Sensei's Corner

Okinawa Kenpo-To be or not to be, that is the question.

There has been much discussion on the use of the name Okinawa Kenpo by those who are now presently using the Ryu-kyu kenpo logo. I can truly empathize with those dedicated students who feel we should all follow the footsteps of Master Odo. I truly respect your feelings concerning this situation, for many have misused the name and have taken advantage of Master Odo on the way. I have a very different situation here in Hawaii.

When I came on board to Okinawa Kenpo under the direction of Shihan Richard Gonzalez, I was taught the style of Okinawa Kenpo, which was taught to Master Odo by Shigeru Nakamura. You can call it whatever you want but it still boils down to being Okinawa Kenpo. I have established the name Okinawa Kenpo Dharma-ryu dojo here in Hawaii and was personally promoted to 7th Degree black belt back in April of 1995 in the art of Okinawa Kenpo by Master Seikichi Odo. I have personally registered my dojos under Ryu-kyu Kenpo and my blackbelts and students will be registered under Ryu-kyu kenpo.

But to change my name after approximately 20 years of the style, because of some American who misused and abused it, would be absurd. I am truly dedicated to the teachings of Master Odo and will continue to support him in anyway I can. My blackbelts on the mainland will have a choice if they desire to go strictly under Ryu-Kyu kenpo, they may, or if they wish to stay under Okinawa Kenpo Dharma-ryu, I will support them all the way.

I can only hope that those of you who have converted to the Ryu-Kyu kenpo logo will understand my situation and will recognize my blackbelts on the mainland as well as overseas as dedicated to Master Odo.

I would like to wish all of those dedicated to the traditional teachings of
Master Odo a very Happy New Year and welcome you at anytime to visit any of my dojos, be it in Hawaii or elsewhere.

Yours in Karate-do

Paul Ortino Jr