Toyama Kanken one of the Great Grandfathers of Modern Taekwondo

Most of Toyama Kanken’s martial arts training was under Anko Itosu of Shuri although he also trained in Tote-jitsu with Kanryo Higaonna and studied Okinawan weapons under Chosin Chibana. Toyama taught Karate at Nihon University and in 1946 formed that All Japan Karate-do Renmei (association).

Toyama was born on September 24th 1888 in Shuri, Okinawa, where he began his Tote training under Master Itarashiki at in 1897 at the tender age of 9 years old. Later he became a serious student Master Itosu Anko , and in 1907 Toyama became Itosu's assistant at the Shuri dojo. He studied with and taught for Itosu until his death in 1915. He also trained to a lesser degree with Master Higaonna Kanryo. Toyama rounded out his martial arts studied by learning traditional Okinawan weapons (Kobudo) under Masters Oshiro, Chibana, and Tani.

Like his master Itosu, and Gishin Funakoshi , Toyama Kanken also became an elementary school teacher. Toyama was one of only two students to be granted the title of Shihanshi (protege); Gichin Funakoshi was the other to receive this title from Itosu.

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Yours in the Spirit of Wisdom

Childan Sam Naples
Grandmaster Chun Taekwondo Jidokwan
www.taekwondo-4self-mastery.com