Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate #6 Kenyu Chinen - 沖縄空手

In this sixth episode of Series One, Shorin-ryu master Kenyu Chinen sensei talks about his teachers of karate and kobudo, and his own philosophy of martial arts. He spends half of the year in France, and half of the year in Okinawa.
This video was made possible with the kindness of Chinen sensei's students for allowing me to film at their seminar, and for their assistance with interpreting and translating.
Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate is a documentary series about the amazing martial arts teachers living on Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. It is completely free to watch on KZbin, anywhere in the world! Series One has more than 1,000,000 views.
Visit the blog to learn how you can support Series Two. Coming in 2022!
travel67.com/the-karate-maste...
GOALS OF THE SERIES
1. Document the stories of Okinawan karate masters and their philosophy on life and their martial arts practice.
2. Record in the highest quality possible. Ideally 4K or 8K, RAW, multi camera, multi audio
3. Store the original data as an archival record.
4. Transcribe and translate the recordings to spread knowledge of Okinawan martial arts, history and culture.
5. Make the videos available for free online via KZbin and Bujin.tv so that anyone, anywhere can see them.
The documentary series grew out of the Karate Masters Portrait Project which began in 2012. The portrait project allowed amazing access to the sensei, but it was only Chris Willson and James Pankiewicz who got to hear their stories. The documentary series is a way for us to share that unique knowledge with the international karate community.
The international karate community generously supported the first series.
Main Series Sponsors - SERIES ONE
Fusei Kise, Isao Kise and the OSMKKF-USA
Jerry Figgiani - Shorin Ryu Karate Do International
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Grant Campbell - USA Karate Federation
Cezar Borkowski - Northern Karate Schools
NOVA Okinawan Karate Dojo
Waterpoints Dojo - Okinawa Arts Research Studies World Scene
Series Sponsors - SERIES ONE
Marguerite “Peggy” Hess - Jensen Beach Uechi Ryu Karate Do Dojo
Reece Cummings - Cummings Karate Dojo
Michael Quinn - Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do Europe
Martin Pinto - Essex Goju Ryu Karate
Mark Spear - Black Bear Dojo
Okinawa Karate Podcast
Fred Mansfield Jr. - Beikoku Shidokan / RBKD
Series Supporters- SERIES ONE
Tim Herlihy, Robin Ross, Joshua Simmers, Jeff Perkins, Paul Punshon, John J. Strangeway, Gerry Campbell, Shelley Cormier, K V Manoharan, Phil Butler, Danny Smith, Justin Rathert, Adam Carter, Mike Powers, Miguel Da Luz, Robert Roberto Curtis, Josh Ryer, Belgi Serin, Igor Vakos, Lisken Dus, Andrew Pearce, Christopher Ford, Cos Vona, Steve Ouslis, Sandro Simonetta, Axel Heinrich, Jiří Matouš, Jose Planas, Andy Morris, Steve Armes, Olaf Steinbrecher, Hannele Zubeck, Maija Zubeck, Scott Alter, Rob Chartier, Laura Chartier, Xu Ya Hui, Vlamir Silva, Marian Reiter, Cassie Pham-Korman, John Schrock, Åke Mora Temnerud, Ari Nuutinen, Hubert Laenen, Mario Michiels, Chris Michiels, Lynn Miyahira, Roy Paul, Andy Sloane, Justin Sheehy, Manfred Streuber

[@OkinawanSpirit]

Thank you for all the positive comments. We're about to start filming Series Two, and need help from the international martial arts community to do it. Learn how you can become a supporter or sponsor of the series in the video description.

[@spiriidor8458]

Un très grand maitre et un très grand homme.

[@onerider808]

I sure loved living and practicing in Okinawa. I used to do Naihanchi on the old castle walls. The people were so nice, and I got my Shodan there. Love your channel.

[@dteun]

Never trained Karate but this is absolutely beautiful to watch thank you. And for those training keep this tradition alive with spirit and soul!

[@thisisbaxter1354]

Try it, It makes you feel healthier each day you train in it and you learn something new.

[@m.toshiokazawa4130]

Parabéns! Congratulations! Omedetô!!

[@bloodsports94]

You can train karate from home. Literally watch some youtube videos.

[@brianwilliams8033]

Mr. Wilson, thank you for bringing us these videos! Chinen Sensei is definitely someone who I would train under, he values the art and embraces the character, passion and dedication that Okinawan Karate is symbolic for. Much respect!

[@kennyderoian8904]

When he is sparring with another master at 26:30, his technique and intuition are unimaginable.

[@rjbc92]

A straightforward opinion of the many facets of traditional karate.

[@xavierraphael8674]

One of my first books about Kobudo was from Chinen Sensei. Thank you so much for this wonderful series of interviews. One is nicier than another. There's so much lessons for life in it ! That's so precious ! Thank you once again.

[@mikehamm3196]

Love these videos. Keep learning more and more.

[@MartinJutras]

He's a beast. Wow!

[@mark11145]

Domo arigato gozaimasu sensei Chinen. Chris Willson your project is vital to the preservation of the traditional Okinawa karate and culture. Keep up the excelent work. Thank you.

[@TheReverb1]

Mr Wilson, thank you very much for all these documentaries. The content and quality are excellent. I watched all the Sensei; all have plenty to share to all of us that we did not have the opportunity to train and study with them. A bit of sadness brings some tears about all that great past will not reach next generations (as Shuri jo)and may be real Karate will tends to disappear. I really liked that thing about every family had their own techniques etc Now is all standardized. For the foreigner is better (to not be confused) but in the end is not good. I think that all the problem started with the US marines when they arrived at Okinawa. If they never ever be in contact with Karate, It would be arrived very different to USA and the History would be other.

[@juku118]

An excellent Okinawa Karate Master.This is truly a pleasure watching and listening you Sensei Chinen. Thanks for the video.

[@martial-arts-virtue]

Beautiful video with important life lessons!great sensei, great character, and a humble person!i think each one of these video series is a masterpiece, priceless!outstanding work!

[@CDRAMMartialVideoProduction]

Beautiful !

[@willianalmeidavillela2346]

Parabens! O melhor video de karate que ja vi! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@freaky09freak]

Love the traditional banjo that starts at the beginning at the masterpiece interviews.

[@beniaminmojzesz4370]

Amazing video

[@clFer777]

true sensei

[@jhaberly]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@user-sm6dn5bp3p]

すばらしいです！ありがとうございます！

[@chrisipacs2091]

Been training for 47 years in Korean Tang soo do Karate, Just started about to formally begin Okinawan Matsubayashi Shorin ryu karate..I'm psyched!!

[@OkinawanSpirit]

Enjoy! Matsubayashi is what my good friend James studies under Arakaki Sensei (Episode 1 Season 1)

[@lenovosmenovo3709]

The intercepting Punch at 15:15 was pretty slick.

[@MrMAQUIN]

Georgeus.......really nice.....thanks for share these wonder knoledge and mastering ..

[@QuestOfChris]

Really enjoying the videos Chris, I have subscribed 🙏🏻

[@juliecicero7824]

What a beautiful Sensei! Domo arigato!

[@rzxuumjoty2824]

Wow !!

[@chikstarws]

Respect

[@albertlegrand457]

Quelle maîtrise c'est fantastique : voici un grand maître de karaté à qui je tiens à présenter mes respects.

[@JorgeGonzalez-fo9pp]

Sensei Master is my Honor to Salute,I am respect you Honorable

[@jsantiago38]

This is real Karate!

[@laztoth3104]

RESPECT SENSEI ☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️🙏🙏

[@norbertW64]

Very interesting and honest words. Thank you very much

[@arieffalah6845]

i have no idea but from Chinen Sensei i've learning a lot of things that just missed in karate today especially sport karate and traditional karate which are completely different goals. then yeah that's help me to improve my karate even i don't practicing shorin-ryu but there are a lot similarity between shotokan and shorin-ryu and hope one day i'll met a "teacher" who teach me about tradition okinawan karate. oss!!!

[@dennismoore3688]

If you wish to pursue Okinawan karate I would strongly suggest uechi-ryu, I can say this from True experience. And had the luxury of training with some of their best Masters in the world. Their way is traditional and in my opinion much more focused. If you can get through and endure it's a vigorous yet rewarding physical conditioning.

[@jacquelinehulme9761]

Excellent interview, a real Sensei, honest subtle, powerful, knowledgeable humble. I've trained karate for 46 years with some of the world renowned Sensei, I myself am now in my 70s but would have loved to trained with this special gentleman.

[@shawnvivacqua3545]

Shorin-ryu is the parent style of Shotokan, Funakoshi changed a few things to make it fit the Japanese mindset of the time. You can see some of the evolution from traditional Okinawan Karate to Japanese Karate if you read his first book Tote Jitsu then read Karate-do Nyumon.

[@glennoc8585]

At 58:00 the henka《follow up) reminds me of body shifting ive seen in jujutsu such as shinden fudu ryu and hontai yoshin ryu.

[@fabianresburgo5944]

Do you know any Okinawa style dojo in London UK mate ? Love your videos !

[@lopemismo1523]

Have you ever seen the group Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko? And do you have any plans on making a video about goju ryu?

[@MissesWitch]

I felt the pain 14:34

[@pawechrust8257]

Wow. Thanks. Sub.

[@gabrielrodriguezortega8218]

Buenas noches que bien la demostracion el legado del arte y cuktura del bushido del Karate yo practico 20 años es un aprendizaje continuo del alumno y Sensei perfecciona le sugiero que titule SHIHAN: Masters of Okinawan Karate-Do

[@allantrebosc1703]

Un grand bonjour à un de mes professeurs les plus estimés

[@chrisipacs2091]

Please do an episode With Grandmaster Tadashi Yamashita 10th Dan Kobayashi shorin ryu..That would be Amazing

[@OkinawanSpirit]

For sure if he's back visiting Okinawa, and he's happy to be interviewed for the series.

[@runakobannister3316]

that counter punch is going to give me nightmares

[@user-Misako-China]

素晴らしい教えありがとうございます♡競技と伝統の違いについてのお話とても心に染み入り感激しております感謝申し上げますm(__)m

[@keithhere5292]

this is a dangerous master

[@georgekondylis6723]

Seems powerful. Is there any free sparring in this style?

[@georgekondylis6723]

Henrick Boot That’s fighting with rules. I mean free sparring. Seems like if they did this it would be a complete art.

[@thisisbaxter1354]

Free sparring as in limited contact? Or free sparring as in full contact? Yes, A good competitive karate class does sparring or kumite. It's fundamental for combative karate, to spar/practice, and not freeze up in actual fights. I'd recommend kyokushin but that may be because that's my style.

[@thisisbaxter1354]

@Henrick Boot I'm pretty sure the ufc is just a media that potrays two fighters who've DONE sparring. Not a medium that does sparring.

[@albertheau]

[ 15 mins :16 secs ]

[@vijaybansod186]

This to train to win.

[@PrabowoAndrianto]

Osss

[@SenseiMaharaj]

Beautiful documentary about budo! 37.00@ worth watching... Good comments on budo vs sport...😊 Peace and harmony Sensei Maharaj

[@terryc3747]

Totally agree! Absolute respect to this Sensei and way of thinking, which seems to be pretty much the Okinawan way.

[@ernestomonges8972]

👍❤

[@lasombradelhombre]

Oss

[@foxbat2182]

It s strange. At 18’12 it’s looks like ueshi ryu?

[@octaviorodrigues4963]

Sensei Adanya est aussi sur la photo .

[@pafka07]

I have a problem of understanding of what that guy with beard who is sensei assistant and translator, is saying ; maybe captions would solve this?

[@jeanpaulbindel4825]

Un de mes anciens professeurs à Paris. Un an de cours particuliers de Ko Budo avec mon ami Claude Richard, à 7 heures du matin.....

[@eangthaingov9923]

Hello Sensei! Karate is a way of living with along side nature just like Chinese Kenpo. Way of life means, One must wake up from sleep and make breakfast,lunch,and dinner before going back to sleep and repeat the next day. Karate is about growing the vegetables in order to make breakfast,lunch,and dinner. Cultivation of land is the cultivation of oneself with life and karate. When one can be fruitful in the cultivation of a vegetable garden, One can be fruitful in the cultivation of oneself and the children. Om Mani Pad Me Hung. ETN....

[@eangthaingov9923]

Hello Sensei! Okinawa has different meanings depending on the idea of the characters. Oki carries the meaning of Home,House,and family. Nawa is related to Nyuwa which is the serpent. FuXi and Nyuwa Bagua. Story of Heaven and Earth. Old man on the Mountain is FuXi. The mountain trails like the Serpent is Nyuwa around FuXi. Om Mani Pad Me Hung. ETN....

[@severinalofan7820]

Je veux m'abonner au club

[@omarcambriglia211]

Debieran introducir traduccion en spanish o italiano gracias

[@chrishenry6367]

A thug off the street comes in swinging, it's quick, it's coming from all directions and it's brutal.

[@kbanghart]

And compassionate

[@youngmo77]

Rip thug. He will not be missed.

[@kbanghart]

@@youngmo77 he might

[@sakadachi]

今の競技空手も伝統になっていくのか？伝統とは何か？変えることは進化では無いのか？考えさせられるな

[@ericastier1646]

He is only an orange belt, maybe he'll progress to black belt.

[@severinalofan7820]

Je voudrais m'abonner au vlub

[@KenyulChannel]

Karate Indonesia osu......

[@oueldjeanette8930]

Ton maître C'est sensei kase

[@ericastier1646]

the problem with karate is the punch is massively telegraphed visually and delivered like a robot without adjusting the direction of the punch as the defender is moving sideways. Obviously karate develops a tough strong body and the ability to take blows and hitting hard are enough to win a fight with it. But some of the demonstrated principle are flawed when considering a real fight. As with any traditions in its infancy centuries ago it would have been a flexible evolving concept, then last century reached a crystallization where making changes was forbidden. There is a parallel with other arts like classical music. In the 17th century musicians would improvise and being accurate to the written note was not strictly important. Now, classical pianists cannot improvise music and they feel that they must follow every written note strictly, it's a reversal of objectives. This is how an art dies and transitions to the museum. But Kenyu is right tradition must remain tradition just make sure it's alive and still evolving and not becomes a morbid art frozen in time, leave a small window for it to continue to evolve and stay alive. From what i see in those video the average age of the advanced practitioner is high and that is not a good sign. Criticizing is easy but contributing is harder so here is my contribution : Introduce in karate a degree of reality when practicing and demonstrating. Such that the practitioner demonstrating with the sensei adopts a different level of intention ordered by the sensei : C. Robotic move . Practitioner attacks single movement like a robot to facilitate sensei demonstrating counter to other students. The attack would not hurt the sensei even if undefended. B. Cued move. Practitioner time of attack follows the order of sensei from a static position but the attack aims at hitting the sensei for real (no range gap at the end of the attack). A. free move. Practitioner can launch the attack at will at any time from dynamic feet positions. This is a real attack. But no combination, only one predefined attack. What i see in those video is mostly C and barely any B.

[@neluirodica9440]

Pumn picoare. Arma kilar kudo tai ku ji kodo martial 🐉 dragonul Best 👊 actiuni sport ro discava tipmpurilori lumii fiat creat istoric oficial

[@NB-xq4qt]

Get a sense this guy knows real karate...i.e. he can fight.

[@tonychavez5157]

Me

[@smawithhanshideenanaidu1487]

All my teaching l been teaching karate to develop good defence and no sport.

[@Moondog13]

Imagine all the other truest master's killed when. The USA bombed Japan twice.... Domo arrigatou gozaimasu Shihan/Soke. Karate evolved from Chinese Kung Fu masters fleeing China, or being sent to Wa as outcasts, and yes some criminals. True Okinawa is Naha -te from the actual natives of Japan. The Ainu. I am not certain if any Ainu are alive today. Samurai killed them for sport. Okinawan Karate is a divine martial art. But now I will not study in a dojo. Domo arrigatou gozaimasu!!!. Gomen be watakushi Baka. Hehe

[@vangiebacha6099]

Hi master tech me how

[@AmanSharma]

But he won't survive in hexagon!!! Where is the UFC clan?

[@freaky09freak]

I see no older women in traditional martial arts! The quest to find the feminine principle in this tradition too and especially uechi ryu. Its as if women have been straight up prohibited from the learning of these defense arts!

[@silenthokage1092]

or theyre just more uncommon. your assumption is ignorant to not only karate but the women that do practice martial arts.

[@GwennDana]

There are, but it's few. Look for Okinawan Demos.