SHORIN RYU KARATE HISTORY
Master Haruka Nakama
Master Nakama was born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1927. As a child, he encountered the Zingen-Ryu school of swordsmanship, which inspired him to pursue martial arts.
He initially learned Karate from his older brother before becoming a student of Okuhara Bunei. According to historical records, Master Akhara’s martial art was passed down from Chotoku Kyan, a highly respected master. Master Nakama’s Karate style was dynamic, reflecting not only technical prowess but also his strong character.
At one point, Ikki Kaziwara, a celebrated Japanese comic artist, expressed his desire to write stories about Nakama’s life. However, Nakama, known for his humility, declined the offer. In January 1998, he shared a profound insight with the author of his obituary, stating:
“Karate is art. If you don’t have a beautiful soul or an honest mind, you will never achieve perfect Karate form.”
The Yusuri Technique
Nakama developed a unique Karate tactic called “Yusuri.” As described in the obituary, it involved subtly shaking the body while executing a kick, making the strike faster and sharper. Nakama explained that “the most important thing is to move your toes like drawing a circle.”
The author of the obituary (whose name is not mentioned in the text) concluded the tribute by describing Master Nakama as a “Samurai” who preserved the traditional martial art of Okinawan Karate and passed it on to future generations.
The Legacy of Haruka Nakama
Nakama, a student of Okuhara Bunei, trained in Chotoku Kyan’s Karate (1870–1945) in the late 1940s and went on to establish a thriving Karate school in Japan. One of his notable students from the 1950s, Richard Nilsson, later founded a Dojo in Chicago, Illinois, which led to the global expansion of Shorin-Ryu Karate, with branches in Europe, South America, and the United States.
Nakama passed away on January 10, 2010, at the age of 84. He was honored with the title of Grandmaster of the Japan Karate Shorin-Ryu School for his lifelong contributions to martial arts.
Shorin-Ryu Lineage
- Bushi Matsumura (1798–1890)
- Kyan Chotoku (1870–1945)
- Bunei Okuhara (1917–1963)
- Haruka Nakama (1927–2010)
- Richard Nilsson (Godan Rank)
- Glenn Bechtold (1939–2017)
- Freddy Torres (1975-present)
- Leonardo Gil Beroes (1979-present)
A Pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate in Venezuela
Sensei Glenn Bechtold was a trailblazer in the world of Shorin Ryu Karate, becoming a key figure in introducing and developing the discipline in Venezuela.
In the late 1960s, during a time when Venezuela was an attractive destination for international influences, Sensei Glenn made the life-changing decision to relocate there. He identified so deeply with the country and its people that he remained in Venezuela for over 50 years.
Establishing the First Shorin Ryu Karate Dojo in Latin America
Soon after arriving in Maracay, Venezuela, Sensei Glenn founded the first Shorin Ryu Karate dojo in Latin America.
A Link Between Continents
As an advanced student of the Grand Patriarch, GoDan Richard Nilsson, Sensei Glenn played a crucial role in connecting Venezuela with the United States of America. This was part of a broader effort initiated by Go Dan, fostering international knowledge exchange between the U.S. and Japan in the realm of Karate.
A Legacy of Influence and Discipline
Sensei Glenn’s strict discipline and commitment to martial arts earned him great respect. His influence extended beyond his dojo, shaping the younger generations and garnering recognition from community leaders and parents alike.
Over time, Shorin Ryu Karate became a source of pride in the city of Maracay, with its values of discipline, respect, and perseverance becoming deeply embedded in the local martial arts culture.
Through the years, Sensei Glenn trained and mentored hundreds of students. Many of them became lifelong karatekas, passing on the teachings of Shorin Ryu Karate in Venezuela and across the world.
Among his first students were Freddy Torres, Carlos Gil Beroes, Leonardo Gil Beroes, Franco Melandri, who demonstrated extraordinary skill and discipline from a young age. Their bond and dedication to Karate remained strong throughout their lives.
A Lasting Impact
Sensei Glenn was not just a master of Karate, but an extraordinary human being. He dedicated his life to empowering young people, and his legacy remains legendary in Maracay and beyond.
Sadly, he passed away in 2017, leaving behind a profound impact on his students, colleagues, and loved ones. Those who had the privilege of training under him remember his teachings, discipline, and unique approach to Karate.
Countless stories of his wisdom and dedication continue to be shared. His memory will forever live in the hearts of his family, students, and friends.
Always present among us.
By Diego Armando Briceño
Copyright © 2019-2020 by O.S.R.K.F. All rights reserved.
Sensei Glenn Bechtold
Sensei Leonardo Gil Beroes
Mr. Gil Beroes started his Karate journey in 1967 in Maracay, Venezuela, initially practicing Shito Ryu under Sensei Isiyama Kuriyama. His academic pursuits led him to Europe, where he studied French at Bordeaux University and later pursued interior design at the Art School of London and chemistry at Birmingham University. In 1980, Leonardo joined the Shorin Ryu Karate Family, attaining a Brown Belt in 1982 and achieving Black Belt (Shodan) status by 1985. Convinced that Shorin Ryu Karate was his life’s path, he returned to Europe in 1995, establishing the first Shorin Ryu Karate Dojo in Amsterdam in 2009.
With no instructors teaching his style initially, Sensei Gil Beroes opened the Dojo to the public at the Pijp Sport Centrum in 2009. Regular visits to Italy to train with Sensei Freddy Torres enhanced his expertise, culminating in earning his Second Degree Black Belt (Nidan) in 2013 and his Third Dan (Sandan) in 2014 during the inaugural international event of the OSRKF Federation, co-founded by Sensei Gil Beroes.
In October 2020, he attained the Fourth Degree Black Belt (out of five), marking his continuous dedication to mastery. Presently, Sensei Gil Beroes owns the largest European Shorin Ryu Traditional Karate Federation Dojo located in Amsterdam.
The Shorin Ryu Karate Amsterdam Dojo stands as a testament to its strong foundation and aims to perpetuate the legacy of esteemed masters: Haruka Nakama, Godan Richard Nilsson, Sensei Glenn Bechtold, and Godan Freddy Torres.
