#IkenSon

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A Rising Force: The Story of Iken, Taiki-ken, and the Evolution of Modern Martial Arts

In a modest training hall tucked away in Saitama, Japan, a small group of dedicated martial artists gathers each morning. At the head of the room stands Son Ritsu, the honorary director of the Kyokushin Kaikan Saitama branch and chairman of the International Iken Association. His posture is calm yet commanding, his presence radiating the quiet confidence that comes from decades of rigorous study. The group of students bows deeply, ready to begin their practice. On this particular morning, they will explore the art of Iken—an ancient Chinese martial art with deep historical roots that have influenced and intertwined with the evolution of karate, Taiki-ken, and the broader world of fighting disciplines.

It’s a journey that began nearly a century ago. In the mid-1920s, a visionary named Wang Xiangzhai devoted his life to understanding the essence of Chinese martial arts. Traveling across China for about 20 years, Wang sought out the best teachers and the most gifted students, accumulating knowledge and forging friendships that would shape his practice. In time, he developed a system he called “Iken,” which soon captured the attention of martial arts enthusiasts throughout China. Wang’s commitment and accomplishments led to him receiving the title “Taisei-ken” from his contemporaries—an honor that acknowledged the brilliance and integrity of his approach, an approach that insisted on going beyond rote technique to embrace a deeper, more universal foundation of power, stability, and agility.

By the time Wang Xiangzhai turned 60, his reputation was formidable, drawing admirers and challengers from both near and far. One of those challengers was Sawai Kenichi, a determined Japanese martial artist with a string of victories under his belt. Having defeated numerous fighters in China, Sawai felt he had little left to prove—until he crossed paths with Wang. In their first meeting, Sawai was thrown instantly, the sheer ease of Wang’s power jolting him to his core. Undeterred, he tried again and again, only to be swept aside each time. Sawai’s pride quickly gave way to awe, and he resolved to become Wang’s disciple, forging a teacher-student bond that would bring Iken to Japan.

Sawai Kenichi took Wang Xiangzhai’s art and introduced it to the Japanese martial arts community under the name “Taiki-ken.” The 1920s were a turbulent period for combat sports in Japan, with many new schools and techniques vying for prominence. Karate in particular was on the rise, and its power and philosophy resonated with a wide audience—thanks in large part to figures like Oyama Masutatsu, founder of the Kyokushin style. Sawai, who had befriended Oyama upon returning to Japan, occasionally instructed at Kyokushin dojos, sharing the inner workings of Taiki-ken. It wasn’t long before Royama, one of Oyama’s devoted followers, sought Sawai’s guidance, as did other prominent branch managers in the Kyokushin organization.

Royama’s journey took an intriguing turn when he immersed himself in Taiki-ken’s practice methods. Impressed by what he learned, Royama rose to become a 7th Dan (Denshi) in Taiki-ken and eventually reconnected with Iken, seeking to study it in its purest form. Over time, he realized that the subtle, fluid movements of Iken might be the key to unlocking deeper layers of power, precision, and balance in karate. Slowly but surely, he integrated Iken’s principles into his own teaching, demonstrating to students around the world that the line between Chinese and Japanese martial arts might be more blurred—and more fertile—than initially assumed.

In the morning classes under Son Ritsu’s watchful eye, the training starts with Ritsuzen—the standing meditation that underpins both Iken and Taiki-ken. The students are told to imagine a “kamifusen,” or paper balloon, lightly suspended between their arms. The goal is to maintain a posture and alignment that would neither crush nor drop this imaginary balloon. Knees slightly bent, back extended, hips tucked just enough to align the spine properly—this is what they call “standing like a tree.” It may look simple, but the challenge is profound. Over time, practitioners discover the blossoming of internal power, a sharpened sense of balance, and an unshakeable mental calm that can be harnessed in a split-second burst of force.

When the morning session ends, the training continues in the afternoon with more rigorous exercises—rolling heavy rollers across the ground to strengthen the core, pounding sandbags to cultivate a steel-like resilience in the fists and forearms. While these methods might seem mundane compared to flashy kicks or spectacular throws, they form the bedrock of a fighter’s prowess. The seasoned students joke that sometimes it feels like building a house from the foundation up, day after day, hour after hour. The difference is, the “house” is the human body—and Iken’s nuanced instructions ensure that no stone remains unturned in the quest for martial perfection.

Royama, who once wondered if there was anything left to learn after leaving the Kyokushin organization, rediscovered his hunger for growth when introduced to Samaji, a fabled karateka known to have defeated dozens of rowdy street fighters all by himself. With an unassuming demeanor, Samaji shattered Royama’s assumptions about what “strong” truly looked like. Their first match ended almost before it began. For Royama, it was a reminder that martial excellence resides not in flamboyant displays, but in precise technique, strategic insight, and mastery of body alignment.

In reflecting on all these lessons, Royama often returns to Oyama Masutatsu’s pioneering spirit. At the Oyama Dojo, karate was never treated as a static art form, but rather as a fluid system that could absorb elements from various disciplines. This willingness to embrace new ideas set Kyokushin on a path of constant evolution. The rigorous kumite that Kyokushin is known for, the punishing leg kicks, the famous 100-man fights—these all stemmed from a mindset that respected tradition yet refused to remain bound by it. It’s a spirit that resonates powerfully with the philosophy of Iken, which Royama believes is more than just another style of Chinese kung fu. To him, Iken is a universal practice method—a living, breathing foundation that can help practitioners discover their innate potential, regardless of their primary style.

If there is a defining hallmark of Sports Illustrated-style journalism, it’s a focus on the human narrative behind the athlete. And the story of Iken is rich with human drama—Wang Xiangzhai’s relentless travels across China, Sawai’s humbling defeat and subsequent devotion, Royama’s search for the next step after leaving the established path, and, finally, Son Ritsu’s quiet but passionate mission to unify these threads under a single banner. Whether they train in a polished dojo in Tokyo or a dusty open lot in the suburbs, Iken’s students share the same intangible drive—to understand the roots of power in the body and how to unleash it gracefully in combat.

Standing at the cusp of tradition and innovation, Son Ritsu sees himself as a guardian, ensuring that Wang Xiangzhai’s vision remains alive. Under his stewardship, the Saitama and Jonan branches of Iken uphold the founder’s teaching methods, all while embracing an international community of fighters who come to train. Indeed, modern martial arts are less siloed than ever; cross-training is now the norm, and champions from different disciplines often borrow from one another. In this environment, Iken’s emphasis on internal power and strategic positioning feels more relevant than ever, particularly for those with backgrounds in full-contact karate styles like Kyokushin. The synergy that emerges from combining the explosive techniques of karate with the subtle, fluid energy of Iken can breathe new life into an athlete’s repertoire, granting them advantages that purely external systems may not offer.

And so, each day at dawn, a select few gather under Son Ritsu’s guidance, arms outstretched, paper balloon floating in their imaginations, bodies rooted like centuries-old oak trees. It’s not a scene of swirling acrobatics or high-voltage strikes—those come later. Instead, it’s a silent testament to the pursuit of martial clarity, a chance to experience what Royama once felt when he faced Samaji or when Sawai squared off against Wang Xiangzhai. It is, in essence, the pursuit of something at once timeless and ever-evolving—pure martial artistry.

From Wang Xiangzhai’s travels through China, to Sawai’s cross-continental revelations, to the modern transformations happening in Saitama and beyond, Iken has survived by adapting and growing. Much like Sports Illustrated has chronicled the odysseys of heroes in countless sports, we look upon the story of Iken as more than just a chronicle of technique. It’s a story of passionate individuals thirsting for knowledge, forging bonds across cultures, and pushing the boundaries of physical and spiritual discipline.

As the training hall finally empties late in the afternoon, there is a palpable sense of achievement in the air. Each drop of sweat on the tatami floor tells a tale of self-discovery. And perhaps that’s what martial arts have always been about: forging resilience, instilling humility, and helping us strive for continual improvement. In an age where new methods and fads crowd the marketplace, the enduring traditions and philosophies of Iken remind us that sometimes, to move forward, we must first ground ourselves more deeply, hands hovering around a delicate paper balloon, hearts open to the broader world of wisdom, waiting to be discovered.

[netalkolemedia]

"C'est inacceptable que des gangs armés prennent en otage nos bureaux comme Juge d'Instruction" a déclaré le Magistrat Ikenson Édumé 

“C’est inacceptable que des gangs armés prennent en otage nos bureaux comme Juge d’Instruction” a déclaré le Magistrat Ikenson Édumé 

Le Chef de file du Réseau National des Magistrats Haïtiens (RENAMAH), Magistrat Ikenson Édumé, n’a pas resté indifférent face aux derniers événements du vendredi 10 juin 2022, où les gangs armés du groupe de gang dénommé 5 seconde de Village de Dieu ont pris le contrôle du Palais de Justice.  En effet, lors d’une intervention ce mardi 14 juin à la Radio Caraïbe, le Magistrat Édumé, a expliqué ce…

[juno7haiti]

Dossier Sogener: le juge Edumé ordonne à la DGI de lui communiquer certaines informations

Dossier @SogenerHaiti: le juge Edumé ordonne à la DGI de lui communiquer certaines informations.- #Juno7 #J7Dec2021

Dossier Sogener : le juge d’instruction Ikenson Edume ordonne au directeur général de la DGI de lui communiquer certaines  informations sur Jean Marie VORBE, Agnès Elizabeth Débrosse Préval, Réginald VORBE Fils et Albert Edouard Dimitri VORBE. Le juge d’instruction Ikenson Edume, dans le cadre de l’affaire opposant l’État Haïtien à la Sogener, a adressé une correspondance au directeur général de…

[lemiroirinfo]

Haïti Justice: « La justice haïtienne ordonne la levée des conservatoires contre les immeubles de la famille Vorbe »

Haïti Justice: « La justice haïtienne ordonne la levée des conservatoires contre les immeubles de la famille Vorbe »

Dimitri et Jean Marie Vorbe ont récupéré leurs maisons  qui faisaient l’objet de mesures conservatoires après une décision du juge  Ikenson Exumé en date du 1er Décembre 2021. Port-au-Prince, https://www.lemiroirinfo. ca, Lundi 06 décembre 2021 Le magistrat  a ordonné la levée des mesures conservatoires ordonnant la mise sur scellé des immeubles de la famille Vorbe situées à Morne Calvaire et à…

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Rappel des policiers affectés à la sécurité du juge Morin: Le DG de la PNH apporte des précisions

Rappel des policiers affectés à la sécurité du juge Morin: Le DG de la @PNH_Officiel apporte des précisions.- #Juno7 #J7Oct2021

Rappel des policiers affectés à la sécurité du juge Morin: Le DG de la PNH apporte des précisions. Le Directeur général a.i de la police nationale d’Haïti, Léon Charles, a rendu publique une note dans le but d’apporter des précisions concernant la décision de rappeler des policiers affectés à la sécurité des juges Jean Wilner Morin et Edumé Ikenson. Selon le commandant en chef de la PNH cette…

[yelemagazineme]

Haiti- Kidnapping : Me Abbias Edumé libéré

Haiti- Kidnapping : Me Abbias Edumé libéré

Le professeur de droit, Me Abbias Edumé est libéré par ses ravisseurs le jeudi 25 février 2021. L’information a été confirmée à notre rédaction par Me Jean Wilner Morin puis par Ikenson Edumé, frère de la victime Port-au-Prince, le 25 février 2021.- Après avoir passé environ une semaine entre les mains des ravisseurs, Me Abbias Edumé a été libéré, selon des sources proches du magistrat, notamment…

[jewouj]

#1- Ikenson Edumé ak Josué Pierre Louis, se 2 frè ki okipe gwo fonksyon nan peyi a, men, ki enplike nan yon pakèt skandal ki byen dokimante.

✍️#PouLaVeriteAkPouListwa"

A Twitter thread from @AkListwa

[yelemagazineme]

Haiti- Kidnapping : Me Abbias Edumé libéré

Haiti- Kidnapping : Me Abbias Edumé libéré

Le professeur de droit, Me Abbias Edumé est libéré par ses ravisseurs le jeudi 25 février 2021. L’information a été confirmée à notre rédaction par Me Jean Wilner Morin puis par Ikenson Edumé, frère de la victime Port-au-Prince, le 25 février 2021.- Après avoir passé environ une semaine entre les mains des ravisseurs, Me Abbias Edumé a été libéré, selon des sources proches du magistrat, notamment…

[plusorminuscongress]

New story in Politics from Time: Envoys from U.S. and China Will Meet in October for More Tariff War Talks

(BEIJING) — U.S. and Chinese envoys will meet in early October for more talks aimed at ending a tariff war that threatens global economic growth.

Stock markets rose on Thursday’s announcement but there has been no sign of progress since Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed in June to resume deadlocked negotiations about trade and technology.

The agreement on timing came in a phone call conducted by the chief Chinese envoy, Vice Premier Liu He, with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Officials will “conduct conscientious consultations” in mid-September to prepare, the ministry said. It gave no details but said the two sides want to create “favorable conditions.”

China’s main stock market index closed up 1% following the announcement. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 2.1% and South Korea’s main index rose 0.8%.

Beijing is balking at U.S. pressure to roll back plans for government-led creation of global competitors in robotics and other industries.

The U.S., Europe, Japan and other trading partners say those plans violate China’s market-opening commitments and are based on stealing or pressuring companies to hand over technology.

The U.S. and China have raised tariffs on billions of dollars of each other’s imports, disrupting trade in goods from soybeans to medical equipment and battering traders on both sides.

In their latest escalation, Washington imposed 15% tariffs on $112 billion of Chinese imports Sunday and is planning to hit another $160 billion Dec. 15 — moves that would extend penalties to almost everything the United States buys from China. Beijing responded by imposing duties of 10% and 5% on a range of American imports.

U.S. tariffs of 25% imposed previously on $250 billion of Chinese goods are due to rise to 30% on Oct. 1.

Asked whether Washington might postpone that increase, a Commerce Ministry spokesman, Gao Feng, said he had no additional details.

China has imposed or announced penalties on a total of about $120 billion of U.S. imports, economists estimate. Some have been hit with increases more than once, while about $50 billion of U.S. goods is unaffected, possibly to avoid disrupting Chinese industries.

Beijing also has retaliated by canceling purchases of soybeans, the biggest single U.S. export to China.

The Chinese government has agreed to narrow its politically sensitive trade surplus with the U.S. but is reluctant to give up development strategies it sees as a path to prosperity and global influence.

The trade war is taking a toll on both economies.

“Logically, it makes sense from economic and political standpoints for both Trump and Xi to put an end to the trade war,” said Daniel Ikenson, director of the center for trade policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. “The U.S. manufacturing sector appears to be contracting and signs point to a broadening U.S. economic slowdown… Meanwhile, the trade war is worsening troubles in the Chinese economy.”

Ikenson said Xi is getting pushback from other Chinese officials who “are unhappy with the trajectory and tenor of the U.S.-China relationship under his leadership, (believing) that Xi has been unnecessarily provocative.”

As a result, “there may be a window for striking a deal, which is far less significant than has been advertised, but which Trump and Xi can spin as respective wins to the domestic audiences they need to assuage,” Ikenson said.

Talks broke down in May over how to enforce any agreement.

China insists Trump’s punitive tariffs must be lifted once a deal takes effect. Washington says at least some must stay to make sure Beijing carries out any promises.

The last round of talks in July in Shanghai ended with no indication of progress. Neither government has given any indication it is ready to break the deadlock by offering concessions.

Some analysts suggest Beijing is holding out in hopes Trump will feel pressure to make a more favorable deal as his campaign for the 2020 presidential election picks up. Trump has warned that if he is re-elected, China will face a tougher U.S. negotiating stance.

By JOE McDONALD / AP on September 05, 2019 at 12:27PM