We are humbled to announce that Yoshitaka Taira Kaicho (President of the World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association) has been officially selected as a holder of the Okinawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset for “Okinawan Karate and Kobudo.” This designation was announced by the Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Properties Protection Council on April 10, 2026. When the very first designation for this cultural asset was made in 1997, our founder, Nagamine Shoshin O’Sensei, was one of the original recipients. Now, 29 years later, Taira Kaicho becomes the second master from Matsubayashi-Ryu to receive this recognition, continuing the legacy of O’Sensei. We believe this recognition is a testament to Taira Kaicho’s pure and lifelong dedication to the art, as well as the collective efforts of all Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioners who preserve our traditions. For more details and the official list of designated holders, please visit the official website of the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai: [Link to the official announcement] この度、世界松林流空手道連盟（WMKA）の平良慶孝会長が、沖縄県指定無形文化財「沖縄の空手・古武術」の保持者として認定（追加指定の答申）されましたことをご報告いたします。 2026年4月10日に沖縄県文化財保護審議会によって発表されました。1997年に本文化財の最初の認定が行われた際、流祖である長嶺将真先生が認定されて以来、松林流からは29年ぶり2人目の認定となります。 今回の認定は、平良会長の空手に対する純粋で私心のない献身、そして日頃より松林流を支え、共に歩んでくださる皆様のたゆまぬ努力が評価されたものと感謝しております。 連盟といたしましては、今後とも皆様と共に、伝統的な沖縄空手および松林流の保存と発展に歩みを進めてまいります。 認定者の一覧や詳細につきましては、沖縄伝統空手道振興会の公式ウェブサイトをご覧ください。

Masaaki Kohagura Kyoshi, 8th Dan (September 13, 1940 — March 4, 2026) Born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1940, Masaaki Kohagura Sensei began his Karate journey in 1956. As a young man, he worked as a radio operator on deep-sea fishing vessels, surviving two shipwrecks before being assigned to Cuba in 1964. In 1967, Kohagura Sensei began teaching Karate to seven local youths. These dedicated students would later be celebrated as the “Seven Samurai of Cuban Karate-Do,” forming the very foundation of Karate in Cuba. He imparted not only physical techniques but also the true spirit of Matsubayashi-Ryu, faithfully passing down the teachings of Founder Shoshin Nagamine O’Sensei. After returning to Japan, he continued his relentless training and established the WMKA Tokai Branch in 1986, which was elevated to the Tokai District Headquarters in 2008. Remaining deeply faithful to the teachings of Founder Shoshin Nagamine and 2nd Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, Kohagura Sensei dedicated his life to the promotion of Matsubayashi-Ryu. He was awarded the rank of Kyoshi 8th Dan in 2010. In recognition of his monumental contributions, Kohagura Sensei was awarded the “Friendship Medal” by Cuban President Fidel Castro in 2001. His legacy goes beyond martial arts, leaving a permanent mark on the history of international friendship between Japan and Cuba. We thank Kohagura Sensei for all his immeasurable contributions to Matsubayashi-Ryu and his lifelong dedication to crossing oceans and walking the path of Karate. He will never be forgotten in the history of the WMKA. 小波藏 政昭 教士八段(1940年9月13日 — 2026年3月4日)  1940年に沖縄県首里市で生まれた小波藏政昭先生は、1956年に空手の道を歩み始めました。若くして遠洋漁業の通信士として海へ出た先生は、二度の遭難から生還するという過酷な経験を経て、1964年にキューバへ赴任されました。 […]

Activity Report: WMKA South America Unification Seminar 2026 Date: March 22, 2026 Location: Arakaki Dojo (Headquarters)Organized by: World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) – South America Summary of the Event: Last Sunday, March 22, the 2026 Unification Seminar was successfully held at the Arakaki Dojo, under the direction of Sensei Seiko Arakaki (8th Dan, Kyoshi). The event brought together the WMKA Matsubayashi-ryu community in South America, strengthening the school’s technical and philosophical ties. The event drew a remarkable turnout of over 100 practitioners, including delegations from the Kumoji Kodokan Dojo, led by Sensei Yamil Pecci (6th Dan, Renshi), and the Piñeyrua Dojo from Mercedes, Uruguay, headed by Sensei Daniel Piñeyrua (5th Dan). Schedule of Activities * Zen Module: The day began at 8:00 a.m. with a theoretical and practical introduction to Zazen. Concepts such as breathing techniques, postures, and the importance of meditative practice in the path of Karate-do were explored in depth. The session consisted of a 45-minute sitting meditation, culminating in the recitation of the Okyo (Maka Hannya Haramita Shingyo). * Technical Refinement: After a short break, the practice of Shiho Kihon and Shiho Tsuki began. The central objective was the unification of technical criteria and the application of the corrections and updates obtained in Okinawa during the 2024 international events. * Kata Practice: A thorough review of the 18 katas that comprise our school’s official program was conducted, ensuring the technical fidelity required by headquarters. * Kobudo: The final training phase focused on the handling of traditional weapons, including the […]

On February 14th, the official inauguration of the Matsubayashi Piñeyrúa Karate Dojo took place in the city of Mercedes, in a ceremony that brought together practitioners, their families, and martial arts leaders. While the practice of Matsubayashi karate at the Piñeyrúa Mercedes Dojo has a history spanning more than 20 years, this event marked the official opening of the new physical space where activities will be held. The construction of this dojo represents the culmination of sustained work, perseverance, and commitment from the entire community that has supported the group’s growth over the past two decades. The ceremony was attended by Sensei Seiko Arakaki, 8th Dan, who led the Argentine delegation and presided over the protocol and technical activities of the day, contributing his experience and authority to the event. During the meeting, an exhibition was held that included a zazen session, followed by katas, the activity continued with bunkai applications and culminated with a kobudo demonstration. Author:DANIEL ALEJANDRO PIÑEYRUA

Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend August 8-9, 2025 at Cocoa Beach Karate, USA “The Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend will be held at Cocoa Beach Karate August 8-9, 2025. The event is held in honor of Soke, his teachings and his contributions to practitioners of Matsubayashi Karate Do”. Event times are Friday, August 8, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, and Saturday August 9, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. In 2011 Soke made his last visit of many to Florida when he conducted a week long seminar at Cocoa Beach Karate. He was scheduled to do another seminar here in 2012 before his untimely passing. Since then, Cocoa Beach Karate has held a special Memorial Weekend in his honor every year around this time. The two day event begins each day with participants standing around posters of Soke and Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine and sharing ther experiences and stories in his honor. Thereafter a standard workout is conducted with traditional warmups and kihon, followed by all of the Matsubayashi kata as well as kobudo. Each visiting dojo gets to perform a group kata with their students. For more information contact the event host: Des Chaskelson Sensei: senseides@yahoo.com(321) 693-7831https://www.cocoabeachkarate.com Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/soke-nagamine-memorial-workout/1289707285841501/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=8u7V6RhNKIrolTUO&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JQxe26rgw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

Matsubayashi-ryu Karatedo Seminar with Martin O’Malley Sensei Hosted by Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to announce a special seminar hosted by David Troup Sensei of Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo in Maine, USA. This event features Martin O’Malley Sensei, 5th Dan in Matsubayashi-ryu, from Helsinki. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for karate practitioners of all styles to learn from Sensei O’Malley. For those new to Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu, it will provide a solid basic understanding of the style. For current practitioners, the seminar aims to delve in-depth into key elements of the Matsubayashi-ryu curriculum. Martin O’Malley Sensei has trained under the guidance of Nagamine Takayoshi Soke. He has received regular instruction from the highest-ranked Matsubayashi Ryu Karateka in Okinawa and abroad. He travels to Japan on a regular basis. Seminar Details: We encourage all interested practitioners to join this enriching seminar. イベント告知: 米国（メイン州） ロックランド松林流道場主催: マーティン・オマリー先生による松林流空手道セミナー 世界松林流空手道連盟（WMKA）は、米国メイン州のロックランド松林流道場のデイビッド・トループ先生が主催する特別セミナーをお知らせいたします。このイベントには、ヘルシンキより松林流五段のマーティン・オマリー先生が講師として招かれます。 このセミナーは、あらゆる流派の空手修行者にとって、オマリー先生から学ぶ貴重な機会を提供します。松林流少林流にまだ慣れていない方には、流派の基本的な理解を深める良い機会となるでしょう。既に松林流を実践している方には、松林流のカリキュラムにおける重要な要素を深く掘り下げる機会となることを願っています。 マーティン・オマリー先生は、長嶺高兆宗家の指導のもとで修行しました。沖縄国内外の最高位の松林流空手家から定期的に指導を受けており、定期的に日本を訪れます。 セミナー詳細: 興味をお持ちのすべての修行者の皆様のご参加をお勧めします

Event Announcement: USA (Dallas, Texas) Celebrating 60 Years of Matsubayashi-ryu: A Special Gathering Hosted by Renshi Phil Kromka The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to share news of a special celebration being hosted by Renshi Phil Kromka, 6th Dan, in Dallas, Texas. September 25th, 2025, marks Renshi Kromka’s remarkable 60th anniversary as a practitioner and instructor of Matsubayashi-ryu karate. To commemorate this significant milestone, Renshi Kromka is personally hosting a celebration that will include a joint practice followed by a traditional Texas barbeque. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to honor Renshi Kromka’s dedication and to share in the spirit of Matsubayashi-ryu. Event Details: イベント告知: 米国（テキサス州ダラス） 松林流60周年を祝う: フィル・クロムカ錬士主催の特別会合 世界松林流空手道連盟（WMKA）は、テキサス州ダラスのフィル・クロムカ錬士六段が主催する特別な祝賀会についてお知らせできることを嬉しく思います。2025年9月25日は、クロムカ錬士が松林流空手道の修行者および指導者として素晴らしい60周年を迎える記念すべき日です。 この重要な節目を祝うため、クロムカ錬士が個人的に合同稽古と伝統的なテキサスバーベキューを含む祝賀会を主催します。このイベントは、クロムカ錬士の献身を称え、松林流の精神を共有する素晴らしい機会となるでしょう。 イベント詳細:

Event Announcement: Germany Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Seminar with Martin O’Malley Sensei Godan from Helsinki The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to announce a special seminar in Germany, featuring Martin O’Malley Sensei Godan from Helsinki. This seminar is hosted by Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo Stikelkamp & Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo Großefehn. Martin O’Malley Sensei trained under the guidance of Nagamine Takayoshi Soke and has received regular instruction from the highest graduated Matsubayashi Ryu Karate Ka in Okinawa and abroad. He regularly travels to Japan. Seminar Details: イベント告知: ドイツ ヘルシンキよりマーティン・オマリー五段による松林流空手道セミナー 世界松林流空手道連盟（WMKA）は、ドイツで開催されるヘルシンキのマーティン・オマリー五段を招いた特別セミナーをお知らせいたします。このセミナーは、松林流道場シュティケルカンプと松林流道場グローセフェーンが主催します 。 マーティン・オマリー先生は、長嶺高兆宗家の指導のもとで修行し、国内外及び沖縄の最高位の松林流空手家から定期的に指導を受けており、定期的に日本を訪れています 。 セミナー詳細: