Sōke Kaichō Kinjō’s early training in kobudō was under Matayoshi Shimpō at the Kodokan dojo in Naha, Okinawa. Sōke Kaichō Kinjō was awarded the rank of kyōshi hachidan by Matayoshi Shimpō, the first to receive such an honor. However, there were differences in philosophy between the master and his number one student that could not be overcome.
Matayoshi Shimpō’s driving purpose was to honor his father by preserving Matayoshi kobudō exactly as he learned it from his father.
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō, always searching for the meaning behind the moves of kata, felt that some aspects of the kobudō kata were showy but impractical and could benefit by an upgrade. Matayoshi, himself, often referred students to Sōke Kaichō Kinjō when asked about bunkai.
Desiring freedom from the restrictions, Sōke Kaichō Kinjō, while retaining great respect for his sensei, went his separate way.
Sōke Kaichō Kinjō’s presentation style and understanding were second to none.
