Are you searching for a classic Japanese martial arts sport that’s medically proven to strengthen all parts of your body? Well, Chito Ryu Karate can be the choice if the answer is YES!
After years of learning and teaching karate, I believe Chito Ryu is one of the most effective techniques if performed correctly.
The following blog aims to help you understand what this sport is all about. I will discuss the karate series as a whole and the belt ranking system and techniques associated with it in this article.
Table of Contents
What Is Chito Ryu Karate?
Chito Ryu is a combination of the words Chi, To, and Ryu, which means 1000-year-old Chinese style. The sport combines medical science with traditional Chinese martial art techniques to form an attacking karate style.
This karate technique utilizes muscle’s contraction to generate strength for attacking and self-defense. Shime (しめ) and shibori (絞り are the two signature aspects of this sport.
Shine (しめ) refers to the contraction of muscles in the legs to enhance stability and strength during stance. On the other hand, shibori (絞り is the contraction of arms’ muscles that helps in quicker rotational movements when attacking an opponent.
Chito Ryu History
Chito Ryu karate was introduced by a Japanese medical and karate expert Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898-1984). He learned karate (唐手) from there before proceeding to mainland Japan for studying medicine.
After learning physiology, Dr. Tsuyoshi combined his knowledge of medicine with karate techniques he learned over the years.
In the early days, Chito Ryu was taught as Kumite and the kata of Seisan and Bassai. However, things changed significantly after world war 2. Dr. Tsuyoshi opened his dojo in Yoseikan, where the techniques evolved significantly.
Belt Ranking System
Chito Ryu Karate has a belt system that runs from white to black with multiple levels in between. Here are details on how this system works.
| Rank | Belt | Kata | Kumite | Time |
| 13th Kyu | White | 4 weeks | ||
| 12th Kyu | Yellow | Kihon dosa ichi | 6 weeks | |
| 11th Kyu | Orange + White tip | Kihon dosa ichi | 2 months | |
| 10th Kyu | Orange | Kihon dosa ichi | 3 months | |
| 9th Kyu | Green + White tip | Kihon dosa ichi | 5 months | |
| 8th Kyu | Green | Kihon dosa ichi | Jiyu kumite | 8 months |
| 7th Kyu | Blue + White tip | Kihon dosa ni | Jiyu kumite | 9 months |
| 6th Kyu | Blue | Seiken no migi hidariKihon kata ichiKihon dosa san | Jiyu kumite | 1 year |
| 5th Kyu | Purple + White tip | Zenshin kotai Kihon kata ni Kihon dosa yon | Jiyu kumite | 1.5 years |
| 4th Kyu | Purple | Shiho wariKihon kata sanShiho hai | Jiyu kumite | 2 years |
| 3rd Kyu | Brown + White tip | Seisan | Jiyu kumite | 2.5 years |
| 2nd Kyu | Brown | Niseishi | Jiyu kumite | 3 years |
| 1st Kyu | Brown + Black tip | Bassai | Jiyu kumite | 4 years |
| Dan Ranks | Black | Chinto | Shiai | 5 years |
Techniques Of Chito Ryu Karate
Chito Ryu Karate is a martial art that focuses on creating large amounts of power to damage the opponent. All techniques adhere to the biomechanics of the human body to prevent any physical harm during the training.
Below are some essential techniques you must know if you are willing to indulge in Chito Ryu Karate.
Chito Ryu Karate Katas List
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Shihohai
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Seisan
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Niseishi
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Bassai
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Chinto
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Sochin
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Rohai Sho
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Rohai Dai
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Tenshin
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Sanshiryu
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Kusanku
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Ryusan
- Chito-Ryu Kata – Sanchin
Chito Ryu Karate Moves
Chito Ryu relies heavily on timely moves. You can refer to the following video to master the different actions involved in this sport.
Chito Ryu Karate Stances
Ensure that your feet are parallel to each other while standing. Create a 30-degree angle distance between both feet that we call Musubi-Dachi. Now, you can flare your toes out to create a stance called Kiba-Dachi. Check out the following video for more detailed instructions.
Chito Ryu Karate Punches
Punching in the right way will help you quickly ascend the belt stairs in Chito Ryu. Here is a video that shows you precisely what punches to use in Chito Ryu.
Demonstration: Chito Ryu Punching Techniques
Is Chito Ryu Karate Effective For Self-defense In A Real Fight?
Chito Ryu karate is not only effective in self-defense, but it can also help you take down an opponent within seconds. This fast action sport can allow you to deceive your opponent with quick moves and a rapid response strategy.
As you train, you learn rigid footwork, stability, and balance to deal with unexpected situations.
Moreover, the mental calmness that comes from Chito Ryu helps you maintain self-control. As a result, you will be in a position to dictate what happens during the conflict.
Final Words
Chito Ryu Karate is among the most effective martial arts techniques based on its effectiveness. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, discipline, and spiritual calmness.
I hope this post helped clarify what Chito Ryu karate is and how to learn different techniques. Curious about other types of karate, check out here: 13 Main Karate Styles and Their Differences.