Passing of a Master

It is with great sadness that I announce that on July 7, 2012, at 12:10 PM Okinawa time, Kensei Taba, Hanshi, Judan, founder of Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do, passed away.  He had been dealing with some health issues but, as his daughter told me, truly thought he would pull through and return to teaching his students.  However, that was not the case and, surrounded by family, he quietly slipped away.

Those of you who have seen him teach know how amazing his Karate was.  Those of us who knew him know how amazing the man was.  He was the ideal of what a teacher should be.  He was generous with his time and knowledge.  He did not hesitate to teach what he knew to those he knew truly wanted to learn regardless of the time, effort and expense he had to put in.  I have been extremely fortunate having had the opportunity to train directly and closely under this amazing teacher for the past 8+ years.

Taba Sensei had a small group of students who he taught everything he could.  In that time, he has always said he wanted us to spread True Okinawa Karate to others that truly wanted to learn.  That is what we have done and will continue to do.  Shogen-Ryu will continue to be taught and spread in an effort to make Sensei live on for eternity.  On September 23, 2012, Kiyomasa Maeda Sensei was selected as President and Tokashiki Sensei Vice-President of the Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do Association.  If anyone has any questions, please contact me directly.

Tony Partlow, Renshi, 6th-Dan
International Director

Welcome!!

This is the official website of the Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do Association founded by the late Kensei Taba, Hanshi, Judan, and currently headed by the second President, Kiyomasa Maeda, Kyoshi, Hachidan. 

We hope you enjoy all of what this site has to offer.  Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments or if you are interested in arranging training with a certified Shogen-Ryu instructor.