Origins of Martial Arts
The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. One can see signs of martial arts in Egyptian, Greek, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures.
The first fighting systems on earth probably evolved alongside humans because humankind must have always had a need to defend himself against animals, as well as against his fellow man. Ancient murals and sculptures show fighting poses from Egypt, India and Babylon dating from as far back as 5,000 years ago.
The martial arts as we know them probably did not evolve until systems of offensive and defensive skills were devised in or imported into China. There, in a country saturated with the spiritual teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, these fighting skills were combined with intangible elements such as compassion, discipline and self-control.
Martial arts are thought to have originated in India and made their way through China and across the rest of Asia. Folklore recounts mythical creatures called Tengu who practiced martial arts and passed them on to humans. Founders of martial arts who wanted to give their methods the aura of legitimacy would often claim that the Tengu had taught them the art. Legend says that Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who brought Zen to China from India, also brought the martial arts. There is a clear path leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists alike.
Through various periods in history when weapons were outlawed, the martial arts prospered as the only means for a person to defend himself and his family. However, even as more civilized times descended upon humanity, the arts survived. They managed to outlive their violent origins primarily because they teach man much more than fighting. The true martial arts stress character development, discipline and respect.
Self-defense, physical fitness and competition are some of the other benefits, which modern practitioners enjoy. The fact that the martial arts have had a chance to evolve into many different styles has allowed it to endure for so many centuries.
Kenwayoshin Ryu Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Kobudo
The Kenwayoshin Ryu Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Kobudo Martial Arts System was founded by Dr. John A. Suarez, 10th Degree Black Belt, who has over fifty four (54) years of martial arts history under his Obi (belt).
Kenwayoshin Ryu Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Kobudo is a blended martial arts discipline combining the best techniques from Okinawa Kenpo Karate, founded by Grandmaster Hideka Nakayama, Wado Ryu Karate and Shintoyoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu founded by Grandmaster Hironoir Ohtsuka, Tae Kwon Do, founded General Choi Hong-hi, Toyojin Ryu Ju Jitsu founded by Soke Dr. Dusty Johnson, Kosen Jiu Jitsu founded by Grandmaster Jigoro Kano, Eishin Ryu Iaido founded by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto Shigenobu and Shindo Ryu JoJutsu founded by Muso Gonnosuke.
These balanced blend of martial arts techniques of Kenwayoshin Ryu will prepare the practitioners of this art for explosive combat situations in a martial arts competition or an attack on main street USA by Mr. or Ms. Bad Apple.
The name Kenwayoshin Ryu is a blended combination of the martial arts styles of Okinawa Kenpo Karate, Wado Ryu karate, Shintoyoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu, hence Kenwayoshin Ryu. The translation of Kenwayoshin Ryu is, “Fist Harmony of Willow Strength Style”.
Kenwayoshin Ryu Karate: Is a blend of three of the world’s best-known styles of the martial arts; Okinawa Kenpo Karate, Wado Ryu Karate and Tae Kwon Do.
Kenwayoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu: Is formed by blending the three different styles of Shintoyoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu, Toyojin Ju Jitsu and Kosen Judo.
Kenwayoshin Ryu Iaido: Is translated as “Sword Harmony Willow Strength Style, Drawing and Cutting Way”. It is a “blended hybrid” style designed to incorporate the best concepts of the five (5) most popular and efficient styles of Iaijutsu in the world today. Unconventionally, it applies system sciences from “Eishin Ryu”, “Shinden Ryu”, “Mugai Ryu”, “Toyama Ryu” and ’Kendo”, arts. Dr. John A. Suarez founded this style, specifically for “The American Martial Arts Renmei International and the Kenwayoshin Ryu Kobudo arts.
Kenwayoshin Ryu Kobudo: Training includes Iaido with the Katana (Sword), JoJutsu with the Jo and Bo, the Sai, the Nunchakus, the Escrima (Philippians fighting sticks) and the Cane.
