SHORIN RYU HISTORY

Motobu Chōki

Motobu Chōki (本部朝基, 1870–1944) was a prominent Okinawan karateka known for his strength, agility, and unorthodox training methods. Born in Akahira Village, Shuri, Okinawa—the then-capital of the Ryūkyū Kingdom—he was the younger brother of Motobu Chōyū, another respected martial artist.

Motobu Chōki came from a noble lineage; his father, Lord Motobu Chōshin (also known as Motobu Aji Chōshin), was a direct descendant of Shō Kōshin, also called Prince Motobu Chōhei (1655–1687), who was the sixth son of King Shō Shitsu (1629–1668). As a member of Motobu Udun (“Motobu Palace”), one of the cadet branches of the Okinawan royal Shō family, Chōki was of noble birth but, as the third son, was not given formal instruction in his family’s martial art, Te (an early name for karate).

Despite this, he displayed a deep passion for combat training and developed his skills through independent practice. He spent much of his youth striking the makiwara (a traditional striking post) and lifting heavy stones to build his strength. His remarkable agility earned him the nickname Motobu no Saru (“Motobu the Monkey”). Determined to refine his abilities, he sought out training from some of Okinawa’s most renowned masters, including Ankō Itosu, Matsumura Sōkon, Sakuma Pechin, and Kōsaku Matsumora.

Motobu Chōki later became known for his practical approach to karate, emphasizing real-world application and combat effectiveness. His teachings and fighting philosophy had a lasting impact on Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, shaping the development of karate as a dynamic and effective discipline.

Chotoku Kyan

Chōtoku Kyan (喜屋武朝徳, December 1870 – September 20, 1945) was a renowned Okinawan karate master known for his exceptional skills, unique teaching methods, and colorful personal life. Often spelled as Chotoku Kiyan, he played a significant role in shaping the development of Shōrin-ryū and its related styles, leaving a lasting impact on Okinawan karate.

Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Kyan was the eldest son of Chōfu Kyan, who served as a steward to the Ryūkyūan king before the kingdom’s official annexation by Japan and its transformation into Okinawa Prefecture. Despite his noble lineage, Kyan faced several physical challenges in his youth—he was small in stature, frequently ill with asthma, and often bedridden. Additionally, he suffered from poor eyesight, which earned him the childhood nickname Chan Migwa (“Squinty-eyed Chan”).

Although there are indications that his father may have introduced him to tegumi (an Okinawan grappling art), Kyan’s formal karate training began at the age of 20 under some of Okinawa’s most prominent masters, including Ankō Itosu, Kosaku Matsumora, and Kokan Oyadomori. By the age of 30, he had achieved mastery in both Shuri-te and Tomari-te, two foundational styles of Okinawan karate. His approach to karate emphasized fluid movements, speed, and strategic footwork, which contrasted with more rigid and power-based techniques.

Kyan was also known for his unconventional teaching philosophy. He believed in immersing his students not only in rigorous karate training but also in life experiences, famously encouraging them to visit brothels and drink alcohol as part of their personal development. His most dedicated student, Zenryō Shimabukuro, trained under him for over a decade and later founded Shōrin-ryū Seibukan, preserving Kyan’s teachings.

In 1936, Kyan participated in the historic gathering of Okinawan karate masters, where key decisions were made about the future of the art, including the standardization of the term “karate.” His influence extended beyond his lifetime, with many of his students carrying forward his legacy and contributing to the spread of Okinawan martial arts.

Ankichi Arakaki

Ankichi Arakaki (新垣安吉, 1899–1927) was a highly skilled Okinawan karateka known for his exceptional technique, particularly his mastery of the tsumasaki-geri (toe kick). Though his life was tragically short, his influence on Shōrin-ryū karate endures.

Born in November 1899 in Akata Village, Shuri, Arakaki was the eldest of eleven children. His family were sake (rice wine) brewers, affording them a comfortable lifestyle that eventually led them to move to Tori-hori Village. This financial stability allowed Arakaki to dedicate himself fully to karate from an early age. He first trained under Shinpan Gusukuma, his primary school teacher, and later under Chōmo Hanashiro during his junior high school years. After completing his formal education, he intensified his studies under Chōshin Chibana, the founder of Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū, further refining his technique and developing his signature swift and precise fighting style.

Arakaki’s exceptional skill quickly earned him the nickname Uwayaguwa Ankichi (“Ankichi of Uwayaguwa”). Among his many abilities, he became particularly feared for his devastating toe kick, a technique that allowed him to strike with pinpoint accuracy and immense power. A famous story illustrates the effectiveness of this kick:

When Arakaki was around twenty years old, he was enjoying an evening at a tea house in Tsuji with friends. While heading to the restroom, he accidentally bumped into a large man who, rather than brushing off the incident, became aggressive. Arakaki attempted to avoid conflict, but the man shoved him down a flight of stairs. Being in peak physical condition, Arakaki rolled to his feet unharmed. However, the attacker followed him down and grabbed his arm, attempting to land a punch. Reacting instantly, Arakaki seized the man’s arm and drove his toes into the attacker’s armpit with incredible force, rendering him unconscious.

Arakaki never returned to that tea house, but months later, he was shocked to read in the newspaper that a well-known wrestler had died from injuries sustained in an altercation with “some karate expert” at a tea house in Tsuji. The article stated that the deceased man’s daughters, both serious judoka, sought revenge for their father’s death. Despite the rumors surrounding the incident, no formal investigation linked Arakaki to the event, and the cause of the man’s death remained uncertain.

Around 1921, after completing his military service, Arakaki moved to Kadena Village. However, his family’s fortunes declined following the post-World War I economic downturn, and the loss of his father placed additional burdens on him. Tragically, he developed severe stomach ulcers and passed away on December 28, 1927, at just 28 years old.

Though his life was brief, Ankichi Arakaki left an indelible mark on Okinawan karate, particularly within Shōrin-ryū. His emphasis on speed, precision, and powerful kicking techniques continues to influence martial artists to this day.

Shoshin Nagamine

Shōshin Nagamine (長嶺将真, 1907–1997) was a distinguished Okinawan karate master, police officer, soldier, and author. Best known as the founder of Matsubayashi-ryū, he dedicated his life to preserving and spreading the traditional Okinawan martial arts.

Early Life and Karate Beginnings

Born on July 15, 1907, in Tomari, Naha City, Okinawa, Nagamine was a frail and sickly child. His health struggles worsened in 1926 when he contracted a severe gastroenteric disorder during his second year of high school. Determined to recover, he adopted a strict self-imposed diet and began training in karate under his next-door neighbor, Chōjin Kuba. His dedication to both academics and rigorous karate training transformed his health, and he emerged not only as a strong young man but also as a leader of his school’s karate club. His resilience earned him the nickname Chaippaii Matsu, meaning “tenacious pine tree.”

Military Service and Further Training

After graduating in March 1928, Nagamine pursued martial arts full-time, moving to Shuri to train under masters such as Taro Shimabuku and Ankichi Arakaki. Later that year, he was conscripted into the Japanese Army’s 47th Infantry Division and was deployed to China. He served honorably until his discharge in 1931, returning home with the discipline and experience that would shape his approach to karate.

Career as a Police Officer and Karate Instructor

Upon leaving the military, Nagamine sought a profession where his martial skills would be valuable and joined the police force. His role as an officer provided him with the opportunity to further refine his karate under the tutelage of legendary masters Chōtoku Kyan and Motobu Chōki. By 1940, his dedication and expertise earned him the rank of Renshi (a formal martial arts title).

During his time in law enforcement, Nagamine continued integrating karate into police training. By 1951, he had risen to the rank of Police Superintendent in Motobu and was actively teaching his officers the art of self-defense through karate.

Founding of Matsubayashi-ryū

In 1952, Nagamine retired from the police force and returned to Naha City, where he established his own dojo in 1953. He named it the Matsubayashi-Ryū Kodokan Karate and Ancient Martial Arts Studies. The style he developed, Matsubayashi-ryū, was founded in 1947 and named in honor of two influential Okinawan karate masters—Sōkon Matsumura and Kōsaku Matsumora. Through his dojo, Nagamine devoted himself to teaching and preserving the traditions of Okinawan karate until his passing in 1997.

Legacy and Contributions

Beyond his martial arts instruction, Nagamine was also a prolific writer. He authored two significant books on karate:

• The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, which was first published in Japanese and later translated into English in 1976. This book has been reprinted multiple times and remains a fundamental text for karate practitioners worldwide.
• Tales of Okinawa’s Great Masters, a collection of stories and histories of legendary Okinawan karate figures. Originally written in Japanese, it received an English translation in 2000.

Shōshin Nagamine’s impact on Okinawan karate is immeasurable. Through his teachings, writings, and the establishment of Matsubayashi-ryū, he ensured that the rich traditions of Okinawan martial arts would endure for future generations.

Matsubayashi-ryu

Matsubayashi-ryū: The Legacy of Shōshin Nagamine

Matsubayashi-ryū (松林流), also known as Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū, is a traditional school of Okinawan Shōrin-ryū karate founded in 1947 by Shōshin Nagamine (1907–1997). Rooted in the teachings of the old Okinawan masters, the system integrates 18 kata, seven yakusoku kumite (prearranged sparring) drills, and kobudō (weapons training).

Nagamine named Matsubayashi-ryū in honor of two influential karate masters: Matsumura Sōkon and Kōsaku Matsumora. The name itself is written with kanji that can be read in Japanese as either

“Matsubayashi” or “Shōrin.” To distinguish it from other Shōrin-ryū branches, most practitioners today refer to it as Matsubayashi-ryū. Additionally, Nagamine acknowledged Motobu Chōki as the inspiration for the system’s seven yakusoku kumite forms, further emphasizing the influence of Okinawa’s great martial artists on his style.

As one of the most well-documented traditional karate systems, Matsubayashi-ryū owes much of its recorded history to Nagamine’s books, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-dō and Tales of Okinawa’s Great Masters. These works provide deep insight into Okinawan karate philosophy, training methodologies, and historical context, ensuring the legacy of the art for future generations.

Today, Matsubayashi-ryū is taught worldwide in numerous independent schools, in addition to those directly affiliated with the Nagamine Dojo. Among the most senior practitioners of the Nagamine Dojo is Takeshi Tamaki, a highly respected karateka who has devoted his life to preserving and transmitting Matsubayashi-ryū as it was taught by Shōshin Nagamine. Tamaki’s dedication and depth of knowledge make him one of the foremost authorities on the style, ensuring that the rich traditions of Matsubayashi-ryū continue to be passed down with authenticity and precision.

Ansei Ueshrio

Ansei Ueshiro (April 20, 1933 – May 11, 2002) was a highly influential Okinawan martial artist, instrumental in the spread of Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū karate in the United States. Born in Kin, Okinawa, Ueshiro trained under the esteemed Shōshin Nagamine, the founder of Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū, one of the major branches of traditional Okinawan karate. Recognized for his exceptional skill and dedication, Ueshiro was chosen by Nagamine to help introduce and establish the art in America.

In 1962, Ueshiro immigrated to the United States, where he played a pivotal role in promoting and teaching Okinawan karate. He founded Shorin-Ryu Karate USA, an organization dedicated to preserving and propagating Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū principles and techniques. According to the organization’s official website, he was “one of the first Oriental martial artists to bring karate” to the U.S., contributing significantly to the popularization of traditional Okinawan martial arts during a time when karate was still relatively unknown in the West.

Throughout his lifetime, Ueshiro remained deeply committed to his students and the continued growth of Shorin-Ryu Karate USA. His teachings emphasized discipline, respect, and the rich cultural heritage of Okinawan karate. His influence continues to be felt through the many dojos and practitioners who follow his legacy.

Chotoku Omine

Chotoku Omine’s contributions to traditional Okinawan karate-do have left an indelible mark on the art. Born and raised in Okinawa, he devoted his life to the study and preservation of karate, training under the legendary Master Shoshin Nagamine—the founder of modern Matsubayashi Ryu. Omine’s deep commitment and skill in the art eventually led him to become the chief instructor at the Honbu (headquarters) dojo in Naha, a role that underscored his mastery and the respect he commanded among peers.

In 1969, Omine accompanied Master Nagamine on a pivotal trip to the United States. This journey not only marked an important cultural exchange but also signified the beginning of a new chapter for Matsubayashi Ryu karate in America. Recognizing Omine’s aptitude and dedication, Nagamine requested that he remain in the U.S. to supervise the teaching of the traditional style. Omine accepted this responsibility wholeheartedly. His mission was clear: to standardize techniques and teaching methods, ensuring that the rich heritage of Matsubayashi Ryu was transmitted accurately, and to foster a sense of unity among practitioners who were being introduced to Okinawan karate.

During his time in America, Omine immersed himself in both teaching and cultural exchange. He spent several formative years living in the dojo of his American disciple, Joseph Carbonara. This period was marked by a mutual exchange of knowledge and cultural traditions; the two men not only refined their technical skills but also gained a deeper understanding of each other’s backgrounds. This collaboration helped to bridge the cultural gap between Okinawan karate and the emerging martial arts community in the United States, laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy of cross-cultural appreciation and respect.

After several years of dedicated work, Omine eventually returned to Okinawa but soon brought his family back to America, demonstrating his commitment to spreading the art beyond its native shores. Settling in San Bruno, California, he opened his own dojo—a tangible symbol of his vision to root traditional Matsubayashi Ryu in American soil. His dojo quickly became a center for learning, where students from diverse backgrounds gathered to train under his watchful eye and absorb the disciplined ethos of Okinawan karate.

Tragically, in 1975, Chotoku Omine’s life was cut short when he succumbed to a brain aneurysm. At the time of his untimely death, he held the rank of 6th Dan and was honored with the title of Renshi, reflecting both his technical expertise and his role as a teacher. His passing left a profound void among his many students, who mourned the loss of not only a master but also a mentor and a bridge between two cultures. In recognition of his immense contributions to Matsubayashi Ryu and the art of karate as a whole, he was posthumously promoted to 8th Dan, Kyoshi—a testament to his enduring impact on the discipline.

Today, Chotoku Omine is remembered as one of the brightest lights of traditional Okinawan karate-do. His efforts in standardizing and propagating the art in the United States have had a lasting influence, ensuring that the traditions and techniques of Matsubayashi Ryu continue to flourish and inspire new generations of martial artists.

Joseph Carbonara

Joseph Carbonara’s deep pursuit of martial arts excellence left an indelible mark on traditional karate-do. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in a bustling urban environment that, despite its challenges, instilled in him a resilient spirit. During the Korean War period, he served in the Navy—a formative experience that sharpened his discipline and exposed him to diverse cultures and philosophies which later complemented his martial arts journey.

After his honorable military service, Carbonara transitioned into civilian life and worked as a professional slipcover cutter. This meticulous craft, requiring precision and a keen eye for detail, mirrored many of the disciplined principles he would later embrace in karate. He married and moved with his wife to Long Island, where they raised two sons, laying the foundation for a life marked by personal stability and professional dedication.

Carbonara’s formal journey in karate began under the tutelage of Sensei Ansei Ueshiro, whose instruction introduced him to the rich cultural traditions and techniques of Matsubayashi Ryu karate-do. His commitment and talent led him to a significant milestone in 1969 when, during one of Master Shoshin Nagamine’s visits to the United States, he was honored to receive his Shodan (first-degree black belt) directly from Nagamine, the founder of modern Matsubayashi Ryu.

Following this prestigious achievement, Carbonara opened the first of several dojos in the United States, establishing vibrant centers for learning where traditional techniques were taught with rigor and respect for their Okinawan heritage. During these formative years, he forged a close professional and personal relationship with Sensei Chotoku Omine, then the chief instructor at Nagamine’s dojo. Their collaboration enriched Carbonara’s understanding of both technical karate skills and the deep philosophical roots of the martial art.

After the premature death of Sensei Omine in 1975, Carbonara remained steadfastly loyal to the teachings of both Omine and Nagamine. He continued to teach traditional karate, ensuring that the authenticity of Matsubayashi Ryu was preserved. He made several visits to Okinawa with his senior black belts to reaffirm the foundational principles and techniques of the art. Over the years, his dedication and expertise led him to achieve the highly esteemed rank of 9th Dan, Hanshi—a recognition of his deep understanding, proficiency, and significant contributions to the propagation of traditional karate-do in the United States.

Moreover, Carbonara played a pivotal role in influencing other martial artists. Notably, he was responsible for inspiring Jerry Figgiani to establish Shorin Ryu Karate Do International, an organization that further extended the reach of traditional Okinawan karate and ensured its teachings continued to flourish internationally.

Although he retired from full-time teaching more than a decade ago, Carbonara continued to nurture the next generation of martial artists. He regularly led Doshi-Kai black belt workouts and offered private lessons at his home in Greenport, New York. Through these ongoing efforts, he remained a respected mentor and guardian of traditional Okinawan karate, ensuring that the art’s rich legacy endured.

Joseph Carbonara’s passing marked the end of an era. His lifelong dedication and contributions to martial arts, left an enduring legacy that bridged the worlds of Okinawan tradition and American martial arts, inspiring countless students and practitioners for generations to come.

Kancho Terry Maccarrone – 8TH DAN KYOSHI KARATE USA

Since 1962, Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu flourished in the United States through many organizations that taught the principles and techniques of the traditional Okinawan Karate System developed by Shoshin Nagamine and his representatives. In St. James, Long Island, New York, Sensei Terry Maccarrone found his opportunity to make a lasting impact on the martial arts community. A dedicated martial artist, he was also a very strong supporter of Jerry Figgiani’s vision of Shorin Ryu Karate Do International.

Sensei Terry Maccarrone’s journey in karate was marked by a series of significant milestones:

• 1969: He became the full owner and Sensei under Master Ansei Ueshiro.
• 1976: Sensei Terry took ownership of Ryukyus Karate Studio in Patchogue, NY.
• 1980: He opened Port Haven Karate Dojo in East Setauket, NY.
• 1983: He assumed ownership of Mastic Karate Dojo in Mastic Beach, NY.
• 1987: He opened Westhampton Beach Karate USA Dojo in New York.
• 1992: Master Ansei Ueshiro awarded him the title of Kyoshi 7th Dan International Representative and full Instructor Menkyo.
• 2001: Master Ueshiro confirmed his title as Kancho (Head of Family).

In addition to these dojo-related achievements, Sensei Terry played an important role in promoting competitive karate:

• He co-founded the original Empire States Championship in 1978–1979 with Joyce Santamaria.
• He partnered with Nick Adler to establish The Greater Long Island Open Karate Championships from 1980 to 1989.
• He founded both the St. James AAU Karate Club and the Patchogue AAU Karate Club.
• Starting in 2000, he sponsored Junior Friendship Karate Exhibitions and the Karate USA Juniors Under 21 Open at St. Joseph College.
• Since 1989, he taught a credited PE-101 Physical Fitness and Self-Defense course at St. Joseph’s College.

Beyond his teaching and organizational work, Sensei Terry also made a lasting contribution to martial arts scholarship by donating the Maccarrone Martial Arts Book Collection—comprising over 1,000 annotated books—to the Patchogue-Medford Library for public use. More than 250 men and women earned black belt recognition through his programs. In 1996, he created the first Junior Blackbelt title program in Matsubayashi Shorinryu for children under 16, covering levels from Kosei, Okuiri, and Shido-in to Shodan-ho. His dedication to excellence was further honored in 2004 with the establishment of the 47th Ronin Awards and the Kokoro USA Awards.

Sensei Terry Maccarrone’s legacy is remembered not only for the dojos he built and the championships he organized but also for his passion in spreading the authentic teachings of traditional Okinawan karate. His efforts helped ensure that the rich heritage of Matsubayashi Shorinryu continues to inspire and shape future generations of martial artists.

Takayoshi Nagamine

Takayoshi Nagamine dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do on a global scale. During his time in the United States, he not only taught students in Cincinnati but also traveled extensively to conduct seminars and demonstrations, spreading the teachings of his father’s system. His efforts significantly contributed to the international growth of Matsubayashi-ryu, establishing a strong foundation for dojos in North America and beyond.

For a short period, Takayoshi lived on Long Island, New York, where he continued to teach and promote Matsubayashi-ryu. During this time, he worked closely with Nick Racanelli, who played an instrumental role in helping to form the World Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA). Racanelli’s support was invaluable in strengthening the organization and ensuring its success.

In 1991, Takayoshi was officially awarded the title of Sōke (headmaster) by his father, Shoshin Nagamine, marking him as the second-generation leader and successor of the Matsubayashi-ryu system. With this title, he assumed full responsibility for guiding and preserving the art his father had founded, overseeing the World Hombu Dojo in Okinawa, and expanding the reach of Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do worldwide

Upon returning to Okinawa, Takayoshi continued to refine and expand the system while upholding the traditional principles of Okinawan karate. As Sōke of Matsubayashi-ryu, he remained deeply committed to preserving the essence of the art as his father intended, emphasizing discipline, kata application, and the philosophical aspects of karate-do. His leadership saw the continued expansion of the WMKA, fostering connections with practitioners worldwide.

Takayoshi was widely respected within the Okinawan martial arts community and frequently engaged with other renowned karate masters to further the collective knowledge of traditional Okinawan karate. He upheld the legacy of his father’s teachings while also ensuring the system remained adaptable for future generations.

Following his passing in 2012, his contributions to Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do remain influential, with his students and successors carrying forward the principles he devoted his life to preserving. His impact on the martial arts world continues to be felt through the countless practitioners who trained under him and the legacy of Matsubayashi-ryu that thrives to this day.

Kensei Taba

Kensei Taba dedicated his life to the study and refinement of Karate-Do, training under some of Okinawa’s most revered masters, including Shoshin Nagamine, Hohan Soken, and Chosin Chibana. A highly respected martial artist, he was among O’Sensei Nagamine’s most devoted students and played a significant role in the Matsubayashi-Ryu organization. At the time of O’Sensei Nagamine’s passing, he led the Matsubayashi-Ryu system, ensuring the continuation of its teachings and traditions. In time, Sensei Taba chose to forge his own path, parting ways with the WMKA to establish Shogen-Ryu. His intent was to preserve and transmit Matsubayashi-Ryu’s teachings as he had received them from O’Sensei Nagamine. The name Shogen-Ryu was thoughtfully selected to honor his teacher—incorporating “Sho” from “Shoshin” and pairing it with “Gen,” meaning “root,” symbolizing a return to the fundamental and effective principles of Okinawan Karate-Do. His methodology remained firmly grounded in traditional training and real-world application. As Sensei Taba developed Shogen-Ryu, several senior students of Shoshin Nagamine pledged their allegiance to his vision, including Takeshi Tamaki and Masahiko Tokashiki. These accomplished karateka shared Taba Sensei’s dedication to preserving Matsubayashi-Ryu in its most authentic form and became instrumental in advancing his mission. Their unwavering commitment further solidified Shogen-Ryu, ensuring that the foundational techniques and philosophies of O’Sensei Nagamine’s teachings would endure. A disciplined and formidable practitioner, Sensei Taba was renowned for his devastating striking power, cultivated through relentless makiwara training. His striking demonstrations were mesmerizing—his ability to deliver explosive, snapping punches made it appear as if he could shatter any target with ease. Even in photographs, the conditioning of his hands bore undeniable proof of his lifelong dedication to hard training and martial excellence. Throughout his life, Sensei Taba remained a passionate instructor and martial artist, ensuring that the true essence of Okinawan karate was preserved. As Hanshi 10th Dan and head of Shogen-Ryu Karate, he left behind a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of students through his profound knowledge and commitment to Karate-Do.

Shorin Ryu Karate Do International