LA GÉNÉALOGIE DE SHINJINBUKAN

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The Shinjinbukan School was founded by Onaga Yoshimitsu Kaichō to preserve the traditions of Ti (ティー), the ancient Okinawan Martial Art, which preceded modern Karate.  During the early 20th century, the first Karate styles were created to simplify the teaching process, because most teachers lacked the knowledge of Ti. 

From a historical perspective, Ti practitioners consider themselves as those "holding on to the roots of Karate".  And just like the roots sustain a tree, then, "Ti are the roots that sustain the tree of Karate".  On the other hand, styles or ryūha, are only like flowers that live for a short time.  And just like flowers, all styles eventually die or become watered down and meaningless after the founder of each style or lineage passes on.

Listed below, is the Shinjinbukan lineage going back three generations before Onaga Yoshimitsu Kaichō.  The new generation is listed at the top, because according to Onaga Sensei, Ti must always continue the process of evolution. Therefore, today's Karate must be better than that of 100 years ago. Today's Ti practitioners must be better than those of the past.

ONAGA YOSHIMITSU     翁長良光
Kyōshi, Hachi Dan, 8th Dan
Shinjinbukan
       |

ONAGA MICHIKO     翁長美智子
Renshi, Roku Dan, 6th Dan
Shinjinbukan

HIGA YŪCHOKU     比嘉佑直
Hanshi, Jū Dan, 10th Dan
1910 — 1994
Kyūdōkan
       |

CHIBANA CHŌSHIN     知花朝信
Hanshi, Jū Dan, 10th Dan
1885 — 1969
Dai Ichi Dōjō
       |

ITOSU ANKŌ     糸洲安恒
1831 — 1915

To the "untrained eye", Shinjinbukan could be perceived as another Shōrin Ryū School because some of the curriculum is based on "Shōrin Ryū Kata".  Based on this overly simplified approach, the following questions could be answered as:
    — What is your Karate style? Shōrin Ryū
    — What is your Shōrin Ryū lineage? Kobayashi Ryū, which was founded by Chibana Chōshin.  Hence, our Shōrin Ryū lineage is also known as Chibana Ha. 

For more infomation, read: The History of Okinawa Karate Dō