Soke Kozo Kuniba: Budo Profile
Born June 8, 1960 in Osaka, Japan
Second son of Kosho Kuniba, who was known to the martial arts world as Soke Shogo Kuniba (1935-1992)
Grandson of the well known karate Sensei Kosei Kokuba (1901-1959), who founded Seishin Kan and Seishin Kai in the 1940s

Early Training :
Began karate training in 1965 under Masao Tateishi of Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu
Received Shodan in 1972 and Nidan in 1974, both through Seishin Kai
Competed in Japan tournaments 1972-1973, retiring as a champion at age 14
Recognized as Sandan by the Japan Karate Federation in 1978

Later Training :
Joined his father in the USA, receiving intense training and grooming to become the next Soke of Motobu-Ha
Promoted to Yondan in 1989 at the USA Hombu Dojo
Promoted to Godan and recognized as Shihan in 1991
Aided in the development of Goshin Do

Soke Chuzo Kotaka, Soke Kozo Kuniba, Sensei George Kotaka

Soke Kozo Kuniba

Nihon Karate-Do Kuniba Kai :
Upon the death of Kunio Tatsuno in 1999, Kozo Kuniba and his older brother Kosuke Kuniba formed the Nihon Karate-Do Kuniba Kai, which is JKF recognized
Kozo Kuniba became Kaicho, Nanadan
Seishin Kai was relinquished to the heirs of Kunio Tatsuno and the followers of the current Kaicho, Sadatomu Harada

Kuniba Kai International :
With a worldwide following, Kozo Kuniba has assumed the role of International Soke for Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do
KKI boasts thousands of students in more than 20 countries, growing steadily
Only KKI is recognized by JKF to issue Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do menjo

KKI and the Future :
A primary goal of KKI is to attract the followers of Soke Shogo Kuniba and Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do
As the style continues to evolve under the recognized leadership of Soke Kozo Kuniba, the history of the past will form a solid foundation for the future.

Courtesy James Herndon

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