Friday, September 15, 2017 by C. Michial Jones
In 2002, Col. Hobbs and I published an article in Traditional Karate Magazine, outlined the history of Seidokan Karate. Since then, continued research and primary source interviews have brought new clarity to the lineage of Founder Shian Toma. The following updates address specific historical points of contention regarding Toma Sensei’s instructors and the origins of the Seidokan curriculum.
The Shimabukuro Zenryu Connection
There has been recent scholarly debate regarding whether Shian Toma actually trained under the founder of Seibukan, Shimabukuro Zenryu. To resolve this, I consulted with Sensei Walter Dailey, one of the first Western black belts in the Seibukan and a direct student of Zenryu.
Sensei Dailey confirmed that between 1962 and 1966, Shian Toma was a frequent presence at the Seibukan Dojo, learning directly from Shimabukuro Zenryu. While Zenpo Shimabukuro was off-island for portions of this period, Dailey’s first-hand account places Toma firmly within the dojo as a student of Zenryu. This testimony refutes suggestions that Toma learned his kata solely from Toma Seki or Maeshiro.
The Okinawan Kenpo and Ryukyu Kenpo Renmei
While some question Toma’s inclusion in the lineage of Nakamura Shuguro, the evidence is corroborated by Nakamura himself, who officially listed Toma as a student. Historical photographs further document their relationship.
The bond between Toma and the Nakamura lineage was cemented in 1969 when Toma and Seiyu Oyata founded the Ryukyu Kenpo Renmei. With the legendary Uehara Seikichi serving as an advisor, this organization served as a pivotal bridge between traditional Okinawan Kenpo and the burgeoning martial arts community of that era.
The Motobu-Ryu Lineage: A Dual Heritage
New research into Toma Shian’s connection to Motobu-Ryu reveals a deep, dual lineage to both Motobu Choyu and Motobu Choki:
- Uchima Tanmei: Toma studied under Uchima, who was a student of Motobu Toraju (a nickname for Motobu Chomo, the son of Motobu Choyu).
- Motobu Chomo: Chomo was well-versed in his father’s Udundi and his uncle’s (Motobu Choki) combat methods. It was through this line that Toma inherited the Pinan series and the specific Passai Sho found in the Seidokan curriculum.
- Uehara Seikichi: In 1969, Toma became a direct student of Uehara Seikichi, eventually becoming his senior student. Uehara promoted Toma to 9th Dan and granted him permission to identify his system as Seidokan Motobu-Ryu.
Through these connections, Toma Shian served as the primary conduit for Motobu-Ryu’s introduction to North America.
Divergent Paths: Why the Pinan and Passai Differ
A common point of confusion is why Seidokan and Seibukan—both sharing historical DNA—perform different versions of the Pinan and Passai kata. The explanation lies in the specific sources of those additions:
- The Seibukan Source: Shimabukuro Zenryu primarily taught the “Kyan Seven” (Seisan, Wansu, Passai, Naihanchi, Chinto, Gojushiho, and Kusanku). The Pinan series and additional kata like Jion and Passai Gwa were later integrated into Seibukan by Zenpo Shimabukuro, following his extensive study under Nakama Chozo (Kobayashi-Ryu).
- The Seidokan Source: Conversely, the Seidokan Pinan kata were inherited through Motobu Chomo via Uchima Tanmei.
While both schools share a fundamental respect for the Kyan Chotoku lineage, their supplemental kata come from two entirely different Okinawan traditions, explaining the technical variations seen today.
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