Gima, Makoto
Master Makoto Gima was born on September 28, 1896 in Okinawa. After graduating
from Okinawa Shihan Gakko (Higher Normal Scool), Mr. Gima studied in Tokyo
at Shoka Daigaku (presently Hitotsubashi University). In 1912, under the
guidance of both Masters A. Itotsu and K. Yabe, Mr. Gima chose the way
of karate.
Although he was weak since infancy, it was through his study of karate
that he became healthy and strong. Eventually he became an Okinanwan born
master of two ways - martial arts and scholastic studies.
In 1922, Master Gichin Funakoshi (later to be the founder of the Shotokan
School of Karate) travelled from Okinawa to Tokyo and established a dojo
at Meisei-Juku (a dormitory for Okinawan students). It was there that
Mr. Gima followed Master Funakoshi's instruction and participated as Assistant
Instructor at the first karate dojo on mainland Japan.
Near this time, Judo Grand-Master Jigoro Kano requested a karate demonstration
at the Kodokan (Judo headquarters). As Master Funakoski's assistant, Mr.
Gima drilled in the kata Tekki Shodan, while Master Funakoshi drilled
in Kanku-dai. Kihon kumite was also displayed.
Later, for the purpose of karate expansion in Japan, Mr. Gima participated
as a partner with Master Funakoshi. In March 1923, Master Funakoshi promoted
Makoto Gima to the rank of first degree black belt. In January 1956, Mr.
Gima received his tenth degree black belt from Master Kanken Toyama of
the Karatedo Shudokan. During Master Gima's karate history, he had the
opportunity to observe the formation of the Shoto-kai, as well as the
Japan Karate Association.
After graduating from Hitotsubashi University in 1923, Mr. Gima entered
the teaching profession and taught at Kumamoto Commercial School; at Maebashi
Commercial High School; at Yamagata Commercial School; and served as principal
at Kofu Commercial High School. Mr. Gima was also employed at the Kajima
Corporation Company.
While making karate the mainstay of his life, Mr. Gima successfully held
the posts of Advisor to the Shudokan, President of the Okinawan Karate
Association, President of the Shibuya-ku Karate Federation, President
of the Shutoken Karatedo Association, Advisor for the Japan Karatedo Federation,
Technical Advisor for the All Japan Karatedo Rengo Kai, President of the
Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association, and was the number one instructor
(Saiko Shihan) of the Kajima Corporation Karate Club.
Significant events in the life of Master Makoto Gima:
Born in Okinawa September 28, 1896.
Graduated from Toyko Shoka Daigaku, now Hitotsubashi University,
1912.
Commenced Karate-do under Shihan A. Itosu and Shihan-dai K. Yabu,
1922.
Assistant instructor for Master Gichin Funakoshi at Meisho Juyuku Dorm
Dojo, Tokyo. Karate demonstration at Kodokan under the promotion of Judo
Grand Master J. Kano. Funakoshi Sensei performed Kanku-dai; Gima Sensei
performed Tekki Shodan.
Helped Karate development as a partner of Master Funakoshi,
1923.
Received Shodan certificate from Master Funakoshi.
Assisted as a technical advisor for the establishment of Shoto-kai and
Japan Karate Association.
Continued training and assisting at Funakoshi Sensei's Miesho-Jyuku Dojo
Continued his career as a teacher and principal at many schools
after World War II.
Hired by the Kajima Corportion.
Advisor for Shudokan.
President for Okinawa Karatedo Association, for Shibutaku Karatedo Federation
and Shutoken Karatedo Federation.
Shaiko Shihan for Kajima Corporation Club.
Advisor to the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization.
President for Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association, 1956.
Presented 10th degree by Master Kanken Toyama of the Shidokan.
Reproduced with permission of Bino Felix, Technical Director
Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association: http://www.gima-ha.ca/index.html.
(Edited for punctuation and clarity)
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