The originator of the Ryueiryu
method was the Okinawan Nakaima Norisato (also known as Kenri). Born
December,
1819 into a considerably wealthy family (by the Okinawan standards of
the
time). He developed a passion for the martial arts at a young age, and
was
known throughout the village of Kumemura (Kume)
as a devoted practitioner of the cultural as well as combative arts.
The area called Kume in Naha was settled by Chinese (often referred to as the "Thirty-six family names") from Fukien (Fukuken, Fukuken-sho), China about 600 years ago. Being born and brought up in the area under deep influence from China for a long time, Norisato was very familiar with Chinese cultural ways and could speak and communicate freely in at least one dialect of the language. It is known that the last
Satsufu-shi (*Chinese
ambassadors) were sent to Okinawa in 1866, In
503 years (from 1372 to 1876 when Japan discontinued the relationship
with the King Dynasty) about the same number of military officers as
ambassadors were sent to Ryukyu.
Reportedly, when Norisato was
18 years old, he
heard that the military officers were practicing martial arts every day
and
visited the practice area. Since no formal dojo existed during this
period,
Norisato, interested in martial arts, was watching the practice over
the fence.
Then one of the officers noticed Norisato and the yuchi (general)
eventually
noticed the potential and talent of the young Norisato.
With the help of a Chinese
military envoy to Okinawa who provided the
appropriate letter of introduction and
one year of preparation, Nakaima left his native Okinawa
for China
to study the martial arts. At the age of nineteen, The tall, well built
Nakaima
was accepted as a disciple of the Chinese Master Ru Ru Ko, who at the
time was
the lead instructor at the Military Academy in Beijing. Alongside
Nakaima was good friend Sakiyama Kitoku, who also left Okinawa
to study in China,
but reportedly returned to the island after a comparatively short time
and was
not admitted to the same training.
Norisato originally intended to learn Chinese Martial Arts as a method of personal protection, he became heavily influenced by his teacher gradually studying deeply the military subjects required for Chinese military officers. Subjects ranged from complex military strategies to astrology and holistic healing methods, which are still preserved within the system today. After seven years of diligent study under
the
master, Nakaima graduated and was awarded his masters teaching degree
at, or
around the age of twenty six. At this time he was given some secret
books. As
customary in The system that Nakaima devised and learned was taught only to his son Noritada (Kenchu;1856 -1953), but only after making a pledge of secrecy to maintain the great tradition to which he now belonged. Noritada, keeping this oath, only taught his own son Noritaka (Kenko) and grandchildren, who also took the family oath of secrecy. While Nakaima Noritada (Kenchu) had no other students, he was regarded as a master of martial arts by all his contemporaries and was respected by all who knew him. ![]() ![]() The young Nakaima Noritaka also developed a keen interest in budo, studying other Karate and kobudo styles as well as kendo under popular instructors. However, it was Nakaima Noritaka was the first family member to break the family tradition and at the age of 60, fearing that the family art would be lost, accepted a small group of outside students. These students were all school teachers, who Nakaima felt “possessed the necessary character, education and background to continue the teachings in the proper manner”. Nakaima did much to assist with the development of many of today’s leaders throughout Nakaima Kenko was a well respected leader in the Okinawan martial arts community and was a key figure in the growth of several organized movements of the late 1950’s through the 1960’s. He remained an important figure in the development of martial arts on Currently, the Nakaima family has disassociated itself from the sport Karate groups and maintains no affiliation, other than supporting the endeavors of previous students of Nakaima. The teachings of the art of Ryueiryu as practiced by the Nakaima family adhere to the code of martial virtue contrasting greatly from the competitive mindset. Karate, as practiced in the Nakaima Family original art is complete physical art form, a wonderful discipline of health as well as a way of life. As such, students of authentic Ryueiryu believe that a real martial artist trained in the tradition should be modest and never brag about his own achievements or proficiency, always keeping in mind the example and directions of our predecessors. A martial artist should be ready to learn from others and strive to learn from every situation in both training and life. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION, ACTIVITIES, & EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT US AT RYUEIRYU2009@YAHOO.CO.JP. © 2022 RKKA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |