Kōsaku Matsumora (松茂良 興作), a prominent figure in Okinawan martial arts, is revered as a bushi (warrior) and the central figure for cultivating fighting traditions in and around Tomari village. Born in 1829 in Tomari village, Ryūkyū Kingdom, specifically on the west side of Tomari near the school in Zukeyama district, he passed away in November 1898 at the age of 70 (or 68-69).
Matsumora was born into the Yuji clan, being the first son of Matsumora Koten and an indirect descendant of the first Sho king. He had two brothers and four sisters. As a child, he was known by the name Tarukane, and in Chinese, he was called Yuikan. Physically, Matsumora was described as rather short in height, yet possessing wide shoulders and a massive chest, indicative of a muscular build. His upbringing as a youth entailed a comprehensive education in both social etiquette and the combative skills expected of a bushi.
Matsumora’s martial arts training began in his childhood under distinguished masters:
- Uku Giko (also known as Karyu Uku) (1800-1850), under whom he studied diligently for three years in the master’s courtyard. This early training focused on building a strong foundation, emphasizing leg mobility and the generation of power from the hips. Uku taught him the three kata known in Tomari as Naihanchi.
- Kishin Teruya (1804-1864) was another principal teacher. Matsumora’s training with Master Teruya often took place at the family tomb, a setting chosen due to Matsumora’s talent, modesty, and genuine character, and his deep understanding of the principles of shingitai (spirit, technique, body). It was at this sacred site that master and disciple sincerely exchanged vows, reinforcing Matsumora’s commitment and enthusiasm for his training. An anecdote describes a recluse, nicknamed Furuherin, who lived in a nearby cave and secretly observed their training. One day, after Matsumora executed a kick with a sharp kiai during solo practice, he made eye contact with the recluse, who, surprisingly nonchalant given the secrecy of martial arts practice, merely turned and stepped back into his cave. Matsumora, sensing something special about the recluse, reported the incident to Teruya, who advised him to visit the mysterious man himself.
- Matsumora also studied Jigen-ryū jojutsu under Chatan Yara, a master of several combative traditions who was superintendent of the King’s riding stable in Makibaru. This period of study deepened Matsumora’s understanding of various fighting traditions.
While some sources suggest he was also a student of Anan (or Ason), a Chinese castaway who resided in Tomari and from whom Tomari-te is said to have stemmed, the primary sources consistently credit Uku Giko and Kishin Teruya as his main teachers.
Kōsaku Matsumora’s impact on karate was significant, particularly for his role in shaping the Tomari-te style. He is recognised for his emphasis on morality within martial arts. His direct contributions to kata include:
- Teaching the three Naihanchi kata, which he learned from Uku Giko.
- Transmitting his unique version of the kata Chinto to his student Chōtoku Kyan, distinguishing it from Sōkon Matsumura‘s version.
- Teaching the Passai kata to Motobu Chōki. His style, known as Matsumora-type Tomari-te, influenced new generations of martial artists.
Matsumora’s teachings produced several influential students who went on to become prominent masters themselves:
- Motobu Chōki (1870-1944) relentlessly sought instruction from Matsumora, eventually learning Naihanchi and Passai kata. Motobu also secretly observed Matsumora’s tegumi (grappling/fighting) lessons. Motobu’s intense focus on practical fighting and sparring can be traced to his foundational training, including that with Matsumora.
- Chōtoku Kyan (1870-1945) was taught Matsumora’s version of Chinto kata. Kyan, along with Yabu Kentsu, visited the then-51-year-old Matsumora in 1879, described as “honestly curious but hopelessly green seekers”.
- Other notable students include Toguchi Kodatsu, Iha Kama, Higa Maeda Pechin, Chojin Kuba, Seiyu Nakasone, and Gisei Maeda. Chojin Kuba, in particular, became the first teacher of Shoshin Nagamine, the founder of Matsubayashi-ryū.
Kōsaku Matsumora is remembered for several remarkable events that underscore his prowess and character:
- The most famous anecdote is the “Wet Towel” incident. At the age of 20, Matsumora gained widespread fame by disarming an angry Satsuma overlord. He used a moist Japanese towel, which he habitually carried concealed, to hit the astonished samurai. He then grabbed the sword but lost a thumb in the process, throwing both the thumb and the sword into the nearby Asato River. This act instantly made him an Okinawan folk hero.
- He is also remembered for preventing a sword-wielding Satsuma samurai from harming Tomari villagers. Following this act, he secluded himself in obscurity in a remote part of Nago to avoid repercussions.
- In 1879, coinciding with the abdication of King Shotai and the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Matsumora, then 51, demonstrated his unwavering power and skills. He notably protected specific village property and a communal endowment known as the Neewagumuchi, named after Governor Yamazato Choken, from confiscation by the Meiji Government. His efforts thwarted Japanese officials, becoming a classic example of Tomari honour and tradition.
Kōsaku Matsumora’s enduring legacy is deeply embedded in the history of Okinawan karate. He is celebrated as a great bujin (martial artist) who consistently demonstrated dedication to the virtues, values, and principles of martial arts (karate-dō) throughout his life, both before and after the political changes in Okinawa. His life stands as a testament to loyalty, unselfishness, and true honour for the Okinawan people (Uchinanchu).
To commemorate his life and contributions, a monument (kenshohi) was erected in his honour on May 8, 1983, in Tomari’s Arayashiki park. The epitaph, written by Shoshin Nagamine, summarizes his life: “Kōsaku Matsumora (1829-98) was born in Tomari village. Remarkably talented, the bushi from Tomari was a man who took full advantage of his small but powerful body. As a youth, Matsumora studied the fighting traditions of Tomari village under Uku Giko and Teruya Kishin. Under the astute tutelage of teachers like Uku and Teruya, so too did Matsumora ultimately distinguish himself as a brave bujin. He became well known for his chivalry and vibrant spirit, and was well remembered for once preventing a sword-wielding Satsuma samurai from harming Tomari villagers. Then, in an effort to avoid any subsequent repercussions, he confined himself to obscurity in a remote part of Nago. Matsumora is also remembered for his efforts to protect specific village property and a special communal endowment in the name of Governor Yamazato Choken, known as the Neewagumuchi. By 1879, both the property and legal tender of this sizable contribution were in danger of being confiscated by the Meiji Government after the King abdicated and the kingdom was abolished. However, the efforts of Japanese officials to confiscate the special assets of Tomari village were thwarted thanks in large part to the efforts of Bushi Matsumora and his diligence”.
His profound influence ensures that his contributions will live on forever within the martial arts community.
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