History of Shuri-Ryu

Important to note GM Trias was first introduced to karate while in the Navy during World War II. This was when he was stationed in the Solomon Islands.  And in 1944 Robert Trias met Tung Gee Hsing and began training with him.

Important is that Hsing practiced the Chinese system of Xingyiquan.  And also cross-trained with Motobu Chōki in the Okinawan village of Kume Mura several years previously. Therefore later Trias also studied with Hoy Yuan Ping in Singapore in 1944. 

And in addition to these teachers, Trias learned from other martial art teachers.  This included Yajui Yamada (judo), Gogen Yamaguchi (Gōjū-ryū). As well as Roy Oshiro (Gōjū-ryū), Yasuhiro Konishi, Makoto Gima (Shotokan, Shitō-ryū). ALso several other styles.

Most of all both Konishi and Gima served as mentors to Trias.  And was instead of in a formal teacher-student relationship which is usually seen. Most of all Konishi was a prominent student of Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, and Kenwa Mabuni.  And very importantly he recognized and countersigned Trias' promotion certificate to 9th Dan Black Belt by the USKA in the 1960's.

Also Gima was a prominent student of Funakoshi.  And he recognized Trias as 10th Dan Black Belt in 1983. Thus reaffirming Trias as style head for Shuri-ryū and the History of Shuri-Ryu Karate.

History of Shuri-Ryu Karate Techniques

Also in addition to the punches, blocks, and kicks of karate, Shuri-ryū also incorporates joint locks, take-downs and throws.  And Kobudō (traditional weapons) training was also part of the art. And several senior sensei also hold high ranks in jujitsu and judo.

Very importantly Shuri Ryu follows a system of teachings called the Haryu which are identifiers of the system.

Shuri-ryu also has several short combinations. These include: 26 ippon (ippon kumite kata), which are performed to develop form and power. And the 10 taezu (taezu naru waza) which are performed to develop speed and fluidity. Plus 30 kihon which are performed to develop fighting technique. As well as eight sen-te motions.  And seven kogeki-ho ho to develop attacking and retreating. And in addition, there are training exercises including form sparring (kata kumite), focus stance sparring (kime dachi kumite), free exercise (jiyū undō), and free sparring (jiyū kumite).

Identifying features

Importantly one characteristic feature of Shuri-ryū is the use of the Shuri fist. Thus in lieu of a standard fist. Instead of curling the index finger when making the fist, the upper half of the index finger is laid flat against the palm. With the thumb curled around the index finger. And pushing down between the first and second joints, resulting in a tighter fist. And better alignment of the ulna and radius bones with the first two knuckles of the fist.

Another feature of Shuri-ryu is the position of the thumb of the knife hand strike or block. The thumb and forefinger form a "j" so that the hand may be used in a variety of techniques. These include ridgehand, spearhand, open-hand throat strikes, etc.  Therefore this can be done without changing the thumb position.

And a feature seen in Kata, when the next move is to be done, the head snaps in the direction of the attacker before anything else. This is seen often today in competition.

The Dojo Kun used by the style of Shuri-ryū remains in its intact form, as originally penned by Trias:

1) I shall conduct myself in a manner which will reflect credit upon myself and society.
2) I shall be loyal to my school and to the art it teaches.
3) I shall be honest and exercise integrity with the purpose of developing cooperation and trust with my fellow karate-ka and my teachers.
4) I shall exercise restraint in the use of my karate knowledge, employing it only in fair competition or in defense of my life, my family, and my country.

Chief instructors and senior sensei

Important in the history of Shuri-Ryu are the successors to the style.  Therefore prior to 1989, Trias had designated 8 Chief Instructors and 3 assistant Chief Instructors of the Shuri-ryu system. And this is to perpetuate Shuri-ryū after his death. These were Roberta Trias-Kelley, John Pachivas, Robert Bowles, the late Ridgely Abele, Pete Rabino, Michael Awad, Dale Benson, and Dirk Mosig.

Other individuals who were designated Chief Instructors at one time but left Trias are Victor Moore, Phillip Koeppel (his most senior student), James McLain, John Hutchcroft, and Randy Holman. 

Memorial to Grand Master Robert Trias

Comment by editor

It is very sad that Grand Master Robert Trias was not successful completely in seeing the history of Shuri-Ryu was well documented. And I find it very sad how the martial arts world likes to attack the true pioneers of the martial arts. Personally this to me is just another sign of the failed Western Culture. The USKA after GM Trias passed away disappeared into history. It is now only a memory for those who were members.  Unfortuanately this is not an isolced incident. It is all too common in the martial arts. 

The martial arts has a beautiful rich history, which is today attacked by the LIARS of the culture. Greed and envy seem to have become virtues. Even Bruce Lee is attacked today by these pathetic trolls.  

I have provided links here with information on the successors to the art upon GM Trias' passing. However there is little to no information on many of them. Even on Roberta Trias of who was the rightful successor. If you have any information you believe should be added to this article please contact me.

One mandate of the World Budo Alliance is to document and present the history of the different styles of martial arts. Otherwise this will disappear to time. Even my own root history from the Grand Master of the system is no existent. There is no information on my instructor Master Philip Hollohan or his teacher Grand Master Chung Oh. I approached Grand Master Thomas Oh for history on his father but was ignored.

If the history is lost to time, then so eventually the teachings and art itself will also be. 

Credits

Researched by Sensei Kara Borshuk

Edited by Grand Master Art Mason

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