Academy of Ryukyu Kempo
The Style Taught is:
Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu

        Lanten (Blue Heaven) Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu (藍天 琉球 拳法 古武術), also known as Lantian Liuqiu Quanfa, is a system for adults and mature teens. It is not designed to be a military art; rather, a life protection system for the individual. As such, it emphasizes learning how to recognize and avoid becoming entangled in dangerous situations; and, tends to be more about personal growth, accomplishment, and self control. The individual tactical training is very individualistic; also, difficult, dangerous, and demanding to learn. It takes perseverance, high motivation, a good mind, and an unwillingness to compromise standards. This is why there are so few students, much less, qualified instructors in the world.
                    Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is taught by certified licensed instructors. These credentials are prominently displayed or available on request by all legitimate instructors. Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is a vast and complicated subject involving striking with both arms and legs, parries, entrapments, immobilization’s, balance interrupts, joint locks and dislocations, anatomical physiological point structures, analytical research, Kata, weapons (of every kind), two man drills, contact sparring, character development, mental development techniques, and a deep and abiding respect for man and our world. It teaches how to avoid violent confrontations; and, to utilize counter techniques, only, as a last resort in your defensive layering. It understands, that, self defense is not  fighting or dueling; rather, it is a life style that minimizes the chance of attack. It takes only one year to develop offense (kicking and punching); yet, over 10 years is required to properly develop a total defense. An offensive fighter may win out in the short run; but after two years, or so, the tables start to turn. At this point, the defensive fighter only improves; while the offensive fighter has reached the limits of his ability. Even something as simple as punching someone entails such minutiae as: distancing, timing, angle of attack, twist, load bearing surfaces, point physiology, and energy release (Ki) and transference. It is true, that, the principles of defense are diametrically opposed to those of “sport karate” which reward aggressive behaviors. Kumite Jutsu (tuite, tuidi, torite, etc.) is the gentlemanly way to self-defense; as, even monkeys can kick and punch. And, it takes years of analytical research (Kenkyu) to be able to understand, and perform Kumite Jutsu techniques correctly. A student must learn the techniques of other styles and how to defeat them, counter techniques to Aikido, Jujitsu, and all other grappling arts. Since all these techniques are contained in the Kata, (not, just the superficial appearance of blocking and striking, such as children can understand) the research of Kata elevates Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu to a scientific art. An art that is useful and can be practiced throughout your whole life; even, deep into old age and to the end.
           Weapons develop co-ordination (hand-eye especially), flexibility, strength, visual acuity, precision of movement, distancing, timing, force, and territory. It is a fact; that, without learning a (non-missile) weapon art, you cannot be truly proficient in unarmed defense. It is clearly understood that when two men of equal abilities meet in combat, a weapon in the hands of one assures victory every time. To aid in development of timing and power, contact sparring is utilized. This necessitates proper sparring equipment, full face head gear, exceedingly strong body armor, hand and foot protection, shin, forearm, knee and elbow guards to reduce the risk inherent in striking with full power into one's partner. To spar with full power, without safeguards for the health of the people involved, is inappropriate behavior not befitting a gentleman. Proper development of the mind creates a gentleman and scholar the world can be proud of. He understands his responsibility to himself, his family, and community. He succeeds in his endeavors be they in school, business, personal relations, or life. His health and longevity are greatly increased. This is what Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is all about.

Our Headmaster is:


D’veed Natan

Lineage

        The lineage of Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu is as follows: Tang Soo Do (唐手道), Soo Bahk Do, Moo Duk Kwan, (also called Taekwondo) was, at this time, basically, the Korean interpretation of Japanese Shotokan. The kata and training routines, at the time, were identical to those being practiced in Japan. The names for the kata, however, were closer to the Okinawan pronunciation and not the Japanese. Kumite was done in a high stance, with contact, and a heavy emphasis on the leg techniques. This and Hapkido (for self defense) was what Chou, Kyo Seng taught to D’veed Natan in Seoul, Korea (K-16, Yoido island). (see, also, http://www.scottshaw.com/history/ for more of the Korean arts’ history). ‘Chinese’ Kenpo came from the Kosho Ryu Kenpo taught to Mitose, James. Master Mitose taught William K.S. Chow. Ed Parker learned from Mr. Chow; then added the kata Jimmy Wing Woo created for him. (James Ibraeo taught the complete Jimmy Wing Woo ‘Book Set’ kata after Mr. Parker’s death.) Mr. Parker and Mr. Ibraeo taught the Tracy brothers. The Tracy brothers taught Tomas Connor; who, after leaving the Tracy brothers, learned from Ed Parker. (Mr. Parker, at this time, was starting his ‘American Kenpo’ system.) Tom Connor’s Traco International (Mike Shelton, Paul Bretz, Phil Hower, then, Tom Connor, and, back to Mike Shelton) taught D’veed Natan ‘Chinese’ Kenpo. Odo, Seikichi learned his Ryukyu Hon Kobujutsu from Matayoshi, Shinpo; Kinjo, Seiko; Kakazu, Mitsuo; Toma, Seiki; and Nakamura, Shigeru. Grandmaster Odo taught Bill Marron who taught D’veed. Later, D'veed learned directly from Master Odo. Oyata, Seiyu learned from Uhugushuku no Tanmei and Wakinaguri no Tanmei. After the death of Uhugushuku no Tanmei, he learned the Okinawan Kenpo kata from Grandmaster Nakamura, Shigeru; and, was accepted as a student and instructor in Grandmaster Nakamura’s Okinawan Kenpo Association. Taika Oyata, also, was a student and trained with Grandmaster Uehara, Seikichi, who was his main influence. Grandmaster Oyata was D'veed Natan’s primary, though not only, instructor and influence.

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