Sakugawa "Tode" Kanga
(1786 - 1867)

  In 1750, Sakugawa Kanga began his training as a student of a Ryūkyūan monk, Peichin Takahara. After six years of training, Takahara suggested that Sakugawa train under Ku San Ku, a Chinese master in Ch’uan Fa. Sakugawa spent another six years training with Ku San Ku and began to spread what he learned to Ryūkyū in 1762. He became such an expert that people began referring to him as Sakugawa “Tode” (Sakugawa “Chinese Hand”).
  His most famous student, Matsumura “Bushi” Sokon, went on to develop the Shuri-te which later develop into Shōrin-ryū style of karate.

Matsumura "Bushi" Sokon
​(1797 - 1889)

 One of the most well-known karate-ka of all time, Matsumura Sokon reputedly began his martial arts training at an early age with the “grandfather” of Okinawan karate, Sakugawa “Tode” Kanga. He showed quite an aptitude for it and quickly developed a reputation as a martial arts master, despite his young age.
  He was called into service for the Sho family and served as both royal bodyguard and martial arts instructor. His service to the royal family brought him into contact with several other martial arts, including Jigen-ryu (the Satsuma clan’s kenjutsu system) and Chuan Fa (Chinese kung fu), each of which he studied with the same dedication and aptitude he had shown for Okinawan “Te”. In recognition of his martial prowess, the Okinawan king gave Matsumura the title of “Bushi” or warrior (equivalent to the samurai of mainland Japan), and it is by this epitaph that he is most commonly known.
   Matsumura had numerous skilled students in his lifetime, with his class rolls reading like a who’s who of famous karate-ka, but the menkyo kaiden (certificate of full proficiency) to his family style and deepest teachings were passed on to his grandson, Matsumura “Tanme” Nabe. 

Matsumura "Tanme" Nabe
(1860 - 1933)

  Born in 1860, Nabe was the grandson of Shorin-ryu style karate founder, Matsumura Sokon. His close relation to Sokon meant that Nabe was privileged to receive an extremely thorough training from his grandfather in the family’s style, as well as the secrets of the Hakutsuru or White Crane system that was taught only to immediate family.
  Despite being known in later years as Tanme, a nickname meaning “old man” or “grandfather,” Nabe was said to be one of the top karate men of his time as well as a stern and disciplined teacher to his one and only student, Soken Hoan. 

Soken Hohan
(1889-1982)

  Called “the last samurai” by Black Belt magazine, Soken Hohan began karate training at 13 years old, under his uncle Matsumura “Tanme” Nabe. Matsumura taught him several kata, including Naihanchi Shodan, Naihanchi Nidan, Naihanchi Sandan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Passai Sho, Passai Dai, Chinto, Kusanku, Gojushiho, Sesan, Rohai Jo, Rohai Chu, Rohai Ge, and finally at age 23 the coveted family secret, Hakutsuru.
  In 1924, Soken emigrated to Argentina, working as a photographer and clothes cleaner. He also taught karate to Japanese and Okinawan ex-pats in Buenos Aires before returning to Okinawa in 1952, where he once again started to teach karate; first to family members, and then opening a small dojo to the public. At first, he called the style "Matsumura Shuri-te," but in 1956, changed the name to Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu karate. His time in Argentina meant that he was absent during the sportification of classical karate that took place during the post war occupation of both Japan and Okinawa.
  Soken O’sensei’s system is continued by his senior student, Kise Fusei.
 

Kise Fusei
(1935 - Present)

  Kise Fusei was born on May 4, 1935 and began his study of karate from his Uncle Makabe Chosaburo when he was 12 years old. In 1955 Kise sensei became a student of Master Nobutake Shingake and receive his shodan.
  In 1958 Master Kise began studying under Grand Master Hohan Soken, the third successor of Shorin-ryu Matsumura Seito Karate-Do. In 1960 he was simultaneously a student of Nakamura Shigeru, Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Do Federation and after five years qualified for his 7th Degree Black Belt.
  In January  of 1972 Kise sensei qualified for the Hanshi title by passing the 8th Dan examination held by Grand Master Hohan Soken and Master Makabe. September of 1976 Kise hanshi qualified for his 9th Dan by Grand Master Hohan Soken, and in 1977 Master Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation. In Oct 1987 Master Kise was awarded 10th Dan by Master Shigaru Tamaiya.
  In 2001 the Government of Japan gave there Seal of Approval to the accuracy of Kise hanshi’s book, and have stated that he (Kise Fusei, Hanshi 10th Dan) is the sole true heir to Matsumura Orthodox Karate, being passed down to him from Soken Sensei. This has been entered into the official Government Archives. This means there can be no more disputing the Lineage of Matsumura Orthodox Karate. 

Kise "Kaicho" Isao
(1957 - 2025)

  Born in 1957, Kise Isao began his karate training at the age of four, and has spent a lifetime learning under both his father Kise Fuesi and Soken Hohan. Isao sensei was President of the Okinawan Shorin-ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo Federation, as well as Kenshin Kan (the Kise family style of karate), and was his father’s designated successor. Isao “Kaicho” (president) held the rank of 10th dan, and taught Traditional Karate, Sport Karate, Sport Kumite as well as full contact Karate at the Honbu Dojo in Okinawa City, Okinawa Japan.
  A senior judge for tournaments throughout the island of Okinawa, Isao sensei was the All Okinawan Kata, Kobudo, and Kumite Grand Champion numerous times during his time competition days, and this was reflected in his hard, demanding workouts that train his students to be champions. 
  Sadly Kaicho passed away on February 4th of 2025, after an extended illness. He will be sorely missed. 

"A true teacher's spirit never fades; his wisdom, his honor, and his legacy live on in us."