Our Grandmaster, Shimabukuro Eizo, was born on April 19, 1925. He lived at
720 Aja Village, Town of Gushikawa. He was the youngest of six boys out of
ten children. His classmates always teased him so he began his karate
training under Chotoku Kyan at age 12. (You can read his own account of
this on page 24 of his book.) He studied with Kyan for 3 years. He
furthered his training by studying with his brother Tatsuo (founder of
Isshin Ryu), Masters Choki Motobu, Chojun Miyagi, Chosin Chibana and noted
weapons expert Shinken Taira.
In 1948 he opened his first dojo in Kin, Town of Gushikawa. In 1960 Master
Kanken Toyama promoted him to 10th dan (Degree). He was the youngest
person to receive such an honor. Now, at age 85, he has been teaching for
60 years and has instructed over 35,000 students worldwide. He works to
help us "never break kata" or over train, and to be humble, nice and
respectful people.
Being a student of O'Sensei's has been an incredible, pleasing and life
changing experience for me. He has improved my training, my health and my
teaching. His stories and philosophies have been invaluable to me. I truly
appreciate all he has done for my family, my students and me.
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