The "Hakuco" or "Hakusturu" Kata was taught to Soken Sensei first on the ground, then on a log, and finally, the log was placed in the water, tried  to stop it from floating away.  The reason for this was balance, which is all-important within the Kata of "Hakusturu".

Hohan Soken was a weapon's expert in the true sense of the word. Although some of his weapons training came from Nabe, Soken would say his main instructors was "Komesu Ushi-No-Tanmei" and "Tsken Mantaka", O'Sensei was very highly skilled in the Bo, Sai, Kama, Tonfa, Kusadi-Kama, and spear.  Although I seldom saw Sensei using the Okinawan Nuchucku. I'm sure he was quite qualified. Sensei Soken's favorite weapons were the "Bo" and  "Kama".

Hohan Soken moved to Buenos Airs, Argentina in 1924, working as a photographer and in the cleaning, and laundry business.  O'Sensei never had a dojo per say, however he did have a small group of students he taught. He gave many demonstrations while living in Argentina.  There was a fairly large Okinawan community in Argentina, so Sensei had many friends.

Soken returned to Okinawa in 1952 and opened a small dojo, he named his dojo "Machimura Sui-De" (Japanese = Matsumura Shuri-Te) Sensei found that the Okinawan Karate had changed, no longer were the instructors teaching the hard ways, they were teaching a much easier Karate now, O'Sensei did not agree with the changes, so he kept to himself. And his old ways of teaching, refusing to join the new Associations.

Soken changed his systems name from Machimura Sui-De to Matsumura Seito (Orthodox) Shorin Ryu Karate-Do in the year of 1956.

Hohan Soken being a truly wise gentleman believed that Okinawa should retain is historical past, becoming a member of the Ryukyu Historical Society he believed that the Hogan (Okinawan language) dialect should be taught to all Okinawan children and its history be taught and saved.

1970 Soken founded the "All Okinawan Kobujutsu Association", this was done in the hopes of preserving the Okinawan weapons and its Kata for the future.

Sensei Soken was a teacher of teachers, a Master of Masters and a true gentleman. Soken was one of Okinawa's best kept secrets not coming to the public eye until the late 1960's to early 1970's.  Ripples believe it or not, posted Hohan Soken as the last living Grand Master of Karate from Samurai heritage.  Back    Home