Our lineage

Okinawa Shorin Ryu ( Kobayashi) was founded in 1933 by Hanshi Choshin Chibana. It is one of the major styles taught on Okinawa. Chibana Sensei was a direct student of Anko Itosu who was a very influencial master who taught many who would go on to create their own styles ( organizations) and spread karate around the world.

One of Sensei Chibana's students was Sensei Joki Uema who went on to form the Shubukan Uema dojo of Okinawa. Sensei Lyons was the USA representative for the Shubukan until resigning in 2024.

 Chibana Sensei's senior student was Shuguro Nakazato who went on to form the Shorin Ryu Shorinkan association. Sensei Lyons was a member for over 20 years. We continue to teach the Kobudo ( weapons) of Nakazato Sensei.

One of Nakazato's Sensei's senior direct students was Sensei Giyu Gibo with whom was awarded 9th Dan by Nakazato Sensei. 

Sensei Gibo went on to form the Shobukan .We are proud to serve as the USA headquarters and representative for Hanshi Gibo 10th Dan.