Karate styles – Matsubayashi-ryū

Matsubayashi-ryū is a traditional Okinawan karate style with a rich history and distinct characteristics, tracing its roots back to prominent Okinawan martial arts masters. It is one of the sub-styles derived from Shōrin-ryū, itself originating from Shuri-Te.

Founding and Origins

Matsubayashi-ryū was founded by Shoshin Nagamine (1908-1997) and was formally named in 1947, after the Second World War. The name “Matsubayashi-ryū” is derived from the kanji of two influential Shuri-te and Tomari-te masters: Kōsaku Matsumora and Sōkon Matsumura, whose teachings profoundly shaped the style. While sometimes confusingly pronounced “Shorin-ryū,” Matsubayashi-ryū stands as a distinct system.

Shoshin Nagamine was born the son of a farmer. In his youth, he suffered from poor health, which led him to begin karate training at the age of 17. This initial training was under Chojin Kuba of Tomari-te, and his health reportedly improved as a result. He later studied karate under Taro Shimabuku and Ankichi Arakaki, who were disciples of Chōtoku Kyan. Nagamine also trained under Kodatsu Iha of Tomari-te while serving as the captain of his school’s karate club. From Master Iha, Nagamine learned and preserved kata such as Tomari Passai, Chinto, Wankan, Rohai, and Wanshu.

Nagamine’s dedication to karate led him to study under several other legendary masters. He became a direct student of Ankichi Arakaki by the age of 19, and from 26, he studied under Chōtoku Kyan. At 31, he also trained directly with the renowned Motobu Choki.

Nagamine was one of the few Okinawan masters who extensively documented his knowledge, writing “The Essence of Okinawan Karate-dō” and “Tales of Okinawa’s Great Masters.” These books offer thorough historical and technical insights into the style, as well as Nagamine’s perspectives on karate and the tournament system.

Official Recognition and Contributions

Shoshin Nagamine played a significant role in the formalisation and spread of karate.

  • In 1940, at the age of 35, he received his teacher’s license from Japan’s prestigious Dai Nippon Butokukai.
  • In 1941, as a principal member of a special karate-dō committee in Okinawa, he was instrumental in creating the Fukyugata Ichi kata. This kata later became a standard for large-scale karate demonstrations.
  • He was elected the first vice-president of the Okinawan Karate-dō Association upon its establishment in 1956.
  • From 1961 to 1969, he served four terms as the association’s president, earning the karate-dō Hanshi title. After his presidency, he remained a permanent adviser.
  • In 1969, Nagamine experienced satori (enlightenment) and became a Zen disciple, subsequently organizing and presiding over the Myoshinjiha Rengein Hanazono-kai.
  • He founded the World Shorin-ryū Karate-dō Association in 1977.
  • In November 1981, he reorganised the Okinawa Prefectural Karate-dō Association, integrating it into the All Japan Karate-dō Association, and served as its first president.
  • In April 1996, he was appointed a lifetime member of the Board of Advisers for the Institute of Zen Studies. Later that year, the Daihonzan Chozen-ji/International Zen Dojo recognised his “Ken Zen Ichinyo” (oneness of fist and Zen) realisation, granting him the dharma name Kenzan, or “Fist Mountain”.

Nagamine passed away in 1997 at the age of 90, leaving behind a significant legacy. He was admired in Okinawa for his contributions to karate, dance, and Zen Buddhism, and internationally regarded as one of the 20th century’s great grandmasters. He emphasised the spiritual dimension of martial arts, aiming to train the mind to foster life rather than destruction. He also caution against works on “eminent masters” being overly influenced by mythical or poetic fantasy rather than objective facts.

Growth and International Spread

Matsubayashi-ryū experienced significant growth under Shoshin Nagamine’s leadership. He established 30 branch dojos in Japan and 40 in the USA, along with others in Canada and Argentina. He claimed to have over 10,000 students worldwide.

Style Characteristics and Differences

Matsubayashi-ryū is a sub-style of Shōrin-ryū. Shōrin-ryū itself originated from Shuri-Te and was officially named by Chibana Chosin in 1933. The sources do not provide exhaustive details on how Matsubayashi-ryū specifically differs from all other styles in its general approach beyond its kata interpretations. However, its founder’s background in both Shuri-Te (via Matsumura, Kyan, Motobu) and Tomari-Te (via Kuba, Iha) influences a comprehensive curriculum.

Katas of Matsubayashi-ryū

Matsubayashi-ryū includes 18 empty-hand kata and training in five weapons.

Empty-Hand Katas:

  • Fukyu Ichi: This kata was developed by Shoshin Nagamine himself in 1940 at the request of the Japanese military governor of Okinawa, General Hayakawa. It remains a standard for popular mass karate demonstrations.
  • Fukyu Ni (also known as Gekisai Ichi).
  • Pinan Shodan.
  • Pinan Nidan.
  • Pinan Sandan.
  • Pinan Yondan.
  • Pinan Godan.
  • Naihanchi Shodan.
  • Naihanchi Nidan.
  • Naihanchi Sandan.
  • Ananku.
  • Wankan. (Nagamine learned this directly from Master Iha).
  • Rohai. (Nagamine learned this directly from Master Iha).
  • Wanshu. (Nagamine learned this directly from Master Iha).
  • Passai. (Nagamine learned the Tomari Passai directly from Master Iha).
  • Gōjūshiho.
  • Chinto. (Nagamine learned this directly from Master Iha).
  • Kusanku: This kata is a cornerstone of many karate styles, characterised by flowing, open-handed techniques resembling White Crane Kung Fu. In Matsubayashi-ryū, it is notable for its flying kick and a “cheating” stance known as ura-gamae. This stance involves extending one leg along the ground and squatting low on the other, which is designed to rob an opponent of attack opportunities. A possible application (bunkai) for this technique is to escape a bear hug from behind by twisting and dropping, while hand techniques simultaneously block the head and strike vulnerable points like the groin, knee, or foot. Due to its technical complexity, Kusanku is considered the highest-ranking and most complex kata in Matsubayashi-ryū, requiring more than ten years to master.

Weapons Katas: Matsubayashi-ryū also includes proficiency in traditional Okinawan weapons, with corresponding kata:

  • Bo (staff).
  • Nunchaku.
  • Tuifa.
  • Sai.
  • Kama (sickle): This weapon is taught exclusively to black-belt (Dan-holders) practitioners, likely due to its inherent danger.

Nagamine’s emphasis on preserving the forms learned from his Tomari-te teachers implies a lineage-specific interpretation of these common kata.