Annan
The Legend of Annan The history of Okinawan karate is built from a mixture of verifiable transmission from teacher to student, fragmentary early written records, and a strong oral tradition …
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Category: People & Martial Artists
Explore the lives, insights, and experiences of martial artists and influential figures through engaging interviews and stories.
Itosu Anko
Life and Legacy Itosu Anko was one of the most influential figures in the history of karate. He shaped the way modern karate is taught. He built the bridge between …
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Tetsuhiro Hokama
A Life in Martial Arts While visiting Okinawa, I had the honor of meeting Tetsuhiro Hokama. He welcomed me warmly and took the time to share his deep knowledge of …
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Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi
Muso Gonnosuke’s Journey Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi In the world of martial arts, tales spin around legendary figures like Miyamoto Musashi. Yet, there’s a twist in the narrative – Muso Gonnosuke …
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James Pankiewicz interview
During my travels in Okinawa, I had the exciting opportunity to meet James Pankiewicz, a key figure in Okinawan martial arts. James Pankiewicz is a well-known figure in Okinawan martial …
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Kōsaku Matsumora
Kōsaku Matsumora was a respected practitioner of Tomari-te, a style of Okinawan martial arts that developed in the Tomari region. Kōsaku Matsumora was born in 1829 and received his training …
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Sōkon “Bushi” Matsumura
Matsumura Sōkon, also known as Sōkon “Bushi” Matsumura, was a revered martial artist from Okinawa who made significant contributions to the development and preservation of traditional Okinawan martial arts. Matsumura …
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Kanga “Tode” Sakugawa
Sakugawa Kanga, also known as Tōdī Sakugawa or Tōde Sakugawa, was a renowned martial arts master from the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is now part of modern-day Okinawa, Japan. He lived …
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Shōshin Nagamine
Shōshin Nagamine, born on July 15, 1907, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, was a renowned karate master who made significant contributions to the development and promotion of traditional Okinawan martial arts. …
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Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) was a renowned martial artist and the founder of Shotokan Karate, one of the most popular styles of karate today. He was born in Shuri, Okinawa, which …
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