What is Butokukan Karate?

Butokukan Karate has its origins in Japan during World War II under the name Shimpu-ren (see History). The master, Yon Pon Gun, was trained in the very hard, strong Okinawan style. Our late grandmaster, Yoichi Nakachi, brought Shimpu-ren to Seattle in 1959. By 1963 he changed the name, modified the katas, and incorporated some of the more fluid Chinese moves to soften the very hard, linear Okinawan techniques.

Butokukan offers a blend of the traditional and modern. Butokukan maintains its tradition of its Japanese origins through its katas. We have adapted elements of Win Chun and other systems that enhance our self defense and kumite abilities. As the technology of efficient movement and application of force has developed, we have used it to make Butokukan an effective and contemporary system.