Our lineage

The karate and kobudo practiced at Tyler Karate Academy belong to the Matsumura Seito (Orthodox) lineage of Okinawan Shōrin-ryū. This tradition traces its roots to the warrior-scholars of the old Ryukyu Kingdom and has been preserved through a direct, unbroken chain of transmission.

Sakugawa "Tode" Kanga
(1786 - 1867)

One of the foundational figures of Okinawan martial arts. He studied under Peichin Takahara and the Chinese master Kūsankū, and is credited with helping shape the early development of what would become Shuri-te. His most noted student was Matsumura Sōkon.

Matsumura "Bushi" Sokon
​(1809 - 1889)

Royal bodyguard and instructor to the Shō royal family. Matsumura synthesized earlier Okinawan methods with Chinese and Japanese influences (including Jigen-ryū). He is regarded as the central figure of classical Shuri-te. He passed the deepest teachings of the family system to his grandson, Nabe Matsumura.

Matsumura "Tanme" Nabe
(1850 - 1933)

Grandson of Matsumura Sōkon and sole primary inheritor of the family art, including the secret White Crane (Hakutsuru) teachings. A stern and highly respected teacher, he transmitted the complete system to only one student: Hohan Soken.

O'Sensei Hohan Soken 
(1889-1982)

Began training under his uncle Nabe Matsumura at age thirteen. After living many years in Argentina, he returned to Okinawa and publicly taught the family system, first calling it Matsumura Shuri-te and later Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū. Because he was absent during the major post-war changes that affected many other styles, his transmission preserved a broader and more classical expression of the art, including kobudo and close-range methods.

Hanshi-sei Kise Fusei
(1935 - Present)

Direct student of Hohan Soken and founder of Kenshinkan. He established the Okinawan Shorin-ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo Federation (OSMKKF) and has worked for decades to preserve and promote the orthodox teachings.

Hanshi Kise "Kaicho" Isao
(1957 - 2025)

Son of Fusei Kise and designated successor. He began training as a young child under both his father and Hohan Soken. As Kaichō of the federation and Kenshinkan, he was a highly accomplished competitor and teacher. He passed away in February 2025 after an extended illness. His legacy continues through the students and instructors he helped develop.

Hanshi John Shipes
(1952 - Present)

Senior American representative of the OSMKKF and long-time student of the Kise family. He holds the rank of Kudan (9th Dan) and the title of Hanshi in Matsumura Seito Karate-do, along with recognized ranks in tuite and kobudo. He has served as a Director within the federation for many years and is the chief instructor of Athens Karate School. 

Renshi Nathan Batson
(1978 - Present)

Founder and senior instructor of Tyler Karate Academy (est. 2007). He continues the direct line of transmission in Texas, emphasizing classical technique, kobudo, tuite, cultural understanding, and the responsibility of honest stewardship.