Nakamura 1892-1969

*Master Nakamura was born in 1892 in the northern town of Nago.  Nakamura learned the basics of Te from his father who unfortunately died when Shigeru was only ten, and his uncle. He then trained under his uncle and his uncle's good friend Choki Motobu.  From Motobu, Nakamura learned free fighting and the Naihanchi kata.     Nakamura studied under Kentsu Yabu and Chomo Hanashiro, two of Itosu's students at the Prefectural Number One School.  Upon graduation from middle school, Nakamura returned to Nago where he continued his training under Shinkichi Kunioshi, the successor to the legendary Naha "Bushi" Sakiyama.  While at the Prefectural Teachers' Training College, Nakamura was able to study with Itosu himself.  In 1953 Nakamura opened his own dojo, simply calling his style Okinawa-te as he disliked the idea of Karate being divided into separate styles. In 1955, Masters Shigeru Nakamura and Zenryo Shimabuku formed "Okinawa Kempo Renmei" in an attempt to unite all Okinawan Karate and raise its status to that of Japanese Kendo and Judo. Though the association disbanded upon Nakamura's death, his students retained the name Okinawa Kempo for their style.  (the above bio on Nakamura Sensei come from a variety of credible resources).

Seiyu Oyata 1928 - 2012

Master Oyata born in 1928 the youngest of 4 sons.  Oyata's first introduction to Okinawa Te was through his father Kana Oyata who was an Okinawan Sumo Champion and is a descendant of the Ryukyu royal class.  During World War II, Taika's father, having already lost three sons in the War, attempted to keep Taika's age (born 1928) a secret. However, despite his attempts, Taika was drafted into the Japanese Navy.  In addition to his military training, Taika had learned several martial arts including Jujitsu, Kendo, Nagenata and Yari.  In 1957 Oyata began studying with Shigeru Nakamura where he learned the 12 empty hand katas taught today, and helped introduce Bogu Kumite to Okinawa. Around 1961 Oyata opened Makiminato Dojo and began a program at the U.S. Special Forces base in Okinawa to promote basic karate and fitness. (the above bio on Oyata Sensei come from a variety of credible resources).

Albert Geraldi

Hanshi Albert O. Geraldi born and raised in Brooklyn New York joined the Army in the early 1960's. Hanshi Geraldi became a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces stationed in Okinawa prior to the US involvement in Vietnam.  Hanshi was an expert in military tactics, explosives, and military training where he coordinated and trained the Vietnamese Rangers and participated in special operations with Vietnamese Mountain Tribesman.  While stationed in Okinawa, Geraldi was introduced to Seiyu Oyata and began his study of Okinawa Te in 1963.  Hanshi Geraldi received his official certification and second degree Black Belt before returning to the US in 1965.  and Hanshi Geraldi is one of three individuals responsible for introducing Ryukyu Kempo to the United States.  Hanshi is a highly decorated New York City Transit Police officer (retired) where served in the subways of NYC during the 1970's and 1980's.  He became a certified instructor and taught police tactics in the NYC Police Academy to complete his distinguished 27 year career. Geraldi is recognized as Master Oyata's oldest and most senior student.  Hanshi to our knowledge is the only living master that hold's Menkyo Kai Den from both Master Nakamura and Master Oyata.  

Anthony Carnemolla

Kyoshi Anthony Carnemolla, born and raised on Long Island, became a personal student of Hanshi Albert O. Geraldi at a very young age.  In 1994/1995 Kyoshi Carnemolla earned his Black belt and received Instructor Development Certification from Hanshi Geraldi.   In 2007 Kyoshi Carnemolla helped reestablished a relationship between Kaicho Amor and Hanshi Geraldi in an effort to further the unification and standardization of authentic Ryukyu Kempo under the Oyata lineage.  In 2010 Kyoshi was honored by the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance with it's prestigious Bushido Award for his dedication to the art, and received the honor title of Kyoshi.

*References:

1. Shigeru Nakamura "A study of the man responsible for Okinawa Kenpo Karate", Written By Matthew Apsokardu
2. http://www.ryukyu-kempo.org/#!repairs/cuy0