Okichitaw

Okichitaw

Okimakhan Lépine demonstrating a technique
Focus	grappling
Country of origin	Canada
Parenthood	Traditional Cree fighting techniques, judo, taekwondo, hapkido
Olympic sport	no

Okichitaw is a martial art based on the fighting techniques of the Plains Cree First Nations.^[1] It was founded and developed by Canadian martial artist, George J. Lépine.^[2]

History

Origins

In his youth, founder George J. Lépine learned traditional wrestling, tomahawk throwing and hand-to-hand combat techniques (miche che kiske).

In the early 1990s, Lépine began to organize and codify these techniques and methods, resulting in the system as it is practised today. The main Okichitaw training lodge (mistiko kamik) is located at the martial arts school of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and the art is disseminated through classes, workshops and demonstrations.

The scarcity of original reference materials casts doubt upon any attempt to reconstruct indigenous systems; since the latter half of the 20th century, there has been an emerging acceptance of oral traditions as sources of historical record.^[3]

Elder Vern Harper, has been involved with Okichitaw from its early stages, advising and encouraging Lépine in its development. Elder Harper officiates at Okichitaw ceremonies and promotions tests.

George Lépine (standing) with gunstock war club and Vern Harper (seated) with Eagle feather

Recognition

Lépine presented Okichitaw at the Chungju World Martial Arts Festival in 2002 where it was formally recognized as a unique indigenous martial art of Canada by the World Martial Arts Union.^[4] The Chungju Festival, the largest festival of its kind, is an annual forum and showcase for indigenous martial arts, with the country of each art's origin fielding teams. For example, only Japanese teams may demonstrate Karate, and only the Canadian team may present Okichitaw. In 2004 and 2008, Lépine led Okichitaw demonstration teams representing Canada at the Festival.^[4]

Training

Offensive

Weapons are introduced early in a student's training because of the influence of the weapons on the hand-to-hand techniques.

Plains Cree gunstock war club (training version, without blade)

The primary weapon of Okichitaw is the gunstock war club, (nontoni towin mistik). These war clubs were originally taken from rifle stocks, although later versions were carved to simulate the rifle stock shape and The Plains gunstock war club has a characteristic elbow in the stock in both the long (horseback) or short (ground) versions.

Tomahawk, short and long lance and Plains dagger are also part of basic Okichitaw training.^[4] Hand-to-hand techniques often assume the use of tomahawk and knife, but do not always rely upon the use of weapons. In Okichitaw, the hand positions are held as though there are weapons – in the same way that Aikido's kamae position assumes the use of a sword – but, as in Aikido, the techniques do not suppose use of weapons. Most Okichitaw techniques have both weapon and open-handed variations but the focus is primarily through the application of hard forearm impact techniques.

Defensive

As in many martial arts, much of training is based upon one-to-one combat. The attacker initiates the combat, offering a physical threat using basic weapons – tomahawk and knife attacks, or a punch. The student demonstrating the technique responds to the attack, usually by immediately moving into the attacker's space with a combination of blocks, strikes, holds, rolls or throws to complete the technique.

As in other grappling arts, rolls, flips and body dives are means of extricating oneself from an attack. In Okichitaw, these manoeuvers are also methods of moving into a technique - the flip, roll or body dive are part of the (takedown).

Etymology

The word Okichitaw is based on the Plains Cree okichitawak, an honorific applied to Cree warriors by the Elders after a younger man had proved himself in battle. Okichitawak was used to describe the warriors within the community who had developed special skills used for survival, protection and warfare. The name Okichitaw was suggested by Elders in Lépine's native Manitoba when he sought guidance in naming the martial art. Okichitawak was modified to be easily pronounced by non-Cree speakers.

Philosophy

Ceremonies and promotional testing of Okichitaw is based on Cree warrior society of the Canadian plains. Modern-day training is intended to give the Okichitaw student direction and focus through self-challenge and confronting his or her fears and limitations in a controlled environment while building physical and mental strength. Warriors in Cree societies are called 'People who watch over people': that concept of peaceful, protective engagement is central to the philosophy and practice of Okichitaw.

'Grandfather teachings'

Love, Respect, Humility, Honesty, Wisdom, Bravery and Truth are the seven Grandfather teachings that inform the training and application of Okichitaw. Every student is expected to adhere to these basic principles in all aspects of their training. Proper conduct is required from students in their daily lives and interactions; this includes a renunciation of unnecessary violence and a commitment to conflict resolution in their lives.

Four Directions

Among the indigenous peoples of North America, there is great significance to each of the Four Directions.^[5] In daily training, the Four Directions are used when challenging an attack: a response is devised within a fraction of a second (east) and techniques are employed with energy, movement and commitment (south), so that the adversary is effectively controlled by the technique (north), before finally being taken down (west). All techniques are executed in an environment of the highest respect and restraint.

East: The east represents balance, confidence and creativity. In battle, the East influences the identification or location of an adversary, and when setting up and developing a solid attack position.

South: The south represents strength, focus and success. In battle, the South influences the brave, aggressive challenge of an opponent.

North: The north represents courage, energy and knowledge. In battle the North influences the control of an opponent with surprise or overwhelming force.

West: The west represents challenge, choice, and proof. In battle, the West influences the takedown and finishing off of an opponent before moving on the next adversary.

References

1. ^ "Okichitaw - Martial Arts and Weapon Applications." Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Martial Arts, Toronto, Ontario. (retrieved 17 Nov 2009)
2. ^ "Oki-Chi-Taw." World Martial Arts Union. (retrieved 17 Nov 2009)
3. ^ http://txspace.tamu.edu/handle/1969; Hankins, Rebecca, Oral Tradition in Historical Research
4. ^ ^{a b c} Taillon, Joan (September, 2004). "Toronto martial arts group visits North Korea". Ontario Birchbark. http://www.ammsa.com/birchbark/topnews-Sep-2004.html#anchor1782244. Retrieved 2008-07-22. ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ Four Directions Teachings.com - Aboriginal Online Teachings and Resource Centre - © 2006 All Rights Reserved 4D Interactive Inc

External links

• http://www.nativemartialarts.com
• http://www.ncct.on.ca
• http://www.creeculture.ca