A SHORT HISTORY

The Kensei Ryu has been around since 1992 with only a few close members, practioners of Goju Karate. Now, in 2003, membership is being offered to the Global Martial Arts Community.

How many International Associations have you seen that are located in the United States and only have members in the United States? Hundreds, I know.

Th Kensei Ryu is head quatered in Sydney, Australia and we accept members from all over the world.

The word Kensei is a Japanese title that literally translates as "Sacred Fist". Title was given posthumously, after a masters passing. It was originally used in Japan for sword masters, the word Ken also means sword. Miyamoto Musashi was given the title after his death in 1645.

In Okinawa the title of Kensei was first given to Naha Te Karate founder Kanryo Higashionna. He taught Chojun Miyagi, Gichin Funakoshi and Kenwa Mabuni. After his passing in 1916, his students honored Higashionna Sensei with the title of Kensei.

Chojun Miyagi went on to found the Goju School of Karate and his many students gave him the title when he passed away in 1953. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate, also achieved the respectful title of Kensei at his passing.

This title cannot be achieved in life, only in passing is it awarded as a sign of respect. A Kensei is a Karateka who has transcended merely physical techniques and penetrated to the essence of Karate, one whose art is imbued with an extraordinary spiritual dimension.

A Kensei is an individual of great moral and martial character, whose vocation is not the taking of life, but the giving of life, thus furthering a society based on tolerance, peace and harmony. A Kensei does not forget war.

We, as modern Karateka, strive to achieve the moral and spiritual goals of a Kensei.