Many Kenpo teachers can trace their lineage back to Kosho Ryu. James Mitose is an important figure in American Kenpo history.
James Mitose on the makiwara. It was meant to defeat the evil in oneself and knock it out. They were thought to have developed strong knuckles and a powerful punch or kick.
James M. Mitose was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He believed that instructors weren't teaching Kenpo philosophy and Kenpo techniques because they were inept. This philosophy is rich in underlying philosophy, but it can be incomplete if not combined with its physical aspects. James Mitose was four years old when he was born in Hawaii. To learn family art, he was sent to Japan. He was sent to Japan to learn family art. Kosho-Shorei is a complete self-defense system that includes religion, training in the arts, and actual self-defense techniques. After 15 years of training, he decided to return to Hawaii to share the art of his family with all races and open a school. He was able to cope with the strict requirements of the system. Students had to master basic fighting techniques and religious philosophies.
After fifteen years of teaching, only six students would be awarded the Shodan (Black Belt). The late Jiro Nagura, Thomas Young, William Chow (later Professor Will Chow of Kara Ho Kempo), Paul Yamaguchi, and Arthur Keawe were all among the six students who received the rank of Shodan (Black Belt) after fifteen years of teaching. James Mitose was an active participant in martial arts and retired in 1953. It is unknown why Mitose quit teaching. It is unclear why Mitose decided to quit teaching. James Mitose is believed to have seen his students unable or unwilling to live within the Kosho-Ryu philosophies. Other rumors have circulated but have not been confirmed.
1950 From left to right: William Chow, Paul Yamaguchi, and Harry Pang; Woodrow McCandle, Thomas Young, and the Honorable Great Grand Master James M. Mitose; Paul Pung.
Understanding James Mitose's philosophy is crucial to his beliefs. What is the difference between "True Self-Defense" and "Self-Defense?" True self-defense does not involve violence or contact with an opponent. They should be happy if they know they can escape harm. It is important to have a clear conscience and know that others have not hurt you. This will help build your mind and spirit. It is important to surround yourself with peace, confidence, and harmony. People often believe that self-defense is when one injures or kills the person causing them harm or their loved ones. True self-defense is vital for both the mental and physical sides of our lives. The human race is spiritual as well as physical.
Is there any higher form of self-defense than harmony and peace?
The passing of James M. Mitose saddened Kosho-Ryu on March 27, 1981. The Honorable Great Grand Master James M. Mitose, serving a sentence at Folsom state penitentiary, died. True, this humble, religious, and dedicated martial artist died in prison.
Why was he held captive? It is shrouded in mystery and confusion. It is hard to believe the circumstances that led to James Mitose's being held captive, depending on how you hear it. The theory of the district attorney suggests that James Mitose should go to prison. It would be different to hear James Mitose's story and get to know him. Justice is what we need. It is impossible to know all the truth and it is not possible to prove or deduce this. He never opened a school from the time that the 21st Grand Master retired to his death. However, he did teach selectly and tried to pass along the philosophies of Kosho-Ryu.
1940 Honolulu (Hawaii). James M. Mitose was a father to his son. His first child would become a man full of controversy, difficulties, and mystery. The typical childhood is prosperous and happy. But it was not to be. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, changing the lives of the Mitose family forever. War affects families, and the Mitose clan was no exception.
Father and son were divorced. Thomas wouldn't see his father until the age of six. He wouldn't know it was his dad, unfortunately. Thomas didn't know that Thomas was adopted by the Barro family through an arrangement with the midwife who gave birth to him. This was due to the hardships experienced by the Mitose family. Thomas' life would have been better if he had been adopted by someone who wasn't going through the same hardships as his family. Thomas could live comfortably and have the opportunity to succeed in life. A friend told Thomas that he was adopted as a young boy. He was shocked by what he heard, so he sought out his parents to find the truth. Thomas was to see his birth mother, who was divorced from his birth father. Thomas was able, after explaining the facts, to tell his birth mom who his father was. He was now out of the islands. Thomas Mitose, a man of many years, fled the islands to make a fortune.
Thomas moved to San Francisco, where he became interested in Kajukenbo. His instructor was Mr. Joe Halbuna. Thomas was 22 years old when a relative of a friend informed him that his father lived in Los Angeles. Thomas would fly within hours to visit his father. The father-son reunion was described by Thomas as an emotional and heartfelt reunion. Thomas, the 21st Great Masters of Kosho Ryu Kenpo was reunited to his father. Thomas eagerly took in all aspects of his family's art, philosophy, and techniques, which were passed down from generation after generation. He was constantly improving his skills and learning the concepts that make this art one today's most important martial arts.
Father and son would be again separated from the personal family matters. Father and son would never reunite until James Mitose was freed from Folsom State Prison. Thomas met his father to discuss the future direction for Kosho-Ryu. Thomas and James discussed the possibility that James might retire to open a school to teach Kosho Ryu's family arts. Does it seem possible that James Mitose's child has ever received rank certificates for the knowledge he gave him? Thomas brought it up to the Great Grandmaster. He smiled and said, "You don't need any certificates because my blood is in me, my boy." James Mitose disagrees with the assertions of some instructors that they are experts in all aspects. He said that martial arts are not something one can fully understand unless they come from a Grandmaster's family. Only blood descendants can understand all the family art, which is one-hundred per cent.
Many would believe that only the most committed students could win the trust and love of a grandmaster, as well as all the knowledge and information about the art. Master from Japan or China believe otherwise. Legend has it that if a Grandmaster teaches all of his art to a student, it can cause problems for the Grandmaster. This could lead to problems that are sometimes hard to manage. Outsiders may not be taught every aspect of martial arts, so there might be some problems. The whole of life does not revolve around blood.
James Mitose encouraged James Mitose's son to claim his family name through letters and conversations with him. This was his way of righting the wrongs that he had done. Thomas was legal able to regain the correct family name. In his honor, he kept the Barro to remember his adoptive parents, who gave him the opportunity to succeed in his life.
"The Re-establishing Kosho - Ryu Kenpo Organization
Kenpo practitioners are no strangers to controversy. Grandmasters have had disagreements about Kenpo's origins and the origins the arts since the beginning. This would have no effect on the 22nd Great Grandmaster Kosho Ryu. As a result, he was involved in controversy when several people who had been in touch with his father claimed to be his successor. James M. Mitose was his father and the Great Grandmaster Kosho-Ryu. Thomas B. Mitose was his son and became the 22nd Great Masters of Kosho Ryu. He was the continuation of the Mitose line and was charged with maintaining the tradition, beliefs and philosophies as they were in the past.
His troubles would only get worse for the 22nd Great Grandmaster. His father's death was the beginning of his problems. His father passed on the Kosho-Ryu system to him, just as it was in all the Mitose families. He was also the head of [IKSA], an organization that was created to help James Mitose while in prison. Because other people claimed the style's succession, the organization was having difficulties. Unrest resulted. James Mitose was a person who had many interactions and contacts throughout his entire life. Many certificates can be issued for various reasons. Some claimed to be the Kosho Ryu's leaders. Thomas was pressured by other martial artists to help his family's art. Thomas was the hereditary head for the system and was responsible for maintaining the traditions of his father.
It was time to act. Grandmaster Mitose urged for an event that would mark a turning point in the history and development of the Kosho Ryu organization. It marked the beginning of the restructuring and strengthening of the traditions, philosophies, and aspects of Kosho-Ryu Kenpo that were passed down through generations.
Reaffirmation and belief in Kosho Ryu Kenpo as an ethical martial arts system that teaches humility and respect for other people's rights and beliefs. It was done diplomatically and without compromising the integrity of others. This was made more complicated because most of the people had been in contact with the 21st Great Grandmaster. They were highly skilled martial artists who had integrated a lot of their training in other forms into their current teachings.
One becomes proficient in Kenpo's physical art with coordination, development, and spirit. You should not use these techniques if there is imminent bodily injury. Internationally, the Kosho Ryu Kenpo continues to grow and pass down its philosophies through its Mitose family. Notable is the fact that the [IKSA] has been reorganized and renamed to the MIKKA. This is because Kosho Ryu Kenpo has been recognized worldwide as an international organization.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you are in San Diego County and want to learn Kosho Ryu. Grand Master Tony Bowles is my teacher. He taught Kosho Ryu under Reverend James Mitose and Soke Thomas Mitose.