Takahara Peichin

Takahara, Peichin was born in the village of Akata Cho in Southern Shuri on the island of Okinawa in the year of 1683. He was of the upper class in Okinawan feudal society. One would then assume that he would be well educated as well as traveled. He was known as an astronomer and map maker. His maps of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands were used in 1797 in Japan's plans to prevent further European intrusions into the region. The Ryukyus were looked upon as the first lines of defense from the south.

One of Takahara's top students was Sakugawa, later to be known as Tode Sakugawa at his sensei's final wish on his death bed.

Takahara Peichin was a general practitioner. His philosophy has been passed on through the lineage of such as Sakugawa, Matsumura, Itosu, Funakoshi and many others ... the master believed that, "Karate Jutsu is a way of life, the way to understand and preserve Karate Jutsu is through kata, and through kata actual fighting techniques can be taught."

This is the essence of Takahara Peichin's legacy. He passed away in 1762 knowing that Sakugawa would fulfill his visions and set the course for the future of all of Karate Jutsu.

Among his achievements, receiving the title to be addressed "Peichin", for distinguished service.

By Hanshi Gary Legacy