Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai

•  AFFILIATION STATEMENT

The Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and education of traditional martial arts and its core values. We aim to be a respected and reputable group, focused on preserving the classical karate of Okinawa.

The Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai is no longer affiliated with any other association. After 50 years of practice and teaching, we have chosen to create a path that reflects our own journey, unencumbered by external influences. This decision allows us to preserve the authenticity and integrity of karate as it was originally intended.

Over the years, karate has undergone numerous modifications to meet non-combative considerations such as competition, athleticism, "style purity", and aesthetics. However, traditionally, karate and its kata were designed as records of practical fighting methods for civilian self-defense.

Unfortunately, much of what is practiced today as "karate" often consists of choreographed demonstrations between karateka, starting with impractical blocking techniques. These modern interpretations fail to address the true purpose of martial arts, which is self-protection, not mere athleticism.

At the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai, we reject this view. We are committed to teaching realistic, pragmatic karate-focused on self-defense and combat readiness, free from the constraints of modern sport-based systems. Our teachings are grounded in the principles created by early karate pioneers, such as Itosu Anko, long before the sportification of karate and the introduction of rules and regulations.

Many modern karate schools are deeply entrenched in traditions, lineages, and legacies that no longer offer authentic, functional martial arts. Modern karate systems are often ineffective for civilian self-defense, and it is our mission to return to the physical, theoretical, and technical aspects of karate that were developed for real-world application, not for sport.

Knowing when to move forward and carve a new path is not an easy decision. However, traditional karate should be synonymous with authentic and functional martial arts. Sadly, this is no longer the case in many schools today, and this is why the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai exists - to help students reconnect with the true essence of karate.

With this in mind, we invite you to join the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai HERE.