Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Kobudo Kaishinkan
Our Origins
The Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Kobudo Kaishinkan was founded in 2026 with a clear purpose: to preserve, propagate, and deepen the teachings and traditions passed down to us by those who came before. Our lineage reaches back nearly 300 years to the roots and development of karate itself, connecting each generation of practitioners to a rich heritage of knowledge, discipline, and experience. We recognize that preserving a tradition does not mean allowing it to stand still. Instead, we seek to understand its origins, honor its principles, and carry its teachings forward with open minds and open hearts.
One of the guiding principles of Kaishinkan is Onkochishin (温故知新), meaning “study the old to understand the new.” Rooted in the teachings of Confucius, the principle reminds us that wisdom is gained by studying and understanding what has come before while using that knowledge to meet the challenges and opportunities of the present. In the martial arts, this means respecting the lessons of our predecessors while continuing to learn, question, improve, and grow. Through Onkochishin, Kaishinkan seeks to ensure that the knowledge entrusted to us is not merely preserved, but understood, strengthened, and passed forward to future generations.
Our Legacy
The future of the Kaishinkan Okinawan Karate Association is built upon a commitment to preserving the traditions, values, and spirit of Okinawan karate while continuing to grow and evolve for generations to come. Kaishinkan, meaning “open minds and open hearts,” represents our belief that true martial arts training extends beyond physical technique—it is a lifelong journey of learning, humility, discipline, respect, and personal growth. As our association moves forward, we will strive to create a strong and welcoming community where practitioners of all ages and experience levels can learn from one another, honor the teachings of those who came before us, and pass those teachings on to those who follow. Our vision is to build an organization recognized not simply by its rank or accomplishments, but by the character of its members, the quality of its instruction, and its dedication to keeping the Okinawan martial arts spirit alive. With open minds and open hearts, Kaishinkan will continue to grow while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions that gave us our path