Kenpo Karate Lineage

Our Kenpo Karate Family Tree

Our Japanese heritage starts with Zenko Yoshida (Approx. 1235) This would establish the Yoshida clan's tie to the Renzai sect of Zen and Kenpo/Kempo/Kosho

There were  18 Generations of Yoshida Kenpo/Kempo/Kosho Great Grand Masters whose lineage would also come through the Renzai (Zen) sect. The Yoshidas would eventually build their own family (Renzai) temple on Mt. Kinkai. Each generation passed on its knowledge to the next Yoshida Blood line. Yoshida Females were also taught the complete system. At any given time there might be the Great Grand Master, and several Grand Masters. It was not uncommon for many of the Great Grand Masters to simply pass their authority to the next in line. They would give up their “worldly position”, retire to a Zen mountain temple and devote the remaining years of their lives as “Zen Priests” taking all the full vows of priesthood.

(There is a misconception that the lineage was passed down through the priests - priests do no marry so there is no bloodline through which it can be passed on.

Sukuhei Yoshida was the father of Kiyoko Yoshida (1890-1943), and the Grand Father (and teacher) of Masayoshi Mitose (James)