What style of karate do you practice?
This is one of the most common questions we receive from prospective students. To be clear: we do not practice a new style we invented. We follow Okinawan karate - specifically, Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den (琉球空手術 首泊伝). This name distinguishes us from more mainstream methods. Shuhaku-den is best understood as an evolution and refinement of traditional Okinawan karate, honoring its roots while focusing on modern, practical self-defense - not sport or performance.
What is Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den?
Ryukyu (琉球), refers to the Okinawan islands, the birthplace of karate before Japanese annexation in 1879, and signifies our 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 Soke, 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 by Katsumi Tamaki Soke (10th dan). Building on this foundation, we developed Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den to focus on pragmatic, principle-based self-defense suited to today’s world.
We are grateful to Tamaki Soke for authorizing us to use the name Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuhaku-den, reflecting 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 restores 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 for the future, equipping students to defend themselves effectively while growing mentally and physically.
