Shorin-Ryu (Small Forest Way)

Choshin Chibana was born on June 5, 1885, at Tottori-cho in Shuri City, Okinawa. He began his karate  training with Yasutsune "Ankoh" Itosu in 1900 with whom he studied until Itosu's death on January 26, 1915.

In 1920 Chibana opened his first dojo in Tottori-bori and later a second in Kumo-cho Naha where he instructed until he suspended his teaching during WWII.

After the war Chibana resumed formal teaching in Giho-cho which is a section of Shuri City. During the 1950's he maintained his dojo as well as a position as the Chief Karate Instructor for the Shuri City Police Dept. and in May 1956 his accomplishments were recognized by his appointment as the first president of the Okinawa Karate-Do Association.

Chibana's reputation as a karate master continued to spread, not only in Okinawa but also in mainland Japan. By and in

Prior to his death in Ohama Hospital  on 26 February 1969 from cancer Sensei Chibana was recognized with honors such as: 

      1957- Title of Hanshi (High Master) from the Dai Nippon Butokukai (The Greater Japan Martial Virtue Association)

      1960- received the First Sports Award from the Okinawa Times Newspaper for his accomplishments in the study and practice of traditional Okinawan Karate-do

     1968- awarded the 4th Order of the Sacred Treasure (KUNYONTO) by the Emperor of Japan in recognition of his devotion to the study and practice of Okinawan karate-do.