|
Written by Hozon Kai Board of Directors
|
|
Friday, 28 December 2007 |
The idea of an organization whose purpose would be to preserve the kata's, teachings and philosophy of Hohan Soken began in Okinawa in the 1980's with Mitsuo Inoue, one of Hohan Sokens top students. Inoue sensei called his organization "Okinawa Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate Do Hozon Kai. Later, around the year 2000, Inoue sensei handed his organization over to Yoshimatsu Akamine, another 20 year student of Hohan Soken, to continue teaching and preserving the kata's and teachings of Hohan Soken.
In 2005 an American who had studied under Hohan Soken in the 1970's by the name of Charles D. Garrett II had the opportunity to train with Akamine Sensei while visiting Okinawa. Garrett Sensei had always dreamed of preserving Hohan Sokens kata's and teachings in the United States, and had in fact formed an organization in 1999 called Soken Hohan's Orthodox Karate-Do Association (SHOKA) for that specific purpose. So during that training Garrett Sensei asked Akamine Sensei's permission to form an international branch of
the OSMSKHK, often simply referred to as the "Hozon Kai". So with the help of Ed Gingras, an American student of Akamine sensei living in Okinawa who had also studied under Hohan Soken, Garrett Sensei formed the international branch of the Hozon Kai.
Hohan Soken was one of the great martial arts masters of his times, and was third in a direct family line from Kiyo Sokon (Bushi) Matsumura who is internationally recognized as one of the greatest martial artists of all times. In his later years Hohan Soken was considered as the oldest active karate master in Okinawa, actively teaching well into his 70's. In addition, he was recognized and listed as the last samurai by "Ripley's Believe it or not" because he was the last living karate master born into the samurai class of the late 1800's. Hohan Soken was highly respected and sought out by many of the karate masters from all over Okinawa for his knowledge and understanding of karate and kobudo. His students read as a list of who's who in the world of karate today, including Seiki Arakaki, Kosei Nishihira, Yuichi Kuda, Fusei Kise, Seike Toma, Hideo Nakazato, Mitake Higa, and many more. Counted among his close friends were legends like Chotoku Kyan, Shinken Taira, and Kenwa Mabuni and Chosin Chibana.
Hohan Soken was a giver, and shared his art unconditionally. And so, the Hozon Kai is dedicated to that same philosophy of sharing. We hope to bring together and share with all who have trained in the traditions of the Hohan Soken legacy. Our pledge is to protect and preserve that legacy. Join our growing family, where all members are encouraged to share, and all have a voice.
Domo Arrigato Gozaimaus to all who have worked so hard at helping make our family grow. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Charles D. Garrett II
International President
O.S.M.S.K.H.K. |
