系譜

The Lineage of Nakata Dojo

Founder of Shito-Ryu · 1934
武
Kenwa Mabuni 摩文仁
Founder of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do
Studied under Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, two of the greatest masters in Okinawan history. Founded Shito-Ryu in 1934, synthesizing both lineages into a single system with over 50 kata — more than any other major style. One of four styles recognized by the World Karate Federation and featured in Olympic competition.
Direct Student
岩
Manzo Iwata 岩田
Uchi-deshi of Kenwa Mabuni · President, Japan Karate-Do Shito-Kai · 1924–1993
One of Mabuni's most trusted students and eventual uchi-deshi. Became president of Shito-Kai and received the Japan Martial Arts Distinguished Service Medal in 1993. Carried the technical foundation of Shito-Ryu with complete fidelity to the original system and passed it to the next generation through two direct heirs.
Two Direct Heirs
Uchi-deshi of Manzo Iwata
村
Shihan Kunio Murayama 村山
8th Dan WSKF · Toyo University Karate Club Captain · 1944–2023
Born in Miyagi, Japan. Became uchi-deshi of Manzo Iwata at Toyo University. Sent to Mexico in 1970 to teach Shito-Ryu and never left. Founded Shito-Kai Murayama International in Monterrey with members across Latin America, Europe, and beyond. Technical Director of the Mexican National Karate Team. His Spanish was broken until the day he passed. His standards never softened.
Son and Successor of Manzo Iwata
源
Hanshi Genzo Iwata 岩田
Chief Instructor, Shito-Kai Honbu Dojo · Tokyo, Japan · Born 1958
Began training under his father Manzo Iwata at age 12. Began demonstrating Shito-Ryu internationally alongside his father in 1978. Succeeded Manzo as Chief Instructor of the Shito-Kai Honbu Dojo in Tokyo. One of the highest living authorities in traditional Shito-Ryu worldwide.
Dual Lineage
WSKF Standing Director · Son of Kunio · Uchi-deshi of Manzo & Genzo Iwata
総
Shihan Alonso Murayama 村山
8th Dan · Masters Kumite Champion, Yokohama 2026 · Former Japan National Team · Panamerican Games Medalist · Born 1974
Son of Kunio Murayama. Trained under his father from childhood. Traveled to Japan and became uchi-deshi of Manzo Iwata, until his passing in 1993, and of his son, Hanshi Genzo Iwata, living with them full time. The only foreigner ever to compete on both the Japan and Mexico national karate teams (1993–1997). Standing Director of the World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation. In September 2026 he returned to Japan to compete in Yokohama and won the Masters division in kumite. Visits Nakata Dojo twice yearly and personally oversees all rank examinations.
Direct Supervision
Shihan Kunio Murayama
All ranks issued personally
Shihan Alonso Murayama
Current formal teacher
4th Generation · Nakata Dojo · Urbandale, Iowa
中
Sensei Kenji Nakata 中田
2nd Dan · World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation
Sensei Kenji's entire karate formation — every Kyu and Dan rank — was conducted and issued personally by Shihan Kunio Murayama. Since Shihan Murayama's passing in 2023, Shihan Alonso Murayama is formally and factually his teacher. Two direct connections to the source of the style, across two chapters of the same lineage. Personally leads every class at Nakata Dojo.

This lineage is unbroken and verified. Every rank at Nakata Dojo is issued by Shito-Kai Murayama International, held to World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation standards, and personally overseen by Shihan Alonso Murayama, connecting each student directly to the founder of the style.

武道