Our History
Contrary to what is commonly believed, the classical martial arts of the Ryūkyū Kingdom did not originate from farmers, peasants, or the use of everyday tools as weapons. Instead, they emerged within the Ryūkyū aristocracy, known as Yukatchu, through a fusion of ancient indigenous practices and influences from China. These martial arts were never intended for widespread commercialization targeting adolescents. Until the 20th century, the Ryūkyū Yukatchu deliberately kept their fighting techniques concealed, selectively choosing students who exhibited maturity and moral integrity.
Below is a historical overview highlighting some prominent figures associated with our karate and kobujutsu.
Samuel Wykoff
Samuel's journey in martial arts began in 1984 when a close friend invited him to "do karate." Unbeknownst to him at the time, this simple invitation would spark his curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion. Two years later, in 1986, Samuel was introduced to Chinen Teruo Sensei, which marked his entry into the study of Gōjū-ryū karate. However, it wasn't until after his university graduation that he could truly immerse himself in the study of Gōjū-ryū and Yamanni Chinen-ryū kobujutsu.
Samuel's dedication led him to train six days a week at the Asian Arts Center under the guidance of Dong Tran. He complemented his daily training by often and regularly attending seminars hosted by Chinen Teruo and Oshiro Toshihiro. These seminars often took him to Spokane, Washington, and San Mateo, California, where he stayed for extended periods, devoting himself to training.
In 2004, Samuel relocated to Kobe, Japan, where he continued his martial arts journey. He sought out and trained with various practitioners of Miyazato Eiichi's Okinawa Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō Kyōkai and Higa Seikō's Gōjū-Ryū Kokusai Karate Kobudō Renmei, deepening his understanding of Gōjū-ryū. He also had the opportunity to accompany Chinen Sensei and Oshiro Sensei on several trips to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, where he trained in traditional dōjō. Additionally, he trained in a traditional Japanese school of jōjutsu, the Shintō Musō-Ryū, for nearly five years.
In 2009, Samuel relocated to the Republic of Singapore, where he trained with local practitioners of the International Okinawan Gōjū-Ryū Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF). Additionally, he taught Yamanni Chinen-Ryū kobujutsu at the Singapore Shitō-Ryū Karate Association.
In 2012, Samuel relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, where he trained extensively in various locations, including Portugal, Germany, and Ukraine, under Chinen Sensei's and Oshiro Sensei's tutelage. During this time, he also pursued both Jūdō and Uechi-ryū karate to enhance his understanding of his core discipline, Gōjū-ryū.
In 2014, Samuel returned to his hometown of Stillwater, New Jersey, where he continues to train, practice architecture, and teach STEM classes at the local high school. Driven by his passion for preserving and sharing the authentic martial traditions of Okinawa, he founded the Stillwater Ryūkyū Bujutsu Kenkyūkai (SRBK) in 2022. As the Chief Instructor, Samuel shares his knowledge of Gōjū-ryū Karate and Yamanni Chinen-ryū kobujutsu with dedicated students who are committed to the authentic and non-commercialized pursuit of martial arts. With a 4th dan in Gōjū-ryū karate under the late Chinen Teruo and a 3rd dan in Yamanni Chinen-ryū Kobujutsu under Oshiro jToshihiro, Samuel emphasizes technical proficiency, personal growth, and mutual respect within the SRBK community.
Continuing his quest for self-improvement, Samuel remains actively engaged in seeking out experienced instructors who can contribute to his development and the enrichment of the martial arts he holds dear.
Oshiro Toshihiro • 大城 利弘
Oshiro Shihan began his karate training in 1955 at the age of six and later pursued kobujutsu training as a teenager under Kishaba Chōgi. In 1978, he relocated to California, where he established the Oshiro Dōjō.
In 1985, alongside Kishaba Chōgi, he co-founded the Ryūkyū Bujutsu Kenkyū Dōyūkai (RBKD), an international organization dedicated to the research and development of Okinawan martial arts. Thanks to Oshiro Shihan's tireless dedication and willingness to travel, the RBKD now encompasses dojos across the United States, Europe, and Japan. Oshiro Sensei is widely regarded as a foremost authority on Ryukyu martial arts and has been prominently featured in Okinawan prefectural martial arts demonstrations and numerous research articles exploring karate and kobudō.
In 2018, he returned to Okinawa, where he continues to train and teach.
Image Credit: “Oshiro Dojo.” Oshiro Dojo - Karate & Kobujutsu, www.oshirodojo.com/shihan.php. Accessed 29 June 2023.
Chinen Teruo • 知念 輝夫
(1941 - 2015)
Chinen Sensei, having lived only three doors down from Miyagi Chōjun's residence and garden dōjō, was exposed to karate at a young age. Although he did not quite understand what he witnessed at the time, it left a lasting impression on him. After Miyagi's passing in 1954, at the age of thirteen, he began his training in earnest under the watchful eye of Miyazato Eiichi. He initially trained at Miyagi's garden dōjō and later at the Jundōkan. In 1959, he relocated to Tokyo, Japan, where he taught karate alongside Higaonna Morio at the famous Yoyogi dōjō.
In 1969, at the behest of Miyazato Eiichi, he moved to Spokane, Washington, where he resided until his passing in 2015. In 1979, he and Higaonna Morio co-founded the IOGKF (International Okinawan Gōjū-Ryū Karate-Dō Federation), where he served as Technical Advisor until 1986. In 1987, Chinen Sensei founded Jundōkan International. Throughout his adult life, he traveled extensively, bringing traditional Gōjū-ryū karate to thousands of enthusiastic practitioners worldwide. Today, Jundōkan International includes dōjō throughout the United States, Canada, France, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, and Ukraine.
Image Credit: William R Sallaz 1985, reused with permission of Jundokan International
Miyazato Eiichi • 宮里 栄一
(1922 - 1999)
As a young teenager, Miyazato Sensei embarked on his karate training journey under the guidance of his father, who was a student of Higaonna Kanryo. At the age of sixteen in 1938, he joined Miyagi Chōjun's garden dōjō, where he dedicated himself to training until Miyagi's passing in 1953. Subsequently, Miyazato joined the Ryūkyū Police Department and collaborated with Miyagi in teaching karate and jūdō at the Naha Police Academy. Following Miyagi's passing, he assumed the responsibility of teaching and, in 1957, established the renowned Jundōkan dōjō, which is highly regarded worldwide today.
Apart from his accomplishments in karate, Miyazato also gained recognition as a skilled jūdōka. He triumphed in the Okinawa Jūdō Championships and served as the President of the Okinawa Jūdō Federation. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in introducing the modern dan ranking system to Okinawa Karate, which has since gained global recognition. Among his most promising students was Chinen Teruo, who served as Miyazato Sensei's Uchi Deshi for several years.
Image Credit: Miyazato Eiichi Portrait. (n.d.). Jundokan International. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.jundokan-international.org.
Miyagi Chōjun • 宮城 長順
(1888 - 1953)
Miyagi Sensei began his martial arts training in 1899 at the age of eleven, under the guidance of Ryuko Aragaki. By 1902, at the age of fourteen, Miyagi Sensei's commitment and potential led Aragaki to introduce him to Higashionna Kanryō, who then became his direct instructor. Miyagi Sensei dedicated himself to training under Higashionna's tutelage until the latter's passing in 1915.
Following in the footsteps of Higashionna, Miyagi embarked on two voyages to Fuzhou, China, where he trained with Kung Fu practitioners and researched the historical origins of Tōdī.
After his instructor's passing, Miyagi Sensei took on the responsibility of teaching "Te" (literally "hand," the precursor to what would be called karate). In 1929, he made a significant contribution to the martial arts community by being the first to adopt the Japanese naming convention and officially named his art Gōjū-ryū. This pivotal moment marked Miyagi Sensei's pioneering spirit and set a precedent for future practitioners.
Miyagi Sensei's influence extended well beyond his practice. He held the esteemed position of the first appointed Okinawan Branch Director of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, which served as a testament to his expertise and leadership. Additionally, he introduced the art of karate to the Okinawa Police Force, bringing its discipline and techniques to the service of law enforcement. Recognized for his expertise, Miyagi Sensei traveled outside of Okinawa, sharing his knowledge with students.
Image Credit: Nakasone Genwa, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Higashionna Kanryō • 東恩納 寛量
(1853 - 1915)
Higashionna Sensei embarked on his martial arts journey in 1867, when he was just fifteen years old, under the guidance of Aragaki Seishō. After a brief period of training with Aragaki and later Kojo Taitei, Higshiaonna made arrangements in 1870 to venture to Fuzhou, China, for further study. During his time in Fuzhou, he had the opportunity to train with renowned Chinese practitioners, but his principal instructor was Ryū Ryū Ko. Around 1883, Higashioonna returned to Okinawa and commenced teaching his art in and around Naha. As time passed, Higaonna and his unique "style" of Tōdī became synonymous with Nāfa-dī. One of his most notable and promising students was Miyagi Chōjun.
Image Credit: Higaonna Kanryo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ryū Ryū Ko
(1793 - 1882)
Ryū Ryū Ko, a Chinese martial artist speculated to have specialized in Fujian White Crane Kung Fu, played a significant role during the mid-1800s. His contributions encompassed instructing notable individuals from Okinawa, such as Aragaki Seishō and Higashionna Kanryō. Due to the scarcity of information available, the knowledge about Ryū Ryū Ko primarily survives through oral tradition passed down by his students. It is believed that Ryū Ryū Ko was instrumental in introducing the Naha-te kata Sanchin, including its integration into Gōjū-ryū.
Image Credit: Okinawa Karate Kaikan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sakugawa Kanga • 佐久川 寛賀
(1733 - 1815)
Sakugawa Kanga began his martial arts training in 1750 under Peichin Takahara’s instruction at the age of eighteen. Following Takahara's recommendation, Sakugawa embarked on a voyage to China in 1756, where he trained intently under the guidance of Kusanku. After six years, he returned to his homeland of Okinawa in 1762 and started teaching in the Shuri area, earning the esteemed nickname "Tōdī" Sakagawa due to his exceptional expertise.
During the late 1700s, Sakugawa’s distinctive style of bōjutsu passed to Chinen Umikana. As a result, Sakugawa's bōjutsu was handed down through generations within the Chinen family and eventually became known colloquially as Yamanni Chinen-ryū, paying homage to Chinen Sanda. Additionally, Sakugawa's empty-handed combat techniques served as the cornerstone for what became known as Shuri-te.
Image Credits: Okinawa Karate Kaikan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
“I feel strongly that the future of karatedō is still very positive, but hard practice is the key.”
“I hope that the next generations will not only improve technically but also know how to share their knowledge. People must pass on the traditions and not lose them.”
- Chinen Teruo (1941-2015)