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-ryū (心仁流), understood as ‘a martial tradition grounded in heart, humanity, and moral responsibility’, 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 historical influence of the following Okinawan masters whose kata, ideas, and teaching approaches shaped the broader development of Okinawan karate.
While we do not claim direct lineage from Anko Itosu, Choshin Chibana, or Chojun Miyagi, elements preserved within Shinjin-ryu Okinawa-te include kata or principles associated with their work.
This acknowledgment is offered in respect of their enduring legacy and their contribution to the historical body of karate from which many later expressions emerged.
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 principles of Kensei and Katsumi Tamaki.
