Welcome to the martial art of the Motobu family. Over 450 years old, this style is what martial arts used to be. Relatively isolated in Japan, it has not been commercialized like so many other martial arts.
Motobu Udundi is a life protection martial art- not a sport. It offers skills that don't go by the rules.
Motobu Udundi sometimes looks like boxing, other times it looks like aikido or ju-jitsu. Sometimes it looks like Chi na (kung fu). Other times it is similar to karate. It is not a random collection of pieces of various styles, however. This art was created over a period of centuries and shares common roots with these other styles, thus the similarities.
Not Sport- Life Protection
Techniques practiced in sport often have glaring weaknesses when there are no rules- eyes are open to pokes, the groin or throat is exposed, etc... In sports there are no knives, there is only one opponent and each player is similar in weight and experience. In sport, going to the ground is okay, on the street it can cost you your life.
Self-protection training is for very different circumstances.
In self-defense there are legal and ethical concerns. For instance, "ground and pound" may be fascinating sport, but it 's not defensible in court as "self-defense". Even the popular "arm bar" presents similar legal issues. Proper training doesn't leave you exposed to massive lawsuits in the event you have to use your skills.
Kashin-di (ka-shin-di) Battle Hands Kashin- di is the specialized striking method of Motobu Udundi. It includes open hands, fists, elbows, knees and feet. A key element of our striking method is the use of mobility rather than a fixed "karate" stance.
Kashin-di allows for delivering a rapid barrage of fists, feet, knees or elbows. Another unique aspect of this method is the absence of "hiki-te" or pulling hand. In many martial arts one hand is pulled to the waist while the other strikes. In Motobu-ryu both hands engage the enemy simultaneously.
Nage-waza Throwing techniques
Why are throws important to a martial artist? Simple. While a punch may or may not drop someone, a throw will. This is of particular value when there is more than one attacker. And throwing is a great skill for smaller people to learn.
Motobu Udundi uses throws in two ways. An opponent can be brought down safely and restrained without any physical damage (used for a single attacker) or he can be thrown in a way that insures that he will be damaged.
Tuidi (too-i-di) Grappling Hands
Tuidi consists of joint locks, submission restraints, chokes, suffocation holds, and throws. Techniques cause immense pain to your attacker and provide a high degree of control.
Tiudi is ideal for those in law enforcement and for those who need superior restraining skills. Kodokai offer the most extensive tuidi training in America.
For more information on this martial art, including history, here is a link to the Motobu Udundi organization in Japan. Our teacher on Okinawa, Takamiyagi Tetsuo, is a director in this organization- Motobu Udundi Kobujutsu Kyokai.
Here is also a listing of Motobu Udundi Dojos on the island of Okinawa. We have had the good fortune to learn from several of these teachers. Our teacher, Takamiyagi sensei, is number 6 on this list.
If you would like more information about our teachers on Okinawa click here.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
