History of Seiyo Shorin-Ryu
Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai synthesized classical Okinawan striking, palace-hand grappling, traditional weaponry, and modern application under a unified system certified by international grandmaster authorities.
Soke Shodai W. Dan Hausel
Founded in 1999, Seiyo Shorin-Ryu was established by Soke W. Dan Hausel (12th Dan). Hausel began his martial arts journey in 1964 in Kyokushin Kaikan and spent decades studying Shotokan, Shorin-Ryu, Kempo, Okinawan Kobujutsu, and Samurai arts. In 1999, the Zen Kokusai Soke Budo Bugei Renmei (ZKSBBR)—a grandmaster sanctioning body under Juko-Kai International—officially certified Hausel as Soke Shodai (1st Generation Grandmaster) of the system.
Dr. Rod Sacharnoski (Juko-Kai International)
In 1992, Hausel joined Juko-Kai International under the direct mentorship of Dr. Rod Sacharnoski (12th Dan). Sacharnoski served as Hausel's primary mentor and master teacher, sanctioning the creation of Seiyo Shorin-Ryu and granting Hausel high-master ranks over several decades.
Master Shian Toma (Okinawa Seidokan)
Master Shian Toma (1929–2013), founder of Okinawa Seidokan, appointed Dr. Rod Sacharnoski and Juko-Kai International as the official U.S. representative body for Seidokan Karate, Kobudo, and Toide. Through this direct Okinawan connection, Seiyo Shorin-Ryu maintains strong roots in Master Toma's composite lineage, which incorporates:
- Shorin-Ryu (Seibukan): Traditional Okinawan open-hand forms (kata) under Zenryo Shimabukuro (Kyan Chotoku lineage).
- Motobu-Ryu / Toide: Okinawan palace-hand joint locks and grappling learned directly from 13th Generation Grandmaster Seikichi Uehara.
- Okinawa Kenpo: Hard-contact striking methodology under Shigeru Nakamura.
- Ryukyu Kobudo: Traditional weapons systems including Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Kama, and Tuifa.