Countless styles of martial arts are available all over the world.
So why Okinawa? And why Palace Hand?
If you want to study the art of wine making under the old masters you need to go to France. If you want to study Italian cooking you can study second-hand or third-hand here in America, or you can go to Italy and experience it for yourself. If you want to become a martial arts teacher, Okinawa is the place you need to be.
So....why Palace Hand?
Easy. My time in the Marine Corps and actual self-defense experience helped me understand the difference between martial arts that look impressive and martial arts that are reliable for self-protection. Palace Hand works.
Palace Hand is also the best style I've ever seen for women. Law enforcement officers find it very effective, it is superlative for those who want martial arts as a way to stay fit, it doesn't require you to be stronger than your attacker, and it has an ingenious philosophy.
In short, it is what I thought martial arts were when I was a little kid- training that enables a small people to defend against someone stronger, against someone with a weapon, or against multiple attackers. I've never seen another style like it and the people who have come to us from other schools haven't either. Typically, they are amazed at how practical it is and often ask "why don't other schools teach this?" The answer to that question is also easy- they don't have it. We had to go to Okinawa to get it.
Master Toma outside his home. I took this photo the day he introduced me to Palace Hand. The sign behind him now hangs in our school.
At first glance, Palace Hand reminds people of a mix of aikido, Wing Chun kung fu, Karate, Muay Thai and ju-jitsu. It is not a mix of these styles, however. These styles all grew from the same roots in China long ago. Palace Hand was developed 450 years ago on the island of Okinawa.
Like having several styles in one, Palace Hand is ideal for those wanting martial arts that will actually work in a self-defense situation. Skills include kicking, punching, throwing and submission restraints. Practice is "hands-on" rather than emphasizing form or "kata".
This style is intelligently designed and is not an ungainly collection of techniques. All movements are based upon the same principles. It is not about learning a hundred techniques for a hundred situations, it is about learning a few principles that can be used a hundred different ways.
Palace Hand includes the following skills (in no particular order):
Kashin-di This is a full curriculum of striking with the hands, feet, elbows and knees. It is a very practical, fast and mobile method.
Tuiti Throws, joint locks and submission restraints. This is very fluid and reminds people of aikido at first glance (it is different in many ways, however).
Buki It makes sense to use whatever you can get your hands on to protect yourself or your family. We use over twenty traditional Asian weapons as well as weapons of opportunity (umbrella, broom stick, pen, etc...) Practice is focused on function rather than form.
Kenjutsu Like many samurai arts, sword work is an invaluable way to learn many other fighting skills. The emphasis of this style is not on ritual or form but on the ability to use techniques effectively.
Our teachers visting Kodokai
This style has only recently been accessible to westerners. Kodokai Dojo is the first school outside Japan offering the full curriculum of Palace Hand.
Common Questions Regarding Palace Hand
Why haven't I heard of it? Palace Hand, called Motobu-ryu in Japan, was a family martial art for many years. There has been no effort to spread the art beyond the few schools that currently practice it in Japan and it has been closed to foreigners until recently.
Is it a new style? No. Palace Hand was first formalized 450 years ago.
Does Palace Hand use "ki" or "chi"? No. There is no talk of ki, meridians, or any other mysticism. Palace Hand uses physics and weaknesses in anatomy to defeat an adversary.
Will I get a good workout? Absolutely. You will get a great workout for your core muscles, upper body, legs and cardiovascular system. You will sweat, burn calories and feel great.
Am I too old? Many people come to us in their 40's and 50's precisely because Palace Hand is less damaging to the body compared to many other martial arts. Many of our students have previous martial arts experience and find that this style is a great way to continue training as they mature.
