About

In continually striving to improve (Kei)
One must develop the mind, body and spirit (Shin)
The way to do this is through the art (Kan)

There are many ways to improve yourself physically and mentally. Studying the martial art of Karate is one of the most effective. Karate training requires strenuous physical and mental discipline. It helps build a strong character and respect for other people. It originated as a system of self defence using the unarmed body to block or avoid attacks, and to effectively counter attack.

Dedicated Karate practice improves the mind through the teachings of self control, effort, etiquette and respect for fellow students.

“Karate is not the brick breaking and fancy movie fighting scenes many people associate with it. It is unfortunate that the perception of karate by the general public has been influenced by these things. As a means of self defence and physical well being, karate is extremely effective. However its value in developing one’s spirit, determination, and commitment is significant.” Shihan Uchida.

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History

Lineage
Although the exact origins of the martial arts are not clear, there are numerous records of the development of Chinese boxing and early Karate in the 14th to 17th centuries. As well as China, this development occurred in other parts of Asia including Taiwan and India. Travellers to Okinawa gradually spread the teaching of martial arts to that island and later to the Japanese mainland.

The past masters often studied from each other and from other masters including teachers from China/Taiwan and from Naha-te. Therefore, although Masters Itosu and Toyama were the principal ancestors of Kei Shin Kan, there are other masters who influenced the development.

Master Anko Itosu
糸洲 安恒先生

Master Itosu was born in the city of Shuri, Okinawa in 1830. He became a student of Master Bushi Nagahama at age 16 and at some stage was a student of Master Sokun Matsumora (of Tomari-Te).

It is generally regarded that in the 19th century, Master Itosu was the father of the Shuri Te, just as Master Higaonna was the father of the Naha Te. Master Itosu developed Karate-Do into a system that was more appropriate to teach to beginners. For example, he developed the Heian Kata (also known as Pinan) from the more complicated Bassai and Kanku Katas. A number of students of Master Itosu later developed other schools of Karate-Do. These include Masters Toyama, Funakoshi, Mabuni and Yabu.

Master Itosu died in 1915.

Master Kanken Toyama
遠山 寛賢先生

Master Toyama was born in Shuri, Okinawa, in 1888. He became a student of Master Itosu and trained with him until Master Itosu’s death in 1915. Master Toyama was Shihandai to Master Itosu for several years. In 1924, Master Toyama moved to Taiwan where he studied a Chinese martial art.

After he returned to Japan in 1930 and opened his first dojo in Tokyo, it was called “Shudokan”, meaning “The Hall for the study for the Way”.

Master Toyama did not claim to teach a particular style of Karate-Do. He said that styles are limited to the personality of their founders and this limits their development. True Karate-do should not be limited in this way.

Master Toyama died in 1965.

Master Masanao Takazawa
高沢 正直先生

Master Takazawa was a student of Master Toyama from a young age. In 1958, Master Toyama gave Master Takazawa a dojo with the instruction that it be called Kei Shin Kan.

He also held rank in Iaido, Judo, and in Chinese arts as well as being a chiropractor and a physical therapist.

Under Master Takazawa, Kei Shin Kan has grown over the years in Japan and in other countries. 

Master Takazawa passed away in Nagano Japan on 29 May 2010.

Shihan Kisaku Uchida
内田 喜作先生

Shihan Uchida studied various martial arts in high school and university. In 1963 he became a student of Kei Shin Kan under Master Takazawa. He assisted Master Takazawa to teach at the American Army Base and other dojos.

Shihan Uchida moved to Malaysia in 1969 to teach karate there. From 1970 to 1978 he trained a special forces unit for the Singapore police. He established the Singapore Kei Shin Kan Karate Association.

While based in Singapore, Shihan Uchida spent time between the Singapore, Indonesia、Malaysia and New Zealand Army to teach Kei Shin Kan karate in those countries. In 1979, Shihan Uchida moved to Australia.

Australia Kei Shin Kan and International Kei Shin Kan Karate-Do come under the supervision of Shihan Kisaku Uchida.