What style of karate do you practice?
This is one of the most common questions we get from prospective students. To be clear: while our system carries its own name – Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den (琉球空手術 首泊伝) – it is not a newly created style. It’s an evolution of traditional Okinawan karate, preserving its principles while focusing on practical self-defense in today’s world. The name simply helps distinguish our approach from more mainstream methods while staying true to Okinawan tradition.
Over time, I’ve come to believe that following one “style” too rigidly can hold people back. What we practice is naturally eclectic – drawn from experience, research, and what actually works. Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den isn’t about copying the past, it’s about understanding it and using that knowledge to make karate functional and relevant today.
Why we chose the name Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den?
Ryukyu (琉球), refers to the Okinawan islands, the birthplace of karate before Japanese annexation in 1879, and makes a connection to the “old-school” (Koryu - 古流) traditions.
Karate (空手) means "empty hand".
Jutsu [術] translates as “method” or “art", often used when the practice is pragmatic and focused on real-world application.
Shuhaku-den (首泊伝), is a name chosen for us by Tamaki sensei, symbolizing the fusion of three Okinawan traditions:
Shu (首): Represents the efficient, direct techniques of Shuri-te, which prioritize speed, precision, and simplicity.
Haku (泊): Embodies the elegance and adaptability drawn from Hakutsuru, a significant influence on both Shuri-te and Naha-te.
Den (伝): Means "transmission", reflecting the preservation and sharing of these timeless principles.
Our lineage traces back to Shinjin-Ryu Okinawa-Te, a system founded in 1979 by Katsumi Tamaki sensei 10th dan in Japan. Shinjin-Ryu iteslf blends principles of Shuri-te, Naha-te and Hakutsuru. From this foundation, Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den emerged as our way of training - a personal interpretation focused on pragmatic, principle-based self-defense for the modern world.
We are grateful to Tamaki sensei for suggesting the use of the name Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den, this reflects our commitment to respecting tradition while embracing our own philosophy and training methods.
We believe that modern karate, in many cases, has strayed from its roots. Much of what is taught today focuses on sports competition or overly stylized forms, often neglecting the original intent: real-world self-protection. Our approach respects the old ways, focusing on effective techniques designed for civilian defense rather than tournament rules.
Ryukyu Karate Jutsu - Shuhaku-den is not just a martial art - it’s a mindset. It’s a way of thinking about training, life, and the pursuit of something real. It’s not about blindly following tradition but understanding why we do what we do. Here’s how:
That’s the mindset behind Ryukyu Karate Jutsu - Shuhaku-den. It’s not just about fighting - it’s about thinking, questioning, and always striving for better.
Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den bridges the gap between tradition and practicality. Unlike many modern interpretations of karate that rely solely on punches, kicks, and basic blocks, our training includes:
These techniques come from the classical fighting arts of Okinawa and China and are fully integrated with the principles of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Hakutsuru. Each kata, drill, and application prepares students for Habitual Acts of Physical Violence (HAPV), a practical self-defense framework developed by Patrick McCarthy-Hanshi, one of the foremost authorities on the civil fighting traditions of Okinawa, author and director of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society.
Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den is not a new style but an evolution that returns karate to its origins: a comprehensive self-defense system and a path for personal development. Our training improves physical health, builds resilience, and connects practitioners to the rich traditions of Okinawan karate.
Our guiding principle is expressed in the phrase: "On Ko Chi Shin" (温故知新) – Study the old, understand the new.
Through Shuhaku-den, we honor the past while ensuring our practice remains relevant today, helping students defend themselves effectively while developing both mind and body.
