Letter From Hanshi Zenpo Shimabukuro
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IOSSKA Headquarters: Supreme Sensei Zenpo Shimabukuro
Chatan-cho, Okinawa, Japan
My father, Zenryo Shimabukuro, was the founder of the Seibukan dojo in Jagaru, Okinawa. Since his death in 1969 the Seibukan way of Chotoku Kyan has become very popular worldwide.
The popularity of Kyan's karate through my father's Seibukan dojo has prompted many karate-ka and sensei from other styles to request to learn and teach Seibukan Shorin Ryu. Many of these karate-ka and sensei are now practicing and teaching Seibukan around the world. I am proud of the determination and hard work they have displayed to become Seibukan members.
Unfortunately a few of these karate-ka and sensei that sought out Seibukan have never completed their training to become full Seibukan members. It has come to my attention that a few of these people are teaching Seibukan without the proper knowledge or authorization to do so. Some have gone as far as to forge my signature on their certificates and charters. In some cases, Sensei's are claiming lineage to my father or myself and have either never studied with Seibukan or may have studied a very short time. Yet, they use my father's or my name without permission in their lineage. Only Senseis teaching Seibukan may claim lineage to Zenryo Shimabukuro or myself. All other claims are false.
This behavior is not acceptable in the ways of authentic Okinawan karate. I am the sole heir of Seibukan and responsible for the correct practice and teaching of the techniques that were handed down to me from Kyan sensei through my father. To assure the preservation of this cultural Treasure of Okinawa, and standardization of Seibukan worldwide,the following basic requirements for any sensei claiming lineage to me must be fulfilled:
1. A current Seibukan Dojo Charter issued by the honbu dojo on Okinawa with the signature and chop of Zenpo Shimabukuro. This charter is in effect a license to teach Seibukan Shorin Ryu. The Seibukan Dojo Charters are issued at the beginning of January each year.
2. Maintain a minimum of 80% of students annually as members of the International Okinawa Seibukan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do Association. This is accomplished through the country chief instructors that I have designated throughout the world.
3. All students of a chartered dojo must maintain the international passbook and receive all kyu grades through the IOSSKA.
4. A sensei must receive instruction and corrections from Zenpo Shimabukuro on a bi-annual basis. This may be achieved on Okinawa or as I visit various countries around the world. My intentions of this letter is to give clarity as to who is and is not an authorized Seibukan sensei in good standing with the IOSSKA. For those who have questions concerning anyone authorized by me to teach and represent me or my father's karate please direct all inquires to me personally at:
1003 Aza-Yoshihara,
Chatan-Cho, Okinawa, Japan
or e-mail: seibukan@ii-okinawa.ne.jp
Sincerely,
Zenpo Shimabukuro, Hanshi Kudan
International Okinawan Seibukan Shorin Ryu Karate-do |
