Okinawa is the birthplace of traditional karate and kobudo, which has been handed down from our predecessors since the prehistory of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Now, all over the world, the unique heritage of these martial arts is widely recognised and practiced. It within this context that we have inherited the history of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo.
We believe that the unique culture of karate and kobudo is one of the most effective means of stimulating cultural exchange and spreading the value of Okinawa, both within Okinawa and internationally.
Many years ago, I went to Europe alone, and in 1979 I established the World Oshukai Federation in France. With unshaken resolve, I have continued to spread this message for the past 45 years. Our ideals have spread all over the world, and now it has grown into a large international network with 6,000 members in tens of countries across Europe, Africa, and North and South America.
I believe at the core of Okinawan traditional karate and kobudo is a spirit of harmony. Based upon the martial art teachings inherited from Matsumura Sokon of the Shuri-Te school, the underlying principles serve to produce strong people who, regardless of their background, can shine remarkably. The value within the traditions of Okinawan martial arts deserves reverence. I believe that it is possible to cultivate a durable human spirit, able to cope with even severe changes to the international environment.
In addition, I believe that the concept of national borders will disappear in the future. Under these circumstances, the aim of the World Oshukai Federation around the world will be to take pride in the traditional cultures fostered by our predecessors, to promote friendly intercultural exchanges, and to foster peace through training. It is through a practitioner’s connections to traditional culture that they devote themselves to consistent personal development, which in turn nurtures a worldly human spirit.
In order to realize these ideals, I decided to establish our headquarters here in Okinawa, the sacred place where karate originated. While promoting and developing the historical succession of traditional Okinawan karate kobudo, we hope that each member will be a productive member of society by preserving karate and kobudo for all human beings.
World Oshukai Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karatedo Kobudo Federation President Kenyu Chinen
World Committee Administration
