Have you ever heard of “San-gen Ichi-ryu (three origins, one flow - 三源一流）” in the context of karate? This term reflects the historical and technical amalgamation of three distinct traditional Okinawan martial arts styles: Naha-te, Tomari-te, and Shuri-te.
Naha-te: Originating from the city of Naha in Okinawa, this style is known for its emphasis on strong, rooted stances and powerful breathing techniques. It's closely associated with Goju-ryu, a prominent style of karate that blends hard and soft techniques.
Tomari-te: Emerging from the Tomari region, this style is somewhat less documented compared to the other two. It's often characterized by its integration of Chinese and Okinawan techniques, producing a unique blend that influenced several karate styles.
Shuri-te: Originating from Shuri, the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this style is known for its quick, linear movements and development of agility. It is a primary influence in styles like Shorin-ryu and Shotokan.
The merging of these three "roots" or "origins" into a single tradition reflects the evolution of karate from a synthesis of various fighting techniques and philosophies to the more unified form we recognize today. This integration has contributed to the rich diversity within karate, allowing practitioners to draw from a broad range of techniques and approaches while adhering to a cohesive martial arts philosophy.
Interesting, isn’t it? So I made a work called “San-gen Ichi-ryu”. When I brushed it, I put more water in the ink than usual, so that I could express the “flow”. If you like it, the artwork is available in Seido shop.
Please check it out!
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