THE HISTORY OF UESHIRO SHORIN-RYU KARATE
GRAND MASTER ANSEI UESHIRO
At the request of his sensei, Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine, the founder of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, the landmark decision to leave Okinawa was made and agreed upon by Master Ueshiro and his teachers and students. By special visa of the United States government, Master Ueshiro made the voyage in order to bring the art of Shorin-Ryu to America.
Master Ueshiro is a direct descendant of the Okinawan "Bushi" class of warriors. His father, Anho Ueshiro, was his first teacher, along with Entasu Isaenta and Toguchi Seitoku. From these three main teachers, Master Ueshiro gained much of his karate knowledge, which formed the foundation for his training. Later, he entered the dojo of Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine. As a young man, Ansei Ueshiro brought much to the Okinawan dojo, eventually becoming Chief Instructor at the main dojo in Naha.
“Anyone can learn karate.”
—Master Ansei Ueshiro
Over 50 years ago a young Okinawan man arrived on the shores of Alaska. On September 15, l962, Ansei Ueshiro set foot on mainland USA for the first time. He was one of the first Oriental martial artists to bring karate to this country, and he went on to become one of the most influential karatemen in the world.
Master Ueshiro's fortitude, strength of character, and karate training enabled him to survive and succeed. Master Ueshiro taught karate, opened many dojo in the East and Midwest, and successfully built the organization to what it is today. Presently there is a network of over 100 Shorin- Ryu Karate dojo in the U.S. which directly trace their roots and heritage to Master Ueshiro or his students.
Since 1962 we in the United States have been privileged to enjoy the art of Shorin Ryu Karate as handed down to us by Master Ueshiro. The tradition continues today through Hanshi Robert Scaglione, Master Ueshiro’s chosen successor. The students of Ueshiro Shorin Ryu are the beneficiaries of the dedication and spirit of these two extraordinary individuals.
“The Best time to start training karate is now.”
—Hanshi Robert Scaglione
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