Our Karate Lineage – Following the Path Back to Funakoshi
One of the most important aspects of traditional karate is understanding where our training comes from. Every technique, kata, principle, and dojo custom that we practise today has been passed from teacher to student through generations of dedicated karateka. The movements we perform in kihon, the lessons we learn through kata, and the values we strive to uphold are all part of a tradition that stretches back more than a century.
In modern times it is easy to focus solely on grades, competitions, or technical achievement, but traditional karate is about much more than physical skill. It is a living martial art built upon the knowledge, experience, and character of those who came before us. Understanding our lineage helps us appreciate not only what we practise, but also why we practise it.
At Kokoro Shotokan Karate, our students are part of a lineage that can be traced directly back to the founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi. Through the instructors who have guided and influenced our instructor Sensei Paul Cooper’s own karate journey, we inherit two distinct but closely connected Shotokan lineages. Together, they form an unbroken chain linking our dojo to some of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese karate.
The Origins of Our Lineage
The story begins with Gichin Funakoshi, widely regarded as the father of modern karate. Born in Okinawa in 1868, Funakoshi devoted his life to promoting karate as a means of physical development, character building and self-improvement. Through his teaching and writing, karate spread from Okinawa to mainland Japan, where it would eventually grow into one of the world’s most widely practised martial arts.
Among Funakoshi’s most influential students was Masatoshi Nakayama. As Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Nakayama played a pivotal role in standardising and developing Shotokan Karate following the Second World War. Through his leadership, technical expertise and extensive publications, Shotokan spread across the globe and became the foundation upon which many modern karate organisations were built.
It is through Nakayama’s students and successors that our own lineage reaches us today.
Sensei Paul’s Karate Journey
He began his Shotokan karate journey and achieved Shodan in 1987 under the grading authority of Shiro Asano Sensei. Although Asano Sensei was his primary grading officer rather than his regular instructor, he played an important role in the development and progression through the grades. Asano Sensei, who worked closely within Hirokazu Kanazawa’s organisation, was instrumental in spreading traditional Shotokan Karate throughout the United Kingdom and influenced many karateka of Sensei Paul’s generation.
During his formative years in karate, he had the privilege of training under Sensei Chico Mbakwe, one of Wales’ most respected Shotokan instructors. His guidance helped shape Sensei Paul’s understanding of traditional Shotokan Karate and reinforced the values of discipline, humility, perseverance and mutual respect that remain central to our dojo today.
There is also a historical connection between Asano Sensei and Sensei Tony Conroy, who trained with Asano during the late 1960s. This provides an additional link between the instructors who have influenced Paul’s karate journey and demonstrates how closely connected the karate community has often been.
Later, as a 2nd Dan, Sensei Paul established a close association with Sensei Tony Conroy of the highly respected Conroy Karate Group in Leicestershire. Sensei Conroy achieved his Shodan in 1974 and subsequently graded from 1st Dan through to 3rd Dan under the legendary Keinosuke Enoeda, attaining his Sandan at the famous Red Triangle Club in Liverpool, one of the most iconic venues in British karate history.
Sensei Conroy was widely respected for his technical ability, traditional approach, and commitment to maintaining high standards of Shotokan Karate. His knowledge and experience provided valuable guidance throughout Sensei Paul’s own development as both a karateka and instructor.
When Kokoro Shotokan Karate was founded in 2017, Sensei Conroy became our Chief Instructor. His guidance, encouragement and vast experience helped shape the club during its formative years. He remained a valued mentor, trusted friend, and source of inspiration until his passing in 2021. His influence continues to be reflected in the standards, values, and spirit of our dojo.
Through these instructors, the students of Kokoro Shotokan Karate inherit a direct connection to some of the most respected and influential figures in the history of Shotokan Karate.
Lineage One – Through Shiro Asano and Chico Mbakwe
Gichin Funakoshi
↓
Masatoshi Nakayama
↓
Shiro Asano
↓
Chico Mbakwe
↓
Paul Cooper
↓
Kokoro Shotokan Karate Students
Lineage Two – Through Keinosuke Enoeda and Tony Conroy
Gichin Funakoshi
↓
Masatoshi Nakayama
↓
Keinosuke Enoeda
↓
Tony Conroy
↓
Paul Cooper
↓
Kokoro Shotokan Karate Students
Combined Lineage Tree
Gichin Funakoshi
│
Masatoshi Nakayama
╱ ╲
Shiro Asano Keinosuke Enoeda
│ │
Chico Mbakwe Tony Conroy
╲ ╱
Paul Cooper
│
Kokoro Shotokan Karate
│
Our Students
Why Lineage Matters?
In traditional karate, lineage is not about status, prestige or claiming superiority over others. Rather, it is about preserving standards, values and traditions. It reminds us that karate is something we inherit, develop and eventually pass on.
Every time we bow as we enter the dojo, practise our kihon, perform a kata or help a fellow student improve, we participate in a tradition that has been handed down through generations. The etiquette we observe, the techniques we practise and the principles we follow did not appear overnight. They were refined through decades of training, teaching and experience by those who dedicated their lives to the art.
The techniques we practise today were introduced by Funakoshi, developed and systemised by Nakayama, carried throughout the world by masters such as Enoeda and Asano, and passed to us through instructors including Chico Mbakwe and Tony Conroy. Through their efforts, the essence of traditional Shotokan Karate has been preserved and transmitted to new generations of students.
Lineage also reminds us of our responsibility. As students, we are not simply recipients of knowledge; we are custodians of a tradition. The standards we maintain today will influence those who train after us. The respect we show, the effort we put into our training and the example we set for others all contribute to the future of our karate.
As students of Kokoro Shotokan Karate, you are not simply learning techniques. You are becoming part of a living tradition that stretches back more than a century. You are joining a lineage of dedicated karateka who have trained, taught and shared their knowledge across generations.
One day, you too will help carry that tradition forward for those who follow.
OSS 
