Ryūei-ryū

Ryūei-ryū is a style of Okinawan karate. It is characterized by its close-quarters combat techniques, including grappling, joint locks, and pressure point strikes, alongside more traditional striking methods.

History and Lineage: Ryūei-ryū's origins trace back to Nakaima Norisato (1852-1940) of Okinawa. Nakaima traveled to Fuzhou, China, in the late 19th century where he studied under a martial artist named Ru Ru Ko (also romanized as Liu Liu Ko), whose name gives the style its name. He spent approximately seven years training with Ru Ru Ko, mastering a system that included both striking and grappling methods. Upon his return to Okinawa, Nakaima preserved and taught this system, which eventually became known as Ryūei-ryū. The style remained relatively closed, taught primarily within the Nakaima family for many years.

Characteristics and Techniques: Ryūei-ryū is known for its circular movements, close-range techniques, and emphasis on body conditioning. Unlike some other karate styles which focus primarily on striking, Ryūei-ryū incorporates a significant grappling component, including throws, joint locks, and chokes. Pressure point strikes (kyūsho-jutsu) are also a key element of the system. Kata (forms) are central to the training, preserving the fundamental techniques and principles of the style. These kata often contain hidden applications (bunkai) that reveal the practical self-defense uses of the movements. Training emphasizes developing sensitivity to an opponent's movements and using that sensitivity to control and neutralize attacks.

Key Figures:

• Nakaima Norisato: Founder of Ryūei-ryū.
• Nakaima Kenko: Son of Nakaima Norisato, who continued to teach and develop the style.

Influence and Modern Practice: Ryūei-ryū remains a relatively small but influential style of Okinawan karate. While not as widely practiced as some of the larger styles like Goju-ryu or Shorin-ryu, it has gained recognition for its unique blend of striking and grappling techniques and its historical importance in the development of Okinawan martial arts. Modern practitioners continue to study the kata and bunkai as passed down through the Nakaima family and affiliated instructors.