History of Okinawa-Te Karate
There was an era of much killing, weapons were confiscated and
forbidden. The lack of weapons was the reason for the development
and perfection of Okinawa-Te which is the forerunner of modern
Karate. The farmers cried out, "We do not have and are forbidden
the use of swords, but we must protect ourselves. We have nothing
left but our hands, so we will use our hands. Substitute the
edge of your hands for the edge of an axe. Use your fingers
for a spear. Make each fist into a mace. Use your fingers as
an arrow point. Use your leg as a ramming iron." After several
decades of resorting to this bare-handed technique, the people
became very proficient in the art of Okinawa-Te for the purpose
of self defense. It later became known as Karate, which means
"empty hands". Okinawa-Te has many unique "katas" (choreographed
movements) both with and without weapons. The Grand master Kihei
Motobu, had only one arm. Because of his handicap, Motobu developed
and perfected the circular block in which one hand protects
both sides of the body. This is now a distinguishing feature
of Okinawa-Te. Shihan Gordon Doversola, Master of Okinawa-Te,
was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He became interested in Karate
at the early age of seven and studied Ju Jitsu and then Karate
under a number of masters while attending high school and later
the University of Hawaii. After coming to Los Angeles, he met
and became associated with the Okinawa Master, Teiken Nagusko,
sho was a native of the Islands and studied under the great
one-armed Master Motobu. Mr. Doversola continued studying with
Teiken Nagusko winning such degrees as the Brown Belt and the
much coveted Black Belt of Okinawa-Te, the highest degree and
designation,
MASTER OF
OKINAWA-TE.
Nagusko has
never been affiliated with any organization nor has he established
a school of his own. When he left Los Angeles, he requested
that Doversola not affiliate with any other association and
keep his school independent and original. Under the leadership
of Shihan Doversola, the Okinawa-Te organization has become
well known and highly respected. Mr. Doversola has served as
technical advisor to the movie industry, has appeared on television,
and lists many Hollywood stars as students of Okinawa-Te.
In Okinawa-Te, the expected and required attitudes are written
as to mold and form the student into a true Okinawa-Te-Ka (student).
Only dedication and hard work will help to achieve mastery of
one's self.
