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 1941 - 2023

Hanshi Albert O. Geraldi  was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Army Special Forces as a Green Beret.  While stationed in Okinawa he met Seiyu Oyata and joined his dojo as a student  of Okinawa Te in 1963.  Hanshi Geraldi received his official teaching certification and second degree Black Belt before returning to the US in 1965.  Hanshi Geraldi is responsible for introducing Ryukyu Kempo to the United States.  Hanshi was a decorated New York City Transit Police Officer and NYPD academy instructor.  Hanshi leaves a legacy of dedication to the preservation of the original teachings of Okinawa Karate-do.  

Anthony Carnemolla

Kyoshi Anthony Carnemolla, became a personal student of Hanshi Albert O. Geraldi at a very young age.  A year after being awarded Teacher Certification in 1995, Kyoshi opened his first association sanctioned dojo in Commack, NY.  In 2001 Kyoshi moved his dojo in Smithtown, NY.  In 2019 Kyoshi relocated to Palm Beach, Florida where he continues to teach privately and advance the art.  Several of his senior students have gone out to open schools on Long Island, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.  Kyoshi supports and collaborates with many Senior Certified Instructor of Oyata Sensei around the country.

*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