
The Ryukyu Shorinji‑Ryu Karate Association was founded with the purpose of preserving the teachings and legacy of Hanshi Kenneth Balliet. Hanshi Balliet devoted his life to the study, refinement, and transmission of martial arts. Drawing from decades of training across multiple disciplines, he shaped Ryukyu Shorinji‑Ryu Karate‑Jutsu into a cohesive and effective system rooted in classical Okinawan principles.
Throughout his lifetime, Hanshi encouraged his students to understand technique not as rigid choreography, but as a living method adaptable to the individual. This philosophy—grounded in practicality, personal expression, and disciplined study—became the foundation upon which the system evolved.
From this mindset, a true method of self‑defense emerged: one that honors tradition while empowering each practitioner to develop skill, confidence, and personal mastery. The Association continues this mission today, ensuring that the teachings of Hanshi Balliet endure for future generations.

Rank & Lineage Verification
The Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association preserves the documented transmission of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu through its lineage, recognized ranks, and historical certification records.
Chōtoku Kyan
1870–1945
Chōtoku Kyan stands as a central figure in the development of modern Okinawan karate and an important historical source for the traditions represented within this lineage.
Zenryo → Zenpo Shimabukuro → Michael Broadman
A major transmission branch through the Shimabukuro family and its continuation beyond Okinawa.
Seisei Yokoda
A parallel transmission emphasizing Kyan's principles of lightness, speed, efficiency and adaptability.
Shimabukuro → Toma → Nitta
An additional branch within the broader Shorin tradition contributing to the development of the system.
Hanshi Kenneth H. Balliet
Soke Shodai
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu
The technical and philosophical framework of the system was developed and transmitted through these interconnected influences.
Michael Davies
Ju Dan — 10th Dan
Continuing the transmission of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu.
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association
RSKA continues the teaching, preservation, and transmission of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu.
Historical Rank Certification
RSKA Documentary Record — PAWM017
Recipient: Michael Davies
Rank: Ju Dan (10th Dan)
System: Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu
Issued: July 12, 2023
Issuing Authority: Hanshi Kenneth H. Balliet

Continuation of the Lineage
Following the transmission and development of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu under Hanshi Kenneth H. Balliet, the tradition continues through his student Michael Davies, who carries forward the teachings, training methodology, and curriculum established within the system.
Through the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association (RSKA), these teachings are preserved and transmitted to current and future generations of students and instructors.
The lineage presented here documents the historical relationships, influences, and transmission of training that contributed to the development of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Jutsu as taught within RSKA.
RSKA's commitment is to preserve the history, honor the transmission, and responsibly carry the tradition forward.