Why Choose a Lineage Karate School?

Kanga Sakugawa

Kanga Sakugawa (1733-1815), sometimes referred to as Tode Sakugawa (Tode, meaning ‘China Hand’, an old name for Karate) or “Karate Sakugawa”. Sakugawa sought the tutelage of Takahara after his father had died at the hands of local bullies. Takahara schooled the young Sakagawa in the art of Tode, and he rose to become not only a skilled warrior but a pivotal character in the development of Karate. 

While Sakugawa was young, he was fortunate to meet the famous Chinese Martial Artist Kushanku. He trained with Kushanku for many years, coming into his own as a skilled practitioner of Tode. It was during his heyday that Karate began to resemble the modern day arts of Karate as we know it today.​

Sokon Matsumura

Sokon Matsumura (1809-1899) stands as a formidable figure in the history of Karate. As a disciple of Kanga Sakugawa, a key pioneer of early Karate, Matsumura's legacy is marked by an unparalleled record of never having been defeated in numerous duels. His student, Itosu Anko, hailed him as blindingly fast and deceptively strong, while the renowned Gichin Funakoshi remarked on his piercing gaze and “terrifying presence.”

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Matsumura honed his skills with the Satsuma Clan in Japan, mastering sword and Bo techniques before returning to Okinawa to integrate this knowledge into his teaching. His accomplishments earned him the esteemed title of Bushi (Samurai), and he served as Chief Martial Arts Instructor and Bodyguard to three Okinawan Kings: Sho Ko, Sho Iku, and Sho Tai.

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In the latter part of his life, Matsumura dedicated himself to systematizing and refining Tode, the original name for Karate, meaning “China Hand.” His work culminated in the transformation of Karate into a distinct martial art, drawing from its Shaolin Kung Fu roots but evolving into something uniquely its own. By the early 20th century, this evolved art form was officially recognized as Karate, or “Empty Hand.” He mentored several elite Karate practitioners, including Itosu Anko, Yabu Kentsu, and Gichin Funakoshi, ensuring that his legacy would endure.
 

Itosu Anko

Itosu Anko (1831-1915), a powerhouse of martial arts, trained under Sokon Matsumura and made a name for himself by defending Karate’s reputation in a challenge match against one of Kano Sensei's best Judo fighters, knocking him out with a single punch even in his seventies. In 1905, Itosu achieved Satori (enlightenment) and revolutionized the practice with the creation of the Pinan series of Katas. These simplified forms made Karate accessible to a wider audience, moving away from the outdated “three years per Kata” method. This innovation played a crucial role in standardizing Karate alongside Judo throughout the Japanese Empire. His influence was significant for both Gichin Funakoshi and Yabu Kentsu, shaping the future of Shōrinji Ryū Karate.

Kentsu Yabu

Kentsu Yabu (1866-1937) was a leading instructor of Shōrinji Ryū Karate in Okinawa. He rigorously tested his skills during the Sino-Japanese War, where he further perfected his martial artistry. Under the tutelage of both Matsumura Sokon and Itosu Anko, Yabu became one of the first to showcase Karate in Hawaii during the 1920s. A young Richard Kim witnessed these demonstrations, joined Yabu's training, and later studied under Arakaki Ankichi. His battlefield experiences fortified him, leading him to defeat multiple challengers, including the formidable Choki Motobu. Yabu prioritized foundational basic techniques and preferred the training and fighting techniques of Niahanchi and Gojushiho Katas.

Arakaki Ankichi

Arakaki Ankichi (1899-1929), Richard Kim's second Karate instructor, played a vital role in evolving Shōrinji Ryū Karate.

His training shaped Shōshin Nagamine, who would go on to establish Matsubayashi-ryū Karate. With unwavering support from his family, Ankichi committed to daily training throughout his life. He was renowned for his immense strength and an incredibly powerful tsumasaki-geri (toe strike). Sadly, he passed away at a young age due to stomach ulcers, leaving a significant legacy.

Richard Kim

Richard Kim (1917–2001) is unequivocally regarded as one of the finest martial artists of the 20th century, serving as a master instructor. He began his training in Judo as a child and later excelled in Shōrinji Ryū Karate under Yabu Kentsu and Arakaki Ankichi. Before World War II, he service in the US Merchant Marines took him to East Asia, where he rigorously trained in Taiji Quan with Chen Chen Yuan, I-Quan with Wang Xiang Zhai, and Bagua Zhang with Chao Hsu Lai.
 

After the war, Kim relocated to Japan, immersing himself in Daito-Ryu Jujitsu under Kotaro Yoshida for seven years. Yoshida imparted not only his martial arts techniques but also a wealth of philosophical and spiritual guidance rooted in Shugendo. In 1959, Kim established his teaching career in San Francisco and subsequently taught extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He produced many distinguished students, including Will Yturriaga's teacher Sam Samarrai,  passing on his complete system and the full Shugendo spiritual tradition, ensuring that his influence would resonate well beyond his lifetime.