What is RyuTe®?

RyuTe®, formerly known as Ryukyu Kempo, was founded by Taika Seiyu Oyata from Okinawa. This classical form of self-protection art emphasizes natural body motion and the study of physical weakness and behavior common to everyone. This includes the study of kata (form), kyusho (vital points), tuite (grappling), low kicks and throws. It can be applied by anyone regardless of age, strength, or size.

RyuTe® is a classical system of karate reflecting the original concepts of the fighting arts of Okinawa. The techniques are those used by the ancient warriors of the Ryukyu Islands. It is these ideals that separate RyuTe® from modern and traditional forms of karate.

Hudson Valley RyuTe® Kan Instructors

Kyoshi Joseph Mansfield (seated)

Renshi Derek Benedict (left)

Shihan Stephen Orr (right)

Training the body and mind as one is an important facet of our training. We feel we have an inherent obligation to our community and to society, so we cultivate and develop “upstanding” citizens through our specialized training. With that our students are required to respect themselves, others and life by following the school goals (Dojo Kun). They are:

 To strive for good moral character

To keep an honest and sincere way

To cultivate perseverance or a will for striving

To develop a respectful attitude

To restrain physical ability through spiritual attainment

Taika Seiyu Oyata

RyuTe® is a life protection art and is the study of a Classical Martial Art. This simply means that a person can study RyuTe® from the time they are a small child until they have grown old with age. It is a life long study of Kata and Self Defense that will not change with a person’s age.  

There are five arts or “Jutsus” that come together to form the core training practices in RyuTe®, they are:

GOSHIN JUTSU - The Art of Life Protection

TUITE JUTSU - The Art of Grappling

KYUSHO JUTSU - The Art of Striking Vital Points 

ATEMI JUTSU - The Application of Technique

KOBUDO JUTSU - The Art of Ancient Weapons