Kokoro Okinawan Karate Self-Defense Center

Kokoro Okinawan Karate Self-Defense Center is a martial arts center that teaches an 800 year old karate (空手) style which is Shōrin-ryū (少林流).

Our dojo is part of a larger entity which is Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate Kobudo Federation. It was founded by Hanshi Fusei Kise in 1977, and it is currently being headed by his son, Kaicho Isao Kise as president.

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate.

Okinawa karate is believed to have originated from Chinese Kenpo.

Unarmed fighting had spread throughout the island as a result of the policy of banning of weapons by King Sho Shin (who ruled the unified Ryukyu with his strong central government) and later by Satsuma-han who invaded the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

This is how 'Di' (empty-hand techniques) and kobudo (use of farming equipment as weapons)
developed.

There are five main styles in Okinawa karate. Shorin-ryu Kenshinkan belongs to Shuri-te style.

1. Shuri- te
2. Naha-te
3. Tomari-te
4. Uechi-ryu
5. Ryuei-ryu