The singularity of Tokitsu-Ryu lies in the fact that it is an original synthesis of different martial arts.
Its deepest roots can be found in the karate of Okinawa, particularly the Shorin Ryu school. The style has a structure that is more flexible than the schools formed after the second world war, with their strict positions, and lays great stress on breathing work. Techniques are applied chiefly in pairs, as this helps to build motor patterns and achieve excellent coordination.
Kiko, or the art of breathing, is a discipline that stimulates the body’s main activation channels (called meridians in acupuncture), teaching learners to become aware of their own energy (ki) and to enhance its flow. Directly inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, Kiko also forms part of the basic technical structure of the school and can be practiced as self-therapy or as a way of improving combat efficiency and technique.
Tai Chi, and particularly synthesis Tai Chi, helps to give form, fluidity and fullness to the body’s movements. In studying and practicing this discipline, what is important is not the mechanical repetition of the gestures, but the internalization of movement. By memorizing technical gestures, learners can improve their physical and psychological well-being, and those learning martial art can heighten their combat efficiency, but what is really sought through Tai Chi is the increased sensitivity and awareness of the learner. When this is achieved, body and mind begin to be activated together, harmoniously.
Tai Chi Chen, on the other hand, is characterised by its more martial and dynamic register, derived from combat. To the use of the entire body in executing each movement and the sensation of harmony and balance found in synthesis Tai Chi, it adds constant protection of the body’s central line and sharply enhanced perception of the adversary.
Yi quan, commonly referred to as form and will boxing, is a discipline through which the practitioner can achieve great efficiency in combat thanks to its concern for neuromuscular awareness. Although there are no codified kata, practice of a number of static base positions subsequently linked together in successive combinations lends immobility to movement, leading from there to an active defence in the face of any kind of attack.
In Japan Kendo, or the way of the sword, is considered one of the most important martial art disciplines. Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu (the art of drawing the sword for the kill) are extremely useful for honing distance perception, combat timing and rhythm, control of the body's central axis, perception of the adversary and his neuralgic points, his strengths and his weaknesses.