Who's Who at Kurokawa

Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) is the founder of Shito Ryu  Karate.  Master Mabuni studied under two famous Okinawa masters:  Yatsune Itosu of Shuri Te and Kaneryu Higaonna of Naha Te.   Mabuni  blended their teachings into a new system he called Shito Ryu.  Shito is  a name composed of Japanese characters from both instructors  names.  Shito Ryu distinguishes itself from other styles by  incorporating Kobudo, the art of weaponry.

Shogo Kuniba (1935-1992) was born in the city of Fuji-Yoshida-Shi, son of Kosei  Kuniba.  He began his Karate training at the age of 5 in his father's  Dojo.  At the age of 12, he began training with Master Mabuni in Shito  Ryu and was soon promoted to Shodan.  Master Kuniba trained in Karate, Judo, Iai-do and studied Kobudo under Master Shinken Taira.

Teruo Hayashi (1924-1995)  Master Hayashi began his martial arts career studying Judo  and received his third degree black belt.  After a confrontation  against two karate students in which he lost, he began to study karate  under Kosei Kuniba and Master Mabuni.  With his natural ability and  diligence, he earned his Sho Dan in only six months.  Master Hayashi also studied under Sensei Nakaima of Ryuei Ryu and Sensei Nagamine of the Matsubayashi Ryu.  In his day, Master Hayashi was recognized as one  of the world’s leading experts in Kobudo.

Ryusho Sakagami (1915-1993) was born in Kawanishi City of Japan. In 1934, he became  interested in the art to Karate-Do and Kobudo and was encouraged by his  Sensei to continue his Karate with Master Kenwa Mabuni and Kobudo under  Master Shinken Taira.  Sakagami became famous for his knowledge of all  Japanese Budo and was regarded as a walking encyclopedia of styles,  lineage, technique, and Kata. He also distinguished himself to a level  of 5th Dan in Aikido, 5th Dan in Judo, and 7th Dan in Jukendo (Rifle  & Bayonet).

Dr. Timothy M. Brooks, Soke  (Founder) The son of missionary parents, Grandmaster Brooks traveled to  Japan in the early 1960’s.  While there, Dr. Brooks became interested in  the study of Karate and studied  under Masters Shogo Kuniba, Ryusho  Sakagami and Teruo Hayashi.  During his time in Japan, Dr. Brooks toured  internationally giving Karate demonstrations and specializing in  Tameshi Wari. His love of Karate and faith in God brought him to the  United States in 1970.  Dr. Brooks has graduated over 800 Black Belts  and founded Kurokawa-Ha Shito Ryu Kai

Lady Teruko Kurokawa Brooks was born in Kyusho, Japan.  Spared from the atomic bomb of WW II, she  met Dr. Brooks at his father’s Christian mission where she entrusted her  life to Jesus Christ in 1961.  Her karate career began in 1967 and  continued as she assisted her husband, with their numerous Dojo.  Lady  Teruko, Soke, is a 16th generation daughter of the Kurokawa clan whose  Samurai warriors served under Lord Shimazu of Kagoshima during Feudal  Japan.  Her study of Karate has deepened her appreciation of the martial  arts of her country.  As a mother and grandmother, her concern is for  this generation of children.  She believes Karate plays an important  role in building discipline, courage and character in children,  contributing a positive element for society and the future.

Carmen Teru Diaz,   Shihan Teru has trained under Grandmaster Brooks and Lady Teruko since  1987.  In addition, she has had the honor of training under Master  Hayashi, Master Kenzo Mabuni, Master Ozawa, Master Demura and Master Chinen.  A graduate of Florida State University, she enjoys sports and  holds several National Titles. Ms. Diaz operates Kurokawa Martial Arts  Dojo, home of Team Kurokawa in Florida and is recognized as a Technical Coach by the Amateur Athletic Union. 

Current Instructors, Team Coaches and Sempai at Kurokawa

Renshi Robert Ishikawa Stanley; Dr.  Alex Mamoru Martinez; Ben Okami Diaz; Juan Enrique Togishi Diaz; Julie Burdge; Bruce Tetsujin Lopes

Hatamoto: Dr. Jerry Kuroshin Morris

Alumni or Senior instructors at other locations: Shihan  Dillon Tsuba Fretwell;  Shihan Jay Aki Herbst; Shihan Kita; Shihan Rokki; Renshi Joel Taka Coffin; Renshi Phillip Susumu Sakornsin Bob Chikara Brennan; Dr. Jeff Daitsuke Lentz; Tara Brown; Ed  Benjamin; Halley Hoshiko Deleeuw; Marvin Avilez, Melanie Edmonds; Don Vaccaro; Paige Fire-Dransfield; 

Junior Instructors:  Gunnar Augustinsen; Louie Cualing; Aiden Deforte; Austin Summy; Lucas Summy, Bailey Shimp, Zoya Khan