TAIRA, Shinken

(1902-1970)
Kobudo

Taira Shinken was a Japanese martial artist. In 1922, after traveling to Tokyo to find work, he was introduced to Gichin Funakoshi, a fellow Okinawan and karate instructor. In 1929, Taira began his studies of Ryukyu kobudo under Moden Yabiku. In 1934, Taira became deshi of Mabuni.

In 1932, after studying kobudo for three years and karate for 10 years, he received permission from his masters to open his own dojo. Taira began to teach karate and kobudo in the springs resort town of Ikaho, Gunma Prefecture.

In 1940, Taira opened a kobudo dojo in Naha, Okinawa. He also opened dojo in Kanto and Kansai, two major districts of central Japan.

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