Monday, March 21, 2011 by C. Michial Jones
Larry Pickel began his martial arts training during his service in the United States Marine Corps in the early 1960s. In 1962, while stationed in California, he met James Ninios and began studying Shorin-Ryu, earning the rank of 5th kyu (green belt). This initial period of training lasted approximately three months before he was reassigned to Okinawa, Japan.
Upon arrival in Okinawa, Pickel met Bill Larson, who was training in Goju-Ryu. Larson introduced him to his dojo, where Pickel began formal training under Eiichi Miyazato at the Jundokan dojo in Naha while stationed at Camp Sukiran.
Pickel remained in Okinawa for approximately thirteen months. During this time, he continued training intensively and was promoted to Shodan on February 14, 1964. His black belt certification was issued through the Okinawa Karate Association and signed by Chairman Shoshin Nagamine along with Miyazato Sensei.
According to Pickel’s own recollections, training conditions at the time were extremely modest. He often noted that his gi cost only a few dollars and that equipment and training expenses were minimal compared to modern standards.
He also recalled that training under Miyazato Sensei extended beyond the dojo environment, including informal interactions and cultural experiences that were common in post-war Okinawa. He frequently emphasized the close-knit nature of early foreign student integration within Okinawan dojo culture. In addition, he remembered exposure to other senior instructors, including Koshin Iha, who was known for his influence in Goju-Ryu development during that period.
Pickel also stated that during his time in Okinawa he participated in commemorative events honoring the legacy of Chojun Miyagi, including demonstrations held at memorial gatherings where multiple Okinawan and Japanese instructors were present. According to his account, he was selected by Miyazato Sensei to demonstrate Saifa kata during one such occasion—an experience he regarded as a significant honor.
After his time in Okinawa, Pickel was later stationed in Tokyo for a short period, during which he continued training alongside Bill Larson and visited several dojo, including exposure to instruction associated with Gogen Yamaguchi.
Return to the United States and Jundokan of Indiana
Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Pickel returned to Chesterfield, Indiana, where he established the Jundokan of Indiana. His early students included Glenn Keeney, Larry Davenport, and Jerry Brown.
His dojo is widely recognized as one of the earliest conduits for Jundokan Goju-Ryu in the Midwestern United States, and his role in introducing this lineage to Indiana is frequently acknowledged within regional karate history.
Pickel taught primarily from 1964 to 1967, stepped away from active instruction for personal reasons, and later returned intermittently in the 1970s and 1980s. Although now retired from regular teaching, he has remained loosely involved in the martial arts community, occasionally visiting dojo and serving in an advisory or technical capacity.
Historical Note
As with many early Okinawan-influenced karate lineages in the United States, much of this history is preserved through oral testimony and personal recollection. While specific details may vary between accounts, Larry Pickel Sensei’s role in establishing early Jundokan Goju-Ryu practice in Indiana remains an important part of regional karate development history.
No responses yet