The Art Of Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems
Thank you for visiting our "System" page. This page is designed to give you some of the history, creation, background and information about the unique martial art of Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems.
Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems were created in 1999 by Geoffrey R. Spohn as a way of blending the knowledge he had achieved in the martial arts. The art has evolved over the last 20 years into its present form and is recognized as a legitimate system in several countries around the world.
The system itself has 3 individual ryuwa or sub-styles that have their own fingerprint and more information on each of these are defined and found by clicking the links below.
Tatsu Te Ryu Karate / Style Definition
The Kanji:
立つ = Tatsu meaning “To Rise / Stand Firm”
手 = Te meaning “Hand / Fist”
流 = Ryu means “School / Style / Family
So simply translated Tatsu Te Ryu means “The Style of the Rising Fist. Our founder decided to use Tatsu Te Ryu as a metaphor of positivity and growth. The raising of a hand or fist in many sporting areas symbolizes a competitor’s victory, but beyond that we want to look at it as our ability to rise above hate, to rise above prejudices, to rise above selfishness, and to rise above our own self set limitations.
Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems are an American “Blended” Martial Art discipline. The techniques taught in this system are extensively based on the experience of its founder, and within the curriculum, the following disciplines represented; Traditional Karate (Shotokan / Shorin Ryu / Kyokushin / Kenpo), Jujutsu, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Aikijutsu and Ninjutsu.
We use the term Blended Martial Art instead of Mixed Martial Art intentionally. Most mixed martial arts focus on the growth of a fighter and in-ring ability rather than the growth of the individual. While we want our students to be able to competently and effectively defend themselves, we also want to see them grow mentally and ethically as well.
The principles of Tatsu Te Ryu mirror that of the philosophy for Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi; who said “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but rather in the perfection of the character of its participant.”
Tatsu Te Ryu Karate / Technical Aspects
The Blend:
TTRKS incorporates tai sabaki, spatial awareness, close quarters fighting, joint locks, control and immobilization techniques, as well as pressure point applications. While some high kicks and aerial techniques are taught, we primarily stay rooted to the ground with kicks being aimed to the ribs and legs. This all leads to a no nonsense approach to self-defense.
Crediting Our Past:
Earlier we mentioned that the system curriculum has multiple disciplines represented. We would like to explain some of what we adopted and pay honor to those arts.
Traditional Karate:
Karate is defined as a weaponless means of self-defense. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body to their maximum advantage. This is achieved by a student’s persistent effort in training. If karate had to be described in only one sentence, the most suitable one may arguably be "You never attack first in karate." Quoted from Gichin Funakoshi, who's credited as the father of modern karate, and brought karate to Japan in 1922
From traditional karate, Tatsu Te Ryu utilizes the 3 K’s of martial arts training; Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. In each category, instruction is given to challenge the student. As the student progresses technically, they progress physically as well.
- Kihon (drilling of stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks)
A majority of our stances and striking can be found in traditional karate.
- Kata (pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)
While we do use some traditional katas, Tatsu Te Ryu Karate has developed its own forms. This helps to separate us as our own style and not into just an alternative name to a pre-existing system.
- Kumite (sparring, controlled fighting)
When a student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed, and coordination become natural as a result of strong practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that his or her study of karate has only just begun.
Jujutsu/Aikido/Aikijujutsu:
Jujutsu is a Japanese martial art system consisting of joint locks, throwing, grappling and striking techniques.
Aikido on a purely physical level Aikido doesn’t focus on striking an opponent, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.
From Jujutsu, Aikido, and Aikijujutsu; TTRKS utilizes the ability to control an opponent. There are times when the use of extreme force is not necessary. In these situations this knowledge is paramount. If there is a more peaceful and less combative alternative to a situation we will always try this avenue first.
Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido:
From our heritage in Korean based arts we honor Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do.
The Korean arts influences TTRKS by utilizing their higher level kicks and some aerial techniques. Kicking at higher levels and performing aerial maneuvers help our students to control their balance, enhance flexibility, and increase the power and speed of their kicks. From these arts we endeavor to follow their philosophy of; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Ninjutsu:
An ancient Japanese martial art which involves strategy, and tactics of unconventional warfare as well as the art of espionage. Ninjutsu uses conventional martial arts, with stealth, camouflage, sabotage, pressure points/nerve strikes, battlefield grappling “kumi-uchi” (old jujutsu form) and apothecary study. Ninjutsu training can also contain parkour, disguise, escape, concealment, archery, and medicine (poisons/antedotes/herbology/first aid). However unlike its empty handed predecessors Ninjutsu is also a weapon art, they teach shurikenjutsu, kenjutsu, sojutsu, bōjutsu, and others.
From Ninjutsu we have adopted numerous pressure point applications, nerve strikes, fight tactics, and we learn to be light on our feet as well as remaining mobile and efficient. TTRKS also teaches weaponry including bo, sai, nunchaku, sword, kama, tonfa and through non-combative means our most import weapon; our mind.
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