Our Motobu Udundi comes to us through Taira Sensei and Takamiyagi Sensei. We are privileged to learn this classical Okinawan martial art from native Okinawan teachers. Their understanding of the old Okinawan dialect, very important for translating old documents correctly, and decades of experience are a rare find.
Taira Ryoshu & Takamiyagi Tetsuo
Seikichi Uehara & Taira Ryosyu
Taira Ryoshu
At the age of 79, Taira Sensei moves with the agility and speed of a young man. Jumping in the air, rolling on the floor, or tossing someone around like a rag doll, he demonstrates what decades of practice can do for ones health.
For thirty years Taira Sensei was a direct student of the late headmaster of Motobu Udundi, Seikichi Uehara. Taira Sensei took private classes from 7:00am to 8:30 each morning and classes again each afternoon.
Taira Sensei was a Japanese Zero pilot at the age of 17. When the war ended and the economy of Okinawa improved he eventually came to own several nightclubs, restaurants and other businesses. He has several knife inflicted scars on his arms as undesirable elements frequently had to be removed from his clubs and he gained considerable practical experience. His martial arts techniques reveal the wisdom of someone who knows the difference between sport martial arts and real self-protection.
Taira Sensei is a generous teacher and a kind man. He is possibly the most knowledge "tuidi" (old Okinawan grappling techniques) practitioner alive today, and this is the current focus of his instruction. He also has great knowledge of Udundi weapon skills and dances and enjoys showing the martial applications contained within the dance movements.
Takamiyagi Tetsuo
Takamiyagi Sensei is 68 years of age and, like Taira Sensei, he is incredibly agile. He is fast, powerful, and very knowledgeable and could punch holes through a brick wall. His current effort is to develop a curriculum for the correct teaching of Motobu Udundi.
Takamiyagi Sensei is an immensely qualified teacher. Ranked "Hachidan" (8th black) in Shorin-ryu karate under Eizo Shimabuku, he also studied Goju-ryu karate under the famous Seikichi Toguchi. He began learning Motobu Udundi under Toma Seiki (a direct student of Uehara Seikichi) and later became a student of Taira Sensei. He is ranked "Hachidan" (8th black) in Motobu Udundi.
Once Takamiyagi Sensei believes that you are a serious student, he will push you hard and criticize your technique mercilessly in order to make you get it right. After several visits to Okinawa he may expose you to Motobu Udundi teachers that you would never find on your own. With a few phone calls, he summons incredibly talented, scary and serious people to show you their brutally efficient skills. You wouldn't describe him as warm and fuzzy, but his immense ability make him a teacher worth listening to.
Taira Sensei & Branchaud 2009
Takamiyagi Sensei & Branchaud 2007
Authentic Martial Arts Straight from the Source
(401) 762-2201
Kodokai, Rt. 146A, Park Square, on the Woonsocket / North Smithfield Line
