• The Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Kokusai Kenkyukai (International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society) is an information based world-wide organization dedicated to studying, the origins, evolution & tactical application theories of traditional karate & Okinawan kobudo.

• Our membership is aimed at bringing together a new generation of more progressive learner seeking to better understand the true history and application practices of the original art, and not afraid to step outside their own peer group to find it. 

• Our information-base brings together the product of generations of experience for the purpose of sharing with its membership. 

• As an organization we encourage membership candidates from any & all Japanese & Okinawan-based traditional karate styles.  

• Originally founded in Japan in 1989 by Patrick McCarthy to serve a limited group of foreign enthusiasts interested in his research and publications, the Society ultimately opened its doors to the general public in 1996 to meet the numerous and varying demands of a more progressive learner.  

• We are widely recognized for our HAPV-theory, 2-person drills, quarterly Journal and comprehensive English translations which include many original books and historical documents; "The Bible of Karate- The Bubishi;" Matsumura’s 1882 "Seven Precepts of Bu, and his 1885 Zaiyunomei;" Itosu’s 1908 "Ten Lessons;" Miyagi Chojun’s 1934 "Outline of Karatedo;" the minutes of the famous 1936 "Meeting of the Okinawan Masters;" Motobu Choki's "Watashi no Karate-jutsu," Taira Shinken’s 1964 "Encyclopedia of Kobudo;" Funakoshi Gichin's early [1914 thru 1934] writings, and Nagamine Shoshin’s "Biographies of Karate & Tegumi Masters," to name the most important ones. 

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