Published: August 16, 2008 09:11 pm         

New dojo teaches old traditions, discipline

On the small Japanese island of Okinawa, a mysterious man known as Higashionna is a student of karate and adds a new dimension to the martial art, adding Okinawan traditions to the discipline.

The result is Goju-ryu, one of the only martial arts that hasn’t been changed during the hundreds of years since its inception. Chris McInturff, a martial arts sensei (trainer) in the discipline, has opened a dojo (training hall) downtown and is bringing this ancient art form to Stillwater.

McInturff has been studying for about 27 years. He initially took up the discipline to exercise and get into overall better health, he said.

“It made me rethink what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.

He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, followed by physical therapy school. In a way, seeing participants’ injuries helped him choose his path, he said.

McInturff, who is from Enid, studied Goju-ryu under Grandmaster Kancho Toguchi beginning in 1980. Toguchi left for New York in 1987, leaving McInturff to fill the void.

A recent physical therapy position in Stillwater opened another door of opportunity for him, and he brought his dojo to Stillwater, opening the doors in July, he said.

Goju-ryu is a rarity in martial arts in that it is taught and performed as it was when it was created.

“It’s one of the only true martial arts left that hasn’t been changed,” he said.

Okinawan traditions such as courtesy and respect toward each play an important role in the art. Japanese words and phrases are also used in performing the art, another tradition going back to Okinawa.

Unlike other martial arts disciplines, Goju-ryu is strictly for self-defense and protection; there is no competition for the sport.

Goju-ryu has different levels corresponding to belt colors: white as the lowest, then green, followed by brown, with black being the highest. There are 10 levels, with three levels between colors.

There are many stories of where the colors originated, but one is that participants never wash the belts. They started out white, faded to green and brown as the belts were soiled. They eventually became black from extended use, McInturff said.

The gi, the pristine white robe participants wear, is always washed, providing a sharp contrast. The gi is a small, waist-length robe held together by the colored belt.

McInturff offers two classes each week.

“You can come to class, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get,” McInturff said.

Shorei-kan Karate is at 9111⁄2 S. Main St. He teaches youth and adult classes every Tuesday and Thursday night, with youth from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and adult classes from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per month. McInturff may be reached at 385-0128.

     

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