Chintokan traces its roots to the early 1960s in Osaka, Japan, when Soke Masaharu Sakimukai trained and taught alongside Shihan Zenji Shimabukuro, nephew of Hanshi Zenryo Shimabukuro of Seibukan Karate. Together, they opened the Shorin Ryu Kansai Honbu Dojo in 1962. Although not permitted to use the Seibukan name, this dojo became the foundation of a new tradition—later named Chintokan in 1969 with the approval of Hanshi Zenryo Shimabukuro.
After Hanshi Zenryo’s passing, Soke Sakimukai continued to develop Chintokan, registering it with Renbukai and serving as Chief Director in Kagoshima before moving to the United States in 1980.
Chintokan traces its roots to the early 1960s in Osaka, Japan, when Soke Masaharu Sakimukai trained and taught alongside Shihan Zenji Shimabukuro, nephew of Hanshi Zenryo Shimabukuro of Seibukan Karate. Together, they opened the Shorin Ryu Kansai Honbu Dojo in 1962. Although not permitted to use the Seibukan name, this dojo became the foundation of a new tradition—later named Chintokan in 1969 with the approval of Hanshi Zenryo Shimabukuro.
After Hanshi Zenryo’s passing, Soke Sakimukai continued to develop Chintokan, registering it with Renbukai and serving as Chief Director in Kagoshima before moving to the United States in 1980.
For the next 30 years, he trained elite karate athletes, judged at international competitions, and wove elements of Japanese culture and other martial arts into his practice, shaping Chintokan into a distinct legacy.
Following his passing in 2010, leadership transitioned to his widow, Dojocho T. Sakimukai, and his son, SoShihan Y. Sakimukai, who continue to guide Chintokan from its world headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
For the next 30 years, he trained elite karate athletes, judged at international competitions, and wove elements of Japanese culture and other martial arts into his practice, shaping Chintokan into a distinct legacy.
Following his passing in 2010, leadership transitioned to his widow, Dojocho T. Sakimukai, and his son, SoShihan Y. Sakimukai, who continue to guide Chintokan from its world headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
Today, Chintokan honors Soke Sakimukai’s vision by preserving classical Okinawan karate and traditional samurai arts while inspiring future generations worldwide.
Today, Chintokan honors Soke Sakimukai’s vision by preserving classical Okinawan karate and traditional samurai arts while inspiring future generations worldwide.
Classes are specialized but not limited to these three disciplines.
the way of the opened hand
Karate-do is a disciplined path of self-improvement.
Combines powerful strikes, fluid movement, and mental focus to cultivate both body and mind. Karate-Do is a journey of inner strength, respect, and resilience.
The Art of the Samurai Sword
Iai-Do is the art of drawing the sword with precision, grace, and intent.
Steeped in the traditions of the samurai, it focuses on smooth, controlled movements that reflect a calm mind and sharp awareness. Iai-Do is cultivating focus, discipline, and harmony between action and stillness.
The Art of the Short Staff
Classes are specialized but not limited to these three disciplines.
the way of the opened hand
The Art of the Samurai Sword
The Art of the Short Staff
