A BRIEF HISTORY OF KARATE
pic:BODHIDHRAMA
From India to China to Okinawa to Japan.
History of karate goes back to South India. In ancient South India, like many other kingdoms, Indian kingdoms were also build and ruled by warriors. They were trained in armed combat as well as unarmed combat. In ancient South India, famous empire/dynasties like Cheras, Pallava, Pandian, and Cholas rely on warriors to rule. The warriors were well verse in martial arts. Some of the known ancient martial art of south India were Silambam, Kalarippayat, Varma Kalai etc. Much of the martial art knowledge was lost when the British colonist occupy India in the 19century. To prevent revolt and attacks by the local, the British ruler ban the practice of the ancient martial arts. The martial arts, however did survive because the arts was practiced in secrecy.
Bodhidharma(470-543)
Legend has it that a prince belonging to the Kshatriya/Warrior caste from Southern Indian kingdom of Pallava, become a Buddhist monk, and took the given the name Bodhidharma. In Japan he is known as Damura. He was instructed by his teacher to spread Zen Buddhism to China. During the period time, Buddha's teachings was already been wide spread across China by other monks from India. When Bodhidhrama arrive at the Shaolin (shorin in Japanese) temple, he found the monks were in poor physical condition. The story goes that Bodhidhrama taught and left behind books on improving health thru' meditation, physical condition and fighting skills. The Shaolin monks further spread the martial arts to other parts of China. In China the fighting art evolved into Chinese fighting arts.
From China to Okinawa.
From China the Zen buddhism was spread to Japan and Okinawa. Along with Buddhism and trading, the Chinese fighting martial art was influenced the Okinawan martial art. Some Chinese family even settle in Okinawa cultural exchange and teach their fighting skills. In the late 19 century, some Okinawan martial artist went to Fujian to learn Chinese kung-fu and Fujian White Crane style martial art. The Chinese influence of fighting arts in Okinawa was initially known as Chinese hand or ToDe. In Japanese Kara has two meaning one is Chinese and the other is empty. Shotokan founder Guchi Funakoshi changed the meaning of from Chinese hand to empty hand while maintaining the written character in Kanji (Japanese written letters). As such Karate is now known as empty hand.
History of karate goes back to South India. In ancient South India, like many other kingdoms, Indian kingdoms were also build and ruled by warriors. They were trained in armed combat as well as unarmed combat. In ancient South India, famous empire/dynasties like Cheras, Pallava, Pandian, and Cholas rely on warriors to rule. The warriors were well verse in martial arts. Some of the known ancient martial art of south India were Silambam, Kalarippayat, Varma Kalai etc. Much of the martial art knowledge was lost when the British colonist occupy India in the 19century. To prevent revolt and attacks by the local, the British ruler ban the practice of the ancient martial arts. The martial arts, however did survive because the arts was practiced in secrecy.
Bodhidharma(470-543)
Legend has it that a prince belonging to the Kshatriya/Warrior caste from Southern Indian kingdom of Pallava, become a Buddhist monk, and took the given the name Bodhidharma. In Japan he is known as Damura. He was instructed by his teacher to spread Zen Buddhism to China. During the period time, Buddha's teachings was already been wide spread across China by other monks from India. When Bodhidhrama arrive at the Shaolin (shorin in Japanese) temple, he found the monks were in poor physical condition. The story goes that Bodhidhrama taught and left behind books on improving health thru' meditation, physical condition and fighting skills. The Shaolin monks further spread the martial arts to other parts of China. In China the fighting art evolved into Chinese fighting arts.
From China to Okinawa.
From China the Zen buddhism was spread to Japan and Okinawa. Along with Buddhism and trading, the Chinese fighting martial art was influenced the Okinawan martial art. Some Chinese family even settle in Okinawa cultural exchange and teach their fighting skills. In the late 19 century, some Okinawan martial artist went to Fujian to learn Chinese kung-fu and Fujian White Crane style martial art. The Chinese influence of fighting arts in Okinawa was initially known as Chinese hand or ToDe. In Japanese Kara has two meaning one is Chinese and the other is empty. Shotokan founder Guchi Funakoshi changed the meaning of from Chinese hand to empty hand while maintaining the written character in Kanji (Japanese written letters). As such Karate is now known as empty hand.
Mural
Drawings on the left is claimed to be from Shaolin temple, shows images of dark skinned Indian monks training martial arts with Chinese monks.
Karate in Okinawa
Once upon a time, Okinawa was famous for its location for trading between Japan, China and other parts of the region. There was a time when Okinawa was ruled by a Ryukyu Kingdom. The native were forbidden to carry weapon by the Ryukyu Kingdom. Pechins(Peichin) were Okinawan Samurai, providing protection to the royal families. So obviously Pechins were trained in combat situations. The fighting skill was called as Te or ToTe
When the feudal Japanese occupy the island, again the usage or carrying of weapon was ban. Those who were caught having weapons were harshly punished by the Samurais. So the stories goes that the natives learn to use everyday farm tools as weapons for self defense.
When the Japanese invade and took over Okinawa, these Pechin warriors lost their status. Later, during the peasant/farmers revolt in 1903, the Pechins lost their income, which they were getting from the tax imposed on the farmer etc.
It’s been said that, what was used to be a private and secret Te, the martial art of the Pechin which was handed over from father to son or to selected students, is now open to anyone who is willing to pay and learn. These Okinawan Samurai started to teach the public. In 1908, Te(karate) was made available to the Okinawa school gymnastic curriculum.
When the feudal Japanese occupy the island, again the usage or carrying of weapon was ban. Those who were caught having weapons were harshly punished by the Samurais. So the stories goes that the natives learn to use everyday farm tools as weapons for self defense.
When the Japanese invade and took over Okinawa, these Pechin warriors lost their status. Later, during the peasant/farmers revolt in 1903, the Pechins lost their income, which they were getting from the tax imposed on the farmer etc.
It’s been said that, what was used to be a private and secret Te, the martial art of the Pechin which was handed over from father to son or to selected students, is now open to anyone who is willing to pay and learn. These Okinawan Samurai started to teach the public. In 1908, Te(karate) was made available to the Okinawa school gymnastic curriculum.
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SAKUGAWA
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MATSUMURA
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ARAGAKI
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HIGAONNA
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ITOSU ANKO
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-Sakugawa-
Kanga Sakugawa (1733-1815).
At 17 years old Sakugawa begn martial arts training under Takahara Pechin (1683-1760) (Pechin is a Okinawan title of status similar to Japanese samurai) until the arrival of a Chinese envoy named Koshokun in Okinawa. Sakugawa wasgranted permission to train under Koshokun in 1756.
Sakugawa traveled to China with Koshokun to study Kempo. He returned to Okinawa in 1762 to introduce this fighting method.
Sakugawa soon started to teach the Chinese hand in Okinawa. Combining what both his teachers had taught him, he structured a training system. This made him the first Okinawan teacher of Tode.
At 17 years old Sakugawa begn martial arts training under Takahara Pechin (1683-1760) (Pechin is a Okinawan title of status similar to Japanese samurai) until the arrival of a Chinese envoy named Koshokun in Okinawa. Sakugawa wasgranted permission to train under Koshokun in 1756.
Sakugawa traveled to China with Koshokun to study Kempo. He returned to Okinawa in 1762 to introduce this fighting method.
Sakugawa soon started to teach the Chinese hand in Okinawa. Combining what both his teachers had taught him, he structured a training system. This made him the first Okinawan teacher of Tode.
-Matsumura-
Bushi Matsumura (1797-1889)
Matsumura was partly Chinese. Bushi's father's request that Sakugawa teach him, when he was 14, in 1810. Matsumura was recruited into the service of the royal family of Okinawa.Sakugawa trained him until his death.
Chinto, a pirate from Southern China drifted ashore to Okinawa, when he got there, he began to loot and plunder because of hunger. The king sent Matsumura to hunt him down and stop him. When Matsumura found him, they fought each other but were matched. Matsumura befriended him and exchanged martial knowledge. Kata name Chinto was created based on the techniques Matsumura got from him.
Another Chinese diplomat named Channan from China was send to shuri. Matsumura studied under him and created two basic katas named Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan.
Another Chinese master by the name of Ason taught a Chinese kata by the name of Naifanchin in the area of Naha. Matsumura studied from Ason for a time. Later, Matsumura took this kata and broke it up into two parts: Naifanchin Shodan and Naifanchin Nidan.
The karate of Shuri was further developed by Matsumura. Today there are many different styles descended from the original Matsumura style of Shorin-Ryu.
Matsumura was partly Chinese. Bushi's father's request that Sakugawa teach him, when he was 14, in 1810. Matsumura was recruited into the service of the royal family of Okinawa.Sakugawa trained him until his death.
Chinto, a pirate from Southern China drifted ashore to Okinawa, when he got there, he began to loot and plunder because of hunger. The king sent Matsumura to hunt him down and stop him. When Matsumura found him, they fought each other but were matched. Matsumura befriended him and exchanged martial knowledge. Kata name Chinto was created based on the techniques Matsumura got from him.
Another Chinese diplomat named Channan from China was send to shuri. Matsumura studied under him and created two basic katas named Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan.
Another Chinese master by the name of Ason taught a Chinese kata by the name of Naifanchin in the area of Naha. Matsumura studied from Ason for a time. Later, Matsumura took this kata and broke it up into two parts: Naifanchin Shodan and Naifanchin Nidan.
The karate of Shuri was further developed by Matsumura. Today there are many different styles descended from the original Matsumura style of Shorin-Ryu.
-Aragaki-
Seisho Aragaki (1840-1918)
He was born in the village of Kume Mura, Naha, Okinawa. He became a translator for the Chinese and translated the Okinawan language. Aragaki held the title of "Chikudon Pechin", a title similar to a Samurai rank in Japan. He was fluent in Chinese and acted as an interpreter. He was required to travel to China for his interpretive duties.
Some of his other students included
Aragaki was also a weapons master, leaving behind several Bo and sai kata including Aragaki-no-kun, Aragaki-no-sai and Sesoku-no-kun, which has about 200 techniques, used against the sword.
Aragaki left no style behind but Aragaki’s Tote is similar to Goju-Ryu.
He was born in the village of Kume Mura, Naha, Okinawa. He became a translator for the Chinese and translated the Okinawan language. Aragaki held the title of "Chikudon Pechin", a title similar to a Samurai rank in Japan. He was fluent in Chinese and acted as an interpreter. He was required to travel to China for his interpretive duties.
Some of his other students included
- Master Higaonna Kanryo
- Master Funakoshi Gichin (Shotokan founder),
- Master Mabuni Kenwa (Shito-Ryu founder) and
- Master Uechi Kanbum (Uechi-Ryu founder).
Aragaki was also a weapons master, leaving behind several Bo and sai kata including Aragaki-no-kun, Aragaki-no-sai and Sesoku-no-kun, which has about 200 techniques, used against the sword.
Aragaki left no style behind but Aragaki’s Tote is similar to Goju-Ryu.
-Higaona-
Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1015).
Higaonna was the10th generation of Higaonna family in Haru, lineage. Higaonna studied Naha-te from Seiso Aragaki(1840-1920) of Kume. Aragaki was well known among Okinawans with his favorite Kata called Seisan. Unlike Shuri-te, Naha-te represents newly imported Chinese forms from Fukien Province of China. Higaonna visited Fuchou, China, around 1877 for some years to study the Southern Shaolin Chun style. Higaonna studied under a Chinese Shaolin master named Wei Shinzan. Wei was the student of Leu Luko who also taught Higaona so-called Fukien Crane Chang. Fukien Crane was a combined school with White Crane of South Shaolin Chang and Four Ancestor Chang.
The Chinese system of fist that Kanryo Higaonna studied from Wei Shinzan and Leu Luko was also known as Pan Gainoon, which literally means, "one half is hard and other half is soft". Those kata practiced in the current Goju-Ryu school like Sanchin, Sanseiru, and Pecchurin all originated from that style.
After his return from China, Higaonna systemized the Naha-te with contemporary Chinese art, thus it was called To-te (Tode), or Chinese Hand.
Higaonna was the10th generation of Higaonna family in Haru, lineage. Higaonna studied Naha-te from Seiso Aragaki(1840-1920) of Kume. Aragaki was well known among Okinawans with his favorite Kata called Seisan. Unlike Shuri-te, Naha-te represents newly imported Chinese forms from Fukien Province of China. Higaonna visited Fuchou, China, around 1877 for some years to study the Southern Shaolin Chun style. Higaonna studied under a Chinese Shaolin master named Wei Shinzan. Wei was the student of Leu Luko who also taught Higaona so-called Fukien Crane Chang. Fukien Crane was a combined school with White Crane of South Shaolin Chang and Four Ancestor Chang.
The Chinese system of fist that Kanryo Higaonna studied from Wei Shinzan and Leu Luko was also known as Pan Gainoon, which literally means, "one half is hard and other half is soft". Those kata practiced in the current Goju-Ryu school like Sanchin, Sanseiru, and Pecchurin all originated from that style.
After his return from China, Higaonna systemized the Naha-te with contemporary Chinese art, thus it was called To-te (Tode), or Chinese Hand.
Ankō Itosu also known as Itosu Yasutsune, was born in 1831 and died in 1915. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern karate. Itosu served as a secretary to the last king of the Ryukyu Kingdom until Japan abolished the Okinawa-based native monarchy in 1879. In 1901, he was instrumental in getting karate introduced into Okinawa's schools. In 1905, Itosu was a part-time teacher of To-te at Okinawa's First Junior Prefectural High School. It was here that he developed the systematic method of teaching karate techniques that are still in practice today.
Itosu is also credited to have created the Heian katas from advance kata called Kusanku kata. Itosu's students included Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan founder), Kenwa Mabuni ( Shito ryu founder) among many other students. |
For more information on Anko Itosu check the link in Wikipedia below
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankō_Itosu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankō_Itosu
MAJOR KARATE STYLES
There are many styles in karate. Initially the Japanese martial art governing body recognize officially only four styles. The styles are Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu. These styles have produced many off-shoots. Karate consist of more styles than the major four styles. Following are the names of the other styles.
1) SHORIN-RYU : one of the older styles in Okinawa, founded by Choshin Chibana
2) ISSHIN-RYU: a mixture Shorin ryu and Goju ryu, foundered by Tatsuo Shimabuku
3) KYOKUSHIN: created by Masutatsu Oyama, a Korean Japanese.
4) UECHI-RYU : a mixture of Chinese and Okinawan style, founded by Kanbun Uechi
5) ASHIHAR KAI KAN: a version of Kyokushin. founded by Hideyuki Ashihara
6) CHITO RYU: founded by Tsuyoshi chitose
7) SHIDO JINEN RYU
8) ISSHIN RYU
9) SHUKO KAI
10) ENSHIN KAI KAN
11) MATSUBAYASHI RYU
12) SHIDOKAN
13) GOSOKU RYU
14) GENSEI RYU
15) SHOBAYASHI SHORIN RYU
16) SHORINJI RYU etc
1) SHORIN-RYU : one of the older styles in Okinawa, founded by Choshin Chibana
2) ISSHIN-RYU: a mixture Shorin ryu and Goju ryu, foundered by Tatsuo Shimabuku
3) KYOKUSHIN: created by Masutatsu Oyama, a Korean Japanese.
4) UECHI-RYU : a mixture of Chinese and Okinawan style, founded by Kanbun Uechi
5) ASHIHAR KAI KAN: a version of Kyokushin. founded by Hideyuki Ashihara
6) CHITO RYU: founded by Tsuyoshi chitose
7) SHIDO JINEN RYU
8) ISSHIN RYU
9) SHUKO KAI
10) ENSHIN KAI KAN
11) MATSUBAYASHI RYU
12) SHIDOKAN
13) GOSOKU RYU
14) GENSEI RYU
15) SHOBAYASHI SHORIN RYU
16) SHORINJI RYU etc
Click on the TABS below for brief description of the founders of Shito ryu, Goju ryu, Wado Ryu and Shotokan.
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SHITO RYU
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GOYU RYU
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WADO RYU
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SHOTOKAN
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SHORIN RYU
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Brief History of Shito Ryu
Kenwa Mabuni
Shito-Ryu Karate-Do is one of the major karate styles today, one of the four major styles. The other styles are Shotokan, Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu. There are countless other styles and offshoots from these four styles. Shito Ryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni, born in Shuri on the island Okinawa.At the age of 13, Kenwa Mabuni started the study of Shuri-te, also known as Shorin-Ryu, with Master Anko Itosu. At the age of 20, Kenwa Mabuni started with the study of Naha-te, also known as Shorei-Ryu, with , Master Kanryu Higashionna (Higaonna)
After finishing his education and military service, Kenwa Mabuni joined the Okinawan police force. This occupation allowed him to visit the different regions of Okinawa and learn many of the classical martial arts of the island, known as Ryukyu-Kobudo. Following the footstep of Master Guchi Funakushi, in 1922, Master Kenwa Mabuni from Okinawa went to mainland Japan to spread the his style of karate. In Osaka, he taught and did demonstrations to proof the effectiveness of his art.
After finishing his education and military service, Kenwa Mabuni joined the Okinawan police force. This occupation allowed him to visit the different regions of Okinawa and learn many of the classical martial arts of the island, known as Ryukyu-Kobudo. Following the footstep of Master Guchi Funakushi, in 1922, Master Kenwa Mabuni from Okinawa went to mainland Japan to spread the his style of karate. In Osaka, he taught and did demonstrations to proof the effectiveness of his art.
SHITO
Master Kenwa Mabuni founded his method on the teachings of his 2 main teachers, Master Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu from Shuri region and Master Kanryu Higashionna from Naha region of Okinawa. From their initials he coined the word Shito. As such Shito Ryu means Shito style.
Emblem
The Symbol of Shito-Ryu was the coat of arms of the house Mabuni for many centuries. The circle is a symbol for peace and harmony. The vertical and horizontal lines represent the calligraphy for "human". Thus, the symbol signifies "human beings in peace and harmony".
Good info regarding Shito Ryu Malaysa by the late Shihan Shiekh Naser Annuar. Taken from youtube user Thomas SC Chong.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF GOJU RYU
Miyagi sensei
The founder of Goju-Ryu of Karate is Master Miyagi. Common logo for Goju-Ryu seem to be a vertical clenched fist.
Go means hard or external force, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks.
While Ju means soft or internal force, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements.
The development of Goju ryu goes back to master Higaonna Kanryo(1850–1915), a native of Naha, Okinawa. As a teenager he trained with an Okinawan master named Arakaki Seisho, before moving to Fujian province of China to study Wushu (Kung Fu) from Master Liu Liu Ko. Higashionna returned to Okinawa and continued in the family business of selling firewood, while teaching a new school of martial arts, distinguished by its integration of hard and soft kempo (fist principle) in one system. Higashionna's style was known as Naha-te.
Chojun Miyagi (1888–1953) began training under master Higashionna at the age of 12. After Higashionna's death Miyagi sailed to China and studied there for several years, returning to Naha in 1918. Goju-Ryu was the first officially recognized style of Karate in Japan by Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.
Go means hard or external force, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks.
While Ju means soft or internal force, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements.
The development of Goju ryu goes back to master Higaonna Kanryo(1850–1915), a native of Naha, Okinawa. As a teenager he trained with an Okinawan master named Arakaki Seisho, before moving to Fujian province of China to study Wushu (Kung Fu) from Master Liu Liu Ko. Higashionna returned to Okinawa and continued in the family business of selling firewood, while teaching a new school of martial arts, distinguished by its integration of hard and soft kempo (fist principle) in one system. Higashionna's style was known as Naha-te.
Chojun Miyagi (1888–1953) began training under master Higashionna at the age of 12. After Higashionna's death Miyagi sailed to China and studied there for several years, returning to Naha in 1918. Goju-Ryu was the first officially recognized style of Karate in Japan by Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.
A BRIEF HISTORI OF WADO RYU
Otsuka
Master Hironori Otsuka (1892–1982)was founder of Wado Ryu.
Wa means "harmony," dō means "way,"
Master Otsuka began jujutsu training at the age of five, under the direction of his great uncle Chojiro Ibashi, a samurai warrior.
At the age of 30 Otsuka meet Master Gichin Funakoshi and began learning karate from him. Later Choki Motobu also taught Otsuka.
Master Otsuka combine both elements from Shotokan Karate and Japanese Jujitsu to create a new stlye of karate called Wado Ryu. Wado Ryu was registered under the Nippon Karate
Wa means "harmony," dō means "way,"
Master Otsuka began jujutsu training at the age of five, under the direction of his great uncle Chojiro Ibashi, a samurai warrior.
At the age of 30 Otsuka meet Master Gichin Funakoshi and began learning karate from him. Later Choki Motobu also taught Otsuka.
Master Otsuka combine both elements from Shotokan Karate and Japanese Jujitsu to create a new stlye of karate called Wado Ryu. Wado Ryu was registered under the Nippon Karate
For more information on Wado ryu check the wikipedia link below
https://en..wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadō-ryū
https://en..wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadō-ryū
SHOTOKAN RYU
Master Gichin Funakoshi was born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1868. When he was young child, he was weak boy, he was taught self-defense by famous master of that time. From Master Itosu, he learned karate and Kendo. The name Shotokan was coin by his students. Shotokan means the house of Shoto. Funakoshi’s hand a nick name called Shoto which means pine waves.
As a traditionalist, Funakoshi favours katas over kumite. He dislikes competition or sparring between karate ka. Karate for him was deadly. His motto was "Karate ni sente nashi" (There is no first attack in karate).
Master Funakoshi was the first one to introduce karate to Japan. Invited by Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, Funakoshi extends his stay on the Japanese mainland to perform a series of demonstrations in the Tokyo area, including at the Judo Kodokan. As Funakoshi receives more and more requests for demonstrations he decides to settle in Tokyo.
Master Funakoshi was the one who re-introduce Karate as Empty Hand instead of Chinese Hand as it was previously known.
Gichin Funakoshi is known as the Father of Modern Karate.
As a traditionalist, Funakoshi favours katas over kumite. He dislikes competition or sparring between karate ka. Karate for him was deadly. His motto was "Karate ni sente nashi" (There is no first attack in karate).
Master Funakoshi was the first one to introduce karate to Japan. Invited by Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, Funakoshi extends his stay on the Japanese mainland to perform a series of demonstrations in the Tokyo area, including at the Judo Kodokan. As Funakoshi receives more and more requests for demonstrations he decides to settle in Tokyo.
Master Funakoshi was the one who re-introduce Karate as Empty Hand instead of Chinese Hand as it was previously known.
Gichin Funakoshi is known as the Father of Modern Karate.
Chōshin Chibana (1885 – 1969) was founder of Shorin Ryu Karate, based on what he had learned from master Anko Itosu. He was the first to establish a Japanese ryu name for an Okinawan karate style, calling Itosu's karate "Shorin-Ryu" (or "the small forest style") in 1928.
In May 1956, the Okinawa Karate Federation was formed and he was elected to be its first President. |
For more information on Choshin Chibana check the wikipedia link below.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chōshin_Chibana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chōshin_Chibana