Dento or traditional, a complex and convoluted term used in martial system beside "classical" where it gives impressions that are often mistaken on an individual basis due to individual perceptions, beliefs and cultural influences.
In the latest edition of the CFA periodical I found this term associated with Isshinryu. The quote in part, " ... a style only recently recognized by the Okinawan authorities as traditional ... " I can only say that this does not actually tell us a true definition of what a traditional martial system is but as to Isshinryu I find it kind of cool because for the first time since its naming Okinawan Karate circles are finally accepting Isshinryu as a karate system.
I still see it as a branch of Shorinryu and it is still listed that way but a good beginning. I digress here under the guise of excitement. The recognition from this one organization prompted this post on traditional or Dento.
I have not found any criteria from this organization as to what they would use and the measuring tool to label a system as traditional or not. I intend to send an email to ask because it would be the first time I have received information from a source such as this org that actually says what a traditional karate system is.
I hope to update this post with data from Okinawa if an answer is provided :-) I have asked the question at both the CFA editor, where I read the article about Isshinryu becoming recognized as traditional, and at the Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau. Well shall see what is said.
I would love it if the officials of the main Okinawan governing organization would provide said criteria so that this traditional moniker can be laid to rest as to Okinawan Karate. Japanese is another matter as they tend to view things a bit differently ;-)
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