Shinken Taira Sensei

Shinken Taira, born in 1897 in Okinawa, Japan, was a renowned martial artist best known for his significant contributions to the study and preservation of Okinawan kobudō—the traditional weapon arts of Okinawa. He was given up for adoption as a child (not an uncommon practice in old Japan). In his early life he took on his mother's maiden name of Taira. From an early age, he demonstrated deep dedication to martial arts, eventually becoming a student of some of the era’s most respected masters, including Moden Yabiku and Kenwa Mabuni.

In 1922, Taira Sensei went to Tokyo to find work where he was introduced to Funakoshi Sensei, and he began his study of karate with him. Some say he taught Funakoshi kobujutsu, however by the time they met Funakoshi was already proficient in bo and sai. In addition to this, Taira did not start learning kobujutsu until 1929 under Yabiku, the lead practitioner in kobudō in mainland Japan at the time.

Ten years after he started studying karate and 3 years into his kobujutsu studies, Taira opened his own dojo. He taught both karate and kobujutsu here. In 1934, he became a student under Mabuni Sensei.

By 1940 Taira Sensei opened a kobudo dojo in Naha, Okinawa. He also opened dojo in Kantō and Kansai, two major districts of central Japan. After the Second World War, even in Okinawa, the number of kobudo students was much lower than the number of karate students. To overcome this problem, in 1955, he founded the Ryūkyū Kobudō Hozon Shinkokai (Society for the Preservation and Promotion of Ryūkyū Kobudō), an organization dedicated to the study and spread of these arts. Through his books, demonstrations, and tireless teaching, both in Japan and internationally, Taira Sensei helped ignite a renaissance of interest in kobudō. His efforts influenced countless martial artists and preserved a vital part of Okinawan cultural heritage.

Taira Sensei devoted his life to collecting, systematizing, and teaching various kobudō weapons, such as the bō, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and others. Recognizing the risk of these ancient techniques disappearing, he travelled extensively throughout Okinawa, seeking out older practitioners and gathering their knowledge. He compiled this information into organized kata (forms) and curriculum, ensuring these traditions could be passed on to future generations.

Taira Shinken passed away in 1970, leaving behind a legacy respected worldwide. Today, his system and philosophy continue to shape the study of kobudō, honouring the traditions and spirit of Okinawan martial culture.

From left to right: Toyama Kanken, Ohtsuka Hironori, Shimoda Takeshi, Funakoshi Gichin, Motobu Choki, Mabuni Kenwa, Nakasone Genwa and Taira Shinken.