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 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 is the founder of 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.
Carmen Bujo 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 in education, she enjoys sports and holds several National Titles. Ms.Diaz operates Fort Myers Karate, previously known as Kurokawa Martial Arts, home of FMK Competition Team and is recognized as a Technical Coach by the Amateur Athletic Union.
Current Instructors, Team Coaches and Sempai at Fort Myers Karate
Renshi Robert Ishikawa Stanley; Dr. Alex Mamoru Martinez; Ben Okami Diaz; Juan Enrique Togishi Diaz; Julie Tsuru Burdge; Bruce Tetsujin Lopes, Jodi Michiko Riggins
Junior Instructors: Gunnar Augustinsen;G Louie Cualing; Aiden Deforte, Bailey Shimp, Zoya Khan, Marcus Cualing, Donovan Simmons
Alumni or Senior instructors at other locations: 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;