Intangible Cultural Asset Holder | Original Okinawan Karate

Designated Authentic

Background and Cultural Significance

The designation is made according to Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Property Protection Ordinance.

Intangible Cultural Properties consist of human "technical artistry", embodied by individuals who represent the highest mastery of the techniques concerned.

In order to preserve and pass on traditional karate techniques, which are an outstanding cultural heritage, Okinawa Prefecture designates prefectural holders of intangible cultural assets for "Okinawa Karate and Kobujutsu".

So far, a total of 20 people have been designated as Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property Holders: 3 in 1997, 6 in 2000, 5 in 2013, and 6 in 2020.

The full list pictured here is on display at the Okinawa Karate Kaiken, and listed below. Click the image to zoom.

On display at the OkinawaKarate Kaikan
Prefectural Karate Museum and Research Institute

Lifetime Students

of Designated Masters

As their students, we've had the unique privilege of training directly under several of these Living Human Treasures from the beginning.

Katsuya Miyahira, Hanshi 10th Dan. Senior student of Choshin Chibana and 2nd OSKK President. We have over 20+ years of training under him during his visits to the US, and our trips to Okinawa. Sensei Miyahira reviewed and certified our Dan testing up until his passing in 2010.

Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan. Head of the North American Shidokan Association and senior student of Miyahira Sensei, he was the highest-ranking master in the US until his passing in 2024. Our instructors each have 30-40 years of training under Sensei Iha.

Morinobu Maeshiro, Hanshi 10th Dan. A senior student of Miyahira Sensei in Okinawa, and current President of the OSKK. We are students of Maeshiro Sensei.

Kiyoshi Tsuha, Hanshi 10th Dan in Kobudo and a Vice President of the OSKK. In November 2025 he received the Okinawa Prefecture Cultural Merit Award for his lifetime of contributions and mastery in Kobudo (weapons).