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SOKON "BUSHI" MATSUMURA
(1796-1893)
Karate
Born in Shuri, he began his training in karate-do
under karate legend Sakugawa.
He also trained under the Chinese military attaché Kusanku.
Matsumura served as chief of the military and as court retainer
for the king of the Ryukyu Islands. Matsumura originated the Pinewood
kata Chinto and created the karate style of Shorin-Ryu. Among his
noteworthy students were Yasutsune Azato, Yasutsune Itosu,
Choshin Chibana, Choki Motobu and Chotoku Kyan.
It is also known that he served as a body guard
to the last three Ryukyuan Kings. Matsumura traveled to Fuchou
and Satsuma as an envoy on affairs of state. In Fuchou he visited
several Chinese boxing schools and studied under military attaches
Ason and Iwah. In Satsuma Matsumura trained in the Jigen-ryu sword
fighting system under Master Yashichiro Ijuin. After retiring,
Matsumura taught karate in Sakiyama village, Shuri.
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