Grandmaster Shigeru Nakamura

        Master Nakamura (1894-1979) was born and raised in the City of Nago. He first started learning Okinawan karate as a pupil at the Icchu Middle School, in the Capitol City of Okinawa, Shuri. Karate had just been introduced to the educational system. His instructors included some of the most famous teachers in Okinawan history: Higashionna, Kanryo; Yabu, Kentsu; and Hanashiro, Chomo. The school itself was visited every so often by Shishu (Itosu), Anko (Yasutsune). After graduating, Master Nakamura returned to Nago, where he continued training under Kunioshi, Shinkichi, the successor to the legendary "Bushi" Sakiyama from Naha. Master Nakamura made it a habit to seek out the best teachers to learn from. Motobu, Choki was one of them. Mr. Nakamura taught from his backyard dojo in Nago. In 1953 Mr. Nakamura changed the name of what he was teaching from Naha-te to Okinawa Kenpo Karate.

Master Nakamura and other Masters

In 1955, the "Okinawa Kenpo Karate Renmei" was formed by Masters Shigeru Nakamura and Zenryo Shimabuku, with Master Nakamura as President. He oversaw the Association until his death in 1969. Master Nakamura was famous for his development of the "Bogu Gear" for realistic contact sparring.

Master Nakamura's Dojo in Nago

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