Historians have documented that Okinawa Te, originated independently of any other combat system. As such, it is believed that this system on unarmed combat can be traced back over 1000 years. Because the islanders were of not of wealthy status, weapons were scarce. Also the desire of the people who lived on the islands not to become unified gave rise to many aggressive warlords, each battling for supremacy of the individual islands. As a result these circumstances rendered a strong incentive for many styles of unarmed combat to evolve. The Ryukyu Kingdom was formally annexed and dissolved by Japan in 1879 to form Okinawa Prefecture, and the Ryukyuan monarchy was integrated into the new Japanese nobility.

By the mid 1340′s, Okinawa entered into a trade relationship with China. This trade and political friendship allowed the Okinawan people to observe the different aspects of China, and were thus exposed to Chinese boxing systems. Furthermore, by the late 1300′s, in a tributary relationship, 36 Chinese families and businessmen settled on Okinawa. These families brought with them a variety of skills, including Chinese martial arts.

Through the 1400′s, the island experienced much turmoil. At first the island was unified by King Sho Hashi, in 1429. At this time the Okinawan’s were still able to posses weapons. However in 1470, King Sho Hashi destroyed the former dynasty and implemented his own. Soon all arms were banned on the island, in fear that the reign might be over thrown. As a result, the emphasis on the fighting arts further progressed. The main villages of Okinawa are credited with the main styles that emerged from Okinawa Te. From the village of Shuri, came Shuri Te. From the village of Naha, came Naha Te. Finally from the village of Tomari, came Tomari Te.

Beside empty hand combat, the Okinawan’s also began the practice of Kobudo (weapons). Because of King Sho Hashi’s ban on the traditional weapons (such as the samurai sword), the Okinawan’s began using their everyday farming implements as weapons. From this practice the most commonly thought of weapons became known as the: Bo (six foot staff), the Eku (six foot oar), the Kama (grass or cain sickle), the Tonfa (utility handle), and the Nunchaku (horse bit, and even rice flail). However, because the Okinawan’s never restrained the practice of survival- the Okinawan’s were capable of using nearly every tool as a weapon; in fact the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei (Matayoshi Kobudo), makes use of the Kuwa (Japanese Hoe), the Timbei and Rochin (Shield and dagger), as well as the Nunti (Japanese like spear).

These styles of unarmed and armed combat were practiced in secrecy for years. Differences between Te styles suggest the different influences of various Chinese styles. Shuri-Te seem to utilize the external system of Shaolin boxing. While Naha-Te incorporates the use of internal Taoist techniques. Tomari-Te appears to be a mix of both internal and external fighting systems. These variances alone, are responsible for the evolvement the different systems into the distinct martial art styles they are today.

In 1609, Okinawa was seized by the Japanese Satsuma Samurai clan, for refusing to recognize Japan’s newest Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a result, the Shogunate banned the Okinawa people from carrying weapons. This only further fueled the importance of further developing the martial arts as a means of survival.

Although at this time the Japanese had banned all trade relationships with other countries. The Japanese still, however, allowed Okinawa to trade with China.

As a result, around the mid to late 1700′s a Chinese diplomat, Kusanku, moved to Okinawa for 6 years. During his stay, he began teaching the Chinese system of Ch’uan-Fa. As these influences became infused with the different local martial arts, they gradually became known as Tode (or Chinese Hand). By the 1800′s these styles were again re-named. Shuri and Tomari-Te formed the basis for Okinawan Shorin Ryu, while Naha-Te formed Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu.

Although Kusanku is often believed to be a culmination of different Chinese officers, he is often referred to as one person. As is recorded, Tode Sakugawa began studying under Kusanku-sensei. The teachings of Kusanku enabled Sakugawa to combine the essence of both Te and Chinese Boxing principles. These principles form the basis of modern day Shorin Ryu.

The following is a record of the lineage of Shorin Ryu Karatedo. Each master featured was the direct instructor of the next. Listed art the names of the kata’s each instructor was either known for or introduced to the system.

Satunuku Sakugawa 1733-1815	Sokon Matsumura 1809-1898	Ankoh Itosu 1832-1916
Chosin Chibana 1885-1969 Instructed Shuguro Nakazato and promoted Tadashi Yamashita to 7th degree Black Belt.	Shuguro Nakazato Head of Shorin-Kan System 1921- 2016	Tadashi Yamashita The founder of Suikendo and Head of the Shorin-Ryu Suibu Kan Association. Nakazato Sensei’s most senior student

It is important to credit the evolution of Okinawan Karate, as it made important steps to become the Karate of today.
Ankoh Yasutsune Itosu as a sensei was a noted instructor. His influence and ability to teach the ways of Karate enabled him to introduce karate-do into the public schools of Okinawa. He was the first to do this and his students include Sensei Gichin Funakoshi. In the late 1800′s, Sensei Funakoshi termed the essence of Te as “Karate-Do” meaning, “The Way of the Empty Hand.” Funakoshi-sensei later founded ShotoKan Karate.

As Shorin Ryu began to branch further and grow, other styles evolved from Itosu-sensei’s karate. An attempt was made by one of Itosu-sensei’s students to preserve his instructors original teachings. Itosu-sensei’s most diligent and dedicated student, Chosin Chibana-sensei, renamed the style Kobayshi-Ryu (Shorin Ryu – “Young Forest Style”) to indicate that he taught Itosu-sensei’s original Karate style.

Perhaps the most noted student of Sensei Chibana, Sensei Shuguro Nakazato, rose to became the head of Shorin Ryu-Shorin Kan branch of Kobayashi. Sensei Chibana’s other second most noted student was Sensei Katsuya Miyahira. Sensei Katsuya Miyahira became the head of Shorin Ryu-Shido Kan branch of Kobayashi

Below is a list of some major historical events:

Sensei Nakazato began training in Shito Ryu Karate-do under Sensei Seiichi Iju (1935-40).
While training in Shito Ryu, Sensei Nakazato began training in Kobudo, under Sensei Seiro Tonaki ( 1936-40).
Sensei Nakazato entered the Japanese Army, it was during this time that he taught bayonet techniques.
At the end of World War II, Sensei Nakazato returned to Okinawa, becoming a disciple of Sensei Chibana.
In 1951 Sensei Nakazato opened a dojo together with Chibana-sensei, naming it Chibana Dai Ichi Dojo.
In 1955, Sensei Nakazato opened the Sho Rin Kan dojo, in operation to this day.
By 1958, Sensei Nakazato was training in bojitsu under Sensei Masami Chineni, learning the Yamani-Chinen Ryu Bojitsu style.
Sensei Nakazato altered Sensei Itosu’s style to include the Kihon and Fukyu kata, enhancing the kumite of the style.