Kiyohisa Hirano, founder of Heiwa-do Karate:
~ Founder of the Japan International Karate Center
~ 9th degree black belt in Karate
~ 2nd degree black belt in Judo
~ Oriental Medicine, PH.D
~ Qi Gong Master - Shanghai, China
~ Licensed KI Therapist
~ Over 50 years of Martial Arts Experience
HISTORY OF HEIWA-DO KARATE
Since earliest times, 'combat disciplines' have been taught as a means of self-protection on
and off the battlefield. A collection of these disciplines would culminate on the tiny island of Okinawa, in the Ryukyu
Archipelago, and come to be known simply as 'Te' or 'hand'. Evolving from ancient fighting
disciplines, 'Karate-do' or 'Way of the Empty Hand' is a 'martial art'
Influenced by it's strong relationship with China, 'Te' became 'Karate' or 'Tang-te' in
deference to this relationship. In time karate would leave its birthplace and reintroduce itself in Japan. It
would keep it's name, though the meaning of 'Karate' would change from 'Tang hand' to 'Empty hand', and likewise it would
continue to evolve, re-establishing itself in ever greater varieties.
The four major styles of karate in Japan are:
Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, & Shito-ryu
Karate Concepts LLC teaches 'Heiwa-do karate'.
Heiwa-do means the Way of 'Peace' or 'Harmony,' and was created by Soke (founder) Kiyohisa
Hirano (b. 1938-d.2009). Soke Hirano was a student of Shihan (master) Hironori Otsuka (b.1892-d.1982), the founder of
Wado-ryu karate.
Shihan Otsuka, already a Grand Master of Shindo Yoshin-ryu jiu-jitsu, became a top student of
Sensei (teacher) Gichin Funakoshi (b.1868-d.1957), the founder of the Shotokan style of karate. Shihan Otsuka combined
aspects of jiu-jitsu and kendo with karate to create the Wado-ryu style of karate. Shihan Otsuka is credited with the
introduction of 'kumite' (sparring) as a staple of mainstream karate training.
Having visited Hawaii to demonstrate karate with Shihan Otsuka in early 1962, Kiyohisa Hirano
(the 1960 All-Japan Kumite Champion), returned in July of that same year to begin what would become his gift and legacy
to the people of Hawaii and abroad.
Founded as a complete system encompassing elements from all four major traditions, and a code
of conduct emphasizing ethics, morals, and social responsibilities, Heiwa-do is more than just another cobbled together fighting
style or combat sport. It is an 'art', truly dedicated to the 'self-refinement' of it's practioners. It is 'karate-do'.
"The purpose of Heiwa-do karate is not to conquer others, but to conquer the weaknesses
within oneself."
~ Kiyohisa Hirano ~
