Shinken Taira

1897	Born in Kumejima Island, Okinawa. Registered surname was Maezato.
1920's	In his twenties, Moved to the mainland of Japan
1922	Started to learn Karate under master Gichin Funakoshi
1929	Started to learn Ryukyu classical martial arts under master Moden Yabiku
	In his thirties, he was based at Meisei-juku in Tokyo and Ikaho in Gunma Prefecture to strive for mastery of martial arts.
1940	Returned to Okinawa and established Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai.
	He researched and collected weapon techniques and kata that were buried and dispersed in various regions across the Okinawa Islands. He handed down all kata to a direct disciple Gansho Inoue and ordered him to establish technical system for each weapon.
Sept. 3, 1970	Passed away at Naha city at the age of 73.