or how to eat. It is impossible to relate to you all the things you taught me, but I will mention some of the most important.

Walking Practice

Gait practiced quickly forward and backward over the toes, keeping the weight on the base of the toes and keeping your knees straight. Had to walk while keeping the chest out and my leather stretched like a stick, using my stomach as a center hara, around which all m had to move body. I put pieces of wood behind the knees with pieces of cloth tied to learn the habit of walking with straight legs.

Practice Fist Strike

I started practicing how to hit with a fist to the stomach of my Master fist as Seiken (closed). Hitting the makiwara (leather stud or ropes on top) was not allowed, since inanimate objects do not hit you up for hitting people on the move. At the time of combat use Nukite (blow with the fingertips). We use the Motobu Nukite Udundi keeping the thumb of the hand stretched out and parallel to the other toes. In return, other systems it folded on itself. Nukite practiced hitting my fingertips on the beach sand. Eventually it was very difficult to split a cedar board three millimeters thick.

Practice hitting Leg

To practice the kick, a piece of cloth tied to a bamboo pole to the height of the face using the straight leg kick with Motobu feature Udundi. This kick is performed keeping both legs straight, both striking as keeping balance, balancing on the tips of fingers when we are extending the kicking leg, and the heel when the leg descend.

The next step was to practice high kick, walk with your legs straight and keeping your arms straight above your head and parallel to the floor, rocks wrapped in rags holding in both hands. If my body was swaying while conducting any kick, Rocks also towels banging against my legs would balance. in this way I learned to keep the body upright as he kicked. I started co stones weighing 600 grams to gradually increase the weight gradually to the 1800 grams. Later I learned to kick and beat standing over my shoulder diagonally opposite, can break a table positioned at that point. Later I learned to break the boards positioned just behind my head.

Also practiced the jump kicks trying to break small branches of trees, and jumped from the stone walls or any elevated position, leg kicking and hitting with both hands simultaneously while falling, repeating the operation as quickly touched the ground.

Jump Training

I practiced the jump from the supine position with the knees, using only my ankles as springs. I started doing this at age twelve and, eventually, when I was seventeen, was able to jump to the top of a stone wall located at the height of my arm raised, only with the power of my ankles and a hand.

 

Seikichi UEHARA, 10º Dan, 12Generation UEHARA SEIKICHI (1904-2004)

This is, beyond all doubt, the Grand Patriarch of Budo.

When Seikichi Uehara was born, almost the century, Year 1904, Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Karate, was a young man 36 years old.

It was only 22 years a Jikoro Kano in full authority (44 years old), Judo was created. Japan lived the germ of a fierce nationalism and the world had not yet suffered the assaults of World War Ia.

Uehara Master trained and learned the old-fashioned traditional Bujutsu Motobu his Master Choyu, there, in the same cradle of Karate, in the Ryukyu Islands in Okinawa.

His testimony and teachings are a treasure for all Budokas, faithfully transcribed as the origins and ways of the past. Sensei Uehara are a witness of emergency, ground for it to be noticeable Heche alive, bell because encuentra en una superb physical shape allows you to read and keep practicing enseñando the AUN students hoy sus days. El Maestro performs Likewise public displays of art and fue su declared “Tesoro del Japón alive” by him Emperor. Persona es su, for you both, sacred and inviolable and all hijo del Sol east tiene la obligation to atenderle and ayudarle in circumstances Cualquiera.

Tuvimos him honor he great Maestro Seikichi Uehara dispuesto we were to record a video with nosotros about it Motobu Udunti, style that he received and continues enseñando. It is an extremely comprehensive style that includes training in empty-handed struggle, as the use of a varied number of traditional weapons taken from the Okinawan people's everyday objects.

Perplexed attended the shows performed for the cameras, his sense of anticipation, and the constant attitude of saving energy in their movements.

As we see in the videos of Ueshiba Sensei, when they reach a certain age Teachers, constantly seem to enjoy their practice. Uehara Master smiled nonstop for the execution of the movements, but did not let a single opportunity to keep correcting her students. We had countless times for filming, for the Master, embedded in practice, ignoring the cameras and crew, explained to his students precisely where the errors committed, it being not satisfied until they did it well.

The Master dismissed a peculiar kindness. When you take your hand and look you in the eyes, feel that speaks to you is beyond good and evil; that there is nothing that has caught; understand what it means freedom and wisdom, and you discover yourself with a silly smile, a twinkle in the eyes, looking like your grandfather gives back that peculiar comfort and confidence that some call love.

 

Interview:

– Teacher, When Motobu began practicing Udunti?

– Sensei Uehara: en julio de 1915, en the Taisho época, inicié andadura mi como estudiante del gran Maestro Oyu Motobu. Por aquel tiempo impetuoso yo era un joven que ser el Mas Fuerte deseaba. Por ello le pad al gran maestro que me iniciara en el Arte. Creía que yo era algo facil de aprender. Ejecutaba las técnicas entusiasmo con todo y dedicación, buscando que mi mi trabajo Maestro aprobara. No tarde en comprender aquello que era mucho mas de lo que difícil a beer pensado, y tiempo que requería, sacrificio y dedicación.

Patras SEIS meses de entrenamiento mi conmigo tuvo un maestro de reconocimiento gesto mucho que me Animo. At that time the great Master turned to me and asked if I would be able to commit to my study and fulfill my vows as a student. Then do not understand the reasons for your question, but I said yes. I felt proud that my teacher pay attention to me, it meant he had observed that there was in me skills.

From that moment my training became more and more difficult. He had to overcome increasingly difficult and I activities involved more and more in every way. But my mind was strengthened as the bottom was, the treatment that I used the Great Teacher, like one of his family, encouragement gave me the time I forced.

My training started at the 12 years old, but only the 17 I started practicing proper techniques Motobu Udunti. After five years of preparation, when he finally started, I found that it was extremely difficult technical practice and efforts were a constant.

During the early days as Tuki techniques practiced long and Keri (open hand attacks and legs). Tuki is one of the preferred techniques in our style, hence the insistence of my Master in its improvement. Then trained Tobigeri, hopping techniques, generally used to prepare the flight when multiple enemies around you. Our school characteristics were determined in principle for the fight with a single adversary.

My teacher insisted that they should practice using fixed targets like a straw. "These are enemies who can not move." He repeated. We had to practice with an opponent who had resilience. When practiced with the great Master, discovered that her belly was like a tire. All my shots bounced after being absorbed. The Master was a man of great strength and performed really advanced techniques.

During the first five years only practiced Tuki, Keri and Tobigeri. I was going to train the cemetery because it was a particularly quiet people who did not attend daily.

– Was there something special about those workouts?

– Sensei Uehara: When I turned 20 I started my training years stronger during the winter.. Performing these workouts on the beach. I introduced into the water up to neck level, waves beating, but my stance should be firm. Then looked at the horizon, the vastness of the ocean and singing and shouting. The salt water frequently entered my mouth and cold gripped my body. Conducting this training 3 times a week because it was dangerous to do so every day because the circulatory system is compromised the most. These trainings conducted during the months of November, December, January and sometimes in February.

Early, before this training, covered my neck once a kind of scarf. The Grand Master struck me and said I must train more seriously and dedication. So I corrected my attitude and removed the scarf before entering the water. I think this training greatly strengthened me, because in my 93 years of age have never had flu, I keep fit and I can still train my younger disciples. This certainly owe it to perseverance not to neglect my daily training and the fact Bujutsu having faithfully followed the designs and teachings of my Master.

– How long wait to keep training?

– Sensei Uehara: My desire is to continue to train my students to comply 100 years and while I can walk on my own, and to transmit the legacy of my Master to new generations of students. If this is not done my Master, everything in the other world would definitely punish.

I mean my students and all martial artists who express interest in the Udunti that these teachings are not mine. I am a transmitter of the teachings of my Master Motobu Choyu. Those who wish should train hard to learn the true spirit of Udunti.

– The techniques are direct and forceful Udunti. Undoubtedly belong to a time where the defense is above sports style flourishes. What is the attitude of you into battle?

– Sensei Uehara: my Master special emphasis on a point. I said Udunti is a technique to kill. Its applications are deadly, therefore should not be used except to defend life. However Bujutsu protects health and can also be used to protect family.

When one begins the study of Martial Arts, can not understand the deeper meaning of Bushido. As the years, one acquires a more defined by discipline. Just joined forms a more professional.

Bujutsu The practice is very positive but do not neglect other aspects of life like good relations and family care.

There are now many treatises that discuss the techniques, movements, styles and mentalities of Martial Arts. For me, easy to understand if the content of this work is genuine or fake, ,because at my age I have not only seen a lot but passed through very different stages in learning disciplinary Arts. It is very important that students have the ability to discern when choosing their Master. I had a lot of insight in this area. Then just follow the discipline regularly, on a daily basis.

I am concerned that the Masters of Karate ultimately die too young. Formerly it was not. I think there are errors in your practice. Your workout them to maintain their physical fitness. I think they tend to excessively tighten your body and legs during daily training.. For this there are many who develop arthritis and other health problems.

Formerly the exercises were very different. During workouts pulled it out our back. We did shoulder elevations, the get up stretching his arms up and then pushing the air down. Natural breathing is very important for the proper practice of Bujutsu. Among the techniques involved in this issue in our school, stands called “Tinu Mutu”.Such exercises are suitable not only for good karate technique, but also to provide for the health of students.

– With so many schools of Karate, What recommendations would you young students?

– Sensei Uehara: First and foremost, as I said, is to choose a good teacher. With a good teacher good technique is guaranteed.

– But what other things students can do to develop their skills?

– Sensei Uehara: I think it would be excellent that will train outdoors, especially by the sea. The fresh air and sea breezes containing minerals such as iodine and other elements are excellent for health. They break their routines, walk backwards, toes or different from the usual. Techniques such as Ushiro-Ukemi (rear fender) allow the development of spatial orientation and shape in the lower abdomen strength.

If you practice this at least once a week may develop, as I, robust health.

– During video recording has surprised its vitality and readiness of their movements. Not just to wait to find a man like is You, this is an amazing fact in itself, but beyond that we have seen a martial artist running techniques with accuracy and efficiency. What is the secret to achieve that level, if any?

– Sensei Uehara: I have met during my life to people with exceptional natural talent for Bujutsu, just great people, but I've seen other people who did not have these skills, but that eventually reached the Master. Plan accordingly and in view of the results, essential it is in dedication, dedication and self-sacrifice that each of us is able to dump to achieve their goals. The daily workouts allow the development of technical skills, Speed ​​and power; This in turn allows, eventually, Bujutsu understanding and Bushido.

– What are your current life habits?

– Sensei Uehara: Every day I get up at 4.30 h. in the morning. In the city the air is dirtier, but at that time is less polluted. I climb to the roof of my house to breathe. I train every day and after training I like to enjoy a beer. It is important that students understand that refrigerants are not healthy, should not take these artificial drinks when training. I take beer or orange juice. The first helps clean sweating and sweating through the body of toxins.

– Do you ever drink any other alcoholic beverage?

– Sensei Uehara: When I was a little younger took a little nature spirits. They are very pure alcohols. So I kept a little in my mouth before swallowing. I speak at this point either individually, but I, Beer always did me very well and I see it when I train.

– What other exercises recommended for students?

– Sensei Uehara: I recommend jogging on the beach. Besides the fresh air is another added value is good only train the student, having to give encouragement to himself. This exercise develops the true strength of will and this keeps us in a good mental health.

– Last, Teacher, What do you recommend to young students?

– Sensei Uehara: I recommend the highest in their training delivery. Martial Discipline is more than a technique. What really are forming is your personality.

– Thank you very much Master.