ASuccessive straight punches, dropping low punches, top-knot seizes, flank punches, one-knuckle attacks, and multiple kicks.
Multi-level punches, hidden submission locks, top-knot grasps, palm-heel strikes, and simultaneous attack and block sequences.
Dynamic footwork, simultaneous counter punches, hidden elbow locks, low thrust kicks, and a flat-fist throat strike.
Advanced kata emphasizing simultaneous offense and defense and close-range fighting. Starts with a beautiful separating block, features double punches, angle changes, simultaneous hand blocking with front kicks, and a spectacular dropping hammer-fist.
Perhaps the most famous. Contains unique strikes, numerous kicks, hidden submission locks, top-knot seizing, takedowns, evasive footwork, and a deadly throat crush.
Paiho embodies the unique blend of soft, yielding, and graceful movements that distinguish Ryuei-ryu and reflect its direct lineage from Chinese White Crane styles
Key Distinguishing Techniques/Movements
white tiger
(shiro tora)
Black Tiger
(Kuro Tora)
Whirling sphere
name of a city/district in china
Ānan is the name of a district of Fuzhou, in China’s Fujian Province.
white crane
Shared Katas (with Ryuei-ryu distinctiveness)
Kata
Translation
The katas of Ryuei-ryu are distinguished by their Chinese martial arts heritage and focus on unique techniques like hopping footwork, open-handed strikes, and simultaneous offense and defense.
Here's a summary of the style's key elements and the kata:
🥋 Core Characteristics of Ryuei-ryu
Ryuei-ryu kata are specifically designed to develop several unique physical and mental attributes in practitioners:
Emphasis on Hara: Using the center of gravity (hara) to generate powerful, rotational, and shifting movements.
Blending of Techniques: Combining soft, yielding movements with hard, snapping strikes.
Balance and Movement: Developing body awareness and neuromuscular control through the forms.
Controlled Breathing (Buuki): Integrating specific breathing techniques to build stamina, focus, and control.
Unique Techniques:The style is known for hopping footwork, open-handed strikes, and simultaneous offense and defense.
Translation
These katas are part of the style's unique curriculum, brought to Okinawa by Nakaima Norisato and preserved until Kenko Nakaima brought the style to the public
RYUKYU JAPAN KARATE-DO
Paiku (白虎)
Heiku (黒虎)
pachu (巴球)
Ohan/ohan dai
Anan/anan dai
paiho (白鶴)
Niseishi (三十六)
Sanseiryu (三十六)
Seiyunchin (制引戦)
Seisan (十三 )
The kata are a mix of forms shared with other Okinawan styles (but performed with a distinct Ryuei-ryu "flavor") and forms that are exclusive to the style.
Performed with the specific Ryuei-ryu flavor containing triple reverse punches, hooking block
Unique version containing triple reverse punches, hooking blocks, hidden lock escapes, kick catching, and takedowns.
Features unique open-hand movements, uppercuts, groin attacks, bearhug escapes, and hidden submission locks.
Advanced kata emphasizing simultaneous offense and defense and close-range fighting.
🐉 The Main Katas of Ryuei-ryu
🏆 International Fame through Kata Anan
The international profile of the style soared due to the tournament success of one of Kenkō Nakaima's first non-family students, Tsuguo Sakumoto.
Tsuguo Sakumoto: The Kata Champion
Tsuguo Sakumoto was one of the first non-family members to be taught Ryuei-ryu by Kenkō Nakaima. In 1984, he appeared on the world stage at the 7th World Karate Championships in the Netherlands. The Signature Kata: Performing the Ryuei-ryu exclusive kata, Anan, Sakumoto's unique blend of speed, fluid footwork, powerful open-hand techniques, and dynamic body shifting captivated the audience and judges. Sakumoto achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive WKF/WUKO World Kata Championships:
1984 (Maastricht, Netherlands)
1986 (Sydney, Australia)
1988 (Cairo, Egypt)
Legacy: His victories made both the Anan kata and the relatively unknown Ryuei-ryu style instantly famous worldwide, influencing the standards of tournament kata performance and leading to the style's international growth.
The current generation continues this legacy, with modern champions like Ryo Kiyuna, who also from Ryuei-ryu style, continuing its success at the highest levels of global competition.