Kōri Hisataka

Who was Kōri Hisataka?

Masayoshi Kori Hisataka was the founder of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate.

Born in Shuri, he was a descendant of Seiwa, the 56th Emperor of Japan. He studied karate, kobudo and jujutsu, most notably karate from Chotoku Kyan and weapons from kobudo pioneer, Sanda Kanagusuku. He also learned the Kudaka family art of weapons known as Shishiryu, and the family art of Okinawa-te from his father, an uncle and his grandfather. Hisataka completed a period of service in the Japanese military.

In August 1930 he toured Taiwan with Chotoku Kyan and Ryosei Kuwae demonstrating karate at the Taipei Butokuden and participating in a number of challenge matches. Upon returning to Japan he studied judo at the Kodokan with Sanpo Toku and achieved 4th dan within a year of training. He studied kendo and competed at Police Department competitions.

During World War II, he was sent to Manchuria and assigned as a station master along the railway at various locations. When possible he would practice karate and judo, and studied Chinese martial arts with a master of Hakkyoku kempo. He is credited with saving both Chinese and Japanese lives during his stint as station master.