08/24/2026
Remembering Shūgorō Nakazato Hanshi, Judan.
Nakazato Hanshi passed away on this day in 2016.
Shūgorō Nakazato Hanshi (仲里 周五郎) was one of the most famous Okinawan martial artists of his generation. Described by some of his American students as a “one-punch artist,” Nakazato Hanshi developed his karate into a fine fighting art. He gave demonstrations throughout Japan and around the world and had many well-known students in the United States.
In 2000, Nakazato Hanshi was designated an “intangible cultural asset holder” by Okinawa Prefecture. In 2007, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 5th Class with Gold and Silver Rays.
As the founder of Shorin Ryu Shorinkan, Nakazato Hanshi dedicated his life to preserving, developing, and spreading Okinawan Karate throughout the world. His legacy is one of greatness, excellence, character, leadership, and effective Karate.
Here in the United States, he entrusted the growth of Shorinkan to what became known as the “Magnificent Seven”: Eddie Bethea, Jiro Shiroma, Tadashi Yamash*ta, Frank Hargrove, Noel Smith, Sid Campbell, and Bob Herten.
Through these men and the students who followed them, Nakazato Hanshi's Karate continues to be passed down around the world.
Today, we remember Nakazato Hanshi...not simply for the rank he achieved or the honors he received, but for the Karate, character, and legacy he left behind.
Nakazato Hanshi. Your Karate lives on through thousands across the world.
