Sho Shin

King of Ryukyu

3rd King of the Ryukyu Kingdom whose weapon ban edict (1507) catalyzed the growth of Karate and Kobudo.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1465

Date of Death1/23/1526

Era15th–16th century

Country of OriginOkinawa (Ryukyu Kingdom)

Rank / Title3rd King of Second Sho Dynasty

Active Years1477–1526

Biography

King Sho Shin centralised power in Shuri and prohibited private weapon stockpiling in 1507. This ban forced local Ryukyuans to secretly refine empty-hand Te and Kobudo improvised tool warfare.

Associated Martial Arts

KarateNotable figure→

An Okinawan striking art reshaped in the 20th century into Japanese budo and an Olympic sport. Built on kata and hand and foot techniques.