Kiyohide Shinjo (新城 清秀), born November 3, 1951, on Ie Island, is a legendary figure in the world of Karate. A master (10th dan) of Uechi-ryu, he is a nine-time all-Okinawa kata and kumite champion. His dominance in Okinawan competition and incredible physical feats earned him the nickname "Okinawa's Superman."
Kiyohide is the son and student of the great Seiyu Shinjo. After his father’s passing in 1981, Kiyohide founded the Kenyukai fraternity within the Uechi-ryu Association to honor his father's memory. "Kenyukai" translates to "Seiyu Shinjo's strong fist group." He took over the family dojo in Kadena, continuing a lineage of excellence that began with his grandfather, Seiryo Shinjo, who was a direct student of Kanbun Uechi.
Shinjo's competitive record is unparalleled; he won first place in both kata and kumite at the Okinawa Championship Tournament for a record nine consecutive years starting in 1970. Beyond his personal victories, he has been a pillar of the martial arts community, serving as the youngest person ever elected as Chairman of the Okinawa Karate Federation Board of Directors (1991-1994).
Due to city redevelopment, the historic Kadena Shubukan dojo closed in 2004, leading Shinjo to open a new dojo in Zakimi (Yomitan), Okinawa. Through the Kenyukai, he continues to oversee senior students and affiliated schools across the globe, preserving the rigorous and powerful traditions of Uechi-ryu for future generations.
Courtesy of OKDKarate
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