Seibukan Karate Do was founded in 1962 by Zenryo Shimabukuro (1906 ~ 1969). Sensei Zenryo, 10th Dan Hanshi, was the foremost student of Sensei Kyan Chotoku. After 10 years of training as Sensei Kyans’ top student and additional years as the leader of Kyan Sensei’s teachings, Sensei Zenryo built his own dojo (training hall) in Jagaru, Okinawa in 1962. He named his dojo as “Seibukan” meaning “the holy art school”.
In 1964, Sensei Zenryo received his 10th Dan black belt from the prestigious all Okinawan Karate Do Federation. After his untimely death in 1969, his son Hanshi Zenpo Shimabukuro succeeded him as the head of Seibukan Karate Do.
Hanshi Zenpo Shimabukuro (10th Dan black belt) was born in Chatan Cho, Okinawa, on the 11th of October, 1943. He began his training in 1951 and as the head of the movement, he has loyally maintained the tradition of Sensei Chotoku Kyan which he has inherited from his father, Zenryo. He is the Supreme Instructor, Technical Director, and President of the International Okinawan Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate Do Association, IOSSKA, which has branch dojos in over 18 foreign countries. We are honored to be one of those officially chartered dojos.