In Memoriam: Kina Toshimitsu, Okinawa Kenpo (1941-2024)
On October 29th, 2024 we learned about the passing of Kina Sensei. I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss his impact on the world of Okinawa Kenpo Karate.
Born October 13th, 1941 and growing up in a post-World-War-II Okinawa, Kina Toshimitsu felt the need to get stronger as he became an early teen. His father told him to study karate and recommended a dojo in Nago. Nago was considered remote in the northern part of the island compared to the populous Naha, but there was a famous school operated by a gentleman named Nakamura Shigeru. Nakamura Sensei was renowned for his technique and striking power and it seemed like a perfect place for Kina to develop his abilities.
As time passed Kina Sensei developed a reputation as a talented fighter. He distinguished himself by winning kumite and kata divisions in the 1960 All Okinawa Open Karate Tournament¹ and placing well in a variety of other competitions. His reputation for kumite drew respect from competitors and dojo-mates alike.
Kina Sensei was a contemporary of other notable Okinawa Kenpo practitioners such as Odo Seikichi, Oyata Seiyu, and Nakamura Taketo.
According to Kiyan Toru, Kina Sensei often ran his classes much like that of Nakamura Sensei himself. There was a focus on individual training, ranging from makiwara to hojo undo to kata. Kumite was held utilizing the protective bogu gear of which Nakamura Sensei was an early adopter. Nakamura Sensei also taught kobudo, which Kina Sensei absorbed while seeking additional correction from Chibana Kenko Sensei². He learned bo, nunchaku, tonfa, and sai, but became very proficient with the sai. He also developed an affinity for the karate kata Kusanku.
Kina Sensei continued to teach throughout the decades, drawing no excess attention to himself and attending many events in a gentlemanly manner. He had an unassuming dojo in Shuri built out of a small community building.
Kina retained a loyal and diligent group of students but also hosted visitors from abroad. I had the good fortune to visit in 2023 to train with sensei.
Visiting Kina Sensei’s Dojo
Walking up and down the hilly streets of Shuri, I almost missed it when I turned the corner. Nestled into a tight pack of larger buildings lay the small community building that acted as the dojo. Before starting class, I took a few minutes to glance around the room and enjoyed the pictures and other paraphernalia that adorned the walls. I noticed the old hojo undo resting outside the quaint building and the ragged heavy bag resting in place after years of use. We began by offering Kina Sensei a small omiyagi (gift) and he in return presented us with old fans that he had found…somewhere. It was a lovely gesture that Josh Simmers told me was a common practice for sensei, like a grandfather picking things up that he thought “the kids” might like.
Kina Sensei began class by inquiring about my training background and asking for a few demonstrations of fitness and technique. Then we got into the kata practice for the day with sensei watching from the corner. Occasionally we would take a moment to ask questions or listened to offered advice, but then we would move on to the next form. At the end of the night we gathered around for snacks and sensei shared stories about old teachers, Okinawa Kenpo, and life on the island.
Although only brief, Kina Sensei granted me a window into the Okinawan spirit of training which I will always be grateful. His students will carry on his efforts and we wish them only the best as they continue to share Kina Sensei’s art.
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Sources and Special Thanks
- Special thanks to Josh Simmers, Jason Perry, and Kiyan Toru for information and resources
- 1: https://okkpotomacshores.com/
- 2: https://www.ikigaiway.com/kiyan-toru/
