Mr. Bill Mueller, currently a 9th Dan, was given oversight of the Texas Branch along with his 6th Dan Certificate in 1994 by the then Chief of the Okinawan Shuri-te Karate Association, Ankichi Nakamura (10th Dan).
What is Okinawan Shuri-te? (Karate)
Simply stated, Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and Shuri was the old capital city of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri is where the king and castle were located, and “Te” simply means “hands.” Therefore, Shuri-te literally means the “Hands of Shuri.”
Okinawan Samurai, unlike the Samurai of Japan, carried no swords. These weaponless warriors developed their martial art to an extremely high level. This martial art, now known as karate, was what the Samurai in Okinawa used to defend themselves as well as their king.
Traditional karate waza (techniques) have been systematically handed down from generation to generation primarily through empty-handed forms known as kata. The study of kata also helps develop muscle memory, balance, and flexibility while strengthening both the right and left sides of the body.
Although karate was influenced by Chinese martial arts, the Okinawans already had their own system of self-defense. Many instructors from Okinawa spent decades perfecting their art in China. Conversely, because commerce with Okinawa depended on the trade winds, many Chinese martial artists spent months at a time on Okinawa.
Karate is a Japanese word meaning “empty hand.” It was given to an Okinawan art of self-defense that was primarily taught among the Samurai class. The Samurai were responsible for protecting their country and their king and therefore trained with life-and-death intensity.
Benefits
Some of the benefits practitioners of modern karate train for include:
Self-defense and protection of loved ones
Longevity
Increased speed
Flexibility and agility
Self-confidence
Coordination and balance
Strength development