Additional information
by Seihin Yamanouchi (Author)
The traditions of karate have transformed in diversity, as its popularity has spread worldwide. The work of Seihin Yamanouchi, in relating karate and Okinawan Te to dance, was a crucial element in this process. His influence on bringing these connections to the surface of the martial-art scene in Okinawa and mainland Japan was profound and quietly took hold among certain teachers. Regarding these, the most obvious name is Seikichi Uehara. He established Motobu-ryu in 1947, which was based on udun-di, the type of Te formerly taught to Okinawan royalty. In the 1970s, he began a series of community demonstrations, with the theme 'Dance & Martial Arts', that served to both show the connections of these two elements, while beginning to unscrew the locked doors of Te. Other directly influenced parties were: Tatsuo Shimabuku of Isshin-ryu karate, Seitoku Higa of the Bugeikan & Eizo Shimabuku, of Shorin-ryu. Clearly then, the soul of Seihin Yamanouchi and his book remain as an eternal testament to this research.
