The Hawaiian Islands have produced many fine martial artists. Many of the post war martial artists began their training with Master Mitose a Japanese minister. His students include Professor Chow (Kenpo), Ed Parker (American Kenpo Karate), Bobby Lowe (Kyokushin Karate), Manny Delacruz, Sonny Emperado, Marino Tiwanak (Kajukenbo) and Masaichi Oshiro.
Masaichi Oshiro, a first generation Hawaiian born of Okinawan heritage, began his karate with his father in Okinawa-te. In the 1950’s he was recruited into the military and during his service he did a tour of duty in Okinawa and Japan. In Okinawa he trained at the dojo of Master Yagi Meitoku of the Okinawa Goju Ryu. After Completion of his tour in Okinawa Master Oshiro was recommended to Yamaguchi’s Goju-Kai dojo in Tokyo. Master Oshiro trained intensively for a short period with Gogen Yamaguchi and his senior students.
On Master Oshiro’s return to Hawaii, he officially founded the Hawaiian division of Goju-Kai. The reputation of the Hawaii division was achieved because of the high standards set by Master Oshiro. The standard of Hawaiian karate attracted visiting martial artist such as Master Mas Oyama, Master Nakayama and the Japan National team instructors – Kase, Kanazawa, Enoeda, Shirai, Mikami, Mori and Asai.
Gogen Yamaguchi Senseii
In 1966 Master Masaichi Oshiro on behalf of the Hawaiian division of the Goju-Kai invited Yamaguchi sensei and his son Goshi to Hawaii. This visit was Yamaguchi sensei’s first visit to the west and the occasion was marked by a massive demonstration tournament in Honolulu. On this occasion it was noted that Miyagi Chojun and Gogen Yamaguchi both came to the west via Hawaii.
During this visit a student of Oshiro sensei, Tino Ceberano was graded to 3rd Dan by Yamaguchi sensei. Master Ceberano was born on the island of Kauai. In his youth a returned Korean war veteran introduced him to Karate. After relocating to the island of Honolulu he trained in Kempo for a couple of years. A senior student assistant instructor of Master Oshiro, Master Antone Navas met and befriended Master Ceberano at a party.
Master Ceberano was invited to train with Master Navas and his cousin Master Rodney Hu, who later became a senior instructor of Shihan Gosei Yamaguchi’s Headquarters of the USA Goju-Kai. Master Ceberano later joined the US Marines and toured the Pacific, while on duty in the Pacific he visited Australia where he met and married his wife. Master Ceberano returned to Hawaii with his wife and continued his study of Goju.
In the late 1960’s many prominent Hawaiian martial artists such as Richard Kim, Ed Parker, Al Gene Caraulia, Mr. Doversola, Ed Hamile and Mr Adlawan migrated to the USA and successfully spread karate. Master Ceberano and his family were given the opportunity to migrate to Australia and propagate Goju-Kai.
In preparation for the trip Master Ceberano trained for a full year under the watchful eye of Master Oshiro. Each working day was followed by an intensive workout with Master Oshiro in his private dojo. Twice a week Master Ceberano taught in the evenings at the dojo of the Goju-Kai (Judd Street Branch). He also trained with the main dojo located in a Japanese temple (McCully Street).
The visit of Yamaguchi sensei and his son proved opportune, as Yamaguchi sensei approved of Master Ceberano’s migration and insured the success of Master Ceberano’s plan by having Goshi Yamaguchi conduct special coaching in advanced techniques. Gogen Yamaguchi, his son and all the members of the Hawaii division, attended the departure of the Ceberano family.