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Published July 26th, 2025
The Lost Arts of Okinawan Karate
Most modern karate schools have narrowed their focus to punching, kicking, and competition-based sparring. But the original Okinawan martial arts were never about winning points or looking sharp in tournaments. They were life protection systems, designed to end confrontations swiftly and without wasted energy. Two of the most critical elements of this system, Kyusho Jitsu (pressure point striking) and Tuite (joint manipulation), have all but disappeared in most schools.
At Takamine Karate Dojo in Miller Place, these two pillars remain at the core of our training. Passed down through Taika Seiyu Oyata, who learned them from masters like Uhugushuku and Wakinaguri, they represent the practical, real-world self-defense techniques that separate authentic Okinawan karate from modern, watered-down versions.
What Is Kyusho Jitsu? The Science of Pressure Point Striking
Kyusho Jitsu is not about hitting harder, it’s about hitting smarter. The human body has vulnerable points that, when struck with precision, can disrupt balance, create pain compliance, or end an attack in seconds. These points aren’t random—they align with nerves, blood flow, and structural weaknesses.
Kyusho in Action
In self defense, a well-placed strike to a pressure point can:
- Stop a grab without brute strength
- Break an opponent’s posture, creating instant openings
- Cause temporary dysfunction, giving you time to escape
Hanshi Takamine, the direct successor to Taika Oyata’s complete system, teaches Kyusho as part of every technique. Whether it’s a strike from a kata or a simple counter to a grab, students learn how to apply their training with precision. This makes our Miller Place martial arts program highly effective for adults and kids alike.
What Is Tuite? Joint Locks and Control Techniques
Tuite, often called the “grappling” side of Okinawan karate, focuses on controlling joints, tendons, and ligaments through leverage and angles. It is not wrestling or brute force, it's a refined method of taking control over an aggressor using minimal strength.
How Tuite Complements Striking
Where Kyusho creates pain and disruption, Tuite applies control and restraint. A wrist grab can be reversed into a lock. A block can transition into a takedown or joint submission. Students at Takamine Karate Dojo learn these techniques early, building confidence in real-world scenarios.
Most martial arts schools have stripped this side of training out of their curriculum. But at Takamine Karate Dojo, Tuite is treated as essential, forming the “hidden hand” behind our kata and partner drills.
Why Kyusho and Tuite Together Make a Complete Self Defense System
Kyusho and Tuite aren’t separate arts, they are two halves of a whole. Together, they create a comprehensive life protection system that can adapt to any scenario. While a strike may be needed to break balance or create space, a joint lock can follow to end the confrontation without escalating violence.
This pairing is what makes our adult karate classes in Miller Place so unique. Students aren’t just memorizing movements, they’re learning how to:
- Recognize an opponent’s weak points
- Redirect energy and apply leverage
- End a confrontation quickly and safely
If you want to see how these principles fit into our training approach, visit the Our Style page to learn about our authentic Okinawan lineage.
The Return of Forgotten Arts
At Takamine Karate Dojo, we’re not interested in trends or flashy moves. We’re dedicated to preserving the complete teachings of Taika Oyata, including the deadly efficiency of Kyusho and the control of Tuite. These techniques are practical, effective, and designed for real-life self defense—not sport.
If you want to experience training that blends precision, intelligence, and tradition, call us today at 631-514-4099 to schedule your first class.