Thursday, April 20, 2017 by C. Michial Jones
To understand the standards of the Yushikan, one must understand the man who stands at the apex of our lineage: Kiichi Nakamoto Hanshi, Judan (10th Dan). Born in 1927, Nakamoto Soke represents a dwindling generation of Okinawan masters who received their instruction directly from the source.
The Goju-Ryu Foundation
In 1937, at the age of ten, Nakamoto began his study of Goju-Ryu Karate-do under the founder, Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi, at the legendary “Garden Dojo.” He remained a devoted student of Miyagi Sensei until the founder’s passing in 1953.
Following Miyagi’s death, Nakamoto continued his path under Eiichi Miyazato Sensei, first at the Garden Dojo and later as a cornerstone of the Jundokan. His dedication and technical brilliance were such that he was one of the few students promoted to 10th Dan Hanshi directly by Miyazato Sensei. Standing third in line of seniority at the Jundokan, Nakamoto Sensei remains a vital bridge to the Miyagi family and the Jundokan So Honbu. Today, he leads as the President of the Gojuryu Okinawakan Karate-do Kyokai.
The Samurai Heritage and Kobujutsu
Nakamoto Sensei’s expertise is not limited to the empty hand. He is a direct bloodline descendant of the Ugushuku Samurai family, and his life has been dedicated to the preservation of Ryukyuan weaponry.
His Kobujutsu journey was equally prestigious:
- Shosei Kina Sensei: He trained under the 2nd Headmaster of Ufuchiku Kobujutsu until Kina’s passing in 1980.
- Shinei Kyan Sensei: He then continued under Kina’s most senior student until 1997.
As a 10th Dan Hanshi and President of the Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Hozon Budo Kyokai, Nakamoto Sensei ensures that the “Ufuchiku” style of weapons—notably the Bo, Sai, and Tonfa—retains its combat integrity and historical accuracy.
The Significance for the Yushikan
When we train at the Yushikan, we are not practicing a “modern interpretation” or a “sport version” of Karate. We are practicing the curriculum preserved by Kiichi Nakamoto.
Because of his dual mastery, our students understand that the movements in our kata are often intertwined with the mechanics of the Bo or the Sai. Nakamoto Sensei’s life work reminds us that Karate is not a hobby—it is a cultural treasure and a martial science that requires a lifetime of “Diligence” (Benkyo). We are honored to follow in his footsteps.
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