04/02/2026
This is the most up-to-date version. There is one correction regarding Shinpo Matayoshi Sensei (top right). Thank you to Mr. Paul Punshon for the correction.
Thank you to everyone who participated in identifying the individuals in this historical photograph. Your contributions will be invaluable for those who wish to study the history of karate, both now and in the future.
If there are any mistakes or additions, please feel free to comment.
Identified individuals:
This photo was taken at the opening ceremony of Shuren Dojo around 1948 in Itoman-cho (town), Okinawa. Shuren Dojo was founded by Jinsei Kamiya Sensei, who studied Goju-ryu under Seiko Higa Sensei and Chojun Miyagi Sensei. It was one of the first dojo to open after World War II.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei (1888–1953) – Founder of Goju-ryu
Seiko Higa Sensei (1898–1966) – Founder of Goju-ryu Shodokan
Seikichi Higa Sensei (1927–1999) – Son of Seiko Higa Sensei; second head of Shodokan
Seikichi Toguchi Sensei (1917–1998) – Founder of Goju-ryu Shoreikan
Shoshin Nagamine Sensei (1907–1997) – Founder of Matsubayashi-ryu (Shorin-ryu, 松林流)
Seiyu (Kaka) Nakasone Sensei (1893–1983) – Tomari-te master
Sogen Sakiyama Roshi (1921–2021) – Rinzai Zen Master
Chōshin Chibana Sensei (1885–1969) – Founder of Shorin-ryu (Kobayashi-ryu, 小林流)
Shinpo Matayoshi Sensei (1921–1997) – Matayoshi Kobudo
Jinsei Kamiya Sensei (1894–1964) – Goju-ryu practitioner
(Most of the information is sourced from the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Dictionary.)
