Extraordinary Coverage of the 60 Year History of the Shinjo Family Kenyukai Karate Dojo, Okinawa

Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo tasked me with the mission of creating this highlight DVD representing my 50 year history with the Shinjo family Kenyukai Karate Dojos, to be presented in Okinawa at the week-long Koshukai karate training, black belt test, and sparing tournament in Okinawa, Japan, held in 2019.
It was at that event that I was promoted to Hanshi Kyu dan,9th degree black belt, by Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo. This is the most complete history of the World expansion of Uechi Ryu Karate Kenyukai system and the Shinjo family of Okinawa.
Here is the narration of this presentation:
60th ANNIVERSARY SHINJO FAMILY DOJO
I am the thread that weaves five decades of the Shinjo family karate history in this presentation for Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo.
Seiyu Shinjo, his father Seiryo and Seiko Toyama were students of Kanbun Uechi in his Wakayama Dojo, and all returned to Okinawa at the end of World War II.
In this rare home video, we see the legendary Seiyu, his father Seiryo, and the Shinjo family.
Since the end of the war, US military personnel have been the primary connection that brought karate to America. As a Marine Sergeant, I was one of these returning veterans.
Seiyu Shinjo opened his first dojo in Asato in 1960. The Uechi Ryu dojos of Kanei Uechi and Seiyu Shinjo were the only two Sensei that would teach westerners. They had a shared vision of spreading Okinawan karate to America and the world.
As Uechi Ryu dojos opened around Okinawa, all black belt tests were conducted in the Futenma dojo under the watchful eye of Kanei Uechi, as Seiyu Shinjo barked orders, setting the pace of the day.
The kobudo sensei from Uechi Ryu was Katshukiho Minowa. The top student, Masakzu Kinjo.
During my two-year tour of duty in Hawaii, I taught karate to the Marines, and sent some of them to Okinawa on temporary duty, where they were able to train in the Kadena Dojo.
After my discharge I started teaching karate in my garage, then opened a public dojo. Continued travels took me across America and around the world, where I established Kenyukai in three countries.
I was finally able to accomplish my dream of building my own Okinawa style dojo. It reached an enrollment of four hundred fifty students.
In 1990, Ric Martin and I competed in the All Okinawa Karate Tournament. During that trip we established our training concept, called Koshukai. The first one was held in 1991 in California, and the following week in Florida. Three decades of international Koshukai has inspired and strengthened the worldwide growth of Kenyukai.
My research and extensive resources provided in Okinawa revealed a wealth of information about Uechi Ryu and the Shinjo family. From the dojos in Wakayama and Osaka, to the place of the death of Kanbun Uechi on Iejima Island, to a film clip of Kanei Uechi in the first Futenma Dojo.
The continuation of this phenomenal legacy is in the hands of today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
Karate is a world phenomenon that influences minds and media everywhere. The source of this phenomenon is the Island of Karate, Okinawa.
My passion was ignited the night I slid open the old wooden door and peered inside the Kadena Dojo, and unknowingly, stepped in the course for the rest of my life.
Sensei Shinjo’s vision of karate spreading to America and proliferating has been realized. His son, Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo expands that vision, and to this day continues to forge the recognition and significance of Uechi Ryu, Shinjo Kenyukai, Karate, around the world.

[@edgardocarrasquillo9]

Gracias.

[@Joseph-no9yr]

I was in your class in 1994, still remember some of your lessons and can still count to 10

[@ambercummings4290]

I trained for you as a kid for a few years. The video brings back memories. I seen Cowboy bob and all the faces. God bless you Alan or I guess I should sat Sensi. Thanks for the good memories as a kid and you were by far the best Karate school in this area.

[@brianthiel1488]

Great memories by far

[@pablorapido4580]

Some great historical footage and narrative. Thank you.

[@alandollar7540]

Many thanks!

[@therman1985]

What a fantastic, insightful story that I never truly understood as a young boy in Antioch as I trained and received weekly instruction at your dojo! I've been teaching special education in Oregon for about thirteen years now and the self-discipline and focus I learned from your dojo are things I continue to instill in my students. Thank you for all you have done. ✊🏻🥋🇯🇵 -Therman Rich

[@alandollar7540]

Fantastic!

[@martinbrand6013]

Very inspiring. I just met Senseyi Shota for the first time today in Chatan.

[@alandollar7540]

That is awesome!

[@HillsideChurchAntioch]

Fantastic history! Love the photos and video! Some priceless footage here.

[@alandollar7540]

Many thanks! Sir!

[@jamesandereggen2173]

This was great! Thank you for posting

[@bostonsteve412]

Sensei Alan..THIS IS AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS

[@alandollar7540]

Very glad you liked it.

[@robertoalvelais528]

Hi Alan! What a treat to see this come across my youtube feed. Really happy to see your success over these years. I hope you and the family are well and I look forward to hearing about your continued success! -Rob Alvelais

[@alandollar7540]

I remember you well Rob! I will be adding new historical content soon! Have you heard of my book on Amazon? Secrets of Uechi Ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa. I hope you are well also my friend!

[@batman105able]

Great memories I loved watching this sensei. God bless you.

[@alandollar7540]

Same to you!

[@yahuwahyasharahla6513]

Ah want to learn

[@shawnbrown9433]

I've read up on Uechi Ryu history and always thought about Seiryo Shinjo and wondered what his technique looked like, having learned directly from Kanbun and being a smaller man. I know he was said to have very fast kicks. Its such a treat for me to see him alive and moving on a video. I just saw this today. Do you have any video in your collection of him performing kata? If not, habe you seen him perform and what were/are your impressions of him and his skills?

[@alandollar7540]

After leaving Japan, he didn't train because of illness.