Okichitaw

Okichitaw

Okimakhan Lépine demonstrating a technique
Focus	Eclectic
Country of origin	Canada
Parenthood	Traditional Plains Cree & Assiniboine Fighting Technique Applications
Olympic sport	No
Official website	Okichitaw.com, WOMAU.com

Okichitaw is a martial art based on the fighting techniques of the Plains Cree First Nations. It was founded and developed by a Canadian martial artist, George J. Lépine. Okichitaw (pronounced /ˌoʊkɪtʃəˈtɔː/ OH-kich-ə-TAW) is an Indigenous martial system that uses basic, but aggressive combat movements which allows the practitioner to apply direct and smothering impact techniques which are then followed up by applying "no-quarter" to the opponent by pulling, tripping or throwing them down so that a finish-out can be conducted as quickly as possible.

Okichitaw employs a very direct and committed approach in the area of physical combat. Okichitaw’s battle concept is combined with speed, one's body weight and aggressively applied mechanics to allow the practitioner to achieve effective results.

The Plains Cree name known as “Okichitatawak” was a term used to describe various societies (Warrior Society, Dance Society, etc.) within the indigenous community. Specifically, “Okichitaw” (Worth Young Men) were known among the community as the “Neheyawak” (the Warriors) who were persons within the community that possessed special skills that were acquired through the various applications learned through survival and warfare tactics. Historically, a person could not be invited into the lodge or society of the Okichitatawak until they had participated in many raids, fought adequately in battle, or acquired gifts as a result of their actions towards the enemy. This particular group of men are also men that are known to be generous and who are also known to exercise the lifestyle of “reckless bravery”. Okichitaw carries much of the same philosophy and standards as it has been done for thousands of years – all that has changed is that the “Neheyawak” culture continues to adapt to the ever-changing environment through present social contexts.

In his youth, founder George J. Lépine learned traditional wrestling, tomahawk throwing and hand-to-hand combat techniques (miche che kiske). He also trained in other martial arts such as judo, taekwondo and hapkido. Lépine developed Okichitaw and established it in 1997. It is based in Toronto, Ontario. Lépine is the Director and Chief Instructor ("Okimikahn Kiskino Huma Kew" in Cree). George Lépine is Plains-Cree Michif from Manitoba and learned traditional hunting and tracking practices from a very young age. Teachings of traditional fighting techniques were also passed onto him. He started martial arts at age thirteen in Winnipeg. As he was progressing in his martial arts training, his Taekwondo Grandmaster encouraged him to embrace his traditions of native combat and to find ways to preserve, research and perpetuate this knowledge. This direction and guidance was also pressed into him by Traditional Elders throughout the indigenous community. On Canadian Plains Cree combat principles and methods – both from his own teachings and through extensive historical research – Okimikahn Lépine combined this knowledge of native combat with his indigenous culture and values and his extensive martial arts experience to create Okichitaw. For 40+ years he has been distilling this knowledge, codifying and systematizing it into a modern martial arts system. Okichitaw is a renewed expression of this traditional warrior knowledge, carrying these techniques and tactics and values to the present and into the future.