The Shinjin-Ryu Okinawa-Te Kyokai (心仁流沖縄手協会) is an independent association entrusted with passing on and preserving the martial art of Shinjin-Ryu, from the Tamaki (Tamagusuku) family of Okinawa.
Shinjin-Ryu (心仁流) - (シンジン流), meaning 'The Way of the Unyielding Spirit', was founded in 1979 by Katsumi Tamaki after many years of dedicated training and exploration of Okinawan martial arts. The name, rich in meaning and symbolism, embodies the essence and philosophy of his art, emphasizing resilience, compassion, and a deep connection to tradition.
心 (Shin) means "heart" or "mind."
仁 (Jin) means "benevolence," "compassion," or "humanity."
流 (Ryū) means "style" or "system."
Shinjin-Ryu is firmly rooted in the traditions of Okinawa, drawing on centuries of martial development from styles like Shuri-te and Naha-te. Founded in 1979 by Katsumi Tamaki, a skilled martial artist dedicated to preserving and evolving Okinawan martial arts, Shinjin-Ryu combines the wisdom of the past with practical applications for the present.
At the core of the system are its kata, which serve as a comprehensive training method and a repository of principles and techniques. These forms include applications for both long - and close-range combat, incorporating strikes, grappling, joint locks, throws, and vital point targeting (kyusho jutsu). Shinjin-Ryu reflects the adaptability and resilience of traditional Okinawan karate while staying true to its practical self-defense roots.
Shinjin-Ryu practitioners also learn to use traditional Okinawan weapons such as the bo, sai, and tonfa.
We are a small group of karate-ka dedicated to preserving and promoting authentic Okinawan karate and kobudo. While Shinjin-Ryu may not be as widely practiced or recognized as some other martial arts, it retains a dedicated following among those who appreciate its focus on practical self-defense and its connection to Okinawan martial traditions. We aim to preserve our art, the cultural traditions and heritage we have been entrusted with, passing on those traditions to the next generation of dedicated students.
We recognize and honor the profound influence of the following masters on the development of Shinjin-Ryu Okinawa-Te. While we do not claim direct lineage with Itosu, Chibana or Miyagi, their teachings and philosophies have significantly shaped our understanding and practice of this martial art. We offer this tribute as a testament to their enduring legacy and the foundational role they played in the history of our karate.
The Shinjin-Ryu Okinawa-Te syllabus has its roots in Shuri-te and Naha-te, with the addition of kata from the Hakutsuru line, incorporating the techniques and princples of Kensei and Katsumi Tamaki.
(no direct lineage is inferred with Itosu, Chibana or Miyagi)
