The branch of Kempo known as Shuho Kempo Karate literally means "taking principle fist law empty hand." It represents Bushi Te, the warrior skill of the Okinawan royalty. Also known as Tori Te and Toide, the taking principle is deceptively gentle in appearance. The hands are soft and flowing, but strong due to the presence of ki. The techniques, likewise, are rounded and smooth, and will usually throw or subdue an attacker in a very gentle manner. But as soon as resistance is encountered, a soft parry can instantly change into a deadly hard strike. The Okinawan royalty passed down the skill of Shuho from eldest son to eldest son until earlier this century, when Master Seikichi Uehara founded Motobu Ryu Kobujutsu to preserve this beautiful and deadly ancient art. Years of thoughtful training are necessary before one can understand and perform the most basic skills of Shuho.