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Between 1940 and 1944, I researched the family lineages of Bushi Matsumura Sokon, Makabe Chaan (Makabe Choken), Mayaa Arakaki (Arakaki Seisho Tsuji) of Naha’s Kumemura, and Bushi Matsumora Kosaku of Tomari. After the war I supplemented this analysis by conducting more investigation into corresponding areas. Only then was I able to conclude my examination into the lives and times of those men who grace the pages of the book which lies before you. Together, these men represent some of the most prominent pioneers of karate history.

As I mentioned earlier, the competitive dimension and commercial exploitation have given rise to eclecticism in Okinawa and beyond. Simply stated, this is a departure from authentic Okinawan karate. Other details to consider are the erroneous stories which are mistakenly construed as historical facts. The problem with such embellished stories is that they have gone on unchallenged and have become legends.

In many ways, I feel that it is my responsibility to not only reestablish the authentic image of karate-do, but to also hand down an important piece of Okinawa’s cultural legacy. In spite of my inadequate writing skills, I am able to not only give back to the art which has given me so much, but also return my obligation to those bujin who have come before me. In doing so, it is my deepest hope that the entire karate community, both here in Okinawa and abroad, may come to understand that which they have yet to learn.