OSMKKF History

Let us first start with a general history of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Do. It is estimated that probably 90% of American Karateka know little, if anything, about their art other than the physical aspects. Most of these Karateka seem content merely to practice Karate and have little interest in studying the origins of their art. Those of us in the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate & Kobudo Association are of a different mentality. While we enjoy the physical aspects of Shorin Ryu, we also have a burning desire to learn the history and the origins of our art.

Generations of secrecy have shed a veil of mystery around the history and origin of Okinawan Karate. To a certain degree this veil of secrecy still exists. This, coupled with a general lack of written records, has created a void of information on the early years of Ryu Kyu martial arts. What little information we have has come to us through scattered bits and pieces that somehow have come into the possession of modern Karate historians or from those of us who were fortunate enough to have been told some of the history from an Okinawan Sensei. Nevertheless, any attempt to write on Karate history will leave "many stones unturned," and the following attempt is no exception; a lot of questions are left unanswered. Perhaps, one day we will have more information.

Early History of Okinawan Karate

Early Okinawan Karate or Tode (Tuide) as it was called owes its origin to a mixture of indigenous Okinawan fighting arts and various "foot fighting" systems and empty hand systems of Southeastern Asia and China. The Okinawans, being a seafaring people, were almost in constant contact with mainland Asia. It is quite likely that Okinawan seamen visiting foreign ports of call may have been quite impressed with local fighting techniques and incorporated these into their own fighting methods.

Interest in unarmed fighting arts greatly increased during the 14^th century when King Sho Hashi of Chuzan established his rule over Okinawa and banned all weapons. A more rapid development of Tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa and again banned the possession of weapons. Thus Tode or Okinawan-te, as the Satsuma Samurai soon called it, became the only means of protection left the Okinawan. Thus, it was this atmosphere that honed the early Karate-like arts of Okinawa into such a weapon that they enabled the island people to carry on a guerrilla-type war with the Japanese Samurai that lasted into the late 1800's.

So, Tode or Okinawan-te developed secretly to keep the Japanese from killing the practitioners and teachers of the deadly art. Tode remained underground until the early 1900's when it was brought into the Okinawan school system to be incorporated into physical education methods.

Development of Styles and Systems of Karate-Do

Kusankun [1]

During the year 1762, an Okinawan tribute ship was blown off course and settled on a beach on Shikoku Island. A man named Tobe Ryoen was commissioned to record the testimony of the crew and passengers and did so in a book entitled the "Oshima Incident." During the interviews, the officer in charge made reference to a man named Kusankun who was reportedly an expert of a style called Kumiai Jutsu. Reportedly, Kusankun and a few of his students had been travelling around Okinawa teaching their martial arts having been there since 1756.

Kusankun had learned his art from a Shaolin monk and was a teacher of some renown in China. Although he was a slender man, he was able to handle the larger Okinawans due to his precise technique and style. Sensei Pat McCarthy in his book The Bible of Karate - Bubishi, recounts an eyewitness account of a demonstration by Kusankun of his martial art and states that this remains the most reliable early account of the Chinese fighting traditions in Okinawa. In the account, Kusankun used a leg scissoring manoeuvre to defeat his opponent which was described by the Okinawan officer in charge, a man named Shiohira Pechin.

Kusankun reputedly had two very famous students during his stay on Okinawa, these being Chatan-Yara and Tode Sakugawa. Only brief references are made to Chatan-Yara's study with Kusankun but Sakugawa apparently studied with him for some six years before Kusankun returned to China. Sakugawa subsequently travelled to China to continue his study with Kusankun. Another theory states that Sakugawa did not study directly with Kusankun but rather with his student, Yara Guwa (Yara of Chatan). One item that seems to support this concerns Bushi Matsumura who taught only Yara Kusankun kata which would indicate a link to Yara.

Sakugawa is credited with having originated the Kusankun kata based on the teachings he received from Kusankun or from Kusankun’s student Yara, depending on which theory you follow. It is thought that other of his students did this as well, resulting in and accounting for different versions of the Kusankun kata. Students of the time who were to become Masters in their own right often developed training patterns based on what their teacher taught them and it later became a kata bearing that teachers name.

Chatan Yara of chatan village [2]

Chatan-Yara (Yara Guwa or Yara of Chatan Village) is one of the earliest Okinawan karate men about whom some written information exists and, as with most other early karate men, this information is sparse. Different authors place the birth of Yara in the village of Chatan somewhere between 1670 and 1725. Regardless of when his birth occurred, he contributed significantly to the early development of karate on Okinawa.

Yara was reportedly sent to China when he was 12 years old to train in martial arts and was apprenticed to a man named Wong Chung-Yoh and studied with him for the next 20 years. His training during this time concentrated primarily on the bo and twin swords. Of paramount importance to karate, however, was his study of Hsing-i and Chi Kung which he brought back with him and were the basis for the introduction of inner strength to Okinawan karate.

Yara returned to Chatan, Okinawa at the age of 32 and remained there for the rest of his life. It was here that he originated the Chatan Yara no Kon kata. He later studied with the Chinese envoy Kusanku and is responsible for a portion of the training of the karate great, Tode Sakugawa. While Yara did not establish a formal school, he left us his legacy in three kobudo kata which bear his name; Chatan Yara no Kon, Chatan Yara no Sai, and the Chatan Yara no Tonfa kata. It is recorded that Yara spent his later years studying calligraphy and translating Chinese into Japanese. The descendants of Chatan-Yara still live in the village of Chatan, Okinawa.

The Chatan Yara no Kon kata incorporates fighting techniques unique to Okinawa, encouraging bare-hand fighting as the closing struggle. This form is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the bo kata, as it not only employs lightening fast moves, but also demonstrates the power attainable through master of this weapon.

Tode (Satunuku) Sakugawa

The first teacher of a style that can be called Shuri-te (suidi) was the famous Satunuku Sakugawa (1733 - 1815). Sakugawa can be called the father of Okinawan Karate of the feudal age (old RyuKyu Kingdom). His first instructor was an Okinawan Samurai called Peichin Takahara. Takahara was a well educated man, who was responsible for drawing some of the early maps of Okinawa.

After studying under Takahara for some time, Sakugawa began studying under Kusanku, who was a Chinese military attaché in Okinawa. Sakugawa is said to have returned to China with Kusanku and remained for 6 years. Upon his return to Okinawa in 1762, Sakugawa was instructed by Takahara to call himself Tode Sakugawa and carry on the work of teaching Karate. Sakugawa combined his kenpo-like arts with Okinawa-te; the results were Shurite Karate.

Sakugawa became a famous Samurai. He was awarded the title of Satunku or Satonushi; these titles were for the service to the Okinawan King. Sakugawa had many famous students; among them were:

Sakugawa contributed greatly to Okinawan Karate. We honor him today by continuing many of the concepts he introduced. Sakugawa’s greatest contribution was in teaching the great Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura.

Satunuku Sakugawa and Shinunjo Yara, Tanme (Aged man) of Chatan Yara, learned from Kusanku who had come to the RyuKyu Islands from China in approximately 1762. Kusanku introduced his new Kenpo to those who new the traditional RyuKyu Karate and completed today’s karate. This is the origin of karate-do today. Sensei Sakugawa is known as the founder of Ryukyuan Karate of “Medieval Times.”

In 1762, Sensei Sakugawa was 29 years old, roughly 35 years before Sensei Sokon Matsumura was born. When Matsumoto, Makabe, and Ukuda became Bushi (Samurai), a famous Bushi, Sokon Matsumura, was a child of approximately 8 or 9 years of age.

Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura

Teacher Sakugawa was 78 years old when Sokon Matsumura (then 14 years old) became his student. Matsumura studied Karate (Tuide) for approximately four years under Sakugawa. At the age of 20 years, Sokon Matsumura became so famous for his Karate skill that he was called Shuri Matsumura (Suimachimura).

At that time, there were only three methods of Karate; Shuri (Sui), Naha (Naafa), and Tomari (Tumai). These three methods refer to the areas of Okinawa where the method of Karate was practiced.

Bushi Matsumura (1797 - 1889) studied under Sakugawa for four years. He rapidly developed into a Samurai. As a result of his martial prowess, Bushi Matsumura was recruited into the service of the Sho family and was awarded the title of Satunuku, later rising to Chikutoshi and eventually becoming the Chief Karate Instructor to the Sho family. At some time during his career, Matsumura was sent to China by King Shoko (Okinawan King) to train in the famous Shaolin Temple (Shorinji in Japanese). Matsumura is alleged to have remained in China for many years (some say his stay was 10 years). Upon his return from China, Matsumura systematized Shurite Karate, which later became what is now called Shorin Ryu.

Shorin Ryu is the Okinawan-Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese writing characters called Shaolin in China. In both languages Shorin or Shaolin means “Pine Forest.” Ryu simply means “methods handed down” or methods of learning, such as those of a school.

Bushi Matsumura lived a long, colorful life. He fought many lethal contests and was never defeated. He was the last Okinawan Samurai to be called “Bushi.” He passed on many Kata which he originated or was involved in developing the Kata from an older source. Among his Kata are:

Bushi Matsumura actually taught two types of Karate, one type of Shorin Ryu which he taught to his students; the other type of Shorin Ryu he taught to his family members. The family system contains the Kata Hakutsura as the highest Kata of the system.

Further developments in Shorin Ryu Karate following the death of Bushi Matsumura primarily concern three of his former students: Yasutun Itosu, Chotoku Kyan, and Nabe Matsumura.

Yasutun Itosu

Yasutun Itosu, also called Anko Itosu, was a legendary strong man of Okinawa. Like his teacher Bushi Matsumura, Itosu fought many contests but was never defeated. Itosu is responsible for bringing Okinawan Karate out of its secrecy when, in 1903, Karate was brought into the public school system. Itosu is alleged to have made some modifications to Shorin Ryu Karate to make it more acceptable to the physical education systems. Itosu changed the traditional order in which Kata is taught to students. Traditionally, Seisan was the first Kata taught. However, Itosu developed the Pinan Kata to teach his students. Since this time, the Pinan Kata has been the first Kata taught to beginning students.

One of Itosu’s students, Chosin Chibana (1886 - 1969) founded the Koybayasgu system of Shorin Ryu Karate. Master Chibana was from an old Samurai family and he was a great teacher. Master Chibana was presented a medal in 1960 by the Emperor of Japan proclaiming Master Chibana to be a great Karate Master. The Kobayashi style of Shorin Ryu is a powerful style as are all Shorin Ryu systems; much emphasis is placed on powerful hard blocks and counters. It is interesting to note the term Kobayashi can be pronounced Shorin Ryu. However, the first character Ko or Sho is written with three marks. Other forms of Shorin Ryu are written with the character for Sho being written with four marks. The method of writing Sho with four marks is the Old Chinese method of writing Shaolin. Nevertheless, Kobayashi is an old Shorin Ryu method, very authentic and a very efficient method. Today the Kobayashi style of Shorin Ryu is headed by Shugoro Nakazato. Master Nakazato is a descendant of an old Okinawan Samurai family and has a large following in Okinawa.

Nabe Matsumura

Another lesser known student of Bushi Matsumura who played an important role in developing modern Shorin Ryu Karate was Nabe Matsumura. Nabe Matsumura, known as Nape no Tanme was the grandson of Bushi Matsumura. Upon the death of the old “Bushi” in 1889, Nape no Tanme was destined to carry on the Matsumura family system of Shorin Ryu Karate.

Nabe Matsumura had only a few students and not much is known about him. He must have been born in the 1850’s and died in the 1930’s. He is known to have given some instruction to Gichin Funakoshi and also to Chosin Chibana; however, only Nabe Matsumura’s nephew Hohan Soken was given the complete secrets of the old Matsumura system of Shorin Ryu.

The grandson of Sokon Matsumura, Nabe Matsumura, was designated to carry on the teachings, as this was a Samurai family tradition. It is interesting to note that his nickname was “Old Man Nabe.” Nabe Matsumura only preferred to teach family members the complete system of Shurite or Suide (later known as Shorin Ryu).

Teacher Nabe Matsumura started training his nephew Hohan Soken in 1902. Teacher Hohan Soken became heir to his teacher’s menkyokaiden.

Chotoku Kyan

Another of Bushi Matsumura’s students who was significant in the development of present day Shorin Ryu styles was Chotoku Kyan (1870 - 1945). Master Kyan was a member of an important Okinawan Samurai family that fell on hard times during the Meiji Restoration of the 1870’s. Master Kyan began his study of Karate at a fairly early age. He studied under the following Karate Masters:

It is under Chotoku Kyan that some styles of Shorin Ryu have a Tomari-te influence. This came about for the following reason. Master Kyan studied Shurite under Bushi Matsumura, and Master Yara; he studied Tomari-te under Kosaku Matsumora, Peichen Maeda, and Peichin Oyadomari. Two of these, Oyadomari and Kosaku Matsumora had studied under Bushi Matsumura, however, both had also studied under Satunuku Makabe who had been a student under Sakugawa. Tomari-te is actually a version of the earlier Shurite with some differences. Any Shorin Ryu Karate system that traces it’s lineage back to Chotoku Kyan is probably a blend of Shurite Karate and Tomari-te Karate. Some styles such as Shobayashi under Eizo Shimabuku also have a Goju influence.

· Eizo Shimabuku - brother of Tatsuo and Headmaster of the Shobayashi style of Shorin Ryu

By now, the reader is probable wondering what the difference is between Shure-te and Tomari-te. Both styles resemble each other; however the major difference is found in several Kata. The Tomari-te version of Gojushiho contains several techniques where the performer staggers from side to side much like a drunk man; some Masters in Okinawa liken this technique to a drunken monkey. Also the Chinto Kata found in Tomari-te is different from the Chinto found in Shuri-te. Both versions of Chinto start out the same; but after the first few moves, the Kata is different. The Shuri-te version of Gojushiho does not contain the drunken monkey stagger and the Chinto Kata is performed in a straight line with numerous long leg stances in combination with low hand blocks with one hand, and a mid to high block with the other arm. Also, the Kata Rohai and Wansu were limited only to Tomari-te prior to the Meiji Restoration of 1879. After this time, these Kata became common in various Shuri-te styles.

Hohan Soken

Founder of Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito (sometimes called “Matsumura Orthodox”)

There are three major styles of Shorin Ryu in Okinawa, all of which are modern day systems. The modern day term of “Sho Rin” means “Pine Forest.” Ryu simply means “methods handed down.” Matsumura Seito is not part of these systems. Teacher Soken’s Shorin means “Young Forest.”

One of the greatest Karateka of the 20th century and perhaps one of the greatest Karateka of all time is the venerable old Grandmaster of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate, Hohan Soken. The old master retired from the arts in 1978 and was one of the world’s most respected Karate figures in his time. In 1974, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” bestowed this honor on Master Soken. In spite of this fame, the story of Hohan Soken’s career in the Martial Arts has rarely been told. His lifetime spanned the old and the new. During his life, he was his work in Karate grow from a secret Okinawan fighting method into a world-wide practice. Master Soken made great contributions to Karate and Kobudo.

Hohan Soken was born on the island of Okinawa on May 25, 1889. This was the 24th year of the Meiji; history now calls this time period the Meiji Restoration. It was a time of great political upheaval. The old Ryukyu society was being completely modernized as were all areas of Japan. The old Samurai was being forced to abolish his way of life, to cut off his topknot hairstyle and work at whatever job he could find, usually working in the field as a common peasant. As if political troubles were not enough, the Ryukyu Islands experienced numerous natural disasters during this time. Since 1879, there had been numerous typhoons and epidemics of disease which had caused widespread death and destruction. So, for Hohan Soken, born into one of Okinawa’s most prominent Samurai families, the future was not very certain.

As a young lad, Mr. Soken was forced to work in the fields beside the Okinawan peasants. So matters might have gone throughout Hohan Soken’s life except for his uncle, Nabe. Nabe Matsumura had learned his art from his grandfather, Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura. The famous Bushi Matsumura was Okinawa’s most famous Samurai; he founded Shorin Ryu Karate. Living past the age of 90, Matsumura had made his grandson, Nabe, heir to his Karate system. So, following the way of his ancestors, Hohan Soken began his Karate training at the age of 13 under the guiding hand of his uncle.[3]

Soken was Nabe Matsumura’s only student and was secretly trained in Okinawan Bushido, the art of the samurai. His training began in 1902 and continued for the next 76 years.[4] Working in the fields by day and in the dojo at night was a rigorous schedule that developed physical strength and mental discipline. Following the custom for Karate students, young Soken also sought out other Karate Sensei to tutor him. At the same time he began training under his uncle, Hohan Soken also began training under another Karate Instructor, Ushi Tanme of Nishi-Hara village near Iho Beach. Ushi Tanme was famous for his Kobudo techniques.

As Hohan grew to manhood, his martial arts training intensified. At the age of 23, Master Matsumura began instructing young Soken in the secrets of the White Crane, or Hakutsura. Many men coveted the knowledge of White Crane; even the venerable master, Gichin Funakoshi, sought instruction in this technique but was refused. Master Matsumura taught the White Crane only to Hohan Soken.

Master Soken continued training under his Karate Sensei’s in Okinawa until the 1920’s and throughout the 1930’s. Under the Japanese influence, Karate in Okinawa during this time underwent a certain amount of change, and became more of a sport. Tournament sparring was introduced; stances became longer and wider. Japan was at war with China and many things of Chinese origin were discouraged. In 1936, even the name of Karate was changed from its former meaning, “Chinese Hand,” to “Empty Hand.” The Japanese were molding Karate into a sport, like Judo and Kendo.

Meanwhile, Hohan Soken was living in Argentina, so his Karate did not undergo changes that Karate in Okinawa experienced. However, Hohan Soken researched his Kata and techniques, making variations where needed.

In 1945, when he was 56 years of age, he returned to Okinawa and found Karate greatly changed. Unhappy with the changes he found, Master Soken refused to join the more fashionable Karate associations. He soon set about to teach his style of Shorin Ryu, Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo. Master Soken continued to research Kata and sent his students to learn from other Sensei throughout Okinawa. Much of the organized instruction of Kobudo found today originated from Master Soken’s efforts. Grandmaster Soken was active in the Okinawan Historical Society and President of the Okinawan Kobujitsu Association.

Until his retirement in 1978, Master Soken was widely sought by Karate Sensei of many styles to teach advanced techniques in both Karate and Kobudo. However, only one man, Fusei Kise, is generally acknowledged to have achieved full proficiency in the Matsumura Seito system under Master Soken.

Master Soken’s Karate Kata were Hakutsura, Naihanchi Sho Dan, Naihanchi Ni Dan, Chinto, Pinan Sho Dan, Pinan Ni Dan, Gojushiho, Kusanku, Seisan, Rohai Sho, Rohai Ni, Rohai San. Master Soken introduced the Pinan Kata into the Matsumura Karate-do. Those of us who practice Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito practice Master Soken’s version of the Pinan Kata.

Master Soken’s favorite Kata was the White Crane or Hakutsura Kata. He is the third generation since Bushi Matsumura to learn this kata. The only living man who knows this technique is Fusei Kise.

Master Soken practiced and taught Kobudo with the Kama, Nunchaku, Bo, Kusari Kama, Sai, Tonfa, and Surchin. His favorite Kobudo kata was Tsuken Bo.

Grandmaster Soken deserves a great deal of gratitude from karateka all over the world. He maintained a pure style, and his Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Okinawan Karate and Kobudo has remained much the same as it was in the time of his ancestors. He was instrumental in maintaining Kobudo as an active martial art and his efforts have led to the growth and development of the All Okinawan Kobudo and may have saved the art from extinction. For those of us who were fortunate enough to have trained with Master Soken, we have experienced something very rare.

In a tape recorded interview with Master (O’Sensei) Soken prior to his death in 1982, he listed the following as his students:

· Fusei Kise, as Grandmaster and heir to the old Matsumura Family System of Shorin Ryu

Fusei Kise

One of Grandmaster Soken’s top students was Master Fusei Kise. Master Kise was born on May 4, 1935. He began his study of Karate in 1947 from his uncle, Master Makabe. In 1955, Master Kise became a student of Master Nobutake Shingake and in 1958, received his first black belt in karate, which was a yondan or 4th degree black belt. Prior to this, belts weren’t used by the people Master Kise had studied with. Also in 1958, Master Kise began studying under Grandmaster Hohan Soken, the third successor of Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate-do.

In 1960, he was a student of Grandmaster Shigeru Nakamura, Okinawan Kenpo Karate-do Federation and qualified for the seventh degree black belt after five years of training. Master Kise became a Shihan or Master on January 1, 1965 when he passed the 7th Dan examination under Grandmaster Shigeru Nakamura, Okinawan Kenpo Karate-do Federation. At that time, Master Kise taught and practiced Shorinji Ryu Karate-do, while at this same time he was studying Shorin Ryu under Grandmaster Hohan Soken. On January 1, 1967, Master Kise passed the examination for 7th Dan under Grandmaster Hohan Soken, Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate-do Federation. Shortly after this, Master Kise switched completely over to the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito (Orthodox) Karate-do.

On January 3rd, 1972, Master Kise qualified for the Hanshi title by passing the 8th Dan examination held by Grandmaster Hohan Soken and Master Makabe. In 1977, Master Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Association.

In 2001 the Government of Japan gave there Seal of Approval to the accuracy of Master Kise's book. They have stated that he (Grand Master Kise ) is the sole true heir to Matsumora Orthodox Karate, being passed down to him from Hohan Sensei. This has been entered into the official Government Archives. This means there can be no more disputing the Lineage of Matsumora Orthodox Karate. It belongs to our Grand Master.

In April of 2001 Grand Master Kise was selected by the Japanese Parliament to receive a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. He met with senators, other dignitaries and with the other Karate Grand Masters who received awards (4 or 5 other Grand Masters from Okinawa) at a luncheon in Naha.

In April of 2001 Grand Master Kise renamed the Federation to Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Federation.

Today, Master Kise travels all over the world teaching his art. He makes an annual trip to the United States, typically in the summer and instructs senior students in the finer points of Matsumura Seito. An annual summer camp is typically held in Arkansas, Texas and New Hampshire, and occasionally in other locations.

Shorin Ryu Karate Matsumura Seito Karate & Kobudo, a Karate system that evolved from the ancient teachings of Sakugawa and Bushi Matsumura, a system led by Fusei Kise, one of the very few Karateka to have been taught the complete secrets of Hakutsura.

Shorin Ryu Lineage

Development of Kobudo - Okinawan Weaponry

Some 200 years ago, Japan began to assert control over the island of Okinawa. One of the Edicts forced the Okinawan people to turn over their weapons to the Japanese. With typical ingenuity the Okinawans learned to fight without weapons, or with whatever came to hand during times of conflict. With the possible exception of the Sai; a metal sword-blocking instrument, what did come to hand were articles found in day-to-day use in feudal times: the Kama, Tonfa, Bo, and Nunchaku.

The Kama, a hand sickle is still widely used to day as a farming implement in Okinawa. The Tonfa is about 17 inches long and is equipped with a short, knob-like handle. Originally it was used as a means to turn a small gristmill. Gripped by the handle with the longer length tucked under the arm the weapon is for the most part concealed, but the knob end can inflict painful injuries when jabbed into the adversary. Anyone adept at Karate is able to flip the Tonfa around with a flick of the wrist and the longer end becomes the "business" part of the weapon.

The Bo is simply a long staff used to carry burdens, yoke fashion, on the shoulders. Slender but strong, the Bo becomes a weapon for jabbing, puncturing, or slashing.

The Nunchaku was developed and used by the farmers of Okinawa as an instrument of self-defense, it was originally used as a bridle on the farm horse. Though less powerful than the Bo, the Nunchaku is more convenient to carry, because of its smaller size. It is not always a handy weapon because of the difficulty in manipulating it. Skillful use calls for a considerable amount of practice, and insufficient practice may result in self inflicted injury. A veteran, of course, can skillfully manipulate Nunchakus blindfolded, as if the sticks were part of his or her own body.

[1] The material for this article was taken from the following:

1. The Bible of Karate - Bubishi by Sensei Pat McCarthy

2. Okinawa - Island of Karate by Sensei George Alexander

3. Karate's History and Traditions by Bruce Haines

[2] Information for this article was taken from:

1. The Weaponless Warriors by Hanshi Richard Kim.

2. The Bible of Karate - Bubishi by Sensei Pat McCarthy

3. Okinawa - Island of Karate by Sensei George Alexander

4. “Masters of Bo-jitsu” by Don Warrener, Budo Dojo magazine, Winter 1995 issue

[3] “The White Swan of Hohan Soken” by Don Lucas

[4] “The Last Samurai” by Ron Lindsey

General History