OUR HISTORY AND LINEAGE
Okinawa, formerly known as the Ryukyu Kingdom prior to its annexation by Japan in 1879, is the birthplace of karate. Karate 空手 (empty hand) was developed over centuries from the native Ryukyuan martial art ti 手 (hand), short for Chinese hand because of its heavy influence of Chinese fighting styles. Since the practice of martial arts among the Heimin (common class) was forbidden by early Ryukyuan emperors, various practitioners took their knowledge of this fighting art to their native villages throughout the island and practiced in secret. This ultimately resulted in variations in the way karate was practiced and passed on. Three main styles ultimately emerged, and were subsequently named according to the location from which they were developed. Shuri-te 首里手 is a pre-World War II term that refers to the style developed around Shuri, the capital city of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Tomari-te 泊手 was a style developed and practiced around the port village of Tomari. Naha-te 那覇手 was practiced around the city of Naha, the current day capital of Okinawa. These three basic disciplines gave rise to various karate styles still practiced today, such as Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, etc.
Prather Martial Arts practices a style of Okinawan karate known as Matsubayashi-Ryu 松林流, a branch of Shorin-Ryu 少林流, one of the oldest and most traditional styles originating from Shuri-te. Matsubayashi-Ryu was developed in 1947 by Shoshin Nagamine (1907-1997). It utilizes the body’s natural ability to execute quick fluid movements, and its basic curriculum includes 18 kata, seven yakusoku kumite (pre-arranged sparring routines), and kobudo (weapons studies).
Shoshin Nagamine’s son, Takayoshi Nagamine (1945-2012), moved to the United States in 1967 and established a Matsubayashi-Ryu dojo in Cincinnati. After a decade teaching and growing the art of Matsubayashi-Ryu in the US, he returned to Okinawa and ultimately became the successor and second generation headmaster (Soke) of Matsubayashi-Ryu prior to his father’s passing in 1997. Two direct students of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, Bill George and David Williams, became masters of the art themselves and established dojos in the Greater Cincinnati area, continuing the further advancement of Matsubayashi-Ryu. Sensei Williams attained the title of Renshi, but sadly passed away in 2008. He was succeeded by his Senpai, Carl Prather (5th Dan), current owner of Prather Martial Arts. Sensei George (7th Dan) currently holds the title of Kyoshi. He continues to practice and operate the Midwest Honbu Dojo, and works closely with Prather Martial Arts.
Eihachi Ota, one of Shoshin Nagamine’s head students, moved to the United States in 1969 from Okinawa and established a dojo in California. Now a 10th Degree Black Belt, he is the highest ranking Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioner in the US, and currently holds the title of Hanshi. He continues to live and operate his dojo in the US, but also teaches and has dojos worldwide. Hanshi Ota also continues to teach seminars and works closely with both the Prather and Midwest Honbu dojos.