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Shinkin (Makoto) Gima was born on September 28, 1896 in Okinawa. After graduating from Okinawa Shihan Gakko (Higher Normal Scool), Gima studied in Tokyo at Shoka Daigaku (presently Hitotsubashi University). In 1912, under the guidance of both Masters Ankoh Itotsu and Kentsu Yabu, Gima chose the way of karate. It was through his study of karate that he became healthy and strong. Eventually he became an Okinanwan born master of two ways - martial arts and scholastic studies. In 1922, Gichin Funakoshi (later to be the founder of the Shotokan School of Karate) travelled from Okinawa to Tokyo and established a dojo at Meisei-Juku (a dormitory for Okinawan students). It was there where Gima followed Funakoshi's instruction and also participated as Assistant Instructor at the first karate dojo on mainland Japan. Near this time, Judo Grand-Master Jigoro Kano requested a karate demonstration at the Kodokan (Judo headquarters). As Funakoshi's assistant, Gima demonstrated the kata Tekki Shodan, while Funakoshi performed Kanku-dai. Kihon kumite was also displayed. Later, for the purpose of karate expansion in Japan, Gima participated as a partner with Funakoshi. In March 1923, Funakoshi promoted Makoto Gima to the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt). In January 1956, Gima received his tenth degree black belt from Master Kanken Toyama of the Karatedo Shudokan. During Gima's karate history, he had the opportunity to observe the formation of the Shoto-kai, as well as the Japan Karate Association. Gima successfully held the posts of Advisor to the Shudokan, President of the Okinawan Karate Association, President of the Shibuya-ku Karate Federation, President of the Shutoken Karatedo Association, Advisor for the Japan Karatedo Federation, Technical Advisor for the All Japan Karatedo Rengo Kai, President of the Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association, and was the number one instructor (Saiko Shihan) of the Kajima Corporation Karate Club.
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